SPORT

Tuesday 200 June 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Koepka tames Kyrgios suffers Real Madrid boss wind to win US fresh injury PerezPe tackles Ronaldo Open blow problem Youthful down earn second win at FIBA 3x3

The Peninsula the other unbeaten team in at Confed Cup the group after two matches, ormer champions Qatar to decide the topper. pulled off a brilliant And their fourth and last Sochi, F 19-17 victory over third match is against Sri Lanka, AFP seeds to rise to the who have lost both the second spot in the pool at the matches so far. are youthful Germany FIBA 3x3 World Cup in leading the pool as they have side weathered a , on Sunday. a better point difference than second-half fight- Qatar's new-look team of Qatar. back by Australia to Abdulrahman Saad, Erfan Ali, In the Pool A, defending open their Confeder- Tanguy Ngombo and Fadi champions are on the ationsA Cup campaign with a 3-2 Abilmona first outplayed 11th top after two successive wins win over the Socceroos yester- seeds Estonia (Erik Luts, over Russia (20-17) and Egypt day in Sochi. Jaagup Toome, Mario Polusk (17-15). In the second place Goals by Lars Stindl and and Sander Viilup) to get a are Puerto Rico, who have , either side of a flying start in the event that one-one win-loss record. penalty by , saw they had won in 2014 in Hosts France are head- Germany home to leave them . ing the Pool B after beating second in Group B behind Chile, They lifted their game to El Salvador (21-5), having who they face in Kazan on a couple of notches higher bigger point-difference than Thursday. when they took on third- second-placed , who Celtic midfielder Tommy seeded Poland, represented beat 21-15). Rogic had made it 1-1 in the first by Szymon Rduch, The and the half and added Aus- Przemysf1'b3aw Rduch, USA are in the top two spots tralia's second after the break Arkadiusz Kobus and Dawid of the Pool D. The Dutch from a goal that was allowed to Brek. downed the USA 19-12 and stand despite a suggestion of In a close finish, Qatar South Korea 22-6 to reach handball leading to a review managed to forge a 19-17 vic- the top with plus 23 points from the video assistant tory to stay unbeaten after difference. The Americans referee. German players celebrate the match's first goal by Germany's midfielder Lars Stindl during two matches in the Pool C. beat Indonesia 21-8 to have The Socceroos then had a their 2017 Confederations Cup group B match at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi yesterday. Qatar will take on one win and one defeat after string of late chances to equal- Ukraine in their next match, the two games. ise, but Germany held out. Australia next face Cam- kick-off of Germany bringing a half in the opening 30 minutes, Australia made it 3-2 when eroon, who lost 2-0 to Chile in young squad and their starting but they eventually started to Juric tapped home from close their opening game, in Saint line-up had just 138 international build some momentum. range after Germany goalkeeper Petersburg on Thursday with appearances between them. Defender failed to hold a Rugby: Uruguay celebrate victory both teams needing a win in The arrival of the world wasted a golden chance when deflected Rogic shot on 56 their bid to reach the champions in Sochi failed to he got in behind the defence, but minutes. semi-finals. excite local fans and only 28,605 he headed 's free- With the Germans scream- Much had been made before of the Fisht Stadium's available kick wide with the goal at his ing for a handball, the decision 47,700 seats were filled. mercy. to give the goal was referred to RESULTS Those who did turn out saw Their breakthrough came the video assistant referee. Germany waste no time in tak- when a Rogic shot was blocked, Replays showed the ball Group B ing the lead with just five but the Celtic midfielder striking Juric's arm before Leno Australia 2 (Rogic 41, Juric 56) Germany 3 minutes gone. slammed home the rebound to saved the initial shot, but the (Stindl 5, Draxler 44-pen, Goretzka 48) After Goretzka went close, pull the Socceroos level on 41 goal was allowed to stand. Upcoming fixtures winger cut the ball minutes. It was not to last. Australia kept up the pres- Tomorrow back for Stindl, who slotted When Queens Park Rangers sure after that as substitutes Group A home his first goal for his coun- midfielder James Troisi and , try on only his third international scythed down Goretzka in the as well as Juric, all tested Leno In Moscow (1500 GMT) appearance. area three minutes later, Ger- in the final quarter. Russia vs Portugal With Bayer Leverkusen's many captain Draxler drilled At the other end, German In Sochi (1800 GMT) Brandt causing mayhem down home the resulting penalty to substitute hit the Mexico v New Zealand the right flank, striker Sandro make it 2-1 at the break. And post after holding off two Thursday Wagner had two clear chances, Germany extended their lead defenders and beating Ryan. a diving header and then a shot with a copybook move on 48 Veteran midfielder Tim Group B Los Teros Uruguay's national rugby team captain Manuel which both went wide. minutes. Cahill, now 37, came on in the Gaminara (centre) rises the trophy to celebrate their win In Saint Petersburg (1500 GMT) Brandt's fiercely-hit shot Brandt combined with dying stages for his 98th inter- Cameroon vs Australia from outside the area produced , who floated a national appearance, but the over in the final of the World Rugby Nations Cup

In Kazan (1800 GMT) a diving save from Socceroos cross over the defence for Schal- Socceroos' all-time top-scorer 2017 tournament at Charrua Stadium in Montevideo, Germany vs Chile goalkeeper Maty Ryan, and Aus- ke's Goretzka, who took it in his failed to add to his tally of 48 Uruguay on Sunday. tralia barely escaped their own stride and rifled home. goals. Cricket names owners for T20 Global League

London company that controls the IPL location that meant the South Kevin Pietersen and former New AFP Delhi Daredevils, purchased the Africa marquee players attached Zealand captain Brendon McCul- Johannesburg franchise. to each of the eight teams could lum are also set to be two of the ndian movie star Shah Rukh Two Pakistan Super League attend, with the Proteas cur- eight 'international marquee' Khan added a third Twenty20 owners, Fawad Rana of the rently on tour in England. players involved. Ifranchise team to his collec- Lahore Qalandar and Javed "We are thrilled by the inter- McCullum caused an unin- tion when he was named as one Afridi of the Peshawar Zalmi, national mix of owners and the tentional moment of humour at of the owners in the new eight- have bought franchises in Dur- passion and excitement that was the launch when he described team South African Global ban and Benoni respectively. clearly demonstrated during the himself as a "T20 mercenary", League yesterday. Meanwhile Hong Kong busi- bidding process by them and the with event host Alan Wilkins, the The Bollywood leading man nessman Sushil Kumar bought marquee players," said Cricket cricket broadcaster, jumping in expanded his established Knight the Bloemfontein franchise, with South Africa chief executive to say "ambassador". Riders Brand with the purchase Dubai's Ajay Sethi taking up the Haroon Lorgat. The November-December of the Cape Town franchise to Port Elizabeth franchise. The South Africa marquee timeframe for the tournament add to the teams he already owns Two of the franchises will be players are Hashim Amla (Dur- means leading Australian play- in Kolkata and Trinidad. South African owned, with busi- ban), Quinton de Kock (Benoni), ers are likely to be unavailable There was a further link to nessman Osman Osman now in AB de Villiers (Pretoria), Faf du because of a clash with their the Indian , the charge of the Pretoria franchise Plessis (Stellenbosch), JP Duminy home season. dispute with AB de Villiers is one lucrative Twenty20 competition and Brimstone, an investment (Cape Town), David Miller (Blo- Cricket Australia. of the South African that has sparked similar tourna- company, now having the Stel- emfontein), Kagiso Rabada No players are marquee players ments in the Caribbean, lenbosch franchise as part of its (Johannesburg) and Imran Tahir expected to take part either but named for the Australia, Bangladesh and Paki- portfolio. (Port Elizabeth). more than 400 cricketers have event. stan too. Shah himself was not present Meanwhile the likes of South registered their interest, with a GMR Sports, the holding at the launch in London, a Africa-born England batsman draft scheduled for August. SPORT TUESDAY 20 JUNE 2017 25 Koepka tames wind to win US Open

Erin, US LAST 15 WINNERS US OPEN SCORES AFP List of the last 15 winners of the US Open golf Scores on Sunday after final round of the 117th championship after the conclusion of the 117th US Open (Par 72; a-denotes amateur): rooks Koepka pro- Championship at Erin Hills Golf Course, Wiscon- 272 - Brooks Koepka (USA) 67-70-68-67 duced a back-nine sin on Sunday: 276 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 74-65-71-66, birdie blitz to win the 2017 - Brooks Koepka Brian Harman (USA) 67-70-67-72 US Open here on Sun- 2016 - Dustin Johnson (at Oakmont) 277 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 67-70-68-67 day, becoming the 2015 - Jordan Spieth (Chambers Bay) 278 - Xander Schauffele (USA) 66-73-70-69, Bill Bseventh consecutive first-time 2014 - Martin Kaymer (Pinehurst) Haas (USA) 72-68-69-69, Rickie Fowler (USA) winner of a major with a record- 2013 - Justin Rose (Merion) 65-73-68-72 equalling four-shot victory at 2012 - Webb Simpson (Olympic Club) 279 - Charley Hoffman (USA) 70-70-68-71 Erin Hills. 2011 - Rory McIlroy (Congressional) 280 - Trey Mullinax (USA) 71-72-69-68, Brandt The 27-year-old from Flor- 2010 - Graeme McDowell (Pebble Beach) Snedeker (USA) 70-69-70-71, Justin Thomas ida fired a five-under-par final 2009 - Lucas Glover (Bethpage Black) (USA) 73-69-63-75 round 67 to finish on 16 under for 2008 - Tiger Woods (Torrey Pines) 281 - J.B. Holmes (USA) 69-69-72-71 the tournament following a tense 2007 - Angel Cabrera (Oakmont) 282 - Brendan Steele (USA) 71-69-69-73, duel with compatriot Brian Har- 2006 - Geoff Ogilvy (Winged Foot) Patrick Reed (USA) 68-75-65-74, Kim Si-Woo man that was settled on the home 2005 - Michael Campbell (Pinehurst) (KOR) 69-70-68-75 stretch at the rural Wisconsin 2004 - Retief Goosen (Shinnecock Hills) 283 - Matt Kuchar (USA) 74-71-70-68, Steve

course. Koepka's 16-under-par 2003 - Jim Furyk (Olympia Fields) Stricker (USA) 73-72-69-69, Chez Reavie (USA)

Brooks Koepka of the United States poses total equalled the record for the 75-65-72-71, Eddie Pepperell (ENG) 72-71-69- lowest winning under par total at with the winner's trophy after his victory 71, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 69-72-69-73 a US Open set by Rory McIlroy at at the US Open at Erin Hills in Hartford, 284 - David Lingmerth (SWE) 73-69-71-71, Ser- the 2011 championship. Wisconsin on Sunday. gio Garcia (ESP) 70-71-71-72 "That's probably one of the 285 - Kevin Chappell (USA) 74-70-70-71, Jim coolest things I've ever experi- Furyk (USA) 70-74-69-72, Louis Oosthuizen enced and to do it on Father's of nerves came just after the back nine. I've done it before, (RSA) 74-70-68-73 Day it's pretty neat," Koepka turn when Harman struggled but he did it today." 286 - Paul Casey (ENG) 66-71-75-74 said afterwards. through back-to-back bogeys Koepka's win extended a 287 - Scottie Scheffler-a (USA) 69-74-71-73, "I didn't exactly get my dad on the 12th and 13th. remarkable run of victories by Zach Johnson (USA) 71-74-68-74, Jamie Love- mark (USA) 69-69-74-75, Marc Leishman (AUS) a card, so this works. World number 22 Koepka players who had never previ- 68-72-72-75, Russell Henley (USA) 71-70-67-79 "I felt confident all week. So then uncorked a brilliant trio of ously won a major. Since Jason 288 - Kevin Na (USA) 68-76-73-71, Martin Laird to feel as confident as I did on a birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th Day lifted the 2015 PGA Cham- (SCO) 72-71-72-73, Cameron Champ-a (USA) Sunday of a major and coming holes to surge into a four-shot pionship, every major 70-69-73-76 down the stretch was pretty lead and virtually assure him- championship has been won by 289 - Jordan Spieth (USA) 73-71-76-69, Jordan neat."Third round leader Brian self of the title. a first-timer. Koepka, a close Niebrugge (USA) 73-72-73-71, Martin Kaymer Harman, who had led by one- "That was kind of lights out," friend and training partner of (GER) 72-69-75-73, Brandon Stone (RSA) 70- shot at the start of the round, Harman said. "I mean, you've world number one and 2016 US 74-72-73, Webb Simpson (USA) 74-71-71-73, finished second on 12 under got to tip your cap. He went and Open champion Dustin Johnson, Michael Putnam (USA) 73-70-71-75, Matt Fitz- after an even-par 72. He tied won the golf tournament on the had only won one title on the patrick (ENG) 70-73-70-76 with Japanese world number PGA Tour since turning profes- 290 - Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP) 72-73-71-74, four Hideki Matsuyama, who KOEPKA FACTFILE sional in 2012. Andrew Johnston (ENG) 69-73-73-75, Jack shot a superb six-under-par 66. With strong winds buffeting Maguire (USA) 70-73-71-76, Jonathan Randolph "It bites a little bit right Factfile on 2017 US Open champion the 7,721-yard layout at Erin (USA) 71-71-73-75 now," Harman said afterwards. Brooks Koepka: Hills earlier in the day, Mother 291 - Stewart Cink (USA) 74-70-76-71, Shane "But Brooks played so well Name: Brooks Koepka Nature had appeared poised to Lowry (IRL) 71-74-73-73, Harris English (USA) today. The conditions were so Birthdate: May 3, 1990 bite back after three days of 71-69-75-76 tough." Birthplace: West Palm Beach, Florida benign conditions which led to 292 - Gary Woodland (USA) 72-73-73-74, Kim England's Tommy Fleet- Height: 6ft (1.82m) a feast of low-scoring. Meen-Whee (KOR) 73-70-72-77, Branden Grace wood was alone in fourth place Weight: 186 pounds (84kg) But with the gusts gradually (RSA) 72-72-71-77 on 11 under after a level-par Turned Professional: 2012 weakening over the course of 294 - Jason Kokrak (USA) 75-70-74-75, Ryan Brehm (USA) 71-74-72-77, Satoshi Kodaira (JPN) final round of 72. Career International Victories: 4 the afternoon, Koepka and Har-

Harman and Koepka spent man picked up where they left 73-69-73-76

Major Victories: 1 (2017 US Open)

much of the round locked at the on Saturday, seamlessly getting 295 - Ernie Els (RSA) 70-72-79-74, William Mc-

US Open Victories: 1 (2017) top of the leaderboard. But the into the groove early on to jump Girt (USA) 70-71-79-75, Lee Westwood (ENG) turning point in a gripping war ahead of the field. 69-75-75-76

Kunitz, Fleury left Nishan Ramadan Championship at Losail Shooting Range unprotected in expansion draft

Los Angeles AFP

he Pittsburgh Penguins have left four-time Stanley TCup champion Chris Kunitz and former all-star goal- tender Marc-Andre Fleury unprotected in the NHL upcom- ing expansion draft. Kunitz and Fleury are among the most high- profile players available in this week's draft for the expansion Vegas Golden Knights who will make their NHL debut in the 2017-18 season. The Golden Action from the Nishan Ramadan Championship at the Losail Shooting Range on Sunday night. Nishan Ramadan tournament is a unique event organized Knights' selection of 30 players -- one from each NHL club -- by the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan. More than 200 contestants are taking part in the eight-day will be revealed at the 2017 NHL event, sponsored by Ooredoo, Abdullah Abdul Ghani & Brothers, Ali Bin Ali Watches and Jewellery and Al Kass TV. awards and expansion draft. Lewis slams Mayweather vs McGregor fight as 'ridiculous'

Los Angeles "It's ridiculous to me," "I can't take it serious," Lewis The 40-year-old May- teenager. But unlike those AFP Lewis told US sports broad- said. "Mayweather is the best weather has been retired two, Lewis doesn't feel the caster ESPN. "You are talking in his weight class, no one can since beating Andre Berto in novelty matchup will hurt oxing hall of famer Len- about one discipline where touch him in boxing. September 2015 and boxing's image. nox Lewis (pictured) you can use only your hands "Floyd will stop him. He's improving his career record "I don't believe it would Bwon't be spending his and only a few can do it. just too good at boxing for to 49-0. damage boxing .... I love money on the Floyd May- "Every battle sport always McGregor and McGregor is The matchup with Bruce Lee and the other dis- weather-Conor McGregor starts with your hands, but just too inexperienced. McGregor gives Mayweather ciplines and when he fought fight, saying he "can't take it they are two totally different "I wouldn't buy it -- but I a chance to reach the 50-0 against other fighters, you serious" because the outcome sports." would be interested in the career milestone. wanted to see the differences, is too predictable. The fight is being held in result. To me, I know who is Former champ Oscar De so I can see the appeal," The former undisputed the T-Mobile Arena in Las going to win already so La Hoya and promoter Lewis said. world heavyweight champion Vegas and promoters are there's no use in watching it." Kathy Duva have also Mayweather-McGregor said the combination of May- hoping to make millions off Lewis, who fought for slammed the event as an have yet to get together face- weather's boxing experience the pay-per-view sales. at the 1984 Los Ange- exhibition spectacle, point- to-face since the and hand speed will be too Scheduled as a 12-round box- les Olympics, joins a growing ing to the fact that the announcement but they are much to handle for McGre- ing match with 10 ounce list of boxing purists who 28-year-old McGregor has expected to announce a pro- gor, who has made him name gloves, three-time world have come out against the never had a professional motional tour that will take as a mixed martial arts heavyweight champion Lewis much-discussed fight which boxing match and only dab- them to a couple of major US fighter. says it won't go the distance. will take place August 26. bled in the sport as a cities. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 20 JUNE 2017 Pakistan have core to target further glory

London "It's a very young team and credit Reuters goes to them and the Pakistan played management. akistan's Champions "It's a very important boost 'perfect game' Trophy success not for us to win this. When we only defied the odds arrived here, we just played like in win: Gilchrist but also suggested the we have nothing to lose. Credit mercurial side have goes to my batsmen, my bowl- New Delhi Pfound the nucleus of a squad ers and the team management. AFP capable of returning to England "I think it's a very proud in 2019 confident of claiming a moment for me, my team and ustralian cricket- second 50-over World Cup title. my country." ing legend Adam The South Asians arrived in The Champions Trophy suc- AGilchrist yester- Britain for the eight-team, one- cess will also boost Pakistan's day credited Pakistan's day international tournament as hopes for a second World Cup adaptability and perse- the lowest-ranked side, packed title when they return to England verance in the face of with players still trying to find and Wales in 2019. domestic challenges as their feet at the highest level and The country has a tradition key to their rout of given little hope of emerging of producing exciting fast bowl- favourites India in the victorious. ing talent and 25-year-old Champions Trophy. Their confidence was dented Mohammad Amir and Junaid Pakistan, once a when they suffered a thumping Khan, 27, can be expected to cricketing powerhouse, loss to arch-rivals and neigh- spearhead the pace attack at the has watched its world bours India in their opening next World Cup. ranking slide as top teams match of the campaign and the Add deadly accurate medium have refused to tour the limp performance put Pakistan's paceman Hasan Ali, the player conflict-prone country, chances of reaching the semi- of the Champions Trophy, and forcing the home side to finals in severe jeopardy. 18-year-old leg-spinner Shadab play all international However, they quickly Captain Sarfraz Ahmed (third right) lifts the trophy as Pakistan team celebrate their win over Ali to the mix, and Pakistan have matches abroad. silenced their critics by defeat- India after the ICC Champions Trophy final at the Oval in London, on Sunday. a bowling unit with enough men- "Deep in your heart, ing top-ranked South Africa and ace to trouble any side in the as a cricket lover, you Sri Lanka to reach the last four, losing the first game, we were stage but no one gave us a rankings. The decline cost Azhar world. With Babar Azam and can't be disappointed to where they stunned previously nowhere," all-rounder Moham- chance. The way we showed Ali the captaincy and Sarfraz Fakhar Zaman also coming of see a nation like that (win). unbeaten hosts England before mad Hafeez told the official character, this is for the nation. Ahmed, the Twenty20 skipper, age, Pakistan's batting lineup We all know their strug- outclassing defending champi- broadcasters after the team's They have been waiting for this was elevated to the role in appears to have the right blend gles of not getting any ons India in Sunday's final. 180-run win over India. for a long, long time. This is the February. of youth and experience, boosted international cricket back "Great team effort! After "We were in the knockout least we could do." With their inability to host by the solidity of former captains home," Gilchrist told The most recent global suc- top international sides on home Azhar, Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. reporters in New Delhi. cess for Pakistan in one-day soil due to security concerns and "We want to be a little more "The only predicta- cricket before Sunday was the a spot-fixing controversy blight- consistent as a team," coach ble thing about Pakistan 1992 World Cup win in Australia ing their domestic T20 league, Mickey Arthur said. cricket is that they are It's a very important boost for us to win and New Zealand, when another Sunday's win provided the coun- "We've got a group of young unpredictable," said the unfancied side, led by talismanic try's cricket fans with some players who are fantastic. We former wicketkeeper- this. When we arrived here, we just all-rounder Imran Khan, beat much-needed cheer. have to keep this momentum batsman, adding the win played like we have nothing to lose. England in the final in The victory was made even going. We're happy with the was a "positive story". . more remarkable when recent brand of cricket we're playing. "Pakistan played Credit goes to my batsmen, my bowlers Since the departure of cap- form is taken into consideration "We've got two years until what seems to be a per- and the team management: Pakistan tains Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis as Pakistan had also lost their the 2019 World Cup. We've got fect game of cricket. Khan from the 50-over format last seven matches against India the monkey off our back in terms India, after a very captain Sarfraz Ahmed in 2015, Pakistan slumped to in ICC events before the final. of qualifying. We now have two impressive tournament, ninth in ODI rankings and barely "After the first match against years to identify a squad we want just got caught out on the managed to qualify for the India, one thing I said to my boys to take forward and give them big final day. That can Champions Trophy, contested by was 'the tournament hasn't fin- enough game time. That's the happen." the top eight sides in the ished yet'," Sarfraz told reporters. aim at the moment." Tsonga bounces back at Queen's

London three-title season during The key game was the mara- number one Murray, who is Reuters which he also reckoned that thon eight-deuce sixth in the seeking a sixth championship becoming a new father had opening set which finally saw triumph. o-Wilfried Tsonga returned helped provide him with fresh left-hander Mannarino sur- So will Bulgaria's sixth emphatically to winning inspiration on court. Yet even render his delivery for a seed Grigor Dimitrov, on the Jways in the Queen's Club while never needing to find second time after Tsonga had evidence of his superb 6-3 6-1 Championships in London top gear in the sunshine, the eked out six break points. hammering of Kerber continues yesterday, putting his shock two-time Wimbledon semi- A run of seven straight men's doubles champion Ryan first round exit at his home finalist demonstrated why he games saw the fifth seed take Harrison in just 54 one-sided to lead world French Open firmly behind could still be a threat on the complete control before he minutes. him. grass at 32 as he dismissed the became the first winner in the Dimitrov, who has shown Tsonga outplayed his challenge of the man who had week-long championships, signs of rediscovering his 2014 rankings compatriot Adrian Mannarino beaten him in Monaco in wrapping up victory in 67 best when he won Queen's, 6-2 6-2 in the opening round April. minutes. was in imperious form, reduc- Madrid of the traditional Wimbledon Mannarino, ranked 62 in "It was a good match. I ing Harrison to such QNA warm-up event in his first the world, had started played pretty well. I had to frustration that the American match since suffering a four- brightly, swapping breaks play my best to get over landed a warning for erman Angelique Ker- set defeat by little-known with Tsonga, but once the him," Tsonga said. "I sweated unsportsmanlike conduct ber (pictured above) Argentine Renzo Olivo at world number 10 found a lot." after smashing his racket continued to lead the Roland Garros. rhythm in his groundstrokes If he can find his best against his foot in the second G France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returns Women's Tennis Association The loss to the world and his opponent needed a form, Tsonga, who lost to set. rankings released yesterday number 91 Olivo had been time-out in the first set for in the 2011 Murray opens the defence against France's Adrian Mannarino in with 6,965 points while Esto- particularly disappointing for treatment to his back, it Queen's final, could be one of of his title on Tuesday against their first round match at Queen's Club nia's Anett Kontaveit jumped Tsonga in light of his proved a straightforward win. the major threats to world fellow Briton Aljaz Bedene. Championships in London, yesterday. 13 places after her first title victory at Den Bosch tourna- ment yesterday. Australia's Nick Kyrgios reacts after The 21-year-old Anett slipping during his men's singles 1st round Kyrgios suffers fresh injury blow Kontaveit from Tallinn routed match against Donald Young of the US Russia's Natalia Vikhlyant- at the ATP Aegon Championships tennis seva, 20, in straight sets in the tournament at Queen's Club in London, London to . But Kyrgios, who ing tennis. I'm sure I'll live." grasscourt 's-Hertogenbosch yesterday. AFP has also been bothered by shoulder Asked what he'd do while he waits tournament in the Nether- problems in recent months, is still for the pain to subside, Kyrgios joked lands to continue her strong ick Kyrgios insists he will play determined to compete at Wimbledon, he'd be "in the Dog and Fox", a pub near 2017 form. through the pain barrier to keep which gets underway on July 3. his house in Wimbledon. Kontaveit finished run- Nhis Wimbledon dream alive after "I'd play Wimbledon if I was injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga got back on ner-up on clay in Biel in April the Australian star was forced to retire pretty bad, anyway. I'm here. I don't track after his French Open nightmare and has also recorded wins from his Queen's Club first-round clash really have time to go home or any- as the world number 10 eased to a 6-2, over world number one against Donald Young. thing. Yeah, I'll be playing, for sure," 6-2 win over Adrian Mannarino. Angelique Kerber and 2016 Kyrgios needed lengthy treatment Kyrgios said. Tsonga's strong start to his grass- French Open champion Gar- on his left hip after taking a nasty tum- "Obviously my main goal is to play court campaign was the perfect way to bine Muguruza this season. ble behind the baseline while stretching well at Wimbledon, so I'm going to try erase the painful memory of an embar- The current WTA top 10 to make a shot in the ninth game of the and get it better and rehab it and hope- rassing first-round exit against are: 1. Angelique Kerber 6.965 first set on Monday. fully it settles down. I'm sure it will." unheralded Argentine Renzo Olivo on pts, 2. Simona Halep 6.850, 3. The world number 20 decided to Kyrgios was given anti-inflamma- the clay at Roland Garros. Karolina Pliskova 6.690, 4. keep playing, but he was clearly tories when he came off court, but he "For me it was really important to Serena Williams 4.810, 5. affected by the injury and, after Young is still waiting to see if a scan is have a victory. On clay it was difficult. 4.765, 6. won the first-set tie-break 7-3, Kyrgios necessary. I didn't play really well in Roland Gar- Dominika Cibulkov 4.420, trudged to the net to withdraw from "I felt a sharp pain, pretty much ros," said Tsonga, who was runner-up 7. Johanna Konta (GBR) 4.400 the Wimbledon warm-up event. everything I was feeling a month ago. at Queen's in 2011. (+1) 8. Caroline Wozniacki The 22-year-old admitted his fall It's not great at the moment," he said. "I had the good sense to have a grass 4.345 (-1), 9. Svetlana Kuznet- on the slick court had aggravated the "I have been playing with a sore hip court at my house, so I just practice and sova 4.310, 10. Agnieszka same hip injury that troubled him dur- for a long time. There are worse things prepare this grass season, which is a Radwanska 3.985. ing his French Open second-round exit in the world than a guy slipping play- good surface for me." TUESDAY 20 JUNE 2017 SPORT 27 Federer fine tunes for Fitness and passion key for Murray's Wimbledon in Halle career ambitions

Halle Westfalen, Germany Roger Federer The 23-year-old, who London "I don't think that would be AFP Reuters speaks during a reached the Wimbledon quar- how I would judge when or if press conference ter-finals last season, plays local I'm going to stop, based on just oger Federer is in hope Jan-Lennard Struff, the orld number one Andy trying to make it to the next during Stuttgart action at Halle this German he beat in the first round Murray will continue Olympics. ATP tournament in week as the Swiss last week. Meanwhile, former to play for as long as "Maybe I might not even be this June 2017 file W legend puts the fin- world number one and two-time he remains fit enough to com- in the Olympics ranking wise ishing touches to his picture. title winner Victo- pete and is hopeful that his love or there might be more British Rassault on an eighth Wimbledon ria Azarenka returns to tennis of tennis could see him target a guys ahead of me at that time." title. after a year's absence this week, third Olympic title at the 2020 Murray opens his title defence Federer, who made his claiming "I'm ready for a new Games in . at Queen's Club against British comeback after skipping the part of my career". "So long as I'm fit and number four Aljaz Bedene. entire clay court season at Stutt- The 27-year-old Azarenka healthy and enjoying playing I'll Meanwhile, the prospect of gart last week, faces Lu hasn't played since the 2016 do it as long as I can," Murray, Johanna Konta becoming the Yen-Hsun, Taiwan's world French Open, taking time out to who is making the final prepa- first British woman to win number 73 today. give birth to her first child Leo. rations for the defence of his Wimbledon in 40 years is cer- The ring-rusty 18-time "My life has taken a Wimbledon title, told the tain to generate plenty of focus Grand slam winner was knocked 180-degree turn but I have not Guardian newspaper. on the world number seven as out in the first round in Stuttgart lost my competitive spirit," the "I don't want to stop in two next month's tournament draws to 39-year-old Tommy Haas. Belarusian told reporters at the years. I want to keep playing. close. But Konta, who is play- Haas, a former world Mallorca Open on Sunday. Who knows where I am going ing in the Aegon Classic at number two but now down at of playing better here than in younger brother Alexander, Ger- "Here begins a new part of to be in a few years," the Briton Edgbaston this week, says that 302, won 2-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 for Stuttgart last week," the world man tennis' latest prodigy and my career." added. "When I go out, I'm she will not be embracing any just his fourth victory in 17 meet- number five said, adding that he world number 12, opens his Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 really trying to get better and of the likely hype and intends ings against his close friend. was "in 100 percent form for the tournament against 's Paolo champion, gave learn stuff and improve. There's to try to prepare as normal - It was just the second defeat grass season". Lorenzi. birth to Leo in December last a point to me doing it." inside her "bubble". of 2017 for the 35-year-old Fed- The 35-year-old followed up 's Kei Nishikori, beaten year. The 30-year-old, who will Virginia Wade was the last erer, who claimed the Australian his Australian Open triumph in the French Open quarter- Her absence from the tour be looking to claim a record- British woman to win a Wim- Open for his 18th major in with wins at Indian Wells and finals by eventual winner Rafael means she is without a world extending sixth title at this bledon singles title in 1977. January. Miami, before taking a two and Nadal, opens against Spaniard ranking and required a wild card week's Aegon Championships "The things that we focus on Federer, aiming for a ninth a half month 'time-out' to ensure Fernando Verdasco. to get into the Mallorca event. in London, believes a third with my team are very much to title at Halle, has won all three he was fit and fresh for France's Lucas Pouille She faces Risa Ozaki of Japan straight Olympic gold medal is stay in my own process and of his match-ups against Lu. Wimbledon. arrives in Halle hot foot from his in the first round of the grass a realistic goal but is not taking bubble, my approach to my He turns up in the Westfalen If he gets past Lu, Federer success on the grass at Stuttgart court tournament which will be selection for granted. game and my approach to my town after recharging his bat- could face Mischa Zverev in the on Sunday where he came from Azarenka's only competitive "I would hope to still be career doesn’t change accord- teries at home in Switzerland. second round. behind to beat Spain's Feliciano event before Wimbledon gets playing at the next Olympics," ing to what is happening outside "I've got high hopes Zverev's 20-year-old Lopez 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. underway on July 3. he added. of me," Konta said.

De Grasse flies Real Madrid boss Perez tackles Ronaldo problem to victory in Madrid problems with tax authorities. Since extending his contract AFP The frenzy of speculation in November until 2021, Ron- Stockholm began soon after Ronaldo was aldo is according to Forbes the lorentino Perez's first task accused last week of a 14.7m highest paid sports star in the Stockholm after being reelected euro tax evasion through off- world with $93m in AFP Funopposed as Real Madrid shore companies. 2016-2017. president yesterday will be to The Portuguese interna- Paris Saint-Germain and anadian sprinter Andre appease superstar Cristiano tional is currently in Russia Chelsea are also reported to be De Grasse breezed to Ronaldo amid speculation the competing for the European interested but Bayern Munich Cvictory in the 100m at four-time world player of the champions in the Confedera- president Karl-Heinz Rum- the Stockholm Diamond year wants to leave. tions Cup. menigge denied the German League meeting on Sunday, "As no other candidature And according to Spanish champions would make an with a strong wind powering was put forward to the board ... sports daily Marca, Ronaldo has offer. him to a blistering 9.69sec. it is proclaimed that Mr Floren- told his teammates: "I'm leav- "We are accustomed to The 22-year-old De tino Perez Rodriguez is ing Real. I have made a decision. intensive speculation on possi- Grasse, seen as the sprinting president of Real Madrid," the There is no turning back." ble arrivals and departures heir to Usain Bolt when the Spanish and European champi- Portuguese sports daily A during the transfer period," great Jamaican calls it quits ons said in a statement. Bola also claimed that Perez had wrote Rummenigge in the at the London world cham- The 70-year-old construc- already been informed of the statement. pionships in August, would tion magnate's third term in 32-year-old's decision. "As a rule, we do not com- have been celebrating a per- charge of Europe's most suc- There has been speculation ment on these rumours. But now sonal best had the wind of cessful club spanning 15 years that Ronaldo is trying to put in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo, +4.8sec not exceeded the per- -- 2000-2006 and since 2009 pressure on Real so that they we want to clarify once and for mitted limit. -- will be rubber stamped at a will bear some of the burden of all that this rumour has no basis It was a third successive ceremony at the Santiago an eventual fine as Barcelona and must be referred to in the Diamond League win for De Bernabeu. did for Lionel Messi. realm of fables." Grasse whose personal best And among the first issues Among the clubs reported Under Perez, Real Madrid remains the 9.91sec he ran to he will have to deal with is Ron- to be interested in Ronaldo is have won three Champions Real Madrid's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (left), winner of the win bronze at last year's Rio aldo -- who he bought in 2009 former team Manchester United League titles in four seasons. Olympics. 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or award for player of the year and Real from Manchester United for a for a fee which could hit 200 The club -- which also won La Ivory Coast's Ben Youssef Madrid's President Florentino Perez posing on stage at the record 94m euros. million euros, with a possible Liga last season -- lead the way Meite was second on Sunday Ronaldo is threatening to get-out clause of one billion in the elite European competi- end of the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or award ceremony at the in 9.84sec with Ryan Shields leave Spain after running into euros. tion with 12 trophies. Kongresshaus in Zurich in this January 12, 2015 file picture. of Jamaica in third on 9.89sec. "It's great to sprint in such conditions, you cannot dream of any better," said the Canadian. Brazilian Oscar sparks mass "Before I came here, I was told that it might be a bit cold but when I warmed up I real- ised that I could set a good brawl in Chinese league time."I am very happy to have won despite the wind. I feel that I'm improving year after Shanghai The fight erupted just before pitch. year. But these are only prep- AFP half-time in Sunday's CSL clash When order was restored arations for the big show of at R&F, where Andre after pushing and shoving, R&F's the worlds." razilian international Villas-Boas' SIPG were attempt- Li Tixiang and Shanghai's Fu "That's the fastest I've Oscar triggered a mass ing to keep up the pressure on Huan were dismissed and three ever run, it's going to be a Bbrawl in the leaders Guangzhou others were booked. shock to the body. Tomor- League as players and staff from Evergrande. Oscar was unhurt and the row's going to hurt a little bit, his Shanghai SIPG side and Oscar cost SIPG a whopping fiery encounter finished 1-1 to but I'm just looking forward opponents Guangzhou R&F 60m euros in the last transfer leave SIPG four points behind to the next race and see what scrapped on the pitch. window, the biggest such deal reigning champions Guangzhou I can do legally." After the former Chelsea in Asian football history. Evergrande. Elsewhere, Timothy midfielder appeared twice to He sparked the confronta- Villas-Boas defended Oscar, Cheruiyot of Kenya won the fire the ball deliberately at tion when he lashed the ball saying he was "just being pas- men's 1500m in a world- Guangzhou players, he was twice at R&F players. sionate", and Oscar denied he leading time of 3min 30.77sec. rushed by several opponents. The home side's Chen purposely twice aimed the ball His compatriot and triple Oscar fell to the ground and a Zhizhao retaliated, pushing the at R&F players. world champion Asbel Kiprop melee broke out. 25-year-old Brazilian to the "Disrespect the opponent? was fourth in 3:33.17 with Cameroon's forward Vincent Aboubakar (left) heads the One player from each side ground. Then players, coaching It is not true. I am a very dedi- Bahrain's Alsadik Mikhou ball with Chile's midfielder Arturo Vidal during the 2017 was sent off as the opening of staff and substitutes poured off cated player and respect (3:31.49) and Ethiopia's Aman Confederations Cup group B match at the Spartak Stadium the CSL transfer window was the benches and waded in as sportsmanship," Sina Sports Wote (3:31.63) filling the in Moscow on Saturday. marked in rambunctious style. Oscar lay face-down on the website quoted him as saying. spaces in between