FOTBALL | Page 4 CYCLING | Page 6 Guardiola Sagan wants City strikes again stars rested as Thomas and ready keeps yellow

Saturday, July 21, 2018 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 8, 1439 AH Maharaj magic GULF TIMES restricts Sri Lanka to 277 for 9 SPORT Page 7

SPOTLIGHT Zaman hits record double ton as Pakistan crush Zim He smashed 210 not out from 156 deliveries, moving past Saeed Anwar’s previous Pakistan record of 194

AFP SCORECARD Bulawayo

PAKISTAN akhar Zaman became the fi rst I. ul Haq c Musakanda b W Pakistan player to hit a double Masakadza ...... 113 century in one-day interna- F. Zaman not out ...... 210 tionals as Pakistan cruised to a A. Ali not out ...... 50 Fmassive 244-run win over Zimbabwe Extras (b4, lb5, w17) ...... 26 in the fourth ODI at Queens Sports Total (1 wkt, 50 overs) ...... 399 Club yesterday. Did not bat: B Azam, S Malik, S Zaman smashed 210 not out from Ahmed, F Ashraf, S Khan, Y Shah, J 156 deliveries, moving past the previ- Khan, U Khan ous record for a Pakistan batsman set Fall of wickets: 1-304 (ul Haq) by Saeed Anwar with his 194 more Bowling: Muzarabani 10-0-77-0 than 21 years ago. Pakistan batting (3w); Ngarava 7-0-65-0 (1w); Tiripano coach Grant Flower called his innings 10-0-85-0 (3w); Chisoro 10-0-56-0 “a great achievement”. (2w); W Masakadza 10-0-78-1 (6w); H “I’ve done a lot of work with him Masakadza 3-0-29-0 in the nets, but he’s got a lot of natu- ral talent and he’s worked really hard,” ZIMBABWE Flower said of Zaman, who once served in the Pakistan navy before turning to H. Masakadza c Azam b J Khan ... 22 cricket. T. Kamunhukamwe c & b U Khan ...3 “Coming from his background, be- T. Musakanda c Ashraf b U Khan .10 ing in the navy and being very raw R. Murray c Ahmed b Ashraf ...... 5 when he fi rst came into the set-up, his P. Moor c J Khan b S Khan ...... 20 technique has come a long way. But E. Chigumbura lbw b Ashraf ...... 37 he’s still got a lot of his naturalness, D. Tiripano b S Khan ...... 44 and I think that’s his biggest asset. He W. Masakadza lbw b S Khan ...... 2 showed a lot of mental strength today.” T. Chisoro c U Khan b S Malik ...... 1 Anwar’s wasn’t the only record to B. Muzarabani not out ...... 1 tumble. R. Ngarava lbw b S Khan ...... 1 Pakistan’s openers blazed to a world Extras (lb6, w3) ...... 9 record 304-run stand, with Imam- Total (all out, 42.4 overs) ...... 155 ul-Haq hitting 113, to set up their in- Fall of wickets: 1-18 nings, the triple hundred partnership (Kamunhukamwe), 2-36 becoming Pakistan’s biggest for any (Musakanda), 3-37 (H Masakadza), wicket in ODIs. 4-59 (Murray), 5-67 (Moor), 6-136 It also broke the previous record for (Chigumbura), 7-146 (W Masakadza), an opening stand in all internation- 8-153 (Tiripano), 9-153 (Chisoro), 10- als, set by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul 155 (Ngarava) Tharanga for Sri Lanka against Eng- Fakhar Zaman: sensational knock Bowling: J Khan 6-1-32-1 (1w); U land at Headingley in 2006. Khan 5-0-23-2 (1w); Shah 10-0-31-0 “He had a couple of shots where he Ali arrived at the crease and immedi- nipping around,” Zimbabwe seamer ing, and they were lucky to avoid a few But that was as good as it got for (1w); Ashraf 7-1-16-2; S Khan 8.4-0-28- might have given it away, but he had a ately went on the attack, smashing 50 Donald Tiripano said of Zaman. other ignominious records when they the hosts, with leg-spinner Shadab 4; Malik 6-0-19-1 bit of luck,” said Flower. from 22 deliveries to help boost Paki- “You need to make sure you don’t were bowled out in the 43rd over for Khan taking 4-28 as Pakistan wrapped Result: Pakistan won by 244 runs “But a lot of times when you play stan to another record: their highest give him room, try and tuck him up just 155. up the innings having barely broken a Toss: Pakistan with confi dence and bravery, the luck ever total in ODIs. and bowl closer to off stump. And try Zimbabwe’s 244-run defeat was sweat. Umpires: Langton Rusere (ZIM), Ian goes your way. Hats off to him, it’s “The diffi cult thing is he’s a guy who and force him to hit straight, or in the their second heaviest in ODIs, and they The fi fth and fi nal match will take Gould (ENG) great to see.” likes scoring square of the wicket, and ‘V’. And if you bowl short he’ll hit you avoided that calamity only through a place at the same venue on Sunday TV umpire: Russell Tiff in (ZIM) When the gargantuan opening part- on the type of wickets we’re playing on square.” 69-run sixth wicket stand between with Pakistan looking to complete a Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI) nership was eventually snapped, Asif it’s quite hard to get him out if it’s not Zimbabwe’s response never got go- Elton Chigumbura and Tiripano. 5-0 sweep.

GOLF Carnage as big guns Johnson, Thomas miss cut

Reuters/AFP par-four 18th proved his nemesis, with dropped shots after that as he again ter going out shortly before 8am and Carnoustie, Scotland a triple-bogey on Thursday, when he fl ourishes at the one major held out- shooting his second successive 69 to hit his tee shot out-of-bounds, fol- side his home country. go to four-under for the tournament, lowed by a double-bogey on Friday. “The reverence I have for this alongside South Africa’s Erik van t was Carnoustie carnage for He carded 76 and 72 for a six-over Zach Johnson of the US in championship and specifi cally that Rooyen. Americans Dustin Johnson and total of 148, three strokes too many to action during the second trophy, that Claret Jug, I’m not sug- The Northern Irishman, looking for Justin Thomas as the world’s two advance. round of the British Open gesting that someone doesn’t have a his fi rst major in four years, had four Itop-ranked players missed the cut It is the fi rst time Johnson has yesterday. higher reverence for it, but I’d argue birdies for the day as well as dropped at the British Open yesterday. missed an Open cut since his debut at with them,” said Johnson, who had shots at the 13th and 14th holes, and Others who failed to qualify for the Turnberry in 2009. made the cut at 11 straight Opens be- was happy with his eff ort. fi nal 36 holes included Spaniards Jon World number two Thomas was fore this one. “There is still a long way to go, but Rahm and Sergio Garcia, American sailing along nicely until running up “I’m not going to sit here and say, I’m in a great position going into the Bubba Watson, Japan’s Hideki Mat- three successive double-bogeys start- man, I just love playing in the wind third day,” he said. suyama and Englishman Ian Poulter, as ing at the par-fi ve sixth. and rain because I don’t, but I can do If the prospects are good of a sixth the championship lost a number of the He steadied his leaking vessel, how- it, you know.” straight major being won by an Ameri- game’s biggest names. ever, and still looked likely to survive Kisner does not have the same CV can, it is looking a little less likely that Irishman Padraig Harrington, the the cut, only to miss it by one shot after as Johnson, also a former Masters win- this tournament will fi nally be the one champion when the Open was most re- bogeys at the 16th and 17th holes — and ner, although he did lead last year’s US where Tiger Woods ends his decade- cently held at Carnoustie in 2007, also a birdie putt that lipped-out at the last PGA Championship going into the fi - long major drought. bowed out, though not unexpectedly — for a round of 77. nal day before fi nishing joint-seventh. He shot a second straight even-par given his recent poor form. Meanwhile, overnight pacesetter After his stellar opening 66, fi ve round of 71, but at least he will be here World number three Justin Rose Kevin Kisner and former champion under par, Kisner shot a 70 yesterday for the weekend, in contrast to world came ever so close to exiting, before Zach Johnson settled for a share of the as the rain disappeared and the sun number one Dustin Johnson, whose sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at the last clubhouse lead, with Tommy Fleet- came out for his afternoon round. But underwhelming 72 leaves him six over to advance with nothing to spare. wood right in contention behind them. did not share the same conditions out in the fi rst round with a second-round it could have been so much better as he par for the tournament. A month after falling narrowly short Kisner and Johnson are sharing a on the course. 67 to move to six under par for the was eight-under standing on the 18th The last world number one to miss at the US Open, where he fi nished third, house in Carnoustie this week along The 42-year-old Johnson, who won tournament. tee. the Open cut was England’s Luke Don- world number one Johnson suff ered a with several other American stars at St Andrews in 2015, survived miser- He recovered from a bogey at the Rory McIlroy, the 2014 Open cham- ald at Royal St George’s seven years diff erent kind of disappointment. The competing for the Claret Jug, but they able morning rain as he followed his 69 fi rst hole with fi ve birdies and no more pion, is in a strong position too, af- ago. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, July 21, 2018 SPORT

GOLF FORMULA ONE Bold McIlroy Verstappen keeps Red prefers to go Bull on top in Germany down swinging Vettel fourth in both. Reuters Hockenheim Vettel, who leads Hamilton by eight points halfway through the The 29-year-old Northern Irishman put himself in a great position to contend season, grew up in nearby Hep- ax Verstappen kept penheim and fi rst fell in love with for a second British Open and a fifth major title by carding a successive 69 Red Bull on top of the the sport as a child when he went German Grand Prix to his home race in the glory days AFP practice timesheets, of Michael Schumacher. Mand Lewis Hamilton off them, Finland’s Valtteri Bottas, a new Carnoustie, United Kingdom yesterday after team mate Daniel Mercedes contract announced Ricciardo was fastest in the fi rst an hour before practice started, ory McIlroy says he would rath- session. was fi fth and third in the respec- er go down fi ghting than play- The 20-year-old Dutch driver tive sessions while Ferrari’s Kimi ing carefully as he tries to engi- set a quickest lap of one minute Raikkonen was sixth and fi fth. neer a good fi nishing position at 13.085 in the afternoon, when Sauber’s Monegasque rookie theR British Open. track temperatures were around Charles Leclerc, strongly tipped The 29-year-old Northern Irishman 46 degrees Celsius, with For- to replace 2007 world champion put himself in a great position to con- mula One world champion Ham- Raikkonen at Ferrari next year, tend for a second British Open and a fi fth ilton second and 0.026 slower for was an impressive ninth and major title by carding a second succes- Mercedes. eighth in the two sessions. sive two-under-par 69 yesterday to lie Hamilton, who admittedly Italian test driver Antonio two shots off clubhouse leader, and 2015 made a mistake on his best ef- Giovinazzi drove for Sauber in champion, Zach Johnson of the United fort, had been four thousandths the morning, before handing States. of a second off the pace in the back to Sweden’s Marcus Erics- McIlroy — who is without a major morning when Ricciardo lapped son who could manage only the since 2014 when he won both the British in 1:13.525. 14th best time. Open and the US PGA Championship — Verstappen’s pace may con- Canadian reserve Nicholas says the days when he was too cautious cern Mercedes more than Ric- Latifi also had a stint in the Force and opted to play safe to ensure fi nishing ciardo’s, with the Australian India that Frenchman Esteban high up the leaderboard are gone. set to start from the back of the Ocon will race. “I don’t know, worrying too much grid due to an accumulation of Williams and McLaren, two about the result, not focusing as much grid penalties after power unit once-dominant former champi- on the process,” said McIlroy responding changes. ons now struggling at the back of as to why he had played conservatively at Verstappen, who did only 18 the pack, had another tough day. The Masters and the US Open this year. laps to Hamilton’s 39 in the af- Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne was A bundle of energy on the course as ternoon, lost some time with the 20th and last in both sessions for he engaged in regular conversation with team working on his car’s engine. McLaren, while Williams pair playing partner Marc Leishman, McIl- Ricciardo, whose penalties Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin roy appears especially marked by how he Spectators watch Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy in action during the second round of the British Open at Carnoustie yesterday. were tactical to ensure he has the was 18th and 19th respectively. played within himself on the fi nal day of best possible chance in Hungary McLaren’s Fernando Alonso was The Masters this year. even if I don’t play my best golf and that contrasted with the beaming sun- today. On a day like that, you just need to next week at a circuit that should 17th. He failed to live up to the expectation don’t shoot the scores I want, I’m going shine of Thursday. scramble and keep yourself in it.” be a better natural fi t for the Red McLaren have said they are that he would seal the career major slam to go down swinging, and I’m going to go “Yeah, a lot of patience,” said McIlroy, However, McIlroy insists he is not Bulls, was 13th in the afternoon. using Friday practice sessions and instead it was Patrick Reed — his down giving it my best. who describes the fi nal three holes here concerned if the rain continues to fall Verstappen had been third mainly for testing purposes as partner in the fi nal pairing — who played “I think that was it. Focusing on the as being a slog. over the weekend. fastest in the day’s uneventful they try to rectify their aerody- the championship golf to win his fi rst results too much — the result is just the “I was going really well through 11 “I wouldn’t say I like it. I’d much rather opening session, with Ferrari’s namic problems. major. by-product of all the little things you do holes. I hadn’t made a bogey. I would be sitting here not in damp clothes and a championship leader Sebastian “Sunday at Augusta was a big learn- to lead up to that. have loved to have had a bogey-free T-shirt, but it is what it is,” said McIlroy, ing curve again for me because, even “You know, I’ve sometimes forgotten round. whose good early season form tapered off if I hadn’t won that tournament, but I that, and just need to get back in that “I made a bogey on 12 and 15, but I with a fl at performance at the Irish Open went down swinging and aggressive and mindset.” made enough birdies to cancel them out a fortnight ago. committing to every shot, I would have However, McIlroy said he had also on the back nine. “It was nice today. It was rainy, but it walked away a lot happier,” said McIlroy. been prepared to play patiently in the “Yeah, you need patience. I got a few wasn’t too bad, and there wasn’t a lot of “So I’m committed to making sure, pouring rain at Carnoustie yesterday good up-and-downs when I needed to wind to contend with.”

BOTOMLINE Rollercoaster Open second round is no fun ride for Woods

AFP Red Bull’s Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen. Carnoustie

iger Woods shook his head in frustration as a birdie putt rolled just past the lip of the 18th hole, Bottas follows summing up his second round at Tthe British Open at Carnoustie yesterday. Hamilton in signing The 42-year-old 14-time major champion ended the day as he started on at Mercedes it, on level par, six shots off early club- house leader Zach Johnson after a second DPA, Hockenheim: Valtteri straight 71. Bottas has signed a new con- “I could have cleaned up the round just tract with Mercedes, for 2019 a little bit,” said Woods. with an option for 2020, the “I played a little bit better yesterday. Formula One world champions Today wasn’t quite as good, but I fi nally said yesterday. birdied the par-fi ve (the 14th). So that’s Bottas’ teammate Lewis Hamil- a positive.” ton finalised his own two-year It was a helter-skelter ride of a round deal a day earlier in the run-up for both the legendary golfer and the le- to the German Grand Prix gion of fans who swarmed to follow him. on Sunday. The 28-year-old Dressed all in black with a back strap Finn Bottas has been with to help him suppress the pain from a Mercedes since 2017 when sore neck, and playing the large part of he joined as a short-notice his round in driving rain, his expression replacement for Nico Rosberg, alternated from grimaces to a rare smile who suddenly retired after shared with his caddy. winning the 2016 champion- A woeful start featuring successive ship. bogies at the second and third — the fi rst Tiger Woods holes Bottas, previously of Williams, coming after a wayward tee shot and his birdie putt on the impressed with three season then a wild hack from the rough — was 4th green during his victories in his first campaign counter-balanced immediately with two second round on day and has been retained despite preparation, I have been able consecutive birdies. 2 of The 147th Open failing to win this term. He is to make a good step forward Woods, who is without a win in fi ve golf Championship at currently fifth in the drivers’ — and I believe that there is years, said the outcome at the second Carnoustie yesterday. standings, 67 points behind still more to come. could have been far more costly. leader Sebastian Vettel of “We have not been so lucky “I kept moving them (the spectators) Ferrari. in the races this year but back. If you noticed, I moved them back “It is great news that I will be the team knows how I am about 40 yards,” said Woods. racing for Mercedes in 2019 performing, and this is a great “It (grass) grabbed the shaft and turning for home at one-over but he could take again. year hiatus in the best possible manner. and it is nice to announce it sign of confidence in me and smothered it. I was very, very fortunate climbed to one-under with another two Nevertheless, a bogey on the 16th once Woods, who said he would not be going here in Hockenheim — not just my driving.” that it got far enough down there where I birdies at the 11th and 14th, and a saved again took him back to his starting point out to practice after his round but would the home race for Mercedes When Bottas first signed for had a full wedge into the green.” par with a long putt at the 13th had for the round. instead head for a session in the gym, de- but also the circuit where I Mercedes, there were few op- However, while the Tiger of old might Woods pumping his fi st in celebration. Despite his travails, those in front of fi antly promised his fans he would give it took my first ever single-seat- tions for the team who needed have have built up momentum after the “I made a par there at 13, but that was him will still be wary of Woods pulling all he had. er wins back in 2007,” Bottas an urgent replacement for two birdies, the newer version failed to not a very good 9-iron, centre of the something out of his box of tricks over “Right now I’m six back (of Johnson), said on the team homepage. Rosberg following his shock fi nd the inspiration to do so. green and hardly had anything left,” said the weekend as he attempts to mark his and by day’s end, I think I’ll be more than “This year, with a full winter of departure. A further bogey on the ninth had him Woods ruefully of a shot he wished he return to this championship after a two- that,” he said. Gulf Times Saturday, July 21, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Alisson: The Brazilian with goalkeeping in his genes Liverpool’s £65mn signing overcame a testing start at Roma to be the world’s most expensive keeper

By Paolo Bandini The Guardian

lisson may be a little more cautious in his approach to learning a new language this time around. Shortly after signingA for Roma in 2016 the goal- keeper appeared on a TV talk show in his native Brazil. Asked by the host if he had learned how to curse in Italian, Al- isson responded by turning the air blue. “I said terrible things without realising the gravity,” he later recounted. “Once I’d understood, it was too late.” More than mere cursing, it was his blasphemy that surprised in Catholic Italy and Brazil. Alisson insulted God and the Virgin Mary with expressions heard commonly enough on Serie A pitches but not in a context such as this. The backlash was mild and yet it cut deep for a man who describes the Bible as his “manual”. More testing experiences lay ahead. Alisson had arrived as Brazil’s fi rst- choice goalkeeper but found himself backing up Wojciech Szczesny at Roma. He played only 15 games in the 2016-17 season, all of them in the cups, and has since confessed he thought about ask- ing to be sold. If only Liverpool had rec- ognised his talent then. Roma had paid only €8mn to sign Alisson from the Brazilian club Internacional and could scarcely have demanded a huge profi t Liverpool’s new goalkeeper Alisson on the basis of such scant evidence. models himself on Bayern Munich One year later he has become the most star Manuel Neuer. expensive goalkeeper in history. Is he worth it? Such questions feel impossible to answer in a climate where fees spiral endlessly upwards, propelled by ever more lucrative TV deals. Only formance during a 1-1 draw against In- tried to model himself on. That said, ball is at his own feet. He dribbled past Once again his family background Alisson is joining a team knowing that Liverpool know what they can aff ord. ter at San Siro. Alisson made six saves his fi rst infl uences were closer to home. more than one opposing forward last might infl uence this outlook. Alis- the starting job is his to lose. If noth- From a footballing perspective the rel- that day, yet it was the ones he never His great-grandfather, father and old- season, and left Udinese’s Stipe Perica son fi rst went in goal as a kid because ing else, he looks the part. Alisson evant question is simply whether or not needed to make that stood out even er brother also played (or, in the latter on his backside with a backheel turn 25 he wanted to join in with his brother’s turned down off ers of paid modelling Alisson will help them to pick up posi- more. Time and again he denied Inter case, still play) in goal. So too did his yards from goal. friends and – because of a fi ve-year age work during his younger years in order tive results where otherwise they might by stepping up to intercept passes in- mother, though her sport was handball. There is a fi ne line between brave and gap – was too small to mix it with them to focus on his football. It seems curi- have missed out. He met that criterion tended for Mauro Icardi – at one point “My father says that, if we have cho- foolhardy but for Roma, at least, Alis- outfi eld. Yet Muriel eventually became ous that Roma did not do more to ex- for Roma. It is enough to look at the even beating the striker to a header in sen this role, it’s because we went to son managed to stay on the right side of a keeper, too, and a decade later they ploit the marketability of such a player nine saves Alisson made during a 0-0 the D on the edge of his area. How better watch him play when we were kids,” it. He has always prided himself in be- were fi ghting for the same job at Inter- – never even off ering his replica shirt draw at home to Atletico Madrid in last to thwart one of football’s most effi cient said Alisson during an interview this ing a good teammate fi rst and foremost. nacional. Alisson supplanted his sibling for sale. Liverpool, after such a lavish season’s Champions League – a pivotal penalty-box fi nishers than denying him year. “He was a madman in goal. He It is telling that, even during that frus- as the starter, yet they were never any- outlay, are unlikely to make the same result in the Giallorossi topping their access to that box in the fi rst place? threw himself head-fi rst on the ball.” trating fi rst season in Italy, he main- thing less than fully supportive of one mistake – just as Alisson, after his gaff e group – or his 11 stops during the win at Alisson is a sweeper-keeper in the Such boldness has made its way tained a good relationship with Szczes- another in their public remarks. two years ago, is unlikely to be so forth- Napoli in March. modern mould, naming Bayern Mu- down the family line, though Alisson ny and has spoken of picking up useful The context at Liverpool will be dif- coming this time around about the fi rst More impressive still was his per- nich’s Manuel Neuer as a player he has is just as likely to show it off when the tips from the Poland international. ferent. For the fi rst time in his career words he learns at Melwood.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Neymar rules out Newcastle transfer impasse goes on transfer move, By Louise Taylor Merino, a £10mn departure for Real So- The Guardian ciedad. The board will not sanction meet- ing the £16.5m release clause in Salomón to stay at PSG Rondón’s West Brom contract unless Ful- t is never too early for a crisis at New- ham pay £20m for Aleksandar Mitrovic. AFP at Madrid for an elite, superstar castle United. Sure enough, tensions Ashley seems unhappy about recruiting Sao Paulo player. “In the face of the con- are already rising alarmingly as Ra- Rondón because the striker turns 29 in stant reports linking PSG’s Ney- fael Benítez enters the fi nal year of September and is deemed a depreciating mar Jr. to our club, Real Madrid Ihis contract against a backdrop of acute asset. razilian superstar Ney- C. F.wish to clarify that the club transfer market parsimony on the part of mar on Thursday sought has no intention of making any the owner, Mike Ashley. Meanwhile the Why is Benítez’s right hand bandaged, to quash speculation off er for the player,” a Real Ma- club’s internecine politics are capable of has he punched Ashley on the nose? about his future, insist- drid statement said last week. making the Brexit machinations seem No, he is suff ering from RSI (repetitive ingB he planned to remain with “The two clubs enjoy an excel- an innocent playground squabble. Given strain injury) after not only declining to French giants Paris Saint-Ger- lent relationship and, as such, if that Newcastle are in profi t on summer take a summer holiday but rejecting an of- main. “I’m staying, I’m staying Real Madrid were at any stage to transfer dealings, Benítez is predicting a fer to manage Spain on a temporary basis in Paris, I have a contract,” Ney- consider securing the services looming relegation battle. He had envis- at the World Cup in order to devote June mar told reporters at an auction of a PSG player, they would ap- aged having around £45mn to spend but to phoning and emailing contacts about to raise money for his charitable proach the club in the fi rst in- has now been told he must sell to buy. transfer targets. All that time on the lap- foundation in Sao Paulo. stance.” top and mobile has played havoc with his Neymar, who became the Although Neymar insisted Has the endgame begun; are Benítez hand and he’s also ended up feeling he’s world’s most expensive foot- on Thursday he was staying in and Ashley heading for divorce? been hitting his head against a brick wall. baller last year after moving to Paris, reports persisted that a With any trust the manager once had in “It’s not ideal,” says Benítez, who, as well PSG from Barcelona in a record move could be on the cards. Brit- the owner thoroughly eroded it certainly as a new striker, covets a No 10, a winger, a 222mn euro ($264mn) deal, has ish media reports said PSG were looks that way, although the relationship central midfi elder and defensive cover. “I repeatedly been linked to a move open to the possibility of sell- is expected to endure until June when was maybe expecting something diff er- to Real Madrid. The European ing Neymar. Madrid president Benítez’s contract expires. ent. People have to realise we’re not sign- champions have issued a series Florentino Perez meanwhile said Ashley wants him to stay and during a ing the fi rst [choice] on our list. Or the of statements in recent weeks the club was determined to re- rare face-to-face meeting with the Span- second. Or the third.” denying they have an interest in inforce its squad following Ro- iard in London last month off ered him a Manager Rafael Benitez took his Newcastle team on a pre-season trip to Ireland this signing the 26-year-old striker. naldo’s departure. Real however fresh fi ve-year deal. The prospective sal- week but his relationship with owner Mike Ashley is at breaking point. Is there really next to no money for Speculation of a Neymar move have also been linked to a move ary did not represent a stumbling block signings? to the Bernabeu has intensifi ed in for Chelsea’s Belgium World Cup but assurances regarding transfer budgets ily home on Merseyside, while his two covering that Newcastle are suddenly un- Considering Newcastle made £123mn the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s star Eden Hazard, who has in- and plans to revamp the training ground, daughters complete their education. But, der new ownership. Alternatively, it might from simply being in the Premier League shock move to Juventus, a devel- dicated he was keen to leave the academy and under-23 side most certain- longer term, life at the wrong end, or even merely have been a dream. last season and were due a £50mn broad- opment that has left a vacancy London club. ly did. Benítez subsequently also rejected the middle, of the table will not suit this cast revenue payment this month, the a one-year extension. serial silverware winner. Surely Newcastle can’t be in a relegation lack of investment is puzzling. Perhaps battle before a ball has been kicked? Ashley – who believes Benítez’s “jewel in Why has Benítez decided to stay? Might there be a takeover; does Well, Benítez fears so. “We have to fi x the crown” presence could prove the key Probably because of the strong roman- Ashley really want to sell? a target to stay up,” he says. “That’s it; to selling Newcastle – is punishing his tic streak in his character triumphing over If a credible buyer emerges – and there concentrate on staying up. It’s going to be manager for not signing a new deal? The his similarly powerful pragmatic side. are plenty of unanswered questions about 100% harder to stay up this season. Ful- board wants fringe players such as Achraf Benítez has fallen more than a little in love the viability of the Amanda Staveley bid ham and Wolves have come up and have Lazaar offl oaded and the senior squad’s with Newcastle, both the club and the which foundered last season – Ashley will big money. Huddersfi eld and Brighton fi ve goalkeepers cut. city. He revels in the fans’ adoration and is surely seize an escape route. Perhaps sig- are spending.” Granted, his words may excited by the immense, if latent, poten- nifi cantly, the prominent role at St James’ be partly the latest move in a tortured What is happening with Peter tial lurking on Tyneside. Furnished with enjoyed by the owner’s long-term lieuten- game of brinkmanship with Ashley but, Beardsley? the right backing, he believes he can end ant Justin Barnes was created to facilitate so far, a side who struggled for much of Good question. The under-23 coach the long St James’ Park trophy drought a sale. The problem is the sports retailer last term before fi nishing a respectable has been suspended since January follow- and gatecrash the top six. For that to hap- will not sell at a discount – Ashley wants 10th have not been reinforced. Former ing bullying and racism complaints from pen though, a takeover needs to materi- £400m – and probably needs a sovereign loanee goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has players, which he denies. alise; maybe Benítez is sticking around state in the Qatar mould to step in. Serious made a £4.5mn move from Sparta Prague, Until Newcastle’s seemingly intermi- in the hope someone buys Ashley out. It bidders, a la Abu Dhabi’s Manchester City Kenedy is back for another loan from nable investigation concludes an entirely PSG’s Brazilian footballer Neymar with girlfriend Bruna Marquezinea also suits him to remain in England, and buyout, tend to be ultra-discreet so do not Chelsea and free transfer Ki Sung-yueng unsatisfactory impasse endures, leaving at the charity auction of the Neymar Jr. Institute in Sao Paulo. (AFP) within relatively easy reach of the fam- rule out waking up one morning and dis- has arrived from Swansea to replace Mikel the juniors in limbo. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, July 21, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Putin says Russia’s World Guardiola wants Cup stadiums should remain football venues Reuters the stadium needs to be full,” local football team play in Rus- Man City stars Putin told Kaliningrad gover- sia’s second tier. The use of Kaliningrad, Russia nor Anton Alikhanov about the some of the venues remains region’s plans for the stadium’s unclear, leading Putin to ask ussian President use after the World Cup. “But Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov Vladimir Putin said ideally we need to strive for eve- to present a plan for the future yesterday that the ry stadium to have a team and of every stadium and training country’s 12 World every team to have a stadium. pitch built for the World Cup. rested and ready CupR venues should be mainly Otherwise it will not be a sta- “This needs to be concrete used for football, and not trans- dium. It will be a concert hall.” and not only general wishes,” formed into concert halls or ex- When Russia won the right to Putin warned. Putin said that City play FA Cup winners Chelsea in the Community Shield on Aug 5 hibition centres. Russia hosted host the 2018 World Cup, Putin Russia was interested in ex- the World Cup in 11 cities in pledged that the stadiums built panding the use of the fan-ID, a June and July without any ma- would become the homes to vi- document that was mandatory jor security or discriminatory brant football clubs. Out of the to attend World Cup matches incidents, receiving praise from 12 stadiums used at the World and showed its holder had been Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s regular fans and global football govern- Cup, only six were fully new and vetted and approved by the stars are enjoying an extended break following ing body FIFA. commissioned for the tourna- Russian authorities. It also al- their exploits at the World Cup in Russia. The country’s eff orts are now ment, while others were reno- lowed foreign fans to enter Rus- turning to ensure that the ven- vated or being built anyway. sia without a visa. ues and infrastructure built for Six of the 12 stadiums are The CEO of Russia’s World the month-long tournament do home to Russian Premier Cup local organising commit- not fall into disuse. Speaking at League clubs and there are tee, Alexei Sorokin, said the a meeting of government and plans to make another into the tournament had given a boost sports offi cials at the World Cup national soccer stadium. In to local business, with tour- stadium in Kaliningrad, Putin some of Russia’s World Cup cit- ists spending some 100bn rou- said the government would fi - ies, ensuring that World Cup bles ($1.6bn) in the country. nancially support World Cup stadiums remain full and fi nan- In April then Russian Deputy venues for another fi ve years to cially-sustainable can prove to Prime Minister Arkady Dvorko- ensure that they can operate in- be a challenge. vich said there would not cur- dependently by 2024. Kaliningrad, a Russian ex- rently be any economic growth “You mention exhibitions, clave wedged between Lithua- in Russia without investment concerts, tourism and a com- nia and Poland, has a new generated by preparations for mercial space. That’s alright, 35,000-seat stadium but its the World Cup.

AFP season tournament with most what we’ve done but we start Hart, meanwhile, is poised for Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) speaks to volunteers as he visits the Kaliningrad Stadium. (AFP) Chicago not expected back until a week again. If they are ready they’ll some surprise playing time in the before the start of the domestic help us and if not we’ll wait for US having returned to the club season in England. them. If they are not mentally from a loan spell at West Ham ep Guardiola fears his Guardiola has also suff ered and physically ready, they won’t United. He last played for City Conte to sue Chelsea over delayed sacking: Reports preparations for Man- a setback in the transfer mar- come back. It’s been a pleasure in a Champions League qualifi er chester City’s Premier ket this summer with Napoli’s working with academy players against Steaua Bucharest in Au- London: Antonio Conte is set to take legal ac- last term, with Chelsea finishing fifth and miss- League title defence have Italian international midfi elder over the last few days.” gust 2016 having been axed by tion against Chelsea over damage to his career ing out on a place in the Champions League. Pbeen aff ected by the World Cup. Jorginho following manager On Jorginho, Guardiola added: Guardiola following his arrival in and loss of future earnings following his sacking Conte is believed to have received a £9mn Guardiola has travelled to the Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea and “I was disappointed (not to sign Manchester two years ago. by the Premier League club, according to re- pay-off for the year he had remaining on his United States for games against although Leicester’s Riyad Mah- him). We tried, but players have “Joe is our player,” Guardiola ports yesterday. Conte is believed to be furious Chelsea contract, yet the Times reports the Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool rez has signed for 60mn pounds to go where they go. It would said. “In his situation, he’s here Chelsea made him return to pre-season training former Juventus coach is keen to get additional and Bayern Munich with a squad ($79mn), the Spaniard is poised have been a mistake for him if and we will try to fi nd a solution, before finally dismissing him last week to make compensation. That could trigger an ugly legal made up mostly of young players to begin the season with almost he came and he wanted to go to which is best for him and if not way for the arrival of new boss Maurizio Sarri. battle, with Conte’s lawyers reportedly set to as many of his regular stars are the same squad. It’s far from Chelsea with Maurizio Sarri. If he’ll stay here. He’s one of the The Italian, who spent just two years with the claim the west London club cost their client a enjoying an extended break fol- ideal but Guardiola won’t force they want to come, that’s great most incredible professionals, Blues, was widely reported to be facing the sack year of his career, as all the top management lowing their exploits in Russia. any player back just for the sake but if he wants to go to Chelsea, I’ve ever met. He’s training like a for much of last season after the breakdown jobs in Europe have been filled. First team stars such as Kevin of it. “It is what it is,” said the all the best for him. young guy of 18 years old. I know in his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Real Madrid were believed to be interested De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Vin- Spaniard. “So it is important that Eng- it is not easy for him what hap- Abramovich and the club’s hierarchy. in Conte after Zinedine Zidane left in May, while cent Kompany, Ederson, David “We spoke — they have to lish football has received an ex- pened in the last period, but he’s But Conte was made to wait 55 days after the Italy job was also available earlier this year. Silva, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem come back ready. If the days be- ceptional player and at the end with us and tomorrow he’s going Chelsea’s FA Cup final win over Manchester The Times also reported Chelsea have threat- Sterling, Kyle Walker and John fore they are tired and they don’t if they want to come, it’s better to play. He is with us.” United before he was axed. After winning the ened to withhold Conte’s contract settlement Stones have not made the jour- want to fi ght for the Community they come. My advice is always City play FA Cup winners Premier League in his first season at Stamford due to repeated criticism of his employers over ney to compete in the annual In- Shield, play at Arsenal, then stay go where they want to go.” Chelsea in the Community Bridge, Conte presided over a dismal collapse their failure to back his transfer demands. ternational Champions Cup pre- on holidays. We cannot forget Former England goalkeeper Joe Shield on Aug 5.

LA LIGA ROUND-UP Brazil prodigy Vinicius Jr Son and Lamela sign long-term deals at Spurs ottenham Hotspur’s Erik Lamela and FABREGAS WANTS HAZARD hold down a starting spot under a succession Son Heung-min have signed new long- TO STAY AT CHELSEA of managers. “Of course, Oumar Niasse is in term contracts ahead of the 2018-19 Chelsea midfi elder Cesc Fabregas has urged our plans,” Silva said. unveiled by Real Madrid campaign, the Premier League club teammate Eden Hazard not to leave the “He is diff erent than all the others when you Tsaid yesterday. Argentine midfi elder Lamela Premier League club amid reports that the look at Cenk (Tosun) and at Dominic Calvert- AFP Madrid agreed a four-year extension while South Ko- Belgium forward is bound for Real Madrid. Lewin — Niasse is completely diff erent and in rean forward Son penned a deal until 2023. During the World Cup in Russia, Hazard re- some moments... he will give diff erent things Lamela, 26, returned to fi rst-team action in vealed he was considering leaving the club he to the others. It is a matter of my decision, in he 18-year-old Bra- November after over a year out with hip prob- had joined from Lille in 2012 but Fabregas has the right moments of the game.” zilian forward Vini- lems, and made 33 appearances during the asked him not to go. The 28-year-old, who played under Silva cius Jr was offi cially second half of the campaign. Since arriving at “I think he’s our best player,” Fabregas said during a loan spell at Hull City in 2017, has unveiled by Real Ma- the north London club from AS Roma in 2013, of his teammate after reaching Perth ahead of scored fi ve goals in pre-season matches and Tdrid yesterday after complet- he has scored 23 goals in 154 appearances. The Monday’s friendly against Perth Glory. “We will be hoping to continue his form when the ing his blockbuster transfer 26-year-old Son has netted 47 goals in 140 are a top club, we want to be a top team, we club face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their from Rio’s Flamengo. Madrid appearances for Mauricio Pochettino’s side want to win things, and for that you need your league opener on Aug. 11. signed the player two years since his move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. best players. Eden is one of them. ago for 45mn euros ($52.68M), Son became the top Asian scorer in the Pre- “He’s a player that we all love to play with, MATA SALVAGES DRAW AS MAN UTD in a deal that would become mier League history, surpassing former Man- especially me. For us, he’s our most important OPEN NORTH AMERICAN TOUR offi cial after his 18th birthday chester United midfi elder Park Ji-sung with a player. Everyone loves him — the fans, the Juan Mata grabbed the 78th minute equaliser on July 12, 2018. goal against Crystal Palace in November. club, the players, and we need him. He knows as Manchester United opened their pre- Vinicius was accompanied He took his scoring touch to the World Cup that,” the Spaniard added. season with a 1-1 draw against Club America on his trip to Madrid by com- in Russia where he netted twice for South Ko- Monday’s match is Chelsea’s fi rst under new on Thursday in Phoenix, Arizona. A header patriot and former Real player rea, including the second in a memorable 2-0 coach Maurizio Sarri, who has promised an from Henry Martin in the 59th minute — past Ronaldo, who led Brazil to group stage win over 2014 winners Germany. attacking brand of football and Fabregas can- substitute goalkeeper Joel Pereira — had put the World Cup title in 2002. Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior (left) poses for a selfie with Son will join the Spurs squad on their tour not wait to see how it unfolds. “It’s a way of Mexican outfi t America in the lead at Univer- “Vinicius is a player with a lot former Real Madrid player Ronaldo in Madrid. (Reuters) of the United States where they will play in football that I believe in, that I really like, that sity of Phoenix Stadium. of quality and talent. He’s the the International Champions Cup against AS I grew up in this system,” the 31-year-old said. The English Premiership giants pulled biggest prospect for the fu- (18) I’ll show the coach and my drid was going to be part of Roma, Barcelona and AC Milan. “For the type of player like myself, we can take level 12 minutes from time after a cross from ture of Brazilian football,” said teammates that I’m ready to your life. You wanted to suc- He will be available for the opening league a lot of advantage.” youngster Tahith Chong found Ander Herrera, Ronaldo. The player said he play, ready to do whatever is ceed with this badge and now fi xture at Newcastle United on Aug. 11 before whose header hit the post. The ball rebounded was ready to seize his chance. necessary”. it’s time to work for it”. he travels to Indonesia to represent his coun- NIASSE PART OF EVERTON’S PLANS to Mata, whose volley snuck through the legs “This is the best opportunity Perez, has in recent days The Real president said he try at the Asian Games. Having not signed any FOR FUTURE, SAYS BOSS SILVA of substitute goalkeeper Oscar Jiminez. a football player could have,” promised a series of big sign- had the highest hope for the players in the close season, Spurs are looking Everton manager Marco Silva allayed fears of Manchester United were without a host of said the youngster who joined ings after allowing Portuguese youngster. “We believe that to secure the long-term future of key squad striker Oumar Niasse’s potential departure stars still resting after the World Cup in Rus- Flamengo at age 10. “I’m going superstar Cristiano Ronaldo he’s called to be one of the members. from the Premier League club, with the Portu- sia, including Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard to sacrifi ce a lot to show that I to move last week to Juventus. greatest of this new era that is Striker Harry Kane and defender Davinson guese boss saying he had plans for the Senegal and Marcus Rashford. David de Gea, Nemanja deserve this opportunity,” he “Congratulations and wel- approaching. We’re convinced Sanchez also agreed improved terms ahead of international. Matic and new signing Fred are expected to said at his presentation along- come to your home,” he told that he’s one of those players the World Cup, along with Pochettino, as the Niasse, who scored eight goals, was used join the team next week, while Chilean Alexis side Madrid president Floren- Vinicius. “At only 16 years of who will mark the future in a club move to a new 62,000-seater stadium primarily as a substitute last season, leading Sanchez was thought to be arriving soon after tino Perez. “Even at this age age you decided that Real Ma- very special way.” next season. to speculation about his future as he failed to resolving his visa issues. Gulf Times Saturday, July 21, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS NFL anthem policy I don’t care about on hold as league and union talk AFP tial policies as required by every New York team before training camp. One Dolphins source told backlash over joining ESPN that the team had not dis- he NFL and the NFL cussed suspensions for protest- Players Association said ing during the national anthem. Thursday that no new America’s most popular sport rules regarding the na- found itself at the centre of a Ttional anthem will be issued or political fi restorm in 2017 after enforced as they discuss how to President Donald Trump de- Warriors: Cousins move forward on the divisive is- scribed players who kneeled dur- sue. The joint statement came ing the anthem to draw attention after a report that the Miami to racial injustice as “sons of ‘It trips me out to just see. It’s crazy like how angry people were’ Dolphins issued conduct rules bitches” who were insulting the indicating players could be sus- fl ag and the nation. pended for protesting on the fi eld The remarks prompted a wave during the pre-game playing of of kneeling protests across the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” league in September, angering “The NFL and NFLPA, some fans and placing several through recent discussions, have conservative, Trump-support- been working on a resolution to ing team owners in an awkward the anthem issue,” the league and position as NFL television rat- players association said in Thurs- ings dropped. Former San Fran- day night’s joint statement. “In cisco 49ers quarterback Colin order to allow this constructive Kaepernick began the protests dialogue to continue, we have in 2016 as a way of drawing at- come to a standstill agreement tention to police brutality, social on the NFLPA’s grievance and on injustice and racial inequity. In the NFL’s anthem policy. No new 2017, Kaepernick was unable to rules relating to the anthem will get an NFL job. be issued or enforced for the next Free agents Kaepernick and several weeks while these confi - Eric Reid are suing the NFL, say- dential discussions are ongoing.” ing league owners colluded to The players’ association fi led a keep them unsigned as retalia- grievance this month against the tion for the protests. In fi ling the policy approved by club owners grievance, the players’ associa- in May, which requires players tion proposed confi dential dis- and all team personnel on the cussions between the league and sidelines to stand during the an- union in a bid to reach a mutually them or teams would be fi ned. acceptable solution. Players have the option of On Thursday, the league and staying in the locker room while union said those talks are going the anthem is played under the ahead. “The NFL and NFLPA re- policy, but the union argued that fl ect the great values of America, DeMarcus Cousins signed with the new rule were “inconsist- which are repeatedly demon- Golden State as a free agent. ent with the collective bargain- strated by the many players do- ing agreement and infringes on ing extraordinary work in com- player rights”. munities across our country to Reuters “And soon as it happens, it’s like, ‘He’s numb to,” Cousins said. returning to the Mavericks, breaking a The report of the Dolphins’ promote equality, fairness and Los Angeles too damn good to (be a Warrior).’ So, “I’ll put it this way: If you live your life tie he currently shares with Kobe Bryant. possible disciplinary measures justice,” the statement said. it’s just kind of funny how the narrative to satisfy every person that critiques you, Dallas declined the option on Nowitzki’s added renewed urgency to the “Our shared focus will remain switches right away when things don’t go then you’ll drive yourself crazy.... I don’t contract earlier this off season to improve issue, although ESPN reported on fi nding a solution to the an- eMarcus Cousins isn’t con- the way they expect it to.” care because anything and everything its cap fl exibility, but both sides expected that “multiple sources” with them issue through mutual, good cerned about the public back- Cousins added that several NBA play- that’s being said and going on is harmless. a new agreement. Nowitzki started 77 the Dolphins and the NFL said faith commitments, outside of lash that ensued when news ers reached out to him after the news I walk around with my head high. I’m here games last season, averaging 12.0 points the team was submitting poten- litigation.” broke of his agreement to join broke, and some — including Portland to play basketball. I’m here to play at the and 5.7 rebounds. Nowitzki enters next theD Golden State Warriors, saying he’s Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum — tried highest level. I’m here to win games. Eve- season fi rst among active players in become “numb” to criticism. to change the four-time All-Star centre’s rything else will take care of itself. That’s points, games played, minutes, fi eld-goal “I didn’t really care, honestly,” he told mind. “Shout out to my dog CJ,” Cousins not my concern.” attempts, and defensive rebounds. ESPN on Thursday about the outrage said with a laugh. As to his health, Cousins knows the With 31,187 points, Nowitzki is cur- from fans on social media. “I don’t re- “I mean, it’s funny of course.... In a Warriors won’t rush him back on the rently sixth on the NBA’s all-time ally care.... It trips me out to just see. It’s way he was congratulating me, but at court, but he hopes to be in action for the scoring list — 232 points behind Wilt crazy like how angry people were.” the same time he was dead serious about start of the regular season, if not training Chamberlain and 149 points ahead of Le- Many fans have criticized the Warriors what I was going to do. But at the end of camp. “I want to be ready to go the begin- Bron James. Also Thursday, the Mavs and — and Cousins, and Kevin Durant — for the day, I think he understood my situa- ning of the season,” he said. guard Yogi Ferrell agreed to a two-year, the perceived lack of parity in the league tion and kind of where my mindset was “I miss the game. This is what I do. $5.3mn deal, according to reports. Ferrell caused by Golden State’s stockpiling of with the whole situation.” This is what I dreamed of as a kid. So, to averaged 10.2 points while playing in all talent. When Cousins chose to join the Cousins added that he had already be away from the game, it’s hard enough. 82 games for the Mavericks last season. team that has won three titles in the last spoken with Warriors stars Stephen I’m just ready to be back on the fl oor.” The 25-year-old started 21 games and four seasons, there were some players Curry, Draymond Green and Durant be- also averaged 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 as- who expressed surprise on social media fore making his decision. He said, with a MAVERICKS, NOWITZKI sists. Ferrell, 25, has averaged 10.6 points as well. laugh, that Green — who mentioned that AGREE TO $5MN DEAL in 118 games (50 starts) for Dallas over But Cousins hasn’t sensed any animos- he and Cousins would probably wind up Dirk Nowitzki is coming back for a 21st the past two seasons. The Mavericks re- ity from his NBA peers. “It’s tweets (from fi ghting at some point — “probably had season with the Dallas Mavericks, as ex- scinded Ferrell’s $2.9mn qualifying off er players), but it’s nothing over the top,” he the worst pitch.” pected. Nowtizki, 40, is fi nalizing a one- last Friday, a move that made Ferrell an said. “At least, not brought to my knowl- The 27-year-old Cousins, who is com- year, $5mn contract for the 2018-19 sea- unrestricted free agent. But the move was edge. But, it’s just kind of funny because ing off of a torn Achilles tendon, also said son, according to a report. viewed as a formality with Ferrell close before the whole thing started, I was just he is aware of the negative perception Assuming he appears in at least one to agreement on the new contract that Free agents Colin Kaepernick (right) and Eric Reid are suing the NFL, kind of wasted. I was damaged goods, not over him, but he’s not worried about it. game, he will set the NBA record for con- averaged less than the qualifying off er saying league owners colluded to keep them unsigned as retaliation a winner, just everything negative. “I’m just to the point where I’ve become secutive seasons with one franchise by ($2.65mn). for the protests.

NHL MLB Jets re-sign Lowry for $8.75mn Indians acquire Hand from Padres he Winnipeg Jets have Agencies re-signed restricted free San Diego agent winger Adam Lowry to a three-year Tdeal worth $8.75mn, the team rad Hand was traded from the San announced on Thursday. With Diego Padres to the Cleveland Indi- the agreement, an arbitration ans on Thursday. The Indians also hearing that was scheduled for acquired submarining right-hander tomorrow will not be needed. BAdam Cimber, who posted a 3.17 ERA with 51 Lowry, 25, made $1.25mn last strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings as a rookie. The season, his fourth in the NHL Padres received Cleveland’s top prospect, since the Jets took him in the catcher Francisco Mejia, in return. Hand, third round in 2011. He totalled 28, posted a 3.05 ERA and 24 saves over 44 eight goals and 13 assists in 45 1/3 innings pitched in 41 appearances for games while missing time with the Padres this season. An All-Star in 2017, an upper-body injury. Hand registered a career-low 2.16 ERA last In 2016-17, he posted career season while saving 21 games. highs of 15 goals and 14 assists Hand is under contract for the next two while playing in all 82 games. seasons for a total of $13.5mn and has a team Along with goaltender Connor option for 2021. Hellebuyck, the Jets have now Mejia, rated as the top prospect in the In- re-signed two of their fi ve re- dians system by Baseball America and No. stricted free agents who elected 15 overall on MLB.com’s Top 100 list, was arbitration. batting.279 with 22 doubles, one triple, Defenseman Jacob Trouba’s seven home runs and 45 RBI in 79 games hearing is scheduled for today, for Triple-A Columbus this season. Mejia, a cleared on Thursday to start a rehabilitation ago. With only 10 weeks left in the regular the fi rst day of hearings. He and 22-year-old switch-hitter, has played games throwing program. The 24-year-old Japa- season, it remains to be seen if he will be able the team are $3mn apart ($7mn at catcher (41), third base (1), left fi eld (23) nese rookie was diagnosed with the injury to resume pitching this season. vs $4mn) in negotiations regard- and right fi eld (7) in 2018. Cleveland’s pitch- on June 7, a day after he last pitched. ing Trouba’s 2018-19 salary, per BOWEY TO STAY AT the 2013 draft. ing staff has been one of the best in baseball He received platelet-rich plasma and A’S RELEASE RHP CASILLA multiple reports on Wednesday. CAPITALS FOR TWO YEARS He was a healthy scratch anchored by right-hander Corey Kluber. stem cell injections on June 7 and was FIVE DAYS AFTER DFA Trouba, 24, posted three The Washington Capitals throughout the team’s playoff The bullpen, which helped the team to the cleared to swing a bat three weeks later. He The Oakland Athletics released right-hand- goals and 21 assists in 55 games re-signed restricted free agent run to the Stanley Cup title. 2016 World Series, remains a strength with rejoined the Angels as a designated hitter ed reliever Santiago Casilla on Thursday, fi ve last season while averaging defenseman Madison Bowey to Bowey missed signifi cant Andrew Miller and Cody Allen at the back on July 3, hitting.250 since his return with a days after he was designated for assignment. 21 minutes, 54 seconds of ice a two-year deal worth $2mn, the time at the AHL level during the end. Miller and Allen can both hit free agen- home run and a pair of doubles over 28 plate Casilla, who turns 38 next Wednesday, had a time. The latter fi gure, while team announced on Thursday. 2016-17 season after a gruesome cy after this season. Hand spent the fi rst fi ve appearances. Ohtani is hitting 283 for his 3.16 ERA in 26 appearances this season, but ranking second on the team Bowey, 23, made $902,500 last injury in which a skate blade lac- seasons of his career with the Marlins before rookie season. In nine pitching starts prior he had struggled with his command. behind Dustin Byfuglien, was a season in the fi nal year of his erated a tendon in his ankle. He a trade to the Padres. He owns a career 3.84 to the injury, Ohtani displayed a sometimes He walked 20 batters, hit four more and career-low for Trouba through entry-level deal and did not elect is expected to take a larger role ERA with 47 saves. dazzling fastball and went 4-1 with a 3.10 threw four wild pitches in 31 1/3 innings of fi ve NHL seasons since the Jets arbitration this summer. this season after Brooks Orpik earned-run average and 61 strikeouts. work. In his 15th MLB season, Casilla was took him ninth overall in 2012. He tallied 12 assists and aver- was traded, although Orpik ANGELS’ OHTANI CLEARED An early front-runner for the American two years into his second stint with the A’s, Winger Brandon Tanev’s arbitra- aged 13 minutes, 43 seconds of could be brought back at a lower TO BEGIN REHAB THROWING League’s Rookie of the Year Award, Ohtani with whom he spent the fi rst six years of his tion hearing is scheduled for ice time in 51 games, his fi rst price after he was bought out by The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star Sho- arrived Stateside aiming to become the fi rst career. He is 42-31 with a 3.29 ERA in 655 ca- Wednesday, and center Marko NHL action since the Capitals the Colorado Avalanche after the hei Ohtani, sidelined from pitching duties player to successfully pitch and hit regularly reer games, all in relief with the A’s and San Dano’s is set for July 30. took him in the second round of trade. by a sprained right elbow ligament, was since legend Babe Ruth’s heyday a century Francisco Giants. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, July 21, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING / TOUR DE FRANCE TENNIS Ramanathan and Smyczek advance to Sagan strikes Newport semi-fi nals

AFP New York

ndia’s Ramkumar Ram- again as Thomas anathan and American Tim Smyczek, each hoping to reach his fi rst ATP singles fi - Sagan is one of few nal,I advanced to the semi-fi nals of the Hall of Fame Open grass- sprinters specialists court tournament on Thursday. Ramanathan surrendered only still in the race seven points on his fi rst serve keeps yellow over 78 minutes in defeating Canada’s Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 6-2 and Smyczek held off Taiwan’s Jason Jung 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in quar- ter-fi nal matches at Newport, Rhode Island. World number 123 Smyc- Germany’s Angelique Kerber. zek, 30, has never played 161st- ranked Ramanathan, but their 6-3, 6-3 win over Serena Wil- triumphs ensure one of them will liams to claim her fi rst Wimble- reach his fi rst ATP singles cham- don title at the All England Club pionship match tomorrow. last week. Ramanathan, a 23-year-old Kerber, who downed Austral- from Chennai, was 1-2 this year ia’s Ash Barty to win this year’s in ATP events until this week, Sydney International fi nal, said when he ousted Dominican Vic- the tournament will be a good tor Burgos 6-4, 6-1 in his opener tune-up for the Australian Open and dispatched US eighth seed starting in Melbourne on Janu- Denis Kudla 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the ary 14. second round. “Playing the Sydney Interna- Today’s semi-fi nals will be tional is always a great oppor- staged around the International tunity to face some top qual- Tennis Hall of Fame induction cer- ity opposition,” Kerber said in a emony for Czech Helena Sukova statement. and Germany’s Michael Stich. “Every single match is re- ally tough, so it’s a great way WIMBLEDON CHAMP KERBER to fine-tune my game after the TO DEFEND SYDNEY TITLE off-season, and also get used to Wimbledon champion Angelique the weather conditions in Aus- Kerber will defend her Sydney tralia, which are quite different International title in January in to Europe at that time of the preparation for next year’s Aus- year.” tralian Open, organisers said The Sydney International will yesterday. take place at Sydney Olympic The German climbed to No.4 Park Tennis Centre from January in the world rankings after her 6-12.

UPDATE Kazakhstan detain suspect in murder of fi gure skater Slovakia’s Peter Sagan, wearing the best sprinter’s green jersey, celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 13th stage of the Tour de France in Valence yesterday. (AFP) Reuters Pyeongchang Olympics in Feb- AFP “I was on the wheel of (Alexander) green jersey, and one eye now on winning time on the steep, 3km-long climb to the Almaty, Kazakhstan ruary where he was cheered by Valence, France Kristoff , then I made my move. But it the fi nal stage to the Champs Elysees. fi nish in Mende. local fans because of his Korean wasn’t easy for me. But the 28-year-old Slovakian star, “We’re waiting for tomorrow. It’s not roots. He fi nished 27th. “The team did a great job, but in the who on Thursday announced his im- an easy stage,” said Froome. uthorities in Kaza- The international fi gure skat- lovakian Peter Sagan underlined last kilometre I was maybe in 20th or 25th pending divorce from his wife Katarina, “Tomorrow we could see some little khstan said yesterday ing community has mourned the his sprint credentials for the third position, so I had to sprint to get back up won’t be performing any of his trademark time diff erences between the favourites.” they had detained a loss of a talented and resilient time on the Tour de France yes- to the front.” wheelies just yet. suspect in the murder athlete. terday after powering to victory Sagan was given extra work after Bel- “There’s a lot of tough stages to do be- ofA Olympic fi gure skater Denis “Denis Ten was a great athlete STAGE 12 RESULTS inS the 13th stage from Bourg d’Oisans to gian upstart Philippe Gilbert (Quick Step) fore we get to” the Champs Elysees, said Ten, who won bronze at the 2014 and a great ambassador for his 1. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) 3:45:55 Valence. brazenly attacked a leading peloton full of Sagan. 2. Alexander Kristoff (NOR/EAU) Sochi Games. sport,” said Thomas Bach, the Sagan, of the Bora team, is one of the ambitious sprinters 930 metres from the “I have to be a bit closer to Paris before 3. Arnaud Démare (FRA/FDJ) Ten, 25, was knifed during a president of the International few real sprint specialists still in the race line. I start doing a wheelie.” 4. John Degenkolb (GER/TRE) struggle with two men he had Olympic Committee (IOC), ac- after surviving an Alpine stage trilogy But Sagan, and his rivals didn’t fl inch. Britain’s Geraint Thomas, fresh from 5. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/BMC) caught trying to steal the mirrors cording to the committee’s that proved fatal to the hopes of rivals They kept the pace high and one-day winning two stages in the Alps, remained 6. Yves Lampaert (BEL/QST) on his car in the Kazakh city of Twitter page. Mark Cavendish, Marcel Kittel, Andre classics specialist Gilbert was caught, in the leader’s yellow jersey. 7. Magnus Nielsen (DEN/AST) Almaty on Thursday. “A warm personality and a Greipel, Dylan Groenewegen and Fern- much to his dismay, with 245m remaining. The Welshman leads Sky teammate 8. Andrea Pasqualon (ITA/WGG) Kazakhstan’s Interior Min- charming man. Such a tragedy to ando Gaviria. The Groupama team of Demare, as well Chris Froome by 1min 39secs, with 9. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA/BAH) istry said in a statement that it lose him at such a young age.” All the aforementioned exited the race as Kristoff ’s UAE outfi t had been key in Dutchman Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) third 10. Taylor Phinney (USA/EFD) had identifi ed the two suspects Retired Canadian fi gure skater over two tough days in the Alps, and Sa- chasing down a relatively tame four-man overall at 1:50. in Ten’s murder and detained one Patrick Chan, who two silver gan — who had won two stages on this breakaway in the closing kilometres of Although Froome is Sky’s team leader, OVERALL STANDINGS of them. medals in Sochi and gold in the edition so far — was quick to capitalise. the race. Thomas said: “I hope to keep the jersey as 1. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Sky 53:10:38sec Police released a photograph team event at the Pyeongchang “It was very beautiful to win today But the Frenchman came up short long as possible. 2. Christopher Froome (GBR/SKY) +1:39 of the second suspect and said Games, wrote on Twitter he was after three days in the Alps,” said Sagan, when it came to payback. “But it’s a three-week race and the 3. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) +1:50 they were looking for him. “so honoured and grateful to whose 11th stage win on the race helped He launched his burst fi rst, but, as Pyrenees are going to be even tougher.” 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) +2:46 Ten fi nished 11th at the 2010 have shared with ice” with Ten. take his tally in the points competition to Kristoff and Sagan came up on his left, The 14th stage is a diffi cult and tech- 5. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) +3:07 Vancouver Olympics and four “He was so kind to everyone 398 points. Demare ran out of juice. nical ride over 188 km starting in Saint- 6. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) +3:13 years later in Sochi became the and a huge inspiration to me and Norwegian Alexander Kristoff (UAE), “I thought I was going to win, I started Paul-Trois-Chateaux. 7. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) +3:43 fi rst fi gure skater from Kaza- so many other people,” American who fi nished a close second, has 170 my sprint well but I came up short. Sagan Although Sky will be hoping to keep 8. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) +4:13 khstan to win an Olympic medal. fi gure skater Adam Rippon wrote while Frenchman Arnaud Demare, of was too strong,” he said. powder dry for the crucial third week, 9. Daniel Martin (IRL/EAU) +5:11 He was then dogged by in- on Twitter. “Denis, thank you for Groupama, has 133. Sagan now has one hand on a sixth Froome said their rivals could try to steal 10. Jakob Diemer Fuglsang (DEN/AST) +5:45 jury but competed at the showing us how to be a champion.”

BOTTOMLINE Tour chief calls for ‘serenity, respect’ aft er Sky, Nibali incidents

AFP seen Geraint Thomas win two champions of this race, need to be whistles on Alpe d’Huez, just as I Le Bourg-d’Oisans, France key alpine stages in succession to respected.” did in the Vendée. lead the race by 1min 39sec from Sky have won fi ve of the past “On the roadside it’s been calm Injured Nibali ruled out of Tour de France, says team teammate and four-time cham- six editions of the Tour, Bradley for the past 10 days or so, with our de France director pion Chris Froome. Wiggins beginning their impres- very few anti-Sky or anti-Froome AFP through a throng of hyper- Christian Prudhomme But their success is doing little sive streak in 2012 and Froome banners. But suddenly, we’ve L’Alpe d’Huez, France excited fans. has demanded fans show to appease detractors. winning in 2013 and then 2015- seen a lot more. All I can do is re- Nibali later confirmed his more respect a day af- Thomas was booed and jeered 2017. new calls for calm, for good sense departure in a message to fans Tter Team Sky were booed off the as he crossed the fi nish line on The Kenyan-born racer is tar- and for serenity with regard to the ormer champion Vin- on his Twitter page. podium and Vincenzo Nibali Thursday, then while he stood on geting a seventh Grand Tour suc- riders on the Tour de France. cenzo Nibali was forced “Hi guys, I’ve returned to the crashed out when his bike got the podium. cess, and, if successful, would “Don’t whistle and, obviously, Fout of the Tour de France hotel but unfortunately the tangled up. Earlier in the stage, a bag or become the fi rst cyclist since don’t touch the riders. Even if it’s on Thursday after fracturing outcome of the medical report He hinted there could be meas- camera strap got entangled with deceased Italian climbing great just an over-friendly backslap.” his back in a collision during isn’t good,” he said. “They ures to stop fans running behind Nibali’s bike, sending the Italian, Marco Pantani, in 1998, to win Prudhomme added: “The vast a drama-packed 12th stage to confirmed I’ve fractured one riders during the spectacular riding through a plume of smoke, the Giro d’Italia and the Tour in majority of the fans on the road- the summit of Alpe d’Huez, his of the verterbrae, so tomorrow mountain stages that attract crashing to the ground and on his the same year. side are well-meaning. But yes- team doctor confirmed. (Friday) I head home to begin thousands to the roadside. way home after he suff ered a frac- Froome was only cleared to terday, on the second half of the Nibali, who claimed his sole my recovery. Thanks for all the “They have only one wish, to tured back. compete days before the start by climb the public were at times a yellow jersey in 2014, was aff ection you’ve shown me. See be on television and take a selfi e,” Froome, who was reportedly the International Cycling Union little reckless.” transported to hospital with a you soon!” Prudhomme told AFP prior to the spat at, also received a hearty slap (UCI). Prudhomme added: “We want suspected vertebra fracture af- Despite being helped back on 13th stage from Bourg d’Oisans to on the back from an over-zealous For months, the Briton was the Tour public to be the same as ter coming down hard around his bike, and valiantly finishing Valence. fan. embroiled in controversy after they always have been.” 4km from the summit of the only 13secs behind stage win- “We have no wish to see that Although Tour chiefs have im- a sample from the 2017 Tour of In 1975 Belgian legend Eddy legendary Tour climb. ner Geraint Thomas of Team again.” proved conditions for the peloton Spain revealed twice the permit- Merckx was famously forced to Early reports, later backed up Sky, the crash ended Nibali’s He added: “Rocket fl ares don’t in recent years by limiting the sale ted amount of the asthma drug abandon after being punched by by Nibali, claimed he had col- gazzetta.it, suggested a bag bid to stay in contention on belong on bike races. They make of alcohol and having police mo- salbutamol in his system. one fan. lided with a police motorcycle. strap, flag or arm got in Nibali’s the race, which he leaves after the riders breathe in noxious air, torbikes clear a path for the rid- Froome and Team Sky were “If we really want to see things However a video which way as he negotiated his way, climbing to fourth overall at and they blind them. ers, Prudhomme said: “The climb booed on the podium at the start overspill on the Tour, we have to emerged hours after the stage shrouded in yellow smoke 2:37 behind the British race “It just doesn’t make sense.” up the Alpe d’Huez was painful. of the Tour in the Vendee. look all the way back to 1975 and finish, shown on the website from rocket flares being set off , leader. Sky’s domination so far has “The riders of the Tour, the Prudhomme said: “I heard the Eddy Merckx.” Gulf Times Saturday, July 21, 2018 7 SPORT

CRICKET / SL VS SA, DAY 1, 2ND TEST ASIAN GAMES Jakarta covers up ‘stinky, toxic’ river South Africa near Games village

AFP agency, told the Kompas daily. Jakarta Authorities hope the black netting will also minimise the foul smell emanating from the toxic, foul-smelling river, which is partly caused by bounce back with river near the Asian water evaporating under the Games athletes’ village tropical sun. in Jakarta has been cov- Cutting edge “nano bubble” eredA with black nylon mesh over waste technology, which helps fears it will be an eyesore at the break down organic material and showpiece event. neutralise chemicals, is being Offi cials in the Indonesian deployed for the same purpose. capital have been scrambling Nearby, multi-coloured fl ags Maharaj’s eight-for to ready venues, fi nish building have been installed, while work- work, widen roads and address ers are painting a river bank re- the city’s notorious traffi c con- taining wall in vibrant colours. gestion before the Games, which Some residents have already Hosts were 277 for nine at stumps in Colombo, giving the Proteas hope are being held from August 18 to noticed an improvement. September 2. “Before, the river was so dirty But one of the sprawling city’s and smelly... I hope this can be toxic waterways, which backs retained after the Asian Games,” onto the main residence for com- local man Busri Berlani told AFP. petitors, appears beyond imme- Jakarta is built on a river delta diate repair, so authorities this and has an extensive waterway week decided to hide it. system that is often used as a Some 730 metres (2,400 feet) dumping ground for household of the Sentiong — dubbed the waste. “Black River” by locals because Trash-clogged waterways are of its fi lthy dark appearance — a major contributor to annual will be covered, Nelson Siman- fl ooding during the rainy season. juntak, a Jakarta water resources Jakarta and Palembang in agency offi cial, told AFP. Sumatra are set to host about “It’s function is to elevate the 11,000 athletes and 5,000 of- beauty (of the river) so that the fi cials from 45 countries for the black water cannot be directly Asian Games, the world’s biggest seen by international athletes,” multi-sport event behind the Ol- Supriyono, another offi cial at the ympics.

Workers clean a river covered with black nylon mesh near the Asian Games athletes’ village in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT

South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj (right) celebrates with his teammates after he dismissed Sri Lanka’s Dilruwan Perera during the first day of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) international cricket stadium in Colombo yesterday. (Below) Sri Lankan batsman Dhananjaya De Silva in action yesterday. (AFP) IOC wants to limit

AFP without regular captain Dinesh Chandi- Colombo mal, who is suspended for the series over candidates for 2026 a ball-tampering charge. Coach Chan- dika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka pinner Keshav Maharaj thanked Gurusinha have also been banned over Winter Games his lucky stars as well as the pitch the case. yesterday after his record eight- Maharaj said though that he was not DPA candidate stage begin. wicket haul helped South Africa focused on personal records — not yet Frankfurt Sapporo, hosts in 1972, could fiS ght back on the opening day of the sec- anyway. decide to withdraw from the run- ond Test against Sri Lanka. “Accolades mean a lot more when you ning for 2026 to present a stronger “I think it was written in the stars by can win a Test match, so hopefully in the he International Olym- bid four years later. “There is a dis- God that things worked out this way,” second innings I can put in another per- pic Committee (IOC) cussion in Sapporo about whether Maharaj said after his 8-116, the best fi g- formance and be on the winning end of intends to restrict the it would not be better to apply for ures for a South African spinner in a fi rst it,” he said. number of cities that will 2030,” said Bach. innings anywhere, in addition to his own Tbe fi nal candidates to host the Meanwhile, both athletics personal record. SCORECARD 2026 Winter Games. governing body (IAAF) president “I think I did get a little bit of assist- SRI LANKA “I do not want to make a mis- Sebastian Coe and football body ance off the wicket. It is a little bit dif- D. Gunathilaka c Rabada b Maharaj 57 take and commit myself but there FIFA president Gianni Infantino ferent here than in Galle, because the D. Karunaratne c de Kock b Maharaj 53 will be a very limited number we must continue to wait for IOC ball skids on. There’s a chance of getting on 5, hung on until the close of play. ing Roshen Silva for 22. D. de Silva lbw b Maharaj 60 propose,” IOC president Thomas membership. LBWs and also the top edge when the The islanders started on the right foot Rabada also struck de Silva painfully K. Mendis c Rabada b Maharaj 21 Bach said following an executive Bach revealed neither man batsman sweeps.” with Gunathilaka and Karunaratne mixing on the right shoulder, but after a short A. Mathews c du Plessis b Maharaj 10 board meeting in Lausanne. was among the nine candidates At stumps, the hosts were 277 for nine caution and aggression to keep the South break the batsman resumed his solid in- R. Silva b Rabada 22 After the recent withdrawals proposed for membership at the at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club African bowlers at bay on 93-0 at lunch. nings, even venturing a couple of dis- N. Dickwella c du Plessis b Maharaj 5 of Sion, Switzerland, and Graz, next IOC session in Buenos Aires Ground, giving the Proteas hope they can The left-handed duo reached their re- missive pull shots for four when the fast D. Perera c Ngidi b Maharaj 17 Austria, the Swedish capital this October. avoid their fi rst series defeat to Sri Lanka spective half-centuries just after lunch bowlers pitched short. A. Dananjaya not out 16 Stockholm, Canada’s Calgary, “We have the situation that since 2006 after their drubbing in the but fell to Maharaj’s guile soon after. He hit eight fours in his 109-ball in- S. Lakmal c Markram b Maharaj 0 Japan’s Sapporo and an Ital- both face reelection in their asso- fi rst Test in Galle. Maharaj, South Africa’s only regular nings before becoming Maharaj’s sixth R. Herath not out 5 ian bid from one or a combina- ciations in the coming year,” Bach The left-arm Maharaj’s fi rst eight-for spinner, got Karunaratne caught behind victim, struck in front of the stumps by a Extras (lb2, nb1, w8) 11 tion of Turin-Milan-Cortina said. “The time till then is short in 22 Tests hurt Sri Lanka with regular with a drifting delivery down the leg side. drifting and ripping delivery. Total (9 wickets, 86 overs) 277 d’Ampezzo remain in the race. and the IOC does not want to in- strikes after a 116-run opening stand be- He got Gunathilaka in his very next over. Paceman Dale Steyn though will prob- Fall of wickets: 1-116 (Karunaratne), 2-117 The 2026 edition will be allo- terfere in the election campaigns.” tween Danushka Gunathilaka, who hit 57, And in the last session, he came out all ably have to wait for another day to get (Gunathilaka), 3-153 (Mendis), 4-169 (Math- cated in Milan in September 2019. The IOC has previously re- and Dimuth Karunaratne, who made 53. guns blazing as the hosts lost six wickets past former teammate Shaun Pollock to ews), 5-223 (Silva), 6-238 (Dickwella), 7-247 A so-called dialogue phase is frained from accepting Britain’s Sri Lanka, who won the fi rst Test in with only Dhananjaya de Silva putting up become the country’s leading Test wick- (de Silva), 8-264 (Perera), 9-264 (Lakmal) underway between the IOC and Coe and the Swiss Infantino be- Galle, had elected to bat fi rst in their bid some resistance with his 60-run knock. et-taker. He is tied with Pollock on 421 Bowling: Steyn 15-3-47-0, Rabada 16-3-37-1 potential hosts to discuss the cause there of considerable cor- to clinch the two-match series. Akila Paceman Kagiso Rabada was the only wickets (w6), Ngidi 13-1-48-0 (w2, nb1), Maharaj 32- concepts behind the bids and ruption problems in both the Dananjaya, on 16, and Rangana Herath, other bowler to pick up a wicket, dismiss- The hosts, led by Suranga Lakmal, are 6-116-8, Markram 7-1-17-0, Elgar 3-1-10-0 only afterwards does the full IAAF and FIFA.

BOTTOMLINE Tokyo 2020 needs foreign help, says IOC’s Coates

Reuters tions is necessary,” Kyodo News quoted pic standard. said the Australian. top rate for a place at the opening cer- 2012 but are more expensive than Rio Tokyo Coates as saying. At April’s SportAccord Convention “The link between, for example, a rail- emony. 2016, although fl uctuating exchange “The federations are not going to have in Bangkok, organisers faced criticism way and a venue, that the buses are going Tickets for many events start at the rates make comparisons diffi cult. to worry too much about karate or judo from federations over issues such as to be there when they come off the rail- symbolic price point of 2,020 yen ($17.96) At London 2012, the most expensive nternational Olympic Committee or baseball or softball — track and fi eld, competition planning, water pollution way to take them into the venue, all of but these are only for group sales, while opening ceremony tickets cost $2,618 (IOC) vice-president John Coates great experience there, swimming too — and communications. those type of things, is the planning that the cheapest individual tickets will go on at today’s exchange rate. has said 2020 Tokyo Games organ- but you go to rowing, canoeing, some of Coates, the chairman of the IOC’s still needs to be done,” he added. sale for 2,500 yen ($22.23). As in previous Games, athletics is the isers must seek foreign expertise in those sports, and it is going to need great- Coordination Committee for the 2020 Tuesday (July 24) marks the two-year More than half of all tickets will be most expensive event with the highest Isports where the country has little tra- er reliance on the international federa- Games, also highlighted transport as a countdown to the start of the Games. sold for less than 8,000 yen ($71.15), priced tickets coming in at 130,000 yen dition or experience. tions, in terms of operational planning.” major challenge still remaining for or- according to organisers. The cheapest ($156.12). “Obviously in sports in which Japan The comments come after some fed- ganizers. TICKET PRICES UNVEILED tickets are to be found for sports such Tickets will go on sale in Japan in is not traditionally strong, and doesn’t erations — including sailing and base- “Particularly we want to make sure The organisers unveiled domestic tick- as football, hockey and the marathon. spring 2019. The pricing strategy for have a lot of experience in, then more ball — raised concerns about Japan’s that the athletes, technical offi cials and et prices for the Games yesterday rang- The Tokyo prices are roughly in line tickets to be sold internationally has liaison work with international federa- ability to deliver their events to Olym- spectators are able to get to the events,” ing from less than $18 up to $2,760, the with those for the London Olympics in not yet been announced.

Saturday, July 21, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

25TH ANNIVERSARY Barshim most likely to break my record, says Sotomayor

AFP longer, dating back to his fi rst events, and while the country Havana world record fi ve years earlier, was suffering an economic cri- also in Salamanca. sis after the fall of the Soviet “People are talking about the Union. s the 25th anniversary 25th anniversary of my world “I had my best moments at a of his high jump record record, but for me it’s been 30 time when Cuba needed it the approaches, Cuban years that I’m the record-holder,” most,” he said. world record holder the 50-year-old told AFP at his “I was able to give joy to the JavierA Sotomayor reiterated that home in Havana. people. My people were behind he only sees Qatari world cham- “Because if I hadn’t beaten my me. What I gave to the people pion Mutaz Essa Barshim beating own record, it would be 30 years and they gave back went hand in his 2.45m mark. old! No one’s beaten the 2.43m I hand.” “If I had to give a name for the jumped in 1988.” Now secretary of the Cuban person most likely to break the Only one man, Barshim, has athletics federation, Sotomayor record, it’s (Barshim),” said the ever equalled it, in Brussels four enjoys watching others attempt Cuban, who is the only one ever years ago. What remains the most to break his near-mythical to jump an 8-plus feet height. incredible aspect of Sotomayor’s mark. But who knew that as a achievement is that high jumping Co-European record-holder 10-year-old, Sotomayor was didn’t come naturally. First and Bohdan Bondarenko of Ukraine afraid of heights. foremost, he needed to overcome Cuban former high jumper Javier Sotomayor poses with a picture of Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim has come the closest to Sotomayor’s 2.45m cleared 2.42m in June 2014 but It was July 27, 1993, in Sala- his fears. his high jumping days in Havana, Cuba, yesterday. (AFP) record with a 2.43m eff ort. three months later Barshim went manca, Spain. Sotomayor had “At 10 years old, I was afraid of a centimetre higher. already set new records of 2.43m heights, at 14 I started to be con- exercises where I had to jump heights.” sterling career fi lled with success list, the list of his achievements “It’s not that I would cel- and then 2.44m but this time, he vinced I could be a great high- from more than two meters, even The last step, once he had and glory. seems endless. ebrate someone breaking my went higher still: 2.45m. jumper. Since then, I set very three meters, onto a crash mat — started competing at the top lev- Olympic champion in 1992, But what was perhaps most world record, but I’ve always A quarter of a century lat- ambitious goals,” said the 1.96m sort of acrobatics. el, was to take up parachuting. world champion in 1993 and impressive was that his pomp been convinced: for the last 30 er, that record still stands, but tall Cuban. “Later, when I was in Havana, 1997, four-time indoor world took place at a time when Cuba years I’ve known that one day Sotomayor’s reign as the great- “Fear is lost through practice, with my coach and psychologist, GIVING JOY TO THE PEOPLE champion and three-time Pan- had very little history in ath- someone will jump higher,” est in his discipline has been even through application. I was given little by little I got over my fear of Sotomayor went on to enjoy a American Games gold medal- letics, even less so in the field Sotomayor said.

LONDON DIAMOND LEAGUE MONACO DIAMOND LEAGUE Kenya’s Chepkoech Haroun, Samba in breaks women’s steeplechase WR

Agencies tres on his fourth eff ort as seven Monaco athletes went beyond 21.20m for the fi rst time ever. Darrell Hill fi nished second, 400m action today enya’s Beatrice Chep- his 21.72m put edging out Brazil’s koech smashed the Darlan Romani (21.70) in a shot world record in the put event held at Monaco’s main US sprinter Christian Coleman eyes chance to shine in post-Bolt era women’s 3,000 metres port a day ahead of yesterday’s Ksteeplechase with a time of eight meet at the neighbouring Stade minutes 44.32 seconds at the Louis II. Monaco Diamond League meet- In the women’s competition, ing yesterday. reigning world champion Gong Chepkoech, 27, broke the pre- claimed victory with a best of vious record mark of 8 minutes 20.31m. 52.78 set by Ruth Jebet in 2016. American Raven Saunders was Earlier on Thursday, Olympic second (19.67m) with Germa- champion Ryan Crouser led a US ny’s Christina Schwanitz (19.51) one-two in the men’s shot put as rounding out the podium, just China’s Lijiao Gong wrapped up ahead of Kiwi Valerie Adams, the a dominant victory in the wom- four-time world champion and en’s event. two-time Olympic gold medal- Crouser went out to 22.05 me- list.

Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun (left) and Abderrahman Samba (right) will line up in the men’s 400m on the opening day of the London Diamond League meeting today.

AFP Grenadian who struck Olympic 400m seeking to improve that modest season’s to an end in Rabat following 45 consecutive London gold as a 19-year old in London in 2012. best in London when he once again locks wins, Russia’s Mariya Lasitskene will be James is on the comeback trail after being horns with Baker. determined to get back into her dominant diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. The 24-year-old Baker took world in- stride in the women’s high jump tomorrow. ataris Abdalelah Haroun and Coleman ended Bolt’s four-year un- door 60m bronze behind the victorious Lasitskene, who struck world outdoor Abderrahman Samba will line beaten 100m streak in the world cham- Coleman on English soil in Birmingham gold at the London Stadium last year, fac- up for the men’s 400m, even as pionship semi-fi nals at the London Sta- in March and clocked a lifetime 100m es world indoor champion Vashti Cun- the world indoor 60m champi- dium in August last year, before fi nishing best of 9.88sec in Paris last month. ningham of the USA. onQ Christian Coleman has a chance to es- in between compatriot Justin Gatlin and Baker jointly heads the 2018 world The meeting doubles as the Anniversa- tablish his credentials as the leader of the the retiring Bolt as the silver medal win- rankings with Noah Lyles, who clocked ry Games, in recognition of the Olympic sprint pack in the post-Usain Bolt era on ner in the fi nal two hours later. 9.88sec to take the US title ahead of him Games held in the stadium six years ago, Olympic champion Jebet one of 103 the opening day of the London Diamond After shattering Maurice Greene’s in Des Moines last month. and on Sunday long jumper Greg Ruther- League meeting today. 19-year-old world indoor 60m record in But Coleman remains the fastest man ford, will be bidding an emotional fare- athletes under AIU spotlight Haroun started off his Diamond League February and claiming the world indoor at 100m since the 2016 Rio Olympics, well to the arena where he claimed gold at season with a second place at home and 60m crown in March, Coleman looked courtesy of the 9.82sec he recorded when London 2012. Olympic steeplechase gold Kenyan-born Jebet, also the has since not fallen out of the top three set to become the dominant force in the winning the US collegiate title last year. The 31-year-old Briton, who plans medallist Ruth Jebet is among world record holder, won Ol- in any of the meetings, even winning in 100m in 2018. The 100m fi eld in London also includes to retire at the end of the season, faces 109 athletes and coaches ympic gold for Bahrain but has Ostrava and Hengelo. On his last outing, But the 22-year-old US sprinter fi n- the current US collegiate champion South Africa’s world outdoor champion facing disciplinary action for since been suspended after in Rabat, he fi nished second earlier this ished second to Ronnie Baker in Eugene Cameron Burrell, son of former 100m Luvo Manyonga and Olympic champion alleged doping off ences, the an urine test showed traces of month. and fourth behind his victorious fellow- world record holder Leroy Burrell, plus Jeff Henderson of the USA. Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) banned blood booster EPO. Samba, on the other hand, who has American in Rome in an injury-hit start 2011 world champion Yohan Blake from The women’s mile on Sunday will fea- announced yesterday. Also among the 103 athletes been unbeaten in the 400m hurdles this to the outdoor season in May. Jamaica, South Africa’s Commonwealth ture an attack by double European in- The AIU, the independent body listed, 85 of whom were world season notching up six straight victories Having taken time out to cure a ham- title holder Akani Simbine and British door champion Laura Muir on the British that manages all doping and or Olympic medallists, were and coming within 0.2 seconds of the string problem, Coleman returned to champion Reece Prescod. record held since 1985 by Zola Budd. non-doping integrity-related Kenya’s Asbel Kiprop, three- world record, will be running 400m for Diamond League action with a wafer- Coleman will not be the only big name The women’s 200m pits Jamaica’s matters in athletics, took the time world 1,500m champion the fi rst time since he won in Potchef- thin 100m win over Baker in Rabat, both athlete with a point to prove in the Eng- Olympic champion Elaine Thompson step of releasing the details and also an Olympic gold med- stroom in April. men being credited with 9.98sec after lish capital. against Dutch world champion Dafne to protect track and field’s “in- allist, and Russian high jumper The men’s 400m also heralds the re- fi nishing a mere 0.006 sec apart. Schippers and Ivorian world indoor med- tegrity and reputation” and for Ivan Ukhov, who won gold at turn to Diamond League action for the “I kind of look at this as my season EMOTIONAL FAREWELL allists Marie-Josee Ta Lou and Murielle increased “transparency”. the 2012 London Games. fi rst time in two years of Kirani James, the reopening,” said Coleman, who will be After her two-year unbeaten streak came Ahoure.

CRICKET Tendulkar wants to take academy beyond traditional pockets

Reuters many guys who approached me It’s not necessarily just the county and Tendulkar himself. Mumbai but I was not convinced with cricket playing nations,” Ten- “The vision is not just to what they wanted to do,” Ten- dulkar said by phone. have cricket academies but dulkar said in an interview. “There are number of na- along with cricket we want to achin Tendulkar waited “If we are to do something tions where there is interest promote other sports,” said fi ve years since retire- for young cricketers then we in cricket but they do not have the 45-year-old, who has been ment before launching have to be on the same page, access to proper facilities. The conferred with India’s highest his own academy and the vision has to align. With vision is to spread cricket to as civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ theS India batting great wants to Middlesex, that was the case.” many countries as possible.” for his achievements in cricket. take the venture beyond crick- Tendulkar accumulated Tendulkar said the fi ne print “We want to build clubs all et’s traditional pockets, he told more than 34,000 runs and 100 of the academy emerged dur- across the world. Clubs where Reuters yesterday. centuries in a 24-year career ing extensive discussions with you will have tennis courts, The world’s leading run- that came to an end in 2013. Middlesex over the last 10 badminton courts, squash, ta- scorer in both Tests and one- Merchant Taylor’s School in months and a fi nal agreement ble tennis, swimming pools, day internationals has joined Northwood will host the Ten- was reached only when both billiards... We want to promote forces with Middlesex Cricket dulkar Middlesex Global Acad- were convinced. sports across the world. to launch an academy for bud- emy’s fi rst cricket camp from The academy, which does “That’s why there is no ding male and female cricket- August 6-9 while Mumbai will not mention the word cricket ‘cricket’ in the name of the In this July 5, 2014, picture, MCC’s captain Sachin Tendulkar ers between the ages of nine host one in November. in its name, will provide train- academy. I would say global prepares to catch a ball during a match against a Rest of and 14. “It will be in India, England ing through a curriculum de- sports centre. That is what the the World team to celebrate 200 years of Lord’s at Lord’s “Along the way there were and other parts of the world. veloped by the coaches at the vision is.” cricket ground in London. (Reuters)