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Tuesday, August 6, 2019 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 5, 1440 AH Man Utd make GULF TIMES Maguire world’s most expensive defender SPORT Page 3

FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 7PM QATAR TIME Al Duhail, Al Sadd take their rivalry to continental level QSL champions Al Sadd will go up against Amir Cup winners Al Duhail in the AFC Champions League last 16 duel Players to watch out for Almoez Ali Al Duhail

Iraqi youngster Mohanad Ali was recruited from Al Shorta to replace the departing Youssef El Arabi, but the 19-year-old is likely to need some time to adapt to his new surroundings, putting more pressure on Qatar internation- al Almoez Ali to step up and deliver in the short term. Top scorer and MVP at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Ali has struggled for form in the past few months as injuries disrupted his season but having recovered and scored for the national team in June’s Copa America, he will be Al Sadd head coach Xavi greets Hassan al-Haydos during training yesterday. Al Duhail players take part in a training session yesterday. looking to seize the opportunity and recapture his best scoring By Sports Reporter Persepolis, who defeated Duhail aldo Ferreira at the helm. Coin- and I am used to it, playing un- will happen but we will com- Belgium, while promising Iraqi form as Al Duhail look to go far Doha in the quarter-fi nals and Sadd in cidentally, his fi rst competitive der pressure. I played for many pete.” striker Mohanad Ali is the man in the 2019 AFC Champions the semi-fi nals. match as a coach is against the years at Barcelona under this Unlike last year when they tasked with fi lling El Arabi’s League. For Sadd, this will be their same side he played his last as a kind of pressure; it’s a normal won nine in a row, Al Duhail’s boots. fter contesting a two- sixth knock-out stage appear- player back in May. thing for me. This is the life that 2019 AFC Champions League Today, Duhail’s attacking threat Baghdad Bounedjah horse race in the QNB ance, more than any other Qa- Domestically, Xavi picked up a I am used to; having to compete. campaign saw mixed perform- could include Mohanad Ali, Msa- Al Sadd Stars League and going tari side. They were the last number of trophies before skip- If I had not lived this kind of ances. They only won two of kni, the AFC Asian Cup 2019 top- head-to-head in the West Asian side to lift the AFC pering the side to their fi rst Qa- life, I would have been missing their six group stage matches, scorer Almoez Ali and Belgian Top scorer of the 2018 AFC AAmir Cup fi nal, giants Al Duhail Champions League trophy back tar Stars League title in six years something important. I am very but it was enough to send them Edmilson Junior. They may have Champions League with 13 and Al Sadd take their rivalry in 2011. Since then, they have last season. Three more goals in happy, here at Al Sadd; we are through from a ‘Group of Death’ lost key personnel, but should Al goals, Baghdad Bounedjah to the continental stage as they reached the last 16, quarter-fi - the 2019 AFC Champions League the best in Qatar and we are here which included former Conti- Duhail click up front then they will capped off a great season in face-off in the AFC Champions nals and semi-fi nals once each. group stage were proof Xavi was to win. We may play under pres- nental champions Al Hilal, Al remain a frightening prospect for which he was also the Qatar League last 16 fi rst leg match South Korean playmaker still going strong but, at 39, the sure but we are the best team,” Ain and Esteghlal. opposition defences. Stars League’s top scorer with today. The much-anticipated Nam Tae-hee swapped Duhail Spaniard decided it was time to he said. Coach Rui Faria made two ma- “Our ambitions are very high a record 39 goals in 22 games contest will be played at the for Sadd over the summer and hang up his boots. On facing Duhail, he had said: jor changes to the squad over the and this is our fi rst game of the by scoring the winning goal recently-inaugurated Al Janoub will make his debut against his There will be plenty of intrigue “Al Duhail are one of the best summer; Youssef El Arabi and season and our preparations at the 2019 African Cup of stadium at 7pm. former team today. And there as to whether one of the greatest teams, not just in Doha, but in Shoya Nakajima, who between have started since July 1,” Faria Nations to gift Algeria their Al Sadd sealed the league title will be a battle of the brothers as players of his generation will de- the Middle East. We know them them scored fi ve of the team’s 11 said yesterday. “We will face one second-ever Continental title. with a seven-point margin over Sadd’s Akram Afi f takes on his velop into one of the fi nest man- well and my last game against goals in the group stage, moved of the strongest teams in Qatar The Algerian forward might runners-up Al Duhail, while the older sibling Ali Afi f of Duhail. agers. them was in the Amir Cup final. to Europe. and Asia and now Sadd has a new not have had much rest over latter stormed to a 4-1 victory But the focus will be on a cer- While describing the oppor- In football, there are always The prolifi c El Arabi joined Ol- coach in Xavi, who will bring in the summer, but he returns over their rivals to lift the Amir tain Xavi. After being the club’s tunity to coach Sadd as “huge”, opportunities to make amends ympiacos and Nakajima moved his new ideas and philosophy. for the Round of 16 double-tie Cup trophy. top scorer in the group stage, Xavi had earlier this month ad- and we now have a big chal- to Porto, and both will be missed. Sadd will take time to adapt to against rivals Al Duhail aiming Both sides had reached the Spanish legend Xavi announced mitted that he is aware of the lenge ahead of us, in the AFC However, it’s not all doom and Xavi’s method but nonetheless to extend a record of 19 goals 2018 AFC Champions League his retirement at the end of last expectations from the fans and Champions League and in the gloom, though, as Tunisian in- they will be a strong opponent in his last 18 AFC Champions knock-out stages, before being season and will now lead from was confi dent he could deliver. Super Cup. We will be ready to ternational Youssef Msakni has over the two legs,” the Portugese League games. eliminated by eventual fi nalists the dugout as he replaces Jesu- “Everyone expects a lot from me compete. We don’t know what returned from a loan spell in manager said.

CRICKET South African quick Steyn retires from Tests

AFP “In my opinion Test cricket is the Africa clinched a series win in Australia scapula in his shoulder broke off , side- Johannesburg best version of this game. It tests you for the fi rst time. lining him for more than a year. mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s Then, in his fi rst Test back, against terrible to consider never playing an- REMARKABLE STRIKE RATE India in Cape Town in January 2018, outh African Dale Steyn, one other Test again but what’s more ter- Lithe, with a whippy action that ena- he suff ered a freak heel injury when he of the great fast bowlers of rifying is the thought of never playing bled him to bowl at close to 150kmh, he stepped in a foot hole, putting him out the modern era, yesterday an- again at all. possessed a lethal outswinger capable of the rest of the series. nounced his retirement from “So I will be focusing on ODIs and of dismissing the world’s best batsmen. He equalled Shaun Pollock’s record TestS cricket in a bid to extend his lon- T20s for the rest of my career to max- He also mastered reverse swing, which of 421 Test wickets in the fi rst Test of gevity in the shorter forms of the game. imise my full potential and ensure my enabled him to be eff ective when the a tour to Sri Lanka last year but went Steyn, who made his international longevity in this sport... I look forward ball lost its shine. wicketless in the second and fi nal Test. debut against England in 2004 and last to continuing to play for the Proteas in He took fi ve or more wickets on 26 He fi nally claimed the South African played a Test in February against Sri the shorter formats.” occasions, achieving the feat against record when he dismissed Fakhar Za- Lanka, is still contracted in the white- Steyn was one of South Africa’s every other Test nation and in every man against Pakistan in Centurion in ball form of the game for the 2019/20 greatest match-winners. South Af- continent, including fi ve in Asia. His December. season and therefore remains available rica won 48 of the Tests in which he strike rate of a wicket every 42.3 balls He went on to play in all South Afri- for South Africa in one-day interna- played and he was a member of South was the best of any fast bowler with ca’s fi ve home Tests during the 2018/19 tionals and T20s. African teams that won consecu- more than 200 wickets. season and was selected to play in the Steyn took 439 wickets in 93 Tests tive series in England and Australia Steyn took his 400th Test wicket 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and at an average of 22.95. He held the top in both 2008 and 2012, becoming the in 2015 but injuries blighted the latter Wales. spot in the International Cricket Coun- number one ranked team in the world part of his career. He suff ered a hairline But he suff ered a recurrence of his cil’s Test bowler rankings for a record in 2012. fracture of the right shoulder in a Test shoulder problem during a stint in the 263 weeks between 2008 and 2014. One of his greatest performances against England in December 2015, Indian Premier League in April. He was “Today I walk away from a format was in the second Test against Austral- which kept him out of international deemed fi t enough to travel to Eng- of the game I love so much,” said the ia in Melbourne in 2008. He made his cricket for eight months. land as part of South Africa’s World 36-year-old Steyn, his country’s leading Test best score of 76 to help South Af- In his third Test back, against Aus- Cup squad but returned home with- Test wicket-taker of all time and one of rica recover from a shaky position and tralia in Perth in November 2016, a out playing a game after what was de- the top 10 in the history of the game. had match fi gures of 10 for 154 as South small piece of bone connected to the scribed as a new shoulder injury. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, August 6, 2019 FOOTBALL

FOCUS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Suarez sinks Arsenal Tricky playoff for Ajax aft er in Griezmann’s Camp last season’s ‘It was an entertaining game, the atmosphere was great and it was a heartache AFP Torino and Wolverhampton Nou debut privilege to reunite with our fans’ Nyon, Switzerland Wanderers will meet up in the pick of the playoff ties if they get past Belarusian side Shakhtyor ast season’s Champions and Armenians Pyunik. League semi-fi nalists Flamboyant Wolves are in Eu- Ajax will take on either rope for the fi rst time in 39 years Qarabag or Apoel Nicosia after fi nishing seventh in the Lin this year’s playoff for the group Premier League in their fi rst year stage if they fi nd a way past following promotion. PAOK Thessaloniki in the third Torino meanwhile, who also qualifying round of the showcase fi nished seventh but in Serie A, European club competition. qualifi ed for the competition The Dutch side do not get au- after AC Milan accepted in June tomatic entry to the groups de- a voluntary ban from European spite winning the Eredivisie for football for the coming season the 34th time and coming within over breaches of fi nancial fair seconds of reaching the fi nal of play rules. last season’s campaign. Roma took fi fth-placed Mi- It is not the easiest of ties for lan’s place in the group stages, Ajax who have already lost sev- opening up a preliminary round eral players from their exciting spot for Walter Mazzarri’s side, young squad, with central de- who impressed in the second half fender Matthijs de Ligt at Ju- of last season. ventus and midfi elder Frenkie The Europa League draw also de Jong joining Lionel Messi at includes sides from the Cham- Barcelona. pions League draw, who will drop First, however, they have to into the lower ranked competi- see off PAOK, who went unbeat- tion should they lose their third en on their way to winning the qualifying round matches. Greek Super League, fi nishing fi ve points ahead of Olympiakos CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYOFF as they claimed their fi rst league DRAW title in more than three decades. (first legs August 20-21, second The fi rst leg of the third round legs August 27-28) in Greece takes place on Tuesday, Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) or Fer- with the return leg seven days encvaros (HUN) v Maribor (SVN) later in Amsterdam. The playoff or Rosenborg (NOR) ties will be held on August 20-21 CFR Cluj (ROM) or Celtic and August 27-28. (SCO) v Slavia Prague (CZE) Two-time European champi- Young Boys (SUI) v Red Star ons Porto will face either Istan- Belgrade (SRB) or FC Copenha- bul Basaksehir or Olympiakos if gen (DEN) they beat Krasnodar, while Slavia Apoel Nicosia (CYP) or Qara- Prague await the winners of CFR bag (AZE) v PAOK Thessaloniki Cluj and 1967 European champi- (GRE) or Ajax (NED) ons Celtic. Basel 1893 (SUI) or LASK Red Star Belgrade, who won (AUT) v Club Brugge (BEL) or Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (right) shoots the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno during the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday. (Reuters) the competition in 1991, will face Dynamo Kiev (UKR) Swiss outfi t Young Boys if they Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) or Agencies “I think we did well, but per- the 32-year-old had suff ered beat FC Copenhagen. Olympiakos v Krasnodar (RUS) or Barcelona haps in the fi rst half we lacked a a grade one calf strain, forcing In the Europa League draw, Porto (POR) bit of rhythm.” him out of the tour. Barcelona are aiming for “Messi will remain in Barce- uis Suarez’s late volley European glory this campaign lona... his availability to come SPOTLIGHT saw Barcelona to a 2-1 after suffering Champions back to action will be dictated by win in the Joan Gamper League humiliations against his recovery,” Barcelona said in a Trophy friendly in front Roma and Liverpool the last statement on their website. Lof a bumper crowd at the Camp two seasons. Barcelona were set to travel Nou, as Antoine Griezmann Before the match captain Li- to the US later yesterday, with S Africa humiliated made his home debut following onel Messi addressed those de- two friendly matches scheduled his big money move from Atleti- feats — which saw Barca throw against Italian Serie A side Na- co Madrid. away comfortable fi rst-leg leads poli on August 7 (Miami) and by Lesotho in Suarez fl ashed home Sergi before being dumped out — in a August 10 (Michigan). Roberto’s lofted pass in the 89th speech to the crowd. Messi was banned from inter- minute in front of nearly 99,000 However Messi didn’t take the national duty for three months CHAN qualifi er people, who packed the stands to fi eld and it was left to his long- and fi ned $50,000 after level- see new signings Griezmann and time strike partner rather than ling accusations of “corrup- AFP African neighbours Tanzania in Frenckie De Jong, with his strike the new boys to see off the Gun- tion” at South American soccer Johannesburg, South Africa successive weekends. and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ ners after a powerful second half chiefs during last month’s Copa comical own goal cancelling out display. America. SLASHED TICKET PRICES Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s He was sent off against Chile outh Africa suff ered a hu- Erasto Nyoni, Paulo Nyangan- fi ne fi rst half opener. MESSI OUT OF US TOUR WITH in the third-place playoff and miliating 3-0 home de- ya, Gadiel Michael and Salim “It was an entertaining game, CALF STRAIN Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi. (AFP) later alleged that the tourna- feat by Lesotho in Soweto Hamis converted spot-kicks for the atmosphere was great and it Messi will not travel to the Unit- ment had been fi xed in favour on Sunday to bow out of the visitors while only Clifton was a privilege to reunite with ed States for the club’s pre-sea- from a close season break, the La rienced discomfort in his right of hosts Brazil, who defeated qualifyingS for the 2020 African Miheso was on target for the our fans,” said Barcelona coach son tour after sustaining a calf Liga champions said yesterday. leg during yesterday’s training Argentina in the semi-fi nal on Nations Championship (CHAN) home side. Ernesto Valverde. problem on his return to training The Argentine forward expe- session and tests confi rmed that their way to the title. in Cameroon. The match attracted a 30,000 The hosts were forced to fi eld crowd to the Kasarani Stadium a young, makeshift side because after Kenyan offi cials slashed BOTTOMLINE the fi xture clashed with the ticket prices up to 80 percent to opening round of the South Af- 100 shillings ($0.96). rican Premiership and clubs re- Kenya are among the most fused to release stars. high profi le countries of the 24 However, after losing only 3-2 who have never qualifi ed for a ‘Hungry’ Chhetri wants India in Asia’s top 10 away in the fi rst leg of a second Nations Championship tourna- round tie last weekend, South ment. Reuters come close to achieving. sult. And once the results were Africa were expected to secure Togo ended an 11-year wait Mumbai, India No less than Virat Kohli, who out, we were happy, optimistic, an overall victory and book a date for a fi rst CHAN qualifying win by his status as India cricket everything.” with Zimbabwe. when they edged Benin 1-0 in luminary enjoys a much higher In May, India appointed Instead, Lesotho held South Lome through a Marouf Tchakei unil Chhetri may be profi le than Chhetri, said last former Croatia defender Igor Africa until half-time, then goal on 70 minutes. second most prolifi c in- week he thought his “inspira- Stimac coach on a two-year Jane Thaba Ntso scored twice It was the lone goal of the two- ternational goalscorer tional” fellow national team contract after Englishman and Hlompho Kalake once to leg tie and earned Togo a crack among active players be- captain deserved to play at the Stephen Constantine walked give the visitors a 6-2 aggregate at 2018 runners-up Nigeria in hindS only Cristiano Ronaldo but quadrennial showpiece event. away from the job in the wake of triumph. the fi nal qualifying round during the India captain has more mod- the exit from the group stages of The embarrassing loss com- September and October. est aspirations for his country. WORK CUT OUT the Asian Cup. pleted a chaotic week for South In another close encounter, The forward, who turned 35 Realistically, Chhetri’s fi nal Stimac was part of the Croatia African football with England- Madagascar needed away goals on Saturday and has notched 71 chance of that would begin next team that sensationally reached born national coach Stuart Bax- to squeeze past Mozambique af- goals in 111 internationals, only month in the Asian qualifi ers the semi-fi nals of the World ter quitting two days ago. ter losing 3-2 in Maputo. wants to get India into the top for the 2022 World Cup where Cup at the fi rst attempt in 1998 “I feel that I cannot continue Trailing 1-0 from the first echelons of Asian football before India have been clubbed with while the biggest achievement to work with the required pro- leg, the Mozambicans raced he fi nally retires. Asian champions Qatar, Oman, on his coaching resume is help- fessionalism and passion,” was to a three-goal half-time lead “I don’t think I will ever be Bangladesh and Afghanistan in ing his country qualify for the the parting shot of a 65-year-old through a Luis Miquissone content. I am somebody who Group E. 2014 World Cup fi nals. who achieved only eight wins in brace and one goal from Dayo is always hungry,” Chhetri told Even if Qatar have already Chhetri has already been im- 21 matches. Antonio. Reuters in an interview. qualifi ed as World Cup hosts, pressed. National under-17 coach But Madagascar netted twice “Whenever I do decide to India will still have their work “He comes with a great pedi- Molefi Ntseki has been named early in the second half via Ar- hang (up) the boots or when- cut out to progress to the third gree, with a lot of experience caretaker coach while locals naud Randrianantenaina and ever I am forced to hang (up) my round of qualifying as one of and knowledge both as a player Pitso Mosimane, Gavin Hunt Lalaina Nomenjanahary to book boots, I just want that my coun- eight group winners or four best and as a coach,” he added. and Benni McCarthy have been a showdown with Namibia. try is in the fi rst 10 (in Asia) and runners-up. “And it shows with the way he tipped as possible full-time re- Prince Dube emulated Ugan- stays there. Chhetri, though, knows the trains us, in the way he behaves placements. dan Patrick Kaddu by scoring a “One thing that I really, really The path to where many be- have the answer to how much draw could have been a lot worse. with us and in the way he talks Before Baxter left, former second leg hat-trick, which gave want is that India believes, and lieve India should be in the you have to achieve more,” said “I was excited to know the to us. star Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngu- Zimbabwe a 3-1 win over Mauri- we all at least aspire, to be in the world rankings is long and hard Chhetri. draw, not as per say the teams “Apart from his technical and bane slammed national football tius in Bulawayo and a 7-1 overall fi rst 10.” but Chhetri believes the fi rst “It is really paramount for us because we already knew the tactical knowledge he is some- body president Danny Jordaan, success. India’s obsession with and step would be regular meetings to work hard, for all of us to- kind of teams that can be drawn one who wants to give a chance accusing him of treating the The Nations Championship is success on the cricket pitch has with the likes of Japan, South gether... and try and achieve from each group,” Chhetri said. to everyone. national team “as if it were his restricted to footballers playing left it a massive underachiever Korea, Iran and Australia. that target as soon as possible.” “I wouldn’t lie, but we boys “If I am allowed to say so, not club”. in their country of birth. on the football fi eld and the na- “If we are in the fi rst 10, you The usual sign of progress for had discussed a lot of permuta- sure he will like it or not, but he Kenya were another second Previous editions have been tional side is 103rd in the FIFA are giving yourself a realistic a developing football nation is tion and combination. is somebody who wants to keep round casualty after losing 4-1 won by the Democratic Republic rankings, 18th among Asian na- chance to play against the best a place at the World Cup fi nals, “In the end we were just calm the ball and play from behind. on penalties in Nairobi follow- of Congo (twice), Tunisia, Libya tions. in Asia and then you always something that India has never and just wanted to know the re- That’s the way forward.” ing a second 0-0 draw with east and Morocco. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 6, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Man Utd make Maguire world’s most expensive defender ‘I have enjoyed my time at Leicester... However, when Manchester United come knocking, it is an incredible opportunity’

AFP and off the pitch. during the pre-season tour of China London “He has a great personality and is which is expected to keep him out a fantastic addition to the club.” for at least four months. Manchester City had been inter- Maguire’s arrival also continues anchester United ested in Maguire, but Pepe Guar- the trend of United targeting young signed Harry Maguire diola admitted on Sunday that the British talent rather than big-name from Leicester yes- champions couldn’t aff ord his huge foreign imports. terday for a reported fee. The English giants have already M£80mn fee that makes the England splashed nearly £70mn on prom- centre-back the world’s most ex- METEORIC RISE ising youngsters Daniel James and pensive defender. Maguire, 26, shot to prominence Aaron Wan-Bissaka. United have secured Maguire on for his performances at last year’s Maguire started his career at a six-year contract with an option World Cup as England reached the Sheffi eld United before making the for a further 12-month extension. semi-fi nals for the fi rst time since leap into the Premier League with The £75mn Liverpool paid for 1990. Hull in 2014. Virgil van Dijk in 2018 was the pre- United were interested in his sig- After impressing even as the Ti- vious record fee for a defender. nature last summer, but baulked at gers were relegated two years ago, However, Juventus’ capture of Leicester’s asking price. he joined Leicester in a £17mn deal. Van Dijk’s Netherlands teammate A year on and with the heart His England debut followed Matthijs de Ligt earlier this month of their defence brutally exposed in October 2017 and he emerged (July) could rise to 85.5mn euros in fi nishing sixth in the Premier as one of the unlikely stars of the (£77mn) in add-ons. League last season to miss out on World Cup, where he featured in all It is also a record fee between Champions League qualifi cation, of the Three Lions’ seven games and Premier League clubs, surpassing the Red Devils fi - scored in the quarter-fi nal victory Van Dijk’s move to Anfi eld from nally paid the fee over Sweden. Southampton and Romelu Lukaku’s the Foxes’ de- That signifi ed a meteoric rise switch from Everton to Manchester manded. for Maguire who just two years United. Solskjaer previously had travelled as a “I am delighted to have signed for had made fan to support England at Euro this great club. I have thoroughly strengthening 2016. enjoyed my time at Leicester and central de- Nicknamed “slab head” by would like to thank everyone at the fence a pri- former Leicester teammate club. However, when Manches- ority, with Jamie Vardy for his physical ter United come knocking on your that need prowess in the air, Maguire has door, it is an incredible opportuni- only becom- also impressed with his ability ty,” Maguire told United’s website. ing more acute to play out from the back. “From my conversations with the when Eric Bailly However, City were less in need manager, I am excited about the vi- suff ered a knee to break the bank for the 26-year- sion and plans he has for the team. injury old after winning the fi rst ever It’s clear to see that Ole is building domestic treble of tro- a team to win trophies. I am now phies in English foot- looking forward to meeting my new ball history. teammates and getting the season By contrast, started.” United need Maguire, 26, could make his to shore up a debut in his new club’s Pre- defence that mier League opener at home conceded to Chelsea on Sunday and 54 goals in United manager Ole Gunnar the Premier Solskjaer is confi dent he will League last live up to his hefty price tag. season and “Harry is one of the best are count- centre-backs in the game ing on today and I am delighted Maguire’s we have secured his signa- presence ture,” he said. to cut “He is a great reader of the mas- the game and has a strong sive gap presence on the pitch, with to rivals the ability to remain calm City and under pressure — coupled European with his composure on the champi- ball and a huge presence in ons Liver- both boxes — I can see he will pool. fi t well into this group both on English defender Harry Maguire (also left) could make his debut in his new club’s Premier League opener at home to Chelsea on Sunday.

World’s most expensive defenders Harry Maguire, £80mn Virgil van Dijk, £75mn Lucas Hernandez, £68mn Matthijs De Ligt, £67.5mn Aymeric Laporte, £57mn Leicester to Manchester United (Aug. 2019) Southampton to Liverpool (Jan. 2018) Atletico Madrid to Bayern Munich (Jul. 2019) Ajax to Juventus (Jul. 2019) Athletic Bilbao to Manchester City (Jan. 2018) The England centre-back was top of Manches- Liverpool paid Southampton a then world- The France international moved to Spain at the De Ligt made his Ajax and Netherlands debut The French centre-half joined Athletic Bilbao at ter United’s transfer window shopping list after record fee for a defender to sign the Nether- age of four and joined Atletico Madrid’s junior aged 17, quickly making the switch from deep- the age of 16. Also able to play left-back, Laporte their defensive woes last season and boss Ole lands centre-half and Van Dijk has proved a set-up. Hernandez became a World Cup winner lying midfielder to centre-back. De Ligt played made more than 200 appearances for Bilbao Gunnar Solskjaer finally got his man with a fee huge success, helping Liverpool reach two in 2018 and made more than 100 appearances more than 100 games for Ajax and captained a before Manchester City signed him for a then so huge that even big-spending Manchester Champions League finals. They won the second for Atletico before joining Bundesliga champi- youthful side to the semi-finals of the Champions club-record fee in January 2018. He has since City bowed out of the race to sign him. of those, against Tottenham, to be crowned ons Bayern at the end of last season. League last season before joining Italian champi- won two Premier League titles at City, as well as European champions for a sixth time. ons Juventus a month before his 20th birthday. League Cup and FA Cup winners’ medals.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Guardiola picks out six contenders China risk backlash with Elkeson set for WC campaign for Premier League title race AFP Maldives next month. Shanghai Elkeson, who last month Reuters sea and Tottenham. returned to his former club London “I think there will be many, Guangzhou Evergrande from many contenders this time.” razilian striker Elke- Chinese Super League cham- City dominated the fi rst half son is set to be called pions Shanghai SIPG, is eligible anchester City man- against Liverpool with Raheem up to Marcello Lippi’s for China having played in the ager Pep Guardiola Sterling giving them an early lead. squad for China’s country since 2013. said he expects this But Joel Matip levelled late on WorldB Cup qualifi ers, reports The forward, who has 13 CSL season’s Premier and Liverpool would have won but said yesterday, in what would be goals this season, has never MLeague title race to be more open for the excellence of City keeper a landmark moment for football represented the senior Brazil- than last season’s when his side Claudio Bravo who made several in the country. ian side. pipped Liverpool to the line in a fi ne stops and saved Georginio Wi- The widely expected move He could be followed by sev- two-horse race after an epic tussle. jnaldum’s penalty in the shootout would make the 30-year-old eral other foreign players, with City beat Liverpool on penalties which City edged 5-4. the fi rst player without Chinese fellow China-based Brazilians in Sunday’s Community Shield at Both teams struggled for in- ancestry to represent his adopt- Ricardo Goulart and Fernando Wembley — the traditional cur- tensity at times, Liverpool be- ed country, as China strive to both reportedly set to be natu- tain-raiser to the season — after a fore the break and City after it qualify for Qatar 2022. ralised, along with English de- high-tempo clash ended 1-1. and Guardiola suggested the Elkeson’s selection could be fender Tyias Browning. The two sides look likely to demands on players over the the start of a trend for perennial Although many other na- go toe-to-toe again when the summer were unreasonable, es- under-achievers China, who tions, notably World Cup hosts season begin at Anfi eld on Fri- pecially with many of his squad have begun naturalising over- Qatar, call up players born in day with Liverpool’s home clash being involved in the African Cup seas players despite the misgiv- other countries, China had re- against Norwich City before City of Nations and Copa America ings of many fans. sisted doing so until now. open away to West Ham United a tournaments. The most populous nation by Chinese sports fans but un- It is a controversial move and day later. “The show must go on and I’m on the planet has only reached like Elkeson, he is half-Chinese. football commentator Zhan Jun Last season City won the title optimistic if they listen to the the World Cup once before, in The respected Oriental hinted at public discord, writ- with 98 points to Liverpool’s 97 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp (left) embraces Manchester City players,” the Spaniard said. 2002, but under football-loving Sports Daily and other Chi- ing to his 16mn followers on after Guardiola’s side won their manager Pep Guardiola before the penalty shootout during the FA “The NBA has an incredible President Xi Jinping it hopes to nese media said Elkeson and the Twitter-like Weibo: “Sigh, last 14 Premier League games. Community Shield in London on Sunday. (Reuters) amount of games but then fi ve host and even win the tourna- Yennaris are on a list of players don’t know how the fans who Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, months off . Riyad Mahrez had 10 ment. submitted to the Asian Football care about Chinese football are Arsenal and Manchester United unfold. “I think at the beginning last season, two real contenders, I days off . In June, London-born Nico Confederation ahead of World feeling? completed the top six. of the season, all six of these think United with (expected new “People say about the amount Yennaris made his debut for Cup qualifi ers. “I can’t get over it,” said Guardiola played down sug- teams are contenders,” he said. signing, Harry) Maguire and the of money we earn but it’s not Lippi’s side. The midfi elder’s Lippi’s side begin their cam- Zhan, in a post which drew gestions a similar story would “I don’t know if it will be like other players, Arsenal too, Chel- normal.” inclusion was widely welcomed paign for Qatar 2022 away at the thousands of comments. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, August 6, 2019 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Golf-mad Japan Poston grabs fi rst salutes ‘Smiling Cinderella’ AFP South Korea’s world number one Tokyo Ko Jin-young, who was seeking her third Major title of the year, PGA Tour title as had to settle for third place fol- apan yesterday hailed a lowing a 66. fairytale fi nish for Hinako Jun Sato, chief of the golf club Shibuno, the 20-year- where Shibuno practised until old golf sensation known she graduated from high school, asJ ‘Smiling Cinderella’ because told the Mainichi Shimbun he of her radiant smile, who was was elated by the victory. “I don’t crowned the surprise winner at just feel happy, I feel superb!” he An falters late the British Open. “She did it!” said. Shibuno herself seemed said TV presenter Tomoaki Ogura overwhelmed by the victory. “I after Shibuno, in her debut tour- didn’t feel that nervous when I ‘To be able to do four in a row is pretty special, and finish it off with a 62 is awesome’ nament overseas, became Japan’s was on the last putt,” she told re- fi rst Major-winner in 42 years. porters. “But after the win I was “Who expected she could do just covered in goosebumps and this much in her fi rst competi- I feel so tense now I just don’t tion abroad, a Major champion- know what to say!” ship?” he said in his morning She said she planned to cel- show on a private TV network. ebrate her historic victory by in- Shibuno’s win at her fi rst Major dulging her cravings. “I want to dominated morning television buy as many snacks as I can eat,” shows in Japan yesterday, top- Kyodo news quoted her as saying. ping news items. Shibuno, who started the day The story broke too late for with a two-shot lead, double- the front pages of Japan’s news- bogeyed the third hole, which papers, but was splashed across perhaps was a blessing in dis- their websites. Despite the huge guise in that it relieved the pres- popularity of golf in Japan, only sure of being the frontrunner. “I one Japanese player — male or don’t think many people, includ- female — had previously won ing me, like to be in a situation a Major: Chako Higuchi at the where you’re leading,” she said. 1977 Women’s PGA Champion- “I feel like it’s better to be be- ship. Social media was abuzz hind than leading. That was true with congratulations for the today and I was able to play easier 20-year-old Shibuno, who only when I was in that position. I was turned pro last year. “A star is looking at the board all the time, born!” tweeted one Japanese and knew my position, where I user. “A historic achievement,” stood in the tournament. That another wrote. was also true before the putt on On Japanese television, the 18th and I was also thinking Higuchi said Shibuno looked as about if I were to make this putt, “relaxed” as if she were playing how I was going to celebrate.” in Japan. “She is a new kind of Runner-up Salas rued a fi ve- player,” the Daily Sports newspa- foot birdie putt at the fi nal hole per quoted Higuchi as saying. that lipped out. “I’m not going Shibuno hit a gutsy 18-foot to lie, I was nervous,” she said. “I birdie putt at the fi nal hole to seal haven’t been in that position in a victory at Woburn on Sunday, long time. I gave it a good stroke. fi nishing with a 68 and 18-un- I controlled all my thoughts. It der-par as she beat American just didn’t drop, so congrats to Lizette Salas by a single stroke. our winner.”

Japan’s Hinako Shibuno celebrates after winning the Women’s British Open golf championship on Sunday. (AFP)

JT Poston of the US celebrates with the trophy after winning the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP bogey-free rounds this year,” Poston said. He added birdies at the 10th and 13th — LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES Miami “To be able to do four in a row is pretty where he landed his second shot less than (par 70; USA unless stated) special, and fi nish it off with a 62 on Sun- three feet from the pin — to reach 21-un- 258 — JT Poston 65-65-66-62 day is pretty awesome.” der and took a one-shot lead with a birdie T Poston fi red an eagle and six Webb Simpson, another North Caro- from a greenside bunker at 15. 259 — Webb Simpson 64-65-65-65 birdies in an eight-under par 62 linian whose fi rst PGA Tour title came at An fell a further stroke back with his 260 — An Byeong-hun (KOR) 62-65-66-67 on Sunday to seize his fi rst US PGA the Wyndham in 2011, shook off a slow fi rst bogey of the tournament at 15, where Tour title at the Wyndham Cham- start to card a fi ve-under par 65, rolling he drove into deep rough and took a pen- 261 — Viktor Hovland (NOR) 66-66-64-65 pionshipJ as overnight leader An Byeong- in a birdie at 18 for a 21-under par total alty drop and unlike on Saturday was un- 263 — Kim Si-woo (KOR) 66-65-68-64 hun faded to third. of 259. South Korea’s An had held at least able to salvage par. He called that bogey 264 — Josh Teater 64-65-71-64, Billy Poston, a North Carolina native who a share of the lead after each of the fi rst “the killer” and although An birdied the Horschel 68-67-65-64, Im Sung-jae (KOR) delighted a big group of friends and fam- three rounds, but his bid for a fi rst US 16th he couldn’t come up with another 62-67-70-65, Brian Harman 67-65-66-66. ily at Sedgefi eld Country Club in Green- PGA Tour title ran into trouble with his birdie to force a playoff . “I just ran out of sboro, North Carolina, made a big move fi rst bogey of the week, at the par-fi ve juice,” An said. Rory Sabbatini (SVK) 63-68-66-67, Jason with a fi ve-under front nine that included 15th. In the fi nal tournament of the US Kokrak 70-64-64-66, Brice Garnett 64- his eagle at the par-fi ve fi fth. He arrived at 18 needing a birdie to tour’s regular season, Patton Kizzire and 64-66-70 Three more birdies coming in were force a playoff and was in the trees off Andrew Landry fi nished well enough to 265 — Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 67-66-69- enough to give him the victory on 22-un- the tee. He rammed a birdie attempt 10 make the three-event playoff s. 63, Kyle Stanley 65-69-67-64, Johnson der par 258. “I don’t think I could have feet past the hole and closed with a bogey With the top 125 in the FedEx Cup Wagner 63-69-67-66, Patton Kizzire 65- drawn it up any better,” said Poston, who for a 67 that dropped him a stroke behind rankings qualifying for the series, Patton 64-69-67, Paul Casey (ENG) 65-65-66-69, became the fi rst player since Lee Trevino Simpson on 260. Kizzire played his way in from number Fabian Gomez (ARG) 67-64-66-68 in 1974 to win a 72-hole stroke-play event Poston, who started the day three shots 129 and Andrew Landry from 134th — on the US tour without a bogey or worse off An’s lead, trimmed the defi cit with both earning a chance to tee it up at the 266 — Roberto Diaz 67-68-65-66, Mat- on his card. three birdies and his 13-foot eagle at the Northern Trust at Liberty National next thew Wolff 65-67-67-67, Andrew Landry “I probably haven’t had that many fi fth. week. 65-68-65-68

BADMINTON Mihambo leaps world-leading Defending champion Marin to miss world championships 7.16m in Berlin Agencies be replaced by Thailand’s Nitch- Indonesia Open last month and Berlin: European champion Madrid aon Jindapol in the tournament. has not been able to recover in Malaika Mihambo saved her Meanwhile, Indian shuttler time for Basel. best for the final round of the HS Prannoy received a late call Shi was runner-up to Kento long jump on the second of efending world bad- for the tournament following Momota at the last World Cham- two days at the well-attended minton champion withdrawals by former world pionships in Nanjing. German Championships in Carolina Marin is to sit champion Viktor Axelsen and Meanwhile, the draw for the Berlin, leaping a world-lead- out this month’s world China’s Shi Yuqi. Kidambi Sri- World Championships was ing PB of 7.16m on Sunday. championshipsD to properly re- kanth, Sameer Verma and B Sai conducted yesterday in Kuala It was a good recovery cuperate from an operation to Praneeth are the other three In- Lumpur. Men’s singles defending for the 25-year-old, who had repair a ruptured anterior cruci- dians who will be participating champion Kento Momota’s quar- opened her series with two ate ligament in her right knee. in the men’s singles event at the ter includes fi ve-time champion fouls. But she flew out to The world championships will be championships. Lin Dan, Malaysian hope Lee Zii 6.76m in the third round to held in the Swiss city of Basel be- Axelsen, won the title in 2017, Jia and India’s Prannoy. take the lead and continue tween August 19-25. last week cited a disc protrusion In women’s singles, top seed in the competition. After leap- The 25-year-old Spaniard, a in his lower back that was leading Akane Yamaguchi might have ing 6.66m and 6.68m in the winner of three of the past four to pain in his back and legs. “The to contend with 2013 champion following rounds, she flew world titles and also Olympic World Championships is the big- Ratchanok Intanon in her quar- out to a lifetime best with the gold medallist, hurt herself in the gest event of the year and I had ter, while second seed Tai Tzu final jump of the day. Indonesia Masters fi nal in Janu- obviously been looking forward Ying is seeded to clash with two- Mihambo hadn’t jumped ary and was forced to retire while to playing. I’ve done everything time runner-up Pusarla V. Sind- beyond seven metres up until leading Saina Nehwal of India. I could to get ready for the World hu of India in the quarter-fi nals. two months ago, but in what “My team and I have decided Championships, but I must also Among the interesting fi rst- has so far been an unde- that we are not going to the World be realistic and listen to my body round match-ups in men’s sin- feated outdoor campaign she Cup because it comes too soon,” and to the doctors’ advice,” Ax- gles are fi ve-time champion Lin has jumped 7.07m at the IAAF Marin said. “The rehabilitation elsen said, according to a Bad- versus fellow-veteran Nguyen Diamond League meeting is going very well, the knee is still minton Denmark statement. Tien Minh, Lee Zii Jia versus Ygor in Rome, 7.05m in Des- responding very well so we will Another top contender for the Coelho and second seed Chou sau, 7.02m at the Diamond Spain’s Carolina Marin (left) is consoled by India’s Saina Nehwal after she sustained a knee injury wait for the tournaments that I men’s singles crown, Shi Yuqi, Tien Chen versus Hans-Kristian League meeting in London. during the Indonesia Masters final in January. (BWF) have in September.” Marin would suff ered a left ankle injury at the Vittinghus. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 6, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB Muncy’s walk-off double lift s Dodgers to win over Padres Dodgers rally despite seeing Joc Pederson get thrown out at third base in the ninth inning

Reuters Los Angeles

ax Muncy hit a game-end- ing two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday to give the Los MAngeles Dodgers a wild 11-10 victory over the visiting San Diego Padres in the Major League Baseball on Sunday. In a back-and-forth game, the Dodg- ers rallied despite seeing Joc Pederson get thrown out at third base in the ninth inning after Alex Verdugo’s ground ball to Eric Hosmer at fi rst base. Hosmer made the throw across the infi eld for the fi rst out with the Padres clinging to a one-run led. After Corey Seager reached base on an error by Padres second baseman Luis Urias, Muncy worked an eight-pitch at-bat before sending his two-run dou- ble to right. Muncy also hit a home run, while Russell Martin and AJ Pollock went deep as well. Pedro Baez (6-2) pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the vic- tory. San Diego’s Kirby Yates (0-3) was trying for his third save of at least four outs. Hosmer hit a grand slam and drove in fi ve runs for the Padres. The Dodgers took a 3-0 lead in the second inning on Muncy’s 27th homer of the season, fol- lowed by a two-run shot from Martin, his fourth of the season, and second in two starts. The Padres chased Dodgers starter Kenta Maeda in the third inning. Padres pitcher Chris Paddack had an RBI sin- gle to cut the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1. After a Greg Garcia single and Manny Mach- ado walk loaded the bases, Hosmer hit a grand slam to right, his 16th home run of the season and second career slam. After Hunter Renfroe followed with a single, Adam Kolarek replaced Maeda, Los Angeles Dodgers Max Muncy (centre) celebrates his walk off two-run RBI double against the San Diego Padres in Los Angeles. (USA TODAY Sports) who gave up fi ve runs on fi ve hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Manuel Mar- on RBIs from Pollock (double) and Matt The Red Sox dropped their eighth when rookie Mike Ford lined a single up got continued the Padres’ power show Beaty (groundout) before Pollock was straight game and fell 14 1/2 games the middle. The Yankees kept the in- MLB RESULTS with a home run in the fourth inning off thrown out at the plate as the tying run. behind the Yankees in the Ameri- ning going when Kyle Higashioka dou- Los Angeles Dodgers 11, San Diego Atlanta Braves 4 (10 innings); Dodgers right-hander Yimi Garcia as Paddack gave up six runs on six hits can League East and 6 1/2 games be- bled down the left-fi eld line and took a Padres 10; New York Yankees 7, Boston Chicago White Sox 10, Philadelphia San Diego took a 6-3 lead. over four innings with one walk and six hind Tampa Bay in the wild-card race. 7-0 lead on Mike Tauchman’s two-run Red Sox 4; Chicago Cubs 7, Milwaukee Phillies 5; New York Mets 13, It was Margot’s second consecu- strikeouts. The Yankees held a 1-0 lead on Aaron single to right fi eld. Brewers 2; Oakland A’s 4, St. Louis. Pittsburgh Pirates 2; Houston Astros 3, tive game with a home run. The Dodg- Judge’s fi rst-inning homer and busted Price was knocked out after issu- Cardinals 2; Cleveland Indians 6, Seattle Mariners 1; Minnesota Twins 3, ers rallied to take a brief 7-6 lead, go- it open in a 28-minute inning that saw ing a walk to Gleyber Torres and was YANKEES POUNCE ON PRICE, Los Angeles Angels 2; Arizona Kansas City Royals 0; Tampa Bay ing ahead on Pollock’s home run in the RED SOX TO FINISH SWEEP them get six straight two-out hits off given a mock standing ovation by fans, Diamondbacks 7, Washington Rays 7, Miami Marlins 2; Texas Rangers sixth inning, his eighth of the season. Gio Urshela hit a two-run homer to Price (7-5). who earlier were chanting “Who’s Your The Padres took the lead again in spark a six-run third inning off David Urshela made it 3-0 by lifting a 1-1 Daddy” in reference to his recent stint Nationals 5; Colorado Rockies 6, San 9, Detroit Tigers 4; Baltimore Orioles 6, the seventh, getting an RBI single from Price and the New York Yankees com- breaking ball over the left-center fence on the paternity list. Price was rocked Francisco Giants 2; Cincinnati Reds 6, Toronto Blue Jays 5 Machado to tie it, then going ahead on pleted a four-game sweep over the and off an advertisement in the back for seven runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 in- a sacrifi ce fl y from Hosmer. The Pa- visiting Boston Red Sox with a 7-4 vic- of Boston’s bullpen. Two batters later, nings. He is 1-7 with a 9.61 ERA in eight JA Happ in the fi fth for Boston, which paternity list and allowed four runs dres made it 10-7 in the eighth on RBIs tory on Sunday night. The Yankees won Cameron Maybin roped an RBI dou- starts in New York since signing with dropped to 4-11 in the season series. on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings with two from Fernando Tatis (single) and Greg their fi fth straight and completed their ble off the left-fi eld wall to score Brett the Red Sox before the 2016 season. Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run sin- strikeouts and one walk. He sailed Garcia (sacrifi ce fl y). The Dodgers got fi rst four-game sweep of the Red Sox Gardner, who had also doubled. Christian Vazquez and Michael gle in the sixth that knocked out Happ. through four innings before allowing back to within a run in the bottom half since Aug. 6-9, 2009. Maybin then scored two pitches later Chavis hit back-to-back homers off Happ (9-6) also returned from the the homers.

NFL NBA Brady, Patriots agree on Parker says he’s ‘grateful’ for his two-year extension: report disappointing stint with the Bulls Reuters Los Angeles By KC Johnson you’re not having fun, all that Chicago Tribune goes out the window.” Parker’s disappointing Bulls om Brady and the New stint has been well-document- England Patriots have abari Parker’s diffi cult ed. After signing a two-year, reportedly agreed to a homecoming with the Bulls $40mn deal, he fell out of the contract extension that didn’t change his feelings rotation completely when Jim Twill tie the reigning Super Bowl Jfor the sport or the city. Boylen took over for the fi red champion quarterback to the So there Parker was on Friday Fred Hoiberg. Traded to the franchise beyond his upcom- morning, hopping from sta- Wizards with Bobby Portis in ing 20th NFL season. NFL Net- tion to station to check on the February, Parker averaged 14.5 work’s Ian Rapoport reported 243 kids who were spread out at points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 that the parties agreed to a two- Quest Multisport on the West assists in 26.9 minutes over 64 year, $70mn contract extension Side and soaking up the myr- games between the Bulls and that will increase his salary from iad lessons available at Family Wizards. $15mn this year to $23mn. Jabari Parker camp. Only 24, the former No. 2 pick As per the report, the Patriots The camp is so named be- by the Bucks is entering his sixth would pay Brady $30mn in 2020 cause family comes fi rst for season. Having rehabilitated and $32mn in 2021, with the ca- Parker, who signed a two-year, from two torn ACLs, he appreci- veat that the player and team $13mn deal with the Atlanta ated Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce would both remain “amenable” Hawks after splitting the 2018- recruiting him for a rebuild on to adjusting the contract num- 19 season between the Bulls and the rise. With exciting young bers as necessary. The New Eng- Wizards. There’s father Sonny, pieces Trae Young, John Collins land Patriots quarterback just the former NBA player, roaming and Kevin Huerter already in celebrated his 42nd birthday on around at the fi fth annual camp. place, Parker joins fellow new- Saturday and is about one month There’s mother Lola and Jabari Parker signed a two-year deal with Atlanta Hawks. comers Evan Turner, Chandler away from beginning defense of brother Christian and even Parsons and draft-day acqui- his sixth Super Bowl title. cousin Tony Moeaki, whose and happiness to see where I’ve Walker – worked as instructors. sitions De’Andre Hunter, Cam Brady addressed the question 48-game NFL career included come from to where I am now. “But the one that stands out Reddish and Bruno Fernando. of a possible extension with re- a training camp stint with the It’s time to pay it forward. Guys for me is the Juwan Howard “It’s never promised that porters on Wednesday. Without a Bears. All of the coaches are before me always had a free camp,” Parker said. things are going to go well, but deal, he would be an unrestricted acquaintances of Parker’s from camp. My responsibility, since “That’s why I loved every just from the energy that I’m free agent after the season ends. themselves out,” Brady said. in passing yards with 70,514, his celebrated days at Simeon or I’ve been blessed, is to do the second of his Michigan hire. I feeling, it’s a good situation for “Have I earned it?” Brady asked Having played in nine Super though he’ll almost certainly from the AAU scene, and they same. And hopefully, 20 years know he really, truly loves the me,” Parker said. rhetorically to media huddling Bowls and won six, there’s not pass Brett Favre (71,838) and watch intently to meet Park- from now, I can get the same kids. He doesn’t need to coach. “Trae Young is someone who around him on the fi eld. much debate over Brady’s value Peyton Manning (71,940) this er’s standards for goodie-bag product. We do this together. But his enjoyment for it and his can not only score but distrib- “I don’t know. That’s up for even as concerns about Father season. New Orleans Saints handouts or prizes to campers That’s why I call it the family energy toward it helps every- ute. John Collins is a very, very talk show debate. What do you Time become more prevalent. quarterback Drew Brees, 40, has who excel in categories such as camp.” one around him. Chicago bas- good player. I know the expecta- guys think? Should we take a Despite his age, Brady played 74,437 career yards and will only sportsmanship, teamwork and Before winning four state ketball is a brotherhood. That’s tions. I can fulfi l my role accord- poll? Talk for Mr. Kraft. No, like all 16 games and threw for 4,355 add to his total this season. leadership. championships and back-to- why we need to come back. It’ll ingly. I’m young, but they’re I said, we got a great relationship yards last season, completing Brady said he focused this “We focus on all aspects be- back Mr. Basketball awards at be a great summer for kids to younger. One thing I take pride so we’ll see how it goes. None of 65.8% of his passes to go with 29 off season on getting physically cause some of those qualities Simeon, Parker attended camps have these memories. And I in is I’ve now been every player us are really promised anything. I touchdown passes and 11 inter- stronger to endure hits in the beyond talent are things we try where Chicago players he looked teach them most importantly – from the fi rst to last guy on the am trying to do the best I can do ceptions. pocket without losing fl uidity in to enjoy and celebrate,” Parker up to – such as Corey Maggette, to have fun. Do everything with team. And I’m grateful for those today and let those things work Brady ranks fourth all-time his throwing motion. said. “This camp brings me joy Bobby Simmons and Antoine hard work and emphasis. But if experiences.” Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, August 6, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Zheng surprises Sabalenka to win Kyrgios edges fi rst WTA title

AFP in the second set tiebreaker Los Angeles when Sabalenka doubled faulted on the fi rst champi- onship point. Sabalenka also heng Saisai knocked double faulted to get to cham- Medvedev to win off her fourth seeded pionship point as she fi nished opponent of the week with eight double faults com- to capture her fi rst ca- pared to just fi ve for Zheng. Zreer WTA title with a straight After the 25-year-old Zheng sets win over Aryna Sabalenka downed eighth-seeded Amer- in the fi nal of the San Jose ican Danielle Collins, she beat WTA tournament on Sunday. fourth-seeded US teen Aman- The unseeded Zheng, who da Anisimova in a three-set Washington Open also beat Sabalenka in their quarter-fi nal marathon. In the only other career meeting, semis, Zheng ousted No.7 seed ‘This is probably my best memory of a final. I left it all on the court’ used a solid serving perform- Maria Sakkari in straight sets. ance to beat the second seed Zheng, who was not bro- AFP from Belarus 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). ken in the one hour, 45 minute Washington “I don’t have so much ex- match, won 72 percent of her perience because it is the fi rst fi rst serve points compared to time for me,” a nervous Zheng 52 percent for Sabalenka. haking off back spasms said on the court during her “She played great tennis,” to blast 18 aces, Austral- trophy presentation speech. Sabalenka said of Zheng. ia’s Nick Kyrgios kept his “I am very excited about how I Sabalenka, 21, was playing composure and captured played the whole week. in her fi rst fi nal since winning theS ATP Washington Open title Zheng said the San Jose the Shenzhen Open in China Sunday, defeating Russia’s 10th- tournament had special mean- in January. ranked Daniil Medvedev 7-6 ing for her even before she won She lost in the fi rst round (8/6), 7-6 (7/4). on Sunday. “Five years ago I of qualifying at this event last The 24-year-old Aussie, who got my fi rst WTA singles win year but then went on a run struggled through the opening here and now I win my fi rst that saw her shoot from 36th set, claimed the $365,390 top WTA title here,” she said. in the world to her current No. prize and his sixth career ATP Zheng clinched the victory 10 ranking. crown at the US Open tuneup event. “This is probably my best memory of a fi nal,” Kyrgios said. “I left it all on the court.” Kyrgios, 5-1 this year against top-10 rivals, won his second ti- tle of the season after Acapulco in March and will jump 25 posi- tions to 27th in Monday’s new rankings, his fi rst top-30 ap- pearance in 43 weeks. “This has been one of the greatest weeks of my life. I’ve made massive strides,” Kyrgios said. “This whole week has been amazing. It’s a week I won’t for- get.” Known for his fi ery tempera- ment and inconsistency, Kyrgios was resilient all week, breaking racquets but holding his emo- tions together – “super proud” of his composure. “In the past six months, it’s crazy to think how much I’ve been able to turn it around,” Kyr- gios said. “I’m working hard to be better as a player and a per- son. “I lost faith that I could still have weeks like this and be hap- Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates with the Donal Dell Trophy after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the men’s singles py. I’ve got to thank (my family) final of the 2019 Citi Open in Washington, DC. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Saisai Zheng of China celebrates with the winner’s trophy after for not losing faith. defeating Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the final of the Mubadala “I just wanted to clean myself week, I think he wanted to play Medvedev took 24 of 25 points Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, California. (Getty Images/AFP) up and have a healthy attitude. I and it was tough,” Medvedev on his serve, Kyrgios matching showed what I can do this week.” said. up into the tie-breaker. While saying his best memory “He was determined and it Kyrgios denied Medvedev Tsitsipas enters ATP top fi ve for the fi rst time of the week was “how profes- seemed like he wants to win. on set point with a 124-mph sional I was off the court,” Kyr- And that’s what we don’t see all ace, then hit a passing win- Washington Open semi- Novak Djokovic remains gios also noted, “I’ve got a long the time.” ner and won it when Medvedev finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has at number one, the 263rd way to go.” Kyrgios, who beat Medvedev sent a forehand wide. In the last for the first time climbed into week of his career that he American Jessica Pegula cap- on Rome clay in May in their breaker, two Kyrgios aces made the top five of the latest ATP has occupied the position. tured her fi rst WTA singles title only prior meeting, would face his Washington’s fi rst unseeded rankings released yesterday. That is still 47 weeks short of by ripping Italy’s Camila Giorgi him again in the second round ATP champion since 2011. The 20-year-old Greek, who record-holder Roger Federer 6-2, 6-2 in the Washington next week at Montreal if Kyrgios has already won tournaments (310) who stays third behind women’s fi nal. beats Britain’s Kyle Edmund. PEGULA POWERS TO CROWN in Marseille and Estoril as well Rafael Nadal. The 25-year-old daughter of “It’s never easy to play Nick,” Pegula’s only other WTA sin- as reaching the final of the The biggest climber of the NFL Buff alo Bills owner and nat- said Medvedev, adding with a gles fi nal was last September at Masters 1000 in Madrid, is the week is the Australian Nick ural gas magnate Terry Pegula laugh. “I hope Kyle wins.” Quebec City, where she lost to youngest player in the top 20. Kygios who held his compo- took a $43,000 top prize. Kyrgios fi rst grabbed his back France’s Pauline Parmentier. He has leapfrogged Alexan- sure to beat Daniil Medvedev Kyrgios won a match that fea- at 2-all, stretching and twisting Pegula, who will jump 25 spots der Zverev who dropped two in Sunday’s Washington Open tured no break points or deuces during a changeover but having to a career-best 54th on Monday, places to seven. final. The Australian rises 25 after 94 minutes with back-to- no troubles after treatment be- broke early in each set and closed It may be a brief visit to the places to 27, back to where back aces, the last his tourna- tween sets from a physiothera- matters just inside an hour with top five for Tsitsipas with he was at the start of last Oc- ment-best 110th of the week. pist. an ace. lots of points on off er at this tober and putting him within Medvedev, 23, was broken “I just happened to get “It’s extremely gratifying,” she week’s Montreal Masters and touching distance of a return only twice this week but lost his through that fi rst set, which was said. “The journey makes it all Kei Nishikori, just five points to the top 20. lone sets to Kyrgios. He’ll equal massive,” he said. that much sweeter because it’s behind him in sixth. Tsitsipas Medvedev moved up one his career-best ranking of ninth His running and service speed hard. I really pushed myself this reached the final in Monreal place to nine with Fabio on Monday. were hampered at times during week. It’s amazing. I’m excited. last year while Nishikori Fognini dropping out of the “I know how well Nick can his seventh match in as many “Hopefully I can take the mo- Jessica Pegula of the US holds up the trophy after defeating Camila bowed out in round one. top 10. play when he wants to play. This days counting doubles, but while mentum and keep riding it.” Giorgi of Italy in Citi Open final in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)

CYCLING British sprinter Cullaigh signs for Movistar AFP 29-year-old Spaniard Mikel nounced yesterday. Madrid Landa, who joins the Bahrain- Viviani, 30, who plans to de- Merida team. fend his 2016 omnium track gold “The Basque climber, a proven medal at the Tokyo Games next p-and-coming Brit- force in the mountains, will be a year, has a stage win at each of ish sprinter Gabriel major contributor to our stage the three Grand Tours, including Cullaigh has signed a race objectives,” the team said. a victory in Nancy in the Tour two-year contract with Landa, whose best grand tour de France last month. “I noticed Uthe Movistar Team, the Spanish fi nish was third in the 2015 Giro when talking to manager Cedric outfi t announced yesterday. d’Italia, came in sixth in this Vasseur and sporting direc- “Cullaigh’s signing helps the year’s Tour de France after previ- tor Roberto Damiani how much Movistar Team increase its aspi- ously fi nishing seventh in 2018 Cofi dis wanted to sign me and rations at sprint fi nishes, a spe- and fourth in 2017. Aside from they presented an ambitious ciality the Brit, a great rouleur, Landa, Movistar – for whom project to me,” he said. has steadily improved at during Nairo Quintana and Alejandro “I really appreciate their wish the last few years,” Movistar said Valverde placed in the top 10 in and drive to create a dynamic of the 23-year-old. the Tour de France – look set to around me and the confi dence Cullaigh, who joined from also lose Richard Carapaz, the they have shown in me with the Team Wiggins, tweeted: “Over Ecuadorian winner of the Giro, arrival of my friend Fabio. the moon to share the news that for Ineos, and Quintana for “Even if I won a stage this year I have signed with @Movistar_ Arkeo, according to his father. I really want to do more at the Team for 2020 & 2021! Tour de France next year.” “I am incredibly excited, and OLYMPICS WINNER VIVIANI Experienced lead-out man honoured for this opportunity HEADS TO COFIDIS and fellow Italian Sabatini, 34, to be a part of a team with such a Olympic champion Elia Viviani has raced in 20 Grand Tour in a rich history in the sport.” and Deceuninck Quick-Step rid- 13-year professional career. The Leaving Movistar after just er Fabio Sabatini will join Cofi dis length of the pair’s contracts one season will be experienced next season, the French team an- were not specifi ed. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 6, 2019 7 SPORT

SWIMMING Horton says no regrets over Sun podium protest The governing body cleared him AFP Lochte wins 200m medley title Sydney to compete at the championships after the testing incident, but the at US swimming championships World Anti-Doping Agency has ap- ack Horton said he pealed the decision to the Court of Six-time Olympic gold medallist Ryan Lochte, would have carried out Arbitration for Sport. back from a 14-month suspension, won the 200m his anti-doping podi- Horton began his war of words individual medley on Sunday at the US swimming um protest against Chi- with Sun at the 2016 Rio Olym- championships in Palo Alto, California. Lochte, 35, Mna’s Sun Yang even if he had known pics when he labelled him a “drug clocked 1min 57.76 to win a 27th national title and fellow Australian swimmer Shayna cheat”, but he insisted his protest stamp himself a contender to make a fifth Olympic Jack failed a drugs test. was more about “how the way the team next year. The Olympic 400m gold medal- sport is governed and controlled”. “This was a lot easier 10 years ago,” said Lochte, who list snubbed Sun for a photo-call “Athletes are frustrated with finished 1.07sec in front of silver medallist Shalne and refused to shake his hand after doping in sport, they’re frustrated Casas. “I’ve got a lot of ways to go for 2020.” a medal ceremony at last month’s with the system letting them down, Lochte was suspended from swimming for 10 world championships in South Ko- and that athletes who are under in- months after a scandal at the 2016 Olympics, when rea, following a drug-testing con- vestigation should not be compet- he was found to have fabricated a story about a troversy involving the Chinese star. ing at a world championships,” he robbery during a drunken late-night episode in Rio His stance won support among said. de Janeiro. He had returned from that ban when fellow competitors but provoked Horton revealed he had been he was handed a 14-month suspension by the US a furious reaction in China, which thinking about his protest in the Anti-Doping Agency over a prohibited intravenous only intensifi ed when it emerged days ahead of the 400m fi nal, where infusion of legal vitamins – which he posted about Jack failed an out-of-competition he fi nished second behind Sun. But on social media. He has won a total of 12 medals in test in the lead-up to the world ti- it was a last-minute decision to go four Olympic appearances. tles. ahead. She returned home before the “I wavered. I wasn’t sure. I was meet started and Horton only tense. It was awkward, no one re- learned of her positive result – ally knew what to do and then all of which she has vowed to fi ght – after a sudden the crowd realised what his protest. But he insisted it would was going on and started, I guess, not have aff ected his decision to In this file photo taken on July 21, 2019 silver medallist Australia’s Mack Horton (left) refuses to stand on the podium applauding,” he said. take a stand. with gold medallist China’s Sun Yang (centre) and bronze medallist Italy’s Gabriele Detti after the final of the men’s “That fi lled me with emotion and “It was hard. It’s really hard,” he 400m freestyle event at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju. (AFP) I was like, ‘OK, this was the right told Channel Seven late on Sunday, thing to do.’ describing his reaction on hearing returned to Australia, she’s not we can question and demand more South Korea following a leaked “Later I walked into the dining about Jack’s positive test. But Hor- competing at a world champion- from the rest of the world.” FINA doping panel report that al- hall and the US team started ap- ton added that “nothing changes” ships,” he said. leged he allowed blood vials to be plauding and then the rest of the Ryan Lochte swims in the men’s 200m Individual about his podium protest. “That gives me faith in the Aus- ‘I WAVERED. I WASN’T SURE’ smashed with a hammer after being dining hall starting applauding me Medley at the Phillips 66 National Championships “The diff erence being, as soon as tralian system. We won’t let our Sun, who served a three-month visited by testers last year. He de- as I walked in. And that was over- in Stanford, California. (Getty Images/AFP) she returns a positive sample, she’s own athletes get away with it, (so) drugs ban in 2014, was vilifi ed in nies any wrongdoing. whelming as well.”

F1 MOTORSPORT Bottas and Gasly go into F1 break Champion Hamilton feeling the pace

Reuters the end of the month with an- Budapest other vote of confi dence. “I’m not really nervous,” said the winner of two races altteri Bottas and this year, compared to Ham- relishing new rivalry Pierre Gasly may fi nd ilton’s eight. “But for sure it it harder than other would be nice to hear some drivers to unwind as news when the team decides VFormula One enters its August what they want to do. What pit-stop. can I do? Neither did themselves any “I don’t think it’s going to favours in Sunday’s Hungar- change anything, one race.” ian Grand Prix and both face Gasly is in a similar bind to with Verstappen uncertain futures at Mercedes Bottas, up against a team mate and Red Bull respectively. who is operating in another ‘There really is no better feeling from a racing driver’s point of view – when you have Bottas is out of contract at dimension. the end of the season as Lewis The Frenchman was lapped a race like this and face a really strong competitor and a great driver like Max’ Hamilton’s teammate at Mer- by Verstappen on Sunday, not cedes and the Finn faces com- for the fi rst time, and ended up petition from the dominant sixth with ever more questions champions’ young French re- being asked about his longev- serve Esteban Ocon. ity in a team not known for Team boss Toto Wolff told tolerance. reporters a decision would be Verstappen has won two of made this month, with the the last four races, fi nishing evaluation process starting on second from pole on Sunday, Monday. and has scored 114 points more “We will not be letting one than his team mate. race result infl uence our deci- To ram home the disparity, sion... it’s not going to be an Verstappen has scored more easy one,” Wolff added, em- points in the last four races phasising that the data would than Gasly has managed in 12. be crunched and a full risk and The Frenchman will not reward assessment carried have been amused by a dis- out. cussion between Hamilton, That may sound like wel- Verstappen and third-placed come news for Bottas, who Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel started on the front row on post-race when asked wheth- Sunday and fi nished eighth to er they would like to see de- slip 62 points behind Hamil- parted double champion Fern- ton after 12 of the 21 races. ando Alonso return. But the weekend before, “There is still at least a seat he crashed out in the wet at available that’s good enough Hockenheim while on for a for winning and he’s good podium and with Hamilton enough for winning,” ventured seemingly out of the points. Hamilton. And on Sunday fi rst lap con- “Maybe he could speak to tact with Hamilton and Ferra- Toto,” suggested Verstappen. ri’s Charles Leclerc forced him “Valtteri’s great; Valtteri’s to pit early and then fi ght back been winning. You’re the one from last. Bottas, who gets on with the extra seat, I would well with Hamilton and the say,” replied Hamilton. team, will be hoping he can “I didn’t say that,” said Ver- celebrate his 30th birthday at stappen. Hungarian Grand Prix winner Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton gestures on the podium as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen looks on. (Reuters)

AFP It needed an unexpected sec- mate Valtteri Bottas. The battle of the fi eld. That has led to much spect that exists between them Budapest ond pit-stop – a strategic mas- between Hamilton and Verstap- ‘silly season’ speculation that despite a 13-year age gap, a wel- terstroke from his Mercedes pen produced a fourth thrilling they might fi t into the same team come feature after so many acri- team – and a 20-lap chase before race in succession to follow a – a scenario that Red Bull’s mid- monious rivalries of the past. ewis Hamilton hailed the fi ve-time world champion drab processional French event season improvement may render “Max is at his best and is con- Max Verstappen yester- fi nally broke the resistance of the in June. The Dutchman’s sec- redundant and, ultimately, un- tinuing to perform great,” said day after a gripping duel Dutch tyro’s Red Bull as it strug- ond place came after his fi rst desirable. Hamilton. “It’s really comfort- in the Hungarian Grand gled on worn tyres. ever pole and followed victory “I’m really happy that after a ing and really important to see LPrix which left drivers and fol- “Lewis’s driving was of a dif- in Germany, when Hamilton and period of time when everyone the respect level between us. It lowers of Formula One looking ferent dimension,” said Mer- the Mercedes team suff ered an was so negative, talking about was really respectful driving and forward to many more battles cedes team chief Toto Wolff after ‘Armageddon’ weekend. the sport, we get this big step up I hope to continue that.” between the two. the race. “At fi rst, it did not seem from the Red Bulls and now we Not so long ago the Dutchman “There really is no better feel- possible but as soon as Lewis START OF AN ERA have a really good battle on our was known as Mad Max – now ing from a racing driver’s point sniff ed the position there was Hungary, though, was the race hands, and it looks like it will it is a case of Maturing Max. “If of view – when you have a race no holding back. It was an unbe- that signalled the start of an era stay,” said Hamilton. we were fi ghting on the same like this and face a really strong lievable drive.” likely to be dominated by Red “I think Ferrari will come back points, it may have been a lot competitor and a great driver like It marked Hamilton’s record- Bull’s 21-year-old duel with the into play at some races like Spa more aggressive,” said Hamilton. Max,” explained Hamilton who extending seventh win in Hun- 34-year-old Hamilton, whose and Monza and be quick on the “But there was no need for that came through to win the race. gary, which was the 81st vic- achievements and individual- straights – and there aren’t a and it was really just about mak- “When I got into second, I was tory of his career. Michael ity have made him F1’s brightest lot of corners – so those places ing sure that when you do fi nally like ‘OK, this whole battle we’ve Schumacher’s record 91 wins global star. I think they will be really strong. pull off an overtaking manoeuvre been talking about me having with looms ever-closer. More impor- Many observers believe al- “But Red Bull have been doing that it is a clean, full sweep by.” Max, we are going to have that to- tantly for this season’s title race, ready that Hamilton and Ver- great. It’s awesome to see and I Hamilton and Verstappen day’ and it was really awesome.” it was the Briton’s eighth win out stappen are from another planet, hope their performance contin- will have some time to put their There was an element of relief of 12 races in the fi rst half of the such was their superiority at the ues and I really, really hope we feet up and consider their new in the words of Hamilton who season and, as the teams down Hungaroring where they were have more battles like that.” rivalry. The next race is at Spa- had to be at his very best to win tools for their summer break, more than a minute clear of the Hamilton’s praise for his rival Francorchamps in Belgium on the race. puts him 62 points clear of team- two Ferraris and lapped the rest included recognition of the re- September 1. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas during Hungarian Grand Prix. (Reuters)

Tuesday, August 6, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

REPORT Lyon rips through England to hand Aussies Ashes advantage Australia take 1-0 lead after 251-run win at Edgbaston; Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins torment England on the last day

AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom

ustralia spinner Nathan Lyon made light work of England’s batting line-up as the hosts wereA bowled out for 146 in their second innings, losing the fi rst Ashes Test by 251 runs to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the series. Chasing the second highest successful run chase in Ashes history (398), England fi rst in- nings centurion Rory Burns fell fi rst in the second over of the day for 11. The highest successful run chase ever was Australia getting 404 at Headingley in 1948. Fellow opener Jason Roy (28) looked in good shape until he was bowled when coming down the pitch, before Joe Denly (11) and the key wicket of England captain Joe Root (28), having been saved by two earlier re- views, were out before lunch. The wickets kept tumbling in the afternoon, with England’s middle order collapsing for the second innings in a row, before Lyon ripped through the tail for fi nish with fi gures of 6-49 as Australia picked up a fi rst win at Edgbaston in 18 years. Burns did not last long at the crease this time around, lofting a bouncer from Pat Cummings to Lyon at backward point. On-fi eld umpire Joel Wilson’s poor test continued after Root was twice saved on review, meaning eight of Wilson’s decisions have been overturned in this test. Lyon then got his fi rst wicket as he enticed a big shot from Roy, which he got badly wrong, wildly swinging and missing the ball completely. An inside edge onto pad saw Denly caught off Lyon, before Root’s luck ran out, with Cameron Ban- Australia’s Nathan Lyon celebrates the wicket of England’s Joe Denly with teammates on the last day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston yesterday. (Reuters) croft taking a fi ne catch. After Root’s dismissal, it felt Scorecard very much like a matter of time Paine hails Smith as ‘best ever’ as Australia trounce England until England’s resistance was AUSTRALIA 1st Inn 284 ENGLAND 1st Inn 374 broken and in the fi rst over af- Australia captain Tim Paine hailed “Today we were superb with the ball the first time I’ve done that in any form great, I’m loving being back playing AUSTRALIA 2nd Innings 487/7declared ter lunch, Jos Buttler was clean Steve Smith as the best player in the but having someone like Steve... defi- of cricket in my life – is very special Cricket for Australia, doing what I ENGLAND 2nd innings bowled for one. A bizarre shot world after his successive centuries nitely helps.” and I’m very proud.” love and contributing to wins,” Smith from Jonny Bairstow saw him steered Australia to a 251 run win over Smith was stripped of the captaincy Paine also praised 31-year-old spinner told BBC. “To score two hundreds in a R. Burns c Lyon b Cummins 11 caught in the slips off his glove England in the first Ashes Test. and handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Nathan Lyon, who made the diff erence match – the first time I’ve done that in J. Roy b Lyon 28 for six, with Ben Stokes out the Chasing a daunting 398 runs to win on Australia after teammate Cameron with the ball on the final day, taking any form of Cricket in my life – is very J. Root c Bancroft b Lyon 28 next ball – Lyon’s 350th Test day five at Edgbaston, England were Bancroft was caught on camera 6-49 to give his side the early advan- special and I’m very proud.” match victim. bowled out before tea for 146 as Aus- attempting to change the condition tage in the five-match series. “He’s a Smith’s appetite for runs is such that J. Denly c Bancroft b Lyon 11 Moeen Ali (4) failed to pro- tralia won the opening test of an away of the ball with sandpaper during a bit the same as Smith – every test or he is being compared to Australia J. Buttler b Cummins 1 duce with the bat once more as Ashes series for the first time since March 2018 Test in South Africa. series they seem to get better, which is sporting icon Don Bradman, widely B. Stokes c Paine b Lyon 6 Lyon struck again and again with 2005. With Australia struggling on 122- Bancroft and David Warner were also astonishing at their age,” Paine added. regarded as the greatest-ever Test J. Bairstow c Bancroft b Cummins 6 Broad falling for a golden duck. 8 in the first innings, Smith guided his banned for their part in the incident “If you come and see them train you’ll batsman. Bradman, in a career span- Chris Woakes was last to go team out of trouble with a sensational and they returned to test action with see that while they keep getting better, ning the years either side of World M. Ali c Warner b Lyon 4 as he top scored with 37, with 144. Three days later he became only Smith on Thursday. they’re a great example for our group. War II, averaged a staggering 99.94 in C. Woakes c Smith b Cummins 37 Cummings’ fourth of the innings the fifth Australian to score succes- While Warner endured a torrid time There’s still four tests to go. We’re here 52 Tests including 29 hundreds. S. Broad c Smith b Lyon 0 clinching a fi rst opening game sive centuries in an Ashes test as he with the bat, scoring two and eight to win the Ashes, not just one Test.” Of batsmen to have played at least 20 win in an Ashes series in England scored a fluent 142 to put the visitors runs respectively in the first test, the It was a personal triumph for the Test innings, Smith’s career average of J. Anderson not out 4 for Australia since 2005. in control of the match. 30-year-old Smith has made up for lost Smith, who was playing in his first Test 62.96 is second only in the all-time list Extras (4b 4lb 2nb) 10 Bowlers: Siddle 12-2- Joe Root admitted: “It is bit- “Steve Smith was unbelievable,” Paine time by punishing the England bowl- since a 12-month ban for his role in last to that of ‘the Don’. And by becoming Total (all out, 52.3 ov) 146 28-0, Lyon 20-5-49-6, terly disappointing.” said. “He’s the best test player in the ers. “I’m loving being back playing year’s shocking ball-tampering scan- just the fifth Australian to score hun- Pattinson 8-1-29-0, “Credit to Australia,” he add- world. He’s probably the best ever, sta- cricket for Australia, doing what I love dal on Australia’s tour of South Africa. dreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, FoW: 11-19, 2-60, 3-80, Cummins 11.3-3-32-4, ed. “They fought hard to get tistically. And while he’s at the crease and contributing to wins,” Smith said. “It feels pretty special, winning the first Smith has an achievement that eluded 4-85, 5-85, 6-97, 7-97, Smith 1-1-0-0. back in it. (Smith played) two our team has got real confidence. “To score two hundreds in a match – Test in England is really special. It feels even Bradman. 8-136, 9-136, 10-146 brilliant innings.”

TWENTY20 With series in kitty, changes on cards for India IANS matches, it might be possible Saini punished for animated Georgetown, Guyana that K.L. Rahul could be roped send-off in debut T20 in his place. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be rested to give India paceman Navdeep Saini has been aving already clinched Deepak a crack while Rahul handed one demerit point for bad behaviour the three-match T20I could replace either Krunal Pan- in his debut Twenty20 international against series, Team India will dya or Washington Sundar. the West Indies in Florida, the game’s world aim to go for a clean On the other hand, Windies – body said yesterday. Hsweep while trying to test its who have already lost the series Saini starred in India’s T20 win on Saturday bench strength when they take – will look to play for lost pride by taking three wickets, but the International on West Indies in the fi nal match and end the three-match rubber Cricket Council disciplined the bowler for the at the Providence Stadium today. on a high, before taking on the animated send-off he gave Nicholas Pooran, After registering a four-wick- Men in Blue in the three ODIs his maiden international wicket. et win in the fi rst T20I, India on and the subsequent two-Test “Saini was found to have breached Article Sunday secured a 22-run win by series. 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players the DLS method in the second and Player Support Personnel, which relates T20I in Florida, thereby clinch- SQUADS to using actions or gestures which could ing the series. After Sunday’s India: Virat Kohli (Captain), provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter win, skipper Virat Kohli hinted Rohit Sharma, Shikhar upon dismissal,” the ICC said in a statement. that he might experiment with Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas “He has also been handed one demerit the line-up in Tuesday’s game. Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh point.” “Winning is always going to Pant (wicket-keeper), Krunal The player, who was described as a “rarity” be a priority. But sealing the se- Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, by skipper Virat Kohli after his figures of 3-17, ries gives the chance to bring few Washington Sundar, Rahul admitted the off ence and accepted the sanc- guys in. Idea is always going to be Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, tion proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe. to win fi rst. But winning the fi rst Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, When a player reaches four or more demerit two games, gives the cushion,” Navdeep Saini points within a 24-month period they are con- skipper Kohli had said. West Indies: John Campbell, verted into suspension points and a player is Chahar brothers, Deepak and Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, banned. Two suspension points equate to a Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer – who Nicholas Pooran, Kieron ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, till now haven’t got a chance to Pollard, Rovman Powell, Carlos whatever comes first for the player. play – are likely to get a place in Brathwaite, Keemo Paul, Sunil India won the second T20 on Sunday to take the playing XI in Guyana. Narine, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match With wicketkeeper Rishabh Thomas, Anthony Bramble, Krunal Pandya (right) of India celebrates the dismissal of Nicholas Pooran of West Indies in the second T20I at the Central Broward series. Pant failing in the fi rst two Andre Russell, Khary Pierre. Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday. (AFP)