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Sunday, September 10, 2017 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 19, 1438 AH Jesus shines as GULF TIMES Manchester City thrash Liverpool 5-0 SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL Bounedjah powers Al Sadd to Sheikh Jassim Cup win The win also helped Al Sadd avenge their 4-1 defeat last year to Lekhwiya, who have been now rebranded as Al Duhail

Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani hands over the Sheikh Jassim Cup to Al Sadd’s Xavi and Hassan al-Haydous after their win over Al Duhail yesterday. At right, Al Sadd fans wave a mural of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during the match. At bottom, Baghdad Bounedjah celebrates his hat-trick goal. PICTURES: Shemeer Rashid and Noushad Thekkayil

By Sports Reporter after he was brought down by Mohamed lowing the merger, they were thor- The Algerian was at it again in the Doha Moussa in the second half, which fellow oughly outplayed by Al Sadd, Qatar’s 20th minute, but it was Xavi it was who Algerian Jugurtha Hamorun converted. most successful club by a long margin. was the provider, steaming down the South Korean Nam Tae-hee and “We couldn’t get going today al- centre and passing to the Algerian, who aghdad Bounedjah scored a Moez Ali were on target for Al Duhail though we had our chances,” said Al again eased the ball past the goalkeeper scintillating hat-trick as Al either side of the break, the second goal Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi. with a left-footed shot. Sadd downed Al Duhail 4-2 coming seconds prior to the close af- “I But there’s a long season ahead and It looked like Al Sadd will take a Bto win the season-opening ter seven minutes of injury-time were we will surely make amends for today’s comfortable 2-0 lead into the second Sheikh Jassim Cup at the Abdulla bin added to the match. loss.” Although Duhail made a strong session but their goalkeeper Saad al- Khalifa Stadium yesterday. Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira had start by making a couple of deep forays Sheeb failed to block a Nam Tae-hee The win also helped Al Sadd avenge lamented his team’s build-up to the into the rival citadel, it was their own shot properly from close resulting in Al their 4-1 defeat last year to Lekhwiya, season saying their preparations were defence that let them down badly and Duhail’s fi rst goal in the 41st minute. who have been now rebranded as Al Du- hit by the World Cup qualifying com- allowed Al Sadd to establish control. Bounedjah got his hat-trick in the hail following their merger with El Jaish. mitments of his players but the huge In fact, all the three Bounedjah goals 66th minute with Xavi once again pro- Algerian Bouendjah, who was a vital margin of victory yesterday eased his were scored in identical fashion, low viding the assist from the centre and cog in Al Sadd’s Emir’s Cup and Qatar concerns barely a week before the start into the right corner of the net and with shooting past Ababacker, much in the Cup successes last year, struck in the of the QNB Stars League. the left foot, courtesy of a non-existent same way he had scored his fi rst two sixth, 20th and 66th minutes to help the “We always expected to do well but I Duhail defence. goals. Wolves bag their 14th Sheikh Jassim Cup, am thrilled that we won by such a con- In the sixth minute, Hamroun shook A few minutes later Bounedjah could which pits the league winners against the vincing margin,” he said. “It augurs well off the Duhail midfi eld and crossed to have had his fourth goal of the match Emir Cup champs of the previous season. for the season ahead,” he added. Bounedjah who had a free run on the but a heavy foul on him by Moussa saw He also played a role in Al Sadd’s But despite Al Duhail managing to left fl ank and eased the ball past goal- him limp off the fi eld. Hamroun made fourth goal, winning his team a penalty rope in some top El Jaish players fol- keeper Khalifa Ababacker. good of the resultant penalty.

TENNIS Nadal and Anderson to clash for US Open title AFP four sets in the previous round left him spent. and plays very well on this surface. I have known New York “I have had an amazing season after some him since we were 12. tough moments with injuries in recent years,” “He’s had many injuries but the way he has said Nadal, who started 2017 by fi nishing run- come back is a great example to the kids.” afael Nadal moved one win away from ner-up to Federer in Australia. Del Potro, who saved two match points against a third US Open title and 16th Grand “It’s a very emotional year for me. I am in the Dominic Thiem in a last-16 tie from which he al- Slam crown Friday when he defeated fi nal again and get the chance to fi ght for another most retired with illness, gained the only break weary Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 6-0, title which is very important.” of the fi rst set in the fi fth game off a fortunate net R6-3, 6-2. Nadal said the key to Friday’s win was a change cord. The 31-year-old Spaniard, the 2010 and 2013 of tactics after the fi rst set. However, few would begrudge Del Potro a champion in New York, will be playing in his 23rd “I played too much to his backhand and I felt little luck after he was pushed to the brink of Slam fi nal and third this year, looking to add the he was waiting for me there,” said Nadal after his retirement by four wrist surgeries that saw his US title to his record 10th French Open. 15th successive Grand Slam semi-fi nal win. ranking slip as low as 1,045 and forced him to In today’s fi nal, the world number one will face “I changed it and it worked very well. I made miss 10 Grand Slam tournaments. 32nd-ranked Kevin Anderson, the fi rst South him move more and make it all more unpredict- Nadal hit back with venom, gathering three African in the championship match in 52 years. able.” breaks to take the second set in just 26 minutes Anderson reached his maiden fi nal at the ma- Nadal fi nished with 45 winners and 20 un- as the Argentine suff ered a power cut of stagger- jors by beating 12th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta forced errors to Del Potro’s 23 and 40. ing proportions. of Spain 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. Despite a 4-0 winning record over Anderson, The Spaniard, watched by Tiger Woods in his For 2009 champion Del Potro, Friday’s Nadal said he will not underestimate his oppo- player’s box, then raced into a 3-0 lead in the match was one too many as the physical and nent on Sunday. third before Del Potro stopped the rot, having emotional toll of seeing off Roger Federer in “He is a very dangerous player with a big serve lost nine games in succession. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, September 10, 2017 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT LATE BLOOMER Anderson reaps rewards for patience Healthy year a and dedication

Reuters New York

ven in tennis, good things bigger prize for come to those who wait. At the age of 31, Kevin Anderson reached his fiE rst grand slam fi nal at the US Open on Friday thanks to a 4-6 7-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Spain’s Pablo Carrena Busta. In this era when players are Nadal than US title winning grand slam titles well into their thirties, Anderson al- Nadal, who lost to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final but won his 10th French most doesn’t qualify as a late from shoulder to knees and at the bloomer. end of last year, to his hip, he has Open crown in June, has reached three Slam finals for the first season since 2011 But the South African, the bounced back brilliantly to put fi rst born there to make a grand his name in the history books. slam fi nal since Kevin Curren at He will bid to go one better Wimbledon in 1985, has shown than Curren, who was runnerup patience, resilience and unend- at the 1984 Australian Open fi - ing dedication to make his grand nal before switching citizenship slam breakthrough. to the United States ahead of his “It’s been a lot of hard work to run to the Wimbledon fi nal. get to this point,” said Anderson, Johan Kriek was the fi rst South who will meet world number one African to win a grand slam sin- Rafa Nadal in the fi nal. gles championship at the 1981 “It feels fantastic. Australian Open but successfully “It’s been a long road to get defended the title in 1982 as a here and sometimes tough. naturalised American. We’ve been dominated by a se- “It’s defi nitely about persever- lect few individuals and there are ance,” Anderson said. “I feel like defi nitely times where you think I’ve kept my head down and kept those will be the guys who will working hard. always be competing for it.” “There have been a lot of ups Anderson was late to the Tour and downs and I feel really hap- after choosing to go to college py, I’ve always kept belief. in the United States, at the Uni- “It’s been a terrifi c couple of versity of Illinois, where he was weeks and I’ve got an opportu- coached by Craig Tiley. nity to step on the court in a fi nal Tiley, a former South Africa and that’s something I’m going Davis Cup captain and now the to be really excited about.” tournament director at the Austral- It has been noticeable at the ian Open, said Anderson deserves US Open how pumped up he every moment of his success. has been throughout the event, “He had the same profession- something Tiley said reminded alism and dedication and at- him of Anderson’s college days. titude that you see on the Tour “At the University of Illinois today when he was at college,” we had really good teams and it’s Tiley told Reuters. a great atmosphere, you have a lot “Obviously he’s been on a long of people around you,” he said. journey. But he’s always had a “After college, back out there fantastic attitude and passion on his own, maybe it was a bit for the game. It was a privilege more diffi cult for him to be (ex- to coach him because of the at- troverted) but he’s playing with a titude he had.” lot of confi dence now.” Anderson always used to be Anderson has been working on considered a nearly-man, for so his on-court presence with his long unable to get past the last team, including Alexis Castorri, 16 of a grand slam event, always the sports psychologist who has Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his fi nding someone just too good on worked with Andy Murray. victory over Juan Martin del Potro of the day. “It think it helps me to play my Argentina in their US Open semi-final But despite a series of injuries, best tennis,” Anderson said. match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Friday. Serena praises US Open runs of Keys, Stephens

New York: Former world the first Grand Slam final for number one and 23-time each of them. AFP whole season. So that’s the most impor- He hasn’t won multiple Slams in a “But this 20, 30%, that’s a big diff er- Grand Slam champion Serena “There are NO words to New York tant thing for me.” season since 2013, but he did thump del ence. You only make this winning match- Williams made her first public describe how proud and how Nadal seeks his third US Open title af- Potro for his 15th consecutive Slam semi- es, because it’s about confi dence. It’s comments since giving birth happy I am for @Madison_Keys ter 2010 and 2013 and his 16th career ma- fi nal triumph, the last loss coming to del about things that when you are on court to a daughter one week ago, keys and @SloaneStephens orld number one Rafael jor when he faces South African 28th seed Potro in the South American’s 2009 US comes automatic. tweeting praise to the US Open for making the US open finals,” Nadal, nagged for years by Kevin Anderson. Open championship run. “You don’t have to think about what women’s finalists. Williams tweeted. knee injuries but enjoying “What is more important, more than “Important day for me. Important you doing in some important moments. Williams was pregnant when “These amazing women Wa stellar season, already winning Slams, is to be happy,” Nadal victory against a great opponent,” Nadal Things comes straightaway without she won the Australian Open continue to change the game has a prize more treasured than another said. “I am happy if I am healthy and said. thinking that much and all these things in January, moving within one and bring excellence, power, Grand Slam title — a healthy campaign happy if I feel competitive most of the “I woke up today and said to myself, happen only when you are in a good mo- Slam singles crown of Marga- finesse and change to tennis. chasing them. weeks I’m playing and that’s what hap- ‘Today is the day that I’ll play. I need to ment.” ret Court’s all-time record, and “What a joy it will be to watch The 31-year-old Spaniard, who ousted pened this year. play with the right energy, and I need to Few were better than his clay court run revealed in April on Twitter she this- hopefully first of many Juan Martin del Potro on Friday to reach “I am very happy to win Monte Carlo, increase the level of my game.’ with two Spain titles, Monte Carlo and was having a baby and would finals. Let’s go ladies!” today’s US Open fi nal, said the year he Barcelona, Madrid and Roland Garros. I “A lot of times I know that and it didn’t the capper at Roland Garros. not play again this year. In Thursday’s semi-finals, has enjoyed has brought a happiness no am very happy to be in the fi nal here in happen, but today it happened.” “Clay court season was unbelievable, The six-time US Open cham- Stephens ousted Serena’s older Slam crown can match after past seasons the US Open... and I am going to fi ght to Nadal said that sometimes the only so that helps a lot for my confi dence, to pion was excited for fellow sister Venus, a seven-time of misery unable to unleash his best ef- win another title here. But still, a great way to get better is to win matches, vic- be more calm and I’m here in the fi nal,” Americans Sloane Stephens Grand Slam champion who forts. season for me.” tories building the fi nal 20 to 30% he Nadal said. and Madison Keys, whose Sat- had been seeking her third “For me, more than winning Grand Nadal, who lost to Roger Federer in the needs to maximise his potent game. “It’s a great result for me already. I will urday showdown for the title US Open crown and first since Slams or not — of course, if I win, I will be Australian Open fi nal but won his 10th “You need to win matches,” Nadal said. now face a very tough opponent, proba- at Arthur Ashe Stadium will be 2001. more happy — but is about being healthy French Open crown in June, has reached “If you practice well and you feel your- bly the most important match for me that and feeling well and competitive,” Nadal three Slam fi nals for the fi rst season since self well, you have more chances to win remains this year, so I gonna try my best said. “That’s already happened in the 2011. matches in the tournaments. to play my best.” WEAKNESS BOTTOMLINE Del Potro’s backhand Wheelchair tennis rolls onto fails against Nadal Reuters New York the big stage in New York orld number one Rafa Nadal knew DPA really is the stuff that dreams are played since Wimbledon, cited powerhouse Juan New York made of, to play on Ashe. Hope- a virus as reason for pulling out. WMartin del Po- fully, it’s not the last time.” The high-profi le absence tro’s biggest weakness was his The competition ends on drives a stake into the small shaky backhand, and the Span- heelchair tennis Sunday — day of the men’s fi nal event which could have used iard exploited the vulnerabil- took the spotlight between Rafael Nadal and Kevin some hometown interest. Bou- ity repeatedly at their US Open at the US Open as Anderson — with wheelchair chard played the semi-fi nals in showdown on Friday to advance Wthe competition matches in the men’s, women’s Quebec in 2013. to today’s fi nal. was held for the fi rst time on the and quad divisions. The sport “I am extremely disappointed The left-handed Nadal’s big stage — the Arthur Ashe sta- uses the rules of tennis with to have to withdraw from the strategy of attacking the back- as good as I did in the beginning dium. the exception that the ball can National Bank Cup because it’s hand, which had the added ben- of the match,” Del Potro told First to put the showcase are- bounce twice. a tournament that I enjoy and efi t of avoiding the Argentine’s reporters after the two-and-a- na to the test was Britain’s Alfi e I am always motivated to play thunderous right-handed fore- half hour contest. Hewett and Gordon Reid who BOUCHARD TO MISS HOME at home in front of the Quebec hand, did not initially pay off as “I feel better with my back- beat Japan’s Shingo Kunedia and WTA EVENT NEXT WEEK crowd,” Bouchard said. Nadal dropped the fi rst set. hand, but it’s not good enough Argentine Gustavo Fernandez Former top 10 player Eugenie “I have been dealing with a vi- But Nadal did not waiver and to win a title like this or to win 6-3, 6-2. Bouchard will miss her home rus for the past few days that has Del Potro began to lose control the top guys in a row.” “We knew a few days ago WTA event, with the 76th- not allowed me to train since the of the shot, committing 15 un- Del Potro’s backhand has been that some matches would be ranked Canadian calling in sick end of the US Open and will pre- forced backhand errors to just hindered by a series of surgeries played on Ashe,” the 19-year- Wheelchair tennis action from the Arthur Ashe Stadium. for the tournament which begins vent me from playing the tour- three winners from that side in to repair problems with his left old Hewett said. “I found out at on Monday. nament. “I will focus my energy the 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 win. wrist. He knew it would be Nad- 8pm last night — it was a nice ible to have that opportunity as nis is gaining, a great fi rst match Bouchard, who went down in on recovering, but I don’t know “Rafa just play even better al’s strategy going into the match. surprise.” wheelchair players. It’s showing here. “It’s probably the nicest the fi rst round of the US Open when I will be able to return to the last three sets of the match “He was playing me all the Reid added: “It was incred- the respect that wheelchair ten- court I played on, so for me, it in her fourth loss in six matches competition.” and I couldn’t hit my backhand time to my backhand,” he said. Gulf Times Sunday, September 10, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Sinclair double gives Celtic boost Mbappe nets debut ahead of PSG visit

AFP that form,” said Canning. Glasgow Despite the visit of PSG looming on the horizon, Rodg- ers resisted the temptation to cott Sinclair grabbed a rest his top players as he fi elded strike as PSG thrash brace as Celtic returned a strong side. Armstrong car- to the top of the Scot- ried on the excellent form he tish Premiership with showed while on international aS comprehensive 4-1 victory duty with Scotland as he fi red over Hamilton on Friday. Celtic ahead. The manner of victory will The midfi elder gathered boost the confi dence of the the ball wide on the left after Scottish champions ahead of Callum McGregor’s shot was 10-man Metz 5-1 their Champions League open- blocked and played a one-two er against French giants Paris with his team-mate before The victory is PSG’s 5th in a row and takes them three points clear at the top of the table Saint-Germain on Tuesday at cutting into the box and curling Parkhead. a shot into the bottom right- AFP punch eight minutes before the Stuart Armstrong’s com- hand corner. Paris interval, as Mathieu Dossevi’s posed fi nish gave Celtic a 17th- Edouard’s power and pace determination down the right- minute lead before Sinclair helped set up Celtic’s second. hand side created space for a doubled their advantage with a The French forward latched ylian Mbappe scored on cross that gave Riviere the sim- curling eff ort 12 minutes later. on to Simunovic’s through ball his debut as Paris Saint- plest of tasks to nod in. Sinclair – who has enjoyed and brushed off two Hamilton Germain eased to a 5-1 It was the former Monaco a new lease of life to his career defenders to reach the edge of Kaway thumping of 10- striker’s fi rst Metz goal since since joining Celtic before last the box where his run was halt- man Metz in Ligue 1 on Friday. ending his torrid spell at New- season – added another three ed by Scott McMann’s sliding Neymar’s pin-point through castle United in the close season. minutes before the break for challenge. ball created the opening goal Kawashima continued his vir- his eighth of the season as the However, the ball broke to for Edinson Cavani in the 31st tuoso display in the home goal visitors ran rampant. Sinclair, who took a touch minute, only for Emmanuel with a wonderful low stop to French forward Odosonne and curled the ball past Gary Riviere to head in an equaliser deny Neymar his fourth goal in Edouard then marked a dream Woods. Celtic looked unstop- before half-time. France, and PSG a half-time ad- debut following his loan switch pable and Sinclair added an- But the game was all but ended vantage. Paris were desperately from Paris Saint-Germain with other three minutes before the in the space of three second-half lucky not to fall behind soon after a 65th-minute strike before break. minutes, as Benoit Assou-Ekotto the restart, as Areola’s dreadful Alex Gogic headed home an The English winger ran at saw red for a lunge on Mbappe, blunder handed Riviere a golden 87th-minute consolation for the retreating Hamilton rear- before the youngster netted his opportunity, but he somehow Hamilton. guard before Scott McMann debut strike. PSG ran riot late contrived to scoop it over the The win moves Celtic one nicked the ball off his toes. on, with Neymar getting him- bar. The capital-city giants were point clear of Aberdeen – who The ball hit the base of his self onto the scoresheet, Cavani struggling early in the second visit Hearts on Saturday – at own post before rolling across stabbing in his second and Lucas half, until Assou-Ekotto’s send- the top of the table as they ex- the face of goal and Sinclair Moura scoring the fi fth. ing off changed the game. tend their unbeaten domestic was the quickest to react as he The victory is PSG’s fi fth in a The Cameroonian left-back run to 54 matches. lifted the ball into the net from row to start the Ligue 1 season, was shown a straight red card for “I thought technically the a tight angle. Celtic’s intensity and takes them three points clear a strong tackle on Mbappe, de- boys were brilliant, we played dropped in the second half but at the top of the fl edgling table, spite taking the ball before mak- our shape really well and teenage striker Edouard add- ahead of champions Monaco. ing contact with the player. scored some wonderful goals,” ed a fourth. The 19-year-old Mbappe was handed a starting Unperturbed, Mbappe picked said Celtic manager Brendan striker charged forward and spot on his debut after joining himself up and duly put PSG Rodgers. “The composure and laid the ball off to Patrick Rob- from Monaco on a season-long back in front with his fi rst goal of quality we played with was ab- erts at the edge of the box. loan, with an option to buy for a the campaign. A cross was only solutely outstanding.” Roberts – making his second fee that could reach 180 million half-cleared as far as the world’s For his Hamilton counter- debut for the Glasgow giants euros ($216.5mn). second-most expensive player, part Martin Canning it was a since rejoining on loan from Unai Emery’s visitors started and he rifl ed home a clinical vol- salutary lesson in the chasm Manchester City – slipped a fi rmly on the front foot, with ley from the edge of the area. in resources and class between pass back to the Frenchman, Cavani clipping the ball onto Cavani went close to a third the two sides. whose powerful strike squirmed the post when he had only home from a routine long ball over the “In the fi rst half it was prob- under Woods before trickling goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to top, but his volley rattled the ably as good as I’ve seen Celtic over the line. With time run- beat and full-back Thomas Me- crossbar before bouncing on the and I think a lot of teams will ning out, Gogic powered a unier volleying wide. goalline and away to safety. struggle to cope with them in header past Craig Gordon. The hosts held fi rm through- Neymar made no such mistake out the fi rst half-hour and al- though, as he collected the ball most forged ahead when PSG unchallenged outside the area SERIE A keeper Alphonse Areola was and casually curled the ball into confi dent enough to leave the far corner of Kawashima’s Riviere’s shot onto the post. net. But the away side took the lead And Cavani prodded in a Juventus ease past thanks to a moment of class from trademark eff ort from close range world-record signing Neymar. to complete a brace with 15 min- The Brazilian threaded utes to play, before a ricochet Chievo 3-0 ahead through a perfect pass with the gave substitute Lucas a goal on outside of his foot for Mbappe his fi rst appearance of the season. and Cavani to run onto, with the Mario Balotelli scored a brace of Camp Nou trip latter rounding Kawashima and as Monaco’s record 16-match slotting in his sixth league goal of winning streak was ended with a AFP kick from a tight angle, and it the season. 4-0 thumping by Nice at the Al- Rome came off the unfortunate Het- Mbappe, 18, continued to lianz Riviera yesterday. emaj’s head at the near post. show his unselfi sh side with a The introduction of Argen- wonderful cross for an unmarked Results uventus prepared for tine forward Paulo Dybala as a Cavani, who was denied by a fan- Nice 4 Monaco 0 next week’s Champions second-half substitute trans- tastic Kawashima save. Lille 0 Bordeaux 0 League opener at Bar- formed Juventus and he assist- Metz delivered a sucker- Metz 1 Paris Saint-Germain 5 PSG’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates with Edinson Cavani after scoring a goal against Metz. (Reuters) celona by easing to a 3-0 ed Gonzalo Higuain’s second winJ against Chievo yesterday goal on 58 minutes. to keep their unbeaten Serie A The Argentine then added SPOTLIGHT record. the third himself seven min- Three days ahead of their utes from time – his fi fth goal trip to the Camp Nou Mas- this season in Serie A. similiano Allegri tested his It secured a third win in as troops after the international many games for Allegri’s side break which had deprived the and a maximum nine points in World Cup trophy starts tour in Moscow champions of key players. their bid for a seventh straight Giorgio Chiellini and Clau- title. The champions could be Reuters dio Marchisio were out injured joined on Sunday by AC Mi- Moscow with Andrea Barzagli and Gi- lan, Inter Milan and Napoli anluigi Buff on rested. depending on weather condi- Allegri rotated his side giv- tions which forced the post- ussian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA ing fi rst starts to Polish goal- ponement of yesterday’s be- President Gianni Infantino yesterday keeper Wojciech Szczesny and tween Sampdoria and Roma in launched the World Cup trophy on a tour midfi elders Douglas Costa and Genoa. across Russia ahead of the 2018 champion- Blaise Matuidi. But the hosts AC Milan will play Lazio in ship,R with the head of world soccer’s governing body could thank Chievo for the fi rst Rome, Inter host promoted lauding Russia’s readiness for the event. goal with Finnish midfi elder SPAL while Napoli play at Bo- “To the people of Russia, I tell them: enjoy and cel- Perparim Hetemaj accidently logna. ebrate the trophy tour and then the World Cup. And heading in the opener after 16 to the people of the world, I tell them: come to Russia, minutes in Turin. Results enjoy Russia and celebrate the World Cup,” Infantino Bosnian midfi elder Miralem Juventus 3 Chievo Verona 0 said, standing next to Putin on a stage in Moscow’s Pjanic whipped in the free- Sampdoria Roma postponed Luzhniki stadium. Surrounded by hundreds of young soccer play- ers, Infantino and Putin took turns to hold the FIFA World Cup in their hands before it started its 123-day, 26,000km (16,250 mile) journey. “We are starting now the tour...to prepare the whole world for next year’s event when in this stadium three billion people around the world will watch this trophy being handed over to the next world champion,” In- fantino said. Moscow has eased visa regulations for foreign soc- cer fans and pumped billions of dollars into stadiums, hotels and other infrastructure as the Kremlin is keen to improve Russia’s image in its worst crisis with the West since the Cold War. Russia has come under several rounds of Western sanctions over the annexation of Crimea and Mos- cow’s role in Ukraine’s confl ict with pro-Russian sep- aratists. “Everything is proceeding according to plan, eve- rything is fi nanced properly,” Putin told Infantino at a separate meeting later in remarks shown by state tel- evision. The Luzhniki stadium, which has undergone a fi ve- year reconstruction, will host the opening and fi nal Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) holds the FIFA World Cup Trophy flanked by FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L) during Juventus’ Argentinian forward Gonzalo Gerardo Higuain celebrates games of the World Cup 2018. the opening of the trophy tour ceremony at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) after scoring against Chievo in Turin yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, September 10, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL BUNDESLIGA Bayern crash to City rout Liverpool, shock defeat at Hoff enheim AFP United held by Stoke Berlin triker Mark Uth net- ted twice as defend- ‘The decisive decision in the whole game was the red card. I don’t think it was a red card’ ing champions Bayern Munich slumped to a shockS 2-0 defeat at Hoff enhe- AFP London im in the German Bundesliga yesterday. Bayern coach Carlo Ance- anchester City lotti paid the price for rotating capitalised on Sadio his squad, having started with Mane’s contro- both Arjen Robben and Franck versial red card to Ribery on the bench, ahead of Mthrash title rivals Liverpool 5-0, Tuesday’s Champions League while Manchester United lost match at home to Anderlecht. Hoff enheim’s Mark Uth celebrates their 100 percent record after a Thomas Mueller started scoring their second goal with 2-2 draw at Stoke yesterday. on the right wing but played Steven Zuber yesterday. (Reuters) City goalkeeper Ederson was poorly despite creating two stretchered off in a neck brace goals in Germany’s 6-0 maul- stretchered off and taken to after being caught in the face ing of Norway in World Cup hospital. by Mane’s boot as he raced out qualifying on Monday. “It looks worse for Marcel, to head the ball away, with the Bayern stumbled to defeat we will have to wait to see how Liverpool winger dismissed for despite 72 percent possession it looks on Sunday,” said Dort- the clash late in the fi rst half at and 23 shots on goal, while mund coach Peter Bosz. Eastlands. Hoff enheim scored twice from It was the fi rst time Dort- City already led 1-0 through just six chances. After three mund dropped league points Sergio Aguero’s opener at that games Bayern are in the unu- under Bosz, yet they had 82 point and braces from Gabriel sual position of fi fth in the percent possession and fi red in Jesus and substitute Leroy Sane table – for the fi rst time since 27 shots to Freiburg’s fi ve. completed City’s biggest win August 2014. Hoff enheim are “I’m disappointed, we had over Liverpool since 1937. second behind leaders Borus- the numerical advantage for an City are unbeaten in 12 Pre- sia Dortmund who were held hour, so a draw isn’t enough,” mier League games, their best to a goalless draw at Freiburg. said Bosz. run under Guardiola, while Ar- Hoff enheim took the lead It was the fi rst time the VAR, gentina striker Aguero is now in Sinsheim after catching out which is being trialled in the the outright leading non-Eu- the Bayern defence. Bundesliga this season, had ropean goalscorer in Premier Bayern centre-back Mats called for a red card in Ger- League history with 124 goals. Hummels cleared the ball, many’s top fl ight. Dortmund’s “After 10 vs 11 it was a little which had bounced out of new signing Andriy Yarmo- bit easier for us and we played play, but Andrej Kramaric lenko made his debut for the the second half the way we took a quick throw-in and the fi nal 11 minutes after joining wanted to,” said City manager defence was slow to react as from Dynamo Kiev. Pep Guardiola. Uth fi red home past Germany Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp goalkeeper Manuel Neuer on Historic Steinhaus said: “The decisive decision in 27 minutes. Ghana midfi elder Kevin- the whole game was the red card. Bayern were furious as two Prince Boateng scored his fi rst I don’t think it was a red card. balls were on the pitch for goal in Germany’s top fl ight Sadio didn’t see the goalkeeper.” Uth’s goal, but the referee dis- for three years as Eintracht After a blistering start to the missed their protests as the Frankfurt won 1-0 at Borus- season, United conceded for the ball Hummels had cleared was sia Moenchengladbach before fi rst time in the league this term in the other half of the pitch – going off concussed. Iceland when Eric Maxim Choupo- nowhere near play. striker Alfred Finnbogason hit Moting swept home from Mame Hoff enheim doubled the a hat-trick in Augsburg’s 3-0 Biram Diouf’s 43rd minute cross lead when Swiss defender win at home to struggling Co- to notch his fi rst Stoke goal. Steven Zuber fi red in a cross logne, who are are bottom af- Jose Mourinho’s side drew Manchester City’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League and Uth was unmarked to drill ter three defeats. New signing level at the bet365 Stadium as match against Liverpool in Manchester yesterday. (AFP) home on 51 minutes. Ancelotti Abdou Diallo and midfi elder Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s corner threw on Ribery and James Ro- Suat Serdar scored second- in fi rst half stoppage-time was Arsenal eased the pressure on his mooted move to Manchester ata’s third goal for Chelsea as driguez, the Colombian mak- half goals as Mainz earned a headed goalwards by Paul Pog- Arsene Wenger with a vital 3-0 City on transfer deadline day. the Spain striker peeled away Results & standings ing his Bayern debut following 3-1 comeback win at home to ba before defl ecting into the net win against Bournemouth. “It was a serious perform- from Wes Morgan to meet Cesar ManchesterCity 5 Liverpool 0 his move from Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen. off Marcus Rashford. Subjected to stinging criti- ance. We played well all over the Azpilicueta’s cross with a bullet Arsenal 3 Bournemouth 0 for the fi nal quarter of an hour Japan striker Yoshinori The visitors moved ahead in cism following Arsenal’s dam- pitch,” Wenger said. header in the 41st minute. Brighton & Hove 3 West Bromwich 1 but to no avail. Having failed Muto put Mainz level with an the 57th minute when Mkhitar- aging defeats against Stoke and Harry Kane reached his Tot- N’Golo Kante was a key Everton 0 Tottenham Hotspur 3 to beat Bayern in their fi rst 17 equaliser on the stroke of half- Leicester City 1 Chelsea 2 yan’s defence-splitting pass was Liverpool, it took just six min- tenham century as the England member of Leicester’s title- Southampton 0 Watford 2 attempts, Hoff enheim now time after Leverkusen mid- converted by Romelu Lukaku utes for Danny Welbeck to lift striker’s brace inspired an im- winning team two years ago and Stoke City 2 Manchester United 2 have back-to-back wins after fi elder Dominik Kohr scored after the Belgian forward’s initial Wenger’s gloom as the Arsenal pressive 3-0 win at Everton. the Chelsea midfi elder returned April’s 1-0 home victory. the opening goal. Wolfsburg eff ort was saved by Jack Butland. striker headed home from Sead Kane bagged his 100th Tot- to haunt his old club with a 50th Standings P W D L F A Pts drew 1-1 with Hanover 96 after But when United defender Kolasinac’s cross. tenham goal – and fi rst this sea- minute long-range strike. Manchester United 4 3 1 0 12 2 10 Dortmund’s double blow Daniel Didavi’s fi rst-half free- Phil Jones stumbled at a Stoke France forward Alexandre son – in the 28th minute, loop- Jamie Vardy got one back for Manchester City 4 3 1 0 10 2 10 Meanwhile, Borussia Dort- kick gave the hosts the lead Chelsea 4 3 0 1 8 5 9 corner, Cameroon forward Lacazette doubled Arsenal’s lead ing a long-range cross-shot Leicester with a penalty and Watford 4 2 2 0 7 3 8 mund could be without injury before Martin Harnik levelled Choupo-Moting was unmarked in the 27th minute, bagging his over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Conte said: “We must be de- Tottenham Htr 4 2 1 1 7 3 7 victims Marcel Schmelzer and for Hanover. History will be to head the equaliser in the second goal since his pre-season Pickford. Christian Eriksen in- lighted. We were in total control Huddersfield Town 3 2 1 0 4 0 7 Marc Bartra for Wednesday’s made on Sunday when Bibiana 63rd minute. Despite dropping move from Lyon with a curling creased Tottenham’s advantage and could have scored more.” Liverpool 4 2 1 1 8 8 7 opening Champions League Steinhaus becomes the fi rst points for the fi rst time in four strike from the edge of the area. with a close-range strike in Brighton secured their fi rst West Bromwich A 4 2 1 1 4 4 7 group match at Wembley. female to referee in Germany’s Arsenal 4 2 0 2 7 8 6 matches, United remain top Welbeck’s second goal, from the 42nd minute after Pickford top-fl ight win for 34 years, with Stoke City 4 1 2 1 4 4 5 The pair picked up ankle and top fl ight when Hertha Berlin of the table, above neighbours Aaron Ramsey’s 50th minute spilled a Ben Davies shot. Pascal Gross’s double clinching Southampton 4 1 2 1 3 4 5 groin injuries respectively in host Werder Bremen. City on goal diff erence. pass, secured Arsenal’s fi rst win Kane bagged his second from a 3-1 win over West Bromwich Burnley 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 Dortmund’s frustrating goal- “It was a diffi cult match. My since the opening weekend. Davies’s 46th minute cross to Albion at the Amex Stadium. Brighton & Hove 4 1 1 2 3 5 4 less draw at 10-man Freiburg. RESULTS players, after the international kill off Everton. Chelsea survived Watford handed Southamp- Swansea City 3 1 1 1 2 4 4 Freiburg’s Yoric Ravet was Freiburg 0 Dortmund 0 break, are not the same,” Mour- Ton up for Kane a tense fi nish as the champions ton manager Mauricio Pellegri- Everton 4 1 1 2 2 6 4 sent off on 30 minutes for his Newcastle United 3 1 0 2 3 3 3 Borussia 0 Frankfurt 1 inho said. “I’m not satisfi ed Alexis Sanchez came off the made it three successive wins no his fi rst league defeat, 2-0 at Leicester City 4 1 0 3 6 8 3 tackle on Schmelzer after the Augsburg 3 Cologne 0 with a point because we were bench in the closing stages for with a 2-1 success at Leicester. St Mary’s, thanks to goals from Crystal Palace 3 0 0 3 0 6 0 video assistant referee spot- Mainz 3 Leverkusen 1 the team closer to winning.” his fi rst Arsenal appearance this Antonio Conte’s side took Abdoulaye Doucoure and Daryl Bournemouth 4 0 0 4 1 8 0 ted the midfi elder had gone Wolfsburg 1 Hanover 1 At the Emirates Stadium, season following the collapse of the lead through Alvaro Mor- Janmaat. West Ham United 3 0 0 3 2 10 0 in studs up. Schmelzer was Hoff enheim 2 Bayern 0

LA LIGA Real Madrid held by Levante as Marcelo sees red

AFP points in their opening two we need to play better, nothing The Welshman continued to Madrid home league games of the sea- more than that.” be the focal point of the Madrid son, handing the early initiative The European champions were attack after the break, but, even in the title race to Barcelona. caught cold by a sluggish start as after the introduction of Isco, eal Madrid paid for the Barca could move four points Levante went in front thanks to Madrid missed Ronaldo’s cut- absence of Cristiano clear of Real with victory at some awful Real defending. A Le- ting edge in the fi nal third. Ronaldo and a series of home to Espanyol later on Sat- vante long-throw from the right A frantic fi nish saw Bale head missed chances by Ga- urday. was allowed to bounce inside inches wide from Isco’s cross at rethR Bale as they were held 1-1 at “We don’t need to go crazy. Madrid’s six-yard box before Ivi the back post four minutes from home by Levante on Saturday. We need to have patience and spun and fi red across Kiko Casilla time. Marcelo then saw a fi erce A slow start by a much- think about the next game, into the far corner. eff ort from the edge of the box changed Real team was punished which is just around the corner,” The hosts were dealt another turned behind by Fernandez, but when Ivi Lopez fi red newly-pro- added Zidane. blow midway through the fi rst- the Brazilian appeared to kick out moted Levante into a shock lead With an unusually early 1300 half as Karim Benzema limped at Lerma as he hit the ground and after just 12 minutes. (1100GMT) kick-off time for off and with no other natural was shown a straight red card. Real responded thanks to Lu- Real on the back of an interna- striker on the bench, Bale was Despite their numerical dis- cas Vazquez’s equaliser before tional break, Zidane left many of forced to play as an auxiliary advantage, Madrid still nearly half-time, but failed to break Le- those who had been away with centre-forward. grabbed all three points as Toni vante’s resistence despite inces- their national teams in reserve. Madrid ramped up the tempo Kroos’s eff ort from the edge of sant pressure as Bale, Marcelo Despite Ronaldo’s continued as the half wore on, but had to the area clipped the outside of and Toni Kroos came close in the absence through suspension, rely on a set-piece to level nine the post. second-half. Bale and Isco were left on the minutes before half-time. Karim Benzema looks set to And their frustration boiled bench, whilst Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos’s towering miss the holders’ Champions over when Marcelo was shown a goalkeeper Keylor Navas were header was parried by Raul League opener against APOEL straight red card for kicking out left out the squad completely. Fernandez, but Vazquez bundled Nicosia on Wednesday after at Jeff erson Lerma as the game However, Zidane defended home the rebound into an empty limping off with a hamstring in- entered stoppage time. criticism of his rotation policy. net. Bale then had a huge chance jury. “We can’t be happy with our “I am not going to revolution- to turn the game around, but was performance, above all in the ise what I want to do with this denied by a smart stop from the Results fi rst-half,” said Real boss Zined- team due to one bad game,” said Levante ‘keeper as he tried to Real Madrid 1 Levante 1 ine Zidane. the Frenchman. curl the ball home with the out- Valencia 0 Atletico Mad 0 Madrid have now dropped “I believe in this team and side of his left foot. Sevilla 3 Eibar 0 Real Madrid’s Marcelo (R) is shown a red card by referee during the La Liga match against Levante. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, September 10, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Judge clears path for Elliott to play games Rosario, Escobar The Sports Xchange federal court of appeals.” New York There’s no timeline for Mazzant to make a decision on whether to allow the peti- US District Court tion to move forward to trial, judge has put on hold according to Gabe Feldman, Dallas Cowboys run- director of the Tulane Sports ning back Ezekiel Law Program. help Twins win ElliottA’s six-game suspension, While Friday’s decision granting a request by the NFL serves as a victory for the Players Association for a tem- 22-year-old Elliott, it does not porary restraining order. mean that he won’t have to Elliott’s suspension for vio- serve the suspension at some lating the league’s personal point. On Tuesday, appeals of- conduct policy was set to be- fi cer Harold Henderson upheld gin on Monday, one day after the suspension handed down again over Royals he was eligible to compete in from NFL commissioner Roger the Cowboys’ season-opening Goodell. ‘When you score the first five innings of a game and you have your best pitcher out game against the NFC East ri- The player association called val New York Giants. for a change in the NFL policy. there, you would like to think the game would be a little less stressful’ With the injunction, issued “Commissioner discipline on Friday, Elliott likely will be will continue to be a distrac- able to continue playing as the tion from our game for one rea- legal process plays out. son: because NFL owners have “(Elliott didn’t) receive a refused to collectively bargain fundamentally fair hearing, a fair and transparent process necessitating the court grant that exists in other sports,” the the request for preliminary NFLPA said in a statement on injunction,” Judge Amos Maz- Friday. “This ‘imposed’ system zant III said in his ruling. remains problematic for play- The decision also said the ers and the game, but as the “circumstances of this case honest and honourable testi- are unmatched by any case this mony of a few NFL employees court has seen.” recently revealed, it also dem- The NFL disagreed with the onstrates the continued lack ruling. “We strongly believe of integrity within their own that the investigation and evi- League offi ce.” dence supported the commis- Elliott, who was not ar- sioner’s decision and that the rested nor charged in the case, process was meticulous and maintained his innocence af- fair throughout,” the league ter being accused of assaulting said in a statement. his former girlfriend, Tiff any “We will review the deci- Thompson. The original pun- sion in greater detail and dis- ishment was issued by Goodell cuss next steps with counsel, on Aug. 11 after a 13-month in- both in the district court and vestigation.

Minnesota Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario hits a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Brown banned for six more games

By Phil Miller Kauff man Stadium. But Kansas Escobar, after that second- reliable pitcher out of the game would like to think the game The National Football League slapped American Josh Brown Star Tribune (Minneapolis) City didn’t accept the faded- inning single that Dozier cashed after just fi ve innings, his short- would be a little less stressful. with an additional six-game suspension for violating the per- past verdict, scratched its way in, added another run with a est start in a month. But credit to the Royals and their sonal conduct policy due to domestic violence accusations, the back with a couple of well- home run of his own, his 16th Kansas City struck again in fi ght, they kept fi nding ways to US media reported on Friday. he Kansas City Royals placed clutch hits, but lost 8-5. of the season, and doubled and the seventh inning, stringing inch closer” he added. The former New York Giant kicker served a one-game suspen- wore their gold-accent- Eddie Rosario, quiet in Sep- scored in the eighth. three straight singles together sion at the start of the 2016 season after domestic violence ed uniforms on Friday tember after a memorable Au- But when the Twins’ scor- off relievers Tyler Duff ey and RESULTS allegations were made by his ex-wife. night, a reminder of the gust, broke out of his 3-for-23 ing seemed to recede, the Roy- Taylor Rogers, with Ramon “We reopened the investigation based on new info,” the NFL said Tchampionship that they won just funk with four RBI in the fi rst als’ suddenly took off , as if their Torres’ hit driving in a run. But Colorado 5 LA Dodgers 4 in a text to American sports broadcaster ESPN. two seasons ago. four innings, smacking a 434- pride had been wounded. Ervin Trevor Hildenberger ended the Seattle 4 LA Angels 3 “Concluded there was a violation of our personal conduct policy There was another relic of that foot home run far beyond the Santana needed only 33 pitches threat with a double play and a Oakland 9 Houston 8 and imposed six-game suspension, which he accepted without title-winner on display, too: The Twins’ bullpen, and delivering to retire Kansas City in the fi rst fl y ball. San Diego 10 Arizona 6 appeal.” way the Royals refuse to go away a bases-loaded, two-out single three innings, allowing one early The Twins answered in the Minnesota 8 Kansas City 5 The new ban is mostly a procedural move since the 38-year-old quietly into the night, and into in the fourth inning that helped run on a Melky Cabrera sacrifi ce eighth inning, thanks to Escobar St. Louis 4 Pittsburgh 1 Brown hasn’t kicked in the NFL since the Giants cut him loose in history. build a 5-1 lead. fl y. once again. The third baseman San Frans 9 Chic W Sox 2 October. One night after a three-run Brian Dozier and Eduardo But Eric Hosmer won a duel doubled, and scored on Robbie Texas 11 NY Yankees 5 Brown is expected to begin serving the six-game suspension ninth-inning rally stung and Escobar got in on the off ensive with Santana in the fourth in- Grossman’s triple. Milwaukee 2 Chicago Cubs 0 immediately even though he remains unsigned. stunned the former champs, push, too. Dozier led off the ning, crushing a fastball into the “There were a lot of momen- Miami 7 Atlanta 1 Brown was placed on the exempt list in October when the NFL Minnesota scored in each of game with a single, stole sec- Twins’ bullpen just out of Max tum changes,” Minnesota man- Cleveland 5 Baltimore 0 decided to launch a further investigation into his May 2015 the fi rst fi ve innings on Friday ond base and scored on Rosario’s Kepler’s reach, and the Royals ager Paul Molitor said. NY Mets 5 Cincinnati 1 arrest for alleged domestic violence. The Giants cut Brown four and with its ace righthander on sacrifi ce fl y, then drove in Esco- followed up with three doubles “When you score the fi rst fi ve Boston 9 Tampa Bay 3 days after he was put on the exempt list the mound, appeared headed bar with a two-out single in the in the fi fth inning that eventu- innings of a game and you have Detroit 5 Toronto 4 Brown was never charged by police. to another statement victory in second. ally knocked the Twins’ most your best pitcher out there, you Washington 11 Philadelphia 10

NBA Wade wants to play for championship contender

By Barry Jackson While not naming any other lucky. I’ve been to fi ve Finals. down and talk about the future, Miami Herald teams besides Chicago, NBA So If I never go to another one, I we will do that. The time hasn’t TV’s David Aldridge asked Wade can’t complain. But I would love been right, obviously, to this what his preference would be. to. I would love to, because I feel point. But I will be in Chicago oing nothing to dif- “First of all, obviously, eve- I can add to something a team soon enough, and hopefully we fuse speculation that ryone wants to compete,” Wade that’s in that position. That’s get an opportunity to sit down he would like a buyout said. “It’s no secret. We would not something I can focus on and talk about the future and the from the Chicago Bulls, all love to compete for a cham- or something I can worry about direction and go from there. I’m DwyaneD Wade said he would like pionship at the end of my ca- right now.” 35 years old. I’m a grown man. I to play for a championship con- reer. That is one thing I would Wade’s comments suggest can defi nitely sit across the room tender before his career is over. love to do. I’m not in a position that Cleveland might have an from you and listen to your truth Wade is under contract to the right now to do that, so I can’t edge over Miami if Wade gets a and hopefully hear mine and go Bulls at $24 million this coming talk about what that preference Bulls buyout. Vegasinsider.com from there.” season but reportedly isn’t eager is. Hopefully, one day before I’m has the Cavaliers with 4 to 1 odds When Aldridge asked what to play there because the Bulls done playing this game, I can be to win the championship - be- team he will be playing for in are rebuilding after trading his back in position to compete for a hind only Golden State - and the November, Wade said: “Train- close friend, Jimmy Butler, to championship.” Heat at 100 to 1. ing camp is coming up, and I’m Minnesota. Aldridge asked whether it’s Asked whether he wants a preparing for training camp. I’m ESPN reported recently that fair to say he will report to the buyout, Wade said: “What’s fun- under contract with the Bulls LeBron James’ associates believe Bulls and provide leadership but ny is I haven’t said anything. ... right now, and that’s what I’m Wade will sign with Cleveland “in a perfect world” would “be There’s a reason for that. I’m not preparing for. The future, you if he reaches a buyout with the back on another team that can about the going back and forth. don’t worry about it too much. Bulls. A Wade associate said last compete.” A lot of people make it that way. ... My job is to prepare for being week that Miami and Los An- Responded Wade: “Defi nitely, I’m not about the going back and the best Dwyane Wade at the age geles also would hold appeal to defi nitely. It’s no secret. And forth. When the time is right for of 35 that I can be, and every- him. everyone knows that. I’ve been me and the Chicago Bulls to sit thing else will take care of itself.” Gulf Times 6 Sunday, September 10, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY GOLF Thompson, Ko All Blacks unleash set for fi nal round ‘the beast’ to down showdown in

Fifita sprints over 50 metres to Indianapolis score a crucial try in second half Reuters Thompson, who went bogey-free and Indianapolis is looking for a second victory of 2017. Argentina “I know she played great today, but I was just trying to go out with the same AFP exi Thompson and Lydia Ko are mindset I did yesterday and make sure New Plymouth, New Zealand set for a fi nal round showdown I did my routine and commit to my golf at the inaugural Indy Women shots.” in Tech Championship after Ko, who was world number one for he All Blacks unleashed “the Lfi nishing atop the leaderboard at the 85 consecutive weeks before ceding the beast” as they came from be- Brickyard Crossing Golf Course on Fri- ranking in June, caught fi re on the front hind to beat a fi red-up Ar- day. nine where she made fi ve straight bird- gentina 39-22 in a Rugby First-round leader Thompson fi red ies. TChampionship Test in New Plymouth a six-under 66 in the shadow of the The 20-year-old New Zealander yesterday. Indianapolis Motor Speedway but was appears on the verge of ending a pro- Blindside flanker Vaea Fifita chased down by twice major champion longed slump which has seen her with- turned the game 10 minutes in to Ko, who shot a 64. out a victory since her Marathon Clas- the second half when he outsprinted The pair were on a 15-under total sic win in July, 2016. Argentinian flyer Santiago Cordero of 129 in the three-round event which “I felt like there were a lot of posi- over 50 metres to score a crucial try fi nishes Saturday to give players more tives and a lot of good things going on when the All Blacks were down by time to prepare for next week’s Evian but I just couldn’t put it all together,” seven points. Championship in France, the season’s said Ko of her form struggles. It opened the way for a fi nishing fi nal major. “This week, the last couple of days, burst in which they scored 24 unan- They held a one-stroke lead over I’ve been able to hit it pretty good and swered points to remain unbeaten Taiwan’s Candie Kung, who also shot a make some good putts and that’s what after three matches in the champion- 64 and was three strokes clear of South I’ve kind of been lacking the last few ship. African Ashleigh Buhai. months.” Coach Steve Hansen had billed Fif- “I’m never going to complain with a Americans Cristie Kerr and Amy Ol- ita as a “real physical beast” before the six-under-par round, but I didn’t really son are tied in fi fth place on 10-under, game and the 25 year-old did not dis- focus on anybody else like Lydia,” said fi ve behind the leaders. appoint using his 1.96 (6ft 5in) metre, 113 kilogramme (249 lb) frame to crash his way through Los Pumas. It was only Fifi ta’s second Test and Hansen said afterwards he can only get better. “I don’t think he’s the fi nished product. He’s got a long way to go. But it’s a tank that’s got plenty in it and our job now is to bring that out and his job is to work on his game and get better and better and reach his potential.” It was a Test the All Blacks were never expected to lose and they won the try count six to one. But they were made to struggle for long periods by an Argentinian side New Zealand’s Vaea Fifita (right) on his way to score a try in the second half of the Rugby Championship against Argentina determined to prove they still belong in New Plymouth, New Zealand, yesterday. (Reuters) among the leading rugby nations. Los Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade them in their last Test against Aus- were immediately back on the attack Argentinian attack, sent Sanchez over rated it his side’s best performance tralia, Argentina were quick to cash in. with Anton Lienert-Brown winning for the try. of the year after back-to-back losses They led 16-15 at half-time and the race for the ball to score off a Beau- Boff elli and Sanchez landed further against South Africa. stretched the lead to 22-15 with two den Barrett chip kick. penalties at the start of the second half But they lost their way when they quick penalties at the start of the sec- Los Pumas picked up another three before Fifi ta’s try which, with Lima had a one-man advantage with All ond half before Fifi ta’s try brought the points with a long-range penalty by Sopoaga’s conversion, levelled the Blacks fl y-half Beauden Barrett in the All Blacks back into the game. left wing Emiliano Boff elli from a score at 22-22. sin-bin. On a cold wet night, once the All metre inside his own half and closed Sopoaga had taken over the kick- “It was really a tough game and Blacks had weathered Los Pumas’s within one point at 10-9 with a second ing after Barrett had a woeful night Lydia Ko of New Zealand waves to the crowd after making a birdie on the fifth perhaps our best, but the All Blacks initial onslaught, they put the fi rst Sanchez penalty. in front of his home crowd, missing hole during the second round of the Indy Women In Tech Championship at the showed the best of what they have points on the board when Damian Mc- After Israel Dagg scored the All three conversions and being yellow- Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday. (AFP) when they have a player in the sin bin, Kenzie scythed through the Argentine Blacks third try, Argentina came carded. they played really well.” backline to put Nehe Milner-Skudder back to take the lead on the stroke of Damian McKenzie stretched the In the fi rst half, as the All Blacks over for the try. half-time, and from an All Blacks er- lead with the All Blacks fi fth try and ATHLETICS continued to suff er from the indeci- When Nicolas Sanchez replied with ror when they lost a defensive lineout after a Sopoaga penalty, Barrett atoned sion and handling errors that plagued a close-range penalty, the All Blacks and Tomas Cubelli, a key player in the for his errors with a late try.

SPOTLIGHT Kiryu fi rst Japanese to break 10-sec 100m

AFP ing the line and pointed to a display South Africa fi ght back to clock showing his time. Tokyo “I’m thrilled to have done it in my last 100 race of the season,” said Kiryu, oshihide Kiryu yesterday according to Kyodo News. smashed a national 100-metre “I’d been stuck for four years and I grab draw with Australia record in a time of 9.98 sec- managed to rewrite my own record at onds to become the fi rst Japa- last,” he said. “I’m on the starting block ball and Kriel picked it and scored in Ynese to break the 10-second barrier. of the world now that I’ve run a nine,” AFP Perth, Australia the right corner for Jantjies to convert. The 21-year-old, a member of Ja- he added. But the Wallabies hit back quick- pan’s silver medal-winning men’s Kiryu, who ran a wind-assisted 9.87 ly with inside-centre Kurtley Beale 4x100 relay team at the Rio Olympics, in the 100m in 2015, had long competed ustralia squandered a spearing through a gap to score, and shattered the previous record by 0.02 with his domestic rivals, including Ja- 10-point lead as South Af- Foley converted to level the scores. secs at an intercollegiate meet in Fukui, pan teen sensation Abdul Hakim Sani rica stormed back to claim Foley kicked a penalty goal on the central Japan. Brown, to achieve the national feat. a 23-23 draw in their Rugby siren to give the Wallabies a 13-10 The Toyo University student started Japan’s previous national record of ChampionshipA Test in Perth yester- half-time advantage. moderately in the fi nal but raced past 10.00 was set by Koji Ito in 1998. Ito’s day. The Wallabies extended their lead his rivals in top gear and fi nished fi rst time was the Asian record until 2007 The Springboks clawed back from to 20-10 seven minutes after the re- with a 1.8-metre tailwind. when Nigerian-born Qatari Samuel 20-10 down early in the second half to sumption with hooker Tatafu Polota- Kiryu screamed with joy after cross- Francis streaked over the line in 9.99. hit the front 23-20 before Bernard Fo- Nau on the end of a push-over try ley kicked a levelling penalty goal for from a lineout win. the Wallabies 10 minutes from time. Jantjies kicked a penalty for the The draw left South Africa unbeaten Springboks to trail by seven points in six internationals this year, while before hooker Malcolm Marx scored the Wallabies now have three points off a pushover try from a lineout win in the Rugby Championship after two midway through the half to level the defeats to New Zealand. scores. It was the second draw in the 84 Jantjies kicked South Africa to the Test matches between the two teams, front when the Springbok scrum and the fi rst since a 14-14 stalemate forced a penalty inside the Austral- also in Perth in 2001. South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth (left) pushes off Australia’s Sekope Kepu during ians’ quarter. The Wallabies looked on target to their Rugby Championship match in Perth, Australia, yesterday. (Reuters) Foley levelled the scores with 10 push on to victory when they extend- minutes left and South Africa had ed their 13-10 half-time advantage to “The scrums went really well for Skipper Michael Hooper added: the chance to snatch victory after the lead 20-10 seven minutes after the re- us and we also got rewards from the “Missed opportunity there. Set-piece full-time siren but Jantjies’ drop goal sumption. maul.” didn’t allow us to get momentum in attempt was charged down by Hooper. It was the Springboks set-piece that Asked how he felt about the draw the second half. It has been a torrid year for Aus- turned the game in the second half, Etzebeth said: “It’s diffi cult, you al- “Restarts weren’t up to scratch but tralia, winning only two of their six winning key lineouts and disrupting ways want to win these games and a lot to like there. Credit to the South internationals and coming off a miser- the Wallabies scrum. would have loved it to be us but unfor- Africans, they managed to grind and able Super Rugby season climaxed by The draw meant the Springboks tunately (it was) a draw.” put the pressure on us.” the contentious axing of Perth-based have not beaten the Wallabies in Aus- Wallabies coach Michael Cheika Elton Jantjies and Bernard Foley ex- Western Force from next year’s com- tralia since their 38-12 romp in Bris- said he was disappointed his team did changed penalties before the Spring- petition. bane in 2013. not close out the match. boks struck fi rst in the 25th minute off Blue Western Force jerseys domi- “It was an awesome eff ort in the “We wanted to have a win tonight a turnover. nated the crowd as fans protested second half,” Springboks skipper Eben no doubt, but it’s a young team learn- Ross Cronje pinched the ball and against the axing of their home-town Etzebeth said. ing about how to deal with those Jesse Kriel kicked ahead with winger team. “We said at half-time that we had situations and we need to get better Raymond Rhule and Hooper jostling A chant of “Force, Force” went up to work on a couple of things and we because with 10 points up we should for the ball. before kickoff , and throughout the Yoshihide Kiryu poses after winning the men’s 100m final with a time of 9.98 almost pulled it through. have gone on with it,” Cheika said. Rhule shouldered Hooper off the match as well as after. seconds at an intercollegiate meet in Fukui, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, September 10, 2017 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING Qatari group victories in Bordeaux, Kempton Rajeh stays unbeaten and wins Prix Cheri Bibi Qatari-trained Djahab wins Prix Nevada II Qatar Racing’s Chemical Charge wins Gr3

Francois-Xavier Bertras rides Rajeh, owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Tomas Lukasek (foreground) rides Hadi al-Ramzani-trained Djahab to victory in Khalifa al-Thani, to victory in Bordeaux, France, yesterday. (Mr Polin) Prix Nevada II yesterday. (Mr Polin) Oisin Murphy (right) rides Chemical Charge to victory yesterday. (Racingfotos)

Agencies in the fi eld and has now stayed unbeat- end. He has also been entered in the length. Agencies this year and picked up a deserved fi rst Bordeaux, France en in two outings. French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge – Djahab had won her fi rst two races in Kempton, England Group success. Scarlet Dragon came Somoud was a good second ahead of Poulains, to be run at Toulouse on Oc- Doha for Qatari trainer Hadi al-Ram- second while Wild Hacked was third. Rodess du Loup. tober 26. zani in impressive style, with a margin “He got there in the end. The horse atari colours shone and dom- “He is a top class horse. Today, we The next Qatari victory was secured of more than ten lengths. The fi lly was atar Racing’s Chemical got him (Murphy) out of jail, but at the inated at Bordeaux le Bouscat were a bit worried about the ground, by Khalifa bin Hamad al-Attiyah’s Dja- steered to win the Prix Nevada II (Gr 3 Charge came with a blis- same time he doesn’t want to get there yesterday. but he is a real race horse and shows its hab. PA) by jockey Thomas Lukasek, who is tering late run under Oisin too soon, either,” Beckett said. First up, His Highness versatility,” Rajeh trainer François Ro- In her fi rst time out in France, the well known at QREC’s Al Rayyan race- Murphy to win the Septem- “He will go to Woodbine now for QSheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Tha- haut said. three-year-old fi lly won the Prix Ne- course in Doha. berQ Stakes (Gr3) in Kempton, England, the Canadian International and that ni’s Rajeh won the Prix Cheri Bibi (Gr3 Rajeh should now be aiming the Qa- vada II (Gr 3 PA). The main goal for her in France is the yesterday. was the plan if he won today. You PA) in an impressive style on heavy tar Total Arabian Trophy des Poulains Djahab travelled well in fourth posi- Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches The fi ve-year-old horse trained by can’t always guarantee a strong pace ground. (Gr1 PA) at Saint-Cloud, just before the tion. In the straight line, she had to be (Gr1 PA), the day before the Qatar Prix Ralph Beckett was a good third in the there, but Woodbine will suit him Rajeh was by far the best contender Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe week- tough to beat Easter de Faust by half a de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend. Hardwicke Stakes (Gr2) at Royal Ascot well.”

CYCLING Trial Race for Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe today

QNA participate in the sixth round of Paris the 2000m race, two owned by Al Shaqab, and one each owned by His Froome Vuelta king Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin hantilly race track in France Khalifa al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh will be the venue for the trial Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, Khalifa Crace of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and Essa Triomphe, which will be held on Mohamed al-Sulaiti. October 1, today. Three other Qatari horses will par- The Dragon Trophy will be one of ticipate in the international event; in waiting; Contador the most important races to be held two owned by Qatar Racing and one today. Six Qatari owned horses will in Al Shaqab colours. signs off in style MOTOGP Froome leads Nibali by two minutes and 15 seconds going into Madrid Vinales snatches Reuters Alto de L’Angliru, Spain San Marino pole hris Froome virtually secured his fi rst Vuelta a Espana vic- tory by coming third in the AFP aims to follow wins in Qatar, Argentina decisive stage 20 yesterday as Misano Adriatico, Italy and France. AlbertoC Contador took the stage vic- Marquez, winner in San Marino four tory with a typically brave attack on times in all categories, blamed a change the Alto de L’Angliru, a dream fi nale to paniard Maverick Vinales left it in tyres for his tumble. his eventful career. late before grabbing pole posi- “Happy with the pace although we The Spaniard, who is retiring from tion for the San Marino MotoGP expect rain tomorrow,” Marquez later cycling after La Vuelta, burst free of yesterday ahead of Italy’s world tweeted. the breakaway group at the start of the championshipS leader Andrea Dovizioso “I did a good fi rst lap, then I wanted fi nal climb in the short, yet punishing, and Spaniard Marc Marquez. to try the other tyres,” explained the 117.5km stage, the last mountaintop With just four seconds left in quali- reigning world champion who lost his fi nish of the contest. fying for today’s race at Misano the overall lead to Dovizioso last time out But as long as Froome avoids disas- 22-year-old Yamaha rider crossed in Silverstone. ter in the last of the 21 stages on today the line in a fastest fi nal lap of 1min “I made a small mistake straight — a procession through Madrid — the Sky’s Chris Froome leads the overall 32.439sec, upsetting local favourite away and after that another, more seri- Briton will make history by becoming classification. (AFP) Dovizioso. ous, going off onto the white line: (let’s the fi rst cyclist since French great Ber- Ducati’s Dovizioso, 31, and defend- have) patience, my placing is still good, nard Hinault in 1978 to win the Vuelta STAGE 20 RESULTS ing world champion Marquez, who was I’m happy.” and the Tour de France in the same 1. Alberto Contador (Trek) 3:31:33” unhurt after crashing on his fi nal lap, Britain’s Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda), season. 2. Wout Poels (Sky) +17” will complete the front row. riding with a fi nger injury, heads the Froome leads nearest challenger 3. Chris Froome (Sky) In a three-way battle, Dovizioso second row after narrowly beating Jorge Vincenzo Nibali by two minutes and 4. Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) +35” was on provisional pole as Vinales and Lorenzo to fourth, with Tech 3 Yamaha’s 15 seconds in the general classifi ca- 5. Franco Pellizotti (Merida) +51” Marquez began their fi nal pushes, with Johann Zarco completing the top six. tion, increasing his advantage over the 6. Vincenzo Nibali (Merida) the young Spaniard going fastest after Spaniard Dani Pedrosa clocked the Italian by 38 seconds with a strong fi n- 7. Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL) Marquez fell out of contention. seventh fastest time, one place higher ish in the penultimate stage while the 8. Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) +1:11” “It’s by far my best qualifi cation ever than last year when he went on to win. Italian struggled. 9. Romain Bardet (AG2R) +1:25” in Misano,” said Dovizioso, a native of Italians Mattia Pasini (Kalex) and Ilnur Zakarin is third, two minutes, 10. Michael Woods (Cannondale) +1:36” Forlimpopoli, a town just 65 kilometres Enea Bastiniani (Honda) took pole po- 51 seconds behind four-time Tour de Trek-Segafredo’s cyclist Alberto Contador celebrates his win in the 20th stage of (40 miles) from the Misano circuit in sition in the Moto2 and Moto3 catego- France winner Froome. Vuelta a Espana in Alto de L’Angliru, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) OVERALL CLASSIFICATION Rimini. ries respectively. Froome was well-versed in the infa- 1. Chris Froome (Sky) 79:23:37” “In my opinion we are well-placed mous Alto de l’Angliru and its 12.5km cent, losing 20 seconds on the Briton, Tomasz Marczynski to fi nish the 2. Vincenzo Nibali (Merida) +2:15” for the race. We’ll wait to see what will SAN MARINO MOTOGP QUALIFYING ascent, coming second in a stage there while Marc Soler and David de la Cruz grueling climb on his own, dancing on 3. Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) +2:51” come tomorrow: in the wet everything 1. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) 1:32.439 in 2011, the year he shot to cycling fame also had falls as they struggled to ne- the pedals. 4. Alberto Contador (Trek) +3:11” changes.” 2. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) +0.162 by coming second overall in La Vuelta gotiate the slippery surface in the rain. The Spaniard moved up to fourth in 5. Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) +3:15” Rain is forecast for today when Ya- 3. Marc Marquez (Honda) +0.197 ahead of team leader Bradley Wiggins. Contador was part of the breaka- the general classifi cation and is set to 6. Wout Poels (Sky) +6:45” hama’s hopes are focused on Vinales 4. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) +0.329 Nibali’s faint chances of catching way and extended his lead by attack- miss out on a podium place in his fi nal 7. Michael Woods (Cannondale) +7:56” after Italian teammate Valentino Rossi, 5. Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati) +0.353 Froome overall went up in smoke when ing at the start of the Angliru, joining professional race, but his magnifi cent 8. Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) +8:59” fourth in the world standings, broke his 6. Johann Zarco (Yamaha Tech3) +0.446 he crashed with 15km to go on a de- Colombian Jarlinson Pantano before stage win ensured he still signed off 9. Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL) +11:04” leg in a training accident. 7. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) +0.553 scent before reaching the Angliru as- dropping him and marching beyond from his glorious career in style. 10. Tejay van Garderen (BMC) +15:36” Vinales, sitting third overall behind 8. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati) +0.558 Dovizioso and Marquez, claimed a 9. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) +0.710 fourth pole position of the season as he 10. Alvaro Bautista (Ducati) +0.978 Schurter, Neff win world elite as Swiss dominate Nino Schurter led a Swiss domination The race quickly became a contest “I was lucky Thomas was always with to two minutes and Neff was able to of all cross country categories at the between Schurter and 2012 Olympic us and I was able to leave him the coast to her first Elite title. mountain bike world championships champion Jaroslav Kulhavy of the work of leading, and luckily Jaroslav Last took the silver medal, while in Australia yesterday. Czech Republic. wasn’t there at the finish. Pauline Ferrand Prevot of France, Schurter defended his title in the Elite It wasn’t until the final climb on the “It has been an incredible year. I’ve the 2015 world champion, claimed men’s race, Jolanda Neff took the last lap, when Schurter attacked and won seven (six World Cups and the bronze. Elite women’s title and Sina Frei won Kulhavy made a mistake in a corner, world title). This year it all came “I just wanted to win it so much,” Neff the Under-23 women’s competition. that the Swiss rider was finally able to together.” said. “The last three years I couldn’t The Swiss also won the team relay get away, hanging on to win by seven Neff and Britain’s Annie Last set win the World Champs, it has been on the opening day to underline seconds. the pace in the women’s Elite and three years since my last win (as an their depth of talent across all cross Kulhavy finally dropped another dropped everyone else by the end of Under-23). country disciplines in Cairns. Swiss Thomas Litscher in the final the first lap and rode together until “Coming into this race I wanted to Schurter was the overwhelming fa- kilometre to take silver. the fourth lap. win it so badly, I just wanted to go vourite heading into Saturday’s Elite “It was a really tough one,” Schurter Neff attacked, quickly opening a at every chance I could get. I just race after dominating the World Cup said. “Jaroslav was super strong 22-second gap and by the penulti- pushed from start to finish. I am over this season winning all six rounds. today. mate fifth lap had opened a gap of up the moon. I am so happy.” Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales rides his bike during the qualifying session for the San Marino Moto GP at the Marco Simoncelli circuit in Misano yesterday. (AFP)

Sunday, September 10, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

ICC WORLD CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION 5 SPOTLIGHT Qatar edge out Italy for third place; Jersey win title Pakistan announces

By Sports Reporter judged Man of the Match. fours) and Kamran Khan (43 runs, 1 four, SL series schedule Doha In Benoni, Qatar avenged their six- 4 sixes) steadied the ship. wicket group stages loss to Italy with a By the time Sajjad was sent back in AFP ground after their offi ce timings,” thrilling win. the 30th over, Qatar were at 147 for 4, Karachi said Rasheed, a former Pakistan n a day when Jersey won the A 46-ball 54 by Tamoor Sajjad and but Tanveer (35 runs, 1 four) did well to batsman. ICC World Cricket League Di- valuable batting performances by Kam- combine with Mohamed Rizlan (28 runs, Australia hosted the fi rst day- vision 5 title with an easy win ran Khan, captain Inam-ul-Haq and Mo- 3 fours). akistan yesterday an- night Test against New Zealand over Vanuatu, Qatar won a hamed Tanveer, ensured that Qatar over- Imran Ashraf hit a boundary in the nounced the itinerary in Adelaide in 2015. Pakistan also thrillingO encounter over Italy to grab third hauled Italy’s 225-run total with 2.1 overs 48th over to seal the third place for Qatar. for a full series against hosted a day-night Test against place. to spare. Qatar skipper Inam-ul-Haq said, Sri Lanka that will be the West Indies in Dubai last year. The two finalists had already secured Opener Gian Meade was solid up the “Staying in Division 5 is great for the Qa- Pplayed mainly in neutral venues PCB said the Test series com- promotion to Division 4, with an eye order after Italy elected to bat fi rst. His tar team, the guys have done very well but features a planned fi nale in mences in Abu Dhabi on Sep- on a spot in the 2023 World Cup, but 105-ball 62 was the stand out eff ort in today.” Lahore. tember 28 and will be followed by yesterday, at Kingsmead Oval in South the Italian top order before Joy Perera and Italy skipper Munasinghe said: “I was The series will comprise two a day-night Test in Dubai begin- Africa, Ben Stevens ensured Jersey had Carl Sandri added 44 and 34 respectively really disappointed with the result, we Tests — the second a day-night ning October 6. the momentum starring in the 120-run as Qatar bowlers, led by Iqbal Hussain, had a good start, but unfortunately we aff air — fi ve one-day and three The fi ve-match one-day series win. restricted them for 225 for 7. didn’t make the important games.” Twenty20 internationals. will be played in Dubai (October Vanuatu won the toss and elected to Hussain took three wickets for 51 runs, Riding on an unbeaten 123 from Venka- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) 13), Abu Dhabi (October 16 and 18) fi eld fi rst, but riding on an 86-run knock while Mohamed Nadeem scalped two, traman Ganesan, Germany beat Guern- hopes to host the last Twenty20 and Sharjah (October 20 and 23). by Stevens, Jersey set a target of 256. In and Sajjad and Awais Malik took a wicket sey by four wickets, chasing down the 270 in Lahore, depending on whether Abu Dhabi will host the fi rst two reply, Vanuatu were wrapped up for a each. run target with 4.4 overs to spare. a three-match series against a Twenty20 internationals on Oc- mere 135, with Stevens’ left-arm spin in- In reply, opener Qalandar Khan was Ghana picked up a six-wicket victory World XI team next week passes tober 26 and 27 while the last T20 strumental in causing damage. sent back early in the Qatar innings but a in the seventh place playoff chasing down off without incident. will be in Lahore on October 29. With three wickets in the kitty, apart string of partnerships, including a 52-run the 137-run target set by Cayman Islands Action from the final between Jersey and PCB director Haroon Rasheed from the batting knock, Stevens was ad- stand between Inam-ul-Haq (37 runs, 3 in the 20th over. Vanuatu yesterday. (Twitter/ICC) said he hoped the match would ITINERARY be held as planned. September 28-October 2: 1st “We have scheduled the last Test, Abu Dhabi FOCUS Twenty20 in Lahore with high October 6-10: 2nd Test (day- hopes and it will follow our se- night), Dubai ries with World XI,” Rasheed told October 13: 1st ODI, Dubai AFP. October 16: 2nd ODI, Abu Pakistan have been forced to Dhabi play their home international October 18: Third ODI, Abu games in the UAE since a 2009 Dhabi terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan October 20: Fourth ODI, Anderson bowls team bus in Lahore suspended Sharjah all international matches in the October 23: Fifth ODI, Sharjah country. October 26: First Twenty20 Rasheed said the second Test international, Abu Dhabi will be a day-night aff air in Dubai. October 27: Second Twen- “Day-night Tests are an inno- ty20 international, Abu Dhabi vation worldwide and it is aimed October 29: Third Twenty20 England to series win at attracting spectators to the international, Lahore Pacer picks up 7 for 42 to wrap up Windies for 177, hosts score 107 for victory AFTERMATH AFP found Roston Chase’s edge and wicket- London keeper Jonny Bairstow held a simple catch. Chase was out for his overnight three Lehmann ponders ames Anderson took the best in- and West Indies were 94 for four. nings fi gures of his Test career as Jermaine Blackwood, dropped on two England completed a nine-wick- and reprieved from lbw on four, fell for winners and losers et and series-clinching victory fi ve when caught behind off Anderson. againstJ West Indies at Lord’s yesterday. Hope, 35 not out overnight, took 54 Anderson followed up his Friday feat balls to score his fi rst boundary yesterday from Bangladesh tour of becoming the fi rst England bowler but a cover-drive off Stokes was worth and only sixth in history to take 500 Test the wait. Reuters wickets by fi nishing with a return of sev- A four off his legs against Toby Roland- Sydney en for 42 in 20.1 overs as West Indies were Jones, bowling on his Middlesex home dismissed for 177 in their second innings ground, then saw West Indies man-of- on the third day of the third Test. the-series Hope to a 127-ball fi fty includ- he next time Darren Le- That left England with a meagre target ing eight boundaries as the 23-year-old hmann sends out a team of 107 and they fi nished on 107 for one off Barbados batsman produced another sig- will be in the Ashes 28 overs as they took the three-match se- nifi cant contribution. opener against England ries 2-1. “It’s a tough place to play cricket, it’s Tand the Australia coach already It was the second time this series Eng- good to get some runs under my belt,” has some fi rm ideas of who will land had won inside three days — they said Hope. be playing in Brisbane after a won the opener, the inaugural day/night Meanwhile West Indies captain Jason mixed tour of Bangladesh. Test in Britain, by an innings and 209 Holder was encouraged by the progress Lehmann, who also sits on the runs at Edgbaston last month. of his side. selection panel, will be handing Much of this match was a day/nighter “I’m really proud of the guys,” he said. over to assistant David Saker for in all but name and it was no surprise that “I’ve seen a lot of fi ght which I haven’t the limited overs tour of India Australia’s Nathan Lyon took 22 batsmen on both sides struggled in over- seen for a long time. In recent series, after the Test squad battled back wickets in the two Tests against cast conditions against the red ball. we’ve won games away from home and from losing to Bangladesh for the Bangladesh. (AFP) Mark Stoneman was 40 not out and we’ve really competed. We’re not too far fi rst time to square the series on Tom Westley 44 not out in an unbroken away from clinching a series win.” Thursday. though I’m only one of four se- stand of 72. Some players, most notably lectors,” the coach said. “I’m very pleased. It’s been a great SCORECARD off -spinner Nathan Lyon and “Obviously for the make-up week. It was a challenging wicket,” Eng- WEST INDIES 1st Inn 123 opener David Warner, bolstered of the side we changed it here, land captain Joe Root told BBC Radio. ENGLAND 1st Inn 194 their reputations further on the but we think he’s a pretty special “The ball seemed to hoop around,” WEST INDIES 2nd Inn (o/n 93-3) dusty sub-continental tracks but player and obviously he’s got a added Root, whose fi rst season as Test K. Brathwaite b Anderson 4 other spots on the team are now really good record in Australia.” skipper ended with two series wins after K. Powell b Anderson 45 clearly up for grabs. Matthew Wade, who scored 17 South Africa were beaten 3-1 in a preced- K. Hope lbw b Broad 1 All-rounder Glenn Maxwell runs from three innings, is an- ing four-match campaign. S. Hope c Bairstow b Anderson 62 may have smashed a six to win other player under pressure for “In the second innings Jimmy (Ander- R. Chase c Bairstow b Anderson 3 the second Test but Lehmann his spot, despite becoming the son) was outstanding — he mastered it. J. Blackwood c Bairstow b Anderson 5 suggested that 100 runs over fi rst Australian wicketkeeper to “I don’t know how he managed to get S. Dowrich c Broad b Roland-Jones 14 four innings and a single wicket eff ect three stumpings in a single seven wickets with it.” J. Holder c Anderson b Broad 23 were not necessarily going to be match in the second Test. Anderson’s return just surpassed his D. Bishoo b Anderson 0 enough to earn him a fi rst cap on “We obviously want runs from previous best in 129 career Tests of sev- K. Roach b Anderson 3 home soil. our keeper as well, which is im- en for 43 against New Zealand at Trent S. Gabriel not out 0 “With number six in Australia, portant so for him and all the Bridge in 2008. Extras (lb17) 17 it’s totally diff erent to Asia,” Leh- other keepers around the coun- Total (all out, 65.1 overs) 177 mann told reporters before Aus- try,” said Lehmann. ‘LIVE IN THE MEMORY’ Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Brathwaite), 2-21 (K tralia left Bangladesh. “The Shield games are going to “Playing a Test match here is always spe- Hope), 3-69 (Powell), 4-94 (Chase), 5-100 “We’ll certainly be looking at be important.” cial but this week will live in my memo- (Blackwood), 6-123 (Dowrich), 7-155 (S that position, and anyone can Australia’s fast bowling is ry,” said the 35-year-old Anderson, who Hope), 8-155 (Bishoo), 9-177 (Holder), 10- jump out of the pack in the three expected to give them an edge made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2003. 177 (Roach) Shield games and what we think against England and while Pat “I didn’t think I’d play anywhere near Bowling: Anderson 20.1-5-42-7; Broad the best make-up is for that fi rst Cummins’s performance in as much for England,” added the Lanca- England’s James Anderson celebrates the wicket of West Indies’ Jermaine Blackwood 19-9-35-2; Roland-Jones 11-4-31-1; Stokes Test. Glenn is there at the mo- Bangladesh all but secured his shire swing bowler. on third day of the third Test at the Lord’s cricket ground in London yesterday. (Reuters) 12-3-41-0; Ali 2-0-6-0; Root 1-0-5-0 ment, like everyone else, he’ll place in the Ashes squad, Leh- But it was England all-rounder Ben have to perform.” mann stressed that a place in the Stokes who was named man-of-the- him caught behind undone off a superb (17) lbw but that merely denied England a ENGLAND 2nd Inn Usman Khawaja was dropped team will be found for Lyon. match after taking a Test-best six for Anderson leg-cutter. 10-wicket victory. A. Cook lbw b Bishoo 17 for the second Test after muster- Lyon’s 22 wickets in two Tests 22 in West Indies’ fi rst innings 123 and West Indies’ tail folded cheaply with Play started yesterday in bright sun- M. Stoneman not out 40 ing up just two runs in the fi rst, means for the fi rst time since then top-scoring with 60 when the hosts Anderson, fi ttingly, ending the innings shine but despite the improved batting T. Westley not out 44 but Lehmann suggested that his Shane Warne’s retirement a dec- made 194 in reply. when he bowled Kemar Roach. conditions, it only needed four balls for Extras (b4, lb1, w1) 6 pedigree on home soil might get ade ago, Australia will go into Shai Hope, whose twin hundreds were For the second time in the match, An- Anderson to take another wicket. Total (1 wkt, 28 overs) 107 him back at number three in the an Ashes series with little or no the backbone of West Indies’ series-lev- derson walked off to a standing ovation Bowling from the Nursery End, where Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Cook) batting order for the Gabba on debate over the identity of their elling win at Headingley, top-scored for from a capacity Lord’s crowd. the eight-foot slope across the ground Bowling: Gabriel 5-0-22-0; Roach 1-0-4-0; November 23. best spinner. “Nathan is going the tourists on Saturday with 62. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo struck naturally takes the ball away from a right- Holder 6-1-16-0 (1w); Bishoo 11-2-35-1; “I would think Usman would to play. There’s no doubt about But Hope’s fourth ball after lunch saw with his fi rst ball to have Alastair Cook handed batsman’s off stump, Anderson Chase 5-1-25-0 play the fi rst Test match, al- that,” Lehmann said.

Anderson eyes McGrath tally aft er joining 500 club

AFP Test wickets) and West Indies great ple of years I might get somewhere wicketless in the second innings of Ashes triumph after being unable to able to bowl fast! I just tried to develop London Courtney Walsh (519). near (McGrath’s tally). West Indies’ series-levelling win at force his way into the ‘fab four’ pace that and get back out there.” Anderson is the only active cricketer After dismissing Brathwaite, Anderson Headingley, Anderson said his main attack of Matthew Hoggard, Stephen in the ‘500 club’, with the spin trio of produced a near unplayable delivery emotion at breaking the 500 barrier Harmison, Andrew Flintoff and Simon ‘BOY FROM NOWHERE’ ames Anderson said he hoped to Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800 to bowl Kieran Powell for 45, the ball was one of relief. Jones. Nasser Hussain, the swing star’s get “somewhere near” Australia Test wickets), Australia’s Shane Warne spearing into the left-hander only to “It’s a bit surreal,” the Lancashire pace- first England captain who witnessed Jgreat Glenn McGrath’s tally after (708) and India’s Anil Kumble (619), in cut away and clip the top of off stump. man said. “I’m more relieved to get to ‘DARK TIMES’ Anderson’s 500th Test wicket live at joining Test cricket’s 500-wicket club common with McGrath and Walsh, all West Indies were 93 for three — just get it out of the way, to be honest.” Relegated to the role of net bowler Lord’s in his current role as a Sky com- at Lord’s on Friday. retired. 22 runs ahead — come the second Anderson, who took his first Test with England, he suff ered a stress mentator, paid tribute to an “incredible Anderson became the first England “I’m just trying to stay fit and stay day’s close, with England pressing for wicket on debut against Zimbabwe fracture in 2006. talent”. bowler to the landmark and just the on the field,” Anderson, set to be a series-clinching win in a three-Test at Lord’s in 2003, added: “It’s such a But having forced his way back in, his “He was a boy from nowhere,” said sixth in history when, having started England’s spearhead during their contest currently level at 1-1. special place for me — to get my first England career blossomed. Hussain. “What we see is the end the West Indies’ second innings with upcoming Ashes defence in Australia, Anderson, as so often in his 129-Test wicket and 500th here will live with “There were some dark times,” re- product. What we don’t see is what 499 Test wickets behind him, he clean told Sky Sports after stumps. career, led England’s attack with me a long time.” called Anderson. we don’t see — those years when he bowled opener Kraigg Brathwaite. “I’m loving playing cricket at the mo- stumps figures of two for 17 in nine But Anderson’s England career has not “I got injured, left out of the side. It had to put out the cones in 2004-05 The 35-year-old Lancashire swing king ment. I just want to keep playing as overs. been one smooth upward curve. just made me more determined to for that bowling attack, the injuries was just the third paceman to take long as possible,” he added. But having been kept waiting for the He had to wait to become established improve. he’s had and all the pain he’s gone 500 Test wickets behind McGrath (563 “If I keep on playing for the next cou- landmark achievement since going at Test level, missing England’s 2005 “I knew I had some skills. I used to be through.”