WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 17

I have such amazing memories Former World number one FOOTBALL FOOTBALL that are really special to me from Serena Williams says as she Champions League; Auckland. I would really like to announces to begin her Champions League; Qualifying Play-Off: add some on court memories to 2020 season with a return to Qualifying Play-Off: Dinamo Zagreb vs Olympiakos vs FK that list. the Auckland Open. ACTION Rosenborg TODAY’S Krasnodar Murray falls to Sandgren as singles comeback continues

AFP gutted out a tough service hold WASHINGTON in an opening game that went to deuce nine times, saving one Deaf South Korean Andy Murray on Monday fell in There’s some good break point as they went to the the first round of the ATP first-set decider without a break player Lee notches Tiger Woods Winston-Salem Open, where the things in there but of serve. three-time Grand Slam also some stuff I The American needed four landmark victory champion was giving his surgi- would like to do set points -- and saved one -- in cally repaired hip just its second taking the tiebreaker. better: Andy Murray AFP test in singles. A deflated Murray was WASHINGTON Britain’s Murray, who feared quickly down 3-0 with two in January that his hip trouble breaks of serve in the second. Woods leaves would end his career, accepted thanks to a lengthy rain delay He clawed one back, and Lee Duck-hee became the first deaf player to win a wild card into this week’s tour- that pushed back his start time broke again when Sandgren an ATP match on Monday, making a statement with door open to namentment in North Carolina after by moremore than three hourshours.. coughedcoughed up twotwo double faults a straight-sets win over Henri Laaksonen in fallinging in his singles comeback SandgrenSandgren whilewhile serving for the match at Winston-Salem. in CincinnatiCincinnati lastlast week.week. 5-4. “People made fun of me for my disability. They playing in He againagain showed glimpsesglimpses But SandgrenSandgren broke MurrayMurray told me I shouldn’t be playing,” the 21-year-old of hishis once-dominant self, but again in the next game and then South Korean said after shrugging off a lengthy rain Presidents wass inconsistent in a 7-6 (10-8)(10-8),, took full advantageadvantage of his second delay to post a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 victory. 7-55 loss to 73rd-ranked chance,chance, capping the match with “It was definitely difficult, but my friends and Americanerican Tennys Sandgren in a a forehand winner on his first family helped me get through,” Lee said. “I wanted Cup team matchtch lastinlastingg 2 hours and 10 matchmatch pointpoint.. to show everyone that I could do this. minutes.nutes. “Some tthingshings were a “Physically,“Physically, (I’m) OK con-con- “My message for people who are hearing REUTERS bit betterbetter today I think,” Murray sideringsidering -- no pain, no dis-dis- impaired is to not be discouraged. If you try hard, WASHINGTON said.d. comfort.comfort. JustJust a little bit more you can do anything.” “I was hittinghitting thethe ballball a bitbit tiredtired tthanhan usuausual,”l,” ssaidaid thethe Lee, ranked 212 in the world, turned pro at 15 US Presidents Cup captain Tiger Woods cleaneraner than I did maybe in Briton.Briton. and achieved his best ATP singles ranking of 130th said on Monday he may select himself Cincinnati...cinnati... I feelfeel likelike I movedmoved in the world in 2017, toiling mainly on the devel- to play for the team in December but he fairlyrly well to some drop shots, opmental Challenger circuit. would need to see how sharp his game whichich maybe last week I wasn’t Andy Murray He admits that his disability can make life on is before making the call. runningnning to.to. court frustrating: he can’t hear line calls or the Woods was not among the top eight “So there’s some umpire’s call of the score and relies on gestures to players to automatically qualify for the goodod thingsthings in sort out any confusion. At Lee’s post-match press squad after he finished 13th on the therere but alsoalso conference on Monday, his fiancee pitched in to points list but he has the power to name someme stuff I help out a Korean translator. himself to the roster with one of the four woulduld like toto It was the end of a long day for Lee, who was captain’s picks for the event at Royal do better.”better.” two points from victory when thunderstorms swept Melbourne. MurrayMurray through the area. When he and Switzerland’s Laak- “My job as the captain is to put did notnot even sonen returned some five hours later Lee quickly together the best team possible, to try reachach thethe polished off a win. Lee next faces third-seeded to put together the best 12 guys,” he courturt untiluntil Hubert Hurkacz. told reporters on a call. afterer 110pm,0pm, “We’ll have open communication with our top eight guys and my vice cap- tains and we will certainly talk about Stephens splits with whether I should play or not play,” he Serena to begin 2020 season said. coach Groeneveld “Ultimately it is going to be my call,” added Woods. ahead of US Open with return to Auckland Open Apart from his win at the Masters for his 15th major title, the 43-year-old AGENCIES REUTERS as saying by the tournament memories that are really special had a relatively quiet season, which WASHINGTON organisers. to me from Auckland,” she added, petered out with a whimper amid “Last time I was there I had so referring to her engagement to physical and emotional fatigue. American Sloane Stephens has parted ways with Former world numbermber oonene SeSerenarena muchmuch going on and although RedditReddit coco-founder-founde Alexis Ohanian Woods missed the chance to defend her coach Sven Groeneveld less than a week before Williams (pictured)ed) will bebegingin her I foufoughtght throuthroughgh to daysdays before the 2017 his Tour Championship title when he the US Open gets under way, the former champion 2020 season withh a return to tthehe win mmyy tournament.tournament. could only manage to tie for 37th at the has said. Auckland Open inn January, herher firstfirst “I“I wouwouldl really like to BMW Championship on Sunday, far from Stephens, who only teamed up with Dutchman first appearance at the tour-tour- add somesome on court mem- the sixth-place finish he likely needed Groeneveld in May, has not announced a nament since she wwasas ousoustedted ories to thatth list.” to qualify for the season-ending event. replacement ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam, in the second roundround in Williams,Willia 37, is due to Woods said his Presidents Cup which begins on Monday. 2017. competecompete aat the US Open decision will depend on how he fares in “After much thought, Sven Groeneveld and I The Aucklandd Open whichwhich bbeginsegin next week but informal rounds against players pre- have decided to go our separate ways,” 2017 serves as a warm-uprm-up herher preparapreparationst for the final paring for the fall season as well as his champion Stephens said in a tweet. before the year’ss firstfirst GrandGrand SlamS of the year performance at the Zozo Championship “Change is never easy, but I’m so appreciative Grand Slam, the Aus-Aus- hahaveve bbeen far from in October in Japan. of our time together. Onward!” tralian Open, wwhichhich perfect wwith injuries lim- “It’s practising, it’s playing, it’s Groeneveld thanked Stephens for their time begins on Januaryary 20 itingiting heher time on court. staying sharp,” he said when asked what together. next year. TheTh 23-times he needs to do to make the U.S. side, “I wish you a strong @usopen, you have all it On her lastt AucklandAuckland GrandGrand Slam champion which has dominated the International takes, I believe in you!” he wrote on Twitter. appearance, thenen top seeseedd WiWil-l- match,match, I retiredretired from the Rogers team since the biennial event’s inception Meanwhile, Chilean tennis player Juan Carlos liams hit 88 unforcedforced eerrorsrrors in knowknow I CupCup fifinal in Toronto in 1994. Saez has been banned for eight years for match- windy conditions,s, losinglosing to comcom-- ddidn’tidn’t pplaylay earlierearlier this month The only US loss came in Melbourne fixing. The Tennis Integrity Unit says Saez patriot Madison BBrengle,rengle, whowho was to my llevel.evel. becausebecause of back spasms, in 1998 with a team that included refused to cooperate with its investigation and ranked 70 rungs lower. “I“I havehave whichwhich lleded to her with- Woods. also failed to report “a corrupt approach” at a “Oh man, I wantwant to win thatthat suchsuch drawaldrawal ffromro the Cincinnati tournament. title so bad,” Williamsiams was quoted amazing Masters. Rugby: All Blacks to field strong side for final Cup warm-up

REUTERS weekend’s 36-0 victory over who was dropped for Saturday’s old saying ‘never give a sucker WELLINGTON Australia at Eden Park and their match against the Wallabies after an even break because he’ll take World Cup opener. being a virtual first choice since it’. New Zealand’s Steve Hansen will not be “We’d like probably most of 2017. “Now we’ve got some rugby coach wrapping his players in cotton the frontliners to get some form Ioane will play for Auckland genuine competition.” Steve Hansen wool ahead of the Rugby World of game-time in the Tonga game, against Bay of Plenty on Saturday Hansen added that tighthead during a training Cup with the All Blacks coach otherwise it’s too big a break and while he is unlikely to miss prop, the midfield and the loose session in confirming he will give his core before we play South Africa,” out on the World Cup squad his forward mix were areas that Auckland on group a run against Tonga in Hansen said in comments pub- starting place is under pressure. would create the most debate, Friday. their final match ahead of the lished by Stuff Media Hansen gave rookie wingers with blindside flanker Liam global showpiece. yesterday. George Bridge and Sevu Reece Squire still in the frame if he The All Blacks, who name Several of the players in the an opportunity against the Wal- made himself available. their 31-man World Cup squad 34-man squad for the Bledisloe labies and both took their Squire missed most of the on August 28, play the Pacific Cup tests have been released to chance. Super Rugby season through Islanders in Hamilton on Sep- play in New Zealand’s provincial “We saw lots of energy and injury and withdrew from con- tember 7 before facing South championship this weekend in we saw lots of intent,” Hansen tention for the All Blacks due to Africa in their opening Pool B order to give Hansen one final said of the duo. a lack of match fitness. Squire clash two weeks later. look at them before the squad for “They were great under the would be considered but he first Hansen said he was wary of Japan is finalised. high ball, great chasing kicks so had to tell the coach he was his first-choice players losing One player likely to be under it’s a bit of pressure on the other ready to return to international sharpness between last scrutiny is winger Rieko Ioane, guys now to front up. There’s the rugby, Hansen added. 18 SPORT WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2019

Williamson and Concussion victim Smith Dananjaya’s bowling out of third Ashes Test actions reported AFP Australia’s Steve Smith is hit on the neck by a ball from England’s Jofra Archer after Galle Test LONDON during the Second Ashes Test at the Lord’s Ground in London, Britain, in this August 17 file photo. Smith returned to bat on Saturday despite the AP Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith blow and added 12 runs before being out. However, he was unable to play WELLINGTON has been ruled out of the third Ashes on the fifth and final day on Sunday as he awoke feeling “groggy.” Test beginning tomorrow after New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Sri suffering concussion, Cricket Australia Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya have been reported announced yesterday. for suspect bowling actions after the first Test Shanthakumaran Sreesanth The 30-year-old -- who has scored between the teams which ended on Sunday. two centuries and 92 in his three The International Cricket Council issued a Sreesanth’s innings in the first two Tests -- was statement yesterday saying the report from the felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Sat- match officials cited concerns about the legality of ban reduced urday in the first innings of the second the bowling actions of both players. Test at Lord’s. “Williamson and Dananjaya will now undergo to seven years “Steve Smith has been ruled out of testing within 14 days from the reporting date and, the third Ashes Test at Headingley, during this period, both will be permitted to con- REUTERS with coach Justin Langer confirming tinue bowling in international cricket until the NEW DELHI the news after the batsman sat out Aus- results of the testing are known,” the ICC said. tralia’s training session on Tuesday,” That means both players will be available to Indian fast bowler Shan- Cricket Australia announced on their play in the second Test of the two-Test series, which thakumaran Sreesanth’s website. starts tomorrow in Colombo. ban for alleged spot-fixing The team doctor Richard Saw had Right-armer Dananjaya bowled 62 overs in the has been reduced to seven the final say on whether Smith played first test at Galle, taking 5-80 in the first innings and years, with the sanction or not and he was seen speaking with 1-84 in the second, helping Sri Lanka to a six- period coming to an end on him during team training yesterday. win. He had just returned to Test cricket after being Sep. 13, 2020, the Board of According to the website vice-captain banned in December, 2018 for an illegal action. Dan- Control for Cricket in India Pat Cummins patted Smith on the ajaya was left out of the Sri Lanka team which played (BCCI) has said. shoulder and coach Justin Langer a Test series in New Zealand that month after failing The decision comes wrapped his arm round the former a bio-mechanical test in Brisbane. after the Supreme Court of captain as the rest of the squad trained On that occasion the ICC ruled “his deliveries India set aside the life ban without him. exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance per- imposed on Sreesanth by Smith, whose two centuries in the mitted under the regulations” and he was required the BCCI and asked the first Test were pivotal in Australia to remodel his action before returning. He had board to reconsider the taking a 1-0 lead, returned to bat on taken career-best figures of 6-115 in a test against length of any fresh ban. Saturday despite the blow to the side England in November, 2018. “I am of the view that of the head that felled him. He added Dananjaya enjoyed a meteoric rise in interna- banning Sreesanth from 12 runs before being out. tional cricket, being chosen for the preliminary Sri participating in any kind However, he was unable to play Lanka team for the 2012 T20 World Cup before he of commercial cricket or on the fifth and final day on Sunday as had played a professional match. His talent was from associating with any he awoke feeling “groggy”. Australia identified after he had been a net bowler for the activities of BCCI or its held on to draw the Test with his con- Sri Lanka team. affiliates, for a period of 7 cussion substitute Marnus was previously restricted to fielding Australia, bidding for their first Williamson, a part-time off-spinner, bowled years with effect from Sep- Labuschagne playing a key innings. alone. Ashes campaign triumph on English only three overs in the second innings without tember 13, 2013,” BCCI The Ashes series is the first being During Saturday’s play Smith was soil in 18 years, lead the five-match taking a wicket. ombudsman DK Jain said played under the International Cricket wearing a helmet without the addi- series 1-0 after a 251-run win at Edg- He was banned from bowling in international in a statement. Council’s new concussion substitute tional stem guard neck protection baston last week. cricket in 2014 after tests found his elbow extension “The date from which, regulations, as part of the inaugural introduced following the death of his In that match, Smith marked his exceeded the 15 degrees allowed under ICC rules. the period of ban imposed World Test Championship. former Australia team-mate Phillip first Test since completing a 12-month His remodelled action was later approved by the by the Disciplinary Com- The regulations allow players who Hughes who was hit by a bouncer in a ban for his role in a ball-tampering world body. The match was umpired by Michael mittee had commenced, have suffered head or neck injuries to domestic Sheffield Shield match in scandal in South Africa with superb Gough and Richard Illingworth of England, and will meet the ends of be replaced fully by a substitute, who Sydney in 2014. innings of 144 and 142. Andy Pycroft of Zimbabwe was the match referee. justice.” Spot-fixing involves the manipulation of individual incidents within a match UK Sports Minister tells which may not affect the Afghanistan names outcome of the contest. Sreesanth along with fans to stop booing Smith his Rajasthan Royals team squads for Test, T20 mates Ajit Chandila and REUTERS “The vast majority of the Lord’s crowd AP LONDON Ankeet Chavan were were on their feet applauding Steve Smith KABUL opening batsman Mohammad Shahzad, arrested by Delhi police on after his innings but a small amount of batsman , fast bowler suspicion of spot-fixing Britain’s Sports Minister Nigel Adams has booing from a tiny element of the crowd Wafadar Momand and left-arm spinners during the sixth edition of described the booing of Australian Steve has made the news,” Adams told Sydney Afghanistan has named uncapped Sharafuddin Ashraf and Waqar the IPL in May 2013. Smith during the Ashes series as Morning Herald. opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran and Salamkheil. The BCCI followed the “distasteful” and says the batsman has “It’s distasteful and we have to leg-spinner Qais Ahmed in its The team will be led by leg-spinner arrest of Sreesanth with served his punishment for his part in last remember that the Aussie players who 15-member squad for a one-off Test Rashid Khan, who was appointed captain their own charges against year’s ball-tampering scandal. got themselves into trouble have been against Bangladesh next month. for all three formats after the country’s the player relating to the Smith and David Warner served punished and done the time. Experienced left-arm fast bowler dismal performance at the World Cup match against Kings XI 12-month bans for their roles in the “Smith, in particular, is a brilliant , who has never played in July. The selectors also named an Punjab, played on May 9. scandal during the test series in South batsman and whilst of course, I don’t Test cricket, is also part of the team. extended squad of 17 players for the Sreesanth has main- Africa last year. Cameron Bancroft was want him getting too many runs... he’s The selection committee, headed by Twenty20 triangular series in Bang- tained that all the charges banned for nine months. mesmerising to watch and as genuine Andy Moles, also recalled wicketkeeper- ladesh. Zimbabwe is the other partici- against him are false. He Smith received a standing ovation for sports fans we should be applauding him, batsman , who played in pating team. has played 27 tests, 53 a fighting 92 at Lord’s despite being not jeering,” Adams added. Afghanistan’s inaugural test against India Afghanistan team will leave for Abu one-day internationals and struck on the neck by a Jofra Archer Australia, who won the opener at in 2018. Zazai missed out on Afghani- Dhabi today, and will train there until 10 Twenty20 interna- bouncer -- which ruled him out of the Edgbaston, lead the five-match series 1-0 stan’s maiden test victory against Ireland Aug. 29. The Test match will be played tionals, claiming a total of rest of the match due to delayed con- after the second test ended in a draw. The in March in India. from Sept. 5-9 while the triangular series 169 . cussion -- but there was also a smattering third match begins on Thursday at The selectors have left out suspended will be competed in between Sept. 14-24. of boos. Headingley. NBA star Curry Chinese swim star Sun granted to finance a golf public trial for doping hearing team for six years

AP Details of evidence in the previ- to his entourage was destroyed with a AFP GENEVA ously confidential court process were hammer. WASHINGTON published on the eve of the world WADA challenged swim body FINA’s Chinese swimmer Sun Yang will get the championships held last month in South verdict in January that a warning was Three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry of rare public trial he asked for to answer Korea. enough for Sun, who served a three- the Golden State Warriors said on Monday an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Swimmers from Australia, Britain, month ban in 2014 for a positive test. he will support the creation of Howard Agency that could lead to his ban from and the United States objected to Sun The first case involving a substance University’s first top-level golf program for the 2020 Olympics. being allowed to compete in Gwangju then classed as a stimulant was con- the next six years. The open hearing by the Court while the appeal case was pending. ducted in relative secrecy in China and Curry, a six-time NBA All-Star guard and of Arbitration for Sport will After Sun won the 200 and 400 meters only later announced by FINA. avid golfer, was inspired to make the contri- probably be in Switzerland but freestyle events, medalists from Aus- The CAS hearing should be the first bution by Otis Ferguson IV, a senior at the is “unlikely to be before the end tralia and Britain made silent protests in public since the European Court of Washington DC university who Curry met of October,” the court said at the podium. Human Rights last year said athletes during a campus visit earlier this year. yesterday. China’s first Olympic swimming should have more rights to open the Ferguson had been campaigning to Sun is following another champion won two gold medals at the sports court to scrutiny. establish a golf team at Howard. He found a three-time Olympic 2012 London Olympics and one in Rio In the only previous public trial, backer in Curry, who decided establish men’s swimming champion, de Janeiro four years later. He could be Smith de Bruin challenged a four-year and women’s golf at the historically black Michelle Smith de Bruin of banned from the Tokyo Games next ban imposed by FINA in 1998 two years college. Two-time NBA MVP Curry also per- Ireland, as the only athletes year because of incidents at his home after the Atlanta Olympics for allegedly suaded golf equipment manufacturer Cal- opting not to have a closed- in China last September. tampering with a urine sample by laway to promise equipment and sport door hearing in the sports A collection team sent to take adding alcohol. apparel giant Under Armour, who are one of court’s 35-year history. She blood and urine sample failed to com- Yesterday, CAS confirmed reports his sponsors, to provide uniforms. lost her case in 1999. plete its work in an escalating late-night it hoped to schedule Sun’s hearing in Curry, who often plays in celebrity golf His lawyers said last month dispute. September, until “unexpected personal events, played on his high school golf team. that Sun “objects to being tried Sun disputed an official’s creden- circumstances” forced a delay by He hosts and produces the golf-themed reality by the Australian press.” tials, and a vial of blood handed over several weeks. game show “Holey Moley” and has twice played in PGA developmental tour events. WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 19

Players should Man United held by Wolves boycott social media to combat racist after Pogba’s penalty woe abuse, says Neville REUTERS AFP LONDON Manchester WOLVERHAMPTON Costly miss United’s Paul United would have gone top of Pogba reacts Manchester United were forced to the table with a win, but instead England women’s coach Phil Neville has after his penalty settle for a 1-1 draw against Wolves they were left to reflect on an urged the football community to boycott is saved by after Paul Pogba’s penalty was saved inconsistent performance that social media for six months and “send a Wolverhampton by Rui Patricio at Molineux on underlined why Solskjaer still powerful message” in response to a signif- Wanderers’ Rui Monday. has a lot of work to do to turn his icant rise in online racist abuse of players. Patricio during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side took team into title contenders. Manchester United midfielder Paul the English the lead through Anthony Martial’s Pogba became the latest high-profile player second Premier League goal of the to be a target of online abuse after he missed match at the season in the first half. attempt to win a free-kick from a penalty in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Wolver- Molineux Stadium, Ruben Neves hit a brilliant referee Jon Moss. hampton Wanderers. Wolverhampton, equaliser for Wolves after the interval United threatened for the first “I’ve lost total faith in whoever runs Britain on Monday. before France star Pogba was denied time when another of their young these social media departments, so I just by Patricio. guns Rashford spun past Ryan wonder whether now as a football com- It was a curious decision for Bennett on the left side of the Wolves munity, in terms of really sending a pow- Pogba to take the spot-kick as Marcus area and crossed towards Martial, erful message, is: come off social media,” Rashford had scored a penalty in last who did not make enough contact as Neville told reporters yesterday. weekend’s 4-0 victory over Chelsea the ball flashed past him. “Six months - let’s come off social media. and also memorably netted the It was a warning Wolves failed to Let’s see the effect that it has on these social Champions League last-16 winner heed as United took the lead with an media companies, whether they’re really from the spot against Paris Saint incisive raid in the 27th minute. going to do something about it.” Germain last term. Breaking inside from left, Luke Last week, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard Pogba has now missed four Shaw found Jesse Lingard who urged social media companies to take Premier League penalties since the moved the ball onto Rashford. stricter action after 21-year-old striker start of last season. United would Rashford slipped a perfectly- Tammy Abraham was the target of racist have gone top of the table with a win, weighted pass to Martial in the abuse after his missed penalty in the UEFA but instead they were left to reflect Wolves area and the French forward Super Cup loss to Liverpool. on an inconsistent performance that blasted a superb strike into the roof A study released by equality and underlined why Solskjaer still has a of the net without breaking stride. inclusion organisation Kick It Out said it lot of work to do to turn his team into Solskjaer had called for Martial received 159 reports of discrimination via title contenders. to be more clinical and, his message social media in the English professional While there were moments of received loud and clear, the Nor- game last season. promise in attack and defence, United wegian clapped approvingly on the Yesterday, Pogba’s United team mate didn’t take their chances and touchline. Harry Maguire urged social media com- crumbled too easily when they came Martial’s goal took him to 50 for panies to verify user accounts to prevent under pressure in their second game United in all competitions since his supporters from abusing players of the season. move from Monaco in 2015. anonymously. At an average of 24 years and 173 Martial should have doubled It is a view which was echoed by Neville. days, Solskjaer had picked United’s United’s lead on the stroke of half- “It’s a problem not just in football - it’s youngest Premier League starting time when he pounced on Bennett’s a problem in society, but football now is at line-up since the final day of the misplaced pass and eased past Willy the forefront of everybody’s minds in terms 2016-17 campaign. Boly, only to tread on the ball when of, we’ve got the power to do something Daniel James made his maiden he seemed certain to score. about it,” Neville added. start for United after the close-season Well marshalled by Harry “Maguire said this morning about being signing from Swansea scored his first Maguire, United denied Wolves a verified, giving passport details and goal as a substitute against Chelsea. single shot on target in the first half. addresses to be hold accountable for posting There was no place in the But Wolves were revitalised after such disgusting things. You can be an egg matchday squad for Chile forward the interval by the introduction of the on Twitter and no one knows who you are.” Alexis Sanchez, who has been linked speedy Adama Traore. Neville was speaking after announcing with . Suddenly, Maguire and company his 24-player squad for England women’s Solskjaer has described James as did not look so solid and Raul Jimenez upcoming friendlies against Belgium and United’s ‘x-factor’, but the 21-year- glanced a free-kick against the far Norway, handing call-ups to four old didn’t win any friends when he post with United keeper David De debutants. was booked for diving in a failed Gea rooted. Juve gamble on Sarri delivering another style of title

AFP Ligt, who all the top teams MILAN wanted,” said Paratici. “We managed to buy him, Juventus begin their Serie A along with two big players on campaign this weekend under free transfers: Rabiot and new coach Maurizio Sarri as the Ramsey, who were courted by multiple Italian champions many. gamble on the veteran delivering “Juve has very high-level another style of Serie A title. players in all departments, a The Turin giants start their squad of absolute value.” - French midfielder Mickael Cuisance (left), new recruit of Bayern quest for a ninth consecutive title ‘Removing scepticism’ - Juventus Munich, holds his new jersey as he poses with Bayern Munich’s in Parma on Saturday but could will be hoping these players and be without Sarri on the bench their new coach can implement Bosnian Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic during his presentation after the 60-year-old was diag- the ‘Sarriball’ football phi- at the club’s grounds in Munich, southern Germany, yesterday. nosed with pneumonia on losophy: a fast-paced attacking Monday. style, that impressed during his Sarri returns to Italy after time with Napoli. US women footballers’ one turbulent season in the Brazilian left-back Alex Premier League with Chelsea, Sandro insisted Sarri was already having previously coached his Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri during the post match press having an impact. equal pay lawsuit hometown team Napoli for three conference of the International Champions Cup match “We can’t wait to start the seasons. against Tottenham Hotspur at the Singapore National season. We’ve already assimi- to go to trial in 2020 Chain-smoking Sarri’s Stadium, Singapore in this July 21, 2019 file picture. lated Sarri’s mentality and, we appointment, in place of the know what to do. AFP clean cut Massimiliano Allegri “We all still have to improve LOS ANGELES who had delivered the last five at Paris Saint-Germain, thinks Cristiano Ronaldo, a player naturally, but we are on the right of their Serie A titles, is a break the change of direction can pay who Sarri insists “will make the path.” De Ligt also praised Sarri. The equal pay lawsuit filed by US women footballers against the US in tradition for Juventus. off. difference”, will again be central “He was one of the reasons Soccer Federation has been scheduled to go to trial on May 5, 2020, But after also ditching their “Those who follow the same to attack with newly-signed that I wanted to join here, I’ve the players’ spokesperson said on Monday. iconic black and white striped path will always achieve the Dutch star Matthijs De Ligt the heard a lot of good things about The gender discrimination lawsuit regarding unequal pay and jersey last season, the club are same results, so Juve are seeking jewel in defense alongside vet- him and I like his footballing phi- working conditions was filed on March 8 by 28 players, and Mon- looking for a change in direction. the Champions League and erans Giorgio Chiellini and losophy and how he prepares his day’s trial date, set by US District Judge R. Gary Klausner in Los Despite their success wanted to try breaking away Leonardo Bonucci. defence.” Angeles, comes a week after the players and the federation reached Juventus have often been criti- towards pastures new,” said the De Ligt’s Ajax sent Juventus Sarri described coaching an impasse in mediation. cised for their boring defensive 41-year-old. crashing out of the Champions Juventus as “the crowning” “We are pleased with the expeditious schedule that has been style of play. “Sarri is not a revolution, nor League last season. moment of his 30-year mana- set by the Court and we are eager to move forward with this case,” Club bosses want a more a gamble. He simply represents The midfield has been gerial career. Molly Levinson, a spokesperson for the US women players, said. attractive eye-catching style of an untested path, a whole other strengthened with PSG’s Adrien “I arrive surrounded by “We very much look forward to the trial in May 2020 when the football in an attempt to increase story.” Among Juventus’s rivals Rabiot and former Arsenal star sceptics, but then I always am. I players will have their day in court. their fan base outside of Italy. this season will be Carlo Ance- Aaron Ramsey, both acquired on had the same at Empoli, Napoli “We have every confidence that these world champion athletes While Sarri’s only major title lotti’s Napoli and Inter Milan, free transfers but on large and Chelsea. will get what they legally deserve -- nothing less than equal pay was the Europa League last now coached by former Juventus salaries. “In football, I know only one and working conditions.” season with Chelsea, he promises boss Antonio Conte. For Juventus sporting way of removing scepticism The May date will put the jury trial amid the team’s build up to to give serial Italian champions But Juventus have spent big director Fabio Paratici all the from the minds of people: by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, although it remains possible a settlement Juventus a more dynamic style giving Sarri a stellar squad to pieces are in place for Sarri to winning convincingly. could be reached before then. The issue was center stage as the of play. target a 36th Scudetto and their deliver another style of football. “I haven’t won a lot, but I United States triumphed in the Women’s World Cup in France in Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, first Champions League title “We’re very happy with what believe that having fun on the July, chants of “equal Pay” raining down on the champions after returning to Turin after a season since 1996. has been done. We bought de pitch doesn’t stop you winning.” they defeated the Netherlands in the final. WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Murray falls to Chinese swim star Sandgren as singles Sun granted public comeback trial for doping continues hearing Spanish flavour to spice up Qatar Stars League THE PENINSULA mid-table finishers in 2018-19 season, DOHA retained their coaches with the former reposing their faith in Iceland’s Heimir The Spanish influence on this year’s QNB Hallgrimsson while the latter will once Stars League will be profound with six again be guided by Ruben. coaches from the Iberian country guiding Another Spaniard Raul coach of the fortunes of the QSL clubs in the Umm Salal will be eager to pick up points 12-team double leg competition which against a determined Al Rayyan in the kicks off today. week’s last encounter. Leading the pack of half a dozen Alos Ferrer Jose Murcia Marquez Lopez The Spanish influence is not confined coaches from Spain is former Barcelona (Qatar SC) (Al Shahaniya) (Al Wakrah) to club football but writs large over Qatar great Xavi Hernandez, who is at the helm football. of affairs at defending champions Al Incidentally, Qatar national team Sadd. coach Felix Sanchez is a Spaniard, and Besides, Xavi the other Spaniards was the one who guided the team to the hired by their respective Qatari clubs are Asian Cup triumph in UAE this year. Marquez Lopez of Al Wakrah, Alos Ferrer Besides Sanchez, who moved up the of Qatar SC, Jose Murcia of Al Shahaniya, ladder after coaching different age group Ruben de la Barrera of Al Ahli and Raul teams in Qatar, a number of spanish Caneda of Umm Salal. coaches are imparting basic football The Wolves and Al Wakrah match Ruben de la Barrera Raul Caneda lessons to Qataris at the state of the art Al Sadd’s coach will be a clash of the tiki-taka style of (Al Ahli) (Umm Salal) Aspire Academy training pitches. Xavi Hernandez football, which Spain has been known Another Spaniard Ivan Bravo, who for the last few decades, with Xavi and was earlier the Director General, of Lopez, the two men holding the reins of a perfect record so far to his short The 1-0 win over Al Duhail in the winners Al Duhail and will see the clash Aspire Academy is now the Technical their respective clubs. coaching career. season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup last of coaches from two Iberian countries, Director of the Qatar Football Associ- Marquez, a former Espanyol player, Xavi, who replaced Portuguese week gave Xavi’s his first trophy of his Rui Faria from Portugal and Spaniard ation (QFA). will be keen to get off to a good start to Jesualdo Ferreira after ending his playing short coaching career. Carlos. The other non-Spanish coaches their campaign having made it to the top career at the end of last season has won The Wolves has also qualified for the At Shahania, Murcia will be looking include Sebian Slavisa Jokanovic of Al division after winning the Second three matches so far, all against Al AFC Champions League quarterfinal to maintain the good show which helped Gharafa, Sami Trabelsi of Tunisia at Al Division championship last March. Duhail, two in the AFC Champions giving a big boost to Xav and Al Sadd. them finish seventh after earning pro- Sailiya, Uruguayan Diego Aguirre at Al On the other hand, Xavi has had a League pre-quarter-finals and one in Today’s second game will feature motion from the Second Division. Rayyan and England’s Omar Najhi at Al great start to his coaching career having the Sheikh Jassim Cup. Qatar Sports Club and reigning Amir Cup Meanwhile Al Arabi and Al Ahli, Khor. Holders Al Sadd kick off QSL Rui Faria campaign against Al Wakrah

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Defending champions Al Sadd will be hoping to make a winning start FIXTURES: ROUND 1 to their QNB Stars League (QSL) TODAY campaign when they take on newly Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah promoted Al Wakrah in today’s Al Sadd Stadium (17:20) match at their home ground. Al Duhail aim Al Sadd and new coach Xavi Her- Qatar SC vs Al Duhail nandez have had brilliant start to the Al Janoub Stadium (19:30) new season by winning the season to begin on opening Sheikh Jassim Cup by TOMORROW defeating Al Duhail 1-0. Earlier, Al Sadd defeated Al Al Gharafa vs Al Shahania a high note Duhail in two back-to-back matches Al Janoub Stadium (17:20) of the AFC Champions League pre- Al Sailiya vs Al Khor CHINTHANA WASALA quarter-final matches to make it to Al Sadd Stadium (19:30) THE PENINSULA the quarter-finals of the continually championship. Xavi, who replaced Portuguese FRIDAY Six-time champions Al Duhail begin their QNB Jesualdo Ferreira after ending his Al Arabi vs Al Ahli Stars League (QSL) campaign when they take on playing career at the end of last Al Janoub Stadium (17:20) Qatar SC at the Al Janoub Stadium today. The season has won three matches so far Al Rayyan vs Umm Salal match kicks off at 7.30pm. as coach, all against Al Duhail, two The team took part in their final training in the AFC Champions League pre- Al Sadd Stadium (19:30) session on the eve of the clash under the super- quarter-finals and one in the Sheikh vision of their Portuguese tactician Rui Faria. Jassim Cup. Faria will be keen to leave their worries Xavi, who is one of the six behind, following three consecutive defeats Spanish coaches in the 12-team against Al Sadd, coached by Barcelona legend league, will be hoping to extend the Xavi Hernandez. winning streak of the AFC Cham- Al Duhail lost both of their AFC Champions pions League and the Sheikh Jasim We are very pleased League round of 16 matches to Al Sadd before Cup in the QSL. so far with what we going down fighting in the Sheikh Jassim Cup “We are very pleased so far with final few days ago. what we have done in the AFC have done in the AFC Speaking to media yesterday, Faria said that Champions League and Sheikh Champions League and his team is ready to take Qatar SC. Jassim Cup. The league champi- Sheikh Jassim Cup. The “We’re ready to face Qatar SC. This is a new onship is a new tournament and Al tournament and we will start off with a fresh Sadd have important goals to win league championship is mindset. However, we will miss some of our key titles,” said the former Barcelona players, but will have 11 players on the pitch who Al Sadd’s coach Xavi Hernandez speaks with a club official during a training session. a new tournament and great. Al Sadd have important will do their best to collect full points, so that we “Al Wakrah are a very strong make a strong start to the league,” he said. team that includes key players, both early season preparations. There are physically and psychologically, and goals to win titles: Xavi “We will sorely miss Luis Martin, Assim Madibo, local and international. We will play many important players in the team we hope to bring out our best,” Mohammed Moussa, Ahmed Yasser and Mehdi at home and we studied the Al who can create opportunities and Marquz said on the eve of the Benatia. The QNB Stars League is different from the Wakrah team and I hope there will we do not rely on only one player,” match. AFC Champions League,” Faria said. be no surprises, especially since we said Xavi. “We’re waiting for a difficult our pre-season camp and we won Last season, Al Duhail finished second after are the favourites to win because of Meanwhile, Marquez Lopez, Al confrontation against Al Sadd, which three of them, which was good,” said winning back-to-back league titles in the 2016-17 our work,” he added. Wakrah coach, said his team faces is a well-known team that always the Spaniard. and 2017-18 seasons. Xavi will miss Nam Tae-hee, QSL a difficult task and is looking forward achieves positive results. Al Sadd “We’ve players who were with Meanwhile, Qatari forward Ismael Mohamed player of the season in 2017-18 to put their best foot forward in the played three games at the beginning us last season and they know very said that his team prepared strongly for the new season and Baghdad Bounedjah. opening match. of the season,” he added. well what I seek from them. There season and that he wish to win the opening match Algerian striker Bounedjah last “Our task is difficult because “Our outdoor camp was a are new players in the team and they and achieve a strong start in the league. season scored 39 goals, and emerged we’re coming from the Second success, we did a great job with the also know about our strategy. There “Despite missing out on a number of key as the top goal scorer in a single QSL Division and we’re facing reigning players and I’m happy with the are some changes according to the players in our team for the opening match, we season. QNB Stars League champions Al response they’ve shown. Now they requirements of matches and that’s hope to do well in tomorrow’s confrontation “All the clubs have evolved this Sadd first. We worked to prepare know my style of functioning. We normal. We can deal with it,” against Qatar SC,” he said. season through new signings and for this match with the players played four friendly matches during Marquez added.