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Saturday, June 18, 2016 EURO 2016 Ramadan 13, 1437 AH Ronaldo seeks GULF TIMES redemption against Austria SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT ITALY 1 - 0 SWEDEN Eder’s last-gasp stunner fi res pale Azzurri into last 16 ‘I’m delighted for the team, and I’m very happy the coach has kept faith with me... It helped me I wasn’t playing for Inter a lot at the end of the season. That helped me to save energy for this championships and allowed me to work on my fitness’

AFP lief when Ibrahimovic fi red over from Toulouse a yard out at the back post although he was ruled off side. Parolo was inches away from the razil-born striker Eder over- opener on 82 minutes with a header came an otherwise patchy that came off the woodwork. performance to hit a cracking But it was Eder who rescued Conte’s late winner in a 1-0 victory men with a fi ne run that took him past Bover Sweden that sent Italy into the the Swedish defence to fi re the ball into last 16 of Euro 2016 yesterday. the net with two minutes to play. Eder, playing in his fi rst major fi nals for Italy after being naturalised last year, came close to being substituted Swede dreams as Zlatan by Antonio Conte after a dismal open- calls for Belgium win ing half up front alongside Southamp- Superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic ton striker Graziano Pelle. has called on Sweden to beat Bel- But the Inter Milan striker had the gium next week and save their Euro Italy bench celebrating wildly on the 2016 campaign after a 1-0 defeat to pitch at the Stadium de Toulouse with Italy yesterday. a well-taken 88th minute strike after After a disappointing 1-1 draw with the running on to Simone Zaza’s header to Republic of Ireland in which Ciaran beat Andreas Eriksson at his far post. Clark’s own goal, following Ibrahmov- “I’m very happy with the goal,” said ic’s pass in to the area, secured a share Eder, who struggled to make an impact of the points for the under-par Swedes, after moving from Sampdoria to Inter Erik Hamren’s men proved tough in January. customers for the Azzurri. “I’m delighted for the team, and I’m But against a tight and well-drilled very happy the coach has kept faith with Italian defence, the Swedes’ paid me. I think it helped me I wasn’t playing for their lack of cutting edge when for Inter Milan a lot at the end of the sea- Brazil-born Inter Milan striker Eder son. That helped me to save some energy struck in the 88th minute strike. for this championships and also allowed “We played good until the 88th me to work a lot of my fi tness.” minute, then we made a mistake Italy, 2-0 winners over Belgium last and they scored, unfortunately,” said week, now top Group E with six points, Ibrahimovic yesterday. leaving Sweden, who had late claims Sweden now have to beat Belgium for a penalty waved away, realistically to have any chance of remaining in needing to beat Belgium on Wednesday the competition. And although he if they are to have any hope of making it said he relished the chance to play to the knockout phase. against some former teammates After a mediocre display in Sweden’s and rivals from Serie A, former 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland, all Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan eyes were on captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic striker Ibrahimovic cut a dejected as the towering striker sought to make Italy’s forward Citadin Martins Eder (C) celebrates scoring a goal during the group E match between Italy and Sweden at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse yesterday. figure after the game. his mark by becoming the fi rst man to “It’s always special to play against score in four editions of the competition. onardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini soon after. ball, but his volley dipped over the of position but it was Pelle who was re- Italy,” he said. “We still have one But a cautious Italy restricted the kept Ibrahimovic in check, whilst Pelle Sweden edged closer as the half crossbar. placed on the hour, by Zaza. game. If we win against Belgium and former Juventus and Paris Saint Ger- and Eder failed to shine on their few wore on, Sebastian Larsson chesting Parolo did well to control De Rossi’s Minutes later, Florenzi’s high deliv- get a good result then we can qualify main striker to few real chances in real forays up the park. a long cross into the path of Celta Vi- pass and set up Candreva on the right, ery across goal found Candreva at the and get to the next round.” front of a huge army of yellow-clad Veteran Italy captain Gianluigi Buf- go’s John Guidetti only for the striker but the Lazio man’s drive into the area back post, yet Isaksson again got down “The first game we did nothing good Sweden fans. fon had little to do in goal until he dived to skew wide. was collected by Isaksson, who got low to smother the Lazio man’s low and we still got a point. Today (Fri- A tight fi rst half saw few chances at to collect Kim Kallstrom’s curling shot, Italy started the second half in posi- down quickly to smother moments fi rst-time eff ort. day) we did a lot of good things and either end as Italy’s formidable three- and the Juventus ‘keeper was happy to tive fashion, Pelle controlling Eder’s later after another Candreva delivery. Italian hopes looked to be dying out got zero points,” he added. man defence of Andre Barzagli, Le- see Olsson’s drive whistle past the post cutback from a Marco Parolo through On that occasion, Eder was well out and the Azzurri breathed a sigh of re-

CZECH REPUBLIC 2-2 CROATIA Subs rescue Czechs in fl are-hit draw with Croatia AFP ter a swastika was painted on the fi eld right-back after returning from father’s “They were in control at that Saint-Étienne before a match against Italy in June 2015 funeral back in Croatia and shed a few time and they suddenly lost in Split. A member of the ground staff tears during his country’s anthem in an rhythm and we could capitalise at the Stade Geoff rey Guichard ap- emotional start to a tense encounter. on that. We regained composure 94th-minute penalty rescued peared to have been hit by a fl are. Striker Mario Mandzukic had a fi eld and although they had some a point for the Czech Repub- Punches were also seen being thrown day playing in front of Real Madrid’s counter-attacks (before the lic in their dramatic 2-2 draw on the terraces amongst Croatian fans Luka Modric, whose stunning volley pause), from that moment on with Croatia as fl ares thrown in the chaos of the closing stages. earned all three points against Turkey, they didn’t have anything” Aonto the pitch marred yesterday’s Euro “I must say the pause due to their while Barcelona’s Rakitic capped a good 2016 match. fans helped us,” said Czech Republic display with his goal. a third before Mandzukic fi red over With Croatia 2-1 up and with one foot goalkeeper Petr Cech. Having threatened earlier in the half, shortly after and Modric went off on 62 in the last 16, referee Mark Clattenberg “They were in control at that time and Croatia took the lead on 37 minutes af- minutes struggling with an injury with briefl y halted play late in the game when they suddenly lost rhythm and we could ter a mistake in the Czech midfi eld. his side in control. fl ares thrown by Croatian fans landed on capitalise on that. We regained compo- Jaroslav Plasil lost the ball and But Skoda proved there was still the pitch in Saint-Etienne. sure and although they had some coun- Croatia’s Milan Badelj snapped up pos- some life in the Czech engine when he When the match resumed, Croatia de- ter-attacks (before the pause), from that session on the halfway line to quickly managed to put some power into his fender Domagoj Vida was penalised for moment on they didn’t have anything.” feed Perisic. header from Tomas Rosicky’s cross on handball and Tomas Necid drilled home Croatia were cruising towards the last The 27-year-old Inter Milan winger 76 minutes. the resulting penalty, deep in added time, 16 after their two Ivans — Rakitic and attacked the Czech area, wrong-footed The fl ares then began to fall, briefl y to claim their fi rst point in Group D. Perisic — netted either side of the break. defender Thomas Sivok and curled his halting the game and leading to nine European football’s governing body Having beaten Turkey 1-0 in their shot past Cech on 37 minutes. minutes of extra time, which gave the UEFA are poised to impose further opener at the European championship It was 1-0 at the break and Croatia Czechs the chance to equalise against a sanctions on the Croatian Football Fed- fi nals, Croatia appeared to have their doubled their lead when Brozovic fed distracted Croatian defence. eration for the crowd trouble. second win in the bag. Rakitic inside the area. Croatia now face defending Spain on Croatia were stripped of one point But Czech replacement Milan Skoda The attacking midfi elder’s classy Tuesday. The fi ghtback gives the Czech in qualifying, forced to play two home pulled one back before fellow replace- chip gave Cech no chance as it hit the Republic a realistic chance of making matches behind closed doors and fi ned Czech Republic’s forward Tomas Necid (R) celebrates with midfielder Milan Badelj ment Necid’s dramatic spot-kick. net on 59 minutes. the knock-out stages with victory in 100,000 euros ($112,000) by UEFA af- after scoring during the group D match against Croatia yesterday. Captain Darijo Srna took his place at Only a fi ne Cech save prevented their fi nal game against Turkey in Lens. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 18, 2016 EURO 2016

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER Last-minute strikes proving a decisive factor A football game lasts 90 every single one of them needed a late minutes and teams at Euro 2016 second goal to clinch victory. are using every single one of Of the four, Hungary had the longest them, and sometimes more, to enjoy their stroll over the fi nish line to chase goals which bring against Austria—but even their second crucial group stage points in that game came in 87 minutes. “All games are close,” Loew said. DPA “For the teams who are here for the Lyon fi rst time it’s the event of their lives. They do what they do best, defend and play on the counter.” he tension is high in matches In so many tight encounters, substi- at Euro 2016 with the nerves of tutes can also play an important role in fans being frayed to the wire— providing fresh legs against tiring de- and several teams have already fences. Bastian Schweinsteiger netted Tbeen rescued or left heart-broken by for Germany in a brief cameo against the joy or agony of late goals in tight the Ukraine, with his side already lead- contests. ing, as did Niall McGinn for Nothern “You can see that the games are Ireland against Ukraine. close,” Germany coach Joachim Loew On the other hand, Griezmann came said. “Many goals also came in the end, off the bench to save France against Al- France scored one or two, Northern bania with the game still very much in Ireland also, and so did we.” the balance. There have been 28 goals in 19 games England also relied on players from so far and while the defi nition of ‘late’ outside their starting eleven to defeat may vary from person to person, at Wales 2-1 in Group B. Both Jamie Vardy least 12 have come in the dying min- and Daniel Sturridge were introduced utes—with several occurring beyond with the team trailing 1-0 at half-time the regulation 90. and both scored—Sturridge in injury The diff erence made by such late time—to complete the turnaround. goals can be huge to a teams chances England and Liverpool winger Daniel Sturridge celebrates after scoring the second and winning goal against Wales during injury-time on Thursday. (Reuters) “Substitutions are going to play a and even career-defi ning for coaches major part in this tournament, games and players. from Antoine Griezmann and Payet to two—a situation which would have teams would see a dilution of quality tled by more than two goals, with the come thick and fast,” England manager France are already through to the beat Albania 2-0. heaped almost unbearable pressure on with minnows unable to cope against biggest margin of victory being 2-0. Roy Hodgson said. “We were anxious knockout stages thanks to Dimitri Those closing seconds are the dif- coach Didier Deschamps. stronger rivals. So far that has emphat- Along with France, it is Germany, to inject a little bit more tempo and Payet’s last-minute winner against ference between the hosts cruising There was some concern that in- ically not been the case. Italy, Hungary and Northern Ireland pace into our game and anxious for the Romania and an injury-time double on with six points and fl oundering on creasing the Euros from 16 to 24 Not one match so far has been set- who have won by that scoreline and players to take more risks,” he added.

REPORT Euro chief bemoans state of French pitches EFA are unhappy about suff ered some of the worst Uthe state of pitches at Euro flooding in decades. Heavy and 2016, in particular in Marseille, random showers have continued Saint Denis and Lille, and are across the country in June even, working to improve them as the forcing the Northern Ireland and championship enters its second Ukraine game on Thursday in week, tournament director Lyon to be temporarily halted Germany, Poland Martin Kallen said yesterday. due to a hail storm. With 18 games played so far The surface in Marseille has during the month-long, 24-team drawn the greatest criticism. tournament, the demands on France coach Didier Des- pitches have never been great- champs called it a disaster er at a Euro tournament. Some and questioned the stadium stadiums are hosting six games owners’ decision to hold a and wet weather across France heavy metal AC/DC concert edge towards last 16 is visibly having an impact. at the Stade Velodrome a few “The pitches should be better weeks before the tournament. and we’re not happy,” Kallen told With the exception of the Parc reporters. “We have taken meas- des Princes in Paris and Lens’s ures to preserve pitches but in a Bollaert-Delelis which are used summer tournament you don’t only for soccer, all the stadiums expect it to rain so much.” in the tournament have multi- In the month leading up to the ple uses with owners maximis- despite stalemate championship, northern France ing commercial activity in them.

‘We can be happy with the nil-nil. We didn’t take the game to our opponents, SPOTLIGHT we weren’t dangerous enough and we have to improve that or we won’t get far’ Ramadan-time AFP Paris Euro fever sweeps ld rivals Germany and Poland fought a battle of attrition that across Arab world ended in a goalless draw and edged both countries towards a AFP well into the night and ad- placeO in the last 16 of Euro 2016 on Thurs- vertisers devote large chunks Kuwait City day. The stalemate left Germany on top of of their budget to the small Group C on goal diff erence with both sides screen’s high season. With on four points from two matches. rom Dubai to Tunis, most games showing on for- Poland’s Arkadiusz Milik had the best Euro 2016 football fe- eign satellite channels, the chance when he bundled the ball wide from ver is sweeping the main Tunisian channels have point-blank range early in the second-half. FArab world, fi lling ca- scheduled daily analysis pro- Germany’s Jerome Boateng complained fes and restaurants and over- grammes on the matches. that his side had been “too rigid”, but shadowing the nightly televi- Ramadan hasn’t stopped agreed that a draw was a fair result from a sion soap operas that normally people following the contest tightly contested encounter. dominate Ramadan viewing. on big screens in the Gulf. In “We can be happy with the nil-nil,” Boat- Every year, during the Mus- Kuwait, whose national team eng said, but he criticised his side’s lack of lim fasting month, television was banned by FIFA in October attacking punch. “We didn’t take the game audiences soar as families from taking part in World Cup to our opponents, we weren’t dangerous gather in front of their sets af- qualifying matches because of enough and we have to improve that or we ter breaking the daytime fast. alleged government interfer- won’t get far. We’ve now got to make sure Usually the ratings are domi- ence in sports, fans take con- we win the last group game so that we go nated by the dozens of rival solation in the Euros. through as group winners.” soaps that are aired by state “Kuwaitis are passionate Poland’s superstar Robert Lewandowski and private channels. about football. It’s their fa- was kept quiet by his Bayern Munich team- But this year, Ramadan coin- vourite sport. But with the lo- mate Boateng, but was content to hold the cides with the Euros which are cal championship being dull, world champions. “We’re happy with the another massive draw. football fans are passionate point. We showed Germany a bit too much “The Euro championship is about the Euros,” said Salman respect in the fi rst half,” he said. “It’s a pity a high season for us,” said Mo- Awad, former coach of the lo- that we didn’t get the goal, but that’s foot- hamed Saeed, who runs a cafe cal Al-Salmiya team. ball and it’s not a bad result for us.” in an upmarket area of Cairo. Germany, the reigning world Their opponents will be Northern Ire- Poland striker Robert Lewandowski “We wait for it every four years champions, are the most sup- land, whose 2-0 win over Ukraine earlier on failed to get on the scoresheet for a to guarantee a full house.” ported team in Kuwait and in Thursday leaves Michael O’Neill’s men just second consecutive match in his side's Cafes in the Egyptian capital many other Arab countries, a point behind the leaders ahead of the fi nal goalless draw against Germany, at the have draped the fl ags of com- exceeding defending European group game in Paris on Tuesday. Euro Championships on Thursday. (AFP) peting countries over their champions Spain. “Germany Poland take on Ukraine in Marseille in entrances to attract fans. Some will win against Spain” in the their fi nal pool match with a draw enough games are played during the fi nal, was the prediction of Ab- to seal their place in the knockout stages. Mats Hummels—playing his fi rst game in a Yet, Fabianski then produced a stun- start to play the ball on the ground, but we day, when devout Muslims are bas Sistani as he sat in a restau- Poland had only beaten Germany once month due to a calf injury. ning stop to turn Mesut Ozil’s fi erce strike couldn’t impose our game style.” fasting, while others clash with rant in Kuwait City. in 20 previous meetings, but that came in A drab end to the fi rst half was quickly from the edge of the box over the bar. Loew Poland coach Adam Nawalka praised his the Iftar meal which breaks the In Dubai, one restaurant qualifying for Euro 2016 and the Poles were forgotten by a fast start to the second pe- introduced forwards Andre Schuerrle side’s teamwork despite Lewandowski not daily fast at sunset. has erected a huge tent on the full of confi dence having won their fi rst riod. The hordes of Polish supporters and Mario Gomez to bring more of a cut- getting on the scoresheet for a second con- In Tunisia, where most beach with big screens to show ever European Championship fi nals match watched in amazement when on 48 min- ting edge to Germany’s attacking play in secutive match. He believes Lewandowski’s cafes are closed during the games. Wafts of aromatic against Northern Ireland on Sunday. utes, Milik—scorer of the only goal against the fi nal quarter. But a lacklustre German presence is opening up more opportunities daylight hours in Ramadan, smoke fi ll the air as diners puff Germany were playing at the Stade de Northern Ireland—somehow failed to turn display rarely looked like reaping all three for strike partner Milik. The Ajax front man the venue moves to people’s on fl avoured tobaccos from France for the fi rst time since they were home Kamil Grosicki’s dangerous cross points as they had to settle for a point. scored Poland’s winner in their opening homes. Evening games begin hookahs, the water pipes that caught up in the November 13 militant at- from barely a metre out. Germany coach Loew lambasted his fl at- 1-0 win over Northern Ireland and missed a few minutes after Muslims are a popular social pastime tacks in Paris. Die Mannschaft were forced to Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was footed attackers after the Group C match. the best chance of the match when he break their fast, a time most across the region. spend a traumatic night in the dressing rooms not forced into a save in the fi rst half as he “We could not create too many chances, the skewed wide early in the second half. Tunisians spend with their In another restaurant, an at France’s national stadium when a series of deputised for the injured Wojciech Szczesny. whole of our game in the last third wasn’t “Robert Lewandowski in every sin- families watching television. excited Jamie, sporting a white jihadist attacks across Paris left 130 dead on a However, the Swansea City stopper was fi nal- fast enough,” said Loew. “There were nine gle match is incredibly important for our “No doubt there will be England shirt, said the cosmo- night they faced the French in a friendly. ly called into action as Goetze fi red straight at or 10 Polish players behind the ball because gameplan,” said Nawalka. disputes in homes between politan city state was a great However, the emotional return did him when well-placed inside the area. we didn’t play the ball quickly enough.” “He is working for the team even though those wanting to watch the venue to follow the tournament. not seem to aff ect Joachim Loew’s side. Milik drove a well-worked free-kick just Despite the stalemate, Loew defended his he hasn’t scored a goal so far. He is work- soaps and others who want to “I don’t think we’re going to They made by far the better start as Mario wide before Boateng produced a miraculous decision to start the misfi ring Goetze over his ing tremendously hard and taking a lot of watch the Euro matches,” said win it. I don’t think we’re close Goetze headed just over from Julian Drax- last-ditch challenge to deny Lewandowski only other obvious striking option in Gomez. attention of the defenders so that others the head of a major television to being favourites,” he said. But ler’s cross, whilst Toni Kroos also failed to as Poland began to look the more threaten- “Both sides were very strong defensively,” he have chances. Physically and technically he channel in Tunisia. “when it’s a decent game, this hit the target as he burst into the box. ing. Ajax striker Milik fl uff ed his lines again added. “High balls in the penalty area that is is at the highest level and I think that in the Television viewing in the place is jam-packed... you can’t At the other end, Lewandowski was kept when he failed to make a clean contact when what the Polish want. That is why for me the next matches he will play equally well as in region peaks during Ramadan get that atmosphere at home... in close check by Boateng and the returning picked out again by Grosicki inside the box. strategy was clear to put Goetze in from the the last two matches,” he added. with ratings remaining high It’s as good as it gets.” Gulf Times Saturday, June 18, 2016 3 EURO 2016

HUNGARY VS ICELAND / 7 PM Surprise packets Hungary, Iceland in last 16 hunt

AFP down against Portugal. But thanks to dogged tria brought thousands of people onto the Marseille defence and midfi elder Birkir Bjarnason’s goal, streets of Budapest to celebrate. Some 15,000 their fi rst ever at a major tournament, Iceland Magyar fans are expected to attend the clash at avoided defeat and thwarted Ronaldo’s bid to the Stade Velodrome. wo Euro 2016 surprise packets face become the fi rst player to score in four Euro- “A crucial match now comes, we can qualify off in Marseille today, with Group F pean Championship fi nals. from the group,” striker Nemanja Nikolics told leaders Hungary taking on Iceland “Iceland are a good team and played a lot of reporters at the team’s base yesterday. who kept Cristiano Ronaldo at bay in long balls, which caused us problems,” said the Amid the euphoria, Andreas Moel- Ttheir opener. Portuguese goalscorer Nani. ler, Storck’s assistant and 1990 World Cup Absent from a major tournament since 1986 The tiny Nordic island nation of 330,000 winner with Germany, sounded a note of cau- and the European Championships since 1972, people is the smallest country by population tion. “The win against Austria was a good start Hungary fi nished below Northern Ireland and ever to feature at a Euro fi nals. but we have achieved nothing yet,” he said. Romania in qualifying and only reached France “We managed to do what we’re best at “It was a stepping stone that can help in the with a playoff win. doing, which is working together and clos- next match, we have to get ourselves worked With expectations low, the unfancied ing the space,” said Iceland’s burly goalkeeper up again, an intensive match awaits us.” Magyars stunned the increasingly rated Aus- Hannes Halldorsson. “We can’t aff ord to have With some 27,000 fans having bought tria with a 2-0 win, their fi rst victory at the our heads in the clouds after this result, we tickets for the tournament, Iceland will not tournament since 1964. They would secure a have to get our feet back on the ground and lack support in Marseille either. last 16 berth if they beat Iceland today. think of Hungary,” he added. The draw against Ronaldo’s men will have “The players played out of their skins,” said Up against more vaunted opposition in settled their nerves, and now a slot in the next Hungary’s German coach Bernd Storck, who Group F, both teams previously viewed this round is within reach. had previously described just qualifying for tie as their best opportunity to get a win and a “We proved we belong at this level” the tournament as a “miracle”. chance of progressing as one of the best third- said midfi elder Gylfi Sigurdsson. “One win In their tournament debut, the gritty At- placed teams. But after the openers, both will probably be enough to advance, but we lantic islanders, who fi nished ahead of Turkey teams’ confi dence is soaring. want to fi nish it as soon as possible and win the and the Netherlands in qualifying, went a goal Hungary’s shock result against Aus- next game to make sure of it.” Hungary players attend a training session ahead of today’s Euro clash against Iceland in Marseilles. (AFP)

PORTUGAL VS AUSTRIA / 10 PM BELGIUM VS IRELAND / 4 PM Belgium in must-win game against Ireland Ronaldo seeks AFP everyone else to judge whether we Bordeaux have been good or not, but I won’t change my philosophy,” added the 47-year-old coach. “This is elgium head into their a four-year project. We can’t let Euro 2016 clash with the one defeat call into question eve- Republic of Ireland today rything we have accomplished.” desperate to atone for Another defeat for Belgium Euro redemption theirB opening defeat to Italy as de- could prove fatal to their pros- bate rages about whether Romelu pects, although it is half a cen- Lukaku should be dropped. tury since they lost to Ireland and Marc Wilmots’ much-fancied they have never been beaten by side are second in the FIFA world the Irish in a competitive game. rankings but they disappointed Ireland are looking to build in a 2-0 loss to Italy in their fi rst on a promising display in draw- Group E outing in Lyon on Mon- ing 1-1 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s against Austria day. Lukaku’s profl igacy in front Sweden at the Stade de France in of goal contributed to that loss a match that featured a brilliant and coach Wilmots has indi- goal by diminutive playmaker ‘The group is relaxed, and despite the draw we still feel good. This only gives us cated that, with Michy Batsh- Wes Hoolahan. uayi, Divock Origi and Christian Martin O’Neill’s side already motivation and desire because we know that every game will be more diff icult now’ Benteke all waiting in the wings, have one point more than they the Everton striker could pay the garnered in three games at Euro price in Bordeaux. 2012 but the manager knows Bel- “Certain other strikers are gium represent an altogether dif- working very well in training ferent challenge to that posed by and will maybe get their chance,” a limited Sweden. Wilmots said at the Belgian “When the group was an- base before implicitly criticis- nounced, I think that Belgium ing Lukaku’s work-rate. “I want fi nishing any worse than second more pressure on the opposition is not something that they would defence. I watched Romania’s have contemplated, so they will striker (Florin Andone) against be coming out all guns blazing,” France. He works hard for the O’Neill said at Ireland’s base in team. That’s important.” Versailles, near Paris. “They are Lukaku is far from the only possibly the most talented set of Belgian player in the fi ring line, individual players at the tourna- however, as midfi eld duo Mar- ment, that would be my view of ouane Fellaini and Radja Naing- them. It will be a tough night for golan as well as right-back Lau- us. We want to try to make it as rent Ciman are also at risk of tough for them as well.” being dropped for the match at Left-back Robbie Brady, who the impressive Matmut Atlan- put in an outstanding perform- tique stadium. ance against the Swedes, added: Either captain Eden Hazard “We can’t have any fear go- or Kevin De Bruyne—who have ing into these games. We’ve got both been back in training after players that can hurt teams, like picking up knocks against Italy— we showed the other night.” could play in a central role behind Back-up goalkeeper Keiren the striker while Dries Mertens, Westwood skipped training be- of Napoli, is a contender to start. cause of a back strain and Stoke One thing is certain, howev- City forward Jon Walters looks er—Wilmots will not veer from certain to miss the game with the his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. achilles problem that has been “You can lose one match, you dogging him of late and forced can lose two matches. I will leave him off against Sweden.

KEY MEN: Austria captain Christian Fuchs (left) and his Portugal counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo will hold the key to their respective team’s fortunes in their Euro clash today. (AFP)

AFP “not a gracious human being”. the smallest country ever to take part Aleksandar Dragovic, whilst midfi elder Paris For Ronaldo’s sake, Austria will also in the Euros with a population of just Zlatko Junuzovic’s tournament looks to need to attack after a side led by Bayern 330,000. Ronaldo had 10 of Portugal’s 24 be over after he suff ered ankle ligament Munich’s David Alaba—increasingly rat- shots on goal, but they were denied by an damage against the Hungarians. ortugal superstar Cristiano Ro- ed after their stunning qualifying cam- outstanding display from Iceland goal- Austria coach Marcel Koller believes his naldo is looking to make amends paign—were shocked 2-0 by neighbours keeper Hannes Halldorsson. side froze under the favourites tag on their for a poor performance and some Hungary in their opening game. “I think it was a good match in terms fi rst major fi nals for eight years. “Maybe unwise words when his side take Despite a forgiving format allowing 16 of what we did, we had several chances to some players were nervous because it was onP Austria at Euro 2016 today. of the 24 teams to progress to the knock- score and a lot of possession. Obviously it the beginning. We can’t just push a but- Ronaldo was eclipsed in his open- out stages, defeat for either side will leave wasn’t the result we wanted, but I think ton and say ‘now I’m going to play at my ing Group F game, and after the 1-1 draw them facing an embarrassing early exit. we played well,” added Sanches. best level’. The situation now is we’ll have against Iceland he lambasted the North “The group is relaxed, and despite the And the 18-year-old expects another to try and win against Portugal.” Atlantic minnows for their “small men- draw we still feel good,” said Portuguese physical encounter against the desperate Alaba was Austria’s one shining light tality” because of their defensive tactics. teenager Renato Sanches, who will team Austrians. “We are expecting to come up in Bordeaux as he struck the post in the Iceland’s defence froze out Ronaldo up with Alaba at Bayern next season after against a very aggressive team that wants opening 30 seconds and looked a threat who is looking for a goal that will make sealing a 35 million euro ($39.6m, £27.4m) to win, because if they lose this match throughout. However, Sanches insisted him the fi rst to score in four European move from Benfi ca. “This only gives us they’ll be in a very diffi cult position. So Portugal will have not just have to watch Championship tournaments. The Real motivation and desire because we know we’re expecting to face a team playing the versatile Bayern star alone. “I think Madrid ace has been lambasted across the that every game will be more diffi cult now. with great intensity.” Alaba is a great player, and everyone is Belgium players (from left) Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard, Jordan continent for his petulant outburst with So I think the group is quietly determined.” To add to the Austrians’ woes, they aware of that, but I don’t think we have a Lukaku and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco take part in a training session Iceland’s Karni Arnason labelling him Portugal dominated against Iceland, will be without suspended defender specifi c plan to stop Alaba,” Sanches said. in Bordeaux on the eve of their Euro clash against Ireland. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Peru’s Copa run recalls 1975 and their fi nest hour La Blanquirroja have already philosophy, attacking from kick-off as he surpassed Cubillas to become the disposed of Brazil this month, if they were 3-0 down. nation’s all-time leading scorer. and a quarter-final meeting That may seem like a familiar trait for So with Brazil (controversially) with Colombia brings back many South American countries but vanquished, now comes the ques- happy memories for the team La Blanquirroja took it to another level: tion: how will Peru do against the su- they simply did not care who the op- premely athletic Colombia? José Peker- By Luis Miguel Echegaray position was. In 1975 their garra helped man is one of the smartest managers in theguardian.com them beat Brazil in semi-fi nals and Co- world football and controlling James lombia in the fi nal to lift the trophy for Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado will be no the second time in their history. easy task. And David Ospina may play he year was 1975 and the South Fast forward to this summer’s Robin to Peter Cech’s Batman for American Championship had Copa—where a victory over Brazil Arsenal but for his country no one a new name: Copa América. again sees Peru face Colombia in the commands more presence than the TThere would be no host nation quarter-fi nal—and the similarities be- 27-year old stopper from Medellin. and the matches would be played by 10 tween this team and the heroes from The ex-Atletico Nacional player has Conmebol nations between July and the 1970s are striking, not so much in only conceded one goal in 180 minutes October across South America. talent but in ideology. of play for his country. Peru were experiencing their second Since his appointment, Ricardo History, however, is on Peru’s side. golden era and in retrospect it’s not Gareca, Peru’s Argentinian manager, In 2011’s Copa América, the nations outrageous to suggest that they had the wanted to make one thing clear: re- met in the quarter-fi nals and last best midfi eld in the world heading into gardless of tactics and delivery, from year they were in the same group. Los the tournament. Led by the nation’s a physical standpoint leave everything Cafeteros failed to win either game. greatest ever player, Teofi lo ‘Nene’ on the fi eld. As simple as that attitude But that was then and this is now and Cubillas—who practically invented may seem, it can be a diffi cult concept the romanticism that comes with the the artistry of the deceiving free-kick to achieve if you don’t have players knockout stages paints a simple pic- (sorry Dimitri Payet)—the squad had a with the right mindset (Leicester City ture: how we got here means nothing, supporting cast of some magical play- being a perfect example). everyone is blessed with a clean slate. makers, who have now been forgotten So for this tournament, Gareca Peru players during a training session in New Jersey ahead of their Copa America quarter-final clash against Colombia. (AFP) But Peruvians believe that they can by many football historians. decided to prioritise attitude and progress: after all, not many people Hugo ‘Cholo’ Sotil had just won La garra over reputation when picking his play their club football in Peru’s Pri- far but the principal shining moments be studied for research. thought they would get this far in the Liga with Johan Cruyff and Barcelona, team. Gareca’s ultimate goal is reach- mera Division, and against Brazil nine have come from two experienced play- But above all else, all eyes are on the fi rst place. The appetite is certainly and César ‘The Left-Footed Poet’ (it ing the World Cup and with qualifi ers starters had fewer than 10 caps. This is ers who bring as much quality to the dramatically skilful Paolo Guerrero, there: while many games in this tour- sounds better in Spanish) Cueta, was a resuming in September, the Centenar- a signifi cant contrast to other teams, squad as they do leadership. Copa América’s leading scorer in the nament have been played in half- human highlight reel. io is the perfect audition to see who fi ts who have a large number of European- Before the tournament started, last two tournaments. empty stadiums, this quarter-fi nal is Above talent, however, this was with his philosophy. based players; even Haiti entered this Christian Cueva, the attacking mid- The captain has the fearlessness of a sell-out, with more than 80,000 fans primarily a team who implemented From an international perspective tournament with more experience. fi elder who plays like he has three Atahualpa, spearheading the line like a packed into the New Jersey’s Metlife a quintessential Peruvian trait: garra this squad is highly inexperienced. The work-rate from the young, en- lungs, was highlighted as one to watch: Peruvian Gerd Müller. His goal against Stadium. More than a few of them will (courage). Peru played with a carefree Seventeen of the 23 squad members ergetic core has helped propel Peru so his ability to change direction should Haiti cemented his place in history as be dreaming of a repeat of 1975.

COPA AMERICA SPOTLIGHT Super-subs Zardes, Dempsey have a fi eld strikes put US in SF day at Euro AFP England now just need a draw Paris against Slovakia on Monday to Hosts down Ecuador 2-1, to play either Argentina or Venezuela for a place in the final guarantee a place in the last 16, while Wales must beat Russia t was the day of the su- at the same time to defi nitely per sub as Jamie Vardy, take one of the top two places. Daniel Sturridge and Ni- A draw could also be enough all McGinn inspired Eng- depending on England’s result. Iland and Northern Ireland “We are disappointed at the to dramatic wins over Wales moment, but we are strong in- and Ukraine at the Euro- side and the tournament is not pean Championship fi nals on over yet,” Bale said. Thursday evening. Elsewhere, veteran defender But world champions Ger- Gareth McAuley’s header and many could only ground out McGinn’s goal in stoppage time a goalless draw with Poland gave Northern Ireland a fa- and left coach Joachim Loew mous win over Ukraine. It was wondering how to kickstart his Northern Ireland’s fi rst win spluttering attack. in international contest since With places in the last 16 now they beat Spain at the 1982 at risk, Vardy and Sturridge World Cup—and their fi rst ever came on to score the goals that at a Euro tournament. saw England to a 2-1 victory in West Bromwich Albion’s the all-British battle against McAuley rose outstandingly to Wales and go top of Group B. head home his country’s fi rst Northern Ireland upset goal at an international tour- Ukraine 2-0 to win at a Euro- nament since that 1982 win. pean Championship fi nal for At 36 years and 194 days, he is the fi rst time and keep alive the second oldest goalscorer their hopes of reaching the at a Euro fi nals, after Ivica knockout stages from Group C. Vastic, who was two years, 63 England fought back into their days older when he converted a highly-charged game at Lens penalty for Austria against Po- after Gareth Bale fi re his side land at Euro 2008. ahead with a second brilliant A hailstorm halted play for free-kick goal in two games. three minutes and a Northern Bale’s fi erce 35-metre drive over Ireland fan suff ered a heart at- the wall embarrassed Joe Hart in tack and died before McGinn the England goal and gave Wales came on and slammed home a a 1-0 lead at the break. rebound to complete the win. Coach Roy Hodgson sent A draw against Germany USA’s Clint Dempsey (left) scores the first goal against Ecuador during their Copa America Centenario quarter-final match in Seattle yesterday. USA won 2-1. (AFP) on Vardy and Sturridge for the on Tuesday could see Michael second half and England came O’Neill’s side into the next By Steve Brenner in Seattle rushing to watch a DVD of the incident. Michael Orozco would start. on the right hand side, and pulled the ball alive. Sturridge dispatched a round. theguardian.com Ecuador, for the most part, were disap- The surprise shedding of his Tinker- back for Jones whose pinpoint cross was cross from the left that was “We have given ourselves pointing and really only came alive once man persona however proved the German emphatically headed in by Dempsey. knocked down and Leicester a great chance of qualify- the terrier-like Michael Arroyo had pulled owned a wholehearted belief in plans to Cue celebrations in the stands and on City hero Vardy twisted to score ing,” beamed Northern Ireland urgen Klinsmann called for courage one back on 74 minutes. lead his side deep into the Copa and be- the touchline. It was imperative for Klins- his fourth international goal. manager O’Neill. “There are and his players gloriously delivered All of a sudden, the US looked fallible and yond. As he skipped and high-fi ved his way mann that his men really took the game In the 91st minute, Sturridge still a lot of ramifi cations in with a 2-1 victory. were ultimately thankful for the wasteful- to the dug-out before kick-off it showed, in to Ecuador. Go for the throat, foot on the collected Dele Alli’s clever fl ick this group, but we wanted to go A stellar display from Clint Demp- ness of West Ham’s Enner Valencia who Seattle anyhow, support for him remained. throttle kind of stuff . Wood and Dempsey to steer a shot inside Wayne into the last game with some- Jsey in his own Seattle backyard helped spurned two gilt-edged chances. It should continue nationwide after this. were causing a multitude of problems and Hennessey’s near post. That thing realistic to play for.” Klinsmann earn his fi rst major tournament The emotion was laid bare on Klins- Much relied on Dempsey performing on it was almost two for the US on 25 minutes, broke Welsh hearts just as Eng- Germany and Poland lead knock-out triumph: the 2-1 victory over mann’s face at the nerve shredding de- home turf. The Sounders forward lies sec- a close range eff ort was well kept out by the land had suff ered against Rus- Group C on four points but Ecuador on Thursday night sends the US to nouement, the normally placid German ond in the all-time goalscorers’ record be- increasingly busy Banguera. sia when they conceded a last- their goalless draw at Stade within one game of the Copa America Cen- becoming involved in a slanging match hind Landon Donovan following his opener Five minutes after the restart, all hell broke minute goal on Saturday. de France did not settle their tenario fi nal. with Ecuador players who were beginning here. His experience of the last major tour- loose. Valencia’s frustrations at an inability “It’s a long time since my- recent battle for superiority. They will play either Argentina or Ven- to lose their heads as the clock ticked to- nament run in Brazil, along with captain to make inroads into the American backline self and the coaching staff Drawn against each other in ezuela in Houston on Tuesday and, on this wards 90 minutes. Michael Bradley and Jones, has stood the US boiled over and a wild kick out at Bedoya saw have showed such joy at a goal. the qualifying group, each won evidence, will give either a serious run for Yet the evening ultimately belonged to in fi ne stead over the past two weeks allow- the Colombian referee hand the Manchester That’s because that goal the one match. their money. the US who were bold in attack and resolute ing younger guns such as Bobby Wood and United winger his second yellow. other night put us under a bit of Poland’s Arkadiusz Milik Dempsey’s 52nd international strike—his for long periods at the back. Klinsmann Zardes to make stern claims for the future. What followed was needless and unnec- pressure,” said Hodgson, refer- had the best chance of the lat- third goal of the tournament—early in the demanded they push forward and show no The opening stages were cagey. Both sides essary. Jones inexplicably thrust a clenched ring back to the Russia game. est clash when he bundled the fi rst half settled home nerves before the ev- fear in what was a true test of their talents. were standing off , waiting to see who’d show fi st at Valencia and received a straight red. And after much needling ball wide from point-blank ergreen 33-year-old crossed for Gyasi Zardes And so it proved. their hand fi rst. Geoff Cameron headed It wasn’t a connection Mike Tyson would between the two teams in the range early in the second half. to roll in the killer second on 65 minutes. If American soccer is to make the strides wide on 15 minutes before Wood was unable have been proud of—yet it connection all build-up, Hodgson also had But German players com- The LA Galaxy forward’s goal was cru- so many believe need to happen then to get enough traction on the ball to send it the same. Within seconds of US fans think- words of sympathy for his Welsh plained that their attack had cial in ensuring a match which threatened nights, and battling displays like this, will past Ecuador goalkeeper Maximo Banguera ing a one-man advantage would ease their opposite number Chris Cole- let them down. to boil over was kept just out of Ecuador’s need to be replicated with increasing regu- – the fi rst openings of a match which had path to the last four, it was suddenly 10 vs man. “I have great empathy with “We didn’t take the game reach as heads began to get lost in a red larity. With DeAndre Yedlin suspended failed to ignite from the very start. 10 and all to play for. Words cannot de- Chris and the Welsh team be- to our opponents, we weren’t mist. Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia following his red card against Paraguay, Cameron has formed a rock-like part- scribe the stupidness of Jones’ actions. cause he must have been looking dangerous enough and we have and Jermaine Jones were both sent off in an Klinsmann was forced into his fi rst starting nership with John Brooks yet an uncharac- The chaos had now given this encoun- at a good draw. He will be today to improve that or we won’t get unseemly, crazy incident fi ve minutes after line-up change for this tournament. teristic error on 17 minutes almost proved ter a helter-skelter feeling. Best laid plans as I was on Saturday night,” the far,” said defender and man- half time which ratcheted up the intensity Incredibly, his consistent selection was costly. Luckily for him and the US, his were being ripped up and rearranged. Yet, England coach added. of-the-match Jerome Boateng. levels at a raucous CenturyLink Field. the fi rst time in 86 years that a US coach botched clearance was fi red over by Arroyo soon enough the Ecuadorians were on their Coleman believe Wales de- “In the attack today we could Valencia’s sly kick on Alejandro Bedoya saw had stuck with the same players for three from eight yards. knees and heading home. served more from the game. not create too many chances, Jones react by landing a punch, albeit a weak matches in succession. Matt Besler, of But two minutes later, Dempsey made Dempsey was involved yet again, win- “To lose like that was gut- the whole of our game in the one, on the winger’s chin. It sparked may- Sporting Kansas, was brought in despite Ecuador pay thanks to an all-round excel- ning the ball and crossing for Zardes who wrenching for the players and last third wasn’t fast enough,” hem and, on refl ection, neither player will be Klinsmann hinting pre-match veteran lent team eff ort. Wood carved an opening gleefully tapped in. supporters,” he said. said Loew. VERDICT Gulf Times Saturday, June 18, 2016 5 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Misbah hopes England series Younis undaunted ushers in Test matches in Pakistan

Reuters Pakistan’s formidable pace by English attack Lahore attack, spearheaded by left- armers Mohamed Amir and Wahab Riaz, will face a resur- akistan cricket captain gent and youthful England team Misbah-ul Haq hopes captained by Alastair Cook, the upcoming Test se- who last month became the ries in England will help fi rst England cricketer to reach spurP the return of international 10,000 Test runs. in Lord’s return cricket to the South Asian nation “England cricket team is a after a seven-year absence due to strong and balanced one,” Paki- ‘It is always a pleasure whenever you play in Lord’s’ security fears. stan’s experienced all-rounder Pakistan has not staged Test Mohamed Hafeez said. “Paki- matches since a 2009 gun attack stan team has plenty of talent. AFP on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore We will try to give a quality se- Lahore killed six Pakistani policemen ries to the spectators and cricket and a van driver. Some players fans.” and a local umpire were injured. Since 2009, Pakistan’s na- akistan’s top Test batsman Younis Khan has brushed Improved security in Pakistan tional team has been hosting aside the threat posed by England’s in-form pace at- in recent years has prompted foreign teams in the United Arab tack as his team prepare to return to the scene of an in- calls for international teams to Emirates. Pakistan defeated Pfamous spot-fi xing scandal in 2010. return but test playing nations England in a three-Test series in Khan said Pakistan’s familiarity with the likes of Stuart have so far refused to tour a 2015, winning two matches and Broad and James Anderson would blunt their potency when country where Islamist militants drawing the third. they open a four-Test series at Lord’s on July 14. still pose a threat. The coming Test series will see The ‘home of cricket’ will provide a tough opening envi- Misbah told Reuters he hoped the return of Amir to Test cricket ronment for Pakistan after the spot-fi xing case of 2010, which the four-test series in England after serving a fi ve-year ban fol- ended with jail terms for young fast bowler Mohamed Amir and “would help revive cricket series lowing a spot-fi xing scandal in two other players. in Pakistan”. England. Amir, now 24, is back in Pakistan’s squad after completing Pakistan last played test It will also be the fi rst Test se- a ban from cricket but Khan said his team-mates now wanted matches in England in 2012 and ries for leg-spinner Yasir Shah to put the past behind them and enjoy playing at the historic the 42-year-old batsman said he since he served a three-month London ground. expected an “exciting” tour after suspension for a doping viola- “It is always a pleasure whenever you play in Lord’s,” told such a long gap. tion. Shaharyar Khan, chair- AFP at a dinner organised by Britain’s High Commission in La- “It is a big tour for Pakistan,” man of Pakistan’s cricket board, hore. Misbah said late on Thursday said he was confi dent Misbah’s “The tradition and using that dressing room and that during a send-off dinner for the squad would hold its own against ground... in my mind it’s always a challenge and a pleasure for Pakistani team hosted by Brit- England and urged them to show me so playing cricket in England is all about that.” ain’s High Commissioner to Pa- their worth. England’s fast bowlers combined to take 33 wickets be- kistan, Thomas Drew. “I would say, play hard, giving tween them in their recent 2-0 rout of a Sri Lankan side miss- Britain’s Prime Minister David no quarter to England for under ing recent retirees such as Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Cameron also sent a good luck Alastair Cook they are too good Jayawardene. message to Pakistan’s team, say- an outfi t to not make you regret Anderson’s 21 wickets came at a phenomenal 10.8 runs ing: “I hope that one day in the it,” he said. apiece, but Khan, the lynchpin of Pakistan’s batting for more not too distant future I will be Pakistan will play four Tests, than a decade, said his team would not roll over as easily. able to wish the England cricket fi ve one-dayers and a Twenty20 “No doubt about Anderson and Broad – they are the top team a successful tour of Paki- International in England be- bowlers these days. But we play regularly against Broad and stan.” tween July 14 and Sept. 7. Finn and Anderson,” he said. The two teams last clashed in the UAE, where Pakistan plays its home games because of security concerns, in October-No- HIGHLIGHT vember 2015 with the South Asian side prevailing 2-0 in the three match series. They also played in the UAE in 2012, when Pakistan rolled over the English 3-0. Shanaka’s ‘dream’ Then, as now, Khan and fellow veteran Misbah-ul-Haq (age 42) are seen as key to holding up a batting order that has tradi- tionally been troubled by quality swing bowling. start delights “If you go there and play according to your plans you’ll be successful in any conditions and against any bowler,” he said. It is a strategy that has paid dividends for Khan in the past Angelo Mathews even in English conditions, with its pacey pitches that encour- age movement in the air. In fi ve previous Tests on English soil he has maintained an AFP Mathews was just as delighted average of 52.22 – one run shy of his overall career fi gure – and Malahide, Ireland with the batting performance of managed one century along with three fi fties. his side as they posted 303 for Now in the twilight of a career that has seen him amass 31 seven in their 50 overs despite Test centuries – tenth on the overall list and the highest number ri Lanka captain Angelo losing the toss on an overcast by any current player – Khan remained coy on his future plans. Mathews hailed the one- morning, with conditions ideal “Maybe it will be my fi nal tour,” he said, before quickly add- day international debut for bowling on a green pitch. ing: “As a cricketer and as a top sportsman I feel very comfort- Sof Dasun Shanaka after “It was a challenge for the able with my fi tness and my form so God willing (if) I perform his match-winning performance batsmen but they put up a good the way I perform for my country maybe I will play for four-fi ve in the fi rst ODI against Ireland at eff ort,” he said of an innings that more years, maybe.” Malahide. featured an unbeaten hundred Beyond Khan and Misbah, no Pakistani batsman has broken Shanaka scored 42 off 19 balls from Dinesh Chandimal. into the world’s top 10 for many years, but the ethnic Pashtun on Thursday and then took fi ve “In these conditions you have said he was confi dent about the younger players who are wait- for 43 to bowl the tourists to a to rotate the strike and build ing in the wings. convincing 76-run win, their partnerships so you can set it up “Asad Shafi q is there, Azhar Ali is there, then after them fi rst since their arrival in England for the middle-order batters. there are the youngsters are upcoming,” he said. last month for a tour of Britain “I thought we got a brilliant “Whenever a top cricketer retires everyone thinks after him and Ireland. start and the debutant, Kusal what should we do. But suddenly some of the players come and “Dasun had a dream debut Mendis, batted brilliantly to Pakistan batsman Younis Khan (C) is surrounded by teammates as he arrives for an Iftar dinner hosted by they play for their country and they play for themselves.” and we are all happy for him and score 51 and Chandimal has been the British High Commissioner in Lahore. hopefully he will continue in the batting brilliantly throughout. next few matches,” Mathews “Shanaka then scored 42 off said of the 24-year-old Shana- just 19 balls and fi nished the BOTTOMLINE ka, whose lively medium-pace job for us,” added Mathews who bowling saw him take an encour- modestly failed to mention his aging three for 46 on his Test de- own innings of 49 from 53 balls but against England at Heading- with four fours and two sixes. Amir can’t put a foot wrong, warns manager Alam ley last month. It was Chandimal who pro- “It’s nice to get the momen- vided the backbone to the in- tum on your side,” Mathews, nings. Coming to the middle at AFP off the fi eld but he has been told to remain himself a seam-bowling all- the start of the 10th over, with Karachi calm and do not react,” said Alam. “That rounder, added. Sri Lanka on 47 for two, the ex- happened on his fi rst tour (New Zealand) “We have not done well in perienced wicket-keeper – who when he was fi elding on the boundary line England and we have lost the made a hundred in the second akistan cricket team manager In- but they die down once you don’t react,” Test series, but we have now Test against England at Chester- tikhab Alam yesterday warned said Alam. won in similar conditions and le-Street – batted through the fast bowler Mohamed Amir can- Fans shouted slogans and a stadium can look forward to the one-day rest of the innings, fi nishing ex- Pnot aff ord to put a foot wrong on announcer played a sound eff ect of a cash series (against England) coming actly 100 not out from 107 balls the tour of England where he was caught register before the start of one of Amir’s up.” with just seven boundaries. in a spot-fi xing case six years ago. overs during Pakistan’s tour of New Zea- The images of Amir’s shocking over- land in January this year – his fi rst inter- stepping of the crease to bowl no-balls national tour on return. Pink ball makes India debut as during the Lord’s Test in 2010 will re- Alam said Amir in particular and other emerge as he is all set to take the fi eld on players in general will have to follow a day-night clamour grows July 14 in the fi rst of a four-match series. strict code of conduct on the tour. Amir and his new-ball partner Mo- “The message is clear for all the players hamed Asif bowled deliberate no-balls on and that is there will be no compromise on AFP ing on efforts by the Board of the order of then Test captain Salman Butt discipline and zero tolerance,” said Alam, a New Delhi Control for Cricket in India in return for money – a sting operation by former Pakistan captain. (BCCI) to host a day-night pink the now defunct British tabloid News of “Amir will have to follow strict code of ball Test against New Zealand in the World. conduct which stops him from meeting ndia will witness its fi rst ever October. All three players were banned for fi ve people and focus on cricket,” said Alam, multi-day pink ball game at “Time has come to market years from playing cricket and jailed by a who praised Amir’s conduct. Kolkata’s Eden Gardens from Test cricket in a better way (to UK court. But since the ban was lifted in “Since his return, Amir has been very Itoday a possible precursor to bring back the fans),” Ganguly, September last year, Amir has been in a good and has shown remorse of what he a day-night Test later this year in who sat alongside former Aus- superb wicket-taking form and will be the did,” said Alam. “People expect miracles the world’s richest cricket mar- tralian batsman Dean Jones and key bowler for Pakistan on the tour which from him but he has been very good on the ket. India’s VVS Laxman at a promo- also has fi ve one-day and a Twenty20 in- three tours he has had so far and we hope The four-day match is an tional event on Thursday, was ternational. he will deliver to the best of his abilities in inter-club fi nal between Mohun quoted as saying by the Indian Alam warned Amir will be under strict England.” Alam said Pakistan’s team was Bagan and Bhowanipore Club Express website. vigil. Pakistan pacer Mohamed Amir (R) shares a light moment with teammate Shan up for England’s challenge. which is being hosted by the “Just think about Virat Kohli “Amir cannot aff ord to put a foot Masood at an Iftar dinner hosted by the British High Commissioner in Lahore. “I have always had good memories of Cricket Association of Bengal, facing Jimmy Anderson in a pink wrong,” Alam told AFP as the team pre- England and this time too I believe we will headed by former India skipper ball Test – the spectacle it will pares to depart for England early yester- eting world that there will be no slip-up, Alam said he fears people will provoke be challenging for our opponents,” said Sourav Ganguly. present. Let’s see the problem, day. make up for the fi ve years he lost and do him. Alam who led Pakistan on the 1971 and 74 The success of the experi- address it and try to fi x it with the “Amir has to prove a point to the crick- justice to his talent by bringing laurels.” “I fear people will provoke him on and tours of England. ment is expected to have a bear- technology we have.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, June 18, 2016 NBA

REPORT FOCUS Frustrated Curry loses his cool as Epic LeBron eff ort Warriors lose

AFP it got the best of me, but I’ll be all Cleveland right for next game.” Curry walked back to the lock- er room and collected himself, lift s Cleveland one tephen Curry’s frustra- uncertain of what to do next. tions over foul calls boiled “I just sat in my chair. I’ve over in a stinging NBA Fi- never been ejected before, so it nals loss to Cleveland that was a weird feeling,” Curry said. sawS the Golden State star guard “It was just frustration and I ejected for the fi rst time in his thought it was kind of hilarious career. the way the last two fouls and me And in the wake of the de- blowing up kind of unfolded, and win from crown fending champion Warriors’ some of the things that were said 115-101 loss to the host Cavaliers out there.” on Thursday, they face a winner- Warriors coach Steve Kerr ‘When a guy’s got it going like that... it’s just unbelievable’ take-all title showdown Sunday backed Curry and ripped offi ci- on their home court to decide a ating that he said allowed some best-of-seven series deadlocked players to be more physical than at 3-3. the league MVP. “Everybody has got to stay “Let me be clear, we did not confi dent, stay in the moment,” lose because of the offi ciating. Curry said. “I like our chances They totally outplayed us and in game seven to have everything Cleveland deserved to win,” Kerr click at the right time and win said. “But those three of the six this thing.” fouls were incredibly inappropri- Curry, the NBA Most Valuable ate calls for anybody, much less Player and scoring leader, scored the MVP of the league.” 30 points but fouled out for the “As the MVP of the league, fi rst time since 2013. He was up- we’re talking about these touch set at being called for the last two fouls in the NBA Finals. Eve- fouls that he hurled his mouth- rybody’s competing out there. piece into the stands in anger, There are fouls on every play. earning banishment to the locker It’s a physical game. If they’re room. going to let Cleveland grab and “I usually aim at the scorer’s hold these guys constantly on table. I was off ,” Curry said. “I their cuts and then you’re going defi nitely didn’t mean to throw it to call these ticky-tack fouls on at a fan, but it happened. I went the MVP of the league to foul him over and apologized to him be- out, I don’t agree with that.” cause that’s obviously not where Curry also endured trash talk I was trying to take my frustra- from LeBron James after the tion out. Cleveland star blocked one of his “But the last two fouls I had, I shots late in the game, but Curry didn’t think I fouled either Kyrie said James will not intimidate or LeBron. That’s just kind of my him or psyche him out. perception of the plays and I had “However he wants to cel- a reaction to it. ebrate or whatever he wants to do “It was obviously frustrating to take in that moment, it is what fouling out in the fourth quarter it is,” Curry said. “I stay aggres- of a clinching game and not being sive, don’t let that try to get in my out there with my teammates. So head.”

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (T) dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game 6 of the NBA Finals in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday.

AFP “That fourth quarter was unbeliev- The Cavaliers could become the fi rst more aggressive shooting the ball. He Cleveland able when he’s playing that mid-range, team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 has played well. There’s no two ways Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after receiving a and outside, and driving to the rim and defi cit to win the NBA Finals. They be- around it.”The latest debate over who is foul and being ejected from the game on Thursday. creating opportunities for all of us,” Irv- came the fi rst team in 50 years, and only the NBA’s top player centres on James, our-time NBA Most Valuable ing said. the third ever, to recover from such a 31, and Curry, 28. Player LeBron James delivered James fi nished with 41 points for the hole to force a seventh game. “I don’t really get involved in that,” one of the greatest must-win second game in a row – the fi rst time a James, in his sixth consecutive NBA James said. “I try to be the best player Fperformances in NBA Finals player had 40 in back-to-back fi nals Finals and seventh overall, returned I can be for this team every night, lead history late Thursday, leading his Cleve- games since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 – from Miami in 2014 vowing to make the these guys out. I don’t really get caught land Cavaliers in a victorious late charge and the Cavaliers levelled the best-of- Cavaliers champions and end Cleve- up in what everybody else talks about.” against the Golden State Warriors.James seven series at 3-3, setting up a winner- land’s drought of not having won a ma- James had 27 points in the second scored 41 points to power the Cavaliers take-all game seven showdown Sunday jor sports crown since 1964. half, denying the Warriors when they over Golden State 115-101 and force a in California. “I can’t think of too many play- trimmed a 24-point defi cit to seven in one-game showdown for the NBA title. “It’s LeBron being LeBron. He’s one ers who have put that type of pressure the fourth quarter. “Special, very special,” Cleveland’s of the greatest of all times,” Cavaliers on themselves and then have delivered “He’s a fantastic player,” Warriors Kyrie Irving said of James. coach Tyronn Lue said. more times than not,” Cleveland’s Ri- coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s so athletic “You try not to sit back and watch “Our back was against the wall and chard Jeff erson said. “And he embraces and strong and he was hitting his jump because you’re trying to make sure that he took it upon himself to really put this it. He’s doing it for everyone and that’s shot. He played a brilliant game.” you create space for him and able to give team on his back and really get us to a pressure I know I couldn’t personally James told Lue at the start of the him outlets when he needs it,” Irving where we’re trying to get.” handle. I have a tremendous amount of fourth quarter that he did not want to be said. In a virtuoso performance, James respect for him taking that on.” rested on the bench. But “when a guy’s got it going like played 42 minutes, hit 16-of-27 shots NBA Most Valuable Player and scor- “I don’t think he got tired,” Lue said. that... it’s just unbelievable.” from the fl oor, passed out 11 assists, ing leader Stephen Curry, who netted 30 “With our season on the line, at the end James scored 18 consecutive Cavaliers grabbed eight rebounds, blocked three points to lead Golden State, marvelled at of the third quarter he said, ‘I’m not points from late in the third quarter to shots and made four steals. James as well. coming out.’ I didn’t have any intention midway into the fourth, part of a run “He played unbelievable on both ends “He’s playing great. He’s doing things on taking him out anyway. We’re going where he scored or assisted on 35 of 36 of the fl oor,” Cleveland’s J.R. Smith said. that are game-changing and helping to ride him. Down the stretch we de- Entertainers Beyonce and Jay Z attend Game 6 of NBA Finals on Cleveland points. “He was aggressive all night.” his team win,” Curry said. “He has been cided to put the ball in LeBron’s hands.” Thursday.

BOTTOMLINE Cavs say LeBron James’ back-to-back 41-point nights not unthinkable

By Marla Ridenour record of four straight in the 1993 Finals against He felt so good at the end of the third quarter when Jeff erson was with the Nets. like that, I mean, it’s just unbelievable to be a part The Akron Beacon Journal Phoenix. that he told Cavs coach Tyronn Lue he wasn’t “The dude had 30, 15, 10 and 9, almost went for of,” Irving said. “Unbelievable. Unbelievable. He led us the coming out for his usual break to start the fourth. a quadruple-double,” Jeff erson said of Duncan. “I’m not going to say exactly what he said to us whole way, but we expect that out of him,” the Lue said he had no intention of taking him out, “They’re in the same mold. Those two guys are on the bench, but we kind of knew what he was up here is no doubt now that the Cavaliers’ Cavs’ Iman Shumpert said of James. “Every time anyway. And James knew Klay Thompson was that special, they’re that unique. to and what he was trying to do out there for us LeBron James was saving himself for we needed him, he was there. He is constantly on a hot streak, scoring 15 of the Warriors’ fi nal “[James] told us at one point late in the fourth off ensively.’” when it mattered most. communicating and he had his foot on the pedal 25 points in the third period as they cut the Cavs’ [quarter], ‘Get stops and I’ll take care of the other Mo Williams said what James did Thursday What other explanation could there be the whole time.” 24-point lead to nine. end.’ He was going to be really slow, really deliber- was what he expects from “the best player in the Tfor the four-time league MVP scoring 41 points James hit 16 of 27 fi eld goals and 3 of 6 from “I felt like those fi rst couple minutes of the ate. He felt great and he played like it.” world.” He loves that pressure. He gets the acco- for the second consecutive game in the NBA Fi- 3-point range. He also contributed eight re- fourth quarter were going to be very important, James notched his 17th career playoff game lades,” Williams said. “We all expect him to be like nals? bounds, 11 assists, four steals and three blocked and I just wanted to be out there for my team- with 40 or more points. He hadn’t done that in that every single night. We know that’s impossi- Could it be a coincidence that from the fi nal fi ve shots while committing only one turnover. mates and try to make some plays happen, and I back-to-back games since 2009, in Games 3-4 of ble, but we put that task on him.” minutes of the third quarter of Game 6 Thursday “He’s a fantastic player, brilliant player,” War- was fortunate enough to do that,” James said. the conference fi nals against Orlando. It also gave Those who thought coming in that James night through the fi rst 7:38 of the fourth, James riors coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s so athletic and James scored eight straight points to end the James fi ve career 40-point games in the Finals, couldn’t repeat his 41-point performance from scored or assisted on 27 straight points? strong, and tonight he was hitting his jump shot. third quarter and 10 to start the fourth. Then he including three last year with the Cavs. Monday were underestimating him, said the Because of James’ leadership and play reminis- He played a brilliant game.” started fi nding his teammates, fi ring a bullet to Smith said when James hit a shot over Leandro Cavs’ James Jones. cent of the 31-year-old’s game years ago, the Cavs James said during the 27-point streak of scor- J.R. Smith for a 3-pointer, then tossing two alley Barbosa with 7:30 to play that he knew James was “I always tell people that’s the safe bet,” said are one victory away from Cleveland’s fi rst pro- ing or assisting, he was just “reading and react- oops to Tristan Thompson for dunks. The score in a zone. Jones, making his sixth consecutive trip to the fessional championship in 52 years. ing.” In the past two games, he’s shot 56 percent was 99-87 before Kyrie Irving ended James’ bar- “I’ve been getting on him all year about leaving Finals alongside James. “This is a testament to James literally carried the Cavs to a 115-101 tri- from the fi eld and 50 percent from beyond the arc. rage with a free throw with 4:22 to go. his follow through,” Smith said. “I saw him leave his dedication and his ability. People consistently umph over the defending champion Warriors at “My teammates have put me in position to be “He had another unbelievable game,” Lue said. his hands up after he shot the ball and he’s back- wonder, ‘Can he do something?’ and he consist- Quicken Loans Arena, staving off elimination and successful, either when I have the “That’s what we expect of LeBron, and that’s pedaling and his hands were still out and I said, ently does it. forcing a deciding Game 7 Sunday night in Oak- ball or don’t have the ball, they give me the ball what he’s been doing his whole career. So, one ‘OK, he’s locked in.’ It was one of those moments “Human nature is to err on the safe side where land. wherever I would like it,” James said. “Setting more game, and we need another one out of him.” just give him the ball and get out of the way and you say, ‘The numbers say’ or ‘History says this.’ James became the fourth player in Finals his- great screens and trying to put pressure on their James pumped in 17 points in the fourth play defense at the other end.” But we don’t deal in that. Every game is his own tory to score 40 points in back-to-back games, defense. I’ve been quarter, hitting 6 of 9 shots, including his only Irving said he tried not to watch in awe because situation and until you see it, you doubt it. He joining Jerry West (twice), Shaquille O’Neal fortunate enough to see the ball go through the 3-pointer. Richard Jeff erson said the last time he he had to create space for James and give him out- understands that. He just has to continue to do it (twice) and Rick Barry. O’Neal was the last to do hoop the last couple of games. So, you know, I feel saw a fi nish like that was probably from the Spurs’ lets if he needed them. and eventually one day they’ll recognize just how it in 2000. The Bulls’ Michael Jordan holds the pretty good.” Tim Duncan in the closeout game of 2003 Finals “Special, very special. When a guy’s got it going good he is.” Gulf Times Saturday, June 18, 2016 7 SPORT

BASEBALL NFL Tony Romo says there’s more work Blue Jays rough ahead before Cowboys training up Aaron Nola, camp begins

By Charean Williams Fort Worth Star-Telegram

ony Romo insists he has accomplished a lot this rout Phillies 13-2 off season, but the Dal- Tlas Cowboys quarterback It was the fourth inning that was the worst for Nola won’t rest on his success. He and Dez Bryant begin working togeth- er next weekend. By Stephen Gross Bryant sat out team drills during The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) the off season program, taking part only in the team’s walk-throughs during mini-camp and some indi- ince making his major league de- vidual drills while rehabbing from but 11 months ago Aaron Nola has surgery on his right foot and right tle things that come up from the not had to face much adversity. ankle. quarterback position as far as the S Until now. “There’s a schedule in place,” angle and launch point of the re- Five days after turning in the shortest Romo said. “We’re going to be out lease. I feel like that’s a big thing performance of his career – 3 2/3 innings there. He needs to just run routes I’ve been working on was a certain where he gave up four earned runs on sev- and simulate two-minute [of- technique to that. en hits – he had an even shorter outing. fense]. You’ve got to do these little “Now that I feel like I’ve been In what was the worst of his 27 major things that emulate practice and able to accomplish doing it eve- league starts, Nola made it to the fourth games, and the only way to do that ryday, it’s been a few years of try- but didn’t record an out. He gave up a is to get out on the football fi eld ing it. I feel like now this off season career-high eight runs, six of which were and go do it. when I wake up, it’s there every- earned, on eight hits as the Blue Jays “Now, the hard part is having day. That’s pretty exciting. I think topped the Phillies 13-2, breaking out the the defensive back right in front that’s part of what has allowed me bats for the second night in a row at Citi- of your face and dealing some of to, once you are there, now you zens Bank Park. those other little things. But you can start playing with your foot- Toronto piled up 17 hits, had baserun- can do just about everything from work and doing things to techni- ners every inning and smacked fi ve hom- your own physical standpoint cally, like I said, try to perfect your ers in the rout. when it comes to your lungs, your craft. I’m just excited that I get to It looked just as bad as it sounds. technique, the stuff that you do as throw and practice those things.” To make matters worse there was Tyler if it were off coverage. The Cowboys appear as excited Goeddel losing a ball in the lights in left “Once you get to camp, it will as Romo about the way his off sea- fi eld in the fourth allowing a run to score take just a little bit of time to get son went. They missed him last making it 8-0. And Odubel Herrera think- the other stuff back. But he’s year, going 3-1 with him and 1-11 ing there was three outs, when there were played the game long enough that without him. only two, after catching a fl y ball in center it won’t take him much time. We “I like the way he’s feeling,” in the eighth and throwing it in the stands. just need him healthy. And when owner Jerry Jones said. “... I think A baserunner advanced to third when the he’s healthy, that stuff comes very it’s comfort seeing him get these ball was thrown into the crowd and scored fast.” reps.” during the next at-bat giving the Blue Jays Romo and Bryant played fewer Romo had back surgeries that an 11-1 lead. than 130 snaps last season and limited him during the 2013 and The Phillies, who committed four er- connected for only 11 passes for 119 2014 off seasons. Although Romo rors, have now lost 20 of their last 26 yards and a touchdown. Receiv- went through the full off season pro- games including seven of their last eight. ers coach Derek Dooley estimated gramme in 2015, quarterbacks coach Phillies manager Pete Mackanin held a Romo and Bryant have practiced Wade Wilson said Romo is moving team meeting, where he was the only one together only 15 days since the better than he has in a few years. to speak, immediately after the loss but playoff loss to the Green Bay Pack- “He looks more athletic than wouldn’t go into the details of his mes- ers to end the 2014 season. he has in the last couple of years,” sage. “There’s nothing to knock the Wilson said. “I think that’s part “It’ll stay in the clubhouse, but I just let rust off ,” Bryant said. “It’s some- of his back issues and the rehab of them know I wasn’t pleased,” Mackanin thing me and Tony established a that. He’s bringing a lot of energy said. “...There’s a few things I’ve been long time ago. It’s something that as well. So those are all good posi- thinking about that I wanted to have a can’t fade because that’s some- tive things for our team.” meeting and mention. Today was a com- thing we had truly committed Romo, who has taken Wednes- bination of those thoughts. A lot of it was Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits an RBI single during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on ourselves to, being on the same days off during the season since positive.” Thursday. PICTURE: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports page. It’s all about tuning in and early in 2014, doesn’t yet know He said he wasn’t happy with Her- going to work.” his plan after training camp. All he rera’s actions but it wasn’t the last straw It was the fourth inning that was the Nola obviously believes he needs to an error and following a leadoff double, Romo, 36, played only four knows is he feels great. in sparking the need for a meeting. In fact, worst for Nola. A leadoff double and then make some adjustments but feels healthy Peter Bourjos came home on Herrera’s games last season, twice fractur- “I’m always going to have to he didn’t speak to Herrera at all. Mackanin a sacrifi ce bunt that Cameron Rupp could and doesn’t think there are any mechani- eighth-inning single. ing his left collarbone. But, after deal with strengthening the back didn’t believe anything needed to be said not properly handle put runners on the cal issues. Following the game, Murray was op- preventive surgery on the collar- and that area,” he said. “It’s gotten to his center fi elder. corners. Jose Bautista singled in a run for “It’s tough for the team when I can’t get tioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and the bone this off season, Romo insists stronger. There’s no question “He knows,” Mackanin said. “He bet- a 5-0 advantage before Nola issued his out of the fourth inning,” Nola said. “It’s Phillies will make a corresponding roster he’s right where he needs to be. about that. I’ve been able to work ter know.” Nola began the night striking third walk, loading the bases and ending unacceptable on my part. I feel like it’s a move before Friday’s game against the “I’m throwing the ball as well much harder at it. At the same out the side in the fi rst inning, the only his night. letdown for the team.” Diamondbacks. as I ever have,” Romo said. “I think time, you can’t disregard the his- problem was before he got Kevin Pillar to Right-hander Colton Murray entered in While they didn’t get a quality start a lot of that is just based on years tory. So we’ll have a good, long swing through a curveball ending the in- relief and allowed all three inherited run- from Nola, the Phillies’ off ense didn’t RESULTS of trying to perfect your craft and discussion and we’ll probably toy ning, he surrendered three straight hits, ners to score. help matters. ATLANTA 7 Cincinnati 2 get to a point where you feel very with it in camp and really it will be including back-to-back homers to Ed- “Pretty much the same as last one,” Through fi ve innings the Phillies’ one Seattle 6 TAMPA BAY 4 confi dent from multiple launch based on the feeling of throwing win Encarnacion and Michael Saunders. Nola said of his performance. “Just get- hit – a Tommy Joseph double – as a team Texas 5 OAKLAND 1 angles throwing the football the football each day. But some- It was 3-0 before the Phillies even picked ting behind in counts, strike one wasn’t was just as many as former Phillie J.A. Toronto 13 PHILADELPHIA 2 with people around your feet, in times, once you are taking hits up a bat. there again tonight. I really didn’t make Happ, the Blue Jays’ starting pitcher, had. Baltimore 5 BOSTON 1 front of you, you can’t step into on top of it, you just got to ensure The Phillies’ starter had a relatively an adjustment.” Joseph’s hit snapped an 0-for-17 skid. NY METS 6 Pittsburgh 4 it, you can, sliding left, having to that you are able to be at your best clean second, giving up just a single but With his last two starts, Nola has raised Philadelphia fi nished with fi ve hits and NY Yankees 4 MINNESOTA 1 move a little to the right, throw- on Sundays, and sometimes that started the third with consecutive free his ERA from 2.65 to 3.51. tacked on two runs late. Detroit 10 KANSAS CITY 4 ing across yourself, throwing out requires you doing a lot more in passes, the fi rst of which eventually “He just looks out of sync,” Mackanin An RBI single by Jimmy Paredes in the Milwaukee 8 LA DODGERS 6 in front, drag routes, people who the weight room and off the eldfi scored for a 4-0 Toronto lead. said. “His breaking ball is fl at.” seventh scored Joseph after he reached on Washington 8 SAN DIEGO 5 are stationary. There’s a lot of lit- things that you guys don’t see.

BOTTOMLINE Suarez proud to be making NASCAR history

By David Scott Suarez’s interest in cars came early in 2011, but his fi rst year in the United speaks easily and confi dently during the The Charlotte Observer and naturally. His father ran a car res- States was diffi cult. Suarez drove for an many interviews he gives each week to toration shop in Monterrey, Mexico, and independent team in racing’s lower lev- the NASCAR media. Daniel started racing go karts when he els with no success. Things also began to change for Sua- aniel Suarez knew this was was 11. “I wasn’t making any gains,” Suarez rez in 2013 when he was tabbed for the coming. They were a two-man team, driving said. “I wasn’t learning anything. From Drive For Diversity, NASCAR’s develop- It has been a whirlwind around the country with the go kart in the beginning to the end of the year, it ment system that spotlights minority Dweek for Suarez, who made the back of the family’s pickup truck. was the same.” and female drivers. He was also chosen history last Saturday when he won the His dad served as mechanic and crew Something else was holding Sua- for NASCAR Next, which helps prepare Xfi nity Series race at Michigan Inter- chief. rez back. Before Suarez could succeed selected young drivers for a career in the national Speedway, becoming the fi rst “It started as a hobby,” Suarez said. in NASCAR, he would have to learn to sport. Mexican-born driver to win a race in one “But we didn’t have much money. We speak English. “It was huge, being in those pro- of NASCAR’s three national series. were always looking for a sponsor and “You have the talent to do something grammes,” Suarez said. “When I got to Win on the NASCAR circuit, and the money. We had to somehow fi nd a way big in the United States,” Morales told the US, I wasn’t able to see where I could following week will be hectic. Do what to pull me to the next level. My dad and Suarez. “But if you’re not able to com- go. I’d probably be back in Mexico right Suarez did, and the number of compul- myself wanted to do something more in municate with people, everything will now.” sory media, interviews, appearances and the sport, to be more professional, but be wasted.” He won three races in NASCAR’s sponsor commitments grows exponen- we had no experience in what we were With little formal English instruc- K&N Pro Series East in 2013 and ’14. He tially. doing.” tion, Suarez, who briefl y attended col- drove in three Xfi nity races in 2014, dur- And that’s OK with Suarez. Jim Morales ran a race team in Mex- lege in Mexico, immersed himself in ing which he was noticed by Joe Gibbs “I didn’t really know how this was ico and saw Suarez’s potential. By the learning the language after he arrived Racing, which signed him to its Xfi nity going to be,” Suarez told the Charlotte (Brazil) and Marcos Ambrose (Australia) Suarez, last season’s rookie of the year time Suarez was 16, he was racing Mini in the US. team. Observer, sitting in an offi ce on the 20th in a small group of foreign-born drivers in the Xfi nity Series, had already come Stocks in NASCAR Mexico and became He practised speaking with the engi- Suarez made the most of that oppor- fl oor of NASCAR’s uptown headquar- to win a NASCAR national series race. close to winning this year, with four pre- the youngest driver to win a race in that neers and mechanics at the race shop. tunity. He was last season’s rookie of the ters. “I knew once we got that win, we Suarez has also been atop the Xfi nity vious top-fi ve fi nishes. series. He was a star on the rise. He made a point of watching English- year in the Xfi nity Series, fi nishing fi fth were going to have a busy week. So here Series points standings for six consecu- “I think it was time (to win), for sure,” Morales advised Suarez his best speaking television and movies. in points with eight top-fi ves. we are now. If we can win every week, I tive weeks, the fi rst foreign-born driver Suarez said. “But the wait was well chances to advance in the sport were “I didn’t want to lose my opportunity All that was missing was a victory. can do this every week. No problem.” to lead the standings in any of NAS- worth it, for sure. I’m happy and proud to head to Europe for open-wheel rac- because I didn’t speak English,” Suarez And despite problems during last Suarez, 24, has had plenty to talk about CAR’s three national series. for my team.” ing or the United States for NASCAR. said. “I’m a quick study. I wanted to have week’s race at Michigan, including a pit- and share. He joins Mario Andretti (Italy), He’ll go for his second victory Sunday A product of NASCAR’s Drive For Di- At fi rst, Suarez chose Europe. But after a great career in something, but I knew road penalty, Suarez won by overtaking Larry Pollard (Canada), Earl Ross (Cana- in an Xfi nity race at Iowa Speedway (he’s versity and NASCAR Next programmes, a year in Italy, he decided to give NAS- that if I didn’t have English, it wouldn’t Kyle Busch, one of his mentors at JGR da), Ron Fellows (Canada), Juan Pablo also entered in Saturday’s Truck series Suarez has been on the sport’s short list of CAR a try. be in racing.” and the owner of his Truck series team, Montoya (Colombia), Nelson Piquet Jr. race at Iowa). potential breakout stars for several years. Suarez moved to the Charlotte area Suarez is fl uent in English now. He late in the race. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, June 18, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Soul-searching Wallabies driven by Springboks look for improvement

Reuters must improve,” added Strauss. defeat but not under Johannesburg “We need to ensure quick ball for the backline to be dangerous.”

week of soul-searching PRIZE OF SERIES WIN will produce a much- MOTIVATES IRISH improved performance The chance to win a series away in today’s second Test in South Africa provides Ire- pressure: Cheika andA a turnaround for South Afri- land with plenty of motivation ca in their series against Ireland, to register a repeat win over the hopes Springboks captain Adri- Springboks, said captain Rory A victory today would give England their first series victory in Australia after aan Strauss. Best on the eve of the second “We need to right the wrong Test. they recovered from a 10-0 deficit to win the opener 39-28 in Brisbane but it’s not about taking re- “Motivation is never an issue venge,” Strauss said yesterday with us but, look, we know there Reuters after much refl ection for the is another opportunity to create Melbourne Boks in the wake of their shock history,” said Best, whose side 26-20 home defeat by the Irish in pulled off an unlikely 26-20 win the fi rst Test last Saturday. at Newlands in last Saturday’s ustralia coach Michael Cheika “It’s about our own standards. opening clash for a fi rst ever Irish says the Wallabies will be driven We have the ability to be better Test victory in South Africa. by the pain of last week’s defeat and have a much higher expecta- “Now we have an opportunity to England when they meet in tion of ourselves,” he told a press to win a Test series here, which today’sA second Test, but are feeling no conference in Johannesburg on is unbelievably diffi cult to do great pressure despite needing to win to the eve of the match at Ellis Park. and I think that probably the big keep the series alive. Strauss said it had been a dif- driver this week. It’s going to take Victory for England at Melbourne’s fi cult week for the team after the a phenomenal eff ort to win here. Rectangular Stadium would give them a upset loss, made even more he- There is a reason very few teams fi rst series victory in Australia after they roic for the Irish by the fact they come here and win Test series, recovered from a 10-0 defi cit to win the played most of the match down because it’s so hard to do. So opener 39-28 in Brisbane last weekend. to 14 men after an early dismissal. for us it’s about doing the same “Of course we want to bounce back,” For new captain Strauss and homework, if not more home- Cheika told reporters yesterday. new coach Allister Coetzee it was work than we did last week on “It hurts losing. It hurts a lot. There’s a nightmare start followed by a the Springboks. no brushing that away and that pain still few days of introspection. “We know the Springboks sits inside you. That’s usually what drives “I told the coach afterwards aren’t going to hand history to you.” that we had let him down,” us. We are going to have to go and After unexpectedly taking Australia to Strauss said. “Each player has grab it and that’s a tough chal- the World Cup fi nal last year, the England his own way of dealing with de- lenge.” defeat presents the fi rst major roadbump feat and I also told them after the Best, who is edging closer to Cheika has encountered in his steward- game they need to get over it in a century of caps, said the Irish ship of the Wallabies. the way they usually would. anticipated a tough physical on- The 49-year-old, though, will not be “But a loss like that needs to slaught in the opening 10 min- changing the approach to the game he re- hurt. But then we need to forget utes. quires from his players. it and look forward to the next “We have to match fi re with “I think I’ve said it many times be- game. We have had a good week’s fi re and also keep our disci- fore... there’s no need to feel pressure preparation, dealt with the issues pline. We have been concentrat- in this game because there’s real serious we needed to deal with and fi x a ing on how we can improve. We things going on out there and obviously couple of things.” take confi dence from what we we want to win,” he said. Ireland, having won their fi rst achieved last week but it’s a dif- “We’ve got the physical part, the ac- ever Test in South Africa, now ferent track and we are going to curacy of our play, our kicking, all that have a chance for an unlikely se- face a diff erent Springbok side as stuff and then we’re fully committed to Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika (left) gives instructions to players during the captain’s run in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) ries win well,” he told a press conference the game and everyone wants to enjoy us “I expect them to be physi- yesterday. playing that way, and that’s what we want up before we start worrying about that. Eddie Jones has spurred Jack Nowell to I knew I had to go away and work on the cal, good at the breakdown Today’s match will be followed to do.” You want to be in a situation not to even prove his worth after the winger was re- things that he (Jones) said to do. area which is something we’ve by a fi nal Test in Port Elizabeth After suff ering at the hands of French give penalties away and not even leave called to the starting line-up for the sec- “Eddie saying I wasn’t sharp enough worked hard on and in which we on June 25. referee Romain Poite in the scrum and those things to interpretation. ond Test in Melbourne today. defi nitely gave me a bit of a kick up the breakdown last week, Cheika said he “Once we do that, it won’t be an issue Nowell, who was largely used on the backside to get my head down a bit more, would have someone sitting in on a pre- for us.” left wing during England’s Six Nations work harder and try and get the shirt ATHLETICS match chat with today’s offi cial, South Cheika also fi nalised his bench yester- grand slam triumph this year, scored a back.” African Craig Joubert. day, opting for extra backline cover from try after coming on as a replacement in Jones has also restored George Ford to Cheika was keen to stress, however, that the fi rst Test with the addition of lively his team’s 39-28 win over Australia in the the starting fl yhalf role at the expense of it was more a matter of taking advantage of outside back Luke Morahan, who is in line fi rst Test in Brisbane last week. inside centre Luther Burrell, who makes Lavillenie on target, an opportunity allowed him under the rules to make his second Test appearance four “There was a bit of frustration, but way for Owen Farrell’s move out from 10 rather than a desire to clear anything up years after his fi rst. more excitement to try and get myself to 12. about the offi ciating before the Test. involved,” the 23-year-old, who replaced England, who have won three of their “We saw where we went wrong, so we ENGLAND’S NOWELL DRIVEN TO Marland Yarde for the second Test, told last four meetings with Australia, con- Rudisha stumbles in know what we need to fi x in our thing,” he PROVE POINT AGAINST AUSTRALIA reporters in Australia. clude their three-Test tour in Sydney on added. “We’ve got to clear our own things Tough words from England head coach “It was one of those silent things where June 25. chilly Stockholm

APPEAL AFP Stockholm

rance’s Olympic pole Boxing school in Rio slum shows vault champion Renaud Lavillenie warmed up for the Rio Games by Fclearing 5.73 metres to win the sport’s power before Olympics Stockholm Diamond League meet on Thursday. But Kenya’s David Rudisha, Reuters With an estimated 60,000 homicides Olympic and world champion Rio de Janeiro in 2014, Brazil has one of the highest over 800m, fi nished just fourth jump at the eighth-leg of the murder rates in the world, according to in his race as many athletes Diamond League series. the Institute of Applied Economic Re- struggled in wet and windy con- But cold conditions put a eneath a street lamp in one of search. Half of Brazilian men who die ditions in the Swedish capital. damper on any world record at- Rio de Janeiro’s slums, 19-year- between the ages of 15 and 29 are lost to It was the seventh Diamond tempt in the stadium which old boxer Wanderson de Oliveira homicide. League win for the 29-year-old hosted the 1912 Olympics and does pull-ups from a metal bar Few strangers stray inside the slum, or Lavillenie, who kicked off his has witnessed 83 world records. outsideB the Fight for Peace academy while favela, where the gangs impose their law. challenge under the drizzle by American Kendra Harrison two skinny young boys watch intently. Yet life there sometimes appears more clearing 5.65m on his third at- clocked 12.66 in the 100m hur- Much of the Complexo da Maré, a peaceful than in the turbulent metropo- tempt. dle, far from the 12.21 she deliv- teeming neighbourhood of 140,000 peo- lis outside. Children play in the streets as He then jumped 5.73m on his ered in Eugene last month which ple near Rio’s international airport, re- night falls, while music drifts across the second attempt to pull ahead of was the fastest by a woman in 28 mains in the grip of drug gangs despite jumbled rooftops. Canadian Shawn Barber (5.65), years. eff orts to break their hold on the city’s Duarte’s students, more than half of the 2015 world champion, the In the steeplechase, Bahrain’s poor districts ahead of the August Olym- them young girls, form a line to take a swing only title missing from Laville- Kenyan-born Ruth Jebet led pic Games. at his gloved hands. In one exercise, three nie’s collection. the way with 9min 08.37sec, far Gang members brandishing automat- students guide a blindfolded girl through a But world record holder Rudi- from her 8min 59.97sec in Eu- ic weapons inspect vehicles that enter patch of boxing gloves strewn on the fl oor, sha, 27, was far from the 1:40.91 gene, which was just the second Maré at a checkpoint, watchful for raids trying not to touch them. he achieved on the way to Olym- time that a woman had dipped by rival crews or the police. Youths with Seven-year-old Marcia Cristina Lu- pic gold in 2012, clocking 1:45.69 under the nine-minute mark. machine guns patrol the streets or loll in cas is smaller than the rest. Although she to fi nish fourth in an event won “I really wanted to improve my plastic chairs at corner bars. smiles a lot, she does not shout like them. by compatriot Ferguson Cherui- time but the weather didn’t allow For many young residents like Oliveira, In this June 2, 2016, picture, a girl looks at other children practising at a boxing school “Marcia can’t speak or hear, but she’s yot Rotich in 1:45.07. it. It was quite windy in parts of the academy off ers a glimpse of an alter- in the Mare favela of Rio de Janeiro. (Reuters) a good student, and this helps her,” said Frenchman Lavillenie — world the stadium,” said Jebet. native: a chance to build discipline and Duarte. “It’s all about developing a sense record holder with a height of Serb Ivana Spanovic, world self-esteem through boxing and martial helps young people excluded from formal “Boxing is cool,” said 9-year-old Car- of responsibility and trust.” 6.16m — triumphed at the Oslo silver medallist indoors three arts. Backed by partners including fi nan- education to return to studying. los Eduardo Souza de Castro, his big red Pedro Artur, who has worked at the meeting last week to add to his months ago, led the way in the cial services company Credit Suisse and The army helped occupy the neigh- gloves weighing down his skinny arms. academy for 14 years, says the favela is success in Eugene in May and he long jump with 6.90m. sportswear maker Reebok, it has more bourhood before the 2014 World Cup in “When I grow up, I want to be a boxer or, misunderstood: The vast majority of in- is coming into form at just the “It was really hard this than 1,000 students between 7 and 29 Brazil to drive out the gangs, but residents if not, a doctor.” habitants are law abiding. right time with the Olympics evening, the third straight com- years old. say police were unable to retain control “The main problem we have is unem- looming large in August. petition where it was really cold. “Boxing is my passion...,” said Oliveira, once the military left. ESCAPING DRUGS ployment because of prejudice,” he said. “I have three goals this year: And we had to contend with the who is training for the national cham- La’Ruama Silva, 26, says security im- In the academy’s blue-painted gym “If you say you live in a favela, no one in addition to the Olympics, the wind which wasn’t good,” ex- pionships in November. “I am trying to proved, but police still avoid areas control- decked out with punching bags and a wants to give you a job. So we have to fi ght Diamond League, with the op- plained Spanovic. raise myself up to get out of here.” led by the traffi ckers. A former student of boxing ring in one corner, some two doz- harder.” portunity to win a seventh tro- The powerful Ethiopians Lifting weights and shadow boxing in the academy, she enrolled her 8-year-old en children take lessons from 28-year- Carlos Viana, 33, joined Fight for Peace phy, is a proof of consistency,” dominated the 5,000m as in Oslo the academy’s blue-lit courtyard, Olivei- son Juan to keep him off the streets. old Alan Duarte. without even a primary education and Lavillenie had warned before the a week ago — this time Ibrahim ra says his dream is to fi ght in the Olym- “The boys see the traffi ckers have Duarte said he started boxing there to used what he learned to graduate from meet. Jeilan, missing in Norway, won pics someday. money, and they want to be like them,” protect himself at school but realized the university. His story helped him win a “And Europe (the continental won in 13min 03.22sec ahead of “It would mean everything to me to Silva said. “I wanted to take my son away sport was a way of avoiding crime. Nine place as torch carrier for the upcoming championships next month in fi ve countrymen. represent my country and, even more, to from that view of life through sport.” members of his family have been killed in Olympics in Rio. Amsterdam), which is a chance “We began our preparations represent this community.” She said Roberto Custodio, a boxer who drug-related shootings, he said. “I want to carry the Olympic torch to to gauge where I am at a month early to beat Mo Farah (Olympic Fight for Peace, which opened in 2000, trained at Fight for Peace and went to the “I never saw a black man in my family show that it’s possible to overcome ad- before the games.” 10,000m and 5,000m champi- is not just about sport. Oliveira is enrolled 2012 London Olympics with the Brazilian die another way,” said Duarte. “I might be versity,” he said, “and to send a message American Christian Taylor on). I think we’re ready. We’ll run in citizenship classes, and the charity team, is a role model for local children. a traffi cker if it weren’t for this.” of motivation to others.” landed 17.59m to win the triple as a team in Rio,” warned Jeilan. Gulf Times Saturday, June 18, 2016 9 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Tallent’s long walk for gold reaches Coe’s attitude ‘very fi nal destination

Reuters very disturbing’: Melbourne or an athlete accustomed to pounding 50 kilometre routes, Australian race walker Jarred Tallent Fhas travelled a longer than nec- essary road to secure the London British lawmaker Olympics gold medal that was denied him for nearly four years ‘I’d say it’s almost certain we’ll want to have Lord Coe back in front of the committee’ by a drugs cheat. Yesterday, the journey ended AFP “I don’t want to get too far ahead of on the steps of Melbourne’s Old London where the committee is going to be, but Treasury Building, where the these are very serious matters. 31-year-old mounted a make- “The idea he received this email and, as shift podium and bowed his head orld athletics chief Sebastian I understand from his account, not have to accept the 50km gold at an Coe came under more pres- opened it having been associated with the emotional ceremony attended sure yesterday with a senior IAAF in a senior position at that point for by Olympic dignitaries and a British lawmaker labelling six years, and aware of the possibility of modest crowd of cheering well- Whis attitude to devastating allegations in individual cases of dishonesty and cor- wishers. an e-mail as ‘very very disturbing’. ruption, is very, very disturbing.” Although 1,405 days have Coe delivered an International Asso- Norman was himself embroiled in con- passed since he fi nished second ciation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) troversy last year when he appeared to behind Russian Sergey Kirdyap- decision yesterday that the ban on Russia imply British athletics icon Paula Rad- kin at The Mall in London, Tall- over widespread doping violations not be cliff e had been a drugs cheat. ent beamed with joy on a drizzly lifted, barring its track and fi eld contend- The lawmaker did not go as far as fel- winter’s day as he savoured the ers from competing at the Rio Olympics. low committee member Damian Collins feeling of fi nally being recog- However, the 59-year-old two-time who had said Coe should resign if he did nised as Olympic champion. Olympic champion is in the dock after a nott come up with a convincing response “I can’t believe this day has fi - BBC documentary claimed he enlisted to the claim he misled them. nally happened,” he told a throng the help of the fugitive son of disgraced Norman made clear Coe’s credibility of media, offi ce workers and Tallent campaigned relent- former IAAF president Lamine Diack was at stake and he could not give his fel- school-children huddling under lessly for years to have Russia’s for his successful election campaign last low former Conservative lawmaker his umbrellas. race walking team investigated year. vote of confi dence. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to and the medals won by their ath- It said Coae may also have misled a “I think that the jury is out as matters stand on the podium in London letes re-assigned to clean com- British parliamentary committee on why presently stand,” said Norman. all those days ago but coming petitors. as an IAAF vice-president he did not do “Competence is one thing, confi dence is here to Melbourne, so close to However, it was not until more to raise the issue of the Russian another thing and part of that would also be home, only 100 kilometres from Kirdyapkin and fi ve other Rus- scandal. to assess whether he’s giving the IAAF the where I grew up on a potato farm, sian athletes were found to have He told the Committee for Culture, leadership that he has promised. this has just made it absolutely returned abnormal results from Media and Sport last December he had “Now, that may all be swept away if the special.” blood sample collections for not been aware of specifi c allegations committee comes to the view that there’s Tallent’s moment, however years leading up to the London until a December 2014 German television been some issue of misleading Parliament IAAF president Sebastian Coe is seen in a TV camera’s viewfinder as he attends a news delayed, was a ray of light in the Olympics that a door opened for documentary. When it was shown, Coe here.” conference in Vienna, Austria, yesterday. (Reuters) all-pervading gloom that has en- the Australian. controversially described the programme veloped world athletics since a Kirdyapkin was banned by “a declaration of war” on the sport. string of doping and corruption Russia’s now scandal-hit anti- However, the BBC and British news- Five text messages allegedly linking Coe to fraud suspect scandals erupted last year. doping authority for three years paper The Daily Mail say they have evi- Russian athletics was banned and two months but the period dence Coe knew four months before the Five of the text message exchanges campaigning.” (Bubka) is trying to use Areas vs the The in November after an investiga- excluded his London campaign, programme as he had received an email seen by the BBC involving world athlet- Coe: “Will do.” Olympic Athlete Dividend.” tion by the World Anti-Doping allowing him to keep the gold. about the corruption. The British media ics supremo Sebastian Coe, suspended Davies: “Good info I will pass it on.” Agency (WADA) found evidence Then, in March, the Court of said the email included an attachment IAAF director of communications Nick AUGUST 15 of widespread state-sponsored Arbitration for Sport (CAS) can- which outlined the level of corruption in- Davies, and Papa Massata Diack, son of Coe: “Are you still in Dubai? Our friend AUGUST 18 doping. celled Kirdyapkin’s London re- volving Diack Jnr and the blackmailing of former IAAF president Lamine Diack. (Diack Jnr told BBC he was Hamad Davies: “Hi Papa — Seb feels a shift in Tallent, who suspected Rus- sult, paving the way for Tallent’s a Russian marathon runner. The BBC has alleged that Coe enlisted Kalkaba Malboum, president of the Africa tonight — should he be worried?” sia’s race walking team was golden moment. Coe has said he did not read the attach- Papa Massata Diack, wanted in France Confederation of African Athletics and P Diack: “Good then!!” doping well before London, was Tallent said he was just one ment and passed it on to the IAAF Ethics for fraud, for his successful campaign last crucial to the African vote) is trying to P Diack: “Support of Africa confirmed strident that the ban needed “lucky” athlete to have justice Committee. year to become the IAAF president. Diack find you?” (24/30! Good luck.” to remain lest the presence of served. Diack Jnr is wanted by France for fraud told the BBC Coe would not have beat P Diack: “I have delayed my departure the country’s athletes taint the “I know there are other ath- and money laundering charges. His father Ukraine’s Sergey Bubka without his help. from 4am to 11am to see him if he AUGUST 19 (day of Coe’s IAAF election Games, track and fi eld’s biggest letes who have missed out on is already under house arrest in France wishes so.” win) stage. gold medals because of unfor- facing charges. AUGUST 13, 2015 Coe: “Good.” P Diack: “Well done for the final race “The evidence is quite clear,” tunately, Russian cheating,” he Jesse Norman, a Conservative law- P Diack: “In your next statements you of your career!! Long life and best in Tallent said. “Russia hasn’t made added. maker and chairman of the parliamentary must speak clearly about Pdt (referring AUGUST 17 Diack to Nick Davies (then your endeavours, Mr President and IOC the changes to be there. I hope “I feel really sad and sorry for committee, told the BBC yesterday Coe to Lamine) achievements in 16 years.” head of IAAF communications but now Cardinal! (NB: Coe is not an IOC member (the IAAF) make the right deci- those athletes. would almost certainly be recalled to ex- Coe: “Absolutely...I always do but will suspended and under an IAAF ethics yet) Please make a special vote of sion. “This is a clear message. This plain his actions. make an extra eff ort. Thanks. S.” investigation relating to Russian doping thanks to Kalkaba. “I will be very, very angry (if day is amazing but it shouldn’t “I’d say it’s almost certain we’ll want to P Diack: “And leave the doping scandal) Coe: “THANK YOU. Of course I will..see Russian athletes compete at have happened. We don’t want have Lord Coe back in front of the com- platform! It is a bad mantra for your P Diack: “I discovered the edge SB you later.” Rio)... It’ll hurt the credibility of drug cheats at the Olympic mittee,” said Norman. the Games.” Games.”

WADA approves Kenyan anti-doping laws: Minister South Korean pistol champion no longer worried about Zika Reuters non-compliant nations before this year’s by Kenya’s parliament last month were decide the fate of Russia, which was sus- Nairobi Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. compliant with the WADA code. pended from international competition South Korean pistol shooter Kim Jang-mi has declared she is no “WADA has approved amendments to That followed a recent rejection of parts in November due to allegations of wide- longer concerned by the Zika virus as she prepares to defend Anti-Doping Act with no additional com- of the legislation by WADA after Kenya spread doping. The IOC said this month her gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. he World Anti-Doping Agency ment. Next step is Presidential assent President Uhuru Kenyatta had signed that its extra testing programme would Several athletes have already withdrawn from the Games cit- (WADA) has approved new laws to and thereafter Kenya is set for full com- the bill into law. apply to Russia, Mexico and Kenya. ing concerns over Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that has been Tregulate doping in Kenyan athlet- pliance with the WADA Code,” Sports “It gives us the breathing space to focus Athletics Kenya suspended twice world shown to attack fetal brain cells and cause microcephaly, a birth ics, off icials in the East African country Minister Hassan Wario said on Twitter. on Rio Olympics at the strength the cross-country champion Emily Chebet defect marked by small head size and underdeveloped brains. said on Thursday. Wario and Richard Ekai, the highest civil Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya and initi- last year, about 12 months after three- Kim, who won gold in the women’s 25 metre pistol event at the Kenya, bombarded by allegations of servant in Kenya’s Ministry of Sports, ate education programmes for athletes times Boston marathon winner Rita 2012 London Olympics, said her mind had been put at ease after doping with up to 40 cases reported Culture and Arts, visited WADA head- on doping,” Wario said. Jeptoo became the most high-profile competing in Rio at the World Cup in April. in the past four years, is hoping that quarters in Montreal, Canada this week The IAAF, ruling body of world athletics, Kenyan athlete to be banned after fail- “At first I didn’t think I would be so scared of them, but then I the IAAF will remove it from the list of to ensure the anti-doping laws legislated is due to meet on Friday in Austria to ing a doping test. found myself applying mosquito repellent all over my body,” the 23-year-old told the Yonhap News Agency, adding that she had not been bitten once during her stay in Brazil. “I guess my blood doesn’t taste so good.” BOTTOMLINE US cyclist Tejay van Garderen as well as golfers Charl Schwart- zel of South Africa and Fiji’s Vijay Singh have announced that they will skip the 2016 Games because of the Zika threat, but Kim is fully focused on defending her title. “My goal is to win the gold medal again,” she added. “I haven’t ‘Blade jumper’ Rehm in Olympic limbo been doing so well, and I know people are worried about it. But I am just trying to put myself through many diff erent situations before the Olympics.” AFP the long jump, leaving it open whether a Vienna false limb helps or hinders athletes. “There was no clear advantage de- Bogut ‘very unlikely’ to play for tected through those using a prothesis, Australia in Rio ermany’s paralympic long-jump so that makes me happy,” had said Rehm, champion Markus Rehm hopes who has been dubbed ‘blade jumper’, Golden State Warriors centre Andrew Bogut, sidelined by a left of competing against able-bod- adding his goal was to “bring together the knee injury for the remainder of the NBA Finals, said Thursday it ied athletes at August’s Rio Ol- Olympic and Paralympic sports”. is “very unlikely” he will play for Australia at the Rio Olympics. Gympics are currently in limbo, IAAF pres- Rehm, who won the 2012 paralympic The 7-footer (2.13m) will be sidelined at least six to eight weeks ident Sebastian Coe admitted yesterday. long-jump gold in London and set the after suff ering multiple bone bruises in game five of the best-of- Rehm, who lost his lower right leg in a world record of 8.40m last October, will seven championship series on Monday. wakeboarding accident as a 14-year-old, defi nitely compete at the Paralympics, That off ers a best-case, outside chance scenario of Bogut being must prove his prosthetic limb gives him which will take place in Rio from Septem- healthy in time for Rio, but not in prime playing shape for any of no advantage over able-bodied athletes ber 7-18. the Boomers’ training or Brazil tuneup matches. after the IAAF brought in a new rule last South African Pistorius also attempted “I’m not great at math, but six to eight weeks minimum is what August. to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olym- I’ve been told,” Bogut said. “It’s very unlikely at this point, to be The German, 27, aims to be the second pics. The IAAF ruled against Pistorius, honest.” athlete with a prosthesis to compete at judging that artifi cial legs gave an athlete Bogut suff ered the injury blocking a shot by Cleveland guard JR both the Olympics and Paralympics af- an advantage. Smith and landed awkwardly. He collapsed to the court writhing ter South African runner Oscar Pistorius Pistorius appealed to the Court of Ar- in pain and holding his knee and had to be helped off the court ran in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the bitration for Sport (CAS) based on the and to the locker room. 2012 London Games. results of analysis made by a diff erent in- “Somehow he cannonballed right into my shin with his shoul- “The situation is not complicated,” stitute, and was allowed to compete in the der,” Bogut said. “It was painful.... I thought I blew out my knee, Coe said in Vienna at the end of an IAAF A study published last month said it get an advantage over the able-bodied Olympics. with the pain that I had.” Council meeting. was unclear whether Rehm’s carbon-fi - when they compete with a prosthesis. While failing to achieve the Olym- Bogut plans an aggressive rehabilitation programme to get the “He has to prove his prosthesis does bre prosthesis gave him an advantage. The study, carried out in conjunction pic qualifying mark B of 45.95 seconds knee in shape and holds out hope with a July check-up but says not give him a competitive advantage. The study, published by the renowned with institutes in Cologne, Colorado and for the men’s 400 meters in Beijing, he Rio is a longshot. “At this stage he has not. And we await German sports university in Cologne, has Tokyo, found athletes with a running- went on to compete in the 2012 Lon- “We’ll re-evaluate it in a month,” Bogut said. “If I can get back on the research, and we continue to discuss said it is “diffi cult, if not impossible” to specifi c prosthesis have a disadvantage in don Olympics and also the 2013 world the court, we’ll see. But as of now it’s not looking good.” this with him.” determine whether paralympic athletes the run up, but gain a better technique for championships in Daegu. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, June 18, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT: LE MANS PRIMED Jani puts Porsche Webber, Hoy join on pole at Le Mans colourful cast tackling ‘the beast’ Swiss’s Neel Jani (2L), France’s Romain Dumas (L), and German’s Marc ‘There’s a real festival feel with such amazing support from the fans who always turn Lieb(R) celebrate with Cecile Fourrier (Miss 24hours of Le Mans) after out in their droves and show the same levels of endurance as the teams and drivers’ the qualifying session for the 84th Le Mans 24 hours endurance race. Reuters main LMP1 category for cost- Le Mans cutting reasons in the wake of parent company Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal. hampions Porsche will Hulkenberg is in any case oth- start this weekend’s Le erwise engaged racing for his Force Mans 24 Hours sport- India Formula One team in the Eu- scar race on pole posi- ropean Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, Ction for the second year running a race that clashes with Le Mans after a rain-hit qualifying session due to the expansion of that series’ at the Sarthe circuit. calendar to a record 21 races. Bam- Swiss driver Neel Jani, in the ber and Tandy are driving Porsche number two Porsche 919 Hy- 911s in the GTE category. brid he shares with France’s Toyota took the second row of Romain Dumas and Germany’s the grid with their number six Marc Lieb, set the fastest time of and fi ve TS050 Hybrid cars. three minutes 19.733 seconds in Once-dominant Audi start Wednesday’s dry session. fi fth with Germany’s Andre Lot- The trio also took pole last year terer, France’s Benoit Treluyer in a race won by Germany’s Nico and Switzerland’s Marcel Fassler Hulkenberg, New Zealander Earl in the number seven entry. Bamber and Britain’s Nick Tandy. Ford, back at Le Mans 50 years Torrential rain in Thursday on from their 1-2-3 fi nish in night’s third and fi nal session 1966, led the GTE Pro category meant Jani’s time stood, with with Germany’s Dirk Mueller in the number one Porsche driven the Chip Ganassi racing car. by endurance world champions The 84th edition of the race Mark Webber of Australia, Ger- starts on Saturday at the circuit many’s Timo Bernhard and New in western France with Holly- Zealander Brendon Hartley com- wood actor Brad Pitt the honor- pleting the front row. ary starter. The fi nal session was red- Porsche, who returned to Le fl agged for 57 minutes due to the Mans with a works team in 2014 conditions. Porsche and main ri- for the fi rst time in 16 years, are vals Audi have each entered only the most successful manufac- two cars instead of three in the turer with 17 titles.

TENNIS France’s Romain Dumas drives his Porsche 919 Hybrid N°2, during the third qualifying practice session for the 84th Le Mans 24 hours endurance race.

AFP their 17th win after an absence of 17 years. Webber and the rest of the 2016 Le Hoy is quick to dispel doubters who Defending champ Le Mans Early practice suggests Webber, in Mans grid start their four-wheeled od- regard his presence as a publicity stunt, Porsche’s No.1 car with Brendon Hart- yssey at 1500 local time (1300GMT), telling Scotland’s The Herald: “I’ve ley and Timo Bernhard, and the team’s racing through dusk, night and dawn worked at it. It’s basically been three- Kerber fi ghts back ormer Formula One great Mark second car driven by Neel Jani, Romain towards the bleary-eyed 1500 local time and-a-half years of my life working to- Webber joins a colourful cast of Dumas and Marc Lieb, are in good shape (1300GMT) fi nish on Sunday. wards this moment. professional drivers, Hollywood for a repeat. Cars lap up the circuit at an average “So hopefully people will see the results; royalty, a celebrated Olympic cy- The two Porsches topped the times in speed of over 250kph with the long- they’ll see that I have taken it seriously, that clist,F and a quadruple amputee in the Le practice on Wednesday ahead of arch ri- est distance ever covered equivalent to a I’ve given it the respect it deserves.” Mans 24 Hour Race this weekend. vals and 13-time winners Audi and Toyo- round trip from Le Mans to Moscow, with Hoy, who fi rst raced with Nissan in The 84th edition of the event Webber ta, seeking a maiden success. insomniac supporters, fuelled by bar- 2014 after retiring from cycling, has been calls “a beast of a race” will draw its an- Former Red Bull driver Webber, 39, is beques and beer, keeping in touch with fascinated by Le Mans ever since being nual 250,000 plus crowd of fans to the deeply conscious of the fabled place Le the action via the circuit’s Le Mans radio. given a model racing set as a child. city in the Sarthe renowned for the pro- Mans holds in motorsport. American actor Patrick Dempsey, who “I remember getting a Scalextric track duction of one of French cuisines speci- “As one of the most unique motor- shot to fame as Dr Derek Shepherd in when I was fi ve or six. One of the cars had alities - rillettes. sport events worldwide, you really can hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy, is mak- headlights on it. The 2016 Le Mans is being staged in a feel its history. You only have to mention ing his fi fth appearance after fi lling sec- “I remember asking my dad why and country in the midst of Euro 2016, with some of the amazing sections of the track ond in the GTE-Am class in a Porsche 12 he said ‘that’s for the Le Mans 24 Hour French police on high alert to thwart brawl- and memories from years gone by come months ago. race — they race through the night’. ing hooligans repeating the scenes of ugly fl ooding back.” Continuing the Hollywood theme, box Two women drivers, France’s Ines clashes in Marseille and Lens this week. The grizzled Aussie added: “There’s a offi ce heavyweight Brad Pitt will wave Taittinger and Dane Christina Nielson, Barring the odd good-natured ruckus very special atmosphere too. the starting fl ag. are also on the grid, along with French AFP The stormy conditions have over a missing water bottle, a ripped “There’s a real festival feel with such Cycling royalty is represented by Brit- businessman Frederic Sausset. Birmingham made it among the most testing sleeping bag or bent tent pole authori- amazing support from the fans who al- ish six time Olympic gold medal hero The 48-year-old had his arms and legs in the Birmingham grasscourt ties in Le Mans can rest easy as the tens ways turn out in their droves and show Chris Hoy, who swops two wheels for amputated in July 2012 after picking up tournament’s 35-year history. of thousands of petrol heads joyfully soak the same levels of endurance as the teams four on his Le Mans debut. a rare but potentially fatal bacterial dis- efending champion They probably contributed to in the heady mix of high octane racing and drivers. The 40-year-old from Edinburgh is ease on vacation. He becomes the fi rst Angelique Kerber the early demise of top seed Ag- dished up at the circuit de la Sarthe. “It’s an incredible spectacle to drive driving a Nissan-powered Algarve Pro quadruple amputee to drive in the storied made a typically tena- nieszka Radwanska, Petra Kvi- Webber returns after a second place fi n- at night and see all the banks and stands Racing Ligier in the second tier LM P2 but gruelling event, claiming he needs to cious comeback from tova, the two-time Wimbledon ish last year as Porsche enjoyed a 1-2 for still packed to the rafters.” category. “give new meaning to my life”. Da set down and a day’s delay to champion, and Belinda Bencic, reach the quarter-fi nals of the the 19-year-old fourth-seeded Wimbledon warm-up event in Swiss who is the youngest player FORMULA 1 Birmingham yesterday. in the world’s top 10. She did it with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 The fi fth day did however win over Daria Gavrilova, an im- bring an improvement in the proving young world number 50 weather forecast and Carla Sua- from Australia who ended yes- rez Navarro, the sixth seed from terday’s rain-ruined schedule Spain, took advantage to simi- within two points of snatching larly recover from a set down. Hamilton fastest in Azerbaijan the fi rst set. Navarro was even closer to She duly did that yesterday, defeat overnight against Andrea Reuters “Everything’s new, they’ve a timed lap while Mexican Es- capturing Kerber’s service game, Petkovic who began today just Baku done the best they could teban Gutierrez, in a Haas, was which restarted with the title- needing to win the second set and we just needed to do a first to leave the pit lane and holder 0-30 down. tie-break to close the match out. bit of fi xing” also first to leave the track with But thereafter the German Navarro’s intelligent rallying ormula One made its a mistake at turn 15. displayed admirable motivation narrowly denied Petkovic 7-5 in debut in Azerbaijan yes- spected the track beforehand Expectations of top speeds of in still-damp conditions and the tie-break and then, despite terday with some imme- because he wanted it to be a com- around 340kph proved conserv- found a good rhythm with solid letting slip an early break of serve diate teething problems pletely fresh experience in the car, ative with Finland’s Valtteri Bot- ground-stroke hitting. in the fi nal set, Navarro some- andF Mercedes’s triple world lapped in one minute 46.435 sec- tas, in a Williams, hitting 351kph “It was good to turn around the how sneaked another tie-break, champion Lewis Hamilton fast- onds in the fi rst session. early on. match after all the rain and a day from 4-5 down. est in practice around the Baku The Briton, winner of the last Australian Daniel Ricciardo later,” said Kerber, whose body street circuit. two races and now only nine brought out the red fl ags to halt language showed how determined Results Race director Charlie Whit- points adrift of team mate and the fi rst session with 22 min- she was not to follow several other ing and officials spent time be- championship leader Nico Ros- utes remaining after he clouted big names through the exit. (x denotes seeding) tween the sessions fixing kerbs berg after seven of 21 rounds, im- the barrier at turn 15, the impact “It’s always diffi cult to start on the anti-clockwise layout proved that to 1:44.223 later on. ripping off his Red Bull’s rear again the next day so I am glad Second round that circles the medieval city right wheel. I found my rhythm again,” Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x6) walls and runs along the Cas- ROSBERG SECOND Hamilton also had a brush she added. Earlier she told the bt Andrea Petkovic (GER) 4-6, pian sea shore. Rosberg was second in both ses- with the wall at turn three, while crowd: “I love this tournament 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) Qualifying for the GP2 sup- sions, ending the day early after Rosberg complained he could and I want to do well again.” Angelique Kerber (GER x2) port series was postponed and stopping on track following a feel something out of place be- Kerber has special reasons for bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 5-7, Formula One drivers were in- loss of power with some 20 min- hind his seat. feeling that. Since causing one of 6-2, 6-2 structed to steer clear of the kerb utes remaining. Bottas was third and fourth the biggest sensations in tennis his- Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) bt at the exit to turn six. Tomorrow’s race is billed fastest respectively in the sessions tory by beating Serena Williams to Johanna Konta (GBR x9) 6-3, Television footage had as the European Grand Prix, a while McLaren’s Fernando Alon- win the Australian Open in Janu- 6-3 shown the edges lifting as cars designation that has previously so, an ‘offi cial ambassador’ for the ary, she has suff ered fi ve fi rst-round Barbora Strycova (CZE) bt went over it. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton at the Baku City Circuit been given to circuits in Ger- race, was fourth in fi rst practice. losses, due perhaps to extra focus on Heather Watson (GBR) 7-5, 6-4 “Some small bolts had come many, Britain and Spain rather Mexican Sergio Perez was off -court commitments. CoCo Vandeweghe (USA) bt loose at the end of the kerbs on kerbs to each other,” Whiting done the best they could and we than a country at the crossroads third in the second session for Her only success since then Christina McHale (USA) 6-3, turns six and 12, so we’ve taken told Sky Sports. just needed to do a bit of fi xing.” of Asia and Europe. Force India. Now to see what has involved a title defence at 7-6 (7/2) the bolts out and welded the “Everything’s new, they’ve Hamilton, who had not in- Rosberg was the first to set happens in the race today. Stuttgart in April. Gulf Times Saturday, June 18, 2016 11 SPORT

US OPEN GOLF DETERMINED Still in it, says Spieth aft er managing 72 Rookie Landry on AFP Oakmont

t was far from a sparkling ef- fort, but Jordan Spieth was confi dent his two-over 72 at Oakmont yesterday would top aft er fi rst round Ikeep him in the hunt for a second straight US Open Golf Champi- onship crown. ‘I felt like I hit a lot of good shots, made a couple of good putts and a couple of good “I didn’t shoot myself out of it,” said the 22-year-old world up-and-downs when I needed it and I’m very happy with the final result’ number two, who was six shots off the pace in the rain-disrupted round carried over from Thursday. Jordan Spieth of the United “Ideally, I would have been States in action yesterday. where the leader is at four-under. “But I honestly don’t think course,” he said. “Overall, I felt that was even possible for our like I played well. I felt like I didn’t tee time,” added Spieth, who quite get rewarded with my score thought players who teed off ear- for how I felt like I played. liest, including unlikely leader “A couple tough breaks,” he Andrew Landry in the second added.”It’s a US Open. Still in it.” group on Thursday, had the best Spieth will start his second of changing conditions in what round today morning, with the evolved into a chaotic day. third round to start just after. Unlike Landry, Spieth couldn’t It’s a similar schedule to the capitalise on softer conditions. one players in the other half of One-over through 11 when the fi eld faced yesterday, playing play was halted for the third all of the fi rst round and as much and fi nal time on Thursday, he of the second as they could com- returned yesterday to post one plete before nightfall. birdie and two bogeys in his fi nal “We’re going to fi nd out what seven holes. happens with the guys that are After his bogey at the par-fi ve playing 36 today,” Spieth said.”If fourth, he landed his tee shot at the sun comes out and the wind the par-three sixth 13 feet from kicks up, it could play harder the pin and made that, but gave than ours. the stroke back with a bogey at “I know that at the end of the seven, where he was in a green- day, the USGA is going to try to side bunker. have even par win the golf tour- Spieth said he would have pre- nament, and I know that I can ferred to see the fi rm conditions shoot two-under in the remain- that prevailed during the prac- ing 54 holes no matter how the tice rounds. “Now, you know, it’s course plays. I know I am capable still great, but it’s a diff erent golf of it. I’m in it.”

McIlroy dismayed but defi ant aft er slump Rory McIlroy’s hopes of He had hoped for a run of winning a second US Open birdies in the morning to claw were sent reeling at rain-hit his way back up the lead- Oakmont yesterday when a erboard, but he got bogeys disastrous three-bogey finish instead as his waywardness to his first round saw him limp off the tee was punished by off the course with a seven- the unforgiving western Penn- Andrew Landry of the United States reacts to his shot on the second hole during the first round of the US Open at Oakmont Country Club. over 77. sylvania layout. That left him 11 shots off the “I felt like it was hard getting AFP turned yesterday morning to complete Scores start to head a group sharing fourth on early pace and in a battle just into any kind of rhythm,” he Oakmont, United States their storm-disrupted fi rst rounds. two-under 68 alongside Ireland’s Shane to make the cut. said. “I am missing shots left, They were to start the second round (Selected scores after Round 1) Lowry and American Scott Piercy. The four-time major winner I am missing shots right. I today and follow up straight away with Garcia was two-over through three from Northern Ireland had need to go to the range this ustin Johnson, seeking to ex- the third. 1 A Landry -4 holes, but picked up fi ve birdies the rest ended the day Thursday at afternoon and work on a few punge the memory of last year’s Landry rolled in a 10-foot birdie putt T2 D Johnson -3, L Westwood -3 of the way. “I felt like I hit a lot of good four-over after 13 holes as things if I’m going to be here US Open near miss, fi red a fl aw- at his fi nal hole, the par-four ninth, in his T4 S Piercy -2, S Garcia -2, S Lowry -2 shots, made a couple of good putts and the players were called off for the weekend. less three-under par 67 yester- only shot of the day. T7 H Stenson -1, S Scheff ler (a) -1, a couple of good up-and-downs when the course due to dangerous “I am just not in a good place dayD to put the pressure on little-known The 28-year-old Texan, ranked 624th I needed it and I’m very happy with the K Streelman -1, B Watson -1, D Lee -1 weather conditions. with my swing.” fi rst-round leader Andrew Landry. in the world, insisted he didn’t lose any fi nal result,” Garcia said. World number six Johnson – who sleep anticipating the putt. three-putted the 72nd hole to fi nish “It was a pretty easy putt to make,” said tied for second behind Jordan Spieth at Landry, who was briefl y three strokes Westwood stays patient, surges into US Open contention TENNIS Chambers Bay last year – was impressive clear of the fi eld. in posting three birdies without a bogey Westwood closed the gap with a bird- Having shrugged off the frustration of “I had a good experience here the last on an Oakmont course that remained ie-birdie fi nish. multiple weather delays at Oakmont time, albeit everybody found it tough,” formidable despite being softened by Like Landry he capped his round with a Country Club on Thursday, Lee West- he said of the 2007 US Open when he Federer ousts Goffi n thunderstorms that caused scheduling birdie at the ninth, the 477-yard hole that wood continued his run of good form tied for 36th at 18 over par.”I like a chal- havoc on Thursday. was playing as the toughest on the course by charging into contention at the US lenge, and this golf course is certainly a He joined former world number one Lee in the fi rst round. Open yesterday. challenge. It tests you mentally. to reach Halle semis Westwood at three-under, tied for second Westwood, like Johnson still seeking a The English former world number “I sort of picked up where I left off at a stroke behind Landry – whose four-un- fi rst major title, had three birdies in the one had four holes to play when he the Masters and the last three weeks der 66 was the lowest US Open fi rst round fi nal six holes of a round that he jump- returned to the rain-softened course to I’ve played. I hit the ball well, a lot of score posted at Oakmont, which is hosting started with an eagle two at the par-four complete his marathon opening round fairways, a lot of greens. I hit it close the tournament for the ninth time. 14th on Thursday. “I hit it close, gave and he finished birdie-birdie to card a quite a lot, 26 putts. It’s a good way to With organisers scrambling to get things myself lots of chances,” said Westwood, three-under 67 to sit just one stroke off start this championship.” back on schedule, Johnson was among who needed just 26 putts on Oakmont’s the early lead. It was Westwood’s best opening round roughly half the fi eld heading straight into treacherous greens. “It was good,” Westwood told reporters at a US Open in his 17th appearance the second round on Friday afternoon after “When it’s wet like this it’s more after a round highlighted by an eagle in the year’s second major, and it fol- playing all 18 holes of the fi rst. scoreable,” Westwood said, but he added at the par-four 14th, four birdies and lowed on from his tie for second at the “It’s going to be a long day,” said that Oakmont still had some teeth. three bogeys.”I’ve been playing well. Masters in April. Johnson.”You still do everything exactly “It tests every aspect of your game to Really looking forward to coming back “I felt confident out there and hit a lot how you would if you were just playing 18.” the limit,” he said. to Oakmont. of good shots,” said the 43-year-old. Landry and Westwood had both re- Spain’s Sergio Garcia shook off a slow

TENNIS - QUEEN’S CLUB

Roger Federer from Switzerland in action yesterday.

AFP Federer won their lone career Halle meeting so far, 6-3, 7-5 at last Off -song Murray battles into semis month’s Rome Masters. Zverev recorded his 26th match AFP are Davis Cup team-mates and Results oger Federer beat Bel- win in a career-best year to knock London regular practice partners at the gium’s David Goffi n out 2007 runner-up Baghdatis. Scot’s training base in Miami. (x denotes seeding): 6-1, 7-6 (12/10) yes- “For me it doesn’t really mat- That intimate knowledge terday to reach the ATP ter what surface it is,” said the efending champion should have worked in Murray’s HalleR grass court semi-fi nals and teenager. “It depends more on 2nd round Andy Murray survived favour after he took control with Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP move to within one win of an 11th me, how I play, how I feel. I’ve a stern test from Kyle a break for a 2-1 lead. x6) bt Donald Young (USA) appearance in the fi nal. played well on all four surfaces. Edmund to reach the However, as in his wins over 6-4, 6-2 The Swiss world number three, I’ve played well on clay, I’ve Queen’sD Club semi-fi nals with Bedene and Nicolas Mahut, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, is played well on hard at the begin- a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 victory over the Murray was some way short of Quarter-finals seeking a ninth title in the Wim- ning of the year.” British wildcard yesterday. his best and there was an im- Marin Cilic (CRO x5) bt Steve bledon warm-up event and fourth Austria’s Dominic Thiem, the Murray will play Croatia’s mediate break back by Edmund, Johnson (USA) 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, in succession at the tournament. third seed, is also through to the Marin Cilic in the last four today who appeared unperturbed by 6-4 Top seed Federer will play Al- semi-fi nals after German Philipp in a rematch of the 2013 fi nal at being unexpectedly awoken in Andy Murray (GBR x1) bt Kyle exander Zverev in Saturday’s last Kohlschreiber pulled out of their the Wimbledon warm-up event the early hours of Friday to take Edmund (GBR) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 four after the young German, 19, quarter-fi nal with a hip injury. in west London. delivery of a washing machine in beat Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis But the world number two his new fl at. 7-6 (11/9), 6-3. Results had to dig deep to remain on Murray raised himself a little, Former US Open champion “I thought Zverev played course for a record fi fth Queen’s unloading enough winners to take Cilic battled back to defeat well. He played a crucial huge (x denotes seeding): crown after a lacklustre fi rst two Britain’s Andy Murray celebrates beating Britain’s Kyle Edmund. the fi rst set. The Scot still looked American Steve Johnson 6-7 fi rst set,” Federer said. “Marcos sets against an inexperienced short of energy and Edmund (3/7), 6-3, 6-4 in the day’s fi rst should have won that but ended Quarter finals 21-year-old ranked 83 places cessor as British number one promising Edmund. moved 3-1 ahead in the second. quarter-fi nal. up losing it, the momentum goes Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt below him. with an inspired eff ort before It was the fi rst all-British Although Murray broke in the Johnson snapped an 0-13 Zverev’s way, one break and the David Goff in (BEL x5) 6-1, 7-6 Murray defeated 2012 cham- being blown away in the decid- Queen’s Club quarter-fi nal in next game, he took a nasty tum- record against top 10 play- match is over. So credit to Zverev (12/10) pion Cilic in the fi nal three years ing set. the Open era and the fi rst last ble that left him holding his groin ers when the world number 39 for getting the job done. Alexander Zverev (GER) bt ago but if the 29-year-old wants Murray had waited 10 years to eight showdown between two before Edmund stunningly broke shocked fourth seed Richard “He’s got a big serve, he’s got Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 7-6 to repeat that he will have to im- face a British opponent until he Brits on the ATP Tour since Tim again to draw level at one-set all. Gasquet in the fi rst round. a nice backhand, he’s improving (11/9), 6-3 prove signifi cantly on his curi- beat Aljaz Bedene in the second Henman defeated Greg Rusedski Murray was on the ropes but he But he was unable to claim an- his forehand and he’s moving Dominic Thiem (AUT x3) bt ously limp performance against round on Thursday and just 24 in Adelaide in 2002. hit back emphatically with a pair other notable scalp as fi fth seed forward. He’s going to be a tough Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER Edmund, who showed why he is hours later the top seed was tak- Although it was the fi rst time of early breaks to fi nally restore Cilic advanced to the Queen’s player in the future, no doubt x8) - retired regarded as Murray’s likely suc- ing on another compatriot in the Murray had faced Edmund, they the status quo in the third set. semi-fi nals for the third time. about it.”

Saturday, June 18, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS IAAF keeps Russia banned, Rio participation in balance

Reuters He did, however, suggest that a way The IOC “took note” of the IAAF went further, saying that “everything Vienna/Moscow would be found for some Russian ath- decision and announced a telephone possible needed to defend the rights of letes to go to Rio as neutral competitors meeting of its executive board today to our athletes and the Olympic team is be- if they had undergone proper drug test- discuss the next steps. ing done and will be done at a legal level”. ussian athletes’ hopes of com- ing in other countries. Its decision could be a defi ning mo- Russia says it is being unfairly vic- peting in the Rio Olympics are ment in the fi ght against drug abuse in timised, while other countries that now at the mercy of the IOC APPEAL TO IOC sport. have fallen foul of the WADA code are after world athletics’ govern- Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko “My gut feeling is that some of the free to compete. ingR body unanimously upheld its ban said innocent athletes were being pun- folks in the IOC bubble have no sense Olympic pole vault double gold med- on the country for systematic doping ished and that he hoped the IOC could of the collective outrage if it makes the allist Yelena Isinbayeva, one of Russia’s yesterday, saying not enough progress “somehow correct this”. wrong decision,” Dick Pound, a long- most successful sportswomen, called had been made in reform. Mikhail Butov, general secretary of standing IOC member and co-author the IAAF decision a violation of human Russia, a superpower of track and Russia’s Athletics Federation (ARAF) of the report that led to Russia’s ban, rights. fi eld, had lobbied furiously to avert the and an IAAF Council member — though told Reuters. “I will go to the human rights court,” prospect of a Summer Olympics ath- not allowed to vote yesterday — said In an open letter to Coe, Mutko said she said. “I will prove to the IAAF and letics programme taking place without ARAF was considering appealing to the Russia had overhauled its athletics as- World Anti-Doping Agency that they its athletes, and argued that it was tak- Court of Arbitration for Sport. sociation and implemented additional made the wrong decision... Russia will ing all the steps required of it to dispel Russia was suspended from track and testing. not be silent.” charges of state-sponsored drug abuse. fi eld by the IAAF in November after an “Clean athletes who have dedicated But Coe left a door open for some President Vladimir Putin denied independent report from WADA revealed years of their lives to training and who Russian athletes, saying it was pos- yesterday that Russian authorities had widespread state-sponsored doping. never sought to gain unfair advantage sible that “athletes who are not tested ever colluded in doping, and urged au- On Wednesday, a new WADA report through doping should not be punished under the Russian system but in sys- thorities not to use sport to push an IAAF president Sebastian Coe (left) and Task Force head Rune Andersen address a revealed 52 failed tests since then, and for the past actions of other individu- tems that have eff ective anti-doping anti-Russian agenda. His spokesman press conference in Vienna yesterday. (AFP) stories of extraordinary attempts to als,” Mutko wrote. programmes will have their individual vowed legal steps to defend Russian avoid, obstruct or intimidate drug test- cases assessed”. athletes against a ban. play a part in that room today.” The International Olympic Commit- ers. LEGAL RECOURSE IOC vice-president John Coates, But after a meeting of the Council Rune Andersen, who heads the IAAF tee (IOC), concerned about innocent An IOC Olympic Summit in At a forum in St Petersburg, Putin said who is president of CAS, had hinted at of the International Association of task force overseeing Russia’s attempts athletes being punished, has not ruled Lausanne next Tuesday is due to dis- that “there has not been and cannot be something similar in Melbourne earlier. Athletics Federations (IAAF) in Vi- to reform, said that a “deep-seated cul- out granting Russian athletes a special cuss the issue, along with reports that any support at state level for violations He said that, although Russia’s anti- enna, its president Sebastian Coe told ture of tolerance, or worse, appears not dispensation. Russia put in a place a complex system in sport, including the use of doping”, doping agency and athletics body were reporters: “Some progress has been to be materially changed”. But Coe said the question of athletes’ to beat anti-doping measures at the and that there should be no collective “rotten to the core”, there would be “ap- made, but not enough... The decision “No athlete will compete in Rio un- eligibility to compete at the Olympics Winter Olympics that it hosted in Sochi punishment for Russian athletes. peal opportunities... for someone who was unanimous — politics did not der a Russian fl ag,” he said. was “entirely a matter for the IAAF”. two years ago. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov can establish their individual integrity”.

HORSE RACING / ROYAL ASCOT Al Shaqab Racing’s Qemah wins Coronation Stakes HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani receives trophy from Prince Andrew

Agencies Ascot, United Kingdom

wo days after Galileo Gold, Qemah gave another prestig- ious win to Al Shaqab Racing by winning the Coronation TStakes (Gr1) at Royal Ascot yesterday. HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al- Thani, president of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), attended the race and received the trophy from Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Third in the recent Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Gr1), Jean-Claude Rouget-trained fi lly was a little keen in the early stages. However, jockey Gregory Benoist managed to settle her and in the straight, the fi lly showed her class. She won decisively in front of it Nemoralia, who was unlucky in the closing stages, and Alice Springs. “This is unbelievable — a second Group One winner — and she is a re- ally brilliant fi lly,” Al Shaqab’s Racing manager Harry Herbert said. She was a little unlucky in the French Guineas when she ran too free, but today she’s settled better and I’m delighted for Sheikh Joaan and Gregory Benoist, having his fi rst winner at Royal Ascot. He’s a star man to work with and I’m delighted for Jean-Claude, who is a brilliant trainer. It’s another special moment. How spoiling is this.”

“I was very confi dent for this race aft er the French Guineas because I prefer her with a turn. She’s a top-class fi lly. She was very nervous in Deauville and I don’t think she ran the race she had to do. Today she ran the race and won easily. To me, to do HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani receives the trophy from Prince Andrew, Duke of York, after Al Shaqab Racing’s the double in this race is a child- Qemah won the Coronation Stakes at Ascot yesterday. hood dream. Today is done and I hope to get some more wins here as, for me, Ascot has the best racing in the world,” trainer Jean-Claude Rouget said

Benoist was palpably ecstatic, hav- ing won for the fi rst time at Royal Ascot. “It’s my fi rst winner and fi rst Group One in Royal Ascot. It’s amaz- ing for me — it’s like a dream,” he said. “Before the race we wanted to take a good position. The pace was a little bit fast for me, so I took my time. Last time, before the French Guineas, she was a little bit too excited before the start. Today she was relaxed, like me, and we won!” Trainer Rouget added: “I was very confi dent for this race after the French Guineas because I prefer her with a turn. She’s a top-class fi lly. She was very nervous in Deauville and I don’t think she ran the race she had to do. Today she ran the race and won easily.” The win was Rouget’s second straight in Coronation Stakes, hav- ing won with Ervedya, who fi nished fi fth yesterday, last year. “To me, to do the double in this race is a childhood dream. Today is done and I hope to get some more wins here as, for me, Ascot has the best racing in the world.” Jockey Gregory Benoist celebrates after riding Al Shaqab Racing’s Qemah to victory in the Coronations Stakes.