SPORTPAGE | 04-05 PAGE | 06

Breaking Ennis-Hill’s record feels

unbelievable: Johnson-Thompson

Champion Marquez back on track in Thailand after huge crash

Saturday 5 October 2019

September 27 - October 6

Barshim wows home crowd with world titleFAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

It was champion stuff from Mutaz Essa Barshim as he bounced back brilliantly to win first gold medal for Qatar with a world leading leap of 2.37m, turning the Khalifa International Stadium into the sea of Qatari flags and sending the crowd into raptures.

Yesterday, it looked completely a different day at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 as a packed house of 48000 seats created an electrifying atmosphere, supporting their superstar every time he went for a leap.

By retaining the title, Barshim, who also clinched gold medal at the 2017 London World Championships, became only the second high jumper in the world to win two world titles. Cuban great Javier Sotomayor was the first high jumper to achieve the feat.

The two-time Olympic medalist yesterday gave fans all the excitement – showed them flawless leaps, made them nervous before giving them the euphoria.

The 28-year-old, who suffered from an ankle injury and was barely seen in action in the last 18 months before the world cham-pionships, enjoyed a comfortable start, jumping to 2.19m, 2.24m, 2.27m and 2.30 without knocking the bar.

After his smooth run in his first four marks, the home favourite failed twice in the 2.33m barrier, with Belarusian Maksim Nedasekau, Authorised Neutral Athletes Mikhail Akimenko and Ilya Ivanyuk all clearing the height.

Then came the moment of truth for the Qatari hero, and he came out of it with flying colours.

He looked emotional but focused and jumped well clear of 2.33 to stay in contention.

With that jump, Barshim looked a champion already as he cleared 2.35m easily before Akimenko raised the bar to 2.37m.

While, Akimenko failed to clear the height, Barshim did that in the first attempt to seal the crown screaming “I am Mutaz Barshim, I am the world champion”.

“For me, it was just a dream. At home, it was just amazing. Everybody was there – my family, friends and the Amir himself. I was not 100 percent ready but when I came there and see all those people cheering for me, even if I was dying, if they take me from the wheelchair, or ambulance, I would do everything I can,” the champion high jumper said after the final.

“I needed to give it some action. If I jumped the 2.33 easy, it is boring and everyone just jumps, jumps, jumps. My coach was sometimes toughing his hearts but sometimes you need to get it the hard way. I am never afraid but Russia, they always have good high jumpers. So it was good to jump against those good high jumpers. I give respect to everyone out there,” Barshim said.

Akimenko, who had first time clearances up to 2.35m, claimed the silver medal while Ivanyuk, who matched the 2.35m of his Russian counterpart but needed three to get over at 2.33m, took the bronze.

“I must be happy for the bronze (silver) as this is my first major senior championships. The personal record is great but I know I could have jumped the 237 in the second attempt,” said Akimenko.

It is a great motivation for the Olympic year and I am going to jump as much as I can also indoors,” he added.

Ivanyuk said: “We had a really fantastic compe-tition today. Certainly, when we knew years ago, that these championships are going to be held in Doha, we understood that Mutaz Barshim will be in greatest shape ever to fight for the gold.

Meanwhile, Italy’s Tamberi Gianmarco who com-peted in the final rated Barshim as best high jumper in the world.

“Barshim is no doubt the best high jumper in the world. It’s a great achievement for Barshim, winning a gold medal in front of home fans,” said Gianmarco.

POS ATHLETE COUNTRY MARK

Gold Mutaz Essa Barshim QAT 2.37 WL

Silver Mikhail Akimenko ANA 2.35 PB

Bronze Ilya Ivanyuk ANA 2.35 PB

4 Maksim Nedasekau BLR 2.33

5 Luis Enrique Zayas CUB 2.30 PB

6 Brandon Starc AUS 2.30 SB

7 Michael Mason CAN 2.30

MEN'S HIGH JUMP FINAL

Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim celebrates after winning the men’s high jump final during the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, yesterday. Barshim defended his world title after clearing a height of 2.37m. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA, REUTERS

02 SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019SPORT

September 27 - October 6

Dalilah breaks her own world record to win goldFAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

Dalilah Muhammad vowed to break our own world record in Doha, and the American lived up to her promise yesterday.

She clocked a magical 52.16, taking 0.04 from her own mark to win the women’s 400m hurdles gold medal, leaving spectators at the packed Khalifa International Stadium thrilled.

Sydney McLaughlin, as expected gave tough time to her American team-mate and was the second fastest with a time of 52.23, with Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton taking bronze with a time of 53.74.

“This means so much. It is difficult to describe. I just wanted the world title so much but to break the world record

again is fantastic,” said a jubilant Dalilah.

“I just decided to go for it from the start and I felt Sydney

coming at me around hurdle nine, then I just gave everything I’d got. It hasn’t really sunk but it feels good,” said the

29-year-old. Dalilah, who marked 52.20 at the USATF 2019 National Championship, said ahead of Doha Worlds she

will go for her personal best and that will be a record for the world. Muhammad’s per-formance also earns her a US$100,000 bonus as part of the world record programme sup-ported by QNB and TDK.

She started the final well and was up quickest at led by an inch over McLaughlin after the first 100m.

McLaughlin tried to catch Dalilah but she was away by a yard as they came through the second bend. Dalilah maintained her lead to world record for the second time in three months.

“I just decided to go for it from the start but I didn’t think it will be so fast. I did everything I could and at least US got one-two. I am still young and eve-ryday is a new experience for me,” said McLaughlin.

Gardiner brings cheers to BahamasARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Steven Gardiner gave something to cheer about for the Hurricane Dorian hit Bahamas as he won the men’s 400m at the IAAF World Champion-ships in empathic fashion at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.

The 2017 silver medalist clocked 43.48 secs to win gold. Gardiner comes from Abaco town which saw the maximum destruction during last month’s natural calamity.

Anthony Zambrano of Colombia claimed silver for his first world medal, leaving Fred Kerley of the United States to settle for bronze.

Steven upped his pace through the second bend and striding away from to a Bahamas national record and the second fastest time in the world this year.

Meanwhile in the men’s the 3,000m steeplechase Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya stormed to the gold winning the event in a photo finish.

The winning time was 8 minutes 1.35 seconds, the fastest by anyone this season. was the fastest time this year and the second fastest winning time at a world championships.

The 2016 Olympic and 2017 world champion overhauled Ethi-opian 18-year-old Lamecha Girma on the final stretch to win by just one-hundredth of a second with the Ethiopian having had to settle for the silver.

Soufiane El Bakkali got the bronze. The Moroccan was in contention at the bell but couldn’t live with the finishing speed of the front two.

Meanwhile, Cuba dominated the women’s discus throw with a 1-2.

Yaime Perez and Denia Caballero won the first two places leaving Crotian Perez threw 69.17 at her fifth attempt to snatch the lead from Caballero, whose best mark was 68.44. Sandra Perkovic, the Olympic champion, had to settle for bronze with 66.72 after fouling her last three throws.

Caballero lost her world title to Perkovic in 2017, but yesterday Perez beat them both.

World Champion, Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim in action during the men’s high jump final during the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships at the Khalifa International stadium in Doha, yesterday. Barshim defended his world title with a 2.37m mark. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA, AGENCIES

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

As Mutaz Essa Barshim competed in the final yesterday, it created an electrifying atmosphere at the packed Khalifa International Stadium (KIS) with home fans coming in groups and huge numbers to back their hero.

It was an 8th day at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2018, and one could easily say the venue saw the biggest turnout of the 10-day showpiece event so far.

Barshim’s men’s high jump final was scheduled to start at 8:15pm but fans could be seen storming towards the venue from 5pm.

With the 48000-capacity venue already filled, thousands of enthu-siasts were also seen attempting entry inside the stadium and were unable to get their seats.

Yesterday’s schedule at the KIS also included finals of discus throw, women’s 400m hurdles, 3,000m steeplechase, and men’s 400m.

The highlight of the day, of course, was Barshim’s gold, but US athlete Dalilah Muhammad also thrilled the crowd by renewing her world record in the women’s 400m final, clocking a magical 52.16.

Barshim’s gold creates real buzz at Khalifa

International Stadium

Spectators hold a

banner picturing

Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim as they watch

the men’s high jump

final

Dalilah Muhammad of the US poses next to the screen reading the new world record in the women’s 400m hurdles final at the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships at the Khalifa International stadium in Doha, yesterday. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA

03SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT

September 27 - October 6

Centuries for Elgar, De Kock as SA fights back against IndiaAP VISAKHAPATNAM

Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock struck centuries to help South Africa avoid the threat of a follow-on and reach 385-8 at stumps on Day 3 of the first Test against India on yesterday.

Offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin took his 27th five-wicket haul in Tests to keep India in control of the series opener, however, with South Africa still trailing by 117 runs.

After the Proteas resumed in some trouble on 39-3, Elgar scored 160 off 287 balls for the opener’s 12th Test hundred before De Kock attacked India’s spinner to make 111 off 163 deliveries.

They put on 164 runs for the sixth wicket, allowing South Africa to ease past the follow-on mark.

At stumps, Senuran Muth-usamy (12 not out) and Keshav Maharaj (3 not out) were in the middle.

Responding to India’s first innings of 502-7 declared, South Africa - which, at one stage, was reeling on 34-3 - dominated the third day of the test and lost only two wickets in the first two sessions.

Ishant Sharma trapped Temba Bavuma (18) lbw before lunch, while Faf du Plessis fell for 55 in the afternoon to end a

partnership of 115 runs with Elgar that resurrected the Proteas’ innings.

That brought Elgar and De Kock together, the latter taking charge of the innings with a counterattacking knock to reach his fifth Test century off 149 deliveries.

The breakthrough finally came in the 100th over when Elgar, who hit 18 fours and four sixes, holed out to deep mid-wicket off Ravindra Jadeja (2-116).

De Kock helped South Africa cross 350 in the next over but fell to Ashwin, pushing the ball onto the stumps off his pads.

Ashwin made it a quick double blow as he bowled Vernon Philander for a 10-ball duck, and had figures of 5-128 from 41 overs.

It was a strong return for a player who has been out since December because of injury and then having dropped behind others in terms of selection.

“I am elated to be back,” Ashwin said.

“It was tough for me to sit out. I went and played as much cricket as possible. Played in county cricket and in T20 club cricket so I could bowl as much as possible. It helped me bounce back.”

India’s big first-innings score was established on an opening stand of 317 runs between Mayank Agarwal (215) and Rohit Sharma (176).

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock raises his bat after scoring 100 runs during the third day’s play of the first Test match between India and South Africa in Visakhapatnam yesterday.

Pakistan’s Umar Akmal (right) plays a shot as Babar Azam (left) and Mohammad Nawaz look on during a practice session in Lahore yesterday. World number one Twenty20 team Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the first of a three-match series in Lahore today.

Pakistan launch T20 World Cup preparation with Sri Lanka seriesAFP LAHORE

World number one Twenty20 team Pakistan take on an inexperienced Sri Lanka in the first of a three-match series in Lahore today, starting their preparation for next year’s World Cup in the shortest format.

Pakistan will also play three Twenty20 matches in Australia next month before hosting Bangladesh and later travelling to Ireland and England, all ahead of the Twenty20 Asia Cup.

That gives them ideal preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Australia in October and November next year.

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said the prep-aration was good but he was keeping his eye on the ball: Sri Lanka.

“We will not take them lightly,” said Sarfaraz. “A Twenty20 match can be won by one good per-formance in batting and one in bowling, so we need to work hard to win the series.”

The remaining matches will be played on Monday and Wednesday, also in Lahore.

Pakistan enjoy a superior record against Sri Lanka, having beaten them in eight of the 13 matches they have played against each other to date. They beat Sri Lanka in the final to win the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup in England.

Sarfaraz is also one of the most successful cap-tains in the shortest format, winning 29 of the 34 matches he has captained, losing only five.

Pakistan have a world number one ranked Twenty20 batsman in Babar Azam, while the recall of Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal further boosts their batting.

Sri Lanka will miss their top players Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera and Niroshan Dickwella, who were among ten players who refused to tour Pakistan over security fears. But Shanaka, who was one of four players who came to Pakistan when Sri Lanka played a single Tweny20 international in Lahore in 2017, put on a brave face.

“I am happy to lead the team and we will do our best to put up a fight against our very strong hosts,” said Shanaka.

Like in Karachi, where Sri Lanka lost the three-match one-day series 2-0 (with the first match rained off), stringent security will be in place for the teams.

TEAMS: PAKISTAN: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz

SRI LANKA: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Angelo Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Madushanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

India (I innings) 502-7 dec South Africa (I innings)D Elgar c Pujara b Jadeja ........................160

A Markram b Markram .................................5

T de Bruyn c Saha b Ashwin ......................4

D Piedt b Jadeja ...........................................0

T Bavuma lbw b I Sharma ........................ 18

F du Plessis c Pujara b Ashwin ................55

Q de Kock b Ashwin .................................. 111

S Muthusamy (batting) ............................. 12

V Philander b Ashwin .................................0

K Maharaj (batting) ......................................3

Extras (B8, LB4, NB5) .............................. 17

Total (8 wickets) ............................ 385Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-31, 3-34, 4-63,

5-178, 6-342, 7-370, 8-376

Bowling: Sharma 14-2-44-1 (nb1), Shami

15-3-40-0 (nb1), Ashwin 41-11-128-5, Jade-

ja 37-4-116-2 (nb1), Vihari 9-1-38-0 (nb2),

Sharma 2-1-7-0

SCOREBOARD

ECB’s The Hundred under fire for ‘junk food’ sponsorshipREUTERS LONDON

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has come under fire from health advocacy groups who said their new domestic tour-nament The Hundred promotes junk food with its sponsorship deal with KP Snacks.

The 100-ball format tournament was launched on Thursday and all eight city-based teams’ kits promi-nently feature logos of the British-based brand’s products, which are mainly maize, potato, and nut-based snacks.

“Junk food brands’ spon-sorship of popular sporting events is just another way they make sure their unhealthy products take centre stage in children’s minds,” Caroline Cerny of the Obesity Health Alliance said.

“We know that the relentless exposure to junk food marketing that children today are exposed to influ-ences their food choices and how much they eat.”

Tam Fry, the chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said the United Kingdom should follow the example of the city of Amsterdam that put an end to sports sponsorship by similar companies, which eventually led to a fall in obesity levels.

“The ECB could have found any number of rich philanthropic organisations to fund its laudable objec-tives,” Fry said. “Sadly it didn’t.”

Djokovic stuns Japan Open with super fast tennisAFP TOKYO

World number one Novak Djokovic yesterday put on a stunning show of supremacy at the Japan Open with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Lucas Pouille of France.

The Serb overwhelmed his opponent in the quarter-final match, showering Pouille with a barrage of powerful, precision shots to deep, wide corners mixed with delicate drop shots.

“I am not a machine. But I did play like one today,” he said after their 50-minute contest. “This was one of the best matches I played this year. Very, very pleased with the way I feel and played on the court,” said Djokovic.

“I am looking forward to another battle tomorrow, hope-fully I will be able to keep up with this quality of tennis.”

In the semi-finals, Djokovic will face 2017 Japan Open champion David Goffin of Belgium, who also comfortably defeated Chung Hyeon of South Korea 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic’s latest victory provided further evidence of his swift recovery from a left shoulder injury that caused him to pull out of the US Open.

The Japan Open is the first competition for Djokovic since the incident. He nailed eight aces and never committed double fault while collecting points on 82 percent of his successful first serves.

In the rest of the Tokyo tournament, qualifier John Millman of Australia defeated Japanese wild card Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-0.

ATP WORLD TOUR TOKYO RESULTS

Men’s Singles-Quarter-final

Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def.

Lucas Pouille (5), France, 6-1, 6-2.

David Goffin (3), Belgium, def.

Chung Hyeon, South Korea, 6-2, 6-2.

WTA World Tour Beijing Results

Men’s Singles-Quarter-final

Karen Khachanov (4), Russia, def.

Fabio Fognini (6), Italy, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Dominic Thiem (1), Austria, def.

Andy Murray, Britain, 6-2, 7-6 (3).

Stefanos Tsitsipas (3), Greece, def.

John Isner, United States, 7-6 (3),

6-3.

Alexander Zverev (GER x2) bt Sam

Querrey (USA) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2

Women’s Singles-Quarter-final

Ashleigh Barty (1), Australia, def.

Petra Kvitova (7), Czech Republic,

4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Kiki Bertens (8), Netherlands, def.

Elina Svitolina (3), Ukraine, 7-6 (6),

6-2.

Caroline Wozniacki (16), Denmark,

def. Daria Kasatkina, Russia, 6-3,

7-6 (5).

Naomi Osaka (JPN x4) bt Bianca

Andreescu (CAN x5) 5-7, 6-3, 6-4

Al Arabi rally for gutsy 3-1 victory over Al KhorTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Al Arabi earned a dramatic come-from-behind 3-1 victory against Al Khor in Week 6 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League at the Al Khor Stadium yesterday.

Hamdi Harbaoui (78th-minute penalty and 90+5-minute penalty) and Pierre Lasogga (90+8 minutes) scored for Al Arabi.

Ahmed Hassan scored for Al Khor in the 37th minute.Al Arabi, who were not in action last week as their game against

reigning champions Al Sadd (Qatar Derby) was deferred due to the latter’s AFC Champions League first-leg semifinal against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal played in Doha on 1st October, moved to 13 points. Al Khor stood on four points.

Al Khor thus suffered their fourth successive defeat, having lost to Al Ahli, Al Rayyan and Qatar SC also.

Al Arabi were the dominant side in the first half and, under-standably, created more chances though they lacked teeth enough to give them the lead. Yousef Abdulrazaq headed straight to Al Arabi goalkeeper Gregory Gomis and then Pierre Lasogga could not connect Yousef’s pass.

Al Khor slowly, but steadily made their way into the game, with Tiago Bezerra and Ahmed Hammoudan leading their charge.

Al Khor drew first blood when Ahmed Hassan volleyed in first time an angular cross from the left by Ibrahim Amada, leaving Gomis with no chance to make a save.

Al Khor were more in the game in the second half and The Knights almost doubled their lead just past the hour mark, but Amada’s shot was first blocked by Gomis and then cleared by Musab Keder.

Al Arabi too made desperate attempts for an equaliser. After Aron Gunnarsson shot over from four yards out off a corner kick, The Dream Team earned a penalty after Al Khor defender Khaled Radwan was adjudged to have handled the ball off a corner kick. Harbaoui calmly converted from the spot.

The match saw dramatic scenes towards the end, with both teams seeking a headway, and the VAR was used on more occa-sions than one.

Al Khor were awarded a penalty when Morteza Pouraliganji fouled Amada. And Tiago hit the resultant spot kick against the right upright. Al Arabi soon earned a penalty after Robert Alexander brought down Harbaoui and the latter converted from the spot. Lasogga struck at the stroke of final whistle to seal a pulsating victory for Al Arabi.

In another match, Al Shahania and Umm Salal were forced to share the spoils following a 1-1 draw in Week 6 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday.

Al Shanania got on the scoresheet in the 27th minute, thanks to Ramin Rezaeian, and Umm Salal equalised in the 38th minute, courtesy of an Adil Rhaili goal.

After retaining her crown, Lijiao hungry for more

04 SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019SPORT 05SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT

September 27 to

October 6

Breaking Ennis-Hill’s record feels unbelievable: Johnson-Thompson

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

“A bruise is a lesson and each lesson makes us better.”

Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s feat at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 was a living example of this phrase.

After failing at the past two world championships, the British star bounced back in record-break-ing fashion to win her heptathlon gold medal at the Khalifa Interna-tional Stadium on late Thursday night.

Johnson-Thompson, who was no-marked in the long jump at the 2015 edition in Beijing and ended up fifth at London 2017, accumu-lated world leading 6981 points and claimed personal bests across four events, setting a new British record to win the title.

She broke Jessica Ennis-Hill’s record by 26 points as she dethroned Belgium’s Nafi Thiam to climb to sixth on the all-time lists

with the biggest winning margin of victory. Thiam got the silver 6677 points while Austria’s Verena Preiner won bronze medal with 6560 points.

Johnson-Thompson couldn’t believe her points tally that gave her a new British record.

“It hasn’t settled in. I was there at London 2012 to witness her (Ennis-Hill) break her own British record and get the Olympic gold medal, so it’s unbelievable to me that I’ve just passed that score,” said the Briton.

While Johnson-Thompson was happy with her overall perform-ance, she was amused with her slick run in the hurdles.

“The hurdles was the biggest surprise. I never dreamed I could run that fast, 13-zero, when I’ve been stuck at 13.3 for as long as I can remember. That set m e u p

for the heptathlon as soon as I saw the clock stop at that time.

“The most challenging event was the 200 because of the tight schedule and we didn’t get a chance to warm up properly,” she said.

On how she approached the 800m knowing a record was pos-sible, she said: “I love the 800m, funnily enough. It is one of my strongest events. I have been train-ing very hard for it this year. The light show before it got me psyched to go.

“I train very hard week in, week out for it so all that has to be for something. It’s a good way to finish off a heptathlon for me, to just go out and put it all

on the

line. Seven thousand points wasn’t meant to be but hopefully I am on a roll now for the future,” Johnson-Thompson said.

For Thiam – the Olympic and European champion – who started well on the first day, javelin became a stiff challenge.

“I did a very good first day – my best ever at a championship. There wasn’t one event I was super happy with, I just had a good level,” she said.

“The most challenging was the javelin. Mentally it’s the hardest for me to go through that again.”

Preiner, who was not in con-tention of a medal was

delighted with a podium finish.

“I’m really happy with my performance. I knew I could fight for a medal when I came here, but what happened tonight is really unbelievable,” she said.

I train very hard week in, week out for it so all that has to be for something. It’s a good way to finish off a heptathlon for me, to just go out and put it all on the line. Seven thousand points wasn’t meant to be but hopefully I am on a roll now for the future: Johnson-Thompson

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

After winning bronze medal at the World Cham-pionships in Berlin a decade ago, Gong Lijiao has been winning medals often. On Thursday night, the Chinese star became the fourth women to win back-to-back world titles but she doesn’t want to stop here.

After a dozen of victories this year, Lijiao entered the women’s shot put final as hot favour-ite and she lived up to expectations hurling 19.55m to retain her title at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa Interna-tional Stadium.

The 30-year-old took a lead clearing a dis-tance of 19.07m in the first round, but when she was looking comfortable Jamaica’s Danniel Tho-mas-Dodd threw 19.36m in the third round, prompting her 19.55m response in round four to seal victory.

Danniel finally got a silver medal with her best of 19.47 while Germany’s Christina Schwan-itz reached 19.17m to pick a bronze medal.

“This title will definitely give me a lot of con-fidence for my future events,” said Lijiao after securing the title.

“I’m very excited about tonight’s competi-tion. It’s my second victory at the World Championships in a row and I’m really proud I managed to defend my title from London. In the same time, I’m happy that all these things ended, as, actually, I’m not satisfied with my result,” she said.

She was feeling lucky to win the crown after a miscalculation in the warm-up session ahead of the final.

“I think I did my biggest mistake tonight dur-ing warming-up, as I did too many throws before the competition started. T h e weather was very hot and I

think a mix of these facts affected my readiness and took a lot of my energy,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Thomas-Dodd hailed the level of competition in the final and was happy to secure a podium finish.

“It was really good. All the ladies fought def-initely hard. To get the podium tonight wasn’t easy. So, to finish among the top three was the highlight of this competition for me,” she said.

“I think I could go further. If my throws dur-ing the first three rounds were technically the same or close to the one I had in the fifth round, it would be a different competition,” Thomas-Dodd added.

Bronze-winning Schwanitz said: “I’m very happy. Competition was really great for me con-sidering so many changes in my life, which I have to cope after giving birth to my twins. I’m not an 18-year-old and I still can win world medals. It was competition I’m proud for.”

The German said she was not thinking much about the next season.

“I even didn’t think yet about next year. Sometimes it’s difficult to say my plans

for the next two weeks. Certainly, I think about the Olympics. It

should be a great compe-tition, but it’s still too far

from today,” she said.

This title will definitely give me a lot of confidence for my future events. I’m very excited about tonight’s competition. It’s my second victory at the World Championships in a row and I’m really proud I managed to defend my title from London: Lijiao

of the final.“I think I did my biggest mistake tonight dur-

ing warming-up, as I did too many throws before the competition started. T h e weatheweather was r was very very h dhot anhot anhot and I d Id I

happy. Competition was really great for me con-sidering so many changes in my life, which I have to cope after giving birth to my twins. I’m not an18-year-old and I still can win world medals. It was cowas competitmpetition I’ion I’m proum proud for.d for.””

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China’s Gong Lijiao celebrates after winning the women’s shot put final on Thursday.

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Silver double for Uibo family at Doha Worlds ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Following the athletics proceedings from the massage table is certainly not the easiest things to do especially if your wife is one of the com-petitors and you are getting ready for a 1500m race, the final event of the decathlon.

But that is precisely what Maicel Uibo of Estonian did on Thursday during the IAAF World Championships. He was closely fol-lowing his Bahamian wife Shaunae Miller-Uibo 400m race.

Both ended up getting silver in their respective events sending Estonian and

Bahamas fans into a celebration mood while bringing cheers to the Uibo family.

“Yes, I was able to refresh the results page when she was running, while I was on the massage table getting ready for my 1500m,” Mai-cel, who won silver in the Decathlon event on Thursday night, said.

“I think she did very well – 48.3 is not an easy time to hit and I’m very

proud of her,” he added.Shaunae was delighted to win a

medal on the same night with her husband in the women’s 400m.

“It was a blessing; especially since we both won medals. We both worked hard this year,

I am really happy about him especially,” she said.

She was hopeful that the silver will turn to gold in the next event.

“We are a family, we always share our dreams, we push one another to do our best. I am very proud of him of how he competed and I am sure he is proud of me. We didn’t get the gold, may be next time,” Shaunae said.

The Uibo couple only got to know that their events - 400m and the final decathlon event - will happen at the same time a few weeks before the championship.

“We didn’t realise only until a few weeks before we headed down here. We knew it was going to be a little difficult because it will be hard to watch each other competing, but we made our way. Even earlier when I watched

him compete, my coach said ‘OK Shaunae put away the phone’. Hopefully next year we won’t collide but it was a great experience this time, with both of us celebrating together.”

Both Maicel and Shaunae have been train-ing together and have been leaving no stone unturned.

“Of course, as athletes we are very com-petitive. We train together in Cerlmont,

Florida. We go to practice every day at the same time and sometimes we do running work-outs together. So it’s always a little com-petitive on the track and off the track,” Shaunae said.

“Off the track we argue about anything – who our dogs love the most, really random things,” she added.

Shaunae is planning to do the heptathlon next.

“I am definitely looking at doing it in one of these years.

“Maical was a big influence. It will be a lit-tle fun to try it and see how it goes.”

Bahama’s Shaunae

Miller-Uibo reacts

after finishing second

the in women’s 400

metres final. RIGHT:

Estonia’s Maicel

Uibo celebrates

after winning the

silver medal in the

men’s decathlon on

Thursday.

We are a family, we always share our dreams, we push one another to do our best. I am very proud of him of how he competed and I am sure he is proud of me. We didn’t get the gold, may be next time: Shaunae Miller-Uibo

Great Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson celebrates after

winning the gold medal in the women’s heptathlon on Thursday.

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Salwa Eid Naser, who became the first Asian to win the wom-en’s 400m gold with the third fastest time in history, hopes to keep improving as she targets a possible world record time at the Tokyo Olympics.

Eid Nasser stunned Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo as she surged past the Bahamian on the back straight to win in 48.14 seconds.

“No, to win yes, but I was not expecting that time,” Eid Nasser said.

The Bahraini athlete said her competitors pushed her to achieve the record timing at the IAAF World Championships.

“Running with these amazing ladies, I don’t think I would have done it alone. Especially against Shaunae Miller-Uibo, I always run for the best because she is a really strong ath-lete. I think they really pushed me to get this time,” the 21-year-old Nigerian-born athlete said.

Miller-Uibo took silver in 48.37 as the Bahamian suf-fered her first defeat over the distance since she inexplicably stumbled with victory in her grasp in London two years ago.

“Whenever I run with this fast lady, I always run fast times. Running this race really motivated me a lot. I keep my fingers crossed for the Olympics, I hope I will keep on improving,” she said on her rivalry with Miller-Uibo will propel her towards the world record.

“I wasn’t really feeling anything. I didn’t really know how fast I was going, but while crossing the line I saw that I ran a very fast time. I was so excited, I couldn’t believe it,” Eid Naser said about her experience while competing in the event.

She said her coach pushed her to the limits and had full confidence that she will notch a new time in 400m.

“My coach always said ‘you are gonna run really fast’ and I used to laugh. To be frank, I never expected that fast time. I was training hard but he was keep talking to me, he never let me down. I didn’t think I would run that fast, but I thank God he never gave up on me and supporting me.”

“I was dealing with a lot of things. I missed two Dia-mond League races and coming back here and winning and running this fast time means a lot. I never doubted for myself,” she said.

History-maker Eid Naser

hopes to keep improving

Whenever I run with this fast lady (Shaunae Miller-Uibo), I always run fast times. Running this race really motivated me a lot. I keep my fingers crossed for the Olympics, I hope I will keep on improving: Salwa Eid Naser

Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser reacts after winning the women’s 400 metres final

during the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Khalifa International

Stadium in Doha, on Thursday.

06 SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019SPORT

September 27 - October 6

Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez during practice at the Thailand Grand Prix being held at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, yesterday.

Rossi signs new crew chief for 2020 title chargeWWW.MOTOGP.COM BANGKOK

Yesterday evening at the PTT Thailand Grand Prix, sensa-tional changes were announced by Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) with regards to his team structure for 2020.

The nine-time MotoGP™ World Champion is still looking to fight for a tenth crown and will change his Crew Chief for next season, replacing Silvano Galbusera with Nicolo Bulega’s (SKY Racing Team VR46) Crew Chief from this season, David Muñoz.

Muñoz worked with Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) last season during his title-clinching Moto2 campaign and has been a driving force behind Bulega’s return to good form in 2019.

Rossi, who will be 41 when the racing season starts next year, will continue to reinvent himself in a quest to go for a tenth title in the premier class. Galbusera arrived in Rossi’s corner in 2014, but ‘The Doctor’ is prescribing himself a fresh change in his quest of a resur-gence to the front of the MotoGP field.

Speaking the press con-ference, Rossi confirmed the

change, saying: “Yes, it is true. For next year I will change my chief mechanic. After Misano, we speak together with Silvano because we want to try and do something to be stronger. It was a different factor all together, as Silvano wants to continue working for Yamaha but with less stress and less days out of Italy. Also, at the same time, Yamaha want to make the test

team stronger for next year, to improve the work in Europe.”

Galbusera came to replace Jeremy Burgess as Rossi’s Crew Chief in 2014 and the two have taken nine wins together in the six seasons they have worked together.

Continuing, Rossi stated some surprise at the change: “Sincerely, I didn’t expect at the beginning, but we speak

together and decide that Silvano will go to the test team and I will have another chief mechanic. He is coming from our team in Moto2. His name is David (Muñoz) and he worked together with ‘Pecco’ last year and won the championship, and with Nicolo this year.”

He added: “I am excited and it is new experience, he doesn’t have any experience with

MotoGP. He is very young and has good ideas and, in the end, everyone is happy. Silvano is also happy to stay in the test team, so we will try, and see if we can become stronger.”

Looking to 2020, the 40-year-old Italian is opti-mistic and excited about his new crew chief: “His was the first name because I know him very well, I follow the team well. Last year, he did a very good job with Pecco. I liked the way that he managed the end of the season when he had a lot of pressure and Pecco was a little bit nervous of losing the championship with Oliveira, I liked how he is quiet and the way he managed the situation. I asked him.”

He added: “Unfortunately, something negative for our team because he’s very important for our team, but it’s something to try, so we shall see.”

The news comes as the PTT Thailand Grand Prix is less than 24 hours from beginning, an event that Rossi was strong at in 2018, leading laps during the race after a front row start, before finishing a solid fourth.

Will ‘The Doctor’ be able to put together another strong weekend for the second-ever MotoGP race at the Chang International Circuit?

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Italian rider Valentino Rossi rides during the second practice session of Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram yesterday.

Marquez back on track in Thailand after huge crashAGENCIES BANGKOK

Honda’s MotoGP leader Marc Marquez had a huge crash and was taken to hospital yesterday before returning to set quick laps in practice for what promises to be a title-deciding Thai Grand Prix.

The Spaniard, 98 points clear of closest rival Andrea Dovizioso with five races remaining and a sixth title beckoning, ended the day’s second session at the Chang International circuit sixth fastest.

Marquez was flung off his bike after losing the rear with 10 minutes to go in the first session, landing heavily. He stayed down for a while, struggling to breathe, while the Honda was badly damaged.

He was taken to the circuit medical centre and then to hospital in nearby Buriram for checks before being cleared to continue.

“Fortunately he is OK,” Repsol Honda team boss Alberto Puig told reporters. “We went to the hospital and they did an MRI and everything looks fine.

“Of course, he had some contusions in the back and also in the leg, and also here in the hip a little bit, but nothing to be worried about. We were lucky for today.

“We will continue with the plan and

he will have some treatment probably, some massage or something,” added the Spaniard.

Puig said the rider had been on the outside line and the tyre probably picked up some dirt.

When Marquez returned to the track he was fastest for a while before slipping down the order as the Yamahas found their pace.

French rider Fabio Quartararo topped the timesheets at the end of the day for Petronas Yamaha, ahead of factory Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales and Pet-ronas team mate Franco Morbidelli.

Australian Jack Miller was fourth quickest for Pramac Ducati, ahead of Yamaha’s Italian great Valentino Rossi. Dovizioso was eighth.

Marquez will take the title, his fourth in a row, tomorrow if he scores two points more than Dovizioso.

The Spaniard won from pole position in Thailand last year and also set the fastest lap of the race. Dovizioso finished second.

Earlier after Marquez wasted no time at all in getting back down to business, the Yamaha onslaught came and it would be Quartararo who led Viñales and Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), making it a Yamaha 1-2-3. Continuing their success

from FP1, the Yamahas of Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and teammate Viñales confirmed their pace in the final part of the day.

With less than four minutes on the clock, Viñales stormed to the top of the combined times. Morbidelli followed his fellow Yamaha rider to second place. But pipping the pair of them, 20-year-old Quartararo set a 1’30.404 to go top and end day one as the man to beat. The fourth Yamaha of Rossi was fifth in the end and well in the hunt.

Australian Miller (Pramac Racing) led the Ducati charge from fourth place, just under three tenths off the pace at the front set by Quartararo. His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, was 12th on combined times, one place below Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team).

Petrucci had been inside the top ten after FP1 but slipped to eleventh due to the flurry of improvements at the close of the session. Second in the championship and race win challenger from 2018 in Buriram, Dovizioso (Ducati Team) was eighth overall but gives himself work to do for the rest of the weekend.

Marquez hit the track and on just his third lap of the session, fired in the best time of the weekend. Injured yet

determined, the opening laps from the Champion-elect showcased his out-standing ability to put any misdemeanours behind him almost seamlessly.

However, he would not be able to go any quicker in the session and in the end, would end up in sixth on the combined timesheets, the only Honda inside the top ten.

Strong form from MotorLand Aragon looks to be no fluke for Aprilia, as Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) finished the session with fast times and was just over a tenth from Marquez.

Espargaro was briefly joined in the top ten by teammate Andrea Iannone but the Italian slipped to 16th, just 1.108 from Quar-tararo’s top time. Aprilia are in the fight again.

After technical problems in FP1, Alex Rins and his Team Suzuki Ecstar squad were back in the top ten come the con-clusion of the opening day at the Chang International Circuit.

However, his rookie teammate held top Suzuki honours. Joan Mir set consistent times right through the session and would end up in ninth, with a place secured inside the top ten should rain close in. Rins was tenth and importantly inside the top ten in case of a wet FP3 today morning. `

NHL RESULTS

BASEBALL

Carolina 4 Montreal 3 Ny Rangers 6 Winnipeg 4 Buffalo 3 Pittsburgh 1 Tampa Bay 5 Florida 2 Nashville 5 Minnesota 2 Boston 2 Dallas 1 Colorado 5 Calgary 3 Anaheim 2 Arizona 1

Major League playoff Division Series

National LeagueAt Atlanta

St. Louis Cardinals 7 Atlanta Braves 6

(St. Louis lead series 1-0)At Los Angeles

Washington Nationals 0 Los Angeles Dodgers 6

(Los Angeles lead series 1-0)

Tokyo Games organisers look for advice to battle heat next yearREUTERS LAUSANNE

Organisers of next year’s Tokyo Olympics are looking for new ways to battle the heat and are asking sports federations for advice, the International Olympic Committee said yesterday.

IOC President Thomas Bach said Japanese organ-isers had sent out a ques-tionnaire to federations to see what measures they take to counter heat at their competitions.

“Part of the discussion (today at the IOC Executive Board) was the heat counter-measures,” Bach said.

“Tokyo 2020 informed us that they have reached out to each international federation with a special heat counter-measures questionnaire so that they can benefit from their best experiences,” Bach said.

“It shows the determi-nation of the organising committee to address this issue. I am confident that (international athletics’ governing body) IAAF will share their experiences in Doha.”

Temperatures in Tokyo during July and August, when the city hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games, commonly exceed 30 degrees Celsius, with high humidity adding to the discomfort.

Organisers plan to start the marathons at 6am next year to avoid the midday heat, with major roads on much of the course painted with a resin organisers say will reflect infrared rays to cut temperatures by as much as eight degrees Celsius.

Among other measures planned are artificial snow to cool athletes and spec-tators down.

Heat was not a problem last time Tokyo hosted the Games in 1964 because they opened in October.

Since 1976, however, most summer Games in the northern hemisphere have been held in the middle of summer to fit in with global broadcasting schedules.

OLYMPICS

Fortunately he is OK.

We went to the hospital

and they did an MRI and

everything looks fine.

Of course, he had some

contusions in the back

and also in the leg, and

also here in the hip a

little bit, but nothing to

be worried about. We

were lucky for today.

Repsol Honda team boss

Alberto Puig

The star rider’s quest for a 10th title is strong as ever as he re-invents himself once more for fresh ideas and more success.

07SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT

September 27 - October 6

Boks turn on the power against ItalyREUTERS FUKUROI CITY

South Africa ramped up the physicality to crush an Italy side reduced to 14 men for most of the second half 49-3 yesterday, moving above the Italians and New Zealand to the top of Rugby World Cup Pool B in the process.

The Springboks have never failed to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup and they all but erased that possibility at this tournament with a display of controlled brutality at Shizuoka Stadium.

The ever-dangerous Cheslin Kolbe scored a try in each half and Bongi Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, RG Snyman and Malcolm Marx also crossed to comfortably earn the twice World Cup winners a bonus point.

Italy’s already tricky task became nigh on impossible when they had prop Andrea Lovotti sent off for dropping Duane Ver-meulen on his head in the 43rd minute and their slim hopes of progressing now rest on beating the All Blacks for the first time.

“It was tough in the beginning, we knew what the challenge would be and that it would be a forward battle, so from the first scrum we wanted to give everything,” South Africa captain Siya Kolisi told reporters.

“We wanted to control the set-pieces, because they are very strong in that, and we did that today. “It’s been a tough couple of weeks but we have regrouped. Our coaches and management have been backing us by giving us as much information as pos-sible and the way we responded today was really good.”

Italy had spoken before the game of how discipline would be crucial in deciding the outcome but they specatacularly failed to back their words with action as they battled to match the physicality of their fired-up opponents.

It was not vintage from the Boks despite the scoreline, but there were enough signs of improvement from their opening 23-13 loss to New Zealand to suggest they remain a real threat.

South Africa took the lead from an early attacking line-out as the ball was spun wide to the

dazzling Kolbe, and he stepped inside and out to beat two defenders and score in the corner.

The Boks were rewarded for some positive play to score their second try as Pollard turned down a kickable penalty and from that attacking set-piece they were able to muscle the ball over the line through Mbonambi for a 17-3 halftime lead.

Italy, desperate to get back in the game, started the second half with a thrilling break into the Bok 22, but, having been awarded a penalty for offside just

five metres from the line, Lovotti inexplicably tipped Vermeulen through 180 degrees and allowed him to fall onto his head for a clear red card offence.

With that went any realistic hopes for Italy and, after Pol-lard’s clever kick out of hand set Kolbe in for his second score, Am intercepted for the bonus-point try and Mapimpi profited from a neat chip by Willie le Roux to also cross.

Snyman got on the scoresheet when Matteo Minozzi’s high-risk, low-reward blind reverse pass was collected

close to the line by the lock and Marx barged over from a driving maul with the final play of the game as a deflated and defeated Italy crumbled.

“We played against a very strong side,” Italian captain Sergio Parisse said.

“We tried to come back in the second half but after the red card it was very difficult.

“It’s tough for us, but we must keep going forward. We are very disappointed.

“But we must try and finish well against the All Blacks (on Oct 12),” he said.

South Africa’s players celebrate after winning their 2019 Rugby World Cup match at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka yesterday.

South Africa’s wing Cheslin Kolbe (left) is tackled by Italy’s scrum-half Callum Braley during their 2019 Rugby World Cup, Pool B, match at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka yesterday.

Group A:Scots bid to keep Russia in their sights as Japan clash looms

REUTERS KOBE

Scotland are not looking any further ahead in the Rugby World Cup than their match against Russia even though their final pool clash with Japan looks set to determine which side advances to the quarter-finals, assistant coach Danny Wilson said yesterday.

Japan, second behind Ireland in Pool A with 9 points, face Samoa in Toyota City today before the Scots, on 5 points, take on the Russians next Wednesday in Shizuoka seeking a crucial bonus point to stay in contention.

Japan, however, will have eight days’ preparation for the Yokohama showdown with the Scots, who will only be granted four.

“We are not seeing past that (Russia) game at the moment,” Wilson told reporters in Kobe.

“Obviously in the back of your mind you do need to prepare for a short turna-round to play Japan, but we won’t be taking this first chal-lenge lightly.

“We know we need to get maximum points out of this game, which will be a chal-lenge in itself, and one we relish.”

The durable 20th-ranked Russians have proved difficult for sides to put away in their three matches so far, although their conservative game plan is built more on defence than attack.

They pushed Japan in the opening match of the tour-nament in Tokyo before Samoa needed a strong second half to defeat them in Kumagaya.

It also took Ireland until the final quarter to achieve a bonus-point try in Kobe on Thursday in a match which saw The Bears reduced to 14 men for 20 minutes.

“You have seen a pretty passionate, physical bunch and their defensive physicality has really brought a lot to the party,” Wilson told reporters yesterday

“They have frustrated teams at times in this tour-nament and we will expect exactly the same.

“With it being their last game, it does present a potential opportunity for them (and)... they will obviously want to get a victory.

“I know they will be very well prepared for that,” he added.

Wilson added that prop Allan Dell (concussion) and flanker John Barclay (groin) were progressing well as Scotland prepared for their final week of pool play with two games four days apart.

“We know we have got a challenge based on two games over quite a short period,” Wilson said.

“That is the challenge of a World Cup.

“We have got a good squad with some real quality in it and it is important we manage that well over that short period between games.”

Retallick boosts All Blacks before Namibia clashREUTERS TOKYO

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen knew that Brodie Retallick was ready to make a comeback from a dislo-cated shoulder when he started annoying everyone around him.

The lock, named to start against Namibia in their World Cup match tomorrow, dislocated his shoulder against South Africa in July and suffered nerve damage which he feared would rule him out of the tournament.

“He has decided to be an annoying guy again so that’s a good sign,” Hansen told reporters yesterday in the run-up to their penultimate Pool B match when he expects his side to continue developing their game plan ahead of the quarter-finals.

“He has come back from injuries and personal tragedy in the past so he knows how to go about doing that. There is no doubting his work ethic, you see it when he plays and it is just an extension of that.

“He loves playing and to have something you love taken away from you, it’s pretty easy to work hard to get back out there.”

The return of the 6ft 8ins (2.03m) Retallick only boosts the All Blacks ahead of the knockout phases, with tomorrow’s game, starting at 1:45 p.m. (0445 GMT) at Tokyo Stadium, likely to be little more than an extended contested training run.

That has allowed Hansen to rest both Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett and give utility back Jordie Barrett his first start at flyhalf.

The Africans are the lowest ranked side in the tournament at 23 and have suffered heavy defeats to both Italy and South Africa and their goal will no doubt be to limit the damage the All Blacks inflict upon them. Their only previous encounter was at the 2015 World Cup and ended in a 58-14 victory to the All Blacks, who ran up a comfortable 34-6 lead at halftime.

Namibia captain Johan Deysel, who scored a try in that 2015 game and said it was one of the high-lights of his career, was keen for his side to be com-petitive, however, and seize their opportunities.

“We took a lot from that game,” Deysel said yes-terday. “They put a lot of pressure on every facet of play. It isn’t easy but they are just humans.

“It is a big opportunity. Anything can happen and small opportunities like that can have a massive impact on your career and your life.”

LEFT: Italy’s lock Alessandro Zanni catches the ball during the 2019 Rugby World Cup match against South Africa the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka yesterday.

Jones could steer England a long way, says JackmanREUTERS LONDON

England coach Eddie Jones has an attention to detail which is “off the scales”, is a great actor in front of the media and can lead England a long way at the World Cup, according to former Ireland international Bernard Jackman.

The former Sale, Leinster and Ireland hooker, who spent time with Jones when he was in charge of Japan before the 2015 World Cup, said the Aus-tralian coach had an unbelievable desire to learn and grow.

“His level of detail is off the scales. For example, he read a study on what the ideal lighting was for optimal learning at video sessions and insists all his meeting rooms have that light level,” Jackman told the Global Sports Forum chatroom run by data company Refinitiv yesterday.

“He spends time in high-level business teams and educators looking for that little one percent extra. Eddie loves data and pushes his support staff incredibly hard to provide the data he needs. I think England are in a great place despite not being overly impressive in Japan. I think England’s pack could do a job on New Zealand (later in the tournament). They are the best northern hemisphere side.”

The Irish coach said Jones also hides his real personality from the media.“The Eddie that you see in the media isn’t the real Eddie. He plays the

role of an actor,” he said. “The real Eddie loves fun and banter -- and he loves developing leaders and winning.”

Jackman, who has coached in France with Grenoble as well as in Wales with the Dragons, was speaking after a trip to Japan and he was particu-larly critical of the refereeing of offside at the tournament.

THE PENINSULA PARIS

The three-year-old colt Amyr Du Soleil took his first Group 1 win in hugely impressive style in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1 PA) in the colours of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, demolishing the field in a show of extraor-dinary class at Saint-Cloud yesterday.

The grey colt of Amyr has come rapidly up the ladder since his racing debut in June when he was second. He then put the pen-dulum to rights winning the Group 3 Prix Tidjani in July with great style before returning from his summer break with an emphatic victory in the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge-Poulians (Gr2) in September at Toulouse.

Yesterday, he confirmed that he is the outstanding leader of the three-year-old Purebred Arabian colts in France, putting the race to bed early in the straight to win by six lengths under jockey Julien Augé despite

being somewhat keen in the early stages. He sat just behind the leaders in the early stages before taking the lead in the final turn.

He quickly took lengths off the racing field and was never

challenged in a display of supe-riority. The JF Bernard-trained and Jean-Bernard Eyquem-ridden Jarif finished in second place, with Al Shaqab Racing-owned and Thomas Fourcy-ridden Mounjared Al Cham, a

further length behind in third under Vincent Cheminaud.

“Since the beginning of the year I have told the owners that he was a very nice horse”, com-mented winning trainer Thomas Fourcy.

Amyr Du Soleil began his racing carrier in the colours of Lisa Deymonaz before being transferred to the famous blue and white stars of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. He was bred by Lisa and Pierre

Deymonaz and is out of Bal-ladore (Dormane), a full sister to Dormah De Brugère, a seven-time winner including the Jumeirah International Stakes and the Arabian International Stakes (Gr2s PA).

THE PENINSULA PARIS

Lady Princess, who runs in the colours of Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari, added a second Group1 PA to her tally, keeping the scorecard of her young career unblemished.

In the hands of Christophe Soumilon, who gave her a copybook ride, she justified her favourite status in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches when winning by three quarters of a length. She was coming here off a win in the Group1 PA Al Rayyan Cup (Pric Kesberoy) at Deauville in August, having debuted successfully at Toulouse last April.

Thirteen runners lined up in this 2000-metre race, which crowns the best three-year-old Purebred Arabian filly in France. Lady Princess jumped quietly and her jockey allowed the others to go forward before settling mid-division. He stayed in touch with the leaders in the final turn when the pace began to pick up and once in the straight, the bay daughter of General came up to join the leaders two furlongs from the fin-ishing line before taking the lead in the final furlong.

She won under a hands and heels ride from Soumillon, who encouraged her every stride, staying on well. The Al Shaqab Racing-owned and Thomas Fourcy-trained Meethag finished in second under Jerome Cabre. The His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned and Mrs J F Bernard-trained Artemis was further

five lenghts behind in third under Jean-Bernard Eyquem.

“She is a star, even though, as her jockey con-firmed, the ground was not her cup of tea,” com-mented winning trainer Thomas Fourcy

“She has a huge heart. She was holding back, but when she saw the others, she went for the win. She is the Zarkava of Purebred Arabians. She doesn’t put on a show, but she is extraor-dinary. Meethag finished a good second. She has

lost nothing by it. My runners will now have a break. Amyr Du Soleil and Lady Princess will stay in France for next year,” Fourcy said.

Lady Princess is a daughter of General and is out of Group3 PA Prix Damas scorer Nacree Al Maury, dam of Mister Ginoux, winner of the Qatar International Trophy (Gr1 PA) and the Qatar Derby des Pur-sang Arabes (Gr2 PA), now a sire at Haras de Thouars. This is the exceptional female line of blue hen and foundation mare Nevada II.

SPORT08SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019

It was a nightmare, around five seconds

I couldn’t breathe.It was a big impact.

MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez after a crash during practice at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand, yesterday.

September 27 - October 6

AUSTRALIA VS URUGUAY (Pool D) 13:15ENGLAND VS ARGENTINA (Pool C) 10:45 JAPAN VS SAMOA (Pool A) 13:15

TODAY’S FIXTURES (QATAR TIME)

HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Khalifa Al Thani (left) receiving the winner’s trophy from Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Chairman Issa Al Mohannedi after Amyr Du Soleil won the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1 PA) at Saint-Cloud, Paris, yesterday.

Group 1 Glory for Sheikh Mohamed’s Amyr Du Soleil

QREC Chairman lauds Qatari success in Arabian races at Saint-CloudTHE PENINSULA PARIS

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi lauded the Qatari victories at Saint-Cloud yesterday, as part of the events associated with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

“I’m very pleased with victory made in presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, owner of Al Shahania Stud,” Al Mohannadi said after the races.

“The win scored for Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari is also a demonstration of Qatari owners’ commitment and ability to run their horses and win outside Qatar. It is an excellent start, giving a very positive indicator of the success of the Qatar-sponsored Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe,” the QREC Chairman said.

“The victories of Amyr Du Soleil and Lady Princess in the Qatar Arabian Trophies for colts and fillies reflect QREC’s commitment to Arabian racing and vision to promote as a world hub for horse racing and a leader in the pure Arabian breed. We look forward to Sunday and a Qatari victory in the Qatar Arabian World Cup, especially as Qatar has had a lion’s share of the coveted title in the previous editions. In addition, the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned and bred French King in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomhe reflects a bright image of Qatar’s horse racing and equestrian sport. It is brilliant to have a Qatari-owned and bred horse in the world’s best race,” Al Mohannadi said.

Lady Princess clinches Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend kicks off todayTHE PENINSULA PARIS

The stage is set for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend to kick off today. Over two days, the world’s best thoroughbreds and Arabians, ridden by the most celebrated jockeys, will descend on the ParisLongchamp race-course.

As many as 98 horses will feature in nine races one Day 1, including three Group1s and three Group2s.

At 03:00pm Doha time, the €150,000 (Gr1 PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Juments (Race 2) will

feature ten 4YO fillies, who will contest over 2000 metres. Three will run in the colours of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani; Aksinya, Al Ryma Monlau and Raahah. Al Shaqab Racing representative in this race is Al Haffanah, who won the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches last year. The other runners are Jadeeda, Durat Al Zaman, R’ezala, Jaazmah Athbah, Viva-baina and Bayan.

The €200,000 Gr2 Qatar Prix Chau-denay (Race7 – 6pm Doha time) is for 3YO over 3000 metres. Ten runners will be in the fray. Al Shaqab Racing will be represented in this race by Lucky Lycra.

The other runners are Moonlight Spirit, Iskanderhon, Dashing Willoughby, Nayef Road, San Huberto, Ashrun, Tech-nician, Golden Box and Muette.

Earlier, the opener will be the €200,000 Gr2 Qatar Prix Dollar for 3YO+ over 1950 metres and will start at 02:30pm Doha time. The six runners of this race are Mountain Angel, Ska-lleti, Villa Rosa, Line Of Duty, Flambeur and Leo De Fury.

Race 3 will be the €200,000 Gr2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein for 3YO+ over a mile. There will be five runners; The Revenant, Olmedo, Impulsif, Shaman and Tauran Shaman.

The €70,000 Qatar Grand Handicap Des Juments (Race 4) will be for 3YO+ fillies and mares over 2000 metres. 16 fillies and mares will be con-testing in this race.

Race 5 will be the €275,000 Haras de Bouquetot - Critérium de la Vente d’Octobre Arqana. 14 two-year-old runners will contest over a mile.

The €300,000 Gr1 Qatar Prix De Royallieu (Race 6) is reserved for 3YO+ fillies and mares over 2800 metres. The nine runners in this race are Enbihaar, Pilaster, Musis Amica, Lah Ti Dar, Muta-makina, South Sea Pearl, Anapurna, Delphinia and Satomi.

Race 8 will be the €300,000 Gr1 Qatar Prix Du Cadran is reserved for 4YO+ stayers. Ten runners will do their best to prove their stamina over 4000 metres.

They are Dee Ex Bee, Mille Et Mille, Way To Paris, Holdthasigreen, Who Dares Wins, Cleonte, Falcon Eight, Call The Wind, Funny Kid and Line Des Ongrais.

Race 9, the Prix Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club will conclude the day at 7:10 pm Doha time. 18 3YO+ fillies and mares will contest in the 2000 metres handicap carrying a purse of €28,000.

Lady Princess, ridden by Christophe Soumilon, on her way to win the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches at the Saint-Cloud racecourse in Paris, yesterday.

Amyr Du Soleil, ridden by Julien Augé, on his way to win the Qatar Arabian Des Poulains at the Saint-Cloud racecourse in Paris, yesterday.