FOOTBALL | Page 2 TENNIS | Page 4 Liverpool Paire’s head to Spurs stunning debut in acid test of boosts France title dreams against Spain

Saturday, September 15, 2018 FORMULA 1 Moharram 5, 1440 AH Raikkonen tops GULF TIMES Singapore times as Vettel toils SPORT Page 7 SWIMMING / FINA WORLD CUP DOHA Sjostrom lowers own record, Hungarian Hosszu picks up two gold medals, a wins two gold medals silver and a bronze

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

arah Sjostrom is on a record-breaking spree. The Swedish star had smashed three FINA WorldS Cup records during the fi rst stop in Kazan last week and she added another one in Doha yesterday. At the Hamad Aquatic Cen- tre, Sjostrom once again lowered the 50m butterfl y World Cup mark with a stunning victory. Having been pushed by Ranomi Kromowidjojo through the race, Sjostrom went all out to set a new mark of 25.22 seconds shaving off 0.17 from her Kazan eff ort. Kromowidjojo had to be con- tent with a silver medal with the Dutch also fi nishing in the 25-second range with a time of 25.76, so did Belgium’s Kimberly Buys (25.94) to take bronze. It was Sjostrom’s second win Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu in action en route to her 400m Individual on the night, and third of the Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom won two gold medals yesterday, including medley victory on second day of the FINA World Cup Doha at the meet. The 25-year-old had ear- breaking her own World Cup record in the women’s 50m butterfly. Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil lier topped the 200m freestyle fi eld in a time of 1:56.32. Femke vidual medley, clocking 4:39.57 to There was a second World Cup the South African’s absence, Az- 3. Lin Zheqi (CHN) 15:57.24 Heemskerk (1:56.92) was second, beat out country-mate Zsuzsanna record set in men’s 100m free- erbaijan’s Maksym Shemberev Men’s 50m Backstroke: 1. while Katinka Hosszu (2:00.16) Jakabos (4:44.87). The 29-year- style as American Blake Pieroni (1:58.45) came out on top in a Michael Andrew (USA) 24.49; 2. fi nished third. old Hungarian followed that up by clocked 48.11 to lower Chad Le tight battle with Hungarian Dav- Vladmir Morozov (RUS) 24.79; 3. “I am very happy that I could winning the 100m backstroke, an Clos’ 2015 mark of 48.16. Pieroni id Verraszto (1:58.70) in the men’s Mitchell Larkin (AUS) 25.15 improve my time from Kazan. My event she didn’t win in Kazan, in a opened up a lead in excess of a 200m butterfl y. Women’s 200m Freestyle: 1. The Netherlands team won the mixed 4×100 freestyle, ahead of only goal is to keep improving. I very solid time of 59.63. Kira Tous- half-second at the 50m in 23.12, Today is the last day of the Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 1:56.32; 2. Hungary and China. wanted to go under 25 today but saint of the Netherlands, who won and didn’t relinquish much com- Doha leg, with overall winner Femke Heemskerk (NED) 1:56.92; it’s OK. I am very happy with the the fi rst stop in 59.80, was the run- ing home in a blistering 24.99. in the men’s and women’s cat- 3. Katinka Hosszu 2:00.16 Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 27.60 Men’s 200m Butterfly: 1. Mak- race. Good fans, great atmos- ner-up in 1:00.05. Spain’s Tamara Russian Vlad Morozov, who egory from the fi rst cluster to be Men’s 200m Individual Medley; Women’s 50m Butterfly: 1. Sarah sym Shemberev (AZE) 1:58.45; 2. phere,” Sjostrom said. Frias Molina was third in 1:02.47 in had won in Kazan, was runner- crowned as champion. 1. Mitchell Larkin (AUS) 1:59.14; 2. Sjostrom (SWE) 25.22; 2. Ranomi David Verraszto (HUN) 1:58.70; 3. Hosszu, meanwhile, went a sparse fi eld that featured just fi ve up in 48.43, while Belgian Pieter Tomas Peribonio (ECU) 2:00.40; Kromowidjojo (NED) 25.76; 3. Yuhang Wu (CHN) 1:59.81 about her business as usual. It swimmers. Timmers was third in 49.04. “It’s RESULTS 3. Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 2:03.47 Kimberly Buys (BEL) 25.94 Mixed 4x100m Freestyle: was a typical busy day for the “I am very happy with my tim- the second fastest time of my life. Women’s 400m Individual Women’s 100m Backstroke: 1. Men’s 100m Freestyle: 1. Blake 1. Netherlands (Kyle Stolk, Hungarian as she won two gold ings,” said Hosszu “I am enjoying I am super happy. It’s defi nitely Medley: 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 59.63; 2. Pieroni (USA) 48.11; 2. Vladimir Jesse Puts, Femke Heemskerk, in the individual events and one my medal-winning perform- one of my favourite events and I 4:39.57; 2. Zsuzsanna Jakabos Kira Toussaint (NED) 1:00.05; 3. Morozov (RUS) 48.43; 3. Pieter Ranomi Kromowidjojo) 3:30.81; silver medal in the 4x400 mixed ances. Fans are giving me energy. really enjoyed my run in Doha,” a (HUN) 4:44.87; 3. Alba Vazquez Tamara Molina (ESP) 1:02.47; 3. Timmers (BEL) 49.04 2. Hungary (Daniel Dudas, David relay freestyle, to go along with I thank all my fans in Doha who delighted Pieroni said. Ruiz (ESP) 4:48.68 Yuru Jiang (CHN) 1:02.47 Women’s 100m Breaststroke: Verraszto, Zsusanna Jakabos, her bronze in 200m freestyle. always support me. I am enjoying Meanwhile, Le Clos contin- Men’s 1,500m Freestyle: 1. Mar- Men’s 50m Breaststroke: 1. 1. Yuliya Efimova (RUS) 1:06.27; 2. Katinka Hosszu) 3:37.71; 3. China Hosszu opened the session with the competition here, hopefully, I ued to sit out of the event after cos Gil Corbacho (ESP) 15:28.19; 2. Felipe Lima (BRA) 26.84; 2. Vitalina Simonova (RUS) 1:07.90; (Zheqi Lin, Yuhang Wu, Xinyu Li, an easy win in the 400m Indi- will win more titles.” failing to recover from illness. In Ferran Julia Tous (ESP) 15:42.84; Michael Andrew (USA) 27.47; 3. 3. Sishi Zhang (CHN) 1:10.35 Sishi Zhang) 3:40.76.

CRICKET Captains say Asia Cup will give 2019 WC pointers AFP “Asia Cup is an important tourna- Dubai ment so we have done a good homework Fixtures for it and build-up towards the World Cup which is still far,” said Mortaza. GROUP STAGE ri Lanka and Bangladesh will 15 September: Bangladesh vs Sri have an eye fi xed fi rmly on the INDIA-PAKISTAN CLASH Lanka (Dubai) 2019 World Cup when they get The highlight of the Asia Cup remains a 16 September: Pakistan vs Hong the Asia Cup underway in Dubai high-profi le group match between Pa- Kong (Dubai) today.S kistan and India on Wednesday in Du- 17 September: Sri Lanka vs Defending champions India, who bai. Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) have won the Asia Cup six times, are They have a rich tradition of playing in 18 September: India vs Hong led by dashing opener Rohit Sharma as the neighbouring state of Sharjah, where Kong (Dubai) regular captain and world-class bats- their matches took place from 1984- 19 September: India vs Pakistan man Virat Kohli is rested after a gruel- 2000, but have not toured United Arab (Dubai) ling tour of England. Emirates since 2006, when they played a 20 September: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, hot on India’s heels with two-match series in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) fi ve titles, two-time winners Pakistan, Sharma admitted it will be an exciting SUPER FOUR Bangladesh, Afghanistan and qualifi ers clash, the fi rst between the neighbours 21 September: Group A Winner Hong Kong complete the line-up. since Pakistan won the Champions Tro- vs Group B Runner-up (Dubai) Sharma said although a lot cricket is phy fi nal in London in June last year. 21 September: Group B Winner vs to be played between now and the World “Yes, it will be exciting to play Paki- Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi) Cup, to be held in England between May stan here after a long gap but by no way 23 September: Group A Winner 30 to July 15 next year, the Asia Cup can I am saying it’s the only game,” Sharma vs Group A Runner-up (Dubai) help in the build-up. said. “The focus is on the whole tourna- 23 September: Group B Winner “In a way you can say that (the Asia ment as other teams are also eyeing the vs Group B Runner-up (Abu Cup is a build-up) because every team title.” Dhabi) wants to go to the World Cup wanting to Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed (right) speaks during an Asia Cup press conference as Indian captain Rohit Sharma looks on Pakistan, India and Hong Kong are in 25 September: Group A Winner know their combination,” Sharma said in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) Group A while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh vs Group B Winner (Dubai) at a press conference. and Afghanistan form Group B. 26 September: Group A Runner- “But having said that it’s important Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed de- is a continuation of the journey towards “It’s a process and in a tournaments The top two teams from each group up vs Group B Runner-up (Abu to focus on the job at hand rather than scribed the event as a “journey towards” the World Cup,” Sarfraz said. like this we have to fi nd the right com- will qualify for the Super Four and the Dhabi) thinking too far ahead. All the teams next year’s tournament in England. Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews bination with an eye on the World Cup,” top two teams from Super Four will play FINAL and players have a great opportunity to “Yes, there are still eight months to and Bangladesh’s Mashrafe Mortaza said Mathews. the September 28 fi nal in Dubai. 28 September: Asia Cup 2018 do well and stake claims for the World the World Cup, we have to play a lot of described the Asia Cup as the process Mortaza believed his team has worked Five Asia Cup matches will be played Final (Dubai) Cup squad.” cricket before that. But yes the Asia Cup towards the World Cup. hard for the Asia Cup. in Abu Dhabi. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 15, 2018 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Delph, Foden sweat on Guardiola Man Liverpool head to City team news Spurs in acid test of title dreams Trips to Tottenham have been landmark aff airs for Klopp in his reign with the Reds Mourinho turns on media ‘lies’ over use of Rashford Manchester: Manchester United manager Jose Mour- inho turned on the media once more yesterday as he launched a detailed defence of his use of England international striker Marcus Rashford. The 20-year-old forward impressed for the Three Lions over the international Fabian Delph of Manchester City. break as he started, and scored, against both Spain AFP Southgate is watching his situa- and Switzerland. Manchester tion, along with that of Chelsea’s That led to questions Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with par- over whether Mourinho ticular concern. was making the most of anchester City’s Fa- “We are hoping that now we Rashford’s abilities as he bian Delph and Phil have given them some minutes has struggled to hold down Foden will be sweat- they will go back to their club ing on team news for better prepared for when they a regular place in the United Mtoday’s visit of Fulham, with Ga- get their opportunity and it gives side where he faces stiff reth Southgate’s England warn- them a better chance of staying competition from Romelu ing ringing in their ears. in the team,” he said. Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and The pair have found it diffi cult “They are going to have the Anthony Martial. to break into Pep Guardiola’s side League Cup and European foot- Rashford will definitely be this season, with Delph yet to ball, so there’s more opportunity missing when Mourinho’s play in the Premier League and that the squads will get rotated. men travel to Watford today, Foden limited to eight minutes “But if we are in a similar situ- though, as he begins a off the bench in the recent 6-1 ation next month — three weeks three-match ban after being thrashing of Huddersfi eld. into the season is one thing, but Liverpool manager sent-off against Burnley The issue of limited chances seven weeks and they have not played? It is even more compli- Jurgen Klopp. before the international for home-grown stars has been thrust into the spotlight after cated.” break. “I think I can expect exile. far this season. est and they go into the Liver- the pronouncements of England The situation involving AFP that Sunday I’m going to London But instead safety concerns And Gomez is now playing pool clash with question marks manager Southgate this week. 18-year-old Foden is just as frus- that delayed the opening of the in the centre of Liverpool’s de- in several positions. be highly criticised for not Southgate has made it clear trating, given that he was one of new arena mean Klopp’s side fence, rather than on the right, Harry Kane has looked to be playing him tomorrow that his policy will be that only the outstanding fi gures in the iverpool can fi re a warn- will head back to Tottenham’s with the ice-cool Virgil van Dijk suff ering a World Cup hango- because some of the boys players featuring regularly for England team that won the un- ing to their Premier temporary Wembley home for providing a steadying infl uence ver, while Hugo Lloris caused are really obsessed with their clubs will be considered for der-17 World Cup last season, League rivals by aveng- the fi rst time since their maul- alongside him. a distraction with his arrest for me and, some of them, they the national team. scoring twice in the fi nal against ing last season’s thrash- ing last term. Trent Alexander-Arnold, 19, drink-driving. have I think a problem with That warning is particularly Spain. Ling at Tottenham when they re- Trips to Tottenham have been is the youngest member of an “We know Harry Kane very timely given that City face what Reports suggested Southgate some compulsive lies,” said turn to Wembley for an acid test landmark aff airs for Klopp in his improving Liverpool defence well. It’s not a situation that Mourinho. should be, in theory at least, was on the brink of calling him of their title credentials. three-year reign with the Reds. that features new Scotland cap- worries us,” Pochettino said in The Portuguese coach then one of their easier fi xtures of the into the full squad for the re- Jurgen Klopp’s side are being Klopp’s fi rst game as Liver- tain Andrew Robertson at left- response to claims Kane is fa- campaign as the newly-promot- cent internationals with Spain reeled off a stream of sta- hailed as contenders to win their pool boss was a 0-0 draw at back. tigued and should be rested. ed London club visit the Etihad. and Switzerland only to have a fi rst English title since 1990 af- White Hart Lane in October “I am very happy for them, Lloris and Dele Alli will miss tistics detailing Rashford’s “I was at Manchester City change of heart due to Foden’s ter making a perfect start to the 2015. Two years later, the 4-1 and for Liverpool as well as a the Liverpool game due to inju- 105 appearances in his against Huddersfi eld and you lack of fi rst-team football. season. defeat at Wembley last Octo- club. They’ve been doing bril- ries, while South Korea winger first two seasons in charge think: ‘Well, OK, it is a game Even an established fi gure The Reds sit on top of the ta- ber provoked such an angry re- liantly,” Van Dijk said. Son Heung-min may not be before pointedly suggest- where Foden will play’,” said such as defender John Stones ble thanks to four successive sponse from the German that “You could have picked any- ready to start after returning to ing other managers should Southgate. found it diffi cult to command a victories. his stunned side never looked one for our Player of the Month the club this week following the be quizzed for their use of “But actually, if I am Pep, I regular place under Guardiola in But the scrappy nature of back, embarking on a sustained award this month, everyone has Asian Games. young English players. have other players, senior play- the second half of last season. their wins over Crystal Palace spell of excellence that took been outstanding.” In the circumstances, Pochet- “Marcus Rashford is not ers, who I have to get up to speed Stones suff ered an injury that and Leicester — highlighted by them to the Champions League Tottenham, who harbour ti- tino could do with a dynamic (Liverpool forward) Dominic because they haven’t had many ruled him out for most of April Mohamed Salah’s subdued dis- fi nal. tle ambitions of their own, are display from Christian Eriksen. Solanke, he’s not (Chelsea match minutes.” but, even so, since mid-February plays and a howler from goal- It was a brutal defeat that ex- three points behind Liverpool Eriksen made it 15 goals in his “The landscape is what it is he has played just 433 minutes in midfielder) Ruben Loftus- keeper Alisson — suggest Liv- posed Liverpool’s habit of fl op- after their three-game winning last 18 international appearanc- and I understand the diffi culties the Premier League for City and Cheek, he’s not (Everton erpool are still not the fi nished ping on enemy territory — they streak was ended by a surprise es with a double in Denmark’s club managers have,” he added. more than double that fi gure, al- article. won only 10 of the 30 points 2-1 defeat against Watford. Nations League win against striker) Dominic Calvert- “They have to try to win match- most 1,110 minutes, for the Eng- Against that backdrop, this available against their top- Surrendering the lead at Vic- Wales on Sunday. Lewin. He’s Marcus Rash- es. It is not as straightforward for land team. weekend’s showdown with Tot- six rivals last season, losing at arage Road was a major blow But the 26-year-old has not ford, Manchester United Pep as: ‘Oh, I’ll just give Phil a Another interesting team se- tenham is the perfect opportu- Manchester City, Tottenham, just days after a 3-0 win at scored in his last 10 Tottenham player, with an incredible game.’” lection issue facing Guardiola nity to make a statement in their Chelsea and Manchester Unit- Manchester United that was matches. number of appearances and Delph, 28, has won seven in- concerns winger Leroy Sane, so fi rst clash with one of the ‘big ed. Crucially, Klopp has over- perceived as a sign of Totten- “It’s great to have that form, an incredible number of ternational caps since he last inspirational in City’s title-win- six’ this season. hauled his defence since that ham’s ability to push champions going into the weekend,” Eriksen minutes played at the high- kicked a ball in anger for City, in ning team. Liverpool’s visit had been chastening afternoon at Wem- Manchester City. said. est level in the best possible the fi nal game of last season. He has yet to start a league ear-marked as Tottenham’s fi rst bley, with only one of the back Mauricio Pochettino’s side “I’ve always had many shots, competitions.” (AFP) Given Delph’s more advanced game this season, having missed game in their rebuilt White Hart fi ve from the game — Joe Gomez have too often let themselves even in the Premier League, but standing as one of the older play- out on selection for Germany’s Lane stadium after over a year in — starting all four matches so down when the stakes are high- I just haven’t scored yet.” ers in a young England squad, World Cup squad in Russia.

FOCUS Emery to unleash Aubameyang, Lacazette double act on Newcastle

AFP ery’s fi rst as Gunners boss. Welbeck came off the bench for the nalfi 25 Newcastle Both forwards started in the 3-2 win at Cardiff minutes against West Ham and scored a game- before the international break, forming a lively clinching third goal but was rewarded with just double act to grab their fi rst goals of the season. the last six minutes at Cardiff . nai Emery is set to unleash Alexandre Lacazette’s 81st-minute strike proved decisive He can’t have enjoyed his international break Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Au- in Arsenal’s second victory under Emery. too much either. bameyang at Newcastle today as the So will the pair continue at St James’ Park on First Welbeck saw a goal in Saturday’s home UArsenal manager looks to maintain his Saturday? loss to Spain harshly ruled out in stoppage time side’s free-scoring revival. Emery, who played Lacazette as the main just seconds after coming on. The Premier League season may be only a few striker and pushed Aubameyang to the left at Welbeck followed that up with a lacklustre fi rst weeks old, but Emery is beginning to get his feet Cardiff , is unlikely to go fully retro with a 4-4-2 hour as a starter in the 1-0 friendly win over Swit- under the table at the Emirates Stadium after formation but gave no indication that he intend- zerland on Tuesday and knows he will be back on succeeding Arsene Wenger. ed to bench one of his superstar forwards. the bench at best once again this weekend. The Gunners began with defeats against Man- “I am very happy with the last two victories in Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has rather chester City and Chelsea before getting the better the Premier League and also with the perform- diff erent problems going into the Arsenal match, of West Ham and then Cardiff . ances,” he said when asked if both might start. but insists there is no need to panic despite a win- The fi rst two fi xtures saw Emery begin with “I want to push every player to be okay to help less start that has deposited the Magpies in the Gabon star Aubameyang as his starting striker the team if for one minute, 30 minutes or half relegation zone. and French forward Lacazette come on in the time or 90 minutes.” Just a single point has been garnered from four second half, at the expense of a midfi elder. A fully-functioning Lacazette-Aubameyang Premier League games in addition to a League It was a similar story against West Ham in Ar- partnership is clearly bad news for Danny Wel- Cup exit against second tier Nottingham Forest, senal’s third match. beck though. but the Spaniard is remaining calm ahead of the Lacazette came on for Alex Iwobi at half-time The former Manchester United striker is one of Gunners’ visit. but with a much more tangible result: Arsenal an increasing number of England internationals “When the fi xtures came out the reality was looked far more potent with the Frenchman on whose minutes on the pitch at club level are di- that we knew they were very diffi cult and that our the pitch and went on to seal a 3-1 victory – Em- minishing alarmingly. start could be something like this,” he said. Gulf Times Saturday, September 15, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

NEW LOOK FOR PSG BUNDESLIGA Landmark for Lewandowski as Dortmund put faith in Alcacer

AFP the solution to their problems in Berlin the centre-forward position, and fans may see him in action for the fi rst time in Friday’s clash with obert Lewandowski Eintracht Frankfurt. will celebrate his 200th “Paco links up with team- appearance for Bayern mates well and is very skillful Munich this weekend, in front of goal,” said Dortmund asR the Polish superstar looks to coach Lucien Favre. continue his explosive early-sea- Dortmund will be without son form when Bayern host Bayer USA international Christian Leverkusen today. Pulisic, who is still struggling Lewandowski, who has 157 with a muscular issue. goals in 199 appearances in his Tedesco under pressure: Bayern career so far, has found Schalke kick off their Champi- the net six times in competitive ons League campaign next week, games this term, and is already having fi nished second under Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe wearing the club’s new UEFA Champions League jersey at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on September 13. a fi rm favourite to become Bun- precocious young coach Domen- The white and black jerseys are made by Jordan Brand, created by basketball legend Michael Jordan, in partnership with Nike. desliga top scorer this season. ico Tedesco last season. Along with Schalke and RB Yet after two defeats from two Leipzig, Leverkusen are one of this term, Tedesco is now under PSG hoping Jordan deal will help meet Financial Fair Play demands several big teams who are hoping huge pressure ahead of Satur- to bounce back from a disastrous day’s headline clash with Borus- AFP, Paris: Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser al-Khelaifi has told AFP he is con- start to the campaign. sia Moenchengladbach. fident a lucrative new kit deal with Nike’s Jordan Brand will help them fall into line Elsewhere, Barcelona loa- “I’m not naive, and I’m not with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. nee Paco Alcacer is set to make going to rest on my laurels and PSG unveiled their new home and away Champions League shirts, which will carry his Borussia Dortmund debut expect only to be given credit for the Jordan Brand “Jumpman” logo, at a ceremony in Paris on Thursday after an- against Eintracht Frankfurt on last season,” the Schalke coach nouncing a three-year deal. Friday, while Saturday will see told SportBild this week. According to a source, the Qatar-owned club are hoping to bring in some 200mn the Bundesliga’s oldest and Leipzig’s wheel of misfor- euros ($233.6mn) in total revenue in a year thanks to sales from the deal with the youngest coaches go head to tune: RB Leipzig have also made brand named after NBA icon Michael Jordan. head in Duesseldorf. a wobbly start to their Bundes- It is a subsidiary of Nike, PSG’s kit supplier for over 30 years. liga campaign, and coach Ralf “It is amazing, it will help. That is why I tell everybody, don’t worry, because our Here are fi ve things to look out Rangnick will be hoping that his revenue will increase,” Al-Khelaifi told AFP. for in this weekend’s Bundesliga “wheel of misfortune” can turn “We have a lot of things to do of course, but the global brand today of Paris Saint- action: his team’s luck around. Germain, with Jordan, can add a lot of revenue, soon and in the season.” Lewandowski reaches mile- Leipzig have picked up just Al-Khelaifi said that PSG are now “one of the biggest three brands in the world, in stone: Amid rumours of a move one point from their opening two football.” away from Munich and an early games, and host a well-disci- Financial Fair Play rules were brought in to ensure that clubs competing in Euro- World Cup exit with Poland, it plined Hanover side on Saturday. pean competitions do not spend more than they earn, or post losses of more than had been a turbulent summer for As Bild revealed this week, 30mn euros over three seasons. Robert Lewandowski. Leipzig players no longer receive After their huge spending spree a year ago, the French champions were more Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi (R) speaks next to the Yet Bayern’s star striker is now fi nes for indiscretions, but in- restrained with their business in the transfer window which closed at the end of last Jordan Brand’s president Larry Miller (L) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris back to his best, having scored in stead have to spin the wheel of month. during the presentation of PSG’s UEFA Champions League jerseys. both Bundesliga games so far this misfortune. season. The wheel can land on any of He will be looking to continue 12 diff erent punishments, rang- that run when his side host Bayer ing from groundskeeping duties LA LIGA Leverkusen, in what will be his and shifts in the club fan shop to 200th appearance for the Bavar- being forced to wear a ballerina’s ian giants. tutu in training. Leverkusen, meanwhile, are Old meets young in Dues- hoping to avoid their worst ever seldorf: The Bundesliga’s old- start to a Bundesliga season af- est coach will meet its youngest ter they lost their opening two when Fortuna Duesseldorf host games. Hoff enheim today. “Bayern are the best in the Simeone calm as business but we have to go there Today (all times GMT) and seek out chances,” un- Bayern Munich v Bayer der pressure Leverkusen coach Leverkusen, RB Leipzig v Hano- Heiko Herrlich told SID, an AFP ver 96, Mainz 05 v Augsburg, subsidiary. Wolfsburg v Hertha Berlin, Alcacer arrives in Dort- Fortuna Duesseldorf v TSG mund: Paco Alcacer is hoping Hoff enheim (all 1330), Borussia to make his fi rst appearance for Moenchengladbach v Schalke Atleti face Eibar Borussia Dortmund this week- 04 (1630) end after arriving on loan from Tomorrow ‘I’m calmer than ever because it’s a wake-up call, a call for more focus’ Barcelona. Werder Bremen v Nuremberg Dortmund hope that the (1330), Freiburg v Stuttgart AFP bolstered two areas of weakness. be to conclude Lopetegui is plumping former Valencia hitman can be (1600) Madrid But defensive errors in the Super Cup for the Belgian as his fi rst-choice, ahead win against Madrid have continued into of UEFA’s recently named keeper of the the league, while Diego Costa, Griez- year, Keylor Navas. tletico Madrid were billed as se- mann and Lemar have yet to catch fi re. “It’s clear that I have two excellent so- rious contenders to win La Liga “We have lacked a little bit of precision lutions,” Lopetegui told Cadena SER last Lukaku says Mourinho this season but three games in at the end of our plays and that’s why we week. “The decision we make, it’s not a and they are already playing didn’t score against Celta,” Simeone said. problem. We have an idea in our heads deserves respect catch-up.A “But what is clear to me is that this that we will not make public and we will A creditable draw away to Valencia start is the best thing that can happen to see where it takes us.” Manchester United striker with everybody.” was followed by a stodgy one-goal win us.” Luka Modric should make his second Romelu Lukaku defended Jose Lukaku suggested that players at home to Rayo Vallecano. By the time Atleti will surely react and there was league start of the season, alongside the Mourinho’s confrontational style had to toughen up in the face the whistle blew on a chaotic 2-0 defeat cause for optimism too over the interna- same clutch of Spaniards who helped in- of management, saying that the of criticism and respond with to Celta Vigo, Barcelona and Real Madrid tional break, when their midfi elder Saul fl ict a 6-0 thrashing over his Croatia on Portuguese deserves respect for better performances. were readying themselves for a third win Niguez proved himself the standout per- Tuesday. not hiding his true feelings like “Sometimes footballers, we out of three. former across two excellent Spain victo- Ivan Rakitic may be in for similar taunt- several Premier League bosses. get soft. If I listen to players “I’m not worried,” coach Diego Sime- ries. ing as he returns to Barcelona, who face Mourinho has had strained from back in the day and now, one said. “I’m calmer than ever because But it means they can ill-aff ord anoth- Real Sociedad on Saturday at Anoeta. relationships with some of his a manager cannot say what he it’s a wake-up call, a call for more focus.” er slip at home to Eibar today, particu- With PSV Eindhoven to come at the players at the club since taking wants to a player because you It also means fi ve points stand between larly with the city derby at the Santiago Camp Nou three days later, Ernesto Val- charge in 2016, most notably feel attacked,” he added. Atletico and Spain’s two grandees, who Bernabeu fast approaching at the end of verde will have been relieved to see the with record signing Paul Pogba, “But I don’t feel attacked, have swept up 13 of the last 14 league ti- the month. likes of Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and but Belgian Lukaku said he because that’s who I am — I am tles, with Simeone’s surprise triumph in Their rivals could hardly have made a Jordi Alba resting up over the interna- preferred the manager to be a tough man, but that doesn’t 2014 the anomaly. better opening under Julen Lopetegui, tional period. honest. come from football, that comes That was Atleti’s fi rst in 18 years and with a trip to come on Saturday to Ath- “People need to appreciate that, from my background. a surprise of such gigantic proportions, letic Bilbao, who will have not kicked Fixtures (all times GMT) at least there are people who “My relationship with him that even Barca’s fans applauded when it a competitive ball in three weeks after Today are real in this world like him. (Mourinho) is cool. He makes was signed off at the Camp Nou, in their their last match against Rayo Vallecano Atletico Madrid v Eibar (1100), Real Because most managers in the me laugh, he makes the players own back yard. was postponed. Sociedad v Barcelona (1415), Valencia v league, when they are not happy laugh, he’s a real family guy. He A repeat next May would be no less Gareth Bale extended his sensational Real Betis (1630), Athletic Bilbao v Real they try to find a way to seem fights for his players, but he’s impressive but certainly more believable. mer, or rather lack of it, that deepened start to the season with a brilliant goal for Madrid (1845) happy,” Lukaku told the BBC. real.” In the four years since, Atletico have the sense this could again be their year. Wales last week and Karim Benzema also Tomorrow “You should respect that he United, who are 10th with six fi nished third, third, third and second, Antoine Griezmann felt like a new appears a player transformed under his Leganes v Villarreal (1000), Espanyol v wants to keep his personality points from four matches, will won the Europa League and gone to the signing after he snubbed Barcelona — new coach, boasting four goals in three. Levante (1415), Real Valladolid v Alaves and not shy away from confron- look to end Watford’s perfect fi nal of the Champions League, only to and announced it in a documentary The only doubt has been at the other (1630), Sevilla v Getafe (1845) tation. He wants us to improve. start to the campaign when they lose to Real. — while the arrivals of Thomas Lemar end. If Thibaut Courtois retains his place Monday He’s a normal guy... he’s cool travel to Vicarage Road today. But it was their business in the sum- from Monaco and Rodri from Villarreal in goal versus Bilbao, the temptation will Girona v Celta Vigo (1900) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 15, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF / LPGA EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP Paire’s stunning Torres overcomes debut boosts France shaky start Beats Carreno-Busta in straight sets; Pouille to share lead against Spain doubles France’s lead AFP day. Opportunity — that’s the Evian, France word to sum up my position go- ing into the weekend.” Torres, a bubbly character, was uerto Rican trailblazer a little girl keen on horses. But a Maria Torres overcame a golf range close to her home in shaky start in the second San Juan attracted her attention. round to emerge as one She went along, and soon began Pof four joint halfway leaders in to dream of becoming a profes- the fi nal major of the season, the sional.. Evian Championship yesterday. “I started playing when I was The fi rst golfer from Puerto about seven and, from then on, I Rica to play on the US LPGA gave up riding and always wanted Tour, and the fi rst to compete in to become a golfer,” she added. a women’s major, Torres couldn’t She earned her place on the stop smiling after a 69 despite LPGA Tour via a play-off at nalfi a disheartening bogey, bogey qualifying school last year — and opening. had her fi rst top ten at the recent The 23-year-old was joined Canadian Open. at the top by South Korea’s Lee This is just her second major Mi-hyang and two Americans, — she missed the cut at the lPGA Amy Olson, who is still awaiting Championship in June. her fi rst win after fi ve years as a Olson had her best fi nish of the professional, and Mo Martin, season in the opening major, a tie the 2014 women’s British Open for ninth at the ANA Inspiration champion. in March. Olson shot 65, while Martin “I love the majors,” said the and Lee both had 66 to make it qualifi ed accountant whose into a tie at the top on eight un- brother Nathan, was her caddie. der par 134. “I love it when the courses are The quartet led by one from tough and par is a great score. Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, who Today I putted really well.” added a 70 to her opening 65. The The 26-year-old saved her round of the day was a 64 from most important putt for the 18th Angela Stanford — she was in the — holing an 18 footer for par and next group on six under. the share of the lead. Setting out in the rain, and “That was huge,” she admitted. starting at the tenth, the rookie “I had a horrible lie for my chip Torres dropped shots on her two and wan’t expecting it to go in.” opening holes, but a three at the Lee who started at the tenth, par four 12th settled the nerves had an even better fi nish, mak- and more birdies followed at the ing eagle at the long ninth, while 14th, 16th and seventh. Martin also ended her round in “It wasn’t the best start,” she style, holing a long putt for birdie admitted. “But then I thought at the same hole. ‘OK. We can handle this and Anna Nordqvist, the defend- there are still 16 holes to play’ ing champion, had a 70 for one and I got on a roll again with the under par, but world no.1 Park fi rst birdie. Sung-hyun couldn’t recover France’s Benoit Paire celebrates after winning the first rubber against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta in the Davis Cup semi-final in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France, yesterday. (AFP) “It is so awesome just to be from her opening 77 and missed here and I keep learning every the cut by three shots after a 71. Agencies as he three times had to battle drew fi rst blood for the hosts Lille back from a set point down. against Johnson, who was leading Paire, the world number 54, his country in the absence of John started with predictable unpre- Isner and Jack Sock. enoit Paire made a re- dictability, delivering nine dou- Coric’s emphatic win just un- markable Davis Cup ble faults in the opening set but derlined why the Croats, who debut for France, out- after saving the set points with had won all their four previous playing Pablo Carreno- steel, the bearded shotmaker ties with the Davis Cup’s most BustaB 7-5 6-1 6-0 in the open- was freed to play his most at- successful nation, were over- ing rubber of the World Group tractive tennis. whelming favourites to repeat semi-fi nal tie against Spain, From 3-5 down, he rallied to the dose and reach the fi nal of while Lucas Pouille dug deep to win the next nine games and, in the last Davis Cup to be played deny Roberto Bautista-Agut in total, 16 of the last 17 as his all- in its traditional historic format fi ve sets to give the hosts a 2-0 court attacking approach made before next year’s revamp. lead at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy Carreno Busta seem fl at-footed World number 18 Coric was yesterday. and just a little lost as he suc- impressive from the start, tak- Paire had never been selected cumbed in less than two hours. ing an early break for 2-1, aided for his country in the ‘World Later yesterday, Pouille, the by Johnson missing plenty of Cup of tennis’ before, admit- French number one, fought back fi rst serves, and controlling the ting himself that his explosive, from losing the fi rst set to see 35-minute opening stanza. erratic performances on court off the Spaniard 3-6, 7-6, 6-4, The youngster brought the meant he could previously never 2-6, 6-4 at Lille’s Stade Pierre- crowd to their feet with one ex- properly be trusted. Mauroy. traordinary ‘tweener’ lob that Yet he has grown into a much His win, with Paire doubling left Johnson fl at-footed as he more reliable and consist- up, leaves France 2-0 and head- Croatia’s Marin Cilic in action during his World Group semi-final against earned another quick break in ent performer in 2018 which ing for a fi nal against either Frances Tiafoe of the US in Zadar, Croatia, yesterday. (Reuters) the second set but the American prompted the champions’ cap- Croatia or the United States in fought back strongly to take it to tain Yannick Noah to select him November. 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to put the hosts Cup player, moving him past the a tiebreak. for his fi rst tie at the unlikely age 2-0 ahead in their Davis Cup 36 rubbers won by Ivan Ljubicic. Coric again stepped up his of 29 and he was rewarded with CILIC, CORIC GIVE CROATIA semi-fi nal in Zadar yesterday. Earlier Borna gave Croatia a game, reeling off the final four a virtuoso performance against FLYING START Cilic overwhelmed the Amer- fl ying start by defeating Steve points of the breaker, featuring a doughty opponent. Croatia lead USA by an identical ican youngster in the opening Johnson 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the a glorious forehand winner and Playing with real fl air, not 2-0 margin going into today’s two sets but was made to work opening rubber. a fi ne volley, to seal it 7-4. holding back and looking as if he middle day doubles. harder in the third as Tiafoe fi - The 21-year-old Coric had lost He then forged home his ad- was made for Davis Cup theat- Marin Cilic gave Croatia a nally shook off his debut nerves. his only previous encounter with vantage over the world number 30 rics, Paire also showed real heart stranglehold over the United Cilic’s victory made him the US number three at Roland in the third set to wrap up victory Spain’s Carlota Ciganda hits a shot during the Evian Championship in when struggling in the fi rst set States as he beat Frances Tiafoe Croatia’s most successful Davis Garros but on Zadar’s clay courts in two hours and 24 minutes. Evian-les-Bains, France, yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF / RYDER CUP Tennis Grand Slams to keep 32 Europe undaunted by Woods and Mickelson: Fleetwood seeds in 2019 The four major tennis Reuters “Most of us guys on the Euro- pean Tour events could give the more competitive contest this tournaments will con- Hong Kong pean team play in the same tour- home team the edge over a tal- time after Europe captain Tho- tinue to seed 32 players for naments against Phil and Tiger ented US team. mas Bjorn selected Sergio Gar- men’s and women’s singles week in and week out at the mo- “It can’t do any harm on a golf cia, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and draws, after the Grand Slam yder Cup debutant ment,” he said on a conference course that we’ve all played on Henrik Stenson to bolster his Board (GSB) announced on Tommy Fleetwood call to confi rm his involvement quite a lot,” said Fleetwood, who squad. Thursday it had reversed an claims neither he nor in this year’s Hong Kong Open. won the French Open at Le Golf “I think both teams look great earlier decision to halve the his European team- “You can’t deny they’re two National last year. this year,” he said. number. matesR will be overawed by the of the best golfers ever and they “It’s diffi cult to say that “I know there’s been a lot of Having indicated last year presence of Tiger Woods and always will be, but when you tee against the best players in the talk about how good the Ameri- that the Australian Open, Phil Mickelson in the United it up you’re just playing another world who play at major venues cans are this year and there’s no French Open, Wimbledon States line-up at the biennial golfer, it doesn’t matter who it is. that it will make that much dif- doubt about it they’ve got an and the US Open would only trans-Atlantic head-to-head “They were always guaran- ference, but if it’s going to go in unbelievable team. But at the have 16 seeds from 2019, the later this month. teed to be picked and they’ve anybody’s favour it will go in Eu- same time, for Europe to be able organisation in charge of the Woods and Mickelson were had good years themselves. Phil rope’s, to be at home and to be on to pick the four guys that got Grand Slams said that the included among US team Jim won a World Golf Championship that golf course. picked just shows the strength in current format would remain Furyk’s picks for the clash, and Tiger could have won three “Last time it was in America European golf. in place next year. which will be held at Le Golf Na- or four events on his comeback and the way they set the golf “I honestly think it could be one The Grand Slam events dou- tional course just outside Paris and he’s done better than any- course up was massively in fa- of the greatest Ryder Cups ever. bled the number of seeds to from Sept 28 to 30. body thought he was going to Phil Mickelson (left) and Tiger Woods. vour of the USA and that’s just We do have a really good team 32 in 2001, but the possibility Fleetwood believes his team- do, especially this year, and he’s the way it is.” spirit this year. Maybe it’s always of a decrease was raised as mates’ familiarity with the duo playing some great stuff . ence sense just because they’ve win on European soil for the fi rst On that occasion the Europe- like that, but it’s my fi rst one so a way to make favourites’ as well as home advantage will “But that will make no dif- played so many Ryder Cups but time since 1993 and Fleetwood ans suff ered a heavy 17-11 de- I can only go on that, and we’ve paths to the latter stages of boost their bid to reclaim the ference to us, it really won’t. It it will make no diff erence to us.” feels the advantage of playing on feat at Hazeltine National, but got a great bunch of players and I tournaments more diff icult. Ryder Cup. will help their team in an experi- The Americans are looking to a course regularly used for Euro- Fleetwood is expecting a much fancy our chances, I really do.” Gulf Times Saturday, September 15, 2018 5 SPORT

BASEBALL Arenado, Story homer to help Rockies beat Diamondbacks Rockies extend their National League West lead to 4 1/2 games over third-placed Arizona

Reuters ning streak stopped, and the A’s fell 1 Denver, USA 1/2 games behind the New York Yan- kees in the race for the top American League wild card. Bundy (8-14) ended revor Story and Nolan Are- a personal fi ve-game losing streak over nado homered, David Dahl had seven starts. The right-hander allowed three hits and two RBIs, and the two runs on six hits and no walks while Colorado Rockies beat the Ari- striking out eight, posting his fi rst vic- Tzona Diamondbacks 10-3 on Thursday tory since July 29. in Denver. Kyle Freeland (15-7) allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings to help the TWO WINS FOR METS Rockies extend their National League AGAINST MARLINS West lead to 4 1/2 games over third- Michael Conforto and Todd Frazier hit place Arizona. back-to-back home runs with two outs Colorado, which took three of four in in the ninth inning as host New York the series, leads the second-place Los came back to stun Miami in the opener Angeles Dodgers by 1 1/2 games. Arizo- of a doubleheader. The Mets were one na starter Clay Buchholz was scratched out away from losing when Conforto just before fi rst pitch with what the homered into the second deck in right team said was tightness in his right fi eld off Kyle Barraclough (0-6). Frazier elbow. Matt Koch (5-5) started in his then went deep on a 1-1 pitch well into place but was roughed up for four runs the left fi eld seats for his third career on eight hits in three innings. walk-off blast. The rally made a winner “We’re playing good baseball, we’re out of Jerry Blevins (3-2), who tossed a a very confi dent team,” Arenado said. perfect top of the ninth. “Everyone’s playing a part. It’s great.” In the Game 2, Mets 5 beat Marlins 2. Freeland played two parts — keeping Jason Vargas (6-9) combined with two Arizona’s off ense in check until his left relievers on a four-hitter, and Conforto calf cramped up in the seventh and do- laced the go-ahead, two-run double in ing damage with his bat. He had an RBI the fi fth inning as New York fi nished a double in the second inning and started doubleheader sweep. New York beat a rally in the fourth with a bunt single Miami three times in a span of 24 hours down the third base line. “I was amazed to conclude a rain-soaked series. with him today,” Arenado said. “I was The scheduled opener was rained like, ‘He’s an animal. He wants to pitch, out on Monday, and the teams could he wants to hit, he wants to run, he just only play one game of a scheduled dou- wants to be out there.’ The best pitchers bleheader on Wednesday, when the in this game, that’s how they are.” fi rst pitch was thrown at 9:45pm. The two victories on Thursday capped an RED SOX 4, BLUE JAYS 3 emotional day in which Mets captain Boston took advantage of a dropped David Wright, who hasn’t played since pop fl y in the bottom of the eighth in- May 27, 2016, due to various neck, back ning to defeat visiting Toronto and and shoulder surgeries, announced he complete a three-game sweep. Xander would return for the fi nal homestand of Bogaerts doubled against Danny Barnes Colorado Rockies' DJ LeMahieu hits a two-run walk off home run in the ninth innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Denver. (USA TODAY Sports) the season. (3-3) with one out in the eighth. Bogaerts then stole third to force the cago won a makeup game at Washing- DODGERS 9, CARDINALS 7 runs, three earned, over six innings for hit by a pitch, and also drove in a run for MARINERS 8, ANGELS 2 infi eld in. Blake Swihart hit a pop fl y ton. Kris Bryant doubled to left-centre Manny Machado had a home run the Dodgers. the Royals. Heath Fillmyer (3-1) gave up Mike Leake allowed one run in seven that second baseman Yangervis So- fi eld with one out in the 10th inning off among his three hits, and David Freese four runs on fi ve hits over 7 1/3 innings, innings, and Nelson Cruz hit a three- larte dropped for an error that allowed Sean Doolittle (3-3). Daniel Murphy had a two-run triple against his former ROYALS 6, TWINS 4 walking one and striking out six, to pick run home run to lead Seattle to a win Bogaerts to score the go-ahead run. reached on an infi eld single to put run- team as Los Angeles won at St. Louis. Salvador Perez and Jorge Bonifacio hit up the victory. Wily Peralta pitched a over Los Angeles in Anaheim, Califor- JD Martinez and Rafael Devers hit solo ners on the corners before Baez pushed The Cardinals, who trailed 8-1 after back-to-back homers to highlight a hitless ninth to earn his 11th save. nia. Leake (10-9) gave up four hits and home runs for the Red Sox, who won the a bunt past the mound toward second four innings, scored two runs in the four-run sixth inning as Kansas City one walk while striking out fi ve. season series 15-4 against the Blue Jays. base that could not be fi elded cleanly, ninth inning and had the tying run at rallied for a victory over visiting Min- ORIOLES 5, A’S 3 Only two Angels were able to get into driving in Bryant. Baez wound up a tri- the plate twice, but Dodgers closer nesota. Perez also doubled, and Rosell Tim Beckham drove in two runs, and scoring position while Leake was in the CUBS 4, NATIONALS 3 ple short of the cycle and scored twice. Kenley Jansen, who entered in a non- Herrera had two hits and scored a run Dylan Bundy tossed six solid innings game — Mike Trout doubled in the fi rst Javier Baez had three hits and three Bryant had three hits and scored twice, save situation, fi nished off the game for Kansas City. as host Baltimore defeated Oakland. inning, and Justin Upton homered in RBIs, and his bunt single in the 10th in- and Anthony Rizzo had two hits for the by getting Matt Adams to ground out. Alex Gordon reached base three The Orioles ended a six-game losing the seventh. The Mariners had 12 hits in ning drove in the go-ahead run as Chi- Cubs, who had lost four of fi ve. Clayton Kershaw (8-5) gave up four times, walking twice and also getting streak. Oakland saw its six-game win- the game.

NFL NBA Dalton, Green shine in Bengals’ win Miami Heat star Wade still unsure about new season Reuters Miami

ill he or won’t he? The Miami Heat still do not know if star shooting guard WDwyane Wade will play a 16th season for the team next season. The reason? Wade himself con- tinues to say he has not made up his mind. While speaking to reporters on Thursday about the upcoming opening of a Miami restaurant, the 12-time All-Star nowhere. My family’s here, my roster, leaving one spot open for was asked about his plans for the kids are growing, so defi nitely Wade. His longtime teammate 2018-19 season with Heat train- if I’m not wearing a Miami Heat Udonis Haslem, who joined the ing camp scheduled to begin in jersey next year, I’ll be wearing Heat along with Wade in 2003, less than two weeks. And once it under one of my sweaters or re-signed with the team last week again, Wade could not confi rm jackets.” for the $2.4mn veteran minimum. a fi nal decision. “I wish I had an Wade was reportedly off ered Because Wade left the team as Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams (centre) is upended by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Hardy Nickerson (left) and defensive answer for you. I don’t have it to- a three-year, $25mn contract a free agent when he joined the back Darqueze Dennard during the NFL game in Cincinnati on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) day,” Wade said to reporters. in July to play for the Zhejiang Chicago Bulls before the 2016-17 One thing both he and the team Golden Bulls of the Chinese Bas- season, the Heat no longer have AFP grabbing touchdown catches of four, 28 and main without KJ Wright, who had a knee are aware of is that Wade will ei- ketball Association, which would his “Larry Bird rights” and are Los Angeles seven yards on consecutive possessions in scope shortly before the season, though ther retire or play for the Heat have made him the highest-paid restricted in how much the salary the fi rst half in front of a crowd of 50,000 at head coach Pete Carroll said he’s made next season. “I always said that player in China. But Wade, 36, cap-strapped team can pay him. Paul Brown Stadium. “It happened to work quick progress. Rookie fi fth-round selec- when I got traded back to Miami, says he isn’t considering join- The Heat can off er Wade either a ndy Dalton and AJ Green con- tonight. I am always trying to better my tion Shaquem Griffi n started for Wright last that was it for me,” Wade said. “I ing the CBA or any other team $2.4mn veteran-minimum salary nected for three touchdown passes game,” said Green. week but was pulled late in favor of Aus- said it in the fi rst interview and I other than Miami. The Heat have for 2018-19 or the team’s mid- as the Cincinnati Bengals contin- Cincinnati’s aggressive attack allowed tin Calitro after he “got fooled on a couple don’t want to pack my bags to go 19 players on their training camp level exception for $5.3mn. ued their success over the Balti- them to take an early 21-point lead. They things,” as Carroll put it. moreA Ravens with a 34-23 win on Thurs- added another touchdown to lead 28-14 at Kendricks pleaded guilty before a federal day. Cincinnati knocked the Ravens out of halftime. The Bengals held on to win despite judge earlier this month and faces up to 25 NHL NFL playoff contention last season and on being outscored 9-6 in the second half. years in prison, with sentencing scheduled Thursday Dalton dominated the Baltimore “We just had to grind it out. We were for- for December. Kendricks, who turns 28 later defence once again. tunate enough to come out with the win,” this month, admitted before a federal judge Dalton fi nished with four touchdown said Bengals runningback Joe Mixon, who in Philadelphia that he swapped cash, NFL Senators trade Karlsson to Sharks passes in the fi rst half for the Bengals, who fi nished with 84 yards rushing. The loss tickets and access to parties with a Wall AFP NHL backline honours in 2012 Francis Perron to the Sharks moved into sole possession of fi rst place in dropped Baltimore to 1-1. Next week the Street-connected associate for nonpublic, Ottawa and 2015. while obtaining in return for- the AFC North Division with a 2-0 record. Bengals face Carolina, while the Ravens market-shifting information. “I’m just going to speak from wards Chris Tierney and Ru- “It was a great win,” said Dalton. “To come square off against Denver. Prosecutors said Kendricks netted close my heart. I wish we were stand- dolfs Balcers, defenceman Dylan out hot tonight and get the start, we did kind to $1. mn in profi ts off the trading during his weden’s Erik Karlsson, ing here in diff erent circum- DeMelo, the rights to unsigned of set the tone for the game. You can’t ask SEAHAWKS TO SIGN two-year arrangement with a former Gold- twice a Norris Trophy stances,” Karlsson said. forward Joshua Norris a fi rst- for a better way to start.” The Bengals were EX-EAGLES LB KENDRICKS man Sachs analyst. Kendricks won the Su- winner as top NHL de- The Senators, his only club in round pick in the 2019 or 2020 playing on short rest after beating the In- The Seattle Seahawks are expected to sign per Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last Sfenceman, was traded on nine NHL campaigns, off ered NHL Draft, a 2019 second-round dianapolis Colts 34-23 in Sunday’s season veteran linebacker Mychal Kendricks, ac- season before joining the Cleveland Browns, Thursday by the Ottawa Sena- him a contract extension in July pick and two other picks to be fi - opener. Dalton fi nished 24-of-42 for 265 cording to multiple reports. ESPN reported who released him last month after he was tors to the San Jose Sharks in a but he would not re-sign with nalised later. yards, throwing four touchdown passes for that the team will sign Kendricks, who made charged. Drafted in the second round by 10-player deal. Ottawa. Tampa Bay and Dallas Karlsson had nine goals and just the fi fth time in his career. “We had good his name as a longtime starter with the Phil- Philadelphia out of Cal in 2012, Kendricks The 28-year-old standout, reportedly made off ers for him in 53 assists in 71 games for Ottawa tempo. We just made plays. It wasn’t always adelphia Eagles but was cut by the Cleve- appeared in 85 games (74 starts) with the was named the top defenceman July but it’s only on the brink of last season. how we always draw it up, but it works that land Browns in August after he was charged Eagles from 2012-17. He recorded 14 sacks, and won a silver medal at the pre-season contests that a deal He has led or shared the lead way sometimes,” said Dalton. with insider trading. three interceptions and fi ve fumble recover- 2014 Sochi Olympics, is a fi ve- was completed. in total points for the Senators in Green had the best game of his career, The Seahawks’ defense probably will re- ies in that span. time NHL All-Star who won top Ottawa also sent left wing each of the past fi ve campaigns. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 15, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY BADMINTON Phetpradab All Blacks eye early stuns Chen Long at Japan Open

Agencies respectively on Thursday. title against Boks Tokyo Meanwhile, men’s top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark ad- vanced into last four. Axelsen, hosit Phetpradab of who is yet to drop a game in Ja- The world champions have won 11 of their last 12 encounters, including the Thailand continued his pan, registered another comfort- giant-killing act at the able 21-17, 21-15 victory over An- last six by an average margin of 23 points Japan Open, upsetting thony Sinisuka Ginting. sixthK seed and Olympic cham- The Indonesian was in the AFP pion Chen Long 21-19, 24-22 second game at 15-14, but a run Wellington in the quarter-fi nals in Tokyo of fi ve points ended Ginting’s yesterday. In the opening round hopes. World number one Ax- Phetpradab had secured, argu- elsen will face third seed Kento he All Blacks are on the verge of ably, the biggest win of his ca- Momota, who defeated Chinese wrapping up the Rugby Cham- reer when he beat World No.2 star Lin Dan and the fi ve-time pionship with two games to Shi Yuqi of China. In the semis, World champion 21-8, 21-10. spare when they face a strug- Phetpradab will face Lee Dong Lin has struggled with his Tgling Springbok side in Wellington today. Keun of South Korea. form in 2018 and currently fi nds The world champions start as heavy fa- Dong Keun scored a shock win himself down in 14th place in the vourites with the once ferocious battles over seventh seed Kidambi Sri- world rankings, leading some to between New Zealand and South Africa kanth of India after a three-game suggest retirement might be on becoming a fading memory. encounter at the USD 700,000 the horizon for the 34-year-old. The All Blacks have won 11 of their last tournament. The Korean won In the women’s draw, fi fth seed 12 encounters, including the last six by an 21-19, 16-21, 18-21 that lasted an Chen Yufei of China knocked out average margin of 23 points. Springbok hour and 19 minutes. local hopeful Akane Yamaguchi captain Siya Kolisi said South Africa’s aim With Srikanth’s exit, the In- 21-13, 15-21, 21-15 in a pulsating was simply to reduce their error rate and dian shuttlers’ campaign at the aff air. “give it our best shot”, while the All Blacks Japan Open came to a halt as Spanish star Carolina Marin were motivated by the silverware and not Olympic medallist and Asian defeated Ratchanok Intanon 21- the traditional rivalry. Games silver-medallist PV 18, 21-19 and Nozomi Okuhara “It’s a focus of ours to win this cham- Sindhu and HS Prannoy crashed eased past Chen Xiaoxin 21- pionship and we’d love to do it in four out in the previous rounds of the 17, 21-16 in other quarter-fi nal games. We’ve got that opportunity and women’s and men’s singles event matches. hopefully we can perform out there to- morrow,” said captain New Zealand cap- tain Kieran Read. He then struggled to talk up the Springboks, who were once regarded as New Zealand’s fi ercest rivals but arrive in disarray after two straight defeats and with coach Rassie Erasmus voicing fears he could get the sack. “Oh, look, I don’t know. It is an old foe of ours and each team around the world has its special kind of meanings for us as All Blacks to play against,” the diplo- matic Read said. “The South Africans are special in their own way. It’s hard to pin- point,” he added. The All Blacks go into the Test with a maximum 15 points from three games while South Africa are second with six The All Blacks go into the Test with a maximum 15 points from three games while South Africa are second with six points with points with Australia and Argentina on Australia and Argentina on four. (AFP) four. A bonus-point win would seal a third straight title for New Zealand, who three times in a row,” Hansen said. Kolisi said the Springboks had learned ing. We create such a lot of opportunities have won 15 of the 22 southern hemi- But in the Springboks’ camp, Erasmus from the mistakes made in their recent and we’re not fi nishing... we do all the sphere championships since 1996. suggested early in the week he would be losses to Argentina and Australia, and hard work getting to the 22 and then we’ll Despite the contrasting fortunes of the happy with a “close loss”, and Test Kolisi how they fared against the All Blacks make a mistake, losing the ball or knock two sides, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen expressed the same view. “He’s being would be a measure of how much they on the ball or just turnover the ball.” claimed South Africa, now ranked just honest. He just wants us to give our best had improved. “Obviously, we know In the New Zealand leg of the Rugby seventh in the world, could be considered no matter what the consequences,” the what’s ahead of us playing the best team Championship last year, the All Blacks favourites. Springbok captain said. “As long as we in the world,” he said. won 57-0, their biggest winning margin “South Africa are going to be desperate walk off the fi eld and look each other in “Wanting to improve, that’s the big- against South Africa, but in the return to put a performance on the park. Very the eye and say ‘we’ve given it our best gest thing. The team wants to get better. match in Cape Town they scraped home Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab hits a smash during his win over rarely do they lose twice in a row, let alone shot’, that’s what he wants from us.” The important thing is obviously fi nish- 25-24. China’s Chen Long in the quarter-finals of the Japan Open. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT BOXING Hooper ruled out, Pocock Golovkin and Canelo prepare for to captain Wallabies boiling point in grudge match

Reuters AFP Sydney Las Vegas

allabies captain welve months of steadily simmering Michael Hooper acrimony reaches boiling point here has been forced out today when world middleweight of his side’s Rugby king Gennady Golovkin faces off WChampionship clash with Ar- againstT Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in their long- gentina after re-injuring his awaited Las Vegas rematch. problematic hamstring and been Golovkin, the unbeaten WBA, WBC and replaced as skipper by David IBO champion, will be chasing a place in Pocock for the match on the Gold boxing history as he attempts to make a Coast. Flanker Hooper only re- record-breaking 21st consecutive defence of cently recovered from a serious his middleweight crowns against Mexican hamstring strain sustained dur- idol Alvarez at a sold-out T-Mobile Arena. ing the test series against Ireland But the Kazakh champion’s tilt at the in June which sidelined him for record books has become a footnote in a two months. “He’s pulled up a bit Wallabies captain Michael Hooper (centre) had only recently build-up dominated by the furor that erupt- sore from training,” Pocock told recovered from a serious hamstring strain. (AFP) ed when Alvarez failed two drug tests in Feb- reporters yesterday. “He’s been ruary, scuppering a planned May 5 rematch. managed right through the whole cover the loose forwards. Meanwhile, Cheika says Ar- Alvarez, who was later suspended for six session yesterday but I think the Pocock played a big role in gentinian counterpart Mario months by the Nevada State Athletic Com- medical staff just felt like he the win in Paris and said it was a Ledesma is like family, but the mission, insists the banned substance — WBC/WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (right) speaks as Golden Boy wasn’t quite ready to go.” “huge honour” to lead the team. deadly serious Wallabies boss is Clenbuterol — entered his system via con- Promotions president Eric Gomez (left) and his Mexican opponent Canelo Alvarez listen Wallabies coach Michael “I wouldn’t call it a burden,” he in no mood for banter as he faces taminated meat in his native Mexico. during a news conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP) Cheika downplayed the injury in said. “One of the things we’ve his former forwards coach today. Golovkin, who most observers believe an earlier statement, saying the been working on as a group is The two men worked side-by- should have been awarded victory in last of Golovkin’s doping claims. “Those are chance and fi ghts like he claims he will, I will team was being careful and that having a number of senior play- side for the NSW Waratahs and September’s drawn fi rst fi ght, has rubbished the excuses that they are making because knock him out,” Golovkin said. Hooper would have a week off . ers stepping up and support- then Australia until the end of Alvarez’s explanation for the failed drug of what is coming on Saturday, which is a Abel Sanchez, who has trained Golovkin The injury is the latest in a rash ing Hoops. And now you expect the 2017 season when Ledesma tests. The 2004 Olympic silver medallist, loss for them. I’m bothered by all the stupid at his gym in the San Bernardino Moun- of late withdrawals that blight- them to step up even more.” was appointed coach of Super (38-0-1, 34 knockouts), has repeatedly ac- things they’ve been saying and I’ve been us- tains outside Los Angeles since 2011, agrees. ed the Wallabies’ preparations Having opened the tourna- Rugby side the Jaguares and then cused his Mexican opponent of doping, rais- ing it as motivation in my training for this Sanchez has rarely wasted an opportunity to against South Africa last week ment with back-to-back thrash- the Pumas. They are close, but ing the temperature in Las Vegas this week fi ght. Maybe they said it to get me mad, and goad Alvarez’s camp during the build-up, before the home side dug deep to ings by the All Blacks, the Wal- the friendship has been tempo- by voicing his suspicions again. you know what, they did it. I’m angry, but eff ectively daring the Mexican to adopt a win 23-18 in Brisbane. labies are keen to build on the rarily put aside, and Cheika was “These stories about contaminated meat I’m going to use it in my favor for this fi ght.” more aggressive approach. Pocock was ruled out against momentum of the Springboks not impressed by assistant Wal- are nonsense,” Golovkin said, claiming to A more aggressive approach from Alva- “If he intends to knock out Golovkin, the Springboks with a neck in- win but are wary of the challenge labies coach Stephen Larkham have seen injection marks on Alvarez’s body rez, however, may well play into Golovkin’s he’s going to have to fi ght him,” Sanchez jury, along with fullback Israel the Mario Ledesma-coached Pu- joking with reporters this week in photos of his opponent. “You couldn’t hands. In their fi rst meeting, Alvarez fought said. “And if he fi ghts him, he’s going to get Folau (ankle) and Adam Coleman mas bring. about Ledesma. deny there was some injection marks on cagily, deftly slipping away on the ropes and knocked out. He would have got knocked (family reasons). All three are Argentina lost 46-24 away “I’m not that into it, if you his hands and his arms. Injection marks consistently circling to the left to avoid the out the fi rst time, but he decided to make it back in the matchday squad for to the All Blacks in Nelson last know what I mean,” he said of the were evidently there,” Golovkin said. “Eve- Kazakh’s fearsome jab. a track meet.” the Pumas, with Pocock leading week but impressed the world banter. “I get the joke and every- rywhere, biceps, stomach, pretty much all Yet while Alvarez was able to frustrate Sanchez said a decisive victory for the Wallabies for the fi rst time champions with their dynamic thing but like I said, there won’t over his body you could see injection marks.” Golovkin, he did little in the way of mean- Golovkin will cement his place amongst the since their victory in a thriller play. “They’re a team that can re- be any joking on Saturday. It’s For the most part, the animosity between ingful damage. Only a freak scorecard from greatest middleweights in boxing history, over France in 2016. ally grind it out and then they can going to be a big confrontation.” the two men has had a ring of authentic- judge Adalaide Byrd, who triggered up- delivering a signature victory that his oth- Pocock will switch to Hoop- also turn it on in counterattack, Cheika was speaking after ity about it. Alvarez, whose only defeat in roar after ruling it 118-110 Alvarez, denied erwise stellar CV lacks. “At the moment I er’s openside fl anker position, so they’re a dangerous team,” Larkham told media, tongue in a 52-fi ght career was a 2013 loss to Floyd Golovkin a victory. put him in the top fi ve, and the only reason I with Pete Samu coming into the Pocock said. “We’re certainly cheek, that Ledesma “struggled Mayweather, admits the accusations have This time around, Golovkin plans to leave don’t put him any higher is because he needs starting lineup at the back of going into the game knowing we as an assistant coach... I can’t see riled him. nothing to chance, promising to take the de- that fi ght that people recognize, the signa- the scrum for today’s clash. Ned have to be at our best in defence, how he’s had the limited success “Those are the kicks and screams of cision out of the judge’s hands by winning ture fi ght or legacy fi ght,” Sanchez said. “I Hanigan moves onto the bench to right from the start.” he’s had already”. someone who is drowning,” Alvarez said inside the distance. “If Canelo gives me a think this fi ght could be it.” Gulf Times Saturday, September 15, 2018 7 SPORT

FORMULA ONE SPOTLIGHT Ferrari keep ‘door open’ for Raikkonen tops Schumi’s son Mick Singapore times as Vettel toils The demanding 23-turn circuit has traditionally favoured the Red Bulls and Ferraris

Mick Schumacher

Reuters be focussed, concentrated, but Singapore in the meantime have fun, and to grow slowly, but certainly, and then we’ll see about the fu- errari team principal ture. Maurizio Arrivabene has “How can you can say ‘no’ at said the “door at Ma- Maranello to a name like this?” ranello will always be Haas team principal Guen- open”F for Michael Schumach- ther Steiner felt it was too early er’s son Mick should the Ger- to make a call on the young man prospect follow in his fa- driver without knowing what ther’s footsteps and progress to his future plans were, while Formula One. Sauber’s Frederic Vasseur add- The 19-year-old’s father won ed that it was a huge step up fi ve of his seven world titles with from Formula Three. the Italian team from 2000-04, “With the small number of helping transform Ferrari into test days we have in the win- the most successful team in ter, I think it’s — I don’t want to Formula One after more than say impossible — quite difficult two decades without a drivers’ to do the step and it will make championship. sense probably for him to do Mick Schumacher is current- Formula Two or something like ly second in the Formula Three this,” Vasseur said. European Championship and is “But he could have a link with being closely monitored by sev- a Formula One team, he could eral F1 teams after winning six do some (race weekend practice of his last 10 races. sessions). There are many ways “Concerning Mick Schu- to prepare for F1.” macher I think the most im- McLaren sporting director portant thing is to let him grow, Gil de Ferran said he had not without giving pressure,” Ar- had any contact with Schu- rivabene told reporters at the macher but would like to be able Singapore Grand Prix yester- to help talented drivers like him day. progress in the sport. “Recent results are very, very “We are always looking good and I wish him a great ca- throughout the motor sport reer. With a name like this, that arena globally, in a way,” De Fer- wrote historical pages of Ferrari ran said. “I wish we had more history, the door of Maranello is opportunities to be able to work always open. with young talent, perhaps more “(But)... that is a family de- testing and diff erent things like cision, I mean a Schumacher this, to be able to establish a re- family decision. Let the guy lationship and help in the devel- have fun. I always repeat this — opment of drivers like Mick.”

CYCLING Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen drives at the Marina Bay Street Circuit during the first practice session ahead of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore yesterday. Yates tightens Tour Reuters FORMULA ONE UNVEILS 2021 concentrate on long runs instead Singapore of qualifying simulations. concept cars to improve racing Ricciardo has failed to fi nish of Spain grip, Pinot the last two grands prix since errari’s Kimi Raikkonen Singapore: Formula One to develop new aerodynamics Formula One returned from its set the fastest practice yesterday unveiled plans that would enable cars to follow summer break but the Australian wins 19th stage time for the Singapore for futuristic new cars to be each other at shorter distances again showed his street circuit Grand Prix yesterday but used from the 2021 season to without a loss of performance. prowess by clocking one minute, theF Finn’s teammate Sebastian 39.711 seconds in the scorching improve racing and be more “What we established early on Vettel suff ered a frustrating start attractive to fans. in our research is the cars we Singapore sun. to the weekend in his bid to over- Ross Brawn, Formula One’s have now are very bad in fol- Dutchman Verstappen lapped haul championship leader Lewis managing director of motor- lowing each other,” said Brawn. in 1:39.912 to edge out Vettel by Hamilton. sports, told reporters at the “Once the cars get within a 0.085 seconds but the German Hamilton opened a 30-point Singapore Grand Prix that the few car lengths of each other, will be looking for an improved cushion over Vettel with a sur- intention was to develop cars they lose 50 per cent of their third practice session and quali- prise win in Monza two weeks that are “more raceable” and downforce.” fi cation on Saturday as he seeks ago and while Ferrari are re- that fans would be eager to Brawn showed three diff erent to rein in Hamilton with seven garded as having a superior car, stick pictures of the new vehi- concept designs and said the rounds remaining. the Briton set the second-fastest cles up on their walls. 2021 cars would incorporate “We can recover most of it time of the day just 0.011 sec- “I’m pretty optimistic we are the best features from all of tomorrow so we are not that onds back in his Mercedes. going to produce some great them. The unveiling came days worried,” Vettel told Sky Sports. Vettel has been criticised for looking cars that are going to after designs had been leaked Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel “It looks like being close but we dropping points due to some be able to race each other more on social media. during practice yesterday. won’t really know until Sunday.” poor tactical driving this season closely,” Brawn said. The three design concepts Sauber’s Charles Leclerc con- but there was little he could do The former Mercedes team include simpler front and rear down in ninth place after com- tinued to show the sort of form looking on from the Ferrari ga- principal said he had been wings and a sweeping inte- pleting just 12 laps. that encouraged Ferrari to sign rage after his car suff ered a ra- working with teams and mo- grated halo cockpit protection In the fi rst session of the day, him as Raikkonen’s replace- diator fl uid leak midway through torsport governing body FIA system to improve aesthetics. Red Bull enjoyed a welcome re- ment for next season by fi nish- Mitchelton-Scott’s British cyclist Simon Philip Yates crosses the the second practice session. turn to the top of the timesheets ing ninth in an opening session finish line of the 19th stage of the 73rd edition of “La Vuelta” Tour Raikkonen lapped the 5.063 after a few quiet races with Ric- that ended on a sour note when of Spain cycling race, a 154.4km flat route from Lleida to La km Marina Bay Street Circuit in second session as drivers looked bend, causing him to abort his ciardo and Verstappen securing a he crashed into a wall at Turn 13. Rabassa in Andorra, yesterday. 1:38.699 seconds, with Hamil- to set their fastest laps on the lap and dart into the pits with a one-two for the team in the bak- The 20-year-old apologised ton just behind as the rejuvenat- high-grip hypersoft tyres before fl uid leak. He sat out the remain- ing afternoon heat. to his team on the radio as he AFP Kruijswijk’s strong run means ed Red Bulls of Max Verstappen switching to slower compounds der of the session. The demanding 23-turn cir- left his car stranded in an escape La Rabassa, Andorra he jumps to third overall, ahead and Daniel Ricciardo fi nished for race simulations. Valtteri Bottas was fi fth fastest cuit has traditionally favoured road with two minutes left in the of Spain’s Enric Mas in fourth, third and fourth respectively half The German was on course in the second Mercedes, ahead the Red Bulls and Ferraris, so it session, a sight that will disap- but still 1:58 back on Yates. a second further back. to challenge Raikkonen and of Renault’s Carlos Sainz, Haas’ was no surprise to see Vettel and point his future employers, who ritain’s Simon Yates, of Yates led for 13 days at the Giro Vettel’s troubles began during Hamilton’s best times before Romain Grosjean, McLaren’s Raikkonen clock the next quick- will hope he does not make simi- the Mitchelton team, d’Italia in May, only to wobble at the frantic middle sector of the he clipped the wall on the fi nal Fernando Alonso and Vettel est times as Mercedes opted to lar mistakes next season. tightened his grip on stage 19, allowing Chris Froome the Tour of Spain red to clinch the pink jersey. Bjersey yesterday after a thrilling “I really need to be careful,” BOTTOMLINE 19th stage in the mountains won said Yates. “I especially know by Frenchman Thibaut Pinot how it can fall apart in one day. (Groupama-FDJ). The race isn’t fi nished yet.” Yates started the 154.4 km A gruelling stage 19 had begun Wehrlein a free agent aft er Mercedes deal ends ride from Lleida to Andorra with in Catalonia and ended at the top a lead of 25secs over Movistar of La Rabassa in Andorra, with Reuters off er Pascal a competitive drive Wehrlein raced for now-de- as Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, expires at the end of the 2018 leader Alejandro Valverde. 2,618 metres of vertical climbing Singapore for next year,” said Mercedes funct Manor Racing in 2016 and with no interest in taking Mer- season and we have jointly But, as the Spanish veteran in between. motorsport head Toto Wolff in then switching to Swiss-based cedes-contracted drivers. decided not to continue fur- struggled to keep pace on the The drama, however, was a statement at the Singapore Sauber for 2017. Mercedes, who have four- ther together,” said Wehrlein, climb to the summit fi nish of saved for the fi nal ascent when ercedes will not Grand Prix yesterday. Despite scoring all of Sau- times world champion Lewis the 2015 German Touring Car La Rabassa, Yates forged ahead Movistar’s Nairo Quintana and renew Pascal We- “In his best interests, we have ber’s fi ve points last year, he Hamilton and Finland’s Valt- (DTM) champion who is racing to stretch his advantage to 1min Kruijswijk both attacked with hrlein’s contract at therefore decided together with was not retained by a team un- teri Bottas in their factory line- in that series again this year. 38sec. 13km left. the end of the year, Pascal not to extend our agree- der new management and with up, are also seeking seats for “I am looking for new chal- Yates came in 5sec behind Yates, Pinot and Kruijswijk leavingM the German ex-Formula ment and to give him the best close links to Ferrari. Frenchman Esteban Ocon and lenges and opportunities, and Pinot while Dutchman Steven rallied, however, and as Valverde One driver free to negotiate chance of securing an oppor- Most of the vacancies re- Britain’s Formula Two leader am currently talking to other Kruijswijk was 13sec adrift, hav- fell away, the trio joined forces with rival teams. tunity elsewhere that his talent maining in Formula One for George Russell. teams about a cockpit for next ing been separated from the two to move away from the chasing “Unfortunately, we couldn’t merits.” next season are at teams, such “My contract with Mercedes season.” frontrunners. pack.

Saturday, September 15, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL / QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Qatar to participate in Asian men’s Juma strike gives junior handball

QNA Qatar has been drawn in Group Amman D with Japan, the UAE and Iran, while the fi rst group includes Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, China and Al Rayyan narrow atar’s junior handball Oman. Jordan, Taipei and Syria team continue their are in a group, while South Korea, preparations ahead of Iraq and India have been clubbed their match against together. theQ UAE tomorrow in their fi rst Qatar’s junior handball team Group D match at the Asian will play against Iran on Monday Men’s Junior Handball Cham- (September 17) and their third pionship to be held in Amman, match against Japan on Tuesday win over Al Arabi Jordan. (September 18). Qatar’s junior handball team The fi rst and second team of played a number of friendly each group will qualify for the In another match, Al Shahania beat Qatar Sports Club 3-2 in a thrilling encounter matches, including two thrill- main round in which the eight ers against South Korea. The two teams will be divided into two By Sports Reporter teams shared a victory each. groups of four, with the fi rst and Doha Fourteen teams have been second qualifying for the semi- divided into four groups in the fi nals. eighth edition of the Asian Men’s Qatar’s junior handball del- 37th minute strike from Junior Handball Championship. egation includes 17 players. Mohamed Juma gave Al Rayyan a narrow 1-0 vic- tory over Al Arabi in their RETURN much-anticipatedA QNB Stars League clash yesterday. The three points gave the Lions temporary top spot in the stand- Steyn back in SA ings with 11, while Al Arabi have nine. The matches involving leaders one-day squad aft er Al Sadd and Al Duhail have been postponed because they would be playing their crucial AFC Cham- two-year absence pions League matches early next week. Al Sadd and Al Duhail were to play Al Khor and Al Sailiya re- spectively tomorrow. Al Arabi were coming off two consecutive wins, but could not extend their winning run on home turf. However, Luka Bonacic’s men can take solace from the fact that they gave a tough fi ght to Al Rayy- an. Al Rayyan dominated the fi rst half with 66 per cent possession AFP Dussen, were included in the during which they were rewarded Al Rayyan’s Mohamed Juma (second from left) is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against Al Arabi during the QNB Stars Johannesburg Twenty20 squad. with the winning goal. The per- League match yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Selection convener Linda centage fell to 56 on completion of Zondi said the squads were part the game as Al Arabi showed more ast bowler Dale Steyn of an ongoing process to assess alacrity in the second session. Gharafa, Umm Salal in key clash today was yesterday named in talent ahead of the World Cup. The goal came as a result of a a 16-man South African “We still have one-day series long lob into the Al Arabi box. Af- By Sports Reporter Arabi,” said Banide. squad for three one-day after this one against Australia, ter the ball hit the crossbar over internationalsF against Zimba- Pakistan and Sri Lanka as we Doha “We have to do something as the head of goalkeeper Masoud Al Gharafa are a big team. We bwe, starting on September 30. get closer to fi nalising our likely Zarayi following Al Arabi’s Mudir will try to put up a good show Steyn, 35, has been plagued by World Cup squad,” he said. Abdurabu’s faulty clearance, Juma parks fly whenever and achieve a positive result. injuries in recent years and has Faf du Plessis was named as was on hand to head home the re- Al Gharafa and Umm In the previous game, we not played in a one-day interna- captain of both squads, subject to bound. SSalal face off . It will be started badly and we could not tional since October 2016. fi tness assessments. He suff ered Juma had a good game even as no diff erent this time as they compensate. A good start is But he recently stated his de- a shoulder injury in Sri Lanka in Rodrigo Tabata and Sebastian So- meet for the first time in this important against Al Gharafa. I termination to fi nish his white- August and said on his return to ria were rather off -colour. Al Arabi season’s QNB Stars League know our opponents are good ball career by playing in the 2019 South Africa that he would miss goalkeeper Zarayi too was good The Cheetahs, who have seven and we prepared well for this Cricket World Cup in England. the Zimbabwe series rather than under the bar, but for the goal that points, will look to consolidate confrontation. Steyn made a comeback to in- return to action too soon. turned out to be crucial. their position with a victory, “The defence is the spirit of ternational cricket after shoulder Cricket South Africa said in a Al Arabi’s attacks lacked teeth while The Orange Fortress will the team and we worked well and foot injuries when he played statement that if Du Plessis was overall. The likes of Franco Hur- try to stay on course for a top- to tackle Al Gharafa. Our new in two Tests in Sri Lanka in July not fully fi t a replacement cap- tado, Diego Jardel and Mailson de four spot. Umm Salal head coach Laurent Banide and Al Gharafa head coach professional player Arnold but he only took two wickets at a tain would be named nearer the Farias could not make inroads into The game will also be noted Christian Gourcuff (right). PICTURES: Othman Iraqi Mwevida is good and I hope cost of 89.50 runs each. time. the rival area. The Dream Team more on the technical front as he will be a strong addition to He has subsequently shown a had a goal ruled off side in the 87th both teams are under French his team aimed to maintain the best eleven against Umm Umm Salal.” return to form during a stint with ONE-DAY SQUAD: Faf du Ples- minute when Mohammed El Neel coaches since the start of this their form as they seek to chal- Salal. We are keen to maintain Meanwhile, Al Ahli who have English county Hampshire, tak- sis (captain), Hashim Amla, JP found the mark off a pass from season. lenge Al Sadd and Al Duhail for our momentum and keep just one victory to their ing 20 wickets in fi ve fi rst-class Duminy, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Mailson. Christian Gourcuff replaced the title. achieving good results.” credit, will take on winless Al matches at an average of 19.10. Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Al Rayyan’s Argentinian striker Turk Bulent Uygun at Al “The game against Umm Salal Umm Salal coach Laurent Kharaitiyat. Christiaan Jonker, who made Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Jonathan Menendez, who joined Gharafa, while Laurent Banide is of great importance. We are Banide would be keen to see Both coaches (Milan Macala of 49 in a promising debut in the Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, them from Independiente, made came to Umm Salal in place trying not to disturb our team his side bounce back from the Al Ahli and Abdulaziz El Amri third and fi nal Twenty 20 inter- Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, his QNB Stars League debut when of ex-Moroccan international composition. The absence of defeat to Al Arabi earlier. of Al Kharaitiyat) had stressed national against India in Febru- Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, he replaced Khalfan Ibrahim after Talal El Karkouri, who had also international players as well as “It’s a diff icult match again the need for a win at this stage ary, is the only newcomer in the Dale Steyn, Khaya Zondo. one hour. also played for The Orange injuries to some aff ected our because of the strength of the as the teams are desperate one-day squad. TWENTY20 SQUAD: Du Plessis In the second match yesterday, Fortress and Qatar SC. preparations, but they went off opponents. We prepared the to make a turnaround in their Batsman David Miller and (captain), Gihahn Cloete, Junior Al Shahania beat Qatar Sports Club Al Gharafa easily beat Al Ahli well,” said Gourcuff . side in the best possible way fortunes. wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton Dala, Quinton de Kock (wkt), JP 3-2. Jean-Paul Kesse, Sultan al-Ku- (4-0), while Umm Salal lost to “We played a match in the QSL as we were keen to come back Al Ahli and Al Kharaitiyat had de Kock have been rested for the Duminy, Robbie Frylinck, Imran wari and Mesaad al-Hamad scored Al Arabi (1-5) in Week 4 of the Cup too. Those who did duty for into the league competition lost to Al Gharafa (0-4) and Al one-day series but will play in a Tahir, Jonker, Klaasen (wkt), Dav- for Al Shahania, while Samuel Eto’o QNB Stars League. their countries have reached after suff ering a demoralis- Rayyan (1-2) respectively in the three-match Twenty20 series. id Miller, Ngidi, Dane Paterson, and Yousef Mohamed were on tar- Gharafa coach Gourcuff said back and we are trying to field ing defeat at the hands of Al previous round. Two uncapped batsmen, Gi- Phehlukwayo, Shamsi, Rassie van get for Qatar Sports Club. hahn Cloete and Rassie van der der Dussen.

BOTTOMLINE CRICKET England’s Ali hits out at ‘rude’ Australia Shastri wants practice games for India ahead AFP were not just going hard at you, duct of their players, while Tim London they were almost abusing you,” Paine took over as captain and the Worcestershire stalwart ex- Justin Langer replaced Darren of Australia Tests plained. Lehmann as coach after his fel- ngland all-rounder “That was the fi rst time it hit low former Australia batsman Reuters that the quality of the pitch led Moeen Ali has criticised me. I gave them the benefi t of resigned. Bengaluru the BCCI to curtail the match, the “rude” approach of the doubt, but the more I played England whitewashed Aus- which Essex denied. several Australia teams against them they were just as tralia 5-0 in a home one-day Shastri said he was not averse heE has played against, saying bad, the Ashes here (in England international series in June and ndia coach Ravi Shastri to the idea of giving India’s bats- their “disrespect” for opponents in 2015) they were worse actually. Ali said he had detected an im- has requested the Board of men a better chance to adjust makes them the only side he has “Not intimidating, just provement in their conduct. Control for Cricket in India to conditions against tour sides “disliked”. rude. Individually they are fi ne “This ODI series they were (BCCI) to schedule practice Down Under where they play The off -spinner and left- and the Aussies we’ve had at very good actually,” he added. Imatches ahead of their Test se- three Twenty20 internationals, handed batsman fi rst came up Worcester have been fantastic, Refl ecting on his struggles on ries in Australia this year, but four Tests and three one-day against the infamously aggres- lovely guys.” the last Ashes tour, Moeen ad- is not sure if additional fi xtures internationals against Australia sive Australians in 2015 before Ali, who starred in England’s mitted: “I found it very diffi cult can be inserted into a crammed starting Nov. 21. his struggles with both bat and recent 4-1 Test series win over in Australia to switch off . schedule. “Why would we be? You can ball played a key role in Eng- India after being recalled to the “It was my fi rst Ashes tour India are keen to make amends see the results. Every time af- land’s 4-0 Ashes defeat ‘Down side, had no sympathy for the and I was desperate to do well following a 4-1 Test series defeat ter the second Test we have im- Under’ in 2017/18, which led to banned Australian trio of former and was really looking forward in England where most of their proved. You can still get better. him being dropped. captain Steve Smith, David to it. batsmen struggled against the But why can’t we be in that po- “Everyone you speak to...they Warner and Cameron Bancroft, “I worked so hard on the short swinging ball in tough conditions. sition in the fi rst Test match?” are the only team I’ve played all sent into international isola- ball before the series began, “We have requested a couple Shastri added. against my whole life that I’ve tion for their roles in a ball-tam- maybe too hard. of (warm-up) games in Austral- “If you have two or three actually disliked,” Ali told Brit- pering scandal in South Africa in “Then (Nathan) Lyon kept ia before the Test series. But is games against weaker sides we ain’s The Times newspaper. March. getting me out. I found that there space (to play those match- don’t mind because it is a game. “Not because it’s Australia “I’m someone who gener- very hard to deal with. I never es)? That is the question,” he told But when you have a schedule as and they are the old enemy but ally feels sorry for people when thought that I was a poor player ESPNCricinfo. tight as this... there is very little because of the way they carry England’s Moeen Ali (right) starred in England’s recent 4-1 Test series things go wrong but it’s diffi cult of spin but I really struggled India had shortened their lone you can do... These are things on and (their) disrespect of win over India after being recalled to the side. to feel sorry for them,” he said. against him. warm-up clash against Essex be- that have been approved earlier.” people and players,” added the The fall-out from the scan- “I wasn’t getting any wickets fore the England Tests due to the India were beaten 2-0 in the 31-year-old, who is known as and off the field. against them, in Sydney, just dal prompted a major review by either. Things just got tougher heatwave in Britain. four-Test series on their last tour a mild-mannered character on “The fi rst game I ever played before the 2015 World Cup, they Cricket Australia into the con- and tougher.” Media reports had speculated of Australia in 2014-15.