MUNICH, Sept 9 — Bayern Munich have made it clear their main goal this season is to win the Champions League after recent near-misses, with Harry Kane saying “it has to be our year”.

Bayern fell agonisingly short against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in a wild semi-final last campaign.

PSG won a manic first leg 5-4 and then frustrated Bayern in a 1-1 draw in the second in Munich to advance to the final, where they beat Arsenal on penalties to win a second straight title.

Bayern start their latest tilt at a seventh European Cup at home against Norwegians Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

Those around the club, such as former midfielder and 2013 winner Bastian Schweinsteiger, believe only a lack of squad depth in what will be another a punishing season could derail Bayern’s hopes of winning the trophy for the first time since 2020.

Coach Vincent Kompany has made the Champions League the team’s target, alongside Bayern’s almost default domestic dominance.

“The goals with Bayern are always the highest: winning the Bundesliga, winning the Pokal (German Cup), winning the Champions League — and maybe even winning every game,” Kompany told the club magazine in August.

Bayern have twice made the Champions League semi-finals in Kane’s three years at the club, but no further.

Bayern were within touching distance of the final in 2023-24, but became the latest victims of a smash and grab from a title-bound Real Madrid.

Kane was substituted with Bayern holding a one-goal lead with six minutes remaining in the second leg, only for the Spanish giants to score twice in the space of three minutes to turn the tie on its head.

“Yes, we’re really close,” Kane told TNT Sports on Monday of Bayern’s chances this season.

“I think last year was the finest of margins — to go out to a team who has won the Champions League back-to-back. There’s no shame in that.

“We’re coming into this season now saying that it needs to be our year. We need to find a way to get it done.”

‘Luck at the right moment’ 

The England captain has been part of plenty of near-misses in his career for club and country.

Long derided for a lack of team trophies, Kane has five since arriving at Bayern — including two Bundesligas and a German Cup — and said he now knows what it takes to win.

“It is not just about being the best team. Sometimes you also need a bit of luck at the right moment,” Kane said.

Fortune with injuries could define Bayern’s season.

Bayern made two major additions in the summer, opting for depth and versatility in what will be a punishing campaign.

In came Ismael Saibari, who can play anywhere across the forward line, along with Germany’s Nathaniel Brown, who has been shifted between left-back and midfield this season.

Schweinsteiger said Bayern “will dominate the Bundesliga” but depth may still be a concern, particularly with the uncertainty around Jamal Musiala.

After collapsing in pre-season games, Musiala revealed he is suffering from a neurological disorder which can lead to seizures, but he was able to return without incident in Saturday’s scoreless draw at Schalke.

“We have to see. There are some suggestions they may still be one or two players short,” Schweinsteiger told AFP.

“The situation with Jamal Musiala is difficult, so it will be interesting how Bayern Munich manage it, because over the course of a season you need strong options from the bench.

“When I think back to the matches against PSG, their options from the bench made a difference in the second leg.

“Luis Enrique made excellent tactical adjustments in the second half of the match in Munich to win and progress.

“In matches like those, Bayern Munich may need to adapt their style of play, because PSG’s attacking players, and indeed the team as a whole, pose a different challenge from those Bayern Munich usually face in the Bundesliga.” — AFP 

SYDNEY, Sept 9 — Australian World Cup star Cristian Volpato has been fined after failing a roadside test for cocaine, police and media reports said today.

Volpato was reported in July to have allegedly tested positive for cocaine after he was pulled over for speeding in Sydney.

New South Wales police said today that a second sample taken at the time had also tested positive.

They said a 22-year-old man — widely identified as Italy-based Volpato by local media — was fined A$722 (RM2,118).

His driving licence has also been suspended since July.

Volpato, an attacking midfielder for Serie A side Sassuolo, made three appearances at the World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia shortly before the tournament.

He was born and raised in Sydney before moving overseas and represented Italy at various youth levels. — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 9 — Ben Shelton stunned holder Carlos Alcaraz in an epic US Open quarter-final that ended at 3.34am today, breaking the record for the latest finish in Flushing Meadows history.

The big-hitting Shelton won 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) on Arthur Ashe stadium in a 4hr 28min classic, ending the Spaniard’s hopes of retaining his title in his first tournament back after a four-month injury absence.

On a marathon day that stretched well into the early hours, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka earlier beat Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) in another match for the ages.

The Belarusian will now face Jessica Pegula, who had to come from a set down to beat fellow American Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, for a place in the final.

Shelton will have an all-American last-four meeting with Frances Tiafoe, who came from two sets down to beat compatriot Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6) in another match that went the full distance.

“It’s incredible,” said Shelton as he thanked the New York crowd for staying so late.

“I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world. I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world.

“To be here in front of you guys tonight is an absolute honour.

“Sharing the court with Carlos is an absolute honour, and I cherish every moment that I have out here.”

Sabalenka had to dig deep against her 21-year-old Czech opponent.

“What a battle,” Sabalenka told the crowd. “I was pushing myself to the limit, especially in the third set.

“I honestly thought that was it, the match was over, and that’s what helped me to feel loose and go for my shots,” she added after trailing 4-2 in the third set on the back of two double faults.

Sabalenka beat Pegula in the 2024 US Open final — still the American’s only appearance in a Grand Slam title match — and beat her again last year in the semi-finals.

‘Fighting demons’ 

Sabalenka looked headed for another Grand Slam disappointment in a season in which she has so far been unable to add to her stash of four major titles.

Clearly frustrated, she nevertheless regrouped and broke Noskova to love to pull level at 4-4.

They hurtled into a 10-point tiebreak where Sabalenka finally sealed victory with a second-serve ace.

The victory was Sabalenka’s first win over a top-10 player since she beat Coco Gauff in the Miami final in March.

American 11th seed Tiafoe came back from the brink after Michelsen, ranked 46th, served for the match at 5-4 in the third.

“He gave me some gifts, a couple of double faults there,” Tiafoe said.

“But then I slowly started to get my rhythm there, snuck out third set and slowly started playing better and better.

“But he is a hell of a player,” Tiafoe added of Michelsen, who wept in Tiafoe’s arms as they met at the net after 4hr 38min.

“He should have easily won today.”

Third-seeded Pegula needed two hours and 20 minutes to get past Navarro.

“It was really tough,” Pegula said after a match featuring nine breaks of serve.

“It was physical, humid. I wasn’t exactly serving my best and I was fighting a lot of demons out there today.” — AFP

PARIS, Sept 9 — Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start on his return to the Champions League with Real Madrid yesterday as the Spanish giants beat Inter Milan 2-1, while Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City’s victory at Porto.

There were also wins for Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund on the first night of action in this season’s league phase, as the opening matchday spreads across three nights.

Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010.

Madrid were two goals ahead midway through the first half at the Bernabeu thanks to two gifts from the Inter defence, with Yann Bisseck at fault as Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on his 99th appearance in the competition.

Mbappe has now scored 71 Champions League goals, equalling the tally of Real legend Raul.

The home side doubled their lead when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez tried to turn away from Fede Valverde inside his own six-yard box only for the Uruguayan to tackle him and score.

Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter, but Real held on for the victory.

“It was a crazy game,” Mourinho told broadcaster Movistar. “A game that finished 2-1 could have finished 7-6 without any problems.”

Enzo Maresca’s City won 2-0 away to Portuguese champions Porto thanks to a second-half brace by Haaland, the first coming two minutes after the restart when he headed in Enzo Fernandez’s cross.

Haaland sealed the points in stoppage time and has now scored an astonishing 59 goals in 59 appearances in the Champions League.

“Erling Haaland is an animal. He is a beast, so every time he is on the pitch, I’m going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists,” Fernandez told Amazon Prime.

It was a fourth straight victory in all competitions for City, Champions League winners in 2023, whose next European game will be at home to title-holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester City’s Norwegian forward #09 Erling Haaland reacts during the Uefa Champions League first round day 1 football match between FC Porto and Manchester City at Dragao stadium in Porto on September 8, 2026. — AFP pic

Welcome win for Villa 

Villa, last season’s Europa League winners, put their poor start to this campaign behind them to beat Belgian champions Club Brugge 3-2 away.

John McGinn curled into the far corner to open the scoring for Unai Emery’s side, who have not yet scored a goal three games into the Premier League season.

Hugo Vetlesen equalised for the hosts, but Emiliano Buendia quickly restored Villa’s lead and then Nicolas Jackson made it 3-1 two minutes before the break.

The summer signing ran through to score his first Villa goal after home goalkeeper Yann Sommer came flying out of his box and failed to get to the ball.

Nicolo Tresoldi pulled another one back just after the hour mark following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The same player hit the post soon after, but Villa claimed a welcome victory.

“We took one step forward today and it was very, very important for our confidence and stability,” said Emery.

Serhou Guirassy was the chief protagonist as Dortmund, runners-up in 2024, started their campaign with a 3-2 home win against Villarreal.

Renato Veiga’s own goal gave Dortmund the lead early in the second half, but Santiago Mourino headed in the equaliser for the Spanish side.

However, Guirassy put the Germans back in front with 10 minutes left, then converted a penalty for his second and his team’s third. He rounded things off with an own goal when a Gregor Kobel save ricocheted back off Guirassy’s face and went in.

Ueda Champions League 

Troy Parrott was the hero for Real Betis for the second time in five days as the Spaniards came from behind twice to win 3-2 against Lille in France.

Marc Bartra equalised twice for Betis, cancelling out goals by Japan’s Ayase Ueda and Brazil defender Alexsandro for Davide Ancelotti’s Lille.

Irish striker Parrott, who scored his new club’s winner against Madrid at the weekend, then struck the decisive goal on 53 minutes as Betis claimed a victory on their return to the Champions League after a 21-year absence.

Lille finished with 10 men as Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Kylian, was sent off.

In the night’s other game, Greek champions AEK Athens beat Austrian title winners LASK 1-0 thanks to a stunning Razvan Marin free-kick. — AFP

TOKYO, Sept 9 — Hundreds of Asian Games athletes in Japan were briefly evacuated from their accommodation as record rainfall lashed host city Nagoya, with competition beginning tomorrow.

Rainwater also leaked into some competition venues, with more wet weather forecast for the coming days.

About 104mm of rain fell in an hour in Nagoya yesterday, prompting municipal officials to issue an evacuation order for parts of the city.

Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of weather events in Japan and elsewhere.

There is no dedicated athletes’ village at this year’s Asian Games, with organisers instead relying on a cruise ship, temporary wooden containers and hotels.

A view of India’s first container-based accommodation for sportspersons preparing to participate in the upcoming Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala September 3, 2026. There is no dedicated athletes’ village at this year’s Asian Games, with organisers instead relying on a cruise ship, temporary wooden containers and hotels. — AFP pic

An official with Nagoya Port Authority told AFP that “hundreds” of athletes staying at the city’s Garden Pier area, where the wooden container huts are located, were told to move to safety.

The athletes returned after the evacuation order was lifted about two hours later.

The Asian Games officially begin with an opening ceremony on September 19 but several events get under way before that.

The basketball competition begins tomorrow.

Rainwater was found in several competition venues but Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa said the facilities were not seriously affected and that events would go on as scheduled.

“There has been limited impact like rainwater leaking from the roofs of some buildings, but the situation is not so serious that the opening on the 19th is in jeopardy for now,” he said.

“Given the current circumstances, I believe there will be no obstacles to holding the Asian Games.”

More than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected at the Games — a bigger number than the Olympics.

Subway and bus services in Nagoya were temporarily halted on Tuesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest flood warning for a major river in the area. — AFP

LOS ANGELES, Sept 9 — LIV Golf, the breakaway tour that spent billions of dollars luring top players away from the PGA and triggered bitter divisions within the sport, filed yesterday for bankruptcy protection.

The filing at a New Jersey court indicates LIV, which abruptly lost its deep-pocketed Saudi investors earlier this year, intends to restructure and return in a new form.

But documents show LIV owes between US$500 million and US$1 billion (RM2 billion and RM4.06 billion) in estimated liabilities to at least 1,000 creditors, including star players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.

And the future of those popular players remains deeply unclear. The likes of DeChambeau are now faced with deciding whether to remain with the tour in its new guise, or leave and attempt to pursue the millions of dollars they are owed in court.

“This process gives us the structure and time to pursue a landmark transaction and begin the next chapter of LIV Golf,” said CEO Scott O’Neil, in a statement.

LIV still intends to return next year in a new form including “an innovative, player-first ownership model,” he said.

“No definitive decisions regarding the 2027 schedule or individual events are being announced at this time,” the LIV statement added.

The bankruptcy filing was widely expected, after LIV axed the majority of its staff earlier this month, and scrapped its season-ending team championship in August after losing the backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Since LIV’s launch in 2022, the Middle Eastern fund had poured an estimated US$5 billion into the tour, before abruptly pulling the plug.

The PIF will now provide a loan worth nearly US$50 million for the bankruptcy and reorganization process, the LIV statement showed.

LIV’s star players Rahm, DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson hold the largest unsecured claims against the tour, totalling more than US$5 million each in immediate past-due payments, per the bankruptcy filing.

But even those amounts do not reflect the future remaining contract values of some golfers, that can range into tens of millions of dollars each, the Financial Times reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Yesterday’s statement said “the Company remains in advanced discussions with” players, including on “creating an ownership structure aligning players’ interests with the League’s long-term success.”

“Players will have the opportunity to share directly in the value they help create,” said O’Neil, in an open letter to fans.

LIV did not immediately respond to AFP request for comment on the matter.

‘LIV 2.0’ 

Tour officials have previously pledged that a “2.0” version of the tour will re-emerge under new investors next season, with a shorter schedule and reduced prize money.

Further details emerged for the proposals yesterday.

LIV intends to host tournaments across five continents, in locations including Australia, South Africa, Mexico, England, Hong Kong and the US.

“We intend to expand our fields to 75 players, introduce a cut, and create additional pathways for players to earn their way into LIV Golf, including Monday qualifiers,” it said.

The emphasis would remain on courting young fans, with live music, and team competitions which will “embrace national identities, building on the passion and momentum of World Cup-style competition.”

But much will depend on whether top stars including DeChambeau and Rahm remain.

Widespread reports have linked several LIV stars with potential returns to the PGA Tour and other series, though the PGA said it currently has no plans to offer LIV players a pathway back.

Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka — who did return to the PGA this year — is still listed as a creditor owed US$1.7 million on the LIV bankruptcy filing.

Yesterday’s filing confirmed LIV has partnered for the restructuring effort with British investment group BC Partners — long rumoured to be the tour’s mystery new “lead investor.”

LIV Golf is also seeking recognition of the US bankruptcy filing in England and Wales to cover its global assets, which total US$100-US$500 million. — AFP

PARIS, Sept 8 — Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain have already secured their status as one of the Champions League’s greatest teams by winning the trophy in back-to-back years, and now they have their sights set on a rare treble.

“Doing the treble is the objective, but we know it’s going to be very difficult and that there will be obstacles in our way,” said PSG captain Marquinhos on the eve of the campaign.

After years of disappointment in Europe for the Qatar-owned club, PSG became the real deal after former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique was appointed in 2023.

They reached the semi-finals in his first season, then kicked on following the departure of Kylian Mbappe in 2024.

No longer beholden to one or two superstar names, PSG went on to blow the rest of Europe away en route to winning a first Champions League title in 2025 as they destroyed Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

They followed that up by edging Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties in last season’s final in Budapest, becoming just the second side to retain the trophy since the inception of the modern Champions League in 1992.

But a three-peat at this level would be an achievement on another scale again.

Real Madrid did it under Zinedine Zidane, reigning over the continent from 2016 to 2018.

Johan Cruyff’s Ajax and Franz Beckenbauer’s Bayern Munich both won three successive European Cups in the 1970s, while Alfredo Di Stefano’s Madrid won five on the bounce at the dawn of the competition between 1956 and 1960.

That is the kind of exalted company PSG are hoping to join, but the demands in Europe’s elite club competition are now greater than ever—the new Champions League format led to the Parisians playing a total of 17 games in order to win the trophy in each of the last two campaigns.

When at their best, they are utterly thrilling. Their pace in an attack led by Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is utterly terrifying, and is supported by flying full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.

Meanwhile their midfield three, led by diminutive Portuguese playmaker Vitinha, can dominate games against far more physical opponents.

Luis Enrique: still hungry 

Hence PSG winning their two titles, and two UEFA Super Cups, despite playing 18 matches against Premier League teams in the last two years.

The number of games might be the biggest danger for PSG, who played 121 competitive matches across the last two seasons with a meagre three-week break in between because of the Club World Cup.

Either side of that, the majority of their squad were involved in major tournaments in 2024 and have had another shortened summer holiday due to the World Cup.

That may explain why they have looked rusty at the beginning of this campaign. However, their margin over the rest of France’s top flight is so great that they are still favourites to win Ligue 1 again, even if they choose to regularly rest key players to keep them fresh for the Champions League.

Their European campaign could not start with a kinder fixture either, with Slovan Bratislava up first—things will quickly move up a notch, though, as they visit Manchester City and host Barcelona in October.

PSG do not often sell one of their star players but that is what they have done with Bradley Barcola, who joined Liverpool for huge money. Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in and Ibrahim Mbaye, all useful squad options last season, have been sold too.

However, Maghnes Akliouche, who played for France at the World Cup, and Ferran Torres—Spain’s final match-winner in North America—are headline new arrivals. The latter played under Luis Enrique for his country.

“He was like a footballing father for me when I played for him in the national team,” Torres said after signing from Barcelona.

Luis Enrique is the star now, more than any individual player, and he has just signed a new contract to stay in Paris until 2030.

“It is the first time I have stayed four years at the same club, and I am more motivated than I was in my first year,” he said, insisting that he has lost none of his hunger. That is ominous for PSG’s rivals. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has clarified that no appointment has been finalised for the national mixed doubles head coach position.

It said the association was still in the process of evaluating and vetting candidates under consideration for the post.

“BAM will make an official announcement once the appointment has been finalised,” it said in a statement today.

Previously, it was reported that national junior men’s doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang had been linked to the position of national mixed doubles head coach.

The vacancy arose following the departure of former head coach Nova Widianto of Indonesia, who concluded his stint with BAM at the end of July to return to his homeland.

Nova, who joined BAM in January 2023, left behind a significant legacy after guiding Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei to become Malaysia’s first world champions in mixed doubles last year. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 —Malaysia are targeting six gold, seven silver and 20 bronze medals, or 33 medals overall, at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games from Sept 19 to Oct 4.

Chef de Mission (CDM) Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said the target was realistic, based on the athletes’ current form, recent achievements, medal potential and the strength of competition at the continental level.

“This target is realistic based on current performances and recent achievements. Everyone knows this is a major Games. The Asian Games are not the SEA Games, so naturally the challenge is greater.

“We also hope there will be a bonus beyond the gold-medal target because we are targeting seven silver and 20 bronze medals,” he said.

He was speaking after the Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony for the Malaysian contingents to the Asian Games and Asian Para Games at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil here today.

In the ceremony, national wushu queen Tan Cheong Min was announced as the Malaysian contingent’s Jalur Gemilang flag-bearer for the Asian Games, while para long jumper Muhammad Nazmi Nasri was selected as the flag-bearer for the Asian Para Games.

Mohd Sumali said the target was set following detailed discussions that took into account the athletes’ current form and the strength of their opponents.

“We hope that, as at the Commonwealth Games previously, there will eventually be a bonus. At the same time, we pray that we do not fall short of the target because what is important is that we achieve the overall target of 33 medals,” he said.

Thirteen sports have been identified as having medal potential, including track cycling, badminton, archery, diving, squash, sepak takraw, hockey, athletics, sailing, karate, wushu, esports and shooting.

The Malaysian contingent comprises 352 athletes and 185 officials, who will compete in 30 of the 43 sports contested at the Games. Malaysia will participate in 156 of the 469 events on the programme.

Meanwhile, NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said the national track cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang is also expected to compete at the Games and help Malaysia achieve the medal target.

CDM for the Asian Para Games Tan Chee Keong said Malaysia are targeting six gold, 10 silver and 18 bronze medals at the Games, scheduled for Oct 18 to 24. — Bernama

NEW YORK, Sept 8 — Top seed Alexander Zverev romped into the quarter-finals of the US Open yesterday with a straight sets defeat of Italy’s Luciano Darderi.

Zverev, who had been taken to five sets in his opening two matches of the tournament, raced past 21st seed Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) in 2hr 30 minutes on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

The brisk victory came as a welcome change for Zverev, whose marathon first and second round matches had finished in the early hours of the morning.

“I don’t know what to do with myself because it’s before midnight,” Zverev quipped afterwards. “I might go back to the practice court, I might go to a bar — that was a joke, unfortunately.

“Compared to the first two matches, the level has been going up.”

The 29-year-old French Open champion was in complete control throughout, punishing Darderi’s woeful service game to grab an early double break in the first set for a 3-0 lead.

Darderi, who has failed to go further than the fourth round at any Grand Slam in his career, never looked like forcing his way back into the set thereafter.

Zverev mopped up the first set easily and was soon back on the attack in the second, once again securing a quick double-break for a 3-0 lead before holding with ease to go two sets up.

Darderi did manage to rally in the third set, suddenly finding his range with some blistering forehands and holding off four break points in the 11th game to help set up a tie-break.

But Zverev’s superior service game meant there was only going to be one winner in the tie-break, a thunderous serve giving him a 5-2 lead before a scorching forehand into the corner took him to match point.

Zverev then wrapped up victory with his 13th ace of the match.

“I thought my level was very consistent,” Zverev said.

“It was just he started playing incredibly well in the third set. I barely saw anyone hit the ball as hard consistently as he did in the third set,” added the German, who will now face Dutch veteran Botic van de Zandschulp in the quarter-finals. — AFP

SINGAPORE, Sept 8 — Singapore will raise the monthly allowance for Members of Parliament from S$13,750 to S$18,500 (RM43,929 to RM59,104) on October 15, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in parliament today.

CNA reported that Wong told the House the government does not treat the allowance as symbolic “token”.

“It is a substantial allowance, because MPs carry substantial responsibilities in parliament and in their constituencies,” Wong said. 

He said the allowance has helped both the People’s Action Party and the Workers’ Party attract strong candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Wong said, “We may disagree strongly across the aisle, but the quality of debate is high, and Singapore is better for it.”

Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing said the increase accounts for inflation and ensures MPs are adequately supported in their work on the ground.

Chan and Wong were responding to a 2026 independent committee review of political salaries, which recommended several changes to how ministerial pay is set.

Chan said the government will study delinking allowances for community‑related roles, such as MPs and mayors, from political salary benchmarks.

He said the committee, led by Dr Gerard Ee, noted that considerations for these roles differ from those for full‑time political appointment holders.

“It has recommended that the government study establishing a basis for sizing the payments in a way that is delinked from the MR4 benchmark, but that remains adequate for these roles to carry out their duties faithfully and effectively,” Chan said.

He said the government will conduct the study while accepting the committee’s recommendation to raise MP allowances to S$18,500 in the meantime.

Chan said the committee’s 2012 finding that the MP allowance was appropriate remains valid and that updating the amount for inflation is consistent with that position.

Allowances for Non‑Constituency MPs will rise from 15 per cent of an MP’s annual allowance to 30 per cent, resulting in a monthly allowance of S$5,550.

Chan said the change reflects the full voting rights conferred on NCMPs since 2017 and aligns their pay more closely with their parliamentary responsibilities.

He said the revised NCMP allowances will also take effect on October 15.

For Nominated MPs, the existing peg of 15 per cent will be retained.

Chan said the government accepts the committee’s recommendation to retain current benefits provisions, which uphold a clean wage with no hidden perks, no pensions and clear transparency.

He said medical benefits will continue under the Medisave‑cum‑Subsidised Outpatient scheme used across the civil service and public sector.

CNA reported that Parliament will debate the government’s response to the committee’s recommendations on Thursday. 

PORTO, Sept 8 — Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca said yesterday finding form early in the season “was not easy” for his World Cup players ahead of the club’s Champions League opener at Porto.

“I think it’s correct that you see these kinds of players that they start to be tired,” Maresca said at the Dragao Stadium before Tuesday’s match.

Maresca was responding to remarks by Erling Haaland posted on the striker’s his YouTube channel earlier in the day.

The Norwegian has three goals in three league matches but did not play in warm up games, following Norway’s run to the World Cup quarterfinals.

“The new season started and I didn’t even have a pre-season. I normally have a bit of pre-season but this time, just nothing,” said Haaland.

“The physical side will come, if you manage to stay injury free, but you need to be sharp mentally as well, and that’s not easy.

“We need to have that eager feeling to go back but we don’t because there is no time to properly stay away from football because there are so many games and the season is longer.

“I’m not complaining because it’s still a positive thing that you get to play football throughout the whole year and live off it.

“But sometimes we need a break as well.

“I never played a World Cup so I don’t know how it is.”

Maresca was sympathetic.

“It’s not easy for them, it’s not easy for Erling, it’s not easy for most of the players that they continue to play for their international team,” said the coach.

“It’s correct to give them some rest that can be one game out or can be one week away depends a little bit in which moment we are.

“To be focused on the day by day makes it very complicated to think where we can be in February, March, April in terms of expectation.

“The most important thing is to see that we are improving game after game.” — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 8 — Coco Gauff bested rising US star Iva Jovic yesterday to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open for the first time since winning the title three years ago.

Gauff, seeded fourth this year, beat the 14th-seeded Jovic 6-1, 6-4 in 80 minutes.

The match marked a rare instance in which two-time Grand Slam champion Gauff, still only 22, faced a younger American in the 18-year-old Jovic, who pushed Gauff in the second set after being routed in the first.

“She plays beyond her years,” Gauff said. “I’m looking to many more battles out here.”

Gauff said she served “really well” and called the win, along with a second-round victory over Spain’s Paula Badosa, her best matches so far this year.

Gauff has yet to lose a set so far in New York and has pointed to an improved serve as a source of confidence.

“I’m able to rely on a lot of different things to win points in many different ways, and I think that gives me a confidence,” Gauff said after yesterday’s match.

Broken to open the contest, Gauff reeled off six straight games to take the first set.

Gauff said some of the marathon rallies left her breathless, but she came out on top of them more often than not.

Jovic picked up the pace in the second set, rushing the net behind strong shots to keep Gauff on the defensive.

Their net exchanges won loud applause from fans, and Gauff finished the match with a surprise serve-and-volley ambush, landing a volley that Jovic couldn’t put back in play.

Gauff will next face French Open champion and fifth-seeded Mirra Andreeva of Russia in the quarter-finals. Gauff has won all five of their prior meetings.

Despite the strong record against Andreeva, Gauff noted that most of the matches have been close. In their last contest, Gauff defeated Andreeva 6-4 in the third set in the quarter-finals of Rome, shortly before Andreeva’s Paris triumph.

“She’s obviously in a different mindset now, at the top of the game, coming off a Grand Slam win,” Gauff said of the Russian. “So I expect her to approach the match completely differently from in the past.” — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 8 — Alexander Blockx beat Francisco Cerundolo in four sets yesterday to become the first Belgian man ever to reach the US Open quarter-finals.

The 21-year-old Blockx, seeded 28th in his Flushing Meadows debut, out-lasted 24th-seeded Cerundolo 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Blockx, who upset fifth-seeded Flavio Cobolli in the third round, backed up that win with a determined performance during which he received “magical medication” from the doctor to combat a “sharp pain in my rib.

“I was just holding on to be honest,” Blockx said. “Even though I won that first set 6-3, it could have been the other way round.”

Later, Blockx told reporters he might have retired had he lost the third set.

“I was really close to retiring, to be honest,” he said. “I was just hanging in there, but I think if I would have lost the third set, I think the chances were really high of me retiring.”

“Even before the match I was already under medication, and during the match I had medication. So if you feel that much pain while having a lot of medication, that’s not a good sign.”

But “eventually it got better,” he said. “It would have been a shame if I would have retired and then it got better afterwards. I was just lucky.”

The win marks the latest stepping stone for Blockx, who began the year outside the top 100 and had to qualify for the Australian Open.

After splitting the first two sets, Blockx and Cerundolo stood level at 5-5 when the Belgian fell behind 0-40 on his serve.

Blockx worked his way back with big serves and booming strokes, holding serve and breaking Cerundolo in the next game to take the third set.

A tight fourth set went with serve until Blockx gained the winning break in the final game, falling to the ground in delight when a shot from the Argentine landed out.

“This morning I stepped onto this court for the first time to warm up and that felt unreal, so to play a match here and win a match here is even crazier,” Blockx said

Blockx next faces Russian Karen Khachanov, who edged 14th-seeded American Learner Tien in five sets, 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (6/8)), 6-1, 6-4.

A former US Open semi-finalist, Khachanov beat third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round. — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 8 — Zheng Qinwen pulled off another US Open stunner yesterday, rallying to beat Iga Swiatek and reach the quarter-finals as Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff advanced.

It was one more gritty win for Zheng, the Paris Olympics gold medallist and a former world number four now ranked 121st after struggling in the wake of elbow surgery last year.

Zheng had won the last seven games saving a match point as she shocked Madison Keys in her previous match.

After falling behind 5-0 in the first set against six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek she again reeled off seven straight.

She then broke Swiatek twice in the second set to clinch the win.

Swiatek, who fell to Zheng in the gold medal match in Paris two years ago, left the Arthur Ashe Stadium in tears.

“I guess to come back from 0-5 (Saturday) is not lucky, that’s all I can say,” Zheng said after becoming the first qualifier or lucky loser to beat Swiatek at a Grand Slam.

Zheng said it took her some time to settle in on the cavernous Ashe court, noting it’s been “a long, long time” since she’d been scheduled on a main show court.

“I just focus on point by point,” Zheng said, adding that she was so focused on the rallies that she lost track of the score.

Zheng is the first qualifier to reach the US Open women’s quarter-finals since Emma Raducanu — who went on to win the title — in 2021.

She’ll next face world number two Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion who cruised past a hurting Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 in just 66 minutes.

Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan returns a shot against Naomi Osaka of Japan during their Women’s Singles Fourth Round match on Day Nine of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighbourhood of the Queens borough of New York City September 7, 2026. — Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America/Getty Images pic via AFP

Rybakina is not only chasing a third Grand Slam title. If she beats Zheng to reach the semi-finals she will seize the number one ranking from Aryna Sabalenka — even if the Belarusian wins a third straight crown.

“Of course I want it,” Rybakina said. “I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t wish this.”

But, she added: “I try to approach the same, fight to the end my next match — let’s see what will happen.”

Fourth-seeded Coco Gauff reached the quarter-finals for the first time since she won the title in 2023, beating 18-year-old US compatriot Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-4.

Gauff next faces fifth-seeded French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 winner over Anastasia Potapova.

An injury to Potapova in the final game marred an entertaining contest. When Potapova crashed to the ground lunging for a ball Andreeva rushed to her side. The Russian-born Austrian received treatment on her knee before limping to the finish line.

Alexander Blockx’s dream debut continued with a gritty 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, which made the 21-year-old the first Belgian man to reach the US open last eight.

Blockx, who started the year ranked outside the top 100, said he was “close to retiring” because of sharp pain in an injured rib in the first set.

“Even before the match I was already under medication, and during the match I had medication. So if you feel that much pain while having a lot of medication, that’s not a good sign,” he said.

Men’s top seed Alexander Zverev was once again slated to close the action on Ashe, taking on 21st-seeded Italian Luciano Darderi.

The French Open champion has become a late-night fixture, playing into the small hours not only in two five-set marathons but also in his three-set third round win over Alejandro Tabilo.

The German is vying to make the US Open quarter-finals for a fifth time while Darderi will make the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time if he can pull off the biggest win of his career.

France’s Arthur Gea was vying for a slice of Grand Slam history against Botic van de Zandschulp. He could become the first men’s lucky loser ever to reach the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam. — AFP

MADRID, Sept 8 — When Jose Mourinho left Inter Milan for Real Madrid in the summer of 2010, after leading the Italian outfit to Champions League glory, he was at the peak of his powers.

The Portuguese coach claimed an historic treble with Inter, clinching Serie A in the last week of the season and lifting the Coppa Italia.

Inter beat Bayern 2-0 in the Champions League final at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, winning the trophy for the first time since 1965 and becoming the first Italian team to win the treble.

The day after the final Mourinho said it was likely his last match in charge and around a week later his appointment at Real Madrid was finalised.

Now 16 years on, and beginning his second stint at Madrid, Mourinho kicks off the record 15-time Champions League winners’ European campaign against Inter on Tuesday at the Bernabeu.

Neither the veteran coach nor Inter have been able to reproduce that level of European success since.

Inter have reached the final on two subsequent occasions, beaten in 2023 by Manchester City and then thrashed by Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 showpiece.

Mourinho was unable to help Real Madrid past the semi-finals and after leaving the club in 2013 has mainly spent his time competing in lower levels of European competition.

The 63-year-old led Manchester United to the Europa League in 2017 and won the Conference League with Roma in 2022.

Back on top 

Fished out of the relative wilderness by Madrid president Florentino Perez this summer after two seasons without a major trophy for Los Blancos, Mourinho’s main task is to return the club to their European throne.

Only five coaches have won the trophy more times than Mourinho, who also lifted it with Porto in 2004 to kickstart his career and earn him passage to Chelsea and Europe’s biggest leagues.

“My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win,” said Mourinho in 2010, although the same holds true now, after a remarkable period of success ended.

In his first reign Mourinho helped disrupt Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona’s dominance within Spain but was unable to help Madrid end their wait for a 10th European Cup.

That came under his successor Carlo Ancelotti, who claimed three with Madrid over two spells at the club.

Zinedine Zidane also lifted the trophy three times in consecutive seasons, with Madrid winning six in a remarkable 10-year spell.

Perez credits Mourinho with building the foundations for those trophies.

“I’m glad my work had some positive impact, but the titles belong to Carlo, Zidane, the players, and the fans,” said Mourinho.

Madrid’s grip on the trophy has loosened during the past two years, knocked out in the quarter-finals by Arsenal in 2025 and last season they were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the last 16.

Mourinho’s challenge is to prove both he and Real Madrid still can rule among Europe’s elite, and stopping Luis Enrique’s PSG retaining it for a third year running.

“Finishing without trophies at Real Madrid is not a successful season,” said Mourinho in August.

The coach’s second stint at Madrid started smoothly with three wins from three games, but on Friday they fell to their first defeat, 1-0 at Real Betis.

Inter’s visit to the Spanish capital will be an early test of whether Mourinho can restore Madrid’s European fortunes, against the club with which he last reached the pinnacle of the competition. — AFP 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — National badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei plans to expand his newly launched Lee Chong Wei Cup into an international tournament next year.

The former world No. 1 men’s singles player said he aimed to obtain sanctioning from Badminton Asia for the international edition while continuing to run the local tournament.

“I have already planned two tournaments for next year, one local and one international… The second will be an international tournament.

“We are looking for a time slot and seeking sanctioning from Badminton Asia. We need to fix the dates carefully because I don’t want to clash with other junior tournaments in Indonesia or elsewhere,” he told reporters on the final day of Lee Chong Wei Cup at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara, here on Sunday.

The three-time Olympic Games men’s singles silver medallist also said that national coaches kept a close eye throughout the event to scout potential talent for Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) trials at the end of the year.

However, Chong Wei, who is also BAM performance committee chairman, pointed out that selection would not be restricted solely to players who reached the finals or semi-finals.

“Even someone who reached the quarter-finals might show talent and get called up.

“Even if they lost early, if we see talent, we might call them for selection to see how they progress in training at BAM,” he said.

The 43-year-old Penangite was also satisfied with the overwhelming response to the nine-day tournament, which attracted over 2,200 junior participants nationwide across three categories, namely Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17.

The inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup, which kicked off August 29 and concluded today, offered a total prize pool of RM104,000. — Bernama 

LONDON, Sept 7 — Tyson Fury claims Anthony Joshua is backing out of their much-anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown and has challenged Oleksandr Usyk to a trilogy fight.

Fury and Joshua have been locked in talks over a long-awaited meeting but the “Gypsy King” is impatient at a lack of confirmation, calling his rival a “coward” last week.

The two former heavyweight world champions are expected to meet in November but the location of the fight has yet to be agreed.

In an expletive-laden video posted on Instagram, Fury, 38, claimed Joshua was pulling out of the fight.

“This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk,” he said. “Oleksandr you’re his (Joshua’s) trainer and his sensei and you know he is... weak-minded... and that he would never fight the Gypsy King, which you have had the guts to do twice.

“You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you, let’s do it again. Let’s run it back in November.

“The ball is now in your court... do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling quits? Let me know because I am now looking for a new opponent.”

Fury has twice lost to Usyk, a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Joshua has been working with the Ukrainian’s training team.

New York’s Madison Square Garden was widely expected to be announced as the venue for the Fury-Joshua fight even though Joshua’s camp prefer Wembley Stadium.

Sela, the Saudi state-owned promotional company financing the fight, and broadcaster Netflix are believed to favour staging the bout in the United States. — AFP 

Badminton world number one An sends Asian Games warning with China hat-trick

BEIJING, Sept 7 — Badminton world number one An Se-young sent a warning for the Asian Games as she clinched her third China Masters title in a row in ominous fashion.

South Korea’s reigning Olympic and world champion will defend her crown when the Asian Games begin on September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.

The 24-year-old will be overwhelming favourite after winning the China Masters yesterday with a ruthless 21-17, 21-6 demolition of Tomoka Miyazaki in Shenzhen.

An did not drop a game all week on the way to her seventh title of the season.

“I’m so proud of myself. I’m really pleased with the result and I feel so happy,” An said.

Despite being the undoubted dominant force in women’s badminton once more this year, An said: “There are many players coming up and challenging.

“I don’t think any match can be taken lightly.”

The men’s singles final was surprisingly an all-Hong Kong affair, with world number 32 Jason Gunawan defeating Lee Cheuk-Yiu 21-9, 21-16.

In the men’s doubles, India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat home duo He Jiting and Ren Xiangyu in a three-game battle.

Shetty and Rankireddy will defend their Asian Games men’s doubles title in Japan.

“Going into the Asian Games winning a title definitely reassures us what we are working on is heading in the right direction,” said Shetty.

“We will go back home, push ourselves to the limit, train for the next 10 days and go all guns blazing in Japan. We want to go out there and have some fun.”

China’s Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping won the mixed doubles while Sumire Nakade and Miyu Takahashi of Japan clinched the women’s doubles crown. — AFP

PARIS, Sept 7 — Another Uefa Champions League season gets going this week with the beginning of the league phase as Paris Saint-Germain bid to join the tiny band of clubs to have won the competition three years running.

PSG successfully defended their title last season when they beat Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, retaining the trophy they won for the first time in their history 12 months earlier.

Luis Enrique’s side have already secured their status as one of the competition’s greatest teams by winning it back-to-back, something only Real Madrid had previously achieved since the inception of the modern Champions League in 1992.

Winning three in a row would be on another level entirely. Real did exactly that under Zinedine Zidane between 2016 and 2018, The only other teams to manage such a feat are Ajax (1971-73) and Bayern Munich (1974-76), while Madrid also won the first five editions of the European Cup from 1956 to 1960.

“Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies and there are none more important than the Champions League,” said Luis Enrique, who also led Barcelona to glory in 2015.

The back-to-back titles for the French giants have coincided with the introduction of the new Champions League format, with 36 teams in the league phase now playing eight games against eight different opponents.

The Parisians struggled in the league phase in each of the last two campaigns, finishing outside the top eight and having to come through the additional play-off round to make the last 16.

Tough draws were partly responsible for that, and PSG will face some familiar opponents this time in Manchester City, Barcelona and Aston Villa.

With each passing year, the prospect of a team other than one of Europe’s super clubs winning the Champions League seems more remote.

Arsenal to take next step? 

The Premier League’s financial strength means all of its representatives can be expected to feature prominently, with Arsenal chief among them.

Over the last three years, the Gunners have lost in the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, and then the final. There is therefore a logical next step for Mikel Arteta’s side,

Arsenal topped the league phase last season with a perfect record. They have a tough start this time away to Napoli.

There are five English clubs involved, with Manchester City and Liverpool joined by the returning Manchester United and Villa.

Bayern Munich are formidable, while Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid charged with the task of leading them back to continental glory. Barcelona are itching to get their hands on the trophy again.

It is hard to see beyond one of those clubs, although Inter Milan could have a say and Atletico Madrid will be desperate to reach a final to be held in their stadium.

Debutants 

The only club outside Spain, England, Germany, Italy and France to have won the Champions League in the last 30 years remains Mourinho’s Porto in 2004.

Plenty of new names will add freshness to the competition, including Como, who finished fourth in Serie A last season under Cesc Fabregas to qualify at the expense of AC Milan and Juventus.

Viking Stavanger are in the Champions League proper for the first time after winning a first Norwegian title in 34 years.

Sabah start with a trip to Old Trafford after winning a first Azerbaijani title and coming through four qualifying ties. Their manager, Valdas Dambrauskas, got into coaching with the money he made appearing on the Lithuanian version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’.

“Since I was 12, when I realised I will not be a professional player, I knew I wanted to be a football coach,” he said in an interview with Flashscore.

“I cannot guess what would have happened without this game, but I believe I would have found a way to achieve my dream.”

Sabah might not qualify for the next stage — although compatriots Qarabag did that last season — but just being in the league phase is worth almost €20 million (RM93.8 million) at a minimum, significant sums for clubs from lesser leagues.

The Champions League winners pocket around €90 million in prize money, before adding millions more, notably from television — it is understood PSG earned around €150 million for each of their last two victories. — AFP

BARCELONA, Sept 7 — Lamine Yamal struck twice for Barcelona as they demolished Valencia 5-0 yesterday to maintain their 100 per cent start in La Liga.

The reigning champions moved two points clear at the top of La Liga, after Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid lost 1-0 at Real Betis on Friday.

Unbeaten Alaves rose to second place with a thumping 5-2 victory over Osasuna.

As well as Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Pedri were also on target for Hansi Flick’s swaggering Barca on a hot afternoon on Spain’s east coast.

Yamal did not take part in the team training session on Saturday after a knock but showed no signs of it during a dazzling display against Carlos Corberan’s side.

Barcelona, the only team in the top flight to win their first four games, took control from the start to the upset of Valencia’s fans at a persistently bad-tempered Mestalla stadium. Los Che are bottom and yet to win this season.

“We played a fantastic game, it was nearly perfect, we controlled, we were dominant and this is what I want from the team,” said Flick.

“We stay calm and then if it’s possible to score, we try to do it — it was a fantastic game for us.

“Nothing is perfect, you always can improve. If it’s perfect then you can stop working.”

Yamal opened the scoring with a clever lofted finish in the sixth minute after Lopez dinked a superb ball over the top for the teenage star.

The 19-year-old slammed home at the near post for what he thought was Barca’s second goal but the goal was disallowed for a tight offside after a VAR review.

Lopez netted the second with a crisp finish in the 22nd minute after former Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon teed him up.

Barcelona suffered a blow when Eric Garcia had to go off hurt midway through the first half after a collision with team-mate Rodri’s shoulder, on the midfielder’s first start since arriving this summer from Manchester City.

Yamal fired narrowly wide and Lopez struck the post as Flick’s side continued to dominate. Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia made a smart save to thwart Arnaut Danjuma at his near post before the break.

Raphinha, starting again as the team’s centre-forward, tapped home his sixth goal of the season from close range after Lopez fed him.

Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski saved from Rodri before Pedri netted Barcelona’s fourth after an exchange of passes with Dani Olmo.

A long way to go 

New arrival Gabriel Jesus came on for his Barca debut as a substitute in the final 10 minutes and sent a low effort just wide.

Yamal stayed onside to collect another Olmo pass and put away Barca’s fifth and conclude a profitable afternoon for both the World Cup winner and the Catalan giants.

“We have a very young team, with the right transfers we made, but it’s the beginning of the season, it’s not the end,” added Flick, telling his team not to get too excited yet about their strong start.

“We have to go a long, long way.”

Corberan said his team were up against it from the start after Yamal’s rapid strike.

“Conceding a goal so early, on their first or second attack, made everything much more difficult,” said the Valencia coach.

“It’s a difficult situation that we will navigate together.”

Later on Sunday Lucas Boye bagged a hat-trick for Alaves as they crushed Osasuna 5-2, with two of his efforts coming from long range.

Former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz and Pablo Ibanez also scored for Quique Sanchez Flores’s team, while Ante Budimir grabbed two for Osasuna, who fell to their first defeat.

“I hope we don’t take our foot off the gas and we stay in this dynamic, which will take us far,” said Boye.

“This is a humble team and we will go game by game.” — AFP

MONZA, Sept 7 — Charles Leclerc admitted his opening-lap scrap with Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton went “too far” before crashing out of yesterday’s Italian Grand Prix, leaving a vast scarlet-clad crowd disappointed.

The Monegasque driver clashed with Hamilton at the first chicane, where the Briton bounced into the gravel and dropped to 10th from fourth.

“Charles pushed me off,” moaned Hamilton on team radio.

Leclerc then slammed into the barriers at Parabolica on lap two and out of the race.

After the recent Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton complained that that the team had not issued orders to Leclerc.

Yesterday, the Briton was asked if the team should have made him the priority over Leclerc in the battle with the Mercedes-powered rivals atop standings.

“It’s too far past that already, too late for that now and I lost a lot of points to those guys,” said Hamilton. “We will do our best to keep pushing the rest of the season, but they are out and out ahead of us.”

Leclerc said he suffered slight vision problems, but was more concerned at suggestions that the two Ferrari drivers appeared not to be working together as a team.

“I don’t really know who is forcing the narrative, that we are one against the other. At Zandvoort, there were way too many talks already,” he said.

“Here, it’s true though that we went too far, I think, with Lewis in Turn One.”

Hamilton came into the weekend hoping for a record sixth win to boost his slim hopes for an eighth title.

“That one hurts,” he said. “That one definitely hurts. Thank you to everyone. To the tifosi, thank you for giving us your love, I’m sorry we couldn’t give you the result you wanted.”

“I gave it absolutely everything, we just didn’t have the speed on the straights. I was just mostly a sitting duck to those guys around me and up ahead, but we will look internally and try and figure out what we could have done better.”

Leclerc was checked over at the circuit medical centre after his crash and said he would require more checks before next weekend’s first Spanish race at the new Madring circuit.

“I think I’ll have quite a few additional checks that we still have to do on my side probably tonight and tomorrow to make sure that I’ll be fully fine for Madrid,” he said.

“It should be the case, but better to be safe than sorry.” — AFP

MONZA, Sept 7 — Kimi Antonelli had every reason to pinch himself yesterday after his spectacular triumph for Mercedes from 19th on the grid gave the Monza fans a first home winner of the Italian Grand Prix for 60 years.

As he battled his emotions, Antonelli, who only turned 20 two weeks ago, admitted on team radio that “it feels like a dream”.

His win was delivered from the most distant starting position since John Watson raced to victory for McLaren at the 1983 United States Grand Prix West in Long Beach from 22nd on the grid.

More pointedly, victory over teammate George Russell opens up a 66-point lead in the title race.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “What an incredible day. I couldn’t do this without my team, my family and everyone who supports me.”

He resisted the temptation, however, to talk about becoming the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

“There’s still a few races to go, so we will try to keep our heads down. But now, yes, we are going to enjoy today.

“I did not expect this. Unbelievable. Unbelievable. I am so happy. I could not have imagined to be here today, but we managed to pull it off and I am really, really happy.”

Antonelli did have one scare in the race, four laps from the end when he was trying to overtake Russell and found himself in the gravel.

“It was quite scary because the tarmac was breaking up, but I still thought I could do the corner.

“I went straight. I was thinking like maybe I lost my chance, but luckily, we had the pace and I could bring it home.”

Starting yesterday’s race from the back of the grid due to penalties after taking a new power unit, he said he had felt capable of winning after going from 19th to 12th in the opening laps.

Then Charles Leclerc crashed his Ferrari to bring a red-flag stoppage and a re-start.

“After the second re-start, I was up there and I knew I could have had a shot for the win. So definitely I believed in it, especially when I was behind George,” he said.

“But it was difficult to break away with it all being so strong. At the end we pitted, he stayed out and he struggled with his tyres at the end so with fresher tyres we could increase the pace and get the win.”

Russell ‘disappointed’ 

His Mercedes team-mate Russell was left to rue the moment that his teammate pitted while he remained out on track.

“In hindsight, it’s easy to say I should have pitted rather than stayed out,” he said.

“I felt like I was holding my own at that point, but I think that’s partly why the team wanted us to split strategies.

“I’m disappointed with missing out on the win but here we are.”

Triumphant team boss Toto Wolff had nothing but praise for Antonelli, the first home winner at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.

“It was unbelievable,” he said. “He was so controlled all race. He kept his head down, took no risks at the start and then one by one he passed them. An amazing drive.”

Russell added that he was not considering or worrying about the title race.

“We are where we are,” he said. “He (Antonelli) has driven incredibly this season. He deserves to lead the championship and he has a healthy lead.

“I’m not even going to think about the fight or the comeback. I’m just going to every race trying to win it. I’m not putting any pressure on myself in this regard. I just need to try and win more races.

“He is in the best spot and he deserves to be where he is.” — AFP

LIVERPOOL, Sept 7 — Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his Everton debut with a superb strike with virtually the last kick of the game to snatch a 2-2 draw for the Toffees against Manchester United yesterday.

Maitland-Niles’s arrival from Lyon on the final day of the transfer window was overshadowed by Everton’s failure to reinforce their attack.

But the former Arsenal full-back lasered a long-range shot into the top corner in the 96th minute to punish a lacklustre United performance.

Bryan Mbeumo fired United in front inside the first minute of the second period.

But an Everton side short on attacking options rallied to level through Tyrique George.

Substitute Benjamin Sesko’s header looked to have won United all three points.

But the decision not to reinforce Michael Carrick’s defence will face more scrutiny as United have conceded twice in all of their opening three games of the Premier League season.

“It feels like a defeat,” said Carrick. “We’re bitterly disappointed to be up in the position we were in the game twice, so close to the end... it’s not a great feeling.”

A draw maintains Everton’s unbeaten start and keeps them one point ahead of United to calm the sense of unrest among the club’s fans.

“It was a brilliant goal and I thought it was a big moment for the crowd as well, I think it was good for them,” said Everton boss David Moyes.

A miserable end to the window could still have ramifications for Everton’s performance over the rest of the season.

After letting Iliman Ndiaye depart in a £65 million (US$88 million) move to Manchester City and Beto to leave for Fiorentina, the Toffees expected to strengthen their forward line with the signing of Monaco’s Folarin Balogun.

An issue with the USA international’s medical saw the clubs frantically renegotiate the structure of a £40 million deal but Balogun turned his back on the move.

Moyes has been left with only one natural striker to pick from in Thierno Barry as a result and only 18 outfield players.

The return of Jack Grealish on loan for the season only slightly softened the blow as Moyes faces up to the realities of a possible relegation battle rather than a challenge for European football.

Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as United thrashed Ipswich 5-2 last weekend to get their season up and running after a dreadful 2-0 defeat at Hull.

The United captain came closest to breaking the deadlock in a first half otherwise devoid of quality when his volley came back off the crossbar.

Grealish return lifts home fans 

A sleepy start to the second by Moyes’s men proved costly as Mbeumo was allowed to bear down on goal on his favoured left foot and arrow a shot beyond Jordan Pickford.

United, though, failed to build on their advantage and the introduction of Grealish off the bench lifted the home crowd.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall twice failed to connect sweetly with clear sights of goal.

But the visitors’ luck ran out seven minutes from time when Hayden Hackney fed George and the former Chelsea winger blasted into the top corner from a narrow angle.

Sesko’s involvement has been limited at the start of the campaign due to an injury in pre-season, but the Slovenian looked sharp as he stooped to head in Luke Shaw’s cross to restore United’s lead.

The Red Devils never looked comfortable at the back but could not have foreseen the manner of the equaliser.

United looked to have cleared the danger with the five minutes of added time up, but the ball broke to Maitland-Niles who swept a curling shot into the top corner. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 — Professional mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing’s hopes of landing maiden World Tour title were dashed after they went down 19-21, 16-21 to world No. 1 and home favourites Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping in the final of the 2026 China Masters Badminton Championships in Shenzhen today.

During the Super 750 tournament in Shenzhen Arena, Pang Ron-Pei Jing, put up a spirited performance, especially towards the end of the opening game, saving three game points against Yan Zhe-Dong Ping before narrowly losing 19-21.

In the second game, the unseeded Malaysians traded points with the 2026 World Championships runners-up until 5-5 before gradually losing momentum and trailing 8-14.

A wayward smash from Pang Ron handed the Chinese pair the decisive point for a 21-16 victory in 50 minutes for their second China Masters title, following their maiden triumph in the 2024 edition.

Pang Ron-Pei Jing took home US$43,750 (RM176,946) as runners-up while the champions pocketed US$92,500 (RM374,116).

Today’s result marked Pang Ron-Pei Jing’s best achievement in a World Tour event since they joined forces at the 2026 Malaysia Masters in May.

Speaking after the match, Pang Ron admitted that he was still adapting to the pressure of playing on the big stage, saying the experience of getting through the match helped him settle into the environment.

“I feel not the best yet, but maybe a little bit too nervous. But playing for some points already, then we get used to the environment and everything. So it’s getting better and better,” he told the Badminton World Federation via an audio clip shared with the media.

Pei Jing, who was pleased with their overall performance, said the pair would now focus on developing their partnership and gradually finding a combination that suited both players. — Bernama

SHAH ALAM, Sept 6 — The Selangor 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma Organising Committee today postponed four para sports events after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading reached an unhealthy level of 169 as of noon.

Organising Committee deputy chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the decision was made following advice from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Selangor State Health Department and a special technical committee which has been monitoring the situation from time to time.

“The API readings in Shah Alam and Klang as of noon today showed an unhealthy level of 169.

“This has forced the Selangor Para Sukma organisers to postpone four sports: athletics at the UiTM Stadium; swimming at the Selangor Aquatic Complex; archery at the Selangor State Youth and Sports Complex (Kombes); and lawn bowls at Bayuemas, Klang,” he said in a statement today.

He said updates on the postponement and resumption of the events would be announced from time to time, depending on the API readings in the areas where the competitions are being held.

The Selangor Para Sukma competition began yesterday, and some of events held this morning were athletics, powerlifting, archery, badminton, boccia, table tennis, chess and lawn bowls. — Bernama

NEW YORK, Sept 6 — Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will be under the microscope again today taking on 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the US Open quarter-finals.

The Spaniard, playing his first tournament since a four-month absence with a wrist injury, acknowledges he has yet to play his best but says he’s “getting there” with both the sharpness of his shots and his on-court decision making.

He headlines a day that also features women’s two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and third-ranked American Jessica Pegula — just one of the players with a chance to supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York.

Surprise Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova will try to continue her progress toward another Grand Slam against dangerous Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk while US hope Frances Tiafoe faces the always tricky former champion Daniil Medvedev.

AFP Sport looks at three matches to watch on Day 8 of the US Open:

Tommy Paul (USA x20) v Carlos Alcaraz (ESP x2)

Alcaraz leads head-to-head 6-2

Although Alcaraz has dominated their meetings — Paul’s last win over the Spaniard was back in 2023 — the defending champion said the American is “really dangerous for everyone on the tour.

“The way he plays, the way he hits the ball, it’s really complicated to dominate the ball, dominate the points,” said Alcaraz, who won their last meeting in the Australian open quarter-finals on the way to the title that made him the youngest man to claim a career Grand Slam.

Alcaraz said he was looking forward to another great battle — and having some fun.

“We pull off great points, great shots,” he said. “It’s going to be really fun to watch, fun to play, as well.”

Ben Shelton (USA X8) v Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)

Tsitsipas leads head-to-head 1-0

A resurgent Tsitsipas has Shelton’s attention. The former top-five player from Greece upset red-hot Arthur Fils in the first round and ousted 18th-seeded Jiri Lehecka in the third and is deeper into a Grand Slam than he’s been in more than two years.

Playing pain free after back problems derailed his 2025 campaign, the two-time Grand Slam finalist is also working with a new coach, having replaced his father Apostolos in that role.

“I have been watching his matches,” Shelton said. “I think he’s playing great. I think that his style of tennis can be very, very effective on all surfaces, all-court game, great athlete.”

Shelton said his three four-set wins in the first three rounds — against Tallon Griekspoor, Hubert Hurkacz and Denis Shapovalov — had him well prepared for anything Tsitsipas might throw at him.

“I think this is a great way to start the tournament in terms of variety. I have dealt with a lefty, dealt with a big hitter, dealt with a feel guy, dealt with a massive server, dealt with a spot server, serve and volleyer.”

Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x1) v Taylor Townsend (USA)

First meeting

Sabalenka knows she’ll be in hostile territory when she takes on 96th-ranked American Townsend on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I think I’m ready for the crowd situation,” Sabalenka said. “She’s, I’d say, tricky player, because she brings the variety — comes to the net, really make you think during the game.”

Townsend is in the fourth round for a second straight year, but it has been anything but a straightforward 12 months for the 30-year-old, who says she has “been through a lot over this past year.” It hasn’t dimmed her desire to win, and Townsend said she was “pumped” to take on Sabalenka in a quest for a first Grand Slam singles quarter-final.

“I’m built for these moments,” Townsend, a three-time Grand Slam doubles winner, said. “I’m ready to take it. I’m ready to go.” — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 7 — Top seed Alexander Zverev picked up the pace at the US Open yesterday, virtually sprinting to a 6-2, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 victory over Alejandro Tabilo to reach the last 16 after laboring through a pair of marathon five-setters.

The German had already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court in his first two matches — the most time a top seed has needed to reach the third round of a major since 1999.

“My coach was actually quite smart — he explained to me a best of five set match doesn’t mean you have to play five sets,” quipped the French Open champion, who appeared on a mission to end the trend against Tabilo.

Meanwhile the 25th-seeded Chilean was out to avenge a loss to Zverev in the second round last year on the same Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

Zverev didn’t face a break point in a brutally efficient first set, winning all 11 points behind his first serve and five of seven on his second serve.

He broke Tabilo twice on the way to pocketing the set in 38 minutes, and broke him again on the way to a 4-2 lead in the second.

But Tabilo was finding his footing, and the pace slowed as he turned it into a tight back and forth battle.

He got his first whiff of a chance when he went up 0-30 on Zverev’s serve in the sixth game of the second set.

The German quickly snuffed out the danger, but Tabilo pulled a break back in the eighth, winning three straight games to take a 5-4 lead.

He had Zverev on the ropes in the 10th game, threatening to break to take the set.

Zverev saved a pair of set points then broke Tabilo in the next game, but the Chilean promptly returned the favor to force a tiebreaker that was all Zverev.

Undaunted, Tabilo mustered two break points in the opening game of the third set, both denied by Zverev winners.

Big improvement

That was the last chance Tabilo got, Zverev winning the last four games to take the match after two hours and 26 minutes.

“I am definitely happy with the improvements,” Zverev said. “I spent 10 hours on the court in two matches so I had to find my rhythm somehow, and I did. From back of the court I was much better.

“I was not happy with the second set,” he added. “I think especially the end of the second set I lost focus a little bit. I was not moving as well. I was not playing as well. But I think the first and third sets are big improvement to the other days.”

Zverev still found himself thanking fans who stayed until after 1:00 am.

Thanks to a titanic tussle between Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala in the first night match Zverev and Tabilo didn’t take to the court until nearly 11:00 pm.

Zverev will face Italian Luciano Darderi for a place in the quarter-finals after the 21st seed beat Australian wild card Dane Sweeny 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. — AFP

MONZA, Sept 6 — Lewis Hamilton was left disappointed yesterday as the pace in his Ferrari evaporated as he qualified fifth for the Italian Grand Prix behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, the duo later rising to third and fourth following penalties.

Meanwhile championship leader Kimi Antonelli, relegated to the back of the grid following an engine change said he just hoped to pick up some points.

Hamilton, the seven-time champion, was bidding for an outright record sixth pole at Monza where he shares the record of five with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher, said he felt the Mercedes-powered cars ahead remained faster.

“I think we have a really great car,” he said. “It’s all Mercedes engines up ahead of us and I think we’ve done a good job to be as close to them as we are, but they ultimately gain several tenths on the straight.

“It is what it is. We just have to do the best we can. We’re hoping for tracks that don’t rely too much on power hopefully in the future.

“I’m really grateful to the guys back in the factory because they did bring an upgrade here. They are really pushing, but this is just the situation we’re in.”

Hamilton again struck a note of criticism of the team strategy, saying it left him with no rhythm in his driving.

“The execution in Q3 was pretty bad. I ended up out in the middle of nowhere with nobody,” he said, referring to the need for a tow in slipstreaming on the high-speed Monza circuit.

“When you’re following another car, you arrive several kilometres faster into a corner so the braking distances adjust.

“It’s all about getting into rhythm and I got really out of rhythm for Q3 run one and then Q3 run two. It wasn’t a terrible lap, but as I said, the references were all different.”

‘Score points if possible’ 

Antonelli, doomed to the back row, said he tried to help title rival and team-mate George Russell.

“It’s what I have to do,” he said after qualifying seventh. “The team asked me and, of course, I did what I had to do. I tried to help as much as possible.

“It’s a bit weird going in two, even the lap I did alone was a bit of a weird feeling. Overall, with the penalty, I had to be a good team-mate and I had to help as much as I could.

“I think I did a good job with that and I’m happy it worked out.”

He added that he expected a tough battle in today’s race, but hoped to score points if possible.

“We’re going to try to stay out of trouble in the first two chicanes and then obviously try to clear the traffic as quickly as possible in the first few laps and then try to chase the faster cars.

“It will be difficult, but I am going to try to enjoy it.” — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 6 — American teen Iva Jovic outlasted Philippines star Alexandra Eala in an epic three-hour showdown yesterday to reach the fourth round of the US Open, where fourth seed Coco Gauff awaits.

Jovic, the 14th seed, won five of the last six games for a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 triumph over 17th-seed Eala after three hours and three minutes.

“That felt like a marathon and I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match,” Jovic said. “But it’s really worth it for this feeling.”

Two of the top rising stars of women’s tennis made their Arthur Ashe Stadium debut a memorable battle that featured 17 service breaks in 33 games.

Jovic, 18 and Eala, 21, are friends and sometime doubles partners, knowing well each other’s skills and style. That helped produce seven service breaks in the first 11 games.

“I’m usually not one that shows that many emotions but this one really meant a lot to me. It’s everything to have another match here at the US Open,” said Jovic.

That match will be against compatriot Gauff, the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open champion.

“I’m going to be more than happy to just bring this fight and this energy and whatever happens I can leave with my head high,” Jovic said.

Jovic broke four times to win the first set but was broken three times by left-hander Eala to drop the second.

Eala broke Jovic in the first game of the third set when the American netted a backhand.

“I just tried to take my time in those moments and feel the energy and feel the crowd — even though they weren’t always rooting for me,” Jovic said.

Jovic smacked a forehand winner to break Eala in the fourth game and level the set, but the American double-faulted away a break in the fifth.

Jovic broke back to 4-4 with a backhand service return winner and broke again in the last game, smacking a forehand winner to reach match point and taking the victory when Eala netted a forehand.

Jovic, a quarter-finalist at this year’s Australian Open, won her first WTA title last year in Guadalajara at age 17. — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 6 — Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka survived another erratic outing, beating Belgian Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 yesterday to reach the US Open fourth round.

Osaka had 41 unforced errors, her backhand in particular letting her down as she was unable to build on a comfortable first set for the second straight match.

“I’m literally shocked that I won this match,” Osaka, seeded 13th, told an adoring crowd in Louis Armstrong Stadium.

“There was a certain point where I felt like I put my entire heart on the court. I just kept trying every point.”

After an early exchange of breaks in the second set, Osaka failed to convert a pair of chances and Mertens broke again for a 5-3 lead.

Osaka gifted the Belgian two break points with a double fault, saving one with a forehand winner before sailing a backhand wide.

Mertens finally took the set when Osaka dumped a backhand into the net.

Mertens kept the pressure on in the third and was rewarded with a break for a 3-2 lead, aided by a string of backhand errors from Osaka.

Osaka was clearly frustrated, berating herself and exchanging some testy words with her team.

“I didn’t feel like I played amazing, it was really getting me down,” she told the crowd, offering an apology for her behaviour.

She was down a break trailing 4-3 when she took a medical timeout for treatment on her left calf and ankle.

Osaka returned with renewed vigour, breaking Mertens at love for 4-4 and saving a break point in the next game for a 5-4 lead.

Mertens didn’t go quietly, saving a match point on the way to 5-5 and saving two more in the final game before Osaka secured the win. — AFP

ROME, Sept 6 — A last-gasp winner from Lautaro Martinez sealed a breathless win for Inter as the Serie A champions fought back from two goals down to edge visiting Napoli 3-2, while Roma also pulled off a late turnaround to beat Atalanta 2-1.

Inter and Roma sit joint-top of the table on a perfect nine points, while Atalanta are on six points and Napoli have three.

“It was a beautiful and entertaining match to watch, a great advert for Italian football,” Inter coach Cristian Chivu told DAZN.

“At 2-2 both teams played an open game without thinking of defending the result, I saw big chances at both ends.”

Both goalkeepers were forced into early saves in an end-to-end encounter that remained goalless at half-time after Federico Dimarco’s free-kick rattled the Napoli cross bar.

The game exploded in the second half when Matteo Politano guided home a shot in the 50th minute before Rasmus Hojlund’s curler doubled the Napoli lead three minutes later.

Inter responded almost immediately when Martinez hammered in his first goal of the season from a Dimarco cross. Substitute Marcus Thuram came agonisingly close to a leveller when he headed off the post.

The France international would not be denied twice, though, and smashed a towering header past Alex Meret in the 82nd minute to level the scores.

Chances fell at both ends before Martinez’s penalty box instincts proved decisive in the 91st minute as Napoli failed to clear in a goalmouth scramble and the Argentina striker pounced to settle an extraordinary match.

“I’m happy we managed to fight back, that was missing last year,” Martinez told DAZN.

“Every year we are raising the bar and trying to show that on the pitch.”

Both sides begin their Champions League campaigns next week, when Inter travel to Real Madrid and Napoli host Arsenal on Tuesday.

Dying minutes 

In Rome, Mario Hermoso and Matias Soule struck in the dying minutes to continue a perfect start to the season for Roma against their coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s former club Atalanta.

Ederson’s bullet strike early in the second half came against the run of play but looked enough for a backs-to-the-wall victory as Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi kept out wave after wave of Giallorossi attacks.

Roma scored eight goals in their opening two wins of the season, but looked almost out of ideas after replacement striker Santiago Castro was twice denied by the woodwork and Carnesecchi produced a terrific double save.

But Hermoso was left unmarked and looped a header into the far corner to level the scores in the 90th minute.

The Roma players sprinted back to the centre circle as they looked for a quick restart to push for a winner, and that was exactly what they got when substitute Soule fired a composed finish in at the near post to send the Stadio Olimpico wild.

Roma’s first win over Atalanta since March 2022, a run of eight matches, will come as a confidence-booster before their eight-year wait to return to the Champions League ends away to Fenerbahce on Thursday.

Earlier, a late Che Adams strike sealed a 2-1 comeback win for Torino as Fiorentina’s nightmare start to the season continued.

Mateo Pellegrino’s long-range strike put Fiorentina in front early in the second half, but a pile-driver from Rolando Mandragora — who had only joined Torino from La Viola four days earlier — drew the scores level and Scotland international Adams sealed his side’s first points of the season in the 82nd minute with a clever flick.

Fiorentina signed 13 players and appointed new coach Fabio Grosso over the summer after a humbling 15th-place finish last season.

The two-time Italian champions have lost their first three games by an aggregate score of 9-1, and were booed off by their own fans following a performance that left them in last place. — AFP

BERLIN, Sept 6 — Defending champions Bayern Munich were held to a scoreless draw by promoted Schalke in the Bundesliga yesterday.

The draw ended Bayern’s run of 67 consecutive matchdays atop the Bundesliga table. It was the first time they failed to score since February 2025.

Seven-time German champions Schalke have not beaten Bayern since 2011 and had not even taken a point off the Bavarian giants in nine years — a run of 12 straight defeats.

“That’s who we are. That’s what defines us, and everyone can be proud of their performance today,” said the impressive Schalke goalie Loris Karius, who was named man of the match.

The former Liverpool ‘keeper deflected the post-match praise to his defenders, telling Sky Germany: “I just had to shout instructions to the lads: keep going, push up, drop back.”

With Harry Kane and Michael Olise starting from the bench, Bayern dominated the ball but created few clear chances as stubborn Schalke dug deep to pick up their first point of the season.

Luis Diaz had an excellent chance with 54 minutes gone when through on the advancing Karius, but the Colombian’s chip was too soft and was cleared off the line by Robin Gosens.

Bayern’s best chance came late when a long-range Kane effort was kept out by an excellent save from Karius, who leapt high to palm the ball to safety.

His opposite number, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer was heavily booed by home fans every time he touched the ball on his return to the club where he started his career.

It will likely be the 40-year-old’s final match in Gelsenkirchen, his home town, before his expected retirement at the season’s end.

“A win would have been nice,” Neuer said, adding “but some of my family will be happy about the result and so it’s okay as it is. I enjoyed myself.”

Despite the defeat, Bayern will be buoyed by the return of Jamal Musiala, who revealed he is suffering from a neurological condition after collapsing in pre-season games.

Nwaneri helps Dortmund on debut

Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri provoked a late own goal as Borussia Dortmund came from two down to win 3-2 at Hoffenheim.

Hoffenheim were the better team for the opening hour but lost their way as Dortmund clicked into gear and romped to victory with three goals in the final 30 minutes.

Nwaneri, the youngest player in Premier League history, arrived on a season-long loan from Arsenal on deadline day and came on with half an hour played.

“I liked what I saw,” Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said of Nwaneri. “That’s what we brought him in for... Maybe it wasn’t officially his goal, but he created it.”

“The team played all or nothing football,” Kovac added. “And when you (do that)... the gaps start opening up.”

Hoffenheim were two up with 54 minutes played thanks to goals from Leon Avdullahu and Tim Lemperle.

Striker Serhou Guirassy gave the visitors hope when he scored just after the hour mark and then set up Fabio Silva five minutes later.

In the 86th minute, Nwaneri cut down the left and squared a shot which took a big deflection off home defender Albian Hajdari and landed in the net.

Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg continued their excellent top-flight arrival with a 4-3 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach, making it two wins from two this season.

Elversberg fought back from 3-1 down and took the lead in stoppage time when Maurice Krattenmacher scored the winner.

Elversberg, with a population of just 13,000, are the smallest town ever to have a German top-flight side but opened the season with a shock 3-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen last week.

Leverkusen rebounded from that disappointment by putting sorry Union Berlin to the sword in a 4-0 home victory, with Argentina internationals Equi Fernandez and Facundo Medina, Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza on target.

Elsewhere, West Ham loanee Niclas Fuellkrug scored his second goal in three games since returning to Germany to help Werder Bremen to a surprise 3-1 home win against RB Leipzig.

Europa League finalists Freiburg continued their perfect start to the season with a solid 1-0 win away at promoted Paderborn. — AFP

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 6 — The government has mandated that all sports events during the current haze comply with established guidelines to safeguard the health and safety of athletes.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry is continuously monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) based on reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and relevant agencies.

He said athletes training outdoors must follow the established guidelines to prevent any untoward incidents, especially when API readings reach unhealthy levels.

“The ministry is also in regular communication with the National Sports Institute and National Sports Council to ensure athletes remain in good health, particularly with the Asian Games fast approaching.

“Our athletes are now in intensive training, and we want to make sure those training outdoors follow the guidelines set in place to avoid any undesirable incidents,” he told reporters after attending the Flag-Off Ceremony for the Oregon Tower Run Series at The TOP Atrium today.

Earlier, Dr Mohammed Taufiq took part in the tower run event, reaching the 22nd floor in 6 minutes and 30 seconds. A total of 343 participants competed in the main event up to the 68th floor of The TOP Komtar.

Commenting on the situation in Serian, Sarawak, which has recorded hazardous API readings, he said any outdoor activities in red-zone areas would not be permitted.

However, sports activities may continue in areas with low API readings at safe or moderate levels.

He added that any proposed sports events would also require approval from the ministry, with decisions based on government guidelines and each area’s API status. 

On Thursday, the King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, consented to a state of emergency to be declared throughout the Serian division, following hazy conditions hazardous to public health and safety. — Bernama

BILBAO, Sept 6 — Athletic Bilbao thumped Atletico Madrid 3-0 in La Liga on a miserable Saturday afternoon for Diego Simeone’s side.

Nico Williams, Robert Navarro and Oihan Sancet’s goals gave the Basque hosts a resounding victory at their San Mames stadium.

Elsewhere promoted side Deportivo La Coruna earned an exciting 3-2 win at Villarreal to climb provisionally fourth.

Athletic secured back-to-back wins under former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, after losing their first two matches of the campaign.

Simeone’s Atletico fell to their first defeat of the season, putting up little fight in the second half after Athletic made the breakthrough with two quick strikes from Williams and Navarro.

“Their two goals, in the blink of an eye, did us a lot of damage,” Atletico’s Pablo Barrios told Movistar.

Atletico must pick themselves up for Wednesday’s visit to face Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield.

“(We had) two minutes of inattention and poor decision-making in situations we should have handled better,” said Simeone. “Bilbao capitalised on that lapse.”

Striker Julian Alvarez, who tried to leave the club to join Barcelona this summer, returned as a substitute after illness in an ineffective second half appearance.

The visitors had the better of the opening period, although they failed to create many clear-cut chances after an early opportunity for Lee Kang-In.

The South Korean international struck a shot against the post in the third minute after the hosts were carved open.

Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon saved from Alex Baena as Atletico threatened, while Sancet came close at the other end with a blast into the side-netting.

Pablo Barrios hit the post before the break for Atletico, who were sucker-punched early in the second half by Terzic’s side.

The Williams brothers combined for Athletic’s first, with Inaki’s deflected shot headed home by younger sibling Nico after 46 minutes.

Navarro doubled Athletic’s lead in the 48th minute, steering home after Inaki Williams played him in.

“We were good in the first half but the game got away from us in those (couple of) minutes,” said Simeone.

“We lacked in the second half everything that we had in the first.”

No impact for Alvarez

Simeone rang the changes, including sending on want-away striker Alvarez to little effect.

The Argentina international struggled to get involved in the game, and produced just one shot from the edge of the box, saved comfortably by Simon.

Sancet wrapped up Athletic’s victory in the 90th minute when he stroked home a loose ball after a blocked cross.

“It’s always good to win games, especially at home,” said Terzic.

“Today we are happy and we are going to be very satisfied when we go to bed tonight, and then from tomorrow onwards we’ll prepare everything to go for the next (game).

“We have six points from the last two games, but this won’t help us to reach all our targets by the end of the season.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for the fourth match running and set up two more as the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker excelled in Depor’s surprise win at Villarreal.

Another ex-Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe put the hosts ahead but Luismi Cruz levelled for the Galicians before the interval.

Adama Traore’s own goal gave Villarreal the advantage once more but Zakaria Eddahchouri and Aubameyang, 37, struck to claim Depor a superb victory.

Sergio Camello netted twice for Rayo Vallecano in an entertaining 3-2 win over Racing Santander.

Today, La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Valencia looking to move clear of Real Madrid, who lost 1-0 at Real Betis on Friday, among other fixtures. — AFP

NOTTINGHAM, Sept 6 — Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi said that his side must make better decisions in the final third after failing to score for a third consecutive Premier League game in yesterday’s 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest.

Despite splashing out more than £300 million (RM1.6 billion) on new signings, there has been little sign of improvement from a Spurs side which narrowly avoided relegation last season.

De Zerbi’s men stopped the rot after defeats to Brentford and Newcastle with a first point of the campaign, but still lacked conviction going forward.

“I think we played well but in the last third we have to improve. We have to take the better decisions. We have to keep more calm when we are very close to doing something important in the last third,” said the Italian.

De Zerbi is hoping that the close of the transfer window will now bring some certainty to his players, and he will have plenty of time to work on the training ground with no European football this season.

“We are not happy because we didn’t win, but I think this is the right spirit and the right way to move on in this moment,” added De Zerbi.

“Because we started just last Thursday to work (all) together and to create, to build the team, to build the organisation, it’s not enough... the transfer market.”

Forest thought they had taken the lead when Neco Williams bundled home in the second half.

But after a lengthy VAR review, the Welsh full-back was deemed to have handled before the ball crossed the line.

Forest boss Oliver Glasner is still waiting for his first win in charge and accused the officials of “guessing” whether the ball touched Williams on the arm.

“I think the VAR can’t intervene when he is guessing. It was not clear and obvious,” said the former Crystal Palace manager.

“We had a briefing before the season that the threshold for VAR intervention this year should be very high, which is why this is a wrong intervention.” — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 6 — Zheng Qinwen won the last seven games to stun Madison Keys and reach the US Open last 16 in a day of upsets that dented American hopes yesterday at Flushing Meadows.

Fourth-seeded Coco Gauff battled through in straight sets, but Americans were hard hit with ninth-seeded Taylor Fritz and 2025 finalist Amanda Anisimova following Keys out the door.

Fifth-seeded French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli of Italy also fell to 21-year-old Alexander Blockx.

Zheng saved a match point in her 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 triumph over Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion and a US Open finalist back in 2017.

After coming through the second-set tiebreaker, Zheng appeared to be out of steam in the final set.

The former world number four had to come through qualifying after a lengthy recovery from elbow surgery saw her ranking plummet.

Keys raced to a 5-0 lead in the third but Zheng had a last stand in her. She saved match point at 5-1 and just kept rolling, Keys’s increasing frustration showing as she banged her head with her racquet after one lost point.

“I just told myself keep holding every single point, never give up, stay there. And somehow little by little it just happened,” Zheng said.

Zheng, currently ranked 121st in the world, will face six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek for a place in the quarter-finals.

Swiatek saved three set points in the second set, dominating both tiebreakers in her tight 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/3) win over Czech Maria Bouzkova.

Belgium’s Blockx shocked Cobolli 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-0, 6-3, winning 11 straight games from 3-2 down in the second set as he reached the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time.

“I think this was one of my craziest experiences so far in my career,” Blockx said after firing 17 aces past Cobolli.

“After the first set I told myself to stay calm. I wasn’t playing bad. I know deep inside I’m a fighter and I will fight until the last ball and it paid off today.”

Blockx next faces Francisco Cerundolo, who rallied from two sets down to upset ninth-seeded Fritz 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Down 4-3 on serve in the final set, the 24th seed from Argentina fought back from 0-40 down to hold, coming up with a trio of booming serves and a thundering forehand before taking the game with another service winner.

He then broke Fritz and cruised home.

Austrian Anastasia Potapova further dented US hopes with her 6-2, 7-5 victory over Anisimova.

Potapova reached the US Open fourth round for the first time, and will face fifth-seeded French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, who beat Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 7-6 (7/5).

Zverev under the lights

Former champion Gauff shook off a slow start to beat Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4, relying on her defensive skills as she climbed out of a 3-1 hole in the opening set.

“She’s a tricky player, so it’s tough to get rhythm,” Gauff said. “Happy with how I fought through even when I wasn’t playing my best.”

Gauff said she’d seen the US trio go down before her match, but it didn’t affect how she approached her match.

“Upsets are a thing, but at the end of the day, anybody can lose,” she said. “I go into it with that mindset, and I think, if anything, it makes me have my guard up all the time, which makes me play better.”

Men’s top seed Alexander Zverev was again due to close out the night session, taking on Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.

In two five-set matches, both spilling into the early hours of the morning, the German has already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court.

Zverev says he feels fine physically, but he knows he will have to play better if he wants to add a second Grand Slam title to the French Open trophy he captured this year. — AFP

LONDON, Sept 6 — New-look Manchester City overcame a spirited challenge from Coventry yesterday courtesy of an Erling Haaland goal to stay perfect in the Premier League, as blunt Tottenham were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.

Enzo Maresca is now the man in the Etihad hotseat after the emotional departure of long-serving Pep Guardiola, while there has been significant churn among the playing staff.

One of the new arrivals, Enzo Fernandez, played a major part in City’s first-half goal, feeding Antoine Semenyo, who crossed for Haaland to head home his third of the season.

Table-topping City have won all three of their Premier League matches ahead of next week’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Former Chelsea boss Maresca said that teams needed “ugly moments” as well as free-flowing football after the stodgy win, in which newly promoted Coventry squandered chances.

“I really liked today for different reasons,” the Italian told the BBC. “First half we could have scored one or two more, but we worked together to win, so I am happy.

“It is difficult against teams in a low block, I felt we dealt very well with that. Anxiety from the fans is normal.

“Nine out of 10 of these games you end with bad feeling, but it is important to win 1-0.”

Midfielder Fernandez arrived at the Etihad on transfer deadline day in a £125 million (RM683 million) deal, which equalled the British record.

Maresca handed his former charge at Chelsea a start after Nico O’Reilly sustained an injury in the warm-up, while fellow new signing Iliman Ndiaye also made his debut for the club.

The City boss is working with a reshaped squad following several high-profile departures, including those of former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

As well as Fernandez and Ndiaye, big-money arrivals include England midfielder Elliot Anderson and Morocco teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, who both featured yesterday.

Spurs held 

Tottenham also spent heavily in the summer transfer window in a desperate effort to avoid fresh embarrassment after finishing 17th in successive seasons.

They travelled to the City Ground, after defeats to Brentford and Newcastle, to face a team that twice beat them heavily last season, and still searching for their first Premier League goal of the new campaign.

Forest had the ball in the net midway through the second half after calamitous Spurs defending, but Neco Williams’s strike was ruled out for handball following a VAR check.

The 0-0 draw means that Forest, who, like Spurs, flirted with relegation last season, are also still seeking their first win.

“Disappointed for the result but for the performance very happy, considering we started to work together last Thursday for the first time, for the first day,” Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi told Sky Sports, referring to the end of the transfer window.

He added: “If we improve in the last third I think we can score many goals because we have the players with big qualities. Now is a tough moment to accept this result because I think we played well.”

Newly-promoted Hull moved into second after a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa extended their unbeaten start back in the top flight.

A new-look Villa side to the one that won the Europa League last season is yet to score in the Premier League and have had just one shot on target in three games.

Vitaly Janelt opened the scoring for high-flying Brentford against Sunderland but Enzo Le Fee levelled from the penalty spot late in the game to force a 1-1 draw.

Leeds drew 1-1 at Brighton while Tyrick Mitchell scored two goals as Crystal Palace twice came from behind to earn a 3-2 win at Fulham, with Ben Chilwell netting the winner.

In the early kick-off, Newcastle recovered from going 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, staying unbeaten in all competitions under new manager Matthias Jaissle.

On Friday, Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0 to claim their first win of the season. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — Manchester United’s enduring global appeal was on full display at the Malaysia Airlines Pavilion at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair 2026 today, with more than 500 fans turning up to meet club legends Park Ji-sung, Wes Brown and Edwin van der Sar.

The event not only drew supporters from across Malaysia but also fans who travelled from overseas, a testament to the English Premier League giants’ worldwide following.

Among them was avid Red Devils memorabilia collector Adam Schwereb, 52, from Sydney, who flew into Malaysia to attend the event and meet the Manchester United legends, an opportunity he described as “too good to be missed”.

“I flew in last Wednesday to come to Matta Fair. It’s always a good opportunity, coming in from down south to catch up with the boys. And it’s Manchester United; we travel the world for it,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the fair here.

Schwereb, who has attended matches at Old Trafford on several occasions, said events such as this provided supporters who could not travel to England with a rare opportunity to meet their footballing heroes in person.

The lifelong supporter said the initiative was particularly meaningful for younger fans who could now meet players who had played a key role in Manchester United’s decorated history.

He also revealed that the trip would add two prized pieces to his personal Manchester United collection, with items from Park and Van der Sar becoming part of his museum in Sydney.

Young Vietnamese fan Nguyen Danh Truong, 12, was among the foreign fans at the event, travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Malaysia with his father Nguyen Van Tai.

Truong, who is spending three days in Malaysia, said the meet-and-greet session was the sole reason his father planned the trip.

Meanwhile, Bryan Foong, chief executive officer of Airline Business at Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, said the strong response from supporters reflected the strength of Manchester United’s fan base globally and the value of the airline’s partnership with the club.

“It’s very popular. A lot of people come. It also helps us to create the business and the buzz around Malaysia Airlines as well,” he said.

Foong said the airline’s three-year partnership with Manchester United, which began in 2023, had so far been particularly effective in boosting the national carrier’s visibility and market presence, given the club’s extensive fan base across markets it served.

“The fan base for Manchester United is huge, right? And for us, they’re important and spread out across the world.

“Wherever we are, in terms of where we fly to, like Australia, Southeast Asia, India and even to the United Kingdom, they’re very well received and the Manchester United fans are very loyal. So it’s a good partnership for us,” he said. — Bernama

SEVILLE, Sept 5 — Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty as Troy Parrott scored his first goal for Real Betis in a 1-0 win over Real Madrid on Friday, ending Jose Mourinho’s side’s perfect start to the La Liga season.

Madrid had won each of their first three matches under Mourinho in his second spell in charge, but Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles denied Mbappe from the spot deep into stoppage time to seal a memorable victory at La Cartuja.

Vinicius Junior hit the post in the first half from Arda Guler’s pass across the face of goal, with Mbappe foiled twice by heroic blocks from Natan and Marc Bartra after a rapid Madrid counter-attack.

As Madrid pushed in search of the breakthrough, Betis took a surprise lead nine minutes from time when Parrott fired home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois had produced a fine save to keep out Nelson Deossa’s header.

Republic of Ireland striker Parrott arrived in Seville last month on a five-year deal after his move from AZ Alkmaar, delivering on his home debut the sort of clinical finish Betis fans will hope to see regularly after his prolific spell in the Netherlands.

Carlos Espi thought he had equalised with a superb acrobatic finish from a Vinicius cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

Mbappe then brushed the crossbar with a delicate effort before being handed a glorious chance to level from the penalty spot after Natan’s crunching late challenge on Vinicius.

However, Valles saved his attempt to secure a victory that lifted Betis level with Madrid on nine points from four matches ahead of just their second Champions League appearance next week.

“The team played a great game. Sometimes you lose and cannot explain how,” said Mourinho.

“We were really dominant, created a lot going forward and had plenty of chances. If the match had ended in a draw we would have been frustrated, so imagine how we feel after a defeat.”

Asked about the incidents in the closing stages, including Espi’s disallowed goal and Mbappe’s fluffed penalty, the Portuguese coach refused to be drawn into refereeing controversies.

“Honestly, I don’t know why we lost. We created a lot of chances, missed three or four of them, and their goalkeeper also made three or four exceptional saves,” said Mourinho.

“I have nothing to reproach my players for. We probably deserved to win, but deserving to win does not earn you any points.”

Barcelona can move three points clear at the top on Sunday with a fourth straight victory if they beat Valencia at Mestalla.

Madrid begin their Champions League campaign at home to Italian champions Inter Milan next Tuesday, while Betis travel to France to face Lille. — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 5 — Serena and Venus Williams electrified Arthur Ashe Stadium but fell to Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint in three thrilling sets in their return to the US Open women’s doubles on Friday.

The superstar sisters, whose 14 Grand Slam doubles titles include two US Opens, rallied from a break down in the third set and led the deciding 10-point tiebreaker 5-0 but fell 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7).

Venus, 46, and Serena, 44, hadn’t played Grand Slam doubles since the 2022 US Open and last won a title together at Roland Garros in 2018.

They showed flashes of their brilliant best, Serena proving particularly dangerous patrolling the net but struggling with her serve.

After recovering from losing the first set to level the match in the second-set tiebreaker.

They belted no fewer than 20 winners in the set, holding serve throughout and levelled the match when Joint smacked an overhead long to roars from the crowd.

Chan and Joint regrouped to seize a 4-2 lead in the third. The sisters rallied, but get to the finish line as Taiwan’s Chan and Joint fought back superbly to clinch the victory.

For Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion considered by many to be tennis’s greatest women’s player, it was her first return to the courts of Flushing Meadows since then.

The 44-year-old had returned to major singles play as a Wimbledon wild card four years after “evolving away” from the game.

At the All-England club she lost to Joint in a Centre Court clash that captured the imagination of both diehard and casual tennis fans.

Even that experience didn’t prepare Joint for the atmosphere on the cavernous Ashe Stadium.

The sisters received a thunderous ovation when they took court, all business in understated white outfits.

Every blistering volley and overhead smash from the Americans received raucous cheers, and when they sprinted to the lead in the decisive 10-point tiebreaker the noise was deafening

“The atmosphere was surreal,” Joint said. “Being able to play against such legends of the game is super special.” — AFP

IPSWICH, Sept 5 — Alexander Isak struck twice in the opening 10 minutes as Liverpool delivered a first win for new manager Andoni Iraola with a 2-0 victory at Ipswich on Friday.

Isak’s Premier League record £125 million (RM683 million) move from Newcastle was matched this week by Manchester City’s signing of Enzo Fernandez, but 12 months on the Swede is finally beginning to deliver on his price tag.

Ipswich never recovered from a disastrous start as Liverpool cruised to victory at Portman Road with their latest £100 million (RM546 million) signing Bradley Barcola making his debut as a second-half substitute.

Victory lifts the Reds to fifth in the table and maintains an unbeaten start for Iraola.

A pair of 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest did not lack in entertainment for the Basque coach’s opening two games in charge, but did little to ease doubts over their ability to challenge at the top end of the table this season.

“We needed it. Definitely needed this one. Also the way it has been, I think, with a clean sheet,” said Iraola.

Barcola added to Liverpool’s expensively assembled forward line this week but at a cost of reinforcing other areas of the field.

A huge investment in Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike failed to pay off last year as Liverpool finished fifth in a disappointing season that cost Arne Slot his job just a year after winning the league.

But after a miserable first season at Anfield dogged by fitness problems, Isak is showing signs of why he was so sought after at Newcastle with three goals in three games in the new campaign, albeit aided by Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.

Gakpo impact 

Cody Gakpo could have left Liverpool for City this week had the 20-time English champions been able to source a replacement.

Instead the Dutchman played a major role in kickstarting their season with assists for both Isak goals.

Gakpo’s pass picked out Isak on the edge of the area and while his shot had plenty of power, the giant frame of Scherpen should have done better than to parry it into the net.

Moments later Isak raced onto Gakpo’s through ball and slotted in at the near post with Scherpen caught in no man’s land.

“He’s a massive player for us,” added Iraola on Isak’s revival.

“I know that he’s fit, he’s in a good shape, he’s going to produce the numbers. My fights with him are more about other stuff, about how to help the team in all the situations.”

Isak scored a hat-trick at Portman Road for Newcastle two seasons ago and nearly had a first treble in Liverpool colours to celebrate.

He stroked in Wirtz’s cross to the back post but had strayed just offside.

Scherpen made some amends with two smart saves from Dominik Szoboszlai to keep the score down before half-time.

Barcola made his Premier League introduction just after the hour mark with Isak making way.

Liverpool did not possess the same attacking force in the second half but Iraola will be delighted with a clean sheet after much criticism of his side’s defending in the opening weeks of the season.

Ipswich made a winning start to their return to the top flight against Sunderland a fortnight ago, but the Tractor Boys have since been dealt a reality check with a 5-2 thrashing at Manchester United followed by a lesson from Liverpool. — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 5 — Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz fended off hard-hitting Wu Yibing in straight sets on Friday and says his game is “getting there” as he hits the US Open fourth round.

Alcaraz, coming off a four-month injury absence, beat Wu 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 and joined women’s two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in reaching the round of 16.

China’s Wu, a former US Open boys’ champion whose pro trajectory has been disrupted by multiple injuries, pressured Alcaraz with his aggressive baseline game.

But despite moments of frustration Alcaraz rose to the challenge and will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3.

“The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot – forehand, backhand,” Alcaraz said of Wu. “His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it’s really difficult to control sometimes.

“But I think I stayed there. I played aggressive. I played smart in the toughest moments.”

Wu recovered an early break in each of the first two sets, but Alcaraz pocketed both with breaks in the final games and after saving a pair of break points in the first game of the third the Spaniard rolled home.

“I think my level is really good,” he said. “I’ve got into the rhythm of the competition. I’m getting there.”

World number one Sabalenka didn’t face a break point in her 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova, firing 29 winners with 10 aces.

The numbers didn’t tell the whole tale of a match that saw 92nd-ranked Rakhimova challenge Sabalenka in a second-set slugfest.

“She played incredible tennis, she really pushed me so hard in the second set,” Sabalenka said. 

“I’m super happy that I was able to close this match in straight sets because she’s a fighter.”

Sabalenka, whose world number one ranking is under threat in New York, got off to a strong start, breaking Rakhimova in her first service game and holding her own serve with ease.

Sabalenka didn’t miss a first serve until the seventh game of the contest, taking the first set in 35 minutes.

But Uzbekistan’s Rakhimova dialed up the power in the second set, which featured mammoth service holds from each player before Sabalenka gained the crucial break for a 5-4 lead.

Sabalenka, who must repeat as champion to have a chance of remaining number one, next faces Taylor Townsend, the 96th-ranked American who beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.

Third-seeded American Jessica Pegula, one of the players with a chance to knock Sabalenka off her No. 1 perch, mounted a desperate fightback to beat Canadian Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a battle of former finalists.

Pegula struggled early with the varied spin and speeds of the Canadian lefty’s serve.

“I never feel comfortable playing her,” Pegula said. “I’m really glad I was able to find something there, especially in the second set to turn things around.

In other early matches, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk beat Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2 and American Emma Navarro upset seventh-seeded Czech Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5.

Williams sisters reunite 

The night session features the return to Ashe of a US tennis great as 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams teams up with sister Venus in doubles, taking on the 14th-seeded duo of Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint.

Venus and Serena won two of their 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together at the US Open, where they first competed in 1997.

Their first doubles appearance together in a major since the 2022 US Open comes after 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena returned from almost four years away from professional tennis to play at Wimbledon.

A knee injury in her first-round defeat – to Australia’s Joint – scuppered plans for the sisters to play doubles at Wimbledon. — AFP

PARIS, Sept 5 — Head coach Luis Enrique has agreed a three-year contract extension with two-time defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain, the Ligue 1 giants announced Friday.

The Spaniard’s previous deal had been due to expire at the end of this season, but he has signed a new contract lasting until 2030.

The news was announced ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 match against Monaco at the Parc des Princes, with players Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz, Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and Senny Mayulu all also penning contract extensions.

“They represent the present and the future of our club’s project,” PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi said in a statement.

“Together, we’re aiming to build for the long term, to remain true to our values, and to continue writing a story that our supporters can be proud of.”

Luis Enrique, joined by those five Champions League winners, was given a raucous reception from the home fans when the announcement was made. PSG went on to lose the game 2-1, to leave them still without a win three matches into the new Ligue 1 season.

“It is not the best moment to talk about this but what I can say is that it is the first time in my career – and I am an old coach – in which I have stayed more than three years in the same club,” said the 56-year-old after the match.

“I am more motivated now than I was in my first year here, which is bizarre for me. I am very happy and I hope to be up to the job.”

The former Barcelona and Spain boss was appointed PSG coach ahead of the 2023/24 season, tasked with leading them to a long-awaited maiden European Cup.

He achieved that with a stunning 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 Champions League final, before Paris successfully defended their title by beating Arsenal on penalties in May.

PSG have also won three Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups since Luis Enrique replaced Christophe Galtier at the helm.

Spanish World Cup winner Ruiz has extended his deal until the end of next season, with an optional extra year.

Portugal midfielder Neves, Brazilian defender Beraldo, Ecuador centre-half Pacho and youngster Mayulu have all signed deals until 2031. — AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 5 — Alexander Zverev has already battled twice to the wee hours to pull out five-set victories at the US Open, and the top-seeded German will anchor the night session again on Saturday as he takes on Francisco Cerundolo for a place in the last 16.

The evening will start with an exciting clash of young WTA stars – and friends and sometimes doubles partners – Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala.

Former women’s champions Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek vie for fourth-round spots along with second-ranked Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina and French Open winner Mirra Andreeva.

In a men’s draw thrown open by upsets to third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime, fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic and No.6 Alex de Minaur, 20-year-old American Learner Tien will try to follow up his emotional win over French veteran Gael Monfils when he fights Jakub Mensik for place in the last 16.

AFP Sport looks at three matches to watch on Day 7 of the US Open:

Alexander Zverev (GER x1) v Alejandro Tabilo (CHI x25)

Zverev leads head to head 2-0

Over two five-setters Zverev has already spent nine hours and 26 minutes on court — the most time a top seed has needed to reach the third round of a major since 1999.

Zverev says he feels fine physically, but he knows he’ll have to play better if he wants to add a second Grand Slam title to the French Open trophy he captured this year.

“It’s a skill to win ugly when you’re not playing great tennis,” Zverev said. “I think I’ve mastered that right now I hope I’ll start playing better tennis. New York has always been difficult for me ... but I hope I’ll find something.”

Tabilo, ranked 28th in the world, is in the third round of the US Open for the first time — and wants to avenge his second-round loss to Zverev on Ashe last year.

Madison Keys (USA x22) v Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Head to head level 1-1

Paris Olympics gold medallist Zheng is relishing every victory after a long recovery and rocky return in the wake of elbow surgery last year.

The former world number four slipped so far down the rankings she had to qualify for the US Open, a boon in terms of sharpening her game but an admitted blow to the ego of player more used to featuring among the top seeds.

American Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, will have the crowd behind her on Grandstand court and while her road to the third round hasn’t been as arduous as that of Zheng she’s been tested. Keys saved five match points in her second-round win over Anna Bondar.

Iva Jovic (USA x14) v Alexandra Eala (PHI x17)

Jovic leads head to head 2-0

Jovic, 18, is vying to improve on her best career Grand Slam showing – a quarter-final run at the Australian Open this year. She shot to prominence with her maiden WTA title at Guadalajara last year at the age of 17 and arrived at Flushing Meadows at a career-high ranking of 14 in the world. 

In 21-year-old Eala she’ll face a global sensation from Quezon City at tournaments around the world and she cemented her arrival among the elite with her first title in Washington last month.

Both of Jovic’s victories over Eala came before that breakthrough title – in the first round at Roland Garros this year and in the round of 16 at Queens Club in London.

“Yeah, I’m super excited [to face Eala],” Jovic said after her 6-4, 6-4 win over Briton Francesca Jones in Thursday’s second round.

“I’m super excited to face (Eala),” Jovic said. “The atmosphere is gonna be amazing, and she’s been playing some great tennis.” — AFP

TAIPEI, Sept 4 — Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting said she considered retiring after winning gold at the Paris Olympics but wanted to carry on fighting in part to defy those who questioned her eligibility.

Lin and Imane Khelif of Algeria found themselves in the middle of a major gender row at the 2024 Games, with Donald Trump, Elon Musk and author J.K. Rowling among those wading in.

The two boxers had been disqualified from the 2023 world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after the organisation said they failed unspecified gender eligibility tests.

However, the IOC allowed them to compete in Paris, saying they were victims of “a sudden and arbitrary decision” by the widely discredited IBA. Both went on to win gold.

Hailed as a hero in Taiwan, Lin wondered at the time whether it was the right moment to bow out of the sport she loves.

“I achieved everything I had worked for. It seemed like a good moment to make a graceful exit,” the 30-year-old told AFP in a rare interview.

Initially the choice was taken out of her hands and her career forced on hold.

Then in March this year World Boxing—which has taken over the running of the sport—cleared her to return after 19 months in limbo following a one-off sex test.

Lin, a two-time world champion who will compete at the Asian Games in Japan starting on September 19, said quitting would have let down the people close to her.

“I couldn’t leave the people on my team behind,” Lin said.

“And I also wanted to see how far my own abilities could go.”

Lin is keen to put the darker moments of Paris and its aftermath behind her.

Dwelling on negatives will get her trapped in a “pessimistic mindset”, she said.

“I’m able to continue competing now,” Lin added.

“In a way that’s a rebuttal to many of the things people were saying before.”

Falling into place

Lin has stepped up a weight class as she pursues a second Asian Games gold in a row.

She won last time at 57kg, the same weight as her Paris triumph, but will box in the 60kg category in Nagoya-Aichi this month.

“Right now I feel like things are gradually falling into place for me,” she said.

“This year I started competing again and I’ve gradually regained my reactions and form. It really does feel like I’m getting back into my rhythm.”

On her return to international competition Lin won bronze at 60kg at the Asian Elite Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, then silver at the World Boxing Cup in China.

“Moving up a weight class means everything is new for me,” Lin said.

“It’s a new goal, a new challenge and a new milestone.”

On her return to international competition Lin won bronze at 60kg at the Asian Elite Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, then silver at the World Boxing Cup in China. — AFP pic

Clarity and determination

Lin was 13 when she first pulled on a pair of boxing gloves at her junior high school gym in Yingge district near Taipei.

She was “a small-stature student without an obvious physical edge”, said her coach Tseng Tzu-chiang, who has been her trainer ever since.

Lin worked hard and captured a string of titles including world crowns in 2018 and 2022.

“Once she set her eyes on something, she would commit to it wholeheartedly,” Tseng told AFP.

She meets setbacks head-on, resetting her goals and achieving them with “absolute clarity and determination”, he said.

Lin admits to “very high standards” and a “rigorous attitude” towards training.

But there is a fun side too, unwinding from the physically taxing sessions with Tseng by playing Pokemon Go.

She dabbles in the stock market.

“I manage risk very strictly,” Lin said, likening trading stocks to throwing punches.

“The best risk management in the ring is making sure I’ve done my own part well. That’s something I can control.”

Prized possession 

Winning Paris gold was the culmination of years of devotion.

She failed to secure a spot at the 2016 Rio Games and was eliminated in the early stages in Tokyo in 2021.

Two years after her Paris win, Lin’s gold medal remains carefully wrapped and stored in her bedroom, rarely making public appearances.

“I haven’t displayed it yet because I haven’t found a good way,” Lin said, adding she might one day show it alongside her other medals.

“I’m worried about damaging it, getting it dirty, or accidentally scratching it.” — AFP

YANGON, Sept 5 — In a country consumed by conflict, a sport defined by brutality dominates: Myanmar’s lethwei martial art, where headbutts are encouraged and knock-out blows are the aim of the game.

“I can’t live without fighting,” said 19-year-old Su Luck, who enters the ring under the paradoxical pseudonym “Peace Prize”.

“I have never once considered giving up this passion,” she said.

Lethwei is traditional Burmese boxing, distinct from Thai kickboxing because head blows are permitted and fighters compete bareknuckle, fists protected only with wraps of thin gauze.

It is known as the “Art of Nine Limbs” because each contenders’ two fists, elbows, knees and feet as well as head are considered viable weapons to take down opponents.

In a country where many have been dragged into the five-year-old civil war, the popularity of a tooth-and-nail national sport is obvious to some.

“It’s not only a sport, it’s our art of self-defence,” said veteran fighter and coach Saw Kyaw Thein Tuu.

“Guns are of no use if they run out of bullets on the battlefield,” the 73-year-old added.

“This art will help them defend and fight enemies anytime.”

But others find the ring not a training ground for hostility but a space for the zen of self-improvement.

“Even when I take hits to the face, I accept it as my own weakness, as a sign that I still have more to learn,” said Su Luck, who dreams of becoming a schoolteacher.

She is a rising star in the sport, which is dominated by men.

“I never think I’ve become perfect,” Su Luck added.

Fighters training in traditional Myanmar boxing known as Lethwei at a training camp in Hpa-an in Myanmar's Karen state. — AFP pic

Nation on the ropes 

On parade grounds across Myanmar, legions of youngsters march in formation either for the military or the array of armed groups who have battled it since the 2021 coup ousted democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s government.

But at the start of the monsoon season in Hpa-an—capital of Karen state, Myanmar’s lethwei heartland—more than 100 teenagers and young adults rose for dawn to march in devotion to the sport.

Under limestone karsts that dagger the brightening sky, they lap a race track to raise their pulses before shifting to a sports hall filled with battered punch bags.

Inside, coaches from the Karen State Traditional Lethwei Organisation hector them to jab harder and kick higher in sparring sessions leaving them sopping with sweat.

For many, their hero is Burmese-American fighter Joshua Van, the reigning champion in the flyweight division of the internationally renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship.

But his title in the mixed martial arts competition was won without lethwei’s signature moves, banned for being too dangerous.

Fighter Moe Hein is refining those methods during a two-week training camp at Hpa-an, though he does not relish when they inflict pain.

“In some matches when the other person gets battered, bruised or cut because of me, I don’t feel happy inside,” the 22-year-old said.

“But since it’s a sport, I’ll try to hit him and he’ll try to hit me too. That’s just how it is.”

Dignity and respect

Myanmar’s civil war, Asia’s deadliest active conflict, has killed more than 100,000 people on all sides, according to ACLED, an organisation monitoring media reports of violence.

Coach Saw Kyaw Thein Tuu said he has witnessed lethwei deaths too, as it pushes the boundaries of sport.

“I have been to 200 matches in my life and there were six people killed. We had to deal with the police,” he said.

“Our Myanmar traditional lethwei should not be considered a sport,” he mused.

“It should be thought of as another type of game.”

In Karen state, more than 260,000 people are living displaced, according to United Nations data.

Armed factions vie for control of the border state’s lucrative trade routes to Thailand and internet scam centres, which have thrived in the chaos of wartime.

Along the six-hour drive from the commercial capital Yangon to Hpa-an are more than a dozen checkpoints manned by the military, militias or armed non-uniformed men.

Despite its brutality, Su Luck said lethwei offers another way.

“Compared to fighting outside, it’s more honourable to fight in the ring,” she said.

“On the stage, when two fighters challenge each other and compete it has more dignity and respect.” — AFP

MADRID, Sept 4 — Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio was cleared yesterday by a Spanish court of distributing an explicit video involving a minor, shortly after coach Jose Mourinho said the defender faced club disciplinary action over a drink-driving conviction.

In a statement released yesterday, a court in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, declared that “no offence” had been committed by the 23-year-old following the withdrawal of charges by the two complainants, to whom he had previously apologised.

Asencio was charged in 2025, alongside three former teammates from Real Madrid’s youth academy, for his alleged involvement in the recording and unauthorised distribution of sexually explicit videos involving two young women aged 16 and 18.

The three other players, Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez and Andres Garcia, were found not guilty of distributing intimate footage without consent but were given a one-year suspended prison sentence for “child pornography” and must attend a sexual “re-education” course.

Asencio, who was not present at the time of the incidents, was charged with sharing the videos with a third party.

The drink-driving incident also occurred in Gran Canaria.

The centre-back was more than three times over the legal limit on August 16.

Asencio was convicted by a court in San Bartolome de Tirajana, a village in Gran Canaria, and fined €14,400 (RM67,750), while his driving licence was suspended for eight months.

Mourinho praised the player while saying Asencio had let Real Madrid down.

“He’s a model professional. When he was fit, no one trained as hard as him,” Mourinho said.

“Now that he’s been injured for a few weeks, he’s the first to arrive and the last to leave.

“But a Real Madrid player remains so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 12 months a year.

“Everything you do outside the pitch represents Real Madrid and could affect the club’s prestige.

“I’m not happy. Everyone makes mistakes but when they pile up, it’s not the same.”

Asencio suffered a hamstring injury in July and has yet to be picked for a matchday squad by his new coach.

He played regularly for Real in the previous two seasons. — AFP

POISSY, Sept 4 — Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insisted yesterday that the sale of France winger Bradley Barcola to Liverpool was a good deal for all parties, as the reigning European champions get ready to defend their Champions League title without one of their key players from the last two campaigns.

“Everyone is a winner,” the Spaniard told reporters on the eve of his team’s Ligue 1 clash at home to Monaco today.

“He wanted to leave because he wanted to have more importance in the team. And that is something that you have to earn in training. I can’t guarantee that to any player.

“He has been a very important player for us, and he is an incredible person. He was liked by his teammates. He still had two years left on his contract but he decided to leave and I wish him all the best. We have to accept it.”

Barcola, who appeared in all of France’s matches at the World Cup, had not featured at all for PSG at the start of this season before joining Liverpool in a blockbuster deal for a fee of €125 million (RM588 million) plus €20 million in bonuses.

The 24-year-old scored 13 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions last season for PSG as they retained the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles.

However, he was not automatically assured of his place in Luis Enrique’s starting line-up, especially with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia competing to play in the same position on the wing.

PSG have brought in three new attacking players for a combined fee of around 150 million euros, with Spain World Cup final hero Ferran Torres arriving from Barcelona while Maghnes Akliouche was signed from Monaco and Mika Godts from Ajax.

“I am happy with the three players we have brought in up front. We must not make comparisons. We will see what happens but I am happy with the transfer window,” said Luis Enrique, who also saw PSG sell Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan and Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye to Aston Villa.

The former Barcelona and Spain coach insisted his new players would need “time to adapt” as PSG come into the match against Monaco having drawn their first two Ligue 1 games of the campaign with Rennes and Lille.

They also lost to Lens in the French Champions Trophy having previously beaten Aston Villa to win the Uefa Super Cup.

The Parisians start their bid to win a third straight Champions League title at home to Slovan Bratislava next Wednesday.

“Our objectives are clear. I have said it many times. I want to win the most important trophies and there is none bigger than the Champions League,” added the coach, who is beginning his fourth season at the helm. — AFP

LONDON, Sept 4 — Something has to give when Arsenal host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, with both teams putting their 100 per cent records on the line, while Tottenham are desperate to stop the rot.

Defending champions Arsenal and Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea are among four sides to have won their first two league games this season, along with Manchester City and newly-promoted Hull.

Spurs are bottom of the table as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest while new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola is still seeking his first win.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the action:

Arsenal steel v Chelsea flair

Arsenal have started their Premier League title defence as they finished last season — looking impenetrable.

Last week’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa, following their opening 3-0 victory over Coventry, was a sixth clean sheet in seven league matches.

Another bonus for manager Mikel Arteta is the form of England winger Bukayo Saka, who has scored twice already following an injury-disrupted 2025/26 campaign.

Chelsea have launched the Xabi Alonso era with three wins in all competitions, looking dangerous in attack but vulnerable at the back.

The club’s new attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have scored five of the team’s seven league goals in victories against Fulham and Brighton.

But former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Alonso will be keen to tighten up his team’s defence, which has conceded five goals in those games.

Recent history is against Chelsea, who are winless in nine Premier League games against Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Emirates.

Spurs’ struggles

Roberto De Zerbi is certain Tottenham will avoid another embarrassing relegation battle despite a calamitous start to the season.

The north London club, who have finished a lowly 17th in successive campaigns, lost their opener against Brentford 3-0 before a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle.

The club spent more than £350 million (RM1.9 billion) in the summer transfer window in an attempted reset, with a clutch of high-profile arrivals including Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Savio.

But there is scant evidence that things are improving as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground tomorrow — a team that beat them twice last season.

De Zerbi, who arrived in late March, remains upbeat despite his team’s woes.

“After two defeats, maybe somebody can think it’s the same story, the same as the last two seasons,” he said.

“I have no doubt it’s not like this. I think I can’t change my opinion after two defeats. I have a big, big confidence in the qualities of my players.”

Liverpool’s Iraola eyes fresh start

New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola is still seeking lift-off after frustrating draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

France forward Bradley Barcola is in line to make his debut at newly-promoted Ipswich today after his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain this week for a fee of up to £124 million.

The winger is the latest addition to an expensively assembled Liverpool attack that also includes Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and the currently injured Hugo Ekitike.

But four goals conceded in two matches suggest problems in other areas.

“It does not look like a balanced squad,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports. “Liverpool are short in the full-back areas and probably a midfield player as well.”

Iraola welcomed the end of the summer transfer window earlier this week.

“Once the market is closed, we know who we are,” he said on Thursday. “I think we have a lot of talent in this group of players.

“Now we have to perform, we have to do our job and we have to start from tomorrow.”

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated)

Friday

Ipswich v Liverpool (1900)

Saturday

Newcastle v Bournemouth (1130), Brentford v Sunderland, Brighton v Leeds, Fulham v Crystal Palace, Manchester City v Coventry, Nottingham Forest v Tottenham, Hull v Aston Villa (1630)

Sunday

Everton v Manchester United (1300), Arsenal v Chelsea (1530) — AFP