FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 SSWIMMINGWIMMING | Page 7 Al-Mohannadi Ledecky elected locks up UAFA vice 200m, 1,500m president Olympic berths

Friday, June 18, 2021 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 8, 1442 AH One-off fi nal can’t GULF TIMES decide world’s best team, says Kohli SPORT Page 4 TENNIS Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon and Olympics to ‘prolong career’ AFP went on to seal his 19th Grand Slam. fort and the decision I take is focused the tournament for the sixth time. Paris “The goal is to prolong my career looking at the mid and long term.” Eight-time Wimbledon champion and continue to do what makes me Nadal is a double Olympic cham- Roger Federer, 39, is struggling to fi nd Osaka to skip happy, that is to compete at the high- pion, having won gold in singles in his form after returning from knee afael Nadal said yesterday est level and keep fi ghting for those Beijing in 2008 and in doubles with surgery. He lost in the second round Wimbledon but he was withdrawing from professional and personal goals at the Marc Lopez in Rio in 2016, when he of the ATP grass court tournament Wimbledon and the Tokyo maximum level of competition,” said also carried Spain’s fl ag in the open- in Halle on Wednesday after pulling aims for Olympics Olympics in a bid “to pro- Nadal. ing ceremony. “The Olympic Games out ahead of the fourth round of the London: Women’s tennis world No. 2 Naomi Rlong my career”. The 35-year-old The former world number one said always meant a lot and they were al- French Open. Osaka has pulled out of the Wimbledon Spaniard, who won Olympic gold the shorter break between the French ways a priority as a sports person,” he If Djokovic wins at Wimbledon championship but says she will be ready for and Wimbledon in 2008, triumph- Open and Wimbledon this year – Ro- said. he would join Nadal and Federer on the Tokyo Olympics, British media reported ing again at the All England Club two land Garros was pushed back by a Nadal, who will be replaced as 20 Grand Slam titles and would re- yesterday. Osaka quit the French Open years later, revealed his decision on week — had infl uenced his decision. third seed at Wimbledon by defeated quire just the US Open, which starts despite a first round victory after organisers Twitter. “I have decided not to partic- “The fact that there has only been 2 French Open fi nalist Stefanos Tsit- in late August, to complete the cal- fined her when she refused to attend manda- ipate at this year’s Championships at with my team I understand that it is weeks between RG and Wimbledon sipas, missed the championships endar Grand Slam. Britain’s former tory post-match press conferences. Wimbledon and the Olympic Games the right decision.” didn’t make it easier on my body to in London in 2004, 2009 and 2016 world number one Andy Murray, who She said unsympathetic questioning in in Tokyo,” he tweeted. “It’s never an World number one Novak Djoko- recuperate after the always-demand- because of injury. His absence from has been dogged by injuries in recent the aftermath of games impacted her mental easy decision to take but after listen- vic last week ended Nadal’s four-year ing clay court season,” he said. “They Wimbledon means Djokovic, 34, will years, is making yet another come- wellbeing. ing to my body and discuss(ing) it reign as French Open champion and have been two months of great ef- be an even stronger favourite to win back this week.

EURO 2020 MATCH REPORT Yarmolenko helps De Bruyne inspires Ukraine beat North Macedonia to end Belgium to comeback losing streak Reuters lead fi ve minutes later, receiv- Bucharest ing the ball wide on the right and fi nding Roman Yaremchuk, who timed his run to perfection to ndriy Yarmolenko stay onside before bending a low win over Denmark grabbed a goal and an shot past Dimitrievski at the near assist as Ukraine beat post. Goran Pandev raised North North Macedonia 2-1 Macedonia’s hopes when he got Belgium become the second side after Italy to clinch their place in the last 16 Ayesterday to end a run of six con- in behind the defence and calmly secutive losses at the European chipped the ball over the keeper Championship and boost their to score, but their joy was short- chances of reaching the knock- lived when the linesman’s off side out stages. fl ag went up for the 37-year-old. North Macedonia, who also Dimitrievski produced a fi ne lost 3-1 to Austria in their fi rst save early in the second half to game, have not rolled over as deny Ruslan Malinovskiy when easily as some thought, but their the midfi elder curled a free kick hopes of reaching the last 16 in destined for the top corner, their maiden Euros appearance sticking a palm out and defl ect- depend on beating the Nether- ing it onto the crossbar. lands in their fi nal Group C game. Ezgjan Alioski dragged North Ukraine are yet to keep a clean Macedonia back into the match sheet at the Euros but they at from a 57th-minute penalty af- least broke their losing streak, ter Karavaev fouled Goran Pan- inspired by their 31-year-old dev. Georgiy Bushchan saved the captain and marauding winger spot kick but the ball rebounded Yarmolenko in his and his na- straight back to Alioski who fi red tion’s third appearance at the home his second attempt. “They tournament. “During the game made us defend a lot, they made we had chances to score more us nervous. We panicked a lit- goals. The team played well in tle bit at 2-1,” said Yarmolenko, attack and it was a pleasure to who was withdrawn in the 70th watch them,” manager Andriy minute. Shevchenko said. Ukraine had numerous oppor- Ukraine dominated possession tunities to restore their two-goal in the opening stages and it took cushion with Dimitrievski, who resolute defending from North made seven saves in the match, Macedonia to keep Yarmolenko standing strong to deny them as and Roman Yaremchuk at bay his defence fl oundered. Ukraine while Eljif Elmas had a scuff ed were even awarded a late penalty eff ort at the other end go wide of after Daniel Avramovski was ad- the near post. judged to have handled the ball Yarmolenko put Ukraine ahead following a video assistant refe- from a corner in the 29th minute, ree (VAR) intervention but Dim- popping up at the back post to itrievski made another fi ne save Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne (second left) scores against Denmark during the Euro 2020 Group B match at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Reuters) beat Stole Dimitrievski with a to keep out Malinovskiy’s spot side-footed fi nish after latching kick. Ukraine have three points Reuters numerous attempts to equalise, striker rienced a lot, but nothing beats this. It phere and pounced on a poor pass from on to Oleksandr Karavaev’s fl ick. after two games and play Austria Copenhagen Martin Braithwaite hitting the bar with sounded like there were 75,000 fans. We Belgium’s Jason Denayer which allowed The skipper helped double the on Monday. a header and narrowly failing to connect would like to have rewarded them with a Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to feed Poulsen, with a cross. “We can be happy,” De Bru- point or a victory.” who fi red into the bottom corner. It evin de Bruyne came off the yne said. “We knew that there would be Belgium’s Lukaku also praised the was the second fastest goal in Europe- bench to inspire Belgium to a 2-1 diffi cult moments against Denmark and Danes’ spirit both in the game and in their an Championship history, only trailing comeback win over Denmark in front of this crowd, with everything reaction to Eriksen, his Inter Milan team Dmitri Kirichenko’s for Russia against yesterday and a place in the that happened.” mate who is recovering in hospital. Greece in Euro 2004 after 67 seconds. KEuro 2020 knockout stages on an emo- Belgium lead Group B with six points “I respect them as men. They saved my Denmark continued to overwhelm the tional afternoon of tributes to Christian and became the second side after Italy to friend’s life and I appreciate that. Their 2018 World Cup semi-fi nalists with rap- Eriksen. Denmark got off to a dream start clinch their place in the last 16. Denmark character today was incredible,” he said. id, direct attacks and should have added when Yussuf Poulsen put them ahead af- have yet to earn a point and will need to “I had to put my feelings to one side in to their lead, with Joakim Maehle and ter 99 seconds as the team rode a wave of win their fi nal game against Russia and the fi rst half, because I was thinking of Mikkel Damsgaard going close. But Bel- sentiment over playmaker Eriksen’s car- hope it is enough to get them through. Christian. Denmark must continue to gium made the Danes pay for not increas- diac arrest in their fi rst game. Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel believe in it and complete the job against ing their advantage. The Danes dominated the fi rst half but was hugely proud of his side’s perform- Russia.” Lukaku burst down the right to take Belgium turned to a bench bursting with ance, especially after the trauma of Erik- Both sides’ fans and players partici- out two defenders and pass to De Bru- talent and De Bruyne, who came on right sen’s collapse, and was in awe of the uni- pated in a tribute to Eriksen before kickoff yne, who showed remarkable poise to after the interval, laid on a sublime pass fi ed atmosphere made by the 25,000 fans as a giant Denmark shirt with the player’s play in Hazard to score. The Manchester for Thorgan Hazard to level in the 54th present at Parken Stadium name and number 10 was displayed on City midfi elder, who missed the start of minute after a galloping run by Romelu “Everything that has been said about the pitch. The teams then stopped for a the tournament with a head injury, then Lukaku. us is true. We fought to the last. We moment’s applause in the 10th minute provided an unstoppable fi nish as his De Bruyne completed the comeback played a great game. It was not enough and the Danish crowd unfurled a ban- side’s superior talent shone through. “I by fi nishing off another classy move to and we were not lucky. They put one of ner saying: “All of Denmark is with you didn’t want to celebrate that goal. I have thump the ball into the net in the 74th the world’s best players on the fi eld (De Christian”. too much respect for the Danish fans,” De Ukraine’s Andriy Yarmolenko (right) celebrates after scoring against minute. Denmark never gave up and had Bruyne),” Schmeichel said. “I’ve expe- Denmark came alive in the atmos- Bruyne added. North Macedonia in Bucharest yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 18, 2021 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 SPOTLIGHT Denmark’s Eriksen to have heart Scotland’s players device implanted

AFP potential consequences for the Copenhagen 29-year-old Inter Milan player’s future career, and encouraged people to give Eriksen and his can become heroes anish star Christian family “peace and privacy.” Eriksen, who suff ered Players, such as Dutchman a cardiac arrest during Daley Blind, have been able to his country’s Euro 2020 resume their careers after being openerD last weekend, will have fi tted with the device. Eriksen a heart defi brillator implanted, “has accepted the solution” and the Danish Football Union (DBU) it had also been “confi rmed by against England announced yesterday. In a scene specialists nationally and inter- that shocked the sporting world nationally who all recommend and beyond, the 29-year-old the same treatment,” DBU said. ‘We’ve got a population of 5mn, they’ve got a population of 55mn’ Inter Milan midfi elder suddenly The announcement of the collapsed on the fi eld in the 43rd medical procedure come hours AFP minute of Denmark’s Group B before the kick-off to Denmark’s London game on Saturday against Fin- match against Belgium, where a land in Copenhagen. tribute to the Danish number 10 Medical personnel adminis- took place in the 10th minute of cotland’s return to the major tered CPR as he lay motionless the match, with fans planning tournament stage may be off to on the fi eld as some 16,000 fans a minute’s applause in support a slow start, but a visit to Wem- in attendance watched. This of Eriksen. The former Premier bley today to face England off ers continued for about 15 minutes League player might even have SSteve Clarke’s men the chance to writes before he was carried off the heard it from his bed as Rigshos- themselves into folklore for generations pitch and rushed to hospital, and pitalet where he has been for the to come. A 2-0 defeat by the Czech Re- it was later confi rmed that he had past fi ve days is barely a kilome- public at Hampden on Monday leaves suff ered cardiac arrest. tre as the crow fl ies from ‘Park- Scotland realistically needing to avoid “After Christian has been en’, the Danish national stadium defeat against the Three Lions to main- through diff erent heart examina- in Copenhagen. Coach Kasper tain hopes of making it out of the group tions it has been decided that he Hjulmand has even noted that stage for the fi rst time. should have an ICD (heart start- Eriksen has a view of the stadium On paper there appears a gulf in class er),” the Danish football body from his window. for Clarke’s side to bridge against the side said in a statement on Twitter. German doctor Jens ranked fourth in the world, who harbour The device, which is an improved Kleinefeld, who treated Eriksen ambitions of conquering Europe for the variant of a pacemaker, is “neces- on the pitch, revealed in an inter- fi rst time. But no game means more to sary after a cardiac attack due to view with the Funke media group Scotland than beating the old enemy. rhythm disturbances,” it added. that Eriksen regained conscious- The Scottish sides of 1967 and 1977 are Like a conventional pacemak- ness after the use of an emer- still fondly remembered for victories at er, the device sends out electri- gency defi brillator. Kleinefeld Wembley in the old British Home Cham- cal impulses when the heart rate said he looked at the Inter Milan pionship. Doing so at their fi rst major is too slow, in order to avoid a midfi elder and asked him, “Well, tournament for 23 years would make the cardiac arrest. In addition to are you back with us?” Eriksen Scottish players legends back home. this function, it can also treat a answered, “Yes, I am back with “The English media would have you rhythm that is too fast. you” and, “Damn, I’m only 29 believe the gap is humongous,” said As- DBU provided no details on the years old,” the doctor said. ton Villa midfi elder John McGinn on Wednesday. “It’s up to us on Friday to prove that wrong.” McGinn is one of a batch of proven Pre- mier League players in Clarke’s squad that have helped guide Scotland back from the wilderness in international football. Andy Robertson has won the Champions England’s Jack Grealish (right) and Harry Kane (centre) train with teammates in Burton upon Trent, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) League and Premier League at Liverpool, Scott McTominay has established himself of the Scottish team have already proven ball against the Czechs. Despite never Never one to get too high in vic- as a regular at Manchester United and they can go toe-to-toe with the best Eng- starting a previous international, there is tory, or low in defeat, the 57-year-old there are hopes Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney land has to off er. also a clamour for Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour has dismissed the reaction to losing to could be fi t to return from injury. “We compete against the majority of and Nathan Patterson of Rangers to be the Czechs as unnecessary “doom and “We’ve got a population of 5mn, these guys week in, week out and we seem thrown in at the deep end after impress- gloom”. they’ve got a population of 55mn,” added to hold our own,” added the 26-year-old. ing in pre-tournament friendlies. “You have to look only forward, there McGinn. “They’ve got worldwide super- “We know if we play to our capabilities Southampton’s Che Adams is almost is no point looking back and thinking ‘If stars throughout their team so we’re al- we’ll give England a lot of problems.” certain to start up front after being sur- only this, if only that’. We move on,” he ways going to be underdogs, but we’ve got If Scotland are to pull off the upset prisingly left on the bench for the open- said. “We said before the tournament a few wee superstars ourselves.” of the tournament so far, Clarke has a ing game. Clarke is another of the Scot- we need to get the points to get out the In total 14 of the 26-man Scotland number of big decisions to make. Tier- tish contingent to have made his name group, we’ve still got a chance to do that.” squad ply their trade in England. Rather ney’s return would be a huge boost as his in England, fi rstly as a player and then a Getting out the group via victory at than be starstruck by their more illustri- presence on the left side of a back three coach at Chelsea as part of Jose Mour- Wembley would be the sweetest way for Denmark fans show support for Christian Eriksen during their team’s ous opponents, McGinn believes many was badly missed with and without the inho’s backroom staff . Scotland. match against Belgium in Copenhagen yesterday. (Reuters)

FOCUS Ukraine’s Yarmolenko joins bottle bad boys at Euros Bucharest: Ukraine skipper Andriy sor dipped 1.6%, losing about $4bn ence on Tuesday, while Italy mid- Croatia’s Dalic hints at sweeping Yarmolenko became the latest player in value. fielder Manuel Locatelli also moved at the European Championship to Yarmolenko, fresh from scoring in Coca-Cola bottles on Wednesday, mess about with sponsors’ drinks his team’s 2-1 win over North Macedo- replacing them with water. bottles at a post-match news confer- nia, took advantage of the limelight European governing body UEFA changes aft er England defeat ence yesterday in a trend amusing for some mischief. “Can I do some- has taken a dim view of the players’ social media users but disconcerting thing? I saw Ronaldo doing this,” he gesture, reminding teams they have Reuters organisers. said, grinning. “I want to move the contractual obligations towards Glasgow Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (Coca-Cola bottles) here and I want tournament sponsors. Coca-Cola started the fad by moving aside bot- to move the beer here. Coke and did not immediately comment on tles of Coca-Cola and pointedly grab- Heineken, please get in touch.” Yarmolenko’s action, though after the roatia manager Zlatko Dalic bing water instead as he sat down to The 31-year-old then dissolved into Ronaldo incident it referred to a UEFA suggested he would make speak to the media on Monday. laughter before moving the bottles statement outlining the company’s wholesale changes in the After the snub — which was back to their original positions in range of drinks also including waters, starting line-up for today’s widely shared and viewed by millions front of him. France midfielder Paul isotonic sports drinks, juices, coff ee CEuro 2020 Group D match against the around the world — stock in the Pogba, a practising Muslim, removed and tea. Heineken has not com- Czech Republic after suff ering a tame drinks company and Euro 2020 spon- a Heineken bottle at a news confer- mented. 1-0 defeat by England in the opening game. The Croatians went down at Wembley without creating any chances and Dalic acknowledged they needed to SERIE A move two gears up against the Czechs, who made a perfect start with a 2-0 win over Scotland at Hampden Park. “There will be changes as we have to Croatia’s Luka Modric (right) with teammates during training session in Buff on returns to relegated Parma show much more intent and purpose Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. (Reuters) up front if we are to stand any chance AFP ends. The club were among Italy’s top of beating the Czechs,” Dalic said. “We as runners-up as they came from be- That would see winger Ante Rebic Rome clubs in the 1990s under the owner- need to rediscover our attacking threat. hind to beat England 2-1 in the semis return to either fl ank after his deploy- ship of dairy company Parmalat, win- The Czechs are great at breaking out of before losing the fi nal 4-2 to France. ment as a ‘false nine’ against England ning three major European titles. defence with six or seven players but But the present side seems to lack that backfi red, with the pacy Josip Brekalo oalkeeping legend Gianluigi After Parmalat collapsed in 2003 that will also allow us to counter-at- kind of guile and bite as they were sub- a possible starter at the expense of de- Buff on has returned to Par- following a huge fi nancial fraud, the tack. They are in a comfortable position dued by England this time and fortu- fensive midfi elder Marcelo Brozovic. ma two decades after leav- club went bankrupt. They sunk to Se- having won their opening game and we nate not to have lost by a bigger margin. Dalic suggested Croatia would try to ing the Italian club who were rie D in 2015. are not, but we always got going when Dalic is likely to throw attacking pile the pressure on the Czechs from Grelegated last season. Buff on holds the Three successive promotions put the going got tough in the past and I am midfi elder Nikola Vlasic into the fray to the start in order. “We need to put them record for Serie A matches played with them back in the top fl ight in 2018. optimistic because our fate is still in take some of the workload off 35-year- on the back foot with raids down the 657, since his fi rst with Parma in 1995 They were relegated after fi nishing our own hands.” old captain Luka Modric, while striker fl anks and more direct passes through as a 17-year-old. bottom of the league last season with The Croatians enjoyed a stunning Bruno Petkovic could get the nod ahead the middle, as we lacked all that against Since then, Buff on has played just 83 goals conceded in 38 games. 2018 World Cup campaign and fi nished of Andrej Kramaric. England,” he said. one season in Serie B when Juventus were demoted in 2006-2007 for the GATTUSO QUITS AS ‘Calciopoli’ match-fi xing scandal. FIORENTINA COACH THREE BOTTOMLINE The former World Cup winner an- 176 caps for his country. WEEKS AFTER APPOINTMENT nounced last month he was leaving Buff on won 10 Serie A titles with Gennaro Gattuso and Fiorentina Juventus, the club he had played for Juventus, as well as fi ve Italian Cups have agreed to part, just over three since moving from Parma in 2001, with the club and second-tier Serie B weeks after the former Italy interna- We are still the outsiders: Slovakia’s Hamsik apart from one season with Paris in 2007. He also won Ligue 1 with PSG tional was appointed as coach at the Reuters perience will help his team much. and a staff member tested positive for Saint-Germain in 2018-2019. in 2018-2019 before returning to the Serie A club. The former AC Milan and St Petersburg “It looks like we are the favourites, Covid-19. The Slovakians secured their Buff on played his fi nal game for Ju- Turin giants. He won he UEFA Cup Napoli coach was appointed on May fi rst in our group after the fi rst round, fourth win in the last fi ve games against ventus in the Coppa Italia fi nal where back in 1999 with Parma. 25 less than 48 hours after announcing but we are still the outsiders of this Poland with a gritty performance on he lifted the trophy for the sixth time. However, he has never won the his departure from Napoli and had not lovakia will take their under- group,” Hamsik said. “This is the way Monday and are looking to make it to It was his 685th game for Juventus and Champions League after losing fi nals been expected to start work until July dogs tag into today’s match to approach it — nobody will give us the knockout phase of a major tour- his 27th career trophy, including the with Juve in 2003, 2015 and 2017. 1. According to Italian media, there against Sweden despite their anything for free, no victory or points, nament for the third time. Sweden’s 2006 World Cup. Buff on has reportedly signed a two- had been tension between the club, surprise win over Poland in we can only win that by a good per- attacking options will be bolstered by Former Italy captain Buff on is an year deal with the Emilia-Romagna owned by American businessman theirS opening Euro 2020 Group E game, formance on the pitch, just the way we the return of winger Dejan Kulusevski iconic fi gure in Italian football, one of side with a guarantee of being captain Rocco Commisso, and Gattuso over captain Marek Hamsik said. Hamsik did against the Poles,” he said. following an ultra-defensive display the stars of the Azzurri’s 2006 World and number one goalkeeper and hav- both strategy and resources available joined Swedish club IFK Gothenburg Slovakia will still be without defend- against group favourites Spain that Cup triumph who racked up a record ing a role in the club when his career for signing new players. this year, but does not believe that ex- er Denis Vavro who is isolating after he earned them a scoreless draw. Gulf Times Friday, June 18, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT 14 teams set to battle for a place at the FIFA Arab Cup Khalifa International Stadium will raise the curtain on the qualifiers when African rivals Libya and Sudan clash

ualifying for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 will be the focus of 14 nations when they take part in single play-off matchesQ in Doha from tomorrow till June 25. Seven spots in the group stage are at stake, as participants from across the Arab world look to secure their place in the tournament, which will take place in Qatar from November 30 to December 18. The showdown at Qatar’s national ing to qualify for a second major tour- The showpiece event will support stadium will conclude a busy month nament after booking their maiden Qatar’s preparations for the FIFA World of June for Lebanon, who reached the ticket for the next Africa Cup of Na- Cup. As per the FIFA Rankings, the fol- next round of World Cup qualifying af- tions. The Coelacanths earned their lowing nine teams have already quali- ter completing their latest set of Asian place at Cameroon 2021 from a qualify- fi ed for the tournament: Qatar (hosts), zone qualifi ers in the Korea Republic. ing group that included African power- Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Sau- The Cedars will want another taste of house Egypt, Kenya and Togo. It made di Arabia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates tournament action after playing in the up for the disappointment of seeing and Syria. The 14 lower-ranked teams AFC Asian Cup in 2019 – their second their Qatar 2022 hopes end in Septem- will contest play-off s to earn their spot appearance in the continent’s top tour- ber 2019 when they lost over two legs in the tournament. nament after hosting the event in 2000. to the Togolese in the fi rst round of Af- Two venues will host the qualifi ers: Their achievements include third- rican zone World Cup qualifying. Co- Khalifa International Stadium – which place fi nishes in the Pan Arab Games moros have been an active participant is also one of eight Qatar 2022 tourna- in 1957 and 1997 – both of which were in regional competitions, having made ment venues – and Jassim Bin Hamad staged in Beirut. Lebanon also appeared four appearances in the COSAFA Cup Stadium. All the matches will kick off at in seven West Asian Football Federa- and winning two bronze medals at the 8pm local time. Tickets for the matches tion Championships between 2000 and Indian Ocean Island Games in 1979 and are available from the Qatar Football 2019. 1985. Association website: tickets.qfa.qa. Known as the Shoremen of the Red Fans who attend the matches must Sea, Djibouti hope qualifi cation to the 25 JUNE – BAHRAIN V KUWAIT be fully vaccinated or have recovered group stage will be a culmination to an This fi nal qualifi er sees two Gulf ri- from Covid-19 in the last nine months. important 2021 that will include their vals battle it out for a spot in Group A Here qatar2022.qa previews the seven pursuit of making Qatar 2022. Follow- alongside Qatar, Iraq, and the winner of play-off matches. ing a two-leg win over Eswatini in the the Oman versus Somalia qualifi cation fi rst round of African zone qualify- match. It is an opportunity for both 19 JUNE – LIBYA V SUDAN ing, Djibouti will continue their World teams to play on the big stage after see- Khalifa International Stadium will raise Cup journey in the second round group ing their hopes of qualifying for Qatar the curtain on the qualifi ers when Af- stage versus Algeria, Burkina Faso and 2022 come to an end earlier this month. rican rivals Libya and Sudan clash for Niger later this year. Returning to Qa- Bahrain have enjoyed a measure of a spot in Group D alongside Algeria, Libya’s players arrive at the Hamad International Stadium yesterday. Libya will take on Sudan in the opening match of the tar in December would also make up for success on the international stage in Egypt and the winner of Lebanon ver- FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers tomorrow at the Khalifa International Stadium. the disappointment of an early qualify- recent years, with 2019 proving to be sus Djibouti. Led by Spaniard Javier ing exit for the upcoming Africa Cup of a memorable year for the Red Wolves Clemente, Libya will be looking to 16. Prior to that, Oman won two Ara- ances at the AFC Asian Cup in 2004 zone qualifying group with Equato- Nations back in October 2019. At re- after they claimed two maiden titles make the group stage after missing out bian Gulf Cup titles (2009, 2017). Their and 2011. Other achievements include rial Guinea, Tunisia and Zambia. After gional level, Djibouti have appeared in within the space of fi ve months – the on qualifi cation for next January’s CAF hopes of featuring at Qatar 2022 remain three runners-up fi nishes in the West making their Africa Cup of Nations 12 CECAFA Cup competitions between West Asian Football Federation Cham- Africa Cup of Nations – a competition alive after they advanced to the third Asian Football Federation Champion- debut in 2019, Mauritania recently se- 1994 and 2019. pionship in Iraq and the Arabian Gulf they fi nished as runners-up in back in group stage of Asian zone qualifying ship (2002, 2008, 2014) and two Pan cured their place in the next edition of Cup in Qatar. It was also in Qatar that 1982. The Mediterranean Knights’ only earlier this month. Arab Games titles (1997, 1999). the tournament in early 2022. Their 24 JUNE – PALESTINE V COMOROS Bahrain won a gold medal at the 2011 international honour was winning the Somalia will see this match as a huge Gaining their independence as a na- international record also includes ap- These two aspiring sides meet for a spot Pan Arab Games. African Nations Championship in 2014. opportunity to showcase themselves on tion in 2011, South Sudan came on to pearances in three Pan Arab Games in Group C, where Morocco, Saudi Ara- Though they have yet to qualify for a One of the pioneers in establishing a big stage. The Ocean Stars’ hopes of the international football scene the (1976, 1985, 1997). bia and the winner of the Jordan versus World Cup, Bahrain have made strides the Africa Cup of Nations, Sudan are qualifying for Qatar 2022 ended in the following year. Their best achievement Having seen their hopes to make South Sudan qualifi cation match await. on the continental front, having earned looking to revive past glories by secur- fi rst round of African qualifying after to-date was in the regional CECAFA Qatar 2022 come to an end during the Considered an emerging nation in a fourth-place fi nish at the 2004 AFC ing their spot in Qatar later this year. defeat to Zimbabwe in September 2019. Cup competition, where they reached latest round of Asian zone World Cup Asian football, Palestine will be keen to Asian Cup in China. The Falcons of Jediane have a proud They have appeared in regional com- the quarter-fi nals in 2015. The Bright qualifying in Saudi Arabia, Yemen will reach the group stage after seeing their One of the most successful teams in footballing history, having hosted the petitions such as the CECAFA Cup and Stars have appeared in two World Cup hope for better fortune when they face hopes of making Qatar 2022 come to the Gulf region, Kuwait were the fi rst fi rst edition of Africa’s top competi- featured at the Pan Arab Games in 1985. qualifying campaigns to-date. their African opponents. The Middle an end during the latest round of Asian Arab country from Asia to qualify for tion in 1957 before winning the title on East side made their AFC Asian Cup zone World Cup qualifying in Saudi a World Cup after appearing at Spain home soil in 1970. 21 JUNE – JORDAN V SOUTH SUDAN 22 JUNE – MAURITANIA V YEMEN debut in the last edition in 2019. They Arabia. The Lions of Canaan can draw 1982. This came two years after win- A meeting with Morocco, Saudi Arabia Mauritania and Yemen will do battle for have also appeared in nine Arabian on their recent experience at the AFC ning their lone AFC Asian Cup title as 20 JUNE – OMAN V SOMALIA and the winner of the Palestine versus the lone qualifi cation spot in Group B, Gulf Cup tournaments. Yemen have Asian Cup for inspiration. hosts in 1980. The Blues are the most A place in Group A alongside Qatar, Comoros match in Group C awaits the where Tunisia, United Arab Emirates also participated in the 1985 Pan Arab They made their tournament debut successful team in Arabian Gulf Cup Iraq and the winner of Bahrain versus winner of this contest. and Syria await. Games and three West Asian Football at Australia 2015 after winning the 2014 history, winning the title ten times, Kuwait will be the prize for Oman or June has been a busy month for Jor- A team on the rise in recent years, Federation Championships, where they AFC Challenge Cup before appearing most recently in 2010. Somalia. Oman will be keen for another dan. Ahead of their clash with South Mauritania’s improvement can be reached the semi-fi nals in 2010. in the last edition in the United Arab It was that same year that Kuwait crack at Qatar after fi nishing behind Sudan, the Chivalrous saw their hopes measured by their jump of more than Emirates in 2019. The Middle East side won their lone West Asian Football the Maroons in their World Cup quali- of reaching Qatar 2022 come to an end 100 places in the FIFA World Rankings 23 JUNE – LEBANON V DJIBOUTI have also appeared in nine West Asian Federation Championship title. Other fying group. The Reds’ recent record after the latest round of Asian zone between 2012 and 2017. The Lions of This inter-continental clash will pro- Football Federation Championships notable achievements include a quar- has been impressive, having appeared qualifying in Kuwait. Despite that dis- Chinguetti not only have their sights vide the winner a place in Group D and won a bronze medal at the 1999 ter-fi nal fi nish at the 1980 Moscow Ol- in four of the last fi ve AFC Asian Cups, appointment, the Middle East outfi t on returning to Qatar later this year, but alongside Algeria, Egypt and the win- Pan Arab Games. ympics, two silver medals at the Asian with their best performance coming in have made strides on the continental also making football’s showpiece event ners of the Libya versus Sudan qualifi - Situated in the Indian Ocean off the Games (1982, 1998) and a bronze medal 2019 when they reached the round of front after two quarter-fi nal appear- in 2022 after being drawn in an African cation match. east coast of Africa, Comoros are aim- at the 2011 Pan Arab Games in Qatar.

FOCUS FAREWELL Saoud al-Mohannadi elected Ramos says he wanted to stay at Real AFP UAFA vice president Madrid

ergio Ramos has claimed he is only leaving Real Madrid because the club withdrew their off er of a new con- tract, as the defender bid an emo- tionalS farewell yesterday after 16 years. Ramos said in a press conference he had pushed for a two-year contract extension and when he decided to accept one extra year, the club told his agent and brother “about a week ago” the off er had expired. The 35-year-old, who will become a free agent on July 1, gave no indication as to where he will play next, although he ruled out joining Barcelona. He also said he was “not contemplating” a return to Sevilla. Sergio Ramos (right) poses with his family and Real Madrid president president Florentino Ramos joined Real Madrid from Sevilla for Perez in Madrid yesterday. 27mn euros in 2005 and went on to become one of the club’s greatest ever players, play- year, with a lower salary, and I want to em- thought about any other team but there have ing 671 games and winning 22 titles, includ- phasise that money was never a problem. I been some calls from interested clubs,” he ing fi ve in La Liga and four in the Champions wanted two years for continuity, for me and said. “Now we will look for a good option.” League. Despite making clear his disap- my family. There was never a fi nancial issue. On the unlikely prospect he could join pointment over the failed negotiations with When I fi nally decided to accept the off er of Barcelona, Ramos said: “It would be im- Real Madrid, Ramos refused to criticise pres- one year and a lower salary, I was told the possible to see Ramos in a Barca shirt. A re- Qatar Football Association president HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani with chief of the ident Florentino Perez directly, describing off er had an expiration date that I was not sounding no as big as the new Bernabeu.” UAFA Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal in Jeddah yesterday. Inset: Saoud bin Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi. their relationship as like a “father and son”. aware of.” He also discarded the option of returning Perez and Ramos delivered short speeches Ramos insisted he did not know why the to Sevilla. “I do not contemplate that option, Agencies newly-elected Council in Jeddah, ings of the UAFA General Assem- and shared a cordial embrace during a good- off er expired and said he was “really sur- just as Sevilla does not contemplate it,” he Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, yesterday. bly yesterday. Sheikh Hamad also bye ceremony at Valdebebas, with Ramos’ prised”. “I would have liked to stay here said.”It is a diff erent moment now, for them Al-Mohannadi, who won the participated in the meeting of the family among those in a small audience. many more years,” he said. “Madrid is my and for me.” council membership after re- UAFA Council, headed by Prince Ramos said bidding farewell was one of home and my family.” Injuries restricted Ramos to only 21 ap- aoud bin Abdulaziz al- ceiving 20 votes, was later named Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, the “most diffi cult moments” of his life. Earlier, Madrid’s captain opened the door pearances for Real Madrid last season be- Mohannadi was elected vice president -for the Asian President of the Union. Afterwards, he answered questions from to a return in the future. “This is a ‘see you fore Luis Enrique left him out of the Spain to the Union of Arab continent – by virtue of recom- The QFA delegation included the media on his own in a press conference later’ because sooner or later, I will come squad for Euro 2020. But Ramos said he is Football Associations mendation. Saoud bin Abdulaziz al-Mohan- room. “I have never wanted to leave Real back,” Ramos said. He had just started his fi t again now and “excited to show his high- (UAFA)S Council as Vice-Presi- HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa nadi, (Vice-President), Mansour Madrid,” he said. “I go back to the season speech when he broke down in tears as he est level for years to come”. Perez said it was dent for the new term 2021-2025, bin Ahmed al-Thani, President Mohamed al-Ansari (General during lockdown when we won the title. begun paying tribute to his family. “not an easy day”, saluting Ramos as “one of at the conclusion of the General of the Qatar Football Association Secretary), and Mohamed Khali- The club off ered to extend my contract but Paris Saint-Germain and Manches- the great legends of Real Madrid”. “You have Assembly of the Union, which (QFA), headed the Qatari delega- fa al-Suwaidi (CEO, Aspire Zone because of Covid, it was delayed. In recent ter City are among the clubs credited with grown as a player and been our iconic cap- was followed by a meeting of the tion participating in the meet- Foundation). months, the club made me an off er of one an interest in signing Ramos. “We never tain for years,” Perez added. Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 18, 2021 SPORT

Al Arabi, Al Duhail enter semi-finals India’s Verma shines on Test debut Teenage sensation Shafali Verma (left) registered the highest score (96 runs) by an Indian woman cricketer on Test debut in Bristol yesterday. The 17-year-old opener achieved the feat on day two of their one-off Test against England Women. She shattered the record of Chanderkanta Kaul, who had scored 75 on her Test debut against New Zealand at Nelson in 1995. Shafali Verma with other opener Smriti Mandhana also put on the highest opening stand for the India women’s team in Test cricket, their 167-run partnership giving the visitors a head start in their pursuit of England Women’s first innings total of 396. Verma and Mandhana beat Gargi Banerji & Sand- hya Agarwal’s 153 against Australia at Mumbai in 1984 for the highest opening stand. This is the second highest opening partnership in women’s Tests away from home. However, from a strong 167 for none, India lost five wickets for the addi- Action from match between Qatar’s Al Arabi (in red) and Iran’s Shahid Kazeroon in the Asian Club tion of just 16 runs before ending the day at 187 Handball Championship in Jeddah yesterday. Al Arabi won 30-25 for their fourth straight victory and for five. India are still trailing England by 209 runs entered the semi-finals of the championship. Qatar’s Al Duhail also entered the last four stage with with Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma (0) at 33-29 win over Iran’s Kerman in their final Group B match. the crease.

CRICKET/WTC PSL Khawaja’s maiden century script One-off fi nal can’t United’s 15-run win

PSL in the tournament. He smashed Abu Dhabi 13 fours and three sixes and re- mained unbeaten on 105 off 56. His partner, the right-handed sman Khawaja’s fi rst West Indies international King decide world’s best century in the HBL PSL scored 22-ball 46, smashing fi ve and three wickets from fours and three sixes. Akif Javed guided Is- In reply, half centuries from Ulamabad United to a thrilling 15- Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik run win over Peshawar Zalmi at went in vain as Zalmi remained Sheikh Zayed Stadium yesterday. 15 runs short of the mammoth After being asked to bat fi rst, target. Shoaib top-scored with a United posted 247 for two – the 36-ball 68, hitting six fours and team, says Kohli highest T20 score at the venue three sixes. Kamran (53 off 32, and in the HBL PSL history. It seven fours, two sixes) put up a is also the highest score in any 53-run stand for the third-wick- INDIA GO WITH ASHWIN AND JADEJA PLUS THREE SEAMERS FOR WTC FINAL domestic Pakistan T20 tourna- et with Shoaib. ment beating 243 set by Karachi Sherfane Rutherford (29 Dolphins against Lahore Eagles off eight) played a cameo, as AFP with it accordingly.” in 2010. he struck four sixes off Zafar Southampton New Zealand captain Kane Usman, who was leading the Gohar’s over – 14th of the in- Williamson, who declared him- team in the absence of Shadab nings – the second most ex- self fully fi t after missing his Khan, opened the batting with pensive over in the history of irat Kohli has ques- side’s triumph in the second Colin Munro, and the two left- HBL PSL. That Zalmi were able tioned whether the Test against England to rest an handers provided a solid 98-run to cross 200 was due to late on- winners of the inaugu- elbow injury, was more upbeat partnership for the fi rst wicket slaught from Wahab Riaz (28 not ral World Test Cham- than Kohli about the fi nal. off just 59 balls. out off 15, one four, two sixes) Vpionship fi nal between India “We’re playing the best team Munro (48 off 28) struck fi ve and Umaid Asif (20 not out off and New Zealand can truly be in the world,” he said. “It’s a re- fours and two sixes before get- nine, two fours, one six). The considered the best interna- ally exciting occasion. “It’s a ting out to Shoaib Malik’s off pair contributed 47 runs for the tional side. one-off and in cricket anything spin on the penultimate ball of seventh-wicket partnership. A two-year process designed can happen. It will be widely the tenth over. Left-arm pacer Akif took three to crown a Test champion and followed and fans from more Asif Ali contributed a quick- for 43 for United, while Hussain give fresh impetus to the oldest than just New Zealand and India fi re 43 off 14, which included fi ve Talat picked two wickets. international format culminates are excited to watch it unfold. towering sixes and two fours. He This match produced the in a fi ve-day match starting “We’re just fortunate to be in- knitted a 47-run partnership for highest aggregate score in HBL in Southampton today that is volved in it.” the second-wicket with Usman. PSL history. worth $1.6 million to the win- India named spinners Ravin- Brandon King joined Usman at ning team. New Zealand and dra Jadeja and Ravichandran 145 for two in the 13th over. The BRIEF SCORES India are the top two teams in Ashwin in a fi ve-man bowling pair played shots all around the Islamabad United 247-2, 20 the Test rankings but Kohli said attack for fi nal. ground, and contributed an un- overs (Usman Khawaja 105 not yesterday that a one-off game The pitch at the stadium on beaten 102 runs off just 43 balls out, Colin Munro 48, Brandon would not give a defi nitive an- the outskirts of Southampton for the third-wicket partnership. King 46 not out, Asif Ali 43) bt swer as to who was the best. assists spin bowlers but rain Australian international Us- Peshawar Zalmi 232-6, 20 overs “If you’re talking about Test started to fall yesterday af- man playing his fi rst season of (Shoaib Malik 68, Kamran Akmal cricket and deciding, who is ternoon and more is forecast HBL PSL, brought up his hun- 53, Sherfane Rutherford 29; Akif the best team in the world on over the course of the match, dred off just 53 balls and became Javed 3-43, Hussain Talat 2-37) one game over a period of fi ve prompting speculation that In- the fi rst captain to post a hundred by 15 runs days, that is not the reality of the dia might fi eld only one slow truth,” he said. India’s Virat Kohli during a practice session ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against bowler. Kohli said the weather Islamabad United’s Usman Khawaja “It is not going to refl ect New Zealand at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, Britain. (Reuters) forecast would have no bearing celebrate aft er scoring century against anything for people who really on the team selection which was Peshawar Zalmi at the Sheikh Zayed understand the game and who when many fear for its future. land, which they wrapped up on backyard.” announced shortly afterwards. Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (@PCB) know exactly what has gone on “For me it has been a very posi- Sunday at Edgbaston. Kohli dismissed suggestions “We are quite clear in terms of over the last four or fi ve years tive step in the right direction. But Kohli said the resilience that India, representing a popu- what we want to do. The fore- and how the teams have fared.” You know that every series you India had shown in coming lation of 1.3 billion in cricket’s cast is something we are not fo- The India captain and star are playing and competing for from behind to win a series in economic powerhouse nation, cused on. Regardless of what we batsman added: “If you win this something. Australia earlier this year would were up against “nice guys” in do we have our bases covered. game, cricket does not stop for “There is no room for com- serve them well in the match on New Zealand, a team from a We won’t bother about what the us. If you lose this game, cricket placency or just playing out an the south coast of England. country of around fi ve million. weather holds,” he said. does not stop for us. Our proc- easy draw. If you can go for the “This is a hard grind over fi ve “I really don’t understand this esses and mindset is what mat- points you go for the points. It is days, something that we take a term that was just used – I don’t India: Rohit Sharma, Shub- ters most to us. “For me, this is a step forward for Test cricket.” lot pride in and a great example think any other team has ‘bad man Gill, Virat Kohli (capt), another Test match that has to India, beaten 2-0 in New Zea- of what you saw in Australia, guys’ in their team,” he said. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya be played.” land last year, have not been in when the younger lot of our “We get along very well off the Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wkt), Kohli, however, said the new action since March while the players stood up against a very fi eld but when you step across Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran structure represented an ad- Black Caps head into the fi nal experienced and strong Austral- the line, it’s business at the end Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant vance for Test cricket at a time after a 1-0 series win over Eng- ian side and beat them in their of the day and you need to deal Sharma, Mohamed Shami.

PREVIEW Wilting West Indies aim for top-order solidity Reuters prepare ourselves for overseas because when you look at the Saint Lucia tours,” Roach told reporters. last seven test 100s scored by Jayden Seales (second from left ) and Kraigg “The pitch bounced a lot more an opener, I think they were all Brathwaite (second from right) of West Indies than I have seen in a while. It re- scored by Kraigg (Brathwaite). celebrate the dismissal of Kyle Verreynne est Indies must fi nd minds me of a wicket in Australia We are trying to work very hard of South Africa during day 1 of the 1st Test at a way to counter or probably South Africa, so it’s on that.” Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, South Africa’s bar- about us adapting. It’s about South Africa will bring back Saint Lucia, on June 10, 2021. (AFP) rage of seamers if taking on the challenge and try- middle order batsman Temba Wthey are to square the series in ing to be as positive as we can.” Bavuma if he passes a late fi t- the second Test that starts today, Coach Phil Simmons had be- ness test after he missed the fi rst but they are unlikely to get much moaned his top order batting game with a hip problem. That is respite from the pitch at the frailties after the defeat by an likely to be the only change. Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in innings and 63 runs in the fi rst “We need to try and replicate Saint Lucia. game. what happened in the fi rst test,” The home side were skittled It has long been a problem and captain Dean Elgar said. “It was out for 97 and 162 in the fi rst Test the reason why West Indies have clinical and ruthless; our bowl- having been unable to handle the won only three of their 29 previ- ers led the pack brilliantly and pace and movement of the tour- ous tests against South Africa. a lot of senior players put their ists’ bowlers on a helpful wicket. “It’s one of the things we have hands up. But home seamer Kemar been desperately trying to work “The wicket looks similar, we Roach says the steep learning on because if you look back, a have had a bit of rain around the curve from that game could be lot of times when we win test island so it might be a bit softer, benefi cial in the long run. “I matches against top teams we but from a grass cover point of think it’s good to have a pitch like have good opening stands,” Sim- view it looks similar to the fi rst this in the Caribbean so we can mons said. “It’s disappointing Test.” Gulf Times Friday, June 18, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Canadiens even series with Knights Top-seeded Sixers, Reuters Fleury and extended Toff oli’s Las Vegas points streak to eight games, in which he has collected fi ve goals and 10 points. irst-period goals by Joel Byron’s breakaway tally with Armia and Tyler Toff oli 2:15 remaining in the second sparked the Montreal Ca- period extended the lead to 3-0. nadiens to a three-goal A misplay at Vegas’ blue line al- Jazz on brink aft er lead,F and they held on for a 3-2 lowed the speedy Byron to gain victory over the Vegas Golden the puck, and he converted a Knights on Wednesday in Game 2 backhand. of their Stanley Cup playoff sem- In dire need of a boost, the ifi nal series at Las Vegas. Golden Knights received one 61 Paul Byron netted the even- seconds later with Pietrangelo’s tual game-winning goal while fi rst tally. After a faceoff win in Carey Price made 29 saves – 16 the Montreal zone, Pietrangelo Hawks, Clippers win in the third period – as the Ca- gained the puck at the point, nadiens evened the series 1-1. and his long wrister eluded the Alex Pietrangelo scored both screened Price. ‘We have confidence in each other. We’re a great group, good to be around’ goals for Vegas, and goaltender Pietrangelo made it a one-goal Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 20 game with 5:14 remaining in reg- shots. ulation with another goal com- Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles past Philadelphia The best-of-seven series ing off a won faceoff in Montreal 76ers guard Ben Simmons during the fourth quarter in game moves to Montreal for the next territory. After William Karlsson fi ve of the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoff s at Wells two games, starting Friday. won the draw, Pietrangelo ended Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (USA TODAY Sports) The Canadiens opened the up with the puck in the right cir- scoring for the 10th time in the cle and found the mark for his playoff s when Armia lit the lamp third goal of the playoff s. Despite at the 6:12 mark. After he created a frantic push, the hosts couldn’t a turnover while on the fore- fi nd the equalizer. check, Armia was on the spot for Both teams made notable ros- a loose puck when Joel Edmund- ter moves. The Golden Knights son’s point shot was blocked. He were without top-line center buried the chance for his fi fth Chandler Stephenson, replaced goal of the playoff s. in the lineup by Patrick Brown. Toff oli’s fi fth goal of the posts- Montreal had a pair of defense- eason doubled the lead 10 min- men, Jeff Petry and Jon Merrill, utes later. He set up shop in the return from injury, which took slot and fanned on a one-timer Alexander Romanov and Brett attempt. The changeup eluded Kulak out.

Montreal Canadiens right wing Joel Armia celebrates after scoring a first period goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in game two of the 2021 Stanley Cup semi-finals in Las Vegas. (USA TODAY Sports)

Ball wins NBA rookie of year honour AFP the Sixers appeared to be poised to claim That belief has left the fi fth-seeded ful 37-point display which included 16 Los Angeles a 3-2 advantage against the Hawks as they Hawks now on the brink of a place in the rebounds and fi ve assists. Marcus Mor- Charlotte Hornets guard LaMe- received 15 first-place votes raced into a big lead in the second half. Eastern Conference fi nals, a remarkable ris added 25 points while Reggie Jackson lo Ball was named the NBA’s and finished second with 309 But a magnifi cent Atlanta off ensive turnaround for a team that axed head chipped in with 21. Rookie of the Year yesterday, points. Haliburton earned 114 he top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers performance led by Young saw the Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1. “This was the biggest game of the beating out competition from points. and Utah Jazz were left on the steadily chip away at the defi cit. Young Philadelphia, who piled on 38 points in postseason, especially being down our Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards Under the preferential voting brink of elimination from the nailed a fl oater to cut the Sixers’ lead to the fi rst quarter alone, were led by Em- best player,” George said afterwards. and Sacramento Kings guard system, players were awarded NBA playoff s on Wednesday as 104-102 before drawing a foul to earn three biid with 37 points while Seth Curry had “We knew coming into this, we had to Tyrese Haliburton. Ball, 19, was five points for each first-place Tthe Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clip- free throws which he promptly drained to 36 points. No other Philadelphia player play together, we had to step up. We did a chosen by the Hornets with the vote, three points for each pers notched against-the-odds victories give the Hawks their fi rst lead of the game made double fi gures. great job playing collectively.” third overall pick of the 2020 second-place vote and one on the road. at 105-104 with 1:26 remaining. “We struggled down the stretch,” Six- George praised his teammates for soak- draft after spending the 2019- point for each third-place vote. In Philadelphia, Trae Young scored 39 Danilo Gallinari’s fadeaway put Atlanta ers coach Doc Rivers said. ing up an early barrage from Utah, who 2020 season with the Illawara Ball’s impressive maiden season points as Atlanta overturned a 26-point 107-104 ahead and the Sixers’ fate was “We scored 19 points, and gave up 40. opened up a 10-point lead in the second Hawks of Australia’s National included a triple-double for second-half defi cit to lead the Hawks to a sealed when Joel Embiid missed two late It’s on us, it’s on all of us, it’s on me. We quarter. Basketball League. Charlotte in a game against the 109-106 defeat of the Sixers in their East- free throws that could have put Philadel- have to fi gure out how to get back up - “We didn’t overreact,” George said. The teenager averaged 15.7 Atlanta Hawks in January, mak- ern Conference semi-fi nal clash. phia back within striking distance. which we will - and bring this series back “They came out hot. Good thing about it points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds ing him the youngest player The Clippers - rocked by an injury The Hawks can clinch a series vic- here for a game seven.” was we were able to weather the storm.” and 1.59 steals in 51 games for ever to bag a triple in the NBA. to star Kawhi Leonard earlier Wednes- tory in front of their home fans on Friday In Salt Lake City, Paul George was the The series now returns to Los Angeles Charlotte, leading all rookies in Other notable performances day – then toppled the Utah Jazz in Salt when game six heads back to Georgia. hero as the Clippers stunned the Jazz on Friday, where a win for the Clippers assists and steals. included a 34-point display in a Lake City by 119-111 to seize a 3-2 lead “We just kept fi ghting,” Young said af- to move within one win of the Western will see Utah eliminated. “We just got to Ball received 84 first-place game against the Utah Jazz in in their best-of-seven Western Confer- terwards. “We have confi dence in each Conference fi nals. The Clippers’ day be- go into it with the mindset that we don’t votes from a global panel of 99 February. Ball is the youngest of ence series. The results left the Sixers and other. We’re a great group, good to be gan with news that Kawhi Leonard faces want to come back to Utah,” George said. sportswriters and broadcasters three basketball-playing broth- Jazz one defeat away from elimination as around. “We all love you to each other’s missing the remainder of the series – and Bojan Bogdanovic led Utah’s scorers with who decided the award, for a ers who rose to prominence they prepare to travel to Atlanta and Los company and it shows on the court and possibly the postseason – after suff ering 32 points, while Donovan Mitchell was total points tally of 465. during their high school careers Angeles for their respective game sixes. we never stopped believing until the fi nal a knee injury in game four. held to 21, making just four from 14 at- Timberwolves rookie Edwards in California. Encouraged by a raucous home crowd, buzzer.” But George responded with a master- tempts from three-point range.

MLB Mets top Cubs despite deGrom’s exit

Reuters victim to a barrage of home runs in a 13-7 defeat Boston at the hands of the San Francisco Giants. RESULTS A third straight setback in the matchup of National League West rivals dropped the Dia- Mets 6-3 Cubs ew York Mets right-hander Jacob de- mondbacks into a tie with the 1943 Philadelphia Giants 13-7 D’Backs Grom left his start Wednesday night Athletics and 1963 New York Mets for the dubi- due to right shoulder soreness after ous distinction. Phillies 2-0 Dodgers pitching three perfect innings against Arizona, which has dropped 13 games in a row Twins 7-2 Mariners Nthe visiting Chicago Cubs. overall, will seek to avoid taking over sole pos- deGrom will undergo an MRI exam as a pre- session of the unfl attering record when it com- Indians 8-7 Orioles caution, but he did not seem overly concerned pletes a four-game series in San Francisco on Yankees 3-2 Blue Jays while speaking following the Mets’ 6-3 victory. Thursday afternoon. “This is getting old,” he said of his recent nag- An Eduardo Escobar RBI double capped a Astros 8-4 Rangers ging injuries. “I want to be out there competing two-run top of the fi rst that, for the second Red Sox 10-8 Braves instead of coming out of these games with these night in a row, gave the Diamondbacks the early little (ailments).” jump on the NL West-leading Giants. Cardinals 1-0 Marlins In the third inning, deGrom appeared to be However, San Francisco’s off ense responded Tigers 6-5 Royals stretching his shoulder, and as the Mets bat- early and often, using a three-run home run ted in the bottom half, reliever Sean Reid-Foley three batters into the last of the fi rst by Buster Reds 2-1 Brewers began warming up quickly. Reid-Foley replaced Posey, his 12th of the season, to take the lead for White Sox 8-7 Rays deGrom in the fourth. DeGrom retired all nine good. The Giants wound up scoring four times hitters he faced on 51 pitches. He struck out against Arizona starter Merrill Kelly (2-7) in the Nationals 3-1 Pirates eight, including the last seven in a row, and fi rst, then added four more in the fourth on solo Athletics 8-4 Angels threw 11 pitches at least 100 mph. homers by Steven Duggar and LaMonte Wade Jr. It was the second straight start deGrom de- and a two-run single by Donovan Solano. Rockies 8-7 Padres parted early due to injury. On Friday against the The game got completely out of hand when San Diego Padres, he was pulled because of right San Francisco tacked on fi ve in the fi fth to go up in a fi ve-run sixth that trimmed the defi cit to fl exor tendinitis after throwing 80 pitches in six 13-2. Wilmer Flores had a pinch-hit, two-run 13-7. But that was as close as the visitors came. innings. Following the Friday outing, deGrom homer and Brandon Belt a three-run shot to ac- Posey and Mike Yastrzemski scored three times said he was not concerned. New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the second count for the scoring. apiece for San Francisco, Posey following three An MRI on Saturday came back clean, and inning at the Citi Field in New York City. (USA TODAY Sports) Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani (7-2) was hits and Yastrzemski after drawing three walks. the two-time National League Cy Young Award pulled after fi ve innings, charged with two runs Duggar hit his sixth homer, Wade his fourth, winner did his usual routine in between starts. elbow I didn’t think too much of, like I said I was (one earned) on fi ve hits. He walked one and Flores his fourth and Belt his ninth. Marte, Josh deGrom also missed a start in May due to a lat pretty confi dent that that was nothing. And I’m GIANTS HAND D-BACKS RECORD-TYING struck out fi ve. The Diamondbacks didn’t go Rojas and Stephen Vogt collected two hits apiece injury. pretty confi dent that this is nothing.” 22ND STRAIGHT ROAD LOSS into the record book quietly. for Arizona, which hasn’t won a road game since Speaking after the Wednesday game, deGrom The Mets’ ace is 6-2 with a 0.54 ERA in 11 The Arizona Diamondbacks tied the major Asdrubal Cabrera had a solo homer, his fi fth April 25 at Atlanta. Kelly allowed four runs and said, “I think it’s three separate issues. I think starts this season. He has 111 strikeouts and just league record for consecutive road defeats with long ball of the year, Ketel Marte hit a two-RBI four hits in three innings. He walked three and the lat was something to do with the swing. The eight walks in 67 innings. their 22nd straight Wednesday night, falling double and Pavin Smith added a two-run single fanned four. Gulf Times 6 Friday, June 18, 2021 SPORT

MOTORSPORT Mercedes modify Hamilton’s ‘magic’ button aft er Baku blow ‘We’ve just put a shroud around it to make sure that I can’t accidentally touch it in future’ FOCUS

Reuters Paris Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton at the Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Leader Verstappen Castellet, France yesterday. ercedes have modi- (Reuters) unhappy with Pirelli fi ed a ‘magic button’ on Lewis Hamilton’s steering wheel to blowout explanation Mprevent a repeat of the Azerbai- jan Grand Prix error that cost the Reuters would also be nice to know if it seven times world champion the Paris was tyre pressure-related. Just Formula One championship lead. speak out. Hamilton revealed after the “That would be a bit easier to June 6 race in Baku that he had ormula One world cham- understand than the explanation accidentally hit the button at the pionship leader Max Ver- we got so far.” re-start, leaving him without stappen said yesterday he Pirelli had said in their state- rear brakes into the fi rst corner was unhappy with Pirelli’s ment that the cause was due to and sending him off track and Fexplanation for the high-speed “a circumferential break on the from second to 15th. tyre blowout that cost him victory inner sidewall, which can be re- Red Bull’s championship at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. lated to the running conditions leader Max Verstappen had al- Red Bull’s Verstappen suff ered of the tyre.” ready crashed out and Hamilton, a left-rear failure on the straight Verstappen said he felt fortu- attempting to pass the Dutch while leading towards the end of nate to have escaped unhurt from driver’s team mate Sergio Perez the June 6 race in Baku. the crash. “I was actually quite for the race win, had been set to Aston Martin’s Canadian lucky to hit the wall on the right regain the overall lead. Lance Stroll had earlier crashed hand side, instead of the left. I “We’ve just put a shroud out with a similar failure. think if I would have gone left it around it to make sure that I can’t Sole supplier Pirelli on Tues- would have been a really big im- accidentally touch it in future,” day ruled out any production or pact,” he said. the Briton told reporters at the quality defects and accepted the Seven times world champion French Grand Prix. teams had followed prescribed Lewis Hamilton said safety was “That’s for the short term. Ob- parameters when the tyres were the priority and Pirelli and the viously the wheel’s not so easy to fi tted. It indicated that how the governing FIA needed to do a change or to move buttons. We’ll tyres were then run had contrib- better job in policing tyre pres- look for a longer term solution.” uted to the incidents. sures and temperatures during Hamilton said after the race Asked at the French Grand Prix the race as well as before. in Baku that what happened had if he was happy with Pirelli’s ex- “Whenever there is a failure been a stroke of bad luck. planation, the 23-year-old Dutch they always put the pressures “It defi nitely wasn’t any pres- driver replied: “Personally not. up, so that tells you something,” sure from Max and I don’t even “I think the team did every- said the Mercedes driver. “More count it as a mistake,” he said Bottas denies anything decided about his Mercedes future thing like they should have done, often than not the tyres are not yesterday. “I don’t feel any pres- they followed all the guidelines running at the pressures that sure, I feel pretty relaxed. Valtteri Bottas recognised on team mate Lewis Hamilton, sec- come eventually,” he said, add- there is all kind of speculation with tyre pressures at the start. have been asked. “I think they’ve “You can’t always be perfect. A Thursday that speculation was ond overall, has won three races ing that he had not devoted that is not based on any facts,” “For sure we’ll go up on pres- done a great job with the tyres mistake is when you often drive mounting about his Formula and scored 54 points more than much thought to any ‘Plan B’. he added. “People are trying sures here for this weekend. this year, they are more robust off the track through missing One future with Mercedes but Bottas after six rounds. Bottas is out of contract at the to make up stories just for the 100% sure we will. Probably it than before. “In this particular your braking point or hitting the denied anything had been “You can’t always block the end of the season and some me- clicks. That’s how it goes.” has something to do with that, instance I don’t think Pirelli are wall. decided. noise that is around, and every dia reports have suggested he Asked what his ‘gut feeling’ was what happened in Baku, but it at fault.” “It was kind of an unforced The Finn has not scored a season is the same thing, the had already been told it would about his future, Bottas replied: error, really just something that point from the last two races, same questions and the same not be extended, with Britain’s “I haven’t really allowed myself we had that was sitting there although a blank in Monaco was speculation. It’s part of the George Russell set to move from to think about that too much that could have happened at any due to the team being unable sport,” Bottas told reporters Williams. The Finn said he spoke because that can become a point. It unfortunately bit us to remove a wheel, and has ahead of the French Grand Prix. often with team boss and share- distraction. pretty hard but you learn from dropped to sixth overall in the “We haven’t really yet discussed holder Toto Wolff but what had “It will come at some point. So the experience.” standings with 47 points. anything about the contract been reported was not true. for now the gut is not saying Hamilton is four points behind Seven-times world champion with Mercedes, and that will “That’s speculation and I’m sure anything.” Verstappen after six races, de- spite having won three of them. Baku was the champion’s sec- the barriers in Imola in April be- second. The most successful For- last two street races in Monaco weekend. The Briton has won the ond big mistake of the season af- fore the race was stopped, throw- mula One driver of all time has and Baku but should be on hap- last two French Grands Prix from ter sliding off track and nudging ing him a lifeline. He ended up taken just seven points from the pier territory at Le Castellet this pole position. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during a press conference. (Reuters)

TENNIS Gresini to partner with Ducati next season Berrettini ends Murray’s comeback at Queen’s Italian race team Gresini said yesterday it is partnering for Reuters the 2022 and 2023 MotoGP London Zverev knocked out in Halle by seasons as a satellite squad of constructor Ducati with Fabio Frenchman Humbert Di Giannantonio and Enea ndy Murray’s grasscourt return Bastianini as its riders. was cut short in brutal fashion Third seed Alexander Zverev early break in the second set “From next year, Gresini Rac- at Queen’s Club as Italian top suff ered a surprise defeat which proved suff icient to level ing will again be an ‘independ- seed Matteo Berrettini dished against Frenchman Ugo Hum- the match. ent team’ in MotoGP with outA a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to the former world bert at the Halle grasscourt But he could not sustain the Ducati,” said a statement from number one yesterday. tournament yesterday, the third momentum as Humbert took the team which had from 2015 The 34-year-old two-time Wimble- seed going down 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3. charge of the deciding set with competed as Aprilia’s factory- don champion, playing in his fi rst sin- A first set dominated by serve some aggressive hitting. supported team. gles tournament on grass for three years, inevitably went to a tiebreak in He will next face Sebastian Gresini, which also has a five- could not handle the ferocious pace of which Humbert pulled clear to Korda in the quarter-finals after season deal with MotoGP pro- Berrettini as he slid to defeat. move ahead. the American knocked out Kei motor Dorna, will be an “en- Murray eased past Benoit Paire in his Germany’s Zverev grabbed an Nishikori. tirely Italian team composed opening match on Tuesday but world of Fabio Di Giannantonio and number nine Berrettini was too big a US Open to be held with full capacity crowds Enea Bastianini – two very step up. Berrettini’s huge fi rst serve and young riders but already very forehand did most of the damage but the The US Open will be at full ca- Masters, the tune-up tourna- much linked to Fausto and Italian also showed plenty of silky touch pacity throughout its two-week ment for the Grand Slam, an- to Gresini Racing,” the team on the slick lawns to register his fi rst ca- duration in 2021, the United nounced last month that they added. The team was rocked reer win over Murray. States Tennis Association also plan to operate the August when Italian former racer and Berrettini, 25, fi nished the match off (USTA) announced yesterday, tournament in the city at full founder Fausto Gresini died with a powerful hold of serve, banging Italy’s Matteo Berrettini reacts during his quarter-final match against Britain’s Andy Murray (below) making it the first Grand Slam capacity. last February aged 60 after down four massive fi rst serves before at the Queen’s Club Championships in London yesterday. (Reuters) to be played at 100% capacity The USTA said tickets for the catching the coronavirus. sealing victory with a clubbing forehand amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Aug. 30-Sept. 12 Grand Slam are His widow Nadia Padovani has winner. He faces British number one Dan The tournament was held with- set to go on sale from July 13. taken over as owner and team Evans in the quarter-fi nal after Evans out spectators in 2020 due to This year’s Wimbledon men’s principal. beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. the coronavirus pandemic and and women’s singles finals will “This is a project born of Murray, a fi ve-time winner of the tra- will be the first Grand Slam to be played with capacity crowds continuity and (based) on ditional warm-up event but now ranked have full attendance since the in attendance on Centre Court. the values with which Fausto 124 after long battles with hip injuries Australian Open last year. (Reuters) constructed this wonderful including resurfacing surgery in 2019, “We are extremely excited to be institution,” said Padovani, has been handed a wildcard for the able to welcome our incredible describing the Ducati deal as a Wimbledon championships. fans back to the US Open this “very moving moment.” Apart from a slight groin niggle, Mur- year,” USTA chief executive Gresini will be Ducati’s second ray said he was reasonably happy with Mike Dowse said in a statement. satellite stable next year his condition, considering this was only “While we were proud that we alongside Pramac. Valentino his third Tour-level tournament of the were able to hold the event in Rossi’s VR46 could become year. 2020, we missed having our a third and replace Avintia, “I think obviously I need to improve,” fans on-site, because we know which is leaving the world Murray told reporters. “I actually felt my that they are a large part of championship. movement was actually quite good for what makes the US Open expe- Ducati, the constructor with both of the matches. My tennis today rience unlike any other. the most models on the grid was not very good today. That’s the thing “Our sport surged in the tough- – six – this season would thus that I’ll need to improve the most. est of times, and this year’s boost that tally to eight. “I felt like today that that sort of US Open promises to be an Bastianini, 23, debuted in the showed my lack of matches.” unforgettable celebration of the MotoGP category this season Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez, who game, those who play it, and with Avintia, having won the won the singles title in 2019 and the those who revel in it.” Moto2 crown in 2020. doubles alongside Murray, was beaten Organisers of the Cincinnati (Reuters) 6-2, 6-3 by Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. Gulf Times Friday, June 18, 2021 7 SPORT

SWIMMING FOCUS Big screen beckons for Tonga’s toned Ledecky locks up Olympic fl agbearer

AFP including troublesome winds Wellington pushing his kayak around so that he was facing the wrong way at the starting line on his competi- s he counts down the tive debut. 200m, 1,500m days to his third straight Pandemic border closures Olympics, Tonga’s fa- blocked the avenues to last- mously chiseled fl ag- minute kayaking qualifi cation, bearerA Pita Taufatofua is also but his taekwondo skills were contemplating off ers for a career enough to earn him a place in in movies and documentaries. Tokyo. Taufatofua captured world at- Despite his kayaking eff ort tention when he appeared at the falling fl at, Taufatofua said he Olympic berths opening ceremony of the 2016 had no regrets. Rio Olympics topless and glis- “I have to push through even tening with coconut oil, while if it means embarrassment,” he ‘Took care of business, was happy with how my 1,500m felt’ enthusiastically waving the ban- said. ner of his tiny Pacifi c nation. “If it means facing the wrong AFP He racked up 45mn Twit- way in a race, coming last in mul- Omaha, United States ter mentions within hours, then tiple races that’s OK, just to show went on to repeat his chest- people they can have a go.” bearing feats at the opening of Such underdog exploits have, atie Ledecky pow- the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter perhaps inevitably, caught the ered through a pun- Games, despite freezing condi- attention of Hollywood and Tau- ishing and unprec- tions. fatofua said there had been no edented double at the The 37-year-old is unsure shortage of big-screen off ers. KUS Olympic swimming trials whether Covid-19 restrictions He said an acting role in a US- Wednesday, winning the 200m will prevent him from perform- backed feature was upcoming, and 1,500m freestyles to keep ing his trademark routine in To- but could not release details. building her Tokyo programme. kyo but says he has no qualms “One thing about being the Little more than an hour after about participating in the event Tongan fl agbearer and the person winning the 200m free, Ledecky during a global pandemic. that everyone associated with returned to win the 1,500m in “I’m just happy to be going,” Polynesia is that any time a role 15min 40.50sec, shaving fi ve- Taufatofua told AFP on a video comes up that needs the Pacifi c hundredths of a second off her call. islander, or that warrior with previous best this year. “I know there hasn’t been brown skin, they call me — so it’s “I think I managed it pretty much hope in the last 18 months in that area,” he said. well,” Ledecky said. “Took care and there’s going to be a lot of Most interest has come from of business, was happy with how challenges in Tokyo that will documentary-makers but Tau- my 1,500m felt.” make it a diff erent type of Games. fatofua said he was yet to fi nd Ledecky launched her night “But I believe it’s going to bring the right fi lmmaker to record his by adding the 200m to the people together and be one of the story. 400m free victory she claimed greatest Games of all time.” A “multi-million dollar” of- on Monday, giving herself a The taekwondo athlete says fer was made last year but he chance to defend two of the four it’s been a “crazy” ride since be- was concerned the documentary titles she won in Rio de Janeiro coming an online sensation in would have over-emphasised a in 2016. 2016 with his opening-ceremony Cool Runnings-style narrative Trailing Allison Schmitt at the stunt. that did not ring true. halfway mark, Ledecky surged Two years later, he quali- “The conditions included that home to win in 1min 55.11sec Katie Ledecky of the United States reacts after competing in the women’s 200m freestyle final at the US Olympic Team Swimming Trials fi ed as a cross-country skier in I give up the rights on my story with Schmitt, the 2012 Olympic in Omaha, Nebraska. Pyeongchang, even though he but if I’m going be portrayed in a gold medallist, second in 1:56.79 had only seen snow once before documentary I want it to be au- to book a trip to Tokyo. way and “walking slowly so I “I’m just so grateful that we ish 10.66sec ahead of runner-up was make the team and that’s commencing training. thentic,” he said. Schmitt, who hung on for wouldn’t exert any more energy have the mile in now and I’ve Erica Sullivan. what I did.” The Brisbane-based athlete “The story’s pretty cool as it is second by just one one-hun- than I needed to.” spoken about the equity that “I didn’t die off or feel like I Gunnar Bentz, whose Rio Ol- strapped planks of wood to his anyway... I’d rather be farming dredth of a second ahead of It’s the toughest double we finally have there, and I was hurting too bad at the end ympic experience included be- feet to simulate skiing in the on the land with my father with Paige Madden, became just the Ledecky will face as she targets think that’s a big step,” added there.” ing involved in the drunken late- sweltering Australian heat, and nothing than not have the rights fi fth American woman swimmer the 200m, 400m, 800m and Ledecky, who was present- In other fi nals Wednesday, night escapade that embroiled only qualifi ed after a mad dash to my story, money doesn’t mean to qualify for four Olympics, 1,500m freestyles in Tokyo, but ed with her medal by Janet Zach Harting won the men’s Ryan Lochte in scandal, fi nished along avalanche-hit roads in Ice- that much to me.” joining Jill Sterkel, Dara Torres, she’s just glad she has a chance Evans. 200m butterfl y in 1:55.06, grab- second in 1:55.34. land to make his fi nal event. While pursuing his silver Jenny Thompson and Amanda at the 1,500m, which has only Evans held the 1,500m free- bing the Olympic berth that And the 2021 youth move- His original plan for Tokyo was screen ambitions, Taufatofua Beard. been added to the Olympic pro- style record from March 1988 eluded him in 2016, when he fi n- ment continued with a pair of to kayak in the K1 200m sprint, joked that he had not yet given up She got a congratulatory hug gramme for women this year. through June 2007, but was nev- ished seventh at the trials. 19-year-olds fi nishing one-two making him the fi rst Olympian chasing kayaking glory in Tokyo. from her friend and onetime “We’re making history tonight er able to contest the event at the “Coming here and not making in the women’s 200m individual to compete in three diff erent “If there’s a spare lane there teammate Michael Phelps. and we will be in Tokyo,” said Olympics. the team wasn’t an option,” said medley. Games in three diff erent sports. and an old rubber duckie for me Ledecky had no time to savour Ledecky, who has twice tackled “Hopefully we can do her Harting, who now will spear- Alex Walsh clocked But there were teething prob- to get on and paddle, I’ll be on it,” the victory. She was quickly the 200m-1,500m double at the proud in Tokyo,” Ledecky said. head the US challenge in an 2:09.30sec, two-hundredths of lems for the novice paddler, he said. back in the warm-down pool, World Championships, winning Ledecky was pleased with event once owned by Phelps. “I a second in front of her Univer- then off to the 200m medal cer- gold in both in 2015 and 200m sil- what she called a “well put-to- don’t know if I could have han- sity of Virginia teammate Kate emony, eating a banana on the ver and 1,500m gold in 2017. gether swim” that saw her fi n- dled it, so the easiest thing to do Douglass.

Kerevi named in Koepka makes steady start at fog-delayed US Open Australia’s sevens squad San Diego: Twice champion Brooks Koepka down from a greenside bunker as the sun started began his bid for a fifth major with a routine to peak out from the clouds. par at Torrey Pines where fog delayed the start PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson, play- for warm-up event of the US Open by 90 minutes and made it ing a day after his 51st birthday and a month after unlikely first-round action would be completed becoming golf’s oldest major winner, was also on Thursday. due out on the same hole two groups back with Play was originally scheduled to begin at 6:45am Xander Schauff ele and Max Homa. Mickelson, a PT (1345 GMT) but golfers who arrived for early record six-times US Open runner-up who grew tee times were instead greeted by a marine layer up playing city-owned Torrey Pines, is seeking a that covered the par-71 South course, which sits win this week to complete the career Grand Slam atop the cliff s overlooking the Pacific Ocean. of golf’s four majors. World number 10 Koepka, who was runner-up Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau was at last month’s PGA Championship and missed scheduled to launch his title defense at the par- the cut in his US Open tune-up, found the fairway four first hole in the afternoon wave alongside with his tee shot at the par-four 10th and then Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and 2020 sent his approach to 18 feet where he two-putted US Amateur champion Tyler Strafaci. for par. Also among the late starters is a high-profile World number two Justin Thomas and number group featuring world number one Dustin four Collin Morikawa, playing with Koepka, also Johnson, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy and began their day with pars after getting up and Englishman Justin Rose. Pita Taufatofua of Tonga Reuters ing is guaranteed and for me Sydney the biggest calling to come was the opportunity and test my- RACING self among the boys here. amu Kerevi thought “I’m here to compete, I’m his international ca- here to push myself as much as reer was over after my team mates around me and Sheikh Mohamed’s Parmenion wins on debut Sthe 2019 Rugby World that will just create competi- Cup but he may get another tion in the team and push us to Agency a long time to come into himself chance to represent Australia be better.” Craon, France and is just now starting to ma- at the Tokyo Olympics after Head coach Tim Walsh said ture. I was aiming for this race being selected in a 13-man Kerevi’s addition was a “wel- to get him started. He has room sevens squad for a warmup come achievement”. armenion, who is bred for improvement and won today tournament this month. “Just by virtue of having and owned by His on his class. We’ll see how he Australia are due to face a player of his calibre, it just Highness Sheikh Mo- recovers before we decide what Olympic gold medallists Fiji, changes the dynamic of the Phamed bin Khalifa al- to do next, but we’ll likely step world champions New Zealand squad, which is great,” Walsh Thani, opened his scorecard up in category with him.” and an Oceania Barbarians said. on his debut in the Prix Radio Bred by Sheikh Mohamed’s Al team in the June 25-27 event in “He’s had a big impact right Kazak (Prix Charles Giraudon) Shahania Stud, Parmenion is a Townsville, Queensland. away but there are no guaran- in Craon, France, yesterday. son of Soldier Hollow, stationed Kerevi, who has been al- tees he is going to be picked. Trained by Edouard Monfort, at Gestüt Auenquelle, and is out lowed to return to Australia There is still a fair bit to go but the bay gelding was ridden to of Pearls Or Passion, winner of to vie for a place on the team so far it’s very, very promis- victory by Sébastien Martino three races over 2,400m from by his Japanese club Suntory ing.” in the 2,200m maiden race for 3 to 4 years old including the Sungoliath, said he was taking Super Rugby players Lewis three-year-olds. Panacea Prize (Listed). She also nothing for granted but was Holland, Lachie Anderson and Taking up position on the fi nished second in the Prix Jou- delighted to get the opportu- Tim Anstee were also included outside, Parmenion quickly bert (Listed). nity. in the squad, while Joe Pincus settled into the leading group. Parmenion is the third win- “I think after the World returns from injury. The team Progressing to fi fth coming off ning for his dam following Cup, I thought that was it,” will be captained by Nick Mal- the fi nal turn, he easily took Podemos, a dual winner as a said Kerevi, who played 29 ouf. the advantage 200m from the three-year-old over 2,200m tests for the Wallabies. The Tokyo Olympics, de- post and reached the post three in Kempton and third in the “As a 15s player, it’s pretty layed last year due to the Cov- lengths ahead of the FH Graf- Sébastien Martino (left) rides Parmenion to victory in the Prix Radio Kazak (Prix Charles Giraudon) in Floodlit Stakes (Listed) and Pel- rare to have the opportunity to id-19 pandemic, begin on July fard-trained and Theo Bach- Craon, France, yesterday. (Jean Charles Briens) ligrina, winner of two races at play at the Olympics... Noth- 23. elot-ridden Laishann, who, in 3, including the Prix de Royau- turn, was a short head in front N. Leenders and was ridden by my stable just a month and a mont (Group 3, 2,400m) from of Ker Welen, who is trained by Maximilien Justum. Monfort said: “He arrived in half or two months ago. He took just three outings.

Friday, June 18, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT SWIMMING Campbell set for fourth Olympics Japan to end virus as Australia name emergency ahead swimming team of Tokyo Olympics ‘If there are signs that the medical system is stretched because of another expansion (of infections), we will respond flexibly, including by reinforcing measures’

Cate Campbell of Australia.

Reuters smile and the tears that followed Adelaide shortly afterwards, it’s pretty raw emotion.” Sixteen-year-old Mollie hirty-fi ve athletes, in- O’Callaghan and 17-year-old cluding veterans Cate all-rounder Isaac Cooper make Campbell and Emily a team that has three athletes Seebohm who will take heading to their third Olym- Tpart in their fourth Olympics, pics, nine bound for their second have been named in a power- Games and 21 debutants. ful Australian swimming team Sprinter Campbell, 29, whose bound for Tokyo next month. younger sister Bronte makes the There had been speculation team as a relay swimmer, was whether the list of 17 men would bullish about Australia’s medal include Mack Horton, who fell prospects in Japan after Ameri- short in his individual events at can breaststroker Lilly King this the Olympic swimming trials week suggested the US swim- in Adelaide this week. But the ming team could sweep the popular 400m Olympic freestyle board in Tokyo. champion and anti doping cam- “No-one on this team is here paigner makes the cut as a relay to make up the numbers,” Camp- swimmer. bell retorted. “Every single per- Former breaststroke world son on the team is a legitimate record holder Matt Wilson, who medal chance. That is why the just missed his qualifying time, (Australian) qualifi cation stand- was also included as a relay op- ards are so high, they are the tion after he suff ered a family be- toughest in the world.” reavement this week. On Monday all 35 swimmers “We got informed yesterday will head to diff erent locations that there was some extenuat- across Queensland for warm ing circumstances we needed to weather training before meeting look at,” said Swimming Aus- up in Cairns on July 3 and taking tralia head coach Rohan Taylor a chartered fl ight to Japan along yesterday. with Australia’s rowers, hockey Backstroker Mitch Larkin said players and water polo teams two Wilson’s inclusion would further weeks later. unite the team. Swimming Australia has been Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga attends a news conference on Japan’s response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at his off icial residence in Tokyo “It was a rollercoaster this brutal in its athlete selection yesterday. week, pretty emotional and then this week. The decision to hold watching Matt swim and just the trials six weeks out from the AFP In place of the emergency, been banned from the Games situation worsens. caps at many events. miss the qualifying time know- Olympics, rather than the tra- Tokyo the government will implement for the fi rst time, and organis- “If there are signs that the With just over a month until ing he had missed it four years ditional several months, added so-called “quasi-emergency” ers said they would wait to rule medical system is stretched the Games open, organisers are ago was heartbreaking,” Larkin to raising Australia’s qualifying measures in Tokyo and six other on domestic spectators until the because of another expansion attempting to build confi dence said. times above the Olympic mini- apan’s government yes- areas until July 11. emergency was lifted. (of infections), we will respond that the biggest international “I think every athlete on the mum. terday approved lifting The measures will slightly re- The issue is controversial. fl exibly, including by reinforcing event since the pandemic began pool deck felt it and tonight was Up to 480 Australian athletes Tokyo’s virus emergency lax the rules on alcohol, allow- While cases in Japan have fallen measures,” he told a news con- will be safe for participants and a surprise to me, I didn’t know across all sports are expected to just over a month before ing sales until 7 pm, but still asks from their fourth wave peak, ference. Japan has seen a com- the public. he was selected. Seeing his make the trip to Tokyo. theJ Olympics, but set new re- restaurants and bars to shut at 8 some medical professionals fear paratively small virus outbreak, Newly updated virus rule- strictions that could sharply pm. that crowds of Olympic specta- with slightly over 14,000 deaths books released this week warn limit fans at Games events. Crucially, with just fi ve weeks tors could fan a new surge. while avoiding harsh lockdowns. athletes they could be expelled The state of emergency in until the pandemic-postponed A report expected soon from Just over 6% of the popula- from the Games if they violate Lavey primed for Tokyo basketball place in Tokyo began in late Games open, strict limits will some of the government’s top tion is fully vaccinated so far. requirements like mask-wearing April and largely limited bar and remain on the number of spec- medical advisers will argue Given the likely restrictions, and daily testing. aft er Aussie Rules adventure restaurant opening hours. tators allowed at large events. holding the Games without fans Olympic organisers have given Organisers say more than 80 That measure will now end in The current state of emergen- would be safest, national broad- up on selling any more tickets % of athletes will be vaccinated Melbourne: Professional game came from booting the the capital and eight other re- cy allows only 5,000 people or caster NHK said yesterday. and are weighing a lottery sys- and they will be barred from Australian Rules football might ball around with her brothers gions on June 20, Prime Minister 50 % of venue capacity, which- The experts will urge that tem to determine which tick- interacting with the Japanese seem an unlikely setting for a during childhood on the family Yoshihide Suga announced. It ever is smaller. And on Wednes- additional rules are imposed if etholders will be able to attend public. basketballer to warm up for farm in the Mallee, a dusty, will stay in place in Okinawa. day, the government approved spectators are allowed, NHK events, Kyodo news agency re- Recent polls have suggested a the Olympics but it gave Tessa pastoral district in southern “The number of infections an upper limit of 10,000 specta- said. ported. slight shift in public opposition Lavey a physical boost and vital Victoria. nationwide has been declining tors, but only for areas not under Suga noted that professional Millions of tickets were sold in to holding the Games, with more emotional salve in the wake of a But after reaching out to the since mid-May and the situa- any restrictions. baseball and football games have Japan last year before the post- now in favour of it going ahead family tragedy. Tigers she was soon training tion in terms of hospital beds is Those rules are likely to guide continued with limited specta- ponement, and while several than cancelling it. The 28-year-old point guard will with Nathan Chapman, one of steadily improving,” he said. Olympic organisers when they tors throughout the emergency hundred thousand applications Previous surveys that off ered head to Tokyo for her second the club’s development coaches “On the other hand, in some decide in the coming days how “and there have been few clus- for refunds were processed after postponement as an option Olympics as part of the Austral- who has helped turn Australian regions, there are signs that the many domestic fans, if any, will ters”. the Games were postponed, the tended to show most Japanese ian ‘Opals’ team after playing footballers into NFL punters. fall in the number of infections be allowed to attend. But he also warned that meas- number of ticketholders is still preferred either another delay six games for the Richmond Picked by Richmond in the is slowing,” Suga added. Overseas fans have already ures could be tightened if the likely to exceed any spectator or cancellation. Tigers in the top-flight women’s 2020 AFLW draft, Lavey said Australian Football League her first bone-jarring colli- (AFLW). sion on her debut against the BOTTOMLINE Aussie Rules, hugely popular in Collingwood Magpies in Febru- the country’s southern states, ary was a “rude shock”. is not for the faint-hearted and However, she was instantly Lavey had to weigh the risks of smitten by the pace and skills of Myanmar football player to seek asylum in Japan playing the bruising, full con- the game played on sprawl- tact sport only months before ing pitches the size of cricket AFP ther in Osaka or in Tokyo,” Wa- mates are believed to have re- Tokyo. grounds. Tokyo tanabe added. turned home Wednesday, said Yet after her brother’s sudden Basketball and Aussie Rules “It’s obvious (that he is a po- he would not go back until death in an accident, she said appear quite diff erent on the litical refugee) after he made ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi a voice inside her told her to surface but both require seri- goalkeeper from My- the three-fi nger salute... I hope returns to power. go for it, reminding her that ous fitness and quick decision- anmar’s national team his refugee status will be recog- But he admitted worries life was short and the future making. Players with basketball who raised an anti- nised as soon as possible,” Wa- about the consequences of his unwritten. “I’ve been a mad backgrounds are not uncom- coup salute during a tanabe said, adding the process decision, adding: “if any danger Richmond supporter my whole mon in AFLW, where size and Amatch outside Tokyo has re- could take months. happens to my teammates or life and then during COVID last elite handling skills are prized. fused to fl y home and will seek National broadcaster NHK family members, I would return year my brother passed away Lavey said her basketball train- asylum in Japan, his lawyer told showed footage of the player to Myanmar to be arrested.” and so that really influenced ing was useful in the heat of a AFP yesterday. speaking through a translator in Japan’s immigration agen- me to just go do it, go get contest for possession of the Myanmar has been in turmoil Osaka on Wednesday evening. cy could not immediately be life,” Lavey told Reuters in an football. since a February coup ousted “If I return to Myanmar, my reached for comment. interview. “In footy, if you get the ball Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected life would be in danger. I de- Japan accepts just a hand- “It was a pretty wild time in our and don’t do anything with it, government, sparking huge cided to stay in Japan,” he said. ful of asylum applications each lives, for sure. He was a mad you’re going to get smashed,” protests and renewed clashes “The Japanese government year, but in May the justice Richmond fan as well so I can she said. between the military and ethnic and people must know Myan- ministry said Myanmar resi- definitely see him looking down “I had an Opals camp directly rebel armies in border regions. mar’s situation. I call for your dents already in the country at the moment. after my AFLW season... A few Last month, substitute goal- cooperation,” he added. would be able to extend their “He’d be really proud of what of the girls were asking: ‘Have keeper Pyae Lyan Aung raised The three-fi nger salute has stays as an emergency measure, I’ve achieved and I guess, you gotten faster?’ the three-fi nger salute as the Pyae Lyan Aung, a Myanmar national football substitute goalkeeper, frequently been used as a show given the coup and resulting cheering me on.” “So I think footy really helped national anthem played before shows a three-finger salute after intending to seek refugee asylum of resistance by protesters dur- violence. While playing pro basketball me with getting the ball and a World Cup qualifi er against at Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, in this ing demonstrations that have The decision comes just over for nearly a decade, Lavey being aggressive with it.” Japan. photo taken by Kyodo. been brutally repressed, with a month before Japan hosts had never played so much as Lavey was a member of the Ol- Late Wednesday, he told a more than 800 people killed the Olympics, and could raise schoolgirl footy before joining ympic team that was knocked Japanese immigration offi cer to Myanmar, his lawyer Shogo “After confi rming his wishes, and thousands wounded, ac- questions about whether other Melbourne club Richmond. out of the basketball quarter- at an airport in Osaka that he Watanabe told AFP, confi rming we will proceed with proce- cording to rights groups. athletes might seek asylum Her only education in the finals at Rio five years ago. would not board a plane back earlier local reports. dures to seek refugee status ei- The footballer, whose team- during the Games.