FOOTBALL | Page 2 GOLF | Page 6 Courtois fails Johnson the to report for man to beat Chelsea as long hitters training eye Bellerive

Wednesday, August 8, 2018 TENNIS Dhul-Qa’da 26, 1439 AH Wawrinka fi ghts back GULF TIMES to knock out Kyrgios in Toronto SPORT Page 4 FOCUS MOTORSPORT Qatar’s Abdulla heads to must-win Kroenke all set for Hungarian Baja

Agencies tion. This is racing. We need to Veszprem, Hungary accept all the situations. All the races now are very important to the end of the season. I need the complete Arsenal atar’s Adel Abdulla maximum points to try to catch heads to the crucial al-Shegawi and get the champi- eighth round of the FIA onship. Usmanov accepts an off er worth World Cup for Cross “We will do our best. I know CountryQ Rallies in Hungary this this race. There is always a lot £550mn for his stake from the weekend and the Doha-based of mud and it is very slippery. I driver knows that claiming max- think it will be similar to previ- American; fans say it’s a ‘dreadful’ day imum points in the T2 category ous years. We are focusing with takeover for his title challenge is crucial. the new team to win this race.” The Nissan Patrol Y62 driver Abdulla’s challenge for T2 teams up with his French co-driv- honours this season is being sup- er Jean-Michel Polato for the third ported by the Qatar Motor and time this year and arrives in the Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), historic town of Veszprem trailing Ooredoo Qatar and Nissan Qatar. T2 series leader Ahmed al-Shega- The event is based at the ba- wi by 20 points in the race to win roque-style town of Veszprém, the T2 title for series production located 17km from the famous cross-country vehicles. Lake Balaton and in close prox- The QX Rally Team driver has imity to the Bakony forest. endured bad luck when leading After technical checks and several of the races this season, scrutineering at the nearby none more so than when a cruel BudaWest airport, teams will mechanical issue robbed him of head to the ceremonial start in a massive lead within sight of the Ovaros Square in Veszprem and fi nish of the Qatar Cross-Coun- then tackle a super special stage try Rally in April. of 11.40km on Friday evening Both Abdulla and al-Shegawi (August 10). have been the class of the T2 Competitors will then tackle fi eld this season but the Arab two runs through a challenging duo face additional competition selective section of 219.50km on this weekend from the likes of Saturday before the ceremonial Poland’s Tomasz Piec and Roma- fi nish in Veszprem on Saturday nia’s Claudiu Barbu. evening. Abdulla said: “I am prepared for this race now. I hope every- FIA WORLD CUP FOR thing goes well. Each race this CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES season from the beginning we T2 STANDINGS (top 5) have had problems and we lost 1. Ahmed al-Shegawi (SAU) 165pts the lead in the championship. 2. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 135pts We seemed to get the lead in the 3. Yuliya K-Migunova (RUS) 42pts rallies and then something hap- 4. Marat Abykayev (KAZ) 36pts pened and we lost the fi rst posi- 5. Alexey Titov (RUS) 25pts

AFP In October last year, KSE of- are small numbers held largely London fered around £525mn to buy the by supporters of the club. 18,695 shares held by Usmanov, It is not currently mandatory the Russian businessman who for those shareholders to ac- tan Kroenke moved to himself attempted to buy out cept but if Kroenke purchases the brink of a full takeo- Kroenke in May 2017. Usmanov’s percentage, he can ver of Arsenal yesterday “The successful implementa- then push through a compulsory after minority share- tion of the off er will result in the acquisition. holderS Alisher Usmanov ac- opening of a new chapter in the This would see KSE take those Stroll leads rescue deal for cepted an off er worth £550mn history of the club in bringing fi nal shares to complete a 100 ($712mn) for his stake. 100 per cent private ownership percent takeover of the club. Force India F1 team American businessman by KSE,” the statement said. The Arsenal Supporters’ Kroenke currently owns 67 per Trust issued a strongly worded Reuters and Stroll’s business partner cent of the Gunners through his The most dreadful part statement opposing the move. London Silas Chou. company Kroenke Sports and of this announcement is “Stan Kroenke taking the club “This outcome secures the Entertainment and has off ered the news that Kroenke private will see the end of sup- future of the Force India team to purchase the 30 percent held plans to forcibly porters owning shares in Ar- he Force India Formula in Formula One and will allow by Usmanov’s Red and White ‘ senal and their role upholding One team will come our team of racers to compete purchase the shares held Securities fi rm, valuing the Pre- by Arsenal fans. Many of custodianship values,” it said in Tout of administration to our full potential,” said the mier League club at £1.8billion. these fans are AST a statement. after a rescue deal involving a team’s chief operating off icer Usmanov confi rmed in a Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke. members and hold their “The AST is also extremely consortium of investors led by Otmar Szafnauer. statement released to Britain’s shares not for value but as concerned to note that this pur- Canadian billionaire Lawrence “I am delighted that we have Press Association that he had Arsenal, who play City in their White Holdings released their custodians who care for the chase is being funded by a loan,” Stroll, administrators and the support of a consortium of accepted the off er but did not season opener on Sunday, are own short statement to confi rm future of the club. it added. management said in a state- investors who believe in us as give a reason as to why he has also adjusting to life after Ar- the deal. — Arsenal Supporters’ Trust “The most dreadful part of ment yesterday. a team and who see the con- now opted to cash in. sene Wenger, who left the club “I have decided to sell my this announcement is the news They said creditors would be siderable business potential Kroenke, owner of the Los in May after 22 years at the helm, shares in Arsenal Football Club that Kroenke plans to forcibly paid in full and all 405 jobs at that Force India has within F1 Angeles Rams in the NFL, said replaced by former Paris Saint- which could be the best foot- “KSE believes moving to pri- purchase the shares held by Ar- the Silverstone-based team, now and in the future.” having a single owner would Germain boss Emery. ball club in the world,” said Us- vate ownership will bring the senal fans. Many of these fans that was co-owned by embat- Joint administrator Geoff benefi t the club but fans said it “We at KSE are moving for- manov. benefi ts of a single owner better are AST members and hold their tled Indian businessman Vijay Rowley said funding to sup- was a “dreadful” day. ward with this off er leading to “I wish all the best and great able to move quickly in further- shares not for value but as cus- Mallya and finished fourth last port the team would be made Despite cup successes in re- 100 percent ownership of the success to this wonderful foot- ance of the club’s strategy and todians who care for the future year, were safe. available immediately with cent years, Arsenal have slipped club,” Kroenke said in a state- ball club and to all those whose ambitions. KSE is a committed, of the club.” Stroll is the father of Williams “significantly more” once behind their rivals in the Premier ment published on the London lives and careers are entwined long-term owner of the club.” Within two hours of the an- Formula One driver Lance. the company emerged from League and have consistently Stock Exchange. in it.” Kroenke has been a part- nouncement ‘#KroenkeOut’ was Apart from Stroll, the investors administration. failed to reach the latter stages “We appreciate Mr Us- owner of Arsenal since 2007, trending on Twitter in Britain. were named as Canadian en- He expected that to be within of the Champions League. manov’s dedication to the Arse- BATTLE FOR ARSENAL gradually increasing his stake. Arsenal great Ian Wright trepreneur Andre Desmarais, the next two to three weeks. They have not won the title nal Football Club and the storied The deal brings to an end a bat- Under Stock Exchange rules, tweeted: “Incredibly sad day for Jonathan Dudman, John Idol, The team went into admin- since 2004 and last season fi n- ethos and history the club rep- tle between billionaires Kroenke Kroenke will have to make an so many of our fan shareholders telecoms investor John Mc- istration at the end of last ished sixth, 37 points behind resents.” and Usmanov for control of the off er for the remaining minority that no longer own a part of this Caw Jr, Michael de Picciotto month. champions Manchester City. Later yesterday, Red and club. shares in Arsenal, most of which club.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 8, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Hart leaves Man City for Burnley London: Joe Hart said it was the right time to leave Man- Courtois fails to report chester City after Burnley an- nounced yesterday they had signed the former England goalkeeper on a two-year deal. Hart played almost 350 games for the reigning Pre- mier League champions, es- tablishing himself as number for Chelsea training one for club and country, but fell down the pecking order after Pep Guardiola took the Goalkeeper plays hardball in bid to force Real Madrid move ahead of tomorrow’s transfer deadline helm at City in 2016. After two seasons out on By Dominic Fifield loan with Torino and then The Guardian West Ham, the ‘keeper was keen to put down roots again. The 31-year-old, who cost hibaut Courtois has made clear Burnley a reported £3.5mn his desire to leave Chelsea be- ($4.5mn), failed to make the fore the closure of the transfer England squad for the World window this month by spurn- Cup despite playing in all but Ting talks with Maurizio Sarri and failing one of the qualifiers. to report back for pre-season training at “It’s definitely the right the Premier League club for the second time for me to move on,” Hart day in succession. said. “They (Manchester City) The Belgium international, like his are doing fantastic and I’m compatriot Eden Hazard, had been due very happy for them. They on Monday afternoon at Chelsea’s Cob- need to go on and do their ham training base where the new head thing and I need to do mine. I coach hoped to hold discussions over feel good. I feel like I’m in the his future. Instead, the 26-year-old is right place and I feel like this understood to have remained in Bel- is my time to kick on now.” gium while he awaits news of a prospec- Hart, who has 75 England tive return to Spain with Real Madrid. caps, faces a battle for the There have been suggestions the Bel- number one spot at Burnley. gian’s unauthorised absence could be He will be competing against curtailed today, with reports the goal- two fellow England interna- keeper could report back to the club’s tionals, Nick Pope and Tom Cobham training base to explain his no- Heaton, as well as Anders show this week in scheduled talks with Lindegaard. Italian Sarri. Courtois has entered the Signing a goalkeeper fi nal 12 months of his contract, with no became imperative for progress having been made last season Burnley manager Sean Dyche to convince the player, who spent three — Pope is out for an indeter- years on loan at Atlético Madrid earlier minate amount of time with in his career, to extend his stay at Stam- a dislocated shoulder while ford Bridge. Heaton has also been strug- Chelsea had anticipated him join- gling for fitness. Burnley have ing the England defender Gary Cahill a Europa League qualifier in the stands to watch the Community looming against Istanbul Shield at Wembley on Sunday but the Basaksehir on Thursday and goalkeeper did not appear, off ering no begin their Premier League explanation, as his teammates lost 2-0. campaign against South- The situation feels similar to Diego ampton on Sunday. Hart, Costa’s messy divorce from the club a who last played for England year ago, when the Spain forward had in a friendly against Brazil in attempted to force through a move back November 2017, was a pivotal to Atletico by remaining in Brazil. Costa member of the City sides that was eventually permitted to re-sign for Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois wants a move back to Spain to be near his children. (Reuters) won Premier League titles in the Spanish club, albeit after the trans- 2012 and 2014. fer window had closed. through his move from Genk to Chelsea, when the market closes for their coun- prepared to trigger a €100mn (£89mn) 27-year-old to new terms worth around Real have bid around £35mn for just before a preseason friendly against terparts in Spain. Despite Sarri sug- buy-out clause in Jan Oblak’s contract £300,000 a week. But while Hazard, Courtois whose agent, Christophe Lyon, in 2011. gesting on Sunday that it might be at Atlético, but such a move might be who has two years to run on his con- Henrotay, went public last week calling Regardless, with time a healer, the preferable to sell the goalkeeper if he surprising given Chelsea had been re- tract, is unlikely to rush to sign, nor will for Chelsea to allow his client to move. Belgian had actually been honoured informs him of his desire to leave, the luctant to meet AS Roma’s valuation of he agitate for a move this summer. “I have been reading everywhere that by Genk before kick-off at their game sense of urgency to secure a replace- Alisson this summer, with the Brazilian Real have not bid for the playmaker’s Chelsea are saying it is up to Thibaut,” against Sint-Truiden on Sunday, pre- ment has been heightened by Courtois’s subsequently moving to Liverpool for a services, despite Hazard having made Henrotay said. “But he has made it clear senting the match ball at the Luminus no-show. world-record £66.9mn. clear his desire to move to the Bernabéu to the club the best option for him is to Arena and accepting a large picture of Stoke’s Jack Butland could be secured While the board scramble to secure at some stage in his career. move to Madrid. For him this is a big him in action during his time at the club. for around £25mn and is eager to retain a replacement, Chelsea are unlikely He was joined by N’Golo Kanté, decision because he wants to be near his Chelsea were facing Lyon in a similar his England place by featuring regularly to confront similarly disruptive prob- who has been off ered a new deal worth family, and there is an off er in place for fi xture last night at Stamford Bridge. in the top fl ight. lems with Hazard, despite the Belgium £290,000 a week, Michy Batshuayi, Chelsea to accept.” While the transfer deadline is set at Sevilla’s Sergio Rico, who has been captain having indicated at the end of Cahill and Olivier Giroud at Cobham for Courtois’s two children live in Madrid 5pm on Thursday (tomorrow) for Eng- expected to leave this summer, could a successful World Cup campaign that a 4pm session at Cobham on Monday with his former partner. The goalkeeper lish clubs, Chelsea can sell Courtois at be an alternative. There have been sug- the time may be right for a new chal- as they reported back after the summer had employed similar tactics to force any point up to the end of the month gestions in Spain that Chelsea might be lenge. The club are keen to secure the tournament.

FOCUS TRANSFER Iraq football hit by age fraud scandals Man United turn down

AFP Baghdad Barcelona off er for Pogba

ith players banned from travel, By Fabrizio Romano executives sacked and a na- The Guardian tional squad that just withdrew from the Asian Games, Iraqi Wfootball is paying the price for a string of anchester United age fraud scandals. Nearly fi ve months ago, have turned down a FIFA breathed life back into Iraqi football by bid from Barcelona lifting a three-decade ban on the country’s for Paul Pogba after hosting of international matches. Mthe La Liga club off ered €50mn But a series of cases of alleged age fraud (£45mn) plus the players Yerry has put Iraq’s international football repu- Mina and André Gomes for the tation back into jeopardy, with players and Frenchman. coaches warning that authorities have long United do not want to sell the turned a blind eye to cheating if it will bring 25-year-old midfi elder and cer- home a win. Karim Saddam, one of the tainly not for a fee almost half of country’s football legends, said the Iraqi what they paid for him two years Football Association (IFA) “tries by any ago. Pogba was outstanding in means, by any cost to have teams achieve midfi eld for France as they won victories and to take credit for it”. To do so, the World Cup and United want he said, “it will turn a blind eye to teams that to keep him and see him repro- have players with forged IDs”. duce that form for his club dur- The fi rst tremor hit on July 30, when play- ing the upcoming season. ers on Iraq’s under-16 football squad were Pogba arrived in Russia after banned from taking off for a regional tour- an unconvincing season at club nament in Jordan. Undeceived by the play- Iraq supporters cheer for their team during the friendly football match against Palestine at level with the United manager, ers’ hairless cheeks, Baghdad airport offi - the Faisal al-Husseini stadium in the town of al-Ram near Jerusalem. (AFP) Jose Mourinho, leaving him out cials found that nine members of the team of the team on a number of oc- had falsifi ed ages on their passports. The IFA country’s under-19 team, expected in In- age of the players,” he said. casions. Mourinho, has endured pete with us are really strong and ter United defender Rio Ferdi- quickly dismissed the team’s offi cials, who donesia this fall for the AFC Championship One reason the IFA may be so desperate to a frustrating transfer window already have fantastic teams. Or nand has warned the club not to players said had instructed them to shave to fi nals. Offi cials said the squad would be re- win is because of its isolation at home, said with the club so far signing the they are investing massively like sell Pogba and instead to focus on look younger. It also promised to take action grouped once player IDs were thoroughly Saddam, who played on Iraq’s 1986 World Brazil midfi elder Fred for £55mn, Liverpool, who are buying every- strengthening the squad. Ferdi- against “players who falsifi ed their age”. screened. Sports authorities in Iraq have Cup team. The IFA is in confl ict with the the 19-year-old full-back Diogo thing and everybody. If we don’t nand, who made more than 450 For weeks, anti-fraud activists had posted tried to contain the crisis by announcing ministry of youth and sports over revenue Dalot (£19mn) from Porto and make our team better, it will be a appearances for the club, wants evidence online that some of the players had new checks and insisting that they had been from stadium ticket sales and has been boy- the back-up goalkeeper Lee diffi cult season for us.” Pogba to stay and Spurs defender voted in Iraq’s May elections, proving they caught off guard by the scale of the problem. cotted by major football fi gures, he said. Grant (£1.5mn). Barcelona are keen to offl oad Toby Alderweireld to come in. were over 18. To avoid a $30,000 (26,000 But “people who follow Iraqi football know Sports journalist Zidan al-Rubaie said The Portuguese manager has Mina with Everton interested Referring to reports that Pog- euros) non-participation fi ne from the tour- very well why Iraq has withdrawn from the football fraud is only one facet of a “wide- urged the club to complete more in the Colombian centre-back ba’s agent, Mino Raiola, is look- nament, Iraq’s under-14 team was sent to Asian Games”, said Hassan Ahmed, coach of spread culture of forgery”. signings before the English win- while Gomes has failed to have ing at the Camp Nou as a possible play in their stead. Iraq’s fi rst division Al-Naft club. “It’s out of Under Saddam Hussein’s rule, Iraqis were dow closes on Thursday and an impact at Barcelona following new home for his player, Ferdi- On August 1, Iraq’s under-23 squad fear that a second scandal will break out af- forced to fi nd creative ways to circumvent would not sanction the sale of his €30mn move from Valencia nand said: “Don’t you dare al- dropped out of the Asian Games — set to be- ter the under-16s.” more than a decade-long international em- Pogba with the squad so thin. in 2016. United have expressed low this ED...#MUFC is Pogba’s gin later this month — after activists again Ahmed rejected claims by the IFA that the bargo, and after his ouster, to survive sectar- After the friendly defeat against an interest in the Bayern Munich home!! Silence these rumours took to social media alleging 17 of the team’s team was forced to withdraw from the com- ian violence and jihadists. Bayern Munich on Sunday, centre-back Jerome Boateng ASAP & get @AlderweireldTob 23 players had lied about their age. The team petition due to the unavailability of players In the chaos that ensued after Saddam’s Mourinho said: “My CEO knows but are not prepared to pay the through the door.” faces a possible $100,000 fi ne and a poten- retained by their clubs, including Al-Naft. fall, thousands of Iraqis falsifi ed their ID what I want and I still have a few Bundesliga club’s asking price of United start their Premier tial ban from the next edition in 2022. “The teams that meet the Iraqis in junior cards, changing their religion, hometown or days to wait and see what hap- €60mn. League campaign on Friday at Just days later, authorities dissolved the championships are beginning to realise the name to avoid the ire of armed groups. pens. The other clubs who com- Meanwhile, Former Manches- home to Leicester. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 8, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Keen tactical battles on cards in QNB Stars League Week 2 he QNB Stars League’s Week loaned out to top Japanese club Vis- 2 promises many exciting en- sel Kobe. The defender represented Al counters, particularly the one Rayyan on loan in the second half of last between Al Sadd and Al Arabi season after he completed another loan Tdubbed as Qatar Derby. The fi xtures spell at Spanish club Cultural Leonesa. are Al Rayyan vs Umm Salal (17:30) The clash between Al Rayyan and Umm and Al Ahli vs Qatar SC (19:40) at the Salal will also evoke keen interest. Al Sadd Stadium on Friday, 10th Au- Al Rayyan are in fi ne form, having gust, Al Gharafa vs Al Sailiya (17:30) lifted the Sheikh Jassim Cup and won and Al Duhail vs Al Khor (19:40) at the their QNB Stars League opener against Khalifa International Stadium on Sat- Al Ahli. The Lions have so far made up urday, 11th August, and Al Shahania vs for the absence of Moroccan striker Al Kharaitiyat (17:30) and Al Sadd vs Al Abderrazaq Hamdallah, who is recov- Arabi (19:40) at the Al Sadd Stadium on ering from an ankle injury he suff ered Sunday, 12th August. towards the end of last season. Al Sadd look well set to sustain the Umm Salal, on the other hand, will momentum after scoring the biggest- badly look for a win after suff ering a margin victory (6-0) in the fi rst round, dying-moment heartbreak against Al against Al Kharaitiyat. The Wolves hold Sailiya in the opening week, when they an edge over Al Arabi, whose morale is conceded the winning goal. also high following their win over Al The Al Gharafa vs Al Sailiya clash is Khor. Al Arabi would expect their new also expected to be a thriller, with the striker Franco Arizala from Colombia former looking to put behind the disap- to keep fi ring as he had scored their all- pointment of defeat to Qatar SC and the important goal against Al Khor. latter keen to sustain the momentum. Reigning champions Al Duhail Al Gharafa have players such as Wes- should have it easy against Al Khor even ley Sneijder, back-in-form Vladimir though The Red Knights are depleted Weiss and Mehdi Taremi to deliver the with injuries to a couple of their players goods even as Al Sailiya coach Sami and a loan deal. Trabelsi must be delighted with the in- Al Duhail lost the services of forward stant success of striker Abdulqadir Il- Ismail Mohammed at least for six to yas who scored their both goals against seven months, while midfi elder Karim Umm Salal. Boudiaf is still recuperating from a knee Al Ahli and Qatar SC will both be injury. Ismail suff ered a double fracture keen on winning when they face off . Al on his right leg during their win over Ahli did not have much to take home Al Shahania in Week 1, whereas Boud- from their loss to Al Rayyan whereas iaf got injured during their loss to Al Qatar SC have many positives from Rayyan in the Sheikh Jassim Cup on 1st their impressive win over Al Gharafa. Al August. Shahania and Al Kharaitiyat will both Al Duhail will also be without the look to open their account when they services of Ahmed Yasser, who has been clash against each other. Al Sadd scored a convincing 6-0 win over Al Kharaitiyat in their season opener.

PREMIER LEAGUE Al Rayyan sign Argentinian Jonathan Doha: Top QNB Stars League side Al Rayyan yesterday Kroenke’s sole ownership signed a one-season contract with Argentinian striker Jonathan Menendez. Al Rayyan team manager and Media Off icer Omar al- Azani said Jonathan would replace Moroccan attacking of Arsenal is worrying Mohsine Moutaouli, who switched to Al Ahli. The signing came as a big Once football clubs are bought, boost for The Lions whose Moroccan striker Abderrazaq assets can be stripped or they can Hamdallah, their top scorer last season with 18 goals, is fall into disrepair – with nothing undergoing an intensive re- covery programme for an an- the fans can do to stop it kle injury he suff ered towards the end of last season. By Andrew Mangan stock market rules will allow him to Al Rayyan won the The Guardian make a compulsory purchase of all re- season-opening Sheikh maining shares, thus giving him 100% Jassim Cup and also their ownership. That means what little QNB Stars League opener or some years now, Arsenal transparency there has been up until against Al Ahli. football club has been in an un- now will be gone. The AGM, at which usual ownership position. Two shareholders – many ordinary fans AL DUHAIL LOAN AHMED billionaires own 97.13% of the who bought a single share years before YASSER TO VISSEL KOBE sharesF between them. Stan Kroenke, an the current boom in prices – could at QNB Stars League title hold- American, is the majority shareholder least express concerns about the run- ers Al Duhail agreed the loan with 67.09%, while Russian oligarch ning of the club, will no longer be held. deal of defender Ahmed Alisher Usmanov has 30.04% to his The detailed public accounts that allow Yasser to Japan’s Vissel Kobe. name. In a kind of throwback to a world people to see where the money is going Ahmed was loaned out to we had left behind, the two men were will no longer be published. It will cast Al Rayyan in last season’s involved in a football ownership version a veil over Arsenal and KSE (Kroenke’s January transfer window after of the cold war. investment holding) can do what it likes he completed another loan The American refused to allow his with its asset. Any sense of custodian- spell at Spanish club Cultural Russian counterpart onto the board, ship over a local asset will be dead. Leonesa. thus rendering Usmanov’s stake use- KSE has funded the large part of The 24-year-old had less in terms of infl uence and power. the off er to Usmanov with a loan from displayed a high level in the The metals and technology magnate Deutsche Bank, and although they say AFC Champions League as made off ers to buy out Kroenke but was in their statement to the stock exchange well and that caught the at- rebuff ed, and in the end he has realised that this is “not being funded by way of tention of top J1 League club it is pointless to cling on to his stake in any debt fi nance”, nobody would be any Vissel Kobe, who sought him the club. Stymied by the fact that no- the wiser if, after he assumes full con- on loan to assist the likes of body else was going to buy his share to trol, Kroenke leverages the value of Ar- Spanish star Andres Iniesta. be similarly frozen out, he has made senal to service that loan. Meanwhile, Al Duhail the decision to sell to Kroenke for about Not once in the 11 years since Kroenke forward Ismail Mohammed £600mn. Usmanov’s profi ts are in the fi rst bought shares in the club has this successfully underwent an hundreds of millions based on his initial billionaire put a single penny into the Arsenal fans hold up a banner against Arsenal’s majority owner Stan Kroenke during a English Premier League match. (AFP) operation after he sustained investment. It’s not a terrible outcome team. Arsenal have famously been run a double fracture on his right for him, but it is a serious concern to as a self-sustaining business, spend- doesn’t negatively impact on its value departure of Arsene Wenger, it feels as the club’s owner doesn’t have to listen. leg during their 3-0 QNB Arsenal fans who now face the prospect ing only what they earn – and there’s and thus Kroenke’s investment, but if there’s a huge amount to do to make The Premier League brought about Stars League Week 1 win over of seeing their club privately owned by something to admire about that. In fact, when your club becomes just the latest meaningful progress on the pitch. Un- a sea change in English football, with promoted team Al Shahania one man. And it should be of concern far from putting money into the team, addition to a wealthy man’s portfolio less the American actually puts some of fans becoming consumers or custom- on Sunday. He will be out of not just to those who follow Arsenal but he has actively taken money out, twice it’s hard not to worry. his money where his mouth is, it will be ers, and the clubs themselves assets for action at least for six to seven to football fans in general. Once they are taking payments of £3mn for ‘consul- Kroenke has been the majority share- an uphill struggle. And a fanbase who rich businessmen to snap up. Fifteen of months. Ismail was fouled bought, assets can be stripped or clubs tancy services’, until fan disquiet en- holder since 2011, but there has been were not quiet when it came to letting a 20 Premier League clubs now have off - in the 52nd minute of their allowed to fall in to disrepair, with noth- sured that those payments stopped. almost no meaningful engagement legendary fi gure like Wenger know what shore owners. Arsenal was traditionally match by Al Shahania’s Nadir ing the fans can do to stop it. It’s very With no AGM, no public accounts, with fans. With TV deals providing they thought, will certainly be forth- known as the Bank of England club. The Awadh. much a worst-case scenario, but when and nobody able to hold him to his re- vast amounts of income, Arsenal under right in their views. Deutsche Bank-funded KSE Investment it all goes wrong – as it has at Coven- sponsibilities, there’s nothing to stop Kroenke haven’t just coasted along, but The question is whether Kroenke, club doesn’t have quite the same ring. try, which is owned by a London-based Kroenke making similar payments or gone backwards. They no longer play on the other side of the Atlantic, will hedge fund – the impact on a club and a taking fees in the future. Of course Champions League football, the club actually care. From the evidence we • Andrew Mangan is a writer, community can be devastating. that has to be balanced with the obvi- is not as attractive as it once was, and have seen until now, the chances are he Arsenal blogger and has edited and Once Kroenke has Usmanov’s shares ous need to run Arsenal in a way that even with a new coach following the won’t, and even if fans fi nd their voice authored two Arsenal books

Bolt to train with PSG welcome World Cup Egypt’s keeper El Hadary Berahino gets green light Southampton ready A-League side Mariners winners back to training retires aged 45 to play for Burundi to play Soares

Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt France’s World Cup winners Kylian Veteran Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Stoke City striker Saido Berahino has Southampton right back Cedric Soares will train with Australia’s Central Coast Mbappe, Presnel Kimpembe and Al- Hadary has retired from international been cleared to play for Burundi after could be thrust into action in their Pre- Mariners as he continues his quest to phonse Areola returned to training with duty aged 45, after breaking the record FIFA approved his request to switch mier League game against Burnley on become a professional football player, Paris Saint-Germain yesterday after an for oldest player to appear at a World international allegiance, the country’s Sunday despite missing pre-season with the A-League team said yesterday. Bolt extended break. The trio underwent Cup in Russia. El Hadary, nicknamed football federation said. The 25-year-old a bout of gastroenteritis, manager Mark won eight Olympic golds and since routine medical tests with others who “High Dam”, won 159 caps for his Berahino played for England from un- Hughes has said. Portugal international retiring from athletics has trained with took part in Russia, where Mbappe was country during a 22-year international der-16 to under-21 level and was called Soares was due to return last week Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, South named the best young player after scor- career that saw him win the Africa Cup up to the senior squad for a pair of following an extended break after the Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Nor- ing four goals as France won the title for of Nations four times. At the age of 45 Euro 2016 qualifiers without making an World Cup in Russia but joined up with way’s Stromsgodset. a second time. The 19-year-old will wear years and 161 days, El Hadary smashed appearance. He had previously turned his club teammates yesterday. He will link up with the Australian side the number seven shirt this season, Colombian stopper Faryd Mondragon’s down approaches from Burundi, the “Cedric is the one guy we wouldn’t later this month. Mariners said the deal moving up from the 29 jersey he was record for oldest player at a World Cup country of his birth, which he fled at the worry too much about because he is a did not guarantee the 31-year-old Jamai- given last term in his first campaign when he took to the field against Saudi age of 10 with his mother and siblings fitness guy who loves playing football can a professional playing contract with with the club. PSG, who beat Monaco Arabia in Volgograd this summer. to escape from the civil war. Berahino and loves keeping himself in first class them. Manchester United fan Bolt has 4-0 in the Champions Trophy in China El Hadary is still playing for Egyptian and his family were granted political condition,” Hughes said. previously stated his desire to play for at the weekend, kick off play Caen in the top flight team Ismaily. He signed for asylum in Britain in the wake of the “If he has to go in straightaway and I the Premier League champions. season opener on Sunday. the club back in his homeland in July. ethnic conflict in their homeland. feel that is the right thing for the team.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 8, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Serena struggling Wawrinka fi ghts back with ‘postpartum emotions’ to knock out Kyrgios AFP Los Angeles

Nadal leads the draw with holder Alexander Zverev, the second seed erena Williams says she is suff ering from “post- AFP partum emotions” as the Toronto 23-time Grand Slam win- nerS struggles to deal with jug- gling family life and tennis. The tan Wawrinka put his comeback 36-year-old American is seeking from knee surgery back on track to regain her top form after miss- with a 1-6, 7-5, 7-5 comeback win ing most of the 2017 WTA season over Nick Kyrgios in the Toronto due to a pregnancy. “I read sev- MastersS fi rst round yesterday. eral articles that said postpartum The three-time Grand Slam champion emotions can last up to three put the Australian 16th seed out with an years if not dealt with,” Williams Serena Williams withdrew from impressive display after losing a one-sid- said on Monday. the WTA Montreal tournament ed opening set. Wawrinka has been strug- Williams’ disclosure comes a on Monday. (AFP) gling to fi nd his best form since returning week after she suff ered the worst to the ATP Tour after two knee operations loss of her career in San Jose, los- Meanwhile, in fi rst round a year ago and has slumped to 195 in the ing the fi nal 12 games in a shock- matches on Monday, Serena’s world rankings. The victory in just over ing 6-1, 6-0 fi rst-round upset older sister Venus rallied from an two hours avenged a 2015 loss to Kyrgios to unseeded Johanna Konta. early break down to ease into the in Canada, when the Swiss had to retire. On Monday, she described her second round by defeating world That contest was also remembered for mindset at the time as being in a number 124 Caroline Dolehide Kyrgios insulting his opponent’s girl- “funk”. “Last week was not easy 7-5, 6-1. “I think maybe she had friend Donna Vekic. Kyrgios, with green for me. Not only was I accepting more of an advantage because fl uorescent tape on each kneecap, quit in- some tough personal stuff , but I she’s probably seen me play more jured in last week’s Washington quarter- just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt than I’ve played her. fi nals, and he was treated in the second like I was not a good mom,” Wil- It was pretty close in the fi rst set for his chronically troublesome hip. liams wrote on her social media set,” the 38-year-old Venus said. The 33-year-old Wawrinka broke late Instagram account. Venus used her experience to in the second set to level the match, and Williams said she is trying wrestle control of the match as completed his fi ghtback on a second to work through her despair by she hit 12 winners and made 16 match point as he also broke in the 12th sharing her feelings with fam- unforced errors. Dolehide tried game of the decider. “My hip is, obvious- ily and friends. “Talking things to make the most of her baseline ly, a little bit sore. That’s why I called the through with my mom, my sis- game but she racked up 25 un- trainer on the court. So it’s pretty self- ters, my friends let me know that forced errors to 11 winners, and explanatory,” Kyrgios said. my feelings are totally normal. lost her serve four times. Venus “It’s good to see Stan back, I guess. He’s Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland serves It’s totally normal to feel like I’m next faces the winner of an all- obviously had a tough 12 months with his during his match against Nick Kyrgios of not doing enough for my baby.... Romanian encounter between injury, and it’s good seeing him back win- Australia at the Rogers Cup in Toronto Whether stay-at-home or work- qualifi er Monica Niculescu and ning some matches.” yesterday. (USA TODAY Sports) ing, fi nding that balance with 2013 tournament runner-up Asian players suff ered through bad kids is a true art,” she said. Sorana Cirstea. luck in Canada, with South Korea’s Organisers announced on Maria Sharapova and Sesil Chung Hyeon forced to withdraw prior Saturday that Williams was Karatantcheva, of Bulgaria, re- to his opening match against Wimbledon withdrawing from this week’s newed their teenage rivalry but champion Novak Djokovic with back is- 6-4 defeat of David Goffi n. Vasek Pospisil pion, with Djokovic lying in wait. Paire exploded in anger last week dur- WTA Montreal tournament cit- were only able to complete the sues. Japan’s Kei Nishikori lost serve fi ve missed out on a local hat-trick in a night In other matches after the bad weather ing a fi rst-round Washington loss to Mar- ing “personal reasons”. Williams fi rst fi ve games before the rains times in a 7-5, 6-1 loss to Robin Haase of match as the Canadian lost to Croatian passed, 11th seed Diego Schwartzman cos Baghdatis, destroying three racquets battled back from life-saving hit. Russia’s Sharapova has a 4-1 the Netherlands. His loss was the third in Borna Coric 6-4, 6-3 after a three-hour crushed Kyle Edmund, the lone Brit in the and earning a massive fi ne of $16,500 surgery after giving birth to lead in the match which was to three matches for Japanese players after afternoon rain interruption. Former fi eld after the withdrawal of Andy Mur- (14,300 euros). daughter Olympia in September, resume last night. less than two days of play. Nishikori, who Wimbledon fi nalist Raonic, ranked 29th ray, 6-1, 6-2. Jack Sock, who has not won Nadal leads the draw with holder Alex- reaching the fi nal at Wimbledon, The pair played their fi rst three reached the Washington quarter-fi nals due to an injury plagued 2017, won in his a match since before Roland Garros more ander Zverev, the weekend champion in where she was beaten by Germa- career matches as teenagers, in- last week and the last eight at Wimble- fi rst match since going out in the Wim- than two months ago, lost in the fi rst Washington, the second seed. Federer is ny’s Angelique Kerber. cluding a fi ery aff air on the outer don, was overwhelmed by 11 aces from bledon quarter-fi nals to John Isner a round for a fourth straight event, going skipping the event during the week of his Williams had a tough draw in courts at the 2004 Indian Wells the Dutchman’s racquet. Russian Karen month ago. down 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to Daniil Medvedev. 37th birthday and will return next week in Montreal. Her opening match tournament when Karatantcheva Khachanov reached the second round at World number 121 Polansky reached Benoit Paire reined in his fearsome Cincinnati at his only scheduled tune-up would have been against French- was 15. Last night’s contest under the expense of Serb Filip Krajinovic 6-3, the second round for a third straight year, temper to earn a straightforward fi rst- event prior to the US Open. Belarusian woman Alize Cornet who has the Court Central lights will be 6-2, while American Sam Querrey beat upsetting Australian world number 52 round win after a costly outburst on qualifi er Ilya Ivashka extended his run of defeated Williams four out of the their fi rst in over eight years. Be- Adrian Mannarino of France 6-2, 7-5. Matt Ebden 7-6 (7/3), 6-4. court last week. The volatile 55th-ranked weekend success as he beat Japan’s Yuichi six times they have faced each cause of the rain, their match was On Monday, Milos Raonic posted a As in 2017, when he ran into Roger Fe- Frenchman advanced over American Sugita 6-2, 6-3. Pablo Carreno Busta ad- other. If she advanced past Cor- one of several that was added to second Canadian victory, joining Peter derer after winning his home opener, Jared Donaldson 6-3, 6-4 to set up a vanced when Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka net, her next opponent would an already busy calendar Polansky in the second round after a 6-3, Polansky again faces a Grand Slam cham- showdown with top seed Rafael Nadal. retired after the fi rst set. have been Kerber. yesterday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP Tennis federation boss defends Cup reforms Lausanne: The head of the International Tennis fund development. Efi mova completes breaststroke double Federation defended his controversial Davis Cup The ITF reform has been boosted by a $3bn reform bid yesterday, vowing the revamped event partnership from the investment group Kosmos, Reuters will bring benefits across the tennis world. founded by Barcelona football star Gerard Pique, Glasgow ITF chief David Haggerty’s plan, which sees the as well as the backing of the organisers of Wimble- Davis Cup reduced to a season-ending World Cup don, the French Open and the US Open. of Tennis finals featuring 18 countries, must win The ITF says the new format will allow it to raise uliya Efi mova, a polarising fi gure approval at the federation’s annual general meet- the hosting standards of the Davis Cup to a Grand in world swimming after being at ing in Orlando, Florida later this month. Slam level, increase prize money and allow the the centre of doping controversies, The reform bid has opponents, notably with Davis Cup to attract more top players, in part by completed a European Champion- Tennis Australia voicing concerns about transpar- reducing the amount of time stars have to commit shipY breaststroke double when adding the ency and Tennis Europe expressing reservations to the competition. 200 metres title to her 100m gold yesterday. about a conflict with the ATP’s plan to set up a Currently, the Davis Cup is structured around a The Russian took her collection of Euro- World Team Cup. In a interview, Haggerty insisted 16-nation World Group, contested over four week- pean gold medals to fi ve in supreme fash- his project will drive tennis’s global development ends during the year. The remaining countries ion, using her now-familiar surging tactics for years to come. are then divided into three regional zones. Asked to burst through from fourth to fi rst on the “There are many nations, not only in Europe about the conflict with the ATP’s world team event, third length and then control aff airs from but around the world, that are in favour of the Haggerty said he was “open to discussion” about the front. Having won the two-length race new format, they see the benefit of having a finale potential cooperation between the two projects on Sunday in a similar manner, she clocked on one week with 18 teams together in an iconic but underscored that the Davis Cup’s unique his- 2 minutes 21.31 seconds to fi nish 1.71 sec- place,” Haggerty said. He added that “the reforms tory could not be matched by a rival event. onds clear of Spain’s Jessica Vall Montero will allow the ITF and the federations to do what “The Davis Cup competition is an historic event, (2:23.02). no other body does, which is to develop the future over 100 years, it has a great history and heritage,” The 26-year-old Efi mova, who served a generation of players”. “The money will go back he said. Madrid and Lille are “the two leading cit- 16-month suspension in 2013 after failing to the nations,” he stressed, noting that no other ies” to host the first edition of the revamped Davis a drugs test and was left deeply unhappy at body, including the ATP, has a global mandate to Cup in November of 2019, Haggerty said. being booed on the podium at the 2016 Ol- ympics, has reinvented her career after even Silver medallist Spain’s Jessica Vall Montero (left), gold medallist Russia’s Yuliya Efimova some of her rivals bad-mouthed her in Rio. (centre) and Britain’s Molly Renshaw pose on the podium after women’s 200m After her triumph, asked how she re- breaststroke swimming final at the European Championships in Glasgow yesterday. (AFP) ATHLETICS mained so dominant in European breast- stroking, she said: “Just training, I don’t away from Germany’s silver medallist Sarah quadruple haul from last year’s world cham- know why. I think it’s time because I have Koehler at about half-way to eventually take pionships in Budapest by taking the solo swum for pretty long and I have not always the 1,500 metres title by over six seconds. free and duet free titles. She added them to Zakalnytskyy, Henriques win dominated so much. Now fi nally!” One of the most explosive duels of the the pair of technical golds she had already Her personal Olympics nightmare had week saw Ukrainian world record holder claimed at the Scotstoun Sports Campus. Reuters 4:09:21, three minutes and 23 he made the inexplicable error fl ared up alongside Russia’s ban from the Andriy Govorov oust Britain’s world cham- For the second time, she teamed up for a Berlin seconds clear of Ukraine’s silver which eff ectively rules him out of Games for systematic doping. Efi mova, who pion Ben Proud by three-tenths of a second golden duet with the outstanding 17-year- medallist Alina Tsviliy. medal contention. had also been cleared earlier in 2016 after in the 50m butterfl y in a new championship old Varvara Subbotina, adding the free title The conditions ruled out any Having fouled his fi rst two testing positive for meldonium, was origi- record 22.48sec. to the technical gold they had annexed on krainian Maryan Za- prospect of Henriques attack- jumps in the Olympic Stadium, nally banned from Rio because of her previ- Even though Govorov’s global mark of the opening day of the programme. kalnytskyy and Por- ing Chinese Liang Rui’s world just a safe third would have suf- ous doping suspension but that was over- 22.27sec set in Rome last month survived, it Their total of 96.7000, which relegated tugal’s Ines Henriques record time of 4:04:36 set in May fi ced for the 26-year-old but he turned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. was still the third fastest time in history. The Ukraine’s Anastasiya Savchuk and Yelyza- were the fi rst two this year at the race walking team again edged over the take-off The response she received in Rio from hosts, though, were able to celebrate two veta Yakhno (93.4000) to silver and Italians championsU crowned at the Eu- championships in Taicang. “If it board with an unnecessarily ag- spectators and fellow competitors alike had triumphs with Duncan Scott unexpectedly Linda Cerruti and Costanza Ferro (92.1333) ropean Athletics Championships had not been so hot today, I could gressive approach on his fi nal left her close to tears but she had found her taking the 200 metres freestyle title before to bronze, was even superior to the mark yesterday when they delivered have aimed for a better time, but attempt. Mayer, who had sailed smile again in Glasgow amid a resurgent 17-year-old Freya Anderson swam a nerve- they had been awarded in their technical exceptional 50 kilometre race I’m very pleased to add the Euro- well beyond the leading mark Russian team that leads the European swim- less anchor leg to bring home gold in the routine. After a three-hour break, Koles- walk triumphs. On a hot morning pean title to the world title from with his last no-jump, put his ming medal table with seven golds. women’s 4x200m freestyle for Britain. nichenko returned to her solo speciality, around the streets of Berlin, both last year,” Henriques said. hands on his head in despair after Efi mova’s teammate Anastasiia Fesikova again comfortably defeating Cerruti, who athletes defi ed draining con- Frenchman Kevin Mayer, hot immediately realising his error. took the 100m backstroke title in 59.19sec, KOLESNICHENKO WINS took silver, and bronze winner Yakhno. “I’m ditions to comfortably eclipse favourite to win the decathlon “I have to say I’m really, really just preventing Britain’s silver medallist FOURTH TITLE FOR RUSSIA going to sleep now and I’m sleeping for a their opposition. The 23-year- title at the European Cham- disappointed with what hap- Georgia Davies from completing her own Meanwhile, Svetlana Kolesnichenko, the week,” Kolesnichenko smiled. “I am happy old Zakalnytskyy was a surprise pionships, blew his chances pened. I had such high expecta- double after her 50m backstroke win. Hun- new dominant force of synchronised swim- but I am also so tired that maybe I will be winner of the men’s race, beat- completely in the second of the tions of myself and all I can do is gary’s Olympic champion Katinka Hosszu, ming, completed her immaculate and inno- happier in a week.” ing Slovakia’s Olympic cham- 10 events on Tuesday when he apologise,” said Mayer, although looking nothing like her world-beating best vative fi ve-day programme at the European The work ethic, she insisted, was what pion Matej Toth by 55 seconds in fouled in all three of his long he was adamant that he had no after suff ering personal problems this year, Championships by doubling her gold medal kept Russian synchro so far ahead of the three hours, 46 minutes and 32 jump attempts. The Olympic regrets about his attacking ap- could only fi nish fourth. tally to four. fi eld. To underline their dominance — the seconds. Henriques, the remark- silver medallist was leading the proach. Germany’s Olympic dis- Italian teenager Simona Quadarella was As Russia rounded off another master- only one of the nine golds on off er that Rus- able 38-year-old who won the competition to fi nd Europe’s top cus champion Christoph Harting another to pull off a notable double, the ful championships with three golds, the sia did not win was one in which they de- world title in London last year, all-round athlete after a 10.64 was another shock early casualty 19-year-old 800m champion breaking 24-year-old Kolesnichenko repeated her cided not to enter the mixed duet. then took the women’s crown in seconds run in 100 metres before when he failed to record a mark. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 8, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Manning excited about potential of Bauer strikes out 11, overhauled Giants Reuters You have to be able to do it in New York practice, but you have to be able to do it on game day, as well.” Manning said he believes here is nothing mundane there is plenty of big-game po- surging Indians shut about Eli Manning’s 15th tential among the off ensive per- training camp. sonnel, but he’s more interested The 37-year-old will in seeing a controlled approach ‘His last pitch was Tmake his preseason debut at that lends itself to consistency home against the Cleveland and helps the defense stay fresh maybe his best Browns on Thursday night, and as well. is excited to fi nally get some How much playing time Man- fastball of the night’ game action under his belt. As ning sees during the preseason out Twins 10-0 Manning put it Monday, he’s remains uncertain - he’ll leave working with “a new off ense and those decisions to the coach- new players across the board at ing staff . For now, he’s enjoying diff erent spots.” a process at which many ageing Manning is coming off a tu- veterans cringe - and is excited multuous 2017 season that saw about the prospect of another him get benched, then reinstalled NFL season. as the starter after coach Bob “I enjoy every camp, I get ex- McAdoo was fi red. Without sev- cited about coming through it eral injured wide receivers and every year,” he said. “I enjoy the playing behind a porous off ensive work part of it, learning a new of- line, Manning fi nished with only fense and going up against a new 3,468 passing yards, 19 touch- defense and seeing what they are downs and 13 interceptions. doing. I enjoy the competition After witnessing a massive but also hanging out with the off season overhaul, Manning quarterbacks in the QB room or admittedly doesn’t know what being in the locker room with the to expect when the Giants hit guys, all of it is a special time that the fi eld on Thursday night. He I look forward to every year.” has been working diligently with One of those guys is Odell new head coach Pat Shurmur, Beckham Jr. While the repre- coordinator Mike Shula and a sentatives for “OBJ” try to ham- bevy of new faces, from fi rst- mer out a long-term contract round pick Saquon Barkley at with the front offi ce, the wide re- running back to an off ensive line ceiver can be seen working after projected to have diff erent start- practice, honing his routes and ers at four spots. his communication with “You just want to see how Manning. we’re going to work together and “We missed a lot of time in the how guys are going to do in game spring, just trying to get work on situation,” Manning told report- some routes where you might get ers at camp on Monday. “To see to run it one time in routes versus if their level of play stays the air or run it one time during the same, elevates, or goes down. course of practice,” Manning said.

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer delivers in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Reuters on just one hit to take a 2-0 lead in the RESULTS swinging. The right-hander got his ninth Cleveland fi rst inning. Lindor started the inning strikeout when he got Palka to chase a with a walk and went to second on a sin- Indians 10-0 Twins high full-count fastball for the second out gle by Brantley. Yankees 7-0 White Sox of the seventh. Lynn’s only jam occurred revor Bauer struck out 11 and Both runners then advanced a base Diamondbacks 3-2 Phillis in the fi rst after Palka’s infi eld single put ELI MANNING gave up just three hits over six when Gibson’s pickoff attempt at second runners at fi rst and third. Lynn recovered innings and Edwin Encarncion bounced off the glove of shortstop Jorge Angels 3-3 Tigers to strike out Avisail Garcia with a curveball gave him plenty of support with Polanco into centre fi eld. Cuns 3-1 Royals just below the strike zone. Ta home run and four RBIs as the host Lindor then scored on a sacrifi ce fl y The Yankees reached Chicago at about Marlins 2-1 Cardinals Darnold reportedly impressing Jets, could start at QB Cleveland Indians cruised to a 10-0 vic- down the right fi eld line by Jose Rami- 4am local time following their 5-4, 10-in- Mets 6-4 Reds tory over the Minnesota Twins on Mon- rez and Brantley, who tagged and went ning loss in Boston on Sunday. It took Rookie Sam Darnold was late Bowles said McCown was the day night at Progressive Field. to third on the play, later scored on a Rockies 2-0 Pirates them awhile to get going against Dylan to training camp but still “has a starter but that preseason per- Yonder Alonso, Brandon Guyer and groundout by Encarnacion. Mariners 4-3 Rangers Covey, who gave up four runs on seven very fair shot” of opening the formances could change that. Jason Kipnis also homered for Cleve- The Indians upped their lead to 6-0 hits in 6 1/3 innings. Covey (4-8) retired regular season as the New York Asked Monday if Darnold could land, which won its third straight game with a four-run fourth that featured LYNN’S FIRST YANKS START RESULTS the fi rst 10 hitters on 39 pitches before Jets’ starting quarterback, ac- realistically win the starting job, and improved to 33-15 against AL Central home runs by both Alonso and Guyer. IN 7-0 ROUT OF WHITE SOX Giancarlo Stanton walked in the fourth. cording to a report by ESPN. Bowles again pointed to presea- competition. Francisco Lindor, Michael Alonso made it 3-0 with his 19th hom- Lance Lynn pitched two-hit ball for 7 A double by Didi Gregorius off the base Darnold is further along in his son action and suggested the Brantley and Kipnis each fi nished with er of the season, a 418-foot drive into the 1/3 masterful innings and the visiting of the right fi eld fence moved Stanton to readiness than the Jets antici- competition will take time to two hits. Twins’ bullpen in right-center. New York Yankees halted their season- third, and a base hit by Aaron Hicks gave pated and although he still has sort out. “You have to play the It was the 10th double-digit strikeout After Leonys Martin struck out, Kip- high, fi ve-game losing streak with a 7-0 the Yankees a 1-0 lead. work to do, he reportedly has preseason games,” Bowles said. game of the season for Bauer (11-6), ty- nis walked and then scored on a Roberto victory over the Chicago White Sox on The Yankees took a 2-0 lead in the impressed coaches so far. “I’m not into hypotheticals and ing Boston’s Chris Sale for the Ameri- Perez double into the gap in left-centre. Monday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. inning when shortstop Tim Anderson After a three-day holdout over nothing that hasn’t happened can League lead in that category. The Guyer then followed with his sixth homer Inserted into the rotation to replace a could not make a diving stop of Gleyber off set language, Darnold signed yet. We’re going to let them play 11 strikeouts also gave Bauer a total of of the season down the left-fi eld line. struggling Sonny Gray, Lynn (8-8) pro- Torres’ single. New York nearly went up a four-year, $30.25 million and, after the fourth preseason 206 for the season, making him 11th Kipnis, with a little help from Minne- duced a gem in his fi rst start for the Yan- 5-0, but centre fi elder Adam Engel made contract and reported to camp game, sometime that week I’ll pitcher in Cleveland history to reach sota centre fi elder Jake Cave, increased kees and fi rst start since July 27 for Min- a leaping catch well above the fence to on July 30. Darnold, 21, was the make my decision and we’ll go 200 strikeouts in a season - and the sec- the Indians’ lead to 7-0 in the sixth with nesota at Boston. rob Greg Bird of a homer. New York add- No 3 overall selection in the from there.” ond fastest to do it behind only 2017 Cy his 11th homer of the season. A leaping He walked Yolmer Sanchez and gave ed two in the fi fth when Kyle Higashioka 2018 NFL Draft out of Southern Nearly two years since sustain- Young Award winner Corey Kluber. “His Cave got the end of his glove on the drive up a single to Daniel Palka in the fi rst, scored on a wild pitch and Brett Gardner California. The Jets also have ing a gruesome left knee injury last pitch was maybe his best fastball of and helped to knock it over the fence. then retired a career-high 19 consecutive beat left fi elder Delmonico’s throw to the veteran quarterbacks Josh with the Minnesota Vikings, the night,” manager Terry Francona said. Encarncion hit his 25th homer of the hitters before giving up a single to Nicky plate on a base hit by Gregorius. McCown and Teddy Bridgewa- Bridgewater impressed during Kyle Gibson (5-9) took the loss, giving up season in the seventh off reliever Matt Delmonico leading off the eighth. Lynn’s Torres added insurance by homering ter on the roster, and they’ve the off season and appears six runs (four earned) on seven hits in fi ve Belisle, a three-run blast to left to make it pitches frequently hit the corners of the over the left fi eld fence in the eighth just been trimming McCown’s reps healthy, wearing a small knee innings, as Minnesota, which fi nished 10-0. The Twins used a position player, plate. Lynn tied a season high with nine to the right of Delmonico’s leaping at- lately in order to give the two brace for support. He told with just three hits, had a three-game catcher Mitch Garver, to pitch a scoreless strikeouts, walked one, threw 108 pitches tempt. Neil Walker capped the scoring younger players more chances. reporters that he doesn’t expect win streak snapped. eighth inning. Garver allowed only a sin- and earned a standing ovation from Yan- with a two-run drive to right-centre fi eld Entering camp, coach Todd any setbacks. Cleveland scored two unearned runs gle to Lindor. kees fans. Seven of his strikeouts were later in the eighth.

FOCUS LeBron praised by Ohio school district aft er Trump attack Reuters fourth grades and add fi rst and bate over whether six-time NBA treatment of racial minorities. Washington second grades the following year, champion Michael Jordan, or And he has disinvited champi- the foundation website said. James, a four-time league most onship teams whose members The school will be fi nished by valuable player, was the NBA’s have been critical of him from ational Basketball As- 2022 with fi rst through eighth all-time best player. traditional White House visits. sociation star LeBron grades. Jordan, who rarely wades into US fi rst lady Melania Trump James won praise on James also promised a free bi- the political fray, and other US also appeared to take exception Monday from an Ohio cycle and helmets for students athletes rallied to James’ defense with her husband’s attack on Nschool district for his support and vowed to pay tuition to the on Saturday, praising him for his James. of disadvantaged children in his University of Akron for I Promise work in his community. “It looks like LeBron James hometown of Akron, after US graduates, among other things. James, a persistent critic of is working to do good things on President Donald Trump at- “Anyone that’s done what Le- Trump and prominent supporter behalf of our next generation and tacked him in a weekend tweet Bron James has done for the past of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 just as she always has, the fi rst questioning his intelligence. decade to 15 years for our chil- presidential election, last month lady encourages everyone to have The president lashed out at dren to prepare them to fl our- announced his decision to leave an open dialogue about issues James after the three-time NBA ish in life has to be an intelligent the Cleveland Cavaliers for a facing children today,” a state- champion was interviewed by person,” Akron Public Schools second time, this time to play for ment issued by Melania Trump’s CNN’s Don Lemon largely to spokesman Mark Williamson the Los Angeles Lakers. spokeswoman said. tout a public school in Akron, said in a telephone interview on In response to Lemon ask- The spokeswoman did not im- Ohio that his foundation helped Monday. “He’s a bright guy, end ing what James would say to the mediately respond to a question to open last week. of story.” president if he were sitting right on whether the fi rst lady planned During the interview James The comment came after there, the NBAstar said: “I would to visit the I Promise school. said sports was something Trump on Friday had tweeted never sit across from him. ... I’d LeBron James Family Foun- that unites Americans but that “Lebron James was just inter- sit across from Barack though,” dation did not immediately re- Trump “used sport to kind of di- viewed by the dumbest man on referring to Trump’s predeces- spond to a request for comment vide us,” drawing the retaliatory television, Don Lemon. He made sor, Barack Obama. on Monday. tweet from the president. Lebron look smart, which isn’t Trump has lambasted Nation- Williamson called James a The “I Promise” public school easy to do. I like Mike!” al Football League players who great role model. “He’s never let in Akron, which opened last The president’s “I like Mike!” knelt during playing of the na- our children down. Not once. week, will off er classes for “at- comment was an apparent refer- tional anthem as a form of pro- He’s never let these kids down,” risk” students in the third and ence to the perennial sports de- test against law enforcement’s he said. LeBron James (left) and Donald Trump. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 8, 2018 GOLF

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP/PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Unpredictable Spieth seeks Johnson the man to Grand Slam at PGA Championship

Reuters fi nished tied for fourth at the St Louis, Missouri Open Championship and was beat as long hitters runner-up at the PGA. Last week’s outing at the ‘The greens you can make hree-times major WGC Bridgestone Invita- champion Jordan Spi- tional saw Spieth fi nish tied a lot of putts, the fairways eth can achieve the 60th and added to a season of ‘Career Grand Slam’ inconsistency. are pristine, the ball just Tat this week’s PGA Champi- onship, the fi nal major of the MERCURIAL GOLF eye Bellerive sits up beautifully’ year, but the young American It has now been more than a is just as likely to deliver his year since he recorded a PGA Reuters latest memorable near miss. Tour victory. The 2017 Open St Louis, Missouri Spieth arrives at Bellerive Championship at Royal Birk- Country Club in St. Louis dale was Spieth’s last tri- needing a victory to become umph and a keen reminder ustin Johnson is the fa- only the sixth player to win all of his mercurial golf, after he vourite to win the PGA four modern majors – join- squandered a three-shot lead Championship in Bel- ing Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, in four holes only to channel lerive this week where Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus his most sublime play to seize theD long hitters will be at home and Tiger Woods. the Claret Jug. in the fi nal major of the year. The 25-year-old Spieth has The 2016 Masters is the A course stretching to 7,547 made a habit of etching his fl ipside for Spieth – he lost yards, wide fairways and soft name next to the giants of the a fi ve-shot lead on the back greens will give the big bombers game, and his path to golf’s nine during a collapse that the advantage they did not al- elite club has been all kinds of echoed far beyond the reach ways enjoy at last month’s Open spectacular. of Augusta National. Championship on the parched Last month’s Open Cham- “I believe that going fairways at Carnoustie. pionship at Carnoustie pro- through struggles, you start Johnson, fellow Americans vided the latest glimpse into to realise where your tenden- Justin Thomas and Brooks Spieth’s brilliance and fl aws. cies are and how to compen- Koepka, Englishmen Justin Rose He charged to the top and sate for it and turn them into and Tommy Fleetwood, and held a share of the lead en- advantages,” Spieth said last Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy tering the fi nal round, only to month. “I think that I have loom as the main contenders. disintegrate into the Scottish that going for me.” Less likely to triumph, but sure PAST 10 WINNERS links with a fi ve-over-par 76 What Spieth always seemed to attract plenty of attention all that dropped him well out of to have going for him during the same, are Tiger Woods and 2017: Justin Thomas (USA) contention. his best days was his magic Jordan Spieth, who can achieve 2016: Jimmy Walker (USA) Somehow, though, the ex- with the putter. During his the ‘Career Grand Slam’. 2015: Jason Day (AUS) perience left Spieth more in- hot stretches, 50-footers and Woods did not play well in 2014: Rory McIlroy (NIR) spired than discouraged. 10-footers felt equally des- Akron last week and Bellerive is 2013: Jason Dufner (USA) “I believe that my best golf tined to fi nd the hole. not really up his alley. A decade 2012: Rory McIlroy (NIR) has yet to come, absolutely,” Spieth is confusingly near removed from his 14th, and most 2011: Keegan Bradley (USA) he told reporters. “Even bet- the bottom of the PGA Tour recent, major victory, he is bet- 2010: Martin Kaymer (GER) ter than (2015), all that, yeah. this season in strokes gained ter suited these days to courses 2009: Yang Yong-eun (KOR) It’s all there, and it’s moving putting and admits that his that demand subtlety and shot- 2008: Padraig Harrington (IRL) in the right direction. So I’m limited number of chances to making. actually very pleased coming win has been frustrating. Spieth also played poorly in out of this week.” Regardless of form, he has Akron, and he too does not ap- To anyone other than Spi- a knack of taking residence on pear to be a good match for Bel- eth himself, he seems a great major championship leader- lerive. Johnson is not number one distance from his hallmark boards. His fi nal outcomes, in the world by accident, but he is 2015 form when he captured however, have become golf’s not quite the closer in majors that Dustin Johnson of the United States speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive Country the Masters and US Open, most suspenseful drama. he is in regular tournaments. An- Club in St. Louis, Missouri. (Getty Images/AFP) other near-miss at the US Open in June, where he fi nished third FIVE KEY HOLES for a major, very soft” but all in after a pedestrian fi nal round, all he likes what he sees. resurrected nagging doubts Par-3 Sixth (213 yards) rough. This members par-5 hole will be a rough “The fairways are 40-50 yards about his ability to seal the deal. Smallest green on the course guarded by a pond one for back-nine starters to begin rounds the first wide so if you miss the fairway The 2016 US Open remains his on the right plus bunkers left and behind. Tough two days. you know you’re driving it poor- only major victory. He has been green to hit and tricky to get up and down. Played to Par-4 15th (495 yards) ly this week,” the world number in contention often enough to 4.02-stroke average in 1965 US Open. A round-ruiner In the middle of a three-hole stretch known as 46 told Reuters after playing the have plenty of silverware. waiting to happen. As club pro Mike Tucker says, “If “The Ridge,” players are going against the prevail- front nine on Monday. McIlroy, meanwhile, has heaps our fans want to see good challenges and potential ing breeze with a mid- to long-iron into a wide but Five-times major winner Phil of great golf left in train wrecks, that would be the hole.” shallow green. Hefty right to left slope with front Mickelson predicts a low win- him but needs to win a major on Par-4 Ninth (433 yards) bunkers flanking the putting area. Short-game ning score. “The greens you can a fi rm and diffi cult track to shed An uphill approach to a slight dogleg left with magicians can create some excitement here. make a lot of putts, the fairways the tag of being a fl at track bunkers in the landing area and the most complex Par-5 17th (597 yards) are pristine, the ball just sits bully, to use cricketing parlance green on the course. Finishing hole high on ap- The only par-5 on the back nine comes late and up beautifully and around the for a batsman who runs up big proaches will be a major feat. A front-area cup should provide drama for players needing a last greens you can spin your chip scores when conditions are favour- could bring birdie chances but with bunkers right, chance to gain some ground in Sunday’s last shots, and get them close, so I able. left and rear, it’s as tough a par hole as Bellerive round. It can be shifted above 600 yards or to feel like you can attack the golf McIlroy’s four major titles have off ers. a potentially reachable-in-two off ering an eagle course,” he said on Sunday. all come on rain-softened cours- Par-4 Tenth (508 yards) putt depending on set-ups. A 2005-06 renovation British Open winner Francesco es where he could bomb away his This dogleg left forces a strong tee shot to reach removed a pond in front of the green. There are Molinari has fought off insecuri- driver and attack with his irons. the corner and provide a look at a wide but shal- bunkers guarding it now but enough room to run a ties with hard work and statistical He should be at home this week. low green. There are bunkers to the front, right shot onto the green if navigated correctly. A creek analysis and the results have been Apart from the usual suspects, and rear of the green and a creek in front of it all down the right side could come into play if the three wins in as many months another player worth keeping that will add some issues for those who find the desperate become inaccurate. Potential decider. and his fi rst major title. The close tabs on is American Tony 35-year-old Italian approaches Finau, who has fi nished in the top the championship after winning 10 in all three majors this year. A par-four. If he fi nds the fairways ways invariably off er perfect lies. this time of year to keep them the European Tour’s BMW PGA prodigiously long hitter, statisti- at Bellerive, watch out. A modest but not particularly alive, should allow players to fi re Championship in May, the US cally the third longest driver on deep rough will sometimes pe- fearlessly at the pins. PGA Quicken Loans National in the PGA Tour this year, he reduc- PERFECT LIES nalise errant drives, while the Englishman Ross Fisher says June and a major breakthrough Jordan Spieth practices on the range prior to the PGA Championship es pretty much every par-fi ve to a Bellerive’s Zoysia grass fair- greens, which need to be watered the greens are “unusually slow last month at Carnoustie. at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. (Getty Images/AFP)

RYDER CUP Europe captain Bjorn hopes Tiger plays for USA AFP week’s PGA Championship to and England’s Paul Casey to everything in your game.” St. Louis claim an automatic berth on the squad. All are ranked in the Bjorn’s current lineup has four points. Otherwise the planned world’s top 25. Cup rookies in Noren, Hatton, vice-skipper would need to be a “We’ve known for the better Fleetwood and Rahm with ex- uropean Ryder Cup cap- captain’s pick by US boss Jim Fu- part of 12 months that we were perienced veterans such as Ian tain Thomas Bjorn said ryk, who confi rms his fi rst eight going to have a very strong team Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Hen- Tuesday he would like to players on Monday. the way a lot of these guys have rik Stenson available for four see 14-time major win- been playing,” Bjorn said. “It’s captain’s picks he will announce nerE Tiger Woods make the Unit- ‘MYTHICAL CREATURE’ exciting to see so many of them September 10. ed States lineup for next month’s Bjorn, who beat Woods at the do well.” Garcia has struggled recently team golf showdown in France. 2001 Dubai Desert Classic just but last year’s Masters champi- Bjorn says having Woods before Woods won the Masters to OLESEN MUST BE ‘SPECIAL’ on could provide a spark. Bjorn, among the 24 players would hold all four major titles, said he Just missing out under both however, wants to see improved bring a special “buzz” to the next doesn’t fear players being awe- methods is Denmark’s Thor- play by 23rd-ranked Garcia be- edition of the biennial matchup struck by Woods, even though bjorn Olesen, a friend of Bjorn fore making his picks. September 28-30 at Le Golf Na- Scotland’s Russell Knox called who still has time to change his “Sergio won’t be happy with tional. Tiger a “mythical creature” at fate. Europe’s fi rst eight spots where he’s been with his game “I might put a few noses out of last month’s British Open. aren’t sealed until September 2 over the last few months,” Bjorn joint by saying, but in my opin- “I’m glad that this generation when the European Tour’s Race said. “I would like to see some- ion, (he’s) the best player that of players get to experience Ti- to Dubai concludes. thing from him.” has ever played the game,” Bjorn ger Woods, because they need “I told him, ‘You have to do Other top talent beckons, in- said. to experience what he brings to something very special to make cluding Knox, England’s Matthew “If Tiger was included in the the game and all that comes with this team’,” Bjorn said. “And Fitzpatrick and Spain’s Rafa Ca- US team for the Ryder Cup, it the world of Tiger Woods,” Bjorn preferably make the team on brera Bello. Experience is only one would be great for the game said. merit because I can’t be in a situ- factor Bjorn must weigh among a of golf because he just brings Set to qualify for Europe’s ation where I feel like I’m doing myriad of considerations. something special. The buzz that squad on European Tour points anybody a favor.” “There are going to be six or was around The Open Champi- are British Open winner Franc- Bjorn heaped praise on Le Golf seven names that really deserve onship... that would be great for esco Molinari of Italy and Eng- National, calling it one of Eu- a lot of thought,” Bjorn said. “It the Ryder Cup as well.” land’s Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hat- rope’s fi nest layouts. really is a puzzle. It’s not one or Woods, coming off spinal fu- ton and Tommy Fleetwood with “This is a great golf course,” two things that come into the sion surgery after missing most world rankings adding Northern Bjorn said. “It really is a thinkers consideration of making your of the past two years with back Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Spain’s course. It’s a ball-striker’s course picks, there are 15, 20 diff erent Tiger Woods of the United States plays a shot as fans look on during a practice round prior to the 2018 pain, would need to win this Jon Rahm, Sweden’s Alex Noren as well. It just asks questions of things that play in.” PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 8, 2018 7 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Doorman testifi es against all-rounder Lord’s is perfect Stokes in aff ray trial platform for India to launch fi ghtback Despite winning both Tests here last summer, England have a poor recent record at HQ

By Will Macpherson London Evening Standard

hursday’s second Test at Lord’s represents a golden opportunity for India to level the series. TTouring teams seem to lift themselves for a trip to Lord’s: the unique history and herit- age, the chance for a spot on the honours board, and the genteel atmosphere make it an enjoy- able place to visit. Despite winning both Tests here last summer, England have a poor recent record at HQ. Pa- kistan won there this year and in 2016; Australia in 2015; and India in 2014. England’s inconsistency ensures they are generally ac- commodating hosts wherever they play in the country. In their last four home series — and six of the last seven dating back to India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) talks with India’s head coach Ravi Shastri during a practice session at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. (AFP) hosting New Zealand in 2015 — they have found themselves all AFP He said Stokes, whom he de- square after two Tests. Pope ready to emulate England teammate Curran London scribed as the “ginger one”, and India, and particularly their his England teammate Alex best players Virat Kohli and Ravi Young Surrey batsman Ollie Pope Lord’s at the start of the season, Hales had returned to the club Ashwin, performed well at Edg- has come a long way in a short I wouldn’t have really believed en Stokes made “stu- but were not allowed back in as baston. time and says he will be ready if, as them,” Pope, who is averaging 85 pid noises” and “camp it was after 2:00am. “The ginger At Lord’s, the ball is unlikely looks likely, he makes his England for Surrey in the county champion- gestures” to mimic two one off ered me £60 ($78, 67 eu- to swing throughout the match debut against India at Lord’s ship this year, said. men outside a night- ros) and asked me if that would like it did in Birmingham and club,B a doorman said yesterday get them in,” Cunningham said. tomorrow. “Likewise, if someone told me I was the surface, even if it looks The 20-year-old has only 15 first- going to make my Championship at the England cricketer’s trial “He had a conversation with green, should be duller and class matches under his belt but debut last year, I wouldn’t have for alleged aff ray. his friend and he said ‘£300, get the conditions kinder for their looks certain to play in the second believed them. Stokes mimicked the “high- us in’, and I still told them no. batsmen. test in place of dropped Dawid “It’s nice to do it with Sam in the pitched” voices of William “He got a bit verbally abusive,” Having seen how England Malan. same team. When I made my O’Connor and Kai Barry, two mocking Cunningham’s gold play Ashwin and following the Pope will use the example set by Surrey debut there were four “quite eff eminate” regulars at teeth and tattoos, in a “spiteful” latest bout of dry weather, they county teammate Sam Curran who 19-year-olds in there at the same Mbargo nightclub in Bristol, and “angry tone”, he said. will surely fi nd space for an extra shone in last week’s first match time. Things happen quickly. It’s southwest England, said door- The doorman said Barry and spinner. of the series, his second test ap- exciting.” man Andrew Cunningham. O’Connor had left the nightclub Ravi Jadeja, who also has a pearance, with a five-wicket haul Pope, who is comfortable dealing On Monday’s opening day of and were stood outside talking. handy habit of rubbing English in India’s first innings and a crucial with spin, bats at six for Surrey but the trial at Bristol Crown Court, “They are quite extravagant cricketers up the wrong way, half century in England’s second. could even be asked to go in at jurors saw footage of Stokes, 27, people. When they talk, their is the perfect candidate to be “It’s almost that naivety in the four for his country. brawling with 27-year-old Ryan mannerisms are not as everyone brought in, but Kuldeep Yadav whole thing,” Pope told reporters “If required (to bat at four), yes,” Ali and Ryan Hale, 28, outside else, they are a bit more fl am- has his supporters, too. at Lord’s on Tuesday. “I think I’m Pope said. “Especially against this Mbargo in the early hours of boyant,” he said. “The ginger guy The absence of Ben Stokes probably similar to him (Curran) — Indian side. They bowl a lot of spin, September 25 last year. picked up on this and started to will weaken England and they just ready to put the shirt on and so I don’t think there’s a massive Stokes — who starred on Sat- take the mick out of them. will probably need both Chris just want to perform at my best. diff erence. urday as England beat India in “He started to mimic their ac- Woakes’ seam and Moeen Ali’s “We’ve both played a fair bit of “When I bat at six I can be in in the the fi rst Test at Edgbaston — Ali tions. He didn’t speak, he just spin to adequately bolster their county cricket now and things 10th over or for the second new and Hale each deny a charge of made noises to sound like them attack. To shoehorn both in, have gone on an upward spiral.” ball. Four to six region, I don’t think aff ray. The prosecution told the because if you hear them speak though, they would need to ig- It has been a whirlwind rise and there’s a massive diff erence in the jury how Stokes told police he they are quite high-pitched guys. nore Ollie Pope — a highly un- Pope admits it has been hard to way you play.” decided to intervene with Ali “They are quite eff eminate likely scenario as it would make take in. “If someone told me I’d be England won the first test in the and Hale because he overheard guys and their voices are diff er- their batting look even shakier. in the squad for the second test at five-match series by 31 runs. “nasty homophobic language”, ent. He made noises to try to copy This will be the 12th Test in then told police he acted in self- them, not saying anything just England’s last 34 Stokes has defence when he thought he was making stupid noises. Just like missed and the selectors are no land fans to stomach. is the last time that happened. a Test (to level the series at 1-1 though they ignore Ishant about to be hit with a bottle. hand gestures... camp gestures.” closer to cracking how to cope England, however, have not England have lost fi ve home se- after three matches), the tour- Sharma — who bowled beauti- The prosecution said Stokes He said Barry and O’Connor without him. lost a home Test series after ries this century but have failed ists folded, losing the series 3-1, fully in the second innings at fi rst knocked Hale unconscious, did not appear angry. A cigarette That this particular hiatus going 1-0 up this century. The to win the First Test of any of although is hard to imagine that Edgbaston and took seven for 74 then Ali. Cunningham, appear- butt was then fl icked at them was signed off with a mag- infamous low ebb — and plum- them. happening under Kohli’s watch. at Lord’s in the 2014 victory — ing as a witness, said he knew and Cunningham stepping in, nifi cent bowling performance met to the bottom of the rank- On India’s last tour here, in Kohli and Ashwin remain at their peril. the “fl amboyant and camp” saying “If you are going to start makes it tougher still for Eng- ings — of 1999 and New Zealand 2014, as soon as England won England’s biggest issues, al- © London Evening Standard O’Connor and Barry as regulars. on someone, start on me”.

OPINION Abuse, ball-tampering threaten cricket’s ‘DNA’ – ICC boss Smith’s ruthless and brave...but acid test to come Ball-tampering, verbal abuse former Australia captain Steve and on-field confrontations are Smith and two of his players By Nasser Hussain rything he’s done and he should be ap- threatening the spirit of cricket slapped with long bans for Daily Mail plauded for it. ED SMITH and recent poor behaviour by the Cape Town ball-tampering I didn’t agree with the precedent set players has to stop, Interna- scandal in March. by the selection of Rashid, because of his tional Cricket Council (ICC) boss The same test series against ’ve been im- refusal to play red-ball cricket for York- David Richardson has said. South Africa was also marred by pressed so far shire at the time. But that doesn’t mean Richardson also took aim at an off -field altercation between with almost eve- I take issue with his selection on purely players claiming confusion over Australia’s David Warner and rything Ed Smith cricketing terms. The two are separate ball-tampering rules, saying Quinton de Kock, and a string of Ihas done in his fi rst issues. the laws were clear and their code of conduct violations by couple of months as Smith is clearly interested in pick- complaints “disingenuous” in players on both sides. England’s national ing players for diff erent conditions and a speech at the MCC’s Colin Ugly incidents involving players selector. the key will be how consistent he is with Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s. undermining off icials have also I’ve worked with selectors in the past that. If, for example, England’s next Test “The phrase ‘it’s just not cricket’ tarnished the game, with Bang- who seem more concerned with saving was in Brisbane, would he turn round to is not an accident, it’s because ladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan their jobs than actually doing them. Curran and say, sorry, your game isn’t cricket’s DNA is based on sanctioned after threatening But, from what I can see, Smith is suited to Australian conditions and the integrity and people know that to take his team off the ground making brave decisions for the benefi t of Kookaburra? Those sort of moments will cricket represents something over an umpiring decision in the England team, not for the benefi t of be the acid test. more than a game,” Richardson a Twenty20 match against Sri himself. On the other hand, I like the fact that Malan needed to hear in that moment. South Africa, where only one of the new said. Lanka in March. Look at the choices he’s made. He this is how he’s thinking. Perhaps if When I used to work with Duncan selections — Michael Vaughan — made “We have seen too much be- Sri Lanka captain Dinesh brought Jos Buttler back into Test cricket he’d been in place before the last Ashes, Fletcher, he was always careful not to the grade. Smith is being more rigorous haviour of late that puts that in Chandimal, coach Chandika on the evidence of his form at the IPL, Moeen Ali would have been spared his make statements that might come back than that. He’s talking to people to fi nd jeopardy and it has to stop. Hathurusinghe and manager even though plenty of people were say- ordeal. He was probably the player of the to haunt him. Malan has now been pi- out what makes a player tick and wheth- “Sledging that amounts to no Asanka Gurusinha were all ing he needed more red-ball runs under summer in England in 2017, but it always geon-holed as a guy who won’t be picked er they can handle the pressure. Curran’s more than personal abuse, sanctioned last month after his belt. looked likely he was going to struggle in England. Perhaps Smith will have a all-round performance at Edgbaston was fielders giving send-off s to bats- the team refused to take the He pushed for Sam Curran, who helped Down Under — where they eat off -spin- chat on the phone with him over the a case in point. men who have been dismissed, field for two hours in a June turn around England’s fortunes in that ners for breakfast. next few days to explain exactly what he Yes, he’ll get the odd one wrong. If unnecessary physical contact, test match against West Indies thrilling fi rst Test against India at Edg- Yet no one on the selection panel had meant. Buttler had begun against Pakistan with players threatening not to in protest after Chandimal was baston. He went for Adil Rashid, despite a the foresight to take Moeen out of the fi r- On the whole, though, I like his ap- nought and one, his scores against In- play in protest against an charged with ball-tampering. torrent of criticism. And he’s been pretty ing line until the last Test of the winter, in proach, not least the fact that he’s happy dia, people would have been questioning umpire’s decision and ball The ICC introduced tougher pun- ruthless about dropping guys he doesn’t Christchurch. Hopefully, Smith will put to judge a guy by his character — no mat- Smith’s sanity. tampering. ishments for ball-tampering last think fi t the bill — the likes of Mark Stone- a stop to that kind of lazy thinking. ter how young. When Duncan came in, But he’s operating on the basis that, “This isn’t the version of our month, but South Africa captain man, James Vince and Dawid Malan. Of course, it’s a fi ne line to tread. He there were lots of calls to drop some of over time, if he selects the players he be- sport that we want to project to Faf du Plessis, who has twice Now he’s plumped for Ollie Pope, a made a point in the ECB press release the old-timers like Mike Atherton, Gra- lieves are best for England, the team will the world.” fallen foul of the rules, remarked 20-year-old who a year ago had barely of saying that Malan’s game was ‘better ham Thorpe, Alec Stewart and Darren benefi t. He’s prepared to put his neck on Cricket’s image has taken a that he needed more “clarity” played a handful of games for Surrey. suited to overseas conditions’, which was Gough. We resisted those calls but ended the line for the players. And that’s exactly battering in recent months, with over what was permitted. He’s got good, logical reasons for eve- refreshingly honest but perhaps not what up taking some inexperienced players to what Joe Root needs. @nassercricket

Wednesday, August 8, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS CRICKET ‘Russia an invaluable Shot clocks would help knowledge-sharing erase ‘dead QNB Stars League’s al-Adsani was part of Qatar’s observation time’: Ponting experience’ delegation to the 2018 World Cup hmed al-Adsani, Com- petitions Director at the QNB Stars League (QSL), was part of Qatar’sA observation delegation which travelled to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In a chat, he discusses his ex- periences, and the newfound knowledge and excitement he returns to Doha with.

What did your 2018 FIFA World Cup experience in- volve? I was based in Moscow, spe- cifi cally at Luzhniki Stadium. I was assigned to the role of As- sistant FIFA Competitions Co- ordinator. In total I spent 45 days in the city, from before the fi rst game until after the fi nal – both of which took place at my as- signed venue. It proved to be an invaluable experience. Although Reuters sponsibility in making sure their I already had a lot of experience London players are ready through the before I travelled to Russia, this course of the day. If they are not opportunity allowed me to build in a position for three or four on it and witness fi rst-hand the ith fi nes proving overs, that could be 20 runs and scale upon which FIFA operates, ineff ective, shot in the context of the game we saw and the organisation that goes clocks and run pen- last week that could decide a Test into a World Cup matchday. alties could be used match.” Wto speed up over rates in all forms How would you describe the of cricket, according to former BALL TAMPERING overall operation in Mos- Australia captain Ricky Pon- Ponting said ball tampering had cow? ting. been at the top of the commit- It was my fi rst experience of A two-day meeting of the tee’s agenda in the light of the in- working at a World Cup, so of MCC World Cricket committee cident in South Africa in March course the scale and profes- at Lord’s discussed a range of is- which resulted in Australia cap- sionalism of the entire event Ahmed al-Adsani (second from left), Competitions Director at the QNB Stars League, worked as an assistant FIFA competitions co-ordinator sues including the speed of play tain Steve Smith being banned by was very impressive. From mi- at Luzhniki Stadium (below) in Moscow during Russia 2018. and ball tampering. Cricket Australia for a year. nor details, such as signs across Ponting, part of the advisory Television cameras caught the host city, to the volunteers, committee chaired by former Cameron Bancroft roughing up the venue staff , and the logistics England captain Mike Gatting one side of the ball with what involved with ensuring every and including former India skip- appeared to be sandpaper. Vice second of every matchday runs per Sourav Ganguly, said cutting captain David Warner also got a perfectly and to schedule, it is ‘dead time’ through the use of shot one-year ban while Bancroft re- a unique operation, with many clocks could be considered by the ceived a nine month ban. thousands of elements working International Cricket Council. Australia coach Darren Leh- seamlessly together. For me, this “It probably seems a little ex- mann stepped down. seamless collaboration was the treme the idea of the shot clock,” Ponting said Cricket Austral- most impressive part of it. Ponting told reporters. ia’s unprecedented stance had “But once again this year, in been a ‘shock’ to world cricket. What did you take from your all three formats of the game, the “(The bans) probably got the interactions with the Lo- over rates have been in decline desired outcome,” he said. cal Organising Committee again.” “But at the end of the day we (LOC)? The committee found that believe a holistic approach has to It is simple, without the LOC Test over rates are at an 11-year be taken not only with ball tam- working harmoniously with low, proof current measures are pering side of things but with the FIFA and the host city authori- not working. culture of the game, country by ties, the event could not happen. “So we’ve talked about the country. It is important to remember that idea of the shot clock and that’s “We understand this loosely a World Cup is not only what we basically for the dead time in the worded ‘spirit of cricket’ is inter- see inside the stadiums for 90 game,” he said. “It’s not going to preted in a diff erent way in every minutes, but the entire experi- be when the bowler is at the top country. ence. Travel, safety, fan zones, of his mark and running in be- “There needs to be a level of fan fests – there is so much that cause that’s hard to gauge. consistency across each board goes into making a World Cup a “It’s the dead time. The end of with how they handle these is- success, and the Russian LOC the over. The fi elders and bowlers sues.” was a perfect example of this. have to be back in position and Ponting added wickets that That said, they have now given that’s non-negotiable.” were fair to bowlers could help us a challenge in Qatar to deliver Ponting said the exact punish- eradicate the need for ball tam- an even better World Cup – be- ment had not been decided but pering. cause theirs was so good. But the committee favoured a run “I think the reason reverse having a challenge is a positive penalty. swing has become such a big is- thing! “The fi ning of players hasn’t sue in the past 10 years is that the many plans and ideas, based on ball infrastructure. For us at the Qatar – and that means further of world football and we want been administered often, cer- wickets have got fl atter and fl at- What knowledge and experi- what we witnessed in Moscow, QSL, this presents a very excit- development of our league. We our league to grow – eventu- tainly through the last 12 months. ter and bowlers have been trying ences will you bring back to and across Russia. From my per- ing opportunity. have already attracted world ally to a point where every QSL A ‘there and then’ run penalty to fi nd a way to keep themselves share with your colleagues? spective, I have seen how much In the years between now and stars such as Xavi and Wesley team can attract star players as would defi nitely be worth look- in the contest,” he said. There are many important of a spotlight such a tournament 2022 we must capitalise on the Sneijder in recent years, but a matter of course. I’m confi- ing at,” he said. “So let’s look at having a fair learnings to take away from can shine on not only a coun- increased attention the world now – as the next World Cup dent we will. “You would imagine then the playing surface then (the problem) Russia. We all returned with so try’s stadiums, but also its foot- will undoubtedly be placing on hosts – we are at the top table (SC.qa) captains would take a huge re- might start looking after itself.”

SPOTLIGHT HANDBALL French national weightlift ing team begins Qatar team beat Lisbon 22-19

QNA three-week training camp at Aspire Zone Doha

By Sports Reporter are just a few of the world class Doha athletes attending the training atar handball team camp. Others in attendance in- beat Lisbon team 22- clude Brandon Vautard, Redon 19 in their second en members from the Manushi, and Kaikilekofe. The match yesterday as French national weight- team is accompanied by coach- theyQ prepared for the 18th Asian lifting team, including es Yann Morisseau and Samuel Games to be held in Indonesia seven male and female Suywens. from August 18 to September 2. Tathletes, two coaches and one During their stay, the team The Qatari team won the fi rst physiotherapist, began a three- will benefi t from Aspire Zone’s test match on the Portuguese week training camp, which will world-class facilities and loca- team yesterday 27-22. conclude on August 16, at Doha’s tion, and Doha’s warm climate Yesterday’s match is the lat- renowned Aspire Zone as they which makes it an ideal training est test match for the Qatari prepare for the upcoming inter- destination for national teams team before leaving for Indo- national tournaments. from around the world. Aspire nesia next Saturday, where the Gaelle Nayo Ketchanke, Zone off ers bespoke training handball competitions will three-time silver medallist at services which draw on the ex- start on August 13 (5 days before the 2015, 2016 and 2018 Euro- pertise of Aspire Zone Founda- the offi cial opening of the tour- pean Championships with six tion’s Member Organisations; nament). record breaking results; Romain Aspire Academy, Aspetar and Qatar team was drawn in Action from the friendly match between Qatar team (in maroon and Imadouchene, who was ranked Aspire Logistics, which cater for fi rst group alongside Iran and white) and Lisbon (in black) yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Khalid sixth at the 2017 International diff erent sports, all of which is Malaysia, the second group in- Weightlifting Federation (IWF) in line with Aspire Zone Foun- cludes South Korea, Japan and group includes Bahrain, China last edition of the Asian Games World Championships; Antho- dation’s vision of becoming a Pakistan, the third group in- Taipei, India and Iraq. held in the Korean city of Ansan ny Coullet, bronze medallist at and Manon Lorentz, who won the 2014 and 2018 European reference in sports excellence by cludes Indonesia, Saudi Arabia Qatar team is keen to retain in 2014 after a 24-21 win in the the 2014 Youth Olympic Games; silver and bronze medals at Championships respectively, 2020. and Hong Kong, and the fourth the gold medal they won in the fi nal against Korea.