CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 2 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 Jakobsen Root calls on sprints to third England to be Vuelta stage ruthless against victory India in 4th Test

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 FOOTBALL Muharram 24, 1443 AH Ronaldo dedicates GULF TIMES Utd move to former boss Ferguson SPORT Page 4 FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 — EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS Sanchez’s Qatar ready to face strong Serbia today

QNA plus participation in the Gold match at the training venues Debrecen, Hungary Cup, during which the Al Annabi have been set up. qualifi ed for the semi-fi nals be- Match posters have also ap- fore losing to the United States. peared at the Debrecen train eigning Asian champi- Qatar national team coach, station, and advertisements ons Qatar are set to face Felix Sanchez, focused on set- promoting the matches against Serbia today as part of pieces, corner kicks, tactical Serbia and Portugal can also be the European qualifi - and technical aspects in the last seen at Budapest Airport. Rers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup training session. at the Nagyerdei Stadion in the Serbia, on the other hand, has QATAR SQUAD: Saad al-Sheeb, Hungarian city of Debrecen. seven points, same as Portugal, Meshaal Barsham, Mahmoud Abu The Qatar national team enters and has an eff ective line-up in Nada, Youssif Hassan, Salah Za- today’s match with high spirits, attack, midfi eld and defence. karia, Pedro Miguil, Abdul Karim self-confi dence, and an incentive “We will play against a very Hassan, Tariq Salman, Ahmed to win after impressive results in strong team that has great results Suhail, Musaab Khidir, Bassam the Gold Cup. Qatar had earned in the qualifi ers,” Sanchez said al-Rawi, Homam al-Amin, Khouki a victory each over Luxembourg yesterday. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. Boualem, Mohamed Waad, Assim and Azerbaijan, besides a draw Qatar captain Hassan al-Hay- Madabo. Karim Boudiaf, Ismail with Ireland earlier in the com- dos said that the team is ready for Al-Haydos said in a press order to know the strengths and cially given our performance in marketing campaign in Hungary Mohamed, Abdullah al-Ahraq, Ab- petition. the matches of Serbia, Portugal statement yesterday that the weaknesses of the team”. the Gold Cup, our abilities, and ahead of the Serbia clash. dullah Marafiya, Abdulaziz Hatim, Qatar, who playing as a guest and Luxembourg, adding: “We national team’s match with Ser- Teammate said: high morale.” The marketing campaign has Jassem Jaber, , Hassan team in the competition, have have the capabilities to compete bia today will not be easy due to “The Serbian team is very strong, This week, the Qatar squad is been launched on the ground al-Haydos, Khaled Mohamed, prepared well for the next stage and benefi t from encounters in the high technical level of the and includes stars who play in the expected to be in the limelight and social media platforms of Sultan al-Braik, Ali Asad, Ahmed of the qualifi ers with a camp in order to gain experience from Serbian team, its global ranking, European leagues. However, we of fans after Qatar Football As- QFA. Qatari flags around the Moein, Yusuf Abdurisag, Almoez Austria that lasted for two weeks, strong European teams.” “but we will try to our best in have prepared very well, espe- sociation launched a nationwide stadium and posters of the Ali and Ahmed Alaa.

TENNIS / US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Stage set for thrilling Asian qualifi ers for Zverev advances, Qatar 2022

AFC fi ne form from Round 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Asian Qualifi ers, at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. Meanwhile, Bert van Mar- he fi nal round of the wijk’s United Arab Emirates side will try to foil AFC Asian Qualifi ers will host Lebanon at the Zabeel – Road to Qatar begins Stadium in Dubai at 7.45pm. tomorrow as the atten- Group B is poised for more cap- tionT shifts to the leading 12 Asian tivating battles when , who countries vying to be among the were undefeated in Round 2 of the world’s elite contending at the Asian Qualifi ers, begin their bid FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Following a gripping Prelimi- for the seventh consecutive time Djokovic Slam bid nary Joint Qualifi ers Round 2 for against at the Suita City the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Football Stadium in Osaka. and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, Saudi Arabia, a fi ve-time FIFA World No 1 Barty beats Zvonareva in straight sets; Pliskova downs wildcard McNally Asia’s heavyweights will play for World Cup participant, welcome four coveted tickets to the global the tenacious Vietnamese side AFP showpiece. who will be appearing in this New York, United States he 12 teams are divided into decisive stage for the fi rst time two groups of six, with the win- at the King Saud University Sta- ners and runners-up of each dium in Riyadh at 9pm. okyo Olympic cham- group qualifying, while the At the same time, Australia, pion Alexander Zverev third-placed teams will advance looking to qualify for their sixth stretched his win streak to the Asian playoff to determine FIFA World Cup, go up against a to 12 matches yesterday the side that will advance to the resurgent China team at the neu- atT the US Open and warned he’s intercontinental playoff tral venue of the Khalifa Interna- aiming to deny top-ranked No- The action begins tomorrow tional Stadium in . vak Djokovic the calendar-year with an exciting clash in Group The AFC Asian Qualifi ers – Grand Slam. A when FIFA World Cup regulars Road to Qatar is scheduled to be Fourth-seeded Zverev, com- host Iraq in what is played on 10 match days starting ing off Japan gold and a title two expected to be a thrilling duel at on September 2 and 7 followed by weeks ago at Cincinnati, dis- the Seoul World Cup Stadium. October 7 and 12, and November patched American Sam Querrey Iran, who are aiming for their 11 and 16, 2021, as well as January 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in a fi rst-round sixth appearance in the FIFA 27 and February 1, 2022, before match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. World Cup, then face , who reaching its climax on March 24 “I hope in two weeks’ time Ashleigh Barty of Australia hits to Vera Zvonareva (not pictured) of will be aiming to maintain their and 29, 2022. I’ll be on an 18-match winning Russia on day two of the US Open yesterday. (USA TODAY Sports) streak,” said Zverev, who would claim his fi rst Grand Slam title if ing from a set and a break down. Pliskova, the runner-up to Bar- FOCUS he creates such a run. “Novak is chasing history,” ty at Wimbledon and the 2016 The 24-year-old German, Zverev said. “But the young guys US Open runner-up, defeating who lost to Austrian Dominic are going to try and get in the 130th-ranked US teen wildcard Thiem in last year’s US Open fi - way of that. I’m going to try to Catherine McNally 6-3, 6-4. Conscience is clear, nal, hit 18 aces and 40 winners give him a challenge as well.” “I started really well, lost my while never facing a break point Next in Zverev’s path is either focus a little bit at the end of in advancing after an hour and France’s Lucas Pouille or Spain’s the fi rst set,” Pliskova said. “My insists Kane over 40 minutes. Albert Ramos-Vinolas. serve was not really there today. “It’s great to be back,” Zverev Djokovic is unbeaten in 15 US It would be better if I could serve said. “Hopefully I’ll play a few Open fi rst-round matches en- better.” Man City fl irtation more matches here and it will be tering his encounter with 145th- Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the even more entertaining.” ranked Rune, who has a 13-match 2014 US Open runner-up, elim- AFP trophy and missed out on a Cham- Djokovic, seeking a US Open win streak in US Open qualifying inated Italy’s 113th-ranked Sal- London, England pions League place last season. title to complete the fi rst men’s and Challenger events. vatore Caruso 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3. However, City refused to singles Slam since Rod Laver But the 18-year-old is a big Next up for the 56th-ranked Germany’s Alexander Zverev hits a return to Sam Querrey (not meet Levy’s £150 million asking in 1969, was scheduled to open underdog to history-chasing Asian star is 61st-ranked Amer- pictured) of the US during their US Open first round match at the ottenham striker Harry price for Kane and last week the later against Danish teen quali- Djokovic, who has won eight of ican Mackenzie McDonald — Billie Jean King National Center in New York yesterday. (AFP) Kane insists his “con- 28-year-old tweeted he would fi er Holger Rume in the night the past 12 Grand Slam events. who ousted Belgian 27th seed science is clear” after his stay at Tottenham “this summer”. feature at Arthur Ashe Stadium. World number one Ashleigh David Goffi n 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 — The three-time Grand Slam said: “It has never once taken failed attempt to force a Asked if he was concerned his The 34-year-old Serbian also Barty started her chase for back- with Djokovic a possible third- champion posted a tweet com- me that long to go to the toilet, moveT to Manchester City. reputation could be tarnished, seeks his 21st career Grand Slam to-back Slam titles with a 6-1, round opponent. paring Tsitsipas’s seven-minute ever.” Kane returned late to pre- Kane told TalkSport: “No, I don’t title, which would break his 7-6 (9) victory over 36-year- hiatus with the brief space fl ight Australian Nick Kyrgios also season training as he tried to think so. Anyone involved in the tie for the all-time record with old Russian Vera Zvonareva, the MURRAY’S TOILET HUMOUR of billionaire Jeff Bezos. brought up long bathroom convince Tottenham chairman football industry knows the ins Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, 2010 US Open runner-up. Britain’s Andy Murray, who com- “Fact of the day. It takes Ste- breaks in his loss to Spain’s Rob- Daniel Levy to let him join the and outs and I was calm with the both absent due to injuries, as is The 25-year-old Australian is plained about an extended toilet fanos Tsitipas (sic) twice as long erto Bautista Agut, wondering Premier League champions. situation. Thiem. coming off a victory at Wimble- break by Stefanos Tsitsipas in his to go the bathroom as it takes why he incurred a time violation The England captain believed he “It was between me and the Zverev is a potential semi-fi - don in July and a title two weeks loss on Monday to the Greek third Jeff Bazos to fl y into space. In- over retrieving a towel when had a gentleman’s agreement with club, when you know the truth nal foe for Djokovic and beat him ago at Cincinnati. seed, took his displeasure to social teresting,” Murray tweeted. there were “20-minute bath- Levy which allowed him to be sold and you know what it going on, in an Olympic semi-fi nal, rally- Czech fourth seed Karolina media yesterday. During the match, Murray room breaks” by other players. once Tottenham failed to win a your conscience is clear.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, September 1, 2021 SPORT

MOTORSPORT FIA head Todt says Formula 1 to review points rule Reuters in the wet and cold but the ex- London isting regulations had been cor- Time for to ease Covid-19 protocols: Brown rectly applied. The race was Formula One’s Formula One is considering Brown, who had Covid-19 in July, rage, socially distanced.” ormula One’s governing shortest ever, with Red Bull’s easing some of its strict Covid-19 suggested Formula One needed Formula One teams are operat- body announced yes- Max Verstappen taking the win ‘bubble’ protocols, in force since to look at what some other ing in a protective ‘bubble’ to terday a review of how and 12.5 points to cut Lewis last year, so teams can enter- sports and series were doing reduce the risk of contagion. points are awarded after Hamilton’s lead to three. tain sponsors and guests more and move in line with govern- They can bring key sponsors lastF Sunday’s farcical Belgian Several teams and drivers freely at races. McLaren Racing ment policy in countries the and others into the paddock Grand Prix saw drivers score by questioned the decision to award chief executive Zak Brown told sport visited. inner sanctum only within their completing two laps behind the points when there had been no Reuters change was overdue “We all think this (Covid-19) is total allocation of 115 passes safety car. actual racing. and the situation was discussed going to be here for a long time and guests cannot come and The rain-hit race at Spa-Fran- Alfa Romeo, one of the biggest in Belgium last weekend. now so everyone’s starting to go from the elite Paddock Club corchamps was only the sixth in losers after rivals Williams took He hoped something could be learn how to deal with it and live hospitality. Formula One history to award 10 points thanks to George Rus- done in time for the September with it responsibly and I think Brown pointed out that the half-points. sell’s second place and Nicholas 10-12 Italian Grand Prix. that’s what we need to do,” he paddock was “pretty much vac- The sporting regulations say Latifi ’s ninth, were particularly “It was a topic this weekend added. cinated” and ’s PGA Tour and this can happen “if the leader has aggrieved. and (F1 chief executive) Stefano “We still pretty much have the US-based IndyCar series had completed more than two laps “This outcome hurts us all, but (Domenicali) and the FIA ac- almost the same protocols as now stopped regular Covid-19 but less than 75% of the original in particular it hurts fans of the knowledge this and suggested when this was going on a year testing for all participants. race distance”. sport, who didn’t get the show they are going to come back and ago. It’s started to loosen up but He questioned why vaccinated FIA President Jean Todt con- they came to see,” the ninth- make some further changes. I I think we need to make sure staff or a driver should still fi rmed the rules were being re- placed team, now 17 points be- think the sport is going to react,” we’re taking care of our corpo- have to isolate, with a potential viewed. hind Williams, said in a state- he said. rate partners. impact on the championship, if “The FIA, together with For- ment. “Now that it’s been tabled and “I think I should be able to go a close contact tested positive mula One and the teams, will “The fi ndings, including the ed “extraordinary challenges” “We hope lessons were discussed and all the teams up to the Paddock Club, socially when that is not government carefully review the regulations topic of points allocation, will be and the windows in the weather learnt... lessons that will im- agree that we need to start distanced, and talk to my guests policy in some countries. to see what can be learned and added to the agenda of the next predicted by forecasters had not prove the way we operate in the loosening it up, I’d like to think and bring the drivers up. And on Formula One sources said the improved for the future,” the F1 Commission meeting on Oc- materialised. future and that put the support- maybe we could get something a limited basis bring the partners sport was still a long way off Frenchman said in a statement tober 5.” He said he was sorry for the ers of our sport in the position done for Monza.” down to see the car in the ga- ending its testing regime. on Twitter. Todt said the race had present- spectators who waited for hours they deserve to be.”

CYCLING FOCUS Mental health issues began before Jakobsen sprints Olympics, says Biles

AFP nomenon that causes gymnasts Los Angeles to lose their sense of direction when in the air. She later re- turned to the Olympic arena to imone Biles said on Mon- compete in the balance beam fi - to third Vuelta day the mental health nal, where she won a bronze. concerns that led to her Biles said while she was disap- dramatic withdrawal pointed not to be able to deliver fromS several events at the Tokyo her usual gravity-defying form Olympics had begun before she on the biggest stage of all – she ‘A birthday is always a good day, but even arrived in Japan. had no regrets about putting her The US superstar health and safety fi rst. I’m over the moon with this win’ caused a sensation at the Olym- “It just sucks. Like, train fi ve stage win pics last month after pulling out years, it doesn’t go the way you of the team fi nal competition wanted,” Biles said in the video. AFP before later withdrawing from “But I know that I helped a lot Santa Cruz de Bezana, Spain World Esports Champ the individual all-around com- of people and athletes speak out petition. about mental health and saying to join Osborne Biles, 24, regarded by many no. Because I knew I couldn’t go abio Jakobsen’s remarkable Deceuninck-Quick-Step as the greatest gymnast of all out there and compete. I knew I comeback from a brush with time and who had been strong- was going to get hurt.” death continued apace yester- World Tour team Deceuninck-Quick- ly tipped to win multiple gold Biles added she had been sur- day as the Dutchman won a third Step have announced that UCI Cycling medals in Japan, said she had prised by the broadly supportive stageF of this year’s La Vuelta a Espana on Esports World Champion Jason withdrawn in order to prioritise reaction to her withdrawal from his 25th birthday. Osborne will join their team as a her mental health. In a video competition in Tokyo. The Deceuninck Quick-Step sprinter stagiaire – an amateur who rides with conversation with her mother “I obviously was expecting to underwent fi ve hours of emergency sur- a professional team – until the end of released by sponsors Athleta on feel a lot of backlash and embar- gery after a high speed crash on the Tour the season. Monday, Biles said her problems rassment,” she said. “But it’s the of Poland a year ago, but he appears fully Osborne came to the attention of had built up over time. complete opposite. That’s the recovered at his comeback Grand Tour, team bosses by winning the 50-kilo- “I wouldn’t even say it started fi rst time I felt human. Besides holding a fi rm grip on the sprinters’ metre route on the Esports platform in Tokyo. I feel like it was prob- Simone Biles, I was Simone, and points green jersey after this fi nal sprint Zwift, beating several professional ably a little bit deeper-rooted people kind of respected that.” stage of the 21-day race. riders to claim glory at the inaugural than that,” Biles said. The Texan said she hopes now Norwegian Odd Christian Eiking re- Esports Worlds last December. “I think it was just the stress her case will encourage others to tains his surprise overall lead after stage It is not the German’s first foray into factor. It kind of built up over ask for help if they are concerned 16, fi nishing safely in the main pack to elite sport. time, and my body and my mind about their mental health. take his run in red to a week, with two The 27-year-old won a gold medal at just said no. But even I didn’t “I know it’s not easy, but it mountain slogs on stage 17 and 18 stand- the 2018 World Champion- know I was going through it until really is helpful,” she said. “And ing between him and an unlikely victory ships and also picked up a silver in it just happened.” I know most of the time you’re on this Vuelta. the sport at this year’s Olympics in Biles was plagued by an at- scared you might feel dumb. But Eiking said he felt tired early yesterday Tokyo. tack of the “twisties” in Tokyo as I have learned over the years, after “sleeping all day” on Monday’s rest “Cycling has always been part of my – a potentially dangerous phe- it’s OK to ask for help.” day with today’s stage in mind. training ritual in rowing. I have done a “Lagos De Covadonga is going to be re- lot of base training on the bike since ally decisive in the overall standings and 2012, when I bought my first road bike, it will be really hard racing from the start then over the years I became more tomorrow. It will be really fun to race it,” passionate about it, did some races, said the 26-year-old all-rounder. got into the competitive side of the Jakobsen powered to his latest win in sport and tried to develop,” Osborne front of the visiting Deceuninck CEO, said. who Briton Mark Cavendish also credited “I am aware there are a lot of things for nurturing his comeback at the Tour de I need to learn, but I want to take it France in July. one step at a time and see what I can “A birthday is always a good day, but achieve.” I’m over the moon with this win. I was dropped on the climb, the guys waited for me, they brought me back and I won the getting on the podium at 4min 21sec. race. “I feel good, I’ve never been on such “The only thing I can do is win a short, good form,” said Intermarche-Wanty- fast sprint – they did everything else to- Gobert’s Eiking. day,” said Jakobsen, who seemed to cruise Double defending champion Roglic to victory. will be rubbing his hands in glee with a The Dutch sprinter has 250 points in Team Deceuninck’s Dutch rider Fabio Jakobsen celebrates as he wins the 16th stage of long fi nal day time-trial, as he is Olympic the green jersey rankings, with Matteo the La Vuelta in Santa Cruz de Bezana, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) champion in the discipline. Trentin trailing in second on 123. So Mas, Lopez and Bernal have stage 17 His Vuelta is already a resounding suc- the process. Primoz Roglic, 2min 11sec on Enric Mas and 18 to try and pulverise the Slovenian. cess given there were fears for his life in Few expect Eiking to hold onto the red and 3min 04sec on Miguel Angel Lopez. If not few would bet against Roglic tak- In this file photo taken on July 27, 2021, USA’s Simone Biles gestures Poland when he fl ew over barriers and jersey until Sunday but he has a 54sec Giro d’Italia champion Egan Bernal ing the honours in Santiago de Compost- during the artistic gymnastics women’s team final at the Tokyo 2020 into a metal pole, losing all his teeth in lead on Guillaume Martin, 1min 36sec on also stands an outside chance of at least ela on Sunday. Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo. (AFP)

Russian Olympic medallists made to quarantine before meeting Putin, says athlete Patriots dump Newton, opt for rookie Jones The New England Patriots “feel sorry” for him over the Russian Olympic medallists are being made to video conference meetings instead of face- released quarterback Cam decision. “I really appreciate quarantine for a week after returning from the to-face encounters. People who meet him Newton yesterday in a surprise all the love and support during Tokyo Games so that they can meet President in person have reported being required to move which came as the NFL’s the time, but I must say, please Vladimir Putin, one of the team’s athletes said quarantine. roster deadline loomed. don’t feel sorry for me,” Newton yesterday. “All Olympic champions and medallists have a Newton, who joined the Patriots wrote. “I’m good.” Russians won 71 medals, including 20 golds, meeting with the president when they return in 2020 after nine seasons with Newton had a mixed first sea- at the Olympics, a result feted as a victory at home,” gymnast Angelina Melnikova, who the Carolina Panthers, had been son with New England last year, home despite the country competing without won gold in the women’s team event and expected to begin the season showing flashes of the form its flag and anthem because of Doping sanc- bronze in the all-around and floor exercise, as New England’s first choice which helped him win the NFL’s tions. wrote in her Instagram stories. “The meeting quarterback. Most Valuable Player award in Putin, 68, had two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, is planned for September 10, and because of However the 32-year-old was 2015 but ultimately failing to one in March and one in April, according to Covid, which we are all fed up with, we have to released by the team yesterday lead the team into the playoff s. the Kremlin, but Moscow has continued to be in quarantine for seven days.” meaning that rookie Mac Jones Newton finished the 2020 take pandemic precautions with regards to his Melnikova said athletes would undergo three will be handed the starter’s campaign with 2,657 yards health. Covid tests in the hotel where they will be jersey for the upcoming season, and eight touchdowns with 10 Before being vaccinated, Putin spent much of self-isolating. according to multiple reports. interceptions. He also added the pandemic running the country from his Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not im- In a statement on Instagram, 592 rushing yards with 12 residence rather than the Kremlin, chairing mediately respond to a request for comment. Newton told followers not to touchdowns. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 1, 2021 3

COMMENT FOCUS IPL opens expansion campaign seeking Root calls on England bids for new team

AFP year the event was suspended New Delhi in April as a devastating Cov- id-19 wave hit India and it will now be fi nished in the UAE he Indian Premier from September 19. to be ruthless against League yesterday The IPL and its Board of launched its campaign Control for Cricket in India to expand the world’s masters stand to make more Trichest cricket tournament by than $100 million a year from seeking bids to run a new team. the expansion through in- The IPL had said it would creased fees and media rights. increase the tournament from But increasing the IPL to 10 eight to 10 teams for the 2022 teams will mean more matches India in fourth Test season, but its tender an- and making the foreign stars nouncement only put one of who come from around the those up for grabs. Sports in- world commit to a longer tour- ENGLAND COULD MAKE UP TO THREE CHANGES WITH JOS BUTTLER ABSENT dustry experts have said a back- nament. The International er may have to commit to a $300 Cricket Council and other By Ali Martin million budget to get a franchise major cricket nations have ex- The Guardian as well as pay fees up front. pressed some concerns that a But major Indian groups in- longer IPL will eat into an al- cluding the Adani mining and ready crowded international oe Root has called on Eng- trading conglomerate are said calendar. The eight teams cur- land to strive for a ruthless to be waiting to enter. rently play each other twice performance in the fourth “The governing council of and then the top four go into Test against India, start- the IPL invites bids to acquire playoff s for the fi nal. ingJ on Thursday at the Oval, with the right to own and oper- Media reports said IPL chiefs Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and ate one of the two new teams will probably split the league Mark Wood all pushing to enter proposed to be introduced to into two fi ve team groups and the captain’s swirling selection take part in the Indian Premier hold playoff s for the fi nal, thoughts. League from the IPL 2022 sea- which would mean the current England’s innings victory at son, through a tender process,” 60 match tournament would Headingley on Saturday leaves the IPL said in a statement. be spread over 74 matches. the summer’s marquee series Candidates have until Oc- Ahmedabad, Kochi, Luc- locked at 1-1 but an unforgiving tober 5 to ask for tender details know, Pune, Ranchi have been schedule of three Tests in three and a decision could be made spoken of as the cities likely to weeks, plus Jos Buttler’s pater- the same month. The IPL did be the base for the new teams. nity leave, could force as many not say when the competition Adani is based in Ahmedabad. as three changes to a winning for the second team would be The IPL’s ambitions to become team. launched. The IPL, which is a global leader have been boosted “Now is when the hard work said to bring billions of dollars by deals such as the move made starts,” said Root, who, after his to the Indian economy each in June by Redbird - a US capi- third successive century last year, has battled with the coro- tal fund which has stakes in the week, his sixth in 2021 – is poised navirus pandemic for the past owners of Liverpool football club to rise to the top of the Interna- two years. In 2020, the whole and the Boston Red Sox baseball tional Cricket Council Test tournament was moved to the side - to buy 15 percent of the Ra- batting rankings when the United Arab Emirates. This jasthan Royals. points system is updated today. “We’ve got to look to go even further, dig deeper, and really PREVIEW start to go through the gears. A world-class side like India, led by Virat Kohli, I expect nothing less than a response. It would be na- New Zealand ready ive to think otherwise. “We’ve just got ourselves back to level and if we fi nd ourselves for Bangladesh ahead of the game at any stage, England’s head coach Chris Silverwood (left) and England’s captain Joe Root chat during a training session ahead of the second Test against we must get ruthless again.” India at Lord’s cricket ground in London, on August 11, 2021. (AFP) Buttler’s absence at the Oval Twenty20 series leaves Jonny Bairstow to keep ton’s six-wicket return in Leeds home ground of Old Traff ord. be at the birth of his child.” We have gotten to the level play- wicket and opens up at spot at – is not easy given the new-ball It remains to be seen if Buttler, Root said his side would be ing fi eld, we have to work harder No 5 for Pope, the Surrey right- rapport the pair have struck up in another Lancashire cricketer al- required to keep India skipper now. If we fi nd ourselves ahead of hander who averages more than Stuart Broad’s absence. beit seldom seen wearing the Red Virat Kohli quiet in the next two the game at any stage, we have to 100 in fi rst-class cricket on his “Trying to manage workloads Rose, will be back by then. Tests if they want to win the fi ve- consolidate,” he added. home ground. alongside performance is some- Having voiced concerns about match Test series. After resuming innings at England are also trying to thing in the current climate, with going on the Ashes tour – the issue “The credit needs to go to our 215/2 on the fourth day, Team In- gauge whether Ollie Robinson or the games coming thick, that is of quarantine for players and attack, Virat is a world- dia would have hoped to continue the 39-year-old Jimmy Anderson always going to be tricky,” said their families is still yet to be re- class player hence the credit the remarkable comeback. How- are starting to run on empty and Root. solved – the 30-year-old’s Test needs to be given to the bowling ever, the England bowlers came need a breather. “You come off a win like last future appears uncertain. group. We have been able to keep out all guns blazing and wrapped Wood is fi t again after sustain- week and the continuity of confi - Asked if Buttler may have just him quiet, it is an extremely good the game up in the opening ses- ing a shoulder injury during an dence – trying to replicate a sim- played his last Test, Root replied: eff ort from our bowling group sion itself, bundling out the visi- impressive second Test at Lord’s; ilar performance – you’re trying “I don’t see that being the case. I and it is something we have to tors for 278. so, too, Woakes after what Root to balance that with making sure see someone that is desperate to continue if we have to win this “I think it was a brilliant per- called a “nightmare” 12-month you don’t blow someone out and perform well in the Test arena. series. We have found ways to get formance, nice template for us to absence caused by a catalogue of injure them. It’s really tricky.” He loves the Test game and he’s a him out, he is a fi ne player and work with really. The challenge misfortunes that included vari- Playing the fi nal three Tests big part of our team.” has done tremendous things in is to replicate it and go one bet- ous Covid isolation periods and a of the series would be a signifi - On the question of whether Test cricket, we will have to look ter. From a bowling perspective, recent bruised heel from slipping cant ask of Robinson during the Bairstow could make a bid for the at ways to get the best players I think we were fl awless, we hit New Zealand’s captain Tom Latham during a training session at on some stairs. 27-year-old’s fi rst season of in- gloves full-time, Root said: “We out,” said Root. the right lengths early on and we Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) Woakes may well replace the ternational cricket, but six wick- all know what he is capable of “Absolutely, world-class side managed to do it for long peri- misfi ring Sam Curran if England ets at Headingley makes him the with the gloves. like India led by Virat Kohli, I ods of time. With bat in hand, AFP so from a preparation point of want an all-rounder at No 8. But form horse. He’s never let anyone down. expect nothing less than a re- Headingley was our best outing Dhaka view, it has been a long time. any decision over resting Ander- The evergreen Anderson will (But) Jos has been our No 1 keeper sponse. We would be naive to till now and hopefully, we can go Everyone is pretty excited to son or Robinson – Wood’s pos- simply not want to miss out for a long time now and he’s made think otherwise, it is important on,” said Root. get going tomorrow.” sible route back after Craig Over- this week, nor the fi nale at his absolutely the right decision to that we do not get to deluded. (With inputs from agencies) ew Zealand’s youth- Bangladesh dominated Aus- ful Twenty20 squad tralia in low and slow wickets, is raring to go against with left-arm pacer Mustafi zur SPOTLIGHT Bangladesh in their Rahman appearing unplayable Nupcoming series, stand-in at times. But Latham refused to captain Tom Latham said yes- single out any particular bowl- terday, as the hosts come off er as a potential threat in the their fi rst-ever series win spin-friendly conditions. against Australia. “They all present their chal- South Africa’s pacer Steyn retires Latham will lead a sec- lenges. Mustafi zur at the top of AFP pected to play in the T20 World ond-string New Zealand side the innings is renowned for his Johannesburg Cup later that year before it was against Bangladesh in the fi ve- slower balls. We saw how he postponed because of Covid-19. match series starting today, bowled against Australia,” he He took 64 wickets in the short with none of the players in the said. ale Steyn, South Af- format. He had not played any squad selected to play for their “The spinners at the top and rica’s all-time leading cricket since March this year country in the T20 World Cup through the middle will present Test wicket-taker, an- when he made the last of three in October-November. the challenges. (Our) guys have nounced his retirement appearances for the Quetta The matches will be held be- been working really hard for the fromD all cricket yesterday. Steyn, Gladiators in the Pakistan Super hind closed doors on Septem- last fi ve days to come up with 38, made the announcement on League in Karachi. At his peak, ber 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 at the Sher- plans best to negate them.” social media, saying he was “bit- Steyn was a master of late away e-Bangla National Stadium in Bangladesh captain Mah- tersweet but grateful”. swing with the new ball and re- Dhaka. mudullah Riyad said his team “It’s been 20 years of train- verse swing with the old ball, de- “The way the world is at the had to remain “focused and ing, matches, travel, wins, loss- livered at high pace. moment, what NZC (New Zea- hungry as we did against Aus- es, strapped feet, jetlag, joy and He spent six years as the land Cricket) is doing for player tralia”. brotherhood,” he said. number one bowler in Test welfare... has presented an op- “The team that reads the “Thank you to everyone, from cricket according to the Inter- portunity for a lot of the guys conditions well and has the family to team-mates, journal- national cricket Council’s rank- including myself,” Latham told hunger to do well on the day ists to fans, it’s been an incred- ings. Arguably his greatest per- reporters. usually comes out on top in ible journey together.” formance was when he made his New Zealand is set to face a T20s,” he told reporters. Steyn took 439 wickets in 93 highest Test score of 76 and had full-strength Bangladesh side “Having said that, they are Test matches before announcing match fi gures of 10 wickets for fresh from a 4-1 victory over a very disciplined side in their his retirement from the fi ve-day 154 runs in helping South Africa Australia in their T20 series homework and execution level. format in 2019. beat Australia in Melbourne in earlier this month. “It is a very good opportuni- He said at the time that he 2008/09 to clinch their fi rst se- “Things won’t be easy over ty for our team. We are eager to wanted to continue playing ries win in Australia. here, looking at the Australia prove that we are good at home. white-ball international cricket Steyn’s announcement drew series,” he said, but added that I am hopeful that the boys will and was selected for the 2019 immediate tributes on Twitter. there was a “good vibe” in the be up for it.” in England. “Great player, great man, squad. New Zealand are ranked But he had to withdraw from amazing memories,” former “Most of the guys have ex- third in the world and Bangla- the tournament without playing Proteas team-mate AB de Vil- perience at this level before. (A) desh tenth in T20s. a match because of a shoulder liers said. England’s James An- couple of guys haven’t been in The home side have never injury and failed to add to his 196 derson described Steyn as “The the squad before. It is exciting beaten their opponents in a one-day international wickets. Best”, while Australia’s Pat for them to get in the group and T20 in 10 attempts. New Zea- He played in a T20 interna- Cummins wrote Steyn had “set try to keep things as relaxed as land won the only one of those tional series against Australia the standard” for fast bowlers In this file photo taken on February 14, 2019, South Africa’s Dale Steyn celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Kusal possible,” he added. games played on Bangladesh in February 2020 and was ex- “for 20 years”. Perera (not in the picture) during Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. “We have had two camps territory, by 15 runs in 2013.

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE Qatar’s passion for football is there for everyone to see: De Boer

C Legacy Ambassador at next year’s World Cup. I’m re- league on TV, so if you talk to a considering travelling next most precious thing. I think af- Ronald de Boer, the ally looking forward to watching Qatari, they know basically all year? ter the World Cup, every fan will Dutch former midfi elder, this group of players compete at the important games coming up, I think they can expect an leave Qatar with a happy face and talks about Qatar’s fan- next year’s tournament, where I the standings and the best play- amazing tournament that will some with a diff erent opinion of tasticS run at the Gold Cup and think they will impress the rest of ers, so a full knowledge of world be the most compact in history, the place than before. I think the looks forward to 2022 World Cup. the world with their level – and football. And as a player myself, making it easier than ever for world will see that it is a welcom- have the potential to secure some I’ve seen that passion when I fans to watch more live football. ing country, with a great culture, The Qatar national team con- positive results. was there, especially when I was The fans are really going to feel and a place they would love to tinued to show progression walking on the streets or in a that there is a World Cup going come back to with their kids. I am at this year’s CONCACAF Qatar will play Serbia and Por- shopping mall for example. Peo- on as they will be in the heart of 100% sure of that. Gold Cup. Have you been im- tugal in this month’s UEFA ple would always approach me to the action throughout. They will I have lived in Qatar for many pressed with their develop- FIFA World Cup qualifi ers. chat about football and my most feel the festivity and all the vi- years and people do not need ment? How important are games like recent game. I’ve seen the na- bration of the World Cup from to worry about things such as The Qatar national team is do- this for Qatar as they prepare tional team playing at home and close range, and I think that this women being treated diff erently ing unbelievably well. They went for next year’s World Cup? they always have a full stadium. is something that has never hap- or people not being able to drink over to the Gold Cup and played I think it’s unbelievably im- So, the Qataris are really sup- pened before at the tournament. alcohol as this is not the case. some incredible games. I think portant because the Qatar team porting their own boys, so that’s They will also experience dif- Everything is possible in Qatar. they were unlucky not to beat and their coach Felix Sanchez already against other opponents Has it changed much since great to see. People will get to ferent cultures from all over the Of course, as when you visit any the USA in the semi-fi nal. They will be able to measure them- that they are ready to compete your days as a player? see this passion for themselves world together in one place. For new country, you must respect missed a penalty and conceded selves against some top Euro- at this level, but these games will Qatar is crazy about football. in 2022 of course when they host me, that is what makes the World the culture and traditions of the late in the game, but the progres- pean teams and see what level is only improve the team so I think Not only local football and the the fi rst World Cup in the Middle Cup so special, the fact that it is country you are in and Qatar is no sion is there for all to see. needed [during the World Cup]. it’s great that they will get this – but the lo- East and Arab world. a global celebration. Everybody diff erent in this regard. But there They are improving so much so They will learn which areas they experience. cals follow club leagues from all will be welcome in Qatar, people will be plenty of things for fans to I am very impressed, especially need to raise their game, whether over the world. Football is the What can fans expect when from every background, culture do and enjoy while in Qatar, and as we continue to build up to their that be their speed of play or tac- From your experience, what is biggest , so it is they reach Qatar in 2022? Do and religion. For me that’s the this includes enjoying the hospi- participation as the host nation tics. I think they have showed football culture like in Qatar? possible to watch almost every you have any advice for those beauty of the World Cup and the tality of the Qatari people.

FOCUS Qatar SC win Federation Cup Qatar SC won the Federation Cup defeating Al Sadd 4-3 in the final at Lusail Sports Hall on Monday. Secretary General of the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) Mohamed Abdul- lah Saleh and member of the board of directors Thani al-Zaraa crowned the winners with gold medals and the cup. Al Arabi Ronaldo dedicates defeated Al Rayyan 4-0 to win the bronze medal. Doha Marine Sports Club honours jet ski team

Doha Marine Sports Club organised a celebration to honour Man United move to Qatar’s jet ski team which achieved remarkable results in the European Championship held recently in Poland’s Ostrow Warcki. Qatar’s Khaled al-Mohannadi was crowned with the title in the junior stock category, while Walid al-Sharshani finished eighth in the ‘Pro GB’ category for professionals. Vice President of the Doha Marine Sports Club Salah Ibrahim al-Mannai praised the former boss Ferguson distinguished results achieved by Qatar’s jet ski team in the Euro- pean Championship. ‘History has been written in the past and history will be written once again’ SPOTLIGHT Reuters Manchester, England Alderweireld not ristiano Ronaldo de- clared he was back where he belonged after worried about he re-joined Manches- terC United from Juventus on a two-year deal yesterday, with Belgium place the forward dedicating the move to his mentor Alex Ferguson. United announced that they despite leaving Spurs had agreed a deal with Juventus to bring the 36-year-old back Reuters expected,” added Alderweireld. to Manchester last week, with Brussels, Belgium “I had a diff erent view myself the transfer now complete after at fi rst, but I gathered the neces- the Portuguese forward passed sary information beforehand and a medical, secured a visa and elgium defender Toby I’ve been pleasantly surprised. agreed personal terms. Alderweireld does not Well, I could hardly refuse this “Everyone who knows me, fear for his place in the adventure, also fi nancially.” knows about my never ending national team despite But Alderweireld said leaving love for Manchester United. The leavingB Premier League team Spurs had a lot to do with spend- years I spent in this club where Tottenham Hotspur for club ing more time with his young absolutely amazing and the path . family. we’ve made together is written The 32-year-old central de- “I have two children and at in gold letters in the history of fender, who has 113 caps, made Tottenham I saw them very little. this great and amazing institu- the surprise move after this That hurt more and more. In Qa- tion,” he wrote on Instagram. year’s European Championship. tar I will see them more and that “It’s like a dream come true, “I will, of course, continue to is very important to me,” he said. after all the times that I went do my very best to keep up my “I want to see my children back to play against Man. Unit- best level. I’m convinced that grow up and that can be done ed, and even as an opponent, to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (right) attends this is also possible in Qatar. But I much better at my current club. have always felt such love and a training session with teammates in Oeiras, don’t feel like I have to prove my- At Tottenham it frustrated me respect from the supporters in outside Lisbon, yesterday. (AFP) self anymore. I’ve had to do that that I had to leave my family be- the stands.” my whole career,” he told a news hind too often. Sometimes we Juve said the transfer 2009, where he won the Ballon and a Coppa Italia triumph. conference yesterday. played three times a week, with fee agreed was 15mn euros d’Or as the world’s best player He informed Juventus coach Alderweireld joined Al Duhail a night in a hotel before each ($17.74mn) plus eight mn euros in 2008 alongside his team ac- Massimiliano Allegri that he in July for a reported 15mn euros game.” in performance-related add- colades, before sealing a then wanted to leave the club last ($17.71mn) 18 months after sign- Alderweireld is expected to ons as Ronaldo returns to the world record 80mn pounds week. The Serie A club con- ing a contract extension at Spurs. feature for Belgium when they club where he won eight major ($110mn) move to Real Madrid. fi rmed his departure earlier yes- “The level in Qatar and at Al visit Estonia tomorrow, host the trophies from 2003-2009. During his fi rst spell in Man- terday. Duhail is higher than I expect- Czech Republic on Sunday and “My fi rst domestic League, chester he scored 118 goals and Media reports in Italy and ed. Of course, it’s not a Premier travel to Belarus next Wednesday my fi rst Cup, my fi rst call to the won the Premier League Golden England said the forward’s League, but the level is better than in World Cup qualifi ers. Portuguese National team, my Boot in the 2007-08 season, agent, Jorge Mendes, had agreed fi rst Champions League, my fi rst the year Ronaldo helped Unit- personal terms with Premier Golden Boot and my fi rst Ballon ed claim their last Champions League champions Manchester d’Or, they were all born from League title. City. this special connection between He then went on to capture But in the end it was United me and the Red Devils,” added two LaLiga and four Champions who secured his services, insti- Ronaldo, who spent the last 12 League titles with Real Madrid, gating much excitement around years winning a glut of trophies as well as four further Ballon the club. at Real Madrid and Juventus. d’Or awards, ending his stint “You run out of words to de- “History has been written at the Spanish club as their all- scribe Cristiano. He is not only a in the past and history will be time top scorer with 451 goals. marvellous player, but also a great written once again! You have my In this October 22, 2005, picture, Ronaldo (left) speaks to Manchester human being,” United manager word! United manager Alex Ferguson before playing Tottenham at Old JUVE’S 100 MILLION EURO Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. “I’m back where I belong. Let’s Traff ord in Manchester, England. (AFP) SIGNING “To have the desire and the make it happen once again... Sir Ronaldo was signed by Juventus ability to play at the top level Alex, this one is for you.” in glowing terms of his time at the squad after the international in 2018 for 100mn euros from for such a long period requires a Ferguson signed Ronaldo the club and has previously de- break and could make his fi rst Real Madrid in the hope he could very special person.” when he was a teenager in 2003 scribed Ferguson as his “father start on Sept. 11 when they host help the Italian team secure their United goalkeeper Dav- and British media had reported in football”. Newcastle United, if he returns fi rst Champions League title id de Gea said it would be a last week that the Scot con- The club responded to the unscathed from his duties with since 1996. “dream” to have Ronaldo back vinced Ronaldo to return to post, saying: “Welcome home, Portugal. While that goal never came to at the club. Former captain Roy United. Cristiano.” He spent six seasons at Old fruition, Ronaldo leaves Turin Keane said the 36-year-old is a Ronaldo has often spoken Ronaldo is set to join up with Traff ord between 2003 and with 101 goals, two league titles “born winner”.

Brazil abandons plans to have ing of stadiums in Brazil after almost a Leeds sign winger James from been keen to acquire for a number of fans at Argentine qualifi er year-and-a-half of games without fans Man United on permanent deal years and today we achieved our goal,” due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, said Victor Orta, director of football at Brazilian authorities have abandoned only 1,500 invited guests will be allowed Leeds United have signed Welsh winger Leeds. “As a player we feel Daniel is an plans to allow a crowd of 12,000 to inside the 48,234-capacity Neo Quimica Daniel James from Manchester United excellent fit for a Marcelo Bielsa team, watch Sunday’s World Cup qualifier Arena, home of Sao Paulo club Cor- on a five-year deal, the Premier League he is quick, direct and works hard — we with Argentina due to what the Brazilian inthians, for the match. Brazil top the clubs announced yesterday. Financial look forward to him joining up with the Football Confederation (CBF) said was South American qualifying group after details of the deal were not disclosed squad, finally!” James was signed by a lack of time to prepare. The CBF had six games, six points ahead of second- but British media reported the transfer United in 2019 from Swansea City for promised a 12,000 crowd would be placed Argentina. The top four teams was worth 24mn pounds ($33.11mn). “It is some 18mn pounds and made 33 league the first step to the possible reopen- qualify automatically for Qatar 2022. no secret that Daniel is a player we have appearances in his debut season. Belgium’s Toby Alderweireld attends a training session yesterday. (AFP)