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Saturday, September 14, 2019 BASKETBALL Muharram 15, 1441 AH Gasol saves Spain GULF TIMES to set up World Cup fi nal with Argentina SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT Schumacher ‘conscious’ aft er stem cell therapy

Agencies mule One legend’s situation. Paris “Yes he is in my service,” the nurse was quoted as saying. “And I can assure you that he is conscious.” he stricken seven-time Formula The athlete was struck down by a ski- One world champion Michael ing accident that snapped his helmet in Schumacher has undergone December 2013 and little information Tstem cell therapy surgery in on his condition has been made public Paris’ Georges-Pompidou hospital and since then. He was placed in a medically- is now “conscious”, according to French induced coma for six months after the fall daily Le Parisien. and was moved from Grenoble hospital According to the daily, Schumacher to Lausanne before being returned home was in the cardiovascular department in September 2014 where he receives pri- overseen by surgeon Philippe Menasche, vate treatment. described as a ‘pioneer in cell surgery It has been suggested by old friends he against heart failure’. is unable to walk or properly communi- The German received stem cells to cate. obtain an anti-infl ammatory eff ect Schumacher won his fi rst world title 25 throughout his system, Le Parisien sug- years ago and had won his fi rst Grand Prix gested. While there has been no offi cial back in 1992. His glory years were spent statement from Schumacher’s entou- A picture of the Georges-Pompidou hospital where the stricken seven-time For- at Benetton and Ferrari, for whom he won rage, Le Parisien quoted an unnamed mula One world champion Michael Schumacher (L) had stem cell therapy surgery, the last of his 91 Grand Prix victories in nurse at the hospital regarding the For- according to French daily Le Parisien. China in 2006.

CRICKET FOCUS Pakistan retain Archer claims 6 for 62 Sarfraz as as England take lead skipper Smith out for 80, his lowest score of the series, as Australia bowled out for 225 in first innings SCORECARD

ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS M. Marsh c Leach b Archer 17 R. Burns c Marsh b Hazlewood 47 T. Paine c Bairstow b Curran 1 J. Denley c Smith b Cummins 14 P. Cummins lbw b Curran 0 J. Root b Cummins 57 P. Siddle c Burns b Archer 18 B. Stokes c Lyon b Marsh 20 N. Lyon b Archer 25 AFP J. Bairstow lbw b Marsh 22 J. Hazlewood 1 Lahore J. Buttler b Cummins 70 Extras (w5, b1, lb2) 8 S. Curran c Smith b Marsh 15 Total (all out, 68.5 overs) 225 akistan yesterday retained Sarfaraz Ahmed as skip- C. Woakes lbw b Marsh 2 Fall of : 1-5 (Warner), 2-14 per for the upcoming limit- (Harris), 3-83 (Labuschagne), 4-118 J. Archer c Paine b Hazlewood 9 ed-overs series against Sri (Wade), 5-160 (Marsh), 6-166 (Paine), LankaP despite a clean-up after a poor J. Leach b Marsh 21 7-166 (Cummins), 8-187 (Smith), 9-224 World Cup that saw the exit of head S. Broad not out 0 (Lyon), 10-225 (Siddle) coach Mickey Arthur. Extras (nb2, w5, b3, lb7) 17 Bowling: Broad 12-3-45-0, Archer 23.5- The South Asian side failed to Total (all out, 87.1 overs) 294 9-62-6 (1w), Curran 17-6-46-3, Woakes reach the semi-fi nals of the World 10-2-51-1, Leach 6-1-18-0 Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Denley), 2-103 Cup this year, forcing the (Burns), 3-130 (Stokes), 4-170 (Root), board to not renew Arthur’s contract and also show the door to bowl- 5-176 (Bairstow), 6-199 (Curran), 7-205 ENGLAND 2ND INNINGS ing coach Azhar Mahmood, bat- (Woakes), 8-226 (Archer), 9-294 (But- R. Burns not out 4 tler), 10-294 (Leach) ting coach and trainer J. Denly not out 1 Grant Luden. Bowling: Cummins 25.5-6-84-3 (1nb, There was speculation that the Extras (lb4) 4 1w), Hazlewood 21-7-76-2, Siddle 17- captaincy could be taken away from 1-61-0 (1nb), Marsh 18.2-4-46-5, Lyon Total (4 overs) 9 Ahmed, but the Pakistan Cricket 4-0-12-0, Labuschagne 1-0-5-0 To bat: Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jonny Board announced at a press con- Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, ference that he will lead the side in AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Jack the one-day and series Leach, Stuart Broad against Sri Lanka later this month. D. Warner c Bairstow b Archer 5 PCB chairman Ehsan Mani added England’s Jofra Archer celebrates with Jos Buttler after taking the of Australia’s Nathan Lyon at The Oval in Bowling: Cummins 2-2-0-0, Hazle- that Babar Azam has been appointed London yesterday. M. Harris c Stokes b Archer 3 wood 2-1-5-0 vice in a bid to groom him for M. Labuschagne lbw b Archer 48 Match position: England lead by 78 AFP Chris Woakes trapped him lbw in the “It’s weird because every time he future leadership roles. S. Smith lbw b Woakes 80 runs with 10 second-innings wickets London evening session, leaving the sun- bats, I don’t know what it is,” he added. Ahmed, 34, led Pakistan to victory drenched Oval crowd dumbfounded. “He literally cannot get out. The ball M. Wade lbw b Curran 19 remaining in the Champions Trophy two years Australia conceded a fi rst-innings just lands, especially if he plays a bad ago, but they have since lost 24 of ofra Archer took six wickets as defi cit of 69, paceman Archer fi nishing shot, the ball just lands in no-man’s their 47 ODIs, winning 20 with three England bowled Australia out with fi gures of 6-62. Sam Curran took land for the whole series.” er batsmen but he had a lucky escape “I’ve been struggling a bit today. I’ve no-results. for 225 to gain the upper hand on three wickets on his return to the side. Smith came to the crease with Aus- after tea when, on 66, he edged a Cur- got a bit of the fl u but I was loading up The 24-year-old Babar, mean- the second day of the fi fth Ashes England openers Rory Burns and Joe tralia in trouble at 14-2 in reply to Eng- ran to Root in the slips, only on the cold and fl u (medicine) through- while, has been Pakistan’s best bats- TestJ yesterday despite another Steve Denly, dropped in the slips in the fi nal land’s fi rst-innings total of 294 after for the England skipper to shell the out the day and just tried to stay as fo- man in limited-overs cricket recent- Smith masterclass. over, survived a tricky four overs as the Archer had removed openers David chance. Wickets continued to tumble cused as I could be,” he said. ly. Joe Root’s team are desperate to level light faded to reach 9-0 by the close — Warner and Marcus Harris. after tea, with Curran removing Aus- “Unfortunately I couldn’t bat with Mani also stressed that the Sri the series at 2-2 to end their historic an overall lead of 78. Smith, who only returned to Test tralia captain Tim Paine and Pat Cum- the tail for as long as I would have Lankan team is still set to tour Pa- World Cup-winning season on a high Barbados-born Archer only made his cricket last month following a year- mins in successive balls, but the unruf- liked.”At the start of the day England kistan, after saying earlier this week but have been consistently dogged by Test debut last month but already has long ban for his role in a ball-tampering fl ed Smith eased to his half-century off added just 23 runs to their overnight that the Sri Lankan board is looking the peerless Smith. 22 wickets midway through his fourth scandal, was watchful at the start of his 91 balls.Smith’s dismissal left the Aus- score, with Jos Buttler out for 70. for security assurances from their The former Australian skipper has Test. “It was a tough wicket to bowl on innings but soon found his touch.Mar- tralians struggling at 187-8. Mitchell Marsh took fi ve wickets on his government. now amassed 751 runs in just six in- to be honest,” said a tired Archer, who cus Labuschagne fell for 48 but Smith Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon added return to the Australian side. “We are confi dent that the series nings — more than double the tally of touched speeds of 90 miles per hour. “I brought up his 10th consecutive Ashes 37 for the ninth wicket before Archer Australia lead the fi ve-Test series will be held in Pakistan,” Mani said. the next highest runscorer on either didn’t feel there was much assistance.” fi fty with a six over midwicket off left- bowled Lyon and Burns took a sensa- 2-1, meaning they will retain the Ashes The ODIs will be played in Karachi side. He said Smith was almost impos- arm spinner Jack Leach. tional catch to end Siddle’s knock. urn regardless of the result at the Oval. on September 27, 29 and October 3, But he was forced to settle for his sible to shift, even though he “didn’t Smith appeared to be playing a com- Smith said he had been feeling under But they are hungry to wrap up their while the three T20s are scheduled lowest score of the series — 80 — when look himself today”. pletely diff erent game from all the oth- the weather during the day. fi rst series win in England since 2001. for Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 14, 2019 SPORT

CRICKET MOTORCYCLING Vinales quickest as Yamahas dominate Afi f’s 52 carries San Marino practice Bangladesh past Zimbabwe in T20 Afif’s performance overshadowed an excellent eff ort by Ryan Burl who hit 57 off 32 balls to help Zimbabwe recover from 63-5 to post a competitive score

AFP Dhaka

oungster Afi f Hossain struck 52 off 26 balls as Bangladesh survived a Yscare to beat Zimbabwe by three wickets in the opening match of the tri-nation Twen- ty20 international tournament in Dhaka yesterday. AFP someone pushing your limits Afi f, batting at number eight, Misano Adriatico, Italy and we always look to see who is hit eight fours and a six in his the top Yamaha rider”. maiden international fi fty that Seven-time world champion guided Bangladesh to 148-7 in averick Vinales Rossi, who has won his home 17.4 overs after the hosts re- was the fastest of San Marino GP three times, said stricted Zimbabwe to 144-5 in the Yamahas as they Quartararo was pressing for a the rain-hit 18-overs-per-side dominated yes- fi rst race victory. The rookie al- match. The hosts looked down terday’sM two practice sessions ready has three pole positions and out when they lost their ahead of this weekend’s San and three podiums to his credit fi rst six wickets for 60 runs be- Marino MotoGP. this season. fore 19-year-old Afi f shared 82 The Yamahas took four of “To win a fi rst race, you have runs for the seventh wicket with the top fi ve spots at Misano, to be 100% in every sense and to turn the only separated by the Honda of making a good start is essential,” match around. championship leader Marc Mar- said the 40-year-old, now in his Neville Madziva dismissed quez who was third quickest. 20th season in MotoGP. Afi f in the fi nal over of the in- Vinales, who won the Dutch “We are not completely ready nings but Mohamed Saifuddin GP at the end of June, set the but we are almost there.” took six runs from his next two pace with a best lap of 1min A third free practice session balls to complete the win, which 32.775secs which was just will be held today morning be- ended Bangladesh’s six-match 0.057secs quicker than his fore qualifying in the afternoon. losing streak in all formats. French teammate Fabio Quar- Mosaddek, who provided Afi f tararo, who had topped the fi rst Practice standings brilliant support in the record session. 1. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yama- stand, was unbeaten on 30 from Behind Marquez, who has a ha) 1min 32.775sec, 2. Fabio 24 balls. Afi f’s performance 78-point lead over Ducati’s An- Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) overshadowed an excellent ef- drea Dovizioso in the title race, 0.057, 3. Marc Marquez (ESP/ fort by Ryan Burl who hit 57 off were the Yamahas of the ever- Honda) 0.339, 4. Valentino Rossi 32 balls to help Zimbabwe recov- green Valentino Rossi and Fran- (ITA/Yamaha) 0.695, 5. Franco er from 63-5 to post a competi- co Morbidelli. Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) tive score. “Obviously if one of the 0.749, 6. Pol Espargaro (ESP/ Burl also claimed a wicket Afif Hossain of Bangladesh plays a shot against Zimbabwe in the Tri-nations cup T20 series in Dhaka yesterday. Yamaha riders goes on to win KTM) 0.849, 7. Danilo Petrucci with his leg-spin bowling and this race it would be good,” said (ITA/Ducati) 0.953, 8. Andrea took a stunning catch in the the 20-year-old Quartararo. Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 1.051, 9. fi eld before Zimbabwe let the SCORECARD “It’s always good to have Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 1.099, momentum slip. “(I) was trying to be positive from the front. I ZIMBABWE INNINGS 3-56 (Masakadza), 4-56 (Williams), 5-63 Mosaddek Hossain not out 30 was excited to play, having got B. Taylor c Mahmudullah b Taijul 6 (Maruma) Afif Hossain c Masakadza b Madziva 52 SPOTLIGHT an opportunity after so long,” H. Masakadza c Sabbir b Saifuddin 34 Bowling: Shakib 4-0-49-0, Taijul 3-0-26-1 Mohamed Saifuddin not out 6 said man-of-the-match Afi f (w2), Saifuddin 4-0-26-1, Mustafizur 4-0-31- who was playing only his second C. Ervine c Mosaddek b Mustafizur 11 1(w2), Mosaddek 3-0-10-1 Extras (b1, lb1, w3, nb2) 7 and fi rst S. Williams c & b Mosaddek 2 Total (seven wickets; 17.4 overs) 148 Qatar to take in almost two years. Fall of wickets Burl hit fi ve fours and four run out 1 BANGLADESH INNINGS : 1-26 (Liton), 2-26 (Soumya), sixes in his maiden T20I fi fty Ryan Burl not out 57 3-27 (Mushfiqur), 4-29 (Shakib), 5-56 (Mah- b Chatara 19 mudullah), 6-60 (Sabbir), 7-142( Afif) part in Challenge and smashed 30 runs in one over Tinotenda Mutombodzi not out 27 off Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Soumya Sarkar c Madziva b Jarvis 4 Did not bat: Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rah- Extras (lb2, w4) 6 Hasan. Taijul Islam, Mustafi zur c Masakadza b Chatara 1 man League in Malaysia Rahman, Saifuddin and Mosad- Total (five wickets; 18 overs) 144 c Taylor b K Jarvis 0 Bowling: Williams 3-0-31-0, Jarvis 4-0-31-2 dek claimed one wicket each for opportunity for the Qatari play- Did not Bat: Tony Munyonga, Neville Mahmudullah Riyad lbw b Burl 14 (nb1), Chatara 4-0-32-2 (nb1), Burl 3-0-27-1 By Sports Reporter Bangladesh. Zimbabwe will face Madziva, Kyle Jarvis, (w1), Madziva 3.4-0-25-2 (w2) Doha ers to showcase their talent. All Afghanistan in their next match c Burl b Madziva 15 the teams in the League A are Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Taylor), 2-51 (Ervine), at the same venue today. Result: Bangladesh win by three wickets tough and we have prepared our- new-look Qatar team, selves well.” led by Iqbal Hussain BOTTOMLINE Chaudhry, left for Qatar team: Iqbal Hussain AMalaysia yesterday Chaudhry (Capt), Mohamed Riz- to compete in the ICC Cricket lan (Vice-Capt), Mohamed Awais World Cup Challenge League A. Malik, Saqlain Arshad, Zaheerud- The six-team league, which deen Ibrahim, Khurram Shah- will start on September 16 and zad, Kamran Khan, Qalandar fi nish on September 26, is a Khan, Owais Ahmad, Gayan Marsh hopes forgoing mum’s part of the 2023 Cricket World Budhika, Mohamed Nadeem, Cup qualifying process. The Dharmang Patel, Musawar Shah league has been divided into two and Syed Tameem. leagues – A and B. Five matches Off icials: Eisa Al Yaqoub will be played over the round- (Head of Delegation). Gul Khan cooking helps earn respect robin format each year till 2021. Jadoon (Team Manager), Shahid Reuters “But hopefully they can re- After 15 matches altogether, the Mahboob (Coach), Mohamed London spect me for the fact I keep winners will qualify for the 2022 Jahangir (Physio/Trainer) coming back and I love playing CWC Qualifi er Playoff . for Australia, I love the baggy The League A has Qatar, Can- Fixtures ll-rounder Mitch- green cap and I’ll keep trying ada, Denmark, Malaysia, Singa- 16 September ell Marsh is acutely and hopefully I’ll win them pore and Vanuatu. The League Denmark vs Malaysia aware he polarises over one day.” B, which will start in Hong Kong Australian cricket The 27-year-old said there on November 25, consists of Ber- 17 September fansA but hopes forgoing his were times after he lost his muda, Hong Kong, Italy, Jersey, Singapore vs Qatar mum’s roast dinners as part central contract when he Kenya and Uganda. Canada vs Vanuatu of a new fitness regime might doubted he would be back in Coached by Shahid Mehboob, help win their respect. the Australian side. Personal a former Pakistan Test player, 19 September Marsh celebrated his recall issues had also affected him in Qatar will play their opening Canada vs Malaysia to the side for the first time the last year, including the sui- match against Singapore on Sep- Singapore vs Denmark since last year’s Boxing Day cide of a close friend, while his tember 17. Test against India by taking fitness and strength were also All-rounder Iqbal Hussain 20 September five wickets and turning the lacking, something that coach Chaudhry has been named the Denmark vs Vanuatu screws on England in the fifth Justin Langer had asked him to Qatar Association Cricket (QCA) Malaysia vs Qatar and final Ashes Test at the work on. to lead the team. Mohamed Riz- Oval. “Over the last six months I lan will be his deputy. 22 September Having been in the team’s have put everything I’ve had in On behalf of the QCA and Canada vs Qatar leadership group last year be- to it and I’ve changed my life- its President Yousef Jeham al- Singapore vs Vanuatu fore he was dumped and lost style a bit,” he said. Kuwari, Manzoor Ahmad, QCA his central contract, Marsh “I don’t eat badly. I just eat Operations Manager, said the 23 September acknowledged his see-sawing a lot. My body just likes to put selected team is the best possible Singapore vs Malaysia form had made it difficult for on weight easily and my mum bunch of players. Denmark vs Qatar home fans to warm to him. likes to feed me. “The team had a long coaching “Yeah, most of Australia “I haven’t had as many camp and all the selected players 25 September hate me,” Marsh said before roasts at home in the last six appear in good nick. We wish the Canada vs Denmark laughing. Australians are very Australia’s Mitchell Marsh (L) celebrates taking the wicket of England’s Jack Leach (R) for 21 runs at months, but it hasn’t been that team well and hope the high- Malaysia vs Vanuatu passionate, they love their The Oval in London yesterday. hard. There has been no se- level competition will encourage cricket, they want people to do cret recipe, I just worked my them to produce good results.” 26 September well. lot of opportunity at test level added Marsh, who averaged with the ball from his 31 previ- a***off hoping to get another Team manager Gul Khan Vanuatu vs Qatar “There’s no doubt I’ve had a and I haven’t quite nailed it,” 25.39 with the bat and 43.91 ous Tests. opportunity.” Jadoon said, “The event is a good Canada vs Singapore Gulf Times Saturday, September 14, 2019 3 SPORT

BASKETBALL GOLF Europe take Solheim Gasol saves Spain to Cup lead despite Korda sisters’ success

AFP Europe’s Carlota Ciganda and Gleneagles, United Kingdom rookie Bronte Law made a fast start by winning two of the fi rst set up World Cup four holes. urope sneaked into a 2.5- But Morgan Pressel and Ma- 1.5 lead after the fi rst se- rina Alex hit back and led by ries of Solheim Cup four- one hole with two to play. The somes under blue skies at experienced Ciganda suddenly GleneaglesE yesterday. The only found her putting touch at the American win came in a thump- short 17th, holing a monster putt ing six and four victory for the for a birdie and the match ended fi nal with Argentina Korda sisters, Jessica and Nelly, all square. Hall and Boutier, one in the third match over Caroline of the three European rookies, Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff . got Europe’s fi rst victory on the Toronto Raptors centre finishes with 33 points, six rebounds and four assists US captain Juli Inkster admit- board with a two and one win ted she had been a little reluctant over Lexi Thompson and Brit- to pair the Korda sisters together, tany Altomare. but they put in the request and The fi nal match of the morning it proved to be perfect pairing. was a scrappy aff air with never With four birdies and an eagle more than one hole between Hull they were four up at the turn and and Munoz and Megan Khang another birdie at the 14th se- and Annie Park through the fi rst cured the victory. “It was great 16 holes. But one up with two to playing with my sister,” said Jes- play, the home duo snatched vic- sica, fi ve years older at 26. “It tory with a winning par three at doesn’t matter if one of us hits a the short 17th. bad shot — we just feel very com- All the players who sat out in fortable together.” the morning were named in the The top match was halved and afternoon fourballs with the sur- European victories came from prise that the Korda sisters had the pairings of Georgia Hall and been split up. Jessica will team up Celine Boutier and Charley Hull with Thompson against Ciganda and Azahara Munoz. The open- and Law, while Nelly and Al- ing tie was a real rollercoaster as tomare take on Hull and Munoz.

Sisters Jessica (left) and Nelly Korda of the US celebrate during the Solheim Cup golf tournament in Gleneagles, Scotland. (AFP)

PGA TOUR Newcomer Shelton leads at Greenbrier Spain’s Marc Gasol (left) fights for the ball with Australia’s Patty Mills during the Basketball World Cup semi-final in Beijing yesterday. (AFP) AFP Sucher. Another 10 players were AFP ished with 33 points, six rebounds and side, leading Australia with 34 points. The South Americans led 39-32 at half- Washington tied at 65, a group that included Beijing four assists after stepping up when his He did though miss a free throw with time and were never in serious danger of Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and country needed him most. “We came four seconds left in regulation that would surrendering their advantage after that. South Korea’s Kang Sung. back, we stuck together through tough have put Australia in the fi nal for the fi rst Scola, the grand old man of basketball, obby Shelton shook off World number 10 Bryson De- BA champion Marc Gasol saved times, that means a lot,” said the 34-year- time. Australia coach Andrej Lemanis fi nished with 28 points, 13 rebounds and opening-day nerves to Chambeau, the highest ranked Spain yesterday as they beat old, a three-time NBA All-Star. called it “a hell of a game of basketball two assists. He was given a huge ovation card an eight-under par player in the fi eld, carded a 68 Australia after a thrilling double The Spaniard played a key role in the and fun to be involved with”. when he stepped off the court near the 62 and take a two-shot as the US PGA Tour’s 2019-2020 overtime and will play Argen- Raptors’ historic run to the NBA crown “Tough to lose, no doubt, it comes end. Argentina coach Sergio Hernandez fiR rst-round lead on Thursday at season got underway with the Ntina in the Basketball World Cup fi nal. An and knows that victory against Argentina down to a couple of plays here and there,” gave an insight into what drives the veter- The Greenbrier, his fi rst tourna- game’s top players still resting. enthralling semi-fi nal between Australia on Sunday will cap the perfect season. he said. “At the end of the day, we had an. “In the locker room, he said, ‘We have ment as a US PGA Tour member. The leaderboard featured a and Spain was 71-71 at the end of regula- “It’s been great, I have been very fortu- chances to win the game, we had every 25 minutes to celebrate, after that we turn The 24-year-old from Ala- host of players who, like Shel- tion time and the two sides could not be nate,” he said. “I knew that it would not opportunity to win the game.” off the noise, no social media, just focus bama, who won twice on the de- ton, spent time last season on the separated at the end of a nervy fi rst over- be easy physically (going from the NBA Argentina are one win away from their on the next game, it’s 40 minutes to make velopmental Korn Ferry Tour last developmental Korn Ferry Tour, time. Finals to the World Cup) but it’s defi nitely fi rst World Cup title since 1950 after they history’,” Hernandez said. “That’s why he season, looked right at home as formerly known as the Web.com Finally, the 2006 world champions worth it. Not because of the fi nal but brushed aside France 80-66 in the other is still playing.” he fi red nine birdies with just one tour. Na carded seven birdies and Spain jubilantly emerged in Beijing to passing along those values to the team. semi-fi nal. Cheered on by a group of fans France will play Australia for bronze bogey. He capped his round on one bogey to join the group shar- reach tomorrow’s fi nal after the Boom- It’s our turn to pass on the legacy to the decked out in their national colours, Ar- tomorrow and Rudy Gobert, a two-time the Old White TPC in White Sul- ing second. The Korean-Ameri- ers appeared to run out of juice. Sergio next generation (of the Spain team).” gentina made a fast start against France, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, had phur Springs, West Virginia with can is back in action after opting Llull hit two three-pointers in the second Ricky Rubio was also pivotal once more who had ousted the US in the previous no complaints. “They were just the bet- a birdie at the ninth hole. out of the BMW Championship overtime for Spain to cap their comeback for Spain with 19 points, 12 assists, seven round. ter team from the fi rst minute to the last, Shelton was two strokes ahead last month as he and his wife, 95-88, having trailed for long periods rebounds and four steals. Red-hot Patty Argentina opened the game up with more aggressive, played better as a team,” of defending champion Kevin Jullianne, welcomed the birth of during regulation time. Mills, one of the players of the World a 10-2 run that saw Luis Scola, the age- said the towering Frenchman. “Complete Na, Scott Harrington, Mark their second child, son Leon Lee- Gasol, the Toronto Raptors centre, fi n- Cup, was unfortunate to be on the losing defying 39-year-old, dominate the court. domination.” Hubbard, Lanto Griffi n and Zack Woo Na.

TENNIS Pliskova doubles up to reach Zhengzhou semi-fi nals orld number two Karo- ian Open triumph. “I’m super grateful NEW DATES ANNOUNCED FOR injury, the 19-year-old Canadian said. lina Pliskova will play for the time we spent together and the INDIA-PAKISTAN DAVIS CUP TIE World number fi ve Andreescu was unseeded Ajla Toml- things I learned on and off the court India’s Davis Cup tie against Pakistan joined in pulling out of the tourna- janovic in the semi-fi nals but I feel like now is an appropriate at Islamabad will begin on either Nov ment by French Open fi nalist Marketa Wof the WTA Zhengzhou Open in China time for change,” the Japanese 21-year- 29 or Nov 30, but only after the secu- Vondrousova, who is battling a left after winning two matches on the old wrote on Twitter. “Appreciate you, rity situation is reviewed, the All India wrist injury, and Flushing Meadows bounce yesterday. Bad weather forced forever warmed by you... Thank you Tennis Association (AITA) said yester- semi-fi nalist Belinda Bencic, who has a organisers to squeeze in second-round for everything, it was a blast.” day. AITA wrote to the International left foot problem. and quarter-fi nal matches, meaning a Top seed at Flushing Meadows, Tennis Federation (ITF) last month As a result of the pullouts, Ameri- tight turnaround for the top seed and former world number one Osaka asking them to move the tie, initially can Alison Riske, Kazakhstan’s Yulia her rivals. But the Czech was unper- struggled with a knee problem before scheduled to take place on Sept 14-15, Putintseva and Puerto Rico’s Monica turbed, fi rst defeating Polona Hercog being upset by 13th seed Belinda to a neutral venue or postpone it until Puig will move into the main draw of 6-3, 7-5, then beating Sofi a Kenin of Bencic in straight sets in the fourth political tensions simmered down the Sept 16-22 tournament. the United States 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in the round. It continued a diffi cult season between the bitter neighbours. quarter-fi nals. Also into the last four for the power hitter since her second The ITF agreed to postpone the ORGANISERS POSTPONE in central China is Petra Martic from Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, tie to November under “exceptional HONG KONG WOMEN’S TENNIS Croatia after she battled past Aryna with early exits at the French Open and circumstances” after a security review. EVENT DUE TO PROTESTS Sabalenka of Belarus 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. Wimbledon. Pakistan were forced to host Davis Cup Hong Kong’s premier women’s tennis Martic will play unseeded Frenchwom- The Australian Open win made her ties at neutral venues for more than a event scheduled for October has been an Kristina Mladenovic or the recent Asia’s fi rst world number one and the decade as teams refused to travel to the postponed due to the pro-democracy US Open semi-fi nalist Elina Svitolina fi rst player of any nation to claim the country citing security concerns. protests, organisers announced. The of Ukraine. fi rst two Grand Slam titles back-to- They played their fi rst home tie after city is witnessing a fourth month of back since Jennifer Capriati in 2001. a gap of 12 years against Iran in 2017, sometimes violent protests sparked by OSAKA SACKS HER However, the top ranking and the while Hong Kong were relegated and a bill that would have drawn the former SECOND COACH OF 2019 attention that goes with it proved a fi ned by the ITF after they refused to British colony closer to the Chinese Twice Grand Slam champion Naomi heavy burden, she admitted, after a travel to Pakistan the same year. legal system. Osaka has sacked her second coach in tearful fi rst round exit from the Dubai The bill was withdrawn last week, seven months, splitting with Jermaine Duty Free Tennis Championships in US OPEN WINNER ANDREESCU but the protests are continuing. The Jenkins in the wake of her disappoint- February. AMONG TRIO PULLING organisers said they are in active ing US Open title defence. Jenkins, a Her early exit from New York has OUT OF PAN PACIFIC OPEN discussions with the Women’s Tennis long-time hitting partner of Venus seen her ranking slide to four behind Open champion Bianca Andreescu Association (WTA), the women’s tour Williams, replaced Sascha Bajin in world number one Barty, Karolina has withdrawn from next week’s Pan governing body, to identify an alternate February, weeks after Osaka’s Austral- Pliskova and Elina Svitolina. Pacifi c Open in Osaka with a right leg week for hosting the event. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 14, 2019 RUGBY

WORLD CUP Skipper Guirado unsure of captain role for opener AFP Erasmus backs Boks’ early arrival Fujiyoshida, Japan in Japan as a success

rance captain Guilhem South Africa coach Rassie conditions now and the fact Guirado said yesterday Erasmus feels vindicated in that our training has been he was unsure whether side’s early arrival in Japan for very hard means it will stand he would skipper the side the Rugby World Cup, even us in good stead. The benefits inF their crucial opening Rugby though it will mean their stay in will come through later in the World Cup game next week the country will stretch to nine games,” he said. against Argentina. weeks if they make the Nov. 2 The Bok players will be given a Guirado, 33, took over the final. few days off with their families armband from Thierry Dusau- Erasmus is keen for the Spring- after their final pool game toir after he retired four years boks to soak up the conditions against Canada in Kobe on ago. Asked whether he would ahead of the tournament, Oct. 8, ahead of the start of the retain the captaincy in Japan, he which included a 41-7 warm-up knockout stages. said: “You have to ask the coach. victory over Japan a week ago, Erasmus has also praised the In any case I’m preparing like I and does not believe there welcome his side has been will be the captain and the hook- will be a “cabin fever” element aff orded, and the enthusiasm er who will be starting.” to contend with later in the of Japanese people to embrace Les Bleus will most likely have tournament. the tournament. to beat either the Pumas or Eng- “We have achieved a lot of the “Something that has stood out land during their group matches objectives we set in coming for me – and I don’t think I’ve if they are to hold any hope of early to Japan,” Erasmus told seen this anywhere else – is the being one of two sides to make reporters at the team’s base people of the host nation wear- it through to the quarter-fi nals yesterday ing the jersey of the visiting from Pool C. “The first was to get to know team – the Springbok badge,” The Montpellier front-rower, the country, the people, how the coach commented. who is set to feature at his third things operate here, and to be “I think that’s been amazing World Cup, captained his coun- comfortable in the country and to see the Japanese people try in only one of their three we’ve achieved that. wearing the Springbok jersey. I warm-up Tests, with prop Jef- “The second one was to get think that shows a lot of respect ferson Poirot taking over the some match time against good and I think we can learn a lot reigns against Scotland in Nice opposition, which was Japan, from that. and Italy in Paris. and we achieved that. And “It makes us proud to see that Guirado said he had no fi xed then obviously the third one and I think you can be proud of plans to retire from international was to get the guys used to the how you have supported the Rugby following the tournament climatic conditions, not just the World Cup and adopting teams despite telling his teammates the heat, but the humidity, both in that are visiting here and mak- victory over the Azzurri in late- match and in training.” ing them feel at home.” August was his fi nal match at the France’s hooker Guilhem Guirado (left) and prop Demba Bamba interact with a child at Yamanashi Kenristu High School in Fujikawaguchiko yesterday. (AFP) Captain Siya Kolisi agrees and The Boks open their campaign Stade de France. says the preparation work they against New Zealand in Yoko- “I didn’t really say I was going as well as centre Wesley Fofana thigh injuries respectively. three pre-World Cup Tests fea- started preparing for Argentina,” have put in now will help them hama on Sept. 21 and will also to retire, I’m not looking ahead missed a training match yester- However Bernard Le Roux, tured. “It’s a relief to be back scrum-half Machenaud, who finish strongly in matches. play Italy, Namibia and Canada further than the World Cup,” he day against Japanese club side Demba Bamba and Maxime playing. I played 30 minutes. was suff ering from a thigh prob- “We know how to handle the in their pool. said. Stand-in captain Poirot Yamaha Jubilo through back and Machenaud who all sat out the Now I can say that we have lem, said.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Challenge and opportunity, Upset-merchant Pocock prepares for the fi nal hurrah

Reuters Gatland eyes one Sydney ight on match practice and heading for retire- ment, David Pocock nevertheless remains a Lkey player for Australia and is determined to make the most last heist with Wales of what will be his third and fi nal World Cup. So much has changed in the world since Gatland took over the coaching reigns with Wales A semi-fi nalist in 2011 and a fi nalist four years later in Eng- land, the openside fl anker has been in and out of the team prepare himself for his return. since, with a year-long sab- “You are trying to use the batical and a string of injuries rehab to build momentum, limiting his contribution as practise the skills that you can the Wallabies struggled. do and visualisation, stuff like A solid 58-minute out- that,” he added. ing in Australia’s fi nal war- “Really, you’re trying to get mup match against Samoa to the point that when you do removed any doubts about play again, you don’t feel like his fi tness, however, and the you’ve been out a long time Zimbabwe-born 31-year-old because every week you’ve packed his trademark grey been improving and working.” scrum cap and headed off to Pocock said he did not Japan. watch much Rugby while in “You grow up as a kid rehab and preferred to take watching the World Cup, himself to a “diff erent head dreaming of playing there space” with some reading. and to get a third opportunity, One subject he was not I’m very excited,” Pocock told interested in reading about, Reuters after his place in the though, was the media debate squad was confi rmed. over where he would play on “As a young player it’s dif- his return to the Wallabies. fi cult to imagine the end and He linked up with captain then, all of a sudden, you get and fellow openside Michael to a point where you know Hooper in the number eight that the end of your career’s shirt at the 2015 World Cup, coming up, and you want to and there has been much dis- make sure you make the most cussion over whether coach of all your opportunities.” Michael Cheika will reprise At his peak, Pocock was the formation in Japan. an unrivalled operator at the “As players, you play any- breakdown but the battering where – well, maybe not the his body has taken as rival for- front row – you’d play any- wards try to smash, wrestle or where to pull on that jersey,” neck-roll him off the ball has Pocock said. “It defi nitely taken its toll. does change (my game) a bit, Knee surgery in 2013 and but there’s other parts of your A file photo shows Wales head coach Warren Gatland watching his side prepare ahead of a Test. (Reuters) 2014 was followed by a debili- game where you just do your tating neck problem in 2018 thing. I don’t know what (the Reuters The longest-serving coach buckled- the Rugby equivalent New Zealand Provincial Barbar- he will need to improve on if he is before what was described as coaches) are thinking. We’ll London among the top-tier nations bows of a soviet infantry advance. ians in an early tour game. to take them to a fi rst World Cup a “rare” calf injury sidelined just see what they come up out after this World Cup, the It was undeniably eff ective, Even the toughest critics fi nal. him for six months from early with.” only major title he has not won in taking the Lions to a 2-1 victory would have been forced to swal- Seen as a future All Blacks March this year. Doing his own thing for eorge W. Bush was a glittering career that includes over a strong Australia side in low their words at the end of the coach, Gatland is set to return Pocock admitted it had Pocock since he made his test the US President, the an unprecedented three Six Na- 2013, but detractors said the em- tour as Gatland’s likeable Lions to his native country after this been a frustrating season. debut against New Zealand in Beijing Olympics were tions Grand Slams as well as two phasis on brute force made for played some lightning counter- year’s World Cup and he will also “It has been, it hasn’t been 2008 has often meant posi- months away and Leh- successful Lions tours. turgid viewing. attacking Rugby on the way to a coach the Lions for a third time the year that I’d hoped for but tioning himself over a tackled Gman Brothers was still solvent Wales conceded a record low Those criticisms continued highly creditable 1-1 series draw in 2021. I guess I’ve got the opportu- player with his muscular arms when Warren Gatland unveiled of just two tries in the fi rst of on the 2017 trip to New Zealand, against the world’s best. Television cameras at the end nity to fi nish it well and I’m locked on the ball. his debut coaching selection for those Gatland Grand Slams in taking their toll on Gatland who He is now in the top tier of in- of this year’s Six Nations Grand going to be doing everything I With possession so im- Wales in the 2008 Six Nations 2008, and the Kiwi has built his said in tour diaries that media ternational coaches, beloved in Slam appeared to catch a tear can to do that,” he said. portant in the modern game, against England. side since on miserly defence attacks such as a tabloid story Wales in particular for the way in rolling down Gatland’s cheek as “I want to be playing my ball-poaching is a much The New Zealander’s side and physical power. That’s not to depicting him as a clown felt which he has used savvy squad the Principality Stadium crowd best Rugby, that’s the chal- coveted skill and Pocock has produced a shock 26-19 victory say there has been no evolution. like a needle slowly draining his rotation to build strength in chanted their beloved coach’s lenge after a year of not play- worked hard at perfecting to beat England at home for the Critics of early-era Gatland blood. depth despite the declining for- name. “I think it was the rain,” he ing much Rugby, to be able to the art.“There’s been huge fi rst time in 20 years, powered caricatured “Warrenball” as a Himself a long-serving hook- tunes of the domestic provincial told reporters with a smile. step up.” changes at the tackle and ruck by the boot of James Hook, and relentless wave of red shirts, er for New Zealand club Waikato, teams. A relatively poor record Few would begrudge him a re- Pocock’s famous work ethic area,” he said. “The challenge Gatland’s Wales have been up- worn by the likes of hulking cen- the burly Gatland had the pleas- against Southern Hemisphere peat if his time with Wales cul- meant that even when he was as a player is to know the rules setting opponents in both senses tre Jamie Roberts, slamming into ure of seeing son Bryn run out opposition is the one blot on his minates in a fi rst taste of World not able to train fully, he was really well and train to max- of the word ever since. opposing defences until they against his father’s Lions side for record with Wales, and one that Cup glory for both. doing everything he could to imise your opportunities.” Gulf Times Saturday, September 14, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Report: Pats, Raiders were unaware Rendon, Soto power of Brown civil matter Agencies Jets’ Darnold New York sidelined by fever New York Jets quarterback either the New Eng- Sam Darnold will miss Mon- Nationals past Twins land Patriots nor day’s NFL game against the the Oakland Raiders Cleveland Browns with glan- It got interesting in the end, but the Nationals held on for a 12-6 win over the Twins were aware of rape dular fever, the team said Nallegations involving Antonio Thursday. Coach Adam Gase Brown until a civil sexual- told reporters that he and assault lawsuit was fi led by off ensive coordinator Dowell Britney Taylor, ESPN reported Loggains had delivered the Thursday. bad news to the second-year Representatives for Brown player on Wednesday night, and Taylor have had dis- after Darnold had been sent cussions over the past few home for what was originally months but agreed to keep thought to be strep throat. those discussions confi den- “I just wanted to make sure tial before the suit was fi led, it was delivered right,” Gase sources told ESPN. said. “I figured I could be The confi dentiality agree- the bearer of bad news on ment could provide an ex- this one.” While Darnold was planation for Brown not no- only off icially ruled out for tifying the Raiders nor the Monday, he could be side- Patriots before he signed with lined for several weeks with New England on Monday. the viral illness commonly The NFL plans to meet next known in the United States week with Taylor, according to as mononucleosis or mono. ESPN. Taylor, Brown’s former That means Darnold could trainer, fi led the lawsuit with miss the Jets’ week three the Southern District of Flori- game against AFC East rivals da, accusing the wide receiver the New England Patriots. of sexually assaulting her on The Jets have a bye in week three occasions. four. Brown has said the accusa- Gase said that Darnold had tions are false, and his agent, lost about 5 pounds (2.27kg) Drew Rosenhaus, also de- since falling ill. Most people fended his client Wednesday recover from the virus in two on ESPN. “I wouldn’t be doing to four weeks, but fatigue this interview if I didn’t be- can linger longer. Backup lieve Antonio Brown,” Rosen- Trevor Siemian, who made haus said. 24 career starts with the The league could decide to Denver Broncos, will stand in put Brown on the commis- for Darnold. sioner’s exempt list, meaning “He has a lot of experience,” he still would get paid and re- Gase said. “He’s been on win- ceive benefi ts while no longer ning ball clubs. He has the on New England’s active list, respect of the locker room.” though he would be ineligi- Darnold’s illness was an- ble to participate in games or other bow for the Jets, who practices. announced on Wednesday Players on the commis- that wide receiver Quincy sioner’s exempt list may go to Enunwa will miss the rest of the team facility but only for the season after suff ering individual workouts, medical a neck injury in the team’s treatment and any other non- season-opening loss to Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto in action against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports football activities with the the Buff alo Bills. But there team’s approval. was some good news on Reuters RESULTS Minnesota cut it to 10-6 in the eighth striking out three. Josh Hader picked up However, that decision Thursday, when running Minneapolis on a two-run homer by Schoop and an RBI his 31st save of the season - his second in might not be made this week. back Le’Veon Bell tweeted Brewers 3-2 Marlins single by LaMonte Wade Jr., and had the roughly 16 hours. In matters involving a civil that an MRI exam on his sore Cubs 4-1 Padres bases loaded with one out. But Fernando Miami starter Caleb Smith (8-10) took case, a source told ESPN, a shoulder revealed no serious nthony Rendon and Juan Soto Rodney then struck out Cruz and Jorge the loss, allowing six hits, two walks and player is not obligated to in- injury. Cardinals 10-3 Rockies each homered and drove in three Polanco to get out of the jam. three runs in 5 2/3 innings. form a team about his situ- runs, and Adam Eaton and Yan Mets 11-1 D’backs Gomes hit a two-run homer in the ninth Milwaukee opened the scoring in the ation before signing a free Gomes also hit home runs to Yankees 10-4 Tigers to end the scoring. top of the fi rst inning. Leadoff batter agent contract. If it’s a crimi- with the NFL at a time still to leadA the Washington Nationals to a 12-6 Lorenzo Cain singled, advanced to second nal case, the matter must be be determined. The Patriots Yankees 6-4 Tigers victory over the Minnesota Twins in the BREWERS SWEEP MARLINS, on a Yasmani Grandal walk, went to third reported to the team. (1-0) visit the Miami Dolphins rubber match of their three-game series Dodgers 4-2 Orioles WIN SEVENTH STRAIGHT on a Braun groundout and scored on Mike Brown is expected to meet (0-1) on Sunday. Thursday night at Minneapolis. Phillies 9-5 Braves Ryan Braun, wearing injured teammate Moustakas’ sacrifi ce fl y. Rendon also doubled, walked twice Nationals 12-6 Twins Christian Yelich’s jersey under his own However, Miami tied the score in the and scored two runs, and Asdrubal Ca- as a tribute, slugged a go-ahead, two-run bottom of the fi rst. Leadoff batter Jon brera tripled and drove in two runs for Rangers 6-4 Rays homer to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to Berti singled, stole second, went to third Washington (81-64), which extended its Athletics 3-2 Astros a 3-2 win over the host Miami Marlins on on a throwing error by Grandal at catcher lead for the fi rst wild card in the National Red Sox 7-4 Blue Jays Thursday afternoon. and scored on Miguel Rojas’ single. League to 3 1/2 games over the Chicago Yelich, the National League’s reigning Later in the inning, Rojas reached third Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. Reds 11-5 Mariners MVP, was lost for the season on Tuesday base with one out. Jorge Alfaro hit a one- Patrick Corbin (12-7) picked up the win, Royals 6-3 White Sox with a fractured kneecap. But that hasn’t hopper to second baseman Hernan Perez, allowing three runs on nine hits over six Pirates 4-2 Giants stopped the Brewers, who have won seven who shuffl ed to his left to make the catch innings. straight contests, including a four-game before fi ring home to nail Rojas at the Jonathan Schoop homered among his driving in Luis Arraez, who had doubled. sweep of the Marlins, who have the worst plate. Rojas likely would’ve scored, but he three hits, and Nelson Cruz went 2-for-5 The Nationals took a 3-1 lead in the record in the NL. hesitated before running home. with a home run and two RBIs for Min- third on a bases-loaded fi elder’s choice The Brewers remained tied with Chica- Gonzalez, who entered the game hit- nesota (89-57), which saw its American by Soto and an RBI single by Cabrera. The go in second place, four games behind NL ting .000 – 0-for-20 this seasons with 15 League Central Division lead shrink to 3 Twins cut it to 3-2 in the bottom half of Central-leading St. Louis, which defeated strikeouts and just one walk – led off the 1/2 games over the Cleveland Indians. The the inning on Cruz’s 36th homer of the Colorado 10-3. Milwaukee stayed tied third inning with a clean, opposite-fi eld Twins open a three-game series with the season, a 460-foot drive that landed in with the Cubs, 4-1 winners at San Diego, single to right on a 1-2 slider. That turned Indians on Friday night in Cleveland. the restaurant above the batter’s eye in for the second NL wild-card spot. out to be a big play because Braun homer- Kyle Gibson (13-7) took the loss, allow- center fi eld. Braun, a former Miami Hurricanes star, ed two outs later, an opposite-fi eld shot. ing six runs (fi ve earned) on eight hits over Eaton hit his 14th homer of the season, has 19 homers and 62 RBIs this season. Miami cut its defi cit to 3-2 in the fourth. 4 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck and Cabrera added an RBI triple to high- Milwaukee starter Gio Gonzalez, a na- Isan Diaz tripled off the top of the wall in out fi ve. light a three-run fi fth to increase Wash- tive of Miami-Dade County, got a no- center, missing a homer by a few inches. Washington took a 1-0 lead in the fi rst ington’s lead to 6-2. An RBI single by Cruz decision as he was removed after just four He scored when the next batter, Lewis inning on Rendon’s 33rd homer of the sea- cut it to 6-3, but the Nationals answered innings and 74 pitches. He allowed seven Brinson, singled. son into the bleachers in left-center. with four runs in the sixth on a two-run hits, no walks and two runs. But those were all the runs on the day Minnesota tied it in the bottom of the double by Rendon and a two-run homer Reliever Freddy Peralta (6-3) earned the for the Marlins, who lost by two runs or fi rst on an RBI single by Eddie Rosario, by Soto, his 34th, off reliever Kohl Stewart. win by pitching two scoreless innings and fewer for the third straight game. Wide receiver Antonio Brown

FOCUS Ohtani set for season-ending knee surgery: Angels AFP Ohtani, 25, fi nished the season Vazquez with undisclosed fi nes as a Los Angeles with a .286 batting average and 18 result of an altercation in the club- home runs in 106 games as a desig- house. nated hitter for the Angels. Crick appeared to get the worst hohei Ohtani’s second Ma- In June he became the fi rst Japa- of it as he underwent surgery on his jor League Baseball season nese born player in MLB to hit for the right index fi nger on Tuesday which is over after the Los Angeles cycle – recording a single, a double, will end his season. The team ex- Angels announced on Thurs- a triple and a home run in the same pects him to be back for next season’s dayS the Japanese star slugger would game. training camp. have surgery on his left knee. The two-way star was sidelined “The behaviour exhibited by these “Shohei Ohtani will undergo sur- until early May as he recovered from two players last night is unaccept- gery (Friday) in Los Angeles to ad- Tommy John elbow surgery in his able, inconsistent with the standards dress a bipartite patella in his left pitching elbow on October. expected of a Major League player knee,” Angels executive Billy Eppler His pitching rehab progressed and will not be tolerated by the or- said in a statement. “A general time- throughout the year, but Ohtani ganisation,” general manager Neal table for this procedure is 8-12 weeks hasn’t pitched in a major league game Huntington said in a statement. for full recovery. in more than a year, and the Angels The altercation took place before “We will update with more infor- have not yet indicated if they will use Monday’s Major League Baseball mation following the procedure.” him on the mound in 2020. game against the San Francisco Gi- A bipartite patella is a condition Ohtani was selected as the Ameri- ants. where the kneecap is composed of can League rookie of the year in 2018. No details were released on the two separate bones that have failed He went 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 amount of the fi nes. to fuse together as usually occurs in starts as a pitcher, and he batted 285, Crick has a 4.96 ERA in 52 appear- childhood. hammered 22 homers and hit 61 RBIs. ances this season. He last pitched on The Angels gave no indication why Meanwhile the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday. it was decided to address the issue have slapped right-handed pitch- Vazquez was not in the Pirates’ now. er Kyle Crick and teammate Felipe lineup Tuesday against the Giants. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 14, 2019 SPORT

NFL COMMENT OBJ: Jets defensive co-ordinator Williams Bucs rely on defense promotes cheap shots

Reuters New York

leveland Browns wide to hold off Panthers receiver Odell Beck- ham Jr. on Thursday ‘I managed the game. I protected the football and I gave the team a chance to win and we won’ accused New York JetsC defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams of encourag- ing “dirty hits” and said the coach’s tactics cost him much of the 2017 season. Beckham injured his an- kle in a 2017 preseason game against the Browns, whose defense was coached by Wil- liams. The receiver, then with weeks too early because (the the New York Giants, even- Giants) lost the fi rst game of tually broke the ankle and the season last year and I felt missed 12 games that year. the pressure to be able to come “I had players on this team out there and do what I can to telling me that’s what he was help the team. I just came back telling them to do: take me out too early. of the game, and it’s presea- “If God hadn’t blessed me son,” Beckham told reporters. the way that I am, I probably “So you just know who he is. would’ve blown out my knee That’s the man who’s calling in that preseason game. And the plays. that high ankle sprain led to “I had people who were the broken ankle on the left, here when he was here telling which led to compensation in (them), ‘If you get a chance, many diff erent areas. It was take a shot at him. If you can kinda like a little spiral. So it’s hurt him, I guarantee he’s go- something that I never forget. ing to leave the game hurt,’ It changed my life forever.” and stuff like that. It’s fine. It’s The men’s paths will cross football in a sense. But we’re Monday night when the all men out there, so there’s no Browns play the Jets in East need for doing any of that kind Rutherford, N.J. of stuff .” “Just gotta watch out for the In the preseason game two cheap shots and the dirty hits years ago, Beckham sprained and all of the things that he his ankle after being undercut likes to teach,” Beckham said. by Browns cornerback Briean The NFL suspended Wil- Boddy-Calhoun, who drove liams for one season for his his shoulder and helmet into role in the infamous “Boun- the star receiver’s left leg. The tygate” scandal in which the receiver said he tried to return New Orleans Saints were from that injury too soon and found to have operated a ultimately broke his ankle, bounty system from 2009- sidelining him for the season. 11 whereby players were paid “I came back too early for bonuses for hard hits and de- my team,” he said. “I gave liberately injuring players. them all I had even though I Williams was New Orleans’ know I was three weeks out. defensive coordinator at the I probably came back three time.

NFL to invest $3mn into building a better helmet In a quest for a safer helmet, unprecedented combination Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans catches the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry defends in the third quarter. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the NFL is starting a $3 million of financing, research, data programme aimed at the de- and engineering expertise Reuters fourth down and a punt. The ston said. “I protected the foot- ended after midnight on the East empt list since rosters were cut velopment of new headgear in an eff ort to create a more Charlotte Buccaneers (1-1) followed with ball and I gave the team a chance Coast. Gay’s 40-yard fi eld goal to 53 players before the season- that outperforms anything protective helmet.” an 11-play possession that lasted to win and we won. A win is a opened the scoring for Tampa opening weekend. currently available. The NFL Helmet Challenge more than 6 1/2 minutes, but win.” Bay with 5:40 left in the fi rst The Bills signed Dodson as an Manufacturers, engineers will culminate in May 2021. he Tampa Bay Bucca- they only managed Matt Gay’s Cam Newton of the Panthers quarter. Carolina pulled even undrafted free agent out of Texas and entrepreneurs all are wel- Participants will have access neers made enough de- 32-yard fi eld goal at the 2:30 was 25-for-51 for 333 yards. on Slye’s 32-yarder later at the A&M. He played in all four pre- come to submit prototypes to the NFL’s video review data fensive stops and kept mark for a 20-14 lead. Tampa Bay’s defense bottled 2:56 mark. Slye’s 37-yarder in season games and made 19 tack- in the NFL Helmet Challenge, on helmet safety as well as the Carolina Panthers Carolina’s last possession in- up McCaff rey, who had 53 yards the second quarter gave the Pan- les. with the goal of reducing models of modern football Tout of the end zone for the entire cluded 11 plays and 73 yards, but from scrimmage after more than thers their fi rst lead. Dodson was arrested on head trauma. The league will helmets. game in a 20-14 victory Thurs- no points. 200 in Sunday’s loss to the Los It was the fi rst intra-division three misdemeanour charges in provide $2 million in grant “Innovation can be catalysed day night at Bank of America The Panthers (0-2) relied on Angeles Rams. But Panthers matchup between any NFC Scottsdale, Ariz., after a fi ght funding to support develop- if we engage with creative Stadium at Charlotte, N.C. four Joey Slye fi eld goals, includ- tight end Greg Olsen made six South teams this season. with his girlfriend on May 25. ment, with as much as $1 mil- and talented people from The fi nal defensive stand ing boots from 54 and 51 yards, catches for 110 yards. He was charged with assault/ lion awarded for a prototype across disciplines to attack came with a fourth-and-1 stop for all their points until a fourth- Winston threw a 20-yard Bills rookie LB Dodson domestic violence, disorderly that would be used to help this challenge together,” Mill- of Christian McCaff rey’s rushing quarter safety allowed them to touchdown pass to Chris God- suspended six games conduct and damage to property reduce concussions. er said. “In collaboration with attempt at the Tampa Bay 2-yard pull within 17-14. Linebacker win with 1:25 to play in the sec- The NFL suspended Buff alo Bills of less than $2,000. “Helmet technology is ad- the NFL Players Association, line with less than 1:30 to play. Luke Kuechly tackled Peyton ond quarter. rookie linebacker Tyrel Dod- NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport vancing at an impressive rate. we are making changes on With Carolina down to one Barber in the end zone for the Barber’s 16-yard touchdown son six games without pay for said Dodson reached a deal to Yet we believe that even more and off the field in an eff ort to timeout, the Buccaneers ran two points. run in the third quarter gave the violating the league’s person- plead guilty to misdemeanour is possible,” said Jeff Miller, improve protection for every out the clock without giving the Buccaneers quarterback Ja- Buccaneers a 17-12 edge. al-conduct policy, it was an- disorderly conduct. the NFL’s executive vice presi- player. Trying to ensure that Panthers another possession. meis Winston completed 16 of The game entered a weather- nounced Thursday. Dodson is eligible to return to dent for health and safety, in players wear the best possible After taking a 12-10 lead, 25 passes for 208 yards and a related delay with 8:31 remain- The suspension begins im- the Bills on Oct. 28. a news release. “The NFL Hel- helmet is a substantial part of Carolina’s next four possessions touchdown. ing in the fi rst quarter before ei- mediately for Dodson, who had The Bills will play the New met Challenge represents an that commitment.” resulted in a fumble, punt, failed “I managed the game,” Win- ther team had scored. The game been on the commissioner’s ex- York Giants on Sunday.

FOCUS Seattle challenging itself aft er a ‘tough’ opener TCA/DPA the only newcomer being vet- with a veteran line and in the many had big off ensive perform- Renton, Washington eran four-time Pro Bowler Mike second year under off ensive ances on Sunday. Iupati, signed as a free agent to line coach Cable’s replacement, “Preseason isn’t an excuse,” replace the departed J.R. Sweezy Mike Solari, this group would hit Brown said. Still, something t was the kind of statement at left guard. Which is why Sun- the ground, well both running was amiss, with the line at times that in seasons past might day was such slap to the face as and passing with ease. seeming not to know whom to have sounded like an unin- Seattle gave up four sacks and So what happened? block Sunday. Pro Football Fo- tentional joke. nine quarterback hits on 24 pass Solari says a breakdown in cus said Ifedi gave up one sack, ITo a man, after Sunday’s sur- attempts and rushed for just 72 fundamentals was the main is- tight end Nick Vannett another prisingly suspenseful 21-20 win yards on 25 carries – less than sue. “We’ve just got to be able to and simply credited unblocked over the Cincinnati Bengals, the half the 160-yard average of a get our pads down and do what defensive linemen for the other members of the Seahawks off en- season ago. we do,” Solari said Wednesday. two sacks. sive line said that the game did Cincinnati has a good defen- It didn’t help that center Jus- The running game struggles, not meet their standards. sive line, no doubt. But it also tin Britt banged his knee on the though, were a little harder to In the last few years of the Tom was called “maddeningly incon- second play of the game and had fi gure. The Bengals went with Cable era, most Seahawks fans sistent” by Sports Illustrated – to leave for a snap. He returned largely a 5-2 front designed to and NFL observers’ response to maybe the Seahawks just caught to play the rest of the game. But stop Seattle’s run and mostly such a claim might have been the Bengals on a good day? he sat out practice Wednesday, succeeded until Chris Carson’s that it’s really not that hard to And if you’re going to be the and the injury contributed to late 21-yard run to pick up a crit- reach the bottom. best off ensive line in the NFL, his struggles on the fi eld, maybe ical third-and-one. But after the off ensive line’s then you should be able to more than was realised at the Carroll said later the Seahawks revival of 2018 – when the Sea- have success against just about time – he had by far the worst got too stubborn with their play- hawks led the NFL in rushing any foe, regardless. Hence, grade of Seattle’s fi ve linemen calling, expecting they would yards per game, scored the sec- the somewhat surprised looks from the football analytic site eventually wear down the Ben- ond-most points in franchise among the linemen in the lock- Pro Football Focus. Also an issue, gals and blow them off the ball. history and averaged 30 points a er room afterward. No one, of some of the linemen said, was Indeed, per Pro Football Fo- game over the second half of the course, is going to panic over one communication. “I think our cus, of Seattle’s 25 running plays, season – such a statement takes game. communication could be better,” 14 were zone reads, which gained on new meaning. The off ensive line gave up 12 right tackle Germain Ifedi said. 48 yards. Expect Seattle to add a Off ensive linemen such as sacks in the fi rst two games of “Starting with me.” little more variety to the running Duane Brown spent the off - last season and struggled to run It’s tempting to place blame game this week. season saying they felt Seattle the ball before fi nding itself in on the starting off ense playing Solari, though, says the an- could have the best off ensive Week 3 (which was also when just fi ve series in the preseason. swer is simple: “We’ve got to line in the NFL with four of fi ve D.J. Fluker entered the lineup). But most teams also sat most of play better, just no doubt about starters back from a year ago and The hope, though, was that their starters in preseason, and it,” he said. Seattle Seahawks off ensive line coach Mike Solari. Gulf Times Saturday, September 14, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SERIE A Sarri back, Ronaldo United’s Pogba out fi ring on all cylinders for Juventus

AFP further after Juventus wrapped Milan up their eighth consecutive title with a 2-1 win at the expense of the Tuscans last April. “I’d like to of Leicester test ristiano Ronaldo returns start a new chapter in Fiorenti- to Italian league action na’s history by doing something after his four-goal spree special against Sarri’s team,” Shaw, Martial, Dalot and Bailly will also definitely miss the clash with the Foxes for Portugal as Juven- Montella said. Ctus head for Fiorentina today And Montella believes that AFP also boosted by coach Maurizio new French signing Franck Rib- Manchester Paul Pogba twisted his ankle Sarri’s highly-anticipated de- ery can make the diff erence for in the 1-1 draw at Southampton but on the bench after a bout the team. “Franck played the two weeks ago. of pneumonia. The ex-Chelsea friendly against Perugia as if aul Pogba heads a lengthy Man- coach missed his fi rst two league he was playing the Champi- chester United injury list for the games with the Serie A champi- ons League fi nal,” he said. “He’s visit of in-form Leicester City ons against Parma and his former diff erent, as Ronaldo is diff er- to Old Traff ord today with Ole club Napoli. ent. We talk of stars who excel PGunnar Solskjaer potentially missing But the 60-year-old will be through sacrifi ce. They are won- seven fi rst-team players. on the bench for the fi rst time derful examples for everyone.” Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Diogo today as Juventus look to make Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli, who Dalot and Eric Bailly will also defi nitely it three wins this season before are midtable, need to pick them- miss the clash with the Foxes, while Jesse their Champions League opener selves up after Kalidou Kouli- Lingard and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are both at Atletico Madrid midweek. baly’s own goal handed Juventus doubtful after withdrawing from Eng- Ronaldo’s four goals in Por- a 4-3 win in Turin last weekend. land’s Euro 2020 qualifi ers against Bul- tugal’s European qualifying win But they play their fi rst match at garia and Kosovo. over Lithuania during the week home this season against Samp- Pogba twisted his ankle in the 1-1 draw were enough to send shivers doria with doubts over whether at Southampton two weeks ago and did down the spines of Fiorentina their San Paolo stadium will be not play for France in their two matches fans. The 34-year-old overtook ready in time. during the international break, with the Ireland’s Robbie Keane as the all- They played their opening two midfi elder expected to return for the time top scorer in Euro qualifi ers, league games away from home, match at West Ham on 22 September. with 25 goals, and will be look- at Fiorentina and Juventus, due Shaw (hamstring) and Martial (thigh) ing to impress further with the to the reconstruction of the sta- have still not recovered from the injuries winner of the Best FIFA Football dium. Ancelotti said he was “out- sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Pal- Awards to be named in Milan on raged” after seeing the state of the ace on 24 August, while Dalot (hip) and September 23. changing rooms midweek with Bailly (knee) are longer-term injuries. Ronaldo will lead the Juven- their Champions League opener “The treatment room has been busy and tus attack along with Douglas against Liverpool next Tuesday. it still is,” said Solskjaer. “We don’t really Costa and Gonzalo Higuain, the The contractors have however in- know who is going to be available. Maybe Argentine also in-form on his re- sisted the work will be completed Aaron and Jesse will make it but that is it turn to Turin after a loan spell at by yesterday. Inter Milan wel- from the ones that pulled out. Paul will Chelsea. “I’m back on the same come Udinese to the San Siro also not be fi t, not unless he has a miraculous team as Cris (Ronaldo) after a looking to extend their maximum recovery. He has not been ready to do few years and he’s even strong- points with Antonio Conte’s side training at 100%.” er, more complete and ambi- ahead of both Juventus and Tori- United are looking for their fi rst win tious, I’m happy to play with him no on goal diff erence. since the opening day of the season with again,” said Higuain, who played draws at Wolves and Southampton either alongside Ronaldo on Real Ma- FIXTURES side of the Palace defeat leaving them drid, said on Thursday. Today: Fiorentina v Juventus down in eighth, three points adrift of Fiorentina have also changed (1300GMT), Napoli v Sampdoria Leicester in third. owners and coach with former (1600), Inter Milan v Udinese Under former Liverpool manager AC Milan and Sevilla manager (1845) Brendan Rodgers, Leicester are aiming Vincenzo Montella overseeing to return to the top six at the expense of two defeats in as many games on Tomorrow: Genoa v Atalanta the likes of United, Chelsea, Arsenal or his return to the club. “Great sto- (1030GMT), Brescia v Bologna, Tottenham, three years on from their re- ries are born of impossible chal- Parma v Cagliari, SPAL v Lazio (all markable title triumph. lenges,” said Montella, whose 1300GMT), AS Roma v Sassuolo Leicester’s visit will mean an ear- side last beat their fi erce rivals in (1600), Verona v AC Milan (1845) ly reunion with his old club for Harry January 2017. On Monday: Torino v Lecce Maguire, who swapped the Foxes for Old The rivalry has been fuelled (1845GMT) Traff ord this summer in an £80mn trans- fer that made him the world’s most ex- pensive defender.

LIVERPOOL LEAVE TITLE mined to make amends for narrowly fail- ford another against second bottom Nor- Ronaldo and Dele Alli, if he bags another RIVALS BREATHLESS ing to pip City to the trophy last season. wich. Mauricio Pochettino must hope the brace at Wolves. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s sizzling start to City may have won the last two Pre- closure of the European transfer window the Premier League season has left their mier League titles in scintillating fashion, lifts the mood at Tottenham, who host FIXTURES title rivals breathless and the red-hot but Liverpool look better than ever this fourth placed Crystal Palace looking to (1400 GMT unless stated) leaders are expected to maintain their term and Newcastle are unlikely to halt secure only their second win. Pochettino perfect record against Newcastle today. their progress at Anfi eld this weekend. was concerned that speculation over the Today: Brighton v Burnley, Liverpool v Jurgen Klopp’s side have seized the With City playing Norwich in today’s late futures of several Tottenham players, in- Newcastle (1130 GMT), Manchester Utd early initiative in the Premier League game, the champions could be fi ve points cluding Christian Eriksen, had unsettled v Leicester, Norwich v Manchester City with four successive wins to open up a behind Liverpool by the time they kick off his squad. But Eriksen remains with Tot- (1630 GMT), Sheff ield Utd v Southampton, two-point lead over second placed Man- at Carrow Road. tenham in the fi nal year of his contract. Tottenham v Crystal Palace, Wolves v chester City. Pep Guardiola’s team are unbeaten and Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham will Chelsea The European champions’ relent- have already thrashed West Ham and become only the third player aged 21 or Tomorrow: Bournemouth v Everton (1300 less tempo has overwhelmed Norwich, Brighton, but their lone slip — a draw younger to score two or more goals in GMT), Watford v Arsenal (1530 GMT) Southampton, Arsenal and Burnley, against Tottenham — allowed Liverpool three consecutive Premier League games, On Monday: Aston Villa v West Ham (1900 Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri missed the first two league games sending a message that they are deter- to seize pole position and they can’t af- matching the achievement of Cristiano GMT) against Parma and his former club Napoli after a bout of pneumonia.

ROUND-UP Arsenal’s Lacazette Hazard to make Real Madrid debut today ruled out until October AFP MESSI STILL OUT BUT Madrid BARCELONA COULD rsenal striker Alexan- pool’s fi rst Premier League game WELCOME BACK SUAREZ dre Lacazette will be of the season against Norwich in Meanwhile, forward Luis Suarez could sidelined until October August. The Brazilian is making eal Madrid coach Zinedine Zi- return to the Barcelona team for their La after failing to shake off gradual progress in his rehabili- dane said yesterday that big- Liga game against Valencia, coach Er- aA persistent ankle injury. Laca- tation, but Klopp doesn’t expect money summer signing Eden nesto Valverde said, adding that he was zette had been playing with pain him back for the October inter- Hazard has been passed fi t and pessimistic about Lionel Messi’s recov- from the problem for several national break. The Reds boss Rwill make his long-awaited La Liga debut ery. “Suarez participated in a full training weeks and the France interna- isn’t willing to push for a fi rm against Levante today. yesterday and again today,” Valverde said. tional has now been told to rest return date because he doesn’t “We all want to see Eden,” said Zidane. “We hope he can play.” in the hope it will allow time for want to risk Alisson sustaining “There’s a lot of pressure on him, a lot of The 32-year-old Uruguayan limped the problem to heal. any further fi tness problems. expectation. But he is ready and that is off with a calf problem in a 1-0 opening- An Arsenal statement said: “He’s improving but we can- the most important thing.” weekend loss to Athletic Bilbao on 16 “Alex has been playing through not put any pressure on it. It was Hazard was expected to make his de- August. At the time the club forecast he this injury for several weeks. He a really serious injury in the calf but in Vigo in the opening round in mid- would be out for a month. is likely to be back in action in and it’s now much better. That’s August after joining Madrid for an initial A return today would be in line with October.” Lacazette has scored good for us and good for him but 100mn euros from Chelsea in June. But that prediction. On Thursday, Messi, two goals in three appearances we don’t know exactly,” Klopp the Belgian pulled up with a thigh strain who also has a calf problem, encouraged this season, including one in said. Adrian has fi lled in between at the club’s training base in Valdebebas hopes that he would be back for Barce- the 2-2 draw with north London the sticks in Alisson’s absence and had to sit out the fi rst three weeks of lona’s opening Champions League game rivals Tottenham in his last game and, although the former West the season during which Real struggled, at Borussia Dortmund next Tuesday. before the international break. Ham keeper has only conceded collecting one win and two draws. His coach was more cautious at a press The 28-year-old was replaced three goals in four league games, Zidane, however, called for patience conference yesterday. “We think he’s in the 67th minute of that match he has looked decidedly shaky as Hazard fi nds his feet again. “We have about to come back,” Valverde said. “I and won’t be back in a Gun- at times. to go gently,” he said. “He (Hazard) was don’t want to say anything to avoid cre- ners shirt for several weeks. His injured for three weeks, he has been back ating expectations, but I think it will be absence will be a big blow for for a week. We have seven games in 21 diffi cult for Tuesday.” Arsenal manager Unai Emery GUARDIOLA FEARS LAPORTE days and we will have to go gently. It will Barcelona have one win in three games, during a hectic period that OUT FOR SIX MONTHS be up to me to keep an eye on his minutes their worst league start since 2008. To- includes Premier League games Manchester City manager and his playing time, because we need day, they welcome a Valencia team that against Watford, Aston Villa and Pep Guardiola has confi rmed him over a long period, for several match- has the same record but has been plunged Manchester United, as well as defender Aymeric Laporte faces es, not for one.” into crisis following the surprising dis- the start of their Europa League up to six months out after un- Hazard’s return is timely for Madrid missal of coach Marcelino. and League Cup campaigns. dergoing knee surgery. Laporte who also start their Champions League damaged cartilage and the lateral campaign against PSG, especially as Luka FIXTURES KLOPP WON’T RUSH meniscus in his right knee after Modric was ruled out this week with a Today: Real Madrid v Levante (1100), ALISSON BACK FROM a clash with Brighton’s Adam groin strain. “The season starts now,” said Leganes v Villarreal (1400), Real Sociedad INJURY Webster on August 31. Zidane. “We have seven games in 21 days Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard trains in Valdebebas, Madrid, yesterday. (AFP) v Atletico Madrid (1630), Barcelona v and I think that’s what we need, anyway, Jurgen Klopp admits he still isn’t City reported Laporte had Valencia (1900) sure when Liverpool goalkeeper undergone successful surgery in to play, make matches, compete... that’s everything that is said, that’s not going to In addition to Modric and Hazard, Alisson Becker will be ready Barcelona in the days following what players want.” change,” he said. “We know what we want James Rodriguez and Isco are also miss- Tomorrow: Eibar v Espanyol (1000), to return from his calf injury. his injury, but did not specify The Frenchman also shrugged off criti- to change within (the team), we will do ing with muscle injuries. Marco Asensio Alaves v Sevilla (1200), Celta Vigo v Gra- Alisson has been sidelined since how long they expected the cism of the team following their indiff er- everything to do things well. Enough talk, is a long-term casualty with ligament nada (1400), Valladolid v Osasuna (1630), suff ering the injury in Liver- Frenchman to be sidelined. ent start to the season. “The comments, we have perform on the pitch.” damage. Betis v Getafe (1900)

Saturday, September 14, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE LIGUE 1 Neymar could make Al Arabi rout Umm PSG return today, says coach Tuchel

AFP supporters are not happy at the Paris moment. But I can’t infl uence this reaction or control the sup- Salal to go top porters,” Tuchel said. “The only eymar could return to thing that I can control is my action for Paris Saint- team.” Arabi now lead the table with seven points from three matches Germain today fol- PSG are already without lowing four months of Kylian Mbappe, who has a ham- Nabsence after the Brazilian was string injury, as they prepare to selected in the matchday squad start their Champions League for the Ligue 1 match against campaign at home to Real Ma- Strasbourg. PSG coach Thomas drid next week. Edinson Cavani Tuchel said yesterday: “We have is also struggling for fi tness. ‘Ney’ in our squad, for sure”, Argentine striker Mauro Icardi adding “he needs to make his is available after joining from In- comeback”. ter, but Tuchel may be tempted Neymar, the world’s most ex- to turn to Neymar, even though pensive player, has had to come the Brazilian is suspended for the to terms with the prospect of a game against Real. third season in Ligue 1 after PSG “He knows that he has made and his former club Barcelona mistakes, but he has no bad in- failed to agree terms on a move tentions,” said his club and inter- before the transfer window shut national colleague Thiago Silva. on September 2. “He is an incredible kid. I hope The 27-year-old has since he has a great season.” been away on international duty Even Paris mayor Anne for Brazil in two friendly matches Hidalgo has had her say, urging in the United States, scoring one Neymar to get his head down and goal and making another in a 2-2 help PSG fi nally succeed in Eu- draw with Colombia and then rope. “We turned the Eiff el Tow- coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 er red and white for him, in the loss to Peru. colours of PSG,” she told maga- Those were his fi rst appear- zine Tele Loisirs. “Now my boy, ances this season after he was we love you a lot, and you are go- left out of French champions ing to have to work hard and win PSG’s opening four league games us the Champions League.” amid uncertainty over his fu- ture. Asked if he feared Neymar FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) would receive a hostile recep- Today: Paris Saint-Germain v tion from the Parc des Princes Strasbourg (1530), Bordeaux v crowd after supporters held up Metz, Brest v Rennes, Dijon v a banner reading “Neymar, get lost” at a match in August when Nimes, Montpellier v Nice (all it appeared he was about to join 1800) Barcelona, Tuchel said the fans’ Tomorrow: Nantes v Reims reaction was beyond his control. (1300), Saint-Etienne v Toulouse “I can understand that all the (1500), Monaco v Marseille (1900)

Al Arabi players celebrate with their supporters after they beat Umm Salal in the QNB Stars League at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday.

By Sports Reporter , Pierre Michelle Las- net by Umm Salal defender Rhaili. almost 35 yards beat rival goalkeeper Doha sogga and Hamdi Harbaoui scored for Ivanildo Rodrigues hands down. them, while their fi fth one was an own AL AHLI STUN AL KHOR Al Khor had a goal ruled out through goal from Adil Rhaili. WITH COMEBACK WIN VAR when Wagner was caught off side in l Arabi brushed aside a strug- Arabi had many chances to equalise Meanwhile, Al Ahli waged a spirited bat- the 13th minute. gling Umm Salal 5-1 as the QNB but they had to wait till the 41st minute tle to script a come-from-behind 3-2 Al Ahli’s best chance in the fi rst session Stars League resumed after a to draw level through Elneel. Midfi elder victory over Al Khor at the Al Janoub was when Hernan shot over off a cross fortnight’s break. At the Jassim Gunnarsson started the move before Ab- Stadium. Nabil El Zahr (58th-minute from Mohamed Diame. BinA Hamad Stadium yesterday, Arabi ran durisag found space on the right to deliv- penalty), Abel Mathias (66th) and Her- Al Ahli, who attacked more after the riot as they dominated the show to go top er a low cross to Elneel, who found the net nan Gonzalez (90th-min penalty) scored break, equalised through captain Nabil of the standings with seven points, while with a diving header. Five minutes later for Al Ahli. For Al Khor, Ibrahim Amada when Majed Mohammed was fouled and Al Sadd, who have played just two, are on they took the lead as Gunnarsson headed (32nd minute) and Ahmed Hammoudan referee Nayef al-Kadiri pointed to the six. Umm Salal, meanwhile, are still look- home Marc Muniesa’s corner from the (76th) were the scorers. spot. Al Ahli went 2-1 up when Abel capi- ing for their fi rst win, as they have one right. After the break, Arabi scored twice Al Ahli now have six points with their talised on a faulty clearance by Ivanildo. point after a draw and two losses. in the gap of 10 minutes to seal the game. second victory, while Al Khor stood on It was Al Khor’s turn to equalise as It was Umm Salal who opened the Harbaoui scored the third in the 49th four points with one victory, one draw Hammoudan latched on to a through scoring as striker Yannick Sagbo found with a powerful right-footer while Las- and a defeat. pass from Abdulla Nasser off a counter- the net in 25th minute, latching on to a sogga made it 4-1. Al Ahli had more of the ball in the fi rst attack. When the match was heading to- ball from Murad Naji. But it was all Ara- Ten minutes later it was 5-1 when Mus- half, but it was Al Khor who took the lead wards a draw came Al Ahli’s winning goal, bi thereafter as Mohamed Salah Elneel, ab Keder’s cross was nudged into his own through Amada whose long-ranger from with Hernan on target from the spot.

SHAHANIA HOPE TO OPEN ACCOUNT WITH WIN OVER WAKRAH

Doha: Al Shahania will eye their first vic- but conceded it will be a trick match. their ranks even if they don’t have any against Al Sailiya has been postponed to tory of the QNB Stars League when they “Al Wakrah are a good side, they play point and are at the bottom of the table. September 24th due to their AFC Cham- take on Al Wakrah today. as a team. So it’s going to be a tricky con- The game will be a good opportunity for pions League second-leg quarterfinal Al Shahania are at the bottom of the frontation. All our players are ready for us to strengthen our position ahead of against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in Doha table, yet to open their account. They the match and we hope everyone will be diff icult encounters,” he said. “Our aim is on Monday. lost both games and are in the same in his best form. The start to the season to win every game. Thankfully, we don’t plight as Qatar SC, who play Al Gharafa in was diff icult for us. We faced two strong have any injury worries and our team is FIXTURES another match today. teams in the first rounds. But we’ll have ready to face Al Shahania,” Lopez added. Today: Al Shahania vs Al Wakrah (16:55, Al Shahania will have a tough task our opportunities to record victories and Meanwhile, Gharafa who are in the Janoub Stadium); Qatar SC vs Al Gharafa though against promoted Al Wakrah, collect points,” he said. fourth position in the table, can go top (19:05, Al Sadd Stadium) who beat Qatar SC 2-0 in the previous Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez said of the table if they beat a struggling match. Shahania coach Jose Murcia was his team’s aim is to win every match. Qatar SC side. Defending champions Al Tomorrow: Al Duhail vs Al Rayyan (19:05, Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Neymar attends a training session at confident of his team beating Wakrah, “Shahania have some good players in Sadd won’t be in action as their match Al Janoub Stadium) the club’s Camp des Loges training grounds in Saint-Germain en-Laye, near Paris, yesterday. (AFP)

WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Kenyan Doha-bound squad takes shape as trials conclude he team that will represent Chebet in tow just another 0.01 be- at the 2017 World Championships. Kenya at the IAAF World Ath- hind. Selah Jepleting, runner-up at On Thursday, Diamond League letics Championships Doha last month’s national championships, champion and world record holder Be- Tfrom September 27 to October was third to punch her ticket to Doha, atrice Chepkoech led a strong quarter 6 took shape after the two-day trials clocking 4:05.20. across the fi nish in the 3000m steeple- meeting concluded at the Nyayo Na- Conversely, three-time IAAF Dia- chase fi nal, with the fi rst three holding tional Stadium in Nairobi yesterday. mond League champion Timothy hands as they crossed line. With a top-three fi nish required to Cheruiyot dominated the men’s race Chepkoech won the race in 9:45.15, make the Doha-bound team in the mid- in 3:34.91, well clear of Ronald Kwe- just ahead of 2015 world champion dle and long distance events, most of moi and George Manangoi who clocked Hyvin Kiyeng (9:45.20) and Celliphine the battles were hotly contested, with 3:36.61 and 3:37.00, respectively. Chespol (9:45.24). Fancy Cherono, the six of the eight fi lling out the schedule On Thursday, unheralded 20-year- African Games silver medallist, fi n- on the second day of action. old Michael Kibet made his move with ished fourth a few steps back in 9:50.11 The most surprising result came 300 metres remaining to secure the to capture the fourth spot up for grabs in the men’s 800m where Ng’eno 5000m title in 13:26.83. Daniel Simiyu, after Chepkoech secured a wildcard Kipng’etich, the 2018 silver medallist the national champion, was second in with her Diamond League victory. at the World U20 Championships, took 13:27.95 with Nicholas Kimeli taking And in the men’s steeplechase, an- the title to notch an upset victory over the third spot in 13:27.99. World U20 other world U20 silver medallist, Leon- Emmanuel Korir in 1:44.57. Korir was and African champion Edward Zakayo, ard Bett edged Benjamin Kigen to take second in 1:44.62 with Ferguson Rotich one of the pre-meet favourites, was a the win, 8:20.29 to 8:20.56, to secure third, another 0.01 behind. distant ninth, his training derailed by his fi rst senior World Championships Jackline Wambui, the 2017 World illness in recent weeks. appearance. U18 champion, took the women’s ti- Lilian Kasait, who raced to the Af- Bett, who took the 2017 world U18 tle in 1:58.79, just clear of Eunice Sum, rican Games title in Rabat last month, title in the 2000m steeplechase, won’t the 2013 World champion who clocked took top honours in the women’s turn 19 until November. Abraham Kibi- 1:58.99 for second. Emily Tuwei round- 5000m yesterday, clocking 15:43.55. wott, last year’s Commonwealth Games ed out the top three in 1:59.23. Margaret Chelimo was next in 15:46.65 silver medallist, was third in 8:24.61 to After some minor injury setbacks with national champion Sheila Chela- seal his spot on the team. earlier in the season, reigning World gat third. The trio will join defending champi- and Olympic 1500m champion Faith The trio will join defending 5000m on Conseslus Kipruto, who reportedly Kipyegon displayed solid form, tak- champion Hellen Obiri who will double dropped out of the race with laps to go. ing the victory in 4:03.22, with Winny Ng’eno Kipng’etich (081) wins the 800m title at the Kenyan World Championships trials in Nairobi. (AFP) back in the 10,000m. Chelimo was fi fth (www.iaaf.org)