FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 Grief as former Arsenal star Reyes killed in car crash

Sunday, June 2, 2019 MOTORCYCLING Ramadan 28, 1440 AH Honda’s Marquez GULF TIMES grabs Italian Grand Prix pole SPORT Page 7

FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS COUNTRY RALLIES Al-Attiyah in championship lead with Kazakh victory 2019 Dakar champion holds off Peterhansel’s challenge in the final stage to go nine points clear in the standings

By A Correspondent Al-Attiyah said: “I am obvi- alarm issue and had to stop and Aktau City, Kazakhstan ously very happy to win Rally reset and then decided to quit Kazakhstan and now I am lead- the stage in case we damaged the ing the championship. Now we car.” atar’s Nasser Saleh are waiting for Morocco. This is a Al-Attiyah took an advan- al-Attiyah was made good year for us. Six wins in total tage of 5min 38sec into the to work mightily hard and six races in which I compete. short 148.76km final loop stage for a second victory in We controlled the pace well to- to the north of Aktau City that RallyQ Kazakhstan and the out- day. It was a nice stage, no prob- also featured a section running right lead in the 2019 FIA World lems.” along the shoreline of the Cas- Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. Saudi Arabian driver Yazeed pian Sea. The Qatari and his French co- al-Rajhi was not able to re- With nothing to lose after his driver Matthieu Baumel, driv- peat last year’s success in Ka- issues on day fi ve, Ten Brinke ing for Overdrive Racing, looked zakhstan but he and German won the last stage in a time of 1hr to be in control before the fi fth co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz 15min 08sec, but al-Attiyah did demanding selective section claimed two stage wins, led af- enough to stave off any late pres- through some of the remotest ter day one and recovered from sure from Peterhansel to secure terrain in eastern Kazakhstan. a third-day roll and a series of the victory for Overdrive Racing Lengthy delays for the crew in punctures to reach the finish in and take the outright FIA World that loop stage to the north of eighth overall. Cup lead. Aktau City meant that the out- Dutchman Bernhard Ten come went down to the wire and Brinke and Belgian co-driver OVERALL RESULTS (TOP 5) the Toyota Hilux crew had to Tom Colsoul held third overall 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ stave off a fi erce challenge from in their Toyota Hilux until issues Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota rival and Dakar legend Stephane on the fi fth Aktau loop stage cost Hilux Overdrive 17hrs 58min Peterhansel over the fi nal stage them a lot of time. 06sec to confi rm a second win on the They won the last stage but 2. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA)/ longest FIA event in the calen- hefty time penalties dropped Andrea Peterhansel (DEU) MINI dar. them out of the top 15 at the fi n- John Cooper Works Rally 18hrs Al-Attiyah eventually pressed ish in Aktau. 03min 27sec on down the coastline of the Cas- After those penultimate stage 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo pian Sea to the fi nish in Aktau problems that cost him third Gottschalk (DEU) MINI John City to secure a winning margin of overall, Ten Brinke said: “We Cooper Works Rally 18hrs 45min 5min 21sec and repeat his 2017 tri- started that stage very fast and 56sec umph on the newest round of the pushed a lot in the fi rst part in 4. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek cross-country calendar. The win the dunes. Then we broke a drive Sykora (SVK) Ford F-150 Evo 19hrs gave him an unoffi cial nine-point shaft and got stuck in the sand. It 27min 54sec lead in the Drivers’ Championship took us 30 minutes to get moving 5. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Dmytro to take to the fi nal round in Mo- Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (right) and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel celebrate their win in the Rally Kazakshtan in Aktau, Kazakhstan, and then we had to change the Tsyro (RUS) MINI John Cooper rocco in October. yesterday. (Red Bull Content Pool) drive shaft. Then we had a sensor Works Rally 19hrs 44min 40sec

2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Henry shines as New Zealand down Sri Lanka AFP Scorecard Cardiff , United Kingdom SRI LANKA (Ferguson), 5-59 (Mathews), 6-60 (J. ew Zealand made a fl y- L. Thirimanne lbw b Henry 4 Mendis), 7-112 (T. Perera), 8-114 (Udana), 9-130 (Lakmal), 10-136 (Malinga) ing start to their World Cup D. Karunaratne not out 52 campaign as paceman Matt Bowling: Henry 7-0-29-3 (1w), Boult Henry struck three times in a K. Perera c De Grandhomme b Henry 29 9-0-44-1 (4w), Ferguson 6.2-0-22-3 10-wicketN trashing of woeful Sri Lanka K. Mendis c Guptill b Henry 0(1w 1nb), De Grandhomme 2-0-14-1, yesterday. D. de Silva lbw b Ferguson 4Neesham 3-0-21-1 (1w, 1nb), Santner Henry returned fi gures of 3-29 and 2-0-5-1 (1w) A. Mathews c Latham b De Grandhomme combined with fellow paceman Lockie 0 Ferguson, who also took three wickets, NEW ZEALAND to bowl out Sri Lanka for just 136 in 29.2 J. Mendis c Neesham b Ferguson 1M. Guptill not out 73 overs in Cardiff . T. Perera c Boult b Santner 27 C. Munro not out 58 Martin Guptill and Colin Munro then I. Udana c Henry b Neesham 0 hit unbeaten half-centuries to make Extras (lb3, nb1, w2) 6 short work of their modest target. S. Lakmal c Santner b Boult 7 Total (no wickets, 16.1 overs) 137 The Kiwis cruised home in 16.1 overs L. Malinga b Ferguson 1Bowling: Malinga 5-0-46-0, Lakmal to register their third win in a World Extras ((b1, nb2, w8) 11 4-0-28-0, Udana 3-0-24-0, T. Perera 3-0- Cup game by 10 wickets. 25-0, J. Mendis 1.1-0-11-0 The right-left batting combination Total (all out, 29.2 overs) 136 of Guptill, who hit 73, and Munro, who Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Thirimanne), 2-46 RESULT: New Zealand won by 10 scored 58, had little trouble in smash- (K. Perera), 3-46 (K. Mendis), 4-53 wickets ing the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. The left-handed Karunaratne, who carried away in the fi rst game, but we Guptill hammered eight fours and has returned to the one-day side after a wanted to come out and make sure we two sixes including one hit that sailed gap of four years, then put on 42 runs for put them under pressure.” out of the ground. the second wicket with Kusal Perera. Karunaratne fought on to register But it was Henry’s spell of seven But Williamson kept Henry on for his third ODI fi fty in 81 balls before he straight overs that opened the gates for the bowler’s fi fth over and the deci- ran out of partners after Lasith Malinga New Zealand’s domination against the New Zealand’s Matt Henry (right) delivers the ball past non-striker Sri Lanka’s captain Dimuth Karunaratne during the 2019 sion paid off as he got Perera for 29 and was bowled by Ferguson for one. 1996 champions. Cricket World Cup match at Sophia Gardens stadium in Cardiff , Wales, yesterday. (AFP) Kusal Mendis without scoring on suc- Karunaratne’s unbeaten 52 made him “It’s a great start for us. You want a cessive deliveries. only the second opener in World Cup balanced attack going into any surface. Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karu- need to think about the game.” trudging back to the pavilion after the Dhananjaya de Silva played the hat- history to carry his bat through a com- It is important that you have that to naratne added: “It was a good toss to left-handed opener had hit a boundary trick ball with a glorious off drive, but pleted innings. The feat had previously have aggressive options for diff erent win. In the morning it was seaming and INCISIVE PACE from the fi rst ball. soon fell to the pace of Ferguson after been achieved by the West Indies’ Rid- occasions,” New Zealand captain Kane swinging. They had that advantage and Henry stood out in the absence of sen- Thirimanne was initially ruled not being trapped lbw. ley Jacobs, who made an unbeaten 49 Williamson said. they have good bowlers to do that, so ior paceman Tim Southee, who missed out by the on-fi eld umpire, but the “As a bowling group it was really against Australia in 1999. “The two at the top played beauti- they took their chance. the game due to a calf injury, with his Kiwis successfully reviewed the lbw call good, we knew we had to take wickets New Zealand, runners-up in the 2015 fully. It was nice for those guys to play a “The batters aren’t low on confi - incisive pace and swing. in their favour after replays suggested up front,” Henry told reporters after his edition, will next face Bangladesh on few shots. It was a good all-round per- dence. We batted well in some prac- He struck with the second delivery the ball pitched on line and would have man of the match performance. June 5, while Sri Lanka meet Afghanistan formance.” tice games and we work really hard. We of the game to send Lahiru Thirimanne hit the batsman’s leg stump. “You obviously don’t want to get too on June 4. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, June 2, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

REPORT SPOTLIGHT West Indies’ Russell confi dent of fi tness Australia’s Warner for Australia match

Reuters next game so that is more than London enough time to get my knee back to normal and get it settled. “Let’s just see what happens. returns from ban to est Indies all- I have a good physio team, mas- rounder Andre Rus- sage team, here so they’re going sell says he is confi - to be working with me closely for dent of recovering the next couple of days.” Wfrom a knee problem in time for Russell removed opener Fa- his side’s second Cricket World khar Zaman with a brutal bounc- Cup match against Australia on er that hit the batsman’s helmet Thursday. and crashed into the stumps, star in opening win Russell limped off at Notting- and soon after had Haris Sohail ham after a hostile spell of fast caught behind with another vi- bowling during which he took cious delivery. Warner scores 89, Finch 66 as Aussies chase down Afghanistan’s 208-run target two wickets for four runs in three The 31-year-old is renowned overs against Pakistan. for his six-hitting capability and Reuters He was not required to bat as is considered a genuine match- Bristol, England West Indies cantered to victory winner for Jason Holder’s team in under 14 overs with the loss of at the World Cup in England. three wickets. “I want to make sure that my avid Warner and Steve “I’ve been playing for years knee is 100 percent or if it’s not Smith returned to in- with these knee injuries,” Russell 100, 80 percent. I’m still ready ternational cricket told reporters. to bowl,” he said. “I’m ready, yesterday to see Aus- “And sometimes it feels worse this is the World Cup. So I don’t traliaD through to a comfortable than some days but, at the end mind resting for a month or two seven-wicket win over Afghani- of the day, I’m a professional. months after the World Cup but I stan in their World Cup opener I know what to do to get back. I want to leave everything here for at Bristol’s County Ground. think I have fi ve days before the the World Cup.” Warner top-scored with an unbeaten 89 while Smith made 18 as Australia easily chased down a modest target after Af- ghanistan, who won the toss and elected to bat, were bowled out for 207. The pair were back for their fi rst offi cial one day interna- tional after year-long bans fol- lowing a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Australia, whose captain Aar- on Finch contributed 66 runs off 49 balls, reached 209 for three in the 35th over, ensuring a win- ning start to the defence of their World Cup crown. Warner played a circumspect innings in stark contrast to the record-breaking 178 he scored against the Afghans in a domi- nant 275-run victory at the last World Cup in Perth four years ago. West Indies’ Andre Russell gets medical attention on the side of the Instead it was Finch who led pitch during the match against Pakistan in Nottingham on Friday. (AFP) the way for Australia this time, playing the aggressor while Warner was an uncharacteristi- FOCUS cally subdued support act. Afghanistan’s Mohamed Nabi (left) holds Australia’s David Warner as the latter takes a run during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match in But after Finch was caught as Bristol, England, yesterday. (AFP) Australia lost their fi rst wicket for 96, Warner took the lead, fi rst ished with fi gures of 3-40 and Archer relishing with Usman Khawaja (15) and leg spinner Zampa 3-60 as the Scorecard then Smith, who walked out to holders kept the brakes on de- the wicket to a cacophony of jeers. spite occasional fl ashes of fl air AFGHANISTAN Total (all out, 38.2 overs) ...... 207 U. Khawaja lbw b Khan ...... 15 prospect of bowling Smith was caught with just three from the Afghans. M. Shahzad b Starc ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Shahzad), S. Smith c Zazai b Rahman ...... 18 more runs needed to win. Afghanistan lost both of their 2-5 (Zazai), 3-56 (Shahidi), 4-75 Warner was also jeered when openers in the fi rst two overs H. Zazai c Carey b Cummins ...... 0 G. Maxwell not out ...... 4 (Shah), 5-77 (Nabi), 6-160 (Naib), at Pakistan: Younis he reached his 50 but both but rallied with a half-century R. Shah c Smith b Zampa ...... 43 7-162 (N. Zadran), 8-166 (D. Extras (lb1, nb2, w14) ...... 17 looked nonplussed by the reac- from Najibullah Zadran and an H. Shahidi st Carey b Zampa ...... 18 Zadran), 9-205 (Khan), 10-207 Total (three wickets, 34.5 overs) ...... Reuters tion to their return. aggressive cameo from Rashid (Rahman) ...... 209 London “It’s good to be back. It was a Khan to creep past 200. M. Nabi run out (Smith/Carey) ...... 7 great win and good start for us. Rahmat Shah earlier steadied G. Naib c Carey b Stoinis ...... 31 Bowling: Starc 7-1-31-1 (2w); Fall of wickets: 1-96 (Finch), Cummins 8.2-0-40-3 (1nb, 1w); 2-156 (Khawaja), 3-205 (Smith) I had nerves getting back into the innings with a 43-run knock N. Zadran c Carey b Stoinis ...... 51 ngland quick Jofra the camp and getting back into after coming in at No 3, but it Coulter-Nile 8-1-36-0 (2w); Bowling: Rahman 4.5-0-45-1; Archer will be salivating the full intensity of training but was Najibullah and captain Gul- R. Khan lbw b Zampa ...... 27 Stoinis 7-1-37-2 (3w); Zampa Hasan 6-2-15-0 (1w); D. Zadran at the prospect of bowl- I was a bit more relaxed when badin Naib who gave their team D. Zadran c Carey b Cummins .....4 8-0-60-3 5-0-32-0 (1nb, 1w); Naib 5-0-32-1 ing at Pakistan’s batsmen Finchy started going,” Warner hope of a competitive total with (1nb, 2w); Nabi 6-0-32-0 (2w); afterE witnessing the South Asian M. Ur Rahman b Cummins ...... 13 AUSTRALIA said. a swashbuckling 83-run sixth- Khan 8-0-52-1 side’s meek surrender against the H. Hasan not out ...... 1 A. Finch c Rahman b Naib ...... 66 Earlier, Pat Cummins and wicket partnership off 75 balls. RESULT: Australia won by West Indies pacemen, the team’s Extras (lb3, nb1, w8) ...... 12 Adam Zampa took three wick- Najibullah scored 51 off 49 D. Warner not out ...... 89 seven wickets former captain and coach Waqar ets each as Australia bowled out balls while Gulbadin hit 31 off 33. Younis has said. their inexperienced opponents Rashid Khan provided a late A blistering Oshane Thomas- in 38.2 overs. fl urry of runs, his 27 runs off trapped him leg before wicket. Carey completed fi ve dismiss- Australia’s World Cup record, led pace attack swept Pakistan Paceman Cummins fi n- 11 balls ending when Zampa Australia wicketkeeper Alex als in the innings — one short of set by Adam Gilchrist in 2003. away for a dismal 105 at Trent Bridge on Friday as West Indies wrapped up a seven-wicket vic- BOTTOMLINE tory in under 14 overs in their World Cup opener. Pakistan’s total was their low- est World Cup score since mak- ing 74 against England at Ad- England chase more ODI records aft er elaide in 1992, the year Imran Khan’s team went on to lift their only 50-overs crown. But any hopes of repeating that feat will face its sternest test being handed same Trent Bridge strip as soon as Monday when Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side take on tourna- By Ali Martin 105 in 21.4 overs. England are now ment hosts and favourites Eng- man that the world will remem- The Guardian considering a return for Mark land, the world’s top-ranked side ber when all is said and done at Wood to add a second 90mph in the format. this World Cup. man alongside Jofra Archer. “It will be diffi cult for the team “He has just got something ngland will return to the Thorpe said: “West Indies to bounce back quickly enough about him, a bit of stardust. He is pitch on which they have bowled very well, they looked for Monday against England — nippy and bowls with that extra posted two world record like they roughed Pakistan up a team who are on such a high,” bounce and most importantly, ODI totals when they as well. It was interesting view- former Pakistan captain Younis he takes wickets. I am sure he meetE Pakistan at Trent Bridge ing. [Archer and Wood] will wrote in a column for the gov- will leave a mark on this World tomorrow. Eoin Morgan’s side be discussed. The captain will erning body International Crick- Cup and probably on Pakistan on have been handed the same strip probably make a call on it. I am et Council. Monday.” when they plundered Pakistan sure he will think about it with “They have probably never Younis, however, feels it would for 444 for three in 2016, before Trevor Bayliss and a couple of played better, and I think they be foolish to write off Pakistan surpassing this with a mon- senior players and then come up have all the ingredients to go all given the format of the tourna- strous 481 for six during last with a plan.” the way and end their long wait ment during which all 10 sides year’s 5-0 whitewash of Aus- Caution over Wood’s fi tness for a World Cup.” face each other before the semi- tralia. led to Liam Plunkett being pre- Barbados-born Archer repre- fi nalists are decided. Victory in Thursday’s World ferred for the win over South sented West Indies at youth level “A lot has been said before Cup opener against South Af- Africa and the 34-year-old and was named in England’s 15- about Pakistan’s record in the rica was built on a fi rst-innings typically delivered in the second man squad despite only having past, the unpredictable nature total of 311 for eight, which over- powerplay, following up Arch- made his one-day international of this side. They lost heav- came the 10.30am start, the loss er’s initial incisions with fi gures debut last month. ily in their fi rst game in 1992 and of Jonny Bairstow to the second of for 37 from seven overs, in- He picked up three key South bounced back to win that tour- ball of the innings and a slightly cluding the wicket of Quinton de African wickets in England’s nament after all,” Younis said. sticky surface. General view of the England team during nets at Trent Bridge in Nottingham yesterday. (Reuters) Kock, South Africa’s top scorer. comprehensive 104-run win on “But we cannot really dwell They will be without Alex Chris Woakes is expected be Thursday, bowling with lot of on what happened 27 years ago. Hales, a centurion during both a good ground to play at over the board to put the opposition un- day, at the start of the tourna- rotated during the tournament pace and bounce in London. Winning the 2019 tournament record totals in Nottingham, but years and it has generally always der pressure.” ment that has bowlers slightly as he manages a long-standing “... you can be sure that a cer- is going to take some doing this a return to their happiest hunt- been a good pitch, so we are A lot of pre-tournament chat on top, serves as a reminder knee problem and so could also tain Jofra Archer will be licking time around. ing ground has created a buzz looking forward to it. If we get surrounded the possibility of there are no givens. be a candidate to make way. He his lips,” said Younis, himself a “A defeat like that damages the among the batsmen as they look into a good position, we’ll try to the 500 barrier being broken, Pace and bounce did for Sar- went wicketless at the Oval but tearaway fast bowler in his play- confi dence and we need to make to make it two wins from two. score as many as we can. But if with Trent Bridge seen as a likely faraz Ahmed’s side when – two had Morgan not removed the ing days. sure that we take our time to try At training, the batting coach, it doesn’t happen, you’ve got to venue. But Pakistan’s blow-out pitches across from Monday’s slip so early, De Kock might well “I have loved what I have seen and bounce back, think positive Graham Thorpe, said: “It’s been put a competitive score on the against West Indies there on Fri- match – they were bowled out for have been his. of him so far. He is going to be the and turn the ship around.” Gulf Times Sunday, June 2, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS CHALLENGES Bangladesh worry Du Plessis urges his about lack of spin at World Cup

Reuters contenders in previous one day London internationals. The tournament consists of men to get campaign a single group of 10 teams, with angladesh are worried a each playing all the others before lack of spinning wick- the top four progress to the semi- Proteas will take on Mortaza ets at the World Cup in fi nals. England will hamper “It’s very diffi cult, but there is & Co in Bangladesh’s first theirB chances, captain Mashrafe the positive side that even if you Mortaza said on the eve of their lose a match, there is a chance to back on track match of the tournament opening game. come back as well,” he said. Bangladesh take on South Af- “It’s important taking it one rica, who lost to hosts England match at a time and playing hard in the fi rst game on Thursday, at and let’s see. The Oval today. “Tomorrow, I’m pretty much Mortaza said they were aware confi dent my side will give our before arriving that neither spin best shot. Obviously the result nor outright pace was likely to be matters but also what matters is a key factor on English pitches. how much eff ort we put in.” “Although suddenly we see Mortaza said he did not believe pace bowlers have got some South Africa, who were hand- wickets in the fi rst few matches,” ily beaten by England at the same he told a news conference yester- venue in the opening match of the day. “Tomorrow might be diff er- tournament, were under pressure. ent match. Maybe the wicket will “I don’t see it that way. But be fl at, and maybe spinners will it’s not going to help us thinking play a role. about the South Africans’ men- “You never know. It’s im- tality and how they are feeling. portant that everyone has to be Obviously if we can put them ready, either quicks or spinners.” under pressure, then it will be Mortaza said the new World a diff erent ball game. But they Cup format would make matters will come hard, for sure, and we diffi cult for Bangladesh, even if have to make sure we come hard they have beaten all of the top as well.”

SPOTLIGHT Coach Arthur promises Pakistan will bounce back aft er ‘shocking’ start

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (centre) has found promise in his team’s disciplined bowling in the opening match against England on Thursday. (AFP)

AFP land, South Africa’s bid to win “England were better than us Du Plessis expects them to put suff ering a hamstring strain London the World Cup for the fi rst time in all three facets of the game. Bangladesh under pressure. while bowling during their is off to the worst possible start. They showed why they are such “Lungi, he’s got a beautiful warm-up match against India But they have a chance to get a good cricket team, and now we action. The way he came back on Tuesday outh Africa captain Faf back on track when they return have to look at the league. It’s a (from a slow start) was beauti- “A lot of times in such cases du Plessis has challenged to the Oval to face Bangladesh league competition. ful. You know, to get Jos Buttler I face trouble bowling the fi rst his side to make amends and Du Plessis says now is not “For me, it’s about making out, he’s probably one of the one or two overs. Once I get for the painful start to the time to panic. sure we look at the areas that we best strikers in the world,” he through that, I don’t face any theirS World Cup campaign as The lengthy nature of the 10- got it wrong and just move on.” said. more problems,” he told Dhaka- they aim to bounce back against team group stage, in which each South Africa’s disciplined “So to get him out with good based bdnews24. Bangladesh today. country plays nine matches and bowling against England gives thinking, good tactics. Lungi, “But I pulled a hamstring dur- The Proteas suff ered a 104- the top four make the semi-fi - Du Plessis reason to believe they Kagi, those guys are going to ing the sixth over,” he added. “I Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (right) leads his players off the field run thrashing against hosts nals, gives South Africa time to still have plenty to off er. play a role when it comes to could have stopped after four after the loss to West Indies in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at Trent England in the tournament’s recover, a point Du Plessis was close games at the death as the or fi ve overs but Rohit (Sharma) Bridge in Nottingham on Friday. (AFP) opening match on Thursday. keen to emphasise to his players. ‘BEAUTIFUL ACTION’ tournament moves on.” and (Virat) Kohli were looking to South Africa restricted Eng- “This is where it’s important Lungi Ngidi was their leading Bangladesh will be playing score runs quickly during that pe- AFP more disappointing as they had land to manageable 311 for 8 on a for us to make sure that you look wicket-taker with three in his 10 their fi rst match of the World riod. I felt that I needed to practise Nottingham, United Kingdom expected to face short-pitched tricky pitch at the Oval but, tor- at the World Cup for what it is. overs, including the prize scalp Cup as they look to better their bowling in such a situation.” bowling and prepared accord- mented by Jofra Archer’s pace You know, you’re going to play of the destructive Jos Buttler. run to the quarter-fi nals in the Tamim Iqbal did not play ingly. and bounce, their run chase games. You’re going to come up Fellow pace bowler Kagiso 2015 edition. against India due to a thigh akistan coach Mickey “We knew that we were going never got going. against quality opposition,” Du Rabada also off ered a glimpse of Mashrafe Mortaza hopes to be strain, but the opener is expect- Arthur has insisted they to get short-pitched bowling and Dismissed for 207 by Eng- Plessis said. his talent with two wickets and fi t to captain the team despite ed to be fi t to face South Africa. can bounce back from a had prepared very well for it, so “shocking” start to the was disappointing to see us play PWorld Cup. like that because we were pre- BOTTOMLINE Hostile fast bowling by the pared,” the South African said. West Indies saw Pakistan slump Pakistan have now last their to just 105 — their second-lowest last 11 completed one-day inter- World Cup total — in a mere 21.4 nationals but Riaz insisted they overs at Trent Bridge on Friday. did not have a mental block when Karunaratne urges SL to keep ‘chin up’ aft er rout The West Indies, two-time it came to facing fast bowling. former champions, then pol- “We didn’t play the short ball AFP but gave no excuses for Sri Lan- ished off the meagre target in well but we’ve seen in past series Cardiff , United Kingdom ka’s meek surrender. 13.4 overs on the back of dash- that we can score runs against “They (fans) were far from Car- ing opener Chris Gayle’s 34-ball that sort of bowling,” said Riaz. diff and they spend their time and 50 which included six fours and “If people want to bowl us imuth Karunaratne money to come here to see a good three sixes. bouncers, then we will have no urged his Sri Lankan match,” said Karunaratne. Arthur did not hide from the problems with that. teammates to stay “I think that’s the main thing. scale of a seven-wicket defeat, “It’s not a mental issue. We positive after they If we get out for 130, you know, saying it had gone against every- have been losing in the past, we wereD jeered by angry fans dur- there is no match. We have to thing he had seen from his play- need to fi nd a way to get out of ing yesterday’s embarrassing give them a good show at the end ers in the build-up. this pattern,” he added. 10-wicket loss to New Zealand of the day.” “Yes, it was a shocking start Pakistan have a short turana- in their opening match of the Henry rattled Sri Lanka’s top — the players did not take the round in which to put their abject World Cup. order with his incisive opening preparations into the the mid- defeat behind them before they Sri Lanka crashed to 136 all spell to return fi gures of 3-29 dle,” Arthur told AFP. “But we return to Trent Bridge for their out after being put into bat fi rst and Ferguson also got key wick- will dust ourselves off and come second World Cup game against in Cardiff and the Black Caps ets including Angelo Mathews back strong.” tournament hosts England on chased down the modest target for nought. Pakistan’s batsmen were un- Monday. in 16.1 overs. Karunaratne fought on to reg- done by the short-pitched bowl- England, the world’s top- Martin Guptill, hitting 73, and ister his third ODI fi fty in 81 balls ing of the West Indies pace trio. ranked ODI side, launched their Colin Munro, scoring 58, ham- before he ran out of partners. Oshane Thomas led the way World Cup campaign in style mered the runs after pacemen Demanding his batsmen to with four for 27, while captain with a 104-run victory over Matt Henry and Lockie Fergu- learn from their mistakes, Karu- Jason Holder (three for 42) and South Africa at the Oval on son claimed three wickets each naratne said: “If you take this Andre Russell (two for four) also Thursday. against hapless Sri Lanka. wicket, you know, you need to made telling contributions to They came into the World Cup But skipper Karunaratne, who have a target. It’s not easy. It’s a match that was all fi nished in on the back of 4-0 ODI series stood out with his unbeaten 52, not a 300 wicket, so you need to under half of the scheduled 100 rout of Pakistan — which includ- said all is not lost as long as his have another game plan. overs. ed a three-wicket win at Trent players don’t dwell on the defeat. “You can’t go there and hit Opener Fakhar Zaman and Bridge. “I think we have another eight Sri Lanka’s Suranga Lakmal (centre) watches the ball as New Zealand’s Colin Munro and Martin Guptill every ball, so you have to stay number three Babar Azam scored But Arthur said Pakistan games to go. We need to (keep (right) run between the wickets during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match in Cardiff yesterday. (Reuters) calm. I think in these conditions, 22 each while Wahab Riaz (18) would be a better side for that our) chin up and play very well,” 250 or 240 will be a good score. I and Mohamed Hafeez (16) were experience. Karunaratne said in the post- some partnerships, (and in) the The 1996 champions were on nature of their team’s loss. think they bowled really well, so the only other Pakistan batsmen “Yes, we know how good Eng- match press conference. middle part. Those are the key the receiving end of some boo- Karunaratne said losing the we have to give them credit.” to reach the double fi gures. land are but we know them and “We need to see what we have. areas. We’re looking forward to ing by a group of Sri Lankan fans toss on a green Sophia Gardens Sri Lanka next play Afghani- Arthur said his team’s bat- are battle-hardened against On the back end we need to get doing it.” who were frustrated by the tame wicket was not the ideal start, stan in Cardiff on June 4. ting performance was all the them.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, June 2, 2019 FOOTBALL

GETTING READY

Qatar’s defender Abdelkarim Hassan and teammates take part in a training session in Porto Bela, a costal town near Rio de Janeiro. Qatar is preparing for the Copa America which will be held from June 15 to July 7 in Brazil. (Right) Qatar coach Felix Sanchez giving instructions to his boys.

TRAGEDY FOCUS Chelsea boss Sarri close to Juve switch Grief as former tremendous start at Stamford AFP London Bridge as Chelsea went un- beaten in 18 games. But Sarri endured consist- helsea manager Mau- ent criticism from a signifi cant rizio Sarri has told the portion of the club’s support- club he wants to leave ers throughout the campaign after a single season and suff ered heavy 4-0 and Arsenal star Reyes Cto join Italian champions Ju- 6-0 defeats at Bournemouth ventus, according to reports and Manchester City. yesterday. Chelsea, however, reached Sarri has been an un- the Carabao Cup fi nal, which comfortable fi t with fans at they lost on penalties to Man- Stamford Bridge and despite chester City, before fi nishing winning the Europa League the season strongly. this week and fi nishing third Sarri claimed the fi rst ma- killed in car crash in the Premier League, there is jor trophy of his career when a perception the chain- Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in ‘Impossible news to believe, impossible to digest, that hard my God’ smoking coach is unwilling to Baku on Wednesday to win adapt tactics when things go the Europa League fi nal, but AFP wrong. refused to commit his future Madrid Sarri has been widely linked to the club, saying: “You know with Juventus, who are seeking very well that I love the Pre- a successor to Massimiliano mier League, the level of the ormer Arsenal, Real Ma- Allegri, although sports daily competition, and I am lucky drid and Spain star Jose Gazzetta reported Saturday because I am at Chelsea, one Antonio Reyes has been that Tottenham boss Mauricio of the best teams in the best killed in a car crash, his Pochettino was also on their championship in the world. hometownF club Sevilla said yes- radar. “So at the moment I am terday. He was 35. Sarri held talks with Chelsea happy, but of course I want to Reyes shot to fame at Sevilla director Marina Granovskaia know if the club is happy, if we before a switch to Arsenal where on Friday and informed her can improve. he was part of the unbeaten ‘In- that he wanted to return to his “It’s normal I think; I have vincibles’ 2003-2004 Premier homeland, the reports in Brit- a discussion with the owner League winners, before spells at ain and Italy said. after every season with every Real and Atletico Madrid. Granovskaia, it is said, has club.” UEFA announced they would promised to talk to club own- Chelsea are facing a transfer hold a minute’s silence in his er Roman Abramovich about ban next season which could honour ahead of Saturday’s his future, but it would seem restrict their ability to attract a Champions League fi nal be- Chelsea will seek compensa- big name coach. tween Tottenham and Liverpool. tion from any suitor. The club have been linked Former Arsenal boss Arsene Sarri succeeded Antonio with their former midfi eld- Wenger signed Reyes on the back Conte as Chelsea manager last er Frank Lampard, now the of Spain’s Under-19’s Euro- summer after spending three manager of Championship pean championships win where years at Napoli. side Derby, should Sarri leave he played alongside Fernando The 60-year-old enjoyed a Stamford Bridge. Torres and Andres Iniesta, and a dazzling series of matches with Sevilla the following season. COMMENT Arsenal described the ac- cident as “awful news”. “Reyes was, of course, a member of the Invincibles,” Arsenal said on Balotelli’s Italy their website. “(He) made a sig- nifi cant contribution to that un- beaten season.” future ‘in his hands’ “Thanks for what you gave us, and rest in peace,” Arsenal said. He won Premier League and FA aft er snub: Mancini Cup medals at Arsenal and came on as a late substitute when the AFP Gunners lost the 2006 Cham- Milan pions League fi nal to Barcelona. But it was at Sevilla where the pain will be most keenly felt. taly coach Roberto Man- “We couldn’t be confi rming cini said yesterday that worse news,” Sevilla said when Mario Balotelli is not play- breaking the news. ing at a high enough level “Beloved Sevilla star Jose An- Ito be picked for the national tonio Reyes has died in a traffi c side after snubbing the Mar- collision. Rest in peace,” Sevilla, In this file photo taken on April 29, 2015 Sevilla’s forward Jose Antonio Reyes celebrates after scoring during a Spanish league match against seille striker for upcoming where he spent two four-year SD Eibar at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium in Eibar. (AFP) Euro 2020 qualifi ers against spells, said on Twitter. Greece and Bosnia. He helped Sevilla win the cident on the main road from Se- Ramos. “I have no words. All doba and Xinjian Tianshan in football, also tweeted his sad- The Italians travel to Athens Spanish second division in his villa to Utrera. They said another the aff ection for the family. We China, before arriving at Extre- ness and referred to wingback to take on Greece on June 8 and Mario Balotelli fi rst stint at the club. He won member of his family also died will always remember you, my madura this year as a free agent. Antonio Puerta, who died of a before hosting Bosnia in Tu- the Europa League fi ve times, and a third person was injured. friend! RIP brother.” “With broken hearts we an- cardiac arrest playing for Sevilla rin three days later, and Man- goals in 15 games since joining twice with Atletico Madrid and Spain captain Sergio Ramos, Reyes played 21 times for nounce the news of our player in 2007. cini said the 28-year-old could Marseille from fellow Ligue 1 three times in his second spell at who is also from the province of Spain between 2003 and 2006, Jose Antonio Reyes’ death in a “Impossible news to believe, only blame himself for not be- club Nice in January has not Sevilla. Seville, came through the youth scoring four goals. car crash and we ask for you to impossible to digest, that hard ing selected. featured on the international The emergency services in team just after Reyes and later He also won domestic league pray for his soul,” Extremadura my God,” wrote Monchi. “We’ve known each other stage since September. Andalusia and the authorities in played with him at Real Madrid titles with Real Madrid and Ben- said. Monchi, who overlapped “What a left fl ank you are go- for a lifetime,” said Mancini, “He still does things that he the town where his family live, also tweeted his grief. fi ca. After leaving Sevilla in 2016, with Reyes as a player at Sevilla ing to make, Antonio and you, up who coached Balotelli at Inter shouldn’t do and got a four- Utrera, said Reyes died in an ac- “Broken. Shattered,” wrote Reyes played for Espanyol, Cor- and is now the club’s director of there.” Milan and Manchester City. match ban in Ligue 1,” contin- “I called him, even though ued Mancini. “He has twelve it took me two days to fi nd months to return to the group. Ulreich gets first Germany call-up as Leno pulls out him because he has eight or It’s in his hands.” nine phone numbers, and I Torino striker Andrea Be- Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has pulled ever international call-up. a recurring problem with his thumb, the Joachim Loew, who checked into hospital explained to him that he still lotti has been rewarded for out of Germany’s upcoming Euro 2020 “Sven has earned this call-up. He has DFB said in a statement. earlier this week after crushing an artery needs to improve, the bar his club form in the closing qualifiers against Belarus and Estonia due shown top performances whenever he “I know that Bernd has had some pain in while exercising. needs to be raised,” added the months of the season, with to injury, the German Football Association was needed for Bayern this season, and his hand recently. He is going to have a Koepke and assistant coach Marcus 54-year-old. “He’s content eight of his 15 Italian league announced yesterday. has great quality,” said Germany goal- splint put on his thumb, so we won’t be Sorg will replace Loew in the dugout as to play at a low level, when he goals coming since the start of The 27-year-old will be replaced in the keeping coach Andy Koepke. able to play him in the two upcoming Germany take on Belarus in Borisov on could be devastating. He could March. “Belotti did far better squad by Bayern Munich reserve goal- Leno will not join the team when they games,” Koepke said. June 8, before hosting Estonia in Mainz play at the top, score three to in the second half of the sea- keeper Sven Ulreich, who receives his first travel to Borisov next week because of Germany will also be without coach on June 11. four goals per game.” son, so he earned this call-up,” Balotelli, who scored eight said Mancini. Gulf Times Sunday, June 2, 2019 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT NBA Basketball comes home, Cameroon’s Siakam Raptors fans hoping trophy overcame dad’s death follows Reuters Toronto

hen Canadian James Naismith invent- ed basketball back in 1891 it is doubt- ful that in his wildest dreams he could to live NBA dream have imagined his hockey-mad home- Wland going bonkers over a sport designed to be an ‘I have a bigger purpose and I play for something bigger than just basketball’ “athletic distraction”. Not since Naismith nailed peach baskets to the AFP something that’s going to push me wall of a gym had basketball ever been a distrac- Toronto to do better things for my family, for tion for Canadians until Thursday when it became myself, for my dad. a national obsession, the country putting aside re- “It was a turning point in my life, gional loyalties and jumping on the Toronto Rap- ascal Siakam achieved his just going through that type of ad- tors bandwagon. late dad’s dream of playing versity. It defi nitely made me the For the fi rst time an NBA Finals game was in the NBA. Now every game person I am today.” played outside the United States and from Victo- the Cameroonian forward Siakam, taken 27th by the Raptors ria to Newfoundland, Canadians assembled in city playsP for the Toronto Raptors is dedi- in the 2017 NBA Draft, is the person squares for viewing parties, packed bars and pubs cated to his father’s memory. who writes “R.I.P. Dad” on his shoes to watch the Raptors record a rousing 118-109 win Siakam scored a career playoff during the NBA playoff s and one who over the Golden State Warriors. high 32 points to power the Raptors wonders if his father would be proud Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted about it, over the defending champion Golden to see all that he has achieved, three rapper Drake was courtside chirping and taunting State Warriors 118-109 in Thurs- wins from becoming an NBA cham- and NBA commissioner Adam Silver was off er- day’s opener of the NBA Finals then pion. ing a historical perspective. “This is a homecom- promptly admitted, “I’m just doing it “It’s a question I ask myself every ing of sorts for basketball in Canada,” Silver began for my dad.” single day and I know I wish I had the his state of the league address ahead of Game One. Half a day later, the 25-year-old answer,” Siakam said. “I know people “You know, our Game One of the Finals taking African star was still thinking of his always tell me that I know he’s proud place in Toronto, Canada. That will, I think, be a father, Tchamo Siakam, who died of you, and I kind of want to hear it milestone. from injuries in a 2014 auto accident from his mouth and I think it would “It’s come full circle in terms of basketball being before seeing his youngest of four be really cool.” invented by a Canadian.” sons realise the family dream. Until this post-season Canada was a bit player “For me it’s bigger than basketball ‘A BURNING DESIRE’ on the NBA stage but now fi nd themselves as nearly and every night I go out there, I have It’s Siakam’s work ethic that amazes everyone’s favourite team, even in the US where a bigger purpose and I play for some- Toronto coach Nick Nurse, having they are benefi ting from Warriors fatigue. thing bigger than just basketball,” watched him train harder to become For the casual fan, little is known about the team Siakam said. “That’s what make not only an NBA player, but a threat operating out of the NBA’s northern outpost, but it special that every night I’m out to become among the very best, his they have heard too much for too long about the there, no matter the result, no matter 32 points serving notice the best is Warriors, who are in their fi fth consecutive Finals how many points I score, I’m playing yet to come. chasing a third straight title. for something bigger than myself.” “I’ve never seen anything like that According to a map created by gambling site Be- Siakam had three older brothers before. That’s a pretty big stage for a tOnline, all but three states (California, Nevada and who played major US college bas- guy to put that kind of performance Hawaii) are cheering for the Raptors. ketball but Pascal’s interest in the on,” Nurse said. “That’s cool,” shrugged Warriors Draymond sport only came in his teens ahead of “He has a big engine with lots of Green on Friday as his team prepared for Game Two his big break being discovered in an energy that enables him to play with of the best-of-seven series on Sunday. “People in African Basketball Without Borders a certain speed, athleticism and ena- the States are rooting against us because we beat all camp. bles him to work very hard every sin- their teams. So it’s all good. He wound up at New Mexico State gle day. “Give the kid the credit. He “When you’re at the top, no one’s ever cheering when his father died and his mother, has worked his tail off . He has really for you to stay there. Victorie, pushed him not to return got a burning desire to be a very good “People want to see you get to the top and they home for a funeral but keep work- player in this league.” want to see you fall.” ing on making his dad’s dream a re- Siakam, whose lanky frame and Even more surprising than Americans getting ality. “In terms of adversity, I went impressive speed make his a chal- behind the Raptors is Canada rallying around a To- through something that I considered lenge for any defender, is constantly ronto team. the hardest moment of my life when looking for ways to improve. The Raptors joined the NBA in 1995 and in a my dad passed away,” Siakam said. “I’ve learned a lot and I know I have quarter of a century had grown little support out- “I was in college and just away a lot to learn,” Siakam said. “That’s side the 416 area code. from my family. Thank God I had one of the advantages for me. I know I That all changed on Thursday as they were el- the support of my teammates and have so much to learn. I have to grow. evated to the status of Canada’s team. coaches in college that helped me go Just try to be a little bit smarter and As Toronto whipped itself into a frenzy the rest through it. learn something every night.” of Canada joined in, with cities across the country “But it was defi nitely one of the setting up their own “Jurassic Parks” just like the toughest moments in my life, and not one outside ScotiaBank Arena for viewing parties. being able to go home for the funeral Toronto Raptors forward Pascal “I think you would need to be probably asleep or and all that. So it was defi nitely a mo- Siakam shoots the ball against the something if you didn’t realize that everybody is ment where it kind of tested me as a Golden State Warriors in game one pretty excited,” said Raptors coach Nick Nurse. “I man, just being able to go through of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank think it’s awesome. that and using that as a motivation, Arena. (USA TODAY Sports) “They’re proud of their team and we want to play hard and make them proud of us. That’s it.”

MLB Carpenter’s 10th-inning hit lift s Cards over Cubs Reuters St. Louis RESULTS Cardinals 2-1 Cubs att Carpenter hit a game-ending, Yankees 4-1 Red Sox bases-loaded single in the 10th in- Reds 9-3 Nationals ning to send the host St. Louis Car- dinals to a 2-1 victory against the White Sox 6-1 Indians MChicago Cubs on Friday night. Pirates 9-4 Brewers Carpenter sent a fl y ball the opposite way to a Orioles 9-6 Giants largely vacant left fi eld, as the Cubs had loaded Twins 5-3 Rays four defenders on the right side of the infi eld. The hit off Steve Cishek scored Kolten Wong, Tigers 8-2 Braves who had doubled into the right fi eld corner with Rockies 13-6 Blue Jays one out, and secured the Cardinals’ fi rst walk- Rangers 6-2 Royals off victory of the season. Chicago relievers Kyle Ryan, Brad Brach and Mets 5-4 D’backs Brandon Kintzler collaborated on three innings Astros 3-2 A’s of perfect, three-strikeout relief before St. Dodgers 6-3 Phillies Louis’ 10th-inning rally against Mike Mont- gomery (1-1), Dillon Maples and Cishek. Padres 5-2 Marlins Jordan Hicks (2-2) was the winner, pitch- Mariners 4-3 Angels ing hitless ball in the ninth and 10th with two walks and two strikeouts. Cubs right-hander Chicago also had its chances against Mikolas. Yu Darvish turned in one of his sharpest starts The Cubs couldn’t cash in with the bases loaded of the season, pitching six innings of three- and two outs in the fi rst. Chicago collected con- hit, one-run ball with six strikeouts and three secutive singles to start the fourth but followed walks. St. Louis capitalised on Darvish’s early with a fl yout and a double-play grounder. Al- control issues to score a fi rst-inning run. After bert Almora Jr. hit a two-out triple in the sev- Darvish walked the fi rst two hitters, cleanup enth, but the Cubs were unable to score. Wong batter Marcell Ozuna contributed a sacrifi ce fl y (2-for-4) was the only player with a multi-hit to give the Cardinals an early lead. game. Darvish settled down after that, retiring nine in a row before Paul Goldschmidt col- SURGING YANKEES DUMP RED SOX lected the Cardinals’ fi rst hit, a leadoff single in Aaron Hicks hit a tiebreaking two-run single the fourth. The Cardinals threatened with two in the third inning, and the New York Yankees on and one out in the fi fth but were unable to beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1 on Friday night in score, as pitcher Miles Mikolas struck out on a the opener of a rain-shortened, three-game foul bunt and Carpenter struck out looking at a series at Yankee Stadium. After rain postponed St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter is doused with water by left fielder Marcell Ozuna (left) after hitting a walk off one run single during payoff pitch. Thursday’s scheduled series opener, the Yan- the game against Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Mikolas also took a no-decision with seven kees improved to 3-0 against the Red Sox this innings of one-run ball, spacing six hits, three year and continued to roll. New York beat Chris full-count pitch from Sale into left fi eld, scor- LeMahieu’s two clutch hits occurred after he scored two runs or fewer for the fi fth time in a strikeouts and two walks. The lone run he Sale (1-7) for the second time this year and won ing Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu. LeMahieu struck out to start the game against Sale, who game started by Sale. Sale allowed four runs on yielded came in the second, when Darvish hit a for the 14th time in 17 games overall. Hicks gave hit a game-tying double off the right-center opened the game by striking out the side. Rafael seven hits and one walk in six innings. He re- sacrifi ce fl y to score Victor Caratini, who led off the Yankees a 3-1 lead with two outs in the third fi eld fence earlier in the third and then hit his Devers homered in the second inning for the corded his sixth double-digit strikeout game of the inning with a ground-rule double. when he came back from an 0-2 count and hit a sixth homer in the fi fth inning to make it 4-1. Red Sox, who dropped their third straight and the season by getting 10 strikeouts. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, June 2, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING/ GIRO D’ITALIA FOCUS beIN SPORTS to broadcast Women’s Carapaz on brink of World Cup, launches beINSPIRED project IFA and beIN MEDIA Women’s World Cup, beIN GROUP, the global broadcasts thousands of hours victory as tempers sports and entertain- of women’s sport throughout ment group (beIN), the year, which will all now haveF yesterday announced a be promoted under the beIN- new media rights agreement SPIRED umbrella, including that will see beIN SPORTS, coverage this summer of Ro- beIN’s fl agship sports net- land Garros and Wimbledon to work, exclusively broadcast inspire and celebrate women’s next week’s FIFA Women’s participation in tennis. fray on eve of fi nish World Cup France 2019 in As part of the project, beIN more than 30 countries across is also looking to introduce ‘I knew that Carapaz would try to give the win to Landa so I followed the best wheel’ Asia and the Middle East and inspiring on-air talent, en- North Africa (Mena). ter partnerships with rights- This new deal means that holders and other brands, and beIN will distribute this year’s create more digital content to FIFA Women’s World Cup to celebrate the most inspiring more countries than any other sporting stories and successes, global broadcaster, with the with more announcements on iconic football tournament this to come. joining beIN’s existing unpar- Yousef al-Obaidly, CEO of alleled portfolio of women’s beIN MEDIA GROUP, said: sports rights which sees the “The FIFA Women’s World broadcaster showcasing wom- Cup is the most anticipated en’s football, tennis, basket- tournament in world sport this ball, handball, athletics and a year and I’m delighted to an- host of other sports on a regu- nounce that beIN subscribers lar basis across the world. in +30 countries across Asia On the same day as the and the Middle East & North major sports rights deal an- Africa will get to watch some of nouncement with FIFA, and the best athletes on the planet on the eve of the Women’s come together to compete for World Cup tournament open- their country this summer. ing, beIN has also launched a “On the eve of this out- new global project to encour- standing tournament, we are age women and girls across also launching beINSPIRED, the world to play more sport, which is our stated ambition as under the new branding of a global broadcaster to inspire ‘beINSPIRED’. the next generation to partici- beINSPIRED believes in the pate in sport, by giving a global power of broadcasting to in- platform to events and tal- spire the next generation of ent that haven’t, historically, athletes and fans to participate been given the exposure they in sport, regardless of gen- deserve. This summer we will der, race or background. Next take our fi rst big step in this week’s FIFA Women’s World project and broadcast more Cup will be the fi rst beIN- premium women’s sport than SPIRED tournament aired on any other global broadcaster, beIN SPORTS with the new and we hope that female fans beINSPIRED logo promoted in the Mena region, and all on screens during all matches. across the world, will fi nd new In addition to this year’s FIFA heroes and take part in sport.”

Saracens complete double with stunning comeback in Premiership fi nal

Saracens completed their at the break and controlled second domestic and Euro- the game for long parts, it Team Movistar rider Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz, wearing the overall leader’s pink jersey, celebrates on the podium after stage twenty of the 102nd Giro d’Italia yesterday. (AFP) pean double in three years was Saracens, winners over with the greatest comeback Irish powerhouse Leinster AFP standings - a lead that has never 49sec behind Spanish teammate and Roglic. A breakaway group 48, 13. Bauke Mollema (NED/ in the history of the English in last month’s European Croce d’Aune, Italy been overtaken in the fi nal time Bilbao. But Carapaz was in a of seven riders formed in the TRE) 48, 14. Primoz Roglic (SLO/ Premiership final as they Champions Cup final, who trial stage - with Landa moving generous mood up Monte Avena, fi nal two climbs with French JUM) 54 rallied to beat Exeter 37-34 at once again came through third 2min 53sec adrift at the the fi nal climb of the Giro over rider Valentin Madouas attack- SELECTED Twickenham yesterday. when it mattered. The London ichard Carapaz closed expense of Slovenian Primoz 6.9 km and with a 7.3 percent ing with 16km to go before being 18. Miguel Angel Lopez (COL/ When Exeter led by 11 points club lifted their eighth major in on his fi rst Giro Roglic, who is 3min 06sec adrift. gradient. reeled in at the Croce d’Aune. AST) 1:49 after an hour it seemed they trophy in as many years - and d’Italia triumph yester- “Even if anything can hap- “We’ve tried to win the stage “I knew that Carapaz would were about to get revenge their fifth English title - on a day after keeping hold pen in the fi nal time-trial I think with Mikel Landa as well as my- try to give the win to Mikel Lan- OVERALL for their defeat by Saracens sun-drenched day but only ofR the leader’s pink jersey in a tu- that 1min 54sec on Nibali is suf- self to retain the Maglia Rosa da so I followed the best wheel,” 1. Richard Carapaz (ECU/Mov- in last season’s final. But after being pushed hard by multuous 20th and penultimate fi cient,” said the 26-year-old (pink jersey) but we’ve missed said Bilbao. istar) 89hr 38min 28sec, 2. Vin- Saracens fightback in a 10-try southwest side Exeter. stage that saw Miguel Angel Carapaz ahead today’s 17km out by very little,” said Carapaz. Carapaz is now poised to be- cenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) at 1min extravaganza left the 2017 Nobody could have expected Lopez lashing out at a spectator time-trial around Verona. “But we’re happy with how it come the second rider from the 54sec, 3. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) champions hopes of a second the dramatic and blistering who knocked him over. It was a heated fi nal day in went today.” Andes to win the Giro after Co- 2:53, 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) English title in tatters and opening to this contest, with Ecuadorian Carapaz gave the mountains. Roglic picked up Bilbao’s success, his second of lombian Nairo Quintana in 2014. 3:16, 5. Bauke Mollema (NED/ gave more reason to believe Exeter taking 26 seconds nothing to his rivals on the sum- a 10-second penalty after a fan this year’s Giro after stage seven, TRE) 5:51, 6. Miguel Angel Lopez this Sarries outfit is the best from the kick-off to score the mit fi nish at Monte Avena af- pushed him for over 15 seconds was a boost for his Astana outfi t RESULTS AFTER 20TH STAGE (COL/AST) 7:18, 7. Rafal Majka English rugby club side ever. first try. Wing Alex Cuthbert ter the 193km ride through the along the narrow roads at Croce after Lopez’s mishap. STAGE (POL/BOR) 7:28, 8. Simon Yates Watching England coach dropped on the ball and it northern Dolomites mountains d’Aune. “My fi rst win was special,” he 1. Pello Bilbao (ESP/Astana) 5hr (GBR/MIT) 8:01, 9. Pavel Sivakov Eddie Jones would have was recycled to scrum-half where Astana rider Pello Bilbao Astana rider Angel Lopez said. 46min 02sec, 2. Mikel Landa (RUS/INE) 9:11, 10. Ilnur Zaka- been both exhilarated and Nic White to dart over for a snatched the stage victory. lashed out at a spectator who “This second is even better (ESP/MOV) same time, 3. Giulio rin (RUS/KAT) 12:50, 11. Hugh impressed by the part played fine score. Exeter, however, lost Movistar rider Carapaz, made him crash as he headed into than the fi rst one because it’s a Ciccone (ITA/TRE) at 02sec, 4. Carthy (GBR/EF1) 15:57, 12. Joe in this pulsating contest Henry Slade to the sin-bin for a whose expected Giro win would the fi nal climb at Monte Avena. big mountain stage. When the Richard Carapaz (ECU/MOV) Dombrowski (USA/EF1) 20:12, where so many of the stars deliberate knock on when Alex be his fi rst Grand Tour victory, Television images showed the GC riders caught us I thought 04, 5. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) 13. Valentin Madouas (FRA/FDJ) he will be taking to Japan in Goode’s pass looked set to send even helped team-mate Mikel man cowering on the ground as it would be hard but they were 04, 6. Tanel Kangert (EST/EF1) 21:13, 14. Davide Formolo (ITA/ later this year were on show Sean Maitland over the line. Landa in the fi nal climb before the furious Colombian, wear- tired too,” added the Spaniard. 15, 7. Mikel Nieve (ESP/MIT) 15, 8. BOR) 22:52, 15. Jan Polanc (SLO/ trying to prove they deserve Saracens’ forwards stepped up the Spaniard lost out to compa- ing the white jersey as the best Carapaz, Landa and Lopez Valentin Madouas (FRA/FDJ) 25, UAE) 23:13 to start in the opening game to bull-doze their way across triot Bilbao. young rider, hit him twice. were the strongest in the main 9. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 44, 10. SELECTED of the World Cup. But while with little bother, and England Carapaz leads former two- A clearly frustrated Lopez climb of the day, the Manghen Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/BAH) 33. Bob Jungels (LUX/DEC) 1hr Exeter threatened to upset hooker Jamie George rose to time winner Vincenzo Nibali of got back on another bicycle but Pass, where they gained up to 44, 11. Pavel Sivakov (RUS/INE) 23:25, 140. Shoatsuyama (JPN/ the odds when they led 22-16 take the plaudits. Italy by 1min 54sec in the overall fi nished in 18th position, 1min 15 seconds on their rivals Nibali 48, 12. Simon Yates (GBR/MIT) NIP) 6hr 03:31.

ATHLETICS South African federation joins Semenya appeal Reuters protocols and uncertain health ceedings and in the appeal before Lawson banned for 4 years for positive drugs test Johannesburg consequences of taking such the Swiss Federal Court.” medication. Semenya, who previously American long jumper and has said the likely source of the Athletics South Africa said took testosterone suppressants sprinter Jarrion Lawson has epitrenbolone was contaminat- thletics South Africa in a statement that, once it had and saw her performance level been suspended for four years ed beef he consumed at a Fayet- (ASA) said on Friday received full details of the CAS drop off before the IAAF rules after testing positive for the teville, Arkansas restaurant in it had joined Caster award, it would fi le its own ap- were lifted, says she will not go banned substance epitrenbo- June 2018. An out-of-compe- Semenya’s appeal peal through Swiss lawyers. through the process again. lone, the Athletics Integrity Unit tition doping control test the againstA the ruling that currently “ASA is aware that our athlete, Testosterone is a hormone (AIU) said yesterday. Lawson, next day indicated the presence prevents the double Olympic Caster Semenya, has lodged that increases muscle mass, the world long jump silver med- of epitrenbolone. “Having now champion from running her pre- her own appeal against the CAS strength and haemoglobin and allist, has denied any wrongdo- researched Trenbolone, we have ferred distance races unless she award with the request that the the IAAF said its own research ing, saying the substance could discovered that it is a USDA takes testosterone-suppressant IAAF regulations be wholly sus- showed it gave a signifi cant en- have entered his body through approved steroid, legally used in medication. pended pending the fi nalisation durance advantage to athletes in the consumption of tainted beef. the United States in the produc- Semenya announced on of the appeal,” the statement the 400m-mile range. He and his team will appeal the tion of beef,” Lawson said in a Wednesday that she would ap- said. The CAS verdict was highly decision to the Court of Arbitra- 2018 statement. The AIU panel, peal the Court of Arbitration for “ASA has informed the Swiss controversial, with many high- tion for Sport, Lawson said. “I in making its decision, said Law- Sport (CAS) ruling that support- Federal Court that insofar as it profi le current and former ath- am innocent and I maintain con- son had failed to prove how the ed the IAAF’s rule that means XY participated in the CAS arbitra- letes lining up on both sides of fidence that eventually things substance entered his body. chromosome athletes with dif- tion and to the extent that Ms the debate. will be righted,” the athlete But Doyle, Lawson’s agent, ferences in sexual development Semenya is a registered member Semenya won her last com- said in a statement provided by called World Anti-Doping Agen- (DSDs) can race in distances of the ASA, the federation wish- petitive 800 metre race at the his agent Paul Doyle. The AIU, cy (WADA) regulations flawed. from 400m to a mile only if they es to be considered as an inter- Doha Diamond League on May in charge of drugs testing in “It is absurd that the WADA code take the medication and reach a ested party in the stay proceed- 3 and if she is unable to overturn Athletics, announced Lawson’s places such an impossible burden reduced level. ings, and in the appeal against the CAS verdict, or gain a sus- ban on Twitter. It had provi- on athletes to prove the source. Semenya has asked the Swiss the award and will fi le its appeal pension, she will not be able to sionally suspended Lawson in How can you go back and test Federal Supreme Court to set papers shortly. “Accordingly, defend her two-lap title at the August 2018 while the case was meat that was eaten months aside CAS’s decision, which she ASA wishes to confi rm that it world championships in Qatar in being adjudicated. Lawson, 25, ago?” he said in a statement. said did not consider medical will participate in the stay pro- September. Gulf Times Sunday, June 2, 2019 7 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING GOLF Marquez grabs Kaymer claims pole for Italian GP share of Marquez has won three of the last five races and has an eight-point lead on Dovizioso in the overall world championship standings lead at Memorial AFP a 66 to head a group of fi ve play- Washington ers on 137 that also included Rickie Fowler and Emiliano Grillo. ormer world number one On a day that saw England’s Martin Kaymer, seek- Justin Rose charge up the lea- ing his fi rst win since his derboard with a spectacular F2014 US Open triumph, nine-under par 63, Tiger Woods shared the halfway lead at the US was spinning his wheels with an PGA’s Memorial Tournament on even par 72 that was marred by Friday with rookie Lee Kyoung- an ugly double bogey at the par- hoon and Troy Merritt. fi ve 15th. Germany’s Kaymer, now Woods was comfortably in the ranked 186th in the world as he fairway, but found deep green- battles his way back from wrist side rough. After two poor chips and shoulder injuries, birdied all he fi nally put the ball within fi ve four of the par-fi ves at Muirfi eld feet, then missed the putt for Village in Dublin, Ohio, rolling in bogey. a fi ve-footer at the par-fi ve sev- “The second shot, by far,” he enth — his 16th hole of the day — said of the worst error on the to take a one-stroke lead. hole. “I could hit that ball 50 But he bogeyed the par-four yards right of the fl ag and be ninth, where he was unable to fi ne. Anything inbounds right of get up and down from a green- the fl ag, I have a chance to make side bunker, his four-under par birdie. I just can’t aff ord to miss 68 giving him a nine-under total it left where that fl ag is, and I of 135 did.” South Korea’s Lee positioned Woods, seven shots off the himself for a weekend run at a lead, hadn’t abandoned hope of fi rst US PGA Tour title with a nabbing a sixth Memorial title. bogey-free fi ve-under par 67. “Seems like everyone is Merritt, a two-time tour win- bunched together,” he said. “I ner who is working his way back just need to get something going after having surgery to remove a in the front nine where the pins rib in January, had an eagle and are defi nitely getable tomorrow.” six birdies in a six-under 66. Rose played his way into con- Merritt teed off early and tention as he rebounded from a full expected someone to move three-over par fi rst round. He past him atop the leaderboard. played the last fi ve holes of the Kaymer was the only one to do it front nine in six-under with two but he couldn’t stay there. eagles and two birdies and picked “We put ourself in a good po- up four more birdies coming in to sition for this weekend,” said lie three strokes off the lead on Merritt, who had surgery in 138. January to remove a rib that was “The two eagles on the front positioned so close to his clavicle kind of kick started everything,.” Spain’s Marc Marquez (R) celebrates after claiming pole position for the Italian Moto GP Grand Prix at the Mugello race track in Scarperia e San Piero yesterday. that it pinched a vein and caused Rose said. “I kept just pushing a blood clot. myself to keep trying to go as low AFP “It was very hard to achieve,” said ble Ducati as teammate Dovizioso quali- achieved at Mugello last year. The leading trio were one as I could. Mugello, Italy Marquez, who tailed Italy’s Andrea fi ed in ninth. stroke in front of three-time “Once you’re through the cut Dovizioso on the very quick Tuscan cir- Australian Jack Miller, riding for the LEADING GRID POSITIONS major-winner Jordan Spieth, line, then you’ve got to build cuit where the Ducati rider had earlier Ducati-supplied Pramac team, was fi fth. 1ST ROW who carded a 70 for 136. your way into the tournament. It efending world champion Marc set the fastest time ever in MotoGP of Italian legend Valentino Rossi will 1. Marc Márquez (ESP/Honda) 1:45.519, 2. Fa- Australian Adam Scott carded was a great day.” Marquez snatched pole posi- 356.7 km/h. start 18th on a track where he has won bio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) at 0.214, 3. tion for today’s Italian MotoGP Marquez has won three of the last fi ve seven times, just behind Spanish former Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 0.362 with the Honda rider setting a races and has an eight-point lead on three-time world champion Jorge 2ND ROW newD lap record in the closing seconds of Dovizioso in the overall world champi- Lorenzo, who also had a disappointing 4. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) qualifying at Mugello. onship standings, having lost points by day in Tuscany. 0.440, 5. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) The Spaniard clocked 1min 45.519sec a fall at the Grand Prix of the Americas. KTM rider Johann Zarco crashed in the 0.510, 6. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda-LCR) to break a lap record that was only a few The 20-year-old Quartararo con- fi nal lap of Q1 and will start in 19th posi- 0.560 hours old and pip France’s Fabio Quar- tinued to impress after becoming the tion, once again trailing his new team- 3RD ROW tararo, riding a Yamaha, by 0.214sec on youngest ever competitor to achieve pole mate Pol Espargaro, who starts from 12th 7. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 0.662, the Tuscany circuit. position in Spain last month, in his de- position in the fourth row. 8. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati-Pramac) Italy’s Danilo Petrucci, who had ear- but MotoGP season. In the morning, Petrucci rode a 1min 0.741, 9. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 0.774 lier achieved a new lap record, was third “Marc benefi ted from a very good aer- 46.056sec lap, surpassing the previous 4TH ROW fastest on a Ducati at 0.362. odynamic drag (behind Dovizioso), I was record achieved by seven-time MotoGP 10. Takaaki Nagakami (JPN/Honda-LCR) at Five-time MotoGP champion Mar- all alone,” said the French rider. champion Rossi last year. 0.868, 11. Pol Espargaró (ESP/KTM) 0.914, 12. quez will start on pole for the 56th time “The bike is doing very well here,” Dovizioso established a new out- Michele Pirro (ITA/Ducati) 1.119 as he targets a fourth win this season in added Quartararo as his teammate Fran- right speed record in MotoGP, clock- SELECTED: the sixth round of the world champion- co Morbidelli was fourth quickest. ing 356.7km/h in the third practice, to 17. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/RepsolHonda) at ship series. Petrucci saved the honour of local sta- overtake the mark of 356.5 km/h also 1.616, 18. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yahama) 1.665

BOTTOMLINE Japan’s Higa maintains lead at US Women’s Open

AFP Miami Martin Kaymer of Germany hits his fourth shot on the ninth hole during the second round of The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. apan’s Mamiko Higa birdied her fi nal hole in fading light to maintain her lead at the US Women’s Open where Woods says Haney Jthe second round was delayed for two hours due to thunderstorms and then suspended because of darkness. ‘got what he deserved’ The 25-year-old Higa, who is ranked Washington: Golf superstar “I’m gonna predict a Korean,” he 49th in the world, kept a one-stroke lead Tiger Woods said former swing said, adding: “I couldn’t name from the fi rst round when she shot the coach Hank Haney “got what you like six players on the LPGA lowest debut round in tournament his- he deserved” when he was tour. tory with a six-under 65. suspended from the SiriusXM “Nah, maybe I could — well, “I was really happy because I could PGA Tour Radio channel for I’d go with Lee, if I didn’t have fi nish up a tough day with a birdie,” said disparaging comments on the to name a first name, I’d get a Higa. “I was so happy.” US Women’s Open field. bunch of them right.” Higa rolled in a birdie on the par-fi ve Woods, asked about the contro- Wie immediately called out ninth hole Friday for an even-par 71 and versy after the second round Haney on Twitter, and plenty of a two-round total of six under 136 to lead of the US PGA Tour’s Memorial other big names in the women’s American Jessica Korda, who shot a bo- Tournament in Ohio on Friday, game followed, including Hall of gey-free three-under 68. had no sympathy for Haney, Famers Annika Sorenstam and There were 45 players still on the whose remarks were branded Karrie Webb. Country Club course in Charleston, “racist and sexist” by US golf On Thursday, the PGA Tour North Carolina when play was suspend- Mamiko Higa in action during the second round of the US Women’s Open golf tournament at the Country Club of Charleston. star Michelle Wie. and SiriusXM issued a state- ed. The players had to endure a two hour “He deserved it,” Woods said. ment saying Haney had been weather delay which included lightning tournament with four holes to go in her four bogeys in a mixed round on Friday. some luck. “Just can’t look at life like that. suspended from the tour radio striking a large elm tree along the 18th round, are tied for third. She made consecutive bogeys to start “That’s what you play for,” said Korda. And he obviously said what channel “at the PGA Tour’s fairway. There were several people stand- Several of the Tour’s top players are just her back nine but recovered with back- “At the same time, I feel a lot of luck is al- he meant, and he got what he instruction” while SiriusXM was ing nearby when the bolt hit but no one a couple strokes back of Higa, including to-back birdies on the holes No. 4 and 5 ways a big part of winning a major cham- deserved.” further “reviewing his status”. was injured. Aussie Lee Min-jee (69) and two time US before adding another birdie on the par- pionship, making the most putts and the Haney sparked an uproar when Haney said in the statement Higa is the fi rst Japanese player to lead Women’s Open winner Park In-bee (70), fi ve No 9. Korda, who was one of the early least amount of mistakes. asked on his SiriusXM radio that he accepts his suspension the tournament since 2011 when Mika who are both at two under. starters, also began on the back nine. Her “It’s really hard to win out here. I think show this week to predict a and apologized again. Miyazato shot a 67 to top the leaderboard World number eight and the top ranked round featured birdies on two of the three everybody can see that, watching us week likely winner of the US Women’s Haney coached Woods through heading into the weekend. American Lexi Thompson is at three un- par fi ves and another the par-three 17th. in week out. Solid golf will always put me Open, which is underway in six of his 15 major champion- Gina Kim, who shot a 72, and Celine der overall with two holes to go. Korda is seeking her fi rst major cham- up top. If I have a chance, I’ll try to take Charleston, South Carolina. ships, from 2004 to 2010. Boutier, who was at four under on the Higa struggled with four birdies and pionship win but said she is going to need it.”

Sunday, June 2, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS ‘Losing best thing,’ Osaka and Serena for stressed Osaka AFP Paris

orld number one Naomi Osaka said she had been suff er- ing from headaches crash out of French Wbecause of the stress of being top seed at a Grand Slam for the fi rst time and admitted her shock exit from Roland Garros was “the best thing” that could have hap- pened. The world number one from Japan saw her hopes of winning a Open, Djoko wins third successive major ended by world number 42 Katerina Sini- akova of the Czech Republic who Osaka had laboured to win her first two matches on her least favourite surface pulled off a sensational 6-4, 6-2 victory. DPA “Losing is probably the best Paris thing that could have happened,” said 21-year-old Osaka, the reigning Australian and US Open orld number one champion. Naomi Osaka’s “I felt very tired. In the other winning streak at matches I had headaches, maybe opener when Osaka sent back her the majors ended that’s the stress. 16th unforced error of the set. inW a third round defeat at the “I felt there was a weight on The Czech, who is the world’s French Open yesterday, while me. This hasn’t been the happi- number one doubles player, kept the men’s top-ranked Novak est of times. up the pressure on the misfi ring Djokovic extended his run to “On a disappointment level of top seed, breaking for a 3-2 lead 24 in search of a second career 1-10 — I am probably at a 100 at in the second set. non-calendar year Grand Slam. the moment.” Siniakova backed it up with Japan’s Osaka went out 6-4, Osaka admitted that she had another break for 5-2 off Osaka’s 6-2 against 42nd-ranked Czech been “over-thinking” her game third double fault of the match. Katerina Siniakova as the al- and her ambitions. Victory was hers on Court ready heavily depleted women’s “I was over-thinking this cal- Suzanne Lenglen when Osaka fi eld saw another shock exit. endar Grand Slam thing. It’s unleashed another misguided Osaka has never gone beyond something I wanted to do forever forehand. the third round in now four ap- but if it was that easy, everybody The Czech goes on to face pearances at Roland Garros. would have done it.” Madison Keys of the United She had won 16 straight She added: “I have to work States in what will be her fi rst Grand Slam matches in a row hard now to put myself in the po- appearance in the last 16 of the before, with titles at the 2018 US sition to do it again. majors. Open and the Australian Open “I’m peacing out of this tour- Despite being top seed for the in January. nament.” fi rst time at a Slam, Osaka had And the women’s fi eld was Osaka was undone by a shock- never looked convincing in Paris. further depleted when number ing 38 unforced errors as she fi - She was two points away from 10 Serena Williams crashed 6-2, nally ran out of luck in Paris hav- defeat in the fi rst round against 7-5 against fellow American So- ing had to come back from a set Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and fi a Kenin, ending another bid for down in her fi rst two matches. came back from a set and break a record-tying 24th grand slam “It’s amazing, I can’t believe it, down to see off Victoria Azarenka title. Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic celebrates winning her third round match against Japan’s Naomi Osaka at the French Open I am so happy now,” said Siniak- in round two. But third-seeded title holder yesterday. ova, who was the women’s dou- Her defeat also means that Simona Halep made short work bles champion in Paris in 2018 only four of the top 10 seeds in of 27th seed Lesia Tsurenko, could have gone top are not in the optimistic part is I haven’t alongside Barbora Krejcikova. the women’s singles are left in 6-2, 6-1. Serbia’s Djokovic the tournament any more. The been able to be on the court as “I played my best tennis and I the tournament. meanwhile won easily 6-3, 6-3, highest women’s seeds are now much as I would have. That’s hope it continues.” “I don’t want to say I was de- 6-2 over Italian qualifi er Salva- number three Halep, the ti- okay. At least I can start try- Osaka dropped the fi rst set for pressed — that’s too strong a tore Caruso. Djokovic is bidding tle holder, and seventh-ranked ing to put the time in now,” said the third successive match at the statement,” added Osaka. to hold all four Grand slam titles Sloane Stephens, the 2018 fi nal- Williams, who has rarely played tournament, squandering seven “I have felt that before but this at the same time for the second ists. this year owing to knee prob- break points in all. is not that extreme. I can say I time in his career, as in 2015-16. Romanian Halep, 27, strug- lems. Siniakova made her pay, am very disappointed but I can’t He won Wimbledon and the US gled a little with her serve in the Djokovic made short work of breaking for 5-4 and taking the turn back time.” Open last year, plus the Austral- fi rst set, but was never seriously 147th-ranked Caruso, who was ian Open in January. tested in a 6-2, 6-1 triumph over playing at Roland Garros for Fourth-seed Dominic Thiem, Tsurenko of Ukraine in 55 min- the fi rst time, fi ring eight aces Serena may seek grasscourt wildcard the 2018 runner-up, beat Pablo utes on the Philippe Chatrier and 25 winners en route to vic- Cuevas of Uruguay, 6-3, 4-6, centre court where she won her tory in 2 hours 4 minutes. He Paris: Serena Williams said she told a news conference minutes 6-2, 7-5; and German fi fth seed maiden grand slam title last next meets 45th-ranked Ger- felt “pretty far away” from her after walking off the Philippe Alexander Zverev played yet year. “Before the match, I was man Jan-Lennard Struff , who optimal level after suff ering a Chatrier Court. another Paris fi ve-setter as he really nervous. I have to admit stunned 13th seed Borna Coric surprise third round defeat at Williams usually gives the Wim- outlasted Serbia’s Dusan Lajo- big emotions, but it’s normal. of Croatia, 4-6, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 the French Open to Sofia Kenin bledon warm-up events a miss vic, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 1-6, 6-2. I’m here again. I’m feeling good, (7-1), 11-9. Zverev faces Monte and suggested she might seek a and opts to train at her Florida Osaka had laboured to three- and I have expectations for my- Carlo Masters winner Fabio wildcard entry into a grasscourt base before travelling to Britain set victories in her fi rst two self to play good tennis,” Halep Fognini, the ninth seed; Thiem’s tournament in preparation for for the only grasscourt major in matches on her least favourite said. next opponent is French 14th Wimbledon. the year’s calendar. surface clay, but fi nally ran out Serena Williams of the US reacts during her third round match The 37-year-old Williams has seed and ex-semi-fi nalist Gael Williams was bidding for a But needing time on court, she of luck against the 42nd-ranked against Sofia Kenin. not won a grand slam since be- Monfi ls. record-equalling 24th Grand said she was thinking of playing Siniakova. The Czech advanced ing pregnant at the 2017 Aus- Greek dark horse Stefanos Slam singles in Paris but the a warm-up tournament this time to her fi rst singles fourth round unforced error by hitting a fore- Slams, and I have to fi gure out tralian Open and slumped to her Tsitsipas completed a darkness- 10th seed was knocked out 6-2, around. “I have some time on at the majors and had won the hand long. Siniakova had only 13 how to sort of embrace it and worst result at the majors since interrupted third-round match 7-5 by fellow American Kenin. my hands so maybe I’ll jump Roland Garros and Wimbledon errors in her biggest career win love it in my own way. I mean, Wimbledon 2014 against Kenin. to beat Filip Krajinovic, 7-5, 6-3, Williams, 37, said she hoped she in and get a wildcard at one of doubles titles last year with in 1 hour 17 minutes on a sunny when I get here, I’m excited, I The 23-year-old, who won her 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (8-6), and faces could still get in shape for Wim- these grasscourt events and see compatriot Barbora Krejcikova. and warm afternoon. guess. But then it kind of goes fi rst career title in January in Stan Wawrinka next in a mouth- bledon and resume her pursuit what happens.” Siniakova, 23, broke Osaka in Osaka said the pressure of be- away, because I try to focus on Hobart, prevailed in 1 hour 32 watering Sunday date after the of a 24th major title. Williams has competed at five the 10th game and twice more ing number one and winning the playing my matches,” she said. minutes for her biggest career Swiss 2015 winner saved four set “I’m definitely feeling super short Grand Slams events since the in the second set, wrapping up last slams aff ected her a little on Despite the defeat, Osaka success when Williams hit a points to complete a 7-6 (7-5), on matches and just getting in birth of her daughter in Septem- matters on fi rst match point her least favourite surface. will retain the top ranking after groundstroke long. 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (10-8) win over the swing of things,” Williams ber 2017. when Osaka committed her 38th “Clay is one of the Grand Paris because all four rivals who “I’m just pretty far away, but Grigor Dimitrov.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Blessed’ Paes closing in on fourth decade as pro

AFP seven Games, more than any “For me, this is beautiful, be- much that I’ve reinvented my- Paris other Indian and any other ten- cause Rafa is one of the great- self maybe 11, 12, 13, 14 times,” nis player. est of all time. Toni is one of the added Paes, who tells a story “It (the Olympics) is a long great tennis minds of all time. of Australian legend Rod Laver ndian veteran Leander Paes way away. I’ve already got the “And to have the relation- showing him how to get bigger says he feels “blessed” to world record at the Olympics. ship I have with all the players, forearms when Paes was just 12. have had such a long career, Now to push it up one more to have the respect from all the “I’ve just come from the gym. as he closes in on his fourth would be amazing,” he added. locker room, it takes many years I played a match, and now I’ve Idecade as a professional, hav- “But I’ve got a lot of hard work of hard work.” just come from the gym to do my ing accumulated 18 Grand Slam to do between now and then be- Paes has played with some il- work, because for me, if I play, I doubles titles and an impressive cause it’s almost 15 months away lustrious names down the years, play to be the best in the world, racquet collection. — I’m not counting though.” and a tradition of swapping rac- to win. Paes continued to defy his Paes, whose father also won quets with his partners has seen “I play for fun, but I play to years on Friday, two weeks be- an Olympic bronze medal in him garner an amazing collec- win. To play against guys who fore his 46th birthday, win- fi eld hockey in 1972, says even tion. are 20 years younger than me is ning his opening doubles match the best players in the world are “I have a collection of close not easy.” alongside in-form Frenchman still sometimes taken aback by to 1,000 racquets. I have Rod Opponents 20 years younger Benoit Paire as he goes in search his longevity. Laver’s, I have a lot of the cham- than Paes are small fry in reality of fi fth Roland Garros trophy. “I think in the locker room I pions’ — Federer, Nadal, (Novak) — players as young as 19 were in For a man who once beat a have this respect,” he said. Djokovic, Andy (Murray), (Mar- this year’s French Open doubles young Roger Federer in Indian “I was just coming back and tina) Navratilova I played with a draw. Wells qualifying and won sin- Rafa (Nadal) and Uncle Toni lot. Serena, Venus, Hingis... It’s that kind of statistic that gles bronze at the 1996 Atlanta (Nadal’s former coach) were “Wooden ones going back to has current partner Paire in awe Olympics, it has been some walking in and Uncle Toni was Bjorn Borg’s. My fi rst racquet, I of the Indian. road. like, ‘Leo, you’re 46?’ I said have.” “He’s very old,” joked the “I’ve been around for 30 ‘Oui’. You played for the fi rst He will surely still have Frenchman. years, I’ve been around a long time at Roland Garros in 1989 chances to add even more big “But it’s not easy to play with time. I’ve seen 12 generations. (juniors)? In 1989 you played?’. names to that list, revealing he a good player like this, because I I’ve seen guys like (Pete) Sam- GOLDEN OLDIE...Leander Paes of India I said ‘Oui’. ‘I saw you won the has added power to his serve in want to do my best, and some- pras here, I’ve seen guys like fi rst set, did you win?’ ‘Oui’. only the last two years to keep times when I miss, I say, Okay, (Pat) Rafter,” he said at the journey for me, I’ve been very four times.” Tokyo Olympics coming up next “He said ‘woah, it’s incred- up with the young guns by step- if you play with someone bet- French Open. blessed to have such a long ca- Paes has no plans to stop any year. ible. Hey Rafa, 46 years old and ping up his training regime. ter than me maybe he will win “Tennis has been a beautiful reer. Especially here, to win this time soon, especially with the He has already appeared at he’s still playing and winning’. “The game has evolved so more.”