SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2019 SPORT 17 It was an amazing match. It was my first five-set match at Dominic Thiem after defeating FOOTBALL Novak Djokovic in French Open Women’s World Cup: Roland Garros so it was a good ICC World Cup: India vs one to have. semi-final. Brazil vs Jamaica

Australia ACTION TODAY’S

Froome eyes Woods and McIlroy yearn for record 4th Criterium old-school US Open challenge triumph AFP AFP thought it was just narrow USGAA officials were also pilpil-- inin 1992 before Woods marmarchedc PARIS LOS ANGELES fairways, hit it in the fairway or loried lastst year at ShinnecocShinnecockk toto a stunning 15-str15-stroke hack it out, move on,” he said of Hills, whenen chief executive Mike vvictoryictory in 2000 aand Chris Froome embarks Tiger Woods would love to see the old-school approach. Davis admitteddmitted ttheirheir zeazeall to GraeGraememe MMcDowellcDowell tri- today on the mountainous a classic US Open test next week “Now there’s chipping areas In my head, growing make thee US OOpenpen the “ultimate” umphedumphed in 2010.2010. eight-day stage race of the at Pebble Beach, where the US around the greens. There’s less up watching the US test in golfolf backfired as higher ButBut not everyoneveryone is Criterium du Dauphine, the Golf Association will be under rough. They try to make the than expectedpected winds dried out ccertainertain that a returnreturn to race traditionally seen as heavy scrutiny after wind- Open different, and strategically Open, that was what the slopingng greens in Saturday’s Pebble will see the USGA,US a litmus test for July’s Tour whipped Shinnecock Hills different. my perception of the third round.nd. as McIlroy put it, “redeem“rede de France. teetered toward unfairness last “I just like it when there’s US Open was. It was Davisis admitted that by the themselves”. The four-time ‘Grande year. high rough and narrow fairways tight fairways. It was end of thehe day,day, some well exe-exe- “One hundred percentpercen of Boucle’ winner Froome Woods, whose 15 major titles and it’s ‘Go get it, boys.’ cuted shotshots not only weren’t the time they have messmessede it can test his prowess include three US Open triumphs “Woods traced the intro- thick rough. It was a rewardedd but were penalizedpenalized.. up if it doesn’t rain,” said Phil against most of the Tour’s starting with a record-setting duction of graduated rough to premium on accuracy The roundound rrecalledecalled thethe 22004004 Mickelson,Mickelson, a six-time US pretenders in Adam Yates, 2000 victory at Pebble Beach, Winged Foot in 2006 and the and precision. I think US Openn at Shinnecock, where Open runner-up who lacksla Richie Porte, Tom said the USGA has gotten away trend of flexible teeing grounds some of the golf the greensns dried out over the only his national champi-cham Dumoulin and Romain from what it does best with the to Torrey Pines in 2008 -- where weekendd to tthehe eextentxtent ththatat ssomeome onshiponship to completecomplete a careercar Bardet in a highly compet- introduction of graduated rough he won his most recent US Open courses we’ve played were virtuallytually unplaunplayable.yable. GrandGrand SSlam.lam. ““RainR itive field attracted by a and flexible teeing grounds. crown. and some of the set “It’s goinggoing to be isis the govergovernor.n tough route. “I didn’t agree with the set ups over the past really hardard to TThat’shat’s the oonly “It’s difficult to say up atat 14 inin ‘08,”‘08,” hehe saidsaid ofof thethe screw up ggovernorovernor ttheyh exactly where I am with hole shortened to 277 yards in couple of years went Pebble Beach,”Beach,” have. If they ddon’t my form because I haven’t thethe final roundround.. a little bit away from Americanan Rickie havehave a ggovernor,overn raced recently,” Froome “It“It was a greatgreat par-four,par-four, but that: Rory McIlroy Fowler said.aid. theythey don’t knowkn said this week. whywhy move it all the way up there “But you didn’t hohoww to cocontroln “But I’d like to be andand make it driveable?” said hole played as a par-four and the think Shinnecockhinnecock themselves.”themselves.” fighting for the win here. “I Woods,Woods, wwhoho noted that tee 18th a par-five for three rounds 2.0 wouldld happen, It’s a good, balanced groundground options were a notable but swapped those pars for one either.” route,” he said. factor at ChChambersambebebersrs B Bayayayiy in in 20152015 round. Pebblele Beach, with “There are a few lumpy --- whenwhen Northern Ireland’s Rory its breathtakinghtaking days, a time trial and then thet McIlroy, who won the 2011 US Pacificic some big mountain days. firstfirst Open on a rain-softened Con- Oceann We’ll definitely get a good gressional course, agreed he’d vistas, Tiger Woods gauge of where we are like to see a more traditional US has after doing this Dauphine Open set up. evolved as there’s a bit of every- “In my head, growing up into an thing there,” Froome watching the US Open, that was iconic added. what my perception of the US US Open Should Froome Open was,” McIlroy said. course actually emerge as the Rory McIlroy “It was tight fairways. It was since Jackk winner at the Swiss ski thick rough. It was a premium Nicklauss won resort of Champery next on accuracy and precision. I the firstt OOpenpen Sunday he will claim the think some of the golf courses held theree in 1972. record as the only man to we’ve played and some of the set Tom WatsWatsonon have won the title four ups over the past couple of years won therere 10 years times. went a little bit away from that.” later andd Tom Kite Kite F1 drivers better Raptors NBA crown can bring prepared than Canada hoops legacy full circle

ever, say bosses AFP played outside the United States TORONTO and the 13 Canadians on NBA rosters are the largest group REUTERS One’s younger drivers like An NBA crown for the Toronto from any nation beyond US MONTREAL Williams’ George Russell, Toro Raptors would bring basketball’s borders. Rosso’s Alexander Albon and legacy full circle for Canada, “This is a homecoming of Drivers are fitter and more McLaren’s 19-year-old rookie celebrating its deep roots as sorts for basketball in Canada,” prepared than ever Formula Lando Norris. birthplace of the sport’s inventor Silver said. It’s also the chance One team bosses said on Norris, in particular, took and site of the first NBA game. for a rare pro sports champion Friday, denying Lewis Hamil- exception to Hamilton’s The Raptors, trying to for Canada against American ton’s claims that F1 had concern over a trend towards become the first team from squads in the past quarter- become so easy physically young drivers. outside the United States to century. No Canadian team has that youngsters could step into “I don’t know why he capture the throne, beat Golden won the NHL’s Stanley Cup, typ- the cockpit without doing any would say it now, and not State 105-92 on Friday to seize ically on display in Toronto’s hard work. when he first started,” Norris a 3-1 lead on the defending Hockey Hall of Fame, since the Hamilton, who is looking told the Telegraph. champion Warriors in the best- 1993 Montreal Canadians. Five to match Michael Schu- “It must be targeted at me, of-seven series entering tomor- Canadian clubs have reached the macher’s Canada Grand Prix George and Alex, because row’s game five at Toronto. finals since then only to lose. record with a seventh win we’re the youngest in F1 and Canada’s only NBA club has Toronto Raptors’ Serge Ibaka (centre) The Toronto Blue Jays today, told reporters that I’m not suffering perhaps as aroused passion across a nation dunks the ball against Golden State haven’t won baseball’s World drivers should feel like they much as he thinks I should.” known more for its love of ice Series since back-to-back titles Warriors during the game four of the have run a marathon at the Haas team chief Guenther hockey, outdoor watch parties in 1992-1993. NBA Finals at Oracle Arena on Friday. end of race and recalled Steiner said that Hamilton at Toronto’s Jurassic Park And while Toronto FC, earlier drivers who were so may have forgotten that many inspiring others all over the founded in 2007, captured the exhausted they could not get of the Formula One drivers he country. time has an abundance of energy global popularity,” NBA commis- Major League Soccer crown in out of their cars. was idolising could not run “You would need to be about their team.” sioner Adam Silver said. 2017, the city’s beloved NHL “You cannot compare this across the street. probably asleep or something if Canada’s basketball heritage “Shortly after he invented the Maple Leafs haven’t won the time with 20 or 30 years ago “We could ban the drivers you didn’t realize that everybody goes back to the beginning with game in 1891, he and other Stanley Cup since 1967. when Nelson Piquet and Nigel from going to the fitness is pretty excited,” Raptors coach James Naismith, the sport’s Christian missionaries brought So it’s no wonder that while Mansell or whoever collapsed studios so they will be tired at Nick Nurse said. founder, being born to Scottish the game overseas, to China, Formula One and a US Open golf after a race,” Toro Rosso team the end of the race,” Steiner “It’s the first time. Any team immigrants on a farm southwest throughout Asia and to Europe. tuneup event are contested in principal Franz Tost said on said sarcastically. that goes through this the first of Ottawa in 1861. “It’s why in 1936 basketball Canada this weekend, the Friday. “And to eat fast foods all Naismith developed bas- became an Olympic sport and in Raptors are drawing record “They never saw a fitness the time. The Raptors, trying to ketball as a winter indoor activity essence the rest is history. Here Canadian television centre from the inside and “Without joking, the become the first team while he was a physical edu- we are today with very much a viewership. some of them were smoking fitness level is just so high and from outside the United cation teacher at a Christian boys global sport, one of the most “Somebody was saying it’s as well. This is the reality and the cars are so sophisticated States to capture the school in Springfield, Massachu- popular sports in the world.” more like a soccer, like how nowadays we have really so it’s just getting better and setts, home of the Basketball Hall The NBA’s first game took those fans are so passionate,” good drivers in Formula One. it’s evolution.” throne, beat Golden of Fame today. place in Toronto in 1946, with the Raptors guard Fred VanVleet “In my opinion, the “This is nothing to do only State 105-92 on Friday He wrote the rule book at age New York Knicks beating the said. current level of the drivers with Formula One; this is in to seize a 3-1 lead on 30, using peach baskets as the Toronto Huskies 68-66 before “I just think we’ve got a really from the fitness side is the all the other sports as well, in the defending champion first shot targets, and before his about 7,000 spectators at Maple good fan base. It’s definitely highest I’ve ever seen in skiing and so on,” said Tost. Warriors in the death at age 78 in 1939 saw his Leaf Gardens, where Ossie unique in the NBA and I think Formula One.” “Our drivers have special best-of-seven series sport played at the Olympics and Schectman of the Knicks, a US our situation is unique where the Hamilton’s comments on physical training plans. They as a US national college son of Russian immigrants, sank fans are so thirsty for success and entering tomorrow’s Thursday appeared to have have their own coach, they tournament. the first basket in NBA history. so hungry. I just love the support. been directed at Formula have a nutrition plans.” game five at Toronto. “We also owe Dr. Naismith This year marked the first Us players definitely appreciate a lot in terms of his vision for time the NBA Finals has been it. Our fans bring it every night.” 18 SPORT SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2019 Roy smashes 153 as England pummel Bangladesh at Cup

AFP The Surrey batsman CARDIFF faced 121 balls, hitting 14 fours and five sixes as he Jason Roy hit the highest indi- fell just short of Andrew Rohit Sharma vidual score of the World Cup so Strauss’s England far as England got their campaign World Cup record of back on track with a 106-run win over Bangladesh in Cardiff 158 against India in yesterday. Bangalore in 20ll. Rivalry will add spice Following a surprise defeat by Pakistan, which followed England’s opening 104-run rout gloveman was behind the stumps to Australia contest, of South Africa, Eoin after Jos Buttler suffered a hip Morgan urged the hosts to “stick injury during a typically dashing says India’s Sharma to what we do well”. 64. Tournament favourites Shakib, who had hit fifties in England, whose rise to the top of a win over South Africa and a AFP to control his innings and bat the one-day international loss to New Zealand this World LONDON more responsibly. rankings since Bangladesh Cup, was eventually yorked by His measured knock against knocked them out of the 2015 Ben Stokes to leave Bangladesh India opener Rohit Sharma says a South African attack led by World Cup has been based on on the brink of defeat. his team’s intense rivalry with paceman Kagiso Rabada won aggressive , lived up to his Pace all-rounder Australia will spur them on him praise from Kohli, who words. Stokes followed up to finish with against the defending cham- called the innings the batsman’s Roy’s 153 took England to an figures of 3-23. England were pions in today’s much-antici- “best” knock. imposing 386 for six, leaving sent in to bat by Tigers captain pated World Cup clash. “At times you have to go Bangladesh needing to surpass on a green- led India to their against your natural instinct and Ireland’s 329-7 against England tinged pitch, but Roy and first-ever Test series triumph in try and bat the conditions rather in 2011, the highest score by any Bairstow (51) seized the initiative Australia earlier this year to con- than batting your own batting,” team batting second to win a during a rapid first- stand England’s solidate their position as the said Sharma, who has scored World Cup match. of 128. Jason Roy in world’s top side in the five-day 8,132 runs, including 23 cen- Despite ’s The in-form Roy completed format. turies, in 207 ODIs. 121 -- just the third Bangladesh action against a 92-ball century in bizarre But the -led “I think I have played more World Cup hundred after Mah- Bangladesh fashion when, not looking, he col- Australia team came back to than 200-odd ODIs. If I don’t do mudullah made two in 2015 -- yesterday. lided with umpire Joel Wilson as defeat India in their own it now, then when? Experience the Tigers were never in the he completed what should have backyard in a limited-overs teaches you a lot of things, and hunt. beat Australia in a 2005 ODI, to spare. Their chase got off to a been a single to take him to 97, series in March, setting up them that is something that has come On a Sophia Gardens ground Bangladesh were eventually dis- bad start when fast bowler Jofra only for Mithun at deep square leg up for the World Cup in England into my game of late,” Sharma, where they famously missed for 280 with seven balls Archer (3-29) dismissed Soumya to misfield a ball for four. and Wales. 32, said of his more mature Sarkar for two with a ball that Both Roy and Wilson were Sharma, who made a match- batting. SCOREBOARD clipped the top of the left- unhurt. winning unbeaten 122 in India’s Former Australia captain England Shakib Al Hasan b Stokes ...... 121 hander’s off stump. Roy was finally caught by opening game against South and assistant coach Ricky Jason Roy c Mortaza b Mehidi Hasan ...... 153 c Roy b Plunkett ...... 44 Archer, whose 10 wicketless Mashrafe off Africa on Wednesday, said the Ponting has suggested the Indian c Mehidi Hasan b Mortaza ...... 51 c Bairstow b Rashid ...... 0 overs against Pakistan cost 79 Miraz, holing out after hitting fierce competition between the seamers will take a cue from the b Saifuddin ...... 21 c Bairstow b Wood ...... 28 runs, was far more threatening three towering sixes in a row off sides promised another good West Indies pacemen, who Jos Buttler c Sarkar b Saifuddin ...... 64 c Archer b Stokes ...... 26 yesterday as he reached speeds the spinner. contest. troubled the Australian batsmen c Sarkar b Mehidi Hasan ...... 35 b Stokes ...... 5 of 95 miles (153 kilometres) per The Surrey batsman faced Ben Stokes c Mortaza b ....6 Mehedi Hasan c Bairstow b Archer ...... 12 “Yes, we’ve had a good with a barrage of bouncers. Chris Woakes ...... 18 Mashrafe Mortaza not out ...... 4 hour. 121 balls, hitting 14 fours and five rivalry between the two teams But Sharma said India’s Liam Plunkett not out ...... 27 Mustafizur Rahman c Bairstow b Archer ...... 0 But Shakib anchored the sixes as he fell just short of in the last few months that we bowlers would have to keep the Extras: (3lb, 7w, 1nb) ...... 11 Extras: (9lb, 10w) ...... 19 innings, flicking Archer for six on Andrew Strauss’s England World played, with good competition batsmen guessing. Total: (for 6 ) ...... 386 Total: (all out) ...... 280 his way to a 95-ball century that Cup record of 158 against India between bat and ball,” the “See, short ball for any Overs: 50 Overs: 48.5 also included nine fours. in Bangalore in 20ll. Indian vice-captain said at the batsman is not easy, even the Fall of wickets: 1-128, 2-205, 3-235, 4-330, Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-63, 3-169, 4-170, 5-219, Shakib put on 106 with “There was a bit of change in Oval yesterday. best guy who can pull the ball, 5-340, 6-341 6-254, 7-261, 8-264, 9-280, 10-280 Mushifqur Rahim (44), a part- the game plan. We didn’t allow “We played really good who can hook the ball will find Did not bat: , J Archer, Mark Wood Bowling: Chris Woakes 8-0-67-0, Jofra Archer nership that ended when Roy, them to get early wickets and we Bowling: Shakib Al Hasan 10-0-71-0 (2w), 8.5-2-29-3 (1w), Liam Plunkett 8-0-36-1 (2w), cricket in Australia, they played it difficult,” said Sharma. who dropped a straightforward knew we would be able to catch Mashrafe Mortaza 10-0-68-1, Mohammad Mark Wood 8-0-52-2, Adil Rashid 10-0-64-1 really good cricket in India. So “Probably we have the Saifuddin 9-0-78-2 (2w), Mustafizur Rahman (2w), Ben Stokes 6-1-23-3 (1w) chance against Pakistan, held a up,” said Roy during the break it’s going to be a great contest,” bowling attack to do that... but 9-0-75-1 (2w, 1nb), Mehidi Hasan 10-0-67-2 (1w), Toss: Bangladesh good catch at point. between innings. added Sharma. you don’t want to be carried Mosaddek Hossain 2-0-24-0 Result: England won by 106 runs And 169-3 soon became The round-robin group stage The usually fluent batsman, away with that. We’ve got to Bangladesh Umpires: Joel Wilson and Kumar Dharmasena, 170-4 when Mohammad Mithun sees Bangladesh next play Sri who averages more than 60 in understand the conditions and c Morgan b Wood ...... 19 TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford, Australia. fell for a duck after edging leg- Lanka at Bristol on Tuesday, with one-day-internationals against make sure that you keep the b Archer ...... 2 Match referee: David Boon, Australia. spinner Adil Rashid to wicket- England facing the West Indies Australia, has recently learned batsmen guessing all the time.” keeper Jonny Bairstow. The Test at the Oval on Friday.

Australia’s David Warner (centre) looks on as an injured Williamson stars as NZ crush net bowler receives medical attention during a training by seven wickets session, yesterday.

AFP SCOREBOARD win with a routine single as TAUNTON Afghanistan New Zealand New Zealand reached 173-3 c Munro b Neesham ...... 34 M. Guptill c Zadran b Alam ...... 0 in 32.1 overs. led by c Latham b Ferguson ...... 31 C. Munro c Hassan b Alam ...... 22 Earlier, Neesham turned c Guptill b Neesham ...... 0 K. Williamson not out ...... 79 example as the New Zealand c Henry b Ferguson ....59 R. Taylor b Alam ...... 48 the game in New Zealand’s captain’s 79 not out guided c Latham b Neesham ...... 4 T. Latham not out ...... 13 favour with his impressive his side to a seven-wicket c Latham b Neesham ...... 9 Extras (lb4, nb1, w6) ...... 11 spell after Afghanistan briefly c Latham b Neesham ...... 4 Total (three wickets, 32.1 overs) ...... 173 win over Afghanistan that C Guptill b De Grandhomme ...... 2 Did not bat: Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhom- threatened to rock the Black maintained their 100 percent b Ferguson ...... 0 me, , , Lockie Ferguson, Caps. start to the World Cup c Latham b Ferguson ...... 14 Put in to bat, Afghanistan yesterday. not out ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Guptill), 2-41 (Munro), 3-130 openers Hazratullah Zazai Extras (lb6, w2) ...... 8 (Taylor) Williamson was New Total (all out, 41.1 overs)...... 172 Bowling: Alam 8.1-0-45-3 (1w), Hassan 7-0-30-0 and Noor Ali Zadran blasted Zealand’s top scorer with a Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Zazai), 2-66 (Zadran), 3-66 (3w), Naib 9-1-55-0 (1w), Nabi 3-0-18-0 (1w), Shah a quickfire 66 for the first 99-ball innings containing (Shah), 4-70 (Naib), 5-105 (Nabi), 6-109 (Zadran), 5-0-21-0 wicket. But pace bowler nine fours after Jimmy 7-130 (Alikhil), 8-131 (Rashid), 9-147 (Alam), 10- Result: New Zealand won by 7 wickets Neesham, who had struggled 172 (Shahidi) Toss: New Zealand Warner ‘shaken up’ after Neesham took career-best Bowling: Henry 8-0-50-0, Boult 10-0-34-0, Fer- Umpires: Aleem Dar and Michael Gough in New Zealand’s first two one-day figures of 5-31 to guson 9.1-3-37-4, Neesham 10-1-31-5 (2w), De TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough matches, finally found his dismiss Afghanistan for 172 Grandhomme 4-1-14-1 Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle rhythm despite two rain injuring net bowler: Finch at Taunton. interruptions. New Zealand’s third suc- The Black Caps’ run Aftab who was leading the Neesham made the cessive victory kept them on chase got off to the worst Afghan attack to good effect crucial breakthrough when AFP “He’s obviously been taken off to course to make the semi- possible start when Aftab and he removed Hazratullah went for one big LONDON hospital and will continue to be finals in the 10-team tour- Alam had to leave New Zealand on 41-2. shot too many, the left- assessed just to make sure that eve- nament, while minnows caught off a thin inside edge It was a nervous start hander hitting to Colin Australia skipper Aaron Finch said rything is OK... Yeah, it was tough to Afghanistan have lost all with the first ball of the from the Black Caps and Wil- Munro at deep cover to David Warner was ‘shaken up’ after watch.” three of their matches. innings. Guptill’s 14th ODI liamson had to survive a depart for 34. he hit a net bowler on the head with The Australian physio attended New Zealand, who saw duck was a dream start for review of a caught behind Afghanistan lost their a powerful drive during a practice to the bowler, identified as Jaykishan off Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Aftab in the pace bowler’s appeal. Afghanistan kept the third wicket with the score session yesterday. Plaha, who was taken off on a in their opening two games, first appearance in this year’s pressure on and Williamson still on 66 when Rahmat Warner was middling the ball in stretcher to a medical room at the have won 11 of their last 12 World Cup. rode his luck again when he Shah was dismissed for a the nets at the Oval ahead of the ground. World Cup games, with their Afghanistan took the just made his ground to beat duck after a leading edge off World Cup match against India today One of Plaha’s fellow net bowlers only defeat in that span field without leg-spinner a run-out review. Neesham was held by Guptill. and one of his drives felled the said the injured player was conscious coming against Australia in Rashid Khan, who was hit on Together with Ross When Gulbadin Naib paceman. and the session subsequently the 2015 final. the head when he was dis- Taylor, Williamson steadied failed with a review attempt The batsman rushed to the aid resumed. missed by Lockie Ferguson’s the ship in a 89-run part- to overturn his edge behind of the bowler, who lay flat on the International Cricket Council New Zealand’s third bouncer in the first innings. nership for the third wicket. off Neesham, Afghanistan practice pitch as Australia stopped venue manager Michael Gibson told successive victory He looked dazed as he It was hardly flashy stuff had lost four wickets for four their session. reporters: “The net bowler has been “Dave was obviously pretty taken to hospital as a precautionary keeps them on walked off the field and later as they nudged singles and runs in 21 deliveries. failed his first concussion picked off the occasional Hashmatullah Shahidi shaken up. The young guy seems to measure because it was a head course to make the test, ruling him out for the four until Taylor was bowled (59) top-scored for Afghan- be in pretty good spirits at the injury. semi-finals in the rest of the match and by Aftab for 48 from 52 balls. istan, but Neesham and Fer- moment,” Finch said after the session “He was conscious and smiling 10-team tournament. depriving Afghanistan of Fittingly, it was Wil- guson, who finished with finished. as he was taken off.” their best bowler. But it was liamson who clinched the 4-37, were too hot to handle. SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2019 SPORT 19

Ashleigh Barty Factbox

Factbox on Australia’s Ashleigh Barty, who beat Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova 6-1 6-3 in the French Open final yesterday:

Born: April 24, 1996 in Ipswich, Australia (age 23) Grand Slam titles: 1 (French Open 2019)

EARLY LIFE Began playing tennis aged five when parents Robert and Josie introduced her to the sport.

CAREER TO DATE PAfter starting her career on the ITF circuit in Australia in 2010, she played her first WTA qualifying event at the US Open the following year. PClaimed four singles titles and two doubles titles on the ITF circuit in 2012. PWon one WTA doubles title and reached three Grand Slam doubles finals with Casey Dellacqua in 2013 (Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open). Captured two ITF doubles titles. PAfter winning another WTA doubles title in 2014, she took a break from tennis following the US Open and had a successful stint at the Brisbane Heat cricket team in the Women’s Big Bash League, before returning in 2016. PBroke into the top 20 in 2017, clinching her first WTA singles Australia’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates with the French Open trophy title at Kuala Lumpur as a qualifier. She reached two more singles after winning the singles final against Marketa Vondrousova of finals, at Birmingham and Wuhan, before becoming Australia’s the Czech Republic at the Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. number one player. PWon her second and third WTA singles titles at Nottingham and Zhuhai to finish 2018 ranked 15 in the world. Claimed four more doubles titles. PSealed her first title of 2019 at Miami in March before clinching Barty ends Australia’s 46-year her maiden Grand Slam at the French Open. wait for French Open title

AFP points, before firing long to put PARIS Recent French Open champions her opponent 2-0 ahead. Barty, who also reached the Ashleigh Barty ended Australia’s PARIS: The last 10 French Open women’s champions after Australian Open quarter-finals 46-year wait for a French Open Ashleigh Barty claimed her maiden Grand Slam title yesterday: earlier this year, consolidated the singles title yesterday by break with a confident love hold, thrashing nervous Czech 2019: Ashleigh Barty (AUS) leaving Vondrousova firmly on teenager Marketa Vondrousova 2018: Simona Halep (ROM) the back foot after only seven in a one-sided women’s final. 2017: Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) minutes of play. Eighth seed Barty got off to 2016: Garbine Muguruza (ESP) Another break followed as a strong start and never looked 2015: Serena Williams (USA) Vondrousova threatened to fall back, winning 6-1, 6-3 after only 2014: Maria Sharapova (RUS) apart, but she settled down and Australia’s Ashleigh Barty and Marketa Vondrousova of the 70 minutes to claim her maiden 2013: Serena Williams (USA) got herself on the scoreboard. Czech Republic pose for pictures after their final match in Grand Slam title. 2012: Maria Sharapova (RUS) Barty quickly got back on Paris yesterday. The 23-year-old will rise to 2011: Li Na (CHN) track, and wrapped up the first second in the world behind only 2010: Francesca Schiavone (ITA) set after only 29 minutes with a Naomi Osaka when the latest crunching forehand winner. rankings are released tomorrow, Vondrousova had it all to do “One of the worst after becoming the first Aus- 27 winners past an opponent Court Philippe Chatrier, after in the second set having conditions I have ever tralian winner at Roland Garros riddled with nerves. Dominic Thiem’s thrilling five- managed just two winners in the been part of. I mean, since Margaret Court won the The 19-year-old Von- set win over Novak Djokovic in opener, but she contrived to drop obviously when you’re last of her five trophies in 1973. drousova saw her bid to become the men’s semi-finals forced serve again at the first time of playing in hurricane kind She will be best-ranked Aus- the first teenage Grand Slam Barty and Vondrousova to asking. of conditions, it’s hard to tralian woman since Evonne champion since Maria Sharapova endure a nervous wait. She finally held serve for the perform your best. It’s Goolagong Cawley in 1976. won the 2006 US Open come to The scheduling had already first time in the match, though, really just kind of sur- “It’s unbelievable, I’m a little a tame end, as the world number been criticised on Friday as a saving two break points in the viving in these kind of bit speechless. I played the 38 made 22 unforced errors, sexism row erupted when the third game. conditions. I don’t want perfect match today. I’m so against a mere 10 winners. women’s semis were moved Vondrousova had reached to point out some proud of myself and my team, “Congratulations to you and away from the showpiece the final without dropping a set reasons or find excuses it’s been a incredible two weeks,” your team, you gave me a Chatrier court. and had the best record on tour for this loss. I mean, he said Barty. lesson,” Vondrousova said to In fact, this was the first since the Australian Open, but took it, he won it, well “It’s a special place for Aus- Barty at the trophy match on the premier Roland she left it too late to get her game done to him.” tralians here. Sam (Stosur) has presentation. Garros arena in Vondrousova’s in order on this occasion. done well here before and come “Even though I didn’t get the career, although she did have a And Barty broke once more, An angry Novak so close. It’s been a magical two win today, I’m really happy with brief practice session yesterday hammering away a simple Djokovic tells reporters weeks.” everything.” morning. smash on her first match point minutes after his Barty, who famously took a Almost 90 minutes after the The tension got the better of to seal her moment in the spot- 26-match winning run in break from tennis to play pro- match was due to start, the the Czech early on, as she double light, with Vondrousova left Grand Slam play ended. fessional cricket in 2015, struck players made their way onto faulted to gift Barty two break sitting on the bench in tears. Thiem ends Djokovic’s Slam streak in the semis

Austria’s Dominic Thiem celebrates AP two points decide a winner.” He Czech Republic. Neither had ever when he went to the net. Thiem, after his semi-final match against PARIS was stopped two victories short participated in a major singles meanwhile, took 18 of 20 on his Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at the Roland of collecting his fourth consec- final. more judicious forays forward. Garros in Paris yesterday. Novak Djokovic’s 26-match utive major championship, a run On Friday, Thiem had just The most glaring examples Grand Slam winning streak that began on the grass at Wim- broken Djokovic to go up a break of this came at the end of the ended with a dramatic 6-2, 3-6, bledon last July, then continued at 3-1 in the third set when their third set, when it appeared 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 loss yesterday to on the hard courts of the US match was suspended because Djokovic might really be letting Dominic Thiem in a rain-inter- Open and Australian Open. of a shower. the whole match get away. rupted French Open semi-final Instead, it is Thiem, an Aus- They resumed 18½ hours Serving at 15-all while down that spanned more than four trian ranked No. 4, who now gets later, in dry, breezy conditions. 6-5, Djokovic was agitated by a hours over two days. a chance to win his first Grand The wind that was so fierce on warning from chair umpire Thiem wasted two match Slam trophy on the red clay of Friday - spreading loose, rust- Jaume Campistol for letting the points with quick unforced Roland Garros. colored clay dust from the court serve clock expire and wouldn’t errors when serving for the Thiem will face 11-time surface all over the place, making let it go, complaining during the victory at 5-3 in the fifth, but he French Open champion Rafael for something that seemed like game and, more vociferously, at made his third chance count, Nadal today in a rematch of last a sandstorm - was much more the changeover, so much so that smacking a forehand winner to year’s final. Nadal won that one, manageable yesterday. he was called for unsports- break Djokovic in the last game. part of an 8-4 lead for the It rippled players’ shirts but manlike conduct. “It’s never easy to go on, go Spaniard in their head-to-head did not cause havoc with serve The lack of focus drifted into off, put the system on 100 series. tosses and shots the way it had his choices during points, too, percent and go down to zero “All the time, if someone the evening prior. including a mediocre volley that percent in the locker,” Thiem reaches the finals here, it’s They repeatedly engaged in let Thiem deposit a backhand said. “But if you win, everything against Rafa,” Thiem said with a long and entertaining baseline passing winner for a fourth set is good.” laugh. exchanges that lasted 10 shots, point. Yet another serve-and- The top-ranked Djokovic It will be the fourth straight 20 shots or more. They used volley attempt came next, and had trouble with Thiem, to be day that Thiem is in action speed and anticipation to track Thiem produced a low forehand sure, but also with the weather, because of postponements, down each other’s shots. They return right at Djokovic’s feet to with the chair umpire and with whereas Nadal will be well- walloped the ball from all angles. end the set. his odd propensity for heading rested, having played his quar- The very longest of these All match, Djokovic kept to the net much more often than terfinal Tuesday and his semi- tended to go Djokovic’s way: He digging a hole, then climbing out. usual, including some serve- final Friday, when he beat Roger won 37 of 61 points (61 of nine or Could he do it again? and-volleying that often failed. Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. more strokes. He was three points from “Look, there is always some- The women’s final followed For whatever reason, defeat while serving at love-15, thing large at stake when you’re Thiem-Djokovic at Court Djokovic felt compelled to try to down 5-4 in the fourth set, but one of the top players of the Philippe Chatrier on Saturday, shorten points on occasion, came through there to hold, world and play in the biggest with No. 8 seed Ash Barty of Aus- hardly his usual strategy. broke in the next game when tournaments,” Djokovic said. tralia against unseeded 19-year- So that led to this key sta- Thiem double-faulted, and “These kind of matches, one or old Marketa Vondrousova of the tistic: He won only 35 of 71 points forced a fifth. SPORT Sunday 9 June 2019 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Woods, McIlroy French Open: yearn for Thiem ends old-school US Djokovic’s Slam Open challenge streak in semis

Qatar get ready for Copa America challenge

Qatar’s goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb makes a save during a training session in Brazil yesterday. The Qatar team are in Brazil to take part in the Copa America which begins from June 14. Coach Felix Sanchez side, which is making its debut in the tournament, will face Paraguay, Argentina and Colombia in the Group matches.

Spain, Portugal Portugal, Netherlands face to analyse joint off in Nations League final bid for 2030 World Cup AFP PORTO REUTERS PORTO Portugal’s meeting with the Nether- lands to decide the first ever winners The most important thing of the Nations League on Sunday sees is your head, to feel Spain and Portugal are to start an in-depth the unstoppable force of Cristiano motivated and happy, analysis of whether to bid for the 2030 World Ronaldo face the immovable object in Cup, they said yesterday, without making Virgil van Dijk. and to follow my path as any mention of Morocco who were previ- Ronaldo sat out the early stages of a player, because I think ously also said to be involved. UEFA’s new competition to save his I still have a lot to give: “After holding several meetings, the 34-year-old legs for his first season at Ronaldo football federations of Spain and Portugal Juventus, but returned in time to ride can confirm that they are set to begin an in- to the host nation’s rescue once more 18 months ago. His transformative depth analysis of the possibility of presenting in Wednesday’s semi-final against effect has brought back the glory days a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup,” the Switzerland. at Anfield, capped by winning the country’s federations said in a joint The Swiss enjoyed the better of the Champions League last weekend. statement. game in Porto, but the five-time world And now Van Dijk is also leading “Both federations would like to take this player of the year was lethal in scoring his country back to where they belong opportunity to state that the governments of his 53rd career hat-trick with three as a European powerhouse after failing both countries have been properly informed exquisite finishes. to even qualify for the last two major about this process, given that they will have “It’s the preparation - my work tournaments. a key part to play in its development.” ethic. I still feel good despite being 34 Koeman boasted about having the Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk with team-mates during training ahead of today’s years of age,” Ronaldo told UEFA.com. best central defensive partnership in Sanchez said during a visit to Morocco last UEFA Nations League final match against Portugal at the Estadio do Dragao in “The most important thing is your Europe even before the tournament year that he had suggested a three-way bid head, to feel motivated and happy, and Porto, Portugal, yesterday. RIGHT: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo during training. with Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt with the North African nation to stage the to follow my path as a player, because lining up alongside Van Dijk. 48-team event. The three federations could I think I still have a lot to give.” Fernandes among others promises possession because when we have the Yet, while the 19-year-old may not immediately be reached for further Portugal’s run to the last four much, but Ronaldo remains Portugal’s ball he can do nothing in attack.” well succeed his skipper as the world’s comment. Spain, the 2010 world champions, without their all-time record top goal- X-factor. However, Koeman is blessed with most expensive defender in the coming hosted the 1982 World Cup and launched a scorer showed why hopes are high the “We know sometimes it is impos- the man most capable of keeping weeks, Holland’s 3-1 semi-final victory failed bid along with Portugal to stage the European champions will remain a sible to have good defending against Ronaldo quiet in world football at the over England showed why he is not 2018 tournament which was awarded to force even when Ronaldo does even- Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the Nether- moment in Van Dijk. The world’s most yet the finished article. Russia. Portugal has never hosted the World tually depart the international scene. lands coach Ronald Koeman. expensive defender has more than jus- De Ligt’s error in conceding a first Cup but held the 2004 European The talent of Bernardo Silva, Joao “I think the best that we can do is tified his £75m price tag since half penalty could have cost his side a Championship. Felix, Ruben Neven and Bruno keeping the ball, to have good ball swapping Southampton for Liverpool place in the final. Hazard joins Real Madrid Spain, Poland stay perfect on five-year contract in Euro 2020 qualifying REUTERS Chelsea have agreed the that I will be joining Real MADRID transfer for the player Eden Madrid. It’s no secret that it AP Faroe Islands’ defender Odmar Faero two-goal advantage before Hazard,” the Spanish club was my dream to play for PRAGUE (right) challenges Spain’s midfielder halftime and Jose Gaya Real Madrid ended their said in a statement. them since I was a young Sergi Roberto during the UEFA Euro closed things out in the 71st long pursuit of Eden Hazard “The player will be tied boy just scoring my first Spain and Poland main- 2020 group F qualifying match. minute. on Friday when they agreed to the club for the next five goal,” Hazard wrote on his tained perfect records in Assistant coach Robert to sign the Belgium winger seasons, until June 30 official Facebook account. qualifying for the 2020 Moreno once again took from Chelsea on a five-year 2024.” The Belgian will be “I have tried my very European Championship by charge of Spain with Luis contract for a reported officially presented at the best not to distract myself winning their third straight Enrique absent due to per- €100m, making him their Santiago Bernabeu stadium or the team through this games on Friday. sonal reasons. joint-record signing. next Thursday, subject to difficult period of specu- Spain took a 4-1 victory Enrique continues to do Real did not reveal the completing a medical. lation and media attention, home from Faeroe Islands most of the planning for fee but Spanish media Hazard, who becomes especially the last six while Poland also won Spain’s training and receives reports said it was the same Chelsea’s most expensive months.” away, 1-0 at North also video of the sessions at price Madrid paid for sale, expressed his gratitude Hazard’s transfer is the Macedonia. his home in Barcelona. It’s Gareth Bale when he joined to a club where he has latest in a long run of Israel beat Latvia 3-0, unclear when he might from Tottenham Hotspur in spent the last seven years ‘Galactico’ signings made thanks to Eran Zahavi’s return. 2013, a staggering amount while admitting he had by Real but he is also the hat trick, to surprisingly Sergio Ramos put Spain “La Roja” since 2013. Spain tops Group F with considering Hazard was set always longed to play for first top class player to stay in contention for a in front after six minutes Klaemint Olsen beat nine points, two more than to become a free agent in Madrid. move to the club since spot in the final tour- with his 19th international goalkeeper Kepa Arriza- Sweden, which beat Malta June 2020. “To my Chelsea friends Colombian James Rod- nament and Ukraine goal and Jesus Navas fol- balaga to reduce the lead, 3-0. The two leaders face off “Real Madrid and and family: You now know riguez in 2014. routed Serbia 5-0. lowed with his first score for but Isco restored the on Monday.