SPORT PAGE | 02 PAGE | 07 Qatar’s Abubaker Russian Grand Prix: cruises into 800m Leclerc takes semi-finals, fourth pole eyes medal in a row

Sunday 29 September 2019

USA’s (centre) crosses the finish line to win the Men’s 100m final at the 2019 IAAF Championships at the Khalifa International stadium in , yesterday. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA Coleman is fastest man on earth ARMSTRONG VAS as he opened up. Not once did he “At the end all my worries The 23-year-old American, who escaped a she easily won her heat in a time THE PENINSULA fade or look like he may be just evaporated out here. It was of 11.14. sucked back in. a crazy feeling. To add my name doping ban earlier this month on a technicality, Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta American Christian Coleman who He was dynamite out of the to the list of the legendary guys sweeps over the finish line in a world-leading Lou, world silver medallist at was under a bit of a cloud before blocks, building a lead of a yard who have come before me is an personal best of 9.76sec to claim his first major 100m and 200m in two the IAAF World Championships by 40m. The spectators saw in the honour and a blessing,” he outdoor championship gold medal. years ago, also turned in a sizzling after he missed three anti-doping heats what he could do and he added. result with a personal best for the tests, silenced his critics with certainly delivered in the final. Gatlin was also a sharp second best time of 10.85. sixth fastest time ever to win the Coleman just ran away with it starter, quickly establishing Jamaican came Fraser-Pryce cruised home Dina Asher-Smith also dipped 100m dash at the Khalifa Stadium leaving the second and third- himself in second place, wining in fifth at 9.97. in 10.80 seconds, the fastest time under 11 seconds with 10.96, yesterday. placed medals up for grabs. a silver medal at the age of 37 but The start of the race saw an ever in a women’s 100m heat at taking a first step toward The 23-year-old won in There was no catching with can’t hang on to the gold he won incredible light show by way of the world championships not becoming the first British woman 9.76secs, the fastest time of the the leader. Coleman crossed the in 2017 adding to his formidable build up, with the faces of the including the semi-finals. to reach a world championship year while (9.89) and line, looked to the sky and simply medal haul. finalists being projected onto the The controlled effort delivered 100m final. (9.90) all roared. “This season is a testament to track and their names spinning a clear warning to other gold Earlier, Sifan Hassan of The clocked sub-10 to click the “I’ve been blessed with my endurance and will power around the Khalifa International medal hopefuls as the 32-year- Netherlands, conserving as much second and third place incredible talent and tonight I was because I have had so many Stadium.. old bids to become the first man energy as possible until the last respectively. able to show it. Being able to come knick knacks. Even in warm-up, Coleman who courted con- or woman to win four 100m world lap and pressed the accelerator All three of them clocked 9.90 and compete here and run in this I was feeling my knee niggling. troversy after he did not updated titles. when it was needed most, won and under. These were quick race is a dream. I’ve been working But I managed to get out and run his ‘whereabouts’ information Fraser-Pryce, who only win the 10,000 metres final. times - although it didn’t have the incredibly hard and this just 9.89 and get a silver,” said Gatlin. and later explained where he was returned to the track in earnest The Dutchwoman overtook pop and the sizzle that you nor- makes it all worthwhile. I usually DeGrasse, who ran supremely thus silenced his critics with his last year after giving birth to a son, Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey just mally have, that’s a result of the have a good start but I don’t follow well over the second half to reel exploits on the track. will be joined in the semi-finals before the bell and powered away post-Bolt era. it up with execution, so I’ve been in Akani Simbine underscoring Earlier, Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann by compatriot Elaine Thompson. over the last lap to win in a sea- The start from Christian working on my drive phase and his long return from a horrific Fraser-Pryce clocked the top The Olympic 100m cham- son’s best time of 30 minutes 17.63 Coleman was so impressive and being patient. Tonight it all paid injury picked up after the Rio time ever in a heat of the pion’s effort was not nearly as seconds. Gidey was second and there was no eating into the lead off,” Coleman said after the race. Olympics. women’s 100 meters yesterday. impressive as her team mate’s but Kenya’s Agnes Tirop third. Price, Gayle make history in Doha

FAWAD HUSSAIN won bronze medal with 74.76m. THE PENINSULA “This was the best timing to improve the personal record. I DeAnne Price yesterday created managed to improve, got silver my first history at the IAAF World Athletics medal and I cannot ask for more,” said Championships Doha 2019 becoming ’s Fiodorow. the first American athlete to clinch women’s gold at the Gayle becomes first man to win showpiece event. a field title for Jamaica at At a noisy Khalifa International Worlds Stadium, Price, who marked a world In the men’s final yes- lead of 78.24 last July, threw 77.54m terday, Tajay Gayle (pictured) set a FINALS: in the third round to win the title. world lead of 8.69 on his way to best mark of 8.39. Cuba’s Juan WOMEN’S “It feels absolutely amazing, having becoming the first Jamaican man to Miguel Echevarria, who topped HAMMER THROW the chance to represent my country, win a field title at the world the qualifying on the first day, Gold: DeAnne Price (USA) 77.54m to bring back that gold medal home championships. claimed silver medal with 8.34. Silver: Joanna Fiodorow (POL) 76.35m and to my family,” Price said after “I didn’t let anything disturb me or “ I am not satisfied but I am Bronze: Zheng Wang (CHN) 74.76m winning the title yesterday. distract me, I was focusing on what I somehow happy for Cuba. I have “I can’t be more thankful for this was supposed to do, that was the main to keep working on those aspects MEN’S LONG JUMP chance and opportunity to be the thing. I am grateful for becoming the missing today,” said Echevarria. Gold: Tajay Gayle (JAM) 8.69 world champion this year,” she added. first Jamaican man to win a field gold Silver: (USA) 8.39 Poland’s Joanna Fiodorow, with medal,” said Gayle. Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle celebrates Bronze: Juan Miguel Echevarria (CUB) DeAnna Price of the US reacts after her personal best of 76.35m secured USA’s Jeff Henderson had to after winning the Men’s Long 8.34 winning the Women’s Hammer Throw final. silver medal while China’s Zheng Wang content with a silver medal after his Jump final. 02 SPORT SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2019

Home favourite Samba joins Warholm and Benjamin in star-studded final

FAWAD HUSSAIN and Turkey’s Yasmani Copello THE PENINSULA (48.39). “On the track, I felt better As expected, it will be a three- than yesterday. I think I managed way battle for the men’s 400m a pretty good run and may be hurdles gold medal as home spared some energy for the final. favourite Abderrahman Samba, I did not have the chance to reigning champion Karsten watch the other but it is OK. I am Warholm and American just focused on myself,” Norway’s sensation Rai Benjamin, Warholm said. advanced to the final at Khalifa Meanwhile, Kyron McMaster International Stadium yesterday. was disqualified after ploughing The men’s 400m hurdles was through the first barrier during predicted to be one of the most the semi-final. A protest was later fiercely contested battles at the filed by the British Virgin Islands IAAF World Athletics Champion- (IVB) Team, claiming their athlete ships Doha 2019, and rightly so. had cleared the hurdle, and It is a fight for the title among through he had hit the hurdle, it three of the world’s four quickest Rai Benjamin of the was not as a deliberate action. men in history. US (left), Qatar’s The team requested The trio - Samba, Warholm Abderrahman McMaster to be reinstated into the and Benjamin, with a magical sub Samba (centre) and final. 47 to their credit - produced Japan’s Takatoshi sterling performances in the Abe compete in Youth Olympics hero semi-finals yesterday to set up a the Men’s 400m Abdelaziz to begin mouth-watering final tomorrow. campaign today Hurdles semi- With Warholm winning his final during semi-final in 48.28s, America’s The 2018 Youth Olympics the 2019 IAAF Benjamin won the last semi-final gold medalists Abdelaziz World Athletics in 48.52s, ahead of Samba Mohamed of Qatar will be seen Championships (48.72s). in action today, competing in the The race between the duo at the Khalifa opening round of men’s 200m couldn’t have been more different International race. from their last meeting, in Stadium in Doha, Apart from Abdelaziz, Qatar’s Shanghai, where Samba won in yesterday. PICTURE: Abubaker Haydar Abdalla will ABDUL BASIT / a tight finish. run for a place in final of men’s THE PENINSULA This time round, with Samba 800m after he cleared the first missing in action in the past few round yesterday. The Asian months through injury, Benjamin But a confident Samba wasn’t Feeling a great support in back, manage the race and run smart everything I have done this champion reached the finish line looked better than his Qatari bothered with the semi-final no pressure,” Samba said in a so that I could set up a good final season is just for this point right in 1:46.11 to finish second in his rival. He was out quick before outcome and was targeting the brief chat with reporters after his on Monday (tomorrow),” Ben- here. So I just go out there and heat. relaxing through the back final. semi-final yesterday. jamin said before adding that he leave it all on the track. All the Another Qatari middle-dis- straight. Another burst off the “So far, I am enjoying these Benjamin, who is making his was not taking pressure of a stiff Diamond Leagues have prepared tance runner Jamal Hairane, who bend saw him establish a lead, championships and the atmos- World Championships debut in competition. me for this,” he added. clocked 1:46.40 in heats of the and although his Qatari rival phere. But ask me after the final Doha, was delighted with his run. “I am just worried about Overall Warholm finished the same event, failed to qualify for pushed off the final barrier, the if I still do. It is great here to run “I feel pretty good. I just getting out there and running my semi-finals on top followed by the final falling just fraction of a American had stormed past him. in front of the home crowd. wanted to get out there and best race. At this point, like Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos (48.35) second short. Ingebrigtsen brothers Abubaker cruises into set for final after IAAF reinstates Jacob

800m semis, eyes medal ARMSTRONG VAS last year in the 1,500m and THE PENINSULA FAWAD HUSSAIN 5,000m, finished fourth, THE PENINSULA enough to secure a place in Three brothers competing in the final, but was subse- Qatar’s Abubaker Haydar one event in Doha! quently disqualified for Abdalla kept his medal hopes Yes, you read that right. ‘stepping inside the rail’. alive at the IAAF World Athletics Henrik Ingebrigtsen, Filip Jakob is also entered in Championships Doha 2019, Ingebrigtsen, Jakob Inge- the 1500m later in the week, sailing into the men’s 800m brigtsen will be competing in where he is a serious medal semi-finals at the Khalifa Inter- one event in Qatar tomorrow. contender. He won gold at national Stadium yesterday. The Ingebrigtsen family’s last year’s European Cham- Backed by the cheering dream of having three pionships in both the 1500m home spectators, the Asian brothers competing in the and 5000m. champion reached the finish line 5,000 metres IAAF World And the youngest of the in 1:46.11 to finish second in heat Championships final faced a three Ingebrigtsen brothers 3. Unfortunately, another Qatari few hiccups on Friday night who have adorned the track runner Jamal Hairane, who when Jakob, the youngest of in recent years – Filip and clocked 1:46.40, missed the the trio, was disqualified in his Henrik preceded him as semis berth by a fraction of a first heat. European 1500m champions second. Normalcy was however – is unequivocal about his Abubaker led for the most restored yesterday after new ambitions. They’re part of his heat and although he Jakob was reinstated by IAAF global. faded near the end, his effort following Norwegian feder- “I definitely hope that was enough to give him a place ation’s protest which Team Ingebrigtsen can break in the semi-final. Qatar’s Abubaker Haydar Abdalla (right) crossing the finish line during the Men’s 800m heats yesterday. appealed against Jakob’s dis- the African dominance,” he “It was a good position. As PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA qualification. The trio will told the Norwegian daily planned, my target was to get to now compete in the final Dagbladet in . the semi-final, and thanks to praising the spectators for his Amos did not compete in the tomorrow and are among the “Filip has taken a step into God I managed to. Hopefully, I all-out support. men’s 800m heats after an 15 athletes vying for glory in that company with his World will qualify for the final,” Abu- “It felt great, the cheers here. injury, leaving the 2012 Olympic the event. Championships medal last baker told reporters. I feel so great to be here again. silver medallist and multiple The Norwegian Team year, so we are on our way.” The Qatari middle-distance Competing in two major cham- It was a good position. champion out presented an appeal to the Henrik, the oldest of the runner, who ran 1:44.33 for a pionships within months on As planned, my target of the medal race. Jury, claiming that their athlete trio, will not be competing in gold medal at Asian Champion- your home soil is great,” he said. was to get to the Meanwhile, Hairane hoped had been pushed 200m before the 1500m, but the two ships last April, vowed his best Kenya’s Emmanuel Kip- semi-final, and thanks to bounce back in forthcoming the Finish Line and forced to younger Ingebrigtsen brothers show in the semi-final. kurui Korir topped the heats events after missing the cut step out. Filip and Jakob will be dou- “I think with a time of 1:44s, with a time of 1:45.16, while to God I managed to. closely. After reviving the video bling in the 1500m. The pre- you should be in the final. I am Morocco’s Mostafa Smaili Hopefully, I will qualify “I am satisfied with my time. and the Jury decided that all cocious Jakob, the youngest looking forward to the final and (1:45.27), and Wesley Vazquez for the final: Abubaker I did my best and will take this three steps taken inside the of the Norwegian trio, perhaps will run with confidence in the Puerto Rican (1:45.47) finished experience forward in the future kerb by the athlete were the carries the family’s strongest final,” the 23-year-old said. second and third respectively events,” said Hairane after the result of a contact with medal hopes. When asked about his pros- in the heats. moved through the final bent event. another athlete. No material The typical championship pects of winning a medal, he Earlier, after slotting in and shifted through the final The semi-final of the men’s advantage was gained and middle-distance race per- said: “Anything is possible. We behind leaders Marco Arop and 50m to win the first 800m heat 800m will be held today while decided to accept the fectly suits his racing style, as will try our best and will see Andrea Kramer through the first in 1:46.04 and advance. the final is scheduled for appeal. he showed it by claiming what we will get,” he said before 600m, USA’s Donavan Brazier Pre-event favourite Nijel October 1. The 19-year-old Nor- major European champi- wegian, European champion onship medals. SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 03

Leitch praises Japan shock Ireland at World Cup ‘massive’ win

AFP after Japan Japan’s Kenki Fukuoka scores their first try against Ireland during SHIZUOKA a World Cup match at Shizuoka Stadium in Ecopa, Shizuoka, topple Irish Japan, yesterday. Kenki Fukuoka struck the killer AFP blow as hosts Japan stunned SHIZUOKA Ireland 19-12 yesterday to take a giant step towards a first Rugby Japan’s talismanic leader World Cup quarter-final spot. praised a The replacement winger “complete performance” from wriggled over on the hour mark the home nation after they to score the winning try of a fre- floored Ireland in a jaw- netic Pool A clash as the Brave dropping Rugby World Cup Blossoms added the “Shizuoka upset yesterday. Shock” to the “Brighton Miracle” Relegated to the bench for after toppling South Africa at the the Pool A clash, Leitch 2015 tournament. handed the captaincy to Pieter Japan coach Labuschagne in Shizuoka but insisted the result had not come came on after half an hour as a surprise. with Ireland leading 12-3 and “You don’t want to come gave the Brave Blossoms a across too arrogant and cocky,” huge lift as they came said the ex-All Black. storming back to win. “We’d been preparing for this “It was a complete per- game for a hell of a lot longer formance and massive for than they had,” added Joseph. Japanese rugby,” said Leitch, “We were preparing for three who famously inspired Japan years and Ireland probably since to a famous 34-32 victory over Monday, so we felt like had an South Africa at the last World advantage. The boys will have a Cup. “Four years ago was very couple of beers tonight.” roared on by a partisan crowd rose brilliantly to snaffle Jack three-pointer 14 minutes after of the penalty count, but Japan special because we came in Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, of 47,000. Carty’s hanging kick into the the interval that would have tied posed a lot of questions to us and as underdogs. But this time the meanwhile, denied that his side A late inclusion on the bench, corner. the game. But Japan’s swarming unfortunately we couldn’t come belief was there from the had underestimated Japan. Fukuoka made the difference, Carty, stepping in for Ire- pressure soon told, Fukuoka up with the right answers.” outset we could go out and “It’s a tough defeat for us to darting over on the overlap to land’s talismanic playmaker showing superb footwork to Ireland, who came into the beat the number-two team.” take,” he admitted. “But I’d like complete a stunning team try Johnny Sexton, produced sneak over and give Japan the tournament as the world’s top- Ireland, who crushed to congratulate Japan for the and put the home side in front. another moment of magic seven lead, triggering deafening cheers ranked team but have never won Scotland 27-3 in their opening energy, intensity and skill they Incredibly, they stayed there, minutes later, dinking a clever at Ecopa stadium. a World Cup knockout match, game, came in to the tour- brought to the game. leaving Ireland’s players chip that he managed to tip back Another Tamura penalty will look to bounce back against nament as the world’s top- “Japan didn’t exceed my slumped on the turf in to full-back Kearney to crash extended Japan’s advantage to Russia. ranked side and looked to be expectations -- I expected them disbelief. over. 19-12 with eight minutes Japan know they still have no in control after tries from to be as good as they were. They , hat- Japan refused to buckle, remaining before Fukuoka effec- margin for error with games Garry Ringrose and Rob play a quality game and they’re trick hero of Japan’s 30-10 win however, and Tamura kept them tively sealed the result with against Samoa and Scotland to Kearney inside the first 20 very difficult to contain.” over Russia in last week’s tour- in it with three clutch another tremendous burst that come. minutes. Ireland, who thrashed nament curtain raiser, posed an penalties. kept the ball in Irish territory “That was a massive effort,” But Japan, driven on by a Scotland 27-3 in their opening early threat on as Japan edged a Regular captain Michael until the final gong. said game captain Pieter rampaging Leitch, refused to game, had looked in control after cagey opening. Leitch’s introduction after half “Anyone that is utterly Labuschagne. buckle and fly-half first-half tries from Garry Fly-half Yu Tamura fluffed a an hour provided an instant shocked hasn’t seen how good “It took a special effort but kept the home side close with Ringrose and Rob Kearney. makeable penalty, before Ireland impact, but Ireland survived to they are,” said Ireland captain we had massive belief that we three clutch penalties, before But they went off the boil as took the lead after 13 minutes go into halftime up 12-9. Rory Best. could do something different a Kenki Fukuoka try just Japan grew into the match, when the rampaging Ringrose Tamura missed a “We were on the wrong side tonight.” before the hour mark put the hosts in front and triggered wild scenes among a crowd The stunning win of 47,000. showed Japan “Obviously not starting I had a role to perform in the still possesses team there so I wanted to the giant-killing come out and make an impact abilities that led -- I was roaring out there it was so loud,” said Leitch, who to the so-called revealed Japan coach Jamie “Miracle of Joseph had dropped him on the basis of form after their Brighton,” when 30-10 win over Russia in last they toppled South week’s Pool A opener. Africa at the 2015 “He called me in earlier in the week and said ‘Look, World Cup. you’re not starting. The captain needs to be the best “This is really historic. player and other players are There is no doubt about it. This giving more impact in the victory definitely comes in part game’ -- so I took it on the from the incredible support chin,” shrugged Leitch. from the fans. The victory “That’s just another string proved that Japan’s win to our leadership group. against South Africa was not “It’s a shared leadership. just plain luck. I’ll be sup- My role this week was to porting the team all the way prepare the team and it all to the end!” obviously paid off.” South Africa’s lock Lood De Jager runs with the ball as he is Akira Ueda, a travel Asked what went through tackled during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Pool B, match against agency employee, said in his mind after Fukuoka’s try, Namibia at the City of Toyota Stadium in Toyota City yesterday. Tokyo yesterday. Leitch smiled: “I went and had a talk to our number 10 (Tamura) because we hadn’t finished the game yet -- I was Springboks beat lowest-ranked Namibia 57-3 just thinking territory.” Leitch noted that Japan -- who have targeted a first-ever AP flyhalf Cliven Loubser’s penalty midway To indicate their outsider status, Namibia captain Tjiuee Uanivi said: place in the World Cup TOYOTA through the first half. Namibia lost 142-0 to in 2003 “The boys are definitely sore. A little bit quarter-finals -- won three The Springboks got the victory and for the tournament record. disappointed but also proud of the effort games under Eddie Jones in South Africa restored some order at the the bonus point they required after losing Namibia went down 105-13 in a non- we put in.” 2015 and failed to reach the Rugby World Cup by putting away to defending champion New Zealand in World Cup match in 2007 and 87-0 at the Erasmus agreed that Namibia, no knockout stages. Namibia, the lowest-ranked team in Japan their tournament opener. It was solid but World Cup in 2011 in its only previous match for the Boks tactically, was no “We still have a job to do,” Rugby World Cup, 57-3, yesterday. not scintillating from the South Africans. meetings with South Africa. pushover physically. he nodded. “We talked about Springboks’ second-string line-up was “A few boxes ticked,” Springboks This result, then, may represent some “I can tell you our players are sore, it in the locker room. We had still a different level compared with the coach Rassie Erasmus said. “Certainly not form of progress for Namibia. Many of its too,” Erasmus said. 15 minutes in there, had a few Namibian semi-pro players in a Pool B a perfect performance. Certainly more players hold down regular jobs while also The Springboks game was also a hell beers but that’s it -- the party game that was only a side story to Japan’s work to do.” training to be rugby internationals. of a warmup for Namibia’s next one, finishes in the locker room,” shock win over Ireland hours earlier. Namibia has never won a Rugby That means, coach Phil Davies against the top-ranked All Blacks. added the 30-year-old. That threw the tournament on its head World Cup game and the gulf between explained this week, that scrum training “We’ve got to move on and take on “Now we go back to the and put Japan in ecstasy, but it didn’t rub the teams was clear - and big - despite is often set for 5 am during the regular New Zealand next week,” Davies said, hotel and we look forward to off on Namibia. them being southern African neighbours. season back home, after which the players allowing himself a little chuckle at the Samoa. South Africa scored nine tries - five in Namibia also had players sin-binned in head of for their day jobs. prospect of playing the Springboks and “But obviously beating the first half and four in the second - to each half to make it much harder for itself. “We knew prior to the match we were the All Blacks in the space of a week. Ireland tonight is a massive ensure the upset never happened or came But despite the blowout, it was the going to come up against a pretty formi- The game made the 38-year-old Brits step -- we’ve got a game close to happening. Hooker Bongi smallest winning margin ever for the dable opponent... but the courage our the second-oldest Springbok to play at a against Scotland and if we do Mbonambi and winger Makazole Mapimpi Springboks over Namibia, which was on team showed, particularly defensively and World Cup and the second-oldest man to the job there, it will put us in scored two tries each. the wrong end of the heaviest loss in when down to 14, was fantastic,” Davies captain the Boks at rugby’s marquee a great position.” Namibia’s only points came from Rugby World Cup history. said. event. 0404 SPORTSPORT SUNDAYSUNDAY 2929 SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 20192019 SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 05 FewFee surprises as champions fall in Doha

ARMSTRONGARMARARMMSTTROTRRORON VAS Poland, Brazil and India. In pole vault, At the opposite end of the emotional TTHEHEH PPENINSULAENINEENINS Lavillenie search for an outdoor world spectrum, Raphael Holzdeppe made it title end here yesterday as the world at the third attempt to secure his spot aya two of the IAAF World record holder crashed out of the pole triggering boisterous celebrations from ChampionshipsC produced few vault qualifiers after failing to clear the ’s 2013 world champion. surprisess in the qualifying qualifying file. In Men’s discuss throw, World roundsr with popular former The 33-year-old, who has won number one Daniel Stahl was way Dchampionschampichampchamhampihamham onsonon failing it to make it past the medals in five consecutive world cham- ahead of his competitors in the quali- qualifyingqualifququaqualifuaualiflifyingingng stage at the Khalifa Interna- pionships, cleared 5.60 meters but failed fiers while hurling the iron to a distance tionaltitiotionaionalonal StadStaSStadiumd yesterday. in his three attempts at 5.70 meters, of 67.88m to underline his favourite WorldWWorlWoo record holder in pole vault short of the 5.75 meters needed to status. RenaudRenaRenauRe u LaLLavilleniea failed to make it to qualify for the final. Jamaica’s Fredrick Dacres also thehee ffi finalnall alalongl while reigning Olympic The height they’re looking for to get reached the final. The 25-year-old, who championchampichamchampc onon in discuss throw Christoph a spot in the final is 4.75m, with the bar is also the Commonwealth and Pan HartingHartinH g aalso saw his medal hopes currently 5cm below that and all the American games champion, booked his crashingcrashicrasrashingggin in Doha. names you’d expect to be in the mix place with a throw of 65.44m. Theem men’sm 800 meters has been remaining, well, in the mix. This is well off his season’s best thrownhrownhrown wwiwide open after Nijel Amos of Defending champion Sam Kend- throw of 70.78 metres, the second best BotswaBotswana,otswaw na,n the fastest in the world this ricks, Olympic champ Thiago Braz, in the world this year behind Stahl who year, withdwithdrew unexpectedly. brother of world record holder Valentin has a season’s best mark of 71.68 metres. TODAY AT KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM TheTh mixedm relay 4 x 400 m heats Lavillenie, European champion Mondo It was the end of the World Cham- createdcreatecre d qquiteui a buzz around the stadium Duplantis, and two-time 2019 six-metre pionships road for Harting who finished and in the end USA won with a world jumper Piotr Lise along with Cole Walsh down in 14th with 63.08m. 2015 world Qatar’s Abderrahman recorrecordd titimem of 3:12.42 in this relatively qualified for the final. champion Piotr Małachowski also Samba reacts after finishing newnew eveventent to advance to today’s final European champion Duplantis misses out on the final; his best of second in the Men’s 400m of the US in alongalong witwithh Jamaica, Bahrain and Great needed all three attempts at 5.75m, 62.20m sees him finish in 17th overall. Hurdles semi-finals. action during the Men’s Pole Britain.Britain. making it at last to secure a place in the The men’s 800 meters has been Vault Qualification round. AlsoAlso mmaking it to the final were final. thrown wide open after Nijel Amos of Botswana, the fastest in the world this year, withdrew unexpectedly. USA create first world In July, Amos ran the fastest time of he first world record of the IAAF World anyone since 2012, but he then struggled record of Doha 2019 Athletics Championships Doha 2019 with injury problems before returning Tcame just half way through the second to action last month. The Botswanan session of competition asUSA won their heat said on Instagram he had a tight Achilles of the mixed 4x400m yesterday. tendon. In his absence, Kenya’s AT CORNICHE The event, making its debut at the cham- Emmanuel Kipkurui Korir was fastest pionships, attracted the powerhouses of in 1 minute 45.16, while Diamond one-lap sprinting, many of whom were League winner Donovan Brazier of the- drawn in the firstheat. USA led from the won his heat in 1:46.04. outset, thanks to a 44.51 run from Tyrell “I know messing around has gotten Richard. He then handed over to Jessica me into trouble in the past, so I was like, Beard and Jasmine Blocker, whomaintained ‘If you get first you’re in the next round the USA’s lead with near identical splits of no matter what event it is,’” Brazier said. 51.20 and 51.27 respectively. In the women’s 800 metres, With strong challenges mounting on the Haliham Nakaayi of Uganda headed the final leg from Jamaica, Bahrain and Great qualifying charts with a time of 1.59.35 Britain, USA’s Ogi Igbokwe put in a 45.44 to nail a spot in the final. The United effort on anchorto bring the team home in States will have three of the eight 3:12.42. Previous record mark was held by runners in the women’s 800 meters USA (3:13.20 in 2016). final tomorro after Ajee Wilson, Raevyn Four teams bettered that time yesterday Rogers and Ce’Aira Brown all qualified in Doha, all from the first heat. Jamaica fin- from the semi-finals. ished second in 3:12.73, Bahrain was third in Rababe Arafi of Morocco, who is an Asian record of 3:12.74 and Great Britain more often seen racing the 1500m, also & Northern Ireland placed fourth in 3:12.80. qualified for the final. The 800 takes Poland won the second heat in 3:15.47. The place without 2017 champion Caster mixed 4x400m final will be held today. Semenya, who’s been barred for refusing demands to medically reduce her natural testosterone level.

Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey celebrates with the national flag.

Women’s podium winners, Qatar's Abubaker gold medallist Ruth Chepngetich of Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Haydar Abdalla in Kenya, silver winner Rose Chelimo in action with South Africa's Tebogo action during the (Brunei) and bronze medallist Namibia’s Mamathu during the women’s 100 Men's 800m heats. Helalia Johannes. metres heats.

France's Orlann Ombissa-Dzangue (third left) and Jamaica's Elaine Thompson (fourth left) lead the way in the Women’s 100m heats. Pictures: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula 06 SPORT SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2019

Collated EPL 16 entries at Qatar Arabian World Cup results THE PENINSULA The last win of the four- DOHA year-old grey colt of TM FRED Aston Villa 2 (El Ghazi 33, TEXAS was in October 2018 McGinn 79) Burnley 2 (Rod- Less than two weeks before the when he landed the (Group 1 PA) riguez 68, Wood 81) 2019 renewal of the Qatar Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pou- Bournemouth 2 (King 17, Arabian World Cup (Gr1/PA) lains over the same distance at Wilson 46) West Ham 2 (Yar- kicks off, the entries of the 2000- Saint-Cloud. molenko 10, Cresswell 74) metre race for four-year-old and Another trio are owned by Chelsea 2 (Jorginho older pure Arabians have been HH Sheikh Mohammed bin 50-pen, Willian 76) Brighton published. Khalifa Al Thani and trained by 0 A total of 16 quality horses, Julian Smart. Crystal Palace 2 (Milivo- including the 2017 winner, GAZWAN, was the winner jevic 21-pen, Townsend 90+2) Gazwan, and black type of Qatar Arabian World Cup in Norwich 0 winners, have been entered in 2017 and he finished fourth in Everton 1 (Calvert-Lewin Ebraz (M Guyon) the € 1 million race to be hosted 2018. The eight-year-old grey 33) Man City 3 (Jesus 24, wins the Qatar at ParisLonchamp, only 40 son of AMER won the (Group 1 Mahrez 71, Sterling 84) minutes before the Qatar Prix PA) Shadwell Dubai Interna- International Stakes Sheffield United 0 Liv- de l’Arc de Triomphe race, on tional Stakes over the same dis- Gr.1 PA in Goodwood erpool 1 (Wijnaldum 70) Sunday, 6 October. Ten of the tance at Newbury in July when in this July 31, 2019, Tottenham 2 (Ndombele entries are for Qatari he was last seen. file photo. 24, Kane 43) Southampton 1 connections. EBRAZ finished third in the Pic Zuzanna Lupa (Ings 39) The list includes a trio Qatar Arabian World Cup in Wolves 2 (Doherty 18, owned and bred by Sheik 2018. The six-year-old grey son Janmaat 61-og) Watford 0 Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani. of AMER won his last outings. The Alban De Mieulle- He won the (Group 3 PA) Playing Today trained TAYF finished second in Shadwell - Coupe Du Sud-Ouest Leicester vs Newcastle his last two outings; a listed mile Des Pur-Sang Arabes over 1900 (1530) race at Baden Baden earlier this metres at La teste Buch and the Playing Tomorrow month and the mile-long (Group mile-long (Group 1 PA) Qatar at Royan in June, a 2000-metre UAE Cup at Doncaster over the respectively and seek to reverse Man United vs Arsenal 1 PA) Qatar International Stakes International Stakes at race at Newbury and finally a same distance in August and the places at ParisLonchamp on (1900) at Goodwood in July. Goodwood in July. Group 3 (PA) 2000-metre September 2018 respectively. 6 October. However, the seven-year- MAXR finished third when contest at Duindigt earlier this The other six entered horses The Polska AKF SP. Z.O.O.- old grey son of AMER won the he was last seen and that was in month. include three who won their last owned and M. Kacprzyk-trained QNB Qatar (Group 1 PA) UAE Cup at the Prix Kann over 2100 metres at MELABI finished second last outings, and are considered very SALAM AL KHALEDIAH won a same course (ParisLonchamp) Dax this month. His latest win time and that was in the (Group strong contenders, and three Group 3 (PA) event over 2600 Stars League and distance (2000 metres) in was in a 2400-metre race in 1 PA) President of UAE Cup over who were placed when they metres at Varsovie in August. May. Doha when he broke his maiden the same distance at Doncaster were last seen. The Jean-Marc De Watri- Results He finished nearer last than tag in March. earlier this month. His latest win The P. Collington-trained gant-owned and D. Watrigant- first in the Qatar Arabian World A third trio are owned by Al was in May when the four-year- MASHHUR AL KHALEDIAH who trained AHZAR finished fourth Thursday: Cup last year. Shaqab Racing and trained by old grey colt of DAHESS won the won a listed mile race com- in the Group 2 (PA) French Umm Salal beat Al Another De Mieulle’s charge, Thomas Fourcy. KHATTAB was Prix Aicha over 2300 metres at fortably in front of TAYF and Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Wakrah 2-1 at Al Arabi YAZEED, was a winner when the runner-up in the Qatar Dax. RODESS DU LOUP at Baden over 1400 metres at Bdx Stadium was last called out. The six- Arabian World Cup last year. He Khalifa bin Hamad bin Baden earlier this month. The Le Bouscat last week. year-old grey son of MUNJIZ was last seen at Deauville when Khalifa Al Attiyah’s RODESS DU Landgoed Waterland-owned and The D. Guillemin-trained Yesterday: won the (Group 1 PA) Qatar Gold he finished third in the (Group LOUP finished sixth in the 2018 Karen Van Den Bos-trained DERYAN finished fourth in the Al Duhail beat Al Shahania Sword over the same distance 1 PA) Doha Cup over the same edition of the Qatar Arabian AKOYA won the (Group 1 PA) (Group 1 PA) Doha Cup over the 1-0 at Al Arabi Stadium at Al Rayyan Park, Doha, in distance at Deauville in August. World Cup. Qatar Cup over 2000 metres at same distance at Deauville in April. He finished fifth in the The latest win of the seven- The Charles Gourdain five- ParisLonchamp earlier this August. Al Rayyan beat Al Ahli 3-1 Qatar Arabian World Cup last year-old grey son of AMER was year-old grey son of DAHESS month. The only female in the at Al Gharafa Stadium year. at Toulouse when he won the finished fourth in his last outing; In his previous outing, the entries is the RMP SP ZOO- The Antoine de Watrigant- (Group 2 PA) Prix De Carthage a listed mile race at Baden five-year-old bay AKOYA landed owned and M. Janikowski- Al Sailiyah beat Al Gharafa trained MARID finished second – Hannibal over 2000 metres. Baden earlier this month. His that the Group 1 (PA) Qatar Cup trained GENERAL LADY, who 3-1 at Al Gharafa Stadium last time and that was in the KAIR AL CHAM remained record includes being the runner at Deauville in August when he finished third in the (Group 1 PA) (Group 1 PA) Doha Cup over the unbeaten in his last three up of the (Group 1) Doha Cup at got the better of MARID, KATTAB Qatar Cup the same distance at Qatar SC beat Al Khor 2-1 same distance at Deauville in outings. The four-year-old grey Deauville and the winner of the and DERYAN, who finished ParisLonchamp earlier this at Al Arabi Stadium August. colt of DAHESS won a mile race (Group 1 PA) President of the second, third and fourth month. QNB Qatar Stars League action Liverpool win ugly to romp clear in Premier League as Kane saves Spurs

AFP they were reduced to 10 men LONDON against Brighton. Tanguy Ndombele fired the Liverpool sent out an ominous home side ahead in the 24th minute warning to the rest of the but they suffered a blow when Serge Premier League yesterday, Aurier was sent off after half an hour proving they can win ugly as for two yellow cards. Harry Kane rescued 10-man Hugo Lloris then gifted Tottenham. Southampton an equaliser with Frank Lampard’s Chelsea a goalkeeping howler, Danny beat Brighton at Stamford Ings dispossessing the Bridge, winning at home for the Frenchman in his six-yard box first time in the league under and forced the ball home before their new manager, courtesy of Kane restored the home side’s a Jorginho penalty and a Willian lead shortly before half-time. strike. The win lifted Spurs into Elsewhere, there were wins fourth place in the Premier for Wolves against bottom club League, one spot behind West Watford while West Ham’s draw Ham, who drew 2-2 away to Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reacts during a Premier at Bournemouth lifted them to Bournemouth after beating Man- League match against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, QNB Stars League action from Al Duhail’s 1-0 win over Al Shahaniya third in the table. chester United last week. Sheffield, Britain, yesterday. at Al Arabi Stadium in Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. Karim Boudiaf Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool Crystal Palace were 2-0 scored in the 22nd minute of the Round 5 clash under lights. won their seventh Premier winners against Norwich, thanks League game out of seven to pull win, we had unbelievably big Henderson, who instead to a Luka Milivojevic penalty and eight points clear ahead of Man- chances,” Klopp told BT Sport. watched on with horror as the a late Andros Townsend goal Qatar Stars League action chester City, thanks to Georginio “In the first half we had two ball slipped under his grasp. while a Matt Doherty strike and from Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli at Wijnaldum’s fortunate strike in big chances and in the second Pep Guardiola’s City face a a Daryl Janmaat own goal gave Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. a 1-0 victory at Sheffield United. one which we scored from. tricky-looking trip to Goodison Wolves a much-needed 2-0 Al Rayyan won 3-1. The European champions These games, they are not all Park to take on Everton in the victory against Watford. looked short on invention beauties and you have to work late kick-off knowing they must Aston Villa’s John McGinn against the well-organised hard for the results.” win to cling onto Liverpool’s gave his side a 2-1 lead in the Blades until Wijnaldum’s shot The hosts had their chances coat-tails, even this early in the 79th minute but Chris Wood lev- from the edge of the box 20 to spring a huge shock against season. elled for Burnley just two minutes from time trickled their off-colour opponents as Tottenham boss Mauricio minutes later and the match fin- between the legs of United goal- Adrian turned behind a long- Pochettino recalled his big guns ished level. keeper Dean Henderson. range drive from Oliver for the Premier League game Early team news from Liverpool, who have won 16 Norwood before Andy Robertson against Southampton at home, Goodison Park revealed Sergio consecutive league games, fin- made a brilliant block to deny making 11 changes from the side Aguero, Bernardo Silva and ished a single point behind John Fleck the opener. that suffered a shock League David Silva were all on the bench champions Manchester City in But all of Sheffield United’s Cup loss at Colchester in for Manchester City. the Premier League last season good work was undone with one midweek. High-flying Leceister host but are now setting a searing mistake when Wijnaldum Spurs had won just two of struggling Newcastle today while pace as they chase their first top- pounced on a loose ball 20 yards their opening eight games in all Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s misfiring flight title since 1990. from goal. His strike should have competitions before YESTERday Manchester United are at home “For us it was important to been easily handled by and looked in deep trouble when to Arsenal tomorrow. SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07

Leclerc takes fourth pole in a row

REUTERS unfazed 21-year-old has now RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX GRID “They go to another level. SOCHI out-qualified four times world 1st row: Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari), Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) You know that whole ‘party champion team mate Sebastian 2nd row: Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari), Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) mode’ you talked about us Charles Leclerc became Vettel, who starts in third place, 3rd row: Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren-Renault), Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) having? They have something the first Ferrari driver for nine successive races but he 4th row: Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Renault), Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) else beyond that -- jet mode. since Michael Schu- was not about to get carried 5th row: Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda), Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) “Nonetheless I gave it macher to take four away after his sixth pole of the 6th row: Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing Point-Mercedes), Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo absolutely everything I had at pole positions in a row season. Racing-Ferrari) the end. I’m so glad it came yesterday in a Russian “The car felt amazing. It def- 7th row: Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari), Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mercedes) together, I wasn’t expecting it Grand Prix qualifying initely feels great to be back on 8th row: Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari), Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda) to.” session that bridged the pole but I don’t know if it’s the 9th row: George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes), Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull-Honda) Max Verstappen qualified generations. best track to start on pole,” said 10th row: Robert Kubica (POL/Williams-Mercedes), Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso-Honda) fourth for Red Bull but the Formula One leader Leclerc after lapping the Dutch youngster carries a five- Lewis Hamilton joined the Olympic Park circuit with a pole place grid penalty due to an Monegasque, who was lap of one minute 31.628 competitive all weekend long slower than Leclerc but denied engine change, meaning Ham- three years old when seconds. and the race simulation seems Ferrari a front row sweep by ilton’s team mate and title rival Schumacher racked up “It definitely feels very positive too. It’s looking good 0.023 ahead of a race that has Valtteri Bottas moves up to the Ferrari’s four poles in a row special but I don’t really want for tomorrow.” only ever been won by Mer- second row. Charles in 2000, on the to think about those stats for Hamilton had been third cedes since it first appeared on Hamilton leads Bottas by 65 Leclerc front row with now, I just want to focus on the behind the two Ferraris after the the calendar in 2014. points with six races remaining celebrates Mercedes job,” said the youngster when first flying laps of the final “It was a tough qualifying and is well placed to extend his after unable to spoken of in the same breath as shootout session but the all- session because these guys have lead on Sunday, given that he qualifying in match Fer- seven times world champion time pole record holder lifted some crazy speeds on the is 96 points clear of closest pole position rari’s single Schumacher. himself onto the front row when straights,” said the five times non-Mercedes rivals Leclerc yesterday. lap speed. “There’s still a long way to it mattered. champion after ending up in a and Verstappen in the The go tomorrow, we’ve been His time was 0.4 of a second Ferrari sandwich. standings. Sabalenka beats Riske Rays rout Jays to secure American to clinch Wuhan title League wild card AFP AFP WUHAN, CHINA LOS ANGELES

Aryna Sabalenka was in disbelief after she became Tommy Pham crushed a two-run homer and Austin Meadows the first player to claim back-to-back titles in blasted a solo home run as the Tampa Bay Rays clinched the Wuhan thanks to a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory over American League wild card spot with a 6-2 win over the American Alison Riske in the final yesterday. Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. The 21-year-old improved her record at the The Cleveland Indians lost 8-2 Friday night to the Wash- event to a perfect 12-0 and joins Petra Kvitova as ington Nationals, allowing the Rays to punch their ticket to the only player to have won the tournament twice. the playoffs. The Oakland A’s also sealed an AL wild card thanks Mannarino in “I can’t believe that I defended this title. I to Cleveland’s loss. couldn’t even imagine that I would be able to do The Rays are going to the playoffs for the first time in six Zhuhai final this,” she said. years. In a rematch of their final in last Tampa Bay right-hander Tyler Glasnow did not allow a REUTERS January, Sabalenka utilised her power game once hit and walked two while striking out four in 4 1/3 scoreless ZHUHAI, CHINA again to overcome Riske in 114 minutes in front of innings. Glasnow was making just his fourth start since a 13,000-strong centre court crowd. She unleashed returning from a four-month absence due to an arm injury. France’s Adrian Mannarino 18 aces and won 79 percent of her first-serve Oliver Drake allowed one run in two innings to earn the (pictured) overcame a mid-match points. win. Emilio Pagan pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth. blip to beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas Sabalenka was emotional during the trophy Teoscar Hernandez hit a two-run homer for the hosts Blue 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 at the Zhuhai Champi- ceremony as she addressed her coach Dmitry Tur- Jays who dropped to 65-95 on the season. onships yesterday, advancing to his sunov, after the duo briefly split following her Blue Jays starter T.J. Zeuch allowed three runs, four hits second tour-level final. second round exit in the US Open. and struck out four in five innings. Mannarino, who now meets his Both players have enjoyed their greatest Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus holds the trophy Australian practice partner Alex de success at Chinese tournaments, with Sabalenka after winning women’s singles final against Minaur, started with a flourish as he lifting her first Premier-level trophy in Wuhan 12 Alison Riske of the US at the Wuhan Open reeled off the opening seven games months ago -- one of two titles she had previously Tennis Tournament in Wuhan, yesterday. Astros clinch home to stamp his authority on the match. won in China -- and Riske reaching six of her nine Eighth-seeded Spaniard Ramos- career finals in the country. Vinolas got on the scoreboard early Sabalenka had the better start, racing to a 5-1 to a 5-0 lead and soon wrapped up the win to field in AL play-offs, in the second set and forced his way lead before Riske slowed her down, breaking the secure a fourth career WTA crown. back into the contest with a crucial Belarusian as she was serving for the opening set. The world number 14 heads to next, beat Angels 4-0 break of serve to force a decider. But the number nine seed was unfazed, and con- where she faces either Daria Kasatkina or Peng But Mannarino’s lethal first-serve verted on her third set point with a smooth volley Shuai in her opening match. AP ensured he continued to dictate play winner to snatch the first set in 35 minutes. Meanwhile, Riske, who is set to break the top ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA in the final set as he claimed the last She survived a 13-minute eight-deuce game 30 for the first time on Monday, rued her missed five games to progress after two to hold for 1-1 in the second, but dropped serve in opportunities in the Wuhan final. Will Harris struck out the side with just nine pitches, and then hours and three minutes. game six to hand Riske a 4-2 advantage. It was all “I’m really disappointed in my mentality in the the glowering Houston reliever did something even rarer than “Conditions are really humid the 29-year-old needed to draw level and force a third set. I think I could have brought more out of an immaculate inning. here and it was really physical, but I decider. myself. Still moving forward, I think that’s some- “Will never smiles - ever - on the field,” Alex Bregman said. was able to stay really concentrated,” Sabalenka broke early in the final set and raced thing I have to work on.” “He’s always in a bad mood. That was the first time I’ve ever the 31-year-old Mannarino said. seen him smile on a baseball field.” “Even if I lost the second set, I The Astros are accomplishing all sorts of unprecedented stayed consistent with a lot of energy feats on their way to October, and their latest win left them in the third set. Carreno Busta downs Shapovalov grinning about the chance for at least one additional play-off “I finally got the break in a really game at home. close game at the beginning of the Bregman hit his 41st homer, Michael Brantley added a three- third set and that gave me a push up to set up Bublik final in Chengdu run shot in the eighth inning and Houston clinched home-field and I was able to finish well too. I advantage throughout the AL play-offs with a 4-0 victory over hope I am going to keep going like REUTERS the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night. this in the final.” CHENGDU Rookie José Urquidy (2-1) pitched six innings of three-hit Mannarino is chasing his second ball and Harris threw the sixth immaculate inning in franchise ATP Tour title after winning the Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta history during the 10th win in 12 games for Houston (105-55), Libema Open in June at the age of 30 produced a clinical display to which extended its franchise record for victories. to become the oldest first-time beat Canadian Denis Shapovalov The AL West champion Astros clinched home field in a champion on the men’s circuit this 6-3, 6-4 at the Chengdu Open potential ALCS against the Yankees (103-57). Houston won four year. yesterday, setting up a final of seven over New York during the regular season to claim the The unseeded Frenchman, now against Kazakh Alexander tiebreaker. 31, faces his long-time practice Bublik. Houston will face either Tampa Bay or Oakland, who play partner De Minaur for the first time Eighth seed Shapovalov fired Wednesday night in the AL wild-card game, in the Division Pablo Carreno Busta in action in Sunday’s final. down 12 aces and won 21 of his Series. The Yankees and Minnesota will meet in the other ALDS. against Denis Shapovalov. After impressive wins over Andy 29 first-serve points but Carreno The Astros also stayed at least one game ahead of the Murray and Borna Coric, De Minaur Busta made the most of his Dodgers, who have clinched the NL’s best record. Houston beat stunned second seed Roberto limited opportunities, converting South Africa’s Lloyd Harris in a where the Spaniard prevailed in Los Angeles in the 2017 World Series to claim its first champi- Bautista Agut 6-2 6-2. a break point in each set to claim 7-6(6), 6-4 in the other three sets. onship, winning Game 7 on the road. “I’ve shown it today, I’ve got this victory in just over an hour. semi-final. “Alex is a tough player,” said If the Astros and Dodgers finish with the same regular season level, the level I brought today,” Today’s final will be Carreno The 22-year-old landed 21 Carreno Busta. “He serves really record and meet in the World Series again, Houston would host 20-year-old seventh seed De Minaur Busta’s first since 2017 as he aces in a dominant display to well with his first and second Game 1 by virtue of its superior intradivisional record. said. snapped a six-match losing reach his second tour-level final serves... I need to be very The Angels (72-88) managed just three singles and didn’t “If I can try to bring this level streak in ATP tour semi-finals. of the season. focused, try to win my service get a runner to second base in their 11th shutout loss. Los almost every week, then I’ll be going Bublik, who beat Grigor Bublik and Carreno Busta games and then wait for the Angeles would have to win its final two games to avoid fin- deep in tournaments and beating Dimitrov on Friday after saving have played just once before on moment and take advantage of ishing with the beleaguered franchise’s worst record of the these top guys and pushing for titles.” two match points, overpowered the Tour, a 2016 clash in Moscow my opportunities.” 21st century. SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 08 I know it wasn’t a wonderful performance, but it was a good one and I think the first South Africa coach TODAY’S ACTION 50-pointer of the World Cup. We got the VS URUGUAY win and the five points, which was impor- Rassie Erasmus after yesterday’s 57-3 (Pool D) 08:15 Qatar Time tant. It was awful looking at the (Pool B) win over Namibia. AUSTRALIA VS table and seeing us there with zero points. (Pool D) 10:45 Qatar Time

Bahamian team looks to be ray of hope for storm-hit nation

Kenya’s Ruth IAAF Chepngetich crossing DOHA the finish line to win the women’s If there were any lingering questions marathon of the IAAF as to whether the Bahamian team World Championships would be represented in full force at the Corniche in at the IAAF World Athletics Cham- Doha, yesterday. pionships Doha 2019, according to the team’s delegates, the answer is a clear yes. Following the relocation of the IAAF World Relays which the country was scheduled to host in the spring, and with hurricane Dorian ravishing parts of the nation in early September, the prospects for the team making it to Doha were reportedly uncertain. Despite obstacles, according to president of the Bahamas Associ- ation of Athletics Associations (BAAA) Drumeco Archer, not sending the team – which boasts 400m medal contenders Shaunae Miller-Uibo, the Olympic champion, and Steven Gardiner, the world silver medallist – was never an option. “With all the stench of ruin and despair, the story of our 2019 team is one that will ever be told in the history of our sport and our country,” said Archer. “In the midst of all of this, the Bahamas is resilient Kenya’s Ruth conquers tough enough to come back and always show their presence on the world stage.” Notwithstanding reports that they would only be able to send a field for first gold in Doha partial team, with funding from the Bahamian Government combined RIZWAN REHMAT TOP 10 FINISHERS hot and at one point it came with raised monies, sponsorship THE PENINSULA into my mind to stop. But I kept and a small loan, the 10-member Gold: Ruth Chepngetich (KEN) 2hr 32min 43sec, going and prayed that I could team will hit the track in Doha in Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich Silver: Rose Chelimo (BRN) 2hr 33:46, finish the race,” she added. hopes of bringing home some ignored warm conditions to The race was tough but I “I saw some other compet- hardware. Bronze: Helalia Johannes (NAM) 2hr 34:15, didn’t give up. I couldn’t win the gold medal after 4. (KEN) 2hr 35:36, itors had stopped but I was Much of the team, according to clinching the first ever night let it out of my mind that near the front and trying my head coach Fritz Grant, were marathon on the opening day 5. Volha Mazuronak (BLR) 2hr 36:21, I could be the winner. At best to keep going,” Chelimo directly impacted by the areas of the IAAF World Athletics 6. Roberta Groner (USA) 2hr 38:44, one point it felt tough but said. hardest hit by hurricane Dorian, Championships. 7. Mizuki Tanimoto (JPN) 2hr 39:09, I made up my mind not to When asked if at some including sprinter Tynia Gaither and The 25-year-old clocked a 8. Kim Ji-Hyang (PRK) 2hr 41:24, give up. I just wanted it so point in the race she felt like Jones who are from Freeport, and time of 2hr 32min 43sec, fin- 9. Lyndsay Tessier (CAN) 2hr 42:03, much because I worked stopping, she said: “Towards Thomas who is from Grand Bahama. ishing ahead of Bahrain’s Rose 10. Jo Un-Ok (PRK) 2hr 42:23 for it in training: the last lap, from about 37km, Gardiner, who hails from Abaco, Chelimo (2hr 33:46) and Ruth Chepngetich it was becoming very tough. dedicated his 44.14 season’s best Namibia’s Helalia Johannes My body was not still moving performance on 14 September to the (2hr 34:15) after the runners well, but I tried my best. I had people of his hometown. finished the race around In what turned out to be a used water. I forced myself to We are a very disciplined to drink a lot because of the The tiny nation with a popu- Doha’s waterfront popularly stiff competition against the drink it and also used the group. It was hard but now I weather which were too hot. I lation of fewer than 400,000 people known as Corniche. weather and rival athletes, sponge to help make me am a winner,” she said with a had to take a lot of water and was off to a positive start before the Last night’s race was Ruth said she was confident of cooler.” smile. some of the other drinks,” she championships began. flagged off by the Amir H H winning the race. Ruth said her strong Second-placed Chelimo said. At the IAAF Congress earlier this Amir Sheikh Tamim bin “The race was tough but I training regime helps her said the warm conditions did Johannes, who finished week, 53-year-old Bahamian sprint Hamad Al Thani. didn’t give up. I couldn’t let it overcome tough races. not deter her from producing third, said: “The race was not legend Pauline Davis-Thompson, IAAF President Sebastian out of my mind that I could be “I train with a group of a quality run. very easy because of the the 2000 Olympic 200m champion, Coe and International Olympic the winner,” Ruth said. men and women. It’s a mar- “I think the way they weather. I just tried my best was made Honorary Life Member Committee (IOC) President “At one point it felt tough athon team. And we have been planned it, it was OK,” Chelimo because in my mind I had a of the IAAF which coincided with Thomas Bach were also present but I made up my mind not to working hard so that we can said when asked whether the song saying I must keep going the end of her tenure as an IAAF on the occasion. give up. I just wanted it so manage in races like this,” Ruth race should have been held in until I finish the event. During Council member. Last night’s time was a far much because I worked for it said. hot conditions. the race I drank a lot because “It’s an award we’ve never had cry from Ruth’s best which is in training,” the Kenyan added. “My coach was giving us a “They decided to hold it at I was afraid of being dehy- as a nation and with her being one 2:17:08 clocked at the Dubai When asked about the programme and we were night because it was too hot drated. I made sure I didn’t of the youngest recipients of it Marathon early this year. conditions, Ruth said: “I only doing it without any problem. during the day. It was still very miss any water points.” makes it all the more special,” Archer said. “We have a lot to cele- brate and we’re looking to put some Ruth Chepngetich celebrates as she poses for photographs after winning the race. more medals on our charts.” While Archer and Grant are unapologetic about their expecta- tions of performance excellence, they are careful not to put any undue pressure on their team. With Miller- Uibo undefeated this year and Gar- diner in fine form as well, prospects are high for a podium finish in both events, which Archer says would be a “wonderful inspiration” in such “desperate times”. “That’s really what it is, it’s a symbol of hope and a reminder to the world that The Bahamas is strong and will get through this,” said Archer. “It is a message not just to the world but also to our people who need it so badly.”