Argentina make Copa America semis but Messi struggles PAGE 18

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

Leclerc keen on ‘finishing the job’ after WORLD CUP taking pole at Austrian F1 Grand Prix PAGE 18 INDIA VS ENGLAND Pakistan survive scare to edge in thriller at Leeds

Pakistan’s and celebrate after winning the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match against Spectators let off flares after the match between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Headingley in Leeds, England, on Saturday. Afghanistan at Headingley in Leeds, England, on Saturday. (REUTERS) The 1992 champions Pakistan, chasing 228 to win attained the target in 49.4 overs by three . (AFP) AFP ab Khan (11) put on 50 for SCOREBOARD out for 18 while taking a un- feels like home here. They Afghanistan Naib. BIRMINGHAM the seventh to revive necessary second run, leaving gave us a boost in confidence.” “Credit to Pakistan, they their hopes. AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN Pakistan needing 72 off the Off-spinner Mohammad controlled their nerves. PAKISTAN kept their nerve The win lifts Pakistan c Babar b Imad 35 lbw b Mujeeb 0 last eleven overs. Nabi (2-23) had brought Af- “We missed again. You can c Sarfaraz b Shaheen 15 Imam-ul-Haq st Alikhil b Nabi 36 to avoid a huge shock on into fourth place in the 10- c Imad b Shaheen 0 b Nabi 45 They took 18 off Naib in ghanistan right into the game face a lot of these situations, Saturday, beating a spirited team table, above hosts Eng- c Hafeez b Imad 24 c Shahidi b Mujeeb 19 the 46th over, which brought with the wickets of Imam-ul- we are working harder and Afghan side by three wickets land after a poor start to the b Shadab 42 lbw b Rashid 27 the target down to a manage- Haq (36) and Babar Azam (45) harder. The matches we have with just two balls to spare to tournament. c Amir b Riaz 16 run out 18 able 28 off four overs. in successive overs. lost, we have improved.” b Shaheen 42 Imad Wasim 49 keep their World Cup semi- If they win their final game not out 19 run out 11 Shadhab was run out for 11 Haris Sohail laboured to The start of the game final hopes alive. against Bangladesh and Eng- c Fakhar b Shaheen 8 Wahab Riaz not out 15 with the score on 206 but Wa- 27 off 57 balls before he was was marred by clashes be- All-rounder Imad Wasim land fail to win both of their b Riaz 1 Extras: (b1, lb4, w5) 10 hab Riaz (15 not out) and Imad lbw to leg-spinner Rashid tween rival fans, with police hit Afghanistan skipper Gul- last two matches, against In- not out 7 TOTAL: (For 7 wkts, 49.4 overs) 230 saw Pakistan home and con- Khan but Pakistan ultimately forced to intervene. Political Extras: (lb8, w10) 18 Did not bat: , Shaheen Shah Afridi badin Naib for a boundary dia and New Zealand, Pakistan TOTAL: (For 9 wkts, 50 overs) 227 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Fakhar), 2-72 (Imam), 3-81 demned plucky Afghanistan to had enough firepower relations between the south through the covers to seal the will qualify for the semi-finals. Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Naib), 2-27 (Shahidi), 3-57 (Babar), 4-121 (Hafeez), 5-142 (Sohail), 6-156 an eighth consecutive defeat. to see them over the line. Asian neighbours have been win off the fourth ball of the “Thank you all the fans, (Shah), 4-121 (Asghar), 5-125 (Alikhil), 6-167 (Nabi), (Sarfaraz), 7-206 (Shadab). “When I went in they were Earlier, lanky Afghan marked by years of distrust last over, prompting chaotic they cheered every ball. It is a 7-202 (Najibullah), 8-210 (Rashid), 9-219 (Hassan). Bowling: Mujeeb 10-1-34-2; Hassan 2-0-13-0; Naib bowling brilliantly but I just paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi and blame. Bowling: Imad 10-0-48-2; Amir 10-1-41-0 (1w); 9.4-0-73-0 (1w); Nabi 10-0-23-2; Rashid 10-0-50-1 scenes as fans poured onto the great win for us on not an easy Shaheen 10-0-47-4 (4w); Hafeez 2-0-10-0; Riaz 8-0- (3w); Shinwari 8-0-32-0 (1w). hung in there,” said Imad. shone with the ball, returning And after the match, jubi- Headingley pitch. pitch,” said Pakistan captain 29-2 (4w); Shadab 10-0-44-1 (1w). Man-of-the-Match: Imad Wasim “We wanted to bat out the figures of 4-47 to add to the lant supporters swarmed onto Pakistan, chasing a modest Sarfaraz Ahmed. : Pakistan won by three wickets. Toss: Afghanistan. 50 overs and see. three wickets he took against the pitch. 228-run target, were in grave “We all know that it is “Gulbadin (Naib) was the New Zealand. An International Cricket danger at 156 for six in the not easy to win our last four Pakistan Prime Minister tions to the team for “keeping only one who could be tar- “We fight really well, the Council spokesman said it was 39th over. games,” he said. “We go match , a World Cup- their nerve under pressure”. geted. They have world-class boys gave 100 percent but in working with security officials But man-of-the-match by match. We will all be watch- winning captain in his cricket Pakistan were in deep spinners so we attacked him. the end we missed an oppor- and the police “to ensure there Imad (49 not out) and Shad- ing India v England tomorrow.” days, tweeted his congratula- trouble when Sarfaraz was run Thank you to the crowd, it tunity to win the match,” said are no further incidents”. Younousse, Tijan post stirring back-to-back wins

Qatar’s other pair Abdelrasoul & Mahmoud lose World Beach Volleyball opener

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK higher-ranked Belgians Dries DOHA Koekelkoren and Tom van Walle in straight sets. FOURTH seeds Cherif You- Tall Schweiner gave a few nousse and Ahmed Tijan fend- glimpses of their victory as he ed two match points with a troubled the Qataris in the first stirring comeback and pulled set with his net-play. Despite off a down-to-the-wire 18- coming close, the Qataris lost 21, 21-13, 18-16 victory over in the closing stages. However, Czech rivals Ondrej Perusic they called the shots in the sec- and David Schweiner in a Pool ond and won it hands down to D match in the FIVB Beach force the decider. Cherif Younousse (right) and Ahmed Tijan of Qatar after winning their Volleyball World Champion- At 4-4, a jump serve by Pe- second Pool D match at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Champion- ships in Hamburg, Germany rusic set the tone and the tie- ships in Hamburg, Germany on Saturday. on Saturday. break set seemed to be getting With other Qatari pair of out of the hands of Younousse Qatar’s Ahmed Tijan digs the ball for teammate Cherif Younousse during their Pool D match at the FIVB RESULTS Younousse and Tijan won the Tamer Abdelrasoul and As- and Tijan. After trailing 5-7 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Hamburg, Germany on Saturday. third place on the demanding sam Mahmoud having rest and 6-8, the deficit grew to POOL D – ROUND 1 World Tour. today after losing their Pool E three points twice before the nousse and Tijan were in dif- and Enrico Rossi 19-21, 21-14, continued the momentum Cherif Samba /Ahmed Tijan Qatar (4) def. Adrian Abdelrasoul and Mahmoud Carambula / Enrico Rossi Italy (45) 19-21, 21-14, lung-opener to fifth seeds Ilya Czechs went four points clear ferent zone. Thrice they set up 18-16 in 56 mintues. The two in the tie-break set, though 18-16 (0:56) are next pitted against Brazil- Leshukov and Konstantin Se- twice (12-8 and 13-9). their own match points and victories have ensured them a it was decided in extended ROUND 2 ians Alison Cerutti and Alvaro menov of Russia 15-21, 15-21 Then a crafty drop by Sch- finally, off the third one, You- straight route into the knock- points. Younousse and Tijan Cherif Samba /Ahmed Tijan Qatar (4) def. Ondrej Filho. Cerutti is a war horse on Friday, Younousse and Ti- weiner handed the Czechs two nousse turned to the crowd out. Their third match against drew deep from their experi- Perusic / David Schweiner Czech Republic (28) on the Tour, having won the 18-21, 21-13, 18-16 (0:56) jan were scheduled to face the match points (14-12). At this and urged it to cheer on them. Belgians Koekelkoren and van ence and managed to emerge POOL E – ROUND 1 2015 World Championship Czech opponents, 28th seeds, stage, Younousse and Tijan He effected a brilliant block to Walle will take place on Mon- the winners. Ilya Leshukov / Konstantin Semenov Russia (5) def. with Bruno Schmidt in The in their career meeting. staged a thrilling rally and dis- seal the win and entertain the day after a day’s rest. Carambula and Rossi had Tamer Abdelrasoul / Assam Mahmoud Qatar (44) Hague, Netherlands. The pair Both pairs were unbeaten played what kind of stuff they fans with a victory jig. The turning point for You- troubled Younousse and Ti- 21-15, 21-14 (0:28). also won the 2016 Rio Olym- after their first pool matches. are made of. Ahmed drilled a This was their second vic- nousse and Tijan came in the jan in the Four-Star Xiamen pic Games gold medal. Cerutti While Younousse and Tijan winner and then Younousse tory in the pool and nearly a second set on Friday when Open in China April this year aggressive play to win the has had also the 2012 London expected to beat the Italians forced Schweiner to hit out, replica of the first one. Yes- they sailed along before tak- as well. They clinched the Bronze Medal match by 13- Olympics silver medal under Adrian Carambula and En- enforcing extended points. terday, they got the better of ing the match to the tie-break first set there too but the Qa- 21, 21-15, 15-10 in 46 minutes. his belt in partnership with rico Rossi, the Czechs shocked After getting at par, You- Italians Adrian Carambula set. The Qatar’s No. 1 pair taris rallied superbly through This was the third time that Emanuel Rego. Sports Sunday, June 30, 2019 17 Boult claims hat-trick but Aussies prevail over Kiwis AFP SCOREBOARD LONDON AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TRENT Boult’s hat-trick A. Finch c Latham b Ferguson 16 Martin Guptill lbw Jason Behrendorff 20 D. Warner lbw b Boult 8 Henry Nicholls c b Jason Behrendorff 8 proved in vain for New Zea- U. Khawaja b Boult 88 c Alex Carey b Mitchell Starc 40 land as Australia beat their S. Smith c Guptill b Ferguson 5 c Alex Carey b Pat Cummins 30 Oceania rivals by 86 runs in M. Stoinis c Latham b Neesham 21 Tom Latham c Steven Smith b Mitchell Starc 14 Saturday’s group match of the G. Maxwell c & b Neesham 0 Colin de Grandhomme c Khawaja b Steven Smith 0 A. Carey c Guptill b Williamson 71 Jimmy Neesham c&b Nathan Lyon 9 Cricket World Cup at Lord’s to P. Cummins not out 23 c Behrendorff b Mitchell Starc 12 remain top of the points table. HAT-TRICKS M. Starc b Boult 0 Ish Sodhi lbw Mitchell Starc 5 Boult finished with 4-51 J. Behrendorff lbw b Boult 0 Lockie Ferguson b Mitchell Starc 0 but Usman Khawaja (88) and FollowingFll ig are theth 11 hat-tricks h t tik registeredgi td ini N. Lyon not out 0 Trent Boult Not Out 2 the tournament’s history so far: Extras: (lb4, w7) 11 Extras: (4b, 3lb, 10w) 17 Alex Carey (71) forged a centu- PLAYER COUNTRY AGAINST YEAR TOTAL: (For 9 wkts, 50 overs) 243 TOTAL: (All Out in 43.4 overs): 157 ry-plus stand to help Australia Chetan Sharma Ind NZ 1987 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Finch), 2-38 (Warner), 3-46 Fall of Wickets: 1-29 Nicholls, 2-42 Guptill, 3-97 post a competitive 243-9. Saqlain Mushtaq Pak Zim 1999 (Smith), 4-81 (Stoinis), 5-92 (Maxwell), 6-199 (Carey), Williamson, 4-118 Taylor, 5-118 de Grandhomme, Chasing 244 for victory, Chaminda Vaas SL Bangla 2003 7-243 (Khawaja), 8-243 (Starc), 9-243 (Behrendorff). 6-125 Latham, 7-131 Neesham, 8-141 Sodhi, 9-144 Brett Lee Aus Ken 2003 Bowling: Boult 10-1-51-4; De Grandhomme 8-1-29-0 Ferguson, 10-157 Santner. New Zealand were all out for Lasith Malinga* SL SA 2007 (1w); Ferguson 10-0-49-2; Sodhi 6-0-35-0; Neesham Bowling: Jason Behrendorff 9-0-31-2 (3w), Mitchell Starc 157 in the 44th over, with skip- Kemar Roach WI Nelnds 2011 6-0-28-2 (1w); Santner 3-0-22-0 (1w); Williamson 9.4-1-26-5 (4w), Pat Cummins 6-1-14-1, Nathan Lyon per Kane Williamson top scor- Lasith Malinga SL Ken 2011 7-0-25-1. 10-0-36-1 (1w), Steven Smith 2-0-6-1, 1-0- Eng Aus 2015 Toss: Australia 7-0, 2-0-12-0, Glenn Maxwell 4-0-18-0. ing for them with 40. JP Duminy SA SL 2015 Mitchell Starc (5-26) was Mohd Shami Ind Afghan 2019 the pick of the Australian bowl- Trent Boult NZ Aus 2019 Boult to end a 129-ball innings a New Zealander at a World ers in a one-sided rematch of *Malinga, the only bowler to claim two World Cup featuring just five fours. Cup and the second of the hat-tricks, claimed four wickets in four balls against the 2015 World Cup final. South Africa in 2007. Next ball, the fourth of the tournament after India’s Mo- Khawaja anchored Aus- over, saw Boult bowl Mitchell hammed Shami achieved the tralia’s recovery following Australia’s Usman Khawaja looks back after being bowled by New Zealand’s Trent Boult (right) for 88 at Lord’s in London on Saturday. Boult Starc and he then had Jason feat against Afghanistan. a top-order collapse with a dismissed Mitchell Starc and Jason Behrendorff for the second hat-trick of this World Cup after India’s . (AFP) Behrendorff lbw with a yorker Nathan Lyon survived the composed 88 to take the score – although there was a delay last ball, Boult finishing with to 243-9 before becoming a hat-trick. slumped to 92-5 before Khawa- stand of 107 to give their pow- ing life difficult for batsmen. in celebrating his treble as the 4-51 at a sun-drenched Lord’s victim of Trent Boult as the Australia, who beat New ja and Alex Carey (71) revived erful attack a defendable total Khawaja was bowled in the tailender gambled on a review. after he had earlier removed New Zealander completed a Zealand in the 2015 final, the innings with a sixth-wicket on a used pitch that was mak- final over by left-arm quick It was the first hat-trick by Australia captain Aaron Finch.

THE BIG ONE: ENGLAND VS INDIA India World Cup ‘away’ Tailor-made pitch and shirt prompts scorn

AFP BIRMINGHAM

FANS mocked Indian cricket England’s ‘away game’ bosses after captain unveiled the orange- and-dark-blue shirt that the team will wear in their World Kohli says Cup match against England, ‘professional’ STANDINGS saying the players would look TEAM P W L T NR PTS like petrol pump attendants. Blue has been Indian crick- India won’t be AUSTRALIA 8 7 1 0 0 14 et’s dominant colour since the INDIA 6 5 0 0 1 11 advent of coloured clothing complacent NEW ZEALAND 8 5 2 0 1 11 but Kohli, known for his fash- PAKISTAN 8 4 3 0 1 9 ion sense, was impressed by AJAY NAIDU ENGLAND 7 4 3 0 0 8 the new kit for Sunday’s game India captain Virat Kohli poses BIRMINGHAM BANGLADESH 7 3 3 0 1 7 at Edgbaston. with his shirt for the England SRI LANKA 7 2 3 0 2 6 “I quite like it. I think it’s game during a press IT is not just the sun that is SOUTH AFRICA 8 2 5 0 1 5 right up there. For me it will conference at Edgbaston heating up England. As we WEST INDIES 8 1 5 0 1 3 be an eight (out of 10). Hon- on Saturday. (REUTERS) reach the business end of the AFGHANISTAN 8 0 8 0 0 0 estly, I am not saying that for World Cup, the heat is on Eng- the sake of it,” Kohli said at his flooding the social media site Note: Top four teams qualify for semi-finals. land as the hosts risk being pre-match press conference with spoof pictures of Indian thrown out of their own party. on Saturday. players holding fuel dispens- With critics having a field “The contrast is good, the ers at filling stations. day, after England shot them- fit is great. For one game it’s “It actually looks like selves in the foot losing to Sri fine. But I don’t think perma- Uniform of Petrol Pump em- Lanka and Australia, skipper nently we will be heading in ployees It should have been admitted that his that direction because blue completely Orange coloured team has failed to adapt to con- is our colour and we are very jersey @BCCI why you choose ditions. “We have let ourselves proud to wear that.” this Jersey ??” a Twitter user down as a group not adapting Eight of the 10 nations wrote, adding a picture of to conditions. It’s been a bigger at the World Cup have an al- Kohli with a fuel dispenser. challenge in this World Cup ternate kit in case of a colour Sri Lanka changed to yel- than the other bilateral series clash and England also wear low shirts against England that we have played.” light blue, hence the switch. and decided to keep them for But the kit has stirred con- the rest of the tournament as troversy and prompted satire a lucky charm after their shock in India. win against the hosts. England coach is seen as the pitch at Edgbaston in Birmimgham is being rolled on Saturday. Former England pace bowler Jonathan Ag- Many Twitter users made India, unbeaten in their six new has said that according to England’s Director of Cricket, Ashley Giles, the Edgbaston pitch was the best he has seen at this World Cup. (REUTERS) fun of the kit, comparing it to games, need just one win from the uniform worn by the em- their remaining three games to ployees of state-run company book a semi-final berth while Indian Oil. Eoin Morgan’s England must Users mocked the Indian win both of their final games cricket board’s decision by to guarantee progress.

India are the team to beat at Expressive That’s great news (the pitch) World Cup, says Clive Lloyd if it is. It’ll just be down to AFP from the 10-team group stage. performance then, and our BIRMINGHAM Lloyd, who led West Indies best game lends itself to two World Cup triumphs, to an expressive and WEST Indies great Clive Lloyd in 1975 and 1979, said he had says India are the best-bal- been disappointed by the way expansive performance. anced side at the World Cup his former side’s campaign had England captain Eoin Morgan and look like the team to beat. fizzled out after they started Virat Kohli’s men are un- the tournament with a con- beaten after their first six vincing win over Pakistan. Much to the surprise of matches of the round-robin The former skipper said the home team, the pitches on competition and need just India’s bowling attack had im- offer for the World Cup have one win from their remaining pressed him most of all. been anything but flat. And three games to guarantee a “ is a fan- that has blunted the aggres- place in the semi-finals. tastic discovery but behind him sive England batsmen from Holders Australia were the guys like Mohammed Shami posting 350 plus totals, some- first to book a final-four spot and the wrist spinners have thing that had almost become India’s (left) bats as Mahendra Singh Dhoni (right) listens to head coach during a training session at Edgbaston in and will be battling for the top been really impressive,” he said. a routine in the last 18 months. Birmingham, England, on Saturday. (AFP) position with India and New “What I like about their However, as England faces Zealand as the league phase attack, as opposed to many in a do-or-die situation, as they “That’s great news if it tile crowd. was a complete away game. the tournament has been be- draws to a close. this tournament, is that they square up against India at the is,” said Morgan. “It’ll just be With as many as 80% of the We had a number of fans at cause this team has been very “I have been impressed bowl to take wickets.” Edgbaston on Sunday, there down to performance then, crowd at the Edgbaston like to the ground but the noise the professional and handled the by India – I think the winner But the 74-year-old feels was a comforting thought for and our best game lends itself support the Indians, England Indian fans make with horns pressure well. of the whole thing is going to two-time champions India are the home team batters. to an expressive and expansive will have to find a way to keep makes it much louder. So, “The reason we have won be one of them or Australia,” not unbeatable if you can get Former England pace performance. the crowd quiet. Morgan was tomorrow it will feel like an every game is because we have Lloyd said in a column for the through to their middle order. bowler Jonathan Agnew con- “It allows us not to fight our quick to recall the Champions away game.” While Morgan been professional and precise International Cricket Council. “Make early inroads into veyed the good news to Eoin natural game and just play.” Trophy Final against India at blamed his teams lack of abil- under pressure. It is surprising “Any team that wants to their batting line-up – where Morgan at the press confer- Then again, while a wicket the same venue in 2013 where ity to adapt to conditions as but I expected something like lift the trophy will have to beat they only have five special- ence saying that England’s Di- full of runs was music to his his team failed to chase down the reasons for his team’s un- that in the World Cup because India – they are unbeaten and ist batsmen – and you have a rector of Cricket, Ashley Giles, ears, Morgan didn’t feel shy of a below par total. impressive show thus far, his teams come under pressure,” look a very well-balanced side.” chance,” he said. “Of course, had told him that the Edgbas- admitting another challenge “I still remember the opposite number Virat Kohli remarked Kohli. “Though we India crushed West Indies a lot of that depends on get- ton pitch was the best he has that his team would be up Champions Trophy final we stressed that the reasons for haven’t lost a game, we can’t on Thursday to end the Carib- ting rid of Virat Kohli, the best seen at this World Cup. against on Sunday – the hos- played here,” said Morgan. It his team’s unbeaten run in be complacent.” bean side’s hopes of qualifying batsman in the tournament.” 18 Sunday, June 30, 2019 Sports

Woodwork foils Ghana as Quick read goal drought hits AFCON Argentina into semis Man Utd complete signing of Palace’s AFP and Mauritania drew 0-0 in the Wan-Bissaka ISMAILIA, EGYPT first goalless draw of the tour- nament after the previous 21 MANCHESTER United have rattled the matches produced 43 goals. as Messi toils at Copa signed defender Aaron Wan- crossbar for Ghana as they Cameroon made four Bissaka from Crystal Palace on drew 0-0 with defending changes and Ghana three after an initial five-year contract, the champions Cameroon on Sat- their first group matches. Team makes last club announced urday in the second successive Ghanaian four but Messi still on Saturday. goalless Africa Cup of Nations squandered a good early chance Financial terms of the deal were match. when he blazed over from close struggling. He has not disclosed but British media Substitute Kwabena came range after being set up just only scored once reported earlier this week that on after 87 minutes and imme- outside the box. United had agreed to pay Palace diately went closest to breaking from Premier League club New- – from the penalty 50 million pounds to sign the the deadlock in a cagey Group F castle United had to go off in- England under-21 right back. clash in Ismailia. jured after only 15 minutes and spot – and hasn’t Wan-Bissaka is United’s second Ghana had another chance Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah sent provided assists signing of the close season, to beat Cameroon for the first in Samuel Owuso. following the arrival of Wales time in five attempts at the Cup As the half progressed at REUTERS winger Daniel James from of Nations, but a shot from An- the Ismailia Stadium, five-time RIO DE JANEIRO Championship side Swansea drew Viadom lacked power and African champions Cameroon City. United have the option to Andre Onana saved comfort- twice came close to taking the AFTER carrying Argentina on extend Wan-Bissaka’s deal by ably. Billed as a highlight of lead. A superb sliding tackle by his back so many times Lionel an additional year. the 36-match group phase in , recalled in Messi could be forgiven for “Aaron is one of the best Egypt, the game produced lit- place of suspended , having an off day but while his upcoming defenders in the tle excitement as the defences foiled Karl Toko Ekambi as he team mates earned high praise Premier League,” United man- dominated. prepared to shoot. for Friday’s Copa America ager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Seeking a sixth African title, With defences in control quarter-final win over Vene- in a statement. “I can’t wait to Cameroon top the table with as the second half progressed, zuela the captain did not look get going and integrated into four points, four-time champi- there were more attempts from like his old self. the squad,” Wan-Bissaka said. ons Ghana have two long range and Mubarak Waka- Argentina’s all-time top “I’m looking forward to starting Earlier on Saturday, Angola so was just off target for Ghana. scorer often loses out to Diego training with the manager and Maradona in debates over who my new team mates on the pre- is the country’s best ever play- season tour,” he added. er due to his failure to inspire his nation to a major trophy. Quartararo in ‘incredible’ While he usually looks to be AC Milan banned from playing on a different level to 2019-20 Europa his international team mates, Argentina’s Lionel Messi (centre) vies for the ball with Venezuela’s Junior Moreno during their Copa America League for FFP breach pole for Dutch MotoGP against Venezuela it was the quarter-final match at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.(AFP) five-times world player of the AC Milan have voluntarily accept- AFP year who looked rusty, slow defenders as he usually does ed a one-year ban from all Euro- ASSEN, NETHERLANDS and the least likely to conjure Queiroz sees improvement in with such nonchalant ease. pean competitions for breaching up a moment of magic. Argentina coach Lionel UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) YAMAHA’S French rider Fabio After four games at the Colombia despite Chile loss Scaloni did not want to be rules, sport’s highest court CAS Quartararo set a new lap record Copa America, Messi has drawn on Messi’s poor display said on Friday. As a result, the as he sealed an “incredible” pole only scored once – from the COLOMBIA coach Carlos Queiroz put a positive spin on Colom- in the post-game news confer- seven-times European champions position for Sunday’s Dutch penalty spot – and has not bia’s penalty shoot-out elimination from the Copa America by ence but said his presence alone will not participate in the 2019- MotoGP in Assen. provided any assists, nor has champions Chile on Friday. is good for the team. 20 Europa League which they The 20-year-old clocked he looked anything like the Colombia didn’t concede a goal in four games in Brazil -- “Messi’s contribution on qualified for by finishing fifth in 1min 32.017sec, finishing ahead player who netted more goals although Chile had two disallowed by VAR in Sao Paulo -- yet still the pitch is essential, if you Serie A last season. of fellow Yamaha rider Maver- than anyone in Europe in the crashed out at the quarter-final stage. could see what he gives us Milan’s ban means that AS ick Vinales and Suzuki’s Alex last three seasons. “Penalties are a very tough way to leave a competition, but I in the dressing room you’d Roma, who finished sixth in Rins, both of Spain. Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Argentina could certainly think the matches we played showed very good signs of develop- think differently. I assure you the standings, move up to the It was Quartararo’s third Quartararo during qualifying ath do with him rediscovering his ment, improvement, compactness, security,” said the 66-year-old it’s great to have him here,” group stage of the competition pole, having topped qualifica- the TT Assen GP in Assen, Neth- form in their next game, a semi- Portuguese boss. Scaloni said. while their place in the qualifying tion last time out at the Catalan erlands on Saturday. (REUTERS) final with tournament hosts “I want to congratulate the Chilean players and squad, but When further pressed on rounds is taken by Torino. race and in the Spanish Mo- and arch rivals Brazil. I want to give my biggest congratulations to our players, who Messi’s poor form, Scaloni “CAS has issued a consent toGP at the start of May. pole position on this track.” Messi did play a support- struggled, fought hard, with a lot of desire and belief to try to win replied curtly: “All there is to award embodying the agreement “The track here is much Spain’s reigning world ing role in Argentina’s opening the game.” say about Leo is he’s the best reached between AC Milan and more difficult than Montmelo champion Marc Marquez leads strike against Venezuela, whip- Queiroz, who only took over Colombia in February, felt his in the world.” UEFA concerning breaches of so I’m suffering a little bit more this season’s standings, on 140 ping in a cross which Sergio side had dominated but lacked a clinical touch in the final third. The poor state of the play- the FFP regulations by the Italian on my arms,” the Frenchman points, from Italy’s Ducati rider Aguero sent towards goal and “We moved around all the attacking players but once again ing surfaces in Brazil also club,” the CAS said in a state- said in reference to the Catalo- Andrea Dovizioso (103), with Lautaro Martinez flicked into luck deserted us,” he said. seem to have taken their toll ment. “AC Milan is excluded nian track, where he finished Rins just two points adrift. the net with his heel, but it was “The only person responsible for us failing to progress was on Messi. from participating in the UEFA second. Marquez was lucky to es- the only memorable moment of me, no-one else.” “The pitches here are club competitions of the sport- “But anyway we managed cape a fall at the so-called ‘Ca- an ineffective display. Chile’s Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda said this victory shameful, the ball is like a rab- ing season 2019/2020 as a to get the pole position. First we thedral of Speed’ track, going His passing was sloppy, his was merely one step towards a greater goal: to qualify for the bit, it can go anywhere,” he said. consequence of the breach of its think about today, Saturday, we wide on a corner and wobbling shots were frequently blocked 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “The conditions are very FFP break-even obligations during managed to get two really fast dangerously off onto the kerb and never troubled Venezuela The Roja missed out on the last global showpiece in Russia difficult and it’s very hard to the 2015/2016/2017 and the laps. (There’s) nothing to say before quickly managing to re- goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez, despite having won the last two Copa America titles. (AFP) dribble properly. This cannot 2016/2017/2018 periods.” because it’s incredible to be in adjust and regain his seat. and he rarely managed to beat go on.” Leclerc intent on ‘finishing the job’ after Austrian GP pole AFP Hamilton hit by SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA three-place grid penalty, to start fifth CHARLES Leclerc stayed cool in the heat to claim a convincing LEWIS Hamilton was handed a pole position for Ferrari with a three-place grid penalty for the track record lap on Saturday, Austrian Grand Prix after stew- outpacing Lewis Hamilton of ards ruled that he had impeded Mercedes by two-tenths of a Kimi Raikkonen during qualifying Netherlands players celebrate after their quarter-final win over Italy at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 second. on Saturday. in Valenciennes, France on Saturday. (EPA-EFE) The 21-year-old Mon- The sanction drops the Mer- egasque clocked his best lap of cedes driver from second on the one minute and 3.003 seconds grid to fifth. Dutch through to first World Cup in the final seconds of a dra- Hamilton will start on the third matic session that saw his Fer- row alongside 39-year-old Raik- rari team-mate Sebastian Vettel From (left), Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes AMG GP, Charles Leclerc of konen of Alfa Romeo, who had unable to run due to an air pres- Scuderia Ferrari and Max Verstappen of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing lifted a single finger at him at semis, Sweden pip Germany sure problem. after the qualifying session of the Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring the time of the incident in Q1. Max Verstappen, backed circuit in Spielberg on Saturday. (EPA-EFE) HAMILTON was caught out dur- AGENCIES mostly bedecked in Orange in Gragt met with a firm header. by an ‘orange army’ of fans ing a slower lap in Q1 when he VALENCIENNES/RENNES the bright sunshine. in the steaming Styrian Alps, - following his success in Bah- temperature of 30 degrees, and said he was unaware of Raik- But despite those boosts, Sweden upset Germany was third for Red Bull ahead rain. “I struggled in P1, but after the track at 52. konen approaching him on a SECOND-HALF headers from the Dutch initially struggled to Goals from Sofia Jakobsson of Hamilton’s Mercedes team- some changes we did well and Norris went top briefly be- flying lap. Vivianne Miedema and Stefanie create openings against an Ital- and Stina Blackstenius helped mate Valtteri Bottas who had I’m happy to bring pole home. fore Leclerc and Ferrari flexed He attempted to drive out of the van der Gragt earned the Neth- ian defence well marshalled by sweden came from behind to taken pole for the last two years. “Tomorrow, we have to fin- their muscles. way by going off track, but it was erlands a 2-0 win over Italy on captain Sara Gama. stun Germany 2-1 in the wom- Defending five-time cham- ish the job.” Unexpectedly, Red Bull not seen as sufficient by the Saturday as they reached the The Dutch coach Sarina en’s World Cup quarter-finals at pion Hamilton struggled for Ferrari are without a win soared. Verstappen split the stewards. women’s World Cup semi-finals Wiegman clearly took advan- Roazhon Park in Rennes. outright speed and faced a this season or since the 2018 Ferraris for second and the un- Hamilton’s grid penalty reduces for the first time. tage of the break to address After enjoying an early spell stewards’ inquiry after the ses- United States Grand Prix won der-pressure Gasly took fourth, his chances of extending Mer- The Dutch, deserved victors their problems and it was a very of possession, midfielder Lina sion following an incident in Q1 by Raikkonen and seek to end within two-tenths. Mercedes, cedes record season-opening in intense heat at the Stade du different approach after the in- Magull put the Germans in when he appeared to obstruct Mercedes’ record run of eight feeling the heat, responded by run of eight successive tri- Hainaut, will next play Sweden. terval. front in the 16th minute with Kimi Raikkonen. season-opening triumphs and re-joining the fray in the final umphs and gives Ferrari a great Italy, who have never gone The introduction of Lineth an acrobatic volley through Kevin Magnussen wound 10 victories in succession. minutes, a rarity. opportunity to land their first beyond the last eight, had the Beerensteyn for the out-of-sorts the legs of Swedish goalkeeper up in fifth place for Haas, but Hamilton said: “Congratu- Verstappen went top as win in 12 races since last year’s better of the chances in the first right-winger Shanice van de Hedvig Lindahl. will take a five-place grid pen- lations to Charles. He’s been Hamilton followed, just 0.011 United States Grand - won, ironi- half but the European champi- Sanden also helped the Dutch Sweden equalised six min- alty for taking a new gearbox, quick all weekend.... It’s cool to behind, to take second ahead cally, by Raikkonen. ons stepped up their game after step up the tempo but when the utes later when winger Jakob- ahead of British rookie Lando see three different teams as the of Bottas, in third, and the two the break and both goals came breakthrough came in the 70th sson latched onto a long ball Norris of McLaren, Raikkonen top three and I get to fight the Ferraris. of Williams, required a post- from quality set-piece deliveries minute it was from a set piece. straight down the middle from and his Alfa Romeo team-mate young ones tomorrow.” Out went Sergio Perez and session stewards’ inquiry. from Sherida Spitse. Spitse, from wide on the left, Linda Sembrant, and slotted Antonio Giovinazzi. Verstappen praised the his Racing Point team-mate Before Q3 began, there was Defending World Cup whipped in a fine, high cross home past goalkeeper Almuth Frenchman Pierre Gasly support he received from his Lance Stroll along with Toro frantic activity at Ferrari where champions the United States and the towering Miedema Schult. was ninth in the second Red countrymen. “It’s so great and it Rosso’s luckless Daniil Kvyat, a side-pod of Vettel’s car was will face England in the open- timed her run and jump per- Schult again did well to turn Bull and Vettel 10th, but he will brings a smile to my face... With who swerved wide when he met the centre of attention, includ- ing semi-final on Tuesday in fectly, beating Laura Guiliani away a powerful header by Fri- start from ninth, at least, follow- our upgrades, the car seems to heavy traffic on his late flying ing that of an FIA technical del- Lyon with the second semi on with a deft, glancing header. dolina Rolfo but the rebound ing the penalties. be working better and this is an lap at the blind Turn Nine, and egate. After a slow start, Leclerc Wednesday. Ten minutes later the game fell kindly for striker Blacksteni- “The car felt amazing,” said amazing result for us.” the two Williams. clocked 1.03:208 to top the first With the venue only a two- was put beyond the Italians us, who fired home from point a delighted Leclerc, having The session began in swel- That incident, in which runs ahead of Bottas and Ver- hour drive away from the Dutch when Spitse, delivered a flat blank range to get her second claimed his second career pole tering conditions with an air Kvyat avoided George Russell stappen. border, the 22,600 crowd was cross which defender Van Der goal in as many matches. Sports Sunday, June 30, 2019 19 Nadal shrugs off difficult build-up for Wimbledon

REUTERS play bad, just played against LONDON players that have been playing on grass for many more days, RAFAEL Nadal has taken a competitive start. tumble in practice and lost two “Every hour and every warm-up matches in what has match I am able to win helps a Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova celebrates with the trophy after appeared a problematic build- lot because I am playing well, winning the final against Germany’s Angelique Kerber at the up to Wimbledon but he was I am coming with good confi- Eastbourne tennis final on Saturday. (REUTERS) adamant on Saturday that he dence after playing a good end will be ready to launch a con- of the clay court season.” certed assault on a third title. Nadal begins on Tuesday The Spaniard, who looked against Japanese qualifier Pliskova triumphs in prime form when winning Yuichi Sugita. However, after a 12th French Open title three that seemingly straightfor- weeks ago, has sometimes ward opener things promise in Eastbourne, found the quick cross-Chan- to get difficult quickly with a nel transition to grass court potential second-round clash fare after his domination on against Kyrgios. French clay a troublesome one The unpredictable Aus- warns rivals down the years. tralian has beaten Nadal both Nadal, who chose to skip at Wimbledon back in 2014 REUTERS It was a third consecutive a grass court tournament and also this year in Acapulco, EASTBOURNE defeat in an Eastbourne final warm-up and instead lost two with an extra edge having been for Kerber, who nonetheless exhibition matches to Marin added by Kyrgios’s comments KAROLINA Pliskova warmed heads into Wimbledon after a Cilic and Lucas Pouille at the about the Spaniard being “su- up for Wimbledon in the best solid grass court campaign. Hurlingham club in London, per salty” when he loses. possible fashion on Saturday The German will face com- confirmed on Saturday that he Yet Nadal was not about to by powering past Angelique patriot Tatjana Maria in her had taken a fall in a practice be drawn into talking about the Kerber 6-1, 6-4 to win the first match at Wimbledon on session. most eagerly-awaited of all pos- Eastbourne title. Tuesday, while Pliskova takes Yet the 18-times Grand sible second round contests. The Czech second seed on China’s Zhu Lin on Monday. Slam winner brushed aside Asked about his relation- claimed her second career title the tumble which happened ship with Kyrgios, he said: “I at Eastbourne without drop- First for Fritiz earlier in the week, telling re- don’t know Nick, being hon- ping a set all week, and reign- American Taylor Fritz porters: “Yes, I fall over, but est. I don’t want to talk about ing Wimbledon champion claimed his maiden ATP title grass sometimes is slippery. Spain’s Rafael Nadal during a practice session at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London Nick much because I am not Kerber had no answer to her in Eastbourne, beating com- Nothing happens. I am good, on Saturday. (REUTERS) playing against Nick. I am opponent’s powerful serve and patriot Sam Querrey 6-3, 6-4 yeah. Nothing.” playing against Sugita. precise forehand. in the final on Saturday. His two defeats at Hurling- Denis Shapovalov, Cilic and Steady improvement “It’s day by day, step by “Every match is tough. If I Pliskova, who sent down Playing only his second ham, though, suggested that Dominic Thiem could be po- Yet the 33-year-old, who has step. I have been improving am able to win my match and 33 winners and seven aces en final, Fritz made a solid start he has work to do to rediscover tential opponents even before mixed two titles (2008, 2010) every single day since I arrived if Nick is able to win his match route to winning her third ti- to break Querrey to love in his his best as he faces what looks possible clashes with the other and five final appearances at here. I hope to be ready, being (against fellow Australian Jor- tle of the year, said she was first return game. a fiendishly difficult path in two members of the ‘big three’, Wimbledon with seven exits honest. I think I see the nor- dan Thompson), you will have pleased at the level she had Fritz went on to dominate this year’s event. Roger Federer and champion before the quarter-final stage, mal evolution,” he said. the time to ask me about the reached ahead of Wimbledon. the majority of the baseline The likes of Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic. shrugged off any concerns. “In Hurlingham, I didn’t next match, no? That’s all.” “All week I was playing rallies, while Querrey was un- quite perfect tennis and didn’t done by unforced errors in key drop a set,” Pliskova said. “An- moments of the match. gelique for sure is one of the The 21-year-old Fritz best grass court players. It’s clinched another early break Djokovic prepares but with my third final and in two of of serve in the second set be- them I have won. I just enjoy fore closing out the victory in seven-hour long meeting myself here.” just over an hour with an ace. AFP having seven-hour meetings proved on Saturday when play- LONDON regularly is unacceptable be- ers Jamie Murray and Robin cause it’s not efficient,” said Haase as well as coach Dani NOVAK Djokovic warmed up Djokovic on Saturday. Vallverdu stepped down from for the defence of his Wimble- “There was one that hap- the body. don title not on the practice pened last night, which went He may be frustrated with courts, but locked away for on post-midnight and started the politics, but Djokovic ar- seven hours in a stuffy meet- 5:00pm.” rives at Wimbledon this year in ing room discussing the poli- Djokovic has been at odds a better frame of mind than 12 tics of tennis. with fellow stars such as Roger months ago. As well as being the world Federer and Rafael Nadal on “Last year I did drop out number one and the holder the future direction of the sport. of top 20 after French Open. of 15 Grand Slam titles, the Disagreements have re- That’s what kind of gave me 32-year-old is president of the cently centred on the decision that push. After that, it was all ATP Player Council. to dispense with the services upwards, winning Cincinnati It’s a powerful representa- of the ATP’s chief executive for first time, US Open. One Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action during a training session for the tive body which also occasion- Chris Kermode, a popular fig- Grand Slam can definitely Taylor Fritz of the US holds the winner’s trophy after beating Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in ally pits player against player. ure in tennis. change anyone’s career in a compatriot Sam Querrey in their men’s singles final match at the ATP London on Saturday. (EPA-EFE) “I think in any industry, His mood was not im- few weeks.” Nature Valley International tennis in Eastbourne on Saturday. (AFP)

More than 200 hours of live Wimbledon coverage on beIN PSG and Nike the

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK – an increase from 12 qualifi- will provide a global plat- Next month’s 2019 Wimble- biggest sponsorship DOHA ers from 96 entrants. Defend- form to events and talent that don Championship will be the ing champions Novak Djoko- haven’t, historically, been giv- second beINSPIRED tourna- deal in club’s history BEIN SPORTS is set to host vic and Angelique Kerber will en the exposure they deserve. ment aired on beIN SPORTS the much-anticipated 2019 compete in both Men’s and The FIFA Women’s World with the new beINSPIRED TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for the future,” said Paris Saint- Wimbledon Championships Women’s singles for a chance Cup – which beIN recently logo promoted on screens dur- DOHA Germain President Nasser al live and exclusive on its chan- to retain the coveted winner’s Doha with famous presenters distributed across more coun- ing all matches. Khelaifi. nels. The action-packed event, medal as record holder Roger and analysts Adel al Shatti, tries than any other global In addition to Wimble- PROUD of their unbroken “Nike has been the club’s now in its 133rd edition kicks Federer also looks to add a Amine Rhissasi, Selima Sfar, broadcaster – was the first don and the FIFA Women’s 30-year association, Paris most faithful partner and this off on Monday 1 July with the ninth title to his name and il- Mamdouh Marzouk, Iyad al beINSPIRED tournament World Cup, beIN broadcasts Saint-Germain and Nike today deal shows its firm commit- finals set for July 13 and 14. lustrious career. Akari and many others. aired on beIN SPORTS. thousands of hours of wom- announced the signing of an ex- ment to continue with us every The 2019 Wimbledon beIN SPORTS will broad- Last month beIN launched beINSPIRED believes in en’s sport throughout the tended and ambitious long term step of the way for many years Championship will be the first cast more than 100 exclusive a new global initiative to en- the power of broadcasting to year, which will be promoted partnership that highlights the to come. In the last eight sea- version to feature a tie break matches – more than 200 courage women across the inspire the next generation under the beINSPIRED um- status of the club as one of Ni- sons we have developed the at 12-12 in the final set. The hours of live coverage includ- world to play more sport under of athletes and fans to par- brella, including coverage of ke’s key global sports assets and Paris Saint-Germain brand sig- women’s singles will also see ing shows and programs from the new branding of “beIN- ticipate in sport, regardless of Roland Garros and other ma- leads to a new era of collabora- nificantly. Thanks to Nike and 16 qualifiers from 128 entrants beIN’s dedicated studios in SPIRED”, through which beIN gender, race or background. jor tournaments. tion between two of the most Jordan we have had a record respected, creative and innova- season for shirt sales, one of the tive brands within the sports biggest in European football. universe. We look forward to continu- The partnership which now ing this fast-paced growth and runs until 2032 will enable the break yet more new ground in ISC felicitates players of Indian billiards team French Champions to further the years to come, especially in build the brand’s success glob- football’s emerging markets.” TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of Indian Sports Centre wel- ally, and will cover the men and “We are delighted to extend DOHA comed the Indian team and women’s football sections as one of the strongest partner- highlighted the role of the cen- well as handball. ships in all of sport,” said Bert INDIAN Sports Centre, an tre in promoting sports among This sponsorship agree- Hoyt, VP/GM of Nike EMEA. apex body of Indian Embassy the Indian community in Qa- ment acknowledges the intense “Paris Saint-Germain is a held a felicitation function tar. Dey also praised the bil- work that has gone into the PSG powerful global brand and this in honour of Indian national liards team for their achieve- sports teams and brand over deal further cements Nike’s po- billiards team on its visit to ment in the Asian Billiards the last eight years. Valued at sition as leaders within the foot- Doha for the Asian Billiards Championship. nearly €1bn by the world’s lead- ball industry. We share their vi- Championship 2019. Padma Hemant Dwivedi, Secre- ing international consultancies, sion for creating a lasting legacy Bhusan Pankaj Advani, Arjuna tary of Embassy of India, said PSG has now reached the sta- in Paris and beyond and look Awardee Aditya Mehta, Lax- it was a great opportunity for tus of a global sports franchise forward to serving the men’s man Rawat, Arjuna Awardee the Indian community to meet present on every continent and and women’s teams, alongside Sourav Kothari, Sandeep Gu- the team. attracts international brands as more exciting creative projects lati, Kamal Chawla, and Head Former world billiard its main partners. like last season’s hugely popular coach of Asia and India for- champion and Dhyan Chand “The agreement represents debut Jordan kit.” mer world billiards champion awardee Manoj Kothari, a very important milestone, The latest PSG jersey featur- Dhyan Chand were honoured thanked the ISC for organising reflecting what the club has be- ing the club’s new sponsor will on the occasion. the function in honour of the come on the global stage and have its eagerly-awaited launch Nilangshu Dey, President players. the great ambitions we have on 1 July 2019.