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Thursday, October 17, 2019 BEACH GAMES Safar 18, 1441 AH win big GULF TIMES in mixed doubles beach tennis SPORT Page 2

QatarQ t Sports S t Arbitration A bit ti Foundation F d ti (QSAF) will ill accommodate d t ththe off ffi ices of fthe th CAS CAS Ad Ad Hoc HDivision Di i iduring d ithe th 2022 2022 FIFA FIFA World WCup ldC

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, the President of Qatar Olympic Committee (fourth from right), and other top sports administrators pose for a group photo at the signing ceremony yesterday.

atar Sports Arbitration After the signing ceremony, HE operates in accordance with the steps it has taken to establish an Foundation, under the the President of Qatar Olympic best international standards and independent foundation for the auspices of HE Sheikh Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- practices. resolution of sports related dis- Joaan bin Hamad al- mad al-Thani said that the State “Through the agreements putes. Thani,Q the President of Qatar of Qatar has taken many steps to with Josoor Institute and the Jassim Rashid al-Buainain, Olympic Committee, yesterday regulate the sports sector in or- Olympic Academy we are seek- Secretary General of the Qa- signed Memoranda of Under- der to be more transparent; one ing to ensure that all those in- tar Olympic Committee and standing (MoUs) with the Court of the most important of these terested in sports arbitration Chairman of Board of the Qatar of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), steps is the establishment of Qa- are provided with the necessary Olympic Academy, said: “We Josoor Institute, the Olympic tar Sports Arbitration Foundation training in the country, especial- are pleased with this agree- Academy, and Qatar Internation- as an independent organisation ly that the two institutions have ment which refl ects the extent al Court and Dispute Resolution to resolve all sports-related dis- proven their excellence in the to which sports institutions co- Centre (QICDRC). putes in accordance with the best fi eld of training in sports sector”, operate in their respective fi elds Under the Memorandum of Un- international standards. al-Muhannadi added. in order to build an integrated derstanding signed with the Inter- He added that the environ- John Coates, President of the sports environment. national Council of Arbitration for ment created for the sports sec- International Council of Arbi- He added that this agreement Sport (ICAS), Qatar Sports Arbi- tor is based on the principles of tration for Sport (ICAS), said will help the Qatar Olympic tration Foundation (QSAF) will ac- transparency and integrity to that this step is the fi rst of its Academy graduates, especially commodate the offi ces of the CAS combat all kinds of corruption. kind for the Court of Arbitration graduates of the Sports Masters Ad Hoc Division during the 2022 To achieve this, we have created for Sport (CAS) and the memo- Degree programme, to be eff ec- FIFA Qatar World Cup. an independent judicial body randum of understanding aims tive members at the Sports Arbi- In addition, Josoor Institute that guarantees the application John Coates, President of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS) and Khalil al-Muhan- to make Qatar Sports Arbitra- tration Foundation and in future and the Olympic Academy will of laws in accordance with best nadi (R), President of Qatar Sports Arbitration Foundation (QSAF), sign a Memorandum of Understand- tion Foundation a perfect loca- at the International Court of Ar- provide the necessary academic practices,” he said. ing as QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan (R) and QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad tion for the tribunal and the CAS bitration for Sport (CAS).” and practical training to prepare “The cooperation we are wit- al-Thani watch during a function at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters yesterday. arbitrators during the FIFA Qatar Commenting on the partner- legal professionals who are inter- nessing today between the dif- World Cup 202. ship, Faisal al-Sahouti, Chief ested in sports arbitration which ferent sports organisations in the bly the co-operation agreement signing of an MoU between Qa- President of Qatar Sports Arbi- He added that he was looking Executive Offi cer of the Qatar will enable them to be interna- country will ensure the optimal with the International Council of tar Sports Arbitration Founda- tration Foundation (QSAF), said forward to collaborating with International Court and Dispute tional sports arbitrators accord- exploitation of resources with Arbitration for Sports (ICAS) to tion and Josoor Institute, which that under this agreement, Qatar Qatar Sports Arbitration Foun- Resolution Centre (QICDRC) ing to the International stand- each organisation working hard be the fi rst of its kind, which re- aims to build local and regional Sports Arbitration Foundation dation in these circumstances. said, “The MoU signed between ards. without any waste or repetition fl ects the confi dence of interna- capabilities in sports arbitration, will be the seat of the arbitra- He also said that the cooperation the QICDRC and Qatar Sports Furthermore, Qatar Interna- of resources”, HE Sheikh Joaan tional organisations in the State a fi eld that is considered a key tion tribunals for the FIFA Qa- between the various judicial and Arbitration Foundation will fur- tional Court and Dispute Resolu- explained. of Qatar and its sports sector. element in growing the sporting tar World Cup 2022 established academic institutions is very en- ther promote the environment of tion Centre will provide the nec- He concluded his statement On his part, HE Hassan al- industry in the region – mak- by the Court of Arbitration for couraging, wishing the founda- arbitration in our country.” essary logistical and legal support by saying that Qatar is proud of Thawadi, Secretary General ing it one of the main boosters Sport (CAS) for the tournament, tion every success in its mission. “I am confi dent that this part- to enable Qatar Sports Arbitra- the cooperation carried out by of the Supreme Committee for for Qatar and the Middle East’s and such agreement guarantees Coates concluded his state- nership will support the develop- tion Foundation to operate until the Foundation through signing Deilivery & Legacy (SC) said: economy after 2022.” the exchange of experiences to ment by commending the ef- ment of dispute resolution in Qa- its headquarters are completed. these agreements, most nota- “We are pleased to witness the Ibrahim Khalil al-Muhannadi, ensure that our organisation forts of the State of Qatar and the tar,” al-Sahouti concluded.

QSAF President Ibrahim Khalil al-Muhannadi (R) and HE Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme QSAF President Ibrahim Khalil al-Muhannadi (R) and Jassim Rashid al-Buainain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, signing the MoU between QSAF and Josoor Institute. Committee and Chairman of Board of the Qatar Olympic Academy, shake hands after the signing. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 17, 2019 ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES

TOP OF THE LINE Golden Gruber grabs victory in kitefoiling nail-biter

By Sports Reporter lot, and then to start with a win in only six minutes long, it’s hard Doha the fi nal, we were tied, so it was to come back if you make one all for the last race. mistake” he commented. “But “I just had a good start and I Florian did really good racing and ormer world and Euro- think almost a perfect race, no had two good races so I’m pleased pean champion Florian single mistake, and it was nice for him. Gruber of Germany won to have a close fi ght until the last “I did what I could and I’m two consecutive races round.” happy to fi nish second.” inF the fi nal to become the fi rst He added that the windy con- Guy Bridge came in third in men’s Kitefoil Racing ANOC ditions at Katara Beach, push- both races to collect the fi rst World Beach Games champion. ing highs of 11 knots today, also medal for Great Britain at Qatar As the second-placed quali- helped. 2019, while in fourth was Alex- fi er, Gruber had to win two races “It was my conditions today. ander Bachev (BUL), who made before highest qualifi er Nicolas I really liked it and I had a really it into the fi nal via a controversial Parlier of won one in order good feeling. I train quite often semi-fi nal decider which came to fulfi l his gold medal dream. with the 21 square metre kite. It down to jury decision after the In a tight fi rst race, the German was a bit shifty and patchy out Bulgarian protested the initial edged past Parlier at speeds of there and in Bavaria on the lakes result. around 50 kilometres per hour to [where I train] I have these con- New Zealander Sam Bul- keep himself in contention, with ditions, so I think it was good for lock, who crossed the fi nish line just six seconds separating fi rst me.” fi rst, was disqualifi ed for cross- and fourth place. Meanwhile Parlier admitted he ing Bachev on the fi rst starboard In the second, Parlier missed a had hoped for better in the fi nal tack. mark and had to tack back, leav- after a stunning week of racing. Bachev was thrilled with the ing the race open for the German The Frenchman outperformed result, despite missing out on a to speed past and claim a sensa- Gruber throughout the opening medal. tional victory. series races, taking four bullets “I’m elated,’ he said. “It felt Speaking after his win, Gru- and a second place to the Ger- so good to be in the fi nal with ber said, “I wouldn’t believe it if man’s one bullet, two second and the rest of the guys. The condi- someone had told me before the one third places, but nonethe- tions were tricky, I barely made it race. Nico had a really good re- less said he was pleased with his through the semi-fi nals, but I’m gatta and I had also some really result. super happy to have raced in the (From left) Silver medallist Nicolas Parlier of France, gold medallist Florian Gruber of Germany and bronze medallist Guy Bridge of Great Britain good races so we were battling a “On a shorter course that is fi nals and it was really great fun.” pose during the medals ceremony for the men’s Kitefoil Racing event at ANOC World Beach Games yesterday. (Laurel Photo Services)

FOCUS Brazil dominate beach soccer for yet another silverware Brazil beat Russia by a mammoth margin — 9-3, while Spain women beat Great Britain 3-2 for their title

By Sports Reporter Doha

razil added another piece of silverware to the cabi- net, adding the inaugu- ral ANOC World Beach GamesB gold medal to their 14 world championships. Brazil’s skills were fully on display, scoring twice in the fi rst period, and though the Russians pushed them, Maurico Pereira Braz took over the game, scoring a hat-trick within one minute to push the lead to fi ve. Just when it seemed Brazil were going to run away with the match, Russia’s Artur Paporot- nyi scored from a free kick and Fedor Zemskov added a second a minute later. But as soon as Russia started to gain some momentum, Bokinha Brazilian men’s beach soccer team celebrate their win in the competition at the ANOC World Beach Games Spanish women’s beach soccer team celebrate their win in the competition at the ANOC World Beach scored a settler for the Brazilians, at Katara Beach yesterday. (Laurel Photo Services) Games at Katara Beach yesterday. (Laurel Photo Services) with a minute remaining in the second period. match, Iran controlled the fi rst the 18th minute, with a second two-goal lead, thanks to a suc- The slow start, that plagued grabbed a second a minute later, Motivated, the British wom- Leading 6-2, the Brazilians half of the match, scoring twice coming minutes later. cessful penalty from Alessio the Spanish women in their and Carmen Fresneda Morga en began to throw everything started to have fun and the party and repelling the Italian attack. That form continued to start Frainetti. But Iran was not dead semi-fi nal, was nowhere to be scoring a third for the Spaniards, into it, and thought they final- tricks began to come out. Not was feeling the pressure and the third period, with Gori scor- yet, as Mostafa Kianiharchegani seen in the women’s gold medal to end the fi rst period. ly had the equaliser with four even a red card to Rodrigo Ribeiro raised their intensity in the hope ing 12 seconds in and Dario Ram- singlehandedly equalised with match, as they bombarded the An arm wrestle ensued in the minutes remaining, but Clark’s Souto could dampen the mood. of fi nding the back of the net. acciotti adding another 15 sec- two successful free kicks with British goals. But it was Britain’s second, with the period ending shot didn’t fully cross the tape. Fans and players celebrated early, Their eff orts were finally re- onds after that, but a rare mistake 93 seconds remaining. And after Molly Lacey Clark that scored in a stalemate. The 19-minute Skills went out the window, as as only Brazilians do. They win warded when their goal scoring from goalkeeper, Simone Del they couldn’t split in extra time; the opener. That lead didn’t last deadlock was fi nally broken, with they desperately tried to level the gold medal match 9-3, reiter- superstar, Gabriele Gori, cleaned Mestre, allowed the Iranian cap- it was again Kianiharchegani long, with Spain equalising 30 Rebecca Ashleigh Barron bring- the score. But it was to no avail. ating their dominance. up the goalkeeper’s scraps and tain to grab one back. nailing the penalty shot to win seconds later, through Lorena Del ing Great Britain within one with Europe’s number one team, now In the men’s bronze medal opened with Italian account in Italy pushed it again out to a bronze for the Iranians. Carmen Asensio, who casually 8:34 remaining. the world’s best.

BOTTOMLINE Brazil and Denmark win handball golden crown

By Sports Reporter Doha

t was a night to remem- ber with great beach hand- ball and amazing moments. Brazil (men) and Denmark I(women) emerged as the fi rst beach handball title winners at the ANOC World Beach Games yesterday. Brazil won the crown off the very last shot of an exciting shootout. Before that they man- aged to stay alive with a golden goal! And Denmark maintained their domination with a last gasp goal! It was really a night of mira- cles! World champions Brazil managed to break Spain’s dead- lock using Bruno, rather than Gil as the maestro! The Brazilian scored most of the goals and when the fi nal went into the shootout, Bruno was Brazilian men’s beach handball team celebrate on the podium after winning gold in the competition at Danish women’s beach handball team celebrate on the podium after winning gold in the competition at sensational. ANOC World Beach Games at Katara Beach yesterday. (Laurel Photo Services) ANOC World Beach Games at Katara Beach yesterday. (Laurel Photo Services) “I have faith in me. Back in 2008 I missed a goal in a same vourite Qatar. you get the feeling you will win sprinted all the way to the goal- Hungary lost yet another fi nal. I told my players that when you Before the fi nal, Brazilians use situation. So every time I shoot I As for the women? History re- again. The match with Hungary post. This time in the last second. are on the ground, beaten, you to dance, cheer, and laugh. Even remember that,” he said. peats itself. Denmark faced Hun- in the preliminary group was a “I regretted it later. I feel so Brazil got the bronze medal af- have to do something. You have the coaches of the team took a won the bronze medal. gary and won again, just like in the turning point for us,” said Danish stupid I had to run. I was so tired. ter an amazing show against Vi- to react. And this is exactly what quick selfi e. Probably to remem- And broke the hearts of the Qa- European Championship fi nal. coach Holden Mortenf. But this is the fi nal. And the gold etnam. “We were disappointed, we did,” said Brazilian coach ber the moment. After the fi nal it tari people by beating crowd fa- “When you win against a team, When the fi nal fi nished, he medal,” he quoted. but we managed to bounce back. Marcio Magliano. was all about smiles. Gulf Times Thursday, October 17, 2019 3 ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Reynolds Brazil win big in skates to mixed doubles golden glory beach tennis Baran-Miller beat French duo Gianotti and Hoarau in final; Font-Cortez take bronze

By Sports Reporter Doha

fter a night of disap- pointment and close calls on Tuesday night, Andre Baran and Ra- faellaA Miller of Brazil domi- nated France’s Nicolas Gianotti and Marie Eve Hoarau 6-1 6-1 to win gold in the beach tennis mixed doubles fi nals under the lights at Katara Beach yesterday. Both Brazilians had came up just short in the gold-medal match- es of their respective events on Tuesday. Baran and Miller’s doubles partners — Vinicius Font and Joana Cortez — playing together in the mixed competition, took bronze with a victory over Italy in the third-place match. Baran and Miller dispatched the French team, the surprise duo of the tournament, in just 38 short minutes in the fi nal. Gian- otti and Hoarau, victors over the other Brazilian team in the day’s Heimana Reynolds of the US in action during the men’s skateboarding earlier semi-fi nals, were able final at Aspire Zone on Day Five of the ANOC World Beach Games on to win the second game of the Tuesday. (Laurel Photo Services) fi rst set and take the next two to deuce, but were clearly out- By Sports Reporter when it comes to skateboard. It’s matched by Baran and Miller for Doha all about the process. the remainder of the evening. The gold medal from Reynolds “Our strategy worked per- was the fi rst for the United States fectly,” Miller said. “We played hen a skater wants in a men’s competition in Qatar a lot of points to [Hoarau]. I just to applaud a fel- 2019! wanted this medal so much. We low skater, he/she Steve Pineiro from Puerto just gave 100 percent.” bumps the nose of Rico managed to push the world In a closely-contested Wtheir board on the ground. It’s an champion until the very edge of bronze-medal match, Font and acknowledgement and apprecia- the competition. He ended up Cortez edged Italy’s Tommaso tion for whoever tries the hardest with the silver medal. And he was Giovannini and Flaminia Daina trick and nails it. really happy with that. 4-6, 7-6 (2), 10-8 in a super tie- The men’s fi nal for Skate- “Skateboarding is my life. I break. After the fi rst set went boarding Park at Aspire Zone have no words. I am glad I came Italy’s way, Brazil forced the sec- on Tuesday heard many bumps. to Doha. I want to thank my fam- ond into a tie-break. They took a A lot of demanding tricks and ily for the support they showed 5-0 lead en route to winning the one man who ran the show — me,” Piniero said. set, and forcing a fi rst-to-10 Heimana Reynolds. The current The Puerto Rican was explo- decisive frame. Although Brazil World champion in Park compe- sive during his three tries. And seemingly had the momentum, tition was just amazing with his after the fi rst one he was leading, Italy charged out to a 4-0 lead. breathtaking tricks. And what’s until Heimana pulled some tricks Starting with a long rally on more? He seemed to be enjoying out of his big bag. the fi fth point, Font and Cortez them himself. “I had to do my best. The fought back to eventually even The skater from the United crowd was amazing. Skateboard- the score at six. Serving at 9-8, Gold medallists Andre Baran (foreground, left) and Rafaella Miller (background, left) pose with compatriots and bronze medallists Vinicius States led the race from semi-fi - ing has taught me everything in Font punctuated the match with Font (foreground, right) and Joana Cortez during the mixed double beach tennis medals ceremony yesterday. (Laurel Photo Services) nal onward, fi nishing fi rst among my life,” Reynolds quoted while an ace. 21 entrants. he was wrapped in the fl ag of the “I knew that if we got the nals, in a partial rematch of last Italians, winning in straight sets fore winning four of the next six In the other semi-fi nal, Font The skateboard community is United States of America. chance to get to the tie-break, night’s women’s doubles fi nal 6-4, 7-6 (2). games to take the fi rst set 6-4. and Cortez were again involved slightly diff erent than others. Hei- The bronze medal winner was we had more chances there than that the Brazilians lost to Italy, Brazil looked tentative early, Neither team was able to in a match decided by super tie- mana was skating all day long. As 15-year-old Alessandro Mazzara winning in our serving games,” Baran and Miller took on Gio- falling behind 2-0 in the fi rst set. hold serve in the second, push- break. other did. Some tricks, big smiles. from Italy. an emotional Font said after vannini and Daina. It was world Bolstered by some poor serving ing the set to a tie-break. Errors France’s Gianotti and Hoarau Nobody stopped clapping, cheer- “I did not expect to win any- the match. “We had only one No 1 Miller, this time, who got and unforced errors from Italy, haunted Giovannini and Daina, dispatched them to the third- ing and hugging their opponents. thing. I wanted to skate and have chance, and we took it.” the best of Daina, one-half of Baran and Miller were able to tie who only managed to score two place decider with a score of 7-6 Opponents in this competition, fun. This is amazing,” Mazzara In the day’s earlier semi-fi - the women’s gold-medallist the set at two games apiece be- points in the fi nal frame. (4), 2-6, 10-7. but truly their brothers in arms said.

BOTTOMLINE Thrills and spills on fi nal day of beach wrestling

By Sports Reporter fi nal as well, thus setting a replay In the 80kg, while trailing 2-1 Doha of their early encounter. Azerbaijan’s Ibrahim Yusubov In her second chance, In- had to dig dip to “steal” the point delicato was more rational. She that would bring balance to the ip and tuck fi nals in played massive defence for three fi nal against mighty 2012 Olym- women’s competition minutes and escaped Ozturk’s pian Davit Khutsishvili, but the and convincing per- late surge to capitalise on a pos- Georgian exploited Yusubov’s formances by the hot sible Indelicato’s error. None of risky move and found the big Nfavourites in the men’s brackets the two fi nalists scored a point three to clinch victory. Bronze was what the enthusiastic fans meaning the Italian was crowned was easily captured by Ukraine’s enjoyed on the second and fi nal ANOC World Beach Games Qatar Vasyl Mykhailov against ’s day of wrestling action at Katara 2019 women’s beach wrestling Efe Sami Unal. Beach on Tuesday. 60kg champion. The most spectacular fi nal of The prologue to the play in- “It was a tactical match-up. I the day was the duel between troduced to the spectators was was waiting for her,” explained Blessing Joy Onyebuchi of Nigeria not intriguing at all with Shauna Indelicato. “I attacked too much and Hungary’s European bronze Kemp from the USA capturing in the fi rst phase. In the fi nal, medallist in Olympic wrestling the bronze medal in the women’s I changed my tactics because I Zsannett Nemeth. With the score 60kg eff ortlessly, due to Roma- knew that my weight was lower tie at 2-2, Nemeth thought she nian Kateryna Zhydachevska’s and a draw would mean that I had her and launched an attack, injured right shoulder. would be the winner.” but Onyebuchi responded quick- But the category’s fi nal was A re-match in the fi nal didn’t ly, grabbed her leg and threw her a masterful strategy execution alter the group stage result in down with a powerful move to by Italian Francesca Indelicato. the men’s over 90kg fi nal. Iran’s claim the decisive point. Rushing herself to get her maiden Pouya Rahmani twice defeated “For a moment I lost my con- points in the tournament against Turkey’s Ufuk Yilmaz, snatch- centration. She acted very fast, Turkey’s Mehlika Ozturk at the ing the three needed points and all girls from Africa have speed, Group stage, resulted to a pain- allowing none to his opponent, but Onyebuchi is also strong,” ful 2-1 defeat, a big blow to her thus securing a well-deserved admitted Nemeth, while a ju- gold medal ambitions. Indelicato gold medal. Yilmaz’s attempts to bilant Onyebuchi was relishing picked up her pieces and played it get a good grip proved fruitless her moment of glory: “I don’t safe ever since, getting two wins against the 2017 world champi- know how I made it. But I wanted in point-superiority and two on. ’s Mamuka Kordzaia to win the gold. I am so happy! more due to her lighter weight won the bronze medal fi nal over I strongly believed that I could than her opponents. Ozturk con- a clearly overwhelmed Azerbai- make it, I told my coach that this tinued her undefeated rally to the jan’s Oyan Nazariani. gold medal was mine.” Italy’s Francesca Indelicato celebrates her win in the women’s 60kg beach wrestling at Katara Beach on Tuesday. (Laurel Photo Services) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 17, 2019 TENNISSPORT

RUGBY WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT UAE trio charged under ICC’s ‘Dynamite comes in anti-corruption code

AFP players have been provisionally Paris suspended with immediate ef- fect,” the ICC said in a statement. The UAE selectors off ered no aptain Mohamed explanation earlier this week small packages’ — Naveed is one of three when Naveed was left out of the United Arab Emirates squad for the T20 World Cup cricketers who have qualifi ers, replaced as skipper by beenC charged with corruption, spinner Ahmed Raza. the International Cricket Coun- Naveed, a 32-year-old fast cil (ICC) announced yesterday. bowler who has played 39 ODIs Batsman Shaiman Anwar and and 31 T20s, has been charged right-arm pace bowler Qadeer on four counts revolving around Kolbe praises Japan Ahmed have also been charged match-fi xing at the T20 quali- by the ICC, the three players fac- fi ers, which begin tomorrow in ‘We all have something special we can contribute to our various teams’ ing a total of 12 counts of breach- Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the ing the governing body’s anti- T10 League which takes place in AFP corruption rules. Abu Dhabi in November. Tokyo All three have been provision- Qadeer has been charged with ally suspended with immediate six breaches of the ICC’s Code eff ect. relating principally to the series pringbok pocket-rocket A fourth individual, Mehard- against Zimbabwe in April and Cheslin Kolbe, one of eep Chhayakar, was also charged the in August as well the stars of the Rugby for refusing to cooperate with as passing insider information to World Cup, admitted the ICC. Chhayakar in the knowledge that yesterdayS he had a soft spot for “Three UAE players and a “the information might be used the free-fl owing attacking style participant in cricket from Aj- for betting purposes”. employed by quarter-fi nal op- man have been charged with 13 Shaiman faces two charges ponents Japan. counts of breaching cricket’s connected with fi xing results in The hosts are the shock inclu- anti-corruption rules and the the forthcoming T20 qualifi ers. sion in the last-eight knock-out phase, having won all four games in Pool A, including memorable victories over Six Nations giants Ireland and . “Japan are defi nitely playing an exciting brand of rugby,” said Kolbe. “They’re giving the ball a lot of air and they want to stretch your defensive structures. “It’s defi nitely a style I’d love to play.” Kolbe, whose diminutive stature belies the rugby stere- otype of bigger is better, was full of praise for try-scoring Japan wingers Kenki Fukuoka and Ko- taro Matsushima, who have both enjoyed fantastic World Cups. “Dynamite comes in small packages!” Kolbe said, with neither Japanese winger boast- ing gargantuan physical dimen- sions. The UAE captain Mohamed Naveed. (Twitter) “We all have something spe- cial we can contribute to our various teams.” Kolbe added: “Both the Japan Watson apologises for ‘illicit’ social media posts wingers are currently playing re- ally phenomenal rugby. They’ve South Africa’s full back Warrick Gelant (left) and wing Cheslin Kolbe take part in a training session at the Fuchu Asahi Football Park in Tokyo, Australian cricketer Shane personal Instagram account. been on good form. Japan, yesterday. (AFP) Watson has apologised to fans The West Australian reported “Fukuoka is a very good play- after his social media accounts that a hacker also posted er, he’s got a lot of speed, he’s re- test properties with a couple of ity that you can, especially when career, starting a young family, up really well”, and that he was were flooded with “illicit” racial slurs and fat-shaming ally powerful and explosive... a scintillating displays in Japan, it comes to high balls, defence I had to make a tough decision “confi dent and ready” to play. photographs of half-naked comments to his Twitter really good all-round player. combining lightning footwork and running with ball in hand. and I just thought I needed a He added that little stock was women and racist comments, account last week. Kolbe has already played with an ability to ride a tackle, “I enjoy running with the ball new challenge in my career,” the now put in the 2015 World Cup seemingly the work of hackers. The 38-year-old, who has more against Fukuoka, when helping and solid defence. in hand and whenever I do get 25-year-old said. pool defeat by Japan, widely re- The all-rounder, who plays than two million followers South Africa to victory over Ja- opportunities, I’ll make sure I “Getting an opportunity to go garded at the time as one of the for Chennai Super Kings in across the two platforms, pan in the bronze medal match ‘TOO SMALL FOR 15S’ keep on having fun!” abroad was a challenge I wanted sport’s biggest upsets. the Indian , apologised to his followers for in the Rio Olympics rugby sev- “I love to have ball in general Kolbe made his international to face. It wasn’t easy, fi rstly as “We know that it’s happened, said in social media posts late the posts. ens competition, and also the play and having one-on-one debut only last year after being a player, but joining Toulouse in it’s four years later, it’s a new op- Tuesday that both his Twitter “My apologies to everyone Pretoria-born Matsushima, in opportunities within a game previously told he was too small France has been a good decision portunity for us and we keep on and Instagram pages had been for the illicit photos that have the domestic Currie Cup back in and create as many opportuni- for international 15-a-side rug- for me, they’ve welcomed me building,” he said. “We’ll make hacked in recent days. been posted on my Instagram 2012. “Matsushima loves to run ties not for myself but players by. The winger said that that had with open arms and made eve- sure we’re really well prepared Screenshots published by account,” he tweeted. “First with the ball and just have a lot around me,” the Bok said. coincided with the “tough deci- rything much easier for me as a and just implement what the British tabloid The Sun showed my Twitter account on Friday of freedom,” he said. “There are lots of diff erent sion” to quit South Africa for a player.” Kolbe said the ankle he coaches want from us and not revealing images of women got hacked and now Instagram Kolbe has underlined his sta- situations in the game where you stint overseas. rolled in the Springboks’ 49-3 have what happened in 2015 at in underwear posted on his today.” AFP tus as one of rugby union’s hot- have to be the best in every abil- “In that stage of my rugby demolition of Italy had “healed the back of our heads.”

CRICKET Smith, Gayle among most expensive Nigeria cricketers hope T20 players in ‘The Hundred’ draft chance can boost game at home AFP ‘STARTING AFRESH’ Lagos Like many other former British colonies, Nigeria has a lengthy association with cricket. hen Ademola On- In 1904 the first “Inter- ikoyi was a teen- colonial” match was played ager he struggled between Lagos Colony and to explain to his the Gold Coast. But despite Wfriends why he would leave foot- its long history, the game has ball games early to go to cricket never become mainstream in Reuters bracket for the inaugural edi- practice. the football-mad country. London tion of the 100-ball competi- “They never understood what “Cricket has been played tion, which will be played in cricket was all about — they for over 100 years in Nigeria July-August next year. didn’t know what it was,” he told — so it is not a new sport,” said he and Five of the eight city-based AFP. national team manager Ogh- Cricket Board (ECB) sides will have an Australian Now the wicketkeeper-bats- enekome Agodo. Tradition- has announced Aus- in charge with Shane Warne, man hopes the explaining is ally it was the preserve of elite tralian duo Steve Darren Lehmann and Tom over as he gears up to captain government boarding schools TSmith and David Warner and Moody among them. None of Nigeria’s T20 national team at but political upheavals in the West Indies opener Chris the men’s teams have a local the World Cup qualifi ers in the country since independence Gayle are among the most ex- coach. United Arab Emirates. in 1960 saw the system change pensive players listed in Sun- Twenty20 stalwarts Rashid “It is a big stage for us — the and the number of players dry day’s draft for the new domes- Khan of Afghanistan and West fi rst time we are participating at up. tic tournament The Hundred. Indian Andre Russell, with this level,” Onikoyi, 32, said. “We started having issues Smith helped Australia re- an identical 100,000 pounds Reaching this far is a huge step with bringing up new crick- tain the Ashes in England last reserve price, are among 239 up for Africa’s most populous eters — so the game is more month while Warner endured players from outside the UK to nation as it edges closer than or less now starting afresh,” a miserable series, managing enter the draft. England World ever before to a major interna- Agodo said. “We are sending just one fi fty in fi ve tests. Cup winners Mark Wood and tional tournament. coaches to identify schools Paceman Mitchell Starc, Liam Plunkett headline the The Nigerian side recog- and catching players young.” who played just one test in 331 domestic players who have nises it is lucky just to be in the Those efforts already seem that series, is the third Aus- put their names forward for UAE ahead of its opening game to be bearing fruit and crick- tralian in the six-man group the draft. against Jersey on October 19. et Nigeria is enjoying a mini who will command a 125,000 “Teams will select 12 players The squad only got through File photo of a Nigerian batsman playing a shot during an ICC World Twenty20 African ‘A’ qualification golden-age. pounds ($159,400) reserve on the night — with a maximum to this stage after the Interna- match against Ghana in Lagos. (AFP) In March the Under-19 team price, the ECB said in a state- of three overseas picks — who tional Cricket Council (ICC) made history as well by win- ment. Sri Lankan Lasith Mal- will join the already-announced suspended Zimbabwe in July is the lowest ranked side at the involved insist they are in with a opportunity and now we have to ning the African qualifying inga and fellow speedster Ka- England red-ball contracted over government interference in qualifi ers and faces overwhelm- chance — and hope that any suc- grab it,” said coach Clive Ogbi- tournament to make it through giso Rabada of South Africa players and Local Icons,” the the game. The team of amateurs ing odds to reach the World Cup cess can fuel interest in cricket mi. “The belief is rising and we to the World Cup finals for the are the other players in the top ECB said in a statement. — students and businessmen — in Australia next year. But those back home. “We got handed this can go out there and compete.” first time. Gulf Times Thursday, October 17, 2019 5 SPORT

NHL Rielly enjoys 4-assist period as Leafs top Wild STAMKOS, KUCHEROV LEAD Reuters RESULTS New York LIGHTNING OVER CANADIENS Leafs 4-2 Wild Steven Stamkos scored a goal and an as- sist, and Nikita Kucherov recorded two as- Lightning 3-1 Canadiens itchell Marner scored a goal and sists as the Tampa Bay Lightning earned a added two assists, Morgan Rielly Hurricanes 2-0 Kings 3-1 road victory over the Montreal Canadiens tied a team record with four as- Coyotes 4-2 Jets on Tuesday. Stamkos’ fourth goal of the sea- sists in one period, and the To- Flames 3-1 Flyers son put Tampa Bay ahead 2-1 just 1:04 into Mronto Maple Leafs defeated the visiting Min- the second period. It was his second game- nesota Wild 4-2 Tuesday night. Predators 5-2 Golden Knights winner of the season, and the 397th goal of Andreas Johnsson contributed a goal and Canucks 5-1 Red Wings Stamkos’ career, breaking a tie with Hall of an assist, and John Tavares and Auston Mat- Famers Dave Keon and Paul Coff ey for 98th thews each scored a goal for the Maple Leafs, from the left faceoff circle. on the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring list. who won their second consecutive game fol- The Maple Leafs then scored power-play All eight of Kucherov’s points (three goals, lowing a three-game losing streak. Toronto goals 1:12 apart. Marner scored his third of fi ve assists) this season have come in Tampa goalie Frederik Andersen made 27 saves. the season from the left circle on a shot that Bay’s three victories. The Lightning are 9-1- All of Toronto’s scoring came in the second went in underneath Dubnyk at 7:17 with 2 in their past 12 games against Montreal. It period, with Rielly matching the club assist Spurgeon off for tripping. was a comeback win for the Lightning, who mark set by Rick Vaive on March 12, 1984. After the puck took a weird bounce off the trailed 1-0 after a dominant opening 18 min- Luke Kunin and Gerald Mayhew scored, boards, Johnsson took two swipes from the utes from the Canadiens. and Devan Dubnyk stopped 30 shots for goalmouth before batting in his second goal Jeff Petry’s power-play goal put the Cana- the Wild, who have lost fi ve of six games this of the season at 8:29. Ryan Hartman was diens ahead 15:46 into the fi rst period. Mon- season. serving a holding penalty. treal has scored fi ve power-play goals in its The Wild scored at 5:30 of the fi rst period Matthews scored his seventh goal at 13:05, fi rst six games after recording a league-low with Kunin notching his second of the season knocking in the rebound from Marner’s shot. 31 goals with the extra attacker last season. on a wrist shot from just above the left cir- Rielly earned his ninth assist of the season. The Lightning’s attack sprang to life late cle. Kunin had just come onto the ice from Andersen made a save of Zach Parise fi ve in the period, collecting fi ve shots in the fi nal the bench, and no Maple Leaf moved to check minutes into the third period at the end of a two minutes and fi nding the equaliser. With him, leaving him open to take a pass from Wild three-on-one. just seven seconds remaining in the period, Ryan Suter. Nearly three minutes later, Johnsson hit veteran defenseman Braydon Coburn fi red a It was the sixth time in seven games that the crossbar behind Dubnyk. Mayhew, a shot through traffi c to score his fi rst goal of the Maple Leafs allowed the fi rst goal this 26-year-old Michigan native making his the season. Tampa Bay kept the momentum season. Tavares tied the game at 1:58 of the NHL debut, scored at 18:58 of the third pe- going with two goals in the fi rst 2:01 of the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (right) tries to get around Minnesota Wild defenseman second period, fi ring a sharp-angled shot riod. second period. Matt Dumba at Scotiabank Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB FOCUS LeBron addresses backlash to Hong Nationals down Kong comments

AFP trying to do here,” he said. Los Angeles James elaborated somewhat on the discussion about free speech Tuesday. os Angeles Lakers star “I also don’t think that eve- Cardinals for fi rst LeBron James told ry issue should be everybody’s reporters Tuesday problem, as well,” James said. he believes his com- “There’s multiple things that Lments on Monday – regarding we haven’t talked about that a tweet by Houston Rockets happen in our own coun- general manager Daryl Morey try that we don’t bring up. in favour of an independent There’s things that happen in Hong Kong – were taken out my own community. ... World Series berth of context, calling the circum- “There’s issues all over the stances as a whole “tough.” world, and I think the best ‘Often bumpy roads lead to beautiful places – and this is a beautiful place’ “I mean obviously it’s a thing we can do is, if you feel tough situation that we’re all passionate about it, talk about in right now, as an associa- it. If you don’t have a lot of tion,” said James, who added knowledge about it or you that he often feels that his don’t quite understand it, I words are taken out of con- don’t think you should talk text. “Us as athletes, own- about it. I think it just puts ers, GMs, whatever, so forth. you in a tough position.” I think when the issue comes James fi nished his media up, if you feel passionate session by saying he won’t about it or you feel like it’s discuss the subject moving something that you want to forward, with hopes of avoid- talk about, then so be it.” ing distractions around the James said Monday – af- team. ter the Lakers returned from “I won’t talk about it again, a tour in China – he believed because I’ll be cheating my Morey was “either misin- teammates by continuing to formed or not really educated harp on something that won’t on the situation” and didn’t benefi t us,” James said. consider the consequences Morey has not been disci- before posting his tweet. plined for his since-deleted “So many people could have tweet that included a logo and been harmed not only fi nan- the words, “Fight for free- cially, physically, emotionally, dom, stand with Hong Kong.” spiritually,” James said Mon- Rockets owner Tilman Fer- day. “So just be careful what titta spoke out against Morey we tweet and say and we do, and his tweet, and Rockets even though, yes, we do have star James Harden said af- freedom of speech, but there terwards, “We apologise. You can be a lot of negative that know, we love China. We love comes with that, too.” playing there,” while stand- After backlash to James’ ing next to teammate Russell comments, he tweeted a fol- Westbrook in Tokyo. low up on Monday night, According to an ESPN re- writing, “Let me clear up the port Monday, players asked confusion. I do not believe NBA commissioner Adam Sil- there was any consideration ver whether Morey would face for the consequences and any ramifi cations from the ramifi cations of (Morey’s) league, with several arguing tweet. I’m not discussing the the point that if a player did or substance. Others can talk said something that cost the About that.” league millions, that player James’ Monday comments would face repercussions. and tweets drew plenty of In the days following Mo- criticism, including from rey’s tweet, Chinese state tel- many in Hong Kong, where evision decided to not air the Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez holds up the trophy as they celebrate their win over the St. Louis Cardinals in game four of the 2019 NLCS playoff series at Nationals protesters were seen stomp- Brooklyn Nets-Lakers pre- Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ing on and burning his jerseys season games played in China, on basketball courts in the and numerous Chinese com- AFP to Tuesday’s win, the Nationals were one on Tuesday they were in no mood to be Harrison Bader scored in the fi fth. A Mar- city. Speaking from the Lak- panies suspended business Washington of only two Major League Baseball teams, denied. With a sea of red-shirted fans tinez double allowed Wong and Dexter ers’ facility Tuesday, James with the NBA. along with the Seattle Mariners, who had roaring them om, the Nats raced into a Fowler to score but the Nationals bullpen said he hadn’t see those im- Hong Kong, a semi-au- never reached a World Series. 7-0 lead in a disastrous fi rst inning for the held fi rm to close out victory. The victory ages and wasn’t monitoring tonomous region in China, is he Washington Nationals reached The Nationals had also carried a miser- Cardinals. was sweet for Nationals veteran Howie the backlash. in the midst of months-long the World Series for the fi rst time able postseason record into the playoff s Cards starting pitcher Dakota Hudson Kendrick, who was named series MVP “I haven’t been paying at- protests – sometimes violent in franchise history on Tuesday having never won a series before 2019. was given a brutal mauling, with An- after going 5 for 15 with four doubles and tention to it much besides – with Beijing sensitive to for- after completing a 4-0 series “I can’t put this moment into words,” thony Rendon’s sacrifi ce fl y scoring Trea four RBI. “All of the blood, sweat and tears what I said and what we’re eign infl uence on the unrest. Tsweep over the St. Louis Cardinals. Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. Turner to start the onslaught. Juan Soto’s and grinding, the losses, the wins come A blistering fi rst inning laid the foun- “Often bumpy roads lead to beauti- sharp line drive saw Adam Eaton scamper down to this moment,” Kendrick said as dation for a 7-4 victory over a Cardinals ful places – and this is a beautiful place,” home for 2-0 before a misfi eld by Cardi- he received his MVP award. team who rallied in the fi fth but were un- added Martinez, who only last month un- nals second baseman Kolten Wong loaded “I can truly say this is the best mo- able to overturn the defi cit. derwent a heart procedure. the bases. Another fi elding blunder by the ment of my career.”Williams managed Nats ace Patrick Corbin fanned 12 bat- “These guys back here cured my heart,” Cardinals – Jose Martinez failing to col- the Washington Nationals for two sea- ters through fi ve innings before fi nally Martinez said. “My heart feels great right lect a straightforward fl y ball from Victor sons, fi nishing with a combined 179-145 allowing four runs as the Cardinals at- now. I can’t wait to do this next week.” Robles – allowed Soto to score for 3-0. regular-season record in 2014 and 2015. In tempted to claw their way back into con- A comeback win over Milwaukee in the Yan Gomes’s single then sent Howie 2014, he was named the National League tention. The Nationals will now play the wild-card game then saw them advance to Kendrick and Ryan Zimmerman home for Manager of the Year as Washington won winner of the American League Champi- a dramatic NL Division Series where they 5-0, by which time Cardinals manager the NL East before losing to the San Fran- onship Series – either the Houston Astros stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers with an Mike Shildt had seen enough, yanking cisco Giants three games to one in the or New York Yankees – in game one of the upset 3-2 series win last week. Hudson off the mound for Adam Wain- league division series. World Series next Tuesday. wright. Wainwright’s arrival did little to In a 17-year major league playing career, The NL Championship Series victory FIRST INNING ONSLAUGHT staunch the bleeding however, with Turn- Williams amassed 378 home runs and marked the latest chapter of an improb- Three convincing wins over St. Louis in er’s single on a line drive allowing Robles 1,218 RBIs. He was a fi ve-time All-Star able season for Washington, who were the opening games of the NLCS had left and Gomes to score for a 7-0 lead. and fi nished in the top three in MVP vot- 19-31 earlier this year with little appar- them on the brink of the World Series, Yadier Molina homered for the Cardi- ing two times, including as a runner-up to ent hope of reaching the playoff s. Prior and before an expectant Nationals Park nals in the fourth to make it 7-1, before the Houston Astros’ Jeff Bagwell in 1994. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 17, 2019 SPORT

GOLF MOTORSPORT For Hamilton, social media backlash is Big guns rolling familiar feeling

AFP Mercedes driver. Others in Formu- Paris la One were, perhaps understand- ably, reluctant to wade into a de- bate on the environment, though ven though he deleted one former world champion post- in for PGA Tour’s the pro-vegan post that ed a response that saw both sides. started the trouble, Lewis “Lewis will get no end of fl ack Hamilton continued to be for this, being a jet setting F1 star. All eyes will be on the theE centre of social media debate We are all hypocritical to greater yesterday. It isn’t the fi rst time. or lesser degrees,” wrote Damon health of Woods as he The Formula One world cham- Hill, now a pundit. “But if people pion declared on Instagram yes- like him don’t speak out then we all makes another comeback terday that he worried about the carry on in the same vein and don’t Asian riches “extinction of our race” if humans even try to change. Its not that bad, AFP keep eating animals. eating carrots #f1 #carrots” . Jeju, South Korea “I’m sad right now with the In November 2015, he drew the thought of where this world is go- ire of animals rights groups for ing,” wrote the 32-year-old who posts on Twitter and Facebook he US PGA Tour kicks is on course for a sixth world title, that he felt expressed his love of off its new-look Asian leading Mercedes teammate Valt- cute, furry animals. Swing in South Korea teri Bottas by 64 points with four In 2011, complaining on the BBC today with the world’s races left. If a long list of previous that he was being victimised by Ttop golfers lured by megabucks controversies are any indication, stewards, Hamilton jokingly bor- in three tournaments with no the social-media furore around his rowed a line from British comedian cuts. post — with many strongly sup- Sacha Baron Cohen: “Maybe it’s This week’s $9.75mn CJ Cup, portive and many violently op- because I’m black, I don’t know. where four-time major winner posed — is unlikely to defl ect the That’s what Ali G says...” and world number one Brooks Koepka is defending champion, will be followed by the Tour’s fi rst foray into Japan at the Zozo Championship next week with an identical purse on off er. The swing concludes at the WGC-HSBC Champi- ons in Shanghai, which has seen its prize fund beefed up to $10.25mn, and the tournaments are a chance to rack up Fedex Cup points early in the season. Koepka will be joined at Nine Bridges on picturesque Jeju Is- land by drawcards such Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth and Sergio Garcia who are all mak- ing their debut at the event, fi rst held in 2017. Fellow major champions Jus- tin Thomas, the 2017 winner here, Jason Day, Patrick Reed, Formula One reaches deal to hold Graeme McDowell, Danny Wil- Miami Grand Prix in 2021 lett and Gary Woodland are also among the world-class cast Miami will host a Formula One that Formula One and Hard lifting the curtain on the three- Grand Prix in May 2021, subject to Rock Stadium have reached week $29.75mn jaunt. local government approval, after an agreement in principle to the sport announced a deal on host the first-ever Formula One DECISION TIME FOR Tuesday with the city’s Hard Rock Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock WOODS Stadium. Stadium,” Dolphins CEO Tom Next week in Japan all eyes will Formula One and local organisers Garfinkel and Sean Bratches, be on the health of Tiger Woods in April abandoned plans to hold Formula One’s managing director as he makes yet another come- an annual race in downtown of commercial operations, said in back, this time from arthro- Miami after businesses and a joint statement. scopic knee surgery, and will be residents objected. “With an estimated annual joined by world number two and File photo of Jordan Spieth after winning the 2017 British Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf course in northwest England. (AFP) Organisers then turned their impact of more than $400mn PGA Tour Player of the Year Rory attention to building a racetrack and 35,000 room nights, the McIlroy. tions to just three picks from the having been runner-up here last the world, thinks he may have International captain Ernie on the grounds of Hard Rock Formula One Miami Grand Prix But it is also decision time likes of Woodland, Tony Finau, year, while former number one a chance to sneak into Woods’ Els has also four to choose, and Stadium, which is home to the will be an economic juggernaut for US Presidents Cup captain Reed, Spieth, Mickelson, Rickie Spieth and 2018 Masters cham- thoughts with a couple of big Day, badly out of form in 2019, NFL’s Miami Dolphins and is for South Florida each and every Woods, who will pick his four Fowler, Bubba Watson and Kevin pion Reed need a return to top weeks. still looks a shoo-in to make it owned by real estate mogul and year.” “We are deeply grateful to US team wildcards for Decem- Kisner. form to spring them into con- “Gary (Woodland) won the an Aussie quartet in the 12-man Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. our fans, elected off icials and the ber’s showdown with the Inter- Although the out-of-form tention. US Open and didn’t get an au- team alongside Cameron Smith, Ross will fund construction of local tourism industry for their nationals in Melbourne straight Mickelson has been a key mem- tomatic pick and Tiger didn’t Marc Leishman and Adam Scott. the estimated $40mn custom patience and support throughout after the Zozo. ber of the US Team for an amaz- SPIETH TRIES TO SNEAK IN get in having won the Masters Korea have eight players in the track and cover all race costs, this process,” they said. Should the 15-time major ing 24 consecutive team events, “Unfortunately, I didn’t se- so that’s a pretty competitive fi eld and the home charge will be the Miami Herald reported on Formula One will have a record 22 winner Woods be fi t and fi ring in it seems certain that run will cure my own spot, so I have two American environment,” Spieth led by PGA Tour Rookie of the Tuesday. A company owned races next year, with a new race in Japan, he may nominate himself come to an end and he may be weeks left to go out and prove told AFP on Tuesday. Year Im Sung-jae. by the American billionaire has Vietnam added to the calendar. to be the fi rst playing captain recruited by Woods as an addi- that my game’s in a good enough “But I think if I can really play The 21-year-old knows the been lined up as the potential The race would be a second since Hale Irwin at the inaugural tional vice-captain. spot that I deserve a pick,” well have a chance and maybe Jeju course this week better than promoter. grand prix in the United States Presidents Cup in 1994. US Open champion Woodland Woodland said Tuesday. grab a win that may be enough to anyone having grown up playing “We are thrilled to announce after the one in Austin, Texas. But that would reduce his op- is looking to nail down his spot Spieth, languishing at 38th in sneak in.” Nine Bridges.

FOCUS Thai golf stars blaze path for youngsters

AFP ers, whose parents see the sport as to make their dreams become real- Bangkok a form of upward mobility. ity — it’s not about the money.” “If I play well, I can get rich like But whether for love or money, Pro Arm,” 10-year-old Natapat the fi nancial resources needed to lashing luxury sports cars Thongchitpakdee tells AFP as he get started in the sport are a bar- and a bejewelled watch, practises swings at a driving range rier to many youngsters. Kiradech Aphibarnrat is owned by Kiradech. That prompted Thongchai one of several rising golf Leading the change alongside Jaidee to set up a golf foundation starsF drawing Thailand’s young- Kiradech are Jazz Janewattana- in his home province to coax kids sters to the sport with the lure of nond — a fast-rising star who from lower-income families into a big pay-off . turned pro in 2010 — and the cel- the sport. Nicknamed “Pro Arm” in the ebrated Jutanugarn sisters Ariya In terms of popularity, his sport local press, Kiradech’s rotund and Moriya. “can’t beat football and boxing... physique, fl amboyant character A biopic focusing on Ariya’s but if you play well at golf, you and habit of vaping on the course rise debuted in Thai cinemas two could make good money,” he tells has earned comparisons with John months ago. AFP by phone from England ahead Daly, the American known for She climbed to world number of a tournament in Surrey. lighting up a cigarette between one in 2017 and in August was “It could translate to some- holes. valued at $5.3mn, while Forbes thing.” The 30-year-old is also the fi rst named her the 15th richest female The 49-year-old is one Thai Thai golfer to make the PGA tour athlete in the world this year. golfer living the dream — an ex- and has since made at least $2.3mn The 23-year-old wunderkind army man who went pro at 30, he in winnings and sponsorships. struck a modest tone in comments lived out a rags-to-riches story “I work hard, I get a good result to AFP, saying she was only one as he racked up wins on the Asian and I get a present. I think that’s of “many successful golfers from Tour. fair,” the 30-year-old tells AFP, Thailand”. One fi gure looms large for every showing off his silver Ferrari and a local player — golfi ng legend Tiger Ducati motorcycle. RAGS TO RICHES Woods, whose mother is Thai. “And it might inspire a kid,” he Yet, Ariya’s infl uence on young He has won several tournaments adds, smiling. players is undeniable. in her home country and spoken With its sunny weather, resort Teen newcomer Atthaya Thi- about the importance of his Asian hotels and sprawling courses, tikul says the Jutanugarn sisters heritage. Thailand has long served as a are her heroes. “I just thought he was so cool,” prime golfi ng destination. “They’ve inspired me and a lot says 12-year-old junior golfer But Thais only recently staked of Thai juniors,” the 16-year-old Poomrapee “Topgun” Kaewpi- a claim at the highest levels of told AFP. boon, who won the World Youth competition, joining players from Atthaya was the youngest golfer Championship in June. more established Asian golfi ng ever to win a professional tourna- As for the current crop of Thai countries such as South Korea and ment in 2017. She plans to go pro players, the youngster aims even Japan. next year and is poised to get rich higher. Leading players have in turn in- if she succeeds. “I would do much better than Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat hits an iron shot from the third tee during the 147th Open golf championship in Carnoustie, Scotland, on spired a new wave of young play- She says aspiring golfers “do it them,” he says. July 19, 2018. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, October 17, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT RECORD HAUL Messi receives PSG’s Icardi relieved sixth European focus back on football Golden Shoe Reuters Golden Shoe in 2010, admitted he Barcelona was disappointed to have missed out on Champions League glory again after Barcelona blew a 3-0 arcelona forward Li- fi rst leg lead to Liverpool at the aft er Inter circus onel Messi picked up a semi-fi nal stage. record-extending sixth However, he said he was con- — and third consecu- scious that the league should be At Inter , Icardi was stripped of the captaincy amid a long contract dispute Btive — European Golden Shoe the club’s priority. “The Cham- award yesterday following his pions League is something spe- outstanding individual 2018-19 cial and we all want to win it, but domestic campaign. The award we are conscious that the Liga is is presented to the top goalscorer the most important. Mauro Icardi arrived at Paris in league football across Europe, “ can help you reach the Saint-Germain on loan this with the Argentine fi nding the Champions League and the Copa season from Inter Milan. net 36 times last season as Barca del Rey. It is very diffi cult if you retained their La Liga title. don’t perform well in the Liga Messi was three ahead of near- to compete in the Champions est rival Kylian Mbappe, who League. We never forget about scored 33 times for Paris St Ger- the Liga and the Copa because we main as they won France’s Ligue are Barcelona and we always aim 1. “My team and my teammates, to win everything.” I would have never been able to Barca have endured a diffi cult win even one of these awards start to the season, losing twice without them,” Messi said at the in their fi rst eight league games. presentation in Barcelona. “This They have won their last three is a recognition for everyone, all matches to pull themselves into the team.” second place on 16 points, two The forward, who won his fi rst behind leaders Real Madrid.

AFP Sport. “Here in Paris it’s not like this.” PSG are unbeaten on top of , and before picking up a slight injury. Milan Icardi was the joint top-scorer in Serie are also leading their Champions League “(PSG coach Thomas) Tuchel is very A in 2017-18 with 29 goals. But last sea- group which includes Real Madrid. “I’ve friendly with the players. He talks a lot, son, he was stripped of the club captaincy always been used to pressure but I think jokes, tried to put me at ease from day rgentina striker Mauro Icardi amid a long contract dispute and later it helps that we’ve almost always won so one. I think I made a good impression on said yesterday he was enjoying barred from full training. The 26-year- far,” said the former Sampdoria player. him. Neymar, (Kylian) Mbappe, (Edinson) the focus being back on football old’s life with his television host wife “It’s a little diff erent than Inter even Cavani, are all strong players. It is nice to and away from his private life at Wanda Nara, who is also his agent, had though I don’t have a real yardstick to play with star players who change match- FrenchA club Paris Saint-Germain. also become the focus of many reports. compare because I haven’t played in other es even at the last minute, like Neymar The former Inter Milan captain ar- Despite parting on bad terms the for- great teams in the past. PSG has the right does.” rived in the French capital on loan this ward said he had no hard feelings towards players to do well but the Champions is a Icardi added that he had a healthy season and after recovering from injury the Italian club he joined in 2013 and trophy coveted by all the great teams.” competition with Uruguayan striker has scored two goals in the Champions scored 120 goals in just over 220 matches. Icardi said he had settled in to life in Cavani. “With Edy I have a great relation- League and Ligue 1. “I can only wish the best for Inter in every France even if he still considered Milan ship. It’s not rivalry, just healthy compe- “In Italy a vicious circle had been creat- competition,” said Icardi. his home. “I didn’t expect so much sup- tition,” said Icardi. “In this period Edy ed in certain journalistic circles where we “I’m good now, I’m up and running port from the fans. “They welcomed me was injured so I had the chance to play always ended up talking a little too much again even if I have to keep working be- right from my fi rst warm-up at Parc des immediately. When he comes back, it will Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi poses with his wife Antonella about anything concerning me,” Icardi cause I had a complicated summer and I Princes. I then had the good fortune of be up to the coach to choose the best one Roccuzzo and their sons after receiving his sixth European Golden tolf Italian sports daily Gazzetta Dello wasn’t 100% when I arrived in Paris.” playing right away against Real Madrid, to send onto the pitch.” Shoe award in Barcelona yesterday. (Reuters)

ROUND-UP FOCUS Sanchez undergoes ankle surgery Tokyo Olympics marathon and walks hile forward Alexis stadium. Sanchez has un- The football federation dergone surgery (RFEF) confi rmed it had re- in Barcelona after ceived the request and said the could be moved to Sapporo over heat fears pickingC up an ankle injury on two clubs had until Monday to walking events show how seri- will be the case next year. President Sebastian Coe. AFP international duty, his Italian submit their opinions before Lausanne ously we take such concerns. The At the recent world champi- “Giving athletes the best plat- club Inter Milan confi rmed. it makes its decision. Protests Olympic Games are the platform onships in Doha, both the men’s form for their performances Sanchez hobbled off in the 88th have erupted across Catalonia where athletes can give ‘once- and women’s marathons started within the environment they are minute of a goalless draw in the after Spain’s Supreme Court on he marathon and race in-a-lifetime’ performances, and at midnight but the heat and in is central to all major events. friendly against Colombia in Monday issued heavy prison walks at the 2020 To- these measures ensure they have humidity still presented mas- We will work with the organisers Alicante on Saturday. sentences of between nine and kyo Olympics could be the conditions to give their best.” sive problems. Ruth Chepnget- to create the very best marathon Medical tests in Milan on 13 years to Catalan separatist moved from the Japanese The plan to change the loca- ich won the women’s race in a and race walk courses for next Tuesday revealed damage to leaders convicted of sedition Tcapital to Sapporo where tem- tion of the events has yet to be sluggish 2hr 32min 43sec — 17 year’s Olympic Games.” a tendon in his left ankle and over the 2017 referendum and peratures will be “signifi cantly rubber stamped. The initiative minutes outside Paula Radcliff e’s The planned relocation of the Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda short-lived declaration of inde- lower”, the International Olym- will need the backing of all of then world record — while 28 of marathon and race walks are said he expected the forward pendence. pic Committee said yesterday. the major stakeholders, notably the 68 starters failed to fi nish. a part of a broader scheme to could be out for up to three Scores of people have been The IOC is proposing the move the host city Tokyo, the national The men’s race was held in lessen the eff ects of the weather months. Sanchez joined Inter this year’s World Cup, were the hurt and dozens arrested in because temperatures in To- Olympic committees and the rel- cooler conditions but Lelisa De- on the athletes. The 5,000m and on loan from Unit- 45,619 present when England the past two nights of clashes kyo during the July 24-August 9 evant broadcasters. sisa’s winning time of 2hr 10min longer-distance races are being ed this season, but has made hosted Germany, currently between protesters and police Games could reach into the high The IOC Coordination Com- 40sec was over nine minutes scheduled for the evening athlet- just four appearances. The second in the FIFA rankings, at in Barcelona and other Catalan 30s Celsius. In Sapporo, more mission for Tokyo 2020 will slower than the world record. ics sessions and not in the morn- 30-year-old was sent off in his Wembley in 2014. cities. The convictions on than 800 kilometres (500 miles) dedicate a special session in its “We have been working closely ing sessions while all rugby sev- fi rst full start after scoring in a Monday revived tensions in the further north, they would be fi ve meeting in Tokyo at the end of with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 on ens morning games are slated to 3-1 win over Sampdoria. Inter SPANISH LEAGUE WANTS wealthy northeastern region, to six degrees cooler during the the month to measures to deal the potential weather conditions fi nish before 12:00pm. are second in the Italian league EL CLASICO SWITCHED TO split between those loyal to day. “Athletes’ health and well- with the heat. When Tokyo last at next year’s Olympic Games The mountain bike start time one point behind defending MADRID OVER PROTESTS Madrid and those who want it being are always at the heart of hosted the Olympics in 1964 the and will continue to work with has been pushed back to start at champions Juventus after seven The Spanish football league to break away from Spain. our concerns,” IOC President marathon — won by the great the IOC and Tokyo 2020 on the 3:00pm. The IOC said that the matches. said yesterday it had asked the Thomas Bach said in a statement. Ethiopian Abebe Bikila — was proposal to move the road events timing of other events and com- country’s football federation MANCHESTER CITY’S “The new far-reaching proposals run at 1:00pm but that was in the to Sapporo,” said International petitions would be “kept under ENGLAND, GERMANY to move the next ‘El Cla- AGUERO UNHURT AFTER to move the marathon and race month of October, not August as Amateur Athletics Federations’ review”. WOMEN SET FOR SELL-OUT sico’ between Real Madrid and CAR CRASH – REPORT WEMBLEY CROWD Barcelona to Madrid following Manchester City striker Sergio The women’s friendly between violent protests by separatists Aguero was involved in a minor England and Germany at in Catalonia. car accident before yesterday’s police hold six over racist abuse at England match Wembley on November 9 has “We have requested the training session but emerged sold out and will be a record competitions committee of the without any injuries, British Sofia: Six Bulgarians have been Sofia police chief commissioner brief detentions, fines and bans of angry reactions from fans, attendance for a female match Spanish Football Federation to media reported. Sky Sports said detained over racist abuse at Georgy Hadzhiev said. He added from sporting events. media and off icials in both coun- in the country, the Football As- meet and change the location that the 31-year-old Argentine a Euro 2020 qualifier against that so far 15 people have been In total, 15,000 people tries. British Prime Minister Boris sociation (FA) announced. The of El Clasico to Madrid because was on his way to City’s train- England that sparked a storm of singled out via CCTV at the Vasil watched the match at a stadium Johnson condemned the “vile” previous best was the 80,023 of exceptional circumstances ing facility in his car when the protest and led to the resigna- Levski National Stadium as being already partially closed after racism, while his Bulgarian coun- who watched the Olympic fi nal beyond our control,” the league accident occurred. tion of the country’s football suspected of directing abuse racist incidents during games terpart Boyko Borisov forced as the US beat Japan 2-1 at the (LFP) said in a statement. Pictures later emerged on chief, police said yesterday. Mon- against England’s black players. against Kosovo and the Czech the country’s football federation same stadium, which can hold According to Spanish media social media showing dam- key chants and apparent Nazi Police in the central city of Republic in June. England chief Borislav Mihaylov to off er 90,000, in 2012. reports Catalan grassroots age to the right front wheel of salutes overshadowed England’s Plovdiv said they were calling in manager Gareth Southgate his resignation on Tuesday. The 90,125 who witnessed separatist groups and po- the vehicle that Aguero was 6-0 win in Sofia on Monday, with for questioning 13 others, who told reporters after the game UEFA said that it was launch- the US win the 1999 women’s litical parties are preparing a travelling in. Aguero did not the match halted twice during were allegedly also part of the that his side had been ready to ing a probe into the behaviour of World Cup with victory over demonstration in Barcelona, require medical treatment and the first half due to the abuse. group of black-clad men who walk off the pitch if the abusive both the Bulgaria and England China at Pasadena is the world the Catalan capital, at 1pm took part in training ahead of “Six people have been sparked trouble at the game, behaviour continued but players fans. Its chief Aleksander Ceferin record. The most people to on October 26, the day the La Saturday’s Premier League trip detained and another three according to public BNR radio. decided to complete the match. stressed the commitment to root have watched the Lionesses at Liga clash is scheduled to take to sixth-placed Crystal Palace, are being actively sought,” Penalties for the off ences carry The incident sparked a storm out the “disease” of racism. home, who fi nished fourth at place at Barcelona’s Camp Nou the report added.

Thursday, October 17, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS Spain qualify with Sweden draw, Ireland forced to wait Spain became the sixth team to qualify for next summer’s tournament thanks to Rodrigo’s dramatic injury-time equaliser

AFP Paris

odrigo Moreno fi red Spain into Euro 2020 with a last-gasp equaliser in Sweden while the Republic of Ireland’s chances ofR reaching the fi nals are still in the bal- ance after they fell 2-0 in Switzerland. Spain became the sixth team to qualify for next summer’s tournament thanks to Rodrigo, who came off the bench to score a dramatic injury-time leveller in a 1-1 draw in Stockholm, sparking wild celebrations on the touchline. “Qualifi cation is a must for a team like Spain but achieving it still has value,” said Moreno. “It releases the pressure and gives us time to work.” Robert Moreno’s side are top of Group F on 20 points after drawing their last two matches. They are fi ve ahead of Sweden and six above Ro- mania, who missed the chance to take second spot when Norway’s Alexander Sorloth snatched a late 1-1 draw in Bu- charest. However it was a far from vin- tage display from Spain, who started brightly but faded as the match wore on against the lively hosts, who were dis- traught after missing out on a famous victory right at the death. A celebratory night was tempered slightly by the loss of goalkeeper David de Gea to a thigh injury in the second half, although that will worry his club Manchester United more ahead their meeting with Premier League leaders Liverpool this weekend. In Group D, Haris Seferovic’s early strike and Shane Duff y’s late own goal kept Switzerland’s hopes of automatic qualifi cation alive with a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. The win in Geneva means the Swiss are just a point behind group leaders Ireland and Denmark with two matches remaining Sweden’s Mikael Lustig shoots past Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal during the Euro 2020 Group F qualifying match in Stockholm, Sweden on Tuesday night. (Reuters) in their campaign, compared to just the one for the Irish, who host the Danes on “The result doesn’t mean a lot in the Fredrik Jensen gave the Finns a 31th placed Bosnia & Herzegovina lost 2-1 EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS vinsson 71) Malta 0 November 18 needing a win to guaran- group, we still need to get results in our minute lead. Norwich City striker Puk- in with an 88th-minute own Group D: At Geneva, Switzerland: Group G: At Beer Sheva, Israel: Israel tee qualifi cation. next two games. If we get the points we ki then scored just after the hour and goal from Adnan Kovacevic. Israel kept Switzerland 2 (Seferovic 16, Duff y 90+3- 3 (Dabbur 16, 42, Zahavi 26) Latvia 1 “It’s a cup fi nal. Beat Denmark to need against Georgia and Gibraltar we got his second two minutes from the their hopes of qualifying from Group G og) Republic of Ireland 0; At Gibraltar: (Kamess 40) reach Euro 2020. I would have taken can turn our attentions to Euro 2020,” end with a neat dinked fi nish. Markku alive after seeing off Latvia 3-1 as Eran Gibraltar 2 (Casciaro 66, Chipolina 74) Group J: At Turku, Finland: Finland 3 that at the start and I’ll take it now,” said said Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic. Kanerva’s side stay nine points behind Zahavi scored his 11th goal of the quali- Georgia 3 (Kharaishvili 10, Kankava 21, (Jensen 31, Pukki 61, 88) 0; At the Republic’s coach Mick McCarthy. Finland inched closer to qualifying Group J winners Italy, who maintained fying campaign. Kvilitaia 84) The Swiss, who also have the better of for their fi rst ever European Cham- their 100% record with an eighth Andi Herzog’s side are level on 11 Vaduz: Liechtenstein 0 Italy 5 (Bernar- the head-to-head record with the Irish pionships after Teemu Pukki took his straight win, 5-0 against Liechtenstein. points with and Group F: At Stockholm: Sweden 1 (Berg deschi 2, Belotti 70, 90+2, Romagnoli as the two teams drew 1-1 in September, qualifying tally to seven in eight match- Finland need a win over rock-bot- Slovenia and fi ve behind second-place 50) Spain 1 (Rodrigo 90+2); At : 77, El Shaarawy 82); At Athens: Greece take on group minnows Georgia and es with a double that helped Finland tom Liechtenstein to qualify for their , meaning they still have a 1 (Mitrita 62) Norway 1 (Sorloth 2 (Pavlidis 30, Kovacevic 88-og) Bosnia Gibraltar in their fi nal two games. sweep aside Armenia 3-0 in Turku. fi rst major tournament after fourth- chance with two games remaining. 90+2); At Torshavn: Faroe Islands 1 (Bald- and Herzegovina 1 (Gojak 35)

FOCUS SQUASH Mancini’s Italy emerge from the darkness Farag to begin title defence to begin record-breaking new era against Kandra at PSA Worlds Reuters efending champion Rome and World No.1 Ali Farag will square up against unseeded Rap- t fi rst glance, Italy’s haelD Kandra of Germany while 5-0 win over a Liech- second-seed Mohamed ElShor- tenstein side ranked bagy will face his compatriot Ka- 182nd in the world by rim El Hammamy in the opening FIFAA wasn’t a noteworthy re- rounds of the PSA Men’s World sult. Tuesday night’s victory in Championship to be held from Vaduz, however, marked a his- November 8th to 15th at the toric moment for a team that Khalifa International Tennis and has undergone a radical trans- Squash Complex in Doha. formation in the 17 months The $335,000 total prize purse since took over tournament is featuring a total as manager. It was the Azzurri’s of 64 players, including the 56 ninth win in a row, a run of form highest ranked players and eight that equalled an Italian record wild card entrants. According set by the great Vittorio Pozzo’s to the draw list released, home team 80 years earlier. “Match- favourite Abdullah Mohammed ing Pozzo’s record is nice, but I’d al-Tamimi will begin his quest rather match his record of win- for honours against France’s ning two World Cups,” Mancini Gregoire Marche, a bronze med- said after the game. allist at the 2017 World Games in That feat may be out of reach Italy has undergone a radical transformation in the 17 months since Roberto Mancini took over. (Reuters) Wroclaw, while another Qatari for now, but the former Man- player Hamad al-Amri, a wild- chester City boss has never- ing a 2-1 victory in September. compared to the ugliness of two gives the team its nickname. But card entrant, will have to over- theless given the Italian pub- It was crucial that the manager years ago.” the symbolism was obvious, as come the challenge of the World lic plenty of statistical gems got to work quickly when he was Success wasn’t immediate, as the emergence of the next gen- No. 3 Tarek Momen of Egypt for to pore over during the Euro named as the successor to Gian Italy went fi ve games without eration was celebrated along- a chance to advance to the next 2020 qualifying campaign. Piero Ventura in May 2018. a win after the manager’s de- side Italy’s resurgence as a force round. Italy’s 2-0 win over Greece at Ventura became public en- but friendly victory over Saudi in international football. Farag who has been in fi ne the Stadio Olimpico in Rome emy number one in Italy after Arabia. But Mancini gradually Mancini has given youth a form of recent and was on Sat- on Saturday assured them of their humiliating World Cup found his strongest team and chance, handing Nicolo Barella, urday crowned the 2019 US Open qualifi cation to next summer’s play-off defeat to Sweden at the favoured formation, and the re- 22, Gianluigi Donnarumma, 20, Squash Champion after defeat- European Championships with end of 2017, a result that con- sults soon followed. and Federico Chiesa, 21, regu- ing compatriot ElShorbagy to three games to spare. It was the fi rmed their fi rst absence from The euphoric mood among lar starts, while others includ- add to his 17 PSA Tour titles, up at the Channel VAS, Hong ing to be lucky this time around earliest qualifi cation they have the tournament since 1958. 60,000 fans in the Olimpico ing Nicolo Zaniolo, 20, Sandro winning the World Champion- Kong Open and Black Ball Open. with a third time attempt after ever achieved, and the out- Mancini picked up the national celebrating qualifi cation to Euro Tonali, 19, and Moise Kean, 19, ship title in Doha will be the per- The last time Farag was in Doha, previously losing twice against look of Group J following the team in a period of profound 2020 at the weekend was the have had opportunities. fect way to round up a very suc- he went away with his maiden the same opponent, his compa- win in Liechtenstein made for darkness but, piece by piece, has clearest signal yet of how far He’s also given the team an cessful year in style. trophy at the PSA World Tour triot Ramy Ashour, in the fi nals more happy reading. Italy top rebuilt the fragile confi dence of this team has come under their identifi able style, using a 4-3- The 27-year-old Cairo-born Platinum event after defeating of 2012 and 2014 championships the group with eight wins from the team. “You can see there’s leader. The idea of it being a new 3 featuring two , in player has had a string of suc- Germany’s world No. 6 Simon held at the Qatari capital. eight, 25 goals scored — averag- an Italy side with more convic- era for the national team wasn’t Marco Verratti and Jorginho, cesses on the Tour, especially Rosner in straight-games. One of the matches to look out ing more than three per game — tion, more desire to do what the lost on kit makers Puma, who who like to dictate the tempo. since the 2018-19 campaign, It will be a third attempt at for in the fi rst round will be the and just three conceded. coach says and follow the very unveiled a green shirt they de- Sceptics have pointed to their winning the Oracle NetSuite, victory at the World Champion- all-England encounter between Mancini’s side have hurdled clear ideas we considered from scribed as the “renaissance kit” lack of any serious challenge in Qatar Classic and the Tourna- ships stage in Doha, however, for former World No. 1 James Will- every obstacle, coming from the start to be wise,” striker An- ahead of the Greece game. qualifying in an eff ort to keep ment of Champions, which former world champion ElShor- strop, a three-time World Team behind to win against Bosnia- drea Belotti said after scoring It divided opinion, as many everyone grounded, but Mancini moved him to the World No.1 bagy. The 28-year-old Egyp- Championships gold medallist, Herzegovina and Armenia and twice in Liechtenstein. “You can fans were bemused by the idea has successfully completed his position for the fi rst time in his tian, who is regarded as one of and fi ery George Parker, the 2015 fi nding a late winner against see we’re doing some wonder- of playing in anything other fi rst task: making Italy a respect- career in March 2019. the most talented players on the Under-19 European Champion- surprise package Finland dur- ful things on the fi eld, especially than the ‘Azzurro’ blue that ed European power once again. He equally fi nished as runner- PSA World Tour, will be hop- ships winner.