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Friday, October 6, 2017 Muharram 16, 1439 AH target GULF TIMES landmark series win over Pakistan SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL Ali scores brace as beat in friendly

By Sports Reporter established control over the match right at the outset, creat- ing several scoring chances. However, they had to wait un- lmoez Ali was twice til the 39th minute for their fi rst on target as Qatar de- goal, which came through Al- feated Singapore 3-1 in moez Ali after he received a fi ne a friendly international pass from Boualem Khoukhi. Aat the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium Earlier a fi ne eff ort by Has- yesterday. sal al-Haydous went to nought The 21-year-old, who plays as when his powerful shot from just a forward for Al Duhail Sports outside the area missed the net Club, struck in the 39th and 52 by a whisker. Qatar consolidated minutes while Ahmed Alaa con- just seven minutes after the in- verted a penalty in the 81st to terval after a great pass from round off things. Ismail Ali found Almoez who Singapore, who were using the headed in from close. However, friendly as part of their prepara- just a minute later, a fi ne Singa- tions for their Asian Cup qualifi - pore counterattack saw bin Ramli er against Turkmenistan, netted pull one back for his side. Sin- their only goal through Moham- gapore came up with some fi ne ed bin Ramli in the 53rd minute. moves after that but were beaten Qatar and Singapore had also back by the Qatari defence. Qa- played a friendly last year which tar completed the formalities in Qatar won 4-0. Yesterday too, the 81st minute when Ala Ahmed the Qataris were dominant and scored from the spot. Qatar's Almoez Ali scores during a friendly match against Singapore at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

SWIMMING WORLD CUP Sjostrom and Le Clos extend overall lead aft er Doha leg Sjostrom took home five gold medals, while Le Clos was also successful in Doha, triumphing in four races

By Sports Reporter Doha

he fi fth leg of the World Cup concluded at the Hamad Aquaatic Centre in Doha yesterday, with Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden and South Africa’s ChadT Le Clos keeping their provisional lead of the overall ranking of the competition. Sjostrom took home fi ve gold medals from Doha, topping the timesheets in the 50m, 100m and 200m free, and also in the 50m and 100m fl y. Chad Le Clos was also quite successful in the meet, triumphing in four races – the 50m, 100m and 200m fl y, and the 200m free. Sjostrom has now 446 points, while Le Clos leads the men’s chart with 312 points. The Doha rendezvous also marked the con- clusion of the second cluster of the competi- tion – which included the Hong Kong leg last week. For this particular classifi cation, Le Clos was also the best with 153 points, while Katinka Hosszu of (second overall), pipped Sjostrom with 183 points to Swedish ace’s 180. In Doha, Hosszu, winner of the World Cup ti- tle since 2012, was in great shape, winning fi ve gold medals – 100m and 200m back, 100m, 200m and 400m IM. Last night, Sjostrom, who had won gold Swimmers pose with Qatar Swimming Association President Khaleel al-Jabir after the conclusion of the FINA Swimming World Cup at the Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil across the 200m free, 50m free and 100m but- terfl y on Wednesday, collected two more. The free and 50m fl y respectively. ‘Iron Lady’ Hoss- The pair touched in 1:51.02 behind ’s MEN: 1. Chad Le Clos (RSA), 153 points; 2. Tom Waard (NED) 25.87 Swede fi red off a quick 51.62 to produce the only zu was successful across three events yesterday, Christian Diener, the man who also earned 50m Shields (USA), 114 pts; 3. Kirill Prigoda (RUS), 108 pts 400m Individual Medley: 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) sub-52 second outing of the 100m freestyle fi eld cranking out a 100m backstroke winning eff ort backstroke gold tonight in 23.58 to complete the WOMEN: 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN), 183 points; 2. 4:27.94; 2. Emily Seebohm (AUS) 4:32.57; 3. Alexan- to top the podium, while also nailing a speedy of 56.27. backstroke sweep in Doha. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE), 180 pts; 3. Emily Seebohm dra Wenk (GER) 4:38.83 24.76 in the 50m butterfl y. Runner-up to Sjos- That was enough to hold off Aussie World Le Clos also earned silver behind Russia’s (AUS), 96 pts trom in each of those races was Dutch Olympic Cup rival Emily Seebohm, who touched just .13 Vlad Morozov in the men’s 50m freestyle, an MEN’S 200m Freestyle: 1. Chad Le Clos (RSA) 1: champion who earned behind for silver after having won the 50m dis- event which saw the Russian earn the only sub- RESULTS (ALL FINALS) 44.40; 2. Tom Shields (USA) 1:45.40; 3. Kyle Stolk silver in times of 52.19 and 25.25 for the 100m tance of the discipline last night. 21 second time of the fi eld. Morozov touched WOMEN’S: 100m Freestyle: 1. Sarah Sjostrom (NED) 1:45.77 Hosszu made her characteristic mark in the in 20.98 for gold, with Le Clos next in line with (SWE) 51.62; 2. Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 52.19; 3. 100m Breaststroke: 1. Cameron Van Der Burgh 100m IM as well, claiming the Doha title in 57.26 21.50 shortly after his 100m butterfl y gold. Femke Heemskerk (NED) 52.29 (RSA) 56.11; 2. Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 56.31; 3. Ilya Shy- Sjostrom stopped the clock at 57.60 for a silver. 50m breaststroke: 1. Alia Atkinson (JAM) 29.42; 2. manovich (BLR) 56.76 In the 400m IM, Hosszu expectedly topped QATAR TO HOST SWIMMING Rikke Pedersen (DEN) 30.32; 3. Lena Kreundl (AUT) 100m Butterfly: 1. Chad Le Clos (RSA) 50.17; 2. Tom the fi eld in her pet event. Clocking 4:27.94, WORLD CUP FOR NEXT FOUR YEARS 31.24 Shields (USA) 50.30; 3. Pavel Sakovich (BLR) 50.79 Hosszu led the race wire-to-wire, with Seebo- The President of Qatar Swimming Association 100m Breaststroke: 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 56.27; 50m Backstroke: 1. Christian Diener (GER) 23.58; 2. hm the next closest fi nisher in 4:32.57. Khaleel al-Jabir yesterday revealed that Doha 2. Emily Seebohm (AUS) 56.40; 3. Deeward Maaike Vladmir Morozov (RUS) 23.71; 3. Nelson Junior (BRA) Meanwhile, Chad Le Clos outgunned Ameri- will play host to Swimming World Cup for the (NED) 58.63 23.72 can Tom Shields in two races yesterday, adding next four years until 2021. Al-Jabir said the pres- 200m Butterfly: 1. Yufei Zhang (CHN) 2:07.43; 2. 200m IM: 1. Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 1:55.57; 2. Daniil to his 200m butterfl y and 50m butterfl y golds on ence of large number of world-class swimmers Wenk Alexandra (GER) 2:08.17; 3. Chan Kin Lok (RUS) 1:56.56; 3. David Foldhazi 1:57.41 the opening night. Le Clos cranked out a quick has contributed to the tournament’s success. (HKG) 2:08.17 50m Freestyle: 1. Vladimir Morozov (RUS) 20.98; 2. 1:44.40 to take the men’s 200m freestyle, while 400m Freestyle: 1. Jianjiahe Wang (CHN) 4:02.43; 2. Chad Le Clos (RSA) 21.50; 3. Damian Wierling (GER) Shields settled for silver with his time of 1:45.02. TOP 3 OVERALL RANKING (AFTER 5 LEGS) Bingjie Li (CHN) 4:02.58; 3. Duo Shen (CHN) 4:02.94 21.61 The two then battled in the 100m butterfl y MEN: 1. Chad Le Clos (RSA), 312 points; 2. Kirill 200m Breaststroke: 1. Rikke Pedersen (DEN) 2:18.86; 200m Backstroke: 1. Christian Diener (GER) 1:50.96; where Le Clos got the leg up once again with Prigoda (RUS), 201 pts; 3. Vladimir Morozov (RUS), 2. Alia Atkinson (JAM) 2:26.10; 3. Lisa Zaiser (AUT) 2. Radoslaw Kawecki (POL) 1:51.02; 2. Chad Le Clos a mark of 50.17, although Shields was only .13 189 pts 2:28.57 (RSA) 1:51.02 behind, touching in 50.30 for another runner- WOMEN: 1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE), 446 points; 2. 100m Individual Medley: 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 1500m Freestyle: 1. Gergely Gyurta (HUN) 14:41.84; up slot. The South African was able to collect Katinka Hosszu (HUN), 359 pts; 3. Ranomi Kromow- 57.26; 2. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 57.60; 3. Emily See- 2. Maksym Shemberev (AZE) 14:43.79; 3. Gabriele another 861 FINA points by way of his second idjojo (NED), 182 pts bohm (AUS) 58.59 Detti (ITA) 14:46.75 South Africa’s Chad Le Clos won two gold and place tie with ’s Radoslaw Kawecki in the 50m Butterfly: 1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 24.76; 2. Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay: 1. The Netherlands; silver medals yesterday. men’s 200m backstroke. TOP-3 CLUSTER 2 (FINAL) Ranomi Koromowidjojo (NED) 25.25; 3. Maaike de 2. Germany; 3. China Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 6, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT REPORT Syria stay England, Germany alive with qualify for Russia draw against Gareth Southgate’s side looked utterly bereft of ideas until Kane converted Kyle Walker’s inviting cross to score his 14th goal in nine games for club and country Australia

Omar al-Somah of Syria (L) celebrates his penalty goal against Australia during their 2018 World Cup qualifying football match against Australia at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca yesterday.

AFP Malacca. Malacca, Malaysia Mark Milligan’s fi zzing shot with the outside of his left boot tested Mahmoud al-Youssef on mar al-Soma’s disputed 19 minutes, while Soma provided late penalty kept Syria’s Syria’s chief threat at the other World Cup dream alive end. yesterday as they came Leckie blasted over on 29 min- fromO behind to draw 1-1 with Aus- utes before Soma twice set up tralia and set up a nerve-jangling Omar Khribin for opportunities play-off second leg in Sydney. that the in-form Al Hilal striker Australia were left fuming by put wide of the Australian goal. Soma’s crucial spot-kick in the Five minutes before half-time, 85th minute, after the towering Leckie created Australia’s opener forward was nudged mid-air by when he received a ball down the Mathew Leckie and Iranian ref- right from Milos Degenek, cut eree Alireza Faghani pointed to inside and arrowed a shot which England’s Harry Kane applauds fans after the spot. went in off the boot of Kruse. the match against Slovenia yesterday. The Syrian striker, who has After the break, Juric was un- only recently returned to the war- lucky to see his shot come back wracked team after a long absence off the woodwork — and even un- AFP fi rst half in which England were repeat- es, the hosts would have found themselves sheets of six set by the side who quali- believed to be for political reasons, luckier when, bizarrely, he crashed edly guilty of allowing Slovenia in behind behind. fi ed for the 1986 World Cup — the last confi dently swept his penalty past the rebound off the same post. them. News of Scotland’s goal against Slo- time Northern Ireland reached the global Mathew Ryan to leave the tie on a But Syria were looking dan- Goalkeeper Joe Hart was twice brought vakia lifted the pressure on England and showpiece. knife-edge. gerous and Khribin had a shot arry Kane toed in a 94th-minute into action after Raheem Sterling and they duly snatched victory when Kane McGovern though kept his team in the Syria, playing their ‘home’ blocked by Leckie, before Soma winner as England secured their Walker conceded possession, while the launched himself at Walker’s cross to give match a few minutes later as he pulled off games in Malaysia for security headed a good chance over and place at next year’s World Cup in unmarked Roman Bezjak miscued an at- the long-suff ering home fans something a stunning refl ex save to deny Wagner. reasons, are seeking a fairytale de- was then denied an almost cer- Russia with a thoroughly lack- tempted bicycle kick when he was picked to cheer at last. The visitors were all over the hosts, the but World Cup appearance, while tain goal by Degenek’s last-ditch Hlustre 1-0 victory over Slovenia yesterday. out by Josip Ilicic. Meanwhile, Sebastian Rudy, Sandro Northern Irish saved from going behind Asian champions Australia are lunge. Gareth Southgate’s side looked ut- Tottenham Hotspur striker Kane, in his Wagner and Joshua Kimmich secured de- further by the post from Wagner’s header. being made to squirm as they at- As the game headed into the terly bereft of ideas at a somnolent, two latest audition for the permanent - fending champions Germany’s place at However, the irrepressible Wagner tempt to qualify for their fourth in fi nal quarter, Ouday Jaff al had a thirds-full Wembley until skipper Kane cy, could regularly be seen dropping deep the 2018 World Cup with a clinical 3-1 win would not be denied a third time, the a row. close-range free kick cleared off converted Kyle Walker’s inviting cross to in an attempt to get his team going and he over Northern Ireland in Belfast. 29-year-old Hoff enheim striker’s sub- The eventual winners after the line and Khribin’s defl ected set score his 14th goal in nine games for club worked Jan Oblak with a 30-yard sighter. Rudy and Wagner’s glorious fi rst-half lime curling left-footed strike in the 20th Tuesday’s second leg in Sydney piece sailed just wide. and country. Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Oblak was strikes had their place all but wrapped up minute fl ashing past McGovern for his will face the CONCACAF fed- Syria should have been level The result left England six points clear properly tested shortly after, springing to before Kimmich scored late on to extend fourth goal of the campaign. eration’s fourth-placed team for on 78 minutes but Soma’s point- at the top of Group F above neighbours his left to palm Jordan Henderson’s eff ort Germany’s remarkable unbeaten away The hosts were living off scraps and a spot at next year’s World Cup in blank header was defl ected onto Scotland, whose 1-0 win over 10-man behind. record to 47 World Cup qualifi ers dating rarely able to get out of their half but they Russia. the post in a refl ex stop by Ryan. Slovakia in Glasgow left them in pole po- Marcus Rashford, stationed wide on the back to 1934. were presented with a glorious chance to Australia coach Ange Postec- The critical moment came with sition to claim the play-off place. left, was England’s most enterprising per- The Northern Irish, for whom Josh reduce the defi cit fi ve minutes before half- oglou said he was “bemused” by six minutes to go, when Leckie It is the sixth time in succession Eng- former and he sent Oblak scuttling across Magennis grabbed a late consolation, time. the late penalty decision, which made contact with Soma as they land have qualifi ed for the World Cup, his goal with an audacious attempt from couldn’t give manager Michael O’Neill A great ball in from the right by Magen- cancelled out Robbie Kruse’s both leapt to head a high ball and but after making such heavy work of de- a 35-yard free-kick in fi rst-half stoppage a memorable scalp on his 50th match in nis fell to Corry Evans who was fortunate fi rst-half opener and came after Faghani blew for the penalty. feating Slovenia, they are unlikely to give time. charge as they slid to their fi rst competi- to get a second chance after a poor fi rst Tomi Juric hit the same post twice In the dying exchanges, Trent the game’s super-powers many sleepless After another scare early in the second, tive home defeat since Portugal beat them touch but could only poke an eff ort which in quick succession. Sainsbury had a close-range nights. Hart almost fumbling a header from Bojan 4-2 in September 2013. took a defl ection off Marc Andre ter Ste- “It’s a bit disappointing to con- header saved and Ryan clawed Prior to Kane’s strike, the 61,598 fans in Jokic, England belatedly manufactured However, they can still look forward to gen for a corner. cede a goal the way we did from a away a Moayad al-Ajan shot, but attendance at England’s national stadium some thrust in the game’s last third. a place in the play-off s and a possible trip The hosts — for whom Michael O’Neill decision,” he said. “When a guy they shared the spoils to set up had taken to entertaining themselves by Rashford and Sterling were each denied to Russia. sent on Stuart Dallas and Conor Washing- gets up and wins a header I’m a bit Tuesday’s tense decider in Syd- launching paper aeroplanes at the pitch. by last-ditch clearances, the former after The raucous 18,000 crowd were si- ton to add a bit more vim going forward bemused, but it is what it is.” ney. Nevertheless, for Southgate it repre- under-cooking an attempted lob, the lat- lenced within two minutes as Rudy lashed — were grateful to McGovern again as he Kruse was far less diplomatic “In the fi rst half we weren’t as sented mission accomplished, a year on ter seeing a side-foot eff ort athletically home a stunning right-footed eff ort into produced another top class save to deny when he was quoted by Fox Sports good as we should, but in the sec- from his hasty appointment as manager diverted wide by Slovenia skipper Bostjan the top corner from outside the area that Thomas Mueller in the 50th minute. as saying: “It’s never a pen, but ond we took control of the match — initially on an interim basis — after his Cesar. gave Michael McGovern no chance. Northern Ireland should have made it you come to expect that in this until the last minute,” said Soma. predecessor Sam Allardyce was felled by a Kane also dragged wide with his left It was 27-year-old Rudy’s fi rst goal 2-1 with 15 minutes remaining after the (Asian) confederation.” “The match in Australia will be newspaper sting. foot, but had man-of-the-match Hart for his country in his 22nd appearance industrious Magennis got the better of Both teams made a cagey start diffi cult, in front of their support- Row upon row of empty red seats, allied not raced out quickly and alertly to thwart and brought to an end the hosts’ hope of Mats Hummels and set up Washington in front of a sparse but Syrian- ers and at their home venue... but to a sleepy crowd, had made for a soporifi c substitute Tim Matavz in the closing stag- equalling the record for successive clean whose rising eff ort struck the crossbar. dominated crowd in sultry condi- there’s no impossible in football,” tions at the Hang Jebat Stadium in he added.

PREVIEW FOCUS Moment of truth for USA as Lewandowski fi res Poland to brink of Panama eye historic fi rst berth World Cup

AFP popular sport in a country which Friday’s game to keep their qual- World Cup. Today’s game also message to his players. AFP ond half as Jakub Blaszczykowski Miami for so long remained impervious ifi cation destiny in their own gives Panama a golden oppor- “Win the game,” he said. Yerevan and Rafal Wolski also scored for to its charms. hands. tunity to avenge their agonising “That’s the message — win the the visitors. Yet American hopes of ap- Victory, followed by an away 2013 qualifying loss to the United game.” obert Lewandowski Lewandowski also broke a he United States face pearing at an eighth consecutive win against Trinidad & Tobago States. “We have no excuses. We’re scored a hat-trick and record set in August by Cristiano their most important World Cup at next year’s fi nals in next Tuesday, would guarantee Four years ago, Panama need- not depending on other teams to became his country’s Ronaldo by increasing his tally in World Cup qualifying Russia are in jeopardy as Bruce automatic qualifi cation for the ed only to beat the US at home to win games to help us. We’re de- record goalscorer as Po- 2018 World Cup qualifi ers to 15 game in nearly 30 years Arena’s side prepare to face Pan- Americans and a ticket to Russia. qualify for the 2014 World Cup in pending on ourselves. Whenever landR thrashed Armenia 6-1 yes- goals, one more than the Portu- todayT when they take on a Pana- ama in Orlando on Friday. Any other result in Orlando, . you’re in that situation I think terday to leave them on the verge gal captain. ma side thirsting for revenge and A stuttering campaign in the and the picture becomes com- But two US goals in stoppage it’s a positive,” Arena added. of qualifying for next year’s Ronaldo is level with former chasing a historic fi rst ever ap- six-team fi nal round of quali- plicated, with a fourth-placed time turned what looked like be- Arena, who returned as US World Cup. Yugoslavia forward Predrag Mi- pearance at the fi nals. fying for North America, Cen- fi nish raising the possibility of ing a 2-1 Panamanian win into a coach last November following Kamil Grosicki struck after jatovic, who scored 14 goals dur- Twenty-eight years ago, the tral America and the Caribbean a two-leg playoff against either 3-2 American victory to leave the the sacking of Jurgen Klinsmann just two minutes in Yerevan be- ing qualifying for the 1998 World Americans defeated Trinidad (CONCACAF) has left the United Syria or Australia. hosts devastated. after qualifying losses to Mexico fore Lewandowski curled in a Cup, but could establish a new and Tobago 1-0 to book their States in fourth place with two Panama, who drew 1-1 with US coach Arena acknowledged and Costa Rica, said he expects brilliant free-kick to draw level mark on Saturday when Portugal place at the 1990 World Cup — games remaining, outside the the US in Panama City in March, the importance of Friday’s game, Panama to take a cagey approach with Wlodzimierz Lubanski, visit lowly Andorra. the country’s fi rst appearance top three automatic qualifying will likely qualify for Russia if but reiterated that his players to today’s game. who represented Poland from Poland require just a point at football’s biggest tournament places. they win in Florida on Friday. still have their qualifi cation des- “I imagine they’ll be in a de- 1963 to 1980, on 48 international from their fi nal qualifi er at since 1950. Panama, who have never A draw would also work in tiny in their own hands. fensive posture,” Arena said. goals. home to Montenegro on Sun- Since then, the US have quali- qualifi ed for the World Cup, sit Panama’s favour, leaving them “This is an important game, “They’ve had a good qualify- The Bayern Munich star day to clinch their place in the fi ed for every edition of the in third place, one point ahead of needing only to beat Costa Rica no question about it. And I think ing campaign to date...They’re a claimed the outright record fi nals, although they would also World Cup, a record of achieve- the United States. — who by that stage may already we’ll have a team ready to play,” team in third place — so they’re when he blasted home an indi- seal top spot in Group E if Mon- ment that refl ects the steady de- It means that Arena’s side have qualifi ed — next Tuesday Arena told reporters, adding that ahead of us. So we’ll give them a rect free-kick on 25 minutes and tenegro draw with in velopment of the world’s most must take maximum points from to book a fi rst ever place at the he had given a straightforward lot of respect.” completed his treble in the sec- Podgorica later. Gulf Times Friday, October 6, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Nigeria, Tunisia Food focus helps Kane and Egypt eye perfect recipe World Cup places for goals Nigeria will secure a sixth appearance at the global football showpiece by winning in Uyo against Zambia, the only other Group B contenders

AFP Kane said. Enfield, United Kingdom “It’s more just planning it: when we have double (training) sessions, maybe higher carbs; when the sessions are a arry Kane has revealed that bit lighter, it’d be lower. his remarkable goal-scoring “I still eat what I was eating, nothing feats with Tottenham Hot- really new. I’m not a big fi sh fan, but spur and England over re- he’s got me eating a bit more fi sh for my centH months can be traced back to his Omega-3 (fatty acids). A few spices on kitchen. that to help.” The 24-year-old striker, who has Asked whether he has a guilty pleas- scored goals at a prolifi c rate since his ure, Kane lowered his head bashfully breakthrough season with Spurs in and said: “Apple crumble.” 2014-15. Sitting beside Kane, England man- But his scoring has hit new heights ager Gareth Southgate said he was this year — 11 goals in fi ve games for “absolutely the sort of role model you club and country at the tail-end of last want”. season, 13 in eight last month — and he While Kane’s eating habits have partly credits his decision to hire a per- changed, his style of shooting has not. Nigeria’s German sonal chef. The blond front man is renowned for coach Gernot Rohr. “Over the last year or so, I’ve changed fi nding the bottom corners of the net a lot off the pitch with the nutrition and he says Spurs youth coach Bradley side of it,” Kane told reporters after Allen played a key role in helping him training with England at Spurs’ base in hone his fi nishing style. Enfi eld, north London on Wednesday. “I’ve worked on that from a young “It kind of clicked in my head that age — it was always low and hard in the a football career is so short. It goes so corner,” Kane said. quickly. You’ve just got to make every “Some people now try and score the day count. So I’ve got a chef at home to perfect goal, in the top corner to look AFP especially after impressive home and destiny — a win takes us to Russia. The Despite three withdrawals through eat the right food, which is big for re- better, but it doesn’t matter to me. Low away performances against African players, my technical staff and I are to- injury, Argentina-born coach Hector covery. and hard across the keeper is the worst champions Cameroon last month. tally focused on that objective.” Cuper can call on a formidable mix of “You can’t train as hard as you’d like one for them to try and save. Inspired by current and former Tunisia travel to Guinea with a three- local and Europe-based talent. when you have so many games, so you “Bradley Allen, under-15s (coach) here are fi ve places reserved Chelsea midfi elders Victor Moses and point advantage over DR Congo hav- Centre-back Ahmed Hegazy, mid- have to make the little gains away from here, was a great coach for me. We al- for Africa at the 2018 World John Mikel Obi, the “Super Eagles” ing taken four points in back-to-back fi elders Mohamed Elneny and Ramadan football as well. ways did extra fi nishing. Cup in Russia and Nigeria, triumphed 4-0 in Uyo and drew 1-1 in matches between the countries last Sobhy and striker Mohamed Salah are “That’s recovery, sleep, eating the “Last year he asked me why I kept TTunisia, and Egypt could fi ll Yaounde to end the Cameroon chal- month. with English Premier League outfi ts. right food. That will defi nitely help cutting back on my right foot and not three of them this weekend. lenge. But the “Carthage Eagles” have a Saudi Arabia-based goalkeeper Es- me going into a tournament year and taking it on my left, and he was right. Nigeria will secure a sixth appear- Germany-born Nigeria coach Gernot woeful record in Conakry, losing four sam El Hadary is 44 and set to become hopefully keep me fresh all year round.” “This season, that’s worked out well ance at the global football showpiece Rohr does not expect another multi- previous World Cup qualifi ers in the the oldest footballer to play at a World Kane was introduced to his chef, who for me — I’ve scored quite a few with by winning in Uyo against Zambia, the goal romp against Zambia, who would west African coastal city. Cup if the “Pharaohs” qualify. he did not name, by an acquaintance the left foot.” only other Group B contenders. draw level with Nigeria on 10 points by Libya host DR Congo in Tunisia for Group D is tight with only one point last December. Kane has always professed himself Tunisia are away to Guinea and winning. security reasons and the Congolese separating Burkina Faso from third- The chef visits the house Kane shares content at Tottenham, his local club, must better the result of second-place “I do not believe another four-goal hope Cedric Bakambu can transfer his place Senegal with Cape Verde in be- with his fi ancee, Katie Goodland, and but for the fi rst time he has opened the Democratic Republic of Congo, who victory is a realistic expectation — win- Spanish club form to north Africa. tween. their nine-month-old daughter, Ivy, door to a move abroad. face Libya, to clinch qualifi cation from ning by one or two goals will do fi ne,” The striker scored a hat-trick for South Africa are fi ve points behind six days a week and has been helping “I would never say no or yes. You’d Group A Rohr told reporters. Villarreal last weekend — his fi rst in La the frontrunners having had a victory the striker understand how his body not rule out anything,” he said when Egypt can end 28 years in the World “Zambia are now a much better Liga — and is overdue some World Cup over Senegal annulled due to manipu- reacts to diff erent foods. asked about the possibility of one day Cup wilderness with a home victory team than when we beat them last year. goals. lation by a Ghanaian referee, who has “You could eat healthily all week playing overseas. over Congo Brazzaville if Uganda fail to Watching videos of their wins over Al- Egypt have nine points in Group E, been banned for life. and then have loads of carbs (carbo- “It’s not something I defi nitely want collect maximum points against visit- geria, I was struck by the speed of the two ahead of Uganda and four in front Ivory Coast, seeking a fourth consec- hydrates) before a game, but you’ve to do, but you never rule anything out. ing Ghana. strikers. of Ghana as they hope to end a long- utive World Cup qualifi cation, are one not eaten those carbs all week and your I’m very happy here, but we’ll see what The other mini-leagues, topped by “I believe Algeria underestimated running World Cup nightmare. point ahead of Morocco and two above body goes into a little bit of shock,” happens.” the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, can- them and we dare not make the same The last of two appearances at the Gabon in Group C. not be decided after the penultimate mistake. Zambia have introduced some tournament was in 1990 with the The Ivorians are away to Mali today series of matches, whatever the results. of the African youth championship- record seven-time African champions in the fi rst of 10 fi xtures scheduled for FOCUS Having won 2-1 in Zambia last year, winning team with good eff ect. suff ering several heart-breaking fail- the weekend while Morocco host Ga- Nigeria are understandably optimistic, “It is nice that we have control of our ures since. bon in Rabat. World Cup 2018: SATISFACTION Video-assisted referee FIFA rates Russia’s WC preparations ‘good’ could be delayed

AFP But he cautioned: “There are still Cup last summer. “We’ve looked at the no incidents were noted. AFP The system is designed to help the Moscow some risks and a signifi cant amount of readiness of not only the stadiums but “The vast majority of the fans that Lausanne referee on the pitch, and can stop the work to be done — especially in the next the host cities (as a) whole, so we looked will come to the World Cup are here to action to review controversial deci- two or three months” to fi nish all the in- at the training sites, hotels, airports and celebrate, to party and to have a good trial period for the video as- sions. top FIFA offi cial yesterday said frastructure by the end of this year. the general road infrastructure.” time,” Smith said. sistant referee (VAR) system However, the results of the tests have world’s football governing “We look forward to the test matches The FIFA commission boss dismissed “But if anyone comes with the other could be extended beyond not been unanimous. In Italy, for ex- body was satisfi ed with Rus- because ultimately that’s the fi rst op- security fears, arguing that the Russian intentions than that’s why the secu- next year’s World Cup, foot- ample, VAR has not drawn a line under Asia’s World Cup preparations portunity we’ll get to see the facilities in organisers’ security strategy had passed rity plans are in place to ensure that it ball’sA lawmakers said yesterday, despite talking points, but added to the contro- but warned a “signifi cant” amount of action,” Smith added. a serious test during the Confederations doesn’t negatively impact on anyone.” FIFA’s vow to include them in Russia versy. work was still to be done. Smith, who heads the FIFA opera- Cup. Smith also said FIFA fully backed the 2018. “It will become like baseball in the “In general the state of readiness is tional commission, said during the 10- “For the World Cup there’s a detailed Russian authorities’ plans to issue an FIFA President Gianni Infantino has United States, we stay 10 hours at the good,” Colin Smith, FIFA’s director of day inspection tour his board had fo- security concept in place,” Smith said. offi cial identity document called a Fa- said “nothing is standing in the way” stadium eating peanuts,” joked Ju- competitions, told journalists in Mos- cused on the cities and venues that did “We saw it was very well implemented nID to all those attending World Cup of the technology for next summer’s ventus coach Massimiliano Allegri on cow after an inspection of host cities. not host matches for the Confederations during the Confederations Cup where matches. competition, but a spokesman for In- Sunday. ternational Football Association Board The IFAB spokesman said that fol- (IFAB) told AFP the ongoing experi- lowing the two-year experiment, they ment could be “prolonged”. believe they “will have enough evi- “The intention is to take the best de- dence to take this decision”. India ready to take on US in U-17 FIFA World Cup cision going forward, not a quick one,” “IFAB and FIFA, together, we will said the spokesman for the independ- discuss the results later this year thor- New Delhi: On the eve of India’s historic fi rst in training and I hope it translates onto the pitch.” maintained that India won’t have the advantage be- ent body in charge of football’s rules oughly with the intention to take the ever encounter in a FIFA U-17 World Cup, India “Sargent, Weah, Carleton are all very strong ing unknown entities. and regulations. best decision going forward,” he said. U-17 Head Coach Luis Norton de Matos said that players. They are physical and work very hard, so Meanwhile, USA Coach John Hackworth said In- “And if the results from all leagues “So far, the experience shows that the “players are focused and they know what to do” we have to try and work harder,” de Matos further dia are a “very hard-working team.” and competitions using VARs at the the project is going in the right and as India gear up to take on United States today at the stated. “We had played them in India two years back. moment were not satisfactory, the ex- positive direction.” Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the capital. Despite defender Boris Singh being ruled out due The result was in our favour but it wasn’t indicative periment could be prolonged by an- He added the decision on whether “We will play as a unit and as a collective force. to a red card, the coach isn’t too much perturbed. of the manner they play. I am sure they have im- other period.” VAR will be used in Russia 2018 will be We will fi ght strongly as a unit,” he declared. “When I signed in as a coach I knew Boris will not proved in last year.” VAR — which is used to review goals, made “solely by FIFA, not by IFAB, on Asked to assess the opponents, he maintained: be able to play the fi rst game. We will have a player “In this age, there is information all over the red cards, penalties and cases of mis- the condition that VAR is approved by “They are strong on all counts. They have an at- ready to do his job.” world. Of course, they do not know the exact team taken identity — has been tested in IFAB at its general meeting in March, tacking philosophy and as a coach, I would have to In this digital age information on opposing play- we will play. But there is a lot of information out and countries including Australia, Brazil, or that the experiment continues for a fi nd the solutions. The team has worked very hard ers are easily available on a platter and the coach both teams know much about the other,” he smiled. , Italy and the Netherlands. new period”. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 6, 2017 SPORT

ATHLETICS CYCLING Reichenbach fi les complaint against Sky’s Bolt can inspire Moscon over crash

Reuters on Wednesday. Bengaluru “It was intentional. Several riders saw the action and are ready to provide testimony on my behalf. He deliber- DJ’s Sebastien Reichenbach has ately threw himself against me. On a young, says Coe fi led a complaint against Gi- descent, the accident could have had anni Moscon after accusing the even more serious consequences. My Team Sky rider of intentionally team, FDJ, has encouraged me to fi le a ‘This is not about someone who will dominate next three Olympic Games’ Fcausing him to crash, a source with di- complaint. They will support me.” rect knowledge of the matter told Reu- Moscon, who wished Reichenbach a AFP ters yesterday. speedy recovery on Twitter, has denied London The 28-year-old Swiss fractured his causing the accident. elbow in the fall in Tuesday’s race in “It’s not true. It’s nothing to do with Italy and needs surgery, his team said in me. We were on a section of rough road amaican track superstar Us- a statement. Italian Moscon has denied and Reichenbach’s hands slipped from ain Bolt can play a key role in any wrongdoing and said Reichen- his handlebars. I’ve never spoken to inspiring youngsters to get in- bach’s hands slipped from his handle- him in my life,” Moscon, 23, told La volved in athletics even though bars. Gazzetta dello Sport. heJ has hung up his running spikes, Reichenbach’s complaint is being in- Reichenbach’s team FDJ supported IAAF president Sebastian Coe said on vestigated by cycling’s Road Competi- their rider’s account of the crash. Wednesday. tions’ Commission, the source said. “The crash has been caused by the Bolt, the world record holder in the The commission is empowered to dangerous behaviour of one of his op- 100m and 200m, brought down the make recommendations based on ponents, Gianni Moscon,” FDJ said on curtain on his glittering career at the which cycling’s governing body (UCI) their Twitter account on Tuesday. London world championships in Au- can open disciplinary proceedings. The Team Sky issued a statement on gust. UCI have been contacted for comment. Wednesday wishing Reichenbach a Coe, himself a two-time Olympic The Cycling News website reported quick recovery. gold medallist, said he was due to meet that Reichenbach had also fi led a com- “With regards to the circumstances the 31-year-old Jamaican before Christ- plaint with the Italian police (www.cy- around the crash, it is right and fair that mas to discuss what he could do. clingnews.com). the full facts are established and that “I had conversations with the Ja- “I’m fi ling a complaint against Gi- those involved fi rst have the opportu- maican prime minister when I went anni Moscon because he intentionally nity to provide their own view through to watch Bolt run his fi nal race there,” put me on the ground,” Reichenbach the proper channels,” the statement Coe told reporters at the Sport Busi- was quoted as saying by Le Nouvelliste added. ness Summit, held at Chelsea’s Stam- ford Bridge ground in London. “Jamaica’s challenges aren’t dissimi- SPOTLIGHT lar to ours in fi guring out all the inspi- rational things he can do in Jamaica and for us on a global scale,” he said. “At the moment it is diffi cult for me Thomas named PGA to say what he can do beyond engage- ment with young people. I don’t think I have ever witnessed anyone in any sport Tour Player of the Year apart from Muhammad Ali who has had that ability to engage with the young.” International Association of Ath- letics Federations chief Coe said it was diffi cult to see the enormous vacuum left by Bolt on and off the track being fi lled immediately. In this August 13, 2017, picture, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt takes part in a lap of honour on the final day of the 2017 IAAF World “Nobody will fi ll the boots straight Championships in London. (AFP) away,” he said. “This is not just sim- ply about someone who will dominate much as you should? ways,” said Coe. “You have to be. Sport but we all have an individual view. sprinting for the next three Olympic “I want to feel like I wasn’t expect- is rarely a mirror image of society. “I have never felt under pres- Games. ing that response, they have to be in- Sport sets the trends. sure from political leaders, not even “It is maybe not being philosophi- teresting, take the sport beyond the “For instance Jesse Owens in the 1979/80,” added Coe with a trace of a cally or politically correct but we are stadium, they have to reach out.” 1936 Olympics in (who explod- smile, referring to pressure put on him in the entertainment business. Coe backed the right of American ed the myth of Aryan superiority) or and his father by a minister in Marga- “The athletes have to have an opin- sports stars to “take a knee” in protest the raised fi st salute in the 1968 Games ret Thatcher’s government to boycott ion, they must be able to dominate a during the playing of the US national (involving 200m medallists Tommie the 1980 Olympics in Moscow over the room and a stadium and sometimes I anthem following a tirade against Smith and John Carlos). then Soviet Union invasion of Afghan- sit there at athletes’ press conferences them from President Donald Trump. “Sport will always take a view, istan — he declined and went on to win and I wonder are you really off ering as “I believe in personal freedoms, al- sometimes makes one uncomfortable his fi rst gold.

Coe seeks radical change to keep athletics relevant Reuters spend his first two years in off ice as from anywhere in his new crusade London IAAF President “securing the founda- of keeping the sport “relevant” to tions” of an organisation shattered by the next generation. “Over the next corruption issues that had dogged it year our relentless focus on formats he 2019 Doha World Athletics for years and remain the subject of a and the changes that we make in the Championships could have a French judicial investigation. sport has to be absolutely laser-like,” Tvery diff erent look to this year’s He said that the IAAF is now an he said. “Our season needs to make event, IAAF head Sebastian Coe said example for all sports in terms of sense, we need a rhyme and reason Reuters tour record low score of 253 strokes at on Wednesday as he explained how transparency and ethics and that now to it. We really need a deep dive over Cary, North Carolina the Sony Open in Hawaii in January. the sport is embracing radical change changes, which included him giving the next two years so that we really Thomas nominated his tee shot at the in the fight to “stay relevant”. up many of the powers previously do understand what that sport can par-three 17th at Quail Hollow in the fi - Established track and field events attached to the Presidency, had been look like and set it on the way for the ustin Thomas was named nal round of the PGA Championship as could be cut from the programme — put in place he is free to address next 30 years. PGA Tour Player of the Year on the most special in a remarkable season. though the former British politician athletics’ external problems. The “For example, why are we wedded to Wednesday after a season that “That shot was probably the best was careful not to name any in the former double Olympic 1500 metres a 400-metre track? Why can we not included fi ve victories and the shot I’ve ever hit in my life under those FedExCupJ title. circumstances,” he said of the seven- firing line — while some of the basic champion has long recognised the have pop-up 300m or 200m tracks in presumptions that have underpinned na the World Championships to semis shortcomings of the Diamond League football stadiums? The award was voted on by his fellow iron from 200 yards that cleared the the sport for over a century are up for and finals? and promised changes for next “What about teams, cities, franchises? players on the PGA Tour, which does water hazard, found the heart of the debate. “These are the things that are on season. What about having the excitement not release the vote totals. green, and set up a 15-foot birdie that “Everything is on the table. Frankly, the table and I don’t want to remove He also said he had concerns over of the draft, the IPL (cricket’s Indian Thomas joined an elite group includ- all but clinched the championship. I’m not ruling anything out,” Coe told them until we’ve had a possibly the sport’s obsession with times, Premier League) auction? Those are ing Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Thomas also played a role in helping journalists at the Leaders in Sport uncomfortable set of conversations. recognising that fans were more en- the things that I really want to have Jordan Spieth to have posted fi ve wins the United States win last week’s Presi- conference. You’re going to have to challenge a gaged by great racing. “There has got on the table. in a season before the age of 25. dents Cup by posting a 3-1-1 record “The London World Championships lot of the orthodoxies.” to be drama, nobody wants to watch “We need to have some early mo- The 24-year-old’s victories included against the International team. was fabulous but is it sensible that it Coe addressed the conference on a procession,” he said. ments of unease about what we are his fi rst major title at the PGA Champi- Xander Schauff ele was named PGA runs over 10 days anymore? Do we the subject of sports governance A fan of city-centre events Coe said prepared to do and I think we have to onship in August. Tour Rookie of the Year. He won twice, have fewer athletes? Do we concerti- and said that he had been forced to he was happy to look at suggestions be radical.” He also won the season-long points including the season-ending Tour race, the FedExCup, and set an all-time Championship.

GOLF Bae returns to PGA Tour aft er two-year military service

Reuters able-bodied Korean men between the “It was really a special week, some- Cary, North Carolina ages of 18 and 35 to undertake military thing I’ll cherish,” he told reporters on service. Wednesday. Bae, 31, returned to competition He should feel at home this week in his outh Korea’s Bae Sang-moon three weeks ago in his homeland at the home state of California, where he has returns to the PGA Tour yester- Donghae Open, an event co-sanctioned secured 11 of his 42 PGA Tour victories. day after a two-year absence for by the Asian Tour and Korean PGA, “I’m really excited to play because military service, as the new sea- where he was understandably rusty and I’ve been playing well. I think I’m going sonS begins in northern California. missed the cut. to have a good chance,” he said. Less than 100 hours after the old He has time on his side on the PGA “My game is back to where I’m want- season wrapped up with the Presidents Tour, however, with guaranteed exempt ing it to be. I’ve got the opportunity to Cup in New Jersey, the 2017-18 cam- status, which provides him with a tour start the new season with a bit of mo- paign starts with the Safeway Open card for a minimum of two years, thanks mentum.” at Silverado Resort in the Napa wine to his victory at Silverado in 2014. Mickelson is the only member of the country north of San Francisco. The tour tweaked its regulations for US Presidents Cup team competing, It will be the fi rst of 49 offi cial money Bae, so that his two-season exemption while two players from the losing Inter- events on the schedule. as a winner would be delayed until his national team, Canadian Adam Hadwin Bae has not played on the PGA Tour return from military service. and Argentine Emiliano Grillo, will be since the 2015 Presidents Cup in his Also competing this week is Phil in action. home country of South Korea. Mickelson, who has not won since the The Safeway Open is the fi rst of eight The two-time PGA Tour winner 2013 British Open, but thinks another offi cial tournaments over the next sev- stepped away from golf to complete his victory might be just around the corner. en weeks as the tour visits four coun- mandatory stint in the South Korean Mickelson is coming off a strong per- tries outside the US — Malaysia, South military. formance at the Presidents Cup, where Korea, China and Mexico — before He spent his time as a rifl eman in the he won three of his four matches on the shutting down for the fi nal six weeks of In this October 12, 2014, picture, Bae Sang-moon of South Korea with his trophy after winning the Frys.com Open at Silverado army, honouring the requirement for all victorious American team. the year. Resort and Spa in Napa, California. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, October 6, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL Panthers' Newton slammed over sexist remark New York: Carolina Panthers president of the Association quarterback Cam Newton faced for Women in Sports Media, mounting criticism on Wednes- remarked: “This was common- Diamondbacks day after making a sexist place in the 1980s, unfortunate- comment to a female reporter ly. To hear it now, from a young during a press conference. New- man, is reprehensible.” ton landed in hot water after remarking that it was “funny to LUCK BACK IN PRACTICE hear a female” ask a question AFTER SURGERY about route running. Indianapolis Colts quarterback down Rockies to set The Panthers star smirked Andrew Luck was back on the after Jourdan Rodrigue, a practice field with teammates reporter for the Charlotte for the first time since undergo- Observer, asked about receiver ing right shoulder surgery in Devin Funchess’s ability to run January. Luck’s return date is physically demanding routes. still uncertain, but he was seen “It’s funny to hear a female talk throwing passes in front of the up Dodgers playoff about routes like — it’s funny,” media for the first time since the 28-year-old Newton said Week 17 of last season. before discussing Funchess’s The 28-year-old Luck, who development with the team. already has been ruled out for Diamondbacks-Dodgers winner will face either Washington or Chicago Cubs Rodrigue however criticized Sunday’s home game against Newton’s reply in several posts the San Francisco 49ers, ac- AFP on social media. “I don’t think knowledged he is not fully back. Los Angeles it’s ‘funny’ to be a female and Luck off ered no specifics on talk about routes. I think it’s my when he would play in a game job,” Rodrigue wrote on Twitter. this season but said he is “sur- he Arizona Diamondbacks with- Rodrigue also revealed that rounded by really good people” stood a fi erce late rally from the she spoke with Newton in and “very encouraged” with his Colorado Rockies on Wednes- private after the press confer- progress. day to win their National League ence and was unhappy with Twildcard playoff duel 11-7 and advance to his response. “I spoke with him PATRIOTS’ GRONKOWSKI a meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. after and it was worse,” she SUFFERS THIGH INJURY Back-to-back home runs from Nolan wrote. “I chose not to share, New England Patriots tight end Arenado and Trevor Story in the top of because I have an actual job to Rob Gronkowski was listed as the eighth inning saw the Rockies claw do today and one he will not questionable to play against the their way back to within one run of the keep me from.” Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a D-Backs at 8-7. But AJ Pollock’s triple for The Panthers promptly issued thigh injury. Arizona in the bottom of the eighth al- a statement clarifying Newton’s Gronkowski was limited in lowed JD Martinez and Jake Lamb to score remarks. “I have spoken with Wednesday’s practice after be- and gave the Diamondbacks’ breathing Jourdan and Cam and I know ing a full participant in each of space at 10-7. they had a conversation where the previous two days for New Pollock then scored after Jeff Mathis he expressed regret for using England (2-2).The 28-year-old reached base on a bunt off pitcher Greg those words,” a spokesman leads the Patriots in receiving Holland to put the Diamondbacks 11-7 said. “We strive as a department yards (318) to go along with his ahead. The Rockies clawed a run back af- to make the environment for 20 catches and two touchdowns ter Carlos Gonzalez’s single saw Ian Des- media comfortable for everyone in four games. mond score in the top of the ninth but it covering the team.” Gronkowski played in all 70 was not enough. Newton’s comments were of the team’s off ensive snaps Arizona will now advance to a NL best- skewered by other female jour- in a 33-30 loss to the Carolina of-fi ve playoff series against the Dodg- nalists on Twitter. USA Today’s Panthers on Sunday. He did not ers, who had the best record in the major award-winning sports column- mention an injury when meet- leagues this season, with game one today. ist Christine Brennan, the first ing with reporters on Tuesday. Earlier, Arizona seized a 3-0 lead in the fi rst inning as David Peralta and Ketel Marte singled before Paul Goldschmidt smashed a three-run homer, blasting a hanging curve ball from Colorado right- hander Jon Gray over the left-fi eld wall. The Diamondbacks boosted their mar- Arizona Diamondbacks players celebrate after defeating the Colorado Rockies 11-8 in the 2017 National League wildcard playoff gin to 4-0 in the second inning when Per- baseball game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday night. (USA TODAY Sports) alta singled and scored on a triple to the center fi eld wall by Dominican shortstop centerfi eld. Story scored for third base est playoff start of his career. the Diamondbacks’ edge to 8-5. Marte, prompting Colorado to remove when Mark Reynolds grounded out to Lucroy pulled the Rockies within 6-5 in The Diamondbacks-Dodgers winner Gray from the mound. fi rst base and Jonathan Lucroy smacked the seventh when he doubled, took third will face either Washington or the de- Daniel Descalso blasted a two-run a line drive double to right fi eld to score base on a wild pitch and scored when fending champion Chicago Cubs in the homer to the rightfi eld stands in the Parra and pull Colorado within 6-3. Charlie Blackmon hit a sacrifi ce bunt to National League fi nals to decide a berth in third inning to stretch Arizona’s edge to Moments later, Alexi Amarista second base. the World Series. The American League 6-0. The Rockies fi nally responded in the smacked a single up the middle to score Arizona struck for two runs in the sev- playoff s continued last night with Boston fourth when Arenado reached on a fi eld- Lucroy, lifting the Rockies within 6-4 enth after Jake Lamb singled, Daniel Des- at Houston and the New York Yankees at er’s choice, took second on Story’s single and prompting Arizona to remove start- calso walked and Archie Bradley smacked Cleveland in the openers of their best-of- and scored on Gerardo Parra’s single to ing pitcher Zack Greinke after the short- a two-run triple to centerfi eld, boosting fi ve matchups.

SPOTLIGHT NHL Warriors embrace changes McDavid scores hat-trick as to 2018 NBA All-Star Game Oilers blank Flames in opener

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

By Mark Medina to play with open gym,” Curry interesting storylines, with the The Mercury News said. “There’s a lot of ways you Warriors’ entertaining style of can go. It should be fun to see play, the league’s dynamic per- how it plays out to see who picks sonalities and constant player he platform has suddenly the teams.” movement. Last year’s NBA All- expanded for Stephen Curry has a unique responsi- Star game did not attract as much Curry, whose power ex- bility as an expected captain. He buzz because of its non-existent tends even beyond his already plays for an All-Star team defense and emphasis for top Tsharpshooting and activism. that features himself, Thomp- players to log limited minutes for Calgary Flames defensemen Travis Hamonic (left) tries to catch Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid during the third period of the The Warriors’ guard will have son, Kevin Durant and Draymond rest purposes. NHL game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada on Wednesday night. (USA TODAY Sports) a signifi cant say on who plays Green in the starting lineup. As Afterwards, NBA Commis- in the 2018 NBA All-Star game. Thompson joked, “I hope he sioner Adam Silver sounded Reuters FLYERS 5, 3 moved in from the right point and used Jus- The two captains will draft the picks us.” And if Curry does not? open toward changing the All- Edmonton, Canada Wayne Simmonds’ second goal of the tin Schultz as a screen to beat Matt Murray. 2018 All-Star teams from a pool “Defi nitely they’d be very upset if Star Game. The league and its game broke a tie midway through the third The Blues’ Jake Allen stopped 29 of 33 of players voted as starters and I don’t,” Curry said. players union made sure that period and powered Philadelphia past San shots, and Murray also made 29 saves. Sid- reserves without any regard for Hence, Curry said he will happened. “I think it’s great and onnor McDavid scored three goals, Jose. Simmonds completed his second ca- ney Crosby had a goal and an assist, and conference affi liation. And it choose his Warriors teammates it adds more excitement,” Green and Cam Talbot made 26 saves as reer hat trick on an empty-net goal with 35.7 Evegeni Malkin added two assists for the seems like a foregone conclusion to basically represent the next said. “I think the All-Star last the Edmonton Oilers won their seconds left. Penguins. Paul Stastny had a goal and an as- who those captains would be. All-Star team. “I think it’ll be Game was pretty boring.” National Hockey League season Ten minutes earlier, Simmons made it 4-3 sist for St. Louis. “My guess it would be LeB- interesting and hopefully some- The next one could be pretty Copener 3-0 over the rival Calgary Flames on when he redirected Jakob Voracek’s drive ron (James) and Steph because thing that will be great fun for the exciting. It takes place at Staples Wednesday. past Sharks goaltender Martin Jones, the MAPLE LEAFS 7, JETS 2 (they’re) so popular worldwide,” fans to follow to see how the team Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 18. McDavid brought the capacity crowd to third time the Flyers scored on the power Patrick Marleau scored twice in his To- Warriors guard Klay Thompson unfolds,” Curry said. “It’ll obvi- Each team will select an LA-area its feet at 11:01 of the fi rst period after the play. Kevin Labanc scored two goals for San ronto debut as the Maple Leafs crushed said before practice on Wednes- ously be a totally diff erent look charity or national organization Oilers’ top line held the puck in the Calgary Jose, but committed three minor penalties Winnipeg. Nazem Kadri, James van day at Shenzhen City Arena in once we get on the court and see where donations will support zone for almost a minute. Leon Draisaitl’s that were all turned into scores. Brian Elliott Riemsdyk and William Nylander scored in a China. “But it’s pretty exciting. East guys with West guys and a local eff orts. And Thompson ob- pass defl ected right to McDavid, who fi red made 32 saves for Philadelphia, while Jones span of 2 minutes, 38 seconds late in the fi rst It’s cool the NBA is throwing diff erent kind of setup. It should served, “they made the changes a shot into the open side of the net. At 8:07 stopped 26 shots. period to guide Toronto to a 3-0 lead. something new out there.” be fun to see how it plays out. partly because the West is going of the third, McDavid blew past Flames de- Frederik Andersen stopped 35 shots for Curry does not exactly see Obviously for the fans, it switch- to be so stacked this year.” fensemen Travis Hamonic and TJ Brodie, BLUES 5, PENGUINS 4 (OT) the Maple Leafs. Calder Trophy winner the change as something new, es it up and makes the game more “It’s an All-Star Game; I’ll cut toward the net and threw the puck up Alex Pietrangelo’s second goal of the game Auston Matthews recorded a goal and two though. “It’s the playground type interesting and the storylines choose anybody,” Durant said. over goalie Mike Smith’s shoulder. McDavid came at 1:15 of overtime and gave St. Louis assists for Toronto. Steve Mason stopped 15 dynamics when you used to pick more interesting.” “I close my eyes and pick any of scored an empty-netter with 59 seconds a victory over two-time defending Stanley of 20 shots before he was pulled in his fi rst your teams growing up and used The NBA has never lacked for those guys and we’ll be good.” left. Smith made 42 saves for Calgary. Cup champion Pittsburgh. Pietrangelo game with the Jets. Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 6, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY ROUND-UP Ex-All Black Thorn named Queensland Springboks shuffl e Reds new coach AFP in those teams and I look forward Sydney to continuing to contribute to this organisation and the success of the Reds.” pack for All Blacks he Queensland Reds sacked Nick Stiles after WEBB QUITTING OSPREYS just one season in charge TO JOIN FRENCH CLUB Bath moves to number eight having operated in flanker role against the Wallabies yesterday and appointed Rhys Webb’s international future Tformer All Blacks great Brad is in doubt after the Welsh Rugby AFP Thorn as their new coach. Stiles Union confi rmed yesterday that Johannesburg guided the Reds to just four wins he would be leaving the Ospreys in his fi rst season at the helm and to join a French club next season. reportedly had a rocky relation- Webb has been Wales coach outh Africa have changed three of ship with fellow coaches and Warren Gatland’s fi rst-choice the team that started a draw with other offi cials. scrum-half since 2014 and added Australia last weekend for the It is a meteoric rise for Thorn, to his 28 caps during the summer Rugby Championship fi nal-round a former World Cup-winning All when he made two appearances TestS against New Zealand in Black and Canterbury as a replacement in the Brit- tomorrow. lock who fi rst made a name for ish and Irish Lions’ drawn series All the alterations are in the pack with himself in rugby league, spend- with New Zealand. prop , lock Lood de Jager ing seven seasons with the Bris- Injuries have interrupted his and loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit bane Broncos. He only retired Test career, presenting opportu- replacing Tendai Mtawarira, Franco from playing in 2015 aged 40 as nities to rival Gareth Davies, but Mostert and Uzair Cassiem. one of the most respected fi gures his energy and running threat The All Blacks trounced the Spring- in both league and union. mark him out as one of Europe’s boks 57-0 in Auckland during September Thorn, capped 59 times by the most dangerous half-backs. Gat- and clinched All Blacks, has already experi- land is only permitted to select with two matches to spare last weekend. enced success as a mentor, guid- four players from clubs outside of An unexplained “family reason” ruled out ing the Queensland U20s to two Wales — a number that will drop Zimbabwe-born loosehead Mtawarira, Super U20 Championship titles to two in 2019 — so Webb’s depar- popularly known as “The Beast”, who was as an assistant coach in 2016 and ture is a blow to the Kiwi coach. set to win a record-extending 96th cap by as head coach to an undefeated Established internationals a Springbok prop. season in 2017. Taulupe Faletau, Luke Charteris, Kitshoff , back at the Cape Town-based “I believe actions speak loud- Rhys Priestland, Jamie Roberts, Western after a spell with er than words,” he said, adding George North and Liam Williams French outfi t Bordeaux-Begles, gets his that he was humbled to be given are already playing in the Eng- fi rst Test start after 18 appearances off the an opportunity to lead the Reds lish Premiership, while Dan Big- bench. Mostert has been less eff ective as after his time with the junior gar joins Northampton in June. the season progresses, which probably sides. “I feel I’m contributing to Webb is reportedly set to join explains his demotion to the bench with a change in culture and standards Toulon for the 2018/19 season. De Jager elevated after not even being a replacement last weekend. A rib injury that will sideline Cassiem for about six weeks triggered personnel and positional back-row shuffl ing. Fran- cois Louw from English Premiership club The All Blacks trounced the Springboks 57-0 in Auckland during September and clinched the Rugby Championship with two Bath moves to number eight having oper- matches to spare last weekend. ated in his traditional fl anker role in the 27-27 stalemate against the Wallabies in . FACTBOX ON TEST BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND Du Toit, a lock previously found want- ing when switched to the back row, gets When: Oct. 7, 5.05 pm local time tain), 3-Ruan Dreyer, 2-Malcolm 4-Sam Whitelock, 3-Nepo 3-12 New Zealand 1996 South another chance to impress as a fl anker. Where: Marx, 1-Steven Kitshoff Laulala, 2-Dane Coles, 1-Kane Africa 18-29 New Zealand 1976 There are two changes to the bench for (capacity 51,900) Replacements: 16-Chiliboy Hames South Africa 15-10 New Zealand the sell-out Test at the 52,000-seat New- Referee: Jerome Garces Ralepelle, 17-Trevor Nyakane, Replacements: 16-Codie Taylor, 1970 South Africa 8-9 New Zea- lands stadium with uncapped prop Wilco (France) 18-Wilko Louw, 19-Franco 17-Wyatt Crockett, 18-Ofa land 1960 South Africa 3-11 New Louw coming in for Kitshoff and Mostert Assistants: Romain Poite Mostert, 20-Jean-Luc du Preez, Tu’ungafasi, 19-Patrick Tuip- Zealand 1949 South Africa 15-11 replacing Du Toit. (France), Shuheik Kubo (Japan) 21-Rudy Paige, 22-Handre Pol- ulotu, 20-Matt Todd, 21-Tawera New Zealand 1928 South Africa “It is a well deserved starting opportu- TMO: Rowan Kitt (England) lard, 23- Kerr-Barlow, 22- Sopoaga, 5-13 New Zealand nity for Steven (Kitshoff ),” coach Allister 23-David Havili Coetzee said after the team announce- SOUTH AFRICA NEW ZEALAND LAST FIVE MEETINGS ment in Cape Town. World ranking: 4 World ranking: 1 OVERALL RECORD 2017 New Zealand 57-0 South “He has been working extremely hard Coach: Allister Coetzee Coach: Steve Hansen Played: 94 Africa (Auckland) 2016 South Af- during the last two seasons and fully de- Captain: Captain: Kieran Read New Zealand wins: 56 rica 15-57 New Zealand () serves his chance. Francois (Louw) is a Team: 15-Andries Coetzee, 14-Dil- Team: 15-Damian McKenzie, South Africa wins: 35 2016 New Zealand 41-13 South seasoned openside fl anker and although lyn Leyds, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Jan 14-Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13-Ryan Draws: 3 Africa () 2015* it is his fi rst Test start in the number eight Serfontein, 11-Courtnall Skosan, Crotty, 12-Sonny Bill Williams, New Zealand 20-18 South Africa shirt, he has a good understanding of the 10-Elton Jantjies, 9-Ross Cronje, 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Beauden IN CAPE TOWN (London) 2015 New Zealand 27- role we expect from him. I believe his vast 8-Francois Louw, 7-Pieter-Steph Barrett, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Kieran 2008 South Africa 0-19 New 20 South Africa (Johannesburg) experience will see him settle in quickly du Toit, 6-, 5-Lood de Read (captain), 7-Sam Cane, Zealand 2005 South Africa 22-16 * indicates and Jean-Luc (du Preez) will again pro- Jager, 4-Eben Etzebeth (cap- 6-Liam Squire, 5-Scott Barrett, New Zealand 2001 South Africa match. vide good impact off the bench.”

FOOTBALL India embraces step into unknown on eve of U-17 World Cup By Dileep Premachandran eastern states, whose citizens still face appointed that he will not be able to get in Bengaluru much discrimination in many parts of back home to watch matches from the The Guardian India, that have become the new hot- group featuring England. bed. The bulk of the under-17 squad “I’ve been watching European foot- come from the region, with Manipur ball for over 10 years but deep down, we he main headline on the sports accounting for as many as eight. all want to support India on the biggest page of the Malayala Mano- Neighbouring Mizoram, which gave football stages,” he said. “My friends rama, a Kerala-based news- Indian football its Leicester City-like in Kolkata are making banners, buying paper that sells 2.5mn copies a Cinderella story when FC Aizawl won replica shirts and getting extremely ex- Tday, dealt with Argentina’s World Cup the I-League last season, is also rep- cited about watching the matches.” 2018 qualifying travails. resented. Bengal has three representa- This interest has translated into ro- Below that, however, was a story ti- tives and Kerala only one, while Goa, bust ticket sales. “Almost every game in tled “27 locals and Brazil”, about how which once provided national team Kerala (which hosts Brazil twice, in ad- the Brazil Under-17 World Cup squad captains such as Bruno Coutinho and dition to all of Spain’s group matches) had trained with boys from an acad- Climax Lawrence, does not have a sin- is sold out,” said Bhattacharya. “India’s emy in Kochi, one of the six host cities gle player in the squad. fi rst game in Delhi is sold out. The one for the fi rst FIFA tournament that India Dig a little deeper and it is not hard to on the ninth is almost so. We’ve given will host. There is considerable de- see how far Indian football has to travel away a fair amount of tickets to schools, spondency among the football-lovers to catch up with much of the world. to promote the sport. Every time we’ve of Kochi and elsewhere in India that the Only four of the 21 players are attached released tickets in Kolkata for the fi nal, Real Madrid-bound Vinicius Junior will to a local club, the little-known Pun- they’ve sold out within hours. This kind not be around to lend some stardust to jab-based Minerva FC. of response for a youth tournament is the competition after Flamengo, his Sunny Dhaliwal, a goalkeeper, is unprecedented in India. current club, pulled the plug on his on the books of Toronto FC. The rest “There is a phenomenal amount of passage to India. train at an academy run by the All India interest in international football. Now, Another who has been in the spot- Football Federation (AIFF). Contrast it’s like: ‘I watch football, I love Messi or light, England’s Jadon Sancho, is ex- that with Spain, who have fi ve players Ronaldo but I also want to see my na- pected to play only the group games be- attached to Real Madrid and four from tional side do well.’ This World Cup, in fore returning to Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, or England, where fi ve of a sense, is the cherry on top.” the club he chose this summer after the team are part of the junior squads at Rahul Maniraja, who works for a leaving Manchester City. Stamford Bridge. sports technology company in Chen- For India’s young footballers, this The cash-rich Indian Super League nai, hopes to watch games in Kochi and is very much a step into the unknown. (ISL), which launched in 2014, has Goa. “It’s a proud moment for Indian Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, changed the Indian football landscape, football fans to watch the future stars of the talismen of the national side this and there is talk of an eventual amal- the game,” he said, of a tournament that century, have spoken of the twinges of gamation with its poorer cousin, the fi rst introduced us to players such as jealousy they will feel when they watch I-League, but youth development has Indian policemen stand near a poster of the U-17 World Cup mascot at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The tournament Neymar, Cesc Fabregas and Toni Kroos. their young countrymen take the fi eld seldom been a priority. will kick-off today and will be held across six venues in Indian till October 28. (AFP) “We hope this is the start of something against USA in Delhi today. The senior game is in better shape. special, with many Indian players from Amarjit Singh Kiyam, from the After the ignominy of a World Cup by appointing Joy Bhattacharya, a government money and sanctions (for for India to be part of the global foot- this tournament going on to represent north-eastern state of Manipur, moved qualifying defeat by Guam, India have former team director of Kolkata Knight projects) … there are a huge number ball picture. This will hopefully take us the senior side in the coming years.” half the breadth of the subcontinent moved up nearly 70 places to 107 in Riders – the two-time Indian Pre- of laws, bylaws and agencies to go a step closer to the ultimate dream, of In that future, many will fall into the to Chandigarh in Punjab to train at the the FIFA rankings. Bengaluru FC, the mier League (cricket) champions – as through. There have been a few hic- World Cup qualifi cation.” chasm that separates potential from the academy there when he was 10. A Bar- two-time I-League champions who project director for the event. “The one cups but if you look at the venues now, Srikanth Muraleedharan, a technol- professional game. celona fan who idolises Andres Iniesta, are poised to switch to the ISL, are on thing we knew was that things in India they’ve been completely transformed.” ogy manager, called it a “once-in-a- For every Neymar, there is a Nii the No. 8 with the captain’s armband the verge of a second successive AFC don’t go according to plan, so we start- The fans cannot wait for kick-off . lifetime chance for India to be part of a Lamptey, hailed as the next Pele by epitomises Indian football’s drift away Cup fi nal, and Dimitar Berbatov, once ed a long time ago,” Bhattacharya told “This tournament is incredibly exciting FIA World Cup at any level”. “As a fan, it the man himself after the 1991 com- from its traditional heartlands. of Tottenham and Manchester United, the Guardian. for most of us students and football fans hurts that football is not considered in petition. But for now, the 504 players Once, Indian football meant Bengal, will spearhead the Kerala Blasters’ push “We put a lot of pressure on state here,” said Rukalpa De, a student at the the same league as cricket or, nowadays, should soak in the acclaim, as a country Goa and Kerala, three states where the for the ISL crown. associations three years before the Indian Institute of Technology in Gu- even kabaddi,” he said. Shubhodip, a starved of top-level football opens its passion for the game rivals that on view On the organisational front, the no- tournament. I don’t blame the stake- wahati, the Assamese capital that will Kolkata native studying commerce at arms to embrace the future of the beau- in Latin America. But it is the north- toriously inept AIFF pulled off a coup holders because it’s a matter of getting host France. “It’s a great opportunity Christ University in Bangalore, is dis- tiful game. Gulf Times Friday, October 6, 2017 7 SPORT

CRICKET CRICKET / BANGLADESH’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA Rabada main Sri Lanka target second Test threat to Bangladesh landmark series AFP for a pitch with more pace and bounce. Bloemfontein, South Africa “When you play countries like Bang- ladesh it is important to get whatever you can (in conditions) to get an advan- aving failed to take advantage tage,” he said. of favourable fi rst Test condi- Weather conditions, though, could tions, the Bangladesh bats- play a role. men have a chance to make South Africa only recently emerged win over Pakistan amendsH against the least experienced from winter and Bloemfontein, 280 bowling line-up South Africa have kilometres (174 miles) from Potchef- ‘Normally the Pakistan batters really struggle against the left-arm spinners’ fi elded in many years. stroom, is similarly susceptible to cold But conditions are likely to be more overnight and early morning condi- AFP bowler-friendly in the second Test tions which aff ect grass growth and Dubai starting at the Mangaung Oval today pitch preparation. and, on the evidence of Potchefstroom, In the only fi rst-class match played the tourists are ill-equipped to counter at the Oval this season, 11 inesh Chandimal’s Sri Lanka even a South African attack stripped of fell on the fi rst day, but only another will look to become the fi rst four front-line fast bowlers because of nine went down while 1,010 runs were team to win a Test series injury. scored on the next three. against Pakistan in the Unit- Morne Morkel could not fi nish the Bangladesh’s misreading of condi- edD Arab Emirates, when the second fi rst Test because of a side strain, add- tions in Potchefstroom was extraor- and fi nal match starts in Dubai today. ing to a casualty list which includes dinary for a team with an experienced Left-arm spinner , Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and player in captain Mushfi qur Rahim and 39, was the catalyst for a 21-run vic- Chris Morris. a coaching staff headed by Sri Lankan tory in the fi rst Test in Abu Dhabi on It leaves Kagiso Rabada, 22, as the Chandika Hathurusingha and former Monday, as he took 6-43 to foil Paki- leader of the attack. West Indian bowling great Courtney stan’s modest chase of 136. His tally of 92 wickets in 21 Tests Walsh. The narrow win gives Sri Lanka a dwarfs those of his likely pace part- Not only did Rahim pass up the op- unique chance for a series win over ners, Duanne Olivier (13 in four Tests), portunity to bat fi rst in ideal conditions Pakistan at their neutral venues of the Wayne Parnell (13 in fi ve) and Andile after winning the toss, but Bangladesh UAE, where they have never lost a se- Phehlukwayo, who took a single picked only one spin bowler in Mehidy ries in nine attempts. in his debut appearance in Potchef- Hasan. They have won fi ve and drawn four stroom. Their three seam bowlers, with the in the UAE since the 2009 terrorist Balanced against that is the emergence exception of left-armer Mustafi zur attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus of left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who Rahman, were largely ineff ectual on an forced them to play home matches is being hailed as South Africa’s best spin easy-pace pitch. outside of Pakistan. bowler of the modern era. Left-arm spinner , Herath exposed the nominal hosts’ Maharaj picked up seven wickets in whose 54 Test wickets are the most new batting line-up, shorn of batting Potchefstroom to take his total to 50 in of any member of the touring squad, greats Younis Khan and Misbah-ul- just 12 Tests. would probably have been more eff ec- Haq for the time since they retired in Despite a convincing 333-run win in tive and may well be picked for Blo- May. the fi rst Test, South Africa captain Faf emfontein, even if conditions are not Sri Lankan skipper Chandimal said du Plessis was unequivocal in calling spin-friendly. Pakistani batsmen struggle against Herath. Rangana Herath (second from right) of Sri Lanka celebrates with his team after their victory over Pakistan on the fifth day “Normally the Pakistan batters really of the first Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday. (AFP) struggle against the left-arm spinners. We all know Rangana is a legend so I with a polished 155 not out in Sri Lan- the way he bowled,” said Ahmed. “We Lanka’s maiden pink-ball Test. am sure he will be a really good asset for ka’s fi rst-innings total of 419, ably fi ll- have never lost in UAE so it’s also im- this game as well,” said Chandimal of his ing in for the more experienced Angelo portant to keep that record intact, so SQUADS match-winner, who took his 400th Test Mathews, who didn’t travel with the for that we need to attack Herath and Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Azhar wicket in Abu Dhabi. squad due to a calf injury. play with a positive mindset.” Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Herath also reached 100 wickets They are also likely to be without Pakistan will also hope spearhead Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Us- against Pakistan during the fi rst Test, senior batsman , Mohamed Amir returns to form with man Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Mohamed but Chandimal warned that Sri Lan- who is suff ering from a back prob- the pink ball after going wicketless in Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Moham- ka’s opponents should not be taken lem and might be replaced by the un- the fi rst Test. ed Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohamed Abbas, lightly. capped Sadeera Samarawickrama. Debutant Haris Sohail provided a Wahab Riaz “We never underestimate Pakistan, Pakistan will also be without seam- positive in the batting after scores of Sri Lanka: (capt), La- they are a really good side, especially er Hasan Ali, who has a side strain, 76 and 34, while Azhar Ali hit 85. hiru Thirimanne, , in the last couple of series they have with he will be replaced by left-arm The match will be the sixth day-night Kaushal Silva, , Sadeera played really good cricket,” said Chan- fast bowler Wahab Riaz. Test after the fi rst between Australia and Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, dimal, whose team will replace Paki- Captain Sarfraz Ahmed hopes Pa- New Zealand at Adelaide in 2015. Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, stan at sixth in the world rankings with kistan move on from the defeat in his Pakistan beat the West Indies in Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, a series win. fi rst Test as captain. their fi rst day-night Test at the same , , Chandimal anchored the batting “Credit must be given to Herath venue last year, but this will be Sri Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Gamage

Malinga left out of matches in his career. Sri Lanka, who ing a complaint from team man- squad for the three-match one-day in- lost 5-0 to India at home recently, will ager Asanka Gurusinghe against the ternational series against South Africa Sri Lanka squad for also be without former captain and 26-year-old player. despite an injury concern. A hamstring In this September 29, 2017, picture, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (second from Pakistan ODIs all-rounder , who is (SLC) said Gunathilaka was also fined injury forced Tamim out of the second right) celebrates the dismissal of Bangladesh batsman (left) on the struggling with a calf injury. The first 20 percent of his annual contract fee Test beginning today at Bloemfontein second day of the first Test in Potchefstroom, South Africa. (AFP) Sri Lanka has dropped ODI will be played on October 13 in for violating the board’s constitution but team physiotherapist Thihan from the one-day international squad Dubai with the teams also slated to as well as the terms of his contract. Chandramohan was hopeful he would to face Pakistan in a five-match series play a three-match series. An SLC statement said Gunathilaka recover in time for the ODI series FORMULA 1 starting next week, raising doubts pleaded guilty to the charges without which starts October 15. All-rounder if the fast bowler will feature in the Sri Lanka suspend spelling out what exactly they were. also returned to the team’s plans for the 2019 World Cup. Gunathilaka has also been dropped ODI side after taking a break from the Malinga, feared for his awkward Gunathilaka from six from the squad for a five-match ODI Test series. Batsman and Massa wants a decision action and toe-crushing yorkers, re- matches series against Pakistan in the UAE. wicketkeeper Liton Das were recalled, turned to international cricket during with rookie all-rounder Saifuddin the June’s Champions Trophy following Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday slapped Bangladesh retain only uncapped player in the 15-mem- on his future by Brazil a knee injury that kept him out of the a six-match ban on allrounder ber squad. The ODI series will start in World Twenty20 last year. But the Danushka Gunathilaka for “mis- injured Tamim for Kimberly before Bangladesh play their Reuters 34-year-old has not been as eff ective conduct” during the recent series South Africa ODIs next two ODIs at Paari and East London Suzuka since his return and has managed 10 against India which the islanders lost on October 18 and 22. Bangladesh will wickets from 13 ODIs since his return. 9-0. The cricket board had ordered Bangladesh yesterday retained open- also play two Twenty20 internationals He has taken 301 wickets from 204 an investigation last month follow- ing batsman in their during their month long tour. elipe Massa wants a decision on his Formula One future be- fore next month’s Brazilian Grand Prix and has questioned theF value of Williams testing would-be BOTTOMLINE replacements Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta in a 2014 car. Mercedes-powered Williams have Stokes absence no distraction from Ashes: Anderson yet to fi nalise their 2018 driver line-up, with Brazilian Massa’s place in doubt at Agencies England after aggravating a lower back the former champions. London stress fracture, dealing Australia’s fast Lance Stroll, the 18-year-old rookie bowling stocks a blow. who is backed by billionaire father Law- It is the same problem that kept the rence and secured the team’s only podi- ngland are focused on getting 27-year-old out of Australia’s recent um of the season so far when he fi nished the best out of their players tour to Bangladesh, and he will now take third in Azerbaijan, is set to stay. and beating Australia during an indefi nite break to fully recover. Williams will assess Kubica at Sil- the Ashes tour and will not “Obviously I am extremely disap- verstone after this weekend’s Japanese beE distracted by the absence of all- pointed with this setback after just Grand Prix and then in Hungary in a di- rounder Ben Stokes, seamer James getting back into a good run of playing rect comparison with di Resta. Anderson has said. cricket,” Pattinson said in a statement The plan has yet to be confi rmed of- champion Nico Rosberg at Mercedes. Stokes is among England’s key late Wednesday. fi cially but is an open secret in the pad- “Even if they do a test in a car that is match-winners but it is uncertain “I’m especially disappointed to dock. four years before (old), (that is) com- whether the 26-year-old will be avail- miss out on the possibility to play in a Former Force India driver Di Resta is pletely diff erent. You cannot evaluate able after he and teammate Alex Hales home Ashes series. the experienced reserve who stood in too much,” he added. were arrested following an altercation “Over the next few weeks I will dis- for an unwell Massa at this year’s Hun- Kubica, 32, has tested already this outside a Bristol nightclub last month cuss all available options available to garian Grand Prix. season with Renault, his former team, and released under investigation. me with medical staff , to work out the Kubica has been out of Formula One completing 142 laps of the Hungaroring The England and Wales Cricket when we get to Australia and be able to ing and what I can do to help the team best plan to prevent this from happen- since a 2011 rally crash that partially in August in a contemporary car. Board (ECB) suspended both players perform for our team. and I’m sure all the other individuals ing again.” severed his right forearm but is seeking But the French manufacturer picked following the incident and are yet to “Once we get there, the only focus in the side will do that. If we can do Injuries have limited Pattinson to 17 a comeback, assisted by former Wil- Carlos Sainz to replace under-per- make a decision regarding their par- will be beating Australia... It’s just a that then I’m sure we’ll galvanise and Tests since his 2011 debut against New liams driver and 2006 world champion forming Briton Jolyon Palmer instead ticipation on the tour as England aim case of being strong enough and hav- put in a strong performance,” Ander- Zealand and he has not played since July Nico Rosberg. for 2018. to win their fi rst Ashes title in Aus- ing that tunnel vision to focus on the son added. 1 when he represented Nottinghamshire Massa told reporters yesterday he “Defi nitely I think it would be good tralia since 2011. individual and as a team and what will The fi rst of the fi ve-test Ashes series in the fi nal of England’s one-day tour- did not know about any test plans but for the team and also for myself that “When we won the Ashes in help the team win the series.” starts on November 23 in Brisbane. nament against Surrey at Lord’s. it changed nothing for him. we know what’s going to happen be- 2010/11, we didn’t win it with 11 play- Anderson, 35, reclaimed his number His absence leaves Mitchell Starc to “Williams knows 100 percent what I fore the race in Brazil,” said Massa, who ers — we won with 13/14/15 players,” one ranking in test matches as he AUSTRALIA’S PATTINSON RULED lead the Australian attack alongside can give to the team,” said the 36-year- was given a touching send-off by fans Anderson told Sky Sports News. helped England seal a series win over OUT OF ASHES Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, old, who briefl y retired at the end of at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos track last year. “The biggest thing for us is we get 15 West Indies last month. Injury-prone James Pattinson has with Nathan Coulter-Nile or Jackson last year only to return when Valtteri “We’ll see if this is possible but I re- or 16 players to be on top of their game “My own focus will be on my bowl- been ruled out of the Ashes series with Bird likely to be a fourth option. Bottas left Williams to replace retired ally hope so.”

Friday, October 6, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

GYMNASTICS FORMULA 1 Qatari delegates to meet FIG offi cials today Hammer time in

Agencies perience in organising the FIG Montreal, Canada World Series Cup for the last 10 years has given us a lot of experi- Japan for defi ant ence,” added al-Hitmi, who is also atari delegates at one of the FIG Ex-Co members. the 47th FIG Artis- “Aspire Dome has been host- tic Gymnastics World ing the annual FIG event. It’s a Hamilton Championships in centrally-located venue for the MontrealQ will meet the FIG of- gymnasts, offi cials and fans,” added Hamilton. AFP fi cials here today to discuss the said the Qatari offi cial. Suzuka, Japan “I’m just hoping if it starts to next edition of the event, which FIG president Morinari Wa- swing the other way, we have is to be held in Doha next year. tanabe during his last visit to enough force to push it back to “The FIG marketing and sta- Doha in November exuded con- ewis Hamilton has prom- where it should be.” dium inspection team will be fi dence that Qatar has the capa- ised to hit back in Japan meeting us on Friday,” said Qatar bility to host top international this week following frus- DODGED A BULLET Gymnastics Federation presi- competitions. tration in Malaysia as he Mercedes dodged a bullet in Ma- dent Ali Ahmed al-Hitmi. A total of 400 gymnasts from Llooks to close in on a fourth For- laysia as Vettel fi nished fourth Doha won the bid in 2013 to 71 nations including 155 women mula One world title. after starting from the back of become the fi rst city in the Gulf and 245 men are taking part in The Briton had a three-race the grid, while Kimi Raikkonen region to host the prestigious the World Championships here. win streak snapped by Red Bull’s suff ered a calamitous engine event next year. “We’ll showcase Qatar’s hos- Max Verstappen last weekend failure that knocked him out of “We’re prepared to host the pitality to the world when we but still fi nished second, extend- the race. Worlds, and we’ll deliver one of host the event next year,” said Qatar Gymnastics Federation delegation led by its president, Ali Ahmed al-Hitmi, at the 47th FIG Artis- ing his championship lead over But the pace shown by Fer- the best championships. Our ex- al-Hitmi. tic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to 34 rari — as well as the Red — points with fi ve races left. was not lost on Hamilton, whose But Hamilton, who slammed Mercedes team mate Valtteri TENNIS / CHINA OPEN the performance of his Mercedes Bottas fi nished fi fth. after squandering pole position, “The Ferraris did bring quite insisted yesterday he wanted a big upgrade,” said the Briton, a to win the title in style and not three-time winner in Japan. crawl over the line. “Obviously with Sebastian “I want to win this thing,” he having a penalty, you saw him told reporters in Suzuka. “I know come through but you didn’t get I might have the nail in a little bit to see him unleash that at the but I need to keep hammering it. front. Nadal primed for “It’s not done until there’s no- “Also the Red Bull is coming where left to push it basically,” back up, so I just hope we have added Hamilton, who has won the strength to be able to fi ght seven of the 15 races so far this back,” added Hamilton. year. “But what I do know is this car “In my mind I need to win can win more races and I plan to every race from now on, it’s clear. see that that happens.” I’m not here to fi nish second in Reminded that Mercedes team ‘huge’ Isner test in every race to do the job — I want boss Toto Wolff called the car a to win convincingly.” “bit of a diva” earlier this year, Hamilton backed Mercedes to Hamilton likened it to his own deliver in the cooler conditions often prickly character. in Japan but warned there could “I think it’s stubborn,” said still be a twist in the title run-in. Hamilton. “But that’s cool because “I’m under no illusion, I’m I’m stubborn. Me and the car have still hunting for (the title), I’m lots in common — it’s got great po- Beijing quarters not defending it,” he said. tential but doesn’t always want to “Until I’ve actually got it sown do what you tell it to. up, you’ve got to keep pushing. “I think the team fi nd that with Kvitova goes past Wozniacki for her last eight spot; Cirstea stuns Pliskova There’s so many points available me maybe,” he smiled. “But if the and you’ve seen in other years car was perfect every weekend, it how the pendulum can swing,” would be boring.”

Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton (left) gives a high-five to a young fan during the autograph session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka circuit yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Brazil arrests Olympic boss on Rio corruption charges

AFP member Lamine Diack before the 2009 vote in which Rio beat Chi- cago, Madrid and Tokyo to win the 2016 Games. razilian police yesterday Businessman Arturo Soares, arrested the chairman known as “King Arthur,” a top of the country’s Olym- contractor for Cabral’s adminis- pic Committee as part tration, is alleged to have deliv- ofB a probe into alleged buying of ered the payment three days be- Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Karen Khachanov (not in picture) of Russia during their China Open match in Beijing yesterday. (Reuters) votes to secure Rio’s hosting of fore the IOC vote in Copenhagen the 2016 Games. in October 2009. fourth seed Karolina Pliskova, became Police said in a statement that The Rio games were gener- AFP Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic another high-profi le casualty, going out Carlos Nuzman, 75, was arrest- ally credited with being a sport- Beijing in action against Caroline Wozniacki to unseeded Sorana Cirstea. ed on suspicion of corruption, ing and organizational success, (not in picture) of Denmark Cirstea follows fellow Romanian Simo- money laundering and criminal but revelations of massive cor- yesterday. (Reuters) afael Nadal said he was braced na Halep into the quarter-fi nals after the association. ruption during the preparations for the “huge” serve of John Is- second seed sent Maria Sharapova pack- Twenty police offi cers de- and now even in the naming of ner after Spain’s world number ing on Wednesday. ployed early Thursday in Rio de the host city have tarnished the one bulldozed his way into the Cirstea, ranked 44 in the world, Janeiro on orders from a federal legacy. ChinaR Open quarter-fi nals yesterday. stunned the Czech Pliskova 6-1, 7-5 to judge, arresting Nuzman and The latest scandal cast a pall The 16-time Grand Slam champion reach the last eight. seizing documents. over a meeting in Lima last Nadal saw off the young Russian Karen She will play Latvia’s Jelena Ostap- The offi cers also arrested the month of the International Ol- Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 to set up a clash with enko, the Roland Garros champion, af- Rio 2016 committee’s chief op- ympic Committee following the Isner in Beijing. ter China’s top player Peng Shuai retired erating offi cer Leonardo Gryner, designation of Paris for the 2024 They are joined in the last eight by with a knee injury at 3-0 down in the fi rst according to an AFP photogra- Games and Los Angeles as the second seed Alexander Zverev, the rising set. pher. 2028 host city. German star who beat Italy’s Fabio Fogni- The 31-year-old Peng said she had Following an investiga- IOC President Thomas Bach ni 6-4, 6-2 in the fi nal match of the day. been having injections to ease the pain tion dubbed “Unfair Play” that was asked at the time about Nuz- The in-form Isner, the American sixth and her right knee was heavily strapped, spanned several countries, Bra- man’s role in the organisation seed, is renowned for his booming service but she could not play on. zilian offi cials last month said as an honorary member. Bach game and Nadal expects to come under a “The doctor suggested I should take a Nuzman was the “lynchpin” in pledged the IOC’s co-operation, barrage today. period of rest and get it treated, but I can a plot to bribe the International but noted that there are limits to Isner was impressive in blasting his only rest after the season, that’s the plan,” Olympic Committee into award- any sports organisation’s powers way past Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer Nadal, 31, the top seed and coming off WOZNIACKI OUT said Peng, ranked 25 in the world. ing Rio de Janeiro last year’s of investigation. 6-0, 6-3 and Nadal said: “Tomorrow will the back of a third US Open title, saved In the women’s, a heavyweight clash World number one Garbine Mugu- Games. Ban Ki-moon, chief of the be a tough one against Isner, he’s playing two match points against Frenchman Lu- pitched two-time Wimbledon cham- ruza and reigning champion Agnieszka At the time, Nuzman was de- IOC’s ethics commission, yes- unbelievably well. cas Pouille in his opener in Beijing. pion Petra Kvitova against Denmark’s Radwanska are both out, leaving world tained and questioned and au- terday also pledged co-operation “I saw him today, he played so aggres- But he was always in control on the former number one Caroline Wozni- number two Halep as the favourite in the thorities confi scated his passport. and asked Brazilian authorities sive, having a lot of success, hitting a lot outside hard courts against Khachanov, acki. Chinese capital. Authorities allege that former for all available information on of winners, returning very well. 21, breaking him in the fourth game of the The Czech Kvitova stormed through Halep plays Daria Kasatkina of Rus- Rio governor Sergio Cabral, who the case. “Everybody knows that he serves huge fi rst set on the way to a routine victory. the fi rst set 6-1 and although Wozniacki sia and France’s Caroline Garcia takes on is serving a 14-year prison term The offi ces of Brazil’s Olympic and it is so diffi cult to break him. Andrey Rublev ensured a Russian pres- was better in the second set, Kvitova Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the quarter- for bribery and money launder- Committee and several compa- “But if you add that he is playing very ence in the men’s draw as he sprang a sur- broke her for 6-4 and will play compa- fi nals. ing, was the mastermind of the nies were searched in September well now from the baseline, he is one of prise in fi ghting back to oust seventh seed triot Barbora Strycova in the quarters. Garcia is in red-hot form after winning plot, which saw $2mn in bribes when Nuzman was brought in for the toughest opponents you can meet.” Tomas Berdych 1-6, 6-4, 6-1. Another former world number one, the Wuhan Open on Saturday. paid to the son of Senegalese IOC questioning.