SPORT Monday 4 June 2018 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 England seal Neymar back with a comprehensive win to bang as Brazil outplay draw two-match series Croatia Morocco World Cup bid delegation visits Qatar, meets top officials THE PENINSULA QATARI REFEREES HEAD TO RUSSIA 2018 DOHA: A high-level delegation from the Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid team met with Qatar Football Association (QFA) President and other top officials, it was announced yesterday. The delegation of Morocco’s 2026 FIFA World Cup bid team included Ms. Charafat Afailal, Minister of State for Water Affairs, Ms. Rkia Derham, Min- ister of State for Foreign Trade and Hamid Al-Suwairi, member of the Executive Office of the Moroccan Football Federation. The delegation met with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of QFA, along with Vice President Saud Al Mohannadi. A high-level delegation from the Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid team during their meeting with Hassan Abdullah Al- Qatar Football Association President, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, yesterday. Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, was also gress to be held in Moscow. Qatar Stars League, Ali Observation Programme and will present. Meanwhile a host of dele- Hammoud, Chairman of Com- gain first-hand experience of Vice- President of the Aspire gates from Qatar are heading for petitions Department in QFA as what it takes to put together a Academy for Sports Excellence the 2018 FIFA World Cup in well as Abdullah Jassim and major sporting event. was also present during the Russia. Ahmad Al Abbasi. The two delegates – Iman Al meeting in which the officials A Qatar Football Association Hamoud will be in the Khamri and Hamad Al Kuwari – exchanged souvenirs. (QFA) delegation is heading to Russian city of Sochi, while Al are both Qatari nationals who The Qatar officials con- Russia to gain necessary organ- Adsani and Abbasi will be in have previously attended several gratulated the guest dele- izational expertise ahead of the Moscow and Jassim in St of Josoor Institute’s programmes gation as the Morocco World 2022 World Cup. Petersburg. and workshops. Cup bid was approved to enter FIFA will hold a three-day Josoor Institute, a Qatari Al Khamri is a graduate from the final vote. workshop for associations centre of excellence for the Qatar University and Josoor Morocco are competing with contest managers with the par- sports and events industries that Institute’s flagship Football and Qatar’s FIFA-accredited referees Taleb Salem Al Marri and Abdul a combined World Cup bid from ticipation of officials from the is inspired and developed by the Sports Management Professional Rahman Al Jassim are seen at the Hamad International Airport North America that includes the International Federation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery Diploma. As part of her 2018 United States, Canada and Russian Federation and repre- & Legacy (SC), is sending two of FIFA World Cup Russia Obser- ahead of their departure for Moscow for the 2018 FIFA World Mexico. sentatives of QFA. its delegates to attend the World vation Programme, she will be Cup. Al Jassim is one of 13 Video Assistant Referees (VARs) set The hosts of the 2026 FIFA QFA delegation includes Cup in Russia. based in Sochi. to feature at the June 14-July 15 event. Al Marri will also make World Cup will be decided on Ahmed Al Adsani, Director of These delegates will be part Al Kuwari will be observing his debut appearance at the World Cup in Russia taking up his June 13 at the 68th FIFA Con- Competitions Department of the of the SC’s the 2018 World Cup in Moscow. position as an assistant referee in the 32-team tournament.

Zverev, Djokovic into French Open Serena, Sharapova renew rivalry in quarters as Cecchinato upsets Goffin Paris showdown AFP REUTERS mediocre form, was never in trouble against an erratic Verdasco, who PARIS: German second seed Alexander needed treatment for a badly blis- PARIS: Serena Williams will face her old Zverev and Novak Djokovic edged tered left foot at the end of the rival Maria Sharapova for the first time in closer to a possible French Open semi- second set. nearly 2-1/2 years in the highly-anticipated final clash of generations, with the The 12-time Grand Slam French Open fourth-round match today. youngster edging out Karen Khachanov champion took the first two sets by Sharapova’s quarter-final defeat by and the former champion seeing off a single break of serve and raced Williams at the 2016 Australian Open was Fernando Verdasco in the last 16 through the third as 34-year-old the last competitive match the Russian yesterday. Verdasco ended with 48 unforced played for 15 months after she received a The 21-year-old Zverev claimed errors. doping ban while American Williams was his third successive comeback win in Former world number one on a maternity break for most of 2017. five sets to reach his first Grand Slam Djokovic will face Italian surprise Williams holds a 19-2 head to head quarter-final, beating Russian package Marco Cecchinato in his advantage over twice French Open Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. 40th major quarter-final. champion Sharapova, who showed signs Djokovic eased past Spanish The world number 72, who had of rediscovering her best form in a straight- veteran Verdasco 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and will never won a Grand Slam match sets victory over sixth seeded Karolina play in the last eight at Roland Garros before this week, stunned Belgian Pliskova in the third round. for a record 12th time. eighth seed David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, Order of play on the main showcourts Zverev produced some stunning 6-0, 6-3. US Open champion Sloane (all matches fourth round unless stated, tennis in the closing stages of a dra- Stephens cruised past Estonian Anett times GMT, prefix numbers denote Italy’s Marco Cecchinato celebrates after victory in his men’s singles fourth round matic fourth-round victory and will Kontaveit 6-0, 6-2 to book a last- seeding): Court Philippe Chatrier (play match against Belgium’s David Goffin on day eight of the Roland Garros 2018 next face Dominic Thiem who reached eight spot for the first time. starts at 0900) 1-Simona Halep (Romania) a third successive quarter-final in Paris French Open tennis tournament in Paris, yesterday. Stephens, the 10th seed, had pre- vs 16-Elise Mertens (Belgium) 1-Rafael by seeing off Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-2, viously made the fourth round for Nadal (Spain) vs Maximilian Marterer 6-0, 5-7, 6-4. “Me and my brother (Mischa) are short-lived Nishikori revival on Court four successive seasons and will next (Germany) Serena Williams (US) vs World number 38 Khachanov has guys that spend three, four hours a day Philippe Chatrier to set up the meeting play either Australian Open champion 28-Maria Sharapova (Russia) 3-Marin Cilic now lost at the last-16 stage at Roland in the gym, lifting heavy weights, on with Zverev. “I think that’s the matchup and second seed Caroline Wozniacki (Croatia) vs 18-Fabio Fognini (Italy) Court Garros twice in a row, while Zverev the treadmill. It paid off today.” most of the fans in Germany and or Russia’s Daria Kasatkina. Suzanne Lenglen (play starts at 0900) ended his wait for a maiden major last- The world number three, as he did Austria were hoping for when they saw “Obviously... making the fourth 11-Diego Schwartzman (Argentina) vs eight appearance at the 12th attempt. in his wins over Dusan Lajovic and the draw,” he said. round four times or whatever is pretty 6-Kevin Anderson (South Africa) “Well, I’m young, so I might as well Damir Dzumhur, battled back from 2-1 “He’s an amazing player. I mean, good, but to finally get over that hump 12-Angelique Kerber (Germany) vs stay on court, get some practice and down in sets to force a decider, before probably now the third-best after Rafa of quarter-finals feels very nice,” she 7-Caroline Garcia (France) 9-John Isner entertain you guys,” smiled Zverev, securing an impressive victory that fea- and Roger (Federer). So it’s going to be said. American 13th seed Madison Keys (US) vs 5-Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) who is bidding to become the first tured 63 winners and 17 aces. an amazing challenge for me.” also reached her first Roland Garros 3-Garbine Muguruza (Spain) vs Lesia German man to win the French Open Thiem, the only man to beat Rafael Djokovic, seeded 20 after a year of quarter-final with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Tsurenko (Ukraine) since 1937. Nadal on clay this year, held off a struggles with an elbow injury and Romania’s Mihaela Buzarnescu. 22 SPORT MONDAY 4 JUNE 2018

Khan spins England seal comprehensive Afghanistan to win over win to draw two-match series Bangladesh AFP AFP 134, losing their last seven wickets for just 50 runs. DEHRADUN, INDIA: Teen LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM: Stuart Broad took three for sensation Rashid Khan led an England won their first Test 28 and off-spinner Dominic Bess inspired spin attack to help match since September as they grabbed his first Test wickets in Afghanistan trounce Bang- thrashed Pakistan by an innings a return of three for 33. ladesh by 45 runs in the first and 55 runs in the second Test England resumed Sunday on Twenty20 international at Headingley yesterday. 302 for seven, with Buttler 44 not yesterday. Victory, completed inside out and Sam Curran, unbeaten Khan claimed three three days, saw England level the on 16. wickets with his wily leg-spin two-match series at 1-1 after Curran, however, was out for to help bowl out Bangladesh Pakistan won the first Test at 20 on his 20th birthday when he for 122 as hosts Afghanistan Lord’s by nine wickets. was well caught low down at took a 1-0 lead in the three- It was also England’s first second slip by Shafiq off man- match series in the northern victory in a Test match since they of-the-series Mohammad Abbas, Indian city of Dehradun. beat the West Indies at Lord’s in who took eight for 64 at Lord’s. Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur September last year, with the At this stage, no batsman in Rahman struck with the side having endured a winless the innings had scored a fifty, first ball of the innings to run of six defeats in eight Tests although Bess had made a com- trap Tamim Iqbal lbw for coming into this fixture. mendable 49 in his role as night- nought. By sharing the spoils in this watchman to follow a fifty on Fellow spinner short campaign, England debut at Lord’s. Mohammad Nabi soon joined avoided a third successive series Buttler, dropped on four on in to claim the two crucial loss after reverses in Australia Saturday when Hasan Ali failed England’s Stuart Broad (centre) celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s wickets of Liton Das, for 30, and New Zealand. to hold a routine chance at mid- Mohammad Abbas on the third day of the second Test match at Headingley Cricket Ground and Shakib Al Hasan, for 15, Jos Buttler’s blistering 80 not wicket, soon altered that in Leeds, yesterday. as Bangladesh were reduced out yesterday saw England to a statistic. to 3-64. total of 363 and commanding He went to fifty in style with The 19-year-old Khan first-innings lead of 189. two boundaries in as many balls driven four followed by a hooked Their second innings started 20-year-old Bess, finally then broke Bangladesh’s back Pakistan then collapsed to off Abbas -- an extra-cover six. Buttler was missed in the in style when Azhar Ali drove the grabbed his first Test wicket. with two successive strikes in deep by Usman Salahuddin on first ball, from Anderson, for For all the Somerset rising his very first over to derail the 66 and the3 very next ball saw four. star had impressed with the bat chase. SCOREBOARD him straight drive medium- But Anderson, England’s all- and in the field, Bess had been He returned impressive Pakistan (I innings) ...... 174 Pakistan (II innings) pacer Faheem Ashraf for six. time leading Test wicket-taker, selected primarily as an bowling figures of 3-13 in his England (I innings) Azhar Ali b Anderson ...... 11 But with Buttler five runs knocked over the middle stump off-spinner. three overs. Paceman A Cook c Sarfraz Ahmed b Hasan Ali ...... 46 Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Bess ...... 34 K Jennings c Sarfraz Ahmed b Faheem Ashraf .29 Haris Sohail c Bess b Anderson ...... 8 short of equalling his Test-best of Azhar, who made 11. Imam-ul-Haq drove his first Shapoor Zadran also took J Root c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir .....45 Asad Shafiq c Bairstow b Broad ...... 5 85, made on debut against India Pakistan were 30 for two ball Sunday for four but, five three wickets including Mah- D Bess c Asad Shafiq b Shadab Khan ...... 49 Usman Salahuddin c Root b Bess ...... 33 at Southampton in 2014, No 11 when Haris Sohail (eight) saw a balls later Bess had the left- mudullah’s prized scalp for D Malan c Haris Sohail b Mohammad Amir ...... 28 Sarfraz Ahmed lbw b Woakes ...... 8 James Anderson was caught in hard-hit drive off Anderson bril- handed opener, the nephew of 29. J Bairstow c Sarfraz Ahmed b Faheem Ashraf ...21 Shadab Khan c Cook b Curran ...... 4 the slips off Hasan Ali. liantly caught one-handed by a Pakistan selection chief and Earlier opening batsman J Buttler (not out) ...... 80 Faheem Ashraf c Malan b Bess ...... 3 Buttler faced 101 balls, diving Bess at extra-cover. former Test batsman Inzamam- Mohammad Shahzad top- C Woakes c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohd Abbas ...... 17 Mohammad Amir(not out)...... 7 including 11 fours and two sixes. Any hope Asad Shafiq, one ul-Haq, lbw for 34 to a ball that scored with 40 to help S Curran c Asad Shafiq b Mohammad Abbas ....20 Hasan Ali c Cook b Broad ...... 9 S Broad c Mohammad Abbas b Faheem Ashraf . 2 Mohammad Abbas c Root b Broad ...... 1 Pakistan had been behind in of Pakistan’s more experienced skidded on. Afghanistan post 167-8 after J Anderson c Haris Sohail b Hasan Ali ...... 5 Extras (B5, LB5, N1) ...... 11 this game ever since they were batsman, might steady the Imam’s exit effectively ended being put into bat first. Extras (B8, LB13) ...... 21 Total (all out)...... 134 dismissed for 174 in their first innings ended when he was Pakistan’s resistance and the Samiullah Shenwari, who Total (all out)...... 363 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-30, 3-42, 4-84, 5-97, innings after captain Sarfraz given out on review for five after match finished when England hit an 18-ball 36, and Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-104, 3-138, 4-200, 5-212, 6-102, 7-111, 8-115, 9-124, 10-134 Ahmed won the toss on a good a thin glove behind down the captain Joe Root, on his York- Shafiqullah Shafiq, who made 6-260, 7-285, 8-319, 9-344, 10-363 Bowling: Anderson 10-2-35-2; Broad 12-2-28-3 pitch but saw his batsmen legside via a thin glove off Broad. shire home ground, held a sharp 24 off 8 balls, provided a late Bowling: Amir 23-5-72-2; Abbas 26-8-78-2; Hasan (1nb); Curran 7-2-10-1; Woakes 6-0-18-1; Bess 11-1-33-3 struggle in overcast, bowler- Pakistan had moved on to 83 slip catch to dismiss Abbas off blitz to take the attack to the 20.2-4-82-2; Ashraf 20-4-60-3; Shadab 17-2-50-1 Result: England won by an innings and 55 runs friendly, conditions. for three at lunch when Broad. opposition bowlers. DeChambeau leads by one at Memorial

AFP MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT he captured the 2015 US Amateur Leading third-round scores on Saturday in the US PGA title. “I would say I’m putting the DUBLIN, UNITED STATES: Tour’s Memorial Tournament (USA unless noted, par best I have in my life,” he said. Ariya Jutanugarn tees off on Bryson DeChambeau birdied four 72): Niemann, 19, highlighted his of his last six holes to surge to a 202 - Bryson DeChambeau 69-67-66 round with a 50-foot eagle putt at the 18th hole during the third one-shot lead on Saturday going 203 - Patrick Cantlay 68-69-66, Kyle Stanley 67-66-70, the par-five seventh. round of the US Women’s Open into the final round of the US PGA Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 65-68-70 He is contesting just a fifth US Championship golf tournament Tour’s Memorial tournament. 204 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 68-67-69 PGA Tour event since turning pro at Shoal Creek on Saturday. DeChambeau, 24 signed for a 206 - Justin Rose (ENG) 71-66-69 straight after the Masters in April, bogey-free 66 to move to 14-under 207 - Kim Whee (KOR) 73-67-67, JB Holmes 70-66-71, and the Santiago-born teenager 202 as the Californian looks to Tiger Woods 72-67-68, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 65-71- said he will draw on his amateur secure a second PGA Tour victory 71 successes as he tries to win on after capturing last year’s John 208 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 74-70-64, David Lingmerth Sunday, when the field will tee off Ariya heads leaderboard Deere Classic. (SWE) 69-73-66, Ryan Moore 71-69-68, Kiradech early from the first and 10th tee as Red-hot Chilean sensation Aphibarnrat (THA) 71-68-69, Adam Scott (AUS) 72-66- organizers try to beat expected Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Cantlay 70, Tom Hoge 71-67-70, Julian Suri 71-67-70, Keegan inclement weather. as Smith slips to second

and Kyle Stanley were a stroke Bradley 68-70-70, Kim Si-woo (KOR) 71-67-70 “It’s a strong field on the AFP back on 203. leader-board and I think every- US WOMEN’S OPEN rounds. Australia’s Smith, who Overnight co-leaders Niemann body’s going to go out there and shot a third round 74, is alone and Stanley both carded 70 while “That’s all we’re trying to do try to make the most birdies pos- MIAMI: Ariya Jutanugarn Leading third-round scores on Saturday in the in second at eight-under 208. US Women’s Open golf Championship at Shoal Cantlay’s 66 included two eagles, out there. “No matter if you’re one sible,” Niemann said. stormed up the leaderboard, Smith, who is seeking her first Creek, Alabama (USA unless noted, a-denotes one of them a hole-in-one at the back or tied for the lead every hole “So I think that I have to go low shooting a five-under 67 to LPGA career title, had the amateur, par 72): par-three eighth. is an opportunity to make a birdie tomorrow to have a chance.” vault into a four-stroke lead luxury of sleeping in Saturday 204 - Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 67-70-67 A further six players were and that’s just what I’m going to Woods rolled in a 14-foot eagle after the third round on morning because she finished 208 - Sarah Jane Smith (AUS) 67-67-74 within five shots of DeChambeau’s try and do every single day.” putt at the par-five fifth and was Saturday at the US Women’s 210 - Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 70-72-68 her second round on Friday. lead -- including 14-time major DeChambeau said his brilliant five-under for the day through Open. 211 - Kim Ji-hyun (KOR) 70-71-70 “I felt really good and kept champion Tiger Woods. putting display was his best since nine. The 22-year-old Thailand 212 - Madelene Sagstrom (SWE) 70-72-70, Park my nerves under control, but Woods briefly grabbed a share native charged into the final In-bee (KOR) 70-71-71, Carlota Ciganda (ESP) I think the nerves showed up of the lead before stumbling with turn of the major champi- 73-68-71 in my putting,” Smith said. two bogeys in his last three holes. onship event, putting some 214 - Hsu Wei-Ling (TPE) 71-73-70 “When you are leaving them South Korea’s An Byeong-hun distance between herself and 215 - Ji Eun-hee (KOR) 73-72-70, Megan Khang short, that’s because of nerves. was alone in fifth after a 69 for 204 the rest of the field at the 72-74-69, Nelly Korda 70-74-71, Ryu So-yeon “I have nothing to lose. and England’s Justin Rose carded soggy Shoal Creek, Alabama (KOR) 73-70-72, a-Patty Tavatanakit (THA) 70- Hopefully, tomorrow I can go a 69 for 206. course. 73-72 out with a little bit more Woods posted a 68 to head a “I told myself to just go out 216 - a-Albane Valenzuela (SUI) 72-73-71, An- confidence.” group on 207 that also included and have fun and be really gela Stanford 73-72-71, Lexi Thompson 71-75- South Korea’s Kim Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama (71). committed, and I did,” Ariya 70, Danielle Kang 69-77-70, Nasa Hataoka (JPN) Hyo-joo was alone in third DeChambeau, ranked 38th in said. “My putting has been 74-70-72, Jodi Ewart Shadoff (ENG) 72-71-73, after shooting a four-under 68 the world, kick-started his push working pretty good. I didn’t Lee Jeong-eun6 (KOR) 67-75-74, Su Oh (AUS) while another shot behind was to the top of the board with hit my tee shots very well, but 70-68-78, Jenny Shin 72-69-75 Kim Ji-hyun (70) at five-under birdies at the fifth and seventh it was a fun day.” 217 - a-Elizabeth Wang 72-74-71, Charley Hull 211. Three players were tied holes. Former world number one (ENG) 74-73-70, Michelle Wie 69-72-76, Kim for fifth at four-under 212,

Sei-young (KOR) 70-71-76 He posted back-to-back birdie Ariya roared past second comprising world number one “threes” at 13 and 14 and picked up round leader Sarah Jane Smith Park In-bee, Sweden’s a stroke at 16 before landing his to finish with a 12-under 204 Madelene Sagstrom and 145-yard approach at the last five total as the tournament got Ariya was among 78 Carlota Ciganda of Spain. feet from the pin en route to a back on schedule after heavy players who got up at the Ariya has eight LPGA vic- Bryson DeChambeau hits his tee shot on the fifth hole during the final birdie. rains and lightning earlier this break of dawn to return to the tories in the past two years, round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in “I just want to birdie every week resulted in a number of course early Saturday to com- including a major at the 2016 hole,” he said. Dublin, Ohio on Saturday. delays. plete their rain-hit second Women’s British Open. MONDAY 4 JUNE 2018 SPORT 23 Neymar back with a bang as Brazil outplay Croatia

AFP Neymar celebrates after of the area, directly at goal- scoring a goal. keeper Danijel Subasic who LIVERPOOL: Brazil star saved well. Neymar made a stunning return He formed part of a potent from injury with a superb goal three-man forward line that in their 2-0 friendly victory also featured Chelsea’s Willian over Croatia yesterday. and Manchester City’s Gabriel Just 98 days after suffering Jesus, who was named captain an injury he feared would keep for the day, the 15th player to him out of the upcoming World wear the armband under the Cup in Russia, Neymar was reign of manager Tite. back with a bang at Anfield. Despite the looming spectre The Paris Saint-Germain of the World Cup, now less than forward appeared as a half- two weeks away, the game time replacement for Man- proved a physical one. chester City midfielder Fern- Croatia’s Andrej Kramaric andinho as the Selecao stepped and Ivan Perisic were both cau- up their World Cup country’s all-time list, and with Brazil’s opening World Cup tioned by English referee preparations. only Pele and Ronaldo ahead match with Switzerland in Michael Oliver in the first half, And Neymar needed just 23 of him in the Brazil record Rostov-on-Don on June 17. along with Brazilian Fern- minutes to prove how books. Neymar had spoken last andinho whose high-footed important he is to Brazil’s hopes Liverpool’s Roberto month of his concerns about challenge left Vrsaljko needing of a sixth world title. Firmino, on his home ground, winning that race and described a large bandage to a head Receiving a pass from completed the victory in his rehabilitation as the biggest wound. Philippe Coutinho, Neymar cut stoppage time when he con- challenge of his career. Neymar’s introduction at into the area, beating Sime trolled a through ball on his He also sat out training with the start of the second half drew Vrsaljko and Duje Caleta-Car chest and calmly beat the the national team at Totten- an enthusiastic reaction, from with impressive close control advancing keeper with a del- ham’s base on the Anfield crowd and his and dribbling, before burying icate lob. Thursday as a precaution. team-mates alike. a shot into the roof of the goal, Neymar, the world’s most But Brazil coach Tite had He joined Jesus and Willian via the crossbar, from the edge expensive player following his announced his intention to use in attack, with Coutinho of the six-yard area. blockbuster move from Bar- Neymar against Croatia, with dropping into the midfield place Neymar ran behind the celona last year, had been side- the Brazilians having just one vacated by Fernandinho. goal, in front of Anfield’s leg- lined since the end of February more warm-up game - against Brazil instantly appeared endary Kop End, and punched when he fractured his foot Austria in Vienna on June 10 - more threatening, with the PSG the air in obvious delight as playing for PSG in a league in which his asset can gain man linking up quickly with he was mobbed by victory against Marseille. much-needed game-time. Jesus. team-mates. He sprained his ankle and True to his word, Tite Before Neymar’s brilliant The sublime strike leaves fractured his fifth metatarsal, brought on Neymar at the opener, Croatia might have Neymar on 54 goals for his requiring an operation which interval and he appeared com- struck first when Ante Rebic’s national team, one behind had left the 26-year-old facing fortable, steering an early shot, header forced a fine save from Romario, who is third on the a battle to be fit in time for from a wide angle on the edge Alisson. Brazil’s Neymar scores their first goal against Croatia yesterday.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES Brazil bt Croatia 2-0 Mexicans ease past Mexico bt Scotland 1-0

El Salvador bt Honduras 1-0 Scots in warm-up Ukraine bt Albania 4-1 REUTERS campaign against Germany on June 17 before facing South MEXICO CITY: Mexico made Korea and Sweden. name light work of Scotland in their Meanwhile, striker Nicklas penultimate World Cup Bendtner has been left out of warm-up on Saturday, scoring Denmark’s 23-man World Cup final World a 1-0 victory that gave them squad due to a groin injury that their fourth win in seven games he sustained playing for his club Cup squad against European opposition. side Rosenborg in Norway The home side got the only before joining up with the AFP goal of the game after 12 national team a week ago. minutes when Scottish The 30-year-old trained ABUJA: Nigeria yesterday defenders backed off and separately and played no part named a final 23-man squad allowed Giovani dos Santos to in Denmark’s scoreless draw for the World Cup with Australia’s fire home from just inside the against Sweden in Stockholm Chelsea defender (foreground) during a training box. on Saturday. and Mikel Agu from FC Porto session in Antalya, Turkey, in Mexico, who play a final He tried to prove his fitness placed on standby. this May 29, 2018 file photo. warm-up against Denmark in on Sunday but Norwegian However, both Aina and Copenhagen next Saturday, coach Age Hareide later Agu will travel with the team were far superior to a team that announced that Bendtner and for a training camp in Austria. have not qualified for a major defender Andreas Bjelland were The Nigeria Football Fed- tournament since 1998 and who ruled out of the final 23-man eration (NFF) announced the Cahill set to play in 4th fielded an inexperienced and squad for the tournament in final squad on their Twitter experimental side. Russia. account. Mexico had a goal chalked Denmark face Peru, Aus- Leicester City midfielder off for offside after 70 minutes tralia and France in Group C. , who has been World Cup for Aussies and hit the woodwork twice but “We don’t believe they’ll be a major injury concern, made could not turn their dominance fit in time for the first game AP the final cut, while Russia- currently playing for Millwall in AUSSIE SQUAD into further goals despite against Peru, it’s too tight and based defender Bryan Idowu England. Scotland tiring at high altitude that match is very important,” and FC Crotone striker : Tim Cahill will have Only three players have Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Danny Vuko- in Mexico City. Hareide said in a video pub- are the a chance to score a goal in his scored goals in four World vic, . In one of their few lished on the Danish FA’s two players who are yet to fourth consecutive World Cup Cups- Pele and German strikers Defenders: , Milos De- chances, Oliver McBurnie saw Twitter feed. make an official debut for the for Australia. Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose. genek, Matt Jurman, , a header come back off the “Most likely, we are battling team. The 38-year-old forward Australia’s squad is evenly post early in the second half Peru and Australia for second was chosen yesterday by coach spread, featuring three goal- , , James Me- for the Scots. place, and that’s why it’s NIGERIAN SQUAD among 23 keepers, seven defenders, six redith. Mexico have been drawn in important to get a good start, players set to play in Russia for midfielders, and seven attackers. Midfielders: (captain), Group F for the World Cup in and we have to have fit Goalkeepers: (Enyim- the Socceroos. , 19, is joined Russia and will kick off their players,” Hareide added. ba), (Chippa United/RSA), Cahill has 105 caps for Aus- by and Josh , , Jackson (Deportivo La Coruna/ESP) tralia and is the country’s Risdon as the only three Irvine, Tomi Rogic, Dimitri Petratos, Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Shehu leading goal scorer, but has A-League players in the squad, , Daniel Arzani. Abdullahi (Bursaspor/TUR), struggled for form and match while Mark Milligan also made Forwards: Tim Cahill, , An- (Brighton Hove Albion/ENG), Kenneth time in recent months. He is the World Cup squad for the

Omeruo (Chelsea/ENG), Bryan Idowu (Am- fourth consecutive time. drew Nabbout, , Robbie kar Perm/RUS), Elderson The final squad was the Kruse. Echiejile, (Benfica/POR) result of a two-week training Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Tianjin Teda/CHN), camp in Antalya, Turkey and a (Trabzonspor/TUR), Cahill has 105 caps 4-0 international friendly win final selection.” Australia is in (Hapoel Be’er Sheva/ISR), Wilfred Ndidi for Australia and is over Czech Republic. Group C at the World Cup with (Leicester City/ENG),Oghenekaro Etebo (CD “I have been very pleased France, Denmark and Peru. the country’s leading with the effort and application The Socceroos will continue Feirense/POR), (Torino FC/ITA) goal scorer, but has of all of the players during our to train in Turkey for another Forwards: , , time in Turkey,” van Marwijk week before travelling to (Leicester City/ENG), Alex struggled for form said. “Every step of the selection Budapest for a friendly against Mexico’s Giovani dos Santos

Iwobi (Arsenal/ENG), Simeon Nwankwo (FC and match time in

process has been difficult Hungary on June 9. Australia’s celebrates after scoring a goal Crotone/ITA), (Chelsea/ENG) recent months. because the players have all World Cup opener is in Kazan against Scotland on Saturday. given everything to make the against France on June 16. MONDAY 4 JUNE 2018 SPORT 21

Today no one could catch me, I Jorge Lorenzo after FOOTBALL TENNIS was in control and to win here winning the Italian International Friendlies: French Open, Last 16: S with Ducati is like a dream. MotoGP. Serbia vs Chile; Italy vs LIVE ON Williams vs M Sharapova; Netherlands TUBE S Halep vs E Mertens

ITALIAN MOTOGP RESULTS Ducati Team’ Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo (left) leads MotoGP Ducati Team’s Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso during the 1. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) 23 laps in Moto GP Grand Prix at the Mugello track, yesterday. 41min 43.230sec, 2. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) at 6.370sec, 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 6.629, 4. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 7.885, 5. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 7.907, 6. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) 9.120, 7. Danilo Petruc- ci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 10.898, 8. Maver- ick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 11.060, 9. Al- varo Bautista (ESP/Ducati) 11.154, 10. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 17.644 Selected: 16. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) Retired: Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati Pramac), Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda), Scott Redding Lorenzo wins Italian MotoGP (GBR/Aprilia), Aleix Espargaro (ESP/ Aprilia) AFP to 1.5sec by the 13th lap with the since Friday,” said the 31-year- World Championship Standings three-time MotoGP champion old whose adventure with 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 95 points, LUCO DI MUGELLO, ITALY: in control for the rest of the race Ducati will end in November 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 72, 3. Jorge Lorenzo claimed his first to claim his first win since when he will be replaced by Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 67, 4. MotoGP win for Ducati, who Valencia 2016. Italian Danilo Petrucci. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 66, 5. Jo- look set to drop the Spaniard “Today no one could catch The evergreen Rossi hann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 64, 6. next season, as world champi- me, I was in control and to win became the first rider to break Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 63, 7. onship leader Marc Marquez here with Ducati is like a the 5,000-point mark in the Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 60, 8. Cal crashed in the Italian Grand Prix dream,” said Lorenzo, who elite category. Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) 56, 9. Jack at Mugello yesterday to reignite moved up to tenth in the overall “It was one of the most dif- Miller (AUS/Ducati Pramac) 49, 10. Jorge the title race. standings. ficult races of the year,” Rossi Lorenzo, starting from Lorenzo claimed his 45th said. Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) 41 second on the grid, dominated top class victory by a margin of “And yesterday’s pole MotoGP2 the race to lead a Ducati 1-2 6.3sec on Dovizioso, last year’s position was crucial: there was 1. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 21 laps in ahead of Italy’s Andrea winner at Mugello, who held on a moment in the race when I 39min 42.018sec, 2. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dovizioso with Italian star Val- by 0.259sec for second despite suffered a lot.” (ITA/Kalex) at 0.184sec, 3. Joan Mir (ESP/ entino Rossi, who had started pressure from Rossi. Five riders including Kalex) 0.334 from pole position, completing It was a bittersweet victory Spaniard Dani Pedrosa crashed World Championship Standings the podium on a Yamaha. for Lorenzo who had come in the first two laps, with 1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 111 Spaniard Marquez - tar- under fire from Ducati for his Marquez hitting the gravel on points, 2. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 98, geting a fourth straight win this lack of results compared to his Turn 10 before restarting. 3. Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) 84 season - had moved up to third Jorge Lorenzo celebrates after winning the race yesterday. massive salary, reported to be “I’m still leading and I’m place on the opening lap from over 12m euros ($14m) per going to give my best in Bar- MotoGP3 sixth. and finished in 16th position, who finished eighth, in third season. celona in two weeks,” warned 1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) 20 laps in But the 25-year-old came remaining top of the champi- position a further five points “A lot of people thought that Marquez. 39min 20.056sec, 2. Marco Bezzecchi unstuck as he tried to put onship standings after six races behind. my method was not good, that Earlier, Portuguese KTM (ITA/KTM) at 0.019sec, 3. Fabio Di Gian- pressure on Lorenzo, sliding but with his lead cut. After Marquez’s crash, I was looking for excuses,” said rider Miguel Oliveira snatched nantonio (ITA/Honda) 0.043 into the gravel on the fifth lap Former seven-time MotoGP Lorenzo led Rossi and Lorenzo, who failed to finish in his first win in the Moto2 cat- World Championship Standings before struggling to restart his champion Rossi, 39, moves up Dovizioso, with the latter Qatar and Spain. egory this season, while 1. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/KTM) 83 points, Honda. to second overall, 23 points moving ahead of Rossi on lap “The team finally gave me Spaniard Jorge Martin rode his 2. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) 80, 3. Fabio The four-time world behind Marquez with Spanish seven of the 23-lap race. a new fuel tank, and I was able Honda to a thrilling victory in

Di Giannantonio (ITA/Honda) 75 champion remounted his bike Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales, Lorenzo extended his lead to keep a more constant pace the Moto3 class.

Kuznetsov soars Qatari rider Bassam Hassan in action during the Longines Global Qatar to host Champions Tour Grand Prix over the weekend. opening as Capitals seize round of ITTF 2-1 series lead World Tour

THE PENINSULA AFP: performance in what could be a turning point for the Capitals WASHINGTON: Evgeny in these playoffs. That’s because DOHA: The International Kuznetsov (pictured) delivered they finally looked confident Table Tennis Federation a goal and an assist as the and comfortable at home as (ITTF) yesterday Washington Capitals won their they came into game three with announced that Qatar first Stanley Cup final home a disappointing 4-5 record on will host the opening game in franchise history with home ice. round of the 2019 World a 3-1 victory over the expansion Wins have been so hard to Tour Platinum. Vegas Golden Knights. come by for the Capitals in their The ITTF also Russian forward Kuznetsov own building that Kuznetsov announced that five drove down the right wing and said after game two that he other countries will host fired a snap shot just inside the “feels bad for the fans” and the tour to begin next far post for his 12th goal of the “dreams” of playing on the March. In 2018, Qatar play-offs as the Capitals took a road. hosted the second round two games to one lead in the Not anymore, as Alex Qatar’s Hassan sparkles at of the ITTF World Tour best-of-seven NHL champi- Ovechkin, with his 14th goal, in March with over 220 onship series. and Devante Smith-Pelly also players from 43 countries There was some doubt scored for the Capitals who taking part in the whether Kuznetsov, who is the were swept in four straight Global Champions Tour competition. leading points scorer in the games by the Detroit Red Wings Khalil Al Mohannadi, THE PENINSULA postseason, would be able to in their only other finals The prestigious three day regain the overall ranking President of the Qatar play Saturday night after being appearance in 1998. event brought together 200 lead. Tops-Alexander takes Table Tennis Association injured in the opening period Tomas Nosek scored the DOHA: Qatari rider Bassam riders (men and women) from back the coveted leader’s (QTTA) said that selecting of Wednesday’s game two. lone goal for the Golden Hassan displayed an 20 countries worldwide, in armband as the Champi- Qatar to host the first But he put on an impressive Knights, who are enjoying a impressive performance in several classes. onship race heads along the round of the ITTF World storybook inaugural season in the sixth leg of the Longines Qatar was represented Cote D’Azur to Cannes, where Tour is an achievement the NHL. Global Champions Tour Grand by four riders, including she now leads with 154 points for QTTA and for the But after a scoreless first Prix of Ramatuelle, Saint Hamad Al Attiyiah, Sheikh overall. Qatari Table Tennis in period, Vegas appeared to run Tropezr to clinch third place Ali bin Khalid Al Thani, Ben Maher sits just behind General. out of gas in the second and in one of five stars event at Bassam and Rashid Toweim in second, with 143 points, and ITTF’s Head of World now are in the position of Rivieral resort of Ramatuelle/ Al Marri. long-time leader Scott Brash Tour Vicky Eleftheriade having to win on the road on Saint-Tropez over the Meanwhile, Great Britain’s (GBR) is now third with 131 said: “We are pleased to Monday in order to prevent the weekend. Ben Maher took a sensational points overall. see more interest in the Capitals from taking a stran- Hassan clocked time of second win of the season, fol- Both Tops-Alexander and World Tour from hosts glehold 3-1 series lead. 54.24 without any mistakes at lowing a breathtaking Brash are in the running to and other partners each History appears to be on 145 cm height, behind French jump-off. make history with a third year, and we will continue Washington’s side. When the Patrick Delaveau, while The fight for the 2018 title Championship title, as the to push the Tour forward championship series has been Spanish Eduardo Alvarez intensified after Edwina Tops- Tour now looks to the 7th leg to ensure growth in tied 1-1, the winner of game Aznar claimed the event title. Alexander’s podium saw her of the 2018 calendar. terms of popularity and three has won the Stanley Cup commercially.” 78 percent of the time.