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Saturday, July 30, 2016 FOOTBALL Shawwal 25, 1437 AH Schweinsteiger GULF TIMES retires from international duty SPORT Page 2

CRICKET / SL VS AUS, DAY 4, 1ST TEST Lankan spinners corner Aussies in tricky chase ‘It should be an interesting game if we get the full quota of 90 overs... We are still confident’

AFP the mace as the world’s number one Pallekele, Sri Lanka team on the eve of the match. Much of their hopes of victory will rest on the shoulders of the 38-year-old Her- ustralia faced an uphill strug- ath, who took four wickets in the fi rst in- gle to save the fi rst Test nings and has a reputation of cleaning up against Sri Lanka’s rampant on the last day in home Tests. spinners after losing three “Pleasingly, a few balls started to Aearly second innings wickets yesterday turn quite sharply before the players while trying to chase down a formida- came off for bad light,” said Sri Lanka’s ble target of 268. head coach Graham Ford. The tourists were precariously “Hoping tomorrow that a few things placed at 83 for three, with skipper will go our way, and we’ll be able to Steve Smith unbeaten on 26, when bad press home and hopefully fi nish off light forced an early end to play for the with a big victory,” he said. fourth day running in Pallekele. The world number one Test team still SCORECARD need another 185 runs for victory on the SRI LANKA 1st inns 117 all out fi nal day today, when Sri Lanka’s trio AUSTRALIA 1st inns 203 all out of spinners will expect to capitalise on SRI LANKA 2nd inns (o/n 282/6) their early inroads against the tourists. K. Perera lbw b Starc 4 The hosts’ leading left-arm spin- K. Silva lbw b O’Keefe 7 ner Rangana Herath struck in only the D. Karunaratne lbw b Starc 0 second over of the Australian innings K. Mendis c Nevill b Starc 176 when he bowled vice-captain David A. Mathews c Burns b Lyon 9 Warner for one. D. Chandimal lbw b Marsh 42 Usman Khawaja started positively D. de Silva c Khawaja b Lyon 36 with three fours but he was ruled leg D. Perera not out 12 before wicket to off -spinner Dilruwan R. Herath c Henriques b Hazlewood 35 Perera when he attempted a sweep shot L. Sandakan b Starc 9 after making 18, leaving Australia reel- N. Pradeep not out 10 ing at 33 for 2. Extras (b 1, lb 11) 13 Then the debutant Lakshan Sandakan Total (all out, 93.4 overs) 353 joined the party with a ball that turned Fall of wicket: 1-6 (Perera), 2-6 (Karu- sharply and bowled opener Joe Burns naratne), 3-45 (Silva), 4-86 (Mathews), who had looked well set on 29. 5-203 (Chandimal), 6-274 (de Silva), One run later, fi rst innings top scorer 7-290 (Mendis), 8-314 (Dilruwan Perera), Adam Voges was ruled lbw to Perera for 9-323 (Sandakan), 10-353 (Herath) no score, but the batsman reviewed the Bowling: Starc 19-4-84-4, Hazlewood decision successfully. 18.4-3-59-2, O’Keefe 16.2-3-42-1, Lyon With the ball turning alarmingly, 27-2-108-2, Warner 1-0-10-0, Voges 1.4-0- Smith and Voges then suppressed their 3-0, Marsh 9-1-33-1, Smith 1-0-1-0 urge to play attacking shots while keep- ing the scoreboard ticking over with AUSTRALIA 2nd innings some sharply run singles. Sri Lanka’s Kaushal Silva (left) attempts to field a ball hit by Australia’s captain Steven Smith (right) as wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal looks on during the fourth day’s J. Burns b Sandakan 29 “It should be an interesting game if we play in the opening Test in Pallekele yesterday. (AFP) D. Warner b Herath 1 get the full quota of 90 overs... We are U. Khawaja lbw b D Perera 18 still confi dent,” Australia batting coach tured any boundaries so far, while his a low-scoring Test. No other player on Starc was the pick of the Australian extra cover. S. Smith not out 26 Stuart Law told reporters. “We saw Sri partner Voges was batting in a similarly either side has passed 50. bowlers, fi nishing the innings with fi g- Sri Lanka, who were 282 for six over- A. Voges not out 9 Lankans sweeping a lot. Our guys being a steadfast mood, reaching nine at the After starting the day unbeaten on ures of four for 84. night, eventually managed to reach a Extras 0 bit taller, sweep shot is a bit diffi cult so we close of play off 25 deliveries. 169, Mendis only managed another Herath and Nuwan Pradeep added total of 353, 267 runs ahead of the Aus- Total (3 wkts; 27 overs) 83 try to use our feet,” Law said. Australia’s struggles against the Sri seven runs before he played away from 30 runs for the last wicket off 29 de- tralians. Fall of wicket: 1-2 (Warner), 2-33 (Kha- Lankan bowlers further underlined the his body to a full length delivery from liveries before the Sri Lanka innings It was a remarkable turnaround after waja), 3-63 (Burns) AUSSIE REARGUARD importance of Kusal Mendis’ superb Mitchell Starc to be caught behind by ended after substitute fielder Moises they conceded a fi rst innings lead of 86 Bowling: Pradeep 3-0-16-0, Herath 10-1- Smith’s 54-ball innings has not fea- maiden Test century in what has been wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Henriques took a spectacular catch at to the tourists who were presented with 35-1, Perera 9-1-19-1, Sandakan 5-1-13-1

CRICKET / ZIM VS NZ, DAY 2, 1ST TEST Latham century helps New Zealand to sizeable lead

Reuters off the leg-spin bowling of home The New Zealanders will look Bulawayo skipper Graeme Cremer. to bat through the third day The New Zealand captain after Williamson said his side had benefi ted from a conten- would seek time at the crease om Latham’s century tious decision from the televi- to prepare for tougher series in and 91 from Kane Wil- sion umpire when he looked to South Africa and India over the liamson put New Zea- have been caught at fi rst slip by next two months. land fi rmly in the driv- Sikandar Raza off Cremer when ingT seat with a 151-run lead over he was on 72. SCORECARD Zimbabwe on the second day of Williamson asked Raza to Zimbabwe 1st inns 164 all out the fi rst Test yesterday. confi rm he had taken the catch New Zealand 1st inns New Zealand closed on 315 and despite a positive response M. Guptill c Ervine b Chibhabha 40 for four in reply to Zimbabwe’s he spoke to the umpires who T. Latham not out 98 fi rst-innings 164. opted to get television evidence K. Williamson not out 61 Ross Taylor (38) and night- which could not prove the dis- Extras (b5, w2, nb8) 15 watchman Ish Sodhi (5) were not missal. Total (for 1 wkt, 67 overs) 214 out at the close. Opener Martin Guptill was Fall of wicket: 1-79 (Guptill) Latham reached his fourth dismissed in the fi rst session Bowling: Chinouya 13-2-36-0, Test century soon after tea be- for 40, was caught in the gully Tiripano 11-0-38-0, Masvaure fore being caught by stand-in to hand debutant Chamu Chib- 5-0-20-0, Cremer 20-2-55-0, wicketkeeper Brian Chairi off habha a fi rst Test wicket. Sikandar Raza 4-0-28-0, Chib- the part-time bowling of veter- Henry Nicholls was the fourth habha 10-0-22-1, Masakadza an Hamilton Masakadza for 105 wicket to fall, caught behind by 4-1-10-0 from 209 balls. Chairi from a full delivery by Latham and Williamson com- Donald Tiripano. New Zealand batsman Tom piled a second-wicket partner- Chairi was deputising for Latham in action on Day Two of ship of 156. Williamson fell nine Regis Chakabva who was con- the first Test against Zimbabwe runs short of his century after a fi ned to bed on Friday with a at Queens Sports Club in Bula- sharp catch at slip by Masakadza high temperature. wayo yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, July 30, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT A LOOKBACK 2014 WC fi nal was Bastian’s fi nest hour Schweinsteiger AFP Berlin

aving announced his international re- tirement yesterday, Germany’s midfield retires from Hgeneral Bastian Schwein- steiger walks away from die Mannschaft two years after his crowning moment in helping win the 2014 World Cup. Bloodied, but unbowed, Sch- weinsteiger was magnifi cent at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana international duty stadium in the fi nal, ensuring Germany controlled the midfi eld before Mario Goetze’s extra- ‘In 120 internationals, I have been allowed to run out for my country and experience time winning goal. After 12 years and 24 goals in moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful’ 120 international appearances, File photo of Germany’s Bastian ‘Schweini’ leaves having been a Schweinsteiger smiling during a key factor in Germany reaching press conference. at least the semi-fi nal stage of the last six major tournaments. His red card in the group stag- The last two injury-hit years es of Euro 2008 saw him serve have been unkind to the 31-year- his suspension watching the next old, who opted to quit Bayern game alongside German Chan- Munich, the club he joined as a cellor Angela Merkel, who ticked teenager in 1998, for a high-pro- him off for being sent off for re- fi le switch to Manchester United acting to a challenge in the shock in 2015. 2-1 defeat to Croatia. A knee injury in January was Germany reached the Euro aggravated while on Germany 2008 fi nal with Schweinsteiger duty in March, restricting him to scoring a superb goal in their 3-2 a handful of games, before com- quarter-fi nal win over Portugal. ing off the bench in their opening By the 2010 World Cup, Sch- Euro 2016 group game to score weinsteiger was in charge of with his third touch of the ball in Germany’s midfield general a 2-0 win over Ukraine. when Michael Ballack was ruled The March injury to the medial out by injury. ligament in his right knee meant With Philipp Lahm captaining he played in only fi ve of Germa- at right-back, Schweinsteiger ny’s six Euro 2016 games — sit- led in the middle. ting out the goalless draw against But question marks rose over his Poland — and started only the leadership skills when Germany semi-fi nal defeat to France. exited the semi-fi nals of Euro 2012 On his return to Old Traff ord, after a 2-1 defeat to Italy. after marrying tennis star Ana The Champions League title Ivanovic, new United boss Jose followed in 2013 as his Bayern Mourinho has reportedly told the team became the fi rst German Germany star he is free to fi nd a club to win the treble of Europe- new club with two years left on an, Bundesliga and German Cup his contract. titles under Jupp Heynckes. With his club future open, now Victory in the Wembley fi nal is the right time for Schwein- meant Schweinsteiger won every steiger to quit international foot- club title on off er as Bayern went ball with Germany to play their onto win the Club World Cup and opening 2018 World Cup quali- UEFA Super Cup trophies in the fi er in September. second half of 2013 in Pep Guar- diola’s fi rst year in charge. DEBUT AT 19 Schweinsteiger silenced his As a 19-year-old, he made his critics with a commanding display senior international debut in in Brazil - the 2014 World Cup was 2004. Plucked from the Un- his fi nest hour for Germany. This file photo shows Germany’s midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrating after scoring a goal during the Euro 2016 group C match between Germany and Ukraine. der-21 team, he played at Euro An ankle injury saw him sit 2004 where Germany crashed out the opening 4-0 drubbing of AFP in March, restricting him to just a hand- Rio. He absorbed everything the Argen- “On a personal and sporting level, out in the group phases -- the Portugal, but he featured in the Berlin ful of matches before he played at the Eu- tina midfi eld threw at him to help Ger- I want to say thanks for 12 trust-fi lled only time Schweinsteiger went 2-2 draw with Ghana and 1-0 win ropean Championship, netting a goal on many secure a 1-0 extra-time victory years,” said Loew. home before the knock-out stage over the USA. his return against Ukraine in Germany’s as Mario Goetze’s winning goal gave die “On each occasion, I had the feel- of either a World Cup or Euro- Solid displays in the last 16 and ermany captain Bastian Sch- opening pool game. Mannschaft a fourth title. ing he gave everything for the national pean Championships. quarter-fi nal wins saw him come weinsteiger yesterday an- The defensive midfi elder said now is “Winning the 2014 World Cup was an team and strongly identified with our Schweinsteiger scored the fi rst into his own in the 7-1 rout of hosts nounced his retirement from the right time to retire from the national historic and emotional moment for us, values and goals. of his 24 goals in a friendly win Brazil in the semi-fi nal as the Sele- international duty with imme- team ahead of Germany’s fi rst qualifi er which will not be repeated again in my “As a coach, I benefi ted a lot from him over Russia in 2005. By the age of cao’s defence shipped fi ve goals in Gdiate eff ect. for the 2018 World Cup against Norway career,” said Schweinsteiger. and can only thank him for everything he 22, he had already made more than the opening 30 minutes. The 31-year-old Manchester United on September 9, four days after a home “Therefore, it is the right time and has done for me.” 40 appearances for Germany. But it was the fi nal where Sch- midfi elder, who won his 120th and fi nal friendly against Finland. sensible to fi nish now and to wish the na- Schweinsteiger says one of his few He cemented his defensive mid- weinsteiger came into his own, cap in Germany’s 2-0 defeat to France in “I have just told the national head coach tional team all the best for the qualifying regrets while playing for his country is fi eld place as the hosts fi nished standing up to repeated pound- the semi-fi nals of Euro 2016, revealed the (Joachim Loew) to no longer consider me stage and the 2018 World Cup. Germany’s Euro 2016 semi-fi nal exit. third at the 2006 World Cup. ings, to keep Argentina at bay. news on his offi cial Twitter account. for selection in the future as I would like to “Finally, I just want to say to our fans: “Jogi Loew knew what the Euro 2016 “With Bastian Schweinsteiger, we are retire,” wrote Schweinsteiger. ‘It was an honour to have been able to in France meant to me, the title I abso- saying goodbye to a big name from the “I would like to thank the fans, the play for you, many thanks for everything lutely wanted to win, which hadn’t been FRIENDLY national team,” said German Football As- team, the German Football Association that I was able to experience with you.’” brought to Germany since 1996,” he said. sociation president Reinhard Grindel. and the coaches. Thomas Mueller, a potential Germany “It wasn’t to be and I have to accept that.” Schweinsteiger retires from die “In 120 internationals, I have been captain of the future, paid tribute to his Germany’s most capped player, Lothar Mannschaft with his Old Traff ord future allowed to run out for my country and national teammate. “Thanks for 120 in- Matthaeus, who made 150 appearances, Akpom strikes as in the balance having reportedly been experience moments which were inde- ternationals and many awesome mo- added his praise. “Congratulations on a told by United’s new coach Jose Mour- scribably beautiful and successful.” ments, hours for the national team,” said big career with the Germany team. What inho that he is one of nine players free to his ex-Bayern teammate. a fantastic player,” said the 55-year-old, Arsenal down MLS leave the club. WORLD CUP JOY Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neu- who captained the 1990 World Cup- He still has two years left to run on his Schweinsteiger’s fi nest moment in the er is the favourite to replace Schweinsteiger winning team. United contract. famous white shirt was his battling per- as Germany’s captain as Loew heaped Now to see what happens at the club All-Stars 2-1 A knee injury in January fl ared up again formance in the 2014 World Cup fi nal in praise on his midfi eld marshal. level for Schweinsteiger.

BOTTOMLINE Godin helps Atletico beat Spurs

AFP lose, so it’s okay.” Melbourne In the fi rst half Josh Onomah and Argentinian Erik Lamela both hit the woodwork for Spurs. pain’s Atletico Madrid It was Atletico Madrid’s Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom (R) celebrates after scoring. beat England’s Totten- fi rst match in Australia before ham Hotspur 1-0 in their 42,000 fans and comes after AFP Akpom, 20, is hoping to es- International Cham- their penalty shoot-out loss San Francisco tablish himself in Arsenal’s fi rst pionsS Cup pre-season match against Real Madrid in their sec- team squad this season and im- in Melbourne with their goal- ond Champions League fi nal in pressed during his appearance keeper Jan Oblak pulling off two three years. huba Akpom scored a as substitute on a warm night in magical saves yesterday. The loss was the Spurs’ sec- late winner as English gi- northern California. Uruguayan defender Diego ond on their Australian tour but ants Arsenal defeated the His winner came after Joel Godin scored the winner fi ve Argentine manager Mauricio Major League Soccer All- Campbell had fired Arsenal minutes before halftime and the Pochettino saw positives. CStars 2-1 in San Jose on Thursday. into the lead with an 11th- Atletico defence screened out “It was a fantastic perform- England Under-21 striker minute penalty. Spurs in the second half to pro- ance and a great experience for Akpom pounced three minutes That goal was cancelled out tect their lead. us. I am very happy with this from time at the Avaya Stadi- as the MLS All Stars levelled Skipper Gabi’s free-kick was young team,” Pochettino said. um as the Premier League side through former Chelsea star fl icked on allowing Godin to tap “Their goalkeeper was the snatched victory in an enter- Didier Drogba on the stroke of home from close range at the man of the match which says a taining game. half-time. far post. Spurs, who lost their lot. We fi nished the game with Akpom tapped in from close Drogba, who now plays for opening ICC game 2-1 to Italian nine players who have come range after neat interplay saw Montreal Impact, tucked away champion Juventus on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin celebrates with teammates after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur through the academy, so that Spaniard Nacho Monreal go his fi nish past former Blues came close a couple of times during their International Champions Cup pre-season match in Melbourne. was great.” clear down the left before squar- teammate Petr Cech to extend but were denied by magnifi cent Atletico will stay in Aus- ing for his young teammate. his remarkable scoring feat shot-stopping from Slovenian blank refl ex save to block a sen’s curling free kick with his tant to score the goal and win the tralia and face A-League team “I’m really happy to come on against Arsenal. goalkeeper Oblak. scorching shot from Ryan Mason right hand to again deny Spurs. game,” Oblak said. Melbourne Victory tomorrow, and score the winning goal,” Ak- The 38-year-old Ivory Coast Oblak, who kept 24 clean midway through the second half. “It’s always important to get “Today we win again, it’s pre- while Spurs return home and pom said. legend has now scored 16 goals sheets for Atletico in last sea- And minutes later he kept out a clean sheet, but it’s football, season, but it’s important. We play Internazionale in Norway “It’s a friendly but we take it in 16 appearances against Arse- son’s La Liga, pulled off a point- new Dutch signing Vincent Jans- it’s one game so it’s also impor- like to win, nobody wants to next Friday. seriously and we wanted to win.” nal during his career. Gulf Times Saturday, July 30, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT Neymar fan caught in laundry room of Olympic team hotel A fan of Brazilian football leased after being cautioned. star Neymar was arrested on “The flaw was spotted and United’s Rooney Thursday after being discov- we’ve fixed it,” said Passos of ered in the laundry room of how the man managed to get the team’s hotel in Goiania into the players’ hotel. ahead of today’s friendly The Brazilian men’s team ar- against Japan. rived in Goiania on Thursday “Hotel staff noticed some- morning from the Granja thing strange in his behaviour Comary national training and called us,” police off icer centre at Teresopolis, in the hails Mourinho’s Vladimir Passos told AFP, mountains near Rio. adding that the culprit had Barcelona striker Neymar is wanted “to approach Neymar one of team’s three players and the team”. aged over 23 years. Passos said that the 22-year- Brazil play South Africa, Iraq old sports student had been and Denmark in Group A of ‘winning mentality’ arrested but was later re- the Olympic tournament. Azerbaijan set to unveil golden Rooney believes the arrival of Mourinho, who has 17 major trophies to his name will whistle from 1966 World Cup final The golden whistle given to ball never crossed the line but help propel Manchester United back towards the summit of the Premier League the linesman who awarded England fans still believe. England a controversial goal Bahramov was awarded a in the 1966 World Cup final is golden whistle after the game poised to go on display in a at Wembley by Queen Eliza- museum, the Azerbaijan Foot- beth II along with the other ball Association has said. match off icials. Saturday marks 50 years to “The golden whistle from the day since England’s only the final still exists, the one major tournament triumph. given to Bahramov by the They beat West Germany 4-2 Queen,” Azerbaijan Football at Wembley but their third Association vice president goal in extra-time has entered Elshad Nasirov said, adding footballing folklore. that it would soon be put in a Geoff Hurst’s shot hit the bar museum in Baku. “Until then and bounced down on or it lies in a vault in one of the behind the German line. safest banks in Azerbaijan.” Soviet linesman Tofiq Bah- The main stadium in Baku is “It’s always great to get a ramov, from modern day named after Bahramov and new manager but when Azerbaijan, gave the goal. his statue stands outside. you get someone in the Most experts now agree the He died in 1993. stature of Jose Mourinho he’s great to work under Russian football fans given suspended and he’s brought a winning sentences after Germany attack mentality back to the club.” Four Russian football fans were Proceedings against an given suspended sentences additional defendant, the yesterday after attacking tour- only one who challenged the ists in the western German city accusations, will take place of Cologne last month, accord- separately in August. ing to the local court. Another fan who had been The men, age 26 to 30, had involved was released shortly pleaded guilty to assaulting after the six men were first three Spanish tourists - two arrested in June. men and a woman - who had Investigators have said that been handing out flyers for a the six Russian fans were left-wing political movement part of a right-wing extrem- near Cologne cathedral. ist group and were passing The court in Cologne sen- through Germany on their tenced one defendant to a way back to Russia after at- year on probation and the tending Euro 2016 matches other three to 10 months. in France.

Norwich City striker Laff erty hit with File picture of Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho during his tenure at Chelsea. This EPL season will pit Mourinho against his former club. Fireworks can be expected. FA betting charge

AFP “It’s always great to get a new manager “I’ve got a lot of experience Norwich City striker Kyle Laff erty made just three ap- London but when you get someone in the stature playing football so I think it would Laff erty has been charged by pearances for Norwich last of Jose Mourinho he’s great to work un- be criminal if I didn’t try and pass England’s governing Football season and joined Birming- der and he’s brought a winning mentality that knowledge on, so hopefully Association with misconduct ham on loan in March. anchester United captain back to the club,” Rooney told Manches- when I fi nish playing I can get over rules banning players He is expected to move to Wayne Rooney believes new ter radio station Key 103 yesterday. some role as a manager or coach...” from betting on matches. another club ahead of the new manager Jose Mourinho has “Manchester United as a football club The 28-year-old Northern season. The former Burnley restored a “winning mental- we have to win and we have to deliver for “I’ve started taking my coaching Ireland international is alleged forward started in two of Mity” at Old Traff ord. him,” the England captain added. badges now so that will probably take to have bet on a match in Feb- Northern Ireland’s matches at Mourinho was brought in after the end “There’s pressure on the players but about four or five years to complete,” ruary. “Kyle Laff erty has been the Euro 2016 finals in France in of last season following the sacking of we’re ready and I think this season we’ll Rooney said. charged by the FA for miscon- June and came off the bench in Louis van Gaal. give a real challenge on all fronts. “Of course I’ve got a lot of experi- duct in relation to betting,” the another as Michael O’Neill’s side United have failed to win the league “He’s come in, he’s been great with ence playing football so I think it would FA announced in a statement upset the formbook to reach since legendary manager Alex Ferguson the players. The training has been hard be criminal if I didn’t try and pass that issued yesterday. the knockout stages. retired in 2013, with David Moyes and but enjoyable. We’re ready, we’re work- knowledge on, so hopefully when I fi nish “It is alleged that on Febru- Laff erty started his career at Van Gaal, who oversaw an FA Cup fi nal ing hard. We know it’s a big season for us. playing I can get some role as a manager ary 20 2016, the Norwich City Burnley and made over 80 victory last season, failing to live up to “He’s made, in my opinion, some great or coach and try and use the experience forward placed a bet on the appearances before Scottish the exacting standards set by the Scot. signings who have gelled in really well I’ve built up over the years.” result, progress, conduct or giants Rangers paid £3 million But Rooney believes the arrival of with the squad so it’s exciting times,” the Mourinho has already brought in sev- any other aspect of, or occur- for him in June 2008. Portuguese manager Mourinho, who 30-year-old striker added. eral players to United, including defender rence in, a football match or He spent four years at Rang- has 17 major trophies to his name, in- Rooney needs just fi ve more goals to Eric Bailly, midfi elder Henrikh Mkhitary- competition in breach of FA ers, scoring 38 goals, and had cluding eight league titles in four coun- break United’s all-time scoring record an and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. rule E8. spells at FC Sion and Palermo tries and two Champions League suc- held by England great and 1966 World The Old Traff ord club are also under- “He has until 5 August 2016 to before joining Norwich for an cesses with different clubs, will help Cup-winner Bobby Charlton. stood to be pursuing a potentially record- respond to the charge.” undisclosed fee in June 2014. propel United back towards the summit File picture of Manchester United’s He, is however, already planning for breaking deal for Juventus’s France mid- of the Premier League. English striker Wayne Rooney. life after his playing days are over. fi elder Paul Pogba. West Ham eye Olympic Stadium boost after Euro setback BOTTOMLINE West Ham will play their first Mark Noble levelled, also from competitive game at their the spot, seven minutes fol- new Olympic Stadium next lowing a foul on Winston Reid. week looking to overturn a 2-1 Crnic hit the winner in the defeat they suff ered Thursday 49th minute with a smart against Slovenian minnows drive leaving the Londoners Juve coach Allegri ‘can’t wait’ to NK Domzale in their Europa having to play catch-up in the League qualifier. second leg at the Olympic Matic Crnic gave Domzale the Stadium next Thursday. lead in the 11th minute of the West Ham vacated their third qualifying round first leg long-time Upton Park home in work with new signing Higuain tie from the penalty spot after east London to move into the Havard Nordtveit had handled main arena used for the 2012 AFP had so far made during the off - from Serie A rivals Napoli broke the ball. London Olympics. Hong Kong season, among them the former earlier in the week, a transfer Roma midfi elder Miralem Pjan- that has the Turin club in rap- ic, who joined for 32 million eu- tures but was branded by his Turkey champions Besiktas sign uventus manager Mas- ros. former boss as a “betrayal”. Adriano from Barcelona similiano Allegri says he “Every season is a new be- “I hope to repay the faith of can’t wait to start work- ginning,” said Allegri, who has the club’s directors and of course Turkish champions Besiktas ances for the Brazilian na- ing with his 90 million brought his squad to Hong Kong to demonstrate my value in the yesterday announced the tional team under his belt. euroJ man Gonzalo Higuain but for an exhibition match. coming season with Juventus,” signing of Brazilian full-back “I am very happy to put on the warned the striker not to come “We will all meet up on Mon- Higuain told a press conference Adriano Correia from Barce- Besiktas strip. Istanbul is very to Turin expecting his place in day in Turin and get to work — at Juventus Stadium.”The ef- lona in a three-year deal for a beautiful. I will have no dif- the side is assured. with the new players and with forts to bring me here were truly transfer fee of 600,000 euros. ficulty adapting here,” the club “It will not be easy for us to win the players we have had on this humbling and it is up to me to Adriano had enjoyed six sea- quoted Adriano as saying. the championship again,” said Al- tour. We have a lot of work to do.” show my worth to my new fans.” sons at Barcelona and his sign- “I will represent Besiktas in the legri, who’s team are going for a The amount Juve paid for Hi- Higuain was the top scorer in ing by Besiktas marks a major best way in the league and Eu- sixth straight Serie A title. guain puts him behind only Real Italy last season with 36 goals, boost to their Champions rope. We are going to be even “Of course I am looking for- Madrid’s Gareth Bale (100 mil- enough to lift Napoli to second League campaign in the com- better than last season.” ward to having Gonzalo Higuain lion euros) and Cristiano Ron- behind Juventus, who secured ing season where they have His signing is a boost not just to as part of the squad. He is an im- Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri during a training session. aldo (94 million euros) on the their fi fth straight Serie A crown. Turkey’s sole automatic spot. Besiktas but for Turkish football portant signing but he is one of a all-time transfer list -- pending Allegri and his young squad The player will have a starting in general after last season’s top number of them who will all be deals are going on in the other. United for an estimated 100 mil- of course any movement with are in Hong Kong to play lo- salary of 2.35 million euros scorer, German striker Mario fi ghting for positions.” With Higuain coming in as a lion euros. Pogba. cal side South China, the fi nal in Istanbul plus bonuses, the Gomez, announced he was It’s been a frantic week for the club record signing, the word on Allegri has remained tight- Higuain was Thursday rolled leg of a pre-season tour that club said in an announcement leaving the club due to political Serie A champions with a young the street has been that Juve’s lipped on that particular trans- out in front of the Juventus has included games in Australia to the stock market. uncertainty in the wake of the squad touring on one side of the much in-demand Paul Pogba is fer but said he was happy with faithful for the fi rst time since against Melbourne Victory and Adriano also has 17 appear- failed coup. world, while serious business on his way out — to Manchester the fi ve signings the Bianconeri news of his 90 million euro move Tottenham Hotpsur. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, July 30, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ROGERS CUP Venus tumbles out as Keys advances Top seed Djokovic AFP Montreal

enus Williams tumbled out in the third round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Thursday, advances over suffV ering an upset loss to Madi- son Keys in her fi nal tournament before the Olympics. The sixth-seeded Williams was beaten 6-1, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 by 10th seed Keys, who will now Madison Keys reacts after face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova defeating Venus Williams. in the quarter-fi nals. showman Stepanek Williams, 36, looked well be- nent, and so I’m really pleased low her best as Keys raced away with the win.” ‘It’s quite enjoyable to play Radek. It’s not easy to play someone you know so well and with the fi rst set before forging a 3-1 lead in the second. Results However Williams, who respect a lot. We are all grateful to him for staying in the sport for such a long time’ reached the fi nal of last week’s 3rd rd tournament in Stanford, rallied Johanna Konta (GBR x15) bt to level with victory in the sec- Varvara Lepchenko (USA) ond set tiebreak. 6-3, 6-2 Keys raised her game in the Kristina Kucova (SVK) bt decisive third set however and Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 3-6, quickly broke Williams to gain 6-4, 6-3 the advantage before converting Madison Keys (USA x10) bt match point with an ace to seal Venus Williams (USA x6) 6-1, the win. 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 Pavlyuchenkova earlier scored Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova the biggest upset of the day with (RUS x16) bt Agnieszka a three-set victory over 2014 Radwanska (POL x4) 6-4, 6-7 champion and fourth seed Ag- (4/7), 6-1 nieszka Radwanska of Poland, Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x9) winning 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1. bt Petra Kvitova (CZE x12) 7-6 The win comes hard on the (7/2), 6-3 heels of her impressive showing at Simona Halep (ROM x5) bt Wimbledon where she reached the Karolina Pliskova (CZE x14) quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time. 6-3, 6-3 “I’m really happy and I knew Darya Kasatkina (RUS) bt Rob- it’d be a tough match. Every time erta Vinci (ITA x7) 7-5, 6-3 I play against Agnieszka it’s 7-6 Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt in the third, or something,” the Elina Svitolina (UKR x17) 1-6, in-form Russian said. 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 “She’s a really tough oppo-

Germany’s Jaeger fires 58 at developmental tour event Germany’s Stephan Jaeger Jaeger began off the 10th tee has fired the first 58 recorded and birdied 11 then ran off five in a US professional tourna- birdies in a row starting at the ment, going 12-under to lead 13th hole. a developmental tour event in After making the turn, he bird- Hayward, California. ied the first and second holes The lowest score recorded then added back-to-back bird- on the US PGA Tour or the ies at the fourth and fifth to 50-and-over Champions Tour stand 10-under par with four has been 59 but the 27-year- holes remaining. old German eclipsed that “I don’t care who you are, I think with 12 birdies and six pars in that number goes through Thursday’s first round of the your mind,” Jaeger said of 59. Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a shot against Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic during Day 4 of the Rogers Cup at the Aviva Centre in Toronto, Canada. Web.com Tour’s Ellie Mae Clas- “It pretty much was in my head sic at par-70 TPC Stonebrae. the whole back nine.” AFP in the sport for such a long time.” Results his run in Canada is complete, saved all “I’m really happy with the way A tap-in birdie at the par-3 six Toronto Djokovic took the opening set but went three break points he faced against the I played, especially on the moved him closer to history down a break in the second, earning it 3rd rd 16th-seeded Sock. back nine,” Jaeger said.”You as did pars at seven and eight. back as he won a nine-minute fourth Milos Raonic (CAN x4) bt Jared Don- The fi rst set provided a challenge, with don’t know when those days At the par-5 ninth, Jaeger hit a ovak Djokovic stopped tennis game for 2-2. aldson (USA) 6-2, 6-3 Wawrinka winning it in a decider to seize are going to come and they wedge shot to 10 feet with his showman Radek Stepanek on From that point on, he did not drop a Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Radek the match momentum. come unexpectedly. Days like third and sank the birdie putt Thursday with a 6-2, 6-4 vic- point on serve. Stepanek (CZE) 6-2, 6-4 “You need to be careful in tiebreaks, this are very, very, very rare.” to finish his 58. tory to march into the quarter- “I just wanted to focus on each point Kei Nishikori (JPN x3) bt Rajeev Ram and really focus,” said Wawrinka.”I feel There were two prior 58s in “Everything went my way,” he Nfi nals of the Toronto Masters. and not allow him to go up a break again. positive now after this win - let’s see (USA) 6-3, 6-4 professional events. said. “Even the bad shots you The top seed and three-time Canadian There were a lot of close games, it could Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Bernard what happens.” Jason Bohn had one in a 2001 would get a good bounce and titleholder won in a light-hearted match- have gone a diff erent way in the second Tomic (AUS x12) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 Wawrinka next plays South African event on Canada’s Mackenzie have 15 feet and make that. It up with one of the characters of the ATP set. Stan Wawrinka (SUI x2) bt Jack Sock Kevin Anderson, who overhauled 12th Tour and Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa was just a blackout round. It Tour as the 37-year-old Stepanek kept “I was fortunate to stay tough. Condi- (USA x16) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 seed Bernard Tomic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two recorded the other on the really was. Those don’t hap- the crowd entertained with extravagant tions here are very quick, It’s not easy to Gael Monfils (FRA x10) bt David Goff in hours, fi ring 26 aces and saving eight of Japan Tour in 2010. pen too often.” shot-making. break serve, plus Radek takes away a lot (BEL x7) 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-4 nine break points. Several times, the Czech took vic- of your time with his angled returns.” Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Ivo Karlovic “I’ve lost many times (four) against tory laps around the court after winning Djokovic now faces Czech fi fth seed (CRO) 6-3, 7-5 him (Anderson).I lost two years ago when shots, often to the delight of Djokovic, Tomas Berdych, who got past Ryan Har- Tomas Berdych (CZE x5) bt Ryan Har- I played him here. It’s always been dif- GOLF who now stands an overwhelming 12-1 rison of the US 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4. rison (USA) 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4 fi cult to beat him, but hopefully I can do in the series with his frequent training Second seed Stan Wawrinka matched that tomorrow,” Wawrinka said. partner. his best career result at the event with Japan’s third seed Kei Nishikori “It’s quite enjoyable to play Radek, he’s a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 defeat of American Jack went out in an opening match a year ago reached the quarters without the loss of ‘Pied Piper of Woburn’ such an entertainer,” Djokovic said.”It’s Sock. to Nick Kyrgios and got to the third round a set as an injury from Wimbledon fades not easy to play someone you know so It was the fi rst time in fi ve years that in 2014. away. well and respect a lot. the double Grand Slam champion Swiss The 31-year-old, who will depart for Asia’s top player advanced over Rajeev Hull eclipsing world “We are all grateful to him for staying had reached the last eight in Canada; he the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as soon as Ram 6-3, 6-4. number one Ko PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Woburn England

ritish number one Char- ley Hull looked like the Kaymer on fi re with a gritty 69 ‘Pied Piper of Woburn’ as she treated her fans that had made greens and fair- toB another sparkling exhibition AFP Leaderboard Springfield, United States ways unplayable. of golf to move into contention at Groundskeepers, forced to *selected scores at the time of the Ricoh Women’s British Open water greens Thursday so they going to print yesterday. wo-time major champion did not burn out, drained huge The 20-year-old, who is play- England’s Charley Hull. Martin Kaymer of Ger- puddles from several greens and -5 Martin Kaymer (Germany) ing at her home course this week, many fi red a one-under cleared out numerous fairways. 18 66 69, Henrik Stenson delighted family, friends and a “It’s a lot of fun, I enjoy it. It’s par 69 yesterday to reach That left the saturated 7,428- (Sweden) 16 67 Jimmy Walker host of local schoolchildren in great for golf and great for my theT clubhouse with a share of the yard layout susceptible to scor- the crowd by fi ring a two-under golf club Woburn.” (US) 65 lead in the second round of the ing and some quickly took ad- -4 Emiliano Grillo (Argentina) 70 in the second round that in- Hull again played alongside PGA Championship. vantage. 66 Ross Fisher (Britain) 66 cluded a run of fi ve birdies in six world number one Lydia Ko at Kaymer birdied three of the Spieth, a two-time major Patrick Reed (US) 16 70 holes from the seventh. the fourth women’s major of the last four holes at water-soaked winner, began with back-to- -3 Webb Simpson (US) 15 69 Four-times major winner Rory season and her 36-hole tally of Baltusrol, sinking a three-foot back birdies and was two- Jordan Spieth (U.S.) 17 70 McIlroy caused controversy dur- fi ve-under 139 was fi ve strokes birdie putt at the par-5 18th to under through six holes while Andy Sullivan (Britain) 67 ing the men’s British Open at better than the South Korean- complete his round and reach fellow back-nine starter John- James Hahn (US) 67 Harris Royal Troon two weeks ago when born New Zealander. fi ve-under 135 for 36 holes in the ston, the English crowd pleaser English (US) 67 Yuta Ikeda he said “I didn’t get into golf to The only downside for the year’s fi nal major event. with the meaty nickname and (Japan) 18 70 67 get other people in the game”. young Briton, who burst on to the Kaymer was level with 18- hefty tee shot, birdied the par- World number 27 Hull, how- international stage as a 17-year- hole leader Jimmy Walker, an 5 17th and 18th. ever, clearly takes a diff erent old with a brilliant performance American who opened on 65 Martin Kaymer of Germany and his caddie Craig Connelly line up a That put both men on two- opened with a 67, made bogeys view. in Europe’s 2013 Solheim Cup and had yet to start his second putt during the second round of the 2016 PGA Championship. under for the event, still three at 12 and 13 to slide back and Asked by reporters if she sees win over the U.S., came when round, and Sweden’s Henrik strokes adrift of 18-hole leader other big names were having herself as having a key role in in- her group was put on the clock Stenson, who won the British Patrick Reed, who twice had Johnston charged up the leader- Jimmy Walker, the American early troubles. spiring youngsters to start taking for slow play on Friday. Open two weeks ago. reached fi ve-under, took a bo- board in Friday’s rain-hit second on five-under until his after- US Open champion Dustin up the game, she replied: “Yeah, I “That came when it was rain- Stenson, who started on the gey at the seventh to fall back to round of the PGA Championship noon start with his nearest ri- Johnson, who fi red a 77 Thurs- do, because I’m one of the young ing so it kind of made me rush back nine, had short putts for four-under. while British Open winner Hen- vals, England’s Ross Fisher and day, was two-over after six English players coming up...I and I bogeyed 16,” said Hull.”It birdies to reach six under at the rik Stenson stumbled back. Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo, on while Sergio Garcia was one- feel like I am a major role model. was a bit pointless but it’s stuff fi fth and sixth holes but missed HUNGRY SPIETH More than an inch of morning four-under and starting later over through seven, Justin Rose “It’s a good feeling. It is part of that you’ve got to deal with. each to stay in the pack at the top. World number three Jordan Spi- rain halted play for 41 minutes at as well. and Charl Schwartzel were level being a professional golfer, to get “I’m usually quite a fast player... American back-nine starter eth and Britain’s Andrew “Beef” Baltusrol due to standing water Sweden’s Stenson, who through seven. people into the game. so it can put me out a little bit.” Gulf Times Saturday, July 30, 2016 5 SPORT

FORMULA 1 RUGBY Giteau leads No place like home foreign legion recalled to as Rosberg tops Wallabies squad Hockenheim times ‘I don’t think my teammate (Hamilton) was pushing so we didn’t see what he can do’

AFP Hockenheim, Germany

ico Rosberg revelled in his re- turn to home soil by topping the times ahead of his champion- ship-leading Mercedes team- Nmate Lewis Hamilton in Friday free prac- tice for this weekend’s German Grand Prix. The in-form German was fastest in the morning session by three-tenths of a second and dominated the opening day, repeating the feat by four-tenths in the afternoon with a fl awless demonstra- tion of smooth precision on the technical Hockenheim track. Just fi ve days after losing the lead in this year’s championship for the fi rst time, it was a perfect bounce-back by the 31-year-old Mercedes man. Rosberg clocked a best lap of one minute and 15.614 seconds in the second session to outpace Hamilton by 0.394 seconds ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. But Rosberg was not fooled into think- Reuters “All of our eligible European- ing he will have an easy ride to pole posi- Sydney based players expressed a desire tion today. to play for the Wallabies during “I don’t think my teammate was push- the Rugby Championship and ing so we didn’t see what he can do and ustralia coach Michael that experience is invaluable,” I expect a much tougher fi ght tomorrow. Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg gets ready in the garage for the second practice session for the German Grand Prix at the Cheika has recalled a Cheika said. But it’s a good start to the weekend,” said Hockenheim circuit yesterday. (AFP) quartet of experienced “We have a very clear purpose Rosberg. overseas-based players in this team and we are prepared “And it’s great to be back in Hocken- fourth ahead of his Red Bull teammate ledA by Matt Giteau and included to work very hard to respect that heim, at this historic track. The asphalt Australian Daniel Ricciardo and 2007 four uncapped players in a 36- purpose.” is old, so the way the tyres work is com- Red fl ags to replace yellow in qualifying champion Kimi Raikkonen who was sixth man training squad for the Rugby The Wallabies kick off their pletely diff erent to Hungary, where it was for Ferrari. Championship. campaign against New Zealand so new. Red flags will replace waved double “I think most drivers decided to call it a Another German Nico Hulkenberg Centre Giteau, who qualifi es to at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium on “Here it’s much more snappy and more yellows in the event of hazardous inci- day and stop their attempt at qualify- responded to being at home by taking represent his country in spite of Aug. 20. of a challenge, but in general our car dents in qualifying, Formula One’s race ing,” he added, referring to the incident seventh in his Mercedes-powered Force playing for a French club because worked well out there today. director Charlie Whiting said yesterday. at the Hungaroring last Saturday. India ahead of 2009 champion Jenson he has won more than 60 caps, SQUAD “Saying that, we were very quick on Whiting made this newly-revised posi- “But in Nico’s defence, he had only one Button of McLaren Honda who departed was called up despite Australian Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Friday in Hungary, but then on Saturday tion clear following last weekend’s con- yellow sector to go through, and that was early in the afternoon due to eye prob- media reports that Toulon were Coleman, Kane Douglas, Scott and Sunday everyone else was very close. troversy surrounding Nico Rosberg’s a short one — whereas the other drivers lems. trying to block the move. Fardy, James Hanson, Michael So that’s a warning not to get over-excit- pole position lap at the Hungarian had two yellow sectors to go through. Button went to the circuit medical cen- The other overseas-based Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Ben Mc- ed.” Grand Prix. “So there is a diff erence. I just don’t tre complaining of eye irritation and from players included were outside Calman, Sean McMahon, Stephen Hamilton said: “It’s been a very chilled The German drove through a waved want to get into these discussions there he was transferred to hospital in back Adam Ashley-Cooper, Moore, Dean Mumm, David Friday. The weather has been good and double yellow zone and only slowed by where you need to try and decide Mannheim. scrumhalf Will Genia and winger Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom the track feels great. one-tenth of a second. whether a driver has slowed down After a check-up during which a “for- Drew Mitchell. All four were key Robertson, Rob Simmons, Scott “It’s the original surface so it’s nice and The decision means that all drivers on enough. eign body was found and removed”, he members of the Wallabies team Sio, Will Skelton, James Slipper, bumpy and has lots of character.” track at the time of an incident that led “If you apply the double waved yellow was told his eye was fi ne and he returned that reached the World Cup fi nal Toby Smith, Lopeti Timani He said he had struggled for balance in to a red flag would have to stop. flag rule absolutely to the letter it says to the track. last year. Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, the second practice session. “That’s what I intend to do in the future, you must be prepared to stop.” “All good for tomorrow,” Button said on Cheika did not bring the quar- Quade Cooper, Israel Folau, “It was not as good and we have a few just to remove any discussion about Stewards at the Hungarian Grand Prix his Twitter account. tet back to Australia for the June Bernard Foley, Nick Frisby, Will things to look at but I’m sure we can whether a driver slowed down or not,” sent the wrong message by failing to Mexican Sergio Perez was ninth in the series against England, which Genia, Matt Giteau, Dane Haylett- sort them out for tomorrow. “It’s been Whiting told reporters at the German penalise Rosberg, his Mercedes team- second Force India and two-time cham- the Wallabies lost 3-0, but they Petty, Reece Hodge, Rob Horne, a straightforward day with no real sur- Grand Prix. mate Lewis Hamilton had claimed. pion Spaniard Fernado Alonso was 10th will now be in contention to face Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, prises.” for McLaren. world champions New Zealand in Drew Mitchell, Luke Morahan, Mercedes technical boss Paddy Lowe Hamilton leads Rosberg by six points back-to-back tests next month. Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua revealed that the team had to compromise ing track limits. the limits at T1 so we compromised to en- in the championship after completing a Hamilton’s programme because he had “There was a little bit of stress this af- sure that he avoided a third one.” hat-trick of wins at last Sunday’s Hun- two reprimands to his name for exceed- ternoon with race direction concerning Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was garian Grand Prix. Coach Coetzee wants Boks to MLB fi nd new ways to win South Africa coach Allister Coetzee says he wants to change the way the Springboks play so they do not rely solely on brute force to win matches. Coetzee has indicated he will look to include more flair players in Cubs beat Sale and White Sox 3-1 future squads and cited the example of the Lions and Stormers in this year’s Super Rugby competition as successful teams who attack with width. Agencies “We’ve been renowned for playing in certain ways and you can Los Angeles win games in lots of diff erent ways,” Coetzee told Barbarians News. “Lots of other international sides understand that they have to ohn Lackey snapped a fi ve-game match South Africa’s physicality and we’ve got to be a bit smarter losing streak with a sharp six-in- and more accurate now. ning eff ort while reliever Aroldis “I believe in a balanced style of play. There are diff erent kinds of Chapman picked up his fi rst Chi- pressure you can apply to the opposition and that can be with ball Jcago Cubs save in a 3-1 victory over the in hand, at the set-piece, with your contact skills. Chicago White Sox on Thursday. “People enjoy watching us score tries and we understand that we Lackey out-duelled White Sox ace Chris have got to widen our game. South Africa maybe used to be a bit Sale and picked up his fi rst win since June narrow at times and the Lions and the Stormers have shown what 8 to end an eight-game run that included can be done and the opportunities that are there if you attack three no-decisions. Sale was pitching for with width and put more eff ort into playing on the edges.” the fi rst time since he was suspended for an outburst which included destroying team uniforms Saturday. Ben Zobrist went 2-for-4 and singled FOCUS home Dexter Fowler with the go-ahead run in the third inning. Zobrist doubled in the eighth, reached third on an error and scored on Addison Russell’s fi elder’s London to host Nuggets choice grounder to shortstop off reliever Nate Jones. The Cubs won their second straight and Pacers NBA clash while the White Sox dropped their sec- ond in a row. Reuters “We are thrilled to return London for our seventh regular-season MORELAND LIFTS TEXAS TO 3-2 WIN Chicago Cubs starting pitcher John Lackey delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field in game in London,” NBA commis- Mitch Moreland hit a pair of solo homers, Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) sioner Adam Silver said at the lifting Texas over Kansas City in support ondon is to host a regu- announcement at its European of Cole Hamels. one while throwing 123 pitches. Sam Dy- 10-game losing streak at Citi Field dating RESULTS lar-season NBA game for headquarters in London. “With Moreland’s second homer — a solo shot son closed out the Royals for his 21st save. back to Aug. 6, 2013. Colorado has won 10 Colorado 2 NY Mets 1 the seventh time when almost 25 percent players in the off Yordano Ventura — snapped a 2-2 tie of 14 since the All-Star break. Milwaukee 6 Arizona 4 Denver Nuggets play NBA born outside of the United with one out in the eighth inning and was DAHL EDGES OUT METS The Mets lost a game in which Familia Philadelphia 7 Atlanta 5 LIndiana Pacers in January, the States, we are seeing fi rst-hand just the fourth hit allowed by the Kansas David Dahl scored the go-ahead run on a blew a save opportunity for the second St. Louis 5 Miami 4 National Basketball Association the global growth of our game, City right-hander. wild pitch in the ninth inning afternoon time in 18 hours. Familia converted 52 Minnesota 6 Baltimore 2 said on Thursday. The Pacers lost which has never been more pop- That proved to be enough for Hamels, as Colorado came back to beat New York straight regular-season save chances be- Chicago Cubs 3 Chicago White Sox 1 in the fi rst round of last season’s ular in the UK.” who set a season high with 12 strikeouts 2-1 at Citi Field. fore giving up two runs in the ninth in- Texas 3 Kansas City 2 playoff s, while the Nuggets failed The Nuggets-Pacers game, on in his eight-inning outing. Hamels al- The Rockies scored twice off Mets ning of a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardi- LA Angels 2 Boston 1 to make it that far. Neither team Jan. 12 2017, will be broadcast live lowed two runs on six hits and walked just closer Jeurys Familia in the ninth to snap a nals on Wednesday. Washington 4 San Francisco 2 has played in Britain before. in Europe. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, July 30, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

GOLF HOCKEY Reporter enters main Rio Olympic Champs venue without security checks A Brazilian reporter entered the athletics stadium for the Rio Olym- pics without any accreditation and spent two hours there before Germany being noticed by security, he said yesterday. Luiz Ernesto Magalhaes of O Globo newspaper wrote: “I can say that Few stars left it was easy to approach places that are supposed to be very well face tough guarded, like electrical generators.” The first Games in South America begin with the opening ceremony on August 5 and run until August 21 with around 85,000 security fi ght from personnel due to be on duty. Unlike most previous Olympics, the opening ceremony is being held in the famous Maracana football stadium rather than the smaller athletics arena, which is still one of Australia the major venues for the Games. to shine in Last week Brazilian federal police arrested 10 people suspected of plotting a terrorist attack at the Games. The suspects, all of whom were Brazilians, were members of an online group calling itself the Defenders of Sharia. Brazil’s Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes said they were an “ama- teur” and “disorganized” terror cell. He added that the suspects had celebrated attacks claimed by Islamic State in Europe and the Middle East and had declared Brazil a potential target despite the country men’s fi eld not being part of the coalition battling the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria. Nobody will have an advantage of knowing the Baghdatis withdraws from Rio due to newly-built Reserva de Marapendi course and it injury Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis has withdrawn from next remains to be seen whether it will favour power or precision month’s Rio Olympics after failing to recover from an elbow injury, the world number 42 said on Friday. Reuters The 31-year-old Baghdatis, runner-up in the 2006 Australian Open, Mumbai lost to eventual champion Andy Murray in the round of 16 at the 2012 London Olympics. “It is clear that unless I am 100 % fit and healthy to compete, I shall ermany might be the twice not participate at the Olympics because I would be doing injustice to Olympic champions de- my country,” Baghdatis said on Facebook account. fending their title in men’s “It is therefore with great sadness that I now announce my withdraw- Gfi eld hockey but top-ranked al from the Cyprus Olympic Team. I have already informed the Cyprus Australia will be the team to beat at Tennis Federation.” next month’s Rio Games. Since 1992 Australia have won a medal at every Olympic tournament Chiller pours cold water on Russia and the World Cup winners will be cheats meet the favourites to clinch what would be only their second gold medal. Australia’s Olympic delegation head Kitty Chiller has questioned Rus- The Kookaburras, who recently sia’s determination to eliminate drug cheats after it was announced beat India in a penalty shootout in that the country would host an alternative event for banned track and the Champions Trophy fi nal, only field athletes in Moscow. managed a bronze four years ago in On Wednesday, the International Association of Athletics Federa- London despite being overwhelming tion (IAAF) upheld the ban on 67 Russian track and field athletes for favourites. systematic state-sponsored doping, ending any hopes they had of Their London heartbreak triggered competing at next month’s Rio Games. a lot of soul searching from the men in The Moscow tournament, which was announced by Russian state gold and green. news agency TASS, will feature banned athletes including Olympic “Yeah, we had to do a lot of long high jump champion Ivan Ukhov and world 110 metres hurdles cham- hard looking at ourselves, but it paid pion Sergey Shubenkov. off ultimately,” 32-year-old Glenn “On one hand Russia is saying they want to change their system and Turner, a member of the Australia the culture of doping in their country,” Chiller told reporters on Thurs- squad, said. day. “And yet to organise an event for those cheats and for those “Leading up to London we had dopers I think is completely the wrong message.” trained really hard but there was a The Australian gymnastics team are awaiting a decision by the inter- very diff erent feel to the squad com- national federation (FIG) on Russian athletes to see if they will replace pared to this time around. them, while the women’s eight rowing crew has been handed a berth “After London we got a psycholo- in place of a banned Russian team. gist in and we started to get to know Chiller, however, feels Australian athletes should avoid getting dis- each other a lot better.” tracted by the Russian doping situation when they are in Rio. Mark Knowles and Jamie Dwyer, a “I’ll be encouraging all our team members in all our sports to focus on fi ve-time International Hockey Fed- their own performance. The (Russian) decision has been made, there eration player of the year, provide is nothing we can do about it,” Chiller added. Australia with a wealth of experience “The hurdles that those Russian athletes who have been cleared to since Rio will be their fourth Games. compete, the hurdles that they had to jump to be here are very strict Knowles said the team, who face and very high. New Zealand in their fi rst match, “We need to accept that process, it was a strict, it was a fair process, would settle for nothing but gold in and get on with it. Focus on our own lane, on our performance and Brazil. focus on our own best result that we can possibly do.” ( “When we go to the Olympic Games as the Australian men’s hockey team WHO chief going to Olympics, says Henrik Stenson of Sweden we want to win, we don’t want to get is one of the favourites to win bronze, just make the semis or play off Zika risk low the Olympic gold medal. for fi fth,” he said. Also in Australia’s group are Great The risk of Zika virus infections at the Olympic Games is both low Britain, Belgium, Spain and the host and manageable, the chief of the World Health Organisation said on nation. Germany, who triumphed in Friday, a week before the event kicks off in Rio de Janeiro. Beijing and London, are ranked third Nearly half a mn people are expected to visit for the Games, many in the world. The squad chosen by from the United States. Worries about security, the Zika virus and an head coach Valentin Altenburg con- economic crisis could deter travellers, with just under a third of event tains fi ve Olympic gold medallists tickets as yet unsold. from London. Brazil has been hardest hit by the disease outbreak, and many physi- Reuters roy — have controversially de- Stenson, ranked second in From the lesser known The champions have been pooled cians, competitors and potential visitors have expressed fears the San Francisco cided not to play in the com- the Olympics and fi fth in the players in the fi eld, the golf with the Netherlands, Argentina, In- Olympics could serve as a catalyst to spread the virus globally. petition, which takes place world, is on the hottest streak, world is hoping a breakout dia, Ireland and Canada, with the top “We feel that the risk of Zika infection is low for an individual, and it between Aug. 11 and 14. having set scoring records star will emerge from a coun- four teams from each group advanc- is manageable,” Margaret Chan, director general of the world health weden’s Henrik Sten- Olympic qualifying regula- at Royal Troon at the British try where the sport needs to ing to the quarter-fi nals. body, told reporters in the Chinese capital. son and the United tions have allowed the US to Open in July. grow. Anirban Lahiri, of India, Once-mighty India are the most “As long as individuals take appropriate personal protective meas- States’ Bubba Watson send four players, more than All three are featuring in the or China’s Hao Tong Li, who decorated nation in the sport’s Olym- ures, including the use of a mosquito repellent, including wearing will be vying for a any other country. Twice ma- current PGA Championship in won the Volvo China Open in pic history but the South Asians won clothing that prevents mosquito bites,” she added. goldS medal in golf’s return to jor winner Watson, the world New Jersey, the fi nal golf ma- May, could fi t the bill. the last of their eight gold medals way The WHO assessment factored in the latest understanding of the the Olympics after 112 years, number six, may be the one to jor before the Games. Canadian golfers David back at the Moscow Games in 1980. disease and actions taken by Brazil, said Chan, adding that she would an event with less buzz than beat in Rio. Britain’s Olympic team is Hearn and Graham DeLaet Their strong build-up, claiming be going to the games in Rio de Janeiro. many in the sport had hoped Another American Rickie also strong, featuring this have the task of defending silver at the Champions Trophy, has There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika, which is spread for due to some high-profi le Fowler, one of the highest- year’s Masters winner, Danny their country’s gold medal again boosted optimism among fans primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, although it can no-shows. ranked golfers never to have Willett, and world No. 11 Jus- from 1904, the last time the in the nation of 1.25bn people. also spread through sexual transmission. Watson and Stenson, won a major, will also be in the tin Rose. Spain may be a dark sport featured in the Olym- On the women’s side, the Nether- Chan made a plea for Games visitors to use condoms. ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respec- medal hunt. horse. Sergio Garcia, who pics. On that occasion George lands have captured seven world titles “When you go to Brazil, to Rio, practice safe sex, please use con- tively in the Olympics fi eld Nobody will have an advan- has never won a major but Lyon beat American H. Chan- and been to every Olympic Games doms,” she added. of 60 players, will be missing tage of knowing the newly- often does well in interna- dler Egan in a 36-hole fi nal. since 1984, winning three gold, one “Of course, we also have learnt from the latest evidence it’s not just some familiar foes, since the built Reserva de Marapendi tional tournaments, and fel- Lyon was also awarded the silver and three bronze medals. infected men who can pass the disease to their sex partners. There top four men in the world — course and it remains to be low countryman Rafa Cabrera 1908 gold medal in London The world’s top-ranked side will was a case of a lady passing the disease to a man, so it can go both Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, seen whether it will favour Bello are both in the top 10 in but declined it because no be the heavy favourites to add to their directions. Jordan Spieth and Rory McIl- power or precision. the Olympic rankings. other players showed up. gold medal tally in Rio.

BOTTOMLINE Akii-Bua — Uganda’s haunted Olympic hero

AFP “People got inspired. I was now being player after being off ered a job by the for one square meal a day. From there, previous year. the Olympic legend was fi lmed in a Nairobi compared with John Akii-Bua, a man Ugandan police department. his achievement was incredible.” But the euphoria was shortlived Kenyan refugee camp, telling reporters: I never met but only got to know from The athletics bug only bit after the After fi nishing fourth in the 1970 when Amin’s tribal purge against the “I am a runner. I cannot tell you how my teachers in primary school that he persuasion of Malcolm Arnold, a leg- Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Langi and Acholi soldiers for support- bad it is here.” hen Stephen Kiprotich was a very strong man,” said Kiprotich, endary British-born coach who had Scotland, Akii-Bua was not a big fa- ing his predecessor, Milton Obote in- Moved by Akii-Bua’s state of aff airs, won the marathon gold between his training sessions in Kenya moved to Uganda to work as athletics vourite for gold at the Munich Olym- tensifi ed. Puma, which had sponsored his run- medal at the 2012 London recently. coaching director. pics. Akii-Bua was left shaken when ning spikes in Munich off ered him a job Olympics, celebrations re- Unlike Kiprotich, Akii-Bua, one of Arnold played a major role in shaping All eyes were on Britain’s reigning three of his brothers were murdered by in their marketing department in West Wverberated throughout Uganda. 43 children born in abject poverty in the career of Akii-Bua, whom he de- gold medal and world 400m hurdles Amin’s henchmen in September 1972 Germany. The outpouring of joy brought back Uganda’s northern Langi district had scribed as having a limited experience. record holder, David Hemery but Akii- and felt his life was threatened. Akii-Bua returned home in 1983 to memories of 40 years previously when a rudimentary life, with little of no “Of all the athletes I have worked Bua, running on lane one sensationally His state of being was not helped fi nd his home in Kampala had been another Ugandan great John Akii-Bua monetary or sponsorship support that with, I put John number one,” Arnold, stole the show, eclipsing the Briton on when Uganda joined other African bombed and looted of his precious Ol- united a divided country amid the hor- latter-day stars have enjoyed. now UK Athletics National Event coach the home straight to win a new world countries in boycotting the 1976 Olym- ympic gold medal during the civil war ror of dictator Idi Amin’s rule, when he His education ended at 16 after his for Hurdles and Senior Performance record of 47.82secs. pic Games in Montreal, Canada. which broke out after Amin’s over- won gold in the 400m hurdles at the father died, and young Akii-Bua had to said. Akii-Bua returned back home a na- When Amin was overthrown from throw. 1972 Munich Olympic games. leave home from the capital Kampala to “He came from very poor circum- tional hero, and was given a house and power in 1979, Akii-Bua fl ed with his He was off ered a position of national It was the fi rst time a Ugandan had look for work and help his large fam- stances, living in a hovel while working off ered a senior promotion as a police family into neighbouring Kenya and athletics coach but he was already a won an Olympic gold, a feat that was to ily back home in Lira. A jack-of-all- as a policeman. We worry today about offi cer by the then Ugandan strongman into life of a refugee and destitution. broken man and died a pauper in June inspire generations of athletes. trades, Akii-Bua started as a football the technology of drugs; he struggled Idi Amin, who had seized power the In a moving documentary of his life, 1997 at 47. Gulf Times Saturday, July 30, 2016 7 ROAD TO RIO

ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT Drug-tainted sprinters lead Bolt eyes sprint USA challenge

AFP ry day, like everybody else. It’s Los Angeles hurtful, it’s hurtful to be looked at as a villain because that’s not how I portray myself, that’s not ‘triple triple’ in Rio ustin Gatlin will spear- how my son portrays me or my head a trio of drug-tainted family.” US sprinters aiming to Gatlin insists that his backsto- Track and field has been dragged through the ringer since Sebastian spoil Usain Bolt’s Olympic ry is far more nuanced than the swansongJ as athletics stumbles blunt, oft-applied label — “two- Coe took over as president of the International Association of Athletics through the moral maze created time doping cheat” — implies. by the Russia doping scandal. His fi rst doping suspension Federations (IAAF) in Beijing last August on a ‘zero-tolerance’ anti-doping mandate The 34-year-old Gatlin is the in 2001 arose from the use of most obvious symbol of the logi- Adderall, which contains am- cal confusion gripping this year’s phetamine. Olympics, where some athletes Gatlin had been using the drug convicted of doping off ences will since childhood to treat attention be free to compete while others defi cit disorder. The US arbitra- are banned. tion panel that heard his case Gatlin, twice suspended for ruled Gatlin was “certainly not a failing drugs tests, heads to Rio doper.” as the biggest threat to Jamaican A second positive test in 2006 rival Bolt’s hopes of retaining his found excessive levels of tes- 100 meters crown. tosterone in his system. Gatlin LaShawn Merritt — who blamed the results on sabotage served a 21-month ban for test- by a therapist with whom he was ing positive for a banned steroid locked in a fi nancial dispute. in 2010 — could threaten Bolt Gatlin was banned for eight over 200m. Merritt, 30, is the years for that off ence, later re- fastest man in the world over the duced to four years on appeal. distance this year. Merritt, who is also hoping to Tyson Gay, meanwhile, re- reclaim the 400m crown he last turns as a member of the US won in Beijing, heads to Rio af- 4x100m relay squad after com- ter seeing his career disrupted pleting a one-year suspension in 2010 for three positive drugs for testing positive for a banned tests which he blamed on an steroid. over-the-counter penis enlarge- Yet the presence of Gatlin, ment product. Merritt and Gay in Rio has been Merritt, 30, confessed to a seized upon by critics in Moscow “foolish, immature and egotisti- who have cried double standards cal mistake” for his drugs case, over the International Olympic speaking of a deep-seated “em- Committee’s policy of banning barrassment and humiliation”. all Russian athletes who have Gay, one of the few men to previously served doping bans. have beaten Bolt over 100m, The controversy makes it in- tested positive in 2013 and was evitable that Gatlin is likely to be suspended for only one year by cast as track and fi eld’s panto- the US Anti-Doping Agency mime villain once more when the (USADA) after cooperating with action gets under way in Brazil. authorities. The 2004 100m champion’s Bolt suggested Gay should duel with Bolt at the World have been banned for life instead. Championships in Beijing last “The message should be: ‘If you year was framed as a battle for cheat, you’re going to be kicked the soul of athletics, with the Ja- out of the sport’,” he said. maican prevailing to general re- Gay insists he does not deserve lief across the sport. to be described as a drugs cheat, A year later, Gatlin is still blaming instead manipulation wearily rejecting a narrative he by his former coach Jon Drum- sees as unfair. “I understand the mond, who was banned for eight media. They want to be more years. creative and be able to make sto- “The true fans are understand- rylines more sensationalised,” ing of what I’ve been through,” Gatlin told reporters in June. Gay said in a 2015 interview. “For “I’m just a runner like every- them to look up to me still, that body else. I get up and train eve- means a lot.” Bolt’s success in Rio will bring some respite to the dope-tainted discipline of athletics.

(CAS) rejected a wider appeal by 67 track right action, then I’m all for it.” Ironically, Bolt’s closest rival looks AFP Mayor tears into organisers over snags Rio de Janeiro and fi eld athletes including treble Ol- IAAF president Coe added: “I feel the like being Justin Gatlin, the 34-year-old ympic gold-chasing pole vault tsarina pain that we all feel at the moment be- American who has served two doping Yelena Isinbayeva, world 110m hurdles cause we love our sport. It’s been painful bans and credits his longevity on the track Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Eduardo He said his off ice was informed of sain Bolt will launch an auda- champion Sergey Shubenkov and world to see where our sport is at the moment in to time spent off it due to his enforced ab- Paes lashed out yesterday at the problems only on Thursday cious bid for three Olympic high jump champion Mariya Kuchina. public perception.” sences. the city’s Olympics organising last week, despite a series of sprint gold medals for an un- Whistleblower Yuliya Stepanova, the And so the stage is set for Bolt in his Bolt warned Gatlin, who won sprint committee, accusing it of “serious weekly meetings between his precendented third time as the Russian 800m runner who lifted the lid quest for an unprecedented third Olym- silvers behind the Jamaican at last year’s problems” in managing the crisis- staff and the organising commit- perfectU antidote to a year of turmoil in his on systematic doping fraud in her coun- pic treble. Beijing world championships, that “I am plagued athletes’ village. tee.Paes’s week got off to a rough drug-tainted sport. try, had been hoping to compete after be- “This is where history is going to be in much better shape, so I won’t leave it In a rare show of disunity a week start Sunday when the Olympic Track and fi eld has been dragged ing accepted by the IAAF as a neutral. made, I’m excited to put on a show for the to the last second.” before the Games, Paes blamed village opened to a boycott from through the ringer since Sebastian Coe But Games organisers, the Internation- entire world to see. This is my fi nal Olym- While the Jamaican and US squads, the Rio2016 committee for a slew Australia, which refused to move took over as president of the Internation- al Olympic Committee (IOC), said the Ol- pics, it’s a big one,” he said. and in-form Dutchwoman Dafne Schip- of problems at the village, which in because of exposed wiring, al Association of Athletics Federations ympic Charter does not allow such a ges- Brushing aside any concerns about pers, battle it out in the sprints, Britain’s has been his public relations leaking pipes, blocked toilets, (IAAF) in Beijing last August on a “zero- ture even if they have invited Stepanova, the hamstring injury which forced him Mo Farah will bid to defend his 5,000 and nightmare all week. unlighted stairwells and other tolerance” anti-doping mandate. who dubbed the decision “unfair”, and to withdraw from his country’s Olympic 10,000m from the usual Ethiopian and “The athletes’ village was ready. problems. Widespread corruption at the heart her husband to Rio as guests. trials earlier this month, the Jamaican Kenyan competitors. Then the organising committee The mayor’s ensuing quip that he of the IAAF, involving Coe’s disgraced One supporter of the IAAF’s blanket sprint king ran a solid time of 19.89sec in Racing in London alongside Bolt, Farah took charge for three months, would have a kangaroo placed predecessor Lamine Diack, was linked ban on Russia is Bolt, the six-time Ol- his fi rst competitive 200m of this season clocked 12:59.29 over 5,000m, the fastest and there were extremely serious outside to make the Australians to shocking levels of institutionalised ympic gold medallist who is also world in London last week. mark of the year, the fourth time in his management problems. During feel at home did not go down doping in Russia, one of track and fi eld’s record holder in the 100, 200 and 4x100m “I’m getting there. I am not fully in career that he has dipped under 13 min- those three months, people in- well, exploding into a contro- powerhouses. relay. shape,” said the 29-year-old. “I need utes and his fastest time in the discipline truded into the apartments and a versy dubbed #kangaroogate on In November, the IAAF issued a blan- “This will scare a lot of people, or send more work, but over time I will get there. I since before the London Olympics. lot of things were stolen,” he said Twitter. Paes and the Australian ket ban of Russia’s track and fi eld team a strong message that the sport is serious thought the cornering wasn’t perfect. But “This is my best form (heading into a in an interview with newspaper O delegation chief, Kitty Chiller, bur- over that state-sponsored doping, ruling about cleaning up,” Bolt said. I am feeling good.” major event). I am in good shape. I have to Estado de Sao Paulo. ied the hatchet Wednesday, when that only US-based long jumper Darya “It’s sad, but rules are rules. I don’t “At least I came here, ran the race and keep my feet on the ground. Anything can “The doors were left half-open. he apologized for the construc- Klishina was eligible to compete at the make the rules, I don’t make the deci- had no injuries. I am ready to defend my happen over the next two-and-a-half The organizing committee was tion hiccups and presented her a Rio Games, which start on August 5. sions. I just have to go along with it. If you Olympic titles. The main thing is I am in- weeks. I have to stay patient and cool,” careless, objectively speaking.” symbolic key to the city. The Court of Arbitration for Sport feel like banning the whole team is the jury free.” Farah said.

BOTTOMLINE Fitness concerns cloud Jamaica’s hopes

AFP with Bolt seeking his third consecu- and with a number of athletes getting 2012 and he could once again feature in Kingston tive Olympic Games triple-gold in the “medical exemptions” from the recent the medals in both short sprints. 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. Olympic trials in Kingston, Wilson Ironically its McLeod’s blazing speed The conservative estimate could be reasoned that if the athletes are able that is his problem in the hurdles and if ncomparable Usain Bolt leads the between nine and 10 medals — barring to prove their fi tness by the August 8 he can fi x that issue by the start of the charge, but lingering fi tness con- another shock gold as was the case with deadline “this could be one of the best competition, should be favourite to win cerns over several stars could see Danielle Williams at the World Cham- performances.” the gold. Jamaican athletes struggle to re- pionships in Beijing last year. With Bolt ‘proving’ his fi tness with Parchment has long battled injuries Ipeat their 12 medal haul of London at Maurice Wilson, Technical Leader a 19.89-seconds 200m in London this and hasn’t run since the Prefontaine the Rio Olympic Stadium. for the team, however, thinks the qual- month — after he withdrew from the Classic in May, but his quality cannot Women’s 100m champion Shel- ity of this team is similar and might be trials with a hamstring issue — the be overlooked. ly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, London 110m even of a higher standard than the one prospects for Jamaican suddenly looked Fedrick Dacres, a World Youth and hurdles bronze medallist Hansle in London. In reports published in Ja- much better. Junior champion and fi nalist in Beijing Parchment and world rated women’s maica recently, Wilson who also held Until he is toppled, Bolt is still the last year, is a dark horse for a medal in intermediate hurdler Janieve Russell the same position in 2012 and during sprint king and he has enough quality the discus. On the women’s side, in have all dealt with recent illnes or in- last two World Championships, said support in the relays to retain all three addition to Thompson, Fraser-Pryce jury. the team “could be one of the best ever”. titles. should not be counted out for a medal in Additionally, two falls in his last two “When you look at the breakdown, After her spectacular 10.70 seconds the 100m and both female relay teams outings have caused concerns over the in terms of the quality of the athletes at the Jamaican championships, Elaine should take home medals. form of 100m hurdles gold medal fa- we have this year, it is, in my opinion, Thompson has emerged as the new Shericka Jackson won 400m bronze vourite Omar McLeod. similar or even at a higher standard. Ir- queen of speed, especially given Fraser- in Beijing last year and while she has The sprints which have been the respective of who we have, we have to Pryce’s struggles with a toe injury this been inconsistent away from Kingston mainstay of Jamaica’s Olympic cam- perform during the course of the cham- season.Yohan Blake has shown a return this season remains a podium threat paigns since 1948 will still be expected pionships.” to form after a series of injuries kept in what could be one of the toughest to deliver the bulk of the medal again 110m hurdles ace Omar McLeod Addressing the injury concerns him out of top class competition since events in the entire program.

Saturday, July 30, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING / QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL Benoist rides Al Shaqab’s Al Jazi to victory on Day 4 Trio of Al Shaqab Racing, Benoist and trainer Rohaut win L’Ormarins Queens Plate for second straight year

Agencies Goodwood, United Kingdom

rainer Francois Rohaut, jockey Gregory Benoist and owners Al Shaqab Racing teamed up to win the L’Ormarins Queens Plate for a second suc- cessive year as Al Jazi emerged as an impressive Twinner of the Group 3 contest at the Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday afternoon. Amy Eria had won the race last year for the same con- nections a year ago. Al Jazi ran strong when asked for her eff ort and she quickly put daylight between her nearest pursuers, eventually running out as one and three-quarter length winner. “This was quite a long term target,” said trainer Ro- haut. “When we win a race, we try to win it again! We knew she was good enough to run well. This was the fi rst time she’s encountered a very good pace and that is what she needs to win a good race. “A strong pace and good going suits her. She has only run on good to soft at best in France. “She had everything today. Good pace, good draw and good going. She always showed she was good enough to win a race like this. “She’s is a diff erent type of fi lly to Amy Eria. You must look after this fi lly. Amy Eria was a big, strong fi lly. This one is good though.” Charlie Appleby was delighted with the run of Mise En Rose, who fi nished second under jockey James Mc- Donald. Appleby said: “I’m delighted with Mise En Rose. If you had told me this morning she was going to fi n- ish second then I would have taken that quite happily… Seven furlongs is defi nitely her trip. With quick ground HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani is pleased with Al Jazi’s winning performance in the L’Ormarins Queens Plate HE Sheikh Joaan receives the trophy after Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Jazi won the and seven furlongs, we might just nick one somewhere.” (Gr3) on Day Four of the Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. L’Ormarins Queens Plate (Gr3) at the Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday.

TAKE COVER RECAPTURES KING GEORGE STAKES Take Cover bounced back from an 11th place fi nish at Ascot with a win in the day’s only Group 2 race — Qatar King George Stakes. The 9yo gelding had already won the title in 2014. Owned by Norcroft Park Stud, he was fast out of the stalls, and that early speed proved crucial in his suc- cess. Behind him, Washington DC fi nished second and Goldream was third, only a small nose in front of the Al Shaqab Racing-owned fi lly, Easton Angel.

KINGS FETE TAKES GLORIOUS STAKES Kings Fete registered his fi rst Group success with a win in the Betfred Glorious Stakes (Gr3). Representing Kha- lid Abdullah’s colours, the fi ve-year-old gelding, rid- den by Ryan Moore, travelled on the inside behind early leader Ayrad, who had set a good pace to the race. Ayrad, owned by Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, seemed to have won the race from pillar to post before Kings Fete attacked him. They both battled until the end and it was fi nally the Sir Michael Stoute-trained horse who took the advantage. Ayrad fi nished second ahead of Majeed. Stepped up to Group level for the fi rst time since con- testing the St Leger in 2014, the winner had missed the whole of last season due to injury and was unlucky in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot. “He’s had his diffi culties so it’s a big eff ort to get him back at all, really. Everything went smoothly through the race, it was a good performance. A lightly-raced colt, he’s improved, for sure,” Moore said. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi presents jockey David Allan Jockey Gregory Benoist (left) rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Jazi to victory in the L’Ormarins with his trophy after he rode Take Cover to a Qatar King George Stakes (Gr2) win. PICTURES: Juhaim Queens Plate (Gr3) yesterday. THIKRIYAAT RACES TO HIS FOURTH WIN Sheikh Hamdan al-Maktoum-owned Thikriyaat fl ew away in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (Gr3). Trav- elling among the lot, the horse had a hard time fi nding a passage down the home straight. He fi nally found his way through and picked up well to win in front of stable companion Forge. The latter came up fast on the outside attacking Thikriyaat, with Paul Hanagan at the helm, in the fi nal furlongs and taking the second place in front of Light Up Our World. Stoute-trained Thikriyaat now counts four wins and one place in fi ve runs, including a second behind Ribchester in the Jersey Stakes (Gr3) at Ascot. “He’s very tough and honest and consistent; a very admirable horse. I think he’ll get a bit further than that (a mile),” Stoute said after his one-two in the Group 3. Of the runner-up, he added: “He’s a nice horse in the making.” Lord March and Al Shaqab Racing’s representative Harry Herbert with the Goodwood and Cowdray teams after the Qatar Goodwood Festival Challenge Cup polo match at Cowdray Park.

FOCUS All eyes on champ Ko as world 9-ball kicks off today o Pin Yi makes a return to Qatar after has captured the imagination of fans from And then there are the incredible victories then become race to 11, alternate break. The a dramatic 2015, which saw him win around the globe. It’s that kind of pressure that have been etched into the minds of pool fi nal, which takes place on August 4, will be a world titles in 9-ball and 10-ball, for cooker atmosphere that has always weeded fans for all time; the Philippines Efren Reyes race to 13. The winner of the 2016 edition will the 25th edition of the WPA World out the pretenders, and produced a veritable winning in 1999 and setting off a pool revolu- receive $40,000, while the runner up $20,000. K9-ball Championship, which kicks off at the Al pantheon of pool greats. tion in his home country; Taiwan’s Wu Chia The total prize fund is $200,000. Arabi Sports Club today. A look down the list of past World 9-ball Ching, only 16 years old, fi nding the courage One new twist this year that will surely have Last year, the Taiwanese player cemented champions reads exactly like a who’s who of to take 5 straight racks to win a seemingly im- an impact on the outcome of the tournament is his status as pool’s true hardcore man, defeat- the sport. Multiple winners include the leg- possible title in 2005); England’s Daryl Peach a new rule instituted by the WPA that will see ing America’s Shane Van Boening in the fi nal, endary Earl Strickland (1990, ’91, ’02), Johnny somehow fending off an entire country in 2007, the 9-ball placed on the spot rather than the 13-11. Archer (’92, ’97), Taiwan’s Fong Pang Chao capturing glory in the Philippines against Fili- traditional 1-ball. Since 1991, when Earl Strickland won his (’93, 2000) and Thorsten Hohmann (2003, pino Roberto Gomez; England’s Darren Apple- For years, players have often complained second straight world titles, the question about ’13). ton blowing a seemingly insurmountable lead that with the 1-ball on the spot, the game was who will do so next has always remained. The Germany’s Ralf Souquet (’96) and Oliver to China’s Li Heiwen, only to fi nd the will to becoming too easy. Players the world over had 26-year-old will be subject to similar scrutiny Ortmann (’95), Finland’s Mika Immonen (’01), win a pressure packed one rack decider to win fi gured out how to pocket at least one wing when 128 players from 40 countries will clash the Netherlands Niels Feijen (’14), the Philip- his fi rst World 9-ball crown (2012.) ball on the break, thus ensuring easier run- to see who will be crowned the king of 9-ball pines Alex Pagulayan (’04), Ronnie Alcano As usual the tournament will be run in two outs for even the less talented players. But pool. (’06), and Francisco Bustamante (’10) all ce- brutally diffi cult parts. The Group stages will with the 9-ball on the spot, the game becomes This will be the seventh straight year that mented their status as giants of the game by run from July 30 through August 1. The players more diffi cult as the physics of the rack make the Gulf country, through the Qatar Billiards winning the World 9-ball Championship. will be broken up into 16 groups of 8 playing it harder to make a ball on the opening break and Snooker Federation (QBSF), has backed The World 9-ball Championship is the event a race-to-9, alternate break, double elimina- shot. pool’s biggest and most important event. where Japan has often displayed it’s incredible tion format. Four players from each group will This new rule, which is being provisionally In 24 previous editions, dating back to 1990, pool talent with winners Takeshi Okumura make up the fi nal 64, which marks the start of tried out by the WPA for 12 months, is expect- the World 9-ball Championship has always (1994), Kunihiko Takahashi(1998) and Yukio the always tense and dramatic single elimina- ed to favour the better players, and those who provided the kind of nerve rattling drama that Akagariyama(2011.) tion phase of the tournament. Matches will can grind out long, tiring matches. (WPA)