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TENNIS History man Nadal sweeps to 12th Roland Garros title Spaniard beat Thiem in the final to win his 18th major title, just two behind Federer’s all-time record of 20 Grand Slams
AFP him for the future. Paris “It’s a dream to win again, an incredible moment. When I fi rst played here in 2005 I never afael Nadal swept to thought I would be still playing an historic 12th Roland here in 2019. Garros title and 18th “It’s very special for me.” Grand Slam crown yes- Yesterday’s triumph confi rmed terdayR with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 the ‘Big Three’ stranglehold on victory over Austria’s Dominic the Grand Slams having shared Thiem. the last 10 between them. The 33-year-old Spaniard be- It also gave Nadal an 82nd ca- comes the fi rst player, man or reer title and 950th match win. woman, to win the same Slam “It’s very tough. I gave every- 12 times after seeing off a brave thing these last two weeks,” said challenge from a weary Thiem in Thiem, who had seven fewer a repeat of the 2018 fi nal. winners and seven more un- Nadal is now just two behind forced errors in the fi nal. Roger Federer’s all-time record of “Rafa, well done. You are an 20 majors and three ahead of No- amazing champion and a legend vak Djokovic who was knocked in our sport. out by Thiem in the semi-fi nals. “I am happy that you are play- The world number two also took ing. To win 12 times, it’s unreal.” Austria’s Dominic Thiem pose his Paris record to an astonishing “I will try again, for sure.” with the runner-up trophy after 93 wins and just two losses having In a 53-minute his final against Spain’s Rafael previously won the title in 2005- fi rst set of bru- Nadal yesterday. (Reuters) 2008, 2010-2014, 2017 and 2018. tal hitting “I want to say congratulations a n d raw physicality, it was to Dominic. I feel sorry as he Thiem who broke deserves to win it as well,” said fi rst for a 3-2 lead. Nadal. But the 25-year- “But he has every chance in old’s joy was short- the future. He has unbelievable lived as Nadal re- talent for the sport and I want to trieved the break in encourage the sixth game be- fore racing away with the next three games to pocket the Spain’s Rafael Nadal (centre and left) poses with the ball girls and boys after winning the French Open title yesterday. (Reuters) opener. Thiem, single point off Nadal’s fi rst fi ve aged to take off Nadal at Roland Thiem, bidding to become just the fi rst and third games of the who had service games of the second set. Garros after three previous de- Austria’s second Grand Slam fourth set and Nadal pounced to beaten his op- However, the dogged Austrian feats. champion after Thomas Muster stretch to 3-0. ponent four pushed and pushed, forced Nadal Nadal was riled by the insult. won in Paris in 1995, had played That was soon 5-1 and the re- times on clay into three rushed groundstrokes He swept the fi rst 10 points of four successive days to reach lentless barrage continued with in his ca- and, from nowhere, broke to take the third set, carving out a double Sunday’s fi nal and the toll was Nadal taking the title on a second reer, failed the second set. break for 3-0 before sweeping to slowly telling. match point when Thiem fi red a to claim a It was the fi rst set he had man- a third break for the set. He wasted break points in return long.
2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Clinical India win Oval showdown with Australia
Reuters three sixes in his 27-ball blitz, London provided the late fl ourish to help Scorecard India past the 350-mark. Australia seemed to have luck INDIA U. Khawaja b Bumrah 42 ndia’s top order fi red in uni- on their side when Aaron Finch’s R. Sharma c Carey b Coulter-Nile G. Maxwell c sub (Jadeja) b son and their bowlers pro- men embarked on what could 57 Chahal 28 duced a tidy display to beat have been the highest successful holders Australia by 36 runs chase in a World Cup match. S. Dhawan c sub (Lyon) b Starc 117 M. Stoinis b Kumar 0 Iin a blockbuster World Cup con- David Warner dragged a Jasprit V. Kohli c Cummins b Stoinis 82 A. Carey not out 55 test yesterday. Bumrah (3-61) delivery onto the H. Pandya c Finch b Cummins 48 N. Coulter-Nile c Kohli b Bumrah Shikhar Dhawan smashed 117, leg stump but the zing bail, for the 4 his 17th ODI century, and forged fi fth time in the tournament, did MS Dhoni c and b Stoinis 27 two signifi cant partnerships with not fall off the groove despite the KL Rahul not out 11 P. Cummins c Dhoni b Bumrah 8 fellow opener Rohit Sharma and contact. K. Jadhav not out 0M. Starc run out (sub Shankar/ skipper Virat Kohli to power India Finch departed for 36 chasing Kumar) 3 Extras (lb3, w7) 10 to a commanding 352-5. a non-existent second run but A. Zampa c sub (Jadeja) b Kumar In contrast, several frontline Warner (56) then collaborated Total (five wickets, 50 overs) 352 1 Australia batsmen got decent with Steve Smith in a 72-run Fall of wickets: 1-127 (Sharma), Extras (b3, lb3, w7, nb1) 14 starts but none could bat deep stand, although he looked sub- 2-220 (Dhawan), 3-301 (Pan- enough as the fi ve-time world dued as he brought up his second dya), 4-338 (Dhoni), 5-348 Total (all out, 50 overs) 316 champions, all out for 316 in ex- fi fty in three matches. (Kohli) Fall of wickets: 1-61 (Finch), actly 50 overs, tasted their fi rst Usman Khawaja made 42 but Bowling: Cummins 10-0-55-1 2-133 (Warner), 3-202 (Kha- defeat in the tournament. India’s Shikhar Dhawan (right) celebrates after scoring a century alongside captain Virat Kohli during the 2019 Australia suff ered a body blow (3w); Starc 10-0-74-1; Coulter- waja), 4-238 (Smith), 5-238 Earlier, Kohli opted to bat on ICC Cricket World Cup match against Australia at The Oval in London yesterday. (AFP) when Smith was out leg-before for Nile 10-1-63-1 (1w); Maxwell 7-0- (Stoinis), 6-244 (Maxwell), a used wicket at the Oval but the 69 after India decided to review the 45-0; Zampa 6-0-50-0; Stoinis 7-283 (Coulter-Nile), 8-300 fl ying start he may desired did not India managed only 41 runs in the burgeoning 127-run stand by The left-hander brought up his original not-out decision. 7-0-62-2 (3w) (Cummins), 9-313 (Starc), 10- materialise. the fi rst 10 overs but Rohit and dismissing the opener for 57. third ODI century at the Oval in Australia’s narrow victory 316 (Zampa) Australian quicks Mitchell Dhawan were content to weather fi ve innings, underlining his fond- against West Indies was secured AUSTRALIA Bowling: Kumar 10-0-50-3 Starc and Pat Cummins ensured the hostile period before chancing BIG TOTAL ness for English conditions hav- with Coulter-Nile’s belligerent 92 (1w); Bumrah 10-1-61-3 (1w); the fi rst fi ve overs yielded just one their arms against other bowlers. An unperturbed Dhawan went on ing fi nished as top scorer at the at number eight but he could not D. Warner c Kumar b Chahal 56 Pandya 10-0-68-0 (1nb, 2w); boundary and a half chance. Dhawan welcomed Coulter- to raise 93 runs with Kohli (82) to Champions Trophy here in 2013 repeat that performance. A. Finch run out (Jadhav/Pandya) Yadav 9-0-55-0; Chahal 10-0- Rohit, then on four, got lucky as Nile with three boundaries in his lay the foundation for a big total in and 2017. Alex Carey, who had dropped 36 62-2 (1w); Jadhav 1-0-14-0 (2w); his chip burst through an airborne fi rst over and Rohit hooked the front of a crowd of predominantly Starc eventually dismissed Pandya on nought, made 55 not Nathan Coulter-Nile’s fi ngers at quick for a six in his fourth. Indian fans who turned the stands Dhawan but Kohli and a promoted out but could not change the out- S. Smith lbw b Kumar 69 RESULT: India won by 36 runs short mid-wicket. Coulter-Nile returned to end into a sea of blue. Hardik Pandya (48), who smacked come of the match. Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 10, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP
FOCUS Estwick urges WI quicks to ‘fi nd their own identity’ ‘Everybody was saying teams were going to make 360 or 380. We bowled both teams out for under 300 so we are happy’
AFP Southampton, United Kingdom Rabada urges South Africa to ignore est Indies assistant coach Roddy Est- off -fi eld problems wick wants the cur- rent generation of AFP Meanwhile, a row has broken in terms of our team.” WCaribbean fast bowlers to carve Southampton, United Kingdom out over whether South Africa’s While yet to hit top gear himself out their own place in cricket selectors were right to reject at the World Cup, Rabada has history rather than just be com- star AB de Villiers’ off er to come been encouraged by the per- pared to past greats. agiso Rabada believes out of international retirement formances so far of fellow fast West Indies’ pace attack of South Africa must put for the World Cup, with some bowlers such as England’s Jofra Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cot- their off -fi eld prob- arguing the star batsman had Archer, Australia’s Mitchell Starc trell, Andre Russell and Carlos lems to one side as simply left it too late to make and the West Indies’ Oshane Brathwaite have already made theyK look to revive their World himself available. Thomas. their presence felt at the World Cup campaign against the West “There’s just been a lot happen- “They are all phenomenal bowl- Cup, sparking memories of years Indies at Southampton today. ing off the field and we are just ers. I enjoy watching other bowl- gone by. A tough opening week in the looking to clear that out of our ers bowl. It’s nice to see other When West Indies won the round-robin group phase has heads,” said Rabada, the leader people do well, but not against fi rst two World Cups, in 1975 and left the Proteas with little mar- of the Proteas’ attack in Steyn’s us,” said Rabada jokingly. 1979, they did so with some of gin for error after three straight absence. “We all have our aspirations. We the best fast bowlers cricket has defeats by England, Bangladesh “But it has been enjoyable,” want to achieve certain goals. I known in Andy Roberts, Michael and India left their semi-final added Rabada, whose fellow don’t think it puts any pressure Holding and Joel Garner. hopes hanging by a thread. quick Lungi Ngidi is an injury on me (to perform). Meanwhile, their World Cup South Africa also saw senior fast doubt for today’s match. “I know exactly what I want to match against South Africa to- bowler Dale Steyn ruled out of “It’s exciting. This is what you get out of the game. When you day takes place at Hampshire’s the World Cup through injury want. It has been enjoyable but admire other sportsmen, it can ground in Southampton, where without bowling a ball. it has come with its challenges inspire you.” one of the entrance roads is named ‘Marshall Drive’ in hon- our of two West Indies cricket- ers who played for the county — batsman Roy Marshall and the unrelated fast bowler Malcolm Marshall. “We can’t keep looking back,” Estwick told reporters at South- ampton yesterday. “We’ve got to respect the past but this group of bowlers know they’ve got to fi nd their own identity,” he added. They are doing a good job of that this World Cup, with the West Indies’ quicks routing Pa- kistan for 105 on the way to an opening win before reducing Australia to 38 for four, only for the world champions to recover to 288 and a narrow win. West Indies’ Oshane Thomas (left) celebrates with teammate Andre Russell after taking a wicket during the “Everybody was saying teams 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against Australia in Nottingham, England, on Thursday. (AFP) were going to make 360 or 380 at this tournament,” said Est- for us. That’s aggressive cricket people,” he insisted. “One thing smile on their faces, seeing West wick. with a smile on our face.” we have been stressing is to go Indians playing good cricket. “We bowled both teams out for Estwick also said Jason Hold- out and put a smile on people’s “And also we want to help under 300 so we are very happy er’s team were conscious of how face in the Caribbean. the people of London as well, with the way the bowlers have much the West Indies meant to “Obviously, economically we who have had so much pressure executed,” he added. their supporters back home and are struggling a little bit so we cricket-wise in the last 10 or 15 South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada fields the ball during a training session at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, “We are playing our way, we in Britain as well. want people to wake up in the years. We want to put a smile on England, yesterday. (AFP) are playing the way that works “This is big for the Caribbean morning at 5am or 6am with a all black peoples’ faces.”
ODD-BAIL SPOTLIGHT India’s Dhoni removes dagger Aussie Warner’s ‘zing’ reprieve logo from keeping gloves
AFP reopens dogged bail issue London
Reuters London ndia’s MS Dhoni took the fi eld without a controversial dagger logo on his wicket- ustralia opener David keeping gloves in yester- Warner became the Iday’s World Cup game against fi fth batsman at the Australia after being ordered to World Cup to get an remove the symbol by cricket’s unexpectedA reprieve after he governing body. dragged a ball on to his stump Dhoni’s gloves in the opening but the impact failed to dislodge game against South Africa bore the zing bails in yesterday’s an apparent military insignia match against India. that breached rules laid down by The southpaw was on one the International Cricket Coun- when he inside-edged a Jasprit cil. Bumrah delivery on to his leg But a diff erent pair of gloves stump but much to his delight appeared to conform with ICC the bails did not come off . regulations when India fi elded South Africa’s Quinton de after making 352 for fi ve batting Kock, Sri Lankan Dimuth Kar- fi rst against world champions unaratne, West Indian Chris Australia at the Oval. Gayle and Mohamed Saifuddin The ICC turned down a re- of Bangladesh have already en- quest by the Board of Control for joyed similar luck at this World Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow Cup but several former players Dhoni to sport the symbol that felt it was harsh on the bowlers. gained widespread attention on “This can’t keep happening television and on social media with the bails!!! Hard enough in India, with #DhoniKeepThe- being a bowler nowadays... Glove trending on Twitter. needs changing,” tweeted According to the World Cup former England captain Nasser clothing and equipment regula- Hussain. tions manual, only two manu- Former Pakistan speed- facturer identifi cations can be ster Shoaib Akhtar also took to sported on the back of each glove. Twitter to express his dismay. Also, any logos should not “What’s going on?? In my have any political or racial con- entire life, I have not seen fi ve notations. instances like this, let alone in Dhoni is an honorary lieuten- the space of 10 days or a tourna- ant colonel in India’s Parachute ment,” he wrote. Regiment. On the eve of the match India’s Virat Kohli (right) and Australia’s David Warner share a laugh after a Jasprit Bumrah (not pictured) In March, the India team wore against India, Australia captain delivery hit the stumps but didn’t take the bails off , giving the batsman a reprieve. (Reuters) camoufl age-style caps provided Aaron Finch said the zing bails, by Dhoni during a one-day game India’s MS Dhoni wearing his new gloves without an emblem on them which light up when the ball hits heavier, so it does take a bit “I’ve seen it a handful of times “I think it’s just one of those against Australia as a tribute to during the match against Australia yesterday. (Reuters) the wicket, appeared to need a of force,” he said on Saturday, now in IPL and Big Bash where the things that you are aware of that India’s armed forces after 40 bigger impact to be dislodged pointing to similar cases during ball rolls back on to the stumps, when you’re on the right side of troops were killed in a suicide against players making political land all-rounder Moeen Ali from from their grooves. the Indian Premier League (IPL) where the bails traditionally one it, you are aware of it a bit easier bomb attack in Kashmir. statements and in 2104 the glo- wearing wristbands saying “Save “The bails seem to be a lot Twenty20 competition. of them will pop off . than when you’re not.” The ICC has previously ruled bal governing body banned Eng- Gaza” and “Free Palestine”. Gulf Times Monday, June 10, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP
FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Ton-up Shakib Adil Rashid relishes England’s speed boost
AFP glad promotion Cardiff , United Kingdom dil Rashid believes the presence of several fast bowlers in Eng- land’s side can aid his ownA quest for wickets during the paying dividends World Cup. England played an extra pace- man as the tournament hosts got ‘(I needed to convince) everyone. If I don’t score runs in a single their World Cup campaign back on track with a 106-run thrashing of match, they would think he should be batting at number five’ Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday. Leg-spinner Rashid has played much of his international career alongside off -spinner Moeen Ali, who did not play against the Ti- gers with his wife expecting the couple’s second child. And while England may re- vert to two spinners before the end of the World Cup, Rashid acknowledged the potential re- wards of playing in an attack fea- turing Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Liam Plunkett, who are all capable of bowling in excess of 90mph (144kmph) “It is nice having that pace in the side to try to rough up teams, then me coming on and bats- men trying to come after me,” said Rashid, who took one for 64 against Bangladesh. “I can try to take wickets that way,” added Rashid, who believes he is over the worst of a shoulder injury. “Batsmen can think they have to target the spinner so it could work in my favour and you might get a fi ve-for one day.” ing a long way back,” said Test tre in the game,” Bairstow add- Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow, a gloveman Bairstow, pressed into ed. “You’ve got three guys who Yorkshire team-mate of Rashid, emergency service as a wicket- touched 90 mph in our bowling also acknowledged the benefi ts keeper against Bangladesh after attack and then Chris Woakes sheer pace brings to England’s Jos Buttler suff ered a hip injury touched 87. bowling attack. while batting at Sophia Gardens. “It’s a good place to be when all “It was good to be stand- “It’s great to have that thea- the lads are fi ring.”
Rashid recovering well, says Afghan captain Naib
IANS Taunton
fghanistan captain Gul- Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan (right) in action during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against England in Cardiff on Saturday. (Reuters) badin Naib said his star Aleg-spinner Rashid Khan AFP Jason Roy made 153 in a total of with the bat.” robin group stage. should be ready to play in the Cardiff , United Kingdom 386 for six. Bangladesh knocked England Shakib said Bangladesh’s team’s next match at the 2019 “Yeah, (I needed to convince) out of the 2015 World Cup but bowling had let them down at World Cup. Rashid was not able everyone,” said Shakib to laugh- it was a diff erent story in the Sophia Gardens, the scene of to bowl in the match against angladesh star Shakib ter from reporters when asked Welsh capital. one of their greatest triumphs New Zealand after being hit on Al Hasan was glad to whom he had needed to per- Several Bangladesh batsmen when they beat Australia in a the head by a short delivery justify his rise in the suade in order to bat at fi rst- struggled against England fast stunning 2005 ODI upset. from pacer Lockie Ferguson batting order as he wicket down. bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark “We are disappointed with while batting. maintainedB a fi ne start to the “Because if I don’t score runs in Wood, who both topped 90mph the result, and the manner we “He’s feeling better now. The World Cup with a hundred a single match, they would think (145kmph). actually bowled,” he admitted. doctor him not to go to the field New Zealand’s Kane Williamson (left) helps Afghanistan’s Rashid against England. he should be batting at number Shakib, who coped bet- “I thought we bowled really, but now he’s feeling well. So he Khan (centre) after he is bowled by New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson It was the third time the all- fi ve he’s better down there,” add- ter than most, said: “They are really well against South Africa needed rest. Obviously we have (not pictured) in the match on Saturday. (Reuters) rounder, who also opened the ed the 32-year-old, a veteran of quick. It was a diffi cult chal- and against New Zealand. a couple of days. He’s fine now,” bowling with his left-arm spin 201 one-day internationals. lenge, but I enjoyed it. “But obviously England Naib told reporters. part in the match. The incident “I asked the physio if he needed in Cardiff on Saturday, had “It is diff erent. You need to “Obviously they are the two played brilliantly. Credit goes The ball bounced off Rashid’s raised concern over Rashid’s rest...,” said Naib. “We have a passed fi fty in as many innings face some diff erent challenges. quickest bowlers in this World to their batsmen. The way their helmet and hit the stumps. ability to participate in Afghani- rest of one week before the this tournament after being I’m enjoying at this moment, but Cup, so I knew that it’s going to openers started, and the way Jos Medical attention was neces- stan’s remaining matches. Naib other game. So now he’s feeling promoted from number fi ve to having said that, it’s just the start, be tough, but I felt very happy Buttler fi nished the innings was sitated as Rashid looked disori- said that the 20-year-old will be well. He may go to the hospital number three. I need to contribute as much as I with the way I played them.” the turning point of the match. ented as he left the field. undergoing a few more tests for some tests. Unfortunately for the Ti- can with both bat and ball. Defeat left Bangladesh, who “That’s been their pattern for It was later revealed that he had before their next match against “He’s well. Afghani people gers, not even Shakib’s fi ne 121 “I thought (the promotion up next play Sri Lanka at Bristol the last two, three years, build- failed a concussion test and South Africa which will be played are strong. So it’s just a small could prevent a 106-run defeat the order) it was a better oppor- tomorrow, with one win from ing up to this World Cup, so they won’t be able to take any further on June 15. thing.” by England, for whom opener tunity for me to contribute more three matches in the round- are not going to change.”
Sri Lankan fast bowler COMMENT Pradeep to miss Bangladesh game New Zealand in contention, should consider Reuters London
ri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep changes for India game, says Hesson will miss their next Cricket World Cup Sgame against Bangladesh in Bristol due Reuters would provide something diff erent to a dislocation and a cut on his bowling- London on a Trent Bridge pitch that could suit arm finger, the Sri Lankan cricket team said having two spinners in the lineup. yesterday. “I’d expect it to be the best sur- Pradeep was the architect of Sri Lanka’s win ew Zealand should con- face they’ve played on so far, and a against Afghanistan in Cardiff last week, claim- sider bringing Henry Ni- high scoring game,” he wrote. ing four wickets for 31 runs. cholls back to strengthen “If they remove all the grass from “Pradeep will not take part in Sri Lanka’s game the batting lineup and the pitch, the other option is bring Nplay Tim Southee and legspinner in Sodhi for Henry with Neesham against Bangladesh tomorrow, as he will need a week’s time to recover from the injury,” team Ish Sodhi against India in their next as your third seamer; two frontline manager Asantha De Mel said in a statement. Cricket World Cup match, former spinners and Colin Munro up your Sri Lanka have won one game, lost one and their coach Mike Hesson believes. sleeve.” last game against Pakistan was abandoned with- The Black Caps secured their Hesson, whose original contract out a ball being bowled due to rain. Bangladesh third successive win in the tour- was through the end of the tour- have lost two games and won one so far. nament in England with a seven- nament before he quit unexpect- wicket victory over Afghanistan in edly last year, added that he thought Taunton on Saturday to sit top of the the team had achieved what they standings on six points. needed to so far with three wins and Kane Williamson’s side have been should now be contenders for the unchanged in their three matches semi-fi nals. but Hesson, who guided the side to “This New Zealand team gets a their only World Cup fi nal in Aus- strong pass mark for their fi rst eight tralia in 2015, said they should con- days at the Cricket World Cup, and sider bringing back Nicholls and “It might mean Colin de Grand- “Conditions will be so diff erent, “If you have Nicholls and Tom fans should be increasingly con- opening bowler Southee and intro- homme and Matt Henry sit this one and India’s two-pronged wrist spin Latham in the middle order they fi dent about the chances of pro- ducing Sodhi. out. Again, horses for courses.” attack of Yuzvendra Chahal and can hopefully score freely off these gressing to the knockout stages,” he “I don’t subscribe to the theory While New Zealand’s bowlers Kuldeep Yadav will challenge our spinners as they can sweep and re- wrote. of never changing a winning team, have set the platform for their three middle order,” Hesson added. verse sweep. “Can New Zealand beat India? particularly when Nicholls and victories by restricting Sri Lanka, “That’s where Nicholls is a seri- “You need to be able to have bats- They showed in the warm-up game Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Pradeep (centre) is taken Southee were the incumbents be- Bangladesh and Afghanistan to be- ous option at six. Jimmy Neesham men through the middle who have they can. If you get the ball to swing off the field for medical treatment during a fore they got injured,” Hesson wrote low-par scores, Hesson said India and de Grandhomme are both good enough high percentage scoring op- we’re very much in the game. training session in Bristol yesterday. (AFP) in a column on Stuff Media yester- would put pressure on the batters in ball strikers but not our best players portunities.” “If it doesn’t swing and it’s fl at, day. Nottingham on Thursday. of wrist spin. Hesson also thought that Sodhi we are going to be challenged.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 10, 2019 TENNIS
PEERLESS SPOTLIGHT Main French Open courts to be lit in Nadal in his own 2020 — organisers realm but with his feet on the ground He now has 93 match wins on Paris’ famous clay against just two defeats in 14 years Reuters lunch time. Paris The stadium was not full, for example, when 11-times French Open champion Rafael Nadal he four main courts at and 20-times Grand Slam win- the French Open will be ner Roger Federer started their lit from next year, mean- semi-fi nal on Friday. ing the top matches will “Today, in particular with our Tnot be interrupted by bad light, partners, we are trying, as of organisers said yesterday. next year, to fi nd new means to Court Philippe Chatrier’s re- fi ll up these boxes that are empty tractable roof will also be in op- sometimes,” said Forget. eration from 2020 and French “At some times, economically tennis federation president Ber- speaking, we cannot aff ord to nard Giudicelli confi rmed that it refuse these partners and some- would be used if necessary and times these people who pay for a that night sessions would start more expensive ticket, who con- in 2021. sume tennis in a diff erent way as Matches at Roland Garros in the past and have diffi culty in usually fi nish at 2130 local time spending eight to nine hours sit- at the latest, when play is no ting on the chair. longer possible due to the fading “That’s why we will try to do light. with our partners the sort of “The lighting will be on four overbooking you have in hotels main courts: Lenglen, Chatrier, or in airline companies in order Mathieu, and Court No. 4. And to have some of their clients in for the other ones it’s 2021,” the fi rst part, and then a second tournament director Guy Forget batch of people coming after- told a news conference. wards following lunch.” Giudicelli added: “It’s the last Giudicelli explained that the year where matches will end be- tournament was economically cause of night time.” dependent on hospitality tickets. Court One, known as ‘the “If we only sold general tickets Bullring’, will be destroyed as without any hospitality services, planned after this year’s tour- it would be a threat to the econ- nament and will be replaced by omy of the tournament and the a large lawn to facilitate specta- Federation,” he said. tors’ movements. “I’m not sure that we could Organisers also faced ques- give the same prize money as we tions about empty stands with have today, and I’m certain that the offi cials’ and corporate seats we could not make the invest- often left unoccupied around ments we made.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after his French Open final against Austria’s Dominic Thiem in Paris yesterday.
AFP like him.” brow, aligned with his obsessive sport’s growth. Beijing. French trophy gaff e gives Paris However, you will never hear devotion to lining up his water He won an under-12 regional He has also led Spain to four Nadal indulge in any similar bottles, labels facing out, are crown at age eight and by 12 had Davis Cups. Australia another champ self-praise. parts of the Nadal DNA. captured Spanish and European Knee and wrist injuries have o death and taxes being Just as happy fi shing or play- Victory yesterday moved age-group junior titles. taken a toll throughout his ca- Paris: When Ash Barty won the never again played a Grand life’s only two certain- ing golf in Mallorca, Nadal is Nadal to just two Slams behind By 15, he had turned profes- reer, however, costing him nine French Open title on Saturday Slam final. ties can be added a third ruthless on the tennis court but Federer who, at 37, is more than sional and, two years later, won Slam appearances. she thought she was the first Galling, then, perhaps that her — Rafael Nadal winning disarmingly humble off it. four years older. his fi rst match against Federer. After he failed to even reach Australian woman to lift the one moment of Grand Slam Tthe French Open. “I have doubts every day but His Grand Slam CV boasts 12 At 19, he won the 2005 French a Slam semi-fi nal in 2015 and Coupe Suzanne Lenglen since glory has been recorded for The Spaniard secured a 12th that’s good as it makes me work French Opens, three US Open Open on his debut. 2016 some fi gured his greatest Margaret Court in 1973. posterity on the trophy with the title at Roland Garros with vic- hard with more intensity,” said titles, two at Wimbledon and Nadal has Wimbledon moments were behind him. According to the trophy, though, letters ‘AUST’ next to her name, tory over Dominic Thiem yes- Nadal, whose career has been one at the Australian Open. crowns in 2008 and 2010, an But Nadal roared into the there was also an Australian denoting Australia rather than terday and 18th major of his constantly under siege from His 2008 Wimbledon fi nal Australian Open title in 2009 2017 Australian Open fi nal, los- champion in 1976. the ‘GBR’ for Britain. career. knee and wrist injuries. triumph over Federer is widely and completed the career Grand ing to Federer, then captured a Clearly nobody has told Sue It is not the only error on the He now has 93 match wins on “Life is never clear. If you regarded as the greatest ever fi - Slam in 2010 by defeating record 10th French Open crown Barker, the Briton who tri- trophy as under Barker comes Paris’ famous crushed red brick have no doubts, then you are nal at the majors. Djokovic in the US Open fi nal, in June that year, setting the umphed in Paris 43 years ago. 1977 champion Mima Jaus- against just two defeats in 14 very arrogant. I am not an ar- He has 82 career titles in total becoming the youngest in the stage for another title run in the Barker, now aged 63 and from ovec, whose name is mis-spelt years. rogant person.” of which 59 have been on clay. Open era to complete the four- Flushing Meadows fortnight at Paignton in south-west England, ‘Jausevec’. Roger Federer, who suff ered It is that forthright modesty As well as his 18 majors, he event career sweep. the US Open in September. is a sports presenter for the BBC. The name of the women’s dou- his worst loss at a Slam in 11 which endears Nadal to his le- possesses a record 34 Masters. Nadal added another US Only Nadal, Pete Sampras Back in 1976 she was a rising bles trophy, the Coupe Simonne years at the hands of the world gion of fans as is his respect for Along with Federer and No- Open crown at Arthur Ashe and Ken Rosewall have man- star and recorded her best Mathieu, created in 1990, has number two in the semi-fi nals, opponents. He applauds every vak Djokovic, the other mem- Stadium in New York in 2013 aged the feat of winning Grand Grand Slam result by winning also been mis-spelt ‘Simone said: “There is nobody who vanquished foe off court at eve- ber of tennis’ ‘Big Three’, Nadal and a third in 2017. Slam titles in their teens, 20s in Paris aged 20, beating Czech Mathieu’ on the plaque and on even plays remotely close to ry tournament. has comfortably passed the Only Nadal and Andre Agas- and 30s. Renata Tomanova in the final. the cup itself. Rafa. His idiosyncracies are just as $100mn prize money barrier. si can say they have a career “This is something I never She reached the semi-finals of French Open organisers told “I don’t even know who I charming to his supporters. Tennis has been good for Grand Slam and an Olympic dreamed about fi ve, six, eight Wimbledon and the Australian Reuters that the mistakes would need to go search for to go prac- His picking at the rear of Nadal but he has been just as men’s singles gold medal, Nadal years ago, but it’s happening Open the following year but be fixed. tice with somebody who plays his shorts and mopping of his infl uential as a key driver of the having claimed his in 2008 at today,” said Nadal.
BOTTOMLINE Paris bookends remarkable decade for Barty Reuters years.” Barty’s time away from the game, Paris when she impressed as an all-rounder for Brisbane Heat cricket team in the 2015-16 Big Bash League, actually helped her re- shleigh Barty hated her fi rst 10 - 06 - 2019 kindle her love for tennis. trip to Paris but 10 years later, With coach Craig Tyzzer encouraging after one of the more remark- her to play the intuitive sort of tennis that able tennis journeys, she woke helped her win junior Wimbledon as a Aup in the French capital yesterday as 15-year-old in 2011, Barty has blossomed queen of Roland Garros. into one of the most watchable players on It was in Paris that a 13-year-old Barty Tour. got her fi rst taste of life on the road when Fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios was she joined a group of fellow Australian one of the fi rst to congratulate her on her junior hopefuls competing at an interna- victory over Czech Marketa Vondrousova tional event. on Saturday — super-imposing the Cou- Ashleigh Barty The experience could not have been pe Suzanne Lenglen on an old photo of a with the French further removed from the past fortnight tiny Barty holding a junior trophy. Open trophy in where Barty arrived as one of many play- “It was fun, it was enjoyable and it was Paris yesterday. ers talked about as title contenders and the most authentic way to play tennis,” ended up claiming the Coupe Suzanne Barty said of her junior days. Lenglen, the fi rst Australian to do so “I feel like I’m able to touch on that a since 1973. bit more now and recreate that enjoy- “It was special to have that pop up ment, that authenticity and I’m loving will open more sporting doors for indig- in my mind over the last two weeks,” it.” enous youngsters. Queenslander Barty, who quit the tennis As well as being an icon for all Aus- “The pathways and the progress we’ve life in 2014 to play cricket, before return- tralians, Barty’s victory resonates for the made for indigenous youth around the ing in 2016, told reporters. country’s indigenous population, just as nation has been incredible,” Barty, an In- “It’s the decade of my career. I remem- Australian great Evonne Goolagong’s tri- digenous Tennis Ambassador for Tennis ber that was my fi rst international tour- umphs did. Barty’s great grandmother on Australia, said. nament, my fi rst taste of international her father’s side was a Ngaragu woman “People are actually aware that there tennis and it was terrible. It was scary, I and she is proud of her heritage. is a pathway to enjoy, not only tennis, but hated every minute. She hopes that as well as emulating all other sports. It’s incredible to know “But what a journey that I have been Goolagong, who won seven Grand Slam what Evonne has done and how passion- on. Especially the last three or four singles titles, her French Open triumph ate she is. Gulf Times Monday, June 10, 2019 5 SPORT
SPOTLIGHT End of an NBA era looms as Warriors on brink of defeat The Warriors are in their fifth consecutive NBA Finals, seeking their third title in a row and fourth in five years
AFP The Warriors seek a third consecu- Toronto, Canada tive title and fourth in fi ve seasons, but the toll of so many deep playoff runs is showing, guard Klay Thompson miss- njured and weary, the Golden State ing game three with a left hamstring Warriors are one loss from the end strain and Andre Iguodala slowed by a of their fi ve-year NBA dynasty run leg injury. at the hands of the upstart Toronto “It’s a long season. You play 100- IRaptors. The Raptors own a 3-1 lead in plus games, you’re going to be banged the best-of-seven NBA Finals entering up,” Thompson said.”You just got to dig today’s game fi ve at Toronto and could deep. No one’s going to feel sorry for become the fi rst team from outside the you, so you just got to go out there, man United States to capture the champion- up and play the best of your ability.” ship. “It’s diffi cult,” Raptors coach Nick DeMarcus Cousins returned from a Nurse said of the excitement. torn quad in six weeks to play in the fi - “Can’t let people take you some nals while Kevon Looney was declared place you aren’t yet. We know this is a done with a chest injury but returned great team and we know how hard we for game four. Combined with Toron- have to play to beat them. We have to to’s solid play, the injuries might be too just focus in on trying to be the hardest much for the Warriors to overcome. working team on the fl oor.” “It’s not over,” Warriors guard The Warriors are in their fi fth con- Stephen Curry said. “We still have life secutive NBA Finals, seeking their third and have an opportunity to win. It’s title in a row and fourth in fi ve years. just a matter of can we get it done or Of 34 teams that seized a 3-1 NBA Fi- not, and we’re going to leave it all out nals lead, the only one that failed to win there starting on Monday. The only way was Golden State in 2016, when LeBron we’re going to get back in this series is James rallied the Cleveland Cavaliers to give everything we got for 48 minutes, an historic title. everybody that sets foot on that fl oor “We’ve been on the wrong side of in game fi ve. In our locker room we’re 3-1 before, so why not make our own talking about believing. Everybody be- history?” Warriors forward Draymond lieves we can get this done.” Green said. “We’ve won three in a row The Warriors rallied from 3-1 down to before. You’ve got to have faith you can beat Oklahoma City in the 2016 West- get it done. Believe what we believe and ern Conference fi nals, so they know it give it what we got. And if we fail, you can be done. “You just try to win one live with the results, but just leave it all game,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. out there.” “We’re not thinking about winning Kawhi Leonard, who won an NBA three. Win one game. That’s the task. title with San Antonio in 2014, directs I know we’re capable. We got a lot of a quick-strike attack and smothering talent and we got a lot of pride. These defensive system for the Raptors, who guys have been to the fi nals fi ve straight have outhustled the injury-hit Warri- years for a reason. They’re unbeliev- ors. Golden State playoff scoring leader ably competitive. And they’re going to Kevin Durant, the 2017 and 2018 NBA fi ght the whole way.” The Raptors ex- Finals Most Valuable Player, has been pect nothing less. “We didn’t do noth- out for a month with a right calf injury. ing yet,” Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said. “His body will tell him if he can get out “They’re the defending champs and there,” Green said. “If he can, great. If they’re not going to go out easy. They’re not, still got to try to fi nd a way to win going to come and fi ght and that’s how the next game.” we’re preparing ourselves.” (From left) Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors react after losing to Toronto Raptors in Game Four of the NBA Finals. (AFP)
MLB Indians beat Yankees to deny Sabathia 250th victory Reuters RAYS 9, RED SOX 2 (GAME 1) day in which they stranded 13 and went nings, and host New York beat Colo- New York Ryan Yarbrough pitched a career- 2-for-14 with runners in scoring posi- rado. Gomez, Todd Frazier and Wilson high 7 2/3 superb innings, and Travis tion. Braun, who hit a three-run homer Ramos had two hits each, and Edwin d’Arnaud backed him with a three- in Friday’s 10-4 win, snapped a 3-3 tie Diaz pitched the ninth for his 14th save oberto Perez homered in his run homer as visiting Tampa Bay once when he lined a single to centre fi eld for the Mets. Nolan Arenado and Char- fourth straight game and again stymied Boston’s bats in a win to off Michael Feliz (2-2) to score Lorenzo lie Blackmon had RBIs for the Rockies, drove in three runs as the host kick off a day-night doubleheader. Cain. Mike Moustakas homered, Or- who fell to 2-3 on their six-game road Cleveland Indians denied CC Yarbrough (5-2) gave up the two runs lando Arcia had an RBI double and Cain trip. SabathiaR in his bid for his 250th career (one earned) on four hits and struck produced a run-scoring single for the win with an 8-4 victory over the New out seven as the Rays won their fourth Brewers. NATIONALS 4, PADRES 1 York Yankees on Saturday. straight to tie the New York Yankees Max Scherzer allowed six hits over Rookie Oscar Mercado launched a atop the American League East stand- ORIOLES 4, ASTROS 1 seven shutout innings, and Brian Doz- two-run homer and Kevin Plawecki ings. The Red Sox, who lost 5-1 Fri- Andrew Cashner worked six solid in- ier hit a two-run homer for his 1,000th added a solo shot and a sacrifi ce fl y for day after entering the series outscor- nings, Anthony Santander produced career hit as visiting Washington won the Indians, who have belted 14 hom- ing opponents 31-13 over a four-game a sparkling defensive play, and Trey at San Diego after two straight losses. ers while winning four of their past winning streak, were kept to one run Mancini scored the go-ahead run on Scherzer improved to 4-5 and lowered fi ve games. The off ense was more than until Jackie Bradley Jr. homered in the an error in the eighth inning as Balti- his ERA to 2.82. He issued one walk enough for Adam Plutko (2-1), who eighth. Star slugger JD Martinez was more scratched out a victory over host and struck out nine while throwing 101 overcame Didi Gregorius’ two-run again sidelined by back spasms. Houston. The Orioles will go for the pitches. homer in the fi rst to allow just two runs series victory Sunday in the rubber Over his last four starts, Scherzer has on three hits in six innings. RED SOX 5, RAYS 1 match. Baltimore is 0-11-1 in its last 12 given up two runs on 20 hits and fi ve Oliver Perez permitted two runs on David Price matched his season high series, while the Astros are 9-0-1 over walks with 39 strikeouts in 27 innings. as many hits, but three other relievers with 10 strikeouts over six innings as their last 10. Left-hander Paul Fry (1-3) Scherzer allowed more than one hit in combined to yield one hit over the fi nal Boston beat visiting Tampa Bay to sal- earned the win in relief for the Orioles. only one inning against San Diego, with 2 2/3 scoreless innings to end the game. vage a split of a day-night doublehead- Miguel Castro notched his second save. only three Padres advancing into scor- Gleyber Torres had an RBI double and er. Price (4-2) played stopper yet again ing position. scored on a sacrifi ce fl y in the seventh after the Red Sox lost the fi rst two of the BRAVES 1, MARLINS 0 inning for the Yankees, who have lost four-game series. Julio Teheran pitched six scoreless in- DIAMONDBACKS 6, BLUE JAYS 0 fi ve of their past six games. He gave up one run on fi ve hits and nings, and rookie Austin Riley doubled Zack Greinke pitched six-plus innings, walked two, recording seven of his and scored the game’s only run as At- Alex Avila and Kevin Cron homered ANGELS 12, MARINERS 3 strikeouts against the Nos. 3-5 hitters lanta defeated host Miami. Luke Jack- and visiting Arizona defeated Toron- Los Angeles hit back-to-back-to-back in the Rays lineup. Tampa Bay had a son got four outs for his ninth save of to. Greinke (7-2) held the Blue Jays to home runs in the fourth inning and four-game winning streak come to an the season, as the Braves have won 18 four hits and two walks and had seven cruised past visiting Seattle. Tommy La end. As part of a bullpen game, Colin of their past 22 games against the Mar- strikeouts. It was his fi rst win since Stella, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani Poche (0-1) took the loss in his major lins, including the fi rst two contests in May 15, a span of three winless starts went deep off Mariners left-hander league debut. this series. For Teheran (4-4, 3.03 ERA), that included one loss. The Diamond- Yusei Kikuchi (3-4) in the fourth. this was the third time this year he has backs have won the fi rst two games of Cesar Puello, who fi nished with four WHITE SOX 2, ROYALS 0 pitched at least fi ve scoreless innings. the three-game series — and have won RBIs, homered in the eighth for the An- Lucas Giolito outdueled Brad Keller, He allowed just two hits — one sin- three straight overall — and will go for gels. It was Ohtani’s fi rst showdown posting a career-high 11 strikeouts, gle and one double — walked one and the sweep Sunday afternoon. with Kikuchi in the United States and as Chicago defeated host Kansas City. struck out fi ve. He got eight ground- drew widespread interest in their native Giolito didn’t give up his fi rst hit until ball outs and three fl youts. RANGERS 10, A’S 5 (GAME 1) Japan, where they attended the same a lead-off single in the fourth by Alex Tim Federowicz hit a three-run homer high school. The two faced each other Gordon. At one stretch, he got eight TIGERS 9, TWINS 3 one day after being acquired in a trade, fi ve times in Nippon Professional Base- Cleveland Indians’ Francisco Lindor (left) and Leonys Martin celebrate after straight outs via the strikeout. JaCoby Jones homered twice and drove helping Texas break open a close game ball, with Ohtani going 2-for-5 with a defeating the New York Yankees. (USA TODAY Sports) He matched his career high of 10 in fi ve runs, and Christin Stewart also en route to victory over Oakland in the double and three strikeouts. strikeouts with two outs in the fi fth homered to lead Detroit to victory over fi rst game of a doubleheader in Ar- in the past four games. The Cardinals Joey Votto’s leadoff single in the sev- inning. He broke it with his third visiting Minnesota. Jones fi nished lington, Texas. Nomar Mazara drove in CUBS 9, CARDINALS 4 fell to 0-5 at Wrigley Field this season. enth inning. strikeout of that inning. The victory for 3-for-4 and also scored two runs while three runs, two with a homer, and As- Victor Caratini delivered a pinch-hit, Chicago set up a rubber game for the Miguel Cabrera, Gordon Beckham, drubal Cabrera had a two-run single for tiebreaking, three-run double in the PHILLIES 4, REDS 1 DODGERS 7, GIANTS 2 series on Sunday, a contest that hasn’t Brandon Dixon and Harold Castro the Rangers, who were beaten 5-3 by sixth inning, and host Chicago pulled Nick Pivetta pitched his fi rst career Corey Seager had four hits and four gone well for the Royals. They are 0-5 in each added two hits for Detroit, which the A’s in the opener of the four-game away for a win over St. Louis. Kyle complete game, JT Realmuto homered RBIs to lift Los Angeles over host San rubber games in 2019 and 0-13 in rub- snapped a three-game losing streak series on Friday. Jeff rey Springs (4-1) Schwarber doubled, homered and and Philadelphia beat visiting Cincin- Francisco. Seager fi nished 4-for-5 with ber games dating back to May 30, 2018. and won for just the second time in its was credited with the win after pitching drove in two runs for the Cubs, while nati for its fourth straight win. Coming a pair of doubles and has hits in 13 of his last 15 home games. Nick Ramirez (2- three innings of one-run relief. Javier Baez fi nished with a triple and off six scoreless innings against the Los last 14 games. Justin Turner, who was BREWERS 5, PIRATES 3 0), the second of fi ve Detroit pitchers, two RBIs. Angeles Dodgers in his previous outing, questionable to play because of a tight Ryan Braun produced a tiebreaking sin- picked up the victory, allowing one run RANGERS 3, A’S 1 (GAME 2) Chicago fell behind 4-0 in the fi rst Pivetta allowed a run on six hits and no hamstring, went 3-for-3 with two dou- gle in the fourth inning, and Milwau- on three hits and three walks over three Right-hander Adrian Sampson domi- inning but scored the next nine runs walks while striking out six. bles, two runs and two RBIs. Los An- kee continued its success over visiting innings. He struck out three. nated Oakland with the fi rst complete to notch its fi fth victory in the past six He had never previously gone beyond geles starter Rich Hill (3-1) earned the Pittsburgh. The Brewers moved to a game of his career, helping Texas com- games. Marcell Ozuna and Harrison 7 1/3 innings. Pivetta (4-1) allowed hits win with fi ve innings of two-run ball, season-high nine games over.500, won METS 5, ROCKIES 3 plete a day/night sweep in Arlington. Bader homered for St. Louis, which to the fi rst two Reds batters and then allowing seven hits, walking three and for the eighth time in 12 games and im- Carlos Gomez and Pete Alonso homer- Sampson (5-3) won his fi fth consecu- dropped back to.500 with its third loss didn’t allow another baserunner until striking out six. proved to 5-1 against the Pirates on a ed, Steven Matz tossed six solid in- tive start with a brilliant eff ort. Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 10, 2019 SPORT
FORMULA 1 GOLF McIlroy surges into share of lead Hamilton wins in at Canadian Open
Reuters McIlroy had the shot of the Hamilton day on the par-four 15th when his approach shot from 130 yards away narrowly missed the cup, ory McIlroy fi red six setting up a 10-inch birdie putt. Canada as Vettel birdies in a bogey-free Veteran Kuchar, who was also third round of 64 to a co-leader after his second jump into a three-way round, said he will need to step tieR for fi rst place at the Canadian up his game if he is to win his fi rst Open on Saturday. Canadian Open trophy. McIlroy shared the lead at “The goal is to just keep mak- 13-under with Americans Matt ing improvements,” said Kuchar, Kuchar (69) and Webb Simpson who mixed three birdies with two docked 5 seconds (67) on a sunny and breezy day bogeys on Saturday. at the Hamilton Golf & Country “Tomorrow I need a fi rmer un- Vettel was punished after coming back from the grass in front of Hamilton Club. derstanding of the greens so I can McIlroy, making his fi rst ap- roll in more birdies.” while under pressure in a manoeuvre regarded as dangerous by stewards pearance at the event in Ontario, American Brandt Snedek- is trying to bounce back after er, who produced a sparkling failing to make the cut at the Me- 10-under-par 60 in Friday’s sec- morial tournament in Ohio last ond round, shot 69 on Saturday week, his fi rst missed cut of the that put him in a three-way tie in season. fourth on 12-under with Cana- The 30-year-old Northern da’s Adam Hadwin and Ireland’s Irishman used his weekend off Shane Lowry. working on his game and said the Snedeker’s best moment came extra practice has paid off . on 15 when he sank a 52-yard putt “I feel like I turned that missed for his third birdie of the day, al- cut into a positive,” he said. though he followed it up with his “There were a couple things in second bogey on the next hole. my game that were highlighted Defending champion Dustin and I had a chance to work on Johnson fi nished his third round them... that’s why I am where I with four birdies and two bogeys am on the leaderboard.” and is tied for 17th at six-under.
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates after winning the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal yesterday.
DPA bastian Vettel was slapped with Vettel was punished after “Where the hell am I supposed the racing line.” Montreal a fi ve-second penalty. coming back from the grass in to go? I had grass on my wheels. Despite the penalty, Vettel did It was a fi fth win of the sea- front of Hamilton while under They are stealing the race from just enough to stay second ahead ewis Hamilton gave son for Hamilton, the 78th of his pressure in a manoeuvre regard- us,” Vettel had complained over of team-mate Charles Leclerc, Mercedes a seventh career while the fi ve-time world ed as dangerous by stewards — team radio. while the Mercedes of Valt- straight win with victory champion also moves level with and the German’s behaviour af- Vettel had led from his fi rst teri Bottas was fourth, the Finn Lat the Canadian Grand Michael Schumacher on a record terwards showed he was clearly pole of the season but was re- notching a late fastest lap for the Prix yesterday after Ferrari’s Se- seven victories in Canada. angry. lentlessly pursued by Hamil- bonus point. ton. But for a pit stop after 26 Vettel appeared to go off in Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot during the third round of the 70 laps, Vettel stayed in search of the stewards after the of the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in front, but Hamilton began to race, and the glum-looking Ger- Hamilton, Canada. move within a second of the Fer- man then belatedly joined Ham- rari driver with some 30 laps re- ilton and Leclerc before the po- maining. dium celebrations. Before doing LPGA Under pressure, Vettel went so he moved the number 1 sign into the grass at a chicane and from in front of Hamilton’s car then blocked Hamilton in com- and replaced it with the number ing back onto the track, a ma- 2 sign. There were some bops on Korea’s Lee6 noeuvre the Briton called “so the podium for Hamilton, who dangerous” over team radio. said: “All I can say is I didn’t Stewards investigated the make the decision, so I don’t holds onto lead incident and Vettel, while still know what they’re booing at.” leading, was slapped with a fi ve- Vettel said: “People shouldn’t second penalty. boo at Lewis. It wasn’t his inten- at ShopRite Classic Vettel went on to take the tion to be in harm’s way, so peo- chequered fl ag fi rst but Hamil- ple shouldn’t boo at him, they AFP ton was just behind him to enjoy should at those who make the New York the victory. decisions.” “That’s not the way I wanted The top 10 was completed by to win,” Hamilton said. “I forced Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the ewly crowned US him into an error and he went Renault duo Daniel Ricciardo Women’s Open cham- wide and we nearly collided — and Nico Huelkenberg, Pierre pion Lee6 Jeong-eun that’s unfortunate but this is Gasly in a Red Bull, Lance Stroll blasted a two-under 69 racing.” in a Racing Point and Daniil Kv- Non Saturday to maintain the lead On Vettel believing the pen- yat in a Toro Rosso. at the ShopRite Classic heading alty was unfair, Hamilton said: Hamilton extends his lead in into the fi nal round. “That’s his opinion of course, I the drivers’ standings. moving Lee has a two round 10-under took the corner normally when to 162 points, 30 ahead of Bottas. 132 total for a one-shot lead over Top three finishers Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP, Sebastian Vettel of Germany and you come back on the track Vettel is on 100 and Verstappen Mariah Stackhouse, who shot a Ferrari and Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari celebrate on the podium. you’re not supposed to go onto on 88. 67 at the Seaview Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey. The trio of No 4-ranked Lexi Thompson (70), Ally McDonald (67) and Nanna Koerstz Madsen Rugby Australia slams Folau ‘media campaign’ aft er leaked letter (68) are tied for third place at eight under. She made the turn at one un- AFP from the Bible. no one come out to set the record Lee is seeking to become the der but dropped two shots with Sydney In his letter, which was also obtained straight?” fi fth player in Tour history to win back-to-back bogeys on Nos 14 by the Telegraph and published on Rugby Australia hit back in a state- the Open and follow it up with a and 15. Saturday evening, Folau alleged that ment, saying the “media campaign” tournament title the next week. Lee fi nished strong with a ugby Australia has lashed out Rugby Australia was the source of being run by Folau’s camp was “I wanted to fi nish strong, and birdie at 17 and an eagle at the at Israel Folau for disrupting the leaks, which he called “blatantly aff ecting all levels of rugby and had I did, so I’m pretty satisfi ed with par-5 18th to put herself in con- the sport after an explosive unfair”. overshadowed a crunch Super Rugby it,” said Lee, who started calling tention for a second consecutive letter accusing the governing “I would like to know why Rugby Aus- match between the NSW Waratahs herself Lee6 Jeong-eun when she title. The 25-year-old Stack- R became the sixth player of that house has made just two cuts in body of leaking details of his code of tralia has not managed to maintain — Folau’s former team — and the ACT conduct hearing was made public. the integrity of its processes and en- Brumbies in Sydney. name on the Korean LPGA tour. her previous 10 starts this sea- Folau sent the letter to the Rugby sure that information was kept private “Rugby Australia has acted with com- She has embraced the desig- son. She fi nished in the top 10 in Australia board after Sydney’s Daily and confidential,” he said. plete professionalism and integrity at nation as her lucky charm, even this event last year. Telegraph ran a series of stories last “For example, I am not ‘sick of rugby’ all times through the process in which writing the number in bold red “It’s a course that when you’re week on his dramatic fall from grace and whoever told the media that I am Mr Folau was found by an independ- ink on her golf ball. striking it well, it’s friendly to for homophobic comments on social is telling lies. ent three-member tribunal panel to “I am so glad that a lot of Ko- you, and it makes you a lot more media. “Another example is the way the have made multiple, serious breaches rean fans are here supporting me calm,” she said. The reports included intimate details media has been told that your expec- of the Professional Players Code of and cheering for me. Thompson, who tied for sec- of his tribunal hearing, which was tations were made clear to me by Ms Conduct,” it said. “My goal is to have a good ond at the Women’s Open, card- meant to be private. (Raelene) Castle. We all know that is “While we will continue to respond to round, have a good time with ed a mixed round that included a Super Rugby’s record try scorer opted far from the truth,” he added, referring any legal action as required and will everyone. I know I’m going to be double bogey at the fi rst, and an not to appeal against the ruling that to Rugby Australia’s chief executive. continue to defend the values that a little bit nervous, but I’m going eagle at the par-fi ve third. he was guilty of a “high level” breach “It makes me sad that these things underpin our game and the work to do well tomorrow.” She made three straight bird- of the sport’s code of conduct and have apparently been told to the me- done by the hard working volunteers, Lee, the world’s fi fth-ranked ies beginning on number eight, instead launched legal action, assert- dia by someone at Rugby Australia. we will not engage in a running media player, had an up-and-down but then stumbled with bogeys ing he was simply posting a message If you are not the source, why has commentary.” round that opened with a birdie- at 13 and 17 before fi nishing with bogey-birdie start. a birdie on her fi nal hole. Gulf Times Monday, June 10, 2019 7 FOOTBALL
WOMEN'S WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT Nagai leads Japan to win over El Salvador England hold on Kubo, who only turned 18 on Reuters Tokyo June 4, is nicknamed the ‘Japanese Messi’ having trained in Barce- lona’s famed youth academy and ensuke Nagai scored has been linked with a transfer to a his fi rst goals for Japan host of top European clubs. Kubo, with a brace in a 2-0 who became the second-youngest win over El Salvador in player to represent Japan, was a to beat Scotland MiyagiK yesterday. The 30-year- constant menace down the right old, who has had a less than pro- after coming on, almost scor- lifi c career in the J League, was ing himself and laying on several Bonansea inspires Italy return, Cristiane leads Brazil to win over Reggae Girlz called up for only his seventh cap chances for team mates. by coach Hajime Moriyasu fol- Yet the Samurai Blue could not lowing an impressive run with fi nd a way through a resolute El table-topping FC Tokyo. Salvador and had to settle for the Nagai took both his goals with 2-0 win. aplomb; scoring the fi rst by cut- It was Japan’s last game before ting inside to send two El Salvador they play as an invited team in the players sliding on the wet turf be- Copa America later this month, fore a neat fi nish and then sweep- but only four players who featured ing home Genki Haraguchi’s cross yesterday, including Kubo, are in for his second. Moriyasu’s squad for Brazil. Yet it was not all good news for That squad contains only seven Nagai, who was forced off with a players to have previously played shoulder injury 10 minutes into for Japan, with his selection of the second half. Arguably the such a young and raw squad an biggest cheer of the night went indication that the coach has one up with 23 minutes to go, when eye on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Nagai’s strike partner at Tokyo, next year. In Brazil, Japan have Takefusa Kubo, came on for his been drawn in Group C alongside debut. Uruguay, Ecuador and Chile.
England’s Nikita Parris (right) celebrates with teammates after a scoring a penalty in the Women’s World Cup Group D match against Scotland in Nice, France. (Reuters) Japan’s forward Kensuke Nagai celebrates after scoring against El Salvador in the friendly match in Rifu, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) AFP Fran Kirby’s cross fl icked off the partial- so wonderful. I hope we can qualify for the Nice, France ly outstretched arm of Nicola Docherty in- knockout stage because these two goals are side the box. Czech referee Jana Adamkova meant to help us do just that.” ROUND-UP was alerted to the possible handball by the The Australians, tipped by many to have ikita Parris blasted home a pen- video assistant and pointed to the spot af- a big impact in France, had taken a fi rst- alty awarded after a VAR review ter a review. Parris, who recently agreed to half lead through hotshot Sam Kerr, but to set England on their way to a join European champions Lyon from Man- were sloppy at the back and allowed Bo- Polish fans fi ned for 2-1 win over old rivals Scotland chester City, duly smashed the penalty nansea to score two cheap goals. She was Nin their opening match at the women’s past Lee Alexander in the Scotland goal. even close to a hat-trick of her own. Her World Cup in Nice yesterday. Parris Scotland had set themselves up to frustrate eighth-minute strike was ruled out for the fi ghting each-other scored from the spot in the 14th minute England, but were now left chasing the tightest of off sides following a long check and Ellen White added another goal for game on a warm and sticky evening. via VAR system, the fi rst of two Italy goals Phil Neville’s side fi ve minutes before Crucially, they conceded again with scrubbed off for off side. before Euro qualifi er half-time on the Cote d’Azur. half-time approaching. Captain Rachel The win gives Italy a great chance of A shaken Scotland fought back in the Corsie came to meet Kirby on the edge of sealing qualifi cation when they take on Ja- ore than 200 Polish waiting to be questioned. second half, and Claire Emslie reduced the box but did not get to the ball, which maica on Friday, although Bonansea ward- football fans were the arrears with 11 minutes to go, but they fell for White to slot in. White earlier had ed against complacency. handed fi nes for PENALTY SPARKS BRAWL could not fi nd an equaliser. The Lionesses the ball in the net only for the off side fl ag to In Grenoble, Brazil’s Cristiane started public order off ences IN FRANCO-GERMAN YOUTH will still feel they were worthy winners. cut short her celebrations, and Beth Mead in place of Marta, who had not recovered forM fi ghting each other in Skop- FOOTBALL MATCH Among the favourites to win this World also had a goal ruled out at the start of the from a thigh injury, and fi red three goals jie ahead of Friday’s Euro 2020 A dispute over a penalty deci- Cup, they are now well set up to progress second half. to ensure her side didn’t miss their star qualifi er against North Macedo- sion in a German-French youth from Group D before facing Argentina in With Alexander excelling, Scotland en- Italy’s midfielder Barbara Bonansea is attacker. The 34-year-old, collecting her nia, a court said. football match sparked a brawl Le Havre on Friday and then returning here sured the fi nal scoreline was nothing like as thrilled after scoring against Australia in 139th cap, headed in the opener after 15 “The 234 Polish nationals, that left six people injured, police to Nice to tackle former winners Japan on chastening as two years ago in the Nether- the Women’s World Cup Group C match minutes, scooped a rebound over the line involved in a massive fi ght in said yesterday. Both U17 teams June 19. At the Nice stadium where Eng- lands. Unlike in 2017, they had the experi- in Valenciennes, northern France. (AFP) fi ve minutes after the break and capped the centre of Skopje, were not were suspended from the junior land’s men lost to Iceland at Euro 2016 and ence of Arsenal’s Kim Little and Jen Beattie her treble with a fi ne free-kick that curled convicted in north Macedonia so tournament held in the German which registered a crowd of just 13,188 for in their line-up too, as well as lively young a last-gasp victory over tournament dark in off the underside of the bar just past the Poland considered it as mitigating city of Weinheim. the occasion, Neville’s team ultimately got Chelsea forward Erin Cuthbert. horses Australia. hour. Jamaica off ered little resistance, and factor. They were sentenced to a The punch-up Saturday the job done in the fi rst half against a Scot- They kept playing and got a goal back in Juventus’ Bonansea popped up at the although their pace sometimes troubled pay a fi ne of EUR150 ($170) each,” involved 11 people, including tish side playing their fi rst ever match at the 79th minute. Steph Houghton’s pass back post to head home the winner hav- the opposing defence, Brazil could have the court announced yesterday the 45-year-old trainer of the the World Cup. out from the back was intercepted, allow- ing already levelled for the dogged Ital- won by more. The clash took place in a park German team from Duisburg and Shelley Kerr’s team were determined ing Lisa Evans to set up Emslie, with the ians, putting the Azzurre second in Group Reggae Girlz goalkeeper Sydney Schnei- near the Tose Proeski Arena the 42-year-old president of the to make this a contest after losing 6-0 player who has spent the last two years at C, level on three points with Brazil after a der made a string of good saves including a where Poland beat North Mac- French club, they said. Of the six when the sides met in their opening game Manchester City forcing the ball home, but Cristiane hat-trick inspired them to a 3-0 fi ne stop of Andressa’s weak 38th-minute edonia 1-0 to remain unbeaten in people with injuries, two had to at Euro 2017, and they did that, but it was England held on. thumping of Jamaica in Grenoble. “What penalty. Formiga controlled midfi eld in their campaign. be treated in hospital. Local po- ultimately to no avail. They will protest Earlier, Barbara Bonansea ensured Italy can I say, it’s incredible, and scoring with her opening appearance at a record sev- Elsewhere a further 60 Polish lice in Weinheim, a town south of that the early penalty decision that went made a dramatic return to the Women’s my head as well, which never happens with enth World Cup, in which she became at 41 citizens were arrested on Friday Frankfurt, were investigating the against them conditioned the rest of this World Cup after a 20-year absence with a me,” said Bonansea, who scored Italy’s fi rst years and 98 days the oldest woman to play and Saturday for other incidents incident and asked for witnesses match, though. stoppage-time winner that gave her team two World Cup goals in two decades. “It’s in the competition. including vandalism but are still to come forward.
FOCUS Manchester United make £40mn bid for Crystal Palace’s Wan-Bissaka By Dominic Fifield and an off er closer to £60mn might yet be in central midfi eld this summer and has could face competition from Valencia for Jacob Steinberg considered more seriously. targeted Lobotka after attempts to woo a 22-year-old striker who has scored 30 The Guardian “I am with Crystal Palace at the mo- Barcelona’s Andre Gomes ended when goals in 71 league appearances for Celta. ment,” said the full-back earlier this the Portugal international made it clear West Ham’s director of football, month. “That is where my contract is he favours a move to Everton. Mario Husillos, has also targeted the anchester United had an and that is where I will be next season. West Ham have indicated they are Olympiakos attacking midfi elder Kostas opening bid worth in excess I have got three [years] left on my con- willing to pay £30mn for Lobotka, a Fortounis, who has a year left on his con- of £40mn for Aaron Wan- tract. It says I am going to be there, so 24-year-old Slovakian international tract with the Greek club. Bissaka rejected by Crystal that is all I can focus on now.” who has been compared to Real Madrid’s However West Ham have yet to come MPalace this month and are weighing up United are seeking to bolster Ole Gun- Luka Modric, and are optimistic a deal up with a suitable off er for the Greece whether or not to make an improved nar Solskjaer’s options after a hugely can be agreed. international. It is thought that Olym- off er for the England Under-21 inter- disappointing end to the season in which However, West Ham are also keen piakos want at least €17mn, although national. they tailed off after a promising start un- to bring in a new striker after releas- Fortounis’s preference is to extend his Wan-Bissaka enjoyed an eye-catch- der the Norwegian’s management and ing Andy Carroll on a free transfer and current deal rather than move to the Pre- ing fi rst full season in senior football in eventually missed out on qualifi cation to selling Lucas Perez to Alaves and are mier League. 2018-19 after graduating through the the Champions League. attempting to negotiate an ambitious Pellegrini is likely to have to raise south London club’s academy, excelling They have released Antonio Valencia double deal with Celta which would see funds through sales in order to keep at right-back and making 39 appear- among 14 players who are out of con- Gomez and Lobotka both move to the strengthening his squad. West Ham sold ances in all competitions. tract this summer, and are seeking to London Stadium for a combined €60mn Edimilson Fernandes to Mainz for £8mn The 21-year-old, originally a winger, strengthen signifi cantly across their de- (£53.5mn). Pellegrini is a big admirer of last week and will listen to off ers for Javi- is currently preparing for the summer’s fence after conceding 54 Premier League Gomez, although West Ham are reluc- er Hernandez, Pedro Obiang and Angelo European Under-21 Championships in goals last season. They are close to se- tant to trigger the Uruguayan’s release Ogbonna. Obiang wants to move to Italy Italy and San Marino, with United hav- curing the Wales winger, Daniel James, clause of £43.5mn. for family reasons. ing earmarked him as part of a radical from Swansea City after having a fee that West Ham, who are also tracking Lo- Reece Oxford’s £4mn move to Augs- revamp of their backline. could rise to around £18mn accepted by rient’s Alexis Claude-Marice, West Bro- burg remains in the balance. The The sizeable opening off er was appar- the Championship club. mwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon and 20-year-old defender spent the sec- ently tabled by United at the beginning Palace have been braced to fi eld inter- Aaron Wan-Bissaka enjoyed an excellent first full senior season at Crystal Palace Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, identi- ond half of last season on loan with the of the month and rejected immediately est in their Ivory Coast winger Wilfried and is now wanted by Manchester United. fi ed Gomez as a potential replacement Bundesliga club, but there are issues by Palace. Wan-Bissaka is contracted at Zaha, who has made clear his desire to for Marko Arnautovic when the Austrian over personal terms to resolve before the Selhurst Park through to 2022 with nei- play in the Champions League. Yet they nance losing both him and Wan-Bissaka with Celta Vigo over the signings of Maxi attempted to join Guangzhou Evergrande transfer is fi nalised. A source close to the ther player nor club in any great rush to value Zaha, who is contracted to 2023, as over the summer. Gomez and Stanislav Lobotka. Manuel in China in January. Their interest in deal rated the chances of it being com- move on. It remains to be seen whether high as £100mn and would not counte- Meanwhile, West Ham are in talks Pellegrini is determined to strengthen Gomez has not faded, although they pleted as 50-50.
Monday, June 10, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL
EURO 2020 QUALIFYING Poor France come unstuck away to Turkey in qualifying Germany seal routine win over Belarus while Italy crush Greece to go three points clear at the top of their group
AFP Konya, Turkey
orld champions France slumped to a 2-0 loss to Turkey in Euro 2020 qual- ifying on Saturday night Wamid a red-hot atmosphere in Konya. Kaan Ayhan headed Turkey ahead on the half-hour mark and Cengiz Un- der fi red in a second before half-time to give the hosts a fi rst ever win over France. Didier Deschamps fi elded nine of the players that started last year’s World Cup fi nal but France struggled to create chances, while Hugo Lloris denied Tur- key on a number of occasions. “That was a slap in the face for us and there’s not a lot I can say,” Deschamps said. “We have a diff erent challenge on Tuesday and I have to say well done to Turkey. We need to get back to basics. When you play like that on a collective level there is nothing positive you can take from the game. We didn’t put in the match we needed to against a team that played their game. That’s top-level football and it’s the same whether you are world champions or not.” Victory pushed Turkey three points clear of France at the top of Group H af- ter Senol Gunes’ side won for the third time in as many outings. They continue their qualifying campaign away to Ice- land tomorrow while France will expect to rebound on their trip to minnows Andorra. Meanwhile, Germany assistant coach Marcus Sorg hailed an “impres- sive” performance after his team eased to a routine 2-0 win over Belarus in Borisov. With Joachim Loew still con- valescent after his recent accident in the gym, Sorg directed proceedings from the dugout as a young Germany side outclassed Belarus. “It was a bit unusual today but eve- rything went well. We are all looking forward to Jogi’s return,” Sorg said. “It was an impressive performance today Turkey players celebrate after their win over France in the Euro 2020 qualification match at the Buyuksehir Belediyesi stadium in Konya, Turkey, on Saturday night. (AFP) and one we can build on,” he said. Leroy Sane and Marco Reus scored some fancy footwork outside his penal- Barella opened the scoring after 23 lot of work to do.” thing now is to understand why didn’t Holman 71) either side of half-time in a dominant ty area. By the time the second half got minutes with Lorenzo Insigne and Le- Italy have nine points, with Finland we score a fourth goal in the second Group H: Iceland 1 (Gudmundsson 22) display which saw Germany notch up underway, however, Germany had al- onardo Bonucci adding two more in a second with six points, followed by half?” said Mancini. Albania 0; Turkey 2 (Ayhan 30, Under 23 shots to Belarus’ six. The win puts ready re-established a fi rm grip on the 10-minute blitz which followed. Man- Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina on “We should have pushed harder, we 40) France 0; Moldova 1 (Armas 8) Germany second in Group C, having game. Reus sealed the win just after the cini’s side have now scored a total of 11 four. Andrea Belotti marked his return risked conceding, as Greece nearly hurt Andorra 0 played one game fewer than leaders hour mark, picking up a fi ne diagonal goals and none conceded in their three to the Azzurri by setting up 22-year- us on the counter a couple of times. Northern Ireland, who beat Estonia ball from Matthias Ginter and clipping Group J qualifi ers against Greece, Fin- old Barella to rifl e in just his second There’s still a lot of work to do but the Group I: Russia 9 (Cevoli 25-og, 41-og, earlier on Saturday. it into the roof of the net. Germany face land and Liechtenstein. international goal. Insigne then broke important thing is that we continued to Dzyuba 31-pen, 73, 76, 88, Kudryashov Germany pushed forward straight Estonia in Mainz in their third qualify- The Italians next play Bosnia-Herze- through after half an hour curling in improve and had the right attitude.” 36, Smolov 77, 83) San Marino 0; from the kick-off , and were rewarded ing game tomorrow. govina, who fell 2-0 to Finland, in Turin from 15 metres out to leave Vasilios Bar- Belgium 3 (Mertens 11, Castagne 14, R. with the opener on 12 minutes. Joshua Italy crushed Greece 3-0 to notch up tomorrow, while Greece play Armenia, kas with no chance in the Greek goal. EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS RESULTS Lukaku 50) Kazakhstan 0; Scotland Kimmich released Sane into the box, their third win in as many games and who beat Liechtenstein 3-0. “No, it Three minutes later the Greeks were 2 (Robertson 61, Burke 89) Cyprus 1 Group C: Estonia 1 (Vassiljev 25) North- (Kousoulos 87) and the Manchester City winger swept pull three points clear at the top of their wasn’t my best Italy,” said Mancini, reeling when Bonucci latched onto an ern Ireland 2 (Washington 77, Magennis the ball into the bottom corner. group in Athens on Saturday. who took over in May 2018. Emerson Palmieri cross to head home. 80); Belarus 0 Germany 2 (Sane 13, Reus Group J: Finland 2 (Pukki 56, 68) Italy could have scored more with Their inexperience briefl y showed The four-time world champions “For example, in the second half we 62) Bosnia-Herzegovina 0; Armenia 3 as they wobbled at the back after tak- have put the failure to qualify for last had to score more goals. This needs Barkas denying Insigne and Alessandro (Ghazaryan 2, Karapetyan 18, ing the lead. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer year’s World Cup behind them, and to be improved. After a year of work, Florenzi late, and Fiorentina star Fed- Group E: Croatia 2 (Lawrence 17-og, Peri- Barseghyan 90+1) Liechtenstein 0; twice bailed them out in the fi rst half, have now been transformed under we are ahead of schedule, we improve erico Chiesa sending over when alone sic 48) Wales 1 (Brooks 77); Azerbaijan Greece 0 Italy 3 (Barella 24, Insigne 30, fi rst with a refl ex save and then with new coach Roberto Mancini. Nicolo match after match, but there is still a in front of goal. “The most important 1 (Emreli 69) Hungary 3 (Orban 18, 53, Bonucci 33)
NATIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Southgate seeks next step as England fi nish third PSG expect injured AFP cheekily chipping Yann Sommer, but the Guimaraes, Portugal Swiss goalkeeper just touched the ball Neymar to recover onto the crossbar. However, it was the inclusion of Trent ngland manager Gareth South- Alexander-Arnold that made the big- in four weeks gate believes the bitter disap- gest diff erence. The Liverpool right-back pointment of losing a second showed why he may soon overtake Kyle AFP self during the 2-0 win over Qa- semi-fi nal in 12 months will be Walker in Southgate’s pecking order with Paris tar in a friendly on Wednesday, theE fuel his side needs to take the next a series of the inviting deliveries that have capping a nightmare year for the step at next year’s European Champion- become his trademark at club level. world’s most expensive player ships. After a 3-1 defeat to The Nether- Raheem Sterling did not make a clean eymar is expected to be who faces accusations of rape lands in the Nations League last four on connection from Alexander-Arnold’s sidelined for four weeks which he strongly denies. Thursday, Southgate’s men claimed the fi rst dangerous cross before Dele Alli met by the ankle injury that A distraught-looking Neymar consolation prize of third place by beat- the second with a powerful header but has ruled him out of the covered his face with his hands ing Switzerland 6-5 on penalties after a could not keep his eff ort down. England NCopa America with Brazil, his as he sat on the bench after hob- 0-0 draw dominated by England in Gui- nearly got the helping hand they need- club Paris Saint-Germain said. bling from the fi eld in the 20th maraes yesterday. ed after half-time when Fabian Schaer Two club doctors diagnosed his minute. His place in the Brazil “I think for me the signifi cant step turned Danny Rose’s fi ne low cross off the injury as a “sprain of the lateral squad will be taken by Chelsea’s is the level of disappointment that we inside of his own post. ligament” in his right ankle, add- Willian. The four-week timeline haven’t left here going to the fi nal and Kane was eventually substituted hav- ing he would not require surgery for Neymar’s recovery would see winning the trophy,” said Southgate. ing again struggled to make an impact in and would instead receive “con- him return in time for the start “There is a real determination for all of his third appearance since returning from servative treatment”. of the new French season, which us that we recognise now you don’t get a two-month injury layoff . Wilson re- Neymar was ruled out of the begins over the weekend of Au- many opportunities as an international placed the England skipper and thought Copa America after hurting him- gust 10-11. team and we’ve got to make sure we really he had won the game fi ve minutes from strive to take the next step over the next time when he bundled home after Alli’s couple of years.” header came back off the bar. Jordan Pickford was England’s penalty However, just as in the defeat to the hero once more as after years of disap- Dutch, England saw a goal ruled out after pointment in shootouts, Southgate’s side a VAR review for a foul earlier in the move have now won two in the past year after by Wilson. England continued to domi- also edging past Colombia in the last 16 of nate in extra-time, but still could not fi nd last year’s World Cup. a way past the exceptional Sommer. Pickford scored as England were fl aw- Another Alexander-Arnold cross less from the spot before saving from picked out Alli and his header was saved Josip Drmic to secure a 6-5 win in the by the Borussia Monchengladbach ‘keep- shootout. “I was a bit nervous taking England’s Jordan Pickford (right) celebrates with Fabian Delph after winning the er who then got back up to block Ster- my penalty but I’m not nervous saving Nations League third-place play off match against Switzerland. (Reuters) ling’s follow-up eff ort. Sterling also hit them,” said Pickford. “We practice them the post from a free-kick in the second consistently and I always pick my spot day, there were far more positives for VAR. Southgate made seven changes with period of extra-time, but England fi nally and always seem to score, but I had never Southgate despite England’s profl igacy in six of those involved in last weekend’s got their reward in the shootout. Harry taken one in a real game.” front of goal. England hit the woodwork Champions League fi nal returning. Harry Maguire, Ross Barkley, Jadon Sancho, After the disappointment of gifting the four times, while Callum Wilson had a Kane was restored as captain and nearly Sterling, Pickford and Eric Dier all found Dutch two goals in extra-time on Thurs- late winner in normal time ruled out by made an impact inside two minutes, the net before Pickford denied Drmic.