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Saturday, October 8, 2016 TENNIS Muharram 7, 1438 AH Dimitrov upsets GULF TIMES Nadal to join Murray in China Open semis SPORT Page 5 FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES FOCUS Qatar’s Abdulla Al-Attiyah gives keeps T2 title Overdrive and hopes alive Agencies Erfoud, Morocco

del Hussein Abdulla sur- vived the rigours of the Erg Chebbi during the fi nal Toyota sixth win stage of the 2016 OiLibya ARally of Morocco and reached the fi n- ish in Erfoud classifi ed second in the Qatari has won every rally he has participated in this season FIA T2 category in his Nissan Patrol yesterday. The Qatari, driving a Nissan Pa- trol with support from Nissan Mid- dle East, Nissan Qatar and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), entered the event 11 points I will push until the fi nal kilometre in behind series rival Yasir Saeidan and Portugal.” now trails the Saudi by 25 points with Abdulla began the fi nal day in deter- one rally to run in Portugal later this mined fashion and clawed back 1min month, although the results remain 25sec of Saeidan’s lead through the provisional pending the outcome of opening 44km of the 230km selective a protest lodged by TOK Sport about section through the Erg Chebbi. The the legality of his rival’s car. Qatari went on to win the stage com- With 25 points available for the fortably, but Saeidan held on to shadow victory in the next rally, Abdulla and the stage winner to the fi nish and con- French navigator Sebastien Delaunay fi rm a provisional victory by the win- will need to win the category outright ning margin of 10min 24sec. and hope that Saeidan fails to fi nish if their protest is not upheld. Rally of Morocco T2 positions “Today was one of the best days of 1. Yasir Saeidan (SAU)/Alexei Kuzmich the rally and I set the fastest time,” (RUS) Toyota Land Cruiser 200 17hr said Abdulla. “I had no problems at 37min 15sec all and I had a gap to all my rivals. I 2. Adel Hussein Abdulla (QAT)/Se- fi nished second overall but the cham- bastian Delaunay (FRA) Nissan Patrol pionship is not settled yet. I have one 17hr 47min 39sec more event in Portugal and even this 3. Nicolas Falloux (FRA)/Antonia de result in Morocco is still provisional Roissard (FRA) Toyota Land Cruiser and could change if there is a deci- 19hr 45min 07sec sion by the race Stewards and event 4. Mohammed al-Harqan (QAT)/ organisers. Nasser al-Kuwari (QAT) Toyota Land “I am a fi ghter and will never go up. Cruiser 19hr 56min 13sec

Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (also inset, with French driver Ronan Chabot) in action during the Rally of Morocco.

Agencies the Rio Olympics forced him to miss the time of 4min 41sec to snatch a 13-sec- around Erfoud and al-Attiyah extended Erfoud, Morocco Baja in Hungary in August. ond lead over Finland’s Mikko Hirvo- his outright lead to 16min 44sec after Roma and fellow Spanish navigator nen. Roma moved into third place in a winning the section by 2min 54sec. Alex Haro belied their lack of experience second Toyota and Van Loon, Chabot The fi nal selective section ran for verdrive Racing’s Nasser with an Overdrive Racing Toyota to steer and Khalifa al-Attiyah were 11th, 12th 230km and crossed the notorious Erg Saleh al-Attiyah confi rmed their V8-engined car into contention and 17th. Chebbi en route to the ceremonial fi n- his dominance of the 2016 for the fi nal podium place until they hit Al-Attiyah opted to start the fi rst of ish in Erfoud. Al-Attiyah took no risks FIA World Cup for Cross- transmission problems on the fi nal stage the desert stages from fi fth position and reached the stage fi nish in 2hr 26in CountryO Rallies with an emphatic and dropped three places to sixth. on the road and the Qatari carded the 25sec to confi rm the victory by the win- start-to-fi nish victory in the punish- Frenchman Ronan Chabot and his quickest time of 48min 56sec in the ning margin of 12min 08sec in a crush- ing six-day OiLibya Rally of Morocco navigator Gilles Pillot set some ex- opener to extend his outright lead over ing exhibition of professional driving. yesterday. cellent stage times on their way to an Hirvonen to 41 seconds. Roma, Van The Qatari drove one of fi ve Toyota encouraging seventh place in the third Loon, Chabot and Khalifa al-Attiyah Rally of Morocco final positions Hiluxes entered by the Belgian car Toyota. Al-Attiyah’s brother Khalifa held fi fth, seventh, 17th and 20th. 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- preparation company on the most diffi - Saleh and Belgian co-driver Stephane Al-Attiyah also won the second part thieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Over- cult event of its kind in Africa and Joan Prevot fi nished 14th in the QMMF- of the special to take a lead of 1min drive 12hr 28min 28sec Roma, Ronan Chabot and Khalifa Saleh backed Toyota after losing time on the 07sec into the overnight halt. Roma 2. Carlos Sainz (ESP)/Lucas Cruz (ESP) al-Attiyah brought three of the other fourth stage. and Van Loon held third and sixth and Peugeot 3008 DKR 12hr 40min 36sec four cars home in sixth, seventh and Dutchman Erik van Loon and co- Chabot and Khalifa al-Attiyah were 3. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin 14th positions. driver Wouter Rosegaar were well placed 13th and 16th. Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini All4 Racing 13hr Al-Attiyah and his French naviga- inside the top 10 before crashing the fi fth Accurate navigation and another 04min 37sec tor Matthieu Baumel reached the fi nish Toyota on the third stage on Wednesday. fastest time on the demanding second 4. Orlando Terranova (ARG)/Paolo Fiuza in Erfoud with a comfortable winning They completed the timed special and selective section, which also featured (PRT) Mini All4 Racing 13hr 12min 21sec margin of 12min 08sec over former failed to start the penultimate stage. a series of dune crossings near the fi n- 5. Jakub Przygoński (POL)/Tom Colsoul Dakar winner Carlos Sainz to confi rm “Every day we have been opening the ish, enabled al-Attiyah to extend his (BEL) Mini All4 Racing 13hr 38min 03sec their sixth successive victory in the road and it has not been easy, but today outright lead over Yazeed al-Rajhi to 6. Joan Roma (ESP)/Alex Haro (ESP) FIA World Cup since joining Overdrive was a good position for us and we tried 14min 31sec. Toyota Hilux Overdrive 13hr 52min Racing in March. to push,” said al-Attiyah. “We had a Carlos Sainz won the third desert 41sec The Qatari has completely domi- good speed in the dunes and we caught stage of 291km, but al-Attiyah main- 7. Ronan Chabot (FRA)/Gilles Pillot nated every event in which he has com- Carlos there.” tained an outright lead of 11min 07sec (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 14hr peted and the Morocco win followed Al-Attiyah made the perfect start heading towards the overnight halt and 14min 35sec remarkable successes for the Toyota to his Moroccan challenge on the tight the planned fourth special of 319km. 14. Khalifa al-Attiyah (QAT)/Stéphane Hilux in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Italy, Spain and twisty Prologue stage of seven kil- The fourth selective section of 319km Prevot (BEL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive and Poland – shooting commitments at ometres. The Qatari clocked the fastest formed a loop stage through the deserts 16hr 48min 17sec Adel Hussein Abdulla in action with his Nissan at the Rally of Morocco. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, October 8, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ASIAN WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION Saudi Arabia deny Australia crucial win Italy fi ght back to with late equaliser

AFP Shamrani struck in the Jeddah 79th minute, sweeping home from close range just eight minutes aft er Tomi audi Arabia’s Nassir al- Juric had fi nished a well- hold Spain, Wales Shamrani scored late to constructed move to put the deny Australia a crucial Socceroos on the verge of victory in Thursday’s claiming victory WorldS Cup 2018 qualifi er be- tween the top two sides in Asian The match sprung to life early zone Group A. on when a fi ne Saudi move re- The entertaining 2-2 draw sulted in the home side taking ensured both sides maintained the lead in the fi fth minute. denied in Austria their unbeaten start after three Taisir al-Jassim fi nished matches in the fi nal round of smartly from 10 yards after qualifying for Russia. Yehya al-Shehri opened up the ‘We know we weren’t at our best. It was a diff icult game against a very good team but Shamrani struck in the 79th Australian defence to secure an minute, sweeping home from early advantage for the Saudis. this is what we’ve grown up to do, we grind out results when we need them’ close range just eight minutes Australia overcame their poor after Tomi Juric had fi nished a start, gradually forcing their way AFP well-constructed move to put back into the game but it took Paris the Socceroos on the verge of until the 45th minute for them to claiming victory. draw level. Shamrani was playing his fi rst The equaliser came from a aniele De Rossi’s late penalty game for Saudi Arabia for 18 corner when Trent Sainsbury rescued a point for Italy against months. glanced home. Spain in a heavyweight World The fact he was the man who The result leaves Ange Postec- Cup qualifi er on Thursday, as scored the equaliser would have oglou’s team top of the group WalesD played out an entertaining draw in been especially annoying for with seven points, the same Austria. Australia as Shamrani was a cen- number as the Saudis, but with a Spain dominated possession against tral fi gure in an infamous con- better goal diff erence. the Italians in Turin and looked set to frontation between his club side Close behind on six points are come away with a precious victory when Al Hilal against Western Sydney Japan who narrowly beat Iraq 2-1 Vitolo pounced on an uncharacteristic Wanderers during the 2014 AFC earlier in the day, and the Unit- error by Gianluigi Buff on to put the visi- Champions League fi nal. ed Arab Emirates who defeated tors in front. The home side, roared on Thailand 3-1. Veteran goalkeeper Buffon, winning by a partisan crowd of more Thursday’s results set up an his 164th cap, raced off his line in the than 51,000, could have even intriguing round next week when 55th minute to try to cut out a Sergio snatched victory in the closing Australia play Japan and the Sau- Busquets through ball only to swipe at minutes but were denied by a fi ne dis, now managed by Bert Van thin air and leave Sevilla winger Vitolo save from Australian goalkeeper, Marwijk, take on the UAE. with an easy finish. Matthew Ryan. The top two sides from the Julen Lopetegui’s Spain looked set to Australia also had a chance to group automatically qualify for gain revenge for their 2-0 defeat to Italy take all three points but the op- the fi nals in Russia, while the in the last 16 at Euro 2016 in June, but portunity was spurned by Mat- team which fi nishes third will they were denied by a late penalty. thew Spiranovic. head to a play-off . When Eder went down under a Sergio Ramos challenge, German referee Fe- lix Brych consulted his assistant before COMPENSATION pointing to the spot. Roma midfi elder De Rossi stepped up to send David de Gea the wrong way and make it 1-1 with eight minutes left. Diarra demands Spain have now failed to win any of three meetings with Italy in 2016 but this was still a better result for them in 6mn euros from the fi ght for the one automatic qualify- ing berth at the World Cup in Russia from Group G. FIFA, claims report Albania, who host Spain on Sunday, are currently top of the group with two AFP side Charleroi. wins out of two after beating Liechten- Brussels However, the deal hinged on stein 2-0 away thanks to a Peter Jehle the condition whereby the Bel- own goal and a Bekim Balaj strike. gian club would not face sanc- In the same group, Tomer Hemed and rench international Las- tions by signing Diarra, who was Tal Ben Haim II scored as Israel won 2-1 sana Diarra, ordered to then in full dispute with Loko- in Macedonia, whose reply came from Ilja Italy’s Daniele De Rossi celebrates after scoring a penalty against Spain. pay a 10-million-euro motiv Moscow. Nestorovski of Palermo. ($11mn) fi ne to former Diarra had abruptly left the In Vienna, Euro 2016 semi-fi nalists the fi rst time since 1958, although they place to come,” Bale told Sky Sports. Kalinic added second-half strikes as Ko- clubF Lokomotiv Moscow, has in Russian club in 2014 after sign- Wales earned a potentially crucial point twice threw away the lead in their 2-2 “We know we weren’t at our best to- sovo suff ered in a ‘home’ game played in turn demanded millions in com- ing a four-year contract in 2013, as they aim to qualify for a World Cup for draw with Austria in Group D. night. It was a diffi cult game against a the Albanian city of Shkoder. pensation from FIFA and the mainly because of a pay cut. Only a brilliant Robert Almer save very good team but this is what we’ve Euro 2016 heroes Iceland claimed a Belgian football federation, Bel- Lokomotiv brought the case Key results prevented Gareth Bale from giving Chris grown up to do, we grind out results dramatic 3-2 home win against Finland, gian media reported yesterday. to FIFA and the world body im- Coleman’s side an early lead before Joe when we need them.” twice coming from behind to do so. The 31-year-old appeared posed a fi ne of 10 million euros Group D Allen drew fi rst blood midway through Wales are next in action tomorrow at Teemu Pukki and Robin Lod netted before a Belgian court along which was upheld by the Court Republic of Ireland 1 (Coleman 56) the fi rst half at the Ernst Happel Stadium home to Georgia, who lost 1-0 in the Re- for the visitors in Reykjavik either side with his lawyers on Thursday of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Georgia 0 with a stunning left-foot volley. public of Ireland, Seamus Coleman scor- of a Kari Arnason goal, before Alfred and demanded six million euros last May. However, Allen’s Stoke City teammate ing his fi rst goal for his country to get the Finnbogason produced a 90th-minute ($6.7m) be paid by FIFA and the As a result Charleroi fi nally Group G Arnautovic equalised six minutes later, winner. equaliser for Iceland. Belgian federation over the Mar- decided not to complete the Di- Italy 1 (De Rossi 82-pen) Spain 1 (Vitolo stooping to head in a David Alaba ball Serbia were 3-0 winners in Moldova, The Euro conquerors of England were seille midfi elder’s failed transfer arra signing. 55) into the Welsh area. Filip Kostic, Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic not fi nished there, though, as Ragnar to Charleroi in 2015. The French player believes he Wales were back in front in fi rst-half and Southampton’s Dusan Tadic on tar- Sigurdsson scored the winner in the sixth While out of contract in early was the wronged party and has Group I stoppage time when a Bale long throw get in Chisinau. minute of added time. 2015, Diarra had signed a letter decided to take legal action. Kosovo 0 Croatia 6 (Mandzukic 6, caused havoc in the home box and the Next up for Iceland is a home meeting committing himself to fi nish the The verdict will be delivered 24, 35, Mitrovic 68, Perisic 83, Kalinic ball eventually went in off Tottenham HARSH LESSON FOR KOSOVO with Turkey, who battled back to draw season with Belgian top-fl ight in the coming months. 90+2) Hostpur defender Kevin Wimmer. In Group I Croatia taught Kosovo a harsh 2-2 with Ukraine in Konya. But Arnautovic ran through to score lesson as they beat the international An Andriy Yarmolenko penalty and Turkey 2 (Tufan 45, Calhanoglu 81- his and Austria’s second goal three min- football new-boys 6-0 with Juventus an Artem Kravets goal had Ukraine two DISCIPLINE pen) Ukraine 2 (Yarmolenko 24-pen, utes after half-time following a slack striker Mario Mandzukic bagging a fi rst- goals up before Ozan Tufan pulled one Kravets 27) pass by Allen. half hat-trick. back and Hakan Calhanoglu levelled with “It’s a great point for us at a diffi cult Matej Mitrovic, Ivan Perisic and Nikola a late penalty. ‘Disrespectful’ Pelle BOTTOMLINE axed by Italy

AFP ing Ventura’s outstretched hand, Turin and fi nds himself punished de- spite off ering an apology on so- cial media. Work to do, says Italy’s Ventura taly coach Giampiero Ven- “So once again I’ve done tura has axed Graziano Pelle something stupid. AFP fence to buckle, Buff on rushing ferocity that was our mark at for this weekend’s World I behaved unacceptably to- Turin out to close down Vitolo when the Euros”. Cup qualifi er against Mac- wards the boss (Ventura) and to he ran on to Sergio Busquets’ But the Roma midfi elder ad- Iedonia, accusing the striker of my teammates, who have always through ball. mitted: “But we have to make big “disrespect”. displayed their values in this taly coach Giam Piero Ven- The Sevilla forward coolly slid improvements, everyone knows The Chinese-based former fantastic group of which we’re tura admitted there’s work the ball into the empty net. that, above all the coach.” Southampton forward has paid part,” he posted on Instagram. to do after an outclassed Ventura replaced the ineff ec- Only the group winners auto- the price for failing to shake his “Every serious mistake inevi- Azzurri stumbled to a 1-1 tive Graziano Pelle with Lazio matically qualify for the fi nals in coach’s hand when he was sub- tably has its consequences and IWorld Cup 2018 qualifying draw forward Ciro Immobile, and the Russia and with Albania, Israel, stituted in Thursday’s 1-1 draw it’s absolutely right that I take with Spain on Thursday. impact was almost immediate. Macedonia and Liechtenstein against Spain. responsibility for what’s hap- Italy’s 2-0 defeat of Spain Immobile injected a much- included Italy are expected to “Manager Giampero Ventura, pened. in the last 16 of the European needed dose of pace and creativ- battle Spain for top spot. in agreement with the (Italian It’s my duty to say I’m sorry.” Championships ended Spanish ity into a wilting attack, notably Spain coach Jelun Lopetegui federation) FIGC, has decided to Pelle, who missed a penalty in hopes of challenging for a record threatening when he slid in late to admitted the result left a bitter- exclude Graziano Pelle from the Italy’s quarter-fi nal shoot-out third consecutive title. meet Eder’s delivery after he was sweet taste. “The glass is both squad for the Macedonia match loss to Germany at Euro 2016, But only three months on, and set up by Alessandro Florenzi. half-full and half-empty,” Lo- because of his disrespectful be- scored the opener in a 3-1 World in spite of failing to avenge their Vitolo should have doubled petegui said. haviour when he was replaced,” a Cup qualifying win in Israel last Euro setback, the former world Spain’s lead on 69 minutes when “We gave a good account of federation statement read. month. champions showed they are he was sent free but with three ourselves against a strong side, “To be part of the national AC Milan midfi elder Ricardo back with a bang. Italy’s coach Giampiero Ventura during the match against Spain. defenders in hot pursuit the in this stadium. You can’t give team implies the sharing of com- Montolivo will also miss Mac- Juventus Stadium was silenced 26-year-old fi red inches wide of too much away to Italy and in the mon values and behaviour con- edonia after picking up an injury for long periods as Spain’s ‘tiki- problems,” Ventura said. a lot of time running, but only to Buff on’s far post. fi rst half we kept their opportu- forming to the wearing of the Thursday, and will be replaced by taka’ game baffl ed the hosts, and “It was a game of two halves chase the ball.” Italy claims for a penalty on 80 nities to a minimum. blue shirt, beginning with re- Torino’s Marco Benassi. Ventura, who replaced Antonio and the changes we made after Italy were outclassed through- minutes were initially waved away “We suff ered a little in the spect towards the management, Benassi, 22, has never played Conte earlier this summer after the restart meant we had a much out a one-sided opening half in by referee Felix Brych, but after second half but overall I’m hap- players and fans.” for Italy but was a key member of his move to Chelsea, admitted better second half. which Spain enjoyed 77 percent consultation with his offi cial, the py with our performance. We Pelle, an Italy regular for the the national junior squads. there is work to do. “Spain were superior but, apart possession and saw Gerard Pique German pointed to the spot and showed our character and our past year, was dropped after an Thursday’s Spanish stalemate “In some areas of the pitch from their goal, Buff on hardly had come closest with a close-range De Rossi stepped up to send David ambition. It doesn’t really help hour following an ineff ective where the Azzurri were out- we have little problems to sort a save to make. But we should header that Buff on collected. De Gea the wrong way. us in terms of claiming top spot display in Turin and replaced by classed left Italy third in Group G out. We need a diff erent kind of learn a lot from this game. It took only 10 minutes of the De Rossi claimed Italy had in the group but we’re on the Ciro Immobile. ahead of Sunday’s game against approach to try and mask these “In the opening half we spent second half for the Azzurri de- “maintained the same kind of right road.” He walked off the pitch, ignor- Macedonia in Skopje. Gulf Times Saturday, October 8, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT RECOVERY Southgate hopes to restore England’s Brazil, Uruguay tarnished reputation romp as Chile crash again England interim manager Gareth Southgate (2L) during training. ‘I did not expect this. The team is working very hard for each other. We are trying to AFP out taking the job so far. London Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade- play the players in the positions that they play for their clubs. I believe that is helping’ Chamberlain can testify to Wenger’s many qualities, but he AFP ngland will hope to erase has been impressed by the dili- Montevideo the lingering stain of Sam gent Southgate and believes he Allardyce’s embarrassing will help steady the ship for now. exit when interim manag- “Everyone knows about Arsene razil and Uruguay scored easy erE Gareth Southgate takes charge Wenger, what a great manager, but victories to maintain their lead for the fi rst time in today’s World right now there’s a lot going on at the top of South America’s Cup qualifi er against Malta. and all I’m focused on is Gareth,” 2018 World Cup qualifying tour- Just 12 days after Allardyce was Oxlade-Chamberlain said. namentB on Thursday as Chile lost ground forced to quit in disgrace follow- “He’s just come in. The fi rst after crashing to defeat in Ecuador. ing his indiscreet and off ensive few days working with him have A virtuoso performance from Barce- comments to undercover news- been brilliant. They’ve made the lona superstar Neymar lay at the heart of paper reporters, Southgate and boys feel relaxed and confi dent Brazil’s 5-0 mauling of Bolivia in Natal, his players desperately need to with what they’re trying to do.” with the striker launching the rout with deliver a positive performance to his 49th international goal. restore some lustre to the English MENTALLY FRAGILE Neymar set up two more as Brazil pro- game’s tarnished reputation. Southgate had distanced himself duced their most stylish performance of When Southgate fi lls out the from the job before Allardyce was recent memory to rattle in further goals team-sheet ahead of the Group appointed, but the former Crys- from Gabriel Jesus, Filipe Luis and Liver- F clash at Wembley, he will be- tal Palace defender jumped at the pool duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto come the third England man- unexpected second chance and is Firmino. ager to undertake that task in the believed to harbour ambitions of Brazil coach Tite, who has now won all country’s last three fi xtures. leading his country for more than three games since taking over from sacked Roy Hodgson quit immediately their remaining fi xtures this year. predecessor Dunga, said he had not ex- after England’s Euro 2016 humili- The 46-year-old’s only previ- pected his team to win so impressively. ation against Iceland, while Al- ous managerial experience was “I did not expect this,” Tite said. “The lardyce lasted only one match — a a frustrating three-year spell at team is working very hard for each other. 1-0 victory in the opening qualifi er Middlesbrough which ended in We are trying to play the players in the against Slovakia — before being the sack after relegation from the positions that they play for their clubs. I forced to fall on his sword. Premier League in 2009. believe that is helping.” Even for a team with England’s But Southgate bristles at the The only sour note was a nasty looking dismal track record over the last public perception that he is a head wound suff ered by Neymar in the two decades, those debacles were nice guy without the necessary second half following a clash with Yas- especially galling and former experience or steel to thrive in mani Duk. captain Alan Shearer summed such a high-profi le post. The collision left Neymar with blood up the mood of many when he It is an accusation also thrown pouring from his head, prompting his claimed the national team are a at England’s collection of tal- substitution on 67 minutes. laughing stock in the eyes of the ented but mentally fragile stars The win left Brazil sitting comfortably rest of the world. and Tottenham right-back Kyle in second place in the 10-team round- Handing the reins to South- Walker admits fi nding a way to robin tournament, one point behind gate, who had been working as break that psychological barrier leaders Uruguay, who swatted aside win- England’s Under-21 coach, for the remains the key to future success less Venezuela 3-0 in Montevideo. next four matches buys the Foot- at major tournaments. Uruguay have 19 points from nine ball Association time to search for “I think the quality in the games, with Brazil on 18 points. Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring against Bolivia during their Russia 2018 World Cup football qualifier match in Natal, Brazil. Allardyce’s replacement. dressing room is frightening,” Ecuador stand in third place with 16 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger Walker said. “As soon as we just points following their 3-0 drubbing of Results and fi nal qualifying spot, level with both ded team’s abject display. would be the FA’s dream choice start gelling together and being Copa America champions Chile in Quito. Colombia and Ecuador on 15 points. “They were superior to us in every de- and, with his contract due to ex- a bit more streetwise, it will be World Cup quarter-fi nalists Colombia Ecuador 3 (Antonio Valencia 19, Rami- The top four fi nishers in the table qual- partment,” Pizzi said. “They totally over- pire at the end of the season, he a lot more benefi cial for England are in fourth spot, also on 16 points, after rez 23, Caicedo 46) Chile 0 ify automatically for Russia 2018 while whelmed us, and won all of the individual has intriguingly refused to rule and for us as a group of players.” they snatched a dramatic 1-0 win over the fi fth placed team enters a playoff . battles. All we can do now is be honest Paraguay thanks to a 90th minute strike Uruguay 3 (Lodeiro 29, Cavani 46, 79) give self criticism and then start think- from Edwin Cardona in Asuncion. Venezuela 0 CHILE ROUTED ing about Peru,” Pizzi added, referring to CONSEQUENCE But the day’s results left clear daylight Chile’s next opponents. ARGENTINA HELD Paraguay 0 Colombia 1 (Cardona 90) between Chile and the qualifying po- In Montevideo, Edinson Cavani main- Argentina, held 2-2 by Venezuela in their sitions, with the back-to-back South tained his prolifi c start to the season with last game in September, dropped another Brazil 5 (Neymar 10, Coutinho 25, American champions suff ering a mauling two goals in La Celeste’s 3-0 win over Bradley can pave two points in their trip to Lima to face Peru. Filipe Luis 38, Gabriel Jesus 43, against Ecuador. Venezuela. The Argentinians, missing injured Firmino 75) Bolivia 0 Chile were torn apart as Ecuador pro- Cavani, who has been in sensational captain Lionel Messi, looked to be head- duced a rampant display at the Estadio form for club and country, struck twice way for more US ing for victory after Everton defender Peru 2 (Guerrero 58, Cueva 84-pen) Olimpico Atahualpa. in the second half after Nicolas Lodeiro Ramiro Funes Mori gave the visitors a de- Argentina 2 (Funes Mori 15, Higuain Goals from Manchester United’s An- had headed Uruguay into the lead mid- served lead after 15 minutes. 77) tonio Valencia, Ferencvaros’s Cristian way through the fi rst half. coaches, says Keller However Peru fought back and levelled Ramirez and Espanyol’s Felipe Caicedo Paris Saint-Germain star Cavani has through all-time leading goalscorer Pao- secured the points for the hosts. now scored four goals in his last two Reuters above the relegation zone, this lo Guerrero on 58 minutes. was bundled over in the box. Chile now have only 11 points from World Cup qualifying games for Uruguay, London challenge dwarfs anything he has Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain Christian Cueva stepped up to rifl e nine games and are fi ve points adrift of with seven in total during the campaign. taken on before. restored Argentina’s lead with a 77th home the spot-kick past Sergio Romero the qualifying positions. The 29-year-old has also bagged 10 Keller, who also played for minute strike but Peru hit back once to give Peru a vital point with a 2-2 draw. Downcast Chile coach Juan Antonio goals in all competitions for PSG this wansea City manager Bob Borussia Moenchengladbach more, winning a penalty when Guerrero The draw leaves Argentina in the fi fth Pizzi gave no excuses for his star-stud- year. Bradley can open a new and Fulham during his European frontier for Americans stay, says Bradley is no tourist. harbouring ambitions of “Bob’s been very ambitious coachingS in Europe’s big leagues, and very vocal for years that he BOTTOMLINE says former trans-Atlantic trail- wanted to try to stay in Europe. blazer Kasey Keller. He’s had multiple opportuni- Keller paved the way for a ties to come back to MLS but he string of American goalkeepers wanted to stay in Europe and try to cross the Atlantic after join- Swansea City’s new US manager ing Leicester City, via Millwall, Bob Bradley. Germany want power show in the 1990s. AFP Group C by beating the Czechs, eller, Mario Goetze and Kevin “If I hadn’t have been suc- to prove himself on the biggest Berlin then Northern Ireland next Volland. cessful in goal would Brad Friedel stage and that’s admirable,” the Tuesday in Hanover. Yet none of the trio has hit have got his chance? Would Tim 46-year-old Keller, now a TV “We have the clear goal of the net for their respective clubs Howard have got his chance? A pundit, said. ermany want a show of remaining group leaders,” said Bayern Munich, Borussia Dort- lot of times it just takes one to “I understand why it probably power in today’s 2018 captain Manuel Neuer. mund and Hoff enheim after six give other people the opportu- took a few people by surprise be- World Cup qualifi er “We have two important rounds of Bundesliga matches. nity,” Keller, who won the League cause it was not like he played against a Czech Repub- games in front of us and we want Loew had identifi ed the na- Cup with Leicester City and also in England previously and not Glic side hoping for ‘a little mira- six points.” tional team’s main problem, played for Tottenham Hotspur, many people in England know cle’ against the world champi- Despite the Czechs’ re- which his players are now under told Reuters by phone. much about Bob Bradley. ons. building, Germany head coach pressure to fi x. “When you come from a “But not every club can go out “We’re playing against a team Joachim Loew is full of respect. “We need too many shots for smaller footballing nation, one and bring in Mourinho! that can only be defeated in ex- “This will be our toughest a goal, our chance-conversion person’s success can open the “But he is a student of the ceptional circumstances. We competitor in the group, they rate is a matter of concentra- door for another and I think if game and obviously convinced hope for a little miracle,” Czech have good individuals. On pa- tion in the fi nal phase and in our Bob is successful as a coach in the right people that he was the coach Karel Jarolim told German per, they are the strongest in the mentality,” he said. England then that will happen.” right guy for the job. magazine Kicker. group,” said Loew. Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion While Keller, then 22, was a “He’s been on some people’s Despite his fl attery, the The 56-year-old suff ered the is set to be a sell-out, but Neuer raw recruit when he took the radar for a while. Now it’s up to Czechs meet a German team ca- heaviest home loss in his decade wants a good performance to si- plunge and joined Millwall from him to make the most of it. He’ll pable of dominating opponents, in charge in October 2007 when lence the whistles the national Portland Timbers in 1992, Brad- be relishing testing himself week yet can struggle to turn posses- the Czechs clinched a 3-0 win team has experienced following ley is no rookie. in week out against the best sion into pressure. in Munich in a qualifi er for Euro below-par performances in re- He had a fi ve-year stint in coaches in the world. Germany are currently a long 2008. cent home games. charge of the US national team, Jurgen Klinsmann who replaced way from the polished goal- The main concern in the Ger- “Of course, we always want during which they fi nished run- Bradley as USA head coach in machine which lifted the World man camp is effi ciency. to put in a good display and play ners-up in the 2009 Confedera- 2011, says Bradley deserves to mix Cup two years ago. Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew during a press conference. Finishing chances and con- well for the fans, but the most tions Cup, after ending Spain’s it with the likes of Jose Mourinho Jarolim is in a rebuilding verting pressure into goals was important thing is the victory 35-match unbeaten streak. and Pep Guardiola. phase without the likes of vet- Kaderabek of Hoff enheim, ply goalless draw by Northern Ire- their major stumbling block at — it’s about what counts,” said Bradley then gained European “There are many very good eran play-maker Tomas Rosicky, their trade in Germany’s top land in their opening qualifi er Euro 2016 and remains an issue. Germany’s captain. experience at Norwegian top fl ight American coaches that can the Arsenal legend now at Sparta fl ight. in Prague on September 4, the Loew is without Mario Gomez “We’re hoping for a good club Stabaek and almost won pro- coach overseas there is no doubt Prague, and Gunners’ goalkeep- Sampdoria’s 20-year-old same night Germany enjoyed a as his only out-and-out striker atmosphere, so that everyone motion for French Ligue 2 outfi t Le about it. Bob’s done it the rough er Petr Cech. striker Patrik Schick is set to win 3-0 win away to Norway when has a glute injury. goes home happy — and we Havre who he left to join Swansea. route and did not shy away from Both wing backs, Gebre Selas- just his second cap. Thomas Mueller netted twice. In his absence, the onus on aren’t subjected to a concert of He also coached Egypt. challenges since leaving the na- sie of Werder Bremen and Pavel The Czechs were held to a Germany’s aim is to stay top of providing goals will fall to Mu- whistles.” With Swansea hovering just tional team,” said Klinsmann. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, October 8, 2016 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Woods confi rms Fisher takes lead at tour return in Dunhill, eyes ending California AFP in the Turkish Airlines Open in Ponte Vedra Beach, United States November and the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in De- cember that benefi ts his charita- iger Woods confi rmed ble foundation. two-year win drought yesterday that he will “It could be a fun Fall,” Woods return to action in Cali- said.”It was diffi cult missing fornia next week after tournaments that are important Noren struggled at Kingsbarns with a one under par 71 for a share of second place aT 14-month absence as he at- to me, but this time I was smart tempts to resurrect his fl agging about my recovery and didn’t AFP career. The 14-time major win- rush it.” Carnoustie, United Kingdom ner has not played since August Woods has not won a major 2015, undergoing surgery late since the 2008 US Open after last year to cure a long-standing battling a number of knee, leg ngland’s Ross Fisher put himself in the back injury. “Out of action due to and back injuries. At times he frame to end a two-year winless drought injury since August 2015, Tiger was unable even to hit the ball. with a round of 68 and ease a stroke clear on Woods will return to PGA Tour His last title came at the 2013 the second day of the Alfred Dunhill Links competition next week at the World Golf Championships Championship.E Fisher, 35, managed seven birdies Safeway Open, the fi rst event of Bridgestone Invitational. but also dropped three shots in cold and wet condi- the 2016-17 PGA Tour season,” The player who has spent a to- tions on the Old Course at St. Andrews, one of three the PGA announced in a state- tal of 683 weeks atop the world courses playing host to the event. ment. “Woods offi cially com- rankings during his career is now The former Ryder Cup star, who reached a high mitted today to the event, Octo- 767th. Woods played a support- of 17 in the world late in 2009, last tasted success in ber 10-16 at Silverado Resort and ing role as an assistant to US capturing the 2014 Tshwane Open, his fi fth Euro- Spa in Napa, California.” captain Davis Love as the United pean Tour win. “The front nine here at St. Andrews Woods, 40, hasn’t competed States defeated Europe 17-11 in is straight down wind so it plays relatively easy al- since fi nishing equal 10th at the the Ryder Cup last week at Ha- though the front pin is hard to get at,” he said. 2015 Wyndham Championship. zeltine, where Woods said he en- “And then you turn to the back nine and the He had back surgery last Septem- joyed the challlenge of adapting wind’s all into you from off the left. You’re hanging ber and a follow-up procedure to to a non-playing role. on a little bit but if you still hit good shots, you can ease discomfort from a pinched “I love being out there in the have birdie chances, and to shoot 4-under and get nerve. Woods eventually missed fi ght with these guys,” Woods to 11, I’m obviously very, very pleased.” the entire season, skipping all said.”I was just in the fi ght a dif- Sweden’s Alex Noren, who led after day one with four major championships for ferent way and had to do my role a course-record equalling 64 at Carnoustie, strug- the fi rst time in his career. and had to my job in a diff erent gled at Kingsbarns with a one under par 71 for a Woods said last month that he way, and it was pretty cool.” share of second place at nine under par. Noren, and was targetting a return in Napa, But Woods’s colleagues on a double Tour winner this season, played his worst saying his rehabilitation “is to tour are looking forward to the and best holes back-to-back in posting a double the point where I’m comfortable buzz he brings as a competitor. bogey at the fi fth but then holing his second shot making plans”. “He brings an aura and an at- in driving the green at the short downhill par four He had left himself some wig- mosphere that no one else in golf sixth. gle room, however, in saying can bring,” Rory McIlroy said at He then joined Fisher atop of the board with a Ross Fisher of England plays his on Twitter that he was “hop- the BMW Championship in Sep- birdie at 16 but proceeded to bogey the closing two second shot to the second hole ing” to play in Napa, as well as tember. “I’ve missed that.” holes. “It wasn’t a nice way to fi nish but I’m happy,” during the second round of the he said. “I played decent, and had a few 3-putts, Alfred Dunhill Links Championship long putts, but then did not have as much going for at The Old Course in St Andrews, me today as yesterday, so overall I’m pleased”. Scotland, yesterday. (AFP) Fellow Swede Joakim Largergren capped his round early on at Kingsbarns when he eagled the par fi ve third hole en route to a 68, and as the 20- year seeks a fi rst Tour success. Martin Kaymer is the best-placed of the six European Ryder Cup stars adding a 68 at Kingsbarns to his Carnoustie opening score of 71 to be sharing 12th place at fi ve under par. “I really had it going after seven holes, as I was fi ve-under par but then made a stupid bogey on nine, so that was tough for the momentum,” said Kaymer. Ryder Cup team-mate Lee Westwood slumped to his worst Tour score in 14 years, carding a 10-over par 82 to be last in the 167-player fi eld at 13-over par. Westwood had failed to score a point in last week’s Ryder Cup and ended his round double bo- gey, birdie, double bogey and triple bogey. Bizarre- ly, it is Westwood’s highest score since an 83 dur- ing the 2002 PGA Championship at Hazeltine and venue for last week’s Ryder Cup. Westwood was competing at Kingsbarns where there is a permanent marker in place on the ninth fairway to commemorate his albatross ‘two’ on his way to a then course record 62 and eventual victory The 14-time major winner Tiger Woods has not played since August in 2003. 2015, undergoing surgery late last year to cure a back injury. Day withdraws ROUND-UP from World Cup of Fraser, Richardson share lead in Indonesia

AFP “The fi rst three holes were fi ne, then Golf in Australia Jakarta it started to blow,” he said. “It was hard making putts, standing over short putts, Melbourne: Jason Day has of being overshadowed by Hur- it just becomes so diffi cult when con- been forced to withdraw from ricane Matthew and his fears ustralian golfers Marcus Fraser ditions are like this.” The Aus$1.5mn the World Cup of Golf and Aus- for his Florida-based family. and Kalem Richardson shared ($1.1mn) tournament is co-sanctioned tralian Open next month due McDowell is competing in this the second clubhouse lead by the Australasian PGA and, for the fi rst to a lingering back injury, the week’s Alfred Dunhill Links yesterday at the BNI Indone- time this year, the European Tour. sianA Masters which was interrupted by world number one has said. Championship in Scotland but Day had been scheduled has been constantly on the bad weather. Fraser, who only scored a SOUTH KOREA’S JANG, PARK to play the Australian Open phone to his wife in Orlando, three-under 69 on the opening round on SHARE LEAD IN TAIWAN at the Royal Sydney Golf Club Florida. Hurricane Matthew Thursday, fi nished the morning session South Korea’s Jang Ha-Na and Park from Nov. 17-20, then partner is one of the most powerful with seven birdies against two bogeys for Hee-Young each shot their second con- world number six Adam Scott storms to threaten Florida’s a fi ve-under-par 67. secutive three-under-par 69 yesterday in the World Cup tournament Space Coast and the U.S. The Australian, who ranked second on to share the halfway lead in the second at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath National Hurricane Center the Order of Merit, said he was grateful round of the LPGA Taiwan Champion- from Nov. 23-27. Day and Scott predicts heavy rain, dangerous for his solid performance on the second ship. won the last World Cup event storm surges and winds gusting day of the tournament. “My game was Jang and Park battled windy and rainy in 2013, with Day clinching the up to 140 mph. pretty steady. I felt like I played pretty conditions to move to the top of the lea- individual title, but the 28-year- The eye of Hurricane is similar to what I did yesterday. I just had derboard after they tied for the fi fth with old was told to rest completely expected to pass just off shore one poor drive on 17. That was a terrible three others in the opening round at Mi- until next season after tearing a or directly over Cape Canaveral golf shot and I made a bogey. Other than ramar Golf and Country Club in New Tai- ligament in his back. and the Kennedy Space Center. that it was steady all day,” Fraser said. pei City. Day’s injury forced him out of Little wonder McDowell was Fraser’s fellow countryman Richard- Park is aiming for the third win of her the PGA Tour’s season-ending more worried about his wife son, who suff ered from a knee injury ear- career and the fi rst since the 2013 Manu- Tour Championship during the and two children, including lier this year, secured a tie by fi nishing the life Financial LPGA Classic. “I expect a second round in Atlanta last the youngest born just over a round on a 68 on eight-under-par 136. lot of rain, so I had practice — it’s about month. He also withdrew dur- month ago. “I’m arranging to “I’ve been struggling a little bit with the just one week — but I had a lot of practice ing the final round of the BMW get my wife and children out of game. It was nice to get through a couple with the trajectory, diff erent kind of shot Championship in his previous Orlando with what I hear about of challenges today and stay in the mo- from the range, which is a lot of help this event. Players from 28 coun- the Hurricane, but then I don’t ment. I’ve been getting carried away and Kalem Richardson of Australia hits a shot during round two of the Indonesian Masters week also,” said Park. tries will compete at the World know where to,” he said before that’s been costing me,” Richardson said. golf tournament at the Royale Jakarta Golf and Country Club in Jakarta. (AFP) “So that’s why I hit it a lot close today Cup of Golf, which has returned his second round at Kingsbarns. Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand fi nished even with the wind and the rain,” said to a 72-hole stroke play, two- “From what I am reading, it two shots just before play was halted due lightning threats and will resume today Ryder Cup drought, said his bogey-free Park, who scored four birdies against one man team event format. The sounds all pretty scary and to fading light to fi nish the round on a morning at 6:30am. round put him in a good position. “I told bogey to lead at 6-under with a two-day first and third days of compe- that’s my priority at present.” 69, trailing the leaders by one alongside myself going out this morning 5-under or total of 138. tition will be the foursomes Amid his concerns for his fellow Thai Tirawat Kaewsiribandit, S. SNEDEKER MOVES INTO better would put me right where I want to South Korean Ryu So-Yeon, China’s (alternate shot) format and family, McDowell was under- Chikkarangappa of India and Japan’s Ma- FIJI CONTENTION be,” he said. Feng Shanshan, Lee-Anne Pace of South the second and final days are standably in erratic form in an sahiro Kawamura. Favourite Brandt Snedeker equalled the “To go out and shoot seven, I know I Africa and Canada’s Brooke Henderson fourball (best ball) play. opening round that included “We rushed in the last two holes be- Natadola Bay course record to move into don’t have the lead, I think I’m one back, (CAN) tied in third place with one shot three birdies but also three cause we didn’t want to come back early second place yesterday at the European but I’m comfortable where I am going back. Overnight leader Sakura Yokomine HURRICANE CONCERNS bogeys and a ninth hole double tomorrow. I played very well and I have no Tour-sanctioned Fiji International. The into the weekend, there’s a lot of golf left.” of Japan slipped to tenth place after hit- FOR MCDOWELL bogey in a score of 74. “It was complaints with the round. At least now American shot a seven-under-par 65 to Hometown hero Vijay Singh ended the ting a disappointing three-over-par 75 to Former US Open champion just one of those days really I know I will have some rest and have a fi nish the day one shot behind Australia’s day 11th on the leaderboard after a disap- tie with seven others. Graeme McDowell’s return to as it could have been a couple chance at the weekend,” Thongchai said. Matthew Giles heading into the weekend. pointing three-over-par 75. The three- Defending champion Lydia Ko of New the European Tour is in danger under and not a couple over.” Play at the Royale Jakarta was suspended The world number 23, fresh from help- time major champion said he struggled in Zealand was tied for 18th at 1-under with at 5.45 pm local time due to darkness and ing the United States end an eight-year windy conditions. a two-day total of 144. Gulf Times Saturday, October 8, 2016 5 SPORT

TENNIS Dimitrov upsets Nadal to join Murray in China Open semis ‘Losing five serves in a row is something that you cannot (do and) win a match like this. That’s it’

AFP into the semis with a 6-1, 6-2 win against Yaro- Beijing slava Shvedova. Radwanska will next face Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, who followed up her sur- prise win over world number one Angelique afael Nadal crashed out of the China Kerber by easing past Australia’s Daria Gavrilo- Open quarter fi nals to 20th-ranked va 7-6(3) 6-1. Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov yesterday as Due to Thursday’s rain in Beijing, Shvedova Andy Murray swept into his 11th semi was forced to play twice, earlier beating Al- ofR the season. Despite two breaks in the fi rst set, ize Cornet 6-2 6-4. Fatigue appeared to catch the fourteen-time Grand Slam champion was up with Shvedova as Radwanska lost just three unable to keep his serve and Dimitrov kept the games to seal her third China Open semi-fi nal in pressure on for a 6-2, 6-4 victory — his fi rst over the last four years. the Spaniard. On the men’s side, Ferrer dispatched German “Losing fi ve serves in a row is something youngster Alexander Zverev while Wimbledon that you cannot (do and) win a match like this. runner up Milos Raonic saw off Spaniard Pablo That’s it,” Nadal said after the loss. Nadal, 30, is Carreno Busta 6-4, 6-4. approaching the end of his second consecutive Zverev, 19, was looking to cap a breakout sea- season without a Slam title since he won his fi rst son with a strong Beijing run, but was unable aged 19 at Roland Garros in 2005. to capitalise on his fi rst set lead as he was over- The loss in the Chinese capital also puts his powered by Ferrer 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 7-5. qualifi cation for an 11th consecutive ATP Final The German upset the Swiss world number — which brings together the season’s top eight three Stan Wawrinka to win his maiden ATP title players — in doubt. Murray, meanwhile, beat at St. Petersburg in September, having downed Davis Cup teammate Kyle Edmund to keep his number nine Tomas Berdych in the semis. In hopes of dethroning Novak Djokovic for year- Beijing he beat 10th-ranked Austrian Dominic end number one alive. Thiem in the fi rst round, making him the fi rst The Scot — who is coming to the end of a teenager to defeat three top 10 players in a row career best season — was forced into a tense since Boris Becker in 1986. Despite the loss, 20-point tie break in the fi rst set by his 21-year- Zverev — who started the year ranked 83 — is old compatriot. But Edmund was unable to hold expected to rise to 21 when the new rankings are his serve in the second and Murray denied him released Monday as he edges towards a place in a spot in his fi rst season semi-fi nal with a 7-6 the top 20 for the fi rst time. (11/9), 6-2 win. Fellow Briton Johanna Konta was also smash- RESULTS ing dreams yesterday, as she crushed home fa- Men’s singles quarter-finals vourite Zhang Shuai in two sets. Buoyed by the Andy Murray (GBR x1) bt Kyle Edmund (GBR) 7-6 home crowd, Zhang broke the Briton twice to Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria (11/9), 6-2; David Ferrer (ESP x5) bt Alexander Zverev take the opening four games of the match. exults during his win over (GER) 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 7-5; Milos Raonic (CAN x3) bt But at 0-4 down, Konta abruptly turned the Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Pablo Carreño-Busta (ESP) 6-4, 6-4; Grigor Dimitrov tide in her favour winning 12 consecutive games China Open tennis tournament (BUL) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) 6-2, 6-4 to book her semi-fi nal place with a 6-4, 6-0 in Beijing yesterday. (AFP) 2nd round: Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP) bt Richard victory. “During the match I do my best to really Gasquet (FRA) 5-7, 6-4, 6-1; Milos Raonic (CAN x3) bt try to impose myself on her because she defi - Malek Jaziri (TUN) 6-3, 6-4 nitely looks to dictate when she can. When she’s Women’s singles quarter-finals able to, she’s very dangerous,” said. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x3) bt Yaroslava The fourteenth-ranked Briton is now one win 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/5). Keys put in an Olympic ef- Kvitova — a two-time Wimbledon champion to 22-Grand Slam champion Serena Williams — Shvedova (KAZ) 6-1, 6-2; Elina Svitolina (UKR x16) bt away from joining the ranks of the top 10, which fort to exact revenge over Kvitova in what was — has had a year of ups and downs since she is also chasing her fi rst qualifi cation for the elite Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 7-6 (7/3), 6-1; Johanna Konta would make her the fi rst British woman to join their fi rst meeting since the Czech denied the split with her coach of seven years David Kotyza WTA Finals in Singapore. With her quarter- (GBR x11) bt Shuai Zhang (CHN) 6-4, 6-0; Madison the elite grouping since Jo Durie in 1984. American a bronze medal in Rio. A double fault after the Australian Open and has failed to get fi nal win she moves into seventh in the Race to Keys (USA x8) bt Petra Kvitova (CZE x14) 6-3, 6-7 Konta next faces American Madison Keys, by Kvitova turned the fi rst set in Keys’ favour but past the round of 16 at any of the Grand Slams. Singapore leaderboard, but Konta is hot on her (2/7), 7-6 (7/5) who ended Petra Kvitova’s eight-match win- it was the Czech’s 32 unforced errors to Keys’ 25 Keys, 21, made her top 10 debut this year and heels. 3rd round: Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) bt Alize ning streak in an epic two-tiebreak victory, 6-3, that ultimately decided the semi-fi nal place. the big hitter — who is often cast as a successor Third seed Agnieszka Radwanska stormed Cornet (FRA) 6-2, 6-4

SPOTLIGHT CYCLING Monfi ls to face Kyrgios in Wiggins under pressure in drugs probe: Report

Japan Open semi-fi nals AFP London AFP Tokyo radley Wiggins is facing fresh questions about his medical history after Britain’s rench second-seed Gael Monfi ls Daily Mail reported he was at the centre of will face Australian Nick Kyrgios in an inquiry by United Kingdom Anti-Dop- the Japan Open semi-fi nals, after he ing.B The Mail said UKAD wanted to question him beat Croatian seventh-seed Ivo Kar- and his Team Sky bosses over a medical package de- lovicF yesterday. Fourth-seed Marin Cilic de- livered to the British outfi t ahead of the 2011 Tour feated Juan Monaco 7-5, 6-1 and is now pit- de France. A UKAD statement issued late Thursday ted against Belgian fi fth-seed David Goffi n. said: “UK Anti-Doping is investigating an allega- Monfi ls pulled off a nail-biting 7-6 (8/6), tion of wrongdoing within cycling. In order to pro- 7-6 (8/6) win against Karlovic, with both tect the integrity of the investigation, we will not men landing nine aces in their 91-minute comment further.” contest. British cycling great Wiggins has been in the Monfi ls, a runner-up at the Japan Open’s spotlight since leaked medical data showed the 2010 edition, is now set to play Kyrgios, who fi ve-time Olympic champion had been granted a comfortably fended off a challenge from therapeutic use exemption (TUE) by cycling au- Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 6-4, 6-2. “I thorities for the powerful corticosteroid triamci- thought I played great today,” Kyrgios said. nolone, which he was permitted to take just days “I served well, returned well and my engage- before the 2012 Tour de France, which he won, as ment level was really good the whole time.” well as the 2011 Tour and the 2013 Giro d’Italia. Croatian Cilic meanwhile will play Gof- Wiggins said he needed the drug to help con- fi n in the semifi nal, with the Belgian having trol his asthma. But Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin won their two previous meetings this year. told Netherlands newspaper De Limburger it was thing that was historically a problem for me and Goffi n came from behind to beat Joao Sousa “strange” Wiggins had received the injections im- could be quite a serious problem for me.” A cyber- of Portugal 1-6, 7-5 and 6-2 in their quarter- mediately before three Grand Tours. espionage group called “Fancy Bears”, which is be- fi nal match. “It was not easy. From the be- Triamcinolone has also been used as a doping lieved to be Russian, has been leaking medical data ginning of the match, I was feeling a little bit agent by riders, including notorious drugs cheat about famous athletes after targeting records held nervous, a little bit sleepy also,” Goffi n said. Lance Armstrong, and is believed to help athletes by the World Anti-Doping Agency. “I was struggling a little bit with my foot lose weight, combat fatigue and aid recovery. The Wiggins’s TUEs were approved by the UCI, cy- work. Then I started to play much better, Gael Monfils of France returns during his win over Ivo Karlovic of Croatia. (Reuters) Mail said that while British Cycling has not identi- cling’s world governing body, and there is no sug- more aggressive from the start of the second fi ed the substance in the package, it has indicated it gestion either he or Team Sky, for whom he was set,” he said. “In the third set, I played my Muller (Luxembourg) 6-4 6-2 4-Marin Cilic “We hope to be heard very soon, early next did not contain triamcinolone. riding at the time, have contravened anti-doping best tennis,” he said. (Croatia) beat Juan Monaco (Argentina) 7-5 week,” said Botton. Team Sky responded to the Mail’s story by prom- rules. However, both Sky and Wiggins have come Goffi n said was eager to advance to the fi - 6-1 5-David Goff in (Belgium) beat Joao Sousa On Monday, the French Conseil d’Etat ising to investigate the claims, while insisting there under scrutiny given the British team’s much- nal, but would be focusing on the semifi nal (Portugal) 1-6 7-5 6-2 (Council of State) overturned a March rul- was no reason to suspect foul play. “Team Sky was trumpeted “zero tolerance” policy towards doping against Cilic for now. “I will have a tough ing that blocked development of a new contacted by the Daily Mail regarding an allegation and the rider’s criticisms of drug cheats in his au- match tomorrow,” he said. FFT BACK IN COURT AS ROLAND 5,000-seat stadium in the Serres d’Auteuil of wrongdoing,” the statement read. tobiographies. The four men’s march toward the Tokyo GARROS WORK HALTED AGAIN due to protests over the impact the work “We take any issues such as this very seriously Wiggins’s former Sky team-mate Chris Froome, trophy came as their big-name rivals pulled The French Tennis Federation (FFT) said would have on the botanical garden’s histor- and immediately conducted an internal review to a three-time Tour de France winner who fi nished out due to injuries. yesterday they will return to court after the ic greenhouses which date back to the 19th establish the facts. We are confi dent there has been runner-up to his fellow British rider in the 2012 edi- Defending champion and US Open win- expansion of Roland Garros, the historic but century. no wrongdoing. We informed British Cycling of the tion, was criticised after it was revealed he received ner Stan Wawrinka did not take part in the cramped home of the French Open, suff ered It was the heirs of the architect of the allegation and asked them to contact UKAD, who a TUE for a steroid to treat a chest infection prior to Tokyo event over back trouble, while local its latest legal blow. greenhouses, Jean-Camille Formige, who we will continue to liaise with. Team Sky is com- winning the 2014 Tour de Romandie. favourite Kei Nishikori, winner in 2014 and In the latest setback to the long-run- successfully sought the latest stoppage to mitted to clean competition. Our position on anti- “I saw the hysteria that caused and I understand 2012, could not fi nish his second-round ning saga involving the 400-million-euro the work with the TGI ruling that the Coun- doping is well known and we 100 per cent stand by in the post-Armstrong (era),” Wiggins said. “But match Wednesday because of muscle strain. ($448mn) redevelopment of the site in the cil of State had breached an earlier legal that.” what I don’t understand is that you’ve automati- Injuries also forced Argentina’s Juan Mar- plush western sector of Paris, the Tribunal judgement. Wiggins, 36, said last week he understood why, cally just assumed that this was a performance en- tin Del Potro, Japan Open winner in 2013, to de Grande Instance (TGI) on Thursday or- “Our goal is to block the works. If eve- on the basis of the leaked data, concerns had been hancer.” skip the tournament after receiving an invi- dered an interim suspension. rything is destroyed, our actions have no raised regarding his medical history. “Without all Wiggins, who in 2012 became the fi rst man to win tation to join as a wildcard. The Paris High Court’s ruling came just sense,” Philippe Zagury, the lawyer of the the context of someone’s history then I could see the Tour and Olympic gold in the same year, said RESULTS three days after a diff erent court had given Formige descendents, told AFP. that on paper maybe, especially the way some of he had not previously made his TUE record public Men’s Singles quarter-final: 2-Gael Monfils the green light. Jeremy Botton, CEO of the Since Monday, work had already started it has been reported,” he told the Guardian, having because he did not want to be seen to be making ex- (France) beat 7-Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) 7-6(6) FFT told AFP they would be returning to the on some demolition as well as tree-felling at previously given an interview to BBC television. cuses. He added that inconsistencies in dates on his 7-6(6) 6-Nick Kyrgios (Australia) beat Gilles TGI in a bid to have the decision overturned. the Serres d’Auteuil. “It was for a very specifi c thing to treat some- medical forms were due to clerical errors. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, October 8, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT SETBACK Button, Alonso struggle Rosberg fastest in Honda homecoming on opening day of

McLaren’s drivers Jenson Button of Britain and Fernando Alonso of practice at Suzuka Spain attend the team photo session. ‘It’s been a case of finding my way today. It began with quite a lot of under-steer and Reuters race at the Suzuka track – owned Suzuka by Honda – expecting to score decent points. we had to work through the setup in order to find a better balance on the car’ Alonso, running an updated cLaren duo Jenson engine he fi rst tested in prac- Button and Fernando tice at the last race in Malaysia, Alonso did not have doubted whether the team would as smooth an open- be able to qualify in the top 10. Ming day of practice as they might But the double champion ex- have hoped yesterday ahead of pressed optimism they could still their engine supplier Honda’s race well on Sunday and put in a home Japanese Formula One good showing in front of the en- Grand Prix. thusiastic Japanese fans. The Spaniard, who placed “They are everywhere sup- ninth fastest in the opening porting us,” said Alonso. 90 minutes before improving “They are very proud of Honda to eighth, described his day as racing in Formula One and now tough after struggling to fi nd achieving some good results, so the optimal set-up on his car to we want to deliver the best re- tackle the fl owing twists of the sults for them.” Suzuka circuit. Button, who has long been a “We are not yet happy with the darling of the Japanese fans, was set-up,” Alonso, who spun into only 13th and 16th fastest in the the barriers early in the fi rst ses- two sessions. sion, told reporters. The Briton, making way for “We need to keep working at it Belgian rookie Stoff el Vandoorne a little bit tonight.” at the end of the season, is hop- Last year’s Japanese race ing to make the most of what marked arguably the nadir of a could be his last appearance at bruising return to Formula One Suzuka. for the Japanese carmaker, who But the 2009 world champion renewed a once-dominant part- was hampered by unusually high nership with Woking-based tyre degradation on Friday and is McLaren but struggled to adapt pinning his hopes for a strong re- to the sport’s new turbo-hybrid sult on rain, forecast to hit during rules. either qualifying or the race. The combination has made “I’d love it to rain,” Button said. steady progress this year, how- “It’s the only hope we’ve really got ever, and they go into their home to have a mega result here.”

STRANGER THINGS ‘Baby octopus’ attacks Kvyat in Japan

AFP Suzuka

Mercedes’ driver Nico Rosberg of Germany in action during second practice at the Japan Grand Prix. ussian Daniil Kvyat caused something of a Reuters closed the gap to just 0.072 seconds in crown on Sunday. split the two scarlet cars in fourth. kerfuffl e yesterday when Suzuka the second session. “It’s been a really good day with no His team mate Daniel Ricciardo who he came over his team ra- “It’s been a case of fi nding my way to- problems on the car which is great,” said inherited the win in Malaysia after Ham- dioR to complain he was being mo- day,” Rosberg told reporters. the Briton. ilton retired, fell to 12th in the second lested by a “baby octopus”. orld championship leader “It began with quite a lot of under- “We managed to get plenty of laps in session from fi fth earlier after he was While Toro Rosso pit crew im- Nico Rosberg ended the steer and we had to work through the but there’s still some work to be done forced to abandon his fl ying lap when mediately understood the bizarre opening day of practice for setup in order to fi nd a better balance on overnight in order to fi nd more pace.” the virtual safety car was deployed after cephalopod reference, made the Japanese Formula One the car.” Esteban Gutierrez ground to a halt by the during the morning’s free prac- “I was fi ghting it. But the one WGrand Prix in a strong position after set- Rosberg extended his advantage over FERRARI THIRD-FASTEST side of the track. tice for the Japanese Grand Prix, today was small — a baby one — ting the pace in both sessions yesterday. Hamilton to 23 points in the overall Kimi Raikkonen ended third-fastest for The Australian is expecting to leapfrog fans and media alike were left just born. It must have (sounded) The German clocked his fastest time standings after the reigning champion Ferrari, 0.323 seconds off Rosberg’s pace, Ferrari in time for qualifying and the race fl ummoxed. weird on the radio.” of one minute, 32.250 seconds on an was forced to retire 16 laps from the fi nish but was unhappy with his car’s balance. in what he expects will be a three-way “Oh no, the octopus is back,” Kvyat has endured a hugely overcast afternoon in Suzuka in the while holding a comfortable lead during The Finn had been fourth-quickest in battle with the Italian squad and Mer- Kvyat cried. “It’s quite a small frustrating 2016, being relegated second of Friday’s two sessions, after the last race in Malaysia. the morning behind teammate Sebastian cedes fought out over the remaining rac- one — a baby octopus.” from Red Bull back down to jun- having topped the timesheets at the Hamilton heads into Sunday’s Japa- Vettel, who was fi fth fastest in the second es this season. It turns out he was referring to ior team Toro Rosso earlier in the end of the morning. nese round desperately needing to revive session. “If we get the car hooked up in qualify- small pieces of rubber wrapped year after twice clashing with Rosberg’s Mercedes team mate Lewis his title hopes by clinching a third suc- Vettel heads into the weekend carry- ing, we can be strong and can be close to around his car’s antenna, which Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton was second in both and al- cessive win at the Suzuka circuit. ing a three-place grid penalty for tipping Mercedes and hopefully ahead of Ferrari,” appeared to grow legs when To add insult to injury, the though the Briton was 0.214 seconds off Their Mercedes team could also wrap Rosberg into a spin in Malaysia. said the 27-year-old. stretched out at high speed. Russian was replaced by Dutch his title-rival’s pace in the morning, he up their third successive constructors’ Max Verstappen, sixth in the morning, Now to see what happens next. Kvyat fi rst noticed it hap- teenager Max Verstappen, but pening in China two seasons he was pleased with his show- ago, when the ‘tentacles’ began ing at Suzuka on Friday, despite a BOTTOMLINE touching his helmet. spectacular spin in the afternoon “It started in China in 2014, session. my fi rst year with the team,” he “It was a good day, decent,” said. said Kvyat. “We ticked all our “During the race there was a boxes, did a good long run, so we big octopus. Today was a small are basically ready. one, but I think some pieces “We will try to fi nd bits and Mercedes dismiss sabotage claim of rubber can fl y and build up pieces to try to optimise every- around the antenna. thing for tomorrow,” he added. AFP 23-point gap lead in the Formula tempt at damage limitation. “In China it was almost hitting “But we never know tomor- Suzuka One standings with just fi ve rac- Lowe admitted he was at a loss my visor so I was really strug- row what the weather will do. It es left. to explain Hamilton’s cruel luck gling,” he added with a laugh. might become quite interesting.” “Formula One is a very tough after suff ering his third engine ercedes off ered a business,” added Lowe. “The failure of the year. sharp riposte to engineering operates right at the “We are all very rational peo- Lewis Hamilton’s boundaries of performance so ple,” said Lowe after watching Bike champ Lorenzo Museum to display bizarre claims of a things do go wrong. Rosberg edge Hamilton in Fri- tests for Mercedes Schumi memorabilia Mteam conspiracy yesterday, in- “But if we invent something day’s practice. sisting the notion would be re- that makes us quicker then of “We all know that you can Jorge Lorenzo, the reigning The private car collection of jected by “anyone with an ounce course we want it in both cars throw three double-sixes in a row. MotoGP world champion, has stricken Formula One legend of intelligence”. because we want to win the race. It’s possible, statistically — thanked Mercedes for allow- Michael Schumacher will go The Briton was furious after We never hold back and never and yet when you see it done, ing him to take one of their on view to the public as part of an engine fire robbed him of contemplate it — anyone who is emotionally you feel ‘How did Formula One cars for a spin, a new exhibition centre in Co- victory at last weekend’s Ma- intelligent can work it out.” that happen?’ We have got a calling it a “dream come true”. logne, his manager announced. laysian Grand Prix, demanding Hamilton has since backed little bit of that scenario with The Spaniard got behind the The Motorworld centre is answers and even questioning away from his controversial re- Lewis.” wheel of the Mercedes 2014 expected to open at the end of whether he had been the victim marks, while Lowe also towed Hamilton asked why of the title-winning model at Silver- 2017 and will feature go-karts of sabotage from within the the party line as Mercedes closed eight cars on the grid fi tted with stone on Thursday, away from from Schumacher’s early team garage. ranks following the incident. Mercedes engines, only his have the bright lights of the For- career as well as sports cars, But in Suzuka, Mercedes “I can’t agree that the driver conked out this season. mula One series as it resumes trophies and replicas of the technical chief Paddy Lowe in- hinted there was sabotage,” he “We have eight power units in Japan this weekend. F1 cars he drove to a record sisted that any suggestion of said. “Lewis has been very clear, out there running around and, Lorenzo, a triple world cham- seven world titles. skullduggery was pure fantasy. certainly with us, that that’s with the exception of one failure, pion, tested the same car “It is in the heart’s desire of “If we were that good we Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton completely out of the question.” they have all fallen to Lewis this that Lewis Hamilton sped to Michael’s family that all inter- would win everything and speaks with his teammates before the second practice session. But Hamilton’s outburst year,” said Lowe. his second F1 title in, despite ested fans should get to see control everything,” he told caused considerable embarrass- “That is something that none limited experience on four Michael’s collection without reporters ahead of tomorrow’s nate and if we were good enough lowed team mate Nico Ros- ment to Mercedes and the triple of us can really understand, but wheels. “A dream come true!” having to pay an admission race in Japan. to arrange such sabotage we berg, who fi nished behind the world champion has taken to so- it is just the way the dice has Lorenzo tweeted, thanking charge,” said Schumacher’s “We’ve had other failures in wouldn’t have any.” Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo cial media over the past few days been thrown. We are gutted Mercedes for the opportunity. manager, Sabine Kehm. the year that are very unfortu- Hamilton’s blown engine al- and Max Verstappen, to open a to praise his mechanics in an at- about it.” Gulf Times Saturday, October 8, 2016 7 SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE Arabi, Police in QVA Cup semis New group insists it’s no threat to WADA

AFP sian track and fi eld team banned from at fi nancial media fi rm Dow Jones and ish sports minister Miguel Cardenal, London this year’s Olympic Games linked to another of the fi gures involved in get- World Bank vice-president Leonard drug misuse, there have been sugges- ting SIGA off the ground, said the new McCarthy and Mastercard senior tions SIGA could replace WADA and body was still a “work in progress” and vice-president Michael Robichaud. new grouping of internation- become an all embracing outfi t for an “informal coalition”. Greenberg refused to say whether al organisations featuring governance and integrity issues. The former chief of staff for Eng- SIGA had yet spoken to the Interna- ruling bodies, commercial Speaking at a SIGA news conference land’s failed bid for the 2018 World tional Olympic Committee or FIFA, sponsors and government in London yesterday, Emanuel Mace- Cup added the universal standards football’s global governing body, offiA cials proclaimed yesterday its mis- do de Medeiros, the chief executive were a “living document”. but added nobody the organisation sion to help clean up sport while being of the International Centre for Sports Divided into three sections — good had contacted had refused to talk to adamant it had no intention of usurp- Security in Europe and Latin America, governance structures, fi nancial in- them. ing the role of the World Anti-Doping said: “SIGA is the only global, multi- tegrity and sports betting integrity “There is a sense of deep urgency Agency (WADA). partner organisation pushing the is- — the standards have “bronze, silver out there,” said Macedo de Medeiros. Initially launched in November, the sue of good governance in sport to the and gold” levels in clamping down on “If the events of May 2015 (when Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) next level. What we are not is a threat gambling fraud, preventing corrup- seven leading football offi cials were now features 70 partners who want to to anybody. We are not the new WADA tion and off ering support to whistle- arrested at Zurich’s Baur au Lac hotel) “promote better governance” of sport and neither do we intend to be. blowers. are not enough, what will be required worldwide by the creation of a set of “We are inclusive and passionate Macedo de Medeiros is currently to illustrate just how vital it is to make “universal standards”. about sport and we want to work with the coordinator of SIGA’s interim reforms to how sport is run? With so many recent sporting cor- any like-minded people in promoting council, which includes World Profes- “This is a precious and unique mo- ruption scandals, such as the “state- better governance.” sional Billiards and Snooker Associa- ment for sport and its future cannot be sponsored doping” that saw the Rus- Simon Greenberg, the head of sport tion chairman Jason Ferguson, Span- led by law enforcement.”

CRICKET / BAN VS ENG, 1ST ODI Ball, Rashid bowl Action from the QVA Cup quarter-final between Al Arabi (in red) and Al Sadd at Al Arabi Indoor Hall yesterday. Al Arabi beat Al Sadd 3-0 (25-9, 25-14, 25- 12) to set up semi-final clash with Police, who beat Al Ahli 3-0 (25-7, 27-25, England to victory 25-14) in yesterday’s other quarter-final. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Bangladesh are bowled out for 288 in the 48th over FOCUS

Reuters Dhaka World champion pole

ake Ball made a memorable vaulter tested positive one-day debut as he combined with Adil Rashid to derail Bang- ladesh’s chase and bowl Eng- for cocaine before Rio landJ to a thrilling 21-run victory in the fi rst match of the series in Mirpur Reuters yesterday. Toronto Needing 310 to win under lights, Imrul Kayes struck a blistering 112 and Shakib Al Hasan chipped in with anadian world champion pole a breezy 79 to raise Bangladesh hopes vaulter Shawn Barber was before they collapsed in dramatic at the Rio Olympics despite style, bowled out for 288 in the 48th earlier testing positive for co- over. caineC but the decision to allow him to Paceman Ball fi nished with 5-51 to compete was the right one, Athletics take the man of the match award while Canada said on Thursday. leg-spinner Rashid claimed 4-49, The Sport Dispute Resolution Cen- having also run out Shafi ul Islam with tre of Canada’s ruling was released on a direct throw. Thursday and said Barber inadvert- Earlier, Ben Stokes smashed a ently ingested the banned substance maiden one-day century, Ben Duckett during a sexual encounter the night struck a mature half-century on his before the Canadian trials in July with a 50-over debut and skipper Jos Buttler England’s Jake Ball celebrates the dismissal of Bangladesh’s Sabbir Rahman during the first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla woman who had taken cocaine. smashed a 38-ball 63 to help England National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) Barber had faced a four-year ban but post 309 for eight after opting to bat the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport on a humid afternoon. 153 to lay the foundation for a big total. J. Vince c Mortaza b Islam 16 I. Kayes st Buttler b Rashid 112 ruled him to be at no fault or negligence Bangladesh were 153 for four in the Duckett was then bowled for 60, B. Duckett b Islam 60 S. Rahman c Willey b Ball 18 for an anti-doping rule violation. 27th over of their reply when Kayes playing across a low full toss from Is- J. Bairstow run out 0 Mahmudullah c Sub b Rashid 25 “The positive fi nding in this case joined up with experienced all-round- lam. B. Stokes c Rahman b Mortaza 101 M. Rahim c Sub b Rashid 12 was found to be of no fault of the ath- er Shakib to drag them back into the Stokes dominated their partner- J. Buttler c Mosaddek b Shakib 63 Shakib c Willey b Ball 79 lete,” Athletics Canada said in a state- he went on to fi nish a disappointing game with a 118-run partnership in ship, clobbering four sixes and eight M. Ali c Iqbal b Mortaza 6 Mosaddek b Ball 0 ment. “We are thankful that the proper 10th, he was stripped of his 2016 Cana- 15.2 overs. fours in an almost run-a-ball 101. C. Woakes run out 16 M. Mortaza c Buttler b Rashid 1 procedures recognized the presence dian pole vault title for having a banned The home team seemed to be cruis- The stage was set up perfectly for D. Willey not out 0 Mosharraf not out 7 of a prohibited substance, but also in substance in his body. ing to victory, needing 54 in the last 10 another swashbuckling knock from Extras (b1, lb3 w2) 6 S. Islam run out 0 ensuring due process to the athlete in “This has been a learning experience overs with six wickets in hand, when Buttler and he thumped four sixes and Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 309 T. Ahmed c Buttler b Ball 1 coming to a fair and reasonable deci- for Shawn, he is a young athlete learn- Ball picked up two wickets in two balls three fours as England plundered 60 Fall of wickets: 1-41 (Vince), 2-61(Roy), Extras (b1, lb4, w10, nb1) 16 sion. ing how to compete on the fi eld of play, and Rashid provided a two-wicket off the final fi ve overs. 3-63 (Bairstow), 4-216 (Duckett), 5-230 Total (all out, 47.5 overs) 288 While Barber was allowed to com- and prepare away from it,” said Athlet- burst to wreck their chances. Bangladesh cut a sorry fi gure in the (Stokes), 6-245 (Ali), 7-308 (Buttler) Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Iqbal), 2-82 pete at the Rio Games in August, where ics Canada. England did not miss regular one- fi eld, dropping Stokes twice and suf- 8-309 (Woakes) (Rahman), 3-132 (Mahmudullah), day captain Eoin Morgan and opening fering from indecision as to who would Bowling: Mortaza 10-0-52-2 (1w), Islam 4-153 (Rahim), 5-271 (Shakib), 6-271 batsman Alex Hales, who opted out go for a catch on two other occasions. 9-0-59-2, Shakib 10-0-59-2, Mosad- (Mosaddek), 7-274 (Mortaza), 8-280 of the tour over security concerns, as The teams return to the same venue dek 9-0-50-0, Mahmudullah 3-0-24-0, (Kayes), 9-280 (Islam), 10-288 French PM commits 1 billion euros to 2024 bid they posted an imposing total at the for the second match tomorrow. Mosharraf 3-0-23-0, Ahmed 6-0-38-0 (Ahmed) Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. (1w) Bowling: Woakes 7-1-38-0 (1w), Willey Prime Minister Manuel Valls yesterday committed one billion euros on behalf At 63 for three in the 13th over, SCORECARD 7-1-46-0 (1w), Ball 9.5-0-51-5 (4w, 1nb), of the French government towards Paris’s bid to host the 2024 Olympics. The they looked in a spot of bother before ENGLAND BANGLADESH Stokes 5-0-37-0 (1w), Rashid 9-0-49-4 French capital was among four candidates including Budapest, Los Angeles Duckett and Stokes shared a stand of J. Roy c Rahman b Shakib 41 T. Iqbal c Vince b Ball 17 (3w), Ali 10-0-62-0 and Rome to submit the second part of their bids outlining financing to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne yesterday. “The State will bring two thirds of the necessary public funds, that is one billion euros, England to host WI in day-night Test next year Pakistan get day-night Test warm-up in Aus to finance equipment, long term construction which will be useful to the population,” said Valls, adding the funds would be released “between 2018 and England will become the third Aug. 17-21 match at Edgbaston and Pakistan will warm up for their first Test against Steve Smith’s Australians 2024”. Valls said that the Paris suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis, one of the poorest country to host a day-night Test players will wear traditional Test day-night Test against Australia with at Brisbane’s Gabba stadium from in France, would be among the beneficiaries, notably through the construction match when they meet West Indies clothing. As part of their prepara- a match under lights in the tropical December 15-19. Day-night Tests using of the Olympic Village which would be transformed into 5,000 homes. Earlier in Birmingham next August. The tions, West Indies are to play Der- city of Cairns, Cricket Australia said a pink ball are a central part of Austral- an envoy for the Paris bid committee deposited the city’s bid at the IOC’s Swiss England and Wales Cricket Board byshire under lights with a pink ball yesterday. The world number one ia’s home international schedule for headquarters. Stage three of the bid process on ‘Games Delivery, Experience (ECB) and hosts Warwickshire County from Aug. 11-13. Australia’s day-night Test team will play a Cricket Australia 2016-17, which also includes hosting and Venue Legacy’ will be ready on February 3, with the Evaluation Commis- Cricket Club said in a joint statement Test against New Zealand in Adelaide XI in Queensland’s far north from South Africa. It will be the first interna- sion visiting bid cities in May and the final vote on September 13 in Lima. on Thursday that the first Test of the last year was the first under lights. December 8-10. The match will feature tional match in Cairns since the resort series would be held under lights. Pakistan will entertain West Indies in a pink ball and provide Pakistan with town hosted Tests against Bangladesh Five Moroccans banned for doping A pink ball will be used during the another in Dubai next week. their major lead-up game to the first and Sri Lanka in 2003 and 2004. Five Moroccan athletes, including a teenage 110m hurdler, have been banned between two and eight years for doping violations, the country’s track and field federation said. Hanane Ouhaddou, a 3000m steeplechaser, and 1500m runner Abdelhadi Labali were both banned for eight years. Hurdler Zakarya BOTTOMLINE Rabah, 17, received a four-year suspension, as did Mohcine Cheaouri and Adil Annani. Morocco has a rich history in athletics, but has recently found itself in the crosshairs of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) anti-doping crusade. Raising Pyeongchang profi le a big task: IOC New women’s events for 2018 CWG Seven new women’s events and categories will be added to the programme Reuters ready for test events over the next six Pyeongchang will stage mountain remaining facilities soon.” for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, putting them Seoul months. events. However, with the Games set to on a par with the men, organisers said yesterday. There will be an additional “Pyeongchang 2018 is entering the Speaking at a news conference open in less than 500 days’ time, +90kg category in the women’s weightlifting, three new women’s boxing last stages of preparations,” she said yesterday, Lindberg hinted at delays Lindberg said the biggest task was events (45kg-48kg, 54-57kg and +75kg) and three new women’s track cycling he International Olympic in a news release. “My colleagues and in the signing off of legacy plans for making sure the world’s attention was events (keirin, team sprint and team pursuit). It means that for the first time Committee (IOC) wrapped I leave here more confi dent than ever the venues, saying it was now time focused on Pyeongchang when the at a major multi-sport Games there will be an equal number of events for up a visit to South Korea yes- that Pyeongchang 2018 will deliver to finalise the details, according to event opened. men and women, off icials said, with the total number of medals up for grabs terday “more confi dent than great Games. Yonhap news. “The biggest challenge at the mo- at Gold Coast 2018 a Games-high 275. “We’ve come a long way since the first ever”T the 2018 Winter Games will be a “We saw fi rst hand the progress of Lee Hee-beom, president of the ment is how to promote the Games Games in 1930, when women competed in just seven (or 12 percent of) medal success, but hinting at lingering con- the construction projects. There is no Pyeongchang organising committee over the world, because this is a events,” Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin said in a cerns over venue legacy planning and doubt that the venues will be ready for (POCOG), acknowledged the empha- small place,” she said, adding that statement. “The last edition of the Games in Glasgow created the highest-ever Pyeongchang’s global profi le. the upcoming test events.” sis the IOC placed on venue legacy. Pyeongchang did not have the inter- percentage of medal events for women (48.5%), placing true gender equality Gunilla Lindberg, chair of the IOC’s Asia’s fi rst Winter Games outside “This is something we’ll continue to national standing of other Olympic in medal opportunities at the Games clearly within reach. This is a significant Coordination Commission, said in- Japan will see the coastal city of Gang- discuss even after the Olympic Games host cities. step towards the realisation of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s vision spections of venues during the three- neung host fi gure skating, curling, ice are over,” he said. “We’ve determined “It’s not Rio de Janeiro and it’s not for gender equality.” The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games takes place from day visit showed construction work hockey, speed and short-track skat- after-use plans for 10 of our 12 ven- London. We have to take action as April 4-15, 2018. was on target and the venues would be ing events, while the alpine town of ues. We’ll fi nalise plans for the two soon as possible.”

Saturday, October 8, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FINA/AIRWEAVE SWIMMING WORLD CUP DOHA 2016 FOCUS Expect fi reworks Olympic champion at UCI Road Hosszu all set to Worlds: Lelangue dazzle in Doha pool ‘Next World Championship is in my home city Budapest... it’s a huge motivation’

By Sports Reporter esting World Championship. Doha As to echelons, it’s not some- thing that is a given. If it happens, that is good. But for me, what’s ay back in 2002, more important is that Qatar or- when cycling legend ganises the best ever UCI Road Eddy Merckx came World Championships. If we can to Doha to launch have a week of racing without Wthe groundbreaking Tour of Qa- many complaints, I would prefer tar, John Lelangue was one of that to anything else. the main people in his core team. Son of Belgian great Rob- How challenging is The ert, Lelangue made his name Pearl-Qatar circuit? Will in cycling team management. wind once again be a deciding His managerial and organisa- factor here? Qatar Swimming Association president Khaleel al-Jabir (centre) with swimmers Jeanette Ottesen (second from left) of Denmark, Katinka Hosszu (second from right) of Hungary tional skills will once again shine The wind will be a factor de- and Chad Le Clos (right) of South Africa during a press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Othman al-Iraqi through when the curtains rise pending on the direction it blows. for the Middle East’s fi rst-ever But what’s more important is By Sahan Bidappa rived in Doha, after bagging an astonish- medals. In London 2012, he had won a Other members of Team Qatar that will UCI Road World Champion- that The Pearl-Qatar course is Doha ing 12 medals (9 of which are gold) in the gold and silver – including an upset win take part in the World Cup include teen- ships, which will be held in Qa- very technical. It’s never in one last week’s Dubai leg of the World Cup. over Michael Phelps in the 200 butterfl y. agers Mohamed Mohamed, 13, Abdulrah- tar’s capital between October 9 straight line. That means it’s Hosszu will be expected to dominate Le Clos has already made his intention man al-Kuwari, 17, Naser Yaser, 17, Yousef and 16, 2016. more diffi cult to control the race. atinka Hosszu has always been the pool again today and tomorrow at of regaining the glory in Tokyo and will be Mohamed, 14, Abdulaziz al-Obaidly, 15, In the fi rst part of a wide- We wanted a technical circuit the star attraction at the Doha the Hamad Aquatic Centre, with her eyes keen to banish the disappointment of Rio. and Mesalam al-Nabet, 15. ranging interview, Lelangue, with lots and lots of curves. leg of the Swimming World fi rmly set on Tokyo Olympics in 2020. “I have come to Doha many times and Morning heats will kick-off at 10am, who is Sport Technical Director So if there’s a breakaway, po- Cup. The ‘Iron Lady’, as she is “Even before the Rio Olympics I had de- I love it. I have been training here a lot so while the fi nals will be raced from 6pm. of the UCI Road World Champi- sitioning in the peloton becomes Kcalled for pushing the endurance level to cided to compete at the World Cup events. it is a special place for me, like a second The World Cup Swimming Series is di- onships Doha 2016, spoke about really important. You always the extreme by entering practically into So nothing changed even after I won three home. Personally I use the World Cup to vided into three clusters. Under cluster the competition’s circuit, its need to be in a good position any race she has a shot at medal, will once gold medals in Rio. The next World Cham- get back to shape in between the Olym- 1 is Paris-Chartres, Berlin, and Moscow. complexities and what to look where anything can happen. You again hog the limelight over the next two pionship is in my home city Budapest and pics and the Short Course World Cham- Under cluster 2 is Beijing, Dubai, and forward to. Excerpts: have to re-launch yourself and days at the Hamad Aquatic Centre. so it’s a huge motivation to do well in front pionships,” Le Clos said. Doha and the fi nal cluster 3 is Singapore, regain speed after each rounda- After failing to win a medal at three of my home crowd,” Hosszu said. Meanwhile, 16 promising young Qatari Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The World Cup Will the UCI Road World bout or curve. You have to vary Olympics, the Hungarian went on a mis- “It will be lot more exciting and people swimmers will compete over the next two Series will award over $2 million in prize Championships Doha 2016 be your speed and it is going to be sion to redeem herself after the London are saying they are excited too to see me days. The majority of the Qatari swim- money for the top three fi nishers in each similar to any of the ones pre- intense. I think it will be interest- Games in 2012. She broke many World compete. So that’s a huge motivation for mers are still teenagers and also include event as well as world record bonuses ceding it? ing to see how the cyclists cope. Records, won four World Championship me. I have been able to win all the med- Olympians fresh from Rio — Noah al- of $10,000. Each individual winner is No, I do not think so. It will be medals and a clutch of silverware at the als that are available in swimming. But I Khulaifi , 17, and Nada Arakji, 21. awarded $1,500 per event. a unique competition because So raw power alone will not World Cups. defi nitely want to go to Tokyo, I’m really Arakji became the fi rst ever Qatari female one, it is over a fl at course and win you the race in Qatar? But it was her superlative perform- motivated,” she added. athlete to compete in two Olympic Games TODAY’S SCHEDULE: 100m Freestyle two, it is a Championship for You simply have to be the best ance at the Rio Olympics in August that On the men’s side, South African Chad after her debut in London 2012. Al-Khu- Men; 200m Freestyle Women; 50m sprinters. We are not changing on that day. It may not necessar- has made her a global superstar and also le Clos is the marquee swimmer in action laifi , whose two younger brothers Yacob, Breaststroke Men; 100m Breaststroke Qatar for the Road World Cham- ily be a sprinter winning all the fulfi lled her long-cherished dream. The in Doha. At the World Cup in Dubai on 15, and Yousef, 11, are also taking part in the Women; 100m Butterfly Women; 100m pionships. On the contrary, we’re time, because what happens in 27-year-old won three gold and one sliver Wednesday, Le Clos, with his victory in World Cup, competed in the Men’s 100m Backstroke Men; 50m Backstroke Women; adapting the event to suit the the fi rst part of the race is also in Rio, and along with Katie Ledecky of the 100m butterfl y, now has an incredible backstroke in Rio 2016, marking his fi rst 200m Butterfly Men; 200m IM Women; country’s terrain. quite important. United States was the most successful fe- 107 gold medals on the World Cup circuit. ever Olympic appearance. The 2016 edition 400m Freestyle Men; 50m Freestyle After 15 years of the Tour of The UCI Road World Champi- male swimmer at the 2016 Games. Two stops ago in Moscow, he became the of the Doha event marks the second par- Women; 200m Breaststroke Men; 100m Qatar, I can confi dently say that onships are always far diff erent Since then, Hosszu has not been rest- fi rst man to ever crack 100 golds. ticipation of al-Khulaifi , who competed in IM Men; 200m Backstroke Women; 50 m none of its stages are predict- from other races throughout the ing on her laurels as she has jumped right The 24-year-old had a disappointing the 2015 in the 50m breaststroke and 400m Butterfly Men; 800m Freestyle Women; able or boring. Qatar’s winds and year. Firstly, these are national back into the pool. The Hungarian has ar- Olympics in Rio, winning just two silver freestyle events. 4x50 m Medley Mixed technical diffi culties make each teams and secondly, each team stage unique. fi elds diff erent number of rid- The UCI tries to maintain a ers — three, six, or maybe just CRICKET balance about the kind of courses one. So it is very diffi cult to keep available at each World Champi- things under your tight control. onships — for climbers, classic In the end, you just have to be the riders, specialists and sprinters. best and smartest of the lot. It usually happens in a cycle. Managing pacers’ workload key: Kohli The last World Championships Do you expect to see a lot of that favoured sprinters happened bunch sprints during races in in 2011, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Doha? AFP who missed the second Test with a viral Before that, it was way back in While we may not see total Indore, India illness, was hopeful of making it to the 1969, in Zolder, Belgium. bunch sprints, smaller group playing XI today and help his side avoid This is a great opportunity for sprints are very likely. Gener- being whitewashed. sprinters to fi nally try and win ally, it will be diffi cult to have a ndia must manage the workload of Williamson conceded India’s fast the rainbow jersey for a whole breakaway group of two or three their fast bowlers during their jam- bowlers had outperformed his pace at- year. They may not get another riders or a rider fi nishing alone. packed home season, captain Virat tack, making better use of the conditions chance soon. But then again, you never know. Kohli said yesterday, after being de- and pitch. If you remember, there was a These are going to be incredibly Iprived of two of his key pacemen for the “In the last game the seam bowlers made lot of interest from male, female, exciting races. third Test against New Zealand. a bigger impact. We did not know coming junior and U23 sprinters to com- The veteran Ishant Sharma and in- here that reverse swing would be quite ef- pete in every category at the Rio How do you plan for the tech- form Bhuvneshwar Kumar have both fective. They exploited reverse swing better Olympics. For many, it was the nical and operational require- been ruled out of the fi nal Test begin- than us,” the right-hander said. last major competition before ments of such a big event? ning in Indore today, undermining In- “In this part of the world they exploit the 2016 UCI Road World Cham- Cycling is one of the most dia’s chances of a clean sweep against the the conditions better than anyone. We pionships in Doha. So they are complex competitions to organ- Black Caps and raising fresh questions certainly hope we can turn it around in prepared and in great form. You ise because our fi eld of play is not about the team’s strength in depth on the this game.” can expect fi reworks. inside a stadium, but on public pace front. roads. We put closures in place Sharma has missed the whole series GAMBHIR SET TO OPEN FOR INDIA Is there a chance for cross- and make the roads exclusive for after contracting the mosquito-borne India captain Virat Kohli gestures during a training session on the eve of the third Test India opener Gautam Gambhir is set to winds in Qatar? Are we going cyclists. This is for the riders’ as disease chikungunya while Kumar was against New Zealand in Indore yesterday. (AFP) return to Test cricket after a two-year to see echelon formations? well as public’s safety. injured during the second Test in Kolkata gap. There is always a chance for Are you allowed to walk across after bagging his second fi ve-wicket haul season and we need the bowlers fresh,” he “Shami is someone who has come back The left-hander, who turns 35 next crosswinds in Qatar. However, a football fi eld when a game is in in the last three matches. said, referring to the selectors’ decision to very well, he’s worked very hard on his fi t- week, replaced the injured Lokesh Rahul we can’t say much about wind progress? The same rule applies Kumar’s replacement is Shardul omit Sharma and Kumar from the squad ness as well. You can see he’s able to bowl in the squad but sat out the Kolkata Test conditions on race days. Since to cycling as well. You cannot Thakur, who is yet to make his interna- for three ODIs which follow the Tests. those fi ve-six over spells now,” he said. as Shikhar Dhawan opened the innings 2002, wind patterns have varied inject cars into an area where cy- tional debut, and it means Mohamed The series against the Black Caps “As captain I feel that he’s a very im- with Murali Vijay. widely during each stage of the clists are racing. Shami will shoulder a heavier burden marks the start of a packed programme portant bowler for us in this full season Dhawan fractured his left hand and Tour of Qatar. But I am not too concerned even though he is on the comeback trail of international cricket for India who and in future, as well. Looking at the near uncapped Karun Nair was called into the Even with no crosswinds, the about the race’s security. Offi - after being plagued with knee problems. are also due to host Test matches against future, his fi tness and rhythm is very, squad as his replacement but Kohli con- circuit race will be quite interest- cials from Qatar traffi c police and “It’s very important to manage work- England, Bangladesh and Australia later very important.” fi rmed that Gambhir would play in the ing as the course is technical and Lekhwiya are very experienced load, especially for your fast bowlers,” this season. Shami, 26, has taken 66 wickets from fi nal Test starting today. little bit curvy. Things will be- in making such arrangements Kohli told reporters in Indore on the eve Kohli was full of praise for Shami who 18 Tests at a strike rate of 54. “That’s a natural replacement...he is come edgy when riders attempt during Tour of Qatar races. They of the match. made his Test comeback in July against the third opener,” Kohli told reporters at breakaways. have been working with us for “For the one-day matches, they’ve the West Indies after being sidelined for WILLIAMSON HOPEFUL OF PLAYING the Holkar Stadium which is staging a With or without winds, I can the past four months. They are been given rest because it’s a long Test 18 months. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Test match for the fi rst time. assure you this will be an inter- fully up to the challenge.