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Sunday 11 June 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 French Open: Kohli urges India Ronaldo fires Portugal, Nadal eyes to keep cool in SA France complicates perfect 10 clash path to Russia Ostapenko creates history in Paris

Paris but Halep was overpowered as AFP Ostapenko blasted 54 winners to the Romanian's 10. atvia's Jelena Ostap- "I want to congratulate enko stunned third Jelena. All the credit for what you seed Simona Halep have done. Enjoy it, be happy and 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 yesterday keep it going because you're like to win her maiden a kid," said Halep. Romania's Simona LGrand Slam title and become the Ostapenko set the tone lowest-ranked champion in immediately on a raucous Court Halep during her French Open history. Philippe Chatrier, disguising any loss in the final. World number 47 Ostapenko nerves with an array of bruising is the first unseeded player to lift groundstrokes to break Halep in the Roland Garros title in the the opening game. Open era and the first Latvian But the Romanian delivered major champion in history. a swift counter-punch, hitting The 20-year-old is the back straight away on the Latvi- youngest French Open winner an's serve before holding with since Iva Majoli in 1997 and the ease for 2-1. second set, the third seed then for 4-4, but Ostapenko promptly first player to win a debut tour- More crisp striking from breaking Ostapenko to com- broke to love to leave herself in level title at a Slam since Gustavo Ostapenko nudged the 20-year- pound her frustration. sight of a deciding set. Kuerten in Paris that same year. old ahead once more, but the Halep consolidated with a She conjured up three set "I am really happy. I have no errors flew off her racquet just gritty hold for 3-0 before Ostap- points with a laser forehand words. It was my dream," said as regularly and Halep pulled 4-3 enko fought off a trio of break down the line, forcing the match Ostapenko, who will rocket to in front. points to stall her rival's momen- to a third set with another 12th in the rankings. Ostapenko's wildness tum and spark an incredible sweetly-struck winner. She trailed by a set and 3-0 betrayed her as she served to comeback. The Latvian moved Ostapenko continued her but launched a memorable stay in the set at 4-5, netting a level on serve when Halep feast or famine style but watched comeback with a remarkable forehand to offer Halep set point hooked a forehand wide and two break points flash by as display of fearless shotmaking. and drilling long to gift the then earned another break to Halep withstood a sustained "I was just trying to stay Romanian the set. chalk up a fourth game on the assault. Halep broke for 3-1 when aggressive. A couple of games, The Latvian's mood soured trot. Ostapenko drilled long, but the everything turned my way. I was further when Halep escaped The errors crept back into latter retrieved it the next game 3-0 down but I was fighting for from 0-40 down to begin the her game and Halep responded with a thumping return. every point. The Latvian stepped in to "I still cannot believe it. It pummel a weak second serve for was my dream always. When I 15-40, with Ostapenko grabbing was a child I was watching. It's a huge slice of luck when a way- amazing to play here. I just enjoy I still cannot believe it. It was my dream ward backhand clipped the net it so much." and dropped just over for a 4-3 For Halep, bidding to join always. When I was a child I was lead. compatriots Ilie Nastase and Vir- watching. It's amazing to play here. I just Halep, who saved match point ginia Ruzici as major winners, it against Elina Svitolina in the quar- was a second final defeat in four enjoy it so much: Jelena Ostapenko ter-finals, had no response this years at Roland Garros. time and Ostapenko sealed a Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko celebrates with her trophy after The 25-year-old would have breathtaking triumph with winning the French Open final against Romania's Simona Halep replaced Angelique Kerber as another break by hammering a in Paris yesterday. world number one with victory, backhand down the line. Stokes shines as England knock Vettel fastest in final practice Montreal teenager Max Verstappen, who was AFP fourth in the leading Red Bull. Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate Aussies out of Champions Trophy orld championship leader Valtteri Bottas was fifth quickest ahead Sebastian Vettel topped the of German Nico Hulkenberg of Renault, Wtimes ahead of his Ferrari Brazilian Felipe Massa of Williams and Birmingham a fourth- partnership SCOREBOARD team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in Satur- Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who was AFP of 159. AUSTRALIA kett 8-0-49-0 (1nb, 1w); Stokes 8-0-61-1 (4w); Rashid day morning's third and final free down in eighth in the second Red Bull. Stokes's third one-day D Warner c Buttler b Wood ...... 21 10-1-41-4; Ali 5-0-24-0 (2w). practice session ahead of today's Cana- It was the fifth time in six Grands en Stokes hit a career- international century was his A Finch c Morgan b Stokes...... 68 ENGLAND dian Grand Prix. Prix that Ferrari have topped the times best 102 and highest score at this level S Smith c Plunkett b Wood ...... 56 J J Roy lbw Starc ...... 4 The four-time champion German in third practice, but Mercedes much- M Henriques c Plunkett b Rashid ...... 17 A D Hales c Finch b Hazlewood ...... 0 Bcaptain Eoin Morgan after the all-rounder had T Head (not out)...... 71 J E Root c Wade b Hazlewood ...... 15 dominated the hour-long session and improved showing following their 87 as England knocked Aus- twice made 101. G Maxwell c Roy b Wood ...... 20 E J G Morgan (run out) ...... 87 clocked his best time in one minute and desultory form at the Monaco Grand tralia out of the Champions When a second down- M Wade c and b Rashid ...... 2 B A Stokes (not out) ...... 102 12.572 seconds with 22 minutes Prix suggested they could mount a seri- M Starc c Root b Rashid ...... 0 J C Buttler (not out)...... 29 Trophy with a 40-run win pour ended the match with P Cummins c&b Rashid ...... 4 Extras (LB-2, W-1) ...... 3 remaining. That lap lifted him 0.292 ous challenge in the grid session. over their arch-rivals at Edg- England 240 for four off 40.2 A Zampa b Wood ...... 0 Total (for 4 wkts in 40.2 overs) ...... 240 seconds clear of the Finn who was, in The impressive Frenchman Esteban baston yesterday. overs, the hosts were well J Hazlewood (not out) ...... 1 Fall of : 1-4, 2-6, 3-35, 4-194. turn, less than a tenth ahead of Lewis Ocon of Force India was ninth ahead of England collapsed to 35 ahead of the 205 they Extras (LB-8, W-8, NB-1) ...... 17 : M A Starc 10-0-52-1; J R Hazlewood 9-0- Hamilton of Mercedes and Dutch Spaniard Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso. Total (for 9 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 277 50-2; P J Cummins 8-1-55-0; T M Head 2-0-9-0; M C for three chasing 278 for vic- needed for a win under the Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-136, 3-161, 4-181, 5-239, Henriques 1-0-6-0; A Zampa 8.2-0-52-0 (1w); G J

tory before left-handers Duckworth-Lewis-Stern 6-245, 7-245, 8-253, 9-254. Maxwell 2-0-14-0. Morgan and Stokes changed method for rain-affected Bowling: Ball 9-1-61-0 (1w); Wood 10-1-33-4; Plun- Result: England won by 40 runs (D/L method) Qatar prepare for South Korea tie the course of the game with limited overs matches. World Cup champions leg-spinner Rashid's return Australia had to win this of four for 41 was his best match to join already-qual- against a Test nation at this ified England in the level. semi-finals of a tournament Travis Head's unbeaten featuring the world's lead- 71 kept Australia in the game Ben Stokes ing eight ODI teams after no after earlier half centuries celebrates result washouts in their pre- from opener Aaron Finch his century vious two Group A fixtures. (68) and Steve Smith against But this defeat saw Bang- (56). Australia in ladesh, who beat New Edgbaston Zealand by five wickets in Bangla make semis yesterday. Cardiff on Friday, into the last four instead. Earlier, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid took four wick- 1 Bangladesh enter the ets apiece as Australia were held to 277 for nine after los- semi-finals in their first ing the toss. Champions Trophy Durham fast bowler appearance after Qatari players during a training session ahead of their World Cup 2018 Wood returned ODI best fig- England send Australia qualfiying match against South Korea in Doha yesterday. The clash ures of four for 33 in his packing early is scheduled to be held at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. maximum 10 overs, while SPORT 11 JUNE 2017 SUNDAY 21

Cavs end French Open: Nadal eyes perfect 10 Warriors run Wawrinka hurdle to keep Finals Wawrinka is series alive standing in the way of the Mallorcan from becoming the Cleveland Reuters first player in the professional era to he Cleveland Cavaliers win the same staved off NBA Finals Grand Slam title 10 elimination and ended times. T Golden State's shot at an unprecedented perfect run Reuters through the play-offs with a AFP gritty 137-116 win over the Warriors on Friday. t has been a breeze for Rafa Kyrie Irving scored a Nadal so far at this year's game-high 40 points and French Open -- but a storm LeBron James chipped in with is brewing. 31 as the defending champi- Even by the Spaniard's ons pulled to within 3-1 and Iridiculously high standards at a Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after winning against Britain's forced the best-of-seven tournament where he has won Andy Murray during their semi-final match of the French Open in Paris series back to Oakland. 78 of his 80 matches since on Friday. RIGHT: A combination of pictures shows Spain's Rafael Nadal "We finally settled in, bounding into town like a runa- posing with the Muskeeters trophy during his nine victories in the men's man, it was about damn time, way bull in 2005, the way he has singles at the Roland Garros Stadium. (From top left) Nadal poses with for all of us just to really see reached a 10th final has been his trophy on June 8, 2014; on June 9, 2013; on June 11, 2012; on June what playing well as a group astonishing. 5, 2011; on June 6, 2010; on June 8, 2008; on June 10, 2007; on June looks like against a great team The 31-year-old has not con- 11, 2006; on June 5, 2005. like the Warriors," said ceded a set and dropped only 29 Irving. games in six rounds -- two more "We understand who they than Bjorn Borg's 1978 record slam finals he has contested and 1972. The last grand slam clash lost the first 12, told reporters. to claim a 15th grand slam title have on their team and what when he destroyed Guillermo possesses the kind of baseline between the pair came at Mel- "When I arrive in a big after a three-year hiatus, it will they're about and how estab- Vilas in the final. firepower Nadal is yet to face so bourne Park in 2014 when match, it's like closing, switch- take Wawrinka at his fiery best lished they are, but I think Yet standing in the way of far in the past fortnight. Wawrinka beat a hobbling Nadal ing off everything in my body to stop him. that in those three losses we the Mallorcan from becoming the Described as 'scary' by three- to claim his first grand slam title. except my brain which I put in "It's true that when he hits lost track of who we were at first player in the professional times former grand slam It was a breakthrough winning mode. hard, he hits really hard," Nadal the time. We're still a special era to win the same grand slam champion Mats Wilander, moment for the Swiss, but even "Rafa's track record on clay said. team as well. We are here for title 10 times is a highly-destruc- Wawrinka will not be taking a then there was a sense he still is amazing. He's the best player "Stopping him can be diffi- a reason." tive Swiss; not 18-times major backwards step when play com- felt like an imposter at the top we have ever had. So, of course cult. I do not want him to play The Cavaliers, who beat winner Roger Federer but the mences on Court Philippe table of men's tennis. I can lose but I'm extremely con- his game, which means I need to the Warriors in a decisive barrel-chested Stan Wawrinka. Chatrier today when the temper- Three years on and there is fident about what I do. I know make sure I don't let him be in seventh game last year after Wawrinka was at his bellig- atures are expected to soar into little doubt Wawrinka truly that mentally when I'm there, it's that position where he can hit trailing 3-1, are now trying to erent best against world number the 80s. believes he belongs alongside the difficult to beat me." Nadal, who hard. become the first NBA team to one Andy Murray in a semi-final Should Wawrinka repeat his best and that when the stakes are tops the match-wins list this year "I will have to do everything rally back from a 3-0 series classic, striking 87 winners in a scintillating 2015 victory over highest, he brings it all to court. with a 42-6 record, including a I can to keep him from playing deficit. five-set duel that would have Novak Djokovic he would "Mentally I've become a dif- 23-1 stretch on clay, knows the aggressively. If I can play long The feat has only been graced any final. become the oldest man to lift La ferent player," Wawrinka, who threat. balls, if I can hit hard, if I can do accomplished four times in Late bloomer Wawrinka, 32, Coupe des Mousquetaires since has won three of his last six But with La Decima within that, well, I think I will be able to the National Hockey League has won each of the three grand 34-year-old Andres Gimeno in matches against Nadal having touching distance and the chance control him." and once in Major League Baseball. Kevin Durant led the way for the Warriors with 35 Three share PGA points. The game was the most St Jude lead Porte consolidates Dauphine lead physical yet of the Finals and saw James and Durant L'Alpe d'Huez, France Astana's Danish rider Jakob come face-to-face at mid- Los Angeles AFP Fuglsang, a silver medallist in the court for a heated AFP road race event at last year's Rio argument while a play was ustralian Richie Porte of Olympics, did manage to tail being reviewed. hez Reavie fired three the BMC team turned the Porte and now stands third in the Durant was upset after birdies and an eagle in Ascrews on Chris Froome overall classification, at 1min being accidentally slapped by Ca five-under par 65 that in yesterday's seventh stage of 15sec. Kevin Love on a block boosted him into a three-way the Criterium du Dauphine won Froome's Team Sky team- attempt and after a lengthy tie for the lead with Charl by the latter's Team Sky team- mate Kennaugh, who won gold review Love was assessed a Schwartzel and Carlos Munoz mate Peter Kennaugh. as part of the British team pur- flagrant foul. on Friday in the PGA St Jude With just one stage to go suit team at the 2012 Olympics, The top-seeded Warriors, Classic. today, Porte spurted at the end soloed to the stage win after who had won their first 15 South Africa's Schwartzel of a gruelling day's racing to gain pulling away from British com- games of the playoffs, will get had five birdies and a bogey valuable seconds on direct rivals patriot Ben Swift (UAE Team another chance to close out in his four-under par 66 while for the overall race victory, Emirates) in the final three the series in front of their own Colombia's Munoz carded a putting a further 23sec between kilometres. fans on Monday. 67 that featured four birdies himself and former teammate Kennaugh described his vic- Cleveland, determined and a bogey. Froome, in second at 1min 02sec. Australia's Richie Porte celebrates with his yellow jersey at tory as "incredible". not to watch the Warriors cel- They were one stroke in Defending champion the end of the 168km seventh stage of the 69th edition of "It's always hard to win a ebrate a championship on front of overnight co-leader Froome, a three-time winner of the Criterium du Dauphine cycling race between Aosta and mountain stage but I have good their home court for the sec- Stewart Cink, who carded a the Tour de France, couldn't L'Alpe d'Huez, yesterday. form ahead of July," the Manx- ond time in three seasons, 68 for 132, with Ben Crane, stick with Porte's acceleration man said in reference to the Tour came out flying with a record winner of this tournament in on the last 2km of the 168km de France. 86 points in the first half to Memphis, Tennessee, on 133 ride from Aosta to the epic L'Alpe "My team just incredibly I expect fireworks tomorrow. It'll "It took us a while to make lead by 18. after a 65. Reavie started the d'Huez climb and summit finish covered the moves of the best be a short stage. It's not over the break, but once the front Their first-half output day two shots off the lead. He via the Col de Sarenne. riders beforehand. They did a until it's over, but my team is group was established I knew I beat the previous mark of 79 picked up three birdies on the "Attack was the best form of fantastic job. incredibly strong so I want to had a good chance. I targeted the points set in 1985 by the Bos- front nine and eagled the par- defence in the finale," said Porte. "But we can't be complacent. finish it off for them." top of col de Sarenne. ton Celtics. five 16th to go into the weekend poised to strike for a second career win to go with his 2008 Canadian Open title. Reavie said he'd stay aggressive over the Retiring Bolt will miss the crowds weekend. "There's no way that I can change my mindset and go Kingston, Jamaica assist as much as possible Minister Andrew Holness offer- that when I show up I always out there and try and make Reuters because I love Racers and I love ing opportunities in government, show up at my best,” the 11-time pars. I won't win the golf tour- my coach very much." the lanky sprinter has said no. world champion said. nament if I do that," he said. s Usain Bolt (pictured) Multiple Olympic and world “I’ve said it over the years, “I always try to make sure "I need to just keep doing prepares to run his last gold medallist Bolt, who seems politics is not me," Bolt said. they’re happy because they’re the same thing I'm doing, Acompetitive Jamaican to have moved past his earlier "When your guys (journalists) very hard to please," added the attack the holes that suit my race, the world's fastest man is desire to play professional soc- ask me questions, I’ve always man who clocked 50 sub-10 sec- eye and make as many bird- already thinking about his future. cer, said he would miss tried to stay away from politics ond 100 metres in his career. ies as I can." Charity work and assisting competing, but not the hard because it’s a tricky thing, so I Although he harbors no Schwartzel, the 2011 Mas- coach Glen Mills with his track training. try to stay as far away as intentions of attempting his ters champion, teed off on 10 club appear at the top of the list "I'm going to miss the possible." 100m world record of 9.58 sec- and birdied four of his first for Bolt, who will retire after crowds," the 30-year-old said. But Bolt, who considers onds, Bolt aims to go out in the eight holes. He was alone atop August's world championships "I enjoy just playing with the Jamaican sprint icons the late blaze of glory in London. the leaderboard after a birdie in London. crowd, feeling the energy and Herb McKenley and Don Quar- "I’m the world record on the par-four second but “I promised him (Mills) that just competing in front of them... rie, both Olympic gold holder so there’s no reason to bogeyed the eighth. I will try to be a part of Racers that's what I'm going to miss medallists, among his role mod- want to break the world He was expecting a Track Club as much as possible," about track and field." els, wants to put on a show in his record," he said. demanding weekend in the Bolt said. Politics are also out of the last run on home soil, a 100 "For me this season is just final tuneup before next "He wants me to take over question, the 100 and 200 metres at the National about trying to win and continue week's US Open at Erin Hills but I don’t thing that will hap- metres world record holder said. Stadium. winning and end my career on in Wisconsin. pen, but I will definitely try to Even with Jamaican Prime “The fans in Jamaica know a winning note." 22 SPORT SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2017

Indian captain Virat De Villiers upbeat ahead Kohli during the press conference at the Oval of must-win India battle yesterday.

London since winning the inaugural edi- AFP tion in 1998, but De Villiers expects his players to produce a B de Villiers has dominant display, as long as they vowed to end his keep calm. barren run in the "It is a must-win game, but nick of time as the we've played quite a few of South Africa captain them in the last 12 to 18 months preparesA for a must-win Cham- and we've had a lot of success Kohli urges India to pions Trophy showdown with in those must-win games," he India. said. After two disappointing per- "The guys generally perform keep cool in SA clash formances with bat, De Villiers better if they are relaxed in their is under pressure to save South mind sets and not too tense. Africa from elimination in their That's partly my responsibility London as this one and then if you per- final Group B match at the Oval to make sure there's no panic. AFP form in that and your team gets on today. "It's really important to stay across the line, it's a different The 33-year-old's first calm. Not get over-excited. The irat Kholi has warned feeling. golden duck in his long and suc- tendency will be there, because India must keep their "It improves you as a crick- cessful ODI career came during we all live for these kinds of Vemotions under control eter. Everyone looks forward South Africa's shock 19-run loss moments. when they face South Africa in to games like these and every- to Pakistan at Edgbaston on "That's why we play , a do or die Champions Trophy one is very excited." Wednesday. we want to play on the big stage showdown on Sunday. But, while Kohli believes De Villiers has managed just against the big teams and tomor- Kholi's side have to win India will thrive under pressure, four runs in the tournament, but row is one of those games." their final Group B fixture at the batsman doesn't want his the right-hander, who declared For some of De Villiers' The Oval to avoid an embar- players to get carried away try- himself fully fit after recent harsher critics, the India show- rassing exit from a tournament ing to be the hero of the moment. hamstring problems, is con- down will also serve as a they went into as holders and "You need to have a good vinced he will get back on track referendum on his captaincy. title favourites. balance of being competitive, against India. But the Pretoria-born star India find themselves in being passionate about the "Look, I'm still in good form. South Africa’s AB de Villiers during the Champions Trophy insists he doesn't care what the danger of missing out on the game, but at the same time, not Still hitting the ball well, as match against Pakistan on June 7 in Edgbaston. doubters say about him. semi-finals after suffering a getting over-excited," he said. always," De Villiers told a press "I think my captaincy is seven wicket defeat against Sri "The team that treats the conference yesterday. and doing it. There's nothing I change anything except for that pretty good. I've thoroughly Lanka on Thursday. game as normal as possible is "It's just a matter of going out can say here that's going to I still believe I can and hopefully enjoyed every second out there," South Africa also have one the team that's in a better posi- I'll prove that tomorrow. he said. win from their two matches and tion to get the right result. "But I'm very excited with "Lost the last game, so that's can reach the last four with a "A lot of times, teams come this opportunity for the team and never ideal for a captain. I victory in south London, mak- in and they want to do some- for myself on the big stage to go understand what I'm trying to ing it a winner takes all clash. thing special and end up and just enjoy what we do best. do out there. I'm really enjoying With so much at stake, messing up the game in impor- It is a must-win game, but we've played "We're very excited about the captaincy. Kohli says his players should tant situations. tomorrow and I also feel really "I think I make some good relish the chance to show their "The team that can have the quite a few of them in the last 12 to 18 excited about the calls. But yeah, pencil's in your best form in front of the watch- most composure, I would say, months and we've had a lot of success opportunities." hand, and I unfortunately can't ing world. to sum it up, will have a better With both India and South control what you're going to "As a cricketer honestly for chance of winning of the game in those must-win games: AB de Villiers Africa having taken one win write but in my mind I'm a good me personally, I crave games tomorrow. from their two group fixtures, De captain. like this," India captain Kholi "That's what I've experi- Villiers' side must beat the hold- "That's unfortunately going told a press conference on enced in the past, and you tend ers to reach the semi-finals. to come down to the result again yesterday. to get over-excited, and then South Africa haven't made tomorrow. Hopefully it's a good "You want to be part of you commit errors that can cost the Champions Trophy final win." matches that are as important the team important runs." De Silva replaces Perera in Mortaza optimistic after 'phenomenal' win

Sri Lanka's Trophy squad Cardiff A match at Edgbaston on Satur- a hundred I knew those two AFP day, or for the fixture to be a could make a difference. They've washed out no result, to go done it a lot of other times, but Cardiff tournament, featuring the angladesh captain through to the last four of an it was phenomenal to get a 200 AFP world's top eight one-day Mashrafe Mortaza (pic- event featuring the world's top partnership. international teams. De Silva, Btured) believes his side can eight one-day international "We know Tamim cannot get ri Lanka's Dhananjaya a 25-year-old right-handed face the future with renewed teams. a score every time, but we have de Silva will replace top-order batsman and an confidence even if they are "This sort of performance got some excellent players who Sinjured team-mate off-spinner, has represented denied a semi-final place at the really help us to move forward, can win games," he added, after Kusal Perera at the Champi- Sri Lanka in 16 ODIs in which Champions Trophy. especially with the 2019 World Bangladesh enjoyed another ons Trophy tournament in he has scored 334 runs and The Tigers gave themselves Cup (in England) coming up. It memorable win in Cardiff to fol- England and Wales, the taken four wickets. a shot at a last four spot with a will really boost the team." low their colossal upset ODI International Cricket Coun- His last ODI was against stunning five-wicket win over Bangladesh, making their victory over Australia in the cil announced yesterday. South Africa at Centurion New Zealand in Cardiff on first appearance at the Champi- Welsh capital back in 2005. Perera suffered a ham- earlier this year and de Silva Friday. ons Trophy in 11 years, saw star "With the position we were string injury in Sri Lanka's was added to Sri Lanka's Bangladesh collapsed to 12 batsman Tamim Iqbal out for a in, closer to 300 would have seven-wicket victory over Champions Trophy squad for three and were facing a second-ball duck as they chased been a much better total," said defending champions India following the approval of the humiliating loss at 33 for four in record partnership of 224 that a seemingly modest target of Williamson. at the Oval on Thursday. ICC's event technical the 12th over. turned the match upside down 266. "But after the start we had In the process, he became committee. But Shakib Al Hasan (114) and eventually saw New Zea- "We thought 266 was getta- with the ball we thought 265 was the second Sri Lanka player Sri Lanka will play Group and Mahmudullah (102 not out) land eliminated. ble, but after 33 for four it going to be enough. But to get a after Chamara Kapugedera B rivals Pakistan in Cardiff responded to the pressure of a Bangladesh still need becomes very hard," Mortaza 200-plus partnership under that to withdraw from the tomorrow. dire position in a must-win game already-qualified England to said. pressure was simply superb with a brilliant new Bangladesh beat Australia in the final Group "Once the partnership got to from Bangladesh."

SCOREBOARD Afghanistan stun West Indies in opener AFGHANISTAN K Powell lbw ...... 2 N Ali Zadran c Hope b Holder ...... 5 S Hope c Nabi b Khan ...... 35 J Ahmadi c Hope b Cummins ...... 81 J Mohammed c Nabi b Khan ...... 7 Gros-Islet of the second match at the same R Shah c Carter b Gabriel ...... 17 R Chase lbw Khan ...... 0 AFP venue today. A Stanikzai lbw Nurse ...... 2 J Carter c (sub) b Dawlat Zadran ...... 19 Surprisingly brought on as S Shenwari c Holder b Nurse ...... 22 A Nurse lbw Khan ...... 12 ashid Khan destroyed the the sixth bowler by his captain, M Nabi (not out) ...... 27 A Joseph lbw Khan ...... 27 West Indies line-up Asghar Stanikzai, with the West A Zazai c Chase b Joseph...... 13 M Cummins b Khan ...... 5 G Naib (not out) ...... 41 S Gabriel (not out ...... 2 Rwith outstanding figures of Indies at 68 for two after 22 Extras (W-4) ...... 4 Extras (LB-2, W-17) ...... 19 seven for 18 to bowl Afghanistan overs, Afghanistan's premier Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 212 Total (all out in 44.4 overs) ...... 149 to a stunning 63-run victory in bowler had an instant, devastat- Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-68, 3-87, 4-131, 5-131, 6-154. Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-41, 3-68, 4-68, 5-70, 6-70, the opening fixture of a three- ing impact, removing Jason Bowling: S Gabriel 8-2-21-1; J Holder 10-0-65-1; M 7-90, 8-135, 9-144. match One-Day International Mohammed and debutant Ros- Cummins 10-1-32-1 (3w); A Joseph 10-0-52-1 (1w); A Bowling: D Zadran 8-1-25-2 (3w), M Nabi 10-0-34-0

series at the Darren Sammy Sta- ton Chase with his first two Nurse 10-1-34-2; R Chase 2-0-8-0. (3w), A Hamza 9-0-28-0 (1w), G Naib 8-0-31-1 (4w), S

Rashid Khan of WEST INDIES Shenwari 1-0-11-0 (1w), R Khan 8.4-1-18-7 (3w). dium in St Lucia on Friday. deliveries and then repeating the E Lewis c Hamza b Naib ...... 21 Result: Afghanistan won by 63 runs. Afghanistan appeals After opener Javed Ahmadi's feat at the start of his second over for a wicket during 81 provided the foundation for in prising out topscorer Shai the first ODI against the visitors' total of 212 for six Hope (35) and captain Jason Carter on the midwicket momentum in their innings and West Indies at Darren batting first, the leg-spinner Khan Holder. , paving the way for ended up scoring 212 runs in Sammy National tore through an inept home team At that point he had taken four Khan to return to finish off the allotted 50 overs. Cricket Stadium, Gros batting line-up to claim the for one and he added the scalp of match with the wickets of Joseph "I knew on this pitch a total of Islet, St. Lucia on fourth-best bowling figures ever shortly after to have and Miguel Cummins in quick 220 would have given us a Friday. in an ODI. the hosts tottering at 90 for seven. succession to seal a famous chance," said Stanikzai. "We The Caribbean side was dis- Jonathan Carter and Alzarri Joseph victory. weren't at our best in the T20's missed for 149 off 44.4 overs, to then added 45 runs for the eighth Earlier, the Afghans were and I am happy we are now take a 1-0 lead in the series ahead wicket before had struggling to get any showing what we are capable of." SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2017 SPORT 23

US eye revenge Ronaldo fires Portugal, France in Mexico World Cup test

Mexico City stutters on road to Russia AFP hristian Pulisic admit- Dramatic shot will go there to win against the ted the United States Bleus," said a defiant Robben. Care looking for revenge Late Lloris blunder Advocaat, who started his when they face bitter regional costs France in third stint as Oranje coach this rivals Mexico in a crucial 2018 Stockholm as week, was also confident. World Cup qualifier here Toivonen scores with "Of course we are capable of today. dramatic shot from winning in France, the players Borussia Dortmund star half-way line. will be ready, I have a good feel- Pulisic, still only 18, has ing," he said. breathed fresh life into the US In Group B, Switzerland qualifying campaign this year Paris remain top after beating the and scored twice in a 2-0 win AFP Faroe Islands 2-0, thanks to their over Trinidad & Tobago in stars Granit Shaka (36) and Xer- Colorado on Thursday. rance complicated their dan Shaqiri (59), and are three The 18-year-old's sixth task of ensuring auto- points ahead of Portugal, the and seventh international matic qualification to reigning European champions, goals, which followed a mes- next year's World Cup who beat Latvia thanks to merising display against in Russia after falling to another Ronaldo goal scoring Honduras in March, have Fa dramatic 2-1 defeat in Sweden display. revived a US qualifying cam- yesterday. In keeping with his great paign which began last year Sweden snatched victory season finale, the Real Madrid with back-to-back defeats. with an Ola Toivonen goal from star was decisive with two goals The first of those losses the half-way line in extra time (41 and 63) and an assist for came against the Mexicans in after a poor clearance from André Silva to score the third Columbus, Ohio, last Novem- France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. (67). ber, a politically-charged The freak goal sent the Ronaldo has scored 18 goals encounter which occurred massed ranks of yellow clad fans Latvia's Nikita Kolesovs (left) vies with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the FIFA World Cup in his last eleven matches and just days after the election of in Stockholm into a wild frenzy, 2018 qualification match in Riga, on Friday. after guiding Real Madrid to the US President Donald Trump. but more importantly with four Liga-Champions League dou- Trump's recent history of games to go it sent Sweden top ble will try to extend his trophy stinging anti-Mexico rhetoric of Group A, level on 13 points triumph in Latvia. France had Deschamps, a World Cup win- against the Netherlands in Paris. collection with the Confedera- means that the latest instal- with France. pulled ahead through Arsenal ner in 1998 as a player with Veterans Arjen Robben (21) tions Cup from June 17 to July ment of the most intense Only the winners of each striker Olivier Giroud after 37 France. and Wesley Sneijder (34) laid the 2. rivalry in North American group are guaranteed a place at minutes, but the Scandinavians "I'm not going to heap blame groundwork for a Dutch victory The surprise result of the football is certain to have an next year's finals in Russia, with levelled before the break thanks on Hugo, he has often been deci- in coach Dick Advocaat's first group was the defeat of Hungary added edge before a full the eight best second-placed to Jimmy Durmaz (43). sive for us, but it cost us." game in charge. against modest Andorra (1-0), house at Mexico City's iconic sides competing in the And after more than three The coach added that "the In the second half Georginio leaving the Central European Azteca Stadium, which regu- play-offs. minutes of regular time Toivo- draw was not the ideal result but Wijnaldum (62) and Quincy side virtually outside the World larly draws crowds of The French will now play a nen took advantage of a poor would have been a good point, Promes (70) scored with Vincent Cup. 100,000. Pulisic, however, is crucial tie on August 31 against clearance from France captain which would have allowed us to Janssen, adding a penalty six Switzerland and Portugal only thinking of the result and the Netherlands, who remain in Lloris with a soaring shot into the keep Sweden behind". minutes from time. will play the first place of the taking all three points off the running after thrashing Lux- back of an empty net. For Deschamps's side it was "We have the means to cause group, which qualifies directly Mexico, who are leading the embourg 5-0, while Cristiano "It was a catastrophic sce- the first defeat in qualifying and a surprise in Paris, the group has for Russia-2018, and the second six-team final round of CON- Ronaldo led Portugal's 3-0 nario," said coach Didier they next face a tough test found a positive dynamic, we will have settle for a play-off. CACAF qualifiers by a five-point margin with 13 points from five games. "It's going to be a tough one down there definitely but we really want revenge on Advocaat rekindles Dutch World Cup dream them for when they got us earlier in the campaign," Puli- sic said, referring to the Rotterdam, Netherlands, The former Ajax, Real stacked against them Robben last-gasp 2-1 loss in AFP Madrid and Inter Milan player's remains positive with upcom- Columbus. children unfurled a banner in ing qualifiers against France in "We're really confident ick Advocaat got off to a the stands - "We're proud of you Paris on August 31, and Bulgaria going into that game and we'll winning start as the Dad!" - to mark the occasion in on September 3. come out with a win there DNetherlands kept their Rotterdam. The Dutch contin- "I'm a positive person. I too," Pulisic added bullishly slim hopes of qualifying for next ued the goalfest in the second believe in it with all my heart," of the trip to Mexico. year's World Cup alive with a half with Liverpool star said 33-year-old Bayern Munich US captain Michael Bra- 5-0 win over Luxembourg on Georginio Wijnaldum (62), forward Robben. dley summed up the stakes Friday. Quincy Promes (70) slotting in "We have the means to of what is involved when the Advocaat began his third and Vincent Janssen converting cause a surprise in Paris, the Americans face their neigh- stint as Dutch coach this week a penalty six minutes from time. group has found a positive bours across the southern insisting the flagging national The Dutch move up to third dynamic, we will go there to win border. "For us there's no big- side could still beat the odds and in Group A with Sweden taking against the Bleus." ger game," Bradley said qualify for Russia. top spot ahead of France after a Advocaat said he was "very following Thursday's win. And the 69-year-old could 2-1 win in Stockholm. The Neth- satisfied but realistic" of quali- "With three important points thank the veterans in his squad erlands are three points behind fying for Russia. under our belt tonight, it sets for victory with Arjen Robben with 10 points. "Of course we are capable up nicely. We can go there opening on 21 minutes and Wes- Bulgaria are one point of winning in France, the play- and be ready to give them a ley Sneijder adding a second behind the Dutch and Belarus ers will be ready, I have a good real game in an amazing after 34 minutes. five points adrift with minnows feeling," he said. stadium." Galatasaray playmaker Sne- Luxembourg bottom of the table. The Netherlands, three-time Recent history augurs ijder celebrated his 33rd The 0winners of each group World Cup runners-up, have well for Bruce Arena's side. birthday on the night and also are guaranteed a place at next suffered a tough time in recent The Americans battled to a earned a record 131st cap, mak- year's finals in Russia, with the years, failing to qualify for Euro 0-0 draw at the Azteca dur- Netherland's Wesley Sneijder (centre) celebrates with Arjen ing him the most capped Dutch eight best second-placed sides 2016 in France and now facing ing qualifying for the 2014 Robben (right) after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2018 international in history ahead competing in the play-offs. the prospect of a humiliating World Cup and won a friendly qualification football match in Rotterdam, yesterday. of Edwin van der Sar. But despite the odds being World Cup no-show. at the stadium 1-0 in 2012. TID wins Aspire Zone’s futsal tournament for staff

The Peninsula win against runner-up Doha more hockey sporting events for Club. all community members, includ- spire Academy Team TID Commenting on the occa- ing women and juniors, emerged as winners in sion, Maggid Abu-Talib, throughout the year. Former Athe Aspire Zone Founda- Technical Director at the Qatar Egyptian hockey player, who tion's (AZF) Futsal championship Hockey Federation, praised represented Egypt in a number at Aspire Academy on Friday. Aspire Zone for including the of international tournaments, TID grabbed the trophy at indoor hockey on this year’s RSF Abdo Mustafa Mahmoud was the men’s futsal tournament for agenda, saying: “The RSF pro- among the participants. employees after securing a 6-2 vided hockey fans with an The awards were presented win against Team Logistics. opportunity to play their favour- by Abdullah Aman Al Khater, Batfootball came in third ite sport among family and Events Manager and Nasser after winning the penalty shoot- friends who came to support. Abdullah Al Hajri, Director of PR outs against Aspetar, ending the The tournament also comes and Communication at AZF. game with a final score of 5-4. shortly after the Qatari national The RSF is an annual sport- The hockey tournament also team won third place and ing event that runs for two ended on Friday. secured their first-ever hockey weeks. Over 1,300 members Team Bright Stars emerged medal at the Indoor Asia Cup from the local community are as winners of the indoor hockey 2017, the biggest indoor hockey set to participate in 11 sports tournament after an outstand- tournament to be hosted by tournaments. This year’s festi- ing showcase of skill at the final Qatar. val is sponsored by Ooredoo and A group photo of the organisers and winners of the indoor hockey tournament. match, which ended in a 10-3 Some said they hope to see Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.