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Saturday, September 8, 2018 TENNIS Dhul-Hijja 28, 1439 AH Serena storms into GULF TIMES US Open fi nal to face Japan’s Osaka SPORT Page 2 QATAR STUN CHINA IN DOHA FRIENDLY Almoez Ali’s 24th-minute strike gives Felix Sanchez’s side confidence-boosting victory at Khalifa Stadium

By Sports Reporter Doha

lmoez Ali’s strike in the fi rst half gave Qatar a 1-0 win over China in an international friendly atA the Khalifa International Sta- dium in Doha yesterday. It was a dominating performance from the hosts and they should have won by a bigger margin, but for poor fi nishing for their forwards. Marcelo Lippi’s China looked vulnerable at the back as Al An- nabi wasted three clear chances on goal. Almoez was the cul- prit twice. He missed a glori- ous chance in the 15th minute, crashing the ball on to the bar from close range with only the goalkeeper to beat. However, he Qatar coach Felix Sanchez made amends in the 24th minute, reacts during the match.0 when he slotted home from close range after a delicious pass from serve the players well during the Al Sadd’s Pedro Miguel Correia. Asian Cup,” he added. Almoez missed a chance to Qatar will play another friend- double the lead in the second half ly against Palestine on Tuesday when he shot wide, before Ab- as Sanchez looks to get his strat- Young Qatari fans pictured during the match. delaziz Hatim was denied by the egy and combinations right as he post after having totally beaten prepare them for the 2019 Asian go. China currently languish at Paulo Bento a victory in his debut powered to a 2-0 win over Malay- Chinese goalkeeper Yan Junling. Cup, which will be held in the 75th in the FIFA rankings. before a sellout home crowd. sia at the Taipei Municipal Sta- Despite that, Qatar sealed a UAE in January. Meanwhile, Mirahmetjan Midfi elder Lee Jae-sung dium. Wu Chun-ching gave the comfortable win on the night but The team will also play two Muzepper came on as a substitute knocked home a rebound after East Asians a 13th minute lead, Qatar coach Felix Sanchez would friendly matches against Ecua- in the second half against Qatar Son Heung-min’s penalty at- before Chun En-le’s 53rd minute have liked more goals from his dor and Uzbekistan in October. to make history by becoming the tempt rang off the post in the 35th goal sealed their victory. men. Yesterday, Qatar enjoyed the The fi rst will be against Ecuador fi rst Chinese international player minute at the Goyang Stadium, Singapore fought back in the majority of possession and creat- on October 12 in Doha, while the from the Uighur minority. while fellow midfi elder Nam Tae- second half to settle for a 1-1 ed plenty of chances, with Akram second against Uzbekistan in Muzepper featured at the 2010 hee of Al Duhail scored his fi rst draw with Mauritius at the Bis- Afi f and Almoez constantly trou- Tashkent on October 16. Asian Games for China’s un- international goal in nearly two han Stadium in Singapore. Mau- bling the Chinese defence with Qatar’s Almoez Ali is about to head the ball during yesterday’s For China, it was back to draw- der-23 team and was included years for second-half insurance. ritius secured an early lead when their pace and trickery. friendly against China. PICTURE: Noushad Thakkayil ing board after another poor show. in the senior training squad the Bento, the former Portugal Jonathan Justin found the back “I am happy to score the winning The Italian World Cup winner same year, but he did not make boss that was named as South of the net in the fi fth minute. goal against China,” Almoez said. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez was ger margin but a win is still a Marcello Lippi has been in charge the team on that occasion. Korea Republic head coach on However, Singapore’s persist- “The victory will give us con- also pleased with his team’s per- win,” said the Spaniard. of the senior side since 2016 and Meanwhile, South Korea de- August 17, enjoyed a convincing ence was rewarded in the second fi dence as the season progresses,” formance. “We have a few more friendlies overseen a steady improvement, feated Costa Rica 2-0 in a friend- victory over the world ranked half through Ikhsan Fandi’s 75th he added. “We could have won by a big- coming up. All the exposure will but they still have a long way to ly match, giving their new coach No. 32 Costa Rica Chinese Taipei minute equaliser.

ATHLETICS/IAAF CONTINENTAL CUP Samba, Haroun out to conquer new horizons

By Sports Reporter Doha

fter his exploits at the Asian Games in Jakarta where he won the 400m hurdles gold Aand also helped Qatar claim the 4x400m relay title, Abderrahman Samba will look to conquer new ho- rizons today when he lines up for the Asia-Pacifi c team in the IAAF Conti- nental Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The two-day event sees four teams – Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacifi c and Europe – compete for honours in 40 competitions (20 each for men and women) in this Czech city, just nine miles from the country’s border with but I think that is why I enjoy it,” said the 2018 world list thanks to his win- Poland. Samba. ning time of 44.07 at the IAAF Dia- Each team is allowed to enter two “I like being able to learn some- mond League meeting in London. athletes in each event, except for relays thing from every race, and I also have But the 21-year-old cannot afford where one team competes, with a max- the extra bonus of being able to travel to take anything for granted given imum of one athlete from each country to other countries around the world. the presence of his highly talented per event. No athlete shall be allowed I am lucky to make money from my contemporary, Botswana’s Baboloki to double in the 3000m and 5000m. passion, but I’ve also met many kind Thebe, who has run 44.54 this season Samba, who is unbeaten in eight fi - Abderrahman Samba and Abdalelah Haroun (R) will be representing the Asia-Pacific team in the IAAF Continental Cup people and made many great friends and won the African title last month. nals this season, became the second beginning in Ostrava today. from my time in the sport and, God Nathan Strother of the Ameri- fastest man ever with his 46.98 in the willing, I could also meet my future cas has run 44.34 this season, and Paris Diamond League meet. 400m The challenge to Samba’s domi- gin Islands has run even faster than off another major win in the IAAF wife!” his teammate Luguelin Santos of the fl at specialist Abdalelah Haroun and nance today may come from world Warholm with 47.54 in Paris and Diamond League final, where he fin- This is one of the most open events Dominican Republic, despite hav- hammer-thrower Ashraf Elseify, who champion Karsten Warholm, who has has three international titles to his ished just ahead of Warholm. “There of the IAAF Continental Cup, given ing only clocked 44.59 this season, also won gold medals in Jakarta, and set four Norwegian records this year, name this year: the Commonwealth is no doubt the 400m hurdles is a the presence in each team of at least has huge experience of top-level 800m runner Jamal al-Hayrani are improving to 47.64 in winning the Games, Central American and Car- very challenging event. It tests many one proven top-level performer. events, having won silver at the 2012 the other Qataris in the Asia-Pacifi c European Championships final. ibbean Games and NACAC Champi- things like endurance, speed, good Qatar’s world bronze medallist Ab- Olympics as an 18-year-old and world squad. Kyron McMaster from British Vir- onships. He comes to Ostrava fresh technique and a good stride pattern dalelah Haroun is currently fourth on bronze a year later. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 8, 2018 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT Serena storms into US Open fi nal to face Japan history-maker Osaka With six titles in New York she needs just one more to surpass Chris Evert for most all-time — and she needs just one more Grand Slam title to equal Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24

AFP New York

ix-time champion Serena Williams swept aside Anas- tasija Sevastova to reach a Sninth US Open fi nal, where she’ll face Japanese trail blazer Naomi Osaka. Williams, seeded 17th as she seeks to add to her 23 Grand Slam titles for the fi rst time since the birth of her daughter Olympia last year, needed just 66 minutes to dispatch the 19th- seeded Sevastova 6-3, 6-0. Osaka, seeded 20th, became the fi rst Japanese woman to reach a Grand Slam fi nal with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over American Madison Keys — last year’s beaten fi nalist. Williams called her return to the US Open fi nal for a ninth time “in- credible” given that she was undergo- ing surgery for life threatening blood clots this time last year in the wake of giving birth. “To come from that, in the hospital bed, not being able to move and walk and do anything, now only a year lat- er, I’m not training, but I’m actually in these fi nals, in two in a row,” said Williams, who also reached the fi nal at Wimbledon. “To come this far so fast.... I’m re- ally looking forward to the possibili- Serena Williams of the United States returns the ball during her semi-final match against Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia on Day Eleven of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in ties,” she said. New York on Thursday. At right, Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates her win over American Madison Keys. Williams lost out in the semi-fi nals of her last two US Opens, in 2015 and “I was just thinking I really want to She made the break stand up, said Williams, now in her seventh lead she produced a convincing hold spin and slice. “I don’t play oppo- 2016. play Serena.” withstanding six break points in the tournament back. that featured the fi rst of her four aces. nents like her every day,” Williams But with six titles in New York she Osaka, who had already made his- next game. Her overriding aim as she As in her semi-fi nal win over Karo- Serving for the fi rst set she opened said. “I usually play players that hit needs just one more to surpass Chris tory along with men’s semi-fi nalist served for the match, Osaka said, was lina Pliskova, Williams took a while with a 120 mph (193 Km/h) ace and really, really hard — very diff erent.” Evert for most all-time — and she Kei Nishikori as the fi rst Japanese “Don’t double fault”. to warm up, dropping her serve in the Sevastova was out of answers. Sevastova, who beat defending needs just one more Grand Slam title man and woman to reach the last four In fact she closed it out with a serv- opening game. “I’ve been working hard on my vol- champion Sloane Stephens to reach to equal Australian Margaret Court’s at the same Slam, had lost three prior ice winner that bounced wildly off the But she was back on terms after a leys,” Williams said of her aggressive the last four, was left regretting all-time record of 24. meetings with Keys. frame of Keys’s racquet. break for 2-2, getting the break when game plan. she had “I have won a few “some stupid games from me that I Osaka, 20 and in the last four at a “I’m just glad I was able to get Osaka won her only prior meet- Sevastova’s attempt at a drop shot doubles championships so I know lost”. Slam for the fi rst time, admitted she through this match,” said Osaka, who ing with Williams, in the fi rst round from deep in the court failed to make how to volley. “I shouldn’t have gotten broken was driven by the idea of facing Wil- broke Keys at love for a 5-2 lead in the at Miami in March — the American it over the net. “I just usually come in to shake twice in the fi rst set — I had game liams. fi rst set and after calmly serving it out star’s second tournament since giv- From there Williams was on the at- hands,” she quipped, before explain- points in both games,” she said. Asked how she managed to save all broke her again to open the second ing birth. tack, winning 24 of 28 points at the ing she thought the tactic would be “When she’s in front, it’s tough to 13 break points she faced, Osaka said: set. “I defi nitely wasn’t at my best,” net. After breaking again for a 4-2 eff ective against Sevastova’s mix of play,” Sevastova said.

WARNING BOTTOMLINE FOCUS ‘Just getting ‘I love started’, Serena Built to oppress: Arthur you’, says aft er win Ashe roof turns heat up Osaka AFP the emotional roller-coaster New York of being a new parent, said ad- Reuters tells justing to physical changes in New York the wake of motherhood has erena Williams once also been a challenge. Serena again targets a record “I don’t feel like me,” she he heat-wave engulfi ng New York 24th Grand Slam sin- said. “My mom said it takes, during this year’s US Open has left New York: Naomi Osaka told gles title at the US like, a full year to kind of get players gasping in distress and or- US Open title opponent Ser- OpenS today. back. I’m at a full year now, but ganisers faced with burning ques- ena Williams “I love you” just Win or lose, the US great I’m also laying a sport profes- Ttions about the suff ocating conditions on moments after she became the says she’s just getting started sionally. the tournament’s main showcourt. fi rst Japanese woman to reach a in the latest phase of her ca- “I just feel like I’m defi nitely Arthur Ashe Stadium was given a retract- Grand Slam fi nal. reer. not there. Even my body is dif- able roof, built at a cost of about $150mn in The 20-year-old breakout “I’m still on the way up,” ferent. I actually weigh less 2016, which has now turned into a pub- star of the tournament swept said the 36-year-old, who is than I did before I got preg- lic relations disaster for the United States into the record books and to- playing her seventh tourna- nant, but it’s distributed dif- Tennis Association (USTA) on the tourna- day’s championship match ment since the birth of daugh- ferently now. ment’s 50th anniversary, with the game’s against the 23-time major win- ter Olympia on September 1 “I’m still waiting to get to be top players criticising the conditions. ner with a 6-2, 6-4 win over 2017. “There’s still much more the Serena that I was — and I The problem is the roof and its underly- Madison Keys, the runner-up in that I plan on doing.” don’t know if I’ll ever be that ing superstructure has reduced air circula- 2017. Williams came agonisingly physically, emotionally, men- tion, which has combined with the soaring When asked on court what close to matching Austral- tally.” heat and humidity to create a perfect storm A general view of the Arthur Ashe Stadium. she told herself as she served ian Margaret Court’s all-time The players that have faced of discomfort. for the match, she said: “Don’t record of 24 major titles at her so far in Flushing Meadows “In addition to it being pretty hot tem- “Obviously it’s fantastic to have the more disadvantaged than their less-feted double fault”. Wimbledon, but fell to Angel- say the current Serena is tough perature-wise and high humidity, there’s roof... (but with) so many players strug- rivals.“Look that’s a fair question,” Wid- “Why,” asked the interviewer. ique Kerber in the fi nal. enough — perhaps as good as not much natural air circulation,” USTA gling to breathe, especially on the centre maier said. “Serena,” replied the charismat- It was the high point of a re- ever. spokesman Chris Widmaier told Reuters. court... there’s no circulation at all, espe- “Obviously all singles matches are being ic Osaka. turn that began in March and “It’s tough to say,” said “The way that the system is built in cially court level, that’s something to really played in Arthur Ashe Stadium right now “I love you, Serena,” she add- has not surprisingly been, at Anastasija Sevastova after Arthur Ashe Stadium, we really can’t oper- think about, consider and address.” so there isn’t that type of imbalance. That ed before adding “I love you, times, erratic. Williams swept past her 6-3, ate our (air management) system unless the The uncomfortable truth facing the being said, if you said that on day three, it’s mom; I love everybody”. But once again Williams has 6-0 in the semi-fi nals. “She roof is closed and that’s just because of the USTA is the lack of circulation has made a legitimate question. Osaka, the 20th seed, has met shown she can rise to the oc- played fi nals in Wimbledon. engineering. playing conditions inside Arthur Ashe “After every US Open we look back and and defeated Williams once — at casion on the game’s biggest She’s playing fi nals here. I “We didn’t envision needing it or using more stifl ing than at any of the other see where we were strong, see where we Miami in March. stages. think this year is not bad for it except when the roof is closed.” courts. can improve. Keys had beaten Osaka three Another US Open title — her.” Eighth-seeded Karolina The players have made their feelings “I do believe since the roof is on that “Will there be another means of looking times out of three before Thurs- four years after her sixth — Pliskova, who briefl y rose to abundantly clear at what appears to be a there is no air circulation in the stadium,” to see if you can create on the court level... day’s semi-fi nal but the 14th would be not a culmination number one last year, fell to lack of foresight by the USTA. second seed Roger Federer said after losing some way to promote air circulation on seed admitted she had been but a springboard, she said. Williams in the quarter-fi nals, “I personally have never sweated as to Millman on Arthur Ashe in the fourth these very still days? I think we’ll discuss completely over-powered. “I just feel like there’s a two years after shocking her in much as I have here,” sixth seed Novak round on Monday. that as well.” “I thought I could get a break lot of growth still to go in my the semis. Djokovic said after winning his quarter- “That makes it a totally diff erent US On Wednesday, organisers decided to but every time she would hit game, that’s actually the most “I don’t feel any diff erence,” fi nal against Australian John Millman on Open... You have soaking wet pants, soak- run the air management system during an ace or a big shot,” said the exciting part,” she said. Pliskova said of Williams’s Wednesday. ing wet everything.” Djokovic’s match while the roof was open, 23-year-old. “Even though I’m not a game. “She’s playing with the “I asked the chair umpire whether they With the biggest names playing almost hoping it would provide some relief. “It was diffi cult. You think spring chicken, I still have a same power. She can still serve are using some form of ventilation or air all their games on the court, the question Judging by Djokovic’s comments, the ex- she’s going to let up but she very, very bright future.” well. I think maybe she’s back conditioning... he said only what comes is whether the likes of Federer, Serena Wil- periment failed. didn’t. She was very impres- Williams, who has spoken of on the level where she was.” through the hallway, (that) type of thing. liams, Djokovic and Rafa Nadal have been “It feels like sauna,” he said. sive.” Gulf Times Saturday, September 8, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE Manchester City’s Silva retires from Spain duty

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane withdrew from the Germany squad “for private reasons” yesterday following a meeting with coach Joachim Loew, the German FA (DFB) confirmed. Sane, 22, was controversially left out of France and Germany the Germany squad for their disastrous World Cup campaign in Russia. However, he was brought back by Loew into his first squad since the tourna- ment, and came off the bench towards the end of Thursday’s 0-0 draw with France in Munich in their first game in the inaugural UEFA Nations League. draw opener as Germany play Peru tomorrow in Sin- sheim, at the home of Bundesliga club Hoff enheim.

Basic mistake costs Toma place in European squad

Bale stars for Wales Bordeaux midfielder Toma Basic will not turn out for his new club in this season’s Europa League group stage, after they ‘I know that we are getting greedy, but a draw in Germany is a good result’ forgot to include the young Croatian in their squad list. The president of the AFP French side, said Basic had been left out Paris Wales’ striker Gareth Bale celebrates after due to “an administrative error” when scoring against Republic of Ireland during the squad list was submitted to UEFA the UEFA Nations League match at Cardiff before Monday’s deadline. Five other orld Cup winners France City Stadium on Thursday. (AFP) summer signings have been included in were held to a 0-0 draw Bordeaux’s Europa League squad. But by Germany in Munich Basic is left out despite the 21-year-old in a fl at start to the new having already come off the bench in WUEFA Nations League on Thurs- two Ligue 1 games since signing from day night, as Gareth Bale starred in a Hajduk Split last month. Bordeaux this big win for Wales. The heavyweight week named the Ricardo Gomes as showdown at the Allianz Arena be- their new manager. tween the last two winners of the World Cup looked like the perfect game to mark the opening night of the Red Star fans banned from new international competition. Champions League games However, on a rainy night in Bavar- ia, the meeting of the last two world Red Star Belgrade have been banned champions never really sparked into from selling tickets to their fans for life, although the French were grateful the club’s next two Champions League to goalkeeper Alphonse Areola for a away games against Paris St Germain couple of fi ne saves in the second half. on Oct 3 and Liverpool on Oct 24 Areola was starting in goal in place because of crowd trouble during last of the injured Hugo Lloris, winning month’s playoff tie at Salzburg. Red Star his fi rst cap in the only change made were charged with several off ences, by France coach Dider Deschamps including a pitch invasion by fans who compared to the side that started the also set off fireworks, as they came back World Cup fi nal win over Croatia in from two goals down to draw 2-2 and July. The Paris Saint-Germain goal- reach the group stage on away goals at keeper intervened brilliantly to deny Salzburg’s Red Bull Arena. Marco Reus and keep out a Matthias UEFA’s disciplinary committee also Ginter header, while Antoine Griez- fined the Serbian club 30,000 euros mann’s well-struck shot that was and ordered them to contact Salzburg saved by Manuel Neuer was as close as within 30 days to pay for damages. France came. “I know that we are get- ting greedy, but a draw in Germany is a good result,” Deschamps said. Ghoulam back for Napoli The Netherlands are the other team aft er long injury layoff in Group 1 of League A, and Ronald Koeman’s team travel to Paris tomor- Napoli’s Algerian international defender row, when the French will turn out at Faouzi Ghoulam has been given the home for the fi rst time since their glo- all clear to return after more than ten rious campaign in Russia. Ireland 4-1 in Ryan Giggs’s fi rst com- Ireland’s 1-0 win in Cardiff last Oc- of lower-league and futsal players time. In League C, Fulham’s Stefan months sidelined with injury, the Italian The top sides in each of the four petitive match as manager. Bale fol- tober had ended Wales’ World Cup in a 3-0 friendly loss in Slovakia on Johansen scored twice as Norway beat club. groups in League A will advance lowed up his fi ne start to the season dream, but Martin O’Neill’s side were Wednesday. That was because leading Cyprus 2-0, and Bulgaria won 2-1 in The 27-year-old tore cruciate ligaments to a mini fi nal tournament in June with Real Madrid by curling in a sen- dreadful this time. Bale set up Connor stars including Christian Eriksen were Slovenia. The fi rst ever goal of the new last November and three months later next year, with the overall Nations sational strike from outside the box in Roberts for the hosts’ fourth after the absent due to a contract dispute over Nations League was a stunner, scored required more surgery after breaking League title at stake before the Euro the 18th minute of their League B en- break, before substitute Shaun Wil- commercial rights. Bale added: “The by Giorgi Chakvetadze in distant As- his kneecap in training. 2020 qualifi ers begin. Below the elite counter in Cardiff . liams pulled a goal back for the Irish aim is to win every game we play. We tana, as Georgia beat Kazakhstan 2-0 Ghoulam was given the green light to league, there is promotion and relega- It was a 30th international goal for after robbing Ramsey of possession. know the format, we know it’s anoth- in Group 1 of League D. In the same return to training after being examined tion and also a potential path to the Bale, who is Wales’ all-time lead- “We wanted to put in a perform- er way to qualify for the Euros, so we’ll league, Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan in Rome. “Great news,” a statement European Championship for those ing goal-scorer. Tom Lawrence had ance in front of the fans and put out be taking it seriously.” had a penalty saved as his Armenia from the club read. “Ghoulam can now who do not make it via the traditional already given Wales the lead before a statement,” Bale said. Wales go to Also in League B, Ukraine came beat Liechtenstein 2-1. The open- return to training with the group.” qualifi ers. that, and 17-year-old Ethan Ampadu Denmark tomorrow, with the Danes from behind to win 2-1 in the Czech ing round of Nations League matches Ghoulam’s last match for Napoli was on Bale scored a stunning goal as an set up Aaron Ramsey for the third goal expected to fi eld a full-strength side Republic with Oleksandr Zinchenko continued last night, with Italy facing November 1, in the Champions League impressive Wales beat the Republic of before half-time. in that game after sending out a team scoring the decisive goal in stoppage Poland in the standout game. against Manchester City.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS QSL Cup to kick off from today Loew rewarded for putting faith in Germany’s old guard AFP Munich

ermany are trying to move into a new era after their disastrous World Cup campaign, Gbut Thursday’s 0-0 draw with France showed the importance to coach Joachim Loew of keeping faith in the old guard. Loew’s starting line-up at the Allianz Arena against the world champions featured fi ve mem- bers of the German team that beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup fi nal — goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, centre-backs Mats Hum- mels and Jerome Boateng, mid- fi elder Toni Kroos and forward Thomas Mueller. That quintet, with over 400 overnight,” Loew said after the their World Cup debacle. That caps between them, made up match. has been marked by Mesut Ozil’s the spine of the team that would “We saw that against a team decision to retire from interna- have beaten France were it not for as strong as France, players like tional football amid allegations some exceptional saves from vis- Hummels, Boateng and Kroos are of racism aimed at the German he 2018-19 season QSL Cup will and they give opportunities to as many Un- The change in format will see the six-team iting goalkeeper Alphonse Are- extremely important, because of FA (DFB) president, Reinhard kick off today. It is one of the tour- der-23 players as possible. Group A consists group stage being followed by knockout ola, notably from Marco Reus, their class, their experience and Grindel. naments organised by the Qatar of Al Duhail, Al Gharafa, Umm Salal, Al quarter-fi nals instead of four teams directly Mueller and then Matthias Gin- their quality. The youngsters will Loew signed a new contract Stars League Management. Par- Arabi, Qatar SC and Al Kharaitiyat. Group qualifying for the semifi nals last season. The ter in the second half. get their opportunity.” through to 2022 before the World Tticipation is mandatory for all 12 QNB Stars B includes Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, Al Sailiya, Al fi rst-four teams from each group advance All of Germany’s starting line- Loew also opted to start with Cup began, and the Nations League teams. The inaugural edition of the Khor, Al Ahli and Al Shahania. to the quarter-fi nals, where the winners of up for their fi rst match in the Ginter and Antonio Ruediger, League off ers his team an early QSL Cup was held in the 2009-10 season. The Round 1 fi xtures today, are Al Duhail Group A face fourth team of Group B. inaugural UEFA Nations League centre-backs by trade, in the opportunity to win over support- It was revived in 2017-18 after a gap of three vs Al Kharaitiyat (18:10) at Al Duhail Sta- The other quarter-fi nals will be second- had been part of their squad in full-back positions, a decision ers once again. Germany play the seasons. Al Gharafa defeated Al Rayyan 3-2 dium, Umm Salal vs Al Arabi (18:10) and Al placed team of Group A vs third-placed Russia, when they were knocked that was rewarded as Germany Netherlands and France away in in last year’s fi nal. Gharafa vs Qatar SC (20:20), both at Qatar team of Group B, third-placed team of out in the group stage. The only kept Kylian Mbappe, Antoine October, with the winner of their The competition serves its purpose as SC Stadium. Tomorrow it will be Al Sadd vs Group A vs second-placed team of Group B changed face was Leroy Sane, the Griezmann and company at bay. group going through to the four- young players get as much playing time Al Shahania (18:10) at Qatar SC Stadium, Al and fourth-placed team of Group A vs win- Manchester City winger coming “It was a bit frustrating that team Nations League fi nals next as possible, thereby providing their clubs Rayyan vs Al Ahli (18:10) at Al Gharafa Sta- ners of Group B. The fi nal is scheduled for off the bench late on having been we didn’t score a goal. But we June. and the Qatar national team with a wider dium and Al Sailiya vs Al Khor (20:20) at Al 2nd February, 2019. While some clubs are controversially left out of the 23 wanted to keep it tight after what “We didn’t play as freely as player pool to choose from, especially since Duhail Stadium. preparing with their full squad, others are for the World Cup. happened at the World Cup. That when we were at our best,” said the country is gearing up to compete in the The draw for the 2018-19 season QSL deprived of it as their overseas professional The likes of Thilo Kehrer and was the priority. I think we suc- Bayern Munich star Mueller of Asian Cup in the UAE in January, 2019. Cup was made on 29th August. The clubs players are on international duty. Some of Kai Havertz stayed on the bench. ceeded,” said Kroos. Thursday’s game. “The support- Fixtures are scheduled during interna- were ranked according to their order in last the Qatari players are also away to do duty “Of course we need to integrate Germany, who host Peru in ers gave us a great welcome. We tional breaks when the QNB Stars League season’s QNB Stars League standings, with for the Qatar national team for its friendlies new players. We always need to a friendly in Sinsheim tomor- want to win back little by little is stopped. The tournament is also a great promoted Al Shahania replacing relegated against China (7th September) and Palestine be pushing to do that, but it is row, are hoping to defi nitively the credit we lost over the sum- platform for clubs to unearth new talents Al Markhiya as the last team. (11th September). a process that will not happen move on from the fall-out of mer,” he added. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 8, 2018 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Kane to wear golden boots Enrique tasked with against Spain AFP London

ngland captain Harry Kane will wear gold fi nding Spain’s sweetspot boots in today’s Nations League clash against SpainE to celebrate fi nishing as the World Cup’s top scorer. Kane will be making his fi rst England appearance since winning the Golden Boot trophy awarded between past and future for fi nishing as the most prolifi c player in World Cup. Tottenham striker Kane scored six goals during the tour- Enrique knows better than anyone the pitfalls of tweaking an identity both entrenched and adored nament in Russia, helping Eng- land reach the semi-fi nals. Kane AFP tweeted a picture of the boots, Madrid provided by Nike, and wrote: “Buzzing to wear these tomor- row night. Gold boots.” This is my style and I don’t care if Kane was the second Eng- you don’t like it,” he said. It was land player to win the Golden April 2016 and Luis Enrique was Boot at a World Cup after Gary asked if he felt sorry for berating a Lineker at the 1986 tournament journalist,“ who had been critical of Bar- in Mexico. Yesterday Kane said celona’s fi tness levels. “I have nothing he “could have done better” at to apologise for,” he shrugged. “I didn’t this summer’s tournament in show anyone a lack of respect.” Russia. Kane scored six goals in Barca’s form had dipped but they Russia - once against Colombia, would still win the domestic double a twice against Tunisia and a hat- month later, one year after he had led trick against Panama - as he led them to a brilliant treble in his fi rst sea- England to their fi rst World Cup son, matching the achievement of Pep semi-fi nal in 28 years. Guardiola in 2009. A year later Luis However, the Tottenham Enrique would be gone, after winning striker was less clinical in the six of nine major trophies up for grabs, semi-fi nal defeat to Croatia - and yet he left the Camp Nou respected unable to convert a gilt-edged more than he was loved. chance in the fi rst half to send Now he brings his meticulous, sin- England into a 2-0 lead. gle-minded, dynamic, prickly, all-or- Kane said: “I think I could nothing style to the Spain dugout, ready have done better at the World to undergo his fi rst test at Wembley Cup if I’m totally honest. It was against England today. great and I scored some good When the fi xture was announced in goals and important goals. But May, as part of the inaugural UEFA Na- there was stuff I could’ve done tions League, few would have expected better as well - certain fi nishes it to be the visitors confronting ques- and certain movements, but that tions about style, youth and an under- is all part of the learning curve. performing goalkeeper, following a hu- “I remember coming back and miliating World Cup exit. talking to people about it, that to The new coach’s press appearances win a Golden Boot at a World Cup so far suggest he will carry that same and think you could do better is edge felt by the journalist two years ago exciting because it means there’s into international management, and it lots of improvement and I’m at a remains to be seen whether it proves high level already. I feel fully fi t, a source of unifi cation or alienation we’ve come back and started the amongst his players. season well from a club point of “Luis Enrique lays down the law”, view so hopefully I can take that read the front-page headline in sports into the games here.” daily Marca on Wednesday, with a new set of rules listed, including a ban Spain coach Luis Enrique speaks at a press conference in London yesterday, ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against England. (Reuters) on mobile phones, earlier bedtimes, fi nes for lateness, fewer days off and a some as a millstone around their necks. Tunisia and a 1-1 draw with Switzer- they were winning, many at Barca were secutive major tournaments. streamlined training-ground buff et. High-pressing, quick transitions and land. Luis Enrique knows better than still not convinced by his style, and Only Sergio Busquets and Sergio But David de Gea allowing Cristiano counter-attack have become the buz- anyone the pitfalls of tweaking an iden- when they were losing, it was a big stick Ramos remain from the team that tri- Ronaldo’s shot to skip off his hands was zwords of club football and there is a tity both entrenched and once adored. used to beat him with. umphed in 2012, with Gerard Pique, not the cause of Spain failing to break sense Spain have been left clinging, out “We have to evolve that idea, perfect it, After starting at Sporting Gijon, he David Silva and Andres Iniesta all retir- down Russia before losing to the hosts of sentiment or even pride, to a style make it even better, so we can surprise played for both Real Madrid and Bar- ing after the World Cup, and Jordi Alba on penalties at the World Cup, and nei- many opponents have worked out. opponents and they don’t know how we celona. His strengths as a player, and surprisingly jettisoned from this open- ther was a penchant for texting or fried Even before Julen Lopetegui was will play,” he said upon taking over at perhaps even now as a coach, lay in his ing squad. food. More deep-rooted are the doubts lured away by Real Madrid on the eve of Barcelona. energy, dynamism and versatility, more Luis Enrique’s task is to fi nd the about Spain’s possession game, so rev- the World Cup, throwing their tourna- At Barca, Luis Suarez became a mo- than subtlety or craft. sweetspot between the old Spain and olutionary during the golden years of ment into chaos, Spain’s preparations tif for the high press and occasional Spain should be more open to tweak- the new. He will not worry who he up- 2008, 2010 and 2012, but now seen by had ended with a plodding 1-0 win over straight ball over the top. But even when ing on the back of failure at three con- sets along the way.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Sarri found out he was sacked Maradona to coach second as Napoli coach on TV division side Dorados in Mexico AFP Milan AFP Culiacan, Mexico ew Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri re- rgentine legend Diego Maradona vealed yesterday that has been hired to coach Mexican he found out he was second-division football club Do- Nsacked as coach of his previous rados in his latest foray into man- club Napoli on television. Sarri agement,A the club announced on Thursday. had two years left on his contract Maradona’s colorful career has included after leading his hometown club stints coaching the Argentine national team to challenge champions Juventus and a series of clubs around the world, and for the title last season. he had just started a job as president of Be- But after Sarri asked for more larus side Dinamo Brest in July. But after time to consider his future, parting ways with coach Francisco Rami- former Chelsea and Real Madrid rez Gamez, Dorados managed to convince boss Carlo Ancelotti was ap- 57-year-old Maradona to sign up for a spell pointed as new coach of the Se- in Mexico at the club known as “Big Fish”. rie A runners-up. The 59-year- “Dorados of Sinaloa is pleased to an- old Sarri told Il Mattino: “We nounce Diego Armando Maradona is the were having dinner... discussing new manager of the ‘Big Fish,’” the club whether or not to stay. We turned said in a statement. “Considered by many on the TV and we saw Ancelotti to be the best footballer of all time, Diego entering Filmauro (the head- was known in his playing career for leading quarters of Napoli owner Aure- teams with guts and fi ght to carry them to lio De Laurentiis). “I had some successes that few believed possible,” it said. doubts, that’s fair, but there was The club wants Maradona to stay for the a clause in the contract and it remainder of the 2018 season and all of next wasn’t something I had asked season, Dorados president Jorgealberto for. The timing wasn’t respected. Hank Inzunza said. “In my conversations Now I hope that Ancelotti can with him he’s been very excited to come achieve what I came so close to.” coach here. Honestly, it was easier to con- Napoli won their last Serie A vince him than I thought,” he said. Diego Maradona’s colourful career has included stints coaching Argentina and a series of title during the days of Diego The club fi rst confi rmed rumours of Ma- clubs, and he had just started a job as president of Belarus side Dinamo Brest in July. Maradona in 1990. Sarri — who drinking a beer together. I sign It is the fi rst time that Sarri, radona’s hiring with a brief video posted on- took over from another Italian autographs for the fans of the who started out as a banker, has line. “Diego, welcome to the Big Fish!” said His erratic behaviour in the stands at the he punched the ball into the net for an ill- Antonio Conte at Chelsea — has opposing team on the sidelines, coached outside Italy. “Close up a message accompanying the video. Dorados World Cup in Russia led to him needing gotten goal. The second, four minutes later, won his fi rst four games in Eng- before and after the match. (life in Italy) is full of problems. are currently in 13th place in their 15-team medical assistance after Argentina’s last- was a breathtaking dash in which he single- land. “I didn’t win anything in “There are games with so But when we are far away, there is league. gasp win over Nigeria in Saint Petersburg. handedly beat the entire English defense to Naples. Conte here has won (Pre- much intensity, physicality. The a bit of nostalgia and something Located on Mexico’s Pacifi c coast, Sinaloa Mexico was the scene of Maradona’s great- slot in what would go on to be voted “the mier League 2016-2017) and it is English game is a diff erent foot- is always missing. is home to several famous beach resorts and est triumph: leading Argentina to the 1986 goal of the century.” diffi cult to take his place,” said ball from the Italian one, played “More than all the food, even the drug cartel of the same name, founded World Cup title. But Maradona has sometimes had a Sarri. in extraordinary stadiums. But at though I’m getting used to the by jailed kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guz- Two moments during that tournament touchy relationship with Mexico. He infu- “Here it is totally diff erent: it the beginning it’s not so simple meat and salmon here. But I can’t man. Maradona himself is no stranger to neatly summed up what made him both riated Mexicans in June when he said the is an absolute party, it is a pleas- to understand things. I know less fi nd anyone who makes cof- drugs. He was hit with two doping bans as controversial and great. The fi rst was his country did not deserve to host the 2026 ure to arrive in the stadiums and about the teams I face and the fee like Tommaso (Napoli coff ee a player, and has publicly battled with drug infamous “hand of God” goal in Argentina’s World Cup, which it was awarded along with see the fans with diff erent shirts opponents.” maker).” addiction, alcoholism and obesity. quarter-fi nal against England, in which the United States and Canada. Gulf Times Saturday, September 8, 2018 5 SPORT

NFL SPOTLIGHT Nash, Allen among 13 to join Basketball Eagles hold off Hall of Fame

AFP Hill was a seven-time NBA New York All-Star in 19 league seasons and won Olympic gold in 1996. “I’m still in disbelief,” Hill Falcons to begin ormer NBA stars Steve said. “I’m truly humbled to be Nash, Ray Allen, Ja- here.” son Kidd, Grant Hill and Cheeks, who helped Philadel- Atlanta’s off ense FMaurice Cheeks will be phia to the 1978 NBA title, was among 13 people inducted into a four-time All-Star in 15 league managed just nine points the Basketball Hall of Fame. seasons and is now an assist- The honorees will be enshrined ant coach for the Oklahoma City in five red-zone trips in ceremonies at the sporting Thunder. title defence shrine in Springfi eld, Massachu- “I’m truly honoured,” Cheeks setts, near the game’s birthplace, said. “As I look at all the pictures Reuters with a gala gathering of legends in the Hall, I realize how blessed Philadelphia, US serving as presenters as well. I am to wear this (Hall of Fame) Other inductees will include jacket.” Croatian player Dino Radja, Driesell is the only coach to he Philadelphia Eagles college coach Charles “Lefty” win 100 games with four dif- came up with another Driesell, Women’s NBA stars ferent US colleges and won 786 goal-line stand against Tina Thompson and Katie Smith, games. the Atlanta Falcons and contributors Rod Thorn and Rick Radja played on three consec- Teked out an 18-12 victory in an Welts, pioneer Ora Mae Washing- utive European League champi- ugly, fl ag-fi lled aff air to open the ton and 1970s star Charlie Scott. onship teams and won Olympic NFL regular season Thursday “This is incredible to be here silver with Yugoslavia in 1988 night at Lincoln Financial Field. with this group,” said two-time and Croatia in 1992 before play- Matt Ryan threw fi ve incom- NBA Most Valuable Player Nash. ing four NBA seasons with the pletions from inside the 10- “It’s a Dream Team.” Boston Celtics. yard line in the fi nal seconds, Canada’s Nash, an eight-time Scott won an NBA title with including a 5-yard fade caught NBA All-Star, ranks third in all- Boston in 1972 and was the fi rst by Julio Jones on the fi nal play, time NBA assists and has the African-American scholarship but Eagles cornerback Ronald highest career free-throw accu- athlete at the University of North Darby kept Jones from coming racy percentage, 90.4 percent, Carolina. down inbounds. That was after in league history over 19 NBA Thompson won four WNBA an extra chance for Atlanta after seasons. titles with Houston while Smith Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks Kidd, a 10-time NBA All-Star took two crowns with Detroit. was called for illegal contact on in his 18 campaigns, won an NBA Washington was a women’s pio- fourth-and-goal from the 10. crown with Dallas in 2011. He neer in the early 20th century The Falcons had driven 70 ranks second on the NBA all- segregation era, her teams losing yards on 12 plays before coming time steals list with 2,684 and only six times in 18 years, all to up short, as Jones made three second on the career assists list men’s squads. grabs for 63 yards on the series, with 12,091. Thorn was a former NBA including an 18-yarder on third- Allen won NBA titles with player, general manager with the and-17. But the failure on the fi - Boston in 2008 and Miami in Chicago Bulls when they selected nal play was all too reminiscent 2013, with 10 All-Star nods in his Michael Jordan and served as the of Ryan’s incompletion to Jones 18 NBA seasons. He is the NBA NBA executive vice president on fourth down with 1:05 left in career leader in 3-point baskets of basketball operations from the divisional playoff s in Janu- with 2,973 and won Olympic gold 1986-2000 while Welts, now ary, again helping Philly survive. in 2000. president of the Golden State Jay Ajayi’s second rushing “I don’t think as much about Warriors, helped launch the touchdown, an 11-yard rumble, my career but the people that WNBA, expand the NBA world- gave the Eagles the lead with Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi (centre) scores on a two-point conversion against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter of have gotten me to this point,” Al- wide and raise the profi le of the 2:25 remaining, after Darren Sp- their NFL game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) len said. All-Star Game. roles converted a third-and-8 on a 9-yard pass from Ryan and terview postgame. “Went over surge, Foles fi nished 19 of 34 for Jones had 10 grabs for 169 yards, in the third quarter with a knee Corey Clement had a 21-yard to [head coach] Doug, we were just 117 yards and an interception. well over half of the Falcons’ 299 injury and did not return, after run earlier in the drive. both thinking the same thing. Atlanta’s off ense managed yards of total off ense. fi rst hurting the knee in the sec- NBA Magic owner Richard DeVos Ajayi also scored on a 1-yard He called it. It was the right time just nine points in fi ve red-zone Yellow laundry littered the ond. dead at 92 plunge in the third quarter, after again. We needed a little boost, trips, failing on a fourth-and-1 fi eld all night, as the teams com- The opening kickoff was de- the drive was extended by a 15- a little something, we needed on the opening possession and bined for 26 accepted penalties layed by 45 minutes due to thun- Billionaire businessman Richard DeVos, owner of the NBA’s yard reception by Nick Foles on a to make a play, so it was just the coming up empty again on the for 236 yards, more than the Ea- derstorms. Orlando Magic, and founder of health and home care product variant of the famous “Philly Spe- right time for it.” fi nal drive. The Falcons led 6-3 gles gained all game (232). The Carson Wentz joined fellow manufacturer Amway, died Thursday at his Ada, Michigan, cial” to convert a third-and-5. The Eagles off ense was booed at the half on a pair of Matt Bry- Falcons had 15 infractions (their Eagles captains for the open- home. He was 92. DeVos, the father-in-law of US Education “We needed to do something,” on its way to the tunnel at halft- ant fi eld goals. most since 1990) for 135 yards ing coin toss. He has yet to be Secretary Betsy DeVos, bought the Magic in 1991 and under Foles told NBC of the “Philly ime after gaining just 68 yards on Ryan fi nished 21 of 43 for 251 (most since 2007). cleared for contact in his recov- his watch took five division titles and reached the NBA Finals Special II” in an on-fi eld in- 30 plays. Even after a second-half yards and an interception, while Falcons safety Keanu Neal left ery from a torn ACL and LCL. in 1995, losing to Houston, and 2009, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers. “Mr. DeVos’ boundless generosity, inspirational leader- ship and infectious enthusiasm will always be remembered,” NHL Magic chief executive off icer Alex Martins said. “He was the team’s number one cheerleader and the best owner that a Magic fan could ever want. His vision was that the team and organisation would serve as a platform to improve the Central Wild’s Staal awaiting contract talks aft er season begins Florida community. That legacy will certainly live on.” A family quest for a new arena for the Magic came true when the Am- Reuters the season underway fi rst. Staal we were kind of methodically his six-year, $34.5mn contract Prior to the recent conver- way Center opened in 2010. New York is entering the fi nal season of his going through the months to get but isn’t all that interested in sations, Seguin said there had three-year contract. to the point where it was time becoming a free agent. been no dialogue since June. Haslem re-signs with Heat for Envisioning a run at the NHL for me to move on. It doesn’t The 26-year-old center “I’m disappointed it hasn’t ric Staal, Minnesota’s title is the difference between have that same feel.” is hopeful a new deal can be happened, but there hasn’t been minimum: reports leading scorer a season this season and three seasons Staal, a center, scored 42 goals worked out before the Stars negotiations, it’s just been train- ago, is eager to talk with ago, when he was finishing last season, just three off his ca- open their season on Oct. 4. ing this summer, getting ready Big man Udonis Haslem agreed to a one-year, veteran’s Ethe Wild about a long- up a contract with the Caro- reer high, which came in his sec- “That’s been the goal all for this year,” Seguin said. “I’ve minimum deal with the Miami Heat to return for his 16th NBA term future with the team. lina Hurricanes, who weren’t ond season with the Hurricanes along,” Seguin told reporters still got this last year in Dallas, season, according to multiple reports Thursday. Haslem, 38, “I’ve let it be known that I’ve expected to be a factor in the in 2005-06. His 76 points were during an NHL promotional Dallas is home. I’m looking for- has spent his entire career in Miami since joining the team un- enjoyed it and I’d like to stay,” postseason. tied for third-best in his 14 sea- event in Chicago on Thursday. ward to having a good year and drafted out of Florida in 2003. Heat president Pat Riley said last Staal said during the NHL Play- The Hurricanes dealt him to sons. “I envision hopefully having defi nitely want to win.” month he expected Haslem to return based on a “gut feeling”. er Media Tour on Thursday. “I the New York Rangers in Febru- The Hurricanes selected Staal something done. They’ve been Seguin scored a career-best Haslem played just 72 minutes in 14 games last season, totalling think it’s a great fi t for me hock- ary 2016. second overall in the 2003 draft. talking now. My agent has been 40 goals last season, when he eight points, 10 rebounds and five assists. He has career aver- ey-wise. They’re a team that “This is a team that expects to In 909 games, he has 775 points talking to the team. Hopefully had 78 points in 82 games in his ages of 7.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 25.4 minutes per game. wants to win the Stanley Cup win,” Staal said. on 322 goals and 453 assists. something will get done before fi fth campaign with the Stars. The Heat have 19 players on their training camp roster, leaving real bad and so do I.” “That makes it a diff erent camp.” His 173 goals since joining Dal- one spot open for Dwyane Wade, who has yet to announce Staal, 33, says he has spoken situation just for me, my own STARS CENTRE SEGUIN Camp opens on Sept. 14 in las tie with Pittsburgh’s Sidney whether or not he will retire. Wade, 36, joined the Heat along briefl y with general manager mental side. In Carolina, I could ANTICIPATING EXTENSION Boise, Idaho, so the pace of ne- Crosby for second most dur- with Haslem in 2003, after they took him fifth overall out of Paul Fenton about a new con- see the writing on the wall and Dallas Stars standout Tyler Seg- gotiations will have to pick up ing that span, behind only Alex Marquette. tract, but that they agreed to get it was one of those things where uin is entering the fi nal year of for that to occur. Ovechkin.

MLB Bote, Cubs top Nationals in four-game series opener

Reuters earned the victory for the Cubs to load the bases. Yoshihisa fi rst major league start, had New York thanks to a scoreless ninth. Jesse Hirano entered, and his 1-1 three doubles for Toronto. Hav- Chavez closed it in the 10th and pitch to Ender Inciarte bounced ing doubled as a pinch hitter on came away with his fourth save. in the dirt to enable Swanson to Wednesday, he became the fi rst avid Bote lined a tie- Cubs second baseman Daniel score. player in the live ball era with breaking double to Murphy went 1-for-5 in his fi rst Paul Goldschmidt capped a extra-base hits in his fi rst three right-center in the game in Washington since be- two-run ninth inning with a big league at-bats, according to top of the 10th in- ing traded by the Nationals last two-out, solo homer off Jesse STATS. ning,D and Taylor Davis added an month. Biddle (5-1) to tie it at 6. Brad RBI single later as the Chicago Brach recorded his fi rst save PADRES 6, REDS 2 Cubs defeated the Washington BRAVES 7, DIAMONDBACKS 6 with Atlanta after getting 11 in Rookie catcher Francisco Mejia Nationals 6-4 in the opener of Kurt Suzuki and Johan Camargo Baltimore. became the fi rst San Diego hit- a four-game series Thursday homered, Nick Markakis had ter to homer in the fi rst two at- night at Nationals Park. four hits and two RBIs and At- INDIANS 9, BLUE JAYS 4 bats of his fi rst start for the team Albert Almora Jr. started the lanta scored the winning run on Francisco Lindor hit two home in a win at Cincinnati. game-winning rally with a one- a bases-loaded wild pitch with runs and had four RBIs in a Mejia hit a solo home run out double off Jimmy Cord- two outs in the 10th inning for a four-hit game, Jason Kipnis hit leading off the third and a three- ero (1-2) in the top of the frame. win at Arizona. a three-run homer and visiting run blast off Reds starter Luis Bote followed with his double, Dansby Swanson singled with Cleveland defeated Toronto. Castillo (8-12) with two out in and even though Almora held up two outs in the 10th off Brad Lindor hit solo home runs in the fourth to give him four RBIs. for a moment to make sure the Boxberger (2-6) and stole sec- his fi rst two at-bats and then Hunter Renfroe also homered ball wasn’t caught, he scored ond. Tyler Flowers singled off capped a three-run fi fth inning off Castillo earlier in the fourth. easily from second base with shortstop Nick Ahmed’s glove with a two-run, go-ahead sin- Padres pitchers Eric Lauer, the go-ahead run. and the ball rolled into left fi eld, gle in the opener of a four-game Robert Stock and Jose Castillo Davis collected his fi rst RBI of but Swanson stumbled round- series. Edwin Encarnacion add- (2-2) held Cincinnati scoreless the season as a pinch hitter for ing third base and was unable to ed three hits. on three hits over the fi rst six Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jesse Chavez (left) is congratulated by catcher Willson Contreras after earning a save closer Pedro Strop (5-1), who score. Ronald Acuna Jr. walked Rowdy Tellez, making his innings. against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, DC, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 8, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY FORMULA 1 Fans urge Ferrari to All Blacks and keep Raikkonen as Pumas primed for decision awaited forward battle ‘We’ve got some fresh faces in there and they’re really excited about this challenge’

AFP Reuters Ferrari driver to have won a title Nelson, New Zealand London and one of the most popular on the starting grid. Nicknamed ‘The Iceman’ for ew Zealand and Argen- ore than 20,000 his often glacial demeanour, his tina have set the stage Kimi Raikkonen dour nature and dislike of media for a colossal forward fans have signed an and sponsor engagements has battle in their Rugby online petition urg- also endeared him to many fans NChampionship clash in Nelson Ming Ferrari to keep the Finnish who see him as a throwback to a today. Formula One driver for another bygone era. There may be a raw look about year rather than replace him with The Finn appears to have sof- some of the All Blacks, but cap- rookie Charles Leclerc. tened this season, however, while tain Kieran Read believes that The petition, on change. raising his game on the track. is a good thing, as New Zealand org, argued that replacing the At Monza, Ferrari’s home track aim to make it three wins from 38-year-old was “not justifi - in Italy, last weekend he started three. able” and that the team needed on pole — after the fastest ever Pumas coach Mario Ledesma him to keep the balance along- Formula One lap — and fi nished might claim his forwards are not side four times world champion second to world champion Lewis the potent force they once were, Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton to record his 100th ca- despite their recent upset win “Kimi has also outperformed reer podium. over South Africa, but he has Vettel a number of times proving Former Ferrari technical direc- made them the focus of his game he is back on form and his drive tor Ross Brawn, who is now For- plan. in Monza just adds more cred- mula One’s managing director He aims to deny the All Blacks ibility to that,” argued petition for sporting matters, said he had counter-attacking opportuni- organiser Christy John. noticed a change in the Finn. ties and Read said his side are The petition is highly unlikely “Since I returned to Formula braced for what is to come. to have any infl uence on matters, One last year, I’ve noticed how Eight of the All Blacks match- with Ferrari widely assumed to Kimi has lightened up,” he said day 23 have seven or fewer Tests have already made their deci- after Sunday’s race. to their name with Shannon sion to replace the 2007 world “It can be spotted in a host of Frizell, in the muscle-man role champion with their 20-year- little things, such as spending a of blindside fl anker, making only old Monegasque protege who bit more time signing autographs his second appearance. debuted for Sauber this season. or smiling for cameras that in But Read sees the rawness as a An announcement to that ef- the past would usually have only positive. fect is expected soon in Formula elicited a scowl. “We’ve got some fresh faces in One circles, with the series head- “This year, he is certainly driv- there and they’re really excited ing to Singapore for next week’s ing better than at any time since about this challenge,” he said as Argentina’s coach Mario Ledesma will aim to deny the New Zealand counter-attacking opportunities in the match today. (Reuters) race. he returned to Ferrari (in 2014) the All Blacks wrapped up match Raikkonen is the oldest driver and maybe another chance will preparations yesterday. the top of South Island and the game losing streak in the Rugby “Obviously a big one on Sat- that by picking a strong bench in the sport and remains the last come along soon.” “There’s a spark there and birthplace of rugby in New Zea- Championship with their recent urday will be turnovers,” he said. which includes accomplished we’ve got to make sure we turn land. win over the Springboks. “I think they scored eight tries fl anker Pablo Matera. up with it.” The All Blacks head the Rugby But Ledesma said the plan from turnovers against Australia “We’re concentrating on BOXING Read added: “A side that Championship with 10 points that worked two weeks ago, and from anywhere on the fi eld, staying in the game for the fi rst knocks over the South Afri- after the fi rst two rounds, South when they built a solid lead and that’s one reason we want to 60 (minutes),” he said. cans is a good side and comes Africa are second with fi ve, a and held off a strong-fi nishing keep the ball.” “Obviously, it’s a big thing for here with lots of confi dence and point ahead of Argentina, with South Africa, is not necessar- The All Blacks are renowned them. You think you’re in the Filipino superfl y we’ve got to be aware of that.” Australia at the bottom of the ily the way they are approaching for wearing a side down and then game for the 50th, 55th minute The Test will be the All Blacks’ pile. the All Blacks where ball reten- scoring freely in the fi nal quar- and then you’re gone. They rip fi rst in Nelson, a tourist town at Argentina snapped an 11- tion will be paramount. ter, and Ledesma has allowed for you apart.” Nietes risks 14-year unbeaten streak

Ford to coach German WC playoff team Hooper urges action aft er AFP mumweight champion in 2007, Los Angeles the WBO world light-fl yweight AFP in July. They were promoted to neck injury sidelines Pocock champion in 2011 and the Inter- Berlin Germany have another second, behind Russia, after national Boxing Federation world chance to qualify for a Belgium, Spain and Romania AFP the referee but the matter went onnie Nietes, who fl yweight champion in April 2017. maiden World Cup in the suff ered points deductions for Brisbane no further, sparking concerns in hasn’t lost a fi ght in 14 Now he moves up to give the acing a four-team repechage competition in fielding ineligible players. Australia that not enough was years, tries to become a larger Palicte, 24-2 with 20 knock- repechage for a place at Marseille. They play Hong The DRV stressed in the state- being done to protect players world champion in his outs, his fi rst world title chance fourthD diff erent weight class to- with hope of joining the greatest Fthe Rugby World Cup, Kong on 11 November, Canada ment that German-born Swiss allabies skipper Michael from what could potentially be a Germany have hired Mike on 17 November and Kenya businessman Hans-Peter Wild, Hooper yesterday serious injury. day when he faces fellow Filipino legends in Filipino boxing, Manny Ford, the former England and on 23 November. the owner of Stade Francais in Wurged rugby chiefs “It’s a significant injury and a Aston Palicte. Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire. British Lions defence coach “Of course it is a big chal- the French Top 14, had given to start taking neck roll tackles significant issue,” Hooper said of Nietes will risk his 33-fi ght “This fi ght represents a lot to and Bath and Toulon head lenge, but that is what makes financial support to help “ex- more seriously after star flanker Pocock. unbeaten streak against hard- me as I will be seeking my fourth coach. this task so attractive,” Ford ploit this unique opportunity.” David Pocock was ruled out of “As a coaching group we sent hitting 27-year-old Palicte for world championship in a fourth “I am delighted that I now said. “I think that this national They said they had hired Ford their weekend clash against the clips to (World Rugby and SAN- the vacant World Boxing Organi- diff erent weight division,” Nietes have the opportunity to team has a lot of potential.” “with immediate eff ect.” Springboks with a “significant ZAAR) and the coaches told me zation super fl yweight title at said. “Winning the world title develop such an ambitious Germany, whose front-line The statement said that the injury”. that it didn’t meet the red card The Forum in Inglewood, Cali- will put me at the level of Manny team as Germany, and pos- players and coaching staff 52-year-old Englishman, a All Blacks players were accused threshold. fornia. Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire sibly even lead them to a all stood down at the end of former Great Britain rugby of targeting the influential No.8 “Neck injuries are a pretty Nietes, 41-1 with four drawn and will add worldwide recogni- World Cup for the first time,” 2017 in a dispute with the league international, was with illegal neck rolls and twists big part of the game and and 23 knockouts, has 30 wins tion to my career.” said Ford in German Rugby federation, finished fifth, and taking a “sabbatical” from to shift him from the ruck dur- being in a similar position to and three draws since suff ering his Pacquiao is the only man to win Federation (DRV) statement. last, in the final, scandal-hit, his position as coach of the ing their big Rugby Champion- David, you want to be protected only loss, a split-decision defeat to world titles in eight weight catego- Germany were thrashed in a European qualifying group Dallas Griff ins, who plan to ship win in Auckland two weeks and safe. Indonesia’s Angky Angkotta in Ja- ries in boxing history. Donaire won playoff for an automatic spot for teams outside the Six plan to join the Major Rugby ago. “This is what it’s about — player karta in September 2004. titles in four weight classes start- in Japan next year, by Samoa Nations. League next year. Owen Franks was penalised by safety.” The 36-year-old right-hander ing at fl yweight in 2007 through became the WBO world mini- featherweight in 2014.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Mature’ Beale tasked with reviving Australia’s fortunes

Reuters rendered meekly to New Zealand Although the personnel around ing “derogatory” text messages club Wasps and a serious knee Melbourne for a 16th straight year. him have changed, a glance at the about the then-team manager injury have not stopped Beale The Wallabies have lost six 76-cap utility’s record at fl yhalf Di Patston, who was recruited by from remaining a hugely impor- of their last seven matches and might beg the question of why he McKenzie and shared a close re- tant part of the Wallabies set-up. n the not too distant past, could slump to an unprecedented has not been used there more. lationship with the coach. Off the fi eld, he has become a Kurtley Beale’s inclusion in seventh in the world rankings if In his nine starts in the posi- The saga ended with Patston model player and featured prom- a Wallabies squad would of- they lose to the Springboks, leav- tion, the Wallabies won four of and McKenzie both quitting, and inently in a campaign for a local ten ensure a steady stream of ing Cheika under huge pressure. their matches, lost three and Beale slapped with a heavy fi ne. mental health foundation in July. Iwork for Rugby Australia’s crisis Beale might seem an unlikely drew twice against the All Blacks. For a player with a record of in- Against Springboks fl yhalf managers, but the 29-year-old saviour, having been mostly de- His last match at 10 under discipline, who once punched his Elton Jantjies, he will face off livewire has now been tasked ployed at inside centre or full- Cheika’s predecessor Ewen Mc- captain at the Melbourne Rebels against another player desper- with repairing the team’s image. back during Cheika’s tenure, and Kenzie was one to forget, how- among a slew of drunken inci- ate to prove himself in the pivotal Beale will start at fl yhalf for the never at fl yhalf. ever, a 50-21 humiliation by the dents, many felt Beale lucky to position. fi rst time in four years when Aus- But with regular number 10 All Blacks at Eden Park. retain his contract. In a Wallabies side that seemed tralia meet South Africa in their Bernard Foley low on confi dence He shouldered much of the Despite his toxic brand, Beale devoid of ideas against the All Rugby Championship clash in and trounced by his opposite blame for that and was dumped to was a favourite of Cheika’s at Blacks, Cheika will hope Beale Brisbane today, as coach Michael number Beauden Barrett against the bench, with Foley owning the the New South Wales Waratahs, can provide a spark of inspiration Cheika rolls the dice after back- the All Blacks, desperate times position for the next four years. having helped them to a maiden that lights the way to the World to-back thrashings by the cham- call for desperate measures. Super Rugby title only months Cup. pion All Blacks. “I thought Kurtley deserves an KEY ACTOR before. A year out from the World Cup opportunity back in the 10 jer- It did not emerge until later that The new Wallabies coach was In this August 18, 2018, picture, in Japan, the match at Lang Park sey,” Cheika said. there was a schism in the camp, quick to rehabilitate him and Kurtley Beale (left) of Australia has taken on greater signifi cance “He’s had it before and I think with Beale a key actor in a scan- praised Beale for his “fi nishing” tackles Ryan Crotty of New than usual for Australian rugby, he’s matured a lot as a player and dal that ended with McKenzie’s off the bench during their run to Zealand during the Rugby which is back in the doldrums person and I certainly trust him resignation. the fi nal at the 2015 World Cup. Championship Bledisloe Cup after the Bledisloe Cup was sur- to be in charge of the team there.” Beale was accused of circulat- A stint overseas with English match in Sydney. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, September 8, 2018 7 SPORT

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Alaphilippe takes Tour of Britain lead London: Julian Alaphilippe leads the Tour of Britain head- Schauff ele seizes lead, ing into the penultimate stage as the French rider finished second behind stage six winner Wout Poels yesterday. Alaphilippe, of the Quick-Step team, finished two seconds behind Team Sky’s Poels on boosts Ryder Cup hopes the 168.3km ride from Barrow- in-Furness to Whinlatter Pass. Britain’s Hugh Carthy, of the EF Education First-Drapac, McIlroy and Woods, who shared the first round lead, could not maintain their torrid pace team was 12 seconds behind Dutchman Poels in third. Poels AFP and Frenchman Alaphilippe, Philadelphia who won the King of the Mountains’ polka dot jersey at the Tour de France last July, ander Schauff ele boosted his pulled away on the final climb chances of securing the fi - up Whinlatter. nal berth on the US Ryder With two stages remaining, Cup team, fi ring a six-under the 26-year-old Alaphilippe Xpar 64 yesterday to seize a two-stroke leads Poels by 17 seconds in lead after the second round of the PGA the general classification. “Sec- Championship. The 24-year-old Amer- ond is really nice, it’s going ican opened with four birdies in his fi rst to be a hard fight — no more seven holes at Aronimink and stood on uphill finishes, everything is 13-under 127 after 36 holes in the fi nal flat. But we’ll keep on trying,” playoff event before the season-ending said Poels. “I’m really happy — Tour Championship. the team did a really good job England’s Justin Rose was two strokes — G (Thomas), Ian Stannard adrift after shooting 63 yesterday with — so it’s really nice that I could a pack on 130 including Japan’s Hideki finish it off ,” he said. Matsuyama, Sweden’s Alex Noren and Slovenian Primoz Roglic, Americans Rickie Fowler and Keegan the overnight leader, saw his Bradley. Schauff ele, last year’s PGA Tour chances of overall victory Rookie of the Year after wins at the Tour dented when he dropped Championship and Greenbrier, opened to third place, a further 15 with a 63 to stand a stroke behind fi rst- seconds back. Alaphilippe be- round co-leaders Tiger Woods and Rory comes the fifth Tour of Britain McIlroy. leader in six days of racing “It was nice to back up the 63 with a after also winning stage three 64, something I’ve never done in my ca- in Bristol. reer so good timing for that,” Schauff ele “All of my guys did an said. Both Woods and McIlroy yesterday. incredible performance and Woods closed with back-to-back everybody was riding for me bogeys, missing a six-foot par on 18, in today to protect me before shooting 70 and dropping to a share of the last climb,” Alaphilippe 12th. McIlroy managed only three bird- said. “Roglic was on my wheel ies, seven fewer than Thursday, for a 69 at the end and I tried to attack to share seventh on 131. the last time to drop him. Schauff ele, the British Open and I’m really happy to take the Players Championship runner-up, im- (leader’s) green jersey.” proved his case for being given the fi nal Today’s penultimate stage captain’s pick for the American squad in runs from West Bridgford to the Ryder Cup showdown against Eu- Mansfield before the climax to rope at the end of the month in France. the race in London tomorrow But he knows that rival Tony Finau, Leading positions: 1. Wout who matched his 64 to stand on 132 Poels (NED/Sky) 4hrs 1min alongside Woods, is also shooting for a 51 secs, 2. Julian Alaphilippe Ryder Cup pick from US captain Jim Fu- (FRA/QST) at 2 secs, 3. Hugh ryk. “I have thought a lot more about the Xander Schauff ele of the United States Carthy (GBR/EFD) at 12 secs, 4. Ryder Cup the past couple of weeks and plays a shot during the second round Jonathan Hivert (FRA/DEN) at I’m sort of in a position where I feel like of the PGA Championship in 21 secs, 5. Patrick Bevin (NZL/ a win is the only way I’d even be in con- Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. (AFP) sideration,” Schauff ele said. BMC) at same time “Tony (Finau) is the guy right now. He Leading general just shot 64 as well. He’s not making it classification: 1. Julian Alap- easy on anyone else trying to get on that hilippe (FRA/Quick-Step) 19hrs team. So hats off to him for playing re- 46 min 54 secs, 2. Wout Poels ally well.” of where I stood coming into the week,” on the points table, one spot outside Woods, who managed an eagle and than Thursday. (NED/Sky) at 17secs, 3. Primoz Schauff ele began the week 41st in sea- Schauff ele said. “Obviously 41st isn’t the positions that would give him the seven birdies on day one, could muster “I hit a lot of beautiful putts that were Roglic (SLO/LNL) at 32 secs, son points and needing a jump into the what we wanted coming into the week $10mn season playoff prize if he could just three birdies but undid all his good on top of the edge and then obviously 4. Patrick Bevin (NZL/BMC) at top 30 to qualify for a chance at defend- but, you know, something good here repeat his victory. work with his closing bogeys. “I didn’t hit a couple bad ones on the last hole. 46 secs, 5. Bob Jungels (LUX/ ing his Tour Championship crown in would defi nitely help.” Rose birdied three of his fi rst four make any putts,” Woods said after a Looked like all the putts were going to go QST) at 51 secs two weeks in Atlanta. “I’m very aware He’s now projected to jump into sixth holes in a round of 63. round that included 33 putts, six more in but they didn’t go in today.”

CYCLING CRICKET Rodriguez grabs debut Vuelta stage England’s Moeen calls for change win, Yates cuts Herrada’s advantage in ‘mentality’ aft er collapse AFP Reuters London La Camperona, Spain oeen Ali said England’s batsmen need paniard Oscar Rodriguez to “change our mentality” after yet pulled off the biggest win another collapse against India but of his career by snatch- remains positive about the future de- ing victory in stage 13 at Mspite the impending retirement of opening linch- theS Vuelta a Espana yesterday pin Alastair Cook. while compatriot Jesus Herrada England’s top order has repeatedly failed to fi re retained the red jersey but saw during the fi ve-match Test series against India, his lead signifi cantly trimmed by failing to reach 400 once, and their batsmen again Briton Simon Yates. let them down on the fi rst day of the fi fth Test at Rodriguez, 23, is riding his the Oval on Friday. fi rst grand tour but he made his The home side — with former captain Cook mark by freeing himself from a playing his fi nal match — were cruising at one small breakaway group in the fi - stage on 133 for one, with Cook and Ali at the nal stretch of the summit of the crease. But a fl urry of wickets in the fi nal session La Camperona mountain, bat- left them struggling at 198-7 at the close after a tling against gradients of 24%. low-scoring day. Rodriguez fi nished 19 seconds Moeen, who scored a watchful 50 in 170 balls ahead of runner-up Rafal Majka before he was caught behind off the bowling of Is- of Poland and half a minute clear hant Sharma, admitted that England had issues to of third-placed Dylan Teuns of sort out beyond replacing Cook. “There are obvi- Belgium. ously players who are going to come in or there’s a Majka admitted to being taken player that’s going to come in and try and replace by surprise by upstart Rodrigu- Cooky, which will be very, very diffi cult,” he said. ez’s late burst of energy. “I’m sur- “We do have these collapses but everyone that prised by this guy because in the gets out is a fantastic player and we all know that end, when he caught me with Te- they all justify being in the side. It is diffi cult. uns, I still had good legs, but this These things happen. It’s not just us guys, it hap- India’s Ishant Sharma celebrates after dismissing guy when he was coming, he was pens around the world.” England’s Moeen Ali in London. (Reuters) coming really fast, this is cycling,” Moeen, batting at number three after a career Majka said. The Spaniard added: spent shuffl ing around the order, said India had to be for you’ but unfortunately he didn’t.” “I didn’t believe I was going to Euskadi Basque Country — Murias’ Spanish cyclist Oscar Rodriguez celebrates after winning the bowled “fantastically well” in the series, which India’s Ravindra Jadeja praised the tourists’ win until the very end, I still can’t 13th stage of the 73rd edition of ‘La Vuelta’ Tour of Spain cycling race, a 174.8km route from Candas to La had made life diffi cult for the batsmen. bowlers, saying England panicked. “Everyone believe it.” Camperona mountain, Sabero valley, yesterday. (AFP) But he said he remained upbeat despite Eng- bowled well,” he said. “Especially when the part- In what is his fi rst season in land’s batting woes. nership between Moeen Ali and Alastair Cook the professional ranks, Rodriguez was cut down from three min- jersey and try to win the race. I’m ishes which will put the general “I’m always confi dent,” he said. “There’s always was on, our plan was to stop the boundaries. Our kept his composure within an utes 22 seconds at the start of the grateful for these little seconds,” classifi cation hopefuls to the test good players, maybe some players that you don’t plan was that if they didn’t get boundaries, they’d earlier breakaway of 30 riders be- stage to one minute 42 seconds. said Quintana, Vuelta champion and is likely to have a huge say in know of at the moment that will turn up. I think panic and play wrong shots and get out. And that’s fore playing poker with his rivals Colombian Nairo Quintana fi n- in 2016. who wins the race overall. there’s some very good players in county cricket exactly what happened. on the 8.8 km climb to the sum- ished the strongest of the general “Yates is looking very strong Today’s stage is a new, 171km who have got the ability to play but obviously we “From there we got six wickets for 50 or so. mit fi nish, where the gradient of classifi cation hopefuls to leapfrog and he’s a rival that I’ll have to be route up the Praeres mountain don’t want these collapses all the time and I know As a bowling department, that is our idea — not some sections was a gruelling his Movistar teammate Alejandro very careful with. I invited him to containing fi ve classifi ed climbs they’re happening but hopefully we just need to to concede runs. If there’s a partnership, we will 20%. Race leader Herrada strug- Valverde into third place, eight collaborate with me (to gain more and just shy of 3,000 metres of change our mentality a little bit I think.” bowl in good areas. In England, if one wicket falls, gled in the mountains after going seconds behind Yates. time on Herrada) but today it was vertical climbing, while tomor- The all-rounder said he thought Cook, who you get two or three in a cluster. And that’s what for broke in Thursday’s fl at stage “The diff erences were not very up to me.” row riders will visit Lagos de Co- was dismissed for 71, had been destined to make happened.” to lift the leader’s red jersey from big but it’s important to recover Yesterday’s stage was the fi rst vadonga, an old favourite of the a hundred in his fi nal Test. “Defi nitely, especially England have already won the fi ve-match series Yates, and his gap over the Briton time little by little to get the red of three consecutive summit fi n- Vuelta. when he got dropped,” he said.”I said ‘this is meant after taking an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Saturday, September 8, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ORDEAL German Olympic cycling champion Vogel paraplegic aft er training accident in June

DPA Vogel won Olympic gold in the team crazy person. I want to be a motivation Berlin sprint at the London Velodrome in 2012 for others.” and individual sprint gold in Rio de Ja- Rudolf Scharping, the president of neiro four years later. She is also an 11- the Germany Cycling Association, said wo-time Olympic track cycling time world champion. the organisation would give Vogel its champion Kristina Vogel of The accident sent shockwaves complete support. Germany is paraplegic follow- through the German cycling commu- “The interview... shows what a won- ing a training accident in June. nity, and her Chemnitz-based team has derful person Kristina Vogel is,” he said. T“Regardless of how you say it, I can’t raised around 120,000 euros (140,000 Cyclist Miriam Welte, who won gold walk,” Vogel said in an interview with dollars) for her. with Vogel in the 2012 Olympics team Der Spiegel news magazine to be pub- Vogel said she realised right after sprint, said: “We have had a few weeks lished today. the accident, while lying on the track, to come to terms with the diagnosis “What can I do? I have always said that she was paraplegic. “I saw some- and to get used to the thought of see- the sooner you accept a new situation one walk away with my shoes. But I ing Kristina in a wheelchair. That was the better you can cope with it. That’s didn’t feel it when they were taken off . extremely diffi cult.” why I am telling myself: OK, that’s I realised immediately now I am para- Vogts says she has been over- what it is now and I must see how I plegic, there will be no more walking,” whelmed by the support she has re- continue, what I can make out of it.” she said. Updates on the condition of ceived, and money raised would help Vogel suff ered the spinal injuries 2016 Olympic sprint champion Vogel perhaps to buy a special car or “a cool when colliding with another rider on had not been given since late June, and wheelchair with carbon rims.” a track in the eastern German city of Vogel told Der Spiegel she wanted it that She has left open the possibility of Cottbus on June 26. The 27-year-old way because “I didn’t want to be seen Paralympic sport being an option as was in an induced coma, underwent this hurt.” she ponders her future. two operations and now hopes to be She added: “Now I can say I have “I don’t know if I will ever return to able to leave the hospital before Christ- reached a point where I can say: here high-performance sport and if so in mas. I am and I am fi ne. I am still the same which discipline,” she said.

CRICKET / ENG VS IND, 5TH TEST Gearing up for Asia Cup Cook misses ton as England collapse on fi rst day at Oval ‘There is nothing worse than going out without contributing. I am pleased to get a score and disappointed to get out when I did’

AFP London

lastair Cook marked his fi nal Test appear- ance with a fi fty before India’s Jasprit Bumrah sparkedA an England collapse at Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed plays a shot during a practice the Oval yesterday. session at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore yesterday. England only lost one wicket Pakistan left all-rounders Mohamed Hafeez and Imad Wasim out before tea and were making of a 16-man squad for the six-nation Asia Cup, to be played in steady, if slow, progress at 131 for Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 15, selectors announced one on the fi rst day of the fi fth on September 4. Test. But Cook’s exit for 71 sparked a slump that saw six wickets lost for 48 runs, with England cap- SPOTLIGHT tain Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran all out for noughts. At stumps, England were 198 for seven, with Ishant Sharma Ticket sales taking three for 28 in a miserly 22 overs and fellow paceman Bum- rah two for 41 in 21 that included in full swing two wickets in four balls. Cook, England’s all-time record Test run-scorer, was for FINA World making his fi nal appearance at this level before international retirement. Cup in Qatar The 33-year-old left-handed opener, who will continue to play for Essex, came into this By Sports Reporter World champion will be joined match having scored 12,254 Test Doha by Russian world record holder runs at an average of 44.88 in- Vladimir Morozov – while his cluding 32 hundreds. compatriot Kirill Prigoda – the But he has struggled for runs he second leg of FINA FINA World Championships lately, with his previous best World Cup 2018 is just medallist – and teenage sen- score this series the 29 he made England’s Alastair Cook reacts after being bowled by India’s Jasprit Bumrah (not pictured) at the Oval in London yesterday. around the corner, and sation Michael Andrew of the during India’s 203-run win in tickets sales for the US are also set to feature in the the third Test at Trent Bridge. The under-pressure Keaton Cook scored a century on jabbed at a Sharma delivery to Tshowpiece swimming event set event, along with other promi- B. Stokes lbw b Jadeja ...... 11 “The guard of honour was Jennings made 23 in an open- his Test debut, against India at give wicket-keeper Rishabh J. Buttler not out ...... 11 to take place in Doha have been nent names. such a nice gesture but you’re ing partnership of 60 with Cook Nagpur in 2006. Pant a simple catch. S. Curran c Pant b Sharma ...... 0 receiving a massive response Swedish star Sarah Sjos- focused on batting and you before he carelessly turned left- But his hopes of becoming England had now lost three A. Rashid not out ...... 4 from fans. The FINA World Cup trom – world record holder don’t have time to appreciate it,” arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja to just the fi fth player to score a wickets for one run in nine balls. Extras (b25, lb3) 28 in Doha, which is one of the in several disciplines includ- Cook told Sky Sports. KL Rahul at leg-slip. hundred in both their fi rst and Jadeja, playing his fi rst match Total (7 wkts, 90 overs, 386 highly-anticipated events of the ing the 100m freestyle (long “The reception I got was fan- England were 68 for one at last Tests would have to wait this series, in place of injured mins) 198 year, is set to take place from course) – will also set the Doha tastic. it went on a bit and that lunch, with Cook 37 not out and until England’s second innings. off -spinner Ravichandran Ash- To bat: S Broad, J Anderson September 13 to15 at the Hamad pool alight as she also aims to makes you even more deter- Moeen Ali — one of an all left- Cook’s typically patient vigil win, then had Ben Stokes lbw Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Jen- Aquatic Centre. defend her FINA World Cup mined not to get out.” handed top three — two not out. of more than four hours ended for 11. nings), 2-133 (Cook), 3-133 (Root), Nail-biting long course du- crown. Rio Olympics gold “There is nothing worse than Both batsmen were then when, playing defensively, he Moeen, batting in England’s 4-134 (Bairstow), 5-171 (Stokes), els are on the cards as over 130 medallist Katinka Hosszu of going out without contributing. I dropped on their interval scores. inside-edged Bumrah onto his longstanding problem position 6-177 (Ali), 7-181 (Curran) swimmers including several big Hungary, 2018 Glasgow Euro- am pleased to get a score and dis- Cook was missed by Ajinkya stumps to end a 190-ball innings of number three, completed a Bowling: Bumrah 21-9-41-2; names from a total of 23 coun- pean Championships medallist appointed to get out when I did.” Rahane in the gully off Sharma including eight fours before 167-ball half-century only to fall Sharma 22-10-28-3; Vihari 1-0- tries have now confirmed their Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Cook, extending his England and India captain Virat Koh- walking off to a third ovation of for exactly 50 when caught be- 1-0; Shami 22-7-43-0; Jadeja participation, eyeing glory in Netherlands will also make a appearance record to 161 Tests, li fl oored a far more diffi cult the day. hind hanging his bat out against 24-0-57-2; the three-day event. splash in Doha pool. There will was thrust straight into the ac- chance at third slip after Mooen “Whether it kept a bit lower Sharma. India: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dha- Tickets for the high-profile be two sessions (morning heats tion when Root, his successor fl ashed hard at Bumrah. than your subconscious brain Curran had revived England wan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat competition are available on- and evening finals) daily on all as England captain, opted to bat Luckless paceman Mohamed thought, whether I could have from the depths of 86 for six Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, line at Q-Tickets (www.q-tick- three days of the contest. fi rst after winning the toss on a Shami repeatedly beat the out- got forward — I don’t know,” in their fi rst innings at South- Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant ets.com). Fans eager to catch Tickets for the event can also sunny day. side edge without reward. said Cook. ampton but, on his Surrey home (wkt), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant live action at Hamad Aquatic be bought at the venue during England had already won this “It was an unbelievable spell “But it was disappointing. It ground, he was caught behind Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Centre can buy their tickets days of the competition. fi ve-match series after a 60-run from Mohamed Shami,” said was a bad shot.” second ball off Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah simply by visiting the Q-Tick- The tickets categories are victory at Southampton gave Cook, who completed a 139-ball Root may have been batting in Toss: England ets website. as follows: Standard (Kids be- them a 3-1 lead. fi fty, including six boundaries, his favoured position of number England 1st Innings Umpires: Joel Wilson (WIS), Leading swimmers, who low 8 years): QR10, Standard Cook, who walked out to a with a capacity crowd giving four, but three balls later he was A. Cook b Bumrah ...... 71 Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) will be seen in action, include (Adults): QR20, Sessions ticket guard of honour from India, him another standing ovation. lbw to Bumrah when playing K. Jennings c Rahul b Jadeja .23 TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford South African maestro Chad (valid for all days): QR50, VIP struck two trademark bounda- Remarkably,it was the fi rst across the line. M. Ali c Pant b Sharma ...... 50 (AUS) Le Clos, who is defending his (Kids below 8 years): QR50, VIP ries off successive Bumrah balls fi fty by an opening batsman on Bairstow then fell for his third J. Root lbw b Bumrah ...... 0 Match referee: Andy Pycroft overall FINA World Cup ti- (Adults): QR100, VIP (Family 2 — a square-cut and a pull. either side in this series. duck in four innings when he J. Bairstow c Pant b Sharma ....0 (ZIM) tle this year. The Olympic and Adults+2 Children): QR250