WORLD OF SPORT
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Luiz ‘confused’ under Conte, says Sarri
David Luiz was left puzzled by his treatment under former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, according to new Stamford Bridge manager Maurizio Sarri. Luiz had been an central figure in Chelsea’s title win in Conte’s first season, in 2016/17, but scarcely featured after the 3-0 loss at Roma on October 31 last year. The Brazil defender, 31, had a rumoured falling-out with Conte and a series of injuries, not featuring at all after the February loss at Watford. “Two seasons ago he was a protagonist,” Sarri said. “Then six months ago he was not playing, so he was a little confused.” Chelsea are unbeaten in the Premier League this season, with five wins and two draws, and came within minutes of inflicting Liverpool’s first loss on Saturday.
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Italian press lauds ‘Mr Ryder’ Molinari
Francesco Molinari was hailed in his native Italy for his “out of this world” performance that helped seal a resounding victory for Europe over the United States in the Ryder Cup. The British Open champion became the first European player to win all five of his matches at a Ryder Cup as he eased to a 4 and 2 win over Phil Mickelson to secure the hosts the trophy by 17.5 to 10.5 at Le Golf National outside Paris on Sunday. “There’s just one Tiger and he’s called Chicco,” headlined
Corriere Dello Sport, using 35-year-old Molinari’s nickname. “Molinari in outer space in the Ryder Cup: decisive point and record wins,” it said. Gazzetta
Dello Sport wrote: “Mr Ryder is an Italian. Molinari goes beyond the limits of expectations.”
Pakistan want $70 million compensation from India
Pakistan and India squared off at the legal crease at a hearing at the ICC headquarters in Dubai yesterday after the two sides failed to honour a deal to compete in several series. The Pakistan Cricket Board is demanding US$70 million (Dh257m) in compensation from India, claiming that a memorandum of understanding signed in 2014 had guaranteed six series between 2015 and 2023. However the Board of Control for Cricket in India have said they are unable to play against Pakistan until their government gives them permission and dismissed the agreement as not legally binding. The hearing is set to last until October 3. ICC’s chief executive David Richardson last week urged the two nations to resolve the matter between themselves rather than seeking arbitration. He said: “We will facilitate any settlement decision if we can. Other than that, it is up to the two nations.”