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Thursday, May 16, 2019 GOLF Ramadan 11, 1440 AH Koepka eyes 10 GULF TIMES majors, says they are oft en easiest to win SPORT Page 7 Sadd, Duhail battle for the season’s last hurrah AL WAKRAH STADIUM SET FOR EXCITING DEBUT TONIGHT AS AL SADD’S XAVI AND FERREIRA BID ADIEU AS PLAYER AND COACH AFTER AMIR CUP FINAL Previous winners of Amir Cup

1972/73: Al Ahli 1973/74: Al Esteqlal 1974/75: Al Sadd 1975/76: Al Esteqlal 1976/77: Al Sadd 1977/78: Al Arabi 1978/79: Al Arabi 1979/80: Al Arabi 1980/81: Al Ahli 1981/82: Al Sadd 1982/83: Al Arabi 1983/84: Al Arabi 1984/85: Al Sadd 1985/86: Al Sadd 1986/87: Al Ahli 1987/88: Al Sadd A view of the brand new Al Wakrah FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadium which will host the final of the 1988/89: Al Arabi Amir Cup today. The final also marks the last match for Al Sadd captain Xavi (bottom left) and 1989/90: Al Arabi coach Jesualdo Ferreira (bottom right). PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil 1990/91: Al Sadd 1991/92: Al Ahli 1992/93: Al Arabi 1993/94: Al Sadd 1994/95: Al Ittihad 1995/96: Al Ittihad 1996/97: Al Ittihad 1997/98: Al Ittihad 1998/99: Al Rayyan 1999/00: Al Sadd 2000/01: Al Sadd 2001/02: Al Ittihad 2002/03: Al Sadd 2003/04: Al Rayyan 2004/05: Al Sadd 2005/06: Al Rayyan 2006/07: Al Sadd 2007/08: Umm Salal 2009: Al Gharafa 2010: Al Rayyan 2011: Al Rayyan 2012: Al Gharafa Sadd ended Al Duhail’s two-year dominance 2013: Al Rayyan By Sahan Bidappa 2014: Al Sadd Doha when they won the QNB Stars League title this season. It was Sadd’s fi rst under Ferreira’s 2015: Al Sadd charge as they have played like a well-oiled ma- 2016: Lekhwiya here is no bigger occasion than the Amir chine in the season, making them favourites for 2017: Al Sadd Cup football fi nal in Qatar’s sporting the Amir Cup title. calendar. But what makes the marquee Having said that, defending champions Du- 2018: Al Duhail clash of the tournament’s 47th edition hail will be seeking to end the season with a Tsomewhat unique is the involvement of various trophy of their own.While they fi nished seven sub plots, each seemingly bigger than the other, points behind Al Sadd in the league, they also depending on one’s point of view. lost to Al Rayyan on penalties in the season- The fi nal will see one of the best midfi elders opening Sheikh Jassim Cup last August. to have graced the football fi eld, former Barce- The two times Al Sadd and Al Duhail have lona and Spain great Xavi Hernandez, bid adieu come face-to-face in the league this season, to the game as the Al Sadd captain looks for one Ferreira’s men won the fi rst leg 3-1 while in the fi nal hurrah as a player in Qatar. Al Sadd man- second Duhail were heartbroken when an own win the title. There is no clear favourite in this offi cials and medical staff as well. It will be an stage and cruised past Al Sailiya in the Amir Cup ager Jesualdo Ferreira, too, has announced he goal by substitute Murad Naji at the stroke of fi - game, which is a knockout game with just 90 honour for us if we win the trophy,” he said. semi-fi nals. will leave Wolves after three years in charge, nal whistle helped Sadd draw the encounter 2-2. minutes, and not a number of matches. It will be For Faria, who replaced Nabil Maaloul in Jan- “We know the importance of the match. Al while Rui Faria is gunning for his fi rst trophy as While the two are head and shoulders above a diff erent game and an exciting fi nal,” he added. uary, this will be the biggest match of his career. Sadd are an organised team with an experienced Al Duhail coach. rest of the teams in Qatar, there is not much to The Portuguese coach hoped his players The 43-year-old spent much of his career as coach. But we are ready. We have paid a lot of at- For most in Qatar, though, the unveiling of separate between them when they take on each would give him and Xavi a triumphant farewell. assistant to Jose Mourinho, proving a valuable tention to the details and we have trained well the Al Wakrah stadium, the second venue to other, which makes today’s contest an intrigu- “I’m very happy that we are taking part in the member to his fellow Portuguese’s coaching for the match and we hope it will end in a good be completed for the 2022 World Cup and fi rst ing one. Ferreira said there are no clear favour- fi nal. I hope we would do the same what we did staff at ’s biggest clubs such as Chel- way,” Faria said yesterday. to be built from scratch, will come fi rst in their ites in today’s fi nal. “Al Duhail are the defending before last year (Sadd beat Al Rayyan to win the sea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter “It will be an opportunity for me to win my scheme of things. champions and it is going to be a tough and in- title in 2017). We are here to win the title. Milan. But having decided to go solo last year, fi rst title which hopefully would be the fi rst of The fi nal will kick off at 10:30pm but before tense game between the two sides,” the 72-year- “We know the importance of this trophy in it will be a test of Faria’s credentials in a high- many. It will mean a lot to win at a World Cup that a 40,000 capacity crowd will witness an old said. this country and we know how much impor- pressure match. Despite a slow start, Faria has stadium. We have improved a lot recently and opening ceremony befi tting the occasion, which “The players are the most important part of tance the media, the citizens and residents give been able to rally his team. While they could the team is getting stronger. We have faced is scheduled for 9:15pm. the game. They are the ones who will be cham- to this tournament. This fi nal will be an illustri- only fi nish second in the league, Duhail have strong teams and are ready to take on Sadd, who The match itself should be electrifying. Al pions. They need to work as hard as possible to ous place in the careers of the coaching staff , the entered the AFC Champions League knockout are a very good team,” he said. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 16, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT One of my best decisions to come to Qatar, says Xavi The midfield great wants to end his playing career by winning the Amir Cup with Al Sadd today

l Sadd captain Xavi Hern- title of my life as a footballer at one of andez will be hoping for a A LOOK AT the 2022 World Cup pitches. We want perfect end to his illustrious to put smiles on the faces of our fans footballing career today, when XAVI’S CAREER because they certainly deserve it. heA leads his team out in the Amir Cup fi nal against Al Duhail at the newly- Xavi lifted the 34th title of his career Q: At the end of your career with built Al Wakrah Stadium. when Al Sadd won the QNB Stars Al Sadd, which is the title you While there will be a lot of attention League for the 14th time. wanted to win the most? towards the opening of the new World This was Xavi’s fourth trophy with the I won all the domestic titles here, the Cup venue, Xavi’s focus will be on bid- Wolves, after having earlier won the league, Amir Cup, Qatar Cup and the ding farewell by winning another title Amir Cup, Qatar Cup and the Sheikh Sheikh Jassim Cup. I wanted to win the with Al Sadd. Ahead of his retirement, Jassim Cup. AFC Champions League. We had an ex- Xavi spoke to club’s offi cial website, cellent team and we were the better side where he shared his experiences in Qa- The legendary midfielder joined Al in the semi-fi nal against Persepolis but tar over the past four years. Excerpts Sadd in the summer of 2015, after this is football. All the titles I won with achieving the treble with his Sadd are important but I hoped to win Q: How do you rate your experience childhood club FC Barcelona. the Champions League title as well, and with Al Sadd during the past four While at Barcelona, Xavi won the we were close to doing it. years? La Liga (8), Copa del Rey (3), UEFA I rate my time here in Qatar very Champions League (4), FIFA Club Q: Who will be Xavi’s successor in highly. It was one of the best decisions World Cup (2), Spanish Super Cup (6), football? of my life to come here. My family and I, and UEFA Super Cup (1). I don’t like comparisons in football. we are very comfortable here. There are many excellent midfi elders My children are like Qatari because In the colours of the Spanish national today, some of them are superstars, they were born here. We are very happy team, Xavi won the FIFA World Cup such as Busquets, Modric, Kroos and and grateful to live here. Everyone of- in 2010 and lifted the European Verratti. Many others are there as well, fers us respect. Championship twice in 2008 and but I don’t really like comparisons and I want to thank my big family at Al 2012. He also won the FIFA U-20 I don’t want to miss out on any name. Sadd, all my friends on the team, the World Cup in 1999. I think there will be better players than Xavi has won four Champions management, the staff – everyone me, because football is like life, there is League titles and eight La Liga worked hard and they ensured that I always renewal. trophies for Barcelona, and a was very happy throughout these last Highness the Amir and playing at the World Cup and two European four years. Once again, I am happy to Al Wakrah Stadium, one of the venues Q: What will your fi nal message Championships for Spain. have come here and as I said, it is one of of the World Cup. As the captain of the be and to whom? the best decisions of my life. team, I hope I get the honour of lifting My fi nal message is to say thanks the trophy. This is one of the most im- to everyone. My time as a player was Q: What are your fi nal goals before portant tournaments in Qatar and we great, ever since I was a child. I did not retiring? want to grab this great opportunity. expect to reach this level in my career. I We are delighted to reach the fi nal We will play a Duhail team that has played at Barcelona and Al Sadd, and I of the Amir Cup. We will try to end the a number of good players. It will be a achieved all my dreams with them. season in the best way possible by win- tough game, but we have trained hard I want to thank Qatar, Al Sadd Club ning the title. It will be the ideal end- during this past week and I am very ex- and everyone in Qatar. You will always ing to the season, in the presence of His cited for the opportunity to win the last be in my heart.

FOCUS AL WAKRAH STADIUM SET FOR GRAND OPENING Xavi is an inspiration for us, says teammate Gabi

By Sports Reporter win. “We are very happy to play Doha in the fi nal. Players love to play in such big matches. We have a lot of respect for the opponents and l Sadd midfi elder Gabi we will do everything to win the paid tribute to his cap- cup,” said Martin. tain and fellow Span- “In the last game in the league, iard Xavi Hernandez, we were unlucky to concede an whoA will bring an end to his il- own goal in injury time. This lustrious playing career today game is always about important when they face Al Duhail in the moments. We will focus and avoid Amir Cup fi nal at the Al Wakrah Al Sadd midfielder Gabi. making mistakes,” he added. stadium. Gabi, meanwhile, was excited “Xavi is a role model and a Meanwhile, Al Duhail coach to appear in his fi rst Amir Cup fi - dedicated player,” said Gabi, who Rui Faria called Xavi a ‘complete nal. “I am very motivated to play played against Xavi many times midfi elder’. “He is a very impor- my fi rst Amir Cup fi nal in Qatar. in La Liga, where the midfi eld tant player in the history of foot- Since the fi rst day at Al Sadd, turned out for Barcelona. “He ball. I had the chance to see him everyone spoke to me about the welcomes everyone and so we are play when I was assistant coach importance of the Amir Cup,” going to miss him. I am happy to of Real Madrid. He is no doubt the former Atletico Madrid mid- work with him. I speak a lot with a very complete midfi eld player. fi elder said. Xavi and I am asking him to enjoy Qatar will miss him. But I hope “We will play at one of the 2022 the fi nal. Xavi is an inspiration we will keep seeing home around World Cup stadiums and this is a and is of a world class standard. I in other capacities in football,” big motivation for us. This fi nal hope we can win the title so that Faria said. is one for the history books. We it will be a good farewell for this Duhail captain Luiz Martin played against AlDuhail twice superstar,” he added. gushed as he called Xavi his role in this season. The fi nal will be Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo idol. “It’s a big pleasure to play tougher and fi ercely contested. Al Wakrah stadium, built for the 2022 World Cup, is decked up to host the Amir Cup final today. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Ferreira hoped the team can give against Xavi. I have a lot respect We want to make this season ex- Xavi a fi tting farewell by winning for him. He is not just phenom- ceptional for Al Sadd, by winning the Amir Cup. The Portuguese enal player but also a very good the double and going forward in manager also backed Xavi to be person. For me it’s been very dif- the AFC Champions league.” successful in coaching, which fi cult to play against him as he “Each of our players has a re- the Spaniard said he will do. is the best midfi elder. He is also sponsibility in this game, which “Tomorrow’s game will also be my idol. He has given a lot for Al will be a celebration for the a good farewell for me and Xavi. Sadd club,” Martin said. country. We don’t play a game We want to win the title for him. On the title clash, the Duhail like this every day. It will be a su- Xavi will be a great manager,” skipper said they respect the per game and we need to give our Ferreira said. opponents, but they will play to best,” he said.

Al Duhail star Almoez Ali trains with teammates at club’s training ground. PICTURE: Anas al-Samaraee

Al Sadd captain Xavi Hernandez (left) warms up with his teammates at the Al Wakrah stadium yesterday. Al Duhail coach Rui Faria (right) and captain Luiz Martin during a press conference yesterday ahead of the Amir Cup final against Al Sadd. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Gulf Times Thursday, May 16, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SHOW ME THE MONEY! FOCUS US to bank on fi repower in search Women’s World Cup of fourth title

Reuters strong as what awaits in , but Morgan, Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe showed the full potency of the American attack as the he United States are team scored 26 goals in their fi ve shines a spotlight widely tipped to retain tournament games. their crown at the Wom- The world champions will en’s World Cup but to have plenty of time to fi nd their Tdo so they will have to focus on feet in France, opening their their fi repower and park the po- Group F campaign against Thai- tentially distracting diff erences land on June 11 before taking on between the players and their World Cup debutants Chile fi ve football association. days later — neither of which on pay disparity The decision by the squad to should stretch them but gives fi le a lawsuit in a court their forwards the chance to fi nd alleging “institutionalized gen- their range. They round off with a Women players earn a fraction of what their male counterparts earn der discrimination” under the stiff er-looking test against Swe- Equal Pay Act earlier this year has den on June 20 which is likely to cast a shadow over their prepara- decide the top two positions in tions, but the American women the group. know their value in what is ex- British-born coach Jill Ellis pected to be the biggest Women’s has raised a few eyebrows with World Cup to date. some of the names in her squad, Having won three of the previ- selecting the likes of Ali Krieger, ous seven tournaments and four who only recently returned to Olympic gold medals, the US the national team, and Allie Long women are ranked number one in and Morgan Brian, who have the world, and bookmakers have both been hampered by injuries. them neck-and-neck with hosts “These 23 players have been France as favourites to win the through adversity and success, 2019 tournament. and it’s a group that has the tal- With players such as striker ent, confi dence, experience and Alex Morgan and midfi elders desire to help us win the World Carli Lloyd and Julie Ertz, they Cup,” Ellis said as she announced have both the attacking power her squad. and the physicality to go all the Though the 52-year-old coach way again. does not have a huge array of They cruised through the specialist options at full back, 2018 CONCACAF Champion- she has plenty of versatile play- ship which serves as the quali- ers who can cover, and her em- fying campaign for the World barrassment of attacking riches Cup, winning the tournament mean that it is unlikely to be on home soil without conceding an issue as the Americans go in a goal. search of their fourth world title. The opposition then was not as

File photo of the then US President Barack Obama posing for a selfie taken by veteran star player Abby Wambach during an event at the White House honouring the United States women’s national football team for their victory in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Reuters qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Salary Survey — or more than 100 times crative endorsements, not all players are Stockholm The group that includes high-profi le what their female counterparts are paid. so lucky. players such as Megan Rapinoe, Carli Despite that enormous gulf, improved Ngwenya said bigger crowds and more Lloyd and Alex Morgan said they have salaries for women footballers in Eng- media attention means more sponsor- he players set to light up the been consistently paid less money than land represents a big step up from the ship and ultimately more money in play- Women’s World Cup in France their male counterparts even though most recent report published by player’s ers’ pockets. next month may play for big- their performance has been superior to union FIFPro in 2017. “We’re seeing more money coming name clubs like Barcelona, Ar- the men’s team. The Global Football Employment Re- into the game, which clearly at the end Tsenal and Juventus but, although salaries “We believe that fi ghting for gender port contained the results of a survey of of the day is going to be the driver,” she are improving, they earn a fraction of the equality in sports is a part of that re- 3,600 top-level female players around said. money paid to their male counterparts. sponsibility. As players, we deserved to the world and revealed an average wage “The English FA subsidises the wom- Nilla Fischer, who will move from be paid equally for our work, regardless of $600 a month, with 50% of players en’s game a lot at the moment, but the Frauen-Bundesliga champions VfL of our gender,” Morgan said at the time saying they did not get paid for playing. hope and the plan is that commercial Wolfsburg to FC Linkoping in her native when the lawsuit was fi led. Short-term contracts and a reliance sponsors will come in to take up that Sweden when the tournament is over, The advent of fully-professional on verbal, rather than written, agree- slack and take the game forward.” gave Reuters a stark assessment of the leagues like the Women’s Super League ments added to the insecurity for female For sponsors and the media it all comes gap between men’s and women’s wages (WSL) in England is a step in the right players, according to the report. down to return on investment, and the July 10, 2015 file photo of US women’s soccer player Megan in a recent interview. direction, but there was still a long way Former rugby player and British army exposure provided by the Women’s World Rapinoe (C) holding the World Cup trophy as she rides a float with “What they maybe make in an hour, I to go, sports agent Lindi Ngwenya told offi cer Ngwenya, director of London- Cup in France will provide a chance to teammate Carli Lloyd (L), New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (back make in a year,” she said bluntly. Reuters. based agency SISU Sports Management, gauge the current popularity and market L) and Coach Jill Ellis (R) during a ticker tape parade in lower Man- The vast pay inequality was one of the “The defi nition of ‘fully professional’ said the structure of contracts varies value of women’s football. hattan to celebrate their World Cup final win over Japan. reasons that prompted Women’s World is that the players are paid a salary that from country to country. “The big tournaments are good, but we Cup holders the United States to fi le a they can live on, so from this season all French clubs are the top payers on also want to get to a stage where the club lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation the players that you see in the WSL are straightforward professional contracts, game gets a commensurate amount of TV in March. on a basic (wage) of 20,000 to 25,000 while mid-tier German sides often off er time and exposure,” Ngwenya added. All 28 members of the 2015 World pounds ($25,904 to $32,380) a year, plus a part-time employment contract with Despite the enormous gap between Captain Kerr looks to get Cup-winning squad were named as accommodation, with the big clubs pay- a local company on top of payments for the earnings of women and men, she was the Matildas waltzing plaintiff s in federal court in Los Angeles ing slightly more,” she said. playing. hopeful for the future. in the lawsuit which outlined complaints In contrast, the average pay for a male Though high-profi le internationals “I can defi nitely see the progress — yes Sydney: There is a good case for Blessed with blistering pace and about wages as well as other aspect of footballer in England’s Premier League such as Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and I would like it to be faster, but we are defi - ranking Sam Kerr as Australia’s devastating in front of goal with their working conditions when com- was 3mn pounds a year, according to the Brazil’s Marta can earn six-fi gure sums nitely making progress in the right direc- best footballer, female or male, at both her head and her almost pared to the US men’s side, who failed to 2018 Sporting Intelligence Global Sports and complement their salaries with lu- tion,” she said. the moment and the country’s unerringly accurate right foot, the hopes of a first World Cup triumph 2017 Asian Player of the Year will in France in July rest in no small test any defence. BOTTOMLINE part upon the prolific striker’s In another sign of her burgeon- shoulders. ing reputation, Kerr was named No Australian player has come Australia’s captain earlier this year, close to enjoying the 25-year-old’s with coach Ante Milicic confident profile — with her 130,000 social she has the leadership skills to suc- media followers, Nike endorse- ceed. “She’s very respected in the ment and other commercial deals world game and I think we have to FIFA seeks a billion World Cup — since Socceroos forward Tim be proud... and really embrace that, Cahill hung up his boots. Great because she’s still got a lot of good careers are not built on profile football in front of her,” Milicic said. alone, however, and at her third “I’ve been to two World Cups with World Cup, Kerr has a chance to the men’s team as well. I’ve worked viewers to boost women’s game truly cement her place among the with some fantastic leaders... I see Reuters women in the game, FIFA established a Samoura said at the launch. FIFA president Gianni Infantino ac- game’s best. a lot of those leadership qualities Stockholm Women’s Football Division in 2016 and The thorny issue of prize money for cepted the criticism, saying the “criti- Goals are the gold standard by in Sammy.” is pursuing a three-pronged strategy the Women’s World Cup has been ad- cal comments are perfectly justified which strikers are judged and Kerr, Kerr’s Kolkata-born father Roger to promote women’s football and close dressed, but proved to be something of because the unions and the players, who made her debut for Australia and brother Daniel played Austral- IFA is hoping that over a billion the gap to the men. a minefield. they defend their own interests, which as a 15-year-old in 2009, has been ian Rules professionally and while viewers tune in to the Women’s “We are looking forward to building The pot has been doubled to $30mn is a fair point.” The governing body is banging them in from all over the the indigenous football code was World Cup in France as it con- on the number of viewers that will tune and associations and clubs will also set to provide a platform for robust dis- park. her first love, it was soccer that Ftinues strategic efforts to grow into the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In benefit from extra cash, but critics say cussion with its first-ever Global Foot- The second time she found the off ered her a chance to pursue her the game around the globe, but the 2015, 750mn people tuned in and this the financial gap between the women’s ball Convention, which will take place net for her country was against own career in sport. Her hard work governing body is still subject to criti- summer we want to bring that figure up and men’s events is still far too wide. on June 6 and 7 in Paris before the tour- North Korea in the 2010 Asian Cup and intense focus belie her joy at cism over gender equality. to 1bn,” a FIFA spokesperson said. The prize fund for the men’s World nament gets underway. final, a cool finish for Australia’s being able to play the game for a The fact that hundreds of thou- FIFA hopes the additional exposure Cup in Russia last year was about “It will bring leaders from sport and only goal of the game as the Ma- living — evident in her trademark sands of tickets have been sold indi- attracts new fans to a sport that is still 400mn euros ($448mn), with champi- politics together to discuss furthering tildas won their first major trophy goal celebration of a cartwheel cates a strong interest in the women’s mostly amateur, with only a handful of ons France said to have received 38mn diversity and equality, both on and off on penalties. and backflip. game, but there is an even stronger top players earning a living wage. euros — more than the total prize mon- the pitch,” Samoura said. She has scored 30 more for “I always just try to have fun, desire among fans and players for rapid Launched in October 2018, FIFA’s ey for the women’s tournament this The key challenge for FIFA will be to Australia since and is as prolific in whatever I’m doing, and that’s change that FIFA is struggling to con- strategy focuses on three pillars — year. rapidly close the gender equality gap club football, winning the golden something I do on the field too,” tend with. growing the game, enhancing commer- The news prompted world players’ while growing the game in a sustain- boot in both Australia’s W-League she said earlier this year. “It’s an The 2019 World Cup represents a cial value and strengthening the foun- union FIFPro to release a statement able way, and a successful World Cup in and the National Women’s Soccer honour to be at a World Cup — chance for the governing body to show dations of women’s soccer. saying “football remains even further France will go a long way to building the League in the United States for the and it’s a moment I’ve lived for my the world it is taking women seriously. “The women’s game is a top prior- from the goal of equality for all World internal and external support necessary last two seasons. whole life.” – Reuters Long criticised for its lax attitude to ity for FIFA,” Secretary-General Fatma Cup players regardless of gender.” to do so. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 16, 2019 FOOTBALL

FEATURE Tough Bronze brings Lyon experience to Lionesses ‘I WANTED TO BE THE BEST AT IT AND I HAD TO PUT ALL THE THINGS ASIDE AND GO FOR IT’

Reuters had to put all the things aside and go Lyon, France for it, and if I wasn’t gonna make any money, I wasn’t gonna make any mon- ey. hen Lucy Bronze kicked “I didn’t think I was gonna be in the off her professional career position I am in today with a house at Everton, her earnings and car and living a nice life, but back were all-but wiped out by then it didn’t matter and it still doesn’t Wthe cost of being a footballer. matter.” Bronze did not care about the mon- Sexist remarks didn’t matter either ey, though. She just wanted to play to a player who says she would ‘run football. through a brick wall to win a game’. It was a focus that paid off , and next “I never had a problem with the peo- month the Olympique Lyonnais de- ple I was close to because I was play- fender will be central to England’s as- ing football with them and they knew I sault on the women’s World Cup in could play, it didn’t matter that I was a France. girl,” she explained. A self-described aggressive and “It’s more people from the outside, hardworking defender, the 27-year-old fans, people you don’t know who ques- says she is now enjoying the “house tion it. I remember teachers at school and the car” in Lyon, where she hopes thinking ‘she thinks she can play foot- the Lionesses will play the semi-fi nals ball, but she’s a girl’. But it didn’t both- and the fi nal of the sport’s top event. er me. And Bronze trusts that the experi- “When you’re a woman in any job ence she has accumulated since joining you get ‘she can’t do that because Europe’s most successful club in 2017 she’s a woman’ but to me it kind of will prove an asset for England who makes me laugh — if you think I can’t fi nished third in the 2015 World Cup. do it I’ll show you that I can do it and “When I fi rst signed a contract with then you’re the one who’s gonna look a women’s team, my contract stated stupid for having those stupid opin- that if I played I would get 100 pounds ions.” and if I didn’t play it would be zero,” Bronze, playing in a team who won Bronze told Reuters in an interview. a record fi ve Champions Leagues, is an “If you got injured you got zero, it asset her England coach Phil Neville is was crazy.” But Bronze wanted just well aware of. one thing after years of practice on the “He asks me a lot of stuff about what streets with her brother, and grow- I do in Lyon or what the club does,” she ing up with parents who did not watch said. football, let alone play it. What Bronze will do when her pro- “My mum and dad don’t like foot- fessional career ends is anyone’s guess. ball, they didn’t watch it at all. Obvi- “I wanna play until I am 45 if my ously they watch it now, they watch body will let me,” she said with a smile. me, but my dad can’t play football, he’s Defender of England’s football team Lucy Bronze (C) attends a training session ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, at the Groupama Olympique Lyon training centre “After football I have no idea. terrible and my mum’s the same,” she in Decines-Charpieu near Lyon, France. (File photo) “I would love to go back (to school), recalled. maybe do more education, some- “My brother is two years older than sports science and said she was soon “I didn’t get paid enough money or 10,000 euros, I just wanna play.” “I think it was only fi ve years ago times I think I wanna be a coach, then me and he just used to play football on facing a choice. really to live properly, sleeping on And she played, moving up the ranks now when I kind of took that jump and I think I’d like to be a fi tness coach or the street with his friends after school. “It was at that moment when I people’s sofas and stuff, but that from Everton to Lyon to make it to the left my education to the side and left in a boardroom in women’s football to And everything my brother did, I wanted thought ‘do I want to get a job now and was the moment when I thought short list of the fi rst women’s Ballon all those other things to focus on foot- make it better, and then sometimes I to do the same... I wanted to be him.” keep playing football or am I just gonna I just wanna play football profes- d’Or, via stints at Liverpool and Man- ball,” said Bronze. think I’m just gonna buy a bar in Bar- In due course, Bronze got a degree in play football?’ sionally whether I get paid 10 euros chester City. “I wanted to be the best at it and I celona.”

APPOINTMENT SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Croatia’s ’s Stimac Former Wales manager Aguero set to named Coleman fi red by Hebei return for Copa India America — sources AFP presenter, defended his record and said in a Shanghai tweet that was later deleted: “We hoped to Reuters Alongside Aguero, coach leave before the season started but were not Buenos Aires Barcelona great Lionel allowed to, after losing players and not be- Messi and Paris St Ger- ormer Wales manager Chris Cole- ing allowed to sign any replacements.” main’s Angel Di Maria man was sacked as coach of strug- Coleman was a defender for Crystal anchester City will also be in the squad gling Hebei China Fortune yester- Palace, Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers striker Sergio day after the club’s fans demanded and Fulham during his playing days, and Aguero will be part ing statistics spoke for them- hisF removal. later became the manager of then-Premier of Argentina’s pro- selves. “Because of that he has The 48-year-old’s side have won only League side Fulham. visionalM squad for the Copa been called up again,” the source once in nine Chinese Super League (CSL) He spent four years in the hot seat at Cra- America, two sources from the said. games this season and languish one place ven Cottage and then had a spell with Real country’s soccer body told Reu- Aguero spearheaded Man off the bottom of the table. Sociedad in Spain. ters yesterday. City’s Premier League charge A Hebei team containing former Barcelo- But he enjoyed his most successful time Aguero, who scored 21 Pre- and was on the scoresheet on na star Javier Mascherano lost 3-2 at home in charge of his native Wales, taking them to mier League goals in 33 appear- Sunday when they wrapped up to mid-table Henan Jianye at the weekend a shock semi-fi nal place at Euro 2016. ances for Manchester City this a second straight title with a and had a player sent off for the fourth time His sacking at Hebei comes as little sur- season, has been in interna- 4-1 victory over Brighton and in all competitions this year. prise. tional exile since after last year’s Hove Albion. Alongside Aguero, AFP Angry fans held aloft a banner dur- After a 2-0 defeat to Marouane Fellaini’s World Cup in Russia, when Ar- Barcelona great Lionel Messi New Delhi ing Saturday’s defeat that said in English: Shandong Luneng earlier this month, He- gentina crashed out in the last and Paris St Germain’s Angel Di “Hello Mr Coleman, please go home! You’re of his 28 games in total. bei issued an open letter to fans apologising 16. The Argentine Football As- Maria will also be in the squad. fi red!!!” “After friendly negotiation and agree- and saying that it has been “the toughest sociation (AFA) will announce a The Copa America, which ormer Croatia coach Igor Above that in Chinese it read: “Coleman, ment reached between the two parties, with start (to a season) in the club’s history”. squad of up to 40 players, before will be held in Brazil between Stimac was named In- your mum wants you home for dinner.” immediate eff ect, Mr Chris Coleman will no “We let you down and we can’t make any submitting their fi nal 23-man June 14 and July 7, will feature dia manager yesterday, Coleman, who took Sunderland down longer serve as head coach of Hebei China excuses for the recent performances,” said a selection for the tournament the 10 South American teams, replacing Englishman into England’s third tier in his previous job, Fortune Football Club,” the club said in a statement. two weeks later. as well as Qatar and Japan as StephenF Constantine who quit was appointed as a replacement for West statement on the Twitter-like Weibo. “We have to say to you: sorry.” “Kun (Aguero) will be in the guests. following the Asian Cup exit. Ham United-bound Manuel Pellegrini in “We sincerely thank Coleman for his hard Hebei, who are above rock-bottom Bei- call-up,” said one source with Argentina, who have been “Igor is the right candidate to June last year. work and contribution to the team and wish jing Renhe only on goal diff erence in the the Argentine national team coached by Lionel Scaloni since coach the Blue Tigers... Indian But despite guiding Hebei away from the him all the best in his future work and life.” CSL, travel to seventh-placed Tianjin Teda who asked not to be named. the departure of Jorge Sampaoli football is going through a tran- relegation zone last year, he won only seven Coleman’s wife Charlotte, a television on Sunday. A second source at the AFA last year, will play in Group B sition, and I am confi dent his confi rmed the return of the alongside Colombia, Paraguay vast experience will guide us to striker, saying that his goalscor- and Qatar. higher echelons,” All India Foot- BOTTOMLINE ball Federation president Praful Patel said in a statement. A former centre-back who Guardiola beats Klopp to won 53 caps, Stimac was in German league rejects proposal charge of Croatia during qualifi - manager of the year award cation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. to create closed Champions League London: Manchester City Guardiola’s side could com- He was sacked after Croatia boss Pep Guardiola edged out plete a first ever domestic took only one point from their Reuters quences” for national leagues around Eu- proposal on the table which would involve Jurgen Klopp to a trophy for treble in English football last four group games mean- Berlin rope. drastic changes. Several league representa- the second time in three days when they face Watford in the ing they only just scraped into a The region’s governing body UEFA is tives who were present have said that the as the Catalan claimed the FA Cup final at Wembley on playoff . Niko Kovac was in care- working with the European Club Associa- proposal included a three-tier European League Managers’ Associa- Saturday. taker charge as they overcame he German Football League (DFL) tion (ECA), whose members include all of league with promotion and relegation be- tion manager of the year on Guardiola topped the vote Iceland to reach the fi nals. has rejected a proposal to create a the continent’s biggest clubs, to re-design tween each division. Tuesday. ahead of Jurgen Klopp, Tot- Stimac’s last job was with Al- near-closed Champions League European competition after the current in- The top tier — the equivalent of the Guardiola’s City retained the tenham manager Mauricio Shahania club in Qatar. from 2024 onwards, adding to ternational calendar ends in 2024. Champions League — would include 32 Premier League title on Sun- Pochettino, who has led Spurs Constantine stepped down Twidespread opposition to the plan. UEFA has said discussions are at a pre- teams, the top 24 of whom would keep their day, beating Klopp’s Liverpool to their first ever Champi- as India coach in January after The DFL, which runs the top two di- liminary stage and has not given any fur- places for the next season, ending the tradi- by a single point at the end of ons League final, and Nuno an injury-time Bahrain penalty visions of the Football League system — ther details. But according to reports of a tion that qualifying for European competi- a thrilling title race. Espirito Santo of Wolves, who denied the cricket-mad nation a known as the Bundesliga and Bundesliga meeting held between UEFA and repre- tion is achieved via national leagues. Having also won the League finished seventh in their first historic place in the Asian Cup 2 — said in a statement that such a com- sentatives of the European Leagues last Only four places would be open to the Cup earlier in the campaign, season back in the top flight. knockout stages in a 1-0 defeat. petition would have “unacceptable conse- week, the governing body has already put a winners of Europe’s 54 national leagues. Gulf Times Thursday, May 16, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Pelicans will pick Curry powers Warriors fi rst in NBA draft AFP Chicago

he New Orleans Pelicans won the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday and will have the chance to make collegiate superstar Zion Williamson the top pick on June 20. over Trail Blazers in TThe New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns each had a 14 percent chance of land- ing the number one selection under a system that gives equal chance of winning the lottery to the ‘The schedule favoured us. I teams with the three worst records in the league. The Pelicans were a long shot, with only a 6 per- thought we took advantage of the cent chance of winning the lottery. But they came up number one, with the second series opener situation and got off to a good start’ pick in the June 20 draft going to the Memphis Grizzlies. The New York Knicks gained the third se- lection and the Los Angeles Lakers will pick fourth. Duke University star Williamson was an interest- ed onlooker at the ceremony in Chicago, since he’s widely predicted to be taken fi rst in the draft after a dazzling freshman season. Williamson averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 re- bounds per game for the Blue Devils, who were knocked out of the March Madness NCAA tourna- ment in the Elite Eight round. “It’s a lot to take in. I don’t know where I’m going to be,” he said, noting that until draft day comes it’s not certain the Pelicans will pick him. Wherever he lands, Williamson said, he believes his “will to win” will be the biggest asset he can bring to the NBA. “Whatever that team needs me to do, I’m going to be able to do it,” he said. The outcome of the lottery immediately sparked speculation that a Pelicans team that adds Wil- liamson could induce disgruntled star Anthony Davis to stay. Davis was at the centre of one of this season’s most acrimonious NBA soap operas after submit- ting a trade request in January with the Lakers be- lieved to be his preferred destination. The move stalled after negotiations between the clubs collapsed. Davis has a year remaining on his Pelicans con- tract, and acknowledged last month that he could yet end up in New Orleans next season. “Obviously it’s a possibility it could happen,” he said, and the addition of Williamson to the ros- ter might make that prospect more inviting. The Cleveland Cavaliers will pick fi fth in the draft, Phoenix sixth, Chicago seventh and eighth. Washington and Atlanta round out the top 10.

Dodgers’ Urias placed on leave aft er domestic violence arrest

Major League Baseball placed Los Angeles Dodg- ers pitcher Julio Urias on administrative leave on Tuesday after he was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanour domestic battery on Monday night. The Los Angeles Police Department said an inci- dent involving the 22-year-old Urias and a woman took place around 7:30 p.m. PT in the parking lot of Seth Curry of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Stephen Curry (left) of the Golden State Warriors during the first-half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena in the Beverly Center, a local shopping centre. Oakland, California. (Getty Images/AFP) Following a night in jail, Urias was released at 1:30 a.m. PT after posting $20,000 bail. AFP points, 10 rebounds, fi ve assists, struggled in game seven against the those were the only points of the come back from the emotional high MLB said it is investigating the matter and is “in the Los Angeles two steals and three blocked shots Nuggets, scored 17 points on sev- night for the younger Curry brother of beating the Nuggets in Denver. process of gathering facts” while Urias is on ad- for the two-time defending NBA en-of-19 shooting. “The schedule - a Portland reserve - as the game “I thought our minds were right. ministrative leave, which can be extended multiple champions, who are playing in favoured us,” acknowledged Gold- marked the fi rst time siblings have We came into the game ready,” he times past the seven-day limit. tephen Curry drained nine their fi fth straight Western Confer- en State coach Steve Kerr, whose met in an NBA conference fi nal. said. “But they’re a team that can “We learned about the alleged incident this morn- three-pointers on the way ence fi nal. Curry said he just took Warriors polished off the Houston The Warriors reserves opened go on runs, they make shots and the ing and are in the process of gathering informa- to 36 points on Tuesday advantage of what a free-fl owing Rockets on Friday. “I thought we strong in the fourth quarter to re- game can get away.” tion,” the Dodgers said in a statement Tuesday. to propel the Golden State Warriors off ense gave him. took advantage of the situation and build the cushion in a stretch that In particular, Lillard said, the “As a result, we have no comment at this time WarriorsS to a 116-94 victory over “It was a nice fl ow,” Curry said. got off to a good start.” Kerr called key. Blazers need to make things more regarding the incident. However, every allegation the Portland Trail Blazers in game “It just puts so much pressure on The Warriors pushed their lead “Great job by our bench,” Kerr diffi cult for Curry, who had open of domestic violence must be taken seriously and one of the NBA Western Confer- the defense. You can’t key it on one to 10 in the second quarter before said. “If we can buy some time for look after open look. addressed promptly, and we will cooperate fully ence fi nals. guy and even if you try to somebody Portland put together a run that our starters to rest and even extend “That was poor execution de- with the authorities and Major League Baseball to Curry added seven assists and else is going to be open.” trimmed the defi cit to 48-45. the lead, that’s a huge deal for us.” fensively on our part,” Lillard said. ensure that that happens in this case.” six rebounds as the Warriors led all The Trail Blazers connected on Curry answered with a pair of Despite their shooting woes, “Having our bigs back that far, To fill the roster spot, the Dodgers on Tuesday the way over a Trail Blazers team only 36.1 percent of their shots late three-pointers - abetted by a the Trail Blazers managed to stay we’ve got to bring our guys up and recalled right-handed pitcher JT Chargois from Tri- coming off a game-seven victory from the fi eld, making just seven Lillard turnover - to send the War- in touch much of the night thanks run them off the line.” ple-A Oklahoma City. During his first stint with the over Denver in the second round on of 28 three-point attempts as the riors to the locker-room leading to making 27 of 31 free throws and The Warriors will try to double Dodgers from April 9-11, the 28-year-old Chargois Sunday. Klay Thompson added 26 Warriors drained 17 from beyond 54-45. The Trail Blazers made an- out-rebounding the Warriors 47- their advantage in the best-of- pitched 1 2/3 innings over two games, allowing two points and provided an imposing the arc. Portland star Damian Lil- other push in the third period, cut- 42. But their 21 turnovers led to 31 seven series when they host game runs and striking out one. Urias started the season defensive presence as the Warriors lard hit just four of 12 shots to score ting a 17-point defi cit to six. Rod- Warriors points - a gift no team can two today. They are again expected in the rotation for the Dodgers but was moved to shrugged off the absence of injured 19 points with six assists, four re- ney Hood and Seth Curry both had aff ord to give Golden State. to be without two-time NBA Finals the bullpen. In nine games (four starts), he is 2-2 superstar Kevin Durant. bounds and seven turnovers. CJ three-pointers in the Blazers’ 11-4 “You can’t allow that,” said Lil- MVP Durant, who has a right calf with two saves and a 3.18 ERA. Draymond Green added 12 McCollum, who starred as Lillard scoring run to end the quarter, but lard, who admitted it was hard to strain.

MLB Rockies outlast Red Sox in 11 innings despite 24 strikeouts Reuters Sale responded by striking out the next three Los Angeles RESULTS batters on 12 pitches. Sale allowed two runs on three hits with no Rockies 5-4 Red Sox walks. ark Reynolds hit a tiebreaking Blue Jays 7-3 Giants Boston manager Alex Cora decided 108 RBI single in the top of the 11th Cubs 3-1 Reds pitches was enough for Sale. inning as the Colorado Rock- “He made a lot of pitches the last one, so ies overcame a near-historic Dodgers 6-3 Padres you got to be careful,” Cora said. Mnumber of strikeouts to beat the host Boston Twins 4-3 Angels “There’s a bigger goal here. We’ve been Red Sox 5-4 on Tuesday. Pirates 6-2 D’backs very disciplined ... and you still have to be The Rockies had fanned 24 times without a disciplined. I think he understands.” walk before Ryan McMahon and Nolan Are- Brewers 6-1 Phillies Sale said, “You got 17 punchouts, you nado reached on ball four from Ryan Brasier Indians 9-0 White Sox defi nitely want to go out for the last inning. (2-2) in the 11th. Reynolds’ game-winning Mets 6-2 Nationals But I respect (Cora) as much as anybody single came on an 0-2 count with two outs. on the planet, and I’ll never question Rays 4-0 Marlins Colorado narrowly avoided the major anything he does, even in regard to me with league record of 26 collective strikeouts in a Astros 11-4 Tigers that.” game. Mariners 4-3 Athletics Brandon Workman, who hadn’t given up a hit in his last 11 appearances, then took over Red Sox ace Chris Sale was responsible for Cardinals 14-3 Braves a career-high 17 of them, becoming the fi rst and gave up Blackmon’s go-ahead blast after pitcher in major league history to reach that Royals 11-5 Rangers a Chris Iannetta double. total in seven or fewer innings. Boston knotted the score in the bottom of An Arenado error put the tying run on to Mike Dunn (1-0) fi nished the bottom the frame on a pinch-hit RBI single by Mitch begin the Boston eighth, and Moreland came of the 10th for the win, and Wade Davis Moreland, helping send the game to extra in- through with runners on fi rst and second and worked around a two-out single for his sev- nings. one out. enth save. Sale, who fanned 14 his last time out in Michael Chavis got the Red Sox on the The 24 strikeouts by Boston pitching tied a Baltimore, picked up where he left off . He board in the second with a towering home franchise record. struck out the fi rst six Rockies he faced and run just fair over the Green Monster in left, The Red Sox had a fi ve-game winning eight his fi rst time through the lineup. and J.D. Martinez and Rafael Devers added streak snapped, losing for just the third time Sale whiff ed the last two men in the fthfi solo shots in the third. in their last 14 contests. and made it fi ve straight by getting the side in Rockies starter Kyle Freeland allowed three After Sale exited with a 3-2 lead after sev- order in the sixth. runs on the three homers and fi ve hits total en, the Rockies went ahead in the eighth on An Arenado homer after a Trevor Story over six innings. He walked three and struck Colorado Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds hits an RBI single during the eleventh inning against the a two-run home run by Charlie Blackmon. leadoff single in the seventh made it 3-2, and out seven. Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 16, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING RUGBY Carter laughs off suggestions of World Ackermann sprints Cup comeback

Reuters undiagnosed injury ended his Wellington hopes of a lucrative short- term return to French club Racing 92. wo-times World Cup He is currently contracted to to second Giro stage winner Dan Carter has Japanese club Kobelco Steelers laughed off sugges- and is expected to return for tions he could make the Top League season when Ta surprise return to the All it begins after the World Cup, Blacks squad for this year’s which would also make him tournament as New Zealand ineligible for the All Blacks, grapples with concerns over who only select New Zealand- their depth at fl yhalf. based players. win in heavy rain The 37-year-old has not Carter, however, said it was played for the All Blacks since not a risk to go into the tourna- ‘All the stage was scary, all the descents, you cannot see that much in the peloton the 2015 fi nal and is not con- ment with two specialist fl y- tracted to New Zealand Rugby, halves – most likely Beauden because of all the water. It just was lucky that nobody crashed’ but a season-ending injury to Barrett and Richie Mo’unga – Damian McKenzie has seen and rely on other utility play- concerns mount about who ers to slot in if needed. will be the third fl yhalf head- “You just have to focus on ing to Japan. the resources and the talent Carter was mentioned by his that you do have,” he said. former All Blacks coach Gra- “The coaches and selectors ham Henry as a possibility, but have been around for a while, the three-times World Player they will be working on things of the Year said a recent neck behind the scenes as well to surgery would rule him out give them some security in anyway. case there are more injuries.” “I was having a laugh at that All Blacks supporters had when I heard my name being a similar crisis of confi dence thrown around,” Carter told during the 2011 World Cup Fairfax Media on Wednesday when Carter and Colin Slade after receiving the New Zea- went down injured and Aaron land Order of Merit in Auck- Cruden and Stephen Donald land. were called in. “I think I can start contact Donald, who had been fi sh- training again in October. So ing when he got the phone call I might be right for the semi- from Henry to join the squad, fi nal or fi nal... the fi rst tackle then entered folklore as he in a big game like that would be kicked a penalty to give the quite entertaining. All Blacks an 8-7 victory over “My focus is on recover- France in the fi nal. ing from this with the hope “We have been in that situ- of fi nishing off my contract in ation before and still won a Japan.” World Cup,” Carter said. “And Carter had neck surgery in that gives us a lot of confi - early April after a previously dence.”

Cyclists suspended as police probe Austrian ring

Professional cyclists Kris- links. Petacchi, who won 48 tijan Koren of Slovenia and stages including Croatian Kristijan Durasek 22 on the Giro before retiring have been suspended as in 2015, has been cited by the police investigate an Austrian UCI for a potential “use of blood doping ring, Cycling’s prohibited methods”. world governing body the UCI The 45-year-old has also been said yesterday. temporarily dropped from Team Bora rider Germany’s Pascal Ackermann (right) celebrates as he finishes first ahead of Colombia’s Fernando Gaviria in stage five of the 102nd Giro d’Italia yesterday. (AFP) Two other retired riders, Ital- his role as a television pundit ian and on this year’s Giro with Italian Reuters conditions with 70km to go. Co- to take Gaviria by half a wheel. was caught 23km from the fi nish s.t., 73. Miguel Angel Lopez Slovenian Borut Bozic, have public broadcaster RAI. Frascati, lombian Fernando Gaviria, for The sprint fi nish, in the seaside after staging a long breakaway. (COL/AST) s.t., 75. Simon Yates also been implicated in the “For us, nothing changes,” UAE Team Emirates, fi nished the resort south of Rome, was all the Thursday’s sixth stage is (GBR/MIT) s.t., 76. Tao Geoghe- Operation Aderlass investiga- said Raisport director Auro stage second behind the Bora- more impressive for the pools of 238km from Cassino to San Gio- gan Hart (GBR/INE) s.t. tion. Koren, 32, who rides for Bulbarelli. erman champion Pas- Hansgrohe rider with French- standing water on the asphalt. vanni Rotondo, with a fast open- Retired: Tom Dumoulin (NED/ the Bahrain team of Italian “But, faced with these accusa- cal Ackermann took his man Arnaud Demare third for Dumoulin, feeling the eff ects ing 190km and no major climbs SUN), Jelle Vanendert (BEL/LOT) star Vincenzo Nibali, has been tions, it is right that Alessan- second stage win of the Groupama-FDJ in a stage that of a big crash on Tuesday, had before ascending through hair- Did not start: Kristijan Koren competing in the Giro d’Italia, dro has the opportunity to Giro d’Italia in a sprint was also neutralised for the fi rst started the stage but the Dutch- pins. (SLO/BAH). which started this week and assess the situation with his Gfi nish through torrential rain 2.7km. man abandoned shortly after the was 47th overall after Tues- lawyer. “We believe it is ap- yesterday while injured former Ackermann, making his grand start with his focus now on the RESULTS OVERALL STANDINGS day’s fourth stage. propriate to take a few days race winner Tom Dumoulin tour debut, also won Sunday’s . FIFTH STAGE 1. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) 19hr UAE Emirates’ Durasek was off to clarify all the details of pulled out. second stage from Bologna to “I wanted to fi nish it. I am not 1. Pascal Ackermann (GER/BOR) 35min 04sec, 2. Simon Yates riding in the Tour of California. this story.” Slovenian Primoz Roglic kept Fucecchio. ready to go home yet,” the 2017 3hr 15min 44sec, 2. Fernando (GBR/MIT) 35, 3. Vincenzo Nibali According to Italian sports Bozic retired last year and the overall leader’s pink jersey “All the stage was scary, all the champion told Eurosport. Gaviria (COL/UAE) s.t., 3. Arnaud (ITA/BAH) 39, 4. Miguel Angel daily Gazzetta dello Sport, joined the Bahrain team man- after the fi fth stage from Fras- descents, you cannot see that “I didn’t want to be at home Demare (FRA/FDJ) s.t., 4. Caleb Lopez (COL/AST) 44, 5. Diego Ul- who organise the three-week agement, but was not present cati to Terracina was neutral- much in the peloton because of in two days’ time and my knee Ewan (AUS/LOT) s.t., 5. Matteo issi (ITA/UAE) 44, 6. Rafal Majka Giro, sources “close to the on the Giro. ised with nine km remaining for all the water,” said Ackermann, would be less swollen and I Moschetti (ITA/TRE) s.t., 6. Ryan (POL/BOR) 49, 7. Bauke Mollema dossier” claim that Koren and The Bahrain team, which has safety reasons due to the treach- wearing the cyclamen jersey for would be able to do a ride and Gibbons (RSA/DDT) s.t., 7. Paolo (NED/TRE) 55, 8. Damiano Bozic’s implication dates back suspended Koren and Bozic, erous conditions. That allowed the sprinter classifi cation leader. feeling sad that I didn’t try and Simion (ITA/BAR) s.t., 8. Yenthe Caruso (ITA/BAH) 56, 9. Bob Jun- to 2012-2013. Koren was riding stressed that “the two cases the sprinters to race for the line “It just was lucky that nobody maybe if I’d pushed through and Biermans (BEL/KAT) s.t., 9. Gio- gels (LUX/DEC) 1:02, 10. Davide for the Cannondale team at concern the seasons of 2012 while the main men stayed safe crashed.” with some painkillers today it vanni Lonardi (ITA/NIP) s.t., 10. Formolo (ITA/BOR) 1:06 the time, while Bozic, whose and/or 2013”. in the pack and out of the way. The German said it had been could have been possible. Manuel Belletti (ITA/AND) s.t. 21 wins include a stage of the “The team is still conducting Roglic (Team Jumbo-Visma) eff ectively a double sprint to “I would have always asked Selected: SELECTED 2009 Tour of Spain, rode for extensive medical checks leads Britain’s Simon Yates by an the fi nish for him after he had to myself that question and now 38. Bob Jungels (LUX/DEC) s.t., 19. Pascal Ackermann (GER/ Astana. Durasek, 31, who won (including a biological pass- unchanged 35-second margin. brake in the last 250 metres be- I ask myself and know the an- 39. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) s.t., BOR) 1:37, 22. Mikel Landa (ESP/ the Tour of in 2015, is port check) of any new riders The Slovenian was seen talking fore harnessing all the power in swer.” 49. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) MOV) 1:49, 31. Caleb Ewan (AUS/ alleged to have more recent signed,” the team added. to the race director about the his legs in a fi nal dash for the line Belgian rider Louis Vervake s.t., 61. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) LOT) 2:26

NHL Bruins on brink of Stanley Cup fi nal aft er win over ’Canes AFP lina’s second-round sweep of again, good enough - 5-on-3, Switzerland in international play Los Angeles the New York Islanders, started 4-on-3,” captain Justin Williams for more than a decade. Krueger for the Hurricanes after they said. “We didn’t get enough on posted a 19-22-7 record in his were outscored 11-4 in the fi rst it.” 2012-13 stint with the Oilers and he Boston Bruins are one two games of the series with Petr drew praise for his work with win away from a Stanley Mrazek in front of the net. SABRES NAME KRUEGER FIFTH younger players. Cup fi nals berth after a “We came out exactly how HEAD COACH SINCE 2013 From 2014 until last month, 2-1 victory over the Caro- we wanted to, but it didn’t work Named Buff alo’s fi fth head coach Krueger served as chairman of Tlina Hurricanes on Tuesday in the out,” Hurricanes coach Rod since 2013 yesterday, Ralph the Premier League club South- NHL Eastern Conference fi nal. Brind’Amour said. “I’m proud of Krueger takes on the task of ampton FC. He told The Athletic Tuukka Rask made 35 saves the way we played that game.” ending the Sabres’ eight-year last month that his experience for the Bruins, who followed up After Rask made 20 saves in Stanley Cup playoff drought. there will translate to the NHL. two home wins with a victory in the fi rst period, the Bruins took General manager Jason Botterill “Now I’ve had the opportuni- Raleigh, North Carolina, to take advantage of a Hurricanes turn- believes the 59-year-old former ty to be that person who creates a 3-0 stranglehold on the best- over to take a 1-0 lead 1:21 into Edmonton Oilers coach and a culture where you try to have of-seven series. Chris Wag- the second. English Premier League execu- it that everybody can really fi nd ner and Brad Marchand scored Brock McGinn’s clearing pass tive is uniquely qualifi ed to han- their potential and fi nd out what for the Bruins, who will try to hit Boston forward Sean Kuraly dle the job. they’re made of,” Krueger said. complete a four-game sweep in in the skates, and Joakim Nord- “Throughout his career, Ralph “So my evolution has been neat Raleigh tomorrow. strom fed Wagner for a redirec- has shown the ability to adapt to that way. Now six years into this, “(Rask) is always calm and tion. Marchand gave Boston a a variety of high-pressure envi- if someone is asking me about collected,” Boston centre Patrice 2-0 lead with a power-play goal ronments while leading some of the NHL, your brain goes to a Bergeron said. “Right now, he’s at 6:28. the world’s elite players,” Bot- similar role.” in the zone. He’s been amazing. De Haan cut the lead to 2-1 terill said in a statement. “His The Sabres fi nished with the He’s a huge reason why we’re with slap shot from the left face- strong communication skills, NHL’s fi fth-worst record in here right now.” off circle that beat Rask at 13:48. leadership and diverse back- 2018-19, winning just 16 of their Calvin de Haan scored and The goal was de Haan’s fi rst in ground make him a uniquely fi nal 57 games. Curtis McElhinney made 29 27 NHL playoff games, but the qualifi ed candidate to lead our The most critical tasks facing saves for the Hurricanes, who Hurricanes couldn’t build on it. team going forward.” Krueger and Botterill this off - lost at home for the fi rst time in Carolina were 0-for-5 on the The last time Krueger coached season include re-signing center these playoff s after fi ve wins on power play, including four op- hockey was in 2016, when he Jeff Skinner and preparing for Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period in home ice. McElhinney, who won portunities in the fi rst period. led Team Europe in the World next month’s draft, where Buf- Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at PNC Arena in the fi nal three games in Caro- “Our power play wasn’t, Cup of Hockey. He also coached falo has the No. 7 overall pick. Raleigh, North Carolina. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, May 16, 2019 7 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Koepka eyes 10 majors, says they’re Two decades aft er oft en easiest to win

AFP said. “I’m playing really good. Bethpage, United States The last time we played this championship, I won. I like my chances this week. If I do what efending champion I’m supposed to do, then I think second major win, sees ma- I’d be tough to beat. But at the jor tournaments such as end of the day, you never know this week’s PGA Cham- what’s going to happen. You’ve pionshipD as often the easiest got to go out and play four good events to win and hopes to cap- days.” ture at least 10 before he’s done. Koepka, however, has learned The calm and confi dent that you don’t have to lead it un- 29-year-old American is already til the end. Tiger still hungry a three-time major winner and “One of the big things that I’ve has lifted two of the past four learned over the last few years is ‘He has probably found a better balance to his golfing life’ major trophies entering this you don’t need to try to go win it. week’s showdown at Bethpage Just hang around,” Koepka said. AFP Black. “If you hang around, good things Bethpage, United States “I think sometimes the ma- are going to happen. jors are the easiest ones to win,” “I think that’s what’s kind of Koepka said Tuesday. “Half the caused me an issue in the regular iger Woods pondered people shoot themselves out of PGA Tour events. I’ve gone out 20 years ago if he was it and mentally I know I can beat on Saturday and tried to build a destined to be a one- most of them, and then from cushion, maybe pressed a little major wonder, but the there it’s those guys left, who’s bit too hard and gotten ahead of Treigning Masters champion re- going to play good and who can myself, where in the majors I just mains golf’s biggest star despite win.” stay in the moment. I never think an epic fall from grace. That’s why third-ranked one hole ahead. I dummy it down Woods, who ended an 11-year Koepka has set his sights on a and make it very simple and I major win drought last month double-digit major haul, one think that’s what helps me.” at Augusta National, competes that would put him no worse “I keep things maybe more for a 16th major title start- than fourth on the all-time ma- low key this week, more a re- ing Thursday at the 101st PGA jor win list and ahead of such laxed atmosphere. Sometimes Championship at Bethpage legends as Arnold Palmer, Ben you can out-psych yourself, so I Black. Hogan and Gary Player. just don’t let that bug me.” The 43-year-old Ameri- “I don’t see any reason it can’t can could match the all-time get to double digits,” Koepka KOEPKA: NO TIGER RIVALRY US PGA record of 82 wins said. “I think you keep doing Once a club-smashing college set by Sam Snead and return to what you’re supposed to do, you hothead, Koepka now works to the world number one ranking play good, you peak at the right hide emotions from rivals. for the fi rst time since March times, I don’t see any reason it “I’m very stone-faced, very 2013. can’t.” focused, but I also don’t want to “It’s great to be part of the There are 155 opponents who give guys an idea of what’s going narrative,” Woods said. would see themselves as ob- on,” he said. “My narrative spans 20 years stacles, but Koepka clinically “I’m not nervous at all. I don’t now... You’re measured in dec- knocks down those odds. “You feel the pressure. Pressure comes ades. Because of the nature of fi gure at least 80 of them I’m just when you’re thinking about re- the sport, we’re able to hang going to beat,” Koepka said. “You sults.” around a lot longer and still be fi gure about half of them won’t And he’s not interest in being relevant.” play well from there, so you’re named the latest rival to won his fi rst major at down to about maybe 35. Woods. the 1997 Masters but his second “And then from 35, some of “I don’t see it as a rivalry. It’s came at the 1999 PGA Cham- them, pressure is going to get to just golf,” Koepka said. “It’s not pionship at Medinah, when them. It only leaves you with a like there’s a huge history there, he held off Spanish teen upstart Tiger Woods catches a ball as he practices on the driving range for the PGA Championship golf tournament at – Black few more, and you’ve just got to although it is fun to play against Sergio Garcia and launched a Course. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports beat those guys.” him, best player to ever play the run of seven wins in 11 majors, Third-ranked Koepka would game.” including the “Tiger Slam” become the fi rst player to be And Koepka proudly declares of four in a row in 2000-2001. Spieth not distracted by career grand slam thoughts at PGA Championship back-to-back reigning cham- he has no fear of Woods. “That was a big moment be- pion at two majors at the same “What’s the point in fearing cause at the time I’d won one Jordan Spieth says he is not wasting time But I also recognise that if I continue to stay “I can kind of do what I’m trying to do, but time by winning this week. He anybody? We’re not fi ghting,” major by 12 shots and hadn’t thinking about completing the career healthy and play well, I’ll have, I don’t know, to consistently time it is just going to take a chases a third consecutive US Koepka said. “He’s not going to won since then, and it was a big grand slam as he begins a third bid to seal 30 chances at it. One of them is bound to little bit of time.” Open triumph next month at knock my teeth in. He’s not go- deal to get a second major cham- a full set of major titles at this week’s PGA go my way, right?” Spieth’s chances of completing his collec- Pebble Beach. ing to hurt me. So what’s there to pionship and get the numbers to Championship. Spieth’s last victory came at the 2017 British tion of grand slam titles this week could “I have the trophy,” Koepka be afraid of?” start to accrue,” Woods said. The 25-year-old American is not among Open at Royal Birkdale, a triumph that gave depend heavily on playing conditions at “To be able to hang in there and the favourites at Bethpage Black this week him the third leg of the career grand slam. Bethpage Black, which do not bode well somehow get that done, it just given his recent form, but he feels the day He has been struggling this season, how- for him given recent rain that has left the helped keep the momentum go- will come when he completes his major ever, to regain his status among Golf’s elite. course soft and soggy. ing from ‘97 and then not winning collection. “Not much, honestly,” he said The former world number one is now 39th “I seem to play better Golf in major cham- anything in ‘98. It just started the when asked about how much time in his in the rankings and has yet to finish in the pionships when courses are firmer, quicker momentum and you can see what preparations he has spent contemplating top 20 of any tournament this season as he greens, and the scores are closer to happens in 2000, 2001 and 2002. the career grand slam. works on fixing some technical aspects of than when it’s long, soft and you’ve got to But ‘99 was a big moment to kick “Certainly every PGA Championship week I his game. still go low,” said Spieth, who will play the start all that transpired.” understand that that’s going to be the case, “My setup got a little bit lazy, and instead first two rounds with world number one And what a journey it has and I think I’d be the sixth person, which of finding that out, my swing started to Dustin Johnson and Spaniard Jon Rahm. been. Woods appeared destined would be a pretty unique fraternity to be in kind of go up instead of around me, and I’m “That’s just when I look back. If I’m on, I feel to break the record of 18 major there,” Spieth told his pre-tournament news trying to get it right back to where it was in like it doesn’t matter, but if I’m a little bit off , wins set by Jack Nicklaus after conference. 2017 where I was first in tee to green on the then it’s nicer if it’s on that side of things collecting his 14th at the 2008 “That would be a dream come true for me. (PGA) Tour,” said Spieth. for me.” US Open despite playing Torrey Pines on a broken left leg. But he lost his fi rst major took a fi fth green jacket at the years ago from looking like may- American Dustin Johnson for tough Tiger to beat when he’s in when ahead after 54 holes to Masters. “Anything post these be not playing golf again to win- the world number one ranking. that frame of mind.” South Korean Yang Yong-eun at back surgeries is a bonus,” four- ning the fi rst major of the year Woods is fi nding a new path Getting a second chance at the 2009 PGA. time major winner Rory McIl- and being the favorite going into to success in his second act, as stardom after nearly losing it Three months later, the rev- roy said of Woods. “I still don’t the second, that’s unbelievable.” Irish three-time major winner has Woods in a perfect situa- elation of a sex scandal led to think people understand what Sixth-ranked Woods tees Padraig Harrington noticed. tion, McIlroy said. “He’s in a divorce while knee and back in- he did in April and coming back off Thursday alongside Brit- “He’s more comfortable with diff erent space in his life and he juries took a toll on his game. and with everything that he’s ish Open champion Francesco who he is at the moment. He has just seems very grateful for this Woods feared he might never been through. It’s unbelievable. Molinari of Italy and defending probably found a better balance opportunity to do what he loves life a normal life due to back “Whether it’s the greatest champion Brooks Koepka, who to his golfi ng life,” Harrington and compete,” McIlroy said. pain until 2017 spinal fusion comeback in sports, that’s prob- seeks a third consecutive US said. “His game looks solid. He’s “When you’re in that headspace surgery allowed him to return ably up for debate, but from Open title next month at Pebble hitting lots of greens in regula- where you’re just thankful to be In this file photo taken on October 21, 2018, Brooks Koepka of the to golf. In 2018 he won the Tour what I’ve experienced and the Beach. McIlroy, Koepka, Eng- tion. “At Augusta, he closed it out there, good things happen, US reacts after winning putt on the eighteenth hole during the final Championship and contended things that he said when I’ve land’s and Woods out. He just was interested in and good things have started to round of the CJ Cup golf tournament at Nine Bridges golf club in in two majors and last month he been around him, to be 2 1/2 all have a chance to overtake getting the job done. That’s a happen for him.” Jeju Island. (AFP)

COMMENT Tiger to carting Daly: ‘I walked with a broken leg’ AFP den-death hole, then underwent left meet with John and just talk through Bethpage, United States knee surgery two days later and didn’t where he can go and can’t go. play against until February 2009. “There are some places on this golf Daly won the 1991 PGA Chmpion- course where you can’t get a golf cart to. iger Woods had a few choice ship, earning a lifetime exemption to the We try and use common sense, what’s words Tuesday for John Daly, tournament, and the 1995 British Open. reasonable, what’s fair for the protec- who will be using a cart in this PGA of America offi cials said Daly tion both of the player and those issues week’s PGA Championship at applied to use the cart over the hilly as well as the playing of a major cham- TBethpage Black because of right knee 7,459-yard course through the Ameri- pionship. “We supply the golf cart for arthritis. cans with Disabilities Act. him along with a number of rules of The PGA of America approved two- “John went through the process, sent what they can and can’t do with that time major winner Daly’s request to use in the information that we request of golf cart.” a cart, making the 53-year-old American any and all players that this applies to,” The PGA of America also supplies carts the fi rst player since compatriot Casey said PGA of America chief champion- for 50-and-over events. PGA of America Martin in the 1998 and 2012 US Opens to ships offi cer Kerry Haigh. chief executive offi cer Seth Waugh noted use a cart in a major championship. “As “We have a committee that meet, the warning sign at Bethpage Black’s fi rst far as JD taking a cart, well, I walked with which includes a medical expert, and tee which notes the layout is “an ex- a broken leg, so...” Woods said, letting they review the information, and it was tremely diffi cult course” recommended the sentence drift into silence. agreed that it justifi ed the use of a golf only “for highly skilled golfers.” Woods recalled how he hobbled cart for the championship.” “Yeah, that warning sign is for real. across Torrey Pines in the 2008 US Open Haigh will speak with Daly regard- It’s a big ol’ , and you’ve got for 91 holes to defeat Rocco Mediate and ing the cart and exactly where he is able to be ready for it. It’s tackle football, capture his 14th major title -- his last to drive on a course that has absorbed both playing it and walking it,” Waugh until capturing last month’s Masters to nearly two inches of rain in as many said. “I can understand why he’d be end an 11-year major win drought. days. “Where the player goes all de- daunted by trying to walk this. This is a Woods limped over 72 regulation pends on the golf course and the condi- proper golf course and every hole essen- John Daly of the United States drives his golf cart down the first fairway during a practice round prior to the 2019 PGA holes plus an 18-hole playoff and a sud- tions,” Haigh said. “With the rain, I will tially has elevation change.” Championship at the Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale, New York. (Getty Images/AFP)

Thursday, May 16, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Marathon star Radcliff e visits Aspire Zone Foundation he renowned British marathon runner Paula Radcliff e visited Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) Tyesterday morning and got a closer view of the role AZF’s member organisations – Aspire Academy, Aspetar, and Aspire Logistics – are playing in trans- forming Qatar into an interna- tional sports hub. The runner went on a tour at Aspire Academy where she had the chance to witness the Acad- emy’s philosophy and its world- class services and facilities aimed at nurturing talented student- athletes. The next stop was at Aspetar, the orthopaedic and sports medi- cine hospital and AZF member organisation where she was im- pressed by their state-of-the-art rehabilitation services and was welcomed by Khalid Ali al-Maw- British marathon runner Paula Radcliff e at the Khalifa International Stadium during her visit to the Aspire Zone Foundation. (Right) Paula Radcliff e with Aspetar Chief Administrative Off icer Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi. lawi, Chief Administrative Offi cer. Towards the end of her visit, Rad- to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar Khalifa International Stadium. and Aspire’s world-class facili- ics Championships in September. International Stadium during the off ered by Aspire in developing cliff e visited Khalifa International 2022, where she was welcomed by The marathon runner expressed ties, saying: “I look forward to the I can just imagine how fantastic tournament. “I am amazed at the world-class athletes. It was a great Stadium, the fi rst stadium ready Hassan Ali al-Mansoori, head of her admiration for the venue upcoming IAAF World Athlet- the atmosphere will be at Khalifa quality and breadth of the services visit indeed,” she added.

CRICKET DECISION Morgan banned for fourth ODI for Jayed, Das shine in slow over-rate

AFP Bristol, United Kingdom

ngland will have to fi nd Bangladesh’s win a new captain for the fourth one-day inter- national against Paki- stanE tomorrow after skipper Eoin Morgan was banned from the match by the International Cricket Council for a slow over- rate off ence. over Ireland Morgan was sanctioned after World Cup hosts and favourites Ireland opener Paul Stirling’s fine century and captain William Porterfield’s 94 go in vain England took around four hours to bowl their 50 overs in a six- slow bowling in Bristol - includ- AFP wicket win over Pakistan in the ing six from off -spinner Moeen Dublin third ODI at Bristol on Tuesday. Ali. “Obviously Rash (Rashid) the He was also fi ned 40 percent majority of the time will bowl 10 of his match fee and his players overs as will Mo - Mo only got aul Stirling’s century 20 percent of theirs after match through six,” said Woakes. and 94 from captain referee Richie Richardson ruled Pakistan’s 358 for nine - a William Porterfi eld England were two overs short seemingly challenging total were insuffi cient to pre- after time allowances were tak- that England overhauled with Pvent Bangladesh beating Ireland en into consideration. ease thanks mainly to a brilliant by six wickets in a triangular As Morgan had previously century opening stand between series one-day international in been found guilty of a minor Jonny Bairstow (128) and Ja- Dublin yesterday. over-rate off ence during the son Roy (76) - featured plenty of Stirling struck eight fours and Barbados ODI against the West boundaries. four sixes in his 130 from 141 Indies on February 22, this lat- “When the ball’s disappear- balls. est incident constituted his ing to the fence, sometimes you The opener added 174 with second minor over-rate off ence need to reassess and take that Porterfi eld, the key stand in an within a 12-month period and extra minute to decide what your Ireland total of 292 for eight. so led to a one-game ban. plan is going to be and execute But with Bangladesh’s Abu “The suspension means it,” Woakes added. Jayed, who dismissed both bats- Morgan will miss the fourth “But it’s too long, it needs to men, taking fi ve for 58, Ireland’s ODI against Pakistan in Not- be shorter than that.” total looked short of being a tru- tingham on Friday,” said an ICC England may well have rested ly competitive score. statement issued yesterday. Morgan for at least one game in And Irish hopes of a conso- England paceman Chris order to give vice-captain Jos lation win in this dead rubber, Woakes, who led the attack with Buttler more leadership expe- ahead of Sunday’s fi nal between four for 67 from his maximum rience ahead of a World Cup Bangladesh and the West Indies, 10 overs, said being without starting later this month. were duly dashed as the Tigers Morgan was far from ideal. As it is, star batsman Buttler, replied with 294 for four with “Of course you don’t want rested at Bristol, could now re- seven overs to spare. to lose the captain, particularly turn as captain for tomorrow’s Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das, in the form that he’s in,” said match at Nottingham’s Trent fi lling in for the rested Soumya Woakes, speaking before Mor- Bridge. Buttler has already cap- Sakar, put on 117 for the fi rst gan’s ban was announced. tained wicket in reply. “It’s one of those things, we Morgan’s cumulative pun- Both batsmen went past fi fty, probably need to be quicker. We ishment will not roll over into with Tamim making 57 before can deal with it, we’ve obvious- the World Cup, with an ICC he was bowled by Boyd Rankin ly got some exceptional play- spokeswoman telling AFP that while Das made 76 before suc- ers on the sidelines but losing all players taking part would cumbing to Barry McCarthy. Morgs would be a huge loss for start the tournament with a Shakib Al Hasan kept the a game so we don’t want that to “clean slate”. Bairstow was momentum going with an even happen,” he added. also offi cially reprimanded by 50 but was then forced to retire England, who were resting former West Indies captain hurt with a side injury - a wor- leg-spinner Adil Rashid, opted Richardson for smashing his rying sign for Bangladesh just for just seven overs of specialist stumps in frustration. weeks away from the start of the World Cup in England and Wales. English cricket chiefs admit Hundred BRIEF SCORES ‘mistakes’ as draft announced Bangladesh 294 for 4 (Liton 76, Tamim 57) beat Ireland 292 for English cricket bosses have years on from when county 8 (Stirling 130, Porterfield 94, Bangladesh’s Abu Jayed Rahi bowls during the Tri-Nation Series match against Ireland at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Clontarf, Dublin, accepted they made mistakes in bosses first discussed the eight- Jayed 5-58) by six wickets. yesterday. (AFP) promoting “The Hundred”, their team city-based concept, the controversial new short-form ECB has still to confirm team tournament that is due to start names and venues for the five- FOCUS next year. The England and week event. Wales Cricket Board faced huge “We’ve definitely made mis- public criticism for suggesting takes in the build-up, but this is the 100-balls-per-side competi- about the future of the game. Kohli defends leaving out Pant for World Cup tion was aimed at attracting a This is about growing cricket,” new audience as opposed to said ECB chief executive Tom AFP Since making his debut in told the Times of India newspa- dia for the fi rst time at the World existing fans. Questions have Harrison. New Delhi 2018, Pant has impressed with per. Cup, said he was not bothered also been raised about whether The ECB have long insisted his batting, including a maiden “If, god forbid, something about the constant attention he there is a need for another The Hundred is essential in at- Test century in England. happens to M S (Dhoni), Karthik gets as a batsman and captain. short-form event in an already tracting the next generation of ndia picked veteran Dinesh He scored 488 runs from 16 can be immensely valuable be- “I don’t want to be the centre congested calendar, given the cricket supporters. Karthik over rising talent matches in the just-fi nished hind the wickets. As a fi nisher, of everything. Nobody wants success of Twenty20 matches According to their research, just Rishabh Pant for the World Indian Premier League, while he’s done well. that. But when your intent is to and the new competition’s five percent of British children Cup because of his com- Karthik made 253 runs from 14 “So, it was the overall ex- make the team win, eventually potential impact on English aged six to 15 list cricket in their Iposure under pressure, captain games. Both players are vying posure to a tournament of this you end up doing things which cricket’s existing 18 first-class top two favourite sports. Virat Kohli said in an interview for the reserve wicketkeeper slot magnitude that was taken into are always going to be seen,” said counties. “We have the ability to extend released yesterday. behind former skipper Mahen- primary consideration,” said Kohli, the world’s number one Yesterday, the ECB confirmed our fanbase into young families, The selection of the 33-year- dra Singh Dhoni. Kohli. Test and one-day player. that a televised player draft for diverse communities and old Karthik in the 15-member “In pressure situations, he After making his debut in “I would always put my body The Hundred would be held young people to give them an squad was sharply criticised (Karthik) has shown composure. 2004, Karthik has played 91 on the line for the team.” on October 20, ahead of the experience they potentially by some former cricketers who It was something that everybody one-day internationals while India are chasing their third inaugural competition, starting haven’t felt through the current felt the 21-year-old Pant should on board was convinced about. Pant has fi ve to his name. World Cup after wins in 1983 in July 2020. Yet more than two off erings,” said Harrison. have been given a chance. He has the experience,” Kohli Kohli, who will be leading In- and 2011. India captain Virat Kohli.