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Thursday, June 15, 2017 TENNIS Ramadan 20, 1438 AH Haas cuts Federer GULF TIMES comeback short in Stuttgart SPORT Page 4 CRICKET / ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY

Pakistan’s batsmen Pakistan thrash sorry spared their ecstatic supporters stress, beating England by eight wickets for a England to reach fi nal spot in all-Asian final

By Vic Marks lection, England lost their way dread- The Guardian fully. Morgan and Stokes were becalmed when Sarfraz brought back his opening bowlers in mid-innings as he had done akistan will be one half of an to good eff ect against Sri Lanka. all-Asian fi nal at The Oval Morgan was caught behind aiming on Sunday. Here they out- for one of his exotic cover drives from bowled, out-batted and out- down the pitch against Hasan Ali and Pthought an England side that was neu- England, having been spluttering along, tered by the occasion, the nature of a now conked out completely. There was second-hand pitch and vibrant, skilful the statutory daft run-out – of Rashid opponents. – and Stokes’ timing evaporated. Apart Against the odds Pakistan raced to from Moeen Ali’s 11 no one down the the most emphatic of victories by eight order could reach double fi gures. wickets with 77 balls to spare to the de- By now the potency of Pakistan’s light of their fans, who were certainly bowling was matched by the ineptitude noisier and probably more numerous of England’s batting. Hasan, the lead- than those supporting the home side. ing wicket-taker in the tournament, England scored an improbable 211 was superb once again, so too was Jun- from 49.5 overs. In this era one can aid Khan and the replacement for Amir, expect them to be dismissed for such Rumman Raees, was another Pakistan a low score now and again but surely debutant equal to the task. from no more than 35 overs, so aggres- As England faltered and grew vis- sive has been their modus operandi. ibly exasperated at their inability to That total was nowhere near enough. accelerate, Pakistan grew ever more Triggered by another exotic innings impressive in the fi eld as evidenced by from Fakhar Zaman (57 from 58 balls) a brilliant diving catch on the square leg Pakistan’s batsmen spared their ec- boundary by Fakhar to dismiss Moeen. static supporters any stress, apart from By now the ball sped towards Pakistan’s the puzzle of acquiring some tickets for fi elders like a magnet especially when the fi nal. Stokes was batting. However the match was really won There were times when even singles by Pakistan in the fi eld. A makeshift were hard to fi nd. Mind you the current attack, devoid of Mohamed Amir, who England team, so accustomed to fi nd- was suff ering from back spasms, and ing the boundaries, seldom bothers to expertly marshalled by the increasingly steal singles now. Napoleonic Sarfraz Ahmed behind the There was an element of desperation stumps, bowled with great discipline from England in the fi eld. Mark Wood and controlled aggression. A couple delivered a hostile opening spell. He of dropped catches were of no conse- found the top edge of Fakhar’s swing- quence since the much-vaunted Eng- ing bat on several occasions and the ball land batting line-up invited a variety of fl ew everywhere, for six over Jos But- cliches. tler’s head or wide of long leg, but not Were they fl at-track bullies, one- to hand. In between there were some trick ponies or all mouth and no trou- glorious, improvised shots through sers? Or a combination of all three? midwicket. We know that Eoin Morgan’s side can Fakhar was eventually duped by devastate opponents on benign batting Rashid’s googly; Azhar Ali was bowled surfaces in routine ODIs. They have off the inside edge by Jake Ball for an done this consistently over the last eff ortless – by the standards of the day two years. But here they encountered a – 76, whereupon Babar Azam and Mo- surface that was tricky, though, as Pa- hamed Hafeez cantered to the target. Pakistan’s Azhar Ali (left) celebrates his half-century as Fakhar Zaman looks on during their Champions Trophy semi-final against England in Cardiff yesterday. (AFP) kistan demonstrated in the afternoon, We can surmise that it will be trickier hardly impossible. And it was a semi- for Pakistan in the fi nal on a batsman’s fi nal with all the obvious consequences. pitch at The Oval, whoever they play. They could not adapt. Humiliatingly for England this was the Captain Sarfraz proud of Pakistan young guns In their fi rst 25 overs England had most one-sided game of a tournament managed 118 for two. Progress had they were supposed to win. Reuters been slower than usual but there was Cardiff surely scope to accelerate with their SCORECARD batting lineup. In their second 25 they ENGLAND mustered 93 for eight. Their travails J. Bairstow c Hafeez b Hasan 43 akistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed were highlighted by the innings of Ben A. Hales c Azam b R Raees 13 was understandably proud of Stokes, who scored 34 from 64 balls J. Root c Sarfraz b Shadab 46 Phis inexperienced team follow- without hitting a single boundary, the E. Morgan c Sarfraz b Hasan 33 ing their unexpected and emphatic highest boundary-free score for Eng- B. Stokes c Hafeez b Hasan 34 eight-wicket victory over hosts Eng- land in ODI cricket since Paul Colling- J. Buttler c Sarfraz b Junaid 4 land in the Champions Trophy semi- wood “struck” 47 from 71 balls against M. Ali c Zaman b Junaid 11 finals yesterday. Pakistan in 2010 at Southampton – in A. Rashid run out sub (Shehzad) 7 Pakistan, the lowest-ranked side in the a match England won. Stokes’ innings L. Plunkett c A Ali b Raees 9 tournament, lost heavily to India in was the equivalent of Ernest Heming- M. Wood run out (Sarfraz) 3 their opening match but victories over way striding into a bar and asking for an J. Ball not out 2 South Africa and Sri Lanka sent them orange juice. Extras (lb1, w3, nb2) 6 into the last four. Sarfraz’s decision to bowl fi rst de- Total (all out, 49.5 overs) 211 “After the first loss we were very spite the dryness of the pitch, which Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Hales), 2-80 down, but credit goes to the team was used for Monday’s game between (Bairstow), 3-128 (Root), 4-141 (Morgan), management,” Sarfraz told a news Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was justifi ed by 5-148 (Buttler), 6-162 (Ali), 7-181 (Rashid), conference. “They boosted us up the result even if it was counter-intu- 8-201 (Stokes), 9-206 (Plunkett), 10-211 really well. I’m very happy about how itive. Jonny Bairstow, replacing Jason (Wood) my youngsters are performing.” Roy at the top of the order, might have Bowling: Junaid 8.5-0-42-2 (1nb); Pakistan, without their leading been lbw second ball. By a whisker Pa- Rumman 9-0-44-2 (2w); Imad 5-0-16-0; fast bowler Mohamed Amir due to kistan’s review, after Bairstow was hit Shadab 9-0-40-1; Hasan 10-0-35-3 (1nb, injury, bowled England out for 211 with on the back pad by Junaid Khan, was 1w); Hafeez 8-0-33-0 23-year-old seamer Hasan Ali taking unsuccessful. three wickets to earn the man-of-the- Despite being dropped twice PAKISTAN match award. Bairstow promised much, crunching A Ali b Ball 76 “Credit goes to the bowlers,” Sarfraz four crisp boundaries (there would only F Zaman st Buttler b Rashid 57 said. “They bowled really well, es- be 11 more in the entire innings) before B Azam not out 38 pecially in the middle part. Hasan is he holed out to deep square leg. When M Hafeez not out 31 improving day by day.” Morgan and Joe Root were together Extras (lb1, w11, nb1) 13 Sarfraz is confident about Pakistan’s sanity prevailed. Total (2 wkts, 37.1 overs) 215 chances in their first Champions They must have calculated that a Fall of wickets: 1-118 (Fakhar), 2-173 Trophy final on Sunday when they will Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed and teammates Fakhar Zaman (centre) and Shadab Khan celebrate the wicket of good score here did not have to start (Azhar) face local rivals India or Bangladesh. England’s Moeen Ali during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Cardiff yesterday. (AFP) with the number three. Bowling: Wood 8-1-37-0 (2w); Ball 8-0- “I said after the loss to India if we play But once Root was caught behind off 37-1 (2w); Stokes 3.1-0-38-0 (1nb, 2w); good cricket, definitely we will win this he said. Sarfraz is hoping Amir will be “I think he (Amir) has a little bit of he will recover for the final. He’s our the 18-year-old leg-spinner, Shadab Plunkett 6-0-33-0; Rashid 10-0-54-1 (1w); tournament. Now we are in the final,” fit for the showcase game at The Oval. back spasm,” Sarfraz said. “Hopefully, best strike bowler.” Khan, a typically bold and shrewd se- Ali 2-0-15-0 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, June 15, 2017 CRICKET

AFTERMATH Morgan frustrated as befuddled England fl uff their lines

Reuters tration because I think we’ve played been complacent after dominant Cardiff some great cricket in this tourna- victories over Bangladesh, New Zea- Waqar pitches into ment so far, and we weren’t any- land and world champions Australia where close to it today.” in the group stage and a run of 11 Morgan’s ‘lame excuse’ ngland captain Eoin Morgan England had scored over 300 in wins in their last 12 one-day inter- cut a frustrated fi gure after fi ve of the last six one-day interna- nationals. Waqar Younis slammed a suggestion by his team delivered a muddled tionals in which they batted fi rst. “Certainly not, not over confi - England captain Eoin Morgan that a used pitch and lacklustre performance But after grafting to 128 for two to dent,” he said. “We played against had been responsible for their downfall after Pa- inE a humiliating eight-wicket loss to lay a solid platform against Pakistan, some really good sides recently, and kistan thrashed the tournament hosts by eight Pakistan in the Champions Trophy they lost eight wickets for 83 runs in we’ve managed to beat them. Cer- wickets in a dramatically one-sided Champions semi-fi nals yesterday. an innings which included only 15 tainly, that hasn’t gone to our heads Trophy semi-final at Cardiff yesterday. Since their dismal World Cup fours and not a single six. at all.” Pakistan bowled England out for just 211, in an campaign in 2015, England have Ben Stokes, usually one of the Morgan promised that the hum- era where 300 is considered a one-day interna- played a positive brand of cricket most destructive batsmen in world bling loss to Pakistan would not tional ‘par score’, after captain Sarfraz Ahmed built on fearless batting, aggressive cricket, needed 64 balls to scrape change his team’s approach as they won the toss and fielded. bowling and bristling intensity in the together 34 runs and he failed to continue to prepare for the 2019 They then cruised to their victory target finish- fi eld. muster a single boundary on a pitch World Cup. ing on 215 for two with a massive 77 balls to But within touching distance of a Morgan described as difficult to bat “One of the huge contributing spare. fi rst global 50-over title after three on. factors towards topping our table “Coming from Edgbaston which was a good victories in the group stage, they “The wicket was obviously slow and playing very good cricket in the wicket to a used wicket, we didn’t adapt very crumbled limply to 211 all out and and low and hard to get away to start group stages is that we’ve stayed well,” Morgan told Sky Sports. the bowlers failed to fi re as Pakistan with,” Morgan said. “Every partner- true to what we believe in and what’s That prompted Pakistan fast-bowling great strolled to their target with nearly 13 ship we had started behind the rate, worked for us the last couple of years, Waqar to tweet: “Stop giving that lame excuse overs to spare. which put us under the pump a little and I think that’s the continued for- Eoin Morgan regarding the used pitch,,,,You “We left ourselves short today bit, and none of our batsmen seemed mula for the future,” he said. guys been thrashed fair n square by Pakistan adapting to conditions,” Morgan told to get away.” “Certainly, I think we’re moving in England captain Eoin Morgan looks dejected after losing the match against #CT2017 #PakvsEng.” a news conference. “It’s a big frus- Morgan denied that England had the right direction.” Pakistan in Cardiff yesterday. (Reuters)

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW Captain Kohli urges India on in Bangladesh semi ‘There’s no looking back. There’s always room for improvement. We can’t rest on your laurels’ Bangladesh break into Asia’s top rivalries

AFP created chances in all our matches,” Dhaka said chief selector Minhajul Abedin. Bangladesh defeated New Zealand during a three-nation tournament in hen Bangladesh battle Ireland before the trophy campaign. India in the Champions It was their fi rst away victory against Trophy semi-fi nal to- the Kiwis in 17 attempts. day it will be the conse- Against the Kiwis in Cardiff last Wcration of a new Asian cricket rivalry. week, Bangladesh raced to 268-5 Few of the millions of Bangladeshis from a tottering 33-4 to eliminate following at home expected Mashrafe Kane Williamson’s team. Mortaza’s side to reach the last four — Luck also played a role with Bang- that they are playing India has made ladesh heading to almost certain the achievement even more special defeat against Australia until rain and surprising to the players. washed out the match. Mortaza sent his family home last England then beat Australia and week and other Bangladesh players let Bangladesh into the semi-fi nal were doing their shopping in expec- with the hosts. tation of fl ying back, according to “You could argue about the luck Bangladesh media. if we would have played badly. But But sparkling batting by Shakib we won a match while Australia and Al Hasan and Mahmudullah helped Mahmudullah (left) and Shakib Al New Zealand failed to do so. Even to Bangladesh to an epic win over New Hasan set up Bangladesh’s victory utilise the luck you need some base,” Zealand that saw them reach a fi rst over New Zealand in their ICC said Minhajul. ICC tournament semi-fi nal. Champions Trophy match in Cardiff “The cricket we are playing, we Now Mortaza says the team have last Friday. (AFP) deserve to be in the semis. We played India cricketers take part in a training session at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham yesterday. (AFP) to brush aside pressure so they can well against New Zealand, we made play with a “free mind” against India fi rst time in 11 years. 300-plus against England but Aus- AFP to prove their worth. tralia failed to do so in the same ground Birmingham, United Kingdom While India-Pakistan is one of the ‘HUNGRY AND TALENTED’ against the same opponents,” he said. world’s biggest sporting rivalries, Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Minhajul said Bangladesh would Bangladesh are fast emerging as a Sangakkara said ahead of the tourna- need everyone to be on top form ndia captain Virat Kohli has prom- worthy competitor. ment that Bangladesh are “a very hun- against India to have a chance of ised there will be no let-up from Bangladesh raged over umpire de- gry and talented bunch of players”. making the fi nal. the title-holders when they face cisions when they lost to India in the “What you see in Bangladesh right Pace bowler Mustafi zur Rahman, Bangladesh in the semi-fi nals of 2015 World Cup quarter-fi nal. They now is a growing confi dence and en- one of their most exciting talents, has theI Champions Trophy at Edgbaston lost their World T20 group match to hanced game-awareness. It is learn- failed to live up to expectations while today. India last year by just one run. ing how to win matches and that youngsters Sabbir Rahman and Sou- After a surprise group defeat by Sri In between, the Bangladesh ‘Ti- makes it very dangerous opponents.” mya Sarkar have struggled with the Lanka in a tournament featuring the gers’ beat India at home in a three- Mortaza’s side only started believ- bat. Mustafi zur vowed to do justice to world’s top eight one-day international match one-day series. They have ing in their chances after impressive his reputation in the semi-fi nal. sides, India responded to their ‘win or also beaten Pakistan and South Afri- displays in New Zealand, India, Sri “My cutters were not as eff ective go home’ clash against South Africa ca in one-day series to send them up Lanka and Ireland in the past few here as in our home soil. There is no with a commanding eight-wicket vic- the world rankings and earn theme months. end of learning. And I’m still trying tory over the top-ranked Proteas at the place in the Champions Trophy for “We did not win a match in New to bowl well in these conditions,” Oval last weekend. the world’s top eight teams for the Zealand but we played well there. We Mustafi zur told reporters. India’s bowlers put the brakes on South Africa’s innings while a trio of run-outs said much about the Proteas’ Bangladesh’s Mashrafe frailty and the improved fi elding stand- Mortaza takes part in ards of Kohli’s men. India’s Virat Kohli takes part in a training session in Birmingham yesterday. (AFP) a training session at Needing a mere 192 for victory, Kohli Edgbaston in Birmingham was there at the fi nish with 76 not out one-day cricket played in the region mudullah (102 not out) responded yesterday. (Reuters) as India won with a whopping 12 overs was a factor, but he has also been im- to the pressure of a dire position in a to spare. pressed with the way so many of the must-win game with a brilliant new It was an innings that helped take the Asian nations have adapted to English Bangladesh record partnership of 224 India skipper back to number one in the conditions. that turned the match upside down ICC ODI batting rankings. “Maybe because of how much lim- and eventually saw New Zealand elimi- Now India return to Edgbaston ited-overs cricket we play, I think the nated. where they launched their title-de- players are getting more experienced in Bangladesh’s place in the last four fence with a 124-run thrashing of arch- diffi cult situations,” he said. was then confi rmed when England beat rivals Pakistan. “Maybe some of the teams have re- Australia at Edgbaston. “We played in Birmingham before. We ally surprised the opposition with the India have 26 of their 32 ODIs against like that pitch. It suits our game,” said way they have batted and bowled in Bangladesh, suff ering just vefi defeats Kohli after the win over South Africa. certain situations.” with one no result. “There’s no looking back. There’s al- There was certainly plenty of good But Bangladesh captain Mashrafe ways room for improvement. We can’t work with the ball carried out by Bang- Mortaza believes wins such as the one rest on your laurels.” ladesh’s bowlers as they held New Zea- over New Zealand will bolster the side’s With Pakistan facing tournament land to a modest 265 for eight in Cardiff already growing self-belief. hosts England in Wednesday’s fi rst last time out. “In the last three years we keep im- semi-fi nal in Cardiff , three of the four The Tigers were, however, still look- proving a lot,” he said. “This sort of teams left in the tournament are all ing at an embarrassing defeat when performance really help us to move for- from the sub-continent. they slumped to 33 for four in reply. ward, especially with the 2019 World Kohli acknowledged the amount of But Shakib Al Hasan (114) and Mah- Cup (in England) coming up.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 3 GOLF

US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Spieth preparing for mental battle McIlroy happy to walk. AFP Erin, United States “You’re just putting more eff ort into each round. But then most of all it certainly tests the ordan Spieth is brac- mental game more than any ing for what he believes other place in golf. And I’ve is the toughest men- witnessed that on both sides of tal battle in golf as he things. take smooth with the attemptsJ to reclaim his US “If you came for a stress free Open crown at Erin Hills Golf tournament you didn’t come to Course. the right place. And we know The 23-year-old Texan has that going in.” failed to add to his major tally Spieth, who has only one since a spectacular 2015, where PGA Tour victory to his name he won the Masters and the US this season, is one of the few Open before narrowly miss- players in this week’s fi eld to rough at Erin Hills ing out at the British Open and have competitive experience of PGA Championship. Erin Hills, having played at the A fi nal round meltdown at venue in the 2011 US Amateur ‘If we can’t hit it within that avenue, you might as well pack your bags and go home’ the Masters last year came to Championship. defi ne his 2016 campaign, but Spieth agreed the 7,441-yard Spieth says he is in a positive layout could often punish ex- Ewan Murray frame of mind as he aims to re- cessively aggressive players. The Guardian peat his 2015 US Open victory “It can do some weird things in Wisconsin. to it if you try to do too much The key, Spieth said, would out here,” he said. n a week when the United be conquering the mental However he is unmoved by States Golf Association challenges thrown up by a criticism of the dense fescue will inevitably be in need tournament portrayed as the grass fringing many of the fair- of allies, a high-profi le one toughest test in golf. ways. Iarrived in the shape of Rory “Just dealing with the men- “It just depends on where McIlroy. tal side of the game more than it ends up, what the lie is,” he The world No2 hit back at any other tournament,” Spieth said. “It’s not unplayable. I those fellow US Open competi- said of the US Open. “It’s al- don’t think the golf course is tors who have complained about ways a physical test. It’s a big unfair, by any means, because the rough at Erin Hills – Kevin golf course. It’s a tough one to of the fescue.” Na labelled it “unplayable” – by insisting the margins for error remain perfectly fair. As McIlroy was speaking, the Rose eyes more Father’s Day success USGA was overseeing the cutting back of dense, tall rough in only a Justin Rose believes he is ready for more Father’s Day glory few areas of the course. News of at the US Open after slowly recovering his form after his nail- that triggered a rueful smile from biting Masters defeat to Sergio Garcia. the Northern Irishman, who will The 36-year-old Englishman’s results have taken a dip since go in pursuit of a fi fth major ti- his playoff defeat to Garcia in April, with a missed cut and a tle from Thursday, and saw little share of 65th place at The Players Championship followed by need for such an adjustment. a tie for 12th at the BMW PGA Championship. “We have 60 yards from left But the 2016 Olympic champion is adamant that his game is line to right line,” he explained. starting to click once more as he looks ahead to this week’s US “You’ve got 156 of the best play- Open at Erin Hills - four years after his victory in the tourna- ers in the world here. If we can’t ment at Merion. hit it within that avenue, you “Since (Augusta) it’s obviously been nothing to really write might as well pack your bags and home about,” Rose said. go home. These are the widest “But I do feel like I’m beginning to trend into this tournament. fairways we’ve ever played in a So although the results might not be there to kind of back US Open. Even the fi rst and sec- that up, I feel good about where the week can go for me from ond cut of rough is another 10 here.” yards on top of that. The US Open usually falls at an emotional time for Rose on “I get that it’s thick and what- Father’s Day weekend, bringing back memories of his dad Ken, ever, but it’s a hazard. If you put who died from cancer when the Golfer was 21. red hazard lines right along that He dedicated his 2013 victory to his late father and in 2015 people wouldn’t complain. It’s played the final round with Ken’s name stitched onto his Golf a US Open, it’s supposed to be a bag. Reflecting on his win four years ago, Rose said he regards tough test. And if guys can’t put the fact that it fell on Father’s Day as a “huge gift.” it into play within a 50-yard zone Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland signs autographs during a practice round at Erin Hills. (Getty Images/AFP) “My dad passed away when I was 21, but he was very much I don’t think they’ve got much to in my thoughts the whole weekend, and that alone made it a complain about.” special Father’s Day,” Rose told reporters. McIlroy’s sentiments stem Five key holes at Erin Hills “You always think about them, the loved ones that you lost, in part from a desire not to let No. 1: 560/608 yards, par-five to the green. Anything hit too long risks roll- ing to clear an intimidating expanse of fescue but time is also a healer and life goes on. But that weekend I the Wisconsin course, which is A daunting opening hole shaped like a semi- ing into a hazard. that runs down the right hand side of the felt so incredibly connected to him, which is the one thing I hosting its fi rst US Open, spook circle, the biggest hitters will aim to reach the No. 9: 135/150 yards, par-three hole, as well as a large bunkers protecting look back on my US Open win and I’m most thankful for -- giv- him in advance of the serious green in two. An undulating fairway however At first glance, the shortest hole at Erin Hills the front of the green. ing me that moment of connection, the really deep connection business getting under way. is fraught with risk, and any shot that strays looks straightforward, where no more than an No. 18: 622-675 par-five again.” “This is one of those tourna- down the left has a good chance of ending in accurate wedge is needed to find the green. A show-stopping finale studded with more Another victory on Father’s Day this week would be equally ments that if you let it get into a hazard. The problems begin with seven menacing than 20 bunkers, the 18th tees off from a special for Rose, a father-of-two. your head, you’re already de- No. 4: 439 yards, par-four bunkers that surround the green and a tricky slight elevation and usually benefits from a “It’s sort of generational, right? I tried to play Golf how my dad feated before your tee off ,” the The hole was transformed after former gauntlet of dense, fescue-covered terrain. following wind, meaning that a decent drive taught me to,” he said. “And I try to play Golf in a way that my 2011 champion added. owner Bob Lang decided to relocate the No.14: 594/650 yards, par-five on firm ground could be in the region of 400 kids can look up to. So it’s always a good reminder for me to “And there have been a couple green in 2009, placing it just above a dune. A double-dogleg monster likely to separate yards. That sets up a tantalising risk-reward try to be my best and to be a good role model for my children of times where I have let it get in It is now one of the most challenging holes the men from the boys, where the boldest option of going for the green, where more but also make my dad proud. So from that point of view, it’s a my head; 2015 at Chambers Bay, on the course, likely to punish any approach players will target reaching the green in two bunkers and fescue are waiting to punish special day. “If you are in contention and things go your way, even though I made a bit of a go that falls short by leaving an awkward pitch if they are willing to take the risk of attempt- errant shots. it’s a beautiful way of being rewarded professionally.” of it (he tied ninth), I was a lit- tle bit disillusioned along with some other guys with the way the way I’m trying to approach it “There are no limitations on to go out and play. You fi gure do out there.” McIlroy also con- the course was. If you let it get this week.” my swing whatsoever,” he said. stuff out on the golf course more fi rmed he will now participate in into your head you really have no This event marks McIlroy’s “Preparation-wise, instead of than on the range sometimes, next month’s Scottish Open at chance. fi rst competitive appearance hitting fi ve bags of balls, I’ll hit anyway, and it’s let me con- Dundonald as part of his buildup “That’s why I feel like some since the Players Champion- two, just something like that. It’s centrate a bit more on my short to the Open Championship. of the players this week, the ship in early May. A rib problem not as if I can’t hit balls, it’s just game. Obviously I haven’t had That move is even more admi- rough’s already got into their has disrupted his year, albeit the a matter of managing how many many tournament rounds. But rable given the undercurrent of heads. That’s not the way you Northern Irishman believes the repetitions. at the same time I’m coming in the Scottish and Irish Opens jos- want to start off . You want to changes to his practice regime as “It’s at the point in the year, as fresh to this part of the season. I tling for prominence; the world start off with positivity and a dictated by that injury might be a well, where you don’t need to be don’t feel like my body is limit- No2’s charity foundation now positive frame of mind. That’s blessing in disguise. practising that much. You want ing me from doing what I want to hosts the latter.

FOCUS Masters champ Garcia chasing more major glory

AFP his advanced years. the same. I guess inside of you Erin, United States “I’ve been fortunate with in- there is a little spot where you’ve juries. I’ve had some minor in- accomplished it already. juries but nothing major which “But it doesn’t mean that if I ergio Garcia’s fi rst ma- hasn’t taken me away from the play well and I have a chance on jor victory might have game for too long,” Garcia said Sunday it’s going to be easier. been a long time com- Tuesday. Every tournament is tough, is ing but the Spanish star “So I still feel in good shape tough to win and majors are even isS determined to make sure that and my game feels nice. tougher. And US Opens we all his Masters triumph at Augusta “I’m still working hard on it. know how diffi cult they are.” doesn’t turn out to be a fl ash in I defi nitely hope that I can keep Garcia, who has not fi nished the pan. playing well and win many, inside the top 10 in the four tour- Only two other players have many more, now that we have naments he has played since Au- gone on to win another major af- our fi rst one. But time will tell. gusta, said the key to the future ter winning their fi rst at age 37 or “The only thing I can do is would be consistency. older, suggesting Garcia will be keep putting myself in that situ- “I want to keep being consist- battling Father Time as much as ation as many times as possible.” ent, keep playing well, keep giv- the intimidating Erin Hills lay- Garcia meanwhile played ing myself chances at winning out at this week’s US Open. down the signifi cance of his dra- majors and being in Ryder Cups But the 37-year-old insists he matic playoff win at the Masters and all those things. So to me has plenty more major victories in April, saying he did not think that’s the best motivation pos- left in the tank as he looks to im- that the knowledge he was ca- sible, to keep that consistency prove on a US Open record that pable of winning a major would going,” he said. has seen him post only fi ve top necessarily impact his perform- “And if I want to do that I have 10 fi nishes in 17 attempts since ance at the US Open. to keep working hard. I’m sure 2000. “To be totally honest, I don’t that some lows will come, but Garcia believes his relatively think so,” he said. “I think that hopefully they’ll be short ones blemish-free injury record has the pressure of trying to do well and we can get over them as left him feeling youthful despite and give yourself a chance is still quickly as possible.” Sergio Garcia practices at the range during a practice round of the US Open at Erin Hills. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 15, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS/ STUTTGART OPEN FORMULA ONE Co-owner Mallya considering Force Haas cuts Federer India name change

Reuters sponsor about a name change, London and his current legal situation had nothing to do with the idea. Mallya last week rejected comeback short orce India co-owner speculation about a possible Vijay Mallya is consid- sale. ering changing his For- The fl amboyant 61-year- ‘I am speechless, of course. Playing Roger is always special, especially on grass’ mula One team’s name old was arrested by British toF make the outfi t more attrac- police in April on behalf of the tive to potential sponsors. Indian authorities, who accuse The Silverstone-based team him of fraud. have gone through various India is seeking Mallya’s guises already, starting out as extradition over unpaid loans Jordan in 1991 and then be- tied to his defunct Kingfi sher coming Midland in 2006 and Airlines after the businessman Spyker in 2007 before Mallya moved to Britain in March last took control in 2008. year. He has repeatedly dis- Force India have never had missed the charges against an Indian driver, while the him. team’s Indian sponsors were It is not the fi rst time Mallya mostly brands linked to avia- has mooted a team name tion and beer tycoon Mallya change — he also did so in or co-owner the Sahara 2015 when there was talk of a Group. deal with sportscar maker As- “There is a growing feeling ton Martin and whisky brand that maybe since we are a much- Johnnie Walker. improved team in terms of per- “I named the team Force formance and attracting more India only to give India and international sponsors, and all of the motorsport fans in sadly less Indian sponsors, there my country pride of place on is a debate as to why the name a Formula One grid,” he told should not be changed to give Reuters at the time. it a more international fl avour,” “But they’ve enjoyed that Mallya told motorsport.com. for eight years and now they “There are some peo- know this team is synony- ple who believe the current mous and will still be an entry name Force India is restric- from India fl ying the Indian tive psychologically.I’m con- fl ag. sidering along with the other “So what name we run un- shareholders what steps to der is not as critically impor- take but it’s a major decision tant as it was for the fi rst three and one that is not going to be or four years.” taken in a hurry without due Force India fi nished fourth consideration.” overall last season, a position Mallya said there was a pro- they currently occupy after posal on the table from one seven races.

Sagan takes Swiss fi ft h stage, Caruso keeps lead World champion Peter Sagan see the overall contenders do broke out a new celebration battle. as he won yesterday’s fifth Switzerland’s Roger Federer (right) is comforted by Germany’s Tommy Haas after he lost to him in their second round match of the Stuttgart Open yesterday. (AFP) stage while Damiano Caruso RESULTS maintained his overall lead at Stage Reuters “Playing Roger is always spe- old Jimmy Connors in 1993 in the Tour of Switzerland. 1. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) Stuttgart cial, especially on grass. There San Francisco. Nadal out of Queen’s to rest for Wimbledon For Slovak Sagan, it was his 222.0 km in 5h15min 50sec, are a lot of emotions when you He next faces compatriot 14th stage win at the race over 2. Michael Albasini (SWI/ORI), are playing a close friend.” Mischa Zverev, who saved 10 of Rafael Nadal confirmed Tues- Britain and to the tournament the last seven years as he took 3. Matteo Trentin (ITA/QST), oger Federer slumped “When you come into the 11 break points to beat qualifi er day he has pulled out of next organisers. “I hope to see you victory in the 222km ride from 4. Patrick Bevin (NZL/CAN), 5. to a 2-6 7-6(8) 6-4 second set, save a match point Yannick Hanfmann 7-6(1), 6-2 week’s Aegon Championships at Queen’s next year.” Bex to Cevio ahead of Swiss Niccolò Bonifazio (ITA/BAH), loss to German vet- and then come back, that always in 83 minutes. German Philipp at Queen’s in order to rest and Nadal won clay titles this Michael Albasini and Italy’s 6. Michael Matthews (AUS/ eran Tommy Haas at makes you very happy about a Kohlschreiber also advanced, prepare for Wimbledon. season in Monte Carlo, Barce- Matteo Trentin. SUN), 7. Sacha Modolo (ITA/ theR Stuttgart Open yesterday in win. I am shocked myself.” beating Steve Johnson of the US The 31-year-old Spaniard has lona and Madrid in addition to Bora’s Sagan, 27, broke EAU), 8. Oscar Gatto (ITA/ a disappointing comeback after Federer grabbed an early break 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-6(8) in two hours had a hugely successful clay Roland Garros. He won Queen’s out into some arm waving AST), 9. Aaron Gate (NZL/ the 18-times grand-slam cham- as his attacking topspin back- and 39 minutes. season, claiming a record 10th in 2008 before going on to lift resembling a hula dance as he ABS), 10. Owain Doull (WAL/ pion missed the entire claycourt hand, which had served him so The 33-year-old Kohlschreib- French Open crown on Sunday his first Wimbledon title, again crossed the finish line. SKY) , 11. Juergen Roelandts season. well earlier this year, was again er, who fell to Dominic Thiem in to earn a 15th Grand Slam title. taking the Grand Slam trophy Italian Caruso maintained his (Belgium / Lotto) 12. John Federer, who opted to miss it on display. Haas, a former world last year’s fi nal, has won fi ve of “I am very sorry to say that at the All England Club in 2010. 16-second lead over Dutch- Degenkolb (Germany / Trek) in order to prepare for an assault number two but currently at his seven titles in Germany. He I am not going to be able Wimbledon begins on July 3. man Steven Kruijswijk with 13. Lilian Calmejane (France / on an eighth Wimbledon crown, 302, was broken again as the is 110-58 in Germany (.655) and play Queen’s next week,” the “Unfortunately, Rafael Nadal Domenico Pozzovivo of Italy Direct Energie) 14. Damiano made a sensational start to the Swiss served out the set on his 295-257 elsewhere (.534). world number two said on his has withdrawn from the Aegon third at 25sec. Caruso (Italy / BMC Racing) year by winning the Australian fi rst opportunity after 22 min- Facebook page. “I am sad to Championships at Queen’s,” or- It was a terrible day for last 15. Sondre Enger (Norway / Open and subsequent titles at utes and looked to be cruising to Injured Goff in pulls make this decision because I ganisers confirmed on Twitter. year’s champion Miguel Angel AG2R) 16 all same time. Indian Wells and Miami. a comfortable victory. out of Wimbledon love Queen’s, I won the tourna- The Queen’s tournament will Lopez of Colombia, who Yet despite a superb fi rst set But Federer lost his focus, al- World number 13 David Gof- ment in 2008 and every time I be headlined by world number was taken to hospital after Overall on grass, the 35-year-old lost lowing Haas to fi nd a way back fi n has pulled out of this year’s reached the Wimbledon final it one and defending champion crashing badly on a fast 1. Damiano Caruso (ITA/ his grip on the game in the old- into what until that point had Wimbledon with an ankle injury, was after playing Queen’s. Andy Murray, with US Open descent midway through the BMC) 17h24:24, 2. Steven est tour match, in terms of com- been a one-sided encounter. he said on Twitter on Wednes- “I was hoping to take some champion Stan Wawrinka, stage. Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) at 0:16, bined ages, since 1982. The world number fi ve saved day. The Belgian had to retire days off and then be ready, runner-up to Nadal in Paris, At that point there was a six- 3. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ He squandered a matchpoint four set points and wasted a from his French Open third- but at 31, and after a long clay also competing as the second man breakaway that had eked ALM) 0:25, 4. Simon Spilak in the second set as 39-year- match point as the German round match with Horacio Ze- court season with all of the seed. out a lead of six minutes at (SLO/KAT) 0:25, 5. Marc Soler old Haas, in his farewell season, forced a third set, where he broke ballos this month after falling emotions of Roland Garros, Women world number three one stage. But its last two rem- (ESP/MOV) 0:32, 6. Mathias proved more consistent, even- his opponent early on. and tripping on the rolled-up and after speaking to my team Karolina Pliskova has with- nants, Ben King and Jesper Frank (SWI/ALM) 0:34, 7. tually setting up a quarter-fi nal He held on to his advantage court cover. “I am very sad to and doctors, I have decided drawn from next week’s Aegon Asselman, were caught with Mikel Nieve (ESP/SKY) 1:10, clash against countryman Mis- and sealed a memorable win announce I won’t play at the my body needs to rest if I Classic grasscourt event in just 6km remaining. 8. Rui Costa (POR/EAU) 1:11, cha Zverev. with his second match point. Wimbledon Championships ... am going to be ready to play Birmingham to rest an injured Today’s 166.7km sixth stage 9. Valerio Conti (ITA/EAU) “I am speechless, of course,” Haas will try to become old- doctors are positive but I won’t Wimbledon. elbow ahead of Wimbledon, from Locarno to La Punt has 1:21, 10. Tao Geoghegan Hart Haas said in front of an ecstatic est player to reach an ATP World have enough time to be ready for “Sorry to all the great fans in she said yesterday. an uphill finish that should (ENG/SKY) 1:38. home crowd. Tour semi-fi nal since 40-year- the tournament,” he said.

CYCLING British cycling’s ‘culture of fear’ criticised in report

Reuters management and communica- UK Sport last April after former we have failed or fallen short,” he London tions with staff and athletes,” it British Olympian Jess Varnish said. “Our structures and proce- added. made allegations of bullying and dures, especially at the leadership The CIR also “drew attention” to sexism against Sutton after she level within the World Class Pro- ritish Cycling has been the Commissioning Board “unsub- was dropped from the team. gramme were lacking. heavily criticised for “a stantiated evidence” made by some Other riders also made allega- “Since the fi ndings were shared culture of fear” in an in- contributors of alleged fi nancial tions against Sutton, which he with us, we have rapidly made dependent review into the irregularities and historic doping. denied. The Australian was sus- major changes to the WCP and sport,B published yesterday, which The CIR said it had not investigated pended but immediately quit. An to our leadership, operations and identifi ed failings in governance and these allegations. internal inquiry by the British Cy- governance so that we can ensure leadership following allegations of The fi ndings will be hugely cling Board upheld an allegation that British Cycling learns these bullying and sexism. embarrassing for one of Britain’s that Sutton referred to female rid- lessons and becomes a world-class The sport’s drive for medals most successful and heavily fund- ers in insulting terms. governing body.” meant behavioural issues were ed sports which has enjoyed huge The fi ve-strong panel, led by UK Sport said: “UK Sport ac- not addressed as British Cycling success at Olympics and Paralym- British Rowing chairwoman An- knowledges the need for greater lost sight of basic duties of care pics after discovering a seemingly namarie Phelps, said a “power oversight of World Class Pro- to staff , said the Cycling Inde- endless conveyor belt of sporting pocket” was created around Sut- grammes, with a particular focus pendent Review (CIR), which also talent. ton following his appointment as on culture and duty of care.” criticised the former technical The fi ve-person panel recom- technical director in 2014. The CIR said it had accepted 180 director, Shane Sutton, and UK mended a root-and-branch re- “Although Shane Sutton has written contributions, conducted Sport, the government’s funding view of governance, calling for an innate ability to coach riders 44 interviews and considered 11 organisation. “Many WCP staff “autocratic” leadership to change, to medal-winning performances, fi les of documentation. Part of members referred to a ‘culture of staff to be better trained in equali- the Panel heard from numerous the CIR is redacted and some of its fear’ in terms of retribution or losing ty and discrimination and that fu- contributors that he did not pos- language and conclusions are dif- employment,” it said. ture funding be made conditional sess the necessary skill-set to lead ferent from those of a draft report “The panel found that there on implementation of its recom- the WCP,” it said. which was leaked to the Daily Mail were failings in British Cycling’s mendations. British Cycling’s chairman, in March. British Cycling is due to governance and leadership, moni- It also called for better moni- Jonathan Browning, said he ac- receive 43 mn pounds ($55 mn) toring and supervision of the toring of the WCP by UK Sport. cepted the report’s fi ndings. “We over the next four years from gov- WCP (World Class Programme), The review was jointly com- accept, in full, the recommen- ernment funding bodies UK Sport training and development, and missioned by British Cycling and dations and apologise for where and Sport England. Former technical director of British Cycling, Shane Sutton. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB RUGBY Rosario, Escobar All Blacks eye Samoa ‘battle’ power Twins to to fi ne-tune win over Mariners for Lions AFP recovered from a broken thumb and In other games, Angels down Yankees 3-2, while Cubs rout Mets 14-3 Auckland ready to face the Lions eight days later. Hooker Dane Coles continues to be Agencies troubled with concussion symptoms New York he All Blacks are expecting a while fl y-half Aaron Cruden, centre tough battle against Samoa to- Ryan Crotty and loose forward Liam morrow as they fi ne-tune their Squire have knee, rib and thumb inju- ddie Rosario belted three game ahead of the three-Test ries. home runs and Eduardo Es- Tseries against British and Irish Lions. Lima Sopoaga and Waisake Naholo cobar matched a career high “Everyone is talking about the big were released to play for the Highland- with fi ve hits as the Minnesota battle around the corner but our men- ers in their narrow 23-22 win over the TwinsE set a franchise record with 28 tality is the best way to prepare for Lions on Tuesday and it is doubtful hits en route to a 20-7 victory over the a battle is to have a battle,” assistant they would be asked to perform again Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. coach Ian Foster said ahead of the clash three days later. Minnesota scored seven runs in the in Auckland. With the exception of Coles, all of third and seventh innings, collecting New Zealand see the Pacifi c island- the injured are expected to be available eight consecutive hits in the third. Eight ers as a chance to perfect what they for the fi rst Lions Test. Twins recorded multiple-hit games learned from watching the Lions in with Escobar, Kennys Vargas and Jason their tour matches, which include a ‘MAKE OURSELVES PROUD’ Castro fi nishing with four hits. victory against Super Rugby’s unbeat- Samoa also have injury concerns with Kyle Gibson (4-4) allowed six runs en Canterbury Crusaders and defeats captain David Lemi and Cardiff Blues and 12 hits in six-plus innings for to the Auckland Blues and Otago High- midfi elder Reynold Lee-lo unavailable. Minnesota. landers. “Obviously losing the experience The teams combined for a Target “It’s about putting some detail in our that both these players bring is crucial Field-record 42 hits. team, making sure we know what we’re and David’s leadership will be missed,” Seattle catcher Carlos Ruiz pitched trying to do,” said Foster. coach Alama Ieremia said. the eighth inning, allowing a run and While the All Blacks have the goal Samoa have one debutant in the two hits, walking two and striking out of being ready for the fi rst Lions Test starting line-up in former Canterbury one. on June 24, Samoa have crucial World Crusaders and now Ospreys centre Ki- Elsewhere, Eric Young Jr.’s infi eld Cup qualifi ers coming up against Fiji eron Fonotia. Potential debuts could single in the bottom of the 11th inning and Tonga “so rest assured, this will be come off the bench in the shape of Nev- drove home Andrelton Simmons from a full-on battle. That’s the best way to ers and former Auckland scrum-half third base to lift Los Angeles 3-2 over prepare for anything,” Foster added. Auvasa Falealii and Stade Francais prop New York Yankees. In particular the All Blacks will be Paul Alo Emile. Young sent the game into extra in- hoping Samoa can emulate the Lions “Obviously we want to put out an nings with a home run in the eighth Los Angeles Angels left fielder Eric Young Jr. is doused with a bucket of ice water by teammate Cameron Maybin after their style of play with high, contestable experienced team and the All Blacks is inning that made it 2-2. The Yankees win over New York Yankees at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) kicks, a powerful front row to sort out not a team you experiment with, so we loaded the bases with one out in the scrum issues, and hard running cen- are wanting to put on a performance top of the 11th before Keynan Middle- win for the Red Sox over the Phillies, en route to a 14-3 rout of New York Mets. RESULTS tres. that will make our nation and most ton (2-0) entered and got Chris Carter sending Philadelphia to its seventh Lester (4-4) allowed one run on fi ve Kansas City 8 San Francisco 1 The match is being played tomor- importantly ourselves proud,” Ieremia and Brett Gardner to pop out to third. straight loss and 28th defeat in 37 road hits and one walk while striking out San Diego 6 Cincinnati 2 row, a rarity for a rugby international, said. New York starter CC Sabathia had games. Fernando Abad (2-0) worked 10 over seven innings. He is the eighth LA Angels 3 NY Yankees 2 (11 inns) to avoid a clash with the Lions match “This will give us an indication of won fi ve consecutive starts going into the fi nal two innings for the win. active pitcher to reach 150 wins. Ian Milwaukee 8 St. Louis 5 against the New Zealand Maori in Ro- where we are at because it is important the game, but had to leave after the With one out in the 12th, Xander Happ delivered a grand slam in the Chicago White Sox 6 Baltimore 1 torua on Saturday. to build momentum going in to June- fourth inning because of a strained left Bogaerts (three hits) was walked by seven-run second inning for the Cubs. Minnesota 20 Seattle 7 It will not be a full shakedown for July internationals.” hamstring. The Angels’ JC Ramirez Luis Garcia (1-1). Mitch Moreland, Anthony Rizzo, batting leadoff for Texas 4 Houston 2 the All Blacks, who are to name their Samoa have never beaten New Zea- gave up two runs and fi ve hits in 6 2/3 who hit a solo home run in the sec- the fi rst time, smoked a homer in the Arizona 7 Detroit 6 line-up on Thursday with seven of the land in six attempts, with the closest innings. ond inning, singled high off the fi rst inning, drew a bases-loaded walk Chicago Cubs 14 NY Mets 3 33-man squad unlikely to be available. margin coming two years ago when Andrew Benintendi ripped a long Green Monster that sent Bogaerts in the second and hit an RBI double LA Dodgers 7 Cleveland 5 Captain Kieran Read has already the All Blacks were 25-16 winners of a run-scoring single with one out in the to third. Benintendi lined his game- in the third for Chicago. Jason Hey- Miami 8 Oakland 1 ruled himself out to ensure he is fully World Cup warm-up match. 12th inning to give Boston a sweep of winning hit deep into the right-field ward (two-run homer in the sixth), Boston 4 Philadelphia 3 (12 inns) Philadelphia in the Fenway Park por- corner. Kris Bryant (solo shot in the seventh) Tampa Bay 8 Toronto 1 tion of their four-game series. Jon Lester cruised to his 150th career and Javier Baez (two-run homer in the Washington 10 Atlanta 5 It was the second straight walk-off victory as Chicago crushed fi ve homers ninth) added blasts. Pittsburgh 5 Colorado 2

South Africa to announce axed Super Rugby sides next month

Reuters ment is reduced from 18 teams to competition, containing clubs from will make a recommendation on Cape Town 15 after criticism from broadcasters Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, has which sides should be dropped to the over the quality of the product in its already been met with a favourable Executive Council. That proposal will present form. response from SA Rugby. also be discussed by the Non-Franchise outh African Rugby has set July The decision by SA Rugby will be There have been no indications yet Committee, which contains the CEOs 7 as the date when they decide made at a special general meeting that the Kings are set to apply for the of South Africa’s 14 provincial unions. Swhich two of the country’s to be hosted in Cape Town, with same competition. The Executive Council will then table teams will be dropped from Super the Cheetahs and Southern Kings SA Rugby’s Franchise Committee, a proposal at the Special General Rugby for next season. expected to be the teams axed. which is made up of representatives of Meeting, where it is highly likely to be The number of South Africa sides will Reports emerged this week that the the six teams that are currently com- ratified without debate. Australia will be cut from six to four as the tourna- Cheetahs’ proposal to join the Pro 12 peting in the 2017 Super Rugby season, lose the other team due to be cut. New Zealand players practise ahead of their clash against Samoa. (Twitter/AllBlacks)

SHOOTING SPOTLIGHT QSAA’s Nishan shooting Ramadan golf event concludes championship kicks off

By Sports Reporter gratitude to the QOC, sponsors Doha Ooredoo, Al Kass TV, Abdullah Abdulghani & Brothers and Ali Bin Ali Watches and Jewellery for he Nishan Shooting supporting the unique event.” Championship, organ- Ooredoo’s PR and Corporate ised by the Qatar Shoot- Communications director Ma- ing and Archery As- nar Khalifa al-Muraikhi said, Tsociation to celebrate the Holy “We’re delighted to help support Month of Ramadan, began at the such a family-friendly event Losail Ranges on Tuesday. during the holy month and wish The event was attended by all the competitors the best of Qatar Olympic Committee sec- luck. Apart from the exciting retary general Dr Thani bin Ab- competition, families can en- dulrahman al-Kuwari. joy a host of activities and food More than 200 contestants options, and we encourage eve- showed interest in taking part ryone to go along and #Shar- in the eight-day event, spon- eAMoment.” sored by Ooredoo, Abdullah Ab- Tournament director Majid al- dulghani & Brothers, Ali Bin Ali Nuaimi said, “The popularity of Watches and Jewellery, and Al the fi rst event has exceeded our Kass TV. expectations. The media built There will be six diff erent The QSAA has made elaborate “This is the fi rst of its kind up a good hype and it reaches events in pistol, rifl e, shotgun arrangements for families and event in Qatar and we are very not only other Gulf countries but and archery. All the participants kids so that the event is not only delighted with the response by also many Arab world nations. By Sports Reporter all ages and categories. ior players, Mohamed Faisal al- have been divided into profes- competitive but also memorable. the participants. We have had “The exciting event has at- Doha National Team category was Suwaidi emerged as the winner, sional and amateur categories. QSAA president and organ- extensive preparations on the tracted many of the national topped by Abdulaziz al-Muha- while Adnan Rashid was second. Both men and women have to ising committee chairman Ali technical and managerial aspects team shooters and archers, nadi, who won with Gross 37, Mohamed Abdulla, Mohamed compete together. The par- Mohamed al-Kuwari said he is of the event. Also we provided 10 which promises the competition he Ramadan Golf ahead of Abdulrahman al-Shah- Azfar, Rashid Wally, Abdulrah- ticipant who collects maximum pleased with the great support days of training to all those who to be high level. We’re pleased Championship 2017 rani (with Gross 38). Fahad Mir man al-Dehaimi, Kamil Ben- points will be awarded a car in the event has received under have registered for the event. We with the number of entries and concluded successfully and Arnav Jain fi nished fi rst and rokiya, Hassan al-Abdulla, Yas- both the categories. the patronage of Qatar Olympic hope to have a challenging event hopefully, we’ll continue to at the Doha Golf Club on second, ahead of Saoud al-Mu- mian al-Sharshani, Nada Mir, Every day, events will start at Committee chairman HE Sheikh for all,” added Kuwari. make it better in coming years.” TSunday. The nine-hole champi- hanadi, in the Junior National impressed in the Junior Division 9.30pm and continue till 1.30am. Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. “We also wish to express our onship brought 35 golfers from Team category. Among the sen- (Team Scramble event). Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 15, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CONFEDERATIONS CUP Humbled Aussies Ronaldo has ‘clear brace for more conscience’ amid tax lessons in Russia Reuters more enterprising unit than the Melbourne stodgier outfi t overseen by Ger- man Osieck. Local fans are accustomed ustralia’s 4-0 home to Australia being a big fi sh in fraud accusations loss to Brazil could be Asia’s small pond, however, and regarded as both the Postecoglou has long aspired to perfect preparation for build a side that can compete at theA Confederations Cup and a the World Cup rather than just 'Real Madrid are absolutely convinced that Ronaldo will prove his total innocence' stinging reality check for a side make up the numbers. desperate to take a seat at the top A year out from football’s AFP table of international soccer. showpiece, having circumnavi- Madrid Dismantled in Melbourne by a gated the globe to scout over- team shorn of talisman Neymar seas talent and blooded a raft of and a host of other fi rst-choice new players, the 51-year-old’s ristiano Ronaldo insisted yesterday Cristiano Ronaldo gestures as players, Ange Postecoglou’s men project is far from completion. he had a ‘clear conscience’ after he attends a training session head to Russia bracing for fur- Last week’s 3-2 home win over Spanish prosecutors accused Real with Portugal ahead of the 2017 ther stiff tests against Germany, Saudi Arabia boosted the side’s Madrid’s star forward of evading Confederations Cup, in Oeiras, Cameroon and Chile at the June hopes of qualifying for a fourth 14.7mnC euros in tax through off shore com- 17-July 2 tournament. successive World Cup but it was Portugal, yesterday. (Reuters) panies. “Conscience clear, always,” Ronaldo The squad of 23 will board the another unconvincing display told reporters at Lisbon airport as he and his plane with doubts about their from a team that has laboured Portuguese teammates prepared to fl y out to technical and physical measure against Asian opponents they the Confederations Cup in Russia. against the world’s top nations, once dominated. Real Madrid earlier gave their backing to but they can have no uncertain- The core of the Asian Cup- Ronaldo, releasing a statement saying the ty about their place in the glo- winning team remains in place, club had “full confi dence in our player Cris- bal pecking order. Postecoglou partly because the younger gen- tiano Ronaldo, who we understand has acted blamed himself for the second- eration has failed to follow in the in accordance with the legality regarding the half surrender at the Melbourne footsteps of their predecessors, fulfi lment of his fi scal obligations”. Cricket Ground, having triggered who cut their teeth in Europe’s “Since his arrival at Real Madrid CF in July a raft of substitutions before a top leagues. Tim Cahill remains 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo has always shown a three-goal blitz by the Selecao. both an indispensable part of clear will to fulfi l all his tax obligations. Real In reality, it was only the acro- Postecoglou’s plans and a symbol Madrid CF are absolutely convinced that our batics of number two goalkeeper of Australia’s inability to produce player, Cristiano Ronaldo, will prove his total Mitch Langerak and a raft of a goal-scoring successor to the innocence in this process. Real Madrid C.F. spurned chances by the visitors 37-year-old veteran. hope that justice is done as quickly as pos- that spared them a greater hu- Postecoglou has tried to wring sible so that his innocence can be proven as miliation. “You never like get- goals out of a new 3-2-4-1 for- soon as possible.” ting defeated and you don’t like mation but no amount of tactical The 32-year-old Ronaldo — the world’s a heavy defeat, particularly at acumen could make up for the highest paid athlete according to Forbes home,” Postecoglou said. gulf in class between the sides on magazine — follows in the footsteps of Bar- “That always has an eff ect. It Tuesday. Another humbling ex- celona forward and Argentina star Lionel doesn’t have to have negative, perience against Germany looms Messi, who was found guilty of the same of- though. From our perspective it’s in Sochi on Monday and Postec- fence last year, although the sums involved about preparing for that game oglou’s critics will be out in force were allegedly smaller. If he too is put on trial (against Germany) in about a should that occur. and found guilty, he risks “a fi ne of at least 28 week’s time... It’ll be good to get But the football lessons in million” euros ($31.3mn) and could poten- over there and knuckle down in Russia could ultimately prove in- tially be jailed for three-and-a-half years, preparation for that game. We’ll valuable ahead of the next World according to the Gestha union of experts at be ready for that.” Cup qualifi er away to Japan in Spain’s Inland Revenue. The margin of defeat was the August. Australia are third in Ronaldo is accused of “four crimes against greatest Australia have suff ered Group B of Asian qualifying, but the public treasury between 2011-14 which since consecutive 6-0 away loss- only one point adrift of leaders involves tax fraud of 14,768,897 euros”, es to France and Brazil in 2013, Japan, and their match-up could Madrid’s public prosecutor’s offi ce said on which triggered former coach prove decisive in the fi nals race. Tuesday. “The accused took advantage of a Holger Osieck’s dismissal. Postecoglou’s hope of build- company structure created in 2010 to hide Postecoglou took over and ing a team that can challenge income generated in Spain from his image in a little more than a year was the world’s best remains a pipe rights from tax authorities, which is a ‘vol- feted a hero for engineering an dream but ensuring they return untary’ and ‘conscious’ breach of his fi scal Image rights minefi eld for foreign players: Tax expert Asian Cup triumph on home to Russia next year will at least obligations in Spain,” it said. Prosecutors soil in 2015, while fashioning a keep the ambition alive. accuse the Portugal international of evading London: Real Madrid superstar reference to those who temporarily they see how much of a player’s image tax via a shell company based in the British Cristiano Ronaldo stands accused reside in a country separate to the rights is paid in the UK compared to Virgin Islands and another in Ireland, known in Spain of evading 14.7mn euros in one where they were born or grew up. abroad. “They may well ask why is the for its low corporate tax rate. In addition, tax, highlighting the thorny issue in “If a player has his salary taxed and split (say) 60-40 in terms of non-UK they say he only declared 11.5mn euros of football of image rights. He is not the part of his image rights going into based income vs UK income? Why Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, only player to have been caught up in a UK-structured company and part shouldn’t it be 50-50 or some other while what he really earned during that time the issue, with arch rival Lionel Messi going into a non-UK company it has to split? It seems to me the weighting was close to 43mn euros. And fi nally, they having already been convicted of tax all make commercial sense and (be) should be more on UK based image accuse him of “voluntarily” refusing to in- fraud in Spain. legal. However, you have to produce rights and not foreign rights.” clude 28.4mn euros in income linked to the The problem comes from players an awful lot of evidence that the player Fairchild, though, says that quite a sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 not paying tax on image rights earn- has carried out his required duties for lot of the time it is not wilful law- period to a Spanish company. ings in the country in which they play. sponsors abroad — such as aeroplane breaking but ignorance that lies at Meanwhile, Footballing super-agent Jorge Although it is perfectly legal to have boarding cards, hotel receipts and the heart of the problem. “It does Mendes, who manages Ronaldo among oth- income accrued through foreign image hopefully diary entries proving there come down to a lot of agents who are ers, has been summoned before a Spanish rights to be paid into a bank account was a scheduled activity. These duties involved aren’t tax trained,” he said. “It court as part of the probe into Colombian in another country, there is an onus are over and above the usual employ- is not a criticism but each to their own striker Radamel Falcao’s alleged tax evasion, on the player to prove that money was ment contract. and they don’t think to get experts legal sources said yesterday. Monaco’s Falcao earned abroad, according to Peter Fair- “For instance, African players return- involved. “I have a case with a Premier is suspected of failing to correctly declare 5.6 child, Tax Partner and Head of Sport at ing to their country to carry out duties League club who signed a non-dom million euros ($6.1 million) of income earned accountancy, investment management have to prove that they performed player last year and 100% of his image from image rights between 2012 and 2013 and tax group, Smith & Williamson. duties there and generated some sort rights is presently paid off shore, which while he was at Atletico Madrid. Fairchild, who is an expert in the of commercial return from those du- absolutely can’t be right. I met with his He is suspected of using a web of shell field of image rights having drawn up ties. Only in these circumstances can agent and it was an absolute shock to companies in the British Virgin Islands, Ire- guidelines for the British tax authori- income be paid abroad and should be him and player. They didn’t have an land, Colombia and Panama to avoid taxes on ties eight years ago, said the burden non-taxable in the United Kingdom.” idea. Their stance was as a non-dom the image rights income. Mendes was sum- of proof is firmly on the player. “It Fairchild, who has 50 mostly Pre- player if money goes off shore and if he moned to appear before the court of instruc- has tripped up an awful lot of non- mier League players on his books, says doesn’t benefit from it in the UK, then Australia suff ered a crushing 4-0 demolition by Brazil in a lopsided tion at Pozuelo de Alarcon, close to Madrid, domiciled players,” Fairchild said in tax authorities can be sceptical when he doesn’t need to declare it.” warm-up game for the Confederations Cup, at the Melbourne Cricket on June 27. Ground on Tuesday. (AFP)

ROUND-UP Tolisso joins Bayern Munich aft er ten years with Lyon France midfi elder Corentin Tolisso in potential bonuses. Full name Ar- Di Francesco. “There have been no the fi rst time last month. Hull, who statement calling on the specula- has moved to Bayern Munich from mindo Tue Na Bangna, Bruma was negotiations about Rudiger, and appointed experienced Russian tion over why he died to end out of Lyon for a reported 35mn euros, the born in Guinea-Bissau and moved there is no chance he will leave. Leonid Slutsky last week as man- sympathy for his family’s feelings. Bundesliga champions announced to Turkish giants Galatasaray from Zero.” Roma fi nished runners-up ager to replace Marco Silva, have Tiote’s body is expected to ar- yesterday. The 22-year-old signed a Sporting Lisbon in 2013 for around for a remarkable ninth time last not put a timescale on Mason’s rive back in the Ivory Coast today fi ve-year deal with Bayern to bring 10mn euros. season since they won their last return to full training. and more tributes are planned an end to his 10-year association Scudetto in 2001. for the player. Tiote was one of with Lyon. Tolisso, who made his ROMA DEFIANT ON SALAH, TIOTE’S AGENT CALLS FOR 10 children, who like many of his senior France debut against Spain RULE OUT RUDIGER EXIT SKULL FRACTURE VICTIM END TO SPECULATION Ivory Coast team-mates, grew up in March, had been contracted to Roma have advised buyers to up MASON RETURNS TO TRAINING The agent of the late Ivory Coast in abject poverty and didn’t possess stay at Parc OL until 2020. He im- their price if they are to prise Hull City midfi elder Ryan Mason midfi elder Cheick Tiote yesterday a pair of boots until he was 15, but pressed in the recent French season coveted Egyptian winger Mo- returned to light training yester- called for the media to cease mak- whose lucrative move to China gave by scoring 14 goals in all competi- hamed Salah from the club, but put day fi ve months after a horrifi c ing unsubstantiated claims about him the opportunity to help his tions, a career-best tally. the brakes on German defender clash of heads in a Premier League the reasons for his death. The family fi nancially. Tolisso is Bayern coach Carlo Antonio Rudiger leaving the Serie A match with Chelsea resulted in 52-time capped star — a member of Ancelotti’s most expensive signing runners-up. A former Chelsea re- him suff ering a fractured skull. The the Ivory Coast squad that ended ‘ELEGANT’ ERIKSSON SACKED of the close-season so far after the ject who has become one of Roma’s 26-year-old — Hull’s record sign- a 23-year drought in winning the BY CHINESE CLUB arrival of defender Niklas Sule from most important players, Salah has ing last year when he joined from 2015 Africa Cup of Nations — died Former England coach Sven-Goran Hoff enheim for 20mn euros, and been the subject of an approach Tottenham Hotspur for £12mn after fainting during training with Eriksson was shown the door at the permanent transfer of Tolisso’s by Liverpool. But the Italians’ new confessed to feeling lucky to be second division side Beijing Enter- China’s second-tier Shenzhen compatriot Kingsley Coman from sporting director Monchi, whose alive after being rushed to hospital prises on June 5. FC yesterday after a run of poor Juventus for 21mn. recruitment policies with Sevilla following the clash with Chelsea’s He was 30 years of age. His results. The club hailed Eriks- helped the La Liga side become one Gary Cahill in late January. death shocked the football world, son despite parting ways with LEIPZIG SNAP UP PORTUGUESE of the most potent teams in Europe, Mason, who was sorely missed reverberating in England, where he the much-travelled Swede, who WINGER BRUMA said Roma won’t let the pacy front as Hull ended up being relegated played for seven years at Newcastle leaves with the team fourth in RB Leipzig have signed talented man go easily. to the second-tier Championship, United before joining the Beijing China League One. Eriksson joined Portuguese winger Bruma from “It’s true there is interest in had 14 plates inserted into his skull team in February. Shenzhen in December after de- Galatasaray on a fi ve-year deal, the Salah from an English club, there and spent eight days in hospital. However, with his body being parting Chinese Super League side France’s midfielder German Bundesliga runners-up is an off er, but we set the price and Mason — who lay prone on the fl own home to the Ivory Coast — Shanghai SIPG, despite leading Corentin Tolisso. (AFP) announced yesterday. Reports said we decide if we sell at that price,” ground for eight minutes after the after an emotional farewell held at a them to a third-place fi nish last the transfer fee for the 22-year-old Monchi told media during the offi - clash — returned to Hull’s training funeral home in China on Tuesday year. Shenzhen haven’t won a game as 12mn euros ($13.5mn), with 3mn cial unveiling of new coach Eusebio ground to meet players and staff for — Emanuele Palladino issued a since mid-April. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Mbappe’s rise highlights the youthful promise of France Only a first France goal was missing from the 18-year-old Monaco striker’s electrifying display as his pace and poise tormented England defenders

By Dominic Fifield in Paris has just enjoyed, though perhaps it also The Guardian served as a reminder that this is a raw talent still under development. Yet he had the strength of character here was actually a hint of a and composure just seven minutes later wince from Kylian Mbappe as to liberate Ousmane Dembélé to score the Italian referee blew the fi nal this game’s fi fth and fi nal goal. That whistle and fi nally brought a pair’s pace had tormented England all Thalt to his football season. That disap- night, as Gareth Southgate went on to pointment faded almost immediately, admit. “Today we had more legs,” of- of course, as the France players con- fered Didier Deschamps. ducted something akin to a lap of ap- The France manager had endured the preciation, yet as he left the pitch the shock of a qualifying defeat in Sweden teenager could not resist one glance up last week, but he will go into the sum- at the big screen, replaying his chance mer break convinced he boasts a thrill- in stoppage time. ing side to carry his nation’s hopes to Even a comforting arm round the next summer’s World Cup. shoulder from Antoine Griezmann, England enjoyed their own moments with some advice whispered in his ear, to encourage them, with their entire did not seem to improve his mood. set-up bolstered by the under-20s’ About the only thing missing from World Cup win on Sunday and the suc- Mbappe’s staggering breakthrough cessful defence of the Toulon tourna- season has been a goal to celebrate at ment. Indeed, Southgate had pointed this level. pre-match to the youthful nature of his By the end his opportunities to break own selection as a cause of considerable that duck were being eked out at every optimism. But if England are a young galloping counterattack, even with team, then France are younger still. France depleted in number and braced They are benefi ting now from the for a game of containment. Jack Butland talent nurtured through their junior se- had saved at the striker’s feet when he lections. There were eight players aged was clean through, and blocked again 23 or under in Deschamps’s squad here, as the Monégasque glided beyond cen- and six members of Pierre Mankowski’s tre-halves who, in contrast, appeared under-20s from 2013 who had beaten to be running in treacle. He carried all Uruguay in the age group’s World Cup France’s midfielder Kylian Mbappe (right) shoots towards England’s goalkeeper Jack Butland during the international friendly in Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) the menace of a player attracting nine- fi nal in Istanbul. fi gure bids from clubs from Primera Samuel Umtiti, suspended for that bolstered by a new wave of wide-eyed most slipped under the radar, yet where take the sprint on to Pogba’s lofted pass 24, was so far up the pitch that the con- to Premier Leagues. His best chance fi nal but now developing at Barcelona, talent pushing for regular involvement. Augustin has struggled to dislodge Ed- beyond Phil Jones, and the delicious version of the rebound was a formality. was actually handed to him by English would slam the hosts level from close- While the core of Paul Simpson’s suc- inson Cavani at Paris Saint-Germain, pass slipped in-fi eld with the out- Throw in Thomas Lemar, a 21-year- dithering on the edge of their own box. range after Harry Kane’s early opener. cessful England squad cut their teeth he has taken his opportunities at Stade side of a boot to liberate Dembele. The old at Monaco, and Benjamin Mendy, N’Golo Kante darted in to prevent Alex The France captain in that tournament, at the under-19s European Champion- Louis II. The youngest player to break 20-year-old, himself a stellar perform- 22 but injured early here, and there were Oxlade-Chamberlain collecting and Paul Pogba, is the world’s most expen- ships last summer, beating the French into the France senior team since Mar- er at Borussia Dortmund, missed that bright young things in abundance. the ball fell, obligingly, to the forward sive footballer and is already a fi gure in the group stage before losing to Italy yan Wisniewski in 1955, the Monaco opportunity but off ered reminders of “Of all the countries we’ve played at alone inside the penalty area. of huge infl uence, a leader in youthful in the last four, Les Bleus progressed striker sports the strut, maturity and his own precocious ability by capitalis- youth level, France have been the most There was neat control with his fi rst ranks whose distribution and presence further in Germany. game intelligence of one well beyond ing on Cahill’s attempt at an intercep- impressive in terms of the depth of tal- touch, a feint and turn inside to throw dominated the centre here. They claimed the trophy by thrash- his 18 years, and showcased his abilities tion just before the interval. The speed ent and the athletic profi le of the play- John Stones and Gary Cahill off the Even Raphael Varane, whose dis- ing the Azzurri 4-0 at the Rhein Neckar at England’s expense. at which Dembele glided into the pen- ers,” said Southgate. “But their league scent, and the goal gaped with Butland missal early in the second half had Arena in Sinsheim, with Jean-Kévin His close control in tight areas left alty area, coaxed Stones to dive in as he provides a better opportunity for young grounded. That he actually whipped his threatened briefl y to check the home Augustin the Golden Boot winner and markers on their heels, his pace sear- twisted his body inside, and forced Tom players to play regularly.” shot on to the crossbar felt utterly out side’s momentum, is only 24. player of the tournament. Mbappe, ing from a standing start. The goals Heaton to save took the breath away. That, very clearly, is to Deschamps’s of keeping with the senior campaign he Yet that generation is already being right, despite scoring fi ve himself, al- will come. As a microcosm of his talent, Djibril Sidibé, almost middle-aged at benefi t.

Chelsea fi rst opponents for Spurs FRIENDLY at new ‘home’ Wembley Southgate gauges gap to best London: Premier League champions Chelsea perstitious the omens are good for the Europa will be the first opponents for runners-up Tot- League campaign as the Gunners open their tenham at their temporary home of Wem- league programme at home to 2016 champions bley on the second weekend of the 2017/18 Leicester — the last time they did that in the campaign it was revealed yesterday when the 1999/2000 season they went on to reach the as England lose in France fixtures were published. Spurs — who were UEFA Cup final (the predecessor of the Europa beaten by Chelsea in their FA Cup semi-final at League), losing to Galatasaray. AFP Wembley and lost two of their four European Three weeks before that sees a mouthwater- Paris matches last season when they played ‘home’ ing couple of derbies with Liverpool hosting matches there instead of White Hart Lane — are Everton and the Manchester derby — Pep Guar- using Wembley while their new state of the art diola’s City travelling to take on Jose Mourinho’s ngland manager Gareth Southgate ground is developed in north London. United at Old Traff ord. For the trio of newly-pro- admitted Tuesday night’s 3-2 friendly Chelsea begin the defence of their title moted clubs, their opening fixtures see second defeat to France in Paris provided fur- with a home fixture at Stamford Bridge on the tier champions Newcastle host Spurs, whilst ther evidence of how far his side still haveE to go before they can be considered con- weekend of August 12/13 against Burnley, who Premier League debutants Brighton entertain had a terrible time away from home last season. Manchester City and Huddersfield are away at tenders at next year’s World Cup. The challenge for Burnley is even greater as Crystal Palace. They were unable to hold onto an early lead the champions have not lost on the opening With both Brighton and Huddersfield fa- given to them by Harry Kane and ended up day of the Premier League since going down voured to be mired in a relegation battle they conceding defeat despite the hosts playing to Coventry in 1998. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool both face daunting run-ins at the end of the most of the second half with 10 men at the have two testing fixtures on the third and fourth season. Huddersfield, out of the top flight since Stade de France. Kane scored a brace, with weekend of matches — hosting Arsenal and 1972, face Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City the second coming from the penalty spot af- then an away trip to Manchester City. Arsenal, and Arsenal in their last four matches, while ter Raphael Varane was sent off . In between, whose manager Arsene Wenger will be firmly in Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe netted for the sights of the disgruntled Gunners fans who are the opponents in three of Brighton’s final France and Ousmane Dembele got their late didn’t wanted him to sign a new contract, face a four games. winner. It was the third successive friendly tricky trip to Chelsea the weekend after. Bookies reacted to the fixtures publication match that England have failed to win under Arsenal will host Antonio Conte’s champions with William Hill making Chelsea 3/1 second Southgate after a 2-2 draw with Spain in No- on January 1 in the usual packed festive period favourites to retain their title, with Manchester vember and a 1-0 loss in Germany in March, programme which will see the teams play four City 2/1 favourites. Huddersfield are 4/5 favour- but the manager insisted the gap to those matches apiece between December 23 and New ites for the drop with Brighton and Burnley fa- sides is no bigger than what he imagined. Year’s Day. For those Arsenal fans who are su- voured to join them at 6/5 and 5/4 respectively. “If I’m honest it is absolutely what I thought. We have been competitive in all three games but we needed to play at our ab- England’s Harry Kane (left) and John Stones look dejected after losing to France. (Reuters) solute limits to stay in all of those matches FOCUS and that has shown in the end,” Southgate best otherwise it can mask where you are as red card and the penalty which looked more said. “Those three games have provided dif- a team.” The match will be remembered for than harsh to me, even if it didn’t matter in ferent tests — with Spain it was their ability the intervention of the video assistant referee the end,” said Deschamps, who was able to to keep the ball better than us and today it was (VAR) early in the second half after the Italian leave out star striker Antoine Griezmann. China's Xi meets FIFA boss slightly diff erent, but physically the demands referee gave the penalty for Varane’s foul on The match was preceded by tributes to their players posed meant we started to tire Dele Alli. The video assistant — being used in the victims of recent terror attacks in the AFP cooperation has a good future,” said China’s foot- and that led to a mistake at the third goal.” an ongoing trial by FIFA — ruled that Varane’s UK, with French fans singing “God Save the Beijing ball-mad president. Three major Chinese com- England are on course to qualify for the fi - foul was worthy of a straight red card despite Queen” and observing a minute’s silence. panies have signed sponsorship deals with FIFA in nals in Russia, which begin in a year’s time, a recent change in the law governing clear “Our federation did what had to be done to the space of a year, fuelling speculation that Chi- despite needing a last-gasp Kane goal to get goal-scoring opportunities. bring everyone together. There is a rivalry on hinese President Xi Jinping met with na is preparing a World Cup bid. Infantino met on a 2-2 draw in Scotland last weekend. But just Southgate said: “From my initial viewing I the fi eld, but the players all know each other FIFA chief Gianni Infantino yesterday as Tuesday with Wang Jianlin, chairman of one of setting foot in France, where they suff ered a thought it was the right call — it looked from too so it goes beyond that,” said Deschamps. the football world watches for signs that the sponsors, Chinese conglomerate Wanda. humiliating exit from Euro 2016 to Iceland, where we were a clear penalty and therefore the Asian giant will make a bid to host a Chinese Football Association vice president reminded them of their poor record at major a sending-off . “Clearly even with video you INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES RESULTS WorldC Cup. Xi greeted Infantino in the capital’s Zhang Jian, a member of the FIFA Council which tournaments. won’t get every decision right. There is still At Paris: France 3 (Umtiti 22, Sidibé 43, Dembele palatial Great Hall of the People but the two men devises its global strategy, said last year he would “Those teams are the very best. We haven’t an element of one person’s judgement within 78) England 2 (Kane 9, 48-pen) did not mention China’s World Cup ambitions as back a Chinese World Cup in 2030. Xi wants his in the last few years got anywhere near any that.” At Getafe, Spain: Colombia 4 (Rodriguez 16, Mina they exchanged pleasantries before their closed- country to host the global football extravaganza of those teams when it has come to tourna- France twice fell foul of the VAR in a 2-0 31, 51, Izquierdo 85) Cameroon 0 door meeting. and also hopes China’s national team can one day ments,” said Southgate, who played with friendly loss to Spain in March and they were At Oslo: Norway 1 (Elyounoussi 44) Sweden 1 The talks follow widespread speculation that win the sport’s most prestigious trophy. But Chi- a three-man central defence, while giving fuming at the decision to dismiss Real Madrid (Armentero 81) China will bid to host the event either in 2030 or na, who languish at 82nd in FIFA’s world rankings chances to the likes of Tom Heaton and Ki- defender Varane, even if coach Didier Des- At Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Romania 3 (Stancu 31, 2034. “We are aware of the fact that FIFA is pay- just below Benin and the Faroe Islands, look cer- eran Trippier. champs was delighted with the way his side Stanciu 60, Baluta 83) Chile 2 (Vargas 8, Valencia 18) ing more attention to the development of football tain to miss out on qualifi cation for Russia 2018. “We need to see the reality of where we are, battled with 10 men. At Moruleng, South Africa: South Africa 1 in China these days, and I do believe China-FIFA China are bottom of their Asian qualifying Group. and you have got to test yourself against the “Things became complicated a bit with the (Manyama 23) Zambia 2 (Mwila 72, Mundia 79) Thursday, June 15, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SHOCKER Fossati steps down as Qatar coach aft er win QFA president Sheikh Hamad Asked by stunned journalists if the His announcement seemed to sur- national team. bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani game in Doha was his last as national prise even his own federation. He took over after a dismal start to has said that a fi nal decision coach, he replied: “Most probably.” It was announced on Twitter that the fi nal AFC qualifying round for Rus- would be made only aft er Following the press conference and Qatar Football Association president sia 2018. speaking to the Uruguayan cornered outside the Jassim bin Hamad Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Having lost their two fi rst games in Stadium, where his team had just won al-Thani was “surprised” by Fossati’s Group A, Fossati took over and Qa- AFP to retain the slimmest of hopes of qual- remarks and would only make a fi nal tar now have seven points from eight Doha ifying for Russia, Fossati told reporters decision after speaking to the Uru- games. it was time for a change. guayan. His record has been mixed. “If the federation agrees, I don’t To muddy the waters a little further, They have won two, drawn once atar national coach Jorge want to stand in anybody’s way. Fossati said he would be willing to help and lost three times in the qualifying Fossati stunned his own “I don’t like to leave the national the national team in any capacity if campaign under Fossati but despite federation by apparently re- team but sometimes you must do what asked. “I love Qatar, I want the best for that still implausibly have an outside signing moments after his you think is right, not what is best for Qatar.” chance of qualifying for Russia. teamQ beat South Korea to keep the Gulf you,” he said. If he does leave, Felix Sanchez, the They need to win their last two nation’s slim World Cup hopes alive. “You cannot put yourself ahead of under-23 coach is thought to be among games and hope Uzbekistan lose theirs As a press conference ended early everybody.” the favourites to take over. to reach the play-off s for next sum- Wednesday morning after the 3-2 He added that Qatari football offi - Fossati has only been coach of the mer’s competition. win, Fossati thanked the Qatari people cials needed to put a long-term plan in national team since September last Qatar, who will host the 2022 tour- and journalists in what sounded like a place for its development as a football year. nament, have never qualifi ed for the goodbye speech. Qatar coach Jorge Fossati during the match against South Korea. nation. It is his second stint in charge of the World Cup fi nals.

SPOTLIGHT REACTION ‘Big crisis’ leaves South Korea coach Qatar keep World Steilike facing axe

AFP Seoul

outh Korea coach Uli Cup hopes alive Steilike was facing the axe after a turbulent World Cup qualifying Hassan al-Haydos scored a brace to help secure a 3-2 win over South Korea after defeatS to Qatar plunged the team into a “big crisis” yesterday. Qatar squandered a two-goal lead and looked to be heading out of the competition The Taeguk Warriors weren’t the only team to drop points in Tuesday’s qualifi ers, with Japan also conceding a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Iraq. But after the 3-2 defeat in Doha — South Korea’s fi rst to Qatar in 32 years — the Korean Football Association turned on Steilike, whose team has also lost to Iran and China in Group A. “This is a big crisis. We’ve lost a game which we should have won. The possibility of us sur- viving in the qualifying rounds is now in limbo,” KFA spokesman South Korea coach Uli Steilike. Cho Jun-Heon told AFP. “KFA may discuss the coach’s “matches before the gallows”. position when it holds a meeting “Stielike deceived fans. It’s of its technical committee,” he high time for him to leave,” a added. Sports Seoul headline read. The technical committee is Japan’s campaign also took due to meet as early tomor- a hit when they failed to beat row, with the agenda likely to be already-eliminated Iraq, leav- dominated by discussions over ing them just one point clear of Stielike, KFA offi cials said. Saudi Arabia and Australia at the South Korea, seeking their top of Group B. ninth consecutive World Cup The Blue Samurai play Aus- appearance, are clinging to the tralia and the Saudis in their fi - second automatic qualifying nal two games in what is shaping spot, seven points behind al- up as a high-pressure climax to ready-qualifi ed Iran and just one qualifying. ahead of Uzbekistan. The top two teams from each “I take full responsibility for of Asia’s two groups advance this result,” said Stielike after the directly to the 2018 World Cup, game. “I am the one who makes while the two third-place teams the tactical decisions.” go into a play-off series. Asked if he would consider his Marcello Lippi’s China also position, the German said it was had a night to forget when an not up to him. “I have to say this injury-time equaliser consigned is not my decision, we have to them to a 2-2 draw with Syria, wait and see,” he said. putting them on the verge of Korean newspapers called for elimination. Steilike to go. The United Arab Emirates are The Sports Chosun said the also in deep trouble in Group B game was a “disaster” and that despite Ali Mabkhout’s stop- the last two qualifi ers against page-time strike which rescued a Iran and Uzbekistan were 1-1 draw with Thailand.

Qatar midfielder Hassan al-Haydous (right) in action during the 2018 World Cup qualifier against South Korea held at the Al Sadd stadium. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil DEJECTION

AFP a chance of qualifying. hold up a T-shirt of HH the Emir Sheikh Doha The team that fi nishes third will head Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the crowd. into play-off s for a place in Russia. Afi f scored Qatar’s second in the 51st Tears and anger as Qatar coach Jorge Fossati said after the minute, which seemed to assure victory, orld Cup 2022 hosts Qatar match that his team needed “miracles” to but the home side’s fragile defence could improbably kept alive their play next year at next year’s World Cup. not stand fi rm. China’s World Cup slim hopes of qualifying for “We are very upset because we are Goals from South Korea’s Ki Sung- next year’s tournament in convinced Qatar has the quality, unfor- Yueng and Hwang Hee-Chan in the 62nd WRussia with a thrilling victory over South tunately we don’t have enough points,” and 69th minute seemed to have secured dream fades Korea on Tuesday. he said. Korea a valuable point in their attempt to A Hassan al-Haydos goal, his second of Despite the defeat, qualifi cation for get to Russia. AFP “Unfortunately the referee the match, secured a 3-2 win after Qatar Russia is still in South Korea’s own hands. But fi ne work from Brazilian-born Shanghai changed the game. I don’t un- had squandered a two-goal lead and looked They remain a point ahead of Uz- Rodrigo Tabata set up al-Haydos for a derstand why he made that call. to be heading out of the competition. bekistan in the race for the automatic 74th-minute winner, prompting deliri- It was a fatal decision for us,” It means Qatar, the 2022 World Cup second qualifying spot in the group. ous scenes on the touchlines and in the arcello Lippi’s China Lippi said. hosts who have endured a dreadful fi nal Tuesday’s result could also set up a stands. vowed to fi ght on af- Lippi appeared to be referring round in the AFC qualifying competi- thrilling fi nale in the group as Uli Stie- Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min went off ter their 2018 World to the decision by referee Am- tion, still have a remote chance of playing like’s team play Uzbekistan in the last injured in the 33rd minute after suff ering Cup hopes were all mar Aljneibi of the UAE to award in Russia. match. is the fi rst ever Qatari to play in La Liga, a suspected broken right arm. Mbut destroyed when Syria’s late Syria the pivotal free-kick in They now stand fi ve points behind Qatar largely owed their victory to the which lead to Qatar’s opener. Stielike said after the game that Son equaliser left them bottom of stoppage time. third-place Uzbekistan and will need to industry and fi nishing of al-Haydos and Al-Haydos took the resulting free- may have suff ered a fracture. “We have to their qualifying group and with Not all decisions went against win both their fi nal games in Group A — young forward Akram Afi f. kick from 20 yards, scoring with a fi ne have a scan, it may be broken,” said Stie- their captain in tears. China, who were handed a lifeline and hope Uzbekistan lose both — to stand It was a 25th-minute foul on Afi f, who fi nish before running to the touchline to like. “It’s not good.” The Italian coach angrily with what looked like a soft pen- blamed the referee after Ahmad alty to make it 1-1 on 68 minutes. al-Salih’s injury-time free-kick Wu Xi’s volley six minutes secured a 2-2 draw, dealing a later put China in sight of victory Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic faces review after 1-1 draw against Iraq hammer blow to China’s already but they were stunned when Al Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic was according to Kyodo News agency. Despite the setback, Japan will advance Halilhodzic said he was “disappointed” remote chances. Salih swept home his free kick in facing a performance review on “We need to feel fortunate that we took to next year’s World Cup in Russia if by his side’s showing, adding that Captain Feng Xiaoting wept af- the third added minute. Wednesday after a 1-1 draw with Iraq set a point from here.” they beat Australia at home on August injuries hampered the team and that his ter the fi nal whistle as Lippi, who A distraught skipper Feng back his team’s World Cup qualifying The Blue Samurai took an early lead but 31. team were “exhausted”. led Italy to the 2006 World Cup said: “We did so well in the sec- campaign. they lacked intensity in the second half, When asked if Bosnia’s Halilhodzic “I am absolutely not satisfied,” he told title, struggled to contain his fury. ond half and we almost got the Japan’s football chief was left fuming when the Iraqis equalised in the 73rd would keep his job, JFA technical direc- reporters after the Tuesday match in “It was a very disappointing win. by the result in neutral Tehran, saying minute. tor Akira Nishino said “of course”, ac- Tehran. result for us, we deserved three “But this is football. It is so hot conditions were no excuse for the Japan missed the chance to take a cording to the Nikkan Sports daily. “I told the team at half-time that we can points,” Lippi said, according to hard for me to accept the result, disappointing result. three-point cushion at the top of Group But he added: “A review is needed. kill off the game if we score a second the state-run China Daily. but we will fi ght to the end.” “(The heat) is not an excuse. We could B, ahead of their final games against There was enough time. How was our but then we let one in. We were exhaust- “Our performance in the fi rst China now need big wins over have potentially lost the match,” Japan Saudi Arabia and Australia who are both preparation until today? We must have ed, and could not carry out the plan we half was not that good, but we did Uzbekistan in August and away FA chief Kozo Tashima told reporters, just one point back. a full grasp on that.” had in place.” a very good job in the second half to Qatar in September, and hope and turned the game around.” that other results go their way.