TENNIS | Page 2 NBA | Page 6 Gasquet Cavaliers feel hopes to end ‘robbed’ aft er losing streak Warriors win against Rafa Finals opener

Saturday, June 2, 2018 FOOTBALL Ramadan 17, 1439 AH Aussies trounce GULF TIMES Czechs 4-0 in World Cup warm-up SPORT Page 3

TENNIS/FRENCH OPEN CRICKET England claim advantage aft er Djokovic in last 16 Pakistan collapse aft er battling past Spaniard Agut There were the 51 winners as he dug himself out of a hole in the third set

Reuters/AFP Paris England’s Sam Curran celebrates with Joe Root after taking ormer champion Novak Djokovic the wicket of Pakistan’s Shadab Khan (not pictured) in Leeds proved the fi res are still burn- yesterday. ing within as he spent nearly Ffour hours battling past obdurate AFP four dismissed before lunch Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut to reach Leeds and early in the second ses- the fourth round of the French Open yes- sion they lost three wickets terday. for one run in 14 balls to be 79 The 31-year-old Serb is still wrestling akistan captain Sar- for seven. with his own game as much as the man fraz Ahmed was left But Shadab, fresh from Test across the net, but there was plenty of pondering his deci- fi fties against Ireland in Dub- evidence in his 6-4 6-7(6) 7-6(4) 6-2 vic- sion to bat fi rst after a lin and England at Lord’s, in- tory to suggest he is approaching the form Pcollapse handed England the spired a late-order revival as that earned him 12 grand slam titles. advantage on the fi rst day of Pakistan’s last three wickets There were the 51 winners and the way the second Test at Headingley added 95 runs. he dig himself out of a hole at the back end yesterday. England’s catching, as well of the third set. England were 106 for two at as their batting and bowling, There was also the explosion of rage stumps, just 68 runs behind had been below standard at which saw him demolish his racket near Pakistan’s lowly fi rst-innings Lord’s but after Root held a the end of the second-set tiebreak. 174 all out. sharp, high chance at third “In these kind of circumstances, some- England captain Joe Root slip following Imam’s edged times emotions get the worst out of you, was 29 not out on his York- drive. you know, or the best out of you, whatever shire home ground, with Azhar Ali ground out a two you want to call it,” Djokovic, who is at his nightwatchman Dominic Bess off 29 balls, an innings that lowest seeding (20) in a Grand Slam for 12 unbeaten on nought. ended when the opener was years, told reporters. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts The one sadness for Eng- lbw to a Broad inswinger. “At times in my career, these kind of during his men’s singles third land was that Alastair Cook, Warwickshire seamer situations, when I would scream or throw round match against Spain’s their all-time leading Test Woakes removed Haris So- a racket, it would kind of wake me up Roberto Bautista Agut, on day run-scorer, fell shortly before hail, who had battled his way and help me to just kind of free myself six of the French Open in Paris stumps for 46. to 28, when the left-hander from that pressure that is just building yesterday. Earlier, Shadab Khan took opened the face and edged a throughout the match.” Pakistan to three fi gures as simple catch to second-slip Bautista Agut was the fi rst to blink in the teenage leg-spinner made Dawid Malan. the opening set after the fi rst nine games his third fi fty in successive went with serve. hur in fi ve sets to reach the French Open Tests. SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st Innings Djokovic worked his way to 15-40 with fourth round on Friday, while former FRENCH OPEN RESULTS But the tourists’ top order Azhar Ali lbw b Broad ...... 2 some rugged baseline play and converted champion Novak Djokovic made the last struggled as England’s vet- Imam-ul-Haq c Root b Broad ...... 0 his second set point. 16 of a Grand Slam for the 43rd time. Men 3rd rd Women 3rd rd eran new-ball duo of Stuart Haris Sohail c Malan b Woakes ...... 28 Thirteenth seed Bautista Agut, playing World number 29 Dzumhur also served Marco Cecchinato (ITA) bt Pablo Carreño- Barbora Strycova (CZE x26) bt Katerina Sini- Broad and James Anderson, Asad Shafiq c Cook b Woakes ...... 27 Usman Salahuddin lbw b Broad ...... 4 days after the death of his mother, battled for the match in the fourth set, but Zverev Busta (ESP x10) 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-1 akova (CZE) 6-2, 6-3 much criticised for bowling Sarfraz Ahmed b Anderson ...... 14 back from 1-4 in the second set, breaking clung on and claimed a 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) bt Roberto Bautista Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Qiang Wang (CHN) too short in Pakistan’s nine- Shadab Khan c Jennings b Curran 56 serve when Djokovic missed an easy vol- (7/3), 7-5 victory. (ESP x13) 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 wicket win in the fi rst Test of Faheem Ashraf lbw b Anderson ...... 0 Mohamed Amir c Bairstow b Ander- ley and dragging the set into a tiebreak. Zverev, 21, who is seen as the main Fernando Verdasco (ESP x30) bt Grigor Dim- Madison Keys (USA x13) bt Naomi Osaka (JPN a two-match series at Lord’s, son ...... 13 At 6-6, and having already saved two threat to Rafael Nadal’s expected coro- itrov (BUL x4) 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-4 x21) 6-1, 7-6 (9/7) produced a succession of full- Hasan Ali c and b Woakes ...... 24 set points, Djokovic took aim at an open nation as champion for an 11th time, Dominic Thiem (AUT x7) bt Matteo Berrettini Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU x31) bt Elina Svi- er-length deliveries. Mohamed Abbas not out ...... 1 Extras (lb5) ...... 5 court with his forehand but his passing endured a nightmare outing on Court (ITA) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 tolina (UKR x4) 6-3, 7-5 Pakistan arrived in Leeds Total (all out, 48.1 overs, 227 mins) 174 shot fl icked the net and bounced wide, Philippe Chatrier that lasted almost four Kei Nishikori (JPN x19) bt Gilles Simon (FRA) Daria Kasatkina (RUS x14) bt Maria Sakkari knowing that if they avoided Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Imam), 2-17 provoking the racket-smashing tantrum hours. 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 (GRE) 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 defeat they would be able to (Azhar), 3-49 (Sohail), 4-62 (Shafiq), that earned him a warning. He hit 73 unforced errors, dropped Alexander Zverev (GER x2) bt Damir Dzumhur Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt Pauline Par- celebrate their fi rst Test series 5-78 (Sarfraz), 6-78 (Salahuddin), 7-79 (Ashraf), 8-113 (Amir), 9-156 (Hasan), His new racket looked in danger too serve eight times and served up seven (BIH x26) 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 mentier (FRA) 6-0, 6-3 win in England for 22 years. 10-174 (Shadab) when a baseline error allowed the Span- double faults. He had to save a match Yesterday’s pitch looked a Bowling: Anderson 15-6-43-3; Broad iard to level. When Bautista Agut broke to point in the 10th game of the decider good one to bat on but humid 15-6-38-3; Woakes 11-1-55-3; Curran love to lead 5-3 in the second set, Djoko- before breaking and holding to make the Bulgarian Dimitrov, a two-time Grand Pauline Parmentier 6-0, 6-3. and overcast conditions of- 7.1-0-33-1 vic was rocking. But the survival instincts last 16 for the fi rst time where he will face Slam semi-fi nalist, has still never reached The second seed, a quarter-fi nalist in fered to assist the bowlers. England 1st Innings that have served him so well throughout either French 15th seed Lucas Pouille or the second week at Roland Garros in eight Paris last year, will face Daria Kasatkina Sarfraz’s decision to bat A. Cook c Sarfraz Ahmed b Hasan Ali his career came to the rescue. Russia’s Karen Khachanov. attempts. “You have to draw the line and, for a place in the last eight after the Rus- was an especially bold move ...... 46 K. Jennings c Sarfraz Ahmed b He broke back, then never looked in The match between Pouille and Khach- you know, look for the next chapter,” said sian beat Maria Sakkari 6-1, 1-6, 6-3. given England made just 184 Faheem Ashraf ...... 29 danger in the tiebreak, bringing up set anov was one of two men’s matches not the world number fi ve. US Open runner-up Madison Keys saw in their fi rst innings at Lord’s. J. Root not out ...... 29 points with a fl ukey netcord that had him completed as rain curtailed play at 1910 Japan’s Kei Nishikori made short work off Japanese 21st seed Naomi Osaka 6-1, And it was not long before D. Bess not out ...... 0 Extras (lb2)...... 2 casting his eyes to the heavens. local time (1710 GMT), before being called of home hope Gilles Simon as he cruised 7-6 (9/7), setting up a last-16 tie with 31st Broad was on his way to a re- Total (2 wkts, 37 overs, 153 mins) .106 Bautista Agut faded in the third set off for the evening an hour later with the into the fourth round for the fi fth time. seed Mihaela Buzarnescu. turn of three for 38 in 15 overs, To bat: D Malan, J Bairstow, J Buttler, C as Djokovic marched into the last 16 of a Russian leading 6-3, 7-5, 1-1. The 28-year-old, seeded 19 in his fi rst Buzarnescu, a 30-year-old Romanian with Anderson taking three Woakes, S Curran, S Broad, J Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Jennings), 2-104 Grand Slam for the 43rd time, second on Meanwhile, 34-year-old Fernando Grand Slam since Wimbledon last year with a doctorate in sports sciences who for 43. (Cook) the all-time list behind Roger Federer. Verdasco infl icted an early exit on Grigor after struggling with a wrist injury, saw had never won a Grand Slam match before All-rounder Chris Woakes, Bowling: Amir 10-1-37-0; Abbas 9-4- Meanwhile, German second seed Alex- Dimitrov, with the Spaniard winning 7-6 off Simon 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. In the women’s this week, downed Ukraine’s fourth seed one of a trio of changes, took 22-0; Hasan 8-2-24-1; Ashraf 7-2-16-1; ander Zverev saved a match point in com- (7/4), 6-2, 6-4 in his 350th clay-court draw, Australian Open champion Caro- Elina Svitolina with a shock 6-3, 7-5 vic- three for 55. Shadab 3-0-5-0 Match position: England are 68 ing back to defeat Bosnia’s Damir Dzum- match. line Wozniacki eased past Frenchwoman tory. Pakistan saw all their top runs behind.

BOTTOMLINE ICC seeks evidence from Al Jazeera to assist corruption probe

Reuters body further investigate corruption in leading teams. all allegations of corruption made in Twenty20 events had also been tar- the need to protect journalistic sourc- Dubai the sport after the news organisation “I ask Al Jazeera to release to us all the programme. To do so, we need to geted. es and our ACU (Anti-Corrpution aired a documentary on the matter last the material they have relating to cor- see all the evidence they state they It also alleged incidents of spot-fi x- Unit) team have worked with other weekend. ruption in cricket,” ICC CEO David Ri- possess.” ing in a Chennai match between Eng- media companies on that basis,” Rich- he International Cricket The ICC launched a probe after the chardson said in a statement yesterday The programme claimed that the land and India in December 2016 and ardson added. “However, to prove or Council (ICC) has asked Al Cricket’s Match Fixers programme “We will conduct a full, thorough stadium manager at Galle in Sri Lanka the Australia-India test in Ranchi in disprove these allegations, we need to Jazeera to share evidence that showed a groundsman agreeing to tai- and fair investigation and ensure no may have doctored the pitch at the March 2017. see the evidence referred to in the pro- Twould help the governing lor pitches for test matches involving stone is left unturned as we examine behest of fi xers and suggested minor “We understand and fully respect gramme.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 2, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS PREVIEW Gasquet hoping to fi nally end Worried? I was 15-match losing streak against Nadal

AFP thinking about Paris rench favourite Richard Gasquet says he has to “fi nd the solutions” to fi nally beat old junior ri- valF Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros today after losing all 15 of their lunch, says Zverev Tour-level matches. Gasquet’s miserable head-to- The German saved a match point and survived a second successive scare, coming head record against his child- hood friend has shown no signs back to defeat Bosnia’s Dzumhur 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 to reach the fourth round of improving in recent years — the world number 32 has not taken a set off the Spaniard since 2008. win 16 Grand Slam titles, Gas- The 27th seed insisted he quet has never reached a major doesn’t respect Nadal too much fi nal. on court, though, pointing out “I didn’t think he would win that he’s not the fi rst man to (the French Open) 10 times, but struggle against the 10-time I knew he would win fi ve or six,” French Open champion. he added. “It’s not a question of re- “I have known him for a long spect. When I’m on the court, I time. I have known him since he lose. That’s it. I do my best every and I were young. I appreciate time,” he said. him a lot.” “Once or twice there was Nadal thrashed Argentinian maybe a kind of respect, but I Guido Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 to reach tried every time.” the last 32, and his part of the The pair will meet for a 16th draw has opened up after early time with Gasquet looking to end exits for 24th seed Denis Shapo- Nadal’s bid for an 11th French valov and the 14th-seeded Jack Open title in the third round. Sock. “It’s up to me to fi nd the so- But for now he will be focused lutions. Once in Basel we had a on facing Gasquet at Roland very tight match. I found a way,” Garros for the fi rst time since a said Gasquet after his 6-2, 3-6, straight-sets victory at the same 6-3, 6-0 second-round victory third-round stage 13 years ago. over Malek Jaziri. “He is one of the guys on the “I’m not going to think about tour that creates good atmos- it throughout the day and think phere. He always has a positive he’s an incredible player; we all attitude. Not creating no one know it. I’ll try to play a good problem and being a normal per- match.” son,” said Nadal. Back when the two broke “It will be a good match through in 2005, Nadal and Gas- against a good friend in the most quet were considered among the important place in my career, best young players in the game, and for him a very special place, but while Nadal has gone on to too.”

SPOTLIGHT I want to make my daughter proud of

Germany’s Alexander Zverev reacts during his men’s singles third round match against Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Damir Dzumhur in Paris yesterday. me, says Serena

AFP “It was an amazing, high level match,” Paris Fognini slams attention added Zverev. AFP “It’s just incredible,” said Wil- “It was the fi rst time I have won on Paris liams. this court and I hope there are many “I am so happy to be back here. lexander Zverev insisted that on ‘NextGen’ youngsters more to come.” I lost the fi rst set and thought I losing to Damir Dzumhur at the Dzumhur, the 26th seed, was left to erena Williams said she must try harder, I must try harder French Open yesterday never AFP, Rome: Fiery Italian Fabio Fognini Zverev is the second seed in Paris hav- regret squandering a host of opportuni- wants to make her daugh- — and then Serena came out. Acrossed his mind — he was launched into a tirade against supposed ing already won three Masters titles in ties. ter proud after fi ghting “I will be back tomorrow to more concerned by what he could have preferential treatment for the ATP’s his career and is considered a serious He served for the match at 6-5 in the back to reach the French play doubles with Venus. I don’t for lunch. fourth set only to be broken to love be- SOpen third round on Thursday. mind playing singles and doubles ‘NextGen’ players at the French Open. threat at Roland Garros, despite the fact The German second seed saved a The 18th seed said it was unfair that he is yet to reach a major quarter-final. fore battling back from 1-3 down in the The 36-year-old American — I will fi ght my heart out.” match point and survived a second suc- young players who have yet to impress Shapovalov was knocked out in the decider to go to match point at 5-5. came from a set and break down Williams said her daughter in- cessive Roland Garros scare, coming back at Grand Slam tournaments are given second round by world number 70 That was saved by a nerveless out- to defeat Australia’s Ashleigh spires her to keep winning as she to defeat Bosnia’s Dzumhur 6-2, 3-6, matches on show courts, claiming they Maximilian Marterer on Thursday, while wide serve from the German who held, Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. targets Margaret Court’s all-time 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 to reach the fourth should “eat more pasta, run and win fellow young hopefuls Chung Hyeon then broke for 6-5 before claiming vic- The three-time champion record of 24 majors. round for the fi rst time. matches” before being hailed as stars. and Andrey Rublev are missing the tory when the Bosnian hit long. and former world number one, “This is my fi rst Grand Slam Despite the pressure of attempting to The last male player to win his first French Open through injury. Dzumhur fi nished with 51 winners — dressed again in her all-black back and I want to the best that become the fi rst German men’s cham- Grand Slam tournament while under the The ATP has promoted its young guns the same as Zverev — but 68 unforced catsuit, is playing her fi rst Slam I can. pion since 1937, and of trying to prevent age of 25 was Juan Martin del Potro at through their ‘NextGen’ series since the errors and was broken nine times. since winning the 2017 Austral- “I want to be able to one day Rafael Nadal’s expected coronation as an the 2009 US Open, with current young- start of last season, playing a ‘NextGen’ “All I could do was keep fi ghting,” said ian Open while two months preg- tell my daughter that I tried my 11-time French Open winner, 21-year- sters like 21-year-old Alexander Zverev Finals in Milan last year for the best Zverev who has now equalled his best nant. best.” old Zverev shrugged off fears of another and Denis Shapovalov, 19, yet to make eight players aged 21 and under. ever Slam performance after also making However, her stay in Paris al- Williams will face Germany’s Grand Slam let down. their mark on the biggest stage. “The ATP does many good things, but I the fourth round at Wimbledon last year. most proved short-lived until Julia Goerges for a place in the “Mainly I was thinking what I was go- “This Next Generation thing is b*******, I don’t agree with this one, I don’t under- “He served for the match and I had to she summoned the same fi ghting last 16 today. ing to have for lunch,” said Zverev as he don’t like all this attention,” Fognini told stand this NextGen thing,” continued save lots of break points in the fourth and spirit which helped her conquer If she gets past that challenge, refl ected on overcoming Dzumhur who Italian media after beating Elias Ymer Fognini. fi fth sets. life-threatening blood clots after she could face old rival Maria had a match point in the 10th game of the 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 to set up a third-round clash “I don’t agree with all this attention “Sometimes you have to battle to get giving birth to daughter Alexis Sharapova for a place in the quar- fi fth set, having also served for the match at Roland Garros with 23-year-old Briton given to these young players. the win and that’s what I did today.” Olympia Ohanian in September. ter-fi nals. at 6-5 in the fourth. Kyle Edmund. “I hope they will play well, Shapovalov For Zverev it was a 33rd win of the sea- “You try to win each point, you try “Rafa at 18 won Paris, now we have will surely be among the top five in the son, the best fi gures on the tour which to win each game. When you’re down Shapovalov who is 25 in the world, is world. If someone plays well he is going has also yielded clay court titles in Mu- a match point, you’re not thinking, improving but at the same time plays to get attention anyway and can do like nich and Madrid as well as a runners-up Salman Khan’s brother Arbaaz Oh, how am I going to turn this match the first match on the Suzanne Lenglen Nadal. spot to Nadal in Rome. around? court and the second on Court Number “They play well, (Karen) Khachanov, In a dramatic — if error-plagued match summoned in IPL betting case “You’re trying to win that exact point One. Rublev, Zverev, Shapovalov, they all play — there was a worrying moment when to be able to continue the match. “When I see the programme of the day well. But there is such a fuss made about Dzumhur accidentally collided with a AFP, Mumbai: Indian police Arbaaz is an actor and younger “That’s more what’s going on in your I am puzzled when I find instead (Gar- them, I don’t like it, I don’t agree. ball boy as they both chased an airborne summoned a brother of Bol- brother of Bollywood megastar head. It’s not about, I’m going to try to bine) Muguruza v (Svetlana) Kuznetso- “Winning 10-8 in the fifth on court 27, dead ball after two games of the fourth lywood superstar Salman Khan Salman Khan, known for his do this, try to do that in the third set, va, for example, who play elsewhere.” you have to go through that, not play- set. for questioning over illegal money-spinning movies, but I’m going to do this in the fourth set or Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak ing against Federer on Chatrier. They The distressed youngster needed to gambling on Indian Premier who also faces his own legal something like that. That’s not the way Djokovic all claimed their maiden Grand have to eat more pasta, run and win leave Court Philippe Chatrier after re- League cricket matches. troubles. it is.” Slam titles before turning 22. matches.” ceiving a consoling hug from the Bosnian The IPL has been dogged by Found guilty of killing rare Having needed fi ve sets to see off Ser- player. gambling controversies since it antelopes while on a safari bia’s Dusan Lajovic in the second round, “I made a few mistakes which I really started in 2008, and police say in Rajasthan state, Salman is the German endured another night- Chatrier. double faults before setting up a last-16 shouldn’t,” said Dzumhur. they have smashed a number currently appealing a five-year mare outing before claiming victory af- He hit 73 unforced errors, dropped duel against either Lucas Pouille or Rus- “But that’s tennis. And that’s why he’s of betting syndicates across jail term. ter almost four hours on Court Philippe serve eight times and served up seven sia’s Karen Khachanov. one of the best players today.” India during this year’s season, Gambling is illegal in India but which ended Saturday. the lucrative IPL has tempted “We have summoned Arbaaz speculators both on and off the BOTTOMLINE Khan for questioning in connec- pitch. tion to the IPL betting scam,” A 2013 spot-fixing scandal led Thane police spokesperson to the Chennai Super Kings Sukhada Narkar told AFP. and Rajasthan Royals being No need for ‘Quiet Please’ as stands half empty “Further details will be available suspended for two seasons and once his questioning is done Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Reuters, Paris: The sun had stadiums early in the day, par- hospitality seating — was all but citing talent Naomi Osaka, win- posed to be there missed a good and his statement is recorded,” a Rajasthan Royals bowler, broken through the clouds, the ticularly for women’s matches, empty as second seed Alexan- ning after a tight second-set tie game.” Her friend Liz Warwick Narkar added. receiving a life ban along with coin had been fl ipped and the despite the event supposedly der Zverev and 24th seed Damir break. pointed out that the problem Media reports said Arbaaz’s teammates Ankit Chavan and players were ready to begin their being all but sold out — yet yes- Dzumhur took to the court for “It’s abysmal,” said Penny Lin- seemed to be most serious in the name surfaced in an investiga- Ajit Chandila. third round matches at Roland terday looked to be an especially what turned into an electrifying coln, a British woman visiting the lower tier of the 10,000-seater tion into high-profile bookie Scores of bookies were also Garros just after 11 o’clock yes- lacklustre start. On Philippe fi ve-setter. French Open for the fi rst time. arena. That’s where sponsors and Sonu Jalan, who is said to run arrested as part of the probe terday morning. The only ques- Chatrier, the equivalent of Wim- The situation was even worse When they started this morning big corporates often block-re- an international gambling into allegations that players tion was, where were the crowds? bledon’s Centre Court, the lower on Suzanne Lenglen, the No. 2 on Suzanne Lenglen, it was al- serve expensive seats to entertain operation stretching from India had underperformed in return It’s been an issue at the French rung of the 15,000-seater stadi- court, where American 13th seed most completely empty. It’s re- clients. to the Middle East. for cash. Open for years — half empty um — where many sponsors have Madison Keys took on Japan’s ex- ally a shame. Whoever was sup- Gulf Times Saturday, June 2, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

FRIENDLIES SELECTION Lingard to start Australia trounce for England in Nigeria friendly

Reuters Czechs in World London anchester United’s Visca scores hat-trick Jesse Lingard will start for England as Bosnia spoil South in today’s friendly Magainst Nigeria at Wembley Korea farewell Stadium and manager Gareth Cup warm-up Southgate believes there is no reason why he can’t play along- Reuters side Dele Alli. Prague Lingard, who usually oper- ates in an attacking midfi eld role, scored 13 goals for United last ustralia cruised to a 4-0 win season in all competitions — his against the Czech Republic yes- most productive campaign yet at terday , giving the Socceroos a Old Traff ord. much-needed confi dence boost While some observers believe aheadA of this month’s World Cup with the 25-year-old is competing for “deeper meaning” adding that their fi rst victory abroad in nearly two the same spot in the England side he would “never touch a gun in years. as Tottenham’s Alli, Southgate my life” and Southgate defended Australia, headed to their fourth says that isn’t the case. the player. straight World Cup, grabbed the lead “I don’t see it as a straight con- “Tattoos are very personal. against the run of play in the 32nd minute test between any individual, ab- A lot of our players have tattoos when Robbie Kruse knocked a pass from solutely they could play together,” and they are wrapped up in a lot the far post to an unmarked Mathew Southgate told a news conference of deep stories. I don’t see why Leckie who tapped the ball in. ahead of the match at Wembley. we should be involved in policing The victory over a Czech side that “All of our attacking play- that,” said the England manager. failed to qualify for the tournament in ers have diff erent attributes or The Three Lions kick off their Russia was the fi rst for the Socceroos strengths. Jesse is a fantastic World Cup campaign against outside Australia since a 1-0 win over player at recognising the space, Tunisia on June 18 and also play the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi in working away from the ball, a Panama and Belgium in Group G. September 2016. great link between midfi eld and With a lack of goals a problem in Aus- attack,” he said. AUGUSTO, COSTA RULED OUT tralia’s qualifying campaign, yesterday’s But Southgate gave no clues OF WARMUP attacking display gives the team’s Dutch as to who would start in goal for Renato Augusto and Douglas coach Bert van Marwijk plenty to think England with Jack Butland, Jor- Costa will miss Brazil’s World Cup about before he pares four players from dan Pickford and Nick Pope the warm-up friendly against Croatia his 27-man squad by Monday’s FIFA three goalkeepers in the World in England this weekend due to deadline. Cup squad. injury, the Brazilian Football Con- Andrew Nabbout made his case for a “We know what we want to see federation said yesterday. World Cup role by scoring his fi rst goal for in that area and we’re clear on Costa will travel with the Australia in the 54th minute when he won what we think. There’s no need squad to Liverpool but will not the ball on the right and his low, hard shot for me to say too much on that play in tomorrow’s match due to into the far corner beat Czech goalkeeper publicly,” said Southgate. “I’ve a thigh strain. However, Augus- Tomas Koubek. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Visca (centre) celebrates with teammate Mohamed Besic (left) after completing his hat-trick in the told the players what we’re look- to, the Beijing Guoan midfi elder, Leckie and a Jakub Jugas own goal international friendly against South Korea in Jeonju, South Korea, yesterday. (Reuters) ing for in these two matches and will stay in London to have phys- rounded out the win against a Czech side haven’t told them the team yet.” iotherapy on an injured left knee. that had started brightly but failed to der ahead of this month’s World Cup fi - Winger Visca gave the visitors a 28th- and lashed home his third in the 80th Southgate added that Man- Brazil play Croatia at Anfi eld show much vigour after going behind. nals after Edin Visca scored a hat-trick to minute lead but midfi elder Lee Jae-sung, minute to silence a big crowd at Jeonju chester United central defender tomorrow in what will be their Australia play a fi nal warm-up against give Bosnia and Herzegovina a 3-1 victory rested for Monday’s 2-0 win over Hondu- World Cup Stadium. Phil Jones would miss the Ni- penultimate warm-up before Hungary on June 9 before heading to Rus- in a friendly in Jeonju yesterday. ras, immediately hit back with a cool fi n- Korea coach Shin Tae-yong will cut geria match after he was allowed heading to Russia. The fi ve- sia, where they face France, Denmark and The Koreans had been hoping for a win ish on the back of a rare fl uent attacking three players from his squad before they to leave the training camp as his times World Cup winners also Peru in Group C. in their fi nal match on home soil before move from the home side. head to Austria to make their fi nal prep- partner is due to give birth. face Austria in Vienna on June 10. heading to Europe but lacked accuracy Visca again found space down the right arations for the fi nals, where they face Much media attention in Eng- Striker Neymar, who has not VISCA LEADS BOSNIA’S WIN in attack and looked fragile with a three- of the Korean defence to put Bosnia back Sweden, Mexico and world champions land has been focused on forward played since injuring his foot in South Korea were left with plenty to pon- man defence at the back. in front on the stroke of halftime, though, Germany in Group F. Raheem Sterling’s new tattoo a league match for Paris Saint- which features an assault rifl e and Germain in February, is expected which was described as “disgust- to feature in both games, al- BOTTOMLINE ing” by anti-gun campaigners. though reports said he will start Sterling said the tattoo had a on the bench against Croatia.

Loew to rest Mueller, Hummels against Austria Swiss Xhaka relieved aft er escaping

Agencies with bruised knee Eppan, Italy Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka said he was relieved on Thursday after examinations revealed he had suff ered nothing ermany’s Thomas Mueller and worse than a bruised knee following a training ground clash. Mats Hummels will not travel Media reports initially said Xhaka had been taken to hospital after with the world champions to colliding with team mate Valon Behrami during a practice session Austria for their World Cup held in pouring rain. However, the Swiss football federation (SFV) Gwarm-up match today and get an extra said the Arsenal player had visited a clinic only to undergo a MRI day of rest, coach Joachim Loew said yes- scan. Xhaka is a key player for Switzerland who face Brazil, Serbia terday. and Costa Rica in World Cup Group E. “I am very relieved,” said The Germans are facing Austria in Kla- Xhaka who said he regretted the fact that the speculation had left genfurt in their penultimate test ahead of his family worried. “We could establish that the ligaments were this month’s World Cup. They also host intact, but we wanted to play it safe,” said Switzerland team doc- Saudi Arabia on June 8 before leaving for tor Pierre Etienne Fournier. “It’s just a painful bruise on the knee.” Russia. The SFV said that Xhaka would miss tomorrow’s friendly away to Mueller and Hummels will remain at Spain as well as several training sessions. their northern Italy training camp along with Bayern Munich team mate Jerome Boateng, working back towards full fi t- Mattress gaff e may have revealed ness following a muscle injury late in the Belgium World Cup squad season. “Mueller had many games this season, Belgium’s final World Cup squad appears to have been inadvert- Hummels had many games this season. ently revealed during a television report over team preparations. We know what they can do so it is good Public broadcaster VRT showed footage of mattresses being for them to clear their head a bit this loaded up by a Belgian bedding company before their departure weekend,” Loew told a news conference. for Russia with labels indicating the player for which they were Midfi elder Toni Kroos will arrive in designated. Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has named a provi- Italy today after a brief break following sional squad of 28, which will be whittled down to 23 on Monday his Champions League victory with Real after a friendly international against Portugal today. The indica- Madrid. tion is that goalkeeper Matz Sels, defenders Christian Kabasele Loew said that fellow 2014 World Cup and Jordan Lukaku, midfielder Leander Dendoncker and winger winners Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, Adnan Januzaj will not be flying to Russia. Their absence would who suff ered late-season injuries, would not be a great surprise, although it would confirm the inclusion of be on the pitch today to get much needed some of the more fringe players in the squad, such as defender match practice. Dedryck Boyata or forward Christian Benteke. Belgium will also Surprise addition Nils Petersen will play friendlies against Egypt and Costa Rica before opening their also get playing time against Austria with World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18. Their group also Loew praising the Freiburg forward, who Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew speaks to his team prior to a training session in Girlan, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) includes England and Tunisia. is battling for a spot in the squad along with fellow forwards Mario Gomez and and whether he will return to action after Timo Werner. more than eight months on the sidelines Count me out of race to succeed Zidane: Loew Tunisia concern over striker Khazri’s “The impression I have of him has only as a starter today, Loew said, “Things are fi tness for World Cup been getting better,” Loew said of the going well for Manuel Neuer. I will talk to Germany’s World Cup-winning coach Loew has only recently signed a versatile forward. “He is working really him tonight — if all is well he will start.” Joachim Loew yesterday ruled himself contract extension with the German Tunisia’s highly-rated attacker Wahbi Khazri will sit out a second hard.” However, the coach left it open wheth- out of the running to take over at Real football federation (DFB), until the successive World Cup warm-up match yesterday, raising concerns Loew has taken 27 players into his pre- er Neuer would play the full 90 minutes. Madrid after reports he has been ap- 2022 World Cup, and says he is fully over his readiness for this month’s tournament in Russia. The liminary squad and will cut four of them, Neuer has not played since fracturing proached to replace Zinedine Zidane. focused on successfully defending the Stade Rennes forward, on loan from English side Sunderland, is including one goalkeeper, on Monday for his foot a third time in September. He re- “Of course I can completely rule that world title at Russia 2018. regarded as key to Tunisia’s hopes of making an impact in Russia, his fi nal 23. turned to training last month at his club out now,” Loew told reporters at Loew last coached at club level in where they face Belgium, England and Panama in Group G. How- The Germans are in World Cup Group Bayern Munich and the Austria test will Germany’s World Cup training camp at 2004, when he was at Austrian Vienna, ever, national team off icials said that a thigh muscle strain means F with Sweden, South Korea and Mexico. help Loew determine whether he is fi t Eppan, north Italy, after Spanish daily and under his stewardship Germany Khazri will sit out Friday’s international against Turkey in Geneva The tournament starts on June 14. to play at the June 14-July World Cup in Marca claimed Real had already ap- has reached at least the semi-finals of after he also missed the 2-2 draw with Portugal in Braga on Tues- “Not everything is working perfectly Russia. proached the 58-year-old German. every international tournament since day. The 27-year-old has been training apart from the rest of the yet,” Loew said. “But at this stage that is Loew said a fi nal decision will be made “Real Madrid will surely find a very, very the 2006 World Cup. Loew’s crowning squad at their base in Lausanne, Switzerland, off icials added. He normal. Everything has gone according to tomorrow, with the nomination deadline good substitute for Zinedine Zidane. “His moment was in holding aloft the 2014 has not played since the end of April, missing Rennes’ last three plan. We have no injuries after about 10 for the 23-player World Cup squad the resignation surprised me a little, but he is World Cup trophy in Rio de Janeiro. games of the Ligue 1 season. The North African nation play Spain days and that is a good feeling to have at next day. the best judge of whether the team has However, he underlined his status in in their final warm-up friendly next Saturday. Tunisia have already this point.” The coach has already said that Neuer reached it’s peak (under him). Germany as a superstar coach by win- been hit by injuries to creative winger Youssef Msakni and striker would only go to Russia as number one “If he feels now is the right time, then ning the Confederations Cup last year Taha Yassine Khenissi, who will both miss the World Cup which NEUER TO START? keeper, and not as a reserve if he wasn’t you have to respect that.” with an inexperienced squad. begins on June 14. Asked about goalkeeper Manuel Neuer fully fi t. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 2, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS How Lopetegui turned Spain’s ‘The fact they had not done as well as expected didn’t sadness to excitement mean everything was a mess’

Reuters contains Morocco and Iran. Madrid Lopetegui is uncomfortable with comparing his side to the golden generation which reigned supreme in pain ruled global football for world football and became the fi rst four years then fell from grace team to pull off a hat-trick of major with inconsistent performances international tournament wins. at the last two major tourna- “Comparing any generation to a ments,S but coach Julen Lopetegui unique generation in Spanish football says his new-look side are ready to and for me the best generation ever in carve out their own place in history at world football is diffi cult, it’s not fair the World Cup in Russia. for the young players,” he said. A former Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper “We need to have total confi dence who had brief spells at Barcelona and in these players, they have ability, Real Madrid, the 51-year-old Lopetegui ambition and character but they have has spent most of his coaching career to carve out their own path, without in the national team set up, winning comparing themselves to anybody and the European Championship with the without looking back at what hap- under-19 and under-21 sides before pened eight years ago. taking the top job in August 2016. “What happened then happened, but His predecessor Vicente del Bosque we need to focus on what we can do in led Spain to their fi rst World Cup Russia without looking eight years back.” triumph in 2010 and glory at Euro 2012, but those roaring successes were SCINTILLATING WINS followed by a group stage exit at the Spain steamrollered their way through 2014 World Cup and defeat by Italy in World Cup qualifying, winning nine the last 16 at Euro 2016. games, drawing one and scoring 36 goals. “When you come from a painful They are unbeaten in 18 matches moment after being knocked out of a under Lopetegui, and their scintillat- tournament the fi rst feeling is one of ing 3-0 win over Italy in a qualifi er and sadness, but when I arrived that sense a 6-1 blitz of Argentina in their last was already passing and there was friendly outing showed their creden- excitement to keep going, to forget tials as one of the favourites to lift the that tournament and prepare for the World Cup. next one,” Lopetegui told Reuters in an Not that Lopetegui likes that tag. exclusive interview. “Being favourites is no title, it’s an ad- “We found a team in great health in jective, you win titles thanks to what you every sense, a side full of top players. do on the pitch, and little else,” he said. The fact they had gone to a tournament As well as an opportunity for Spain and not done as well as expected didn’t to re-establish themselves as the mean everything was a mess. best team around, the World Cup is “Instead, we found a great team a chance for Lopetegui to prove he is and we are trying to carve out our own a top level coach, after being sacked path, trying to evolve and grow the from his fi rst major role with Porto in style of play we already had.” some decisions in the best interests ryone, but at the time you have to make Silva, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos. Spain play their fi rst friendly ahead January 2016. Lopetegui has always spoken of his of the team, and you’ll always have some tough decisions.” He has complemented those hard- of the World Cup on Sunday at home to “In football you never know what gratitude to Del Bosque, but as soon as players that are chosen and others that ened winners with a hungry new gen- Switzerland, before travelling to their can happen tomorrow, this is the elite he came in he was not afraid to revamp aren’t,” Lopetegui said. NEW GENERATION eration, many of whom he worked with base of Krasnodar in Russia where they and you have to be ready for any situa- the squad, removing dressing room “These are players that have been so Only four players who took the fi rst step at under-19 and under-21 level, such as will meet Tunisia in their last warm-up tion that can occur,” he said. heavyweights such as captain and important to us and are still top but at a in Spain’s global domination by win- Atletico Madrid pair Saul Niguez and game. “When the Spanish Football Federa- keeper Iker Casillas and Chelsea pair certain point they aren’t selected. ning Euro 2008 have made the cut for Koke, Real Madrid’s dazzling playmak- Their fi rst World Cup game is tion called me I was delighted, I was Cesc Fabregas and Pedro. “That doesn’t mean they can’t come Lopetegui’s 23-man squad that will go to er Isco and Valencia forward Rodrigo against Portugal, their biggest rivals full of hope and motivation, and here “We understood that we had to take back, the doors are always open to eve- Russia — goalkeeper Pepe Reina, David Moreno. for top spot in Group B, which also we are.”

INVESTIGATION SPOTLIGHT Former DFB and FIFA offi cials Patricio quits Sporting, blames club prez

Reuters “Jorge Mendes sought to take advantage charged with tax evasion Lisbon of the situation, which is a crime,” he told a news briefi ng. “Sporting cannot be subject- Reuters ings which could lead to fi nes. FIFA said in an emailed state- ed to fear, blackmail and threats”. Berlin The offi ce did not name the ment it was “publicly known” ortugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio The club ended up losing the Portuguese four offi cials but said they were that the Frankfurt prosecutor’s quit his club Sporting yesterday, Cup fi nal to Desportivo Aves on May 20, fi ve aged between 67 and 76 years. offi ce had been conducting the blaming its president for “psycho- days after around 50 hooded supporters burst erman prosecutors have The three senior DFB offi cials investigation. logical violence” against players into the club’s training camp, injuring striker charged three former are accused of arranging for incor- “FIFA takes note that the Pub- andP inciting anger among the fans, who at- Bas Dost and vandalising the dressing-room. German Football As- rect tax returns to be submitted for lic Prosecution Offi ce of Frank- tacked a number of players and coaches at In April, a spat between de Carvalho sociation (DFB) offi cials 2006 to enable the association to furt am Main has brought charg- their training ground last month. and the players over their performance in andG one Swiss former offi cial from avoid paying around 13.7mn euros es in this context against several In a resignation letter published by sev- a Europa League match culminated in him world football’s governing body ($16mn) in tax, the offi ce said. former DFB offi cials and a former eral local media outlets, the Euro 2016 win- assembly vote on June 23 that is expected to threatening to suspend almost the entire FIFA with serious tax evasion in The tax return included a FIFA offi cial,” it said. ner said he was entitled to termination pay depose him, was quick to label the resigna- fi rst-team squad. On May 16, police de- connection with the 2006 World 6.7mn euro payment from the “FIFA supports the investiga- after being “the target of psychological and tion an attempt to blackmail the club and tained de Carvalho’s right-hand man Andre Cup, which Germany hosted. DFB to FIFA for a World Cup tion and co-operates with the physical violence, which constitutes just accused the international players’ agent Geraldes and three other people linked to In a statement yesterday, the event, although the funds were relevant authorities to help clari- cause for me to be free of the contract with Jorge Mendes of engineering it. the club on suspicion of corruption, includ- Frankfurt prosecutor’s offi ce said in fact used for another purpose fy the relevant facts.” Sporting Clube de Portugal”. De Carvalho claims that Mendes wants ing game-fi xing mostly in handball matches it had also fi led a request to involve and should not have been off set The DFB could not immedi- Sporting President Bruno de Carvalho, Patricio to join the British side Wolver- but also in some football events, by allegedly the DFB in the criminal proceed- against tax, it said. ately be reached for comment. under pressure to quit and facing a members hampton Wanderers. bribing referees and players.

Qatar U21 team at Toulon Tournament ODDBALL Achilles, the cat, trains mind and body for role as World Cup psychic

Reuters erations Cup. St Petersburg Achilles is deaf, meaning he will not be easily distracted by waiting journalists when he ike many football fans makes his predictions by choos- trying to predict the re- ing between two bowls of food, sults of the World Cup, each bearing a team fl ag. Achilles is busy studying For his training, Achilles, Lthe teams heading to Russia this dressed in a red football jersey, month for the sport’s biggest looks at a chart of the teams and global showdown. But he has one game schedules, before, slightly advantage: cat sense. reluctantly, moving onto an ex- The furry white feline, who ercise wheel. lives in St Petersburg’s Hermit- “Achilles is now in his place age museum, is being touted as a of work, he is preparing for the cat psychic who will predict the World Cup and going through winners and losers of the tour- the adaptation process,” vet- nament kicking off in Russia in erinarian Anna Kondratieva said two weeks. during a training session at a pet Achilles has some big shoes — shop near the museum. or tentacles — to fi ll: predeces- “People tend to feed him more sor Paul the octopus became an than they should. When he came international celebrity when at to us he looked like a football, not the 2010 World Cup he correctly a cat, so we decided to put him on forecast the outcome of Germa- a strict diet.” ny’s games and picked eventual When Achilles is not in train- winners Spain. ing, he can also be found posing One of the many cats to have for pictures in the museum yard, lived at the Hermitage, once the building a celebrity persona that Action from the Toulon Tournament match between Qatar’s U21 team (in maroon) and England’s U21 team (in white and blue) in Fos-sur-Mer, France, yesterday. England imperial Winter Palace, Achil- is about to get a huge lift from won the match 4-0. les previously predicted out- one of the world’s most-watched comes during the 2017 Confed- sporting tournaments. Gulf Times Saturday, June 2, 2018 5 FOOTBALL

ANALYSIS Relentless pressure takes toll on coaches

AFP three years in the job. He opted to always exposed to fi re,” sports day,” the former Spanish interna- scrutinised relentlessly by the Madrid walk away while still basking in newspaper Marca said yesterday. tional striker said. Madrid, the Spanish and the glo- the glory of his third consecutive Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique bal media in a never-ending fren- Champions League title, saying DAILY GRIND complained of the same pressure zy that Real Madrid help to foster. hat makes a young, he feared failing next season. Training sessions, team meetings, when they managed Barcelona As one controversy chases an- successful, man- “It wears away at you here,” he matches, post-match press con- and both stayed no longer than other, it must be tiring to answer ager like Zinedine said on Thursday. ferences, warm-down, training four years in the job. “It takes its over and over again the same Zidane walk away Zidane said the low point of his — at Real the coach is always jug- toll in the end,” Guardiola said. questions about Cristiano Ron- Wfrom Real Madrid, as the French- coaching career at the club was gling tasks in a packed day with aldo, Gareth Bale and Real’s pos- man did this week after just two being knocked out of the Copa the glare of the media on him. THE FUSSIEST FANS sible interest in Neymar. and a half years in the job? del Rey, Spain’s cup competition, It might explain why Zidane of- At Real, as at Barca, failure to win The Real squad, with its huge It is almost certainly the re- in January by modest Leganes. ten appeared at press conferences quickly escalates. One winless egos and repeated sulks, seems lentless pressure of constantly He faced intense criticism at the seeming happy but somehow match is an accident. Two create diffi cult to manage. Yet Zidane chasing success at a club compet- time. empty, even blank-faced. doubt. Three are a crisis. eked the best out of Ronaldo, ing with Spanish rivals Barcelona “There are diffi cult times, when “Living every year like that, The fans at the Santiago Berna- restored the confi dence of the for not only domestic, but global you ask yourself: ‘Am I still the with so many competitions, so beu are among the fussiest in the unloved Karim Benzema and domination. right person for the job?’” he said. many matches and so much trav- world: they want beautiful football, provoked some of the underper- Having shone in the Madrid el, it can be enormously wearing,” victories and trophies and do not forming dilettantes to produce. PRESSURE COOKER CLUB shirt as a player in a fi ve-year Alfonso Perez, who played for hesitate to boo their own players. The squad has aged and needs At Real Madrid, no-one is allowed stint from 2001 to 2006, Zidane both Real (1991-1995) and Barce- “We had diffi cult moments rebuilding. After delivering three to take their foot off the pedal. took the job of coach knowing full lona (2000-2002), told AFP. during the season, when there straight Champions League titles When you have been European well that no Real manager in the “When you go into a club like were whistles.” Zidane said. and building a nice war chest with champions 13 times, trophies 21st century has lasted more than that, you know what you are let- “They are demanding fans.” his parsimonious transfer spend- are quickly forgotten, creating a three and a half years in the job. ting yourself in for. There is enor- The club with the second high- ing, Zidane is leaving that high- constant state of stress which led “No material is more combus- mous pressure and you have to do est revenue in the world and the stakes, high-risk gambling on tal- Zidane to resign after less than tible than Real Madrid, and it is well. It’s like an exam, 24 hours a most international trophies is ent, to someone else.

FOCUS SETBACK AC Milan face Europa ban: report Pochettino on Real AFP week and according to the New Milan York Times investigators “have recommended excluding.. AC Milan from continental compe- uropean football’s top tition”. fi nancial investigators UEFA are concerned over AC have recommended ex- Milan’s stability after it was pur- cluding Chinese-owned chased by Chinese businessman Madrid: ‘What will ACE Milan from the Europa Li Yonghong from Silvio Berlus- League next season for violat- coni for 740mn euros ($918mn) ing rules that limit spending, the in April last year. ‘Football throws up circumstances New York Times reported yester- The club also spent more than day. 200mn euros on new players in you don’t expect and you have to According to the US daily the summer and have a massive newspaper, “two people involved high interest loan of 300mn eu- make the most of it each day’ in the process” have confi rmed ros from US hedge fund Elliott be, will be’ that UEFA investigators have Management. recommended Milan be exclud- Milan fi nished sixth in the Se- ed from European competition rie A last season and qualifi ed for for violating Financial Fair Play the second-tier Europa League rules. for a second consecutive season UEFA announced last week missing out on the money-spin- that the seven-time European ning Champions League. champions had failed to con- If Milan were excluded they vince offi cials they are financial- would become the highest pro- ly sound and referred the case to fi le club banished from Europe, the adjudicatory chamber of its following Spanish club Malaga, fi nancial control unit to recom- Red Star Belgrade and Turkey’s mend an appropriate punish- Galatasary who were banned for ment. a year in the past for failing to A decision is expected next meet fi nancial criteria.

SPOTLIGHT New Everton boss eyes commitment, ‘desire’ from players

AFP Madrid Leading candidates to succeed Zidane

ottenham manager Mauricio Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed unbridled success with Juventus Saturday, won’t have done any harm to Pochettino responded yester- in Italy’s Serie A, leading the club to three Klopp’s chances of joining the Spanish day to speculation that he is Real As a former centre-back with Barcelona- successive domestic titles before joining giants. But whether the easy-going, fan- Madrid’s favoured candidate to based Espanyol, Pochettino has vast Chelsea. But in Europe, the Turin giants hugging German fits the bill at Europe’s Tsucceed Zinedine Zidane as coach by say- experience of Spain’s La Liga. But it is the struggled, failing to reach the Cham- most successful club remains to be ing: “What will be, will be.” 46-year-old Argentinian’s coaching nous, pions League final in his tenure. Conte seen. In coaching terms Klopp’s CV Pochettino, speaking in Barcelona at man-management skills and consistency led Chelsea to the Premier League title stands up to scrutiny: tactics, man man- the launch of the Spanish version of his with Tottenham Hotspur that has hoisted in his first season in charge at Stamford agement and unfettered enthusiasm book A Brave New World, said he was him among the favourites to replace Bridge, in 2016-2017, but failed to repeat for the game and his players are among happy at the north London club where Zidane. Under Pochettino, Spurs have the achievement in a far less successful his biggest attributes. But the 50-year- he last week signed a new and improved secured three successive top-four finishes 2017-2018 season, in which only an FA old’s rate of success is less impressive. Reuters tion zone despite heavy spending contract. in the Premier League, allowing the Lon- Cup triumph saved his reputation. Klopp led Borussia Dortmund to the Bengaluru on players in the summer. “I have a fi ve-year deal with Totten- don club to rub shoulders with the elite Champions League final in 2013, only to The former England manager ham and I’m very happy at the club. My of European football on a regular basis. Arsene Wenger suff er defeat to Bayern Munich. Three brought results and guided Ever- commitment is at a maximum level,” the But Pochettino has yet to win a trophy other runner-up places grace Klopp’s ew Everton manager ton to eighth in the league last Argentinian said. in any of his coaching stints, at Espanyol Wenger is available and has the name and CV, including the English League Cup Marco Silva expects season but fans were largely un- “We need to relax and take things as (2009-2012), Southampton (2013-2014) the top-level experience, having coached (2016), the Europa League (2016) and his players to match his happy with his style of play. they come. After that we’ll see what hap- or Tottenham. Pochettino signed a new, Arsenal for 22 years in England’s Premier this season’s Champions League. commitment and “de- “My style is to play to win pens.” Nsire” to help the Merseyside club matches,” added Silva, whose improved contract extension until 2023 League and, less regularly, in Real’s Zidane shocked Real by revealing he last week and Spanish sports newspaper favourite playground of the Champions Jose Maria ‘Guti’ Gutierrez improve in the Premier League previous teams have shown was leaving the club just days after mak- AS reported yesterday that it does not League. But would Real Madrid’s demand- next season. plenty of attacking fl air. ing history by winning a third successive contain any written agreement allowing ing fans back the 68-year-old Frenchman, In the absence of a standout favourite Former Watford and Hull “It is clear that if we play bet- Champions League title. him to leave if Real make an approach. whose last piece of silverware with the from outside the club, Real president City boss Silva was announced ter than our opponent, if we have Pochettino said he could understand Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is a notori- Gunners came in 2017 with the FA Cup? Florentino Perez could opt to promote on Thursday, the 40-year-old better football, then we are closer the pressure that the Frenchman had ously tough negotiator, but apparently His last league honours date back 13 from within and push their under-19s replacing Sam Allardyce who to winning the match. been under. has good relations with Real president years to 2004, proving the steady decline coach Jose Maria Gutierrez, known as left the club after six months in Silva was sacked by Watford in “When a name is associated with Real Florentino Perez. during his long reign. Wenger spent the Guti, into the Real hot seat. A former star charge at Goodison Park. January, with the club blaming Madrid, the expectations are immense... intervening years trying, unsuccess- midfielder for Real, who made over 500 “It is important to talk about Everton for their “unwarranted Football throws up circumstances you Antonio Conte fully, to replicate the success of his early appearances between 1995 and 2010, desire,” Silva, who signed a approach” for him last Novem- don’t expect and you have to make the campaigns. Real, record 13-times winners Guti’s intimate knowledge of the club three-year deal, told Everton’s ber. However, the Portuguese is most of it each day. Amid claims that Chelsea’s players are fed of the Champions League including the would be a distinct advantage over his website. keen to move ahead after fi nally “What will be, will be.” up with his demanding training sessions last three years in succession, are used to rivals. As coach of Real’s under-19s, Guti “When you talk about desire, securing the Everton job. Spanish sports daily AS reported that and intense ways, Conte could soon be winning trophies and fans will expect a enjoyed regular contact with Zidane and you can talk about ambition, “I know the responsibility of Pochettino’s new contract does not in- on his way out of the club, who have been coach with lofty ambitions. his successful methods. On paper, the commitment and attitude — all being Everton manager. I know clude an agreement that he can leave Tot- linked to current Napoli coach Maurizio 41-year-old Guti is an outsider as he has these things that you can expect what is behind me, I know the tenham if Real make an approach for him. Sarri. But whether the 48-year-old Italian Jurgen Klopp yet to cut his coaching teeth at senior are important in our team.” big-club history and what the Pochettino led Spurs to third place in is an adequate replacement for the taci- coaching level — although, prior to his Allardyce had replaced sacked fans expect,” he said. the Premier League in the just-complet- turn Zidane, and the right choice for such Leading Liverpool to the Champions appointment in 2016, the same could be Dutch manager Ronald Koeman “That is really important for ed season, behind Manchester United and a demanding club, is up for debate. Conte League final, and a 3-1 defeat to Real last said about Zidane. in November with the club 13th me and important to feel that runaway winners Manchester City. and fi ve points above the relega- confi dence in my work.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, June 2, 2018 NBA

SPOTLIGHT Cavaliers feel ‘robbed’ aft er Warriors win Finals opener A physical, heated and emotional game marked the start of the fourth finals in a row between the teams

AFP Oakland, United States In the final seconds, Cleveland Cavaliers’ JR Smith (bottom right) instead of trying for a winning layup, moved away from Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant (right) at the controversial video review hoop as the game went into overtime. (AFP) foul reversal left Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue feeling “robbed” after the Golden StateA Warriors ripped the Cavaliers 124-114 in overtime in Thursday night’s NBA Finals opener. Stephen Curry scored 29 points, Kevin Durant added 26 and Klay Thompson had 24 to spark the defend- ing champions to victory despite LeB- ron James scoring a playoff career-high 51 points in defeat. “To do what he did tonight and come out robbed, it’s just not right,” Lue said. A physical, heated and emotional game marked the start of the fourth fi nals in a row between the teams and the eighth in a row involving James, who echoed Lue’s theft theme. “There were some plays that we had taken away from us,” James said. “We’re in the fi ght now. They got a great taste of it tonight.” The crucial moment came with 36.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quar- ter as Durant was whistled for a charg- ing foul that was overturned on video review into a blocking foul on James, giving Durant two free throws he made to lift the Warriors level at 104-104. “I read that play just as well as I’ve read any play in my career, maybe in my life,” James said. “I seen the play happening. I was outside the charge line. I stepped in, took the contact. It’s a huge play.” Lue said James was clearly outside the line so the play never should have been reviewed, much less reversed. “For our team to come out and play their hearts out and compete the way we did, man, I mean, it’s bad,” Lue said. “It has never been done, ever, in the history of the game. And then tonight in the fi nals on the biggest stage, when Golden State coach Steve Kerr said After play resumed, James hit an in- said. “He could have taken a shot, but didn’t think I was going to shoot it over Green, who had the ball shoved in his our team played well, played our ass off , he had seen such a reversal “not often, side shot and Curry answered with a he dribbled out. I guess he thought they KD. If I thought we were ahead, I would face for his trouble as teammates kept man, it ain’t right. It ain’t right.” but I’ve seen it a couple times.” 3-point play but Cleveland’s George were ahead. We got lucky.” have just held on to the ball and let them them apart. Referee Ken Mauer defended the Durant said he had a block-charge Hill made a free throw to pull the Cavs Lue said Smith thought the Cavs foul me.” Durant, who had three blocks, “It wasn’t really a verbal altercation,” choice to review the call. “We had reversal in the regular season. “I knew level at 107-107 with 4.7 seconds re- were ahead but Smith said he thought said, “If he had tried to put a layup up, I Green said. “Nothing really. It is what it doubt as to whether or not James was in once it was 30 seconds to go that they maining in the fourth quarter. the game was tied and was trying for had a good chance to contest it.” is. Life goes on.” Curry and James were the restricted area,” Mauer said. “It was could review that situation,” Durant When Hill missed the second free a fi nal shot. “Kevin was standing right Golden State opened overtime with talking during a break to review the determined he was out of the restricted said. “I knew he was late on the drive throw, Cleveland’s JR Smith grabbed there. I tried to bring it out and get a 9-0 run and the Cavs never had a incident. It’s going to happen. There’s area but he was not in a legal guard- and I knew I had my man beat and he the rebound. But instead of trying for enough space to maybe get a shot off ,” chance. But with the outcome not in going to be chatter,” Curry said. “We’ve ing position prior to Durant’s separate came over a little late. So when they a winning layup, he moved away from Smith said. “I thought we were go- doubt, Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson gotten very familiar with each other shooting motion. So we had to change called the charge I was surprised, but Durant at the hoop and the game went ing to take a timeout because I got the made a fl agrant foul on a last-second over the last four years. At the end of it to a blocking foul.” I’m glad they reviewed it.” into overtime. “We got lucky,” Kerr rebound. I’m pretty sure everybody shot and was taunted by Draymond the day it’s a bunch of nothing.”

BOTTOMLINE FOCUS King James rules the court in Cavs, Warriors set physical heroic Game One defeat tone for intense rivalry AFP Reuters Oakland, United States Oakland, United States leveland superstar Le- eBron James said the fact that his Bron James vows an 51-point performance in Game One intense emotional and of the NBA Finals on Thursday night physical tone to the NBA ended with a Cleveland Cavaliers FinalsC after a grueling opener on Lloss underscores just how diffi cult it will be Thursday night saw stars injured to dethrone the defending champion Golden and passions aroused. Defending State Warriors. champion Golden State’s 124-114 James was sensational throughout the overtime triumph over the Cava- tightly contested aff air which the Warri- liers to tipoff the best-of-seven ors won 124-114 when their potent off ense series promises a heated and moved up a gear in overtime. “We under- bruising game two today. stand how diffi cult and how challenging this “I don’t think a message needs task is,” James told reporters after the game, to be said,” James said. “We’re which marked the fourth consecutive year in the fi ght now. The fi nals have the teams have met in the Finals. started and they got a great taste “You take it all the way throughout the of it tonight. They know what to night thinking about it and ways you could expect when we play again.” Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors players clash during have been better and plays that could have Four-time NBA Most Valu- Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at in Oakland, California. (AFP) happened that could have gone your way able Player James scored a career and didn’t go your way or things you could playoff -high 51 points, the most “I’m going to give him the benefi t so that’s what I do.” It’s the fi rst have done. And you wake up tomorrow with in fi nals history in a losing cause of the doubt. I think he was go- time in American sports history a fresh mind and you move forward.” and the most in any fi nals game ing for the ball,” Thompson said. that two teams have met for the One thing that did not go the Cavs’ way since Michael Jordan struck for “I’ve got a sore ligament. I’m title four years in a row. Familiar- was a blocking call on James, which offi - 53 in 1993 against Phoenix. happy it’s just a muscle that got ity is quickly breeding contempt. cials initially ruled as a charge against War- “It was great. I mean, it was strained. No damage.” “Every series, by the time you riors forward Kevin Durant with the change epic and he did enough to car- Thompson returned and get to game three or four, you’re of decision allowing Golden State to tie the ry this team to a victory,” Cavs scored 24 points, joining Cur- tired of those guys. We have histo- game in the fi nal minute. coach Tyronn Lue said. “To do ry’s 29 and Durant with 26 ry with these guys and it started in The Cavs also had the ball with a little what he did tonight and come out while Draymond Green added game one,” said Tristan Thomp- less than fi ve seconds to play when guard JR robbed, it’s just not right.” 13 points, 11 rebounds and nine son. “That’s what the playoff s are Smith secured a rebound on a missed free The eff ort, hitting 19-of-32 assists. “It was a crazy game,” about — toughness, energy and throw but failed to get a shot off with the shots and 3-of-7 from 3-point said Golden State guard Stephen grit. Only two teams left standing game tied at 107-107. The night was a his- range, came despite James get- Curry.”In the fi nals, anything is so whoever wants to die and fi ght toric one for James, who is the only player ting poked in the right eye by liable to happen.” for that trophy will get it.” other than Michael Jordan to score more Draymond Green in the second Green sparked an incident in Intensity went over the top than 50 points in a Finals game since 1970. Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (right) pushes Golden State Warriors guard quarter on a drive to the basket. the dying seconds of overtime two years ago when Green struck His performance drew strong praise from Stephen Curry as Klay Thompson intervenes during the NBA Finals. (USA TODAY Sports) “My eye has been better. It’s with the game decided, taunting James in the groin and was sus- Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who played pretty much blurry and it got Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson pended for a game. Without him, alongside Jordan at the Chicago Bulls. “They volved. “I just try to do whatever it takes ways live in the present,” he said. “I think we worse and worse as the game after a fl agrant foul and getting the Warriors lost and went on to have a guy who is playing basketball at a to help our team win and try to be a triple played as well as — tonight we played as well went on,” James said. “So I’ll deal the ball thrust in his face for his drop three in a row and the fi - level that I’m not sure anybody’s ever seen threat out on the fl oor off ensively and being as we’ve played all post-season, and we gave with that over the next couple trouble. “I heard him,” the Cavs’ nals, becoming the fi rst team to before, when you consider everything he’s able to score, rebound, and get my guys in- ourselves a chance possession after posses- days.” Thompson said. “And the rest is squander a 3-1 fi nals lead. Nev- doing,” Kerr said. volved,” he said sion after possession. There were just some Warriors guard Klay Thomp- history.” ertheless, Curry said he’s happy James, who has carried his fourth-seeded Asked if the loss was one of the most dis- plays that were kind of taken away from us. son suff ered a bruised left leg in Asked if emotions will con- to have Green when a game gets Cavs to his eighth consecutive NBA Finals, appointing of his career in Finals games, Simple as that.” The Cavaliers and Warriors the fi rst quarter after Cavs guard tinue to hit the boiling point, chippy. “It’s empowering all the said the key to success would be staying James said it probably was. “Because it’s meet for Game Two of the best-of-seven JR Smith slipped into him from Thompson replied, “My job is way around,” Curry said. “Glad aggressive and getting his team mates in- right now, I would say yeah because I al- series in Oakland today. behind and knocked him over. to bring the toughness, energy, he’s on my team.” Gulf Times Saturday, June 2, 2018 7 SPORT

DIAMOND LEAGUE NFL Lawyer in Kaepernick case promises Baker beats Coleman ‘dramatic turn’ olin Kaepernick’s col- lusion case against the NFL “is about to take a dramatic turn,” accord- ingC to his attorney. Lawyer Mark Geragos made the comment on again to win 100m Wednesday night. Geragos fol- lowed up by saying, “Somebody has decided they were going to Coleman, the world silver medallist, complained of a leg problem and pulled up towards the end dime out the NFL for what they were doing.” AFP Free agents Kaepernick, a Rome quarterback, and Eric Reid, a defensive back, previously fi led a grievance against the NFL, onnie Baker sprinted to a sec- maintaining that clubs are ond men’s 100m triumph in refusing to sign them strictly less than a week, winning the because they have refused to Rome Diamond League meet stand for the national anthem onR Thursday night as US rival Christian before games. Coleman faded to fourth. A late acceler- Earlier this week, Geragos ation saw the US 60m indoor champion went on the Straight Aim pod- power to a new personal and season best cast with host Amy Dash, who 9.93sec with France’s Jimmy Vicaut stated that he faced a tough task second in 10.02 and Italy’s Filippo Tortu proving collusion on the part of snatching third place in 10.04. NFL owners. Geragos replied, Coleman, the world silver medallist, “Well, unless you’ve got an complained of a leg problem and pulled owner under penalty of perjury up towards the end. “Today was defi - testifying that he changed his nitely a confi dence booster, to have two mind after he was told what wins in two races under my belt is great Trump said.” but I know I have to keep working hard,” That was a reference to Presi- said Baker. Baker had beaten Coleman dent Donald Trump saying NFL last Sunday with a wind-aided 9.78 in teams should fi re players who Eugene as the battle heats up for men’s refused to stand for the anthem. 100m supremacy in the post-Usain Asked by Dash is he had such Bolt era. “Every race is anybody’s race, evidence, Geragos said, “Yeah. it’s never a defi nite between myself and Well, bingo.” Christian,” said 24-year-old Baker. Kaepernick, 30, fi rst sat “I was third here last year so to win during the anthem in the 2016 is super exciting, to run a personal is season and then knelt. Eventu- amazing for me. It’s really exciting that ally he was joined by some San things are starting to click together. Francisco 49ers teammates, My next race is the US champs in two including safety Eric Reid, and weeks. I always feel nervous with these players on other teams followed huge crowds but I hope to make and win suit. Kaepernick, who led the the Diamond League fi nal.” 49ers to the Super Bowl after Qatar’s Abderrahaman Samba also the 2012 season, was out of the shone in the fourth round of the Dia- NFL for all of 2017. Reid, 26, mond League series as he confi rmed his appeared in 13 games for San recent form with a blistering time in the Francisco last season but is cur- men’s 400m hurdles. Samba, a 22-year- rently unsigned. old who previously competed for Mau- ritania, added to his win in Doha, with BOWLEN’S DAUGHTER a a new Diamond League and Asian Ronnie Baker (left) of the US sprints to win the men’s 100m event during the IAAF Diamond League at the Comunal Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Thursday night. (AFP) SEEKS OWNERSHIP record time of 47.48, leaving Norway’s OF BRONCOS world champion Karsten Warholm complete her set after silver in Shang- 5.84 metres. World 100m and 200m her discipline for the seventh year. 2. Andrius Gudzius (LTU) 68.17; 3. Ehsan The second-oldest child of Den- trailing second in 47.82. hai and bronze in Doha, with Jamaica’s women’s silver medallist Marie-Josee Hadadi (IRI) 65.93 ver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, America’s Georganne Moline also Danielle Williams second (12.82) as Ta Lou moved up from the 100m win in TOP 3 DIAMOND LEAGUE RESULTS Beth Bowlen Wallace, informed set a scorching pace for a season’s best McNeal trailed in ninth. Kenya reigned Eugene, winning the 200m with as sea- MEN: 100m: 1. Ronnie Baker (USA) 9.93sec; WOMEN: 200m: 1. Marie-Josee Ta Lou the NFL and team offi cials she 53.97sec in the women’s 400m hurdles. supreme in the middle distance events son’s best 22.49sec. 2. Jimmy Vicaut (FRA) 10.02; 3. Filippo (CIV) 22.49sec; 2. Ivet Lalova (BUL) 22.64; 3. wants to be named controlling “Finally I am in the race for the dia- completing podium sweeps in both the Commonwealth champion Fedrick Tortu (ITA) 10.04 Mujinga Kambundji (SUI) 22.76 owner of the team. monds!” said Moline after recaptur- men’s 800m and the women’s 3,000m Dacres of Jamaica was the surprise win- 400m: 1. Fred Kerley (USA) 44.33 sec 2. 400m: 1. Salwa Eid Naser (BRN) 50.51sec; “My father’s legacy is very ing the event she won back in 2015. She steeplechase, and going 1-2 in the men’s ner of the men’s discus with a throw Abdelalelah Haroun (QAT) 44.37 3. Paul 2. Stephenie Ann McPherson (JAM) 50.69; important to me and my family,” spoilt Janieve Russell’s bid for a third 1500m and steeplechase. of 68.51 metres. The 24-year-old from Dedewo (USA) 44.58. 3. Jaide Stepter (USA) 51.47 Bowlen Wallace said, in part, in Rome title with the Jamaican, who won In the women’s steeplechase US Kingston left Lithuania’s world cham- 800m: 1. Wycliff e Kinyamal (KEN) 1:44.65; 100m hurdles: 1. Sharika Nelvis (USA) a news release.”It is my desire in Eugene last week, second in 54.08. world champion Emma Coburn started pion Andrius Gudzius trailing in second 2. Ferguson Rotich Cheruiyot (KEN) 1:44.74; 12.76sec; 2. Danielle Williams (JAM) 12.82; 3. to lead this team with the same Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad strong leading her rivals but fell allow- with 68.17. 3. Jonathan Kiprotich Kitilit (KEN) 1:44.78 Oluwatobi Amusan (NGR) 12.86 passion my father did and help was third in 54.65. ing Kenyan trio of Hyvin Kiyeng, Cel- Germany’s Robert Harting, the 2012 1,500m: 1. Timothy Cheruiyot (KEN) 400m hurdles: 1. Georganne Moline (USA) the Broncos become Super Bowl South Africa’s Luvo Manyonga won a liphine Chepteek Chespol and Norah Olympic champion, was fi fth best, with 3:31.22; 2. Elijah Motonei Manangoi (KEN) 53.97sec; 2. Janieve Russell (JAM) 54.08; 3. champions again. battle in the men’s long jump with 8.58 Jeruto to race to the top three spots re- four-time Diamond Trophy winner Pi- 3:33.79; 3. Samuel Tefera (ETH) 3:34.84 Dalilah Muhammad (USA) 54.65 I have the ambition, experi- metres to edge out Cuba’s Juan Miguel spectively. otr Malachowski of Poland ninth. 400m hurdles: 1. Abderrahaman Samba 3,000m steeplechase: 1. Hyvin Kiyeng ence and drive, and my mentor Echevarria, as Russia’s two-time world “Had I not fallen I would have won,” Croatia’s two-time world and Olym- (QAT) 47.48sec; 2. Karsten Warholm (NOR) Jepkemoi (KEN) 9:04.96; 2. Celliphine in running a winning NFL fran- champion Mariya Lasitskene, compet- said Coburn who trailed in fourth. “It pic champion Sandra Perkovic won the 47.82; 3. Yasmani Copello (TUR) 48.63 Chepteek Chespol (KEN) 9:05.14; 3. Norah chise is the best in the business ing as a neutral, continued her domina- was just a back luck day.” “I feel good women’s discus for the 40th Diamond Long jump: 1. Luvo Manyonga (RSA) Jeruto Tanui (KEN) 9:07.17 — my father.” tion of the women’s high jump winning about my win even more as this is my League victory of her career and third 8,58m; 2. Juan Miguel Echevarría (CUB) High jump: 1. Maria Kuchina (RUS) 2.02m; Bowlen Wallace said on in 2.02 metres. fi rst race of the season,” said former here in Rome. 8,53; 3. Rushwal Samaai (RSA) 8,34 2. Mirela Demireva (BUL) 1.94; 3. Elena Val- Thursday she met the criteria Olympic champion Brianna McNeal world champion Kiyeng. “I’m proud to be the most success- Pole vault: 1. Sam Kendricks (USA) 5.84m; lortigara (ITA) 1.94 laid out by her father to assume crashed in the women’s 100m hurdles American world pole vault champion ful athlete in Diamond League history,” 2. Pawel Wojciechowski (POL) 5.78; 3. Discus: 1. Sandra Perkovic (CRO) 68.93m; the most prominent position in after her wins in Doha and Shanghai. Sam Kendricks claimed back-to-back added Perkovic, 27, who remains on Raphael Holzdeppe (GER) 5.62 2. Yaime Pérez (CUB) 66.62; 3. Denia Cabal- the fl ow chart of the Broncos’ American Sharika Nelvis won in 12.76 to wins after Eugene with a season’s best track to win the Diamond League title in Discus: 1. Fedrick Dacres (JAM) 68.51m; lero (CUB) 63.48 franchise.

MLB Nola shuts down Dodgers as Phillies spoil Kershaw’s return

Reuters ning, as Cleveland outscored Minne- on a four-hitter, and Ben Zobrist fi n- Los Angeles sota in Minneapolis. Jose Ramirez also Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Scott ished a triple shy of the cycle as visiting went deep as the Indians recorded their Kingery (right) falls after tagging out Chicago beat New York. The Cubs have sixth straight victory. Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman won four of fi ve. The Mets have lost six aron Nola allowed just one run Ramirez and Jason Kipnis each had Justin Turner. (USA TODAY Sports) of eight. over seven innings on Thurs- two hits for Cleveland, and Melky Ca- Quintana (6-4) allowed three hits day, and Jorge Alfaro drove in brera drove in two runs. and two walks while striking out six. two runs as the visiting Phila- Miguel Sano slugged a tying three- Brandon Morrow inherited a two-on, delphiaA Phillies held on for a 2-1 victory run homer in the seventh inning for two-out situation in the ninth and re- over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los An- Minnesota, which recovered from an tired Amed Rosario on a fi elder’s choice geles ace Clayton Kershaw went fi ve in- 8-0 defi cit. Logan Morrison and Edu- for his 13th save. nings in his fi rst start in nearly a month, ardo Escobar hit back-to-back homers giving up one run on four hits before in the sixth inning, but the Twins still A’S 7, RAYS 3 leaving due to back tightness. lost for the seventh time in eight games. Daniel Mengden took a shutout into the The lefty was due to undergo an MRI ninth inning, Matt Olson, Matt Chap- exam on his back. Kershaw last pitched MARINERS 6, RANGERS 1 man and Matt Joyce each hit home May 1, spending time on the disa- Nelson Cruz hit a home run and had runs, and host Oakland beat Tampa Bay bled list with left biceps tendinitis. He three RBIs, and Wade LeBlanc pitched to avoid a four-game sweep. Mengden walked one and struck out fi ve. Nola fi ve solid innings for his fi rst victory (6-4) allowed three runs on six hits and (7-2) struck out seven, including six of of the season as Seattle defeated visit- two walks with fi ve strikeouts in eight- the last eight batters he faced. He gave ing Texas. Cruz’s two-run shot to left- plus innings. up one run for the second consecutive center fi eld off left-hander Mike Minor Stephen Piscotty hit a two-run dou- outing and fi nished May having al- with two outs in the third inning gave ble and Mark Canha also had an RBI for lowed one earned run or less in fi ve of the Mariners a 3-0 lead. the Athletics. Wilson Ramos had a two- his six starts. It was Cruz’s 10th homer of the sea- run double and Christian Arroyo added Seranthony Dominguez recorded the son. LeBlanc (1-0) allowed one run on an RBI double for the Rays, who had fi nal six outs for his second save. four hits, walked two and struck out won fi ve straight. four. James Pazos, Juan Nicasio and CARDINALS 10, PIRATES 8 Chasen Bradford combined for four TIGERS 6, ANGELS 2 Yairo Munoz hit a walk-off , three-run scoreless innings of relief as the Mari- Victor Reyes smacked a bases-loaded homer to cap a fi ve-run ninth inning ners snapped a two-game losing streak With Jose Pirela on fi rst following a fourth en route to a win over Boston. two walks while striking out two. Dan triple during a fi ve-run fi rst inning, and give St. Louis a win over visiting and split the four-game series. game-opening single, Villanueva drove Correa belted a 2-1 fastball from Red Winkler pitched a scoreless eighth. Ar- and Detroit’s pitching staff made the Pittsburgh. The rookie shortstop dou- the fi rst pitch he saw from Wei-Yin Sox left-hander Drew Pomeranz out odys Vizcaino pitched around a double lead stand up in a victory over visiting bled his career RBI total by knocking in PADRES 8, MARLINS 3 Chen 378 feet into the left fi eld stands. to left fi eld, scoring Alex Bregman and and struck out the side in the ninth to Los Angeles. Reyes added two more hits fi ve runs. Mike Mayers (2-0) pitched a Christian Villanueva hit a two-run Villanueva’s 15 home runs are the most staking the Astros to a 2-0 lead. Lance earn his 10th save in 12 tries. and a run while Nicholas Castellanos perfect 1 1/3 innings for the win. Josh homer in the fi rst inning, Eric Hosmer ever by a Padres rookie before June McCullers Jr.(7-3) tossed six innings The win in the fi rst game of the four- had three hits and a run. Bell and Francisco Cervelli homered for had three hits and three RBIs, and Jor- 1 and the most by a National League of two-run ball. Ken Giles pitched a game series enabled the Braves to re- Infi elder Ronny Rodriguez contrib- the Pirates, who have lost 10 of their dan Lyles retired 13 of the last 14 batters rookie before June 1 since Albert Pujols scoreless ninth for his 10th save. gain fi rst place in the NL East, a half- uted two hits and a run in his major past 13. he faced as San Diego defeated visiting had 16 in 2001. game ahead of Washington, which saw league debut. Detroit starting pitcher Miami. The win was the Padres’ third BRAVES 4, NATIONALS 2 its six-game winning streak snapped. Ryan Carpenter (right oblique strain) INDIANS 9, TWINS 8 straight to end the four-game series. ASTROS 4, RED SOX 2 Sean Newcomb pitched seven strong and third baseman Jeimer Candelario Francisco Lindor went 4-for-5 with Lyles (2-1) allowed two runs in seven Carlos Correa hit a two-run homer innings and drove in a run as Atlanta CUBS 5, METS 1 (left hand contusion) exited due to in- two homers and four RBIs, including innings, and Brad Hand got the fi nal out in the fi rst inning, and host Houston beat visiting Washington. Newcomb Jose Quintana tossed six scoreless in- juries, but the Tigers still won for third the tiebreaking blast in the eighth in- for his 17th save. scored twice on infi eld grounders in the (6-1) allowed two runs on four hits and nings and combined with four relievers time in the four-game series.

Saturday, June 2, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Przygonski sets up nail-biting fi nish to Rally Kazakhstan Qatar’s Adel Abdulla continues his charge to post a third successive fastest time in T2

By A Correspondent Aktau City, Kazakhstan Qatar’s Adel Abdulla in action.

he fastest time on the penulti- mate 298.04km special stage by FIA World Cup leader Ja- kub Przygonski has set up the Tprospect of a nail-biting fi nale to Rally Kazakhstan. The Pole and Belgian navi- gator Tom Colsoul guided their X-raid MINI John Cooper Works Rally to a time of 2hrs 48min 19sec on the short timed section to the north of Aktau City yesterday but, more importantly, they beat teammate Yazeed al-Rajhi by 6min 26sec. They now trail the Saudi Arabian driver – who suff ered navigational is- sues from opening the stage – by just 2min 12sec heading into a MINI show- down by the Caspian Sea today. Przygonski said: “It was a good stage for us because the plan was to win and Hunt said: “It was a really nice stage, But Chernenkov lost his chance of POSITIONS AFTER SS5 go as fast as possible. We made good fast and a lot of bumps. At the begin- winning the T2 category when he in- 1. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo Gottschalk lines, great navigation from Tom and a ning it was sandy and there were some curred 100 hours of time penalties on (DEU) MINI John Cooper Works Rally 16hrs good rhythm. We are really happy.” dunes in the middle before it became Friday and that handed a great chance 41min 37sec Everything is okay, but it was not very fast at the end. We had two punc- to Ivanov and Abykayev. Adel Abdulla 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Colsoul easy to open the road,” said al-Rajhi. tures. We were good, then we had a continued his charge and set a third (BEL) MINI John Cooper Works Rally 16hrs “We got lost three times!” puncture on the back left after 70km, successive fastest time, as Ivanov com- 43min 49sec The Russian duo of Vladimir Vasi- and we were good and we had another pleted the special 8min 32sec behind 3. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin lyev and Konstantin Zhiltsov dropped one. Then we had some other issues. the Qatari to take a lead over Abykayev Zhiltsov (RUS) MINI Cooper Countryman over fi ve minutes to the stage winner There was a dead horse in the road of 38min 35sec into the last day. 16hrs 48min 22sec and could well have lost their chance book, so we had to be careful. This is a T3 overnight leader Santiago Navar- 4. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Jan Tomanek (CZE) of outright victory in a MINI Cooper trial for the rest of the season. We may ro extended his lead over Spaniard José Ford F-150 Evo16hrs 55min 15sec Countryman. They slipped to third change some things on the car for the Pena Campo to 33min 10sec with the 5. Luc Alphand (FRA)/Andreas Schulz overall but actually closed the gap on rest of the season.” fastest time, as Kazakh Dmitry Pitulov (DEU) MINI John Cooper Works Buggy leader al-Rajhi from 8min 05sec to Yerden Shagirov bounced back to and Frenchman Patrice Garrouste re- 18hrs 01min 07sec 6min 45sec. But the fi nal stage is short form with the eighth fastest time, as mained entrenched in third and fourth 6. Boris Gadasin (RUS)/Igor Petenko (RUS) by Kazakh standards and there will be Viktor Khoroshavtsev (MINI John places with hefty time penalties. G-Force Bars 18hrs 10min 20sec limited opportunities to make up that Cooper Works Rally) regained sev- Sergey Kupriyanov cruised through 7. Victor Khoroshavtsev (RUS)/Dmitry kind of time diff erence. enth position at the expense of Rus- the fi fth stage and remains on course Pavlov (RUS) MINI John Cooper Works Czech driver Martin Prokop deliv- sia’s Andrey Rudskoy, who fell to ninth for the National Rally win in his Team Rally 18hrs 45min 25sec ered another solid stage in his Ford overall but remained well clear of 10th- Kamaz Masters truck after Russian 8. Harry Hunt (GBR)/Sebastien Delaunay F-150 Evo to remain in fourth overall, placed Denis Krotov, Germany’s Jürgen teammate and the day’s stage winner (FRA) Peugeot 3008 DKR 18hrs 57min 27sec while Frenchman Luc Alphand bounced Schröder in 11th and Shagirov (12th). Andrey Karginov suff ered problems on 9. Andrey Rudskoy (RUS)/Evgenii Zagorod- back from four days of niggles to set the Kirill Chernenkov dropped 58 min- day four and incurred 100 hours of time niuk (RUS) G-Force Bars 19hrs 34min 03sec second quickest time in X-raid’s MINI utes to Qatar’s Adel Abdulla on the penalties. 10. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Dmytro Tsyro Buggy and consolidated fi fth position. Jakub Przygonski of Poland clocked the fastest time on penultimate stage. fourth stage but the Kazakh extend- Today, marks the fi nal selective sec- (RUS) BMW X3 CC 21hrs 14min 49sec Alphand said: “This was a pretty ed his lead over Russia’s Konstantin tion of the event. Crews will tackle a 11. Jürgen Schröder (DEU)/Daniel good day. It was a nice stage again. We three little stops and we got a little lost England’s Harry Hunt (PH Sport Peu- Ivanov to 43min 49sec before the start short 148.52km section to the north of Schröder (DEU) Nissan Navara 21hrs 21min were more comfortable in the Buggy. one time. The car has great potential. geot 3008 DKR) delivered impressive of stage fi ve. OFF-ROAD Kazakhstan’s Aktau City that fi nishes with a scenic 04sec There was a lot of sand and more jumps We still need to work on a few things. stage performances to record the third Marat Abykayev retained a comfortable blast along the shoreline of the Caspian 12. Yerden Shagirov (KAZ)/Vladimir Demy- and that’s why the Buggy was cool. The When it is ready, it will be fantastic.” and fourth fastest times and hold sixth third position after Abdulla incurred Sea before the ceremonial fi nish later in anenko (RUS) Toyota Hilux 21hrs 24min dunes were not so diffi cult. We had G-Force driver Boris Gadasin and and eighth in the overall rankings. further time penalties. the afternoon. 28sec

FOCUS LPGA Late eagle lift s Matsuyama Ariya off to impressive start as three share lead at US Open into share of Memorial lead AFP Miami Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn plays a tee shot during the first round of the US hailand’s Ariya Jutanu- Women’s Open. (AFP) garn had to overcome an abbreviated Wednesday practice round to fi re a Tfi ve-under-par 67 and grab a share of the opening round lead at the rain-hit US Women’s Open on Thursday. Ariya set the early pace in the morning session, mastering the sodden conditions to end the day in a three-way tie atop the lea- derboard with Australia’s Sarah Jane Smith and South Korea’s Lee Jeong-eun6. Call it blind luck, or whatever you want, but Ariya got off to an impressive start at the major championship despite not being able to practice on the front nine at all ahead of Thursday’s fi rst round because her clubs didn’t arrive with her fl ight. “My golf bag didn’t come on Monday,” said Ariya, who like the greens in regulation and tallied LEADING FIRST rest of the fi eld also saw practice only 28 putts across 18 holes. “My ROUND SCORES Hideki Matsuyama of Japan walks to the green on the 14th hole during the Memorial tournament. (AFP) rounds limited by heavy rain this game has been improving every USA unless noted, a-denotes week. “I played only nine holes week because I work so hard with amateur, par 72): AFP a smiling Woods said of his back. “It’s ag- 67. World number one Justin Thomas and the yesterday. I played the back nine my short game,” said Ariya, who 67 — Ariya Jutanugarn (THA), Sarah Dublin, United States ing and it’s surgeries. It is what it is. Just got player he supplanted atop the rankings, Dus- so it was tough for me today be- won fi ve times in 2016. “The last Jane Smith (AUS), Lee Jeong-eun6 to make the adjustments. I’m able to make tin Johnson, were at even par. cause I didn’t see the front.. I few months I have been playing (KOR) them now. At the beginning of the year, I Former world number one Rory Mcllroy pretty much trust my caddie. I pretty good.” 69 — Danielle Kang, Michelle Wie, ideki Matsuyama holed out for an wasn’t able to make them, because I didn’t struggled, sending two balls into the water know he is going to do a good job Ariya is tied with Smith and a-Linn Grant (SWE) eagle at the 17th as he surged into really know what to do yet. But now you see over his closing fi ve holes in an indiff erent so I can trust him.” Lee while another trio of golf- 70 — a-Patty Tavatanakit (THA), Mel three-way tie for the fi rst-round me making these adjustments on the fl y.” two-over par 74. McIlroy, and coming off a The rain at Alabama’s Shoal ers, Smith fi red an eagle and fi ve Reid (ENG), Luna Sobron Galmes lead alongside Abraham Ancer Woods played early, as did Mexico’s An- runner-up fi nish at the BMW PGA at Went- Creek course gave way to sun- birdies with two bogeys to join (ESP), a-Kristen Gillman, Emily Kris- Hand Joaquin Niemann at the Memorial on cer and 19-year-old Chilean sensation Nie- worth, was one-under par standing on the shine for the start of the fi rst the leading group. Lee, who car- tine Pedersen (DEN), Kim Hyo-joo Thursday. mann, both notching eight birdies with one 14th but found water left with his drive and round. Ariya, fresh from a superb ries the number “6” alongside (KOR), Madelene Sagstrom (SWE), The trio were tied on seven-under par 65 bogey to reach seven-under. Niemann is with his second shot down the last. victory at the LPGA Kingsmill her name to distinguish her from Nelly Korda, Kim Sei-young (KOR), in the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event at Muir- contesting just his fourth PGA Tour event Championship two weeks ago, fi ve other Korean golfers who Park In-bee (KOR), Kim Ji-hyun fi eld Village. Matsuyama, winner of the since turning pro immediately after last LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES took advantage to post fi ve bird- share the same name, had fi ve (KOR), Su Oh (AUS) event on his debut in 2014, fought back from month’s Masters. (USA unless noted, par 72): ies and an eagle with two bogeys. birdies without a bogey. 71 — Lindy Duncan, Lexi Thompson, back-to-back bogeys at the 10th and 11th He fi nished tied for eighth last week in 65 — Abraham Ancer (MEX), Joaquin Niemann The 22-year-old from Bang- The trio were two shots in Hsu Wei-Ling (TPE), Chella Choi with a run of four straight birdies starting at Fort Worth, a second top-10 fi nish after his (CHI), Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) kok maintained the conditions front of former US Open win- (KOR), Lydia Ko (NZL), Choi Hye-jin the 13th. He punctuated his blistering run by share of sixth in the Texas Open as he tries 66 — Beau Hossler at Shoal Creek were more chal- ner Michelle Wie, 18-year-old (KOR) holing his 136-yard second shot at the par- to use the seven tournament invitations at 67 — Jamie Lovemark, Grayson Murray, Kyle lenging than they appeared after amateur Linn Grant of Sweden 72 — Casey Danielson, Sophie four 17th for an eagle two. his disposal to secure his tour status. “Af- Stanley, Lucas Glover the rain. “The course is playing and American Danielle Kang. Walker (ENG), a-Elizabeth Wang, Five-time Memorial winner Tiger Woods ter having played in four tournaments and I 68 — An Byeong-hun An (KOR), Patrick Cantlay, pretty tough, and some holes Wie’s round included back-to- Wichanee Meechai (THA), Mo Mar- also fi nished strong, fi ghting back from have been playing really well,” he said. Patrick Rogers, Wesley Bryan, Ryan Amour, pretty long,” she said. “It’s pretty back birdies on her 11th and 12th tin, Jennifer Song, Minjee Lee (AUS), four-over through seven holes to post an “And after those two top-10s, I have Jason Day (AUS), Keegan Bradley wet and it’s pretty hard to have holes, part of an error-free back a-Albane Valenzuela (SUI), a-Hailee even par 72. gained a lot of confi dence in my game and 69 — Peter Uihlein, Gary Woodland, Brian Gay, like good distance, second shot nine display. Cooper, Olafia Kristinsdottir (ISL), Woods, who insisted a “stiff ” back that I’m also feeling better and I feel able to be David Lingmerth (SWE), Bryson DeChambeau, to the green.” World number one Park In- Jane Park, Kim In-kyung (KOR), bothered him in the early going was nothing out here and play good golf.” Alex Cejka (GER), Branden Grace (RSA), Andrew Ariya said her recent run of bee headed a group on 12 players Jenny Shin, Georgia Hall (ENG), Jodi to worry about as he continues his comeback American Beau Hossler was alone in fourth Dorn form was the result of inten- on 70 that also included Austral- Ewart Shadoff (ENG), Caroline Mas- from back surgery, birdied three in a row on on 66 while four others, including former US 70 — Bill Haas, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), Kevin sive work on her short game. ia’s Su Oh, American Nelly Korda son (GER), a-Lucy Li, Megan Khang, his inward run. “I just have days like that,” Open champion Lucas Glover shared fi fth on Kisner, Billy Horschel, JB Holmes On Thursday, Ariya hit 14 of 18 and Denmark’s Emily Pedersen. a-Gina Kim