GULF TIMES Lloyd Propels USA Into Last 16 SPORT Page 6

MOTOGP | Page 4 BOXING | Page 5 Honda’s Fury downs Marquez storms Schwarz in to victory in second round Catalan race technical KO

Monday, June 17, 2019 FOOTBALL Shawwal 14, 1440 AH Record-breaking GULF TIMES Lloyd propels USA into last 16 SPORT Page 6

2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Ton-up Sharma stars as India ease past Pakistan Rahul, Kohli add half centuries as India set 337-run target; quick wickets put Pakistan on backfoot as rain curtails game

AFP Worryingly for India, pace- Scorecard Manchester, United Kingdom man Bhuvneshwar Kumar limped off in the fi fth over of Pakistan’s INDIA chase with a hamstring injury K. Rahul c Babar b Riaz 57 ohit Sharma scored his that sidelined him from the rest second hundred in three of the match. R. Sharma c Riaz b Hasan 140 innings as India main- But Vijay Shankar, completing V. Kohli c Sarfaraz b Amir 77 tained their unbeaten the over, struck fi rst ball when he H. Pandya c Babar b Amir 26 recordR against Pakistan at the had opener Imam-ul-Haq lbw for World Cup with an 89-run win seven. MS Dhoni c Sarfaraz b Amir 1 under the Duckworth-Lewis- Fakhar Zaman (62) and Babar V. Shankar not out 15 Stern method yesterday. Azam (48) repaired the damage K. Jadhav not out 9 Sharma’s 140 was the centre- with a century stand, before they piece of a total of 336-5 that also both fell to left-arm wrist-spin- Extras (b1, lb1, w9) 11 featured captain Virat Kohli’s 77. ner Yadav as they tried to up the Total Victory in this rain-curtailed tempo. (five wickets, 50 overs) 336 clash saw India, who have now Fall of wickets: 1-136 (Ra- won all seven of their World Cup HUGE ROARS hul), 2-234 (Sharma), 3-285 matches against Pakistan, remain Babar was bowled between bat by (Pandya), 4-298 (Dhoni), unbeaten after four pool games at a superb delivery before Zaman 5-314 (Kohli) this year’s edition. miscued a sweep to short fi ne leg. Bowling: Amir 10-1-47-3 Pakistan, whose only 2019 pool All-rounder Hardik Pandya (1w), Hasan 9-0-84-1 (1w), win so far was a shock defeat of then took two wickets in two Riaz 10-0-71-1 (5w), Imad hosts England, were never truly balls. 10-0-49-0 (2w), Shadab 9-0- up with the rate in the showpiece Mohamed Hafeez was caught 61-0, Malik 1-0-11-0, Hafeez match of the 10-team round- at deep square leg before Shoaib 1-0-11-0 robin stage. Malik played on for his second They still had hope at 117 for successive duck — a wicket greet- one even though the most made ed with huge roars by the massed PAKISTAN ranks of India fans in a capacity by any side batting second to win Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Shankar 7 a World Cup match is Ireland’s crowd, with an estimated one bil- 329 for seven against England at lion watching on television. India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates his century with Virat Kohli (right) during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against Pakistan at Old F. Zaman c Chahal b Yadav 62 Bangalore in 2011. Earlier, Kohli became the Traff ord in Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) B. Azam b Yadav 48 But Kuldeep Yadav then struck quickest player to 11,000 one- M. Hafeez c Shankar b Pandya twice to spark a collapse that saw day international runs, getting an extraordinary square-cut six 9 Pakistan lose four wickets for 12 there in 222nd innings compared off paceman Hasan Ali. runs in 18 balls as they slumped to to compatriot Sachin Tendulkar’s His single off Shadab saw S. Ahmed b Shankar 12 129 for fi ve in 27 overs — long past previous record of 276 innings. Sharma to an 85-ball hundred S. Malik b Pandya 0 the 20-over cut-off point needed Meanwhile, Pakistan left-arm including three sixes and nine I. Wasim not out 46 for a result under Duckworth- quick Mohamed Amir continued fours. It was Sharma’s 24th ODI Lewis method. his fi ne form with 3-47 despite century. S. Khan not out 20 A third rain stoppage came two early warnings for running But a quickfi re stand of 98 with Extras (lb1, nb1, w6) 8 with Pakistan 166-6 off 35 overs. on the pitch. Kohli ended when Sharma, trying Total The match then descended into But not even Amir could stop a needlessly extravagant scoop, (six wickets, 40 overs) 212 something of a farce when play Sharma and KL Rahul (57) mark- fl icked Hasan to short fi ne leg. Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Imam), resumed under leaden skies, with ing their fi rst ODI match as a Kohli, 71 not out at the start of 2-117 (Babar), 3-126 (Fakhar), Pakistan requiring an outland- opening duo with a stand of 136 a 55-minute rain break, fell soon 4-129 (Hafeez), 5-129 ish 136 more runs in fi ve overs to after Pakistan captain Sarfaraz after the resumption when, try- (Shoaib), 6-165 (Sarfaraz), reach a revised victory total of Ahmed won the toss. ing to hook Amir, he ‘walked’ 302 in 40 overs. Sharma, who made 122 in In- for a catch behind by wicket- Bowling: Kumar 2.4-0-8- That target which, eventually dia’s opening win over South keeper Sarfaraz despite replays 0 (1w), Bumrah 8-0-52-0, became 94 off the last six balls, un- Africa and 57 against Australia, appearing to show he didn’t hit Shankar 5.2-0-22-2 (2w), surprisingly proved beyond them went to fi fty with a six over long- the ball. Pandya 8-0-44-2 (1w), Yadav as Pakistan fi nished on 212-6, deal- on and a cut four off successive 9-1-32-2, Chahal 7-0-53-0 (2w) ing a major blow to their semi-fi nal deliveries from recalled leg-spin- Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir (right) RESULT: India won by 89 hopes as India took the bragging ner Shadab Khan. in action during the match runs (D/L method) rights yet again. He then entered the 90s with against India yesterday. (AFP)

FOOTBALL / COPA AMERICA Martinez cracker helps Colombia past Messi’s Argentina Reuters time since we beat Argentina and when he skewed a rebound wide mins then we had a bad end to the Salvador, Brazil we’re delighted,” Zapata told re- from close range, and the Bar- half,”,” said Scaloni. porters. “We’ll enjoy this, it’s a celona forward also went on a “We lost the ball a lot but in great result but the tournament thrilling solo run into the area but the second half we were very su- oger Martinez scored an goes on and there are lot of dif- could not get a shot away. perior to Colombia. Then, when outstanding goal as Co- fi cult games to go.” we were playing at our best, they lombia beat Argentina Both sets of supporters MASS BRAWL scored on the counterattack.” 2-0 in an exciting fi nale whipped up a lively atmosphere A mass brawl ensued when Messi The coach also complained Rto a Copa America Group B open- at a near-full Arena Fonte Nova, was cut down by Colombia’s about the state of the pitch, call- er on Saturday that burst into life providing a much-needed boost Juan Cuadrado in the second half ing it “lamentable”. after a sluggish start. for tournament organisers CON- while Argentina midfi elder Le- “But the thing I will take from Just as Colombia looked like MEBOL after over 40,000 seats andro Paredes fi zzed two shots the game is that we were able to being overwhelmed by a dan- were left empty in Peru’s game at goal. adjust and improve in the second gerous-looking Argentina side, with Venezuela earlier in the day. A goal from Lionel Scaloni’s half,” he added. “That might not substitute Martinez controlled a The fans were struggling for an- side looked imminent but Co- sound like much but it will help cross-fi eld ball on the left wing ything to get excited about as the lombia’s usual talisman James us in our next games.” in the 71st minute before cutting fi rst half dragged on, however. Rodriguez split their defence Argentina, who won the last of across the area and smashing it Colombia initially looked with an impressive long pass to their 14 South American titles in into the far top corner. stronger but Argentina were a dif- Martinez, who had come on early 1993, face Paraguay in their sec- His fellow substitute Duvan ferent beast when Rodrigo de Paul in the game after Luis Muriel was ond match in Belo Horizonte on Zapata made doubly sure Co- replaced Angel Di Maria immedi- forced off by injury. Wednesday. lombia would record their fi rst ately after the interval and captain Martinez’s stunning strike Colombia, Copa America cham- win over Argentina since 2007 Lionel Messi was able to fi nd space fl oored Argentina and although pions once in 2001, top Group B by pouncing from close range to to cause some problems. they came back with a couple with three points ahead of Qatar’s knock in a cross from Jeff erson Messi wasted the best chance more attempts, they never looked meeting with Paraguay later yes- Colombia’s Roger Martinez (second from right) celebrates after scoring against Argentina during their Lerma 15 minutes later. of the game before Martinez’s like scoring. terday. They next play the Qataris Copa America match at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil, on Saturday. (AFP) “We knew that it was a long piledriver broke the deadlock “We were good in the fi rst 20 in Sao Paulo, also on Wednesday. MOTOGP | Page 4 BOXING | Page 5 Honda’s Fury downs Marquez storms Schwarz in to victory in second round Catalan race technical KO

Monday, June 17, 2019 FOOTBALL Shawwal 14, 1440 AH Record-breaking GULF TIMES Lloyd propels USA into last 16 SPORT Page 6

2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Ton-up Sharma stars as India ease past Pakistan Rahul, Kohli add half centuries as India set 337-run target; quick wickets put Pakistan on backfoot as rain curtails game

FOOTBALL / COPA AMERICA Martinez cracker helps Colombia past Messi’s Argentina Reuters time since we beat Argentina and when he skewed a rebound wide mins then we had a bad end to the Salvador, Brazil we’re delighted,” Zapata told re- from close range, and the Bar- half,”,” said Scaloni. porters. “We’ll enjoy this, it’s a celona forward also went on a “We lost the ball a lot but in great result but the tournament thrilling solo run into the area but the second half we were very su- oger Martinez scored an goes on and there are lot of dif- could not get a shot away. perior to Colombia. Then, when outstanding goal as Co- fi cult games to go.” we were playing at our best, they lombia beat Argentina Both sets of supporters MASS BRAWL scored on the counterattack.” 2-0 in an exciting fi nale whipped up a lively atmosphere A mass brawl ensued when Messi The coach also complained Rto a Copa America Group B open- at a near-full Arena Fonte Nova, was cut down by Colombia’s about the state of the pitch, call- er on Saturday that burst into life providing a much-needed boost Juan Cuadrado in the second half ing it “lamentable”. after a sluggish start. for tournament organisers CON- while Argentina midfi elder Le- “But the thing I will take from Just as Colombia looked like MEBOL after over 40,000 seats andro Paredes fi zzed two shots the game is that we were able to being overwhelmed by a dan- were left empty in Peru’s game at goal. adjust and improve in the second gerous-looking Argentina side, with Venezuela earlier in the day. A goal from Lionel Scaloni’s half,” he added. “That might not substitute Martinez controlled a The fans were struggling for an- side looked imminent but Co- sound like much but it will help cross-fi eld ball on the left wing ything to get excited about as the lombia’s usual talisman James us in our next games.” in the 71st minute before cutting fi rst half dragged on, however. Rodriguez split their defence Argentina, who won the last of across the area and smashing it Colombia initially looked with an impressive long pass to their 14 South American titles in into the far top corner. stronger but Argentina were a dif- Martinez, who had come on early 1993, face Paraguay in their sec- His fellow substitute Duvan ferent beast when Rodrigo de Paul in the game after Luis Muriel was ond match in Belo Horizonte on Zapata made doubly sure Co- replaced Angel Di Maria immedi- forced off by injury. Wednesday. lombia would record their fi rst ately after the interval and captain Martinez’s stunning strike Colombia, Copa America cham- win over Argentina since 2007 Lionel Messi was able to fi nd space fl oored Argentina and although pions once in 2001, top Group B by pouncing from close range to to cause some problems. they came back with a couple with three points ahead of Qatar’s knock in a cross from Jeff erson Messi wasted the best chance more attempts, they never looked meeting with Paraguay later yes- Colombia’s Roger Martinez (second from right) celebrates after scoring against Argentina during their Lerma 15 minutes later. of the game before Martinez’s like scoring. terday. They next play the Qataris Copa America match at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil, on Saturday. (AFP) “We knew that it was a long piledriver broke the deadlock “We were good in the fi rst 20 in Sao Paulo, also on Wednesday. Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 17, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

REPORT West Indies are underdogs against Bangladesh: Holder Bangladesh have won seven of their last nine meetings against West Indies, including last month’s Tri-Nation Series

AFP Taunton, United Kingdom

est Indies captain Jason Holder admits his spluttering side will be underdogs Wwhen they face Bangladesh in a crucial World Cup clash today. Beaten in two of their four group matches, Holder’s team desperately need to secure their second win of the tournament as they chase a semi-fi nal berth. Level on three points after four games apiece, the West Indies and Bangladesh meet at Taunton hoping to deliver a potentially fa- tal blow to their rivals’ chances of progression. Recent history books makes for grim reading for the West In- dies, with Bangladesh winning seven of their last nine meetings, including last month’s Tri-Na- tion Series in Ireland. Holder concedes the West In- dies don’t go into the match as favourites, but he is confi dent that will spur his players to upset the odds. “If you want to put us in the underdog category, fair enough,” he told reporters yesterday. “We’ve played them quite a bit in the past and they’ve got the better of us, but it’s a diff erent occasion and there’s lots at stake, so we’re all up for it. “I don’t think there are any easy teams in this World Cup. West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer (right) bats in the nets during a training session at The County Ground in Bangladesh’s captain Mashrafe Mortaza plays football during a training session at The County Ground in We’re mid-table with fi ve games Taunton, England, yesterday. (AFP) Taunton, England, yesterday. (AFP) left and the ball is in our court. “We’ve got to play some con- The West Indies’ potentially Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe said. “Obviously the top fi ve West sistent cricket going into the back explosive batting line-up has both in wicket-taking form so far “We’ve been quite success- Indies batsmen are left handers, We’ve played them quite a half of the tournament. yet to properly fi re in this year’s this World Cup, will be crucial ful against them with some and Mehedy bowled against them bit in the past and they’ve “It’s quite a good stage to pick World Cup and Bangladesh cap- to Bangladesh’s game-plan at a off -spinners. And if you look really well too. got the better of us, but it’s up some momentum. It’s a chal- tain Mashrafe Mortaza expects ground with short boundaries. at recently, Mehedy bowled re- “So it’s a positive sign. It’s a ‘ a diff erent occasion lenge against Bangladesh, so we the Tigers to tame them in the “It’s a very important match ally well against them. Also he’s small ground, too, so we have to — Jason Holder, just want to get over them and west country. for us, especially losing a few bowling so well in this World Cup think about it as well. West In- West Indies captain move forward.” The use of spinners Mehedy points in the last three matches,” as well. dies have so much power to do it.”

BOTTOMLINE UPDATE India’s Kumar could We need to win all remaining be out for ‘three games, says South Africa skipper games at most’: Kohli AFP AFP Manchester, United Kingdom Cardiff , United Kingdom huvneshwar Kumar af du Plessis said South could be out of India’s Africa must win all their next three World Cup remaining games if they games after injuring are to have any chance of himselfB in yesterday’s win over reachingF the World Cup semi- Pakistan, according to captain fi nals after they notched their Virat Kohli. fi rst win against Afghanistan on Kumar opened the bowling for Saturday. India in Pakistan’s initial chase The Proteas endured a torrid of 337, but could only manage start to their campaign in Eng- 2.4 overs before leaving the Old land and Wales, losing their fi rst Traff ord fi eld due to a hamstring three matches before a no result problem. against the West Indies. The injury saw him sit out But the outcome never looked the rest of a rain-aff ected game in doubt in Cardiff , with man- that his side eventually won by of-the-match Imran Tahir tak- a commanding 89 runs on the ing four wickets as South Africa Duckworth/Lewis method. bundled Afghanistan out for a “Bhuvneshwar Kumar has a meagre 125 before cantering to slight niggle, he slipped on the victory by nine wickets. footmarks,” Kohli told Sky Sports South Africa skipper Du Ples- after the match. sis said his players had upped “It doesn’t look too serious their game in the match, which and hopefully he will be ready was reduced to 48 overs per side in a few games, the maximum is after two rain delays. three games. “Hopefully this is a real con- “We are not too worried,” the fi dence booster for everyone on star batsman added. the team,” he said. “And there’s A three-game absence would a little bit of weight that you feel rule Kumar out of group fi xtures that’s off your shoulders now, so against Afghanistan, the West now the guys — we know what’s Indies and England, with India’s lying ahead. fi nal round-robin game of the “We need to win every game 10-team fi rst round stage against that we play. But today was a re- Bangladesh on July 2. ally good step in the right direc- One consolation for India yes- tion.” terday was that Vijay Shankar, South Africa, missing injured who had to complete Kumar’s paceman Dale Steyn, lost to South Africa’s Chris Morris (second from right) celebrates with Faf du Plessis (second from left) and teammates after taking the wicket of unfi nished over, struck with his England, Bangladesh and India Afghanistan’s Hamid Hassan (foreground) during the match in Cardiff , Wales, on Saturday. (Reuters) very fi rst ball to have Imam-ul- before picking up a point in their Haq lbw for seven. rain-ruined match against the their depth at the World Cup, AFGHANISTAN COLLAPSE Nabi became the third Afghan “We didn’t expect that spell India were inspired by Rohit West Indies. did not have the weapons to There was little sign of the car- batsman to lose his wicket in the from Tahir,” said Nabi. “We did Sharma’s 140 as they posted a cal observation and travelling Their win on Saturday lifts trouble their opponents. nage to come when Hazratullah space of seven balls when he was well against the seamers but the challenging total of 336-5 after with the team. them to seventh in the 10-team Hashim Amla (41 not out) and Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran put bowled by Phehlukwayo. batsmen didn’t take responsi- being put into bat, with Kohli Rising star Rishabh Pant has table after fi ve matches but their Quinton de Kock (68), put on on 39 runs for Afghanistan’s fi rst When Naib was caught by bility in the middle. We need making a sparkling 77. been fl own in as cover for the chances of qualifying for the 104 for the fi rst wicket before wicket. Aiden Markram of the bowling a good total on the board so we India were already awaiting left-handed batsman. semi-fi nals by reaching the top Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Zazai was the fi rst to go and of Tahir, Afghanistan were tee- needed a partnership. We made the return of opener Shikhar Yesterday’s win left India with four are remote, with New Zea- Naib had De Kock caught by when leg-spinner Tahir bowled tering on the brink of disaster at a lot of mistakes. Dhawan, who injured his hand three victories from four World land and Australia still to come Mohamed Nabi. Zadran for 32 with his fi rst ball 77-7. “We have a lot of batsmen in during his match-winning cen- Cup matches, only a washed out in their remaining four games. Amla and Andile Phehluk- and then caught Asghar Afghan Rashid Khan struck 35 from 25 the team. tury in the team’s win over Aus- no result against New Zealand South Africa took their time wayo saw South Africa over the off his own bowling for nought balls, with six fours, but even his “We need in the middle of the tralia. spoiling an otherwise perfect in chasing down their target but line as they reached their revised in the same over, Afghanistan late fl ourish could only lift the innings them to push the score- Dhawan, who did not play start that puts them on course to Afghanistan, who look out of target of 127 in the 29th over. were in deep trouble. score to 125. board up.” against Pakistan, is under medi- qualify for the semi-fi nals. Gulf Times Monday, June 17, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Sangakkara Starc keen to pitch unhappy with playing conditions up at every World in England IANS Having not played an ODI since New Delhi November, pacer is back in England ormer Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara is as leading wicket-taker so far disappointed with the Cup game variations in wickets atF diff erent venues in England, where the 2019 edition of the ICC World Cup is underway and matches are also being aff ected due to rain. A number of games have been hit by rains so far in the showpiece event, which might also effi ciency in the diff erent ven- be a factor behind the diff erent ues varies greatly. In Bristol, we wickets across venues. saw the game between Pakistan Expressing his disappoint- and Sri Lanka being called off in ment, Sangakara wrote in his sunshine due to wet patches on column for The Times of India: the outﬁ eld while the match be- “Uniform neutral pitches are tween England and West Indies a key requirement for a global in Southampton was played de- tournament like this and that has spite heavy rain throughout the unfortunately not always been week,” he observed. the case. Sides have to adjust, but Sangakkara also spoke on In- the disgruntled murmurs ema- dia opener Shikhar Dhawan and nating from some team camps felt the injury is a big jolt in the can be understood.” Men in Blue’s campaign at the “It’s a shame that it’s not prac- showpiece event. Dhawan had tical to cover the entire playing injured his left thumb during area like is the norm in Sri Lanka. India’s contest against Australia That eff ort requires huge man- but went on to play through pain power but it has become some- and smashed a century. thing of an artform for us and “For India, the injury to helps protect cricket from some Shikhar Dhawan is a big blow. of the monsoonal downpours we His record in big tournaments is have to contend with,” he added. phenomenal. He has had a great The 41-year-old also seemed start to this World Cup and his upset with the drainage system partnership with Rohit Sharma and said that it too varied from has been the foundation upon venue to venue. which India build their imposing “It’s obvious that drainage totals,” he concluded.

Australia’s Mitchell Starc (third from left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera (not pictured) during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match at The Oval in London on Saturday. (AFP)

Reuters with 13 scalps. After bagging four for 55 But Starc’s astonishing aver- “I don’t try to have all these London With Australia top of the against Sri Lanka, Starc drew age of 13.51 is a record for bowl- diff erent variations, I’m pretty standings after their 87-run vic- level with Brett Lee’s 35 World ers who have sent down at least focused on what I want to do,” tory over Sri Lanka on Saturday, Cup victims to be joint second 500 deliveries at the tourna- he said. reserving the fi tness of selectors may be inclined to ease on the list of Australia’s most ment. “What I’ve added (from the Mitchell Starc has been Starc’s workload and play it safe prolifi c bowlers at the global His resurgence follows a dis- last World Cup) is being able to a national obsession with a bowler who has a long showpiece. appointing home summer when play diff erent roles. In diff er- since he bowled Aus- record of stress injuries. he struggled for control and wore ent conditions... I might come Ptralia to the World Cup title in But the pace spearhead said much of the blame for the test se- back to try and take wickets and I don’t try to have all 2015, but the left-arm paceman it would be wrong to break up a these diff erent varia- ries defeat to Virat Kohli’s India. I might go for more runs, but I’m has no intention of putting his winning combination. tions, I’m pretty focused He came back strongly in the there to try and make a break- feet up in England. “If I’m fi t, I’d like to (play eve- on what I want to do following test series against Sri through. Having not played a one-day ry game),” said the 29-year-old. ‘ Lanka and will be important for “Test cricket is still the pin- match since November, Starc “Ultimately it’s not up to me, — Mitchell Starc, Australia’s hopes of retaining nacle for me but the fact I’ve has returned from a pectoral but it’s a World Cup. Australian fast bowler the Ashes in England following kept it pretty simple in terms muscle injury to the same dev- “I think you’ve got to play the World Cup. of my game-plan for white-ball astating form that earned him your best XI, depending on con- Glenn McGrath, who featured Starc, whose swinging yorker cricket has held me in good stead the Player of the Tournament ditions and the team we play. in four World Cups for Australia, is virtually unplayable when on through World Cups.” award in 2015 and now sees him “But I defi nitely won’t be holds the record of all bowlers song, said he was keeping his Australia next face Bangladesh Groundkeepers brush water from the covers as rain delays the start leading the wickets in England putting up my hand to rest.” with 71 wickets. white ball bowling simple. at Trent Bridge on Thursday. of play between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Bristol last week. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE COMMENT Australia relishing extra rest day: Finch Booing Warner, Smith can Reuters London backfi re for England: Anderson

Reuters ustralia are happy to be Bengaluru sitting atop the World Cup standings and are relishing the pros- ledging and booing Aus- pectA of an extra day off , captain tralia’s Steve Smith and Aaron Finch said after their David Warner during the convincing win over Sri Lanka English summer will only on Saturday. pushS the duo to improve their Finch’s superb innings of 153 performance levels, England pace inspired the defending champi- bowler James Anderson said. ons to an 87-run victory at The Smith and Warner were sus- Oval and they have won four of pended for 12 months after their fi rst fi ve games as they bid to a ball-tampering incident in lift the trophy for the sixth time. South Africa last year and re- Australia have beaten Af- turned to international cricket at ghanistan, West Indies, Paki- the World Cup. stan and Sri Lanka, with defeat The pair will face England in by India the only blot on their their World Cup match at Lord’s record as thoughts turn to the on June 25 and are also likely to next match against Bangladesh endure hostile reception during in Nottingham on Thursday. the Ashes, which begins at Edg- “I think we would have taken baston on Aug. 1 it, no doubt at the start of the “Having played against them tournament,” Finch said. so many times before and know- “You want to win every game ing how they respond to that but it’s unrealistic at times to kind of thing, whether it’s sledg- think that you’re just going to ing on the fi eld or booing from Australia’s David Warner (left) and teammate Steve Smith (right) walk in and win every game in Finch said his players would “But I think the boys do need which laid the platform for Aus- the crowd, they are going to up returned to international cricket at the World Cup after they were a tournament in conditions like relish an extra day’s rest after a that extra day. It will do a world tralia’s total of 334 for seven. their performance,” Anderson suspended for 12 months for ball-tampering last year. (AFP) this,” he added. hectic start to the tournament. of good in the next few days, just “I think any time that you told Talksport Radio. “We’re happy where we’re “When you’re playing really to mentally refresh as much as manage to get a few runs, you “I understand people won’t bowler in test cricket with 575, and with the Big Bash and the sitting but defi nitely time to sit good cricket, it’s nice to be play- anything, because it’s been a lot feel pretty good about your like what they have done but it’s believes international players IPL (Indian Premier League), back and assess where we can ing all the time and it feels like of time on a bus and a lot of time game,” Finch said. in the past. have shared better on-fi eld rela- players get to know a lot more improve and what we can do the back-to-back games are re- in a cricket changing-room.” “My technique’s probably “I would rather it’s not talked tionships in recent years, partly about one another outside of the over the next couple of weeks to ally good because you just get Finch struck fi ve sixes and 15 tightened up slightly. There’s about, although I’ve got a feeling due to the increasing amount of cricket,” he added. give ourselves the best chance to on a roll. You get into playing fours against Sri Lanka, shar- been a few technical things I’ve it’s going to be talked about.” global Twenty20 action. “You have a diff erent kind of re- be standing on the Lord’s bal- mode,” Finch told a news con- ing a 173-run partnership with worked on that are just working Anderson, who has more “With the amount of T20 lationship then when you go onto cony on the 14th of July.” ference. former skipper Steve Smith at the moment.” wickets than any other fast cricket played around the world the fi eld and play against them.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 17, 2019 SPORT

RACING MOTORCYCLING Hayyan wins QREC-sponsored Qatar Derby at Chantilly

third three and a half lengths Marquez Agencies Chantilly, France behind. QREC Racing manager Ab- dulla Rashid al-Kubaisi pre- rainer Frederic sented the trophies to the Sanchez enjoyed his winners. Yas Horse Racing storms to first big success when Management racing manager Hayyan won the Qatar Thierry Delègue said, “Our RacingT and Equestrian Club hopes were on Deryan. (QREC)-sponsored Qatar But Hayyan is a horse we Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes have always estimated. He has Catalan (Group 1 PA) for four-year- a lot of speed and with him the olds in Chantilly yesterday. difficulty was to stay relaxed. The 2,000m race is one of Thanks to a leader, we had a the major races in the Euro- regular race and the condi- pean Arabian racing calendar, tions were ideal. victory and the QREC’s sponsorship Today, he managed to of the race is part of its strat- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the breathe well and so he could egy to have a strong presence winners of the Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes (Group 1 PA) after Hayyan won the 2,000m race in show his incredible turn of and to facilitate the participa- Chantilly, France, yesterday. (Zuzanna Lupa) foot. We weren’t sure he would tion of Qatari-owned horses stay more than 1,600m but he in Europe, and the world’s top ment’s Hayyan was ridden to the owners with D Guillemin- tively. F-X Bertras rode the proved that he is capable of it. racecourses and racing events. victory by Ioritz Mendizabal, trained Deryan and Kanaan runner-up to a close second, The two others, Deryan and Yas Horse Racing Manage- and led a one-two-three for in second and third respec- P-C Boudot helmed Kanaan to Kanaan ran well.”

GOLF Woodland hangs

Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez celebrates on the podium after winning the Catalunya MotoGP Grand Prix race at the on for one-shot Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, yesterday.

AFP There was more glory for Montmeló, Spain Spain in the Moto3 when Marcos Ramirez, on a Honda, notched up his maiden victory, and in do- pain’s Marc Marquez, on ing so became the 12th diff erent a Honda, stretched his winner in the last 12 races in the lead over Rose lead atop the standings highly competitive class. Safter streaking to victory Ramirez took the lead from ‘I FELT REALLY COMFORTABLE TODAY, COMFORTABLE WITH MY GAME’ in yesterday’s Catalan MotoGP. Honda teammate Kaito Toba It was fi ve-time world cham- after the Japanese, who started pion Marquez’s fi rst victory 24th on the grid, fell on the fi nal on his home region Montmelo lap. Despite a last-corner pass track since 2014 and came hot on attempt from KTM’s Spanish the heels of that of his younger rider Aron Canet, Ramirez held brother Alex in the Moto2 class on through to the line of a cha- earlier in the day. otic, crash-marred race. “All the team did a very good job and I congratulate them for Results and standings that,” said Marc Marquez. “It was a great race.” 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) French Yamaha rider Fabio 40min 31.175sec, 2. Fabio Quartararo, just 11 days after Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) undergoing surgery on his arm, at 2.660sec, 3. Danilo Petrucci started from pole in the seventh (ITA/Ducati) 4.537, 4. Alex Rins MotoGP of the season and even- (ESP/Suzuki) 6.602, 5. Jack Miller tually came in second, 2.66sec (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) 6.870, 6. off Marquez. Joan Mir (ESP/Suzuki) 7.040, 7. Marquez, on 140 points, ben- Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 16.144, efi ted from a fall by Italian rival 8. Takaaki Nagakami (JPN/ Andrea Dovizioso to consolidate Honda-LCR) 17.969, 9. Tito Rabat his lead in the world champion- (ESP/Ducati-Avintia) 22.661, 10. ship rankings and is now 37pts Johann Zarco (FRA/KTM) 26.228 clear. Dovizioso was brought down along with Yamaha pair Did not finish (selected): Valentino Rossi and Maverick Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati), Vinales by Honda rider Jorge Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha), Lorenzo. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha), “You don’t have any options if Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Honda) Gary Woodland of the United States you brake a little bit too late, like lines up a putt on the 13th green happened with me. It was my MotoGP standings (after during the third round of the 2019 fault, my mistake and I apolo- seven of 19 races) US Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links gise. 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) in Pebble Beach, California. “It was really unfortunate to 140 pts, 2. Andrea Dovizioso take out Dovi, Maverick and Val- (ITA/Ducati) 103, 3. Alex Rins entino — it wasn’t their fault, it (ESP/Suzuki) 101, 4. Danilo was mine,” Lorenzo tweeted. Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 98, 5. Val- His victory came on the 70th entino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 72 anniversary of MotoGP. The competition’s fi rst race, the Moto2 results Tourist Trophy of the Isle of 1. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) Man, was held in 1949 and won 38:25.678, 2. Thomas Luthi by Britain’s Freddie Frith. (SUI/Kalex) at 1.989, 3. Jorge Alex Marquez, on a Kalex, saw Navarro (ESP/Speed Up) 2.532, 4. AFP third birdie of the day at 18 for a his Moto2 win propel him atop Augusto Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) Pebble Beach, United States Stenson selfie eases pain for fan hit by Swede’s golf ball one-under 70 that left him alone the category’s standings. 3.802, 5. Enea Bastianini (ITA/ in sixth on six-under 207. Marquez clocked 38min Kalex) 7.472 Pebble Beach: Henrik Stenson took a slight “He’s in good spirits because he’s taking selfies “I felt for the most part today 25.678sec to fi nish ahead of Swit- ary Woodland deliv- detour on the way to his share of ninth place at of himself while he’s down on the ground,” I did the right things,” McIlroy zerland’s Thomas Luthi, with Moto2 standings ered a gritty back nine the US Open on Saturday, posing for a selfie with Stenson said. “I walk up to him. I said, ‘I’m sorry.’ said. another Spaniard, Jorge Navarro, 1. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) 111 display on Saturday, the fan hit by his errant shot at the 16th hole at What else can you say? “And I need to do 18 more rounding out the podium at the pts, 2. Thomas Luthi (SUI/Kalex) Gcoming up with key Pebble Beach. “And he says, ‘Can you do me one favor? Can I holes of that, but just get a little Montmelo circuit. 104, 3. Jorge Navarro (ESP/Speed par saves in a two-under 69 to The Swede ripped an eight-iron second shot that take a picture with you?’ bit more out of the round tomor- The victory saw Marquez leap- Up) 89, 4. Lorenzo Baldassarri stay one stroke in front of Jus- flew into the gallery behind the green. “So next thing I’m down on the ground as well, row than I did today,” added the frog Italian teammate Lorenzo (ITA/Kalex) 88, 5. Marcel Schröt- tin Rose heading into the fourth “I clipped the guy right on the forehead,” Sten- taking a picture, a selfie, laying down with him four-time major winner who Baldassarri in the standings. ter (GER/Kalex) 73 round of the US Open at Pebble son said. and his girlfriend.” was a stroke in front of Ameri- Beach. “It was a semi-shank, it wasn’t a full one. That Stenson said he felt the fan “had maybe one or cans Matt Kuchar and Chesson Woodland, a three-time US would have been better because then it prob- two refreshments that might have eased the Hadley, who both shot 70. PGA Tour winner in search of ably would have hit the trees.” pain before the strike.” Tiger Woods, who needed a Asgreen takes Tour de Suisse lead his fi rst major title, fi nished 54 When Stenson — who finished with a one-under But Stenson planned to follow up to make sure big move after starting the day holes with on 11-under 202 to 70 to join a group sharing ninth place on four- the man was OK. nine adrift, fi nished where he Langnau im Emmental, Swit- Olympic champion Greg Van stay in front of former US Open under — went over to check on the man and of- “I might send him more than just one golf ball started with a 71 for an even par zerland: Spanish veteran Luis Avermaet were all in the mix. champion Rose, who capped his fer an apology, he was relieved to see he hadn’t next time. I might send him a couple dozen or total of 213. Leon Sanchez of Astana won a Asgreen, who came second on three-under 68 with a birdie at caught him in the eyes or teeth. something to try to make up for my poor shot.” Woods was going the wrong hilly stage two of the Tour de this year’s Tour of Flanders and 18 for a 10-under total of 203. way early after bogeys at the fi rst Suisse yesterday as Denmark’s third at the Tour of California, is It was another three strokes and third. His fi ve birdies were Kasper Asgreen took the overall both overall leader and the best behind a group headed by two- par-saving putt at 13, Woodland Rose and Woodland both set zen of South Africa, who carded more than he made in the fi rst lead. under-25’s white jersey rider. time defending champion produced another unlikely save, themselves up for the weekend a one-under 70 to get to seven- two rounds combined, but were It was a great day for Astana The 159.6km second stage was Brooks Koepka, who stayed draining a 42-foot putt at the with rounds of 65 — Rose on under along with Koepka and balanced by fi ve bogeys. and Denmark as in nearby contested over three loops of within striking distance of a fi fth par-fi ve 14th — where Rose also Thursday and Woodland on Fri- Chez Reavie, who signed for a 68. “I got off to a crap start,” the Champerey Astana’s Danish a high altitude circuit featuring major title with a 68 for seven- birdied. day — matching the lowest US “It’s so, so tough, the rough,” 15-time major champion said. captain Jakob Fuglsang won two mountain passes. under 206. “I felt really comfortable to- Open round ever posted at Peb- said Oosthuizen, who thought “Two-under through three, and the Criterium du Dauphine. A select sprint involving fast rid- Woodland, who stretched his day, comfortable with my game,” ble Beach and fi rst achieved by the US Golf Association found an those are the easier holes. At the Swiss race Sanchez ers who can also get over a hill two-shot overnight lead to as the 35-year-old said. “I’m ex- Tiger Woods in 2000. ideal balance, even if scores were “I had to try to fi ght back and produced an astonishing turn had been predicted, and so it many as four on the front nine, cited to be where I am right now.” On another cool, overcast day startlingly low for a US Open. claw out a round today, which I of pace to escape a reduced looked to be before the 35-year- led Rose by three after a birdie Woodland’s nine-foot birdie Pebble Beach continued to of- “You still need to hit fairways, was able to do.” peloton with 10km to go, old Sanchez made his burst. at 11. putt burned the edge at 18, where fer birdie chances, but there was still need to hit greens, and it’s Five-time major-winner while Slovak star Peter Sagan Once his lead was established He was facing a dropped shot Rose closed the gap with his fi fth plenty of danger lurking among nice to see red numbers in a US Phil Mickelson, however, saw charged over the finishing line he then nursed it with the pelo- at 12 after fi nding the rough on birdie of the day. the spectacular ocean views. Open. I think it’s a little bit more his hopes of fi nally complet- at the helm of a fast moving ton closing fast at the finish line. the lip of a bunker, but chipped “I’m certainly reading the “If you don’t drive it good exciting.” Northern Ireland’s ing the career grand slam with a peloton six seconds adrift. Tour de France champion Geraint in to save par, preserving a two- greens well,” said Rose, whose around here or struggle with Rory McIlroy found the going US Open win disappear with his Italian paceman Matteo Trentin, Thomas is seventh at 18 seconds shot lead as Rose drained a nine- putting has kept him going all your iron play, you’re going to tough enough. drive at 18 into the Pacifi c Ocean. rising Deceuninck-Quick Step and remains firm favourite to win foot birdie putt. despite a wealth of missed fair- struggle,” said former British McIlroy rebounded from a bo- He walked off with a triple-bo- star Asgreen and Belgium’s this eight-day race. After rolling in a four-foot ways and greens. Open champion Louis Oosthui- gey at the par-three 17th with his gey eight in a four-over-par 75. Gulf Times Monday, June 17, 2019 5 SPORT

BOXING NBA Davis heading to Lakers in Fury downs blockbuster deal

AFP Los Angeles

nthony Davis will Schwarz in second form a high-powered NBA strikeforce along- Aside LeBron James next season after the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to a trade deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, US media reports said on Saturday. ESPN and the Los Angeles round technical KO Times said unsettled star Davis will join the Lakers in a move It was a first career loss for Schwarz (24-1) and an impressive statement from Fury which will see the Pelicans receive multiple players and draft in his first bout since his controversial draw with Deontay Wilder in December picks in return. The Pelicans roster will be bolstered by the arrival of Lak- ers players Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart. More signifi cantly, the Peli- season tailed off dramatically as cans will also receive three they failed to make the playoff s fi rst-round draft picks, includ- once again. ing the number four overall pick That disappointing fi nish currently owned by the Lakers to the Lakers season led to the heading into next Thursday’s shock resignation of president NBA draft. of basketball operations Magic It means the Pelicans now have Johnson. the fi rst and fourth picks in the Johnson later said a rift with draft, potentially giving the fran- Lakers general manager Rob chise the chance to build a cham- Pelinka had been behind his de- pionship-contending team. parture, accusing his former col- For the Lakers, the move gives league of “betrayal.” James the sort of high-calibre On Saturday, however, John- roster reinforcement he has been son took to Twitter to congratu- craving since his arrival in Los late Pelinka and Lakers owner Angeles from the Cleveland Cav- Jeanie Buss. aliers last summer. “Great trade Rob Pelinka! Job Davis, 26, shares the same well done,” Johnson wrote. agent as James, and has been agi- “Great job by Owner Jeanie tating for a move since January, Buss bringing Anthony Davis to when he informed the Pelicans the Lakers! Laker Nation, the he planned to leave. Lakers are back in a champion- The Lakers made a bungled ship hunt! Congratulations to attempt to trade for Davis in the entire organisation. February but pulled out of ne- “I know LeBron James has a gotiations with New Orleans af- big smile on his face. I’m loving ter complaining of “outrageous” this!!” demands by the Pelicans. Davis is a six-time NBA All- The Lakers had reportedly Star who has averaged more than agreed to offl oad Ball, Ingram 23 points per game through seven and Hart as well as Kyle Kuzma seasons with New Orleans, who and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope drafted him with the fi rst overall in the earlier negotiations. pick in 2012. The collapsed deal was report- Davis also played alongside ed to have destabilized the Lak- James in the USA’s 2012 Olym- ers dressing room and the team’s pics gold-medal-winning roster.

Tyson Fury (C) poses with boxing promoter Bob Arum (L) and referee Kenny Bayless after defeating Tom Schwarz (bottom) during their heavyweight fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fury won with a second-round TKO. CYCLING

Reuters sive statement from Fury in his He concluded the evening Las Vegas fi rst bout since his controversial by grabbing a microphone and draw with Deontay Wilder in singing a rendition of Aero- Fuglsang wins December. smith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss a ritish heavyweight Ty- Fury said he would fi ght again Thing”. son Fury made quick this year in late September or Fury, who said he gained 12 Criterium du work of German Tom early October, before a rematch extra pounds for the fi ght, deliv- Schwarz on Saturday as with Wilder in 2020. ered a strong performance just heB danced and jabbed his way to First, though, the 6ft 9in weeks after the shock of heavy- Dauphine in Tour a dominant second round TKO (2.06m) fi ghter showed the weight Anthony Joshua being before fi nishing his evening in MGM Grand Garden Arena beaten by Andy Ruiz Jr. in a title Las Vegas with a song. crowd his ability to entertain in bout. de France boost The former world champion, his fi rst performance on the Ve- Wilder also recently took the who entered the fi ght as a heavy gas Strip. spotlight in a vicious knockout favourite, controlled the bout Fury switched to a south paw of Dominic Breazeale in May. with his jab in the fi rst round be- stance in the second round, then While Ruiz and Wilder own fore ending it with a devastating appeared to taunt Schwarz as the heavyweight belts, Fury combination in the second. he put his back to the ropes and proved he is still a major factor The 30-year-old landed sev- eluded several punches with his in the division. eral shots to the nose of Schwarz hands down at this sides. Fury has continued to work to bloody him, then sent him to Moments later, he landed his way back from a 31-month the ropes where the German fi - the big punches that ended the layoff where he battled mental nally went down to one knee. fi ght. illness and weight gain. Schwarz returned to his feet The show, however, was not Schwarz, who was fi ghting for but was powerless to evade a over yet. just the third time outside Ger- fl urry of punches and his corner enjoy myself,” said Fury, whose and caught him with a straight Fury had entered the ring many, received a visit from Fury threw in the towel at about the career record now reads 28-0-1. left. It was a good shot, it would wearing robe, trunks and hat near his dressing room following same time the referee stepped in “I used the jab, I was slip- have put anybody away.” designed in the American fl ag the fi ght. to stop the fi ght. ping and sliding with my hands It was a fi rst career loss for while the James Brown standard “You came to win and that “The key to tonight was to down, switched to southpaw Schwarz (24-1) and an impres- “Living in America” played. stands for a lot,” he said.

BASEBALL

AFP “Top 5 at least, but we’ll target Champery, Switzerland the podium and the win.” He took the overall lead on Saturday on a hilly run contested Mathis, Minor lead Rangers enmark’s Jakob in a deluge that caused a host of Fuglsang won the overnight pull outs. eight-day Criterium British Tour de France hopeful du Dauphine yesterday, Adam Yates pulled out sick late theD Astana rider underlining his during yesterday’s stage when past Cincinnati Reds status as one of the favourites for still in with a great chance of next month’s Tour de France. victory. Reuters Cincinnati rookie Nick Senzel Minor faced two more bat- Ineos rider Dylan van Baarle of Trailing by a mere eight sec- Cincinnati exited the game with two outs in ters before exiting after allowing the Netherlands won the eighth onds and with less than 50km to the fi fth inning after he fouled a three runs on four hits with four stage on a day in which Britain’s go on the eight-day event, seen pitch that caromed off both the walks and six strikeouts. Adam Yates pulled out sick with as a key form gauge for the Tour eff Mathis had an RBI sin- ground and his foot before hit- Chris Martin induced an less then 50km to go while in de France, Yates was keeping gle among his two hits, ting the lid of his helmet near his inning-ending double-play second place overall. pace with his chief rivals when and Mike Minor tossed 6 left eye. Senzel, who held a towel grounder in the seventh, and The 34-year-old Fuglsang has he pulled out. 1/3 strong innings as the to his face as he exited the fi eld, Jose Leclerc struck out two in been in hot form this season, Mitchelton-Scott sports di- visitingJ Texas Rangers recorded was the second overall pick in the eighth to set the stage for winning the Liege-Bastogne- rector Lorenzo Lapage told race a 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati the 2016 Major League Baseball Shawn Kelley, who retired the Liege ‘monument’ (one of the organisers Yates had had a fever Reds on Saturday. draft. side in order for his eighth save. four toughest one day races on since this morning. Former Red Shin-Soo Choo Minor (6-4) breezed through Texas ran its majors-best the calendar) and getting on the Wout Van Aert, the 24-year- and Asdrubal Cabrera each had the fi rst three innings before fi rst-inning run total to 57 by se- podium in two classics. old triple world cyclo-cross an RBI single, and Danny San- walking Eugenio Suarez in the curing a 2-0 lead for the second “This season everything has champion won the green sprint tana added a pair of hits for the fourth to bring up Puig, who de- straight game in the series. Choo gone brilliantly,” said the winner. points jersey having put himself Rangers, who took advantage of posited a 1-2 changeup over the scored on Elvis Andrus’ ground- Fuglsang also won this race in clearly on the road cycling map three errors to win for the 21st wall in left fi eld to trim Texas’ out before Cabrera’s RBI single 2017 after overtaking Australia’s and a new name to match at Ju- time in their last 31 games. lead to 4-2. Puig’s homer was his off Tanner Roark (4-6) plated Richie Porte on the fi nal day. ly’s Tour de France. Yasiel Puig belted a two-run 12th of the season and fi rst since Santana. “This was a much easier fi nal The powerful French roller Ju- homer in the fourth inning, and June 4. The Rangers doubled their day,” said Fuglsang after several lian Alaphilippe won the moun- Curt Casali went deep to lead off Texas Rangers left fielder Shin-Soo Choo (17) reacts after striking Casali sent a 1-0 changeup advantage in the fourth inning, climbers had expressed regret at tains points jersey for crack Bel- the seventh for the Reds, who out against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Great over the wall in left fi eld to bring as Rougned Odor doubled to its relative ease. gian outfi t Decueninck-Quick wore their 1935 throwback uni- American Ball Park. in Cincinnati, Ohio. PICTURE: David Kohl-USA Cincinnati within one at 4-3 in lead off the frame before scoring When asked about his Tour de Step having done the same at forms on Saturday. TODAY Sports the seventh. on Mathis’ RBI single to left. France chances the Dane said: last year’s Tour de France too. Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 17, 2019 FOOBALL

SPOTLIGHT Pogba says ‘timing right’ for summer United exit Record-breaking Tokyo: Paul Pogba has given the strongest indication yet that he wants to leave Man- chester United this summer to seek a “new challenge”. The French World Cup winner rejoined United from Juventus for a then world Lloyd propels USA record £89mn ($112mn) fee three years ago, but has largely failed to live up to expectations. Pogba has been linked with a move to Real Madrid or a return to Juventus with United having failed to qualify into World Cup last 16 for the Champions League next season. “There is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking,” Sweden cruise into the knockout stages after comfortably seeing off Thailand 5-1 the 26-year-old told reporters in Tokyo yesterday. AFP “I have been for three years Paris in Manchester and have been doing great — some good moments and some bad mo- arli Lloyd became the fi rst ments, like everybody and like player to score in six con- everywhere else. I think for secutive women’s World Cup me it could be a good time to matches as the United States have a new challenge some- brushedC aside Chile 3-0 yesterday to where else. I am thinking of secure their passage to the last 16. The this — to have a new challenge winning margin might not have been somewhere else.” near to their record-breaking 13-0 Despite scoring 16 goals hammering of Thailand in their open- this season, half of which ing Group F game, but this was still an came from the penalty spot, extremely one-sided victory for the Pogba was often criticised for holders in Paris. his contribution under both Lloyd netted twice in the fi rst half ei- Jose Mourinho and Ole Gun- ther side of a Julie Ertz goal, as the USA nar Solskjaer as United limped joined Sweden — who beat Thailand 5-1 to a sixth-placed finish in the earlier — in qualifying for the knockout Premier League. phase from Group F. Their goal dif- Should Pogba move on, ference is such that a draw when they United are likely to seek a face the Swedes in Le Havre on Thurs- higher fee than they spent on day will see them advance in fi rst place, the midfielder in 2016. Real which increases the chances of a heavy- Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane weight quarter-fi nal showdown back in has expressed an interest in Paris with hosts France. bringing his countryman to Hat-trick hero in the 2015 fi nal the Spanish capital, while Juve win over Japan, Lloyd squandered the are said to be looking to slash chance to get a third goal in this game as their wage bill in order to lure she missed a late penalty, but her double Pogba back to Turin. at the Parc des Princes still took her into The summer overhaul in the record books. the transfer market at Old The 36-year-old has now overtaken Traff ord has already begun the mark of Birgit Prinz, the German with the signing of Welsh who found the net at fi ve consecutive winger Daniel James from matches at the 2003 World Cup. Swansea for an initial £15mn Lloyd ha d not been pleased about ($19mn) fee this week. The being used as a substitute against Thai- Red Devils have also been land, when she came on to score her linked with bids for defenders team’s last goal, but here she came in Harry Maguire and Issa Diop as one of seven changes made by coach and Newcastle midfielder Jill Ellis. Among those to drop out were Sean Longstaff . Alex Morgan, scorer of fi ve goals against the hapless Thais, Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath, but the USA still put on a show to delight their fans, who made up the majority of the 45,594 crowd. Lloyd had already hit the post before she opened the scoring in the 11th minute, volleying home fi rst-time on her left foot after a headed clearance by Su Helen Gaez fell to her at the edge of the box. The second goal came in the Carli Lloyd (centre) of the US battles for the ball with Chile’s Yessenia Huenteo and Carla Guerrero during the Women’s World Cup Group F match in Paris. (AFP) 26th minute as Ertz met a corner from the right with a brilliant near-post Paris Saint-Germain ‘keeper notably the world, fi ve places beneath Thailand, long-range fi nish three minutes before Elin Rubensson made no mistake header which Chile goalkeeper Chris- saved from Lindsey Horan and then but with a goalkeeper as good as End- the break. Lina Hurtig headed home from the spot to complete an easy win tiane Endler got a touch to but could not topped that with her stop from a stun- ler, they will be confi dent of beating the at the end of a fl owing move with nine and her side’s qualifi cation from the keep out. ning Christen Press volley. Thais in their last group outing. minutes left before the Thais, reeling group. “This goal meant a lot to us,” Thai The third goal soon followed in near Substitute Jessica McDonald curled Earlier, Sweden cruised into the from a humiliating record 13-0 defeat to coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian said. identical fashion, with another right- a shot off the post and a looping header knockout stages after comfortably the Americans in their opening match, “It’s a diffi cult goal and playing a great wing corner, by Tierna Davidson, be- by Lloyd beat Endler before dropping seeing off Thailand 5-1 to move top of restored pride through captain Sung- team like Sweden, it meant so much. It ing headed home emphatically by Lloyd down onto the bar. Group F. Peter Gerhardsson’s side had Ngoen’s drilled near post fi nish. meant that all of our preparation paid for her 113th international goal on her Perhaps unsettled by the quality of routine win that however saw emotion- The goal sparked wild celebrations off . This one goal made us laugh, made 276th appearance. Morgan, Rapinoe Endler, Lloyd then sent her penalty al scenes when Kanjana Sung-Ngoen and even tears from the Thai players and us smile and makes us happy. Our defeat and Heath all remained on the bench wide in the 81st minute after Yessenia scored a late consolation goal for the coaching staff , but VAR stepped in to in the last game was massive – yes, we as the USA pushed for more goals in the Huenteo was adjudged to have pulled Thais. Linda Sembrant and Kosovare dampen their mood when Natthakarn were disappointed. But we still need to second half only to be denied time and back Allie Long in the box following a Asllani put the Swedes two up after 19 Chinwong was judged to have handled improve and get close to the other super time again by the brilliant Endler. The VAR review. Chile are ranked 39th in minutes with Fridolina Rolfo rifl ing a in the area deep into stoppage time. teams.”

FOCUS Chelsea confi rm Sarri’s exit and will ask for Lampard talks By David Hytner ingness to promote academy products. to begin serving their transfer ban this The Guardian He worked productively at Derby last summer. Although they have appealed season with Mason Mount and Fikayo against the two-window sanction at Tomori, who were on loan from Stam- the court of arbitration for sport, they helsea are primed to make an ford Bridge, and it is likely that the in- have not asked for the punishment to be approach to Derby for Frank coming Chelsea manager will also have frozen pending the ruling. Lampard, after they confi rmed to embrace talents such as Reece James One of the requirements for a freeze yesterday they had allowed and Tammy Abraham – together with is that a club shows urgency in de- MaurizioC Sarri to join Juventus after Callum Hudson-Odoi when he recov- manding it – basically, when they take one season at the club. The Chelsea di- ers from achilles surgery – as the club their case to Cas. Chelsea have not rector Marina Granovskaia explained: faces a Fifa transfer ban. done so and, consequently, if they were “In talks we had following the Europa It was handed out in February for to ask for one now, it would have less League fi nal, Maurizio made it clear breaches of the rules regarding the reg- chance of being granted. Cas will not how strongly he desired to return to istration of under-18 foreign players. hear Chelsea’s case until after 8 Au- his native country, explaining that his Lampard’s lack of experience is well- gust, when the transfer window closes reasons for wanting to return to work in documented – last season was his fi rst for Premier League clubs. Italy were signifi cant. as a manager – and, in other circum- Chelsea said in a statement they had “He also believed it important to stances, the Chelsea hierarchy might terminated Sarri’s contract with two be nearer his family, and for the well- have preferred to wait for him. Yet they years to run at the Italian’s request and, being of his elderly parents he felt he know how great his impact has been at at the same time, Juventus announced needed to live closer to them at this Derby, particularly on the players, who his arrival on a three-year deal. point. Maurizio leaves Chelsea with admire his professionalism and enjoy Sarri won the Europa League and fi n- thanks from us all for the work he and working for him. He has transformed ished third in the Premier League but his assistants did.” Derby’s style and substantially reduced his relationship with a vocal section of Practicality has driven Chelsea to- the average age of the team. the Chelsea support broke down over wards Lampard, who has legendary It would be a blow for Derby to lose concerns about the lack of drive in his status in the eyes of their fans as the Lampard and they have made moves team’s style. club’s record goalscorer with 211 from since their defeat by AstonVilla in the He made it clear he wanted to return 649 appearances over 13 years. Championship play-off fi nal to im- to Italy, partly for family reasons, and The London club considered a move prove his contract. Juventus have agreed a compensation for Massimiliano Allegri only for the Yet equally they know how diffi cult package with Chelsea which could be Italian to announce he would take a year it would be for him to turn down Chel- worth more than £5mn. out after leaving Juventus, and another sea. Derby would be due around £4mn Maurizio Sarri returns to Italy as Juventus coach on a three-year deal just a season after leaving Napoli for Chelsea. (AFP) Sarri’s assistant Gianfranco Zola will possibility, Erik ten Hag, is expected to in compensation for the remaining two also leave Chelsea. It is believed that stay at Ajax. years on Lampard’s deal. – Morris is a former Chelsea player and as the sporting director, a position that Chelsea have sold their star player, Zola wants his next move to be into a Lampard has come to tick a lot of Lampard would want to bring his as- under-18s coach – and another club has needed to be fi lled since Michael Eden Hazard, to Real Madrid for an manager’s position, rather than anoth- boxes, not least the one about a will- sistant, Jody Morris, to Stamford Bridge favourite, Petr Cech, is to be confi rmed Emenalo’s departure. initial £88.5m and they appear ready er assistant’s role. Gulf Times Monday, June 17, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

COPA AMERICA SPOTLIGHT Blue Samurai to Messi ‘bitter’ aft er unleash ‘Japanese Messi’ on Copa AFP 15. Earlier the same year he be- Tokyo came the J-League’s youngest goalscorer, triggering the sort of hype once reserved for the likes Argentina go down n a continent where of Japan greats Hidetoshi Nakata “imitation” Galacti- and Keisuke Honda. A YouTube cos are a dime a doz- sensation as a pint-sized toddler, en, Japan’s Takefusa Kubo none the less rejects com- ‘We didn’t want to start this way but now we have to lift our heads and keep going’ KuboO could just be the real deal. parisons to Barcelona hero Mes- Snapped up by Real Madrid on si. “I don’t like being compared Friday from under the noses of to Messi,” he said. “But one day I some of the world’s other top hope to be able to play like him.” clubs, the teenage sensation is Slightly taller than Messi at about to demonstrate why he is 1.73 metres (5ft 8in), Kubo has a known as the “Japanese Messi” similarly low centre of gravity to at the tender age of 18. the Argentina legend and an eye 17 - 06 - 2019 The youngster, described by for a defence-splitting pass. Ja- Real as one of the most prom- pan face Chile in their opening ising players in world football, Copa America in Sao Paolo to- is set to create a buzz at this night, while Uruguay and Ecua- month’s Copa America in Brazil dor, also in group C, were playing after earning his fi rst senior call- late last night. up for the Blue Samurai. Rarely Kubo, who could become the an Asian football tournament face of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, goes by without a “Thai Zico,” insists Japan’s “Baby Samurai” an “Iraqi Cristiano Ronaldo” or will go into the competition with even a “North Korean Wayne no fear. “Teams like Brazil will Rooney” among the team rosters. defi nitely be serious about win- But it was Kubo who was inning,” he told local media. “We vited to Barcelona’s youth acad- will have to match the desire of emy as a scrawny nine-year-old our opponents when we get on where he earned his nickname for the pitch.” his mazy dribbling skills. Though Earlier this year, Moriyasu left the Catalan giants were keen to big-name players such as Honda, retain him, Real Madrid took the Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki plunge, heading off interest from out of the Asian Cup squad that Manchester City, Manchester were beaten 3-1 in the fi nal by United and Paris Saint-Germain. Qatar. “We are looking to bring The midfi elder signed from FC in a new generation of players,” Tokyo could come face-to-face Moriyasu said of his Copa selec- with Argentina wizard Messi at tion. “It’s a good opportunity for the Copa America depending on them to gain some valuable ex- results in the group stage. Kubo perience.” is one of 17 uncapped players in Kubo’s former club manager coach Hajime Moriyasu’s new- Kenta Hasegawa backed the look Japan squad as the tourna- midfi elder to seize his chance to ment guests look to build for shine on the world stage. “Take- next year’s Tokyo Olympics but fusa doesn’t need a babysitter, he is destined to attract by far the has matured a lot,” the FC Tokyo most interest. boss told Japanese media. “This The world’s biggest clubs kind of opportunity might only have been tracking his progress come around once in a lifetime since he appeared in the 2017 — he will only benefi t from the Under-20 World Cup — at just experience.”

AFP Ospina got down quickly to push out a come. Midfi elder Leandro Paredes, who side’s collective eff ort. “Colombia as a Salvador, Brazil header from centre-back Nicolas Ota- forced a diving save out of Ospina with team was the best player on the pitch. We mendi. But although Argentina dominat- one long range strike and sent a second played with a lot of discipline, concen- ed possession and created more chances whistling past the post, was pleased with tration, with responsibility, and players ionel Messi said his team was in the second period, they rarely caused the second half performance. “We cre- with the quality of James (Rodriguez) and feeling bitter after Argentina Ospina any serious concerns. ated a lot but unfortunately they scored (Radamel) Falcao helped us a lot in this lost their opening Copa America “We didn’t want to start this way, ob- in our best period,” he said. organisation,” said Queiroz. match 2-0 to Colombia despite viously, but now we have to lift our heads Colombia were the better side in a And he praised his team for “control- Ldominating the second half. and keep going,” said the fi ve-time Ballon goalless fi rst half but scored twice against ling Messi a bit,” noting that “we’re al- Goals from Roger Martinez and Du- d’Or winner, who lined up in an enviable the run of play in the second period, with ways talking about him and you cannot van Zapata in the fi nal 20 minutes gave forward trio with Manchester City’s Ser- both goals coming from substitutes. “I neutralize him.” Colombia their fi rst tournament vic- gio Aguero and Angel Di Maria of Paris came on and helped my team. We did the Both he and Argentina counterpart tory over Argentina in 20 years as Messi’s Saint-Germain. best we could and we managed to turn Lionel Scaloni agreed that each side had hopes of fi nally landing a major inter- “In the fi rst half we retreated a little the game around at the end of the second their moments during the game. “In some national tournament after losing in four and were holding on, but in the second we half. We played really well,” said Zapata, moments we were on top, then they were fi nals suff ered a serious blow. “We leave really opened up,” said Messi, the Argen- who this season helped Italians Atalanta superior to us — that’s how football goes, here feeling bitter,” said Messi follow- tina captain. Whenever you lose it’s hard qualify for the Champions League for the there are diff erent stages in matches,” ing the Group B clash in Salvador. “In the for us, we usually take it badly. Now we fi rst time in their history. said Scaloni. Colombia, though, are well second half we had our chances.” have to think about Paraguay.” Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who placed to win the group now. One of the best of those fell to the Argentina can still make the knock-out only took over Colombia after leaving his “We’re still a long way from where we 31-year-old Barcelona icon but he headed stages with games against Paraguay and job with Iran at the end of the January- want to go,” warned Colombia’s play- Japan’s Takefusa Kubo takes part in a training session in Sao Paulo, wide after Colombia’s goalkeeper David guests Qatar, the Asian champions, to February Asian Cup, paid tribute to the maker James Rodriguez. Brazil, ahead of their Copa America match against Chile. (AFP)

FOCUS GOLD CUP VAR denies Peru in draw with Venezuela Mexico, Canada off the mark AFP AFP Porto Alegre, Brazil Los Angeles

en-man Venezuela held on follow- avourites Mexico and ing the dismissal of Luis Mago to group rivals Canada claim a 0-0 draw with Peru, who cruised to lopsided wins had two goals chalked off by VAR, on Saturday as the CON- Tin their opening Copa America match on CACAFF Gold Cup got under way. Saturday night. The point left the two sides Mexico, who are chasing a record joint second in Group A behind hosts Brazil, eighth title in the championship who kicked off the tournament on Friday for teams from North America, night with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Central America and the Carib- Bolivia. Peru had the better of the match at bean, thrashed Cuba 7-0 at the a near empty Gremio Arena in Porto Alegre Pasadena Rose Bowl. but were twice denied victory after off side Canada, the only team to have decisions taken following consultation with broken Mexico and the United the video assistant referee. “It was a diffi cult States’ dominance of the Gold Mexico’s forward Alexis Vega celebrates after scoring against Cuba game, we knew it would be tough, Venezuela Cup since the tournament was during CONCACAF Gold Cup match in Pasadena, California. (AFP) have improved a lot,” said Peru defender rebooted in 1991, had earlier Carlos Zambrano. trounced Martinique 4-0 in their Diego Reyes, to put Mexico into midfi elder Daniel Herelle to give As expected for an early tournament Group A game. Mexico, playing a 4-0 lead at the break. Jimenez Canada the breakthrough on 33 match it was a cagey aff air, although Ven- in their fi rst tournament under then bagged a second early in the minutes. ezuela’s Wuilker Farinez got the pulses rac- former Argentina coach Gerardo second half before his replace- A loose pass from Chauvet ing at times with some erratic goalkeeping, Peru’s Carlos Zambrano (left) and Venezuela’s Salomon Rondon vie for the ball during “Tata” Martino, are without ment Ernesto Vega made it 6-0 was miscontrolled by Herelle, although he also made two crucial saves. their Copa America match in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on Saturday night. (AFP) several regular players includ- in the 74th minute. Antuna com- and Gent striker David pounced “It’s an important draw, it’s a shame that we ing Carlos Vela, Javier Hernan- pleted his hat-trick 10 minutes on the loose ball before coolly couldn’t win but that’s football, we’ve got to tack while Venezuela’s Yangel Herrera mis- Rondon sent a fi zzing free-kick inches wide. dez, Hector Herrera and Jesus from time to cap a fi ne display. lifting his fi nish into the net. keep going,” said Farinez, who has attracted controlled a cross when clean through with Peru had the ball in the net a second time on Corona. But the absentees were Earlier, Canada had been simi- David added a second in the 53rd interest from Spanish giants Barcelona, ac- only goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to beat in a 63 minutes through Jeff erson Farfan but it barely noticed as Mexico cut larly dominant against Marti- minute, springing the Marti- cording to some press reports. half of few clear-cut chances. was again chalked off by VAR for off side. loose against a feeble Cuba side nique. Two goals from Belgium- nique defence after Sam Piette’s “This draw is very valuable for us and now The pace of Jhon Murillo on Venezuela’s The game sparked into life in the fi nal in front of around 65,000 spec- based forward Jonathan David clever lofted pass over the top to we have to correct the details before facing left was causing Peru problems and Renato quarter hour when Mago was sent off after tators at the famous old stadium set the Canadians on the way to make it 2-0. Brazil,” said the 21-year-old. Peru had the Tapia was booked for bringing him down, picking up a second yellow card for a reck- which hosted the 1994 World a straightforward three points Cardiff City’s Hoilett added ball in the net after just seven minutes when but Gallese beat clear Jeff erson Savarino’s less foul. Farinez then came to his side’s Cup fi nal. before strikes from Junior Hoi- a third on 63 minutes, bun- Farinez came for and spilled an inswinging shot from the resulting free-kick. Farinez rescue, fl inging himself backwards to claw Los Angeles Galaxy winger lett and Scott Arfi eld boosted the dling home a perfectly weighted free-kick from Yoshimar Yotun, allowing redeemed himself with a diving save to keep a shot from substitute Edison Flores off his Uriel Antuna scored a hat trick scoreline. Canada were always in cross from Bayern Munich teen- Christofer Gonzales to fi re the rebound past out a Paolo Guerrero free-kick, but then line. “Their goalkeeper is a great goalkeeper, in only his second international control against Martinique, an ager Alphonso Davies. Rangers a posse of defenders. spilled the resulting corner and watched he stopped a lot,” said Zambrano. Peru were appearance as Mexico outclassed overseas region of France who midfi elder Arfi eld completed But the goalkeeper’s blushes were saved thankfully as Tomas Rincon blocked Luis turning the screw but Farinez saved from their opponents. Antuna scored are not members of FIFA. But it the scoring four minutes later, by VAR. Christian Cueva dragged a shot Abram’s follow up. Flores again and Jeff erson Farfan headed twice in the fi rst half, either side took a blunder from Martinique shooting low into the bottom wide for Peru in a two-on-one counter at- After the break, Venezuela’s Salomon wide from close range. of goals from Raul Jimenez and goalkeeper Loic Chauvet and corner to make it 4-0.

Monday, June 17, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar @roadto2022 Exhibition kicks off in Sao Paulo undreds of football fans have already visited the Qatar @ roadto2022 Exhibition in Sao Paulo, which opened at the Hweekend. Organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Qatar Football Association, the instal- lation at JK Iguatemi mall celebrates Qatar’s football culture and highlights preparations for the FIFA World Cup. Located on the third fl oor of the mall, the exhibition features FIFA World Cup memorabilia, crowdsourced photographs which highlight football culture in Qatar, models of the eight Qatar 2022 stadiums and details about Qatar’s Asian Cup victory. Much of the memorabilia is the prop- erty of Qatari collector Mohammed Abdulatif and includes match-worn shirts, footballs, tickets and more. The exhibition has been organised The exhibition features FIFA World Cup memorabilia, crowdsourced photographs which highlight football culture in Qatar, models of the eight Qatar 2022 stadiums and details about Qatar’s Asian Cup victory. to coincide with Qatar’s debut in the Copa America. The Maroons have been Nasser al-Khater, FIFA World Cup in 2022. with some of the most passionate fans including match worn shirts that be- not be familiar with. We look forward drawn in Group B with Argentina, Co- Qatar LLC Chief Executive Offi cer, said “It’s been great to see so many people in the world and give them an idea of longed to Pele and Diego Maradona, to welcoming hundreds more fans to lombia and Paraguay. The reigning the exhibition was giving fans a taste visiting the exhibition,” said al-Khater. what to expect when they travel to Qa- but they are also fascinated to learn the exhibition over the next week – and Asian Cup champions have been in- of what they can expect when world “With Qatar playing in the Copa Amer- tar in just over three years’ time.” more about our stadiums and view hope many of them will travel to Qatar vited to take part in the tournament for football’s premier international tour- ica for the fi rst time, we recognised this Al-Khater added: “The fans are ob- the crowdsourced photographs which to support their teams and sample our the fi rst time, along with Japan. nament heads to Qatar for the fi rst time was a golden opportunity to engage viously interested in the memorabilia, show a side of Qatar many people may famous hospitality in 2022.”

TENNIS ASIAN BEACH HANDBALL Qatar score second Returning Sharapova successive victory By Sports Reporter two preliminary groups of six Doha teams each with the top two in each going directly through to the semi-fi nal stage and the rest atar beat Indonesia 2-0 fi ghting it out for 5 to 12 place. for their second suc- Group A features Qatar, Viet- inspired by Nadal cessive victory at the nam, Chinese Taipei, Afghani- 7th AHF Asian Beach stan, Indonesia and Philippines. HandballQ Championship in Wei- Group B includes Oman, Iran, hai, Shandong Province, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Japan, and ‘He is the ultimate fighter and an amazing example of what you can achieve’ yesterday. Saudi Arabia. Qatar, who had beaten Philip- The previous edition of the Reuters pines 2-0 in their opening match championship was held in Thai- Santa Ponsa, Mallorca on Saturday, were the superior land in May 2017, with Qatar de- team once again. The Defending feating Oman in the fi nal to take champions now will take on Af- gold. The championship in China aria Sharapova says she will ghanistan in their next match. serves as a qualifi er for both the draw inspiration from Rafael Qatar, who have won the title 2019 ANOC World Beach Games Nadal’s incredible powers of last four times, are the team to in Qatar and the 2020 IHF Men’s recovery as she resumes her beat. The Qatari team prepared and Women’s Beach Handball Minjury-hit career on the Spanish great’s in Thailand at a training camp, Championships to be held in island next week. The 32-year-old Rus- ahead of the championship, fac- Italy. The top two teams in both sian has not played a competitive match ing local club teams and the Thai the men’s and women’s compe- since pulling out of the St Petersburg national team. titions will receive a direct ticket Open in January and underwent surgery The competition is split into to Italy. on her right shoulder a few weeks later. She returns to action next week at the Mallorca Open grasscourt event as she prepares for Wimbledon, the tournament that launched her to fame and fortune 15 years ago when she claimed the title as a teenager. Sharapova was already training on grass in the sunshine Balearic isle while Nadal was winning his record-ex- tending 12th French Open last weekend, having battled back from knee injuries. “He is the ultimate fi ghter and an amazing example of what you can achieve if you have the will and the passion for what you do,” Sharapova said. “I’ve always admired the way he has fought through all the injuries he’s had and he’s the greatest example of that. The sport is so physical, especially the way he plays, but brings an optimistic perspective on his work that he can come back and be a champion. He is extremely motivated.” A Qatari player scores against Indonesia during the 7th AHF Asian Five-time Grand Slam champion The 32-year-old Maria Sharapova has not played a competitive match since pulling out of the St Petersburg Open in January and Beach Handball Championship in Weihai, China, yesterday. Sharapova, ranked 86th in the world, says underwent surgery on her right shoulder a few weeks later. (Reuters) she is pain free and happy to be back on court, although admits the real test will her a shot” at challenging for the Wim- Sharapova. “But this sport is very unique start of the year but once I played that FOCUS be in matches. “The shoulder is doing bledon title, but believes she has a chance and special and I enjoy trying to be better fi rst match in St Petersburg I knew that I well, I took my time in order to come back of making an impact if her shoulder holds every day.” needed a clear mind.” to my fi rst event and feel that I have a re- up. Most of all, however, she is excited She said she hopes the decision to Asked why she selected Mallorca for ally good chance at it,” Sharapova said. to return with her passion for the sport undergo surgery will allow her to start her return, she looked up to the blue ‘Life-changing’ “With every match it will be a good test, intact after so many injury setbacks and enjoying the sport again. “Before it was skies. “It’s a great place to train,” she said. but I need to get it out into the battlefi eld also missing 15 months because of a dop- about pain management, I wasn’t re- “The conditions here are maybe better to test it. You can heal all you want but ing ban. ally enjoying playing because after every than the rain delays you may have in Eng- surgery gives Murray when you get back to your sport it’s a dif- “I still have many expectations on my- match I was thinking about what I need- land, maybe playing a couple of matches ferent ball game.” self even though I think I also have many ed to do to help my shoulder,” she said. in a day.” Sharapova is scheduled to play Sharapova admits few people will “give opportunities to do other things,” said “There were some great matches at the her fi rst match tomorrow. cause for optimism

AFP enough. I’ll enjoy competing. I ROUND-UP London enjoyed practising, hitting tennis balls, doing all the things I couldn’t do even a few months ndy Murray has de- ago, so we’ll see what happens.” Garcia outlasts Vekic to claim Nottingham title scribed an operation Murray’s brother Jamie has on his ailing hip as made a career from being a high- rance’s Caroline Garcia claimed number four Bertens, who was chasing at Eastbourne in 2011 — took his third “life-changing” as he level doubles player, winning six her fi rst title of 2019 by holding her third title of the season following match point. preparesA to make his return to Grand Slam titles. However, the off Donna Vekic 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), victories in St Petersburg and Madrid competitive tennis. A three-time former world number one still 7-6 (7/4) to win the Nottingham earlier this season. FRENCHMAN MANNARINO Grand Slam winner, Murray has believes he has a future in play- OpenF yesterday. Garcia needed to polish entered the doubles with Feli- ing singles. “My goal is still to FINALLY WINS FIRST ATP TITLE off her semi-fi nal against American Jen- TEENAGER AUGER-ALIASSIME France’s Adrian Mannarino ended his ciano Lopez at Queen’s Club in get back playing singles,” added nifer Brady yesterday morning 4-6, 6-3, BEATEN BY BERRETTINI long wait for an ATP title by beating London this week for what will Murray. “I was chatting with 6-3 after a rain caused havoc with the Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Alias- Jordan Thompson to win the grass- be his fi rst taste of action since my team about the best way to schedule over the past week in the Mid- sime’s wait for a maiden ATP title was court event in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The going under the knife in January. get back onto the court again lands. The heavy load appeared to take extended as the teenager was beaten by 30-year-old, who had lost in each of his “I don’t know how I’m going to singles-wise and we felt doubles its toll as Croatian Vekic romped through Italian Matteo Berrettini in the Stuttgart six previous fi nals, claimed a 7-6 (9/7), feel when I get back on the court, would be a good option to test the opening set of the fi nal. fi nal. The 18-year-old has risen to 21st in 6-3 victory in the Netherlands. but I feel lucky, I feel relaxed, I myself out and see how I feel. However, Garcia composed herself to the world rankings this season, but fell World number 44 Mannarino’s best didn’t expect to be in this posi- There is less loading on the body, break back twice in the second set before to his third defeat from as many fi nals, as results have come on grass — having tion,” said Murray, who hinted less movement, you still have to closing it out on a tie-break. The decid- Berrettini won 6-4, 7-6 (13/11). twice reached the fi nal in Antalya and the surgery could force him to make some quick reactions but ing set also went to a tie-break without a The victory in the grass-court Wim- made the second week of Wimbledon retire at the Australian Open. we felt like it was quite a nice single break of serve, where again Garcia bledon warm-up was the 30th-ranked three times. Australian Thompson, “I didn’t know how I was go- progression from all the rehab I prevailed 7-4 to take her seventh career Berrettini’s third title, after triumphs who reached the third round of a Grand ing to feel if I went and had the had been doing.” singles title. France’s Caroline Garcia is all smiles as on clay in Gstaad last year and Budapest Slam tournament for the fi rst time in his operation but it’s been brilliant, And even if he does not return she poses with the trophy after winning in April. Auger-Aliassime is one of a career at the recent French Open, was completely life-changing for me to hit the heights of old, Murray RISKE STUNS HOME FAVOURITE the Nottingham title. (Reuters) number of Canadian youngsters climb- playing in his maiden tour fi nal. from where I was. I’m looking explained the relief at being able BERTENS TO LIFT TITLE ing through the tennis ranks, including Mannarino and Thompson had both forward to getting back out there to enjoy hitting balls again with- American Alison Riske recovered from an Bertens had three match points at 5-4 Denis Shapovalov and Bianca Andreescu. won their semi-fi nal matches earlier in but I don’t know what to expect. out being weighed down by the opening set bagel and saved fi ve cham- in the second set, but her American He saw fi ve set points come and go the day after rain curtailed play on Satur- I’m not putting any expectations pain of his hip. Murray and Lopez pionship points as she stunned home opponent came through with a string of in the second-set tie-break, before the day, beating Croatian second seed Borna on myself because just being out face a tough opener at Queen’s favourite Kiki Bertens 0-6 7-6(3) 7-5 to volleys at the net to hold for 5-5. 23-year-old Berrettini — the fi rst Italian Coric and Frenchman Richard Gasquet on a tennis court again, and be- against top seeds Juan Sebastian lift the Libema Open title in Rosmalen. The defeat comes as a blow for world grass-court fi nalist since Andreas Seppi respectively. ing comfortable and pain free, is Cabal and Robert Farah.