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Friday, August 4, 2017 MOTOGP Dhul-Qa’da 12, 1438 AH Marquez eyes Czech GULF TIMES podium as tight title battle resumes SPORT Page 5 SPOTLIGHT Neymar: Brazilian magician

REACTION Neymar can accelerate growth and marketing gold in Ligue 1, says Lille director eymar’s imminent ar- “It is amazing. We invested in His pre-teen skills bewitched Internet users over a decade ago, and now Neymar is set rival at Paris St Ger- Lille knowing that Ligue 1 has a main can help France’s bright future and Neymar is an to dazzle in the French capital with his world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain Ligue 1 grow to match accelerator to this bright future NEurope’s powerhouse leagues, of Ligue 1,” he told the BBC’s AFP according to the director general World Service. Paris of top fl ight side Lille. “The young talent pool we The Brazilian striker’s 222 mil- have here is the best in Europe. lion euro transfer from Barcelona That is why France is the number is pre-teen skills be- to PSG hit a glitch yesterday with one exporting country in foot- witched Internet users Spain’s La Liga rejecting the pay- ball. And that is why we think over a decade ago, and ment of Neymar’s release clause Ligue 1 is ripe for growth.” now Brazil’s Neymar is from his contract, although his PSG, owned by the Qatar Hset to dazzle in the French capital move is expected to go through. Sports Investments, are the only with his forecast world-record Provided it does, Neymar will French club in the top 20 of Eu- transfer to European power Paris become the biggest name in Ligue rope’s rich list. Saint-Germain. 1 as mega-rich PSG set their sights But Ingla thinks believes the The French club’s Qatari own- on becoming the powerhouse club arrival of Neymar will the help ers are nothing if not ambitious, of European soccer. others grow and boost the profi le determined to sign Neymar as While the staggering sums of of French football. part of their drive to capture the money involved in the Neymar “I don’t get why (Ligue 1) Champions League. saga have drawn criticism, Lille’s should be number fi ve in terms And to transform PSG into a director general Marc Ingla be- of money generated and audi- European super club, they had no lieves it will help Ligue 1 punch ence generated,” he said. hesitation in making 25-year-old its weight after so long being the “It does not mirror the talent Neymar the world’s most expen- poor relation of Spain’s La Liga, potential we have. So I see Ney- sive player of all-time for a fee that England’s Premier League, the mar’s arrival as an accelerator for will more than double the previous German Bundesliga and Italy’s Ligue 1’s potential and the possi- record paid by Manchester United Serie A. bility to shine globally.” for Paul Pogba last summer. PSG haven’t agreed to pay such a massive amount solely Media hail Neymar ‘transfer of the century’ for the undoubted attention and shirt sales that their new recruit Neymar’s imminent record-shat- French sports daily L’Equipe will garner, but for one of the tering move from Barcelona to devoted their entire front page most gifted players on the planet. Paris Saint-Germain was hailed to a picture of Neymar behind And PSG will be fully expect- as “the signing that changes the the wheel of his car turning up ing him to provide 40-plus goals history of football” by French to say goodbye to his Barcelona a season in all competitions and and Spanish media yesterday. teammates, under the headline, to take the perennial European Papers in both cities went to “He’s arriving”. also-rans all the way to the fi nal town on the Brazilian striker’s In Spain, the coverage was of the Champions League for the forecast 222 million euro ($260 sobre and reflective. fi rst time. This file photo shows Brazil’s national team player million) transfer from the Cata- “The signing that changes the Everything moves fast in foot- Neymar gesturing during a training session. lan giants to PSG. history of football,” wrote Marca, ball, especially for the man who Le Parisien devoted three-quar- while for AS Neymar’s transfer made his professional debut for ters of its front page to the man was a case of “Pay and go”. Santos as a waif-like teenager the late fl urry of goals with a glo- sustained in the quarter-fi nal damaged by tax fraud cases in his for all to see too, his ‘rainbow set to become the world’s most La Vanguardia dwelt on what just eight years ago and joined rious free-kick. against Colombia. homeland and in Spain over the fl icks’ prove that. valuable player. his departure meant for Bacelo- Barcelona in 2013. The hosts famously collapsed murky deal that brought him to But PSG president Nasser al- Under the headline “Neymar na — “Neymar’s escape obliges The apprentice megastar has TIME TO KICK ON in Neymar’s absence to a sen- Barca from Santos in 2013. Khelaifi will be expecting serious to PSG - the transfer of the Barca to reinvent themselves”. had to share the spotlight with On top of his stunning club per- sational 7-1 thrashing by Ger- But other global stars have substance from the biggest star century” was a photograph of Neymar could be unveiled to teammates Lionel Messi and Luis formances, Neymar’s reputation many in the semi-fi nals, but fallen foul of tax authorities to ever play for his club. the 25-year-old ‘photo-shopped’ fans tomorrow evening when Suarez at the Camp Nou, espe- as one of the game’s best players the number 10 has helped them since, including Messi, whilst The Qatari’s dream of lifting sporting a PSG jersey. PSG open their new Ligue 1 cially after injuring himself in the has been enhanced by his per- recover since and they were the Cristiano Ronaldo also faces al- the Champions League trophy “Neymar could be wearing the season against Amiens. 2014 World Cup. formances in Brazilian colours. fi rst South American nation to legations of tax fraud. has faltered time and again, and Parisian shirt from this week” His transfer will more than But his inspirational display He has scored 52 international book their spot in next year’s Neymar is still one of the most Neymar will be under pressure read the caption, with the paper double the record set by Paul in the thrilling climax of Barce- goals in only 77 appearances, and World Cup. marketable athletes in the world, to help Unai Emery’s men deliver devoting its first five pages to Pogba’s 105.2 million euro move lona’s sensational 6-1 Champi- led the fi ve-time world champi- He also turned out for the Ol- and that is one of the biggest rea- that holy grail. his expected arrival. to Manchester United last year. ons League last-16, second-leg, ons to victory in the 2013 Con- ympic side last August, and duly sons why he commanded a new All eyes in France will be wait- comeback against PSG in March federations Cup on home soil. scored the winner in the penalty world record for his services. ing to see if he can deliver on would have convinced the Ligue Despite some controversy shoot-out as Brazil beat Germa- His every move has been fol- the potential that he has shown 1 giants that Neymar was worth over a nasty elbow on Croatia’s ny for gold to earn a small meas- lowed by his near 80 million throughout his career, and fi nally IN SUPPORT the massive investment. Luka Modric, he impressed at the ure of revenge for the humilia- Instagram followers as the deal prove himself to be able to carry a His pass for Sergi Roberto’s World Cup a year later in scor- tion two years before. edged closer. team almost single-handedly to winning goal was one of the ing four goals before having his Back at Barca he established On the pitch, his skill is there major honours. Sailiya goalkeeper Gomez highest quality, having kicked off tournament ended by an injury himself a central part of Barce- lona’s famed ‘MSN’ trio along- French taxman excited by Neymar windfall refuses off ers from Saudi clubs side Messi and Suarez as they French President Macron hails stormed to the 2015 Champions The French taxman is delighted pays his tax here instead of in solidarity with Qatar Neymar move to PSG as ‘good news’ League title, but he managed about the prospect of Brazil- elsewhere.” only 13 league goals last season ian soccer star Neymar joining Neymar’s expected arrival in l Sailiya goalkeeper Gre- French President Em- as the Catalan giants failed to Paris St Germain, the minister France and the huge wage Paris gory Gomez has shown manuel Macron yes- defend the Spanish title. in charge of France’s public ac- St Germain’s Qatari owners will solidarity with Qatar terday gave his seal of counts said yesterday. pay him was music to the ears of against the unjust block- adeA that has been forcibly imposed approval to Brazilian NEYMAR: THE BRAND The striker is expected to join a minister whose radio interview superstar Neymar’s Despite a slightly disappointing the French club on a wage was mainly a defence of unpop- upon the country. Gomez had re- expected transfer to 12 months, the Neymar brand re- of around 550,000 euros ular government spending cuts ceived multiple and lucrative off ers Paris Saint-Germain. mains strong. ($651,420.00) a week after a due to the country’s yawning from Saudi clubs but he has reject- “It adds attractiveness. Major sponsors have fl ocked record-breaking 222 million eu- budget deficit. ed all of those to show his support Yes, it’s good news,” to his door for his good looks, ros transfer from Spanish giants Asked whether the special legal for Qatar. Macron told journal- happy-go-lucky nature and Barcelona. structures were likely to lower “I have received many off ers ists as he visited a huge social media following with Le Figaro newspaper took a stab Neymar’s tax exposure in France, from Saudi clubs but my posi- holiday centre for Nike, Gillette, Panasonic and at estimating the possible tax where the top rate of income tax tion is very clear: total rejection Not only that, but Gomez children outside Paris. Volkswagen among Neymar’s and social security payments is 45 per cent, Darmanin said: in solidarity with Qatar, which also said that he was willing to Macron also congratu- big-name brands. Neymar’s salary could net the “Don’t worry, the country’s inter- is under an inhuman blockade. play for any club in Qatar’s sec- lated Qatari-owned “He is someone that everyone state, coming up with a figure of ests, and its financial interests I agree with the decision taken ond division if he was deemed PSG’s chairman knows, from the 70-year-old 37.5 million euros ($44.39 million) in particular, will be well taken by the management of Al Sailiya as surplus by Sailiya because of Nasser al-Khelaifi, who grandmother to the fi ve-year- a year. care of.” club in refusing to negotiate with rule changes. Gomez said that he was attending the old grandson,” Erich Beting, an “The minister of public accounts Darmanin was defending a gov- any Saudi clubs,” Gomez said in a preferred to play in Qatar with same event. expert in football marketing in is delighted by the extra tax ernment decision to shrink local statement on the club’s website. a second division team, rather “Congratulations, I Brazil, told AFP last year. income Neymar will pay in government spending by what than move elsewhere. “I have French President Emmanuel Macron (R), believe there has “When you reach the status France if he joins a French club,” he said was about 300 million “I have received many off ers spent fi ve years in Qatar and I am shakes hands with Paris Saint Germain’s been good news,” the where people want to be like the minister in question, Gerald euros – roughly equivalent to the from Saudi clubs but my determined to stay here. There Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi president told him, you, that makes you priceless for Darmanin, told France Inter radio Neymar transfer contract price position is very clear: total are many great players who have during an event sponsored by PSG referring to Neymar’s brands and that is what he has station. of 222 million euros plus three rejection in solidarity with played in the second division like Foundation in Paris yesterday. expected arrival. managed.” “It’s better that this footballer years of his salary. Qatar, which is under an Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo Taba- His image off the fi eld has been inhuman blockade” ta,” said Gomez. Gulf Times 2 Friday, August 4, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Qatar begin preparations for World Cup qualifiers

QNA counterpart on 31 and return Doha to Doha on September 1 to face China on 5 September. The players will return to atar national foot- their clubs on the 6th of Sep- MLS All-Stars lose ball team have tember to prepare for the start headed to Birming- of the new season. ham to prepare for Spanish coach Felix theQ last two matches of the Sanchez named a 30-man Asian qualifi ers for the World squad for Qatars last two Cup 2018 against Syria and qualifying matches. China. The national team will face The squad: Hassan al-Haydos, to Real in penalties Syria on 31 August in Malay- Saad al-Sheeb, Ibrahim sia, and then conclude their Majid, Ali Asad, Salem al-Hajri, matches with the Chinese Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Real played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the MLS All-Star Game before taking the team on September 5 in Doha Miguel, Musab Khader, Murad in Group A qualifi ers, which Naji, Karim Boudeif, Mohamed shootout 4-2 before a sellout crowd of 61,000 at Soldier Field also includes Iran, South Ko- Ahmed Bakri, Abdullah Abdel rea and Uzbekistan. Salam al-Ahraq, Moaz Ali, AFP with a win but now we are look- Qatar is in the fi fth position Ahmad Sufian, Ismail Moham- Chicago ing forward to the UEFA Super with 7 points. med, Mahdi Ali, Abdul Aziz Cup,” said Mayoral, who was Qatar will play three friend- Hatem, Ahmad Alaa, Tamim named player of the match. lies during the external train- Mohammed al-Muhaizah, arcelo scored on Real Madrid will now return ing camp against Leeds on 9 Ahmed Abdul Maqsoud, Omar the decisive penalty to Europe to meet Manchester August, Nottingham Forest Bari, Ahmad al-Saadi, Abdul kick as La Liga and United in the UEFA Super Cup on 13 August and Andorra na- Karim Salem al-Ali, Akram Afif, Champions League in Macedonia on August 8, then tional team on 14 August. Abdel Karim Hassan, Assem Mtitle holders Real Madrid took take on Barcelona in the two- The Qatari team will leave Madbo, Ahmed Yasser, Ahmed a shootout victory Wednesday legged Spanish Super Cup on for Malaysia on August 29 Moien, Khaled Mounir and over the Major League Soccer August 13 and 16 before opening to play against their Syrian Tariq Salman. All-Stars. the La Liga season on August 20. Real Madrid played to a 1-1 Real Madrid coach Zinedine draw in regulation time in the Zidane rotated his squad liberally QSL: Umm Salal signs Ghadir al-Shammari MLS All-Star Game before tak- during the contest. ing the shootout 4-2 before a The stars made their appear- Umm Salal Club announced Umm Salal is scheduled to sellout crowd of 61,000 at Sol- ances but he also inserted several yesterday that it has signed host the new season-camp in dier Field, the home stadium of youngsters and fringe players Ghadir Thamer al-Shammari the Netherlands from August the NFL’s Chicago Bears. who are trying to make the club. for a renewable season. 10 for 18 days. Borja Mayoral opened the At times when the stars were Umm Salal also signed Maher The team will play four friend- scoring in the 59th minute for on the fi eld it was a humbling af- Youssef, Mohamed Zouid, ly matches during the camp, Real Madrid, which controlled fair for the MLS. Rami Fayez, Muhannad Derjal, playing on August 15 against possession of the ball throughout Left back Greg Garza had to Naser Nabil, Khaled Zekeba, JVC, and August 19th the team the contest. leave the game in the fi rst half Mustapha Abdi and Basel will face another club from the Mayoral found open space in with a possible separated shoul- Zidane, as well as Moroccan second division, August 22nd front of the goal before taking a der that will cost him some time professionals Adel Erheli and the team will play Al Khor Club short pass. with Atlanta United. Youssef Sikour to strengthen and on the 26th the club will His well-timed shot defl ected “What an amazing experience! the team before the starting of play against another club of off the leg of a diving defender It was an honour to share the fi eld the new season. the second division. and into the back of the net for with such great players!” tweeted the Spanish giants, who were MLS forward David Villa. playing without superstar Cris- The All-Star match marks the Neuer edges closer to Bayern comeback tiano Ronaldo. end of a four-match, 11-day pre- Dom Dwyer, an England-born season US tour for Real Madrid Bayern Munich captain Manuel first league game of the member of the US national team, that included a 3-2 loss to rival Neuer took a big step towards season on August 18 against equalised for the MLS squad in Barcelona in a Clasico matchup his comeback yesterday by Bayer Leverkusen, said on the the 87th minute with a header at Miami on Sunday. resuming training for the first club’s website. from in close. Real Madrid also drew Man- time since foot surgery. Neuer missed the Confedera- Dwyer was in the right place chester United before falling in The 31-year-old Bayern and tions Cup win in last for the rebound after Dax Mc- penalties to the English side in Germany goalkeeper took month with Germany after Carty’s header off a corner kick San Francisco on July 23 and lost part in 20-minutes worth of fracturing his left foot at the bounced off the post, winning to Manchester City in Los Ange- exercises at the Bundesliga end of the season. a foot race with Real Madrid’s les on July 26. champion’s training ground in Neuer is expected to miss 19-year-old goalkeeper Luca Real Madrid has captured Munich having only been able Bayern’s German Super Cup Zidane, who entered late in the back-to-back Champions to run in training on Monday. showdown at Borussia Dort- second half. League titles and a record 33 La Real Madrid’s Marcelo scores a goal in the penalty shootout against the MLS All-Stars during the 2017 “It felt so good to be back in mund tomorrow with reserve “It was important to go back Liga championships. MLS All-Star Game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Real defeated the All-Stars 4-2. training,” said Neuer, who is goalkeeper Sven Ulreich set to expected to be fit for Bayern’s deputise.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Celtic edge out Rosenborg to book play-off place CONFIDENCE AFP out by Scott Sinclair, to leave Rosenborg Sanchez will respect Paris needing to score twice because of the away goals rule. The Scotland international almost my decision: Wenger eltic took a step closer to the completed a brace late on, and although Champions League group stages he failed to round keeper Hansen, Celtic by grinding out a 1-0 win over comfortably closed out the game. Rosenborg in the second leg of Elsewhere, Nice youngster Vincent theirC qualifying third-round tie in Nor- Marcel came off the bench to snatch the way on Wednesday. French side a 2-2 draw in Amsterdam and After being held to a frustrating 0-0 an away-goals victory over Ajax. fi rst-leg draw in Glasgow last week, Celtic After a 1-1 fi rst-leg draw, the visitors had to wait 69 minutes to fi nally take the forged ahead through Arnaud Souquet’s lead, when James Forrest crashed home early opener. from the edge of the box to send them into Celtic players celebrate James Forrest’s goal during the UEFA Champions League, Four-time European champions Ajax the play-off round. third qualifying round, second leg match against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway. looked to have done enough as goals from Like in the fi rst match at Parkhead, Donny van de Beek and Davinson Sanchez Celtic had most of the ball in the opening off midway through the fi rst half, as cen- The hosts’ fi rst good opportunity came inspired a comeback, but midfi elder Mar- period but struggled to create clear-cut tre-back Erik Sviatchenko saw his header just after the restart, as Yann-Erik de cel, 20, picked the perfect time to score File picture of Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger (L) with his striker Alexis chances. cleared off the line by former Arsenal Lanlay raced onto Bendtner’s pass before his fi rst goal for Nice with 11 minutes to Sanchez during a training session. Visiting goalkeeper Craig Gordon was striker Nicklas Bendtner, before having to fi ring narrowly wide. play. fi rst called into action after quarter of an hobble off injured. But Brendan Rodgers’ men broke the The draw for the play-off round takes AFP ety is very pushy, but we have to hour, as he made a comfortable save from Winger Forrest was the next to go close, deadlock after 159 minutes of the tie, as place in Nyon today, when the likes of resist a little bit, as much as we Milan Jevtovic. but he was denied by Andre Hansen in the Forrest hammered in a strike off the un- Sevilla, Napoli and Liverpool enter the can. The pressure from Celtic almost paid Rosenborg goal. derside of the crossbar after being picked competition. “We know as well we have a rsenal manager Arsene duty to inform people, but to talk Wenger expects Alexis about some things is not infor- BOTTOMLINE Sanchez to “respect” mation any more — it is suicide. his decision not to al- “I think he will be here this lowA the Chilean forward to leave season and if we can do it for the club, he said yesterday. more seasons, we will do it as “I will not give anything away well.” on (Sanchez), but the only thing Wenger said there was “noth- I can tell you is that he is focused ing to announce” regarding Mkhitaryan, Mata help United win the futures of Mesut Ozil, Alex and my decision is clear: he will AFP a Danny Blind backpass that inside smartly but pushed his stay and he will respect that,” Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Dublin required a full length save from left foot strike narrowly wide. Wenger told reporters. Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs, who David De Gea. Sampdoria came within “It is as simple as that.” are also out of contract next year. De Gea’s handling of the ball inches of an equaliser just be- Sanchez, 28, has been linked But he did say that he expects goal in either half from gave the Italians an indirect free fore the break, and once more it with a move away from Arse- Spanish striker Lucas Perez to Henrikh Mkhitaryan kick on the edge of the six yard was down to a United mistake nal during the close season, leave after a frustrating debut and his replacement box, but United’s defenders with Daniel Pavlovic’s free kick with Manchester City and Paris season. Juan Mata helped blocked and immediately coun- bouncing off Victor Lindelof’s Saint-Germain reported to be Perez joined Arsenal from De- ManchesterA United to a 2-1 vic- tered. thigh and going narrowly wide among his suitors. portivo La Coruna a year ago, tory over Sampdoria at Dub- Antonio Valencia stormed of De Gea’s post. He was given an extended but barely featured last season lin’s Lansdowne Road in the clear on the right wing and fed The English side made four break after playing for Chile at and now faces extra competi- Reds’ fi nal pre-season game on Mkhitaryan, who then found changes at the break, and two the Confederations Cup in Rus- tion from star signing Alexandre Wednesday. Matteo Darmian on the left of them, Marouane Fellaini and sia and his return was delayed Lacazette. The pair’s goals came either wing. Ander Herrera combined to put last weekend due to illness. Asked if Perez’s future lay side of Dennis Praet’s strike to His cross back into the box the ball in the net on the hour, Having eventually returned elsewhere, Wenger replied: “Yes, ensure a positive end to United’s was headed home by Mkhitaryan but the Spaniard’s strike was on Tuesday, he took part in an because we have a congestion of summer and gave them a boost to turn Sampdoria’s opportunity disallowed for off side. open training session at the strikers. ahead of next Tuesday’s Euro- into a United goal in just 30 sec- Out of the blue, Sampdoria Emirates Stadium on Thursday “I don’t like to lose him be- pean Super Cup clash with Real onds. equalised on 63 minutes, with ahead of Sunday’s Community cause, for me, he’s a top-quality Madrid in Macedonia. Valencia and Mkhitaryan Praet calmly fi nishing from the Shield showdown with Chelsea striker, but we have many strik- United boss Jose Mourinho teamed up again two minutes edge of the box, after a poorly at Wembley. ers. At some stage, too much gave new £40million signing later with the winger nipping cleared cross fell his way. With Sanchez’s Arsenal con- competition is not competition Nemanja Matic his debut and past his opposite number, before It was the Italian team’s fi rst tract set to expire next year, the any more. the former Chelsea man strolled whipping in a cross that veteran shot on target. speculation about his future will “You cannot give the chance to through a comfortable 45 min- keeper Christian Puggioni did The Serie A side grew into the not go away, but Wenger refused everybody, so if he fi nds a satis- utes before being replaced by well to punch clear from Mkhi- game, but United had the last to divulge information about the fying solution at least for a short Michael Carrick at the break. taryan’s header. laugh, with two more replace- contract talks. time, he will do it.” The Italians, 10th in Serie A The right wing proved a fertile ments, Mata and Anthony Mar- “Every negotiation has to be Sanchez, Wilshere and Shko- last season, had no shots on tar- ground for United, with Romelu tial teaming up to see the Span- a little bit secret,” Wenger said dran Mustafi are all short of fi t- get in the fi rst half, and the clos- Lukaku sent clear moments later. iard grab a deserved winner in during a press conference. ness, having only just returned to est they came to a goal was from Manchester United players celebrate after scoring. The Belgium international cut the 81st minute. “The transparency of soci- training. Gulf Times Friday, August 4, 2017 3

DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT Root has faith in ‘level-headed’ Australia pay war Jennings ends, ensuring Ashes, other tours Some 230 cricketers had been unemployed since the end of June when their contracts expired, putting this month’s Test tour to Bangladesh under serious threat ing together again to continue to grow showpiece home Ashes series against England’s Joe Root speaks to the media during a press conference our great game.” England, beginning in November, are yesterday. At the heart of the dispute had been the now safe. divisive issue of revenue-sharing. An Australian A tour to South Africa AFP over 15 against the Proteas, with CA wanted to scrap the model that has last month was called off after players Manchester his technique coming under se- governed players’ salaries since their fi rst announced a boycott, and Sutherland vere analysis from several pun- memorandum of understanding was bro- admitted relationships within the game dits. kered 20 years ago. had been “tested”. ngland captain Joe Root “It’s tough, and that’s why Players have been paid a percentage of “Both parties acknowledge and regret believes Keaton Jen- it’s called , it can be gross revenue for the past two decades, that,” he said. nings’s calm approach a very hard thing to break into,” and they argued that changing the sys- “We are restoring certainty and begin- will stand him in good said Root. tem would make them employees rather ning to repair relationships, especially steadE as he battles to come “You come from county than partners with incentives to grow the with the fans. We want the focus to be through a tricky period in his cricket where there’s not a huge game. back on the cricket.” fl edgling Test career. amount of exposure to the media CA wanted to pay them from a set Sutherland had warned that unless ne- The opener made a century on and external scrutiny — and you pool instead, with only surplus revenue gotiations produced a compromise this his England debut against India have to get your head around it shared, to give it more cash to invest in week, he would take the matter to arbi- at Mumbai in December. pretty quickly,” the star batsman grassroots programmes and facilities. tration and let the industrial umpire sort But his subsequent nine Test added. In the end, it was the players who came out the mess. innings have yielded just one “It is a test of character, it’s a out on top, with the revenue-sharing This sparked new urgency to strike fi fty. test of skill.” model retained. a deal, with talks continuing over the Jennings has found life partic- Part of that test this series has Under the new deal, they will share weekend. ularly tough during the ongoing been facing bowlers of the calibre up to 30% of agreed revenue — 27.5% Test series at home to his native of accurate seamer Vernon Phi- of forecast revenue streams, and a 2.5% Bangladesh breathe easy South Africa, with two ducks in lander, whom the Proteas hope performance pool. six innings. will be fully fi t after he was laid This is estimated to be worth Dhaka: Bangladesh breathed a sigh But he heads into Friday’s low with a mystery stomach ill- Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland (L) and Australian Cricketers’ Association Aus$500mn over the next fi ve years. of relief yesterday as Australia ended fourth Test at Old Traff ord hav- ness at The Oval. CEO Alistair Nicholson attend a press conference in Melbourne yesterday. Under the previous system, male play- its protracted pay dispute with their ing made a morale-boosting 48 “He’s a world-class bowler ers had been sharing up to 26% of rev- cricket board, ensuring Steve Smith’s in diffi cult conditions during the and puts the ball in good areas,” AFP ployed since the end of June when their enues. side can visit later this month for a second innings of England’s 239- said Root of Philander. Melbourne contracts expired, putting this month’s In a signifi cant move, the format will long-awaited tour. run win over South Africa at The “Throughout this series there Test tour to Bangladesh under serious also apply to female players in what the Australia were due to arrive in Dhaka Oval that left the hosts 2-1 up have been surfaces that have threat. Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) on August 18 for their first Test series with one to play. been more bowler-friendly and ustralia’s bruising and pro- “Today’s agreement is the result of said was “the biggest pay rise in the his- in Bangladesh since 2006 but a row It was a timely knock with he obviously poses a big threat to tracted cricket pay dispute sensible compromises by both parties,” tory of women’s sport in Australia”. between players and management the 25-year-old under pressure us and we don’t take him lightly. was fi nally resolved yesterday said CA chief James Sutherland, adding Players also won a greater say on had cast doubt over the tour. for his place ahead of England’s “We will make sure we do our Awith players and management that the “core issues” had been worked scheduling. But the bruising dispute was Ashes tour of Australia. homework on him if you like agreeing on a new “in-principle” deal, out. “The new MOU is a great achievement resolved yesterday as players and But at the very least the son and we are fully prepared for all ensuring upcoming series against Bang- He said the fi ve-year deal would “re- for the players and the game,” said ACA management agreed to a new “in- of Ray Jennings, South Africa’s the challenges the whole attack ladesh, India and England can go ahead. store much certainty to the game of president Greg Dyer. principle” deal, ensuring upcoming isolation era -keeper and brings. The players appeared to be the win- cricket”. “Like anything worthwhile it’s been series against Bangladesh, India and later a caretaker national coach, “I think it’s wrong to single out ners in the fi ve-year agreement, worth an “It will allow all players — state and hard to achieve. But what has been agreed England can go ahead. appears to have retained his place individuals — you know on any estimated Aus$500mn (US$396mn), as international players — to be contracted is ground-breaking for Australian sport. “It’s great news for Bangladesh. at Old Traff ord. given day any one of those guys they retained the revenue-sharing model immediately and it will also allow the all- “One MOU for men and women, the Definitely we are very happy to see “He’s a very level-headed guy, can put in good performances.” they had been fi ghting for — with women important tour of Bangladesh to proceed maintenance of the partnership model, the problem has resolved,” Bangla- he’s got a very strong character Heavy rain in Manchester had cricketers also included for the fi rst time. as planned.” and record investments for grassroots desh Cricket Board head Nizamuddin and throughout he’s been very made assessing pitch conditions The bad-tempered stand-off had been Captain Steve Smith welcomed the cricket is what we wanted and it’s what Chowdhury told AFP. much the same in the way he’s diffi cult, with heat lamps used to rumbling for months, rattling the game deal on Twitter, adding: “It’s been a long has been achieved.” “Their next commitment is in approached his training and in dry sections of the outfi eld. and badly straining the players’ relation- and challenging process and it’s great Smith can now lead his team to Dhaka Bangladesh. Now after the dispute each game as well,” Root said of But Root, one match away ship with governing body Cricket Aus- that we can now get on with playing the on August 18 with their futures secured. is resolved, we can look forward to Jennings at Old Traff ord yester- from victory in his fi rst series as tralia. game that we all love. It also ensures that a one-day tour to hosting them.” day. England captain, said: “There’s Some 230 cricketers had been unem- “I’m excited that we can all start work- India in September and October and the “It’s great to see someone so been a lot of chat about the light of experience be very ma- weather around, but most im- ture and go about it in the right portantly all we need to focus on COLOMBO TEST way,” added Root of Jennings, is making sure we look to win this qualifi ed for England through his game.” mother and via residence. But the bad weather meant “The way he played in that Root felt unable to reveal if Eng- second innings was extremely land would stick with the same great to see, I’m pleased that XI. he’s been able to get a score and “It (the wicket) was under- Pujara, Rahane centuries put hopefully that’ll lead into some prepared and a lot can change in more runs this week.” the next 24 hours, so we’ll make a -born and raised judgement on the side tomorrow India in control against Lanka Jennings is averaging just a touch (Friday).” ADVICE AFP The visitors, who lead the on the world’s top Test team. Colombo three-match series 1-0, “Rahane came and played very wobbled slightly when well. From that point onwards we Lokesh Rahul went for 57 and didn’t perhaps execute as well as Du Plessis urges SA heteshwar Pujara and skipper followed we had done up to that point,” hit for 13 soon aft er lunch said the former South Africa centuries as India took player. to follow Elgar lead opening day honours on trudging back to the pavilion “We just released the pressure 344-3C at stumps against Sri Lan- with a tossed-up delivery that a little bit. That was the turning ka in the second Test in Colombo got the edge of the captain’s bat session. India got momentum AFP For all that South Africa were yesterday. and went to slip. back. This is the day one and it’s Manchester handicapped at The Oval by the Pujara (128) and Rahane (103) Pujara and Rahane ground out Test match cricket. It’s about stomach illness suff ered by key put on an unbeaten 211-run part- the runs to deny Dinesh Chandi- how you bounce back.” seamer Vernon Philander, being nership for the fourth wicket to mal’s side any more dur- In the morning session, off - outh Africa captain Faf du bowled out for just 175 in their thwart Sri Lankan bowlers who ing the day. spinner Dilruwan Perera had Plessis wants his batsmen fi rst innings put them at a dis- struck two crucial blows in the Pujara, who scored 153 in the Shikhar Dhawan trapped lbw for to raise their game as they advantage they were never able afternoon session. fi rst innings of the opening Test, 35 after the tourists elected to bat look to fi nish their lengthy to overcome in the rest of the The in-form Pujara registered hit 10 fours and a six. fi rst. Stour of England with a fl ourish in match. his 13th Test century in his land- Rahane also tackled the spin- Debutant left-arm spinner the fourth Test at Old Traff ord. They did make a better show- mark 50th game as Rahane fi red ners with aplomb, using his feet Malinda Pushpakumara was still The Proteas head into the ing in the second innings, with his ninth Test hundred. to great eff ect during his 168-ball searching for his fi rst Test scalp match with only a share of the opener Dean Elgar making their The visitors, who lead the stay at the crease so far. as paceman Nuwan Pradeep had spoils available to them after a fi rst hundred of the series in a to- three-match series 1-0, wobbled Sri Lanka’s interim coach Nic to leave the fi eld due to a suspect- thumping 239-run defeat in the tal of 252. slightly when Lokesh Rahul went Pothas praised Rahane for his ed pulled hamstring. third Test at The Oval left then England still won by 239 runs for 57 and skipper Virat Kohli fol- gritty knock but conceded the The hosts need at least a draw 2-1 down with just one to play. but du Plessis believes left-hand- lowed for 13 soon after lunch. squad didn’t maintain pressure to stay alive in the series. A tour that started back in ed opener Elgar’s innings has set a Rahul, who scored his eighth mid-May has already seen South timely example. Test fi fty despite only just recov- SCORECARD Africa lose one-day international “Hopefully the batters can re- ering from a virus, was run out in and Twenty20 series to England, spond well because he showed us a mix-up with Pujara. India 1st innings Silva 8-0-31-0. with the Proteas suff ering a dis- how you need to bat in Test match “I was disappointed because S. Dhawan lbw b Perera ...... 35 Fall of wickets: 1-56 (Dhawan), appointing fi rst-round exit in the cricket,” he said. I have been away from the game L. Rahul run out (Chandimal/ 2-109 (Rahul), 3-133 (Kohli) Champions Trophy as well dur- “We will try to make sure that so long and I didn’t want to get Dickwella) ...... 57 Sri Lanka: D. Chandimal, U. ing their time in England. we can do exactly what he did in out at all,” he told reporters at C. Pujara ...... 128 Tharanga, D. Karunaratne, But victory at Old Traff ord the last Test,” added du Plessis, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) V. Kohli c Mathews b Herath 13 K. Mendis, A. Mathews, D. de would at least ensure South Af- who played at Old Traff ord for Ground. A. Rahane not out ...... 103 Silva, N. Dickwella, D. Perera, R. rica maintain a proud away Test county side Lancashire. He said knowing the team was Extras (b4, nb1, lb3) ...... 8 Herath, M. Pushpakumara, N. record. South Africa will look to waiting for his return post recov- Total (3 wickets; 90 overs) 344 Pradeep In their past 19 series they’ve Hashim Amla for a big contribu- ery “made a big diff erence and I To bat: H. Pandya, W. Saha, R. Toss: India won 13, drawn fi ve and lost just tion after the star batsman twice came back with a lot more con- Ashwin, R. Jadeja, U. Yadav, M. Umpires: Bruce Oxenford one — in India in 2015/16. fell cheaply to England debutant fi dence”. Shami (AUS), Rod Tucker (AUS) But if they are to triumph at seamer Toby Roland-Jones in “The pitch was on the slower Bowling: Pradeep 17.4-2-63-0, TV Umpire: Richard Illing- Indian batsmen Ajinkya Rahane (L) and teammate Cheteshwar Old Traff ord — a ground where south London. side and would turn as the Test Herath 24-3-83-1, Karunaratne worth (ENG) Pujara run between the wickets during the first day of the second their lone Test win in eight vis- England off -spinner Moeen Ali went on,” he added. 3-0-10-0, Perera 18-2-68-1, Match Referee: Richie Rich- Test match against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalease Sports Club (SSC) its came back in 1955 — they will ended that match in spectacular Veteran left-arm spinner spin- Pushpakumara 19.2-0-82-0, De ardson (WIS) Ground in Colombo yesterday. surely need an improved showing fashion with the fi rst hat-trick in ner Rangana Herath sent Kohli from their top order. The Oval’s 100-Test history. Gulf Times 4 Friday, August 4, 2017 SPORT

QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL Barraquero gives trainer Meehan third Qatar Richmond Stakes win I am very pleased. Barraquero has looked an exciting type right since the spring: Meehan

By Sports Reporter London

he six-furlong Group Two Qatar Rich- mond Stakes was won by Barraquero, trained by the Manton-based Brian Meehan for Manton Thoroughbreds Tsporting the late Robert Sangster silks at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. It is a third win in the race for the trainer, pre- viously successful with Carrizo Creek (2003) and Easycall (1996). The winning margin over Nebo was a length and a quarter. “I am very pleased. Barraquero has looked an exciting type right since the spring,” said Meehan. “I was more concerned yesterday about the ground with all the rain we had. I had a lovely fi lly here yesterday and she did not handle it. I got here this morning and it just seemed a little bit more civilised! The other horses (whom Mee- han won the Richmond Stakes with) were lovely horses, but that was then and this is now. I am sure this is a Group One horse, and he will get further. This horse looked really good today and I couldn’t be happier. “I would love to think I could take him to the Prix Morny at Deauville in a few weeks’ time, he’s in the Gimcrack, he’s in the Doncaster sales race and other sales races and they are worth a lot of money but the Morny is the top of the list. Seven furlongs wouldn’t be a problem. The Morny is a race I’d love to go back and try and win again. That would be particularly nice to do that for a third time. The Guineas would be an ultimate target, he is a horse who will get a mile and he will grow. He’s changing a little now and there is even more improvement to come,” he added. Meehan won the Group One Prix Morny with Arcano in 2009 and Bad As I Wanna Be in 2000.

TAKE COVER LOOKING FOR THIRD WIN IN QATAR KING GEORGE STAKES The Group Two fi ve-furlong £312,100 Qatar King George Stakes is the highlight of today’s Qatar Goodwood Festival card. It is a race that has been won twice (2014 & 2016) in the last Brian Meehan-trained Barraquero, ridden by William Buick, won the Qatar Richmond Stakes on day three of the Qatar Goodwood Festival in Chichester, United Kingdom, yesterday. three years by Take Cover. He came second in 2015, and the admirable 10-year-old sprinter is due to line up again. The David Griffi ths-trained gelding remains in good heart – last time out he won the Listed John Smith’s City Walls Stakes, having previ- ously fi nished fi fth, fi ve lengths adrift of Lady Aurelia, in the G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. The improving Charlie Hills-trained Bat- taash comes here seeking a hat-trick after Listed and Group Three successes at Sandown. The Clive Cox-trained Profi table won the 2016 running of the Group One King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on soft ground and fi nished second in Deauville’s Prix de Saint-Georges in May on going reported as “very soft”. Marsha has been a superstar for Elite Racing Club and won the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye last year. She beat Washington DC then, and again fi rst time out this spring when taking the Group Three Palace House Stakes at Newmar- ket. Washington DC has already been beaten by Horsing connoisseurs thronged to catch a glimpse of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. most of the more fancied runners, but as a son of Zoff any he might be one for the ground. One at a England footballer Michael Owen and Abdulla Goodwood course following the heavy rains on longer price is Final Venture. He has proven form Ex-England footballer Michael Owen (left) and Abdulla Rashid al-Kuabisi, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Rashid al-Kuabisi, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Wednesday, as the very soft ground had its ef- on soft ground, having won the Listed Achilles Club's racing manager, at the draw ceremony for tomorrow’s £250,000 Qatar Stewards’ Cup. Club (QREC) racing manager, with trainers or fects on a most horses. Stakes at Haydock (Kyllang Rock second) in June their representatives then able to select their “The Festival is being held according to plans on soft. Oisin Murphy was aboard then, and he year, while Birchwood, despite being largely out division in a number of this year’s big handicaps own stall. Those able to get early selections, and and the heavy rains didn’t aff ect the order or the renews the partnership. of form this year, was the winner of a soft ground – the Royal Hunt Cup and the Bunbury Cup – so with all options open, tended to head to the running of races”, he said. “However, they had The Amanda Perrett-trained Royal Hunt Cup Listed sprint at Chester in 2016. Godolphin’s and last year fi nished seventh in the Cambridge- rails on both sides – opinion split as to where the aff ected the results as many favourites, includ- winner Zhui Feng at the top of the handicap. He Birchwood is trained by Richard Fahey, who shire and fi fth in this race. best ground might be come tomorrow. ing Al Shaqab’s Zelzal in the Qatar Sussex Stakes, has gone up 6lb for his Ascot victory and, al- also fi elds Withernsea. The six-year-old has a didn’t win, which is still normal in the world of though he has run on good to soft, his best form marked preference for some give in the ground TRAINERS HEAD TO BOTH RAILS IN DRAW ABDULLA AL-KUBAISI: FESTIVAL horseracing. A good number of horses were has come on a faster surface. – he was third in a seven-furlong International FOR QATAR STEWARDS’ CUP CHARACTERISED BY SURPRISES withdrawn today because of the ground follow- The early market is siding with Godolphin’s Stakes at Ascot on Saturday on good to soft – The draw for tomorrow’s £250,000 Qatar Stew- Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Man- ing the heavy rains,” al-Kubaisi added. Blair House, who fi nished second to Perrett’s and all of his four victories have come on soft or ards’ Cup took place ahead of racing yester- ager, described this edition of the Qatar Good- “QREC and its team are here to benefi t from horse at Ascot. Master The World has form on heavy ground. The seven-year-old George Bak- day. The event was hosted by Nick Luck, and wood Festival as one that has seen several sur- the experience in organising such world-class a softer surfaces and fi nished second in this last er-trained Boomshacklacker has fi nished mid- the horses drawn by racehorse owner and ex- prises, especially with the condition of the level of international racing”, said al-Kubaisi.

QATAR ROUND-UP Qatar’s beach volleyball team reach last 16 of Worlds Agencies The Qatari duo have put in a stellar nament as the technical representative Vienna performances in the tournament so far, of the tournament, and international beating higher-ranked opponents. Perei- referee Yacoub Kalla will offi ciate in the ra and Younousse had qualifi ed for the tournament. atar’s beach volleyball team of second round as Group B winners, having The national team had prepared for the Jeff erson Pereira and Cherif beaten Germany 2-0, Venezuela 2-1 and competition training at the Lusail Shoot- Younousse beat Polish duo second seeds Latvia 2-0. The national ing Complex. Sheikh Salman al-Thani Mariusz Prudel and Kacper team qualifi ed for the World Champion- said he has prepared well for the champi- KujawiakQ to cruise into the round of 16 of ship after winning the Asian Beach Vol- onship and is seeking to gain experience the World Championship in Vienna yes- leyball Championship (Qatar Masters) in and win a medal. terday. Pereira and Younousse won 21-19, Doha in May. 25-23 to set-up a clash against Austria, Meanwhile, Qatar youth volleyball QATAR HANDBALL ASSOCIATION who beat the United States, today. team lost to Iraq 1-2 in the quarter-fi nals ANNOUNCES LEAGUE’S SCHEDULE Pereira said after the victory: “We’re of the Arab Youth Championship, cur- Qatar Handball Association (QHA) yes- really happy to play in the big competi- rently being held in Jordan. terday announced the schedule for the tions. We just enjoy the matches, hav- league’s competitions for the various age ing fun playing Beach Volleyball. I never QATAR SHOTGUN SHOOTERS LEAVE groups for the 2017/2018 season. played against this team (Poland) so I FOR ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP The Men’s Handball League will kick wanted to see during the match how we Qatar shotgun shooting team delegation off today, the Junior League will start would play against them. We made some left Doha yesterday for Kazakhstan to par- from 23rd September, the Youth League mistakes but it was normal just to see how ticipate in the seventh Asian Champion- from 26th of September. The Children’s could play against them. It was good to ship, which starts from today till August 14. League will be held from 24th of Septem- fi nish (in two sets) because it was really The tournament will be staged in the ber and the Hope League for Handball hot to play another set and now we can Kazakh capital of Astana, with the par- from 25th of September. rest for tomorrow. I don’t want to expect ticipation of 191 shooters representing 18 In the new season, 10 clubs will com- anything, just play and see what it’s like. countries. The Qatari delegation includes pete in the men’s handball league, unlike Let’s see what is the best we can do. We Ghanim al-Nuaimi, Nasser al-Humaidi, the previous seasons where 12 teams were are two powerful players so this is danger- Saeed Abu Sharab and Sheikh Moham- involved. This is following the merger of ous. “We are a dangerous team and we can med bin Salman al-Thani. Lekhwiya SC and El Jaish into Al Duhail beat anybody. We are focussing to play our Qatari referee Abdullah Ali al-Mutawa SC, while Al Qiyadah Qatar SC has been best and then we can beat anybody.” al-Hammadi will take part in the tour- dissolved. Qatar’s Jeff erson Pereira and Cherif Younousse defeated Kacper Kujawiak and Mariusz Prudel of Poland. Gulf Times Friday, August 4, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL MOTORSPORT Ramirez shines Marquez eyes Czech podium in Angels’ victory as tight MotoGP resumes

AFP to fi ght for the podium on Sunday. over Phillies Brno, Czech Republic “Such a close season is exciting but also very demanding, meaning that you Ramirez fires eight shutout innings against former team Phillies in 7-0 win have to always keep your concentration verall leader Marc Mar- high and try to constantly be at the best By Pedro Moura quez said he would be happy level possible, adapting to every situa- Times (TNS) with a podium fi nish when tion.” the MotoGP championship Besides the testing, the 24-year- resumesO after the summer break at old Marquez spent part of the sum- ight years ago, the Philadel- Brno on Sunday, with standings unu- mer break with his friends, just like his phia Phillies acquired a young, sually tight at the top. closest rival Vinales, who is 22. potential-fi lled right-hander Marquez, the Spanish Honda rider “I’ve enjoyed the summer break a lot. named JC Ramirez in a trade who won the German GP before the I spent it with friends and family, but forE Cliff Lee, an ace starter they had summer break, tops the rankings on 129 now I can’t wait to be back aboard my acquired four months before in failed points, fi ve ahead of fellow Spaniard Yamaha YZR-M1 again,” said Vinales, pursuit of playoff glory. Maverick Vinales on a Yamaha. who fi nished ninth at Brno last year. Four years later, Ramirez reached Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso on a Ducati “We have to be focused on the sec- the big leagues in a Phillies uniform, is third on 123 points, ahead of compa- ond half of the season as it is going to but only for 18 games, and he was no triot and the sport’s legend Valentino be crucial if we want to fi ght for the good during them. They let him sign Rossi on a Yamaha with 119. championship title. There is no room elsewhere as a free agent that winter, “Brno is a nice track but one of the for mistakes. and so began his whirlwind tour of most demanding, with many changes “I’ve been training during these teams: on to Cleveland, Arizona, Seat- of direction and uphill and downhill weeks to be ready for Brno and Austria, tle, Cincinnati and, last year, the Los sections,” Marquez told motogp.com. two tracks that I really like and where I Angeles Angels. The three-time MotoGP world think that I can be strong.” In 2017, he is putting together the champion, who won his only top-class best season of his career. And never race at Brno in 2013, did testing on the MOTOGP STANDINGS (TOP 10) has he been better than against his old 5.4-kilometre (3.4-mile) circuit during 1. Marc Marquez (Honda) 129 pts team Wednesday at Angel Stadium: the summer break. 2. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) 124 He fi red eight shutout innings in the “It was good to go testing at Brno 3. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 123 Angels’ 7-0 thrashing of the Phillies. during the summer break because it al- 4. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 119 “I made myself proud,” Ramirez lowed us to work on the bike and stay 5. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 103 said. focused on the job,” said Marquez, who 6. Johann Zarco (Yamaha Tech3) 84 Ramirez had never lasted until the fi nished third at Brno last year behind 7. Jonas Folger (Yamaha Tech3) 71 eighth inning in 20 previous starts, all winner Cal Crutchlow and Rossi. 8. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Pramac) 66 as an Angel this season. The Phillies “We’ll try to make the best of the work 9. Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati) 65 had given up on his starting potential we’ve done during the test and to prepare 10. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) 64 in 2011; none of his new teams con- sidered it, until the Angels last Sep- tember. His future may still lie in the bullpen. But in a season mired by in- juries, Ramirez’s relative stability has been essential to the Angels’ remain- ing playoff results. “JC just keeps going,” Angels man- ager Mike Scioscia said. “He just keeps doing it. He’s gonna make his pitching and live with the results.” Philadelphia Phillies’ Hyun Soo Kim (right) in action during the game against the LA Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim He walked the fi rst man he faced on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Wednesday, Angels target Cesar Her- nandez, and allowed him to steal sec- three-homer inning of the season. ond. But he pitched out of that and Maldonado nearly made it four, but three singles he surrendered over the his drive bounced off of the wall for a next two innings. He did not let a man double. He became the fi rst man in the on base in the fourth or fi fth innings. majors this season to double twice in Come the sixth, when he has rou- an inning. tinely tired this season, Ramirez per- The Angels (53-55) are only three mitted two singles. With two outs, he games behind Kansas City for a wild- induced a popup to escape. card spot. Wielding worsening command They are also winners of 11 straight come the eighth, he issued his second games against the Phillies, tying the and fi nal walk. Another Hernandez longest-ever interleague win streak single followed, this time with one for any team against any opponent. out. Pitching coach Charles Nagy vis- ited the mound and reminded Rami- RESULTS rez of a central tenet to his style. “Just Oakland 6 San Francisco 1 smile and throw the ball,” Nagy told LA Angels 7 Philadelphia 0 him. NY Mets 10 Colorado 5 “That’s what I did,” Ramirez said. St. Louis 5 Milwaukee 4 After two fl youts, he was done, his Tampa Bay 3 Houston 0 10th win secured, his 2017 earned-run Los Angeles Angels pitcher JC Ramirez. (Kansas City Star/TNS) Arizona 3 Chicago Cubs 0 average down to 4.03. Texas 5 Seattle 1 All of the Angels’ off ense came two-run home run. prising sign to try for home. He evaded Atlanta 5 LA Dodgers 3 within a 20-minute, third-inning The Angels did not relent. Albert the errant throw. Miami 7 Washington 0 burst. Catcher Martin Maldonado Pujols singled, took second on a Luis CJ Cron next pounced on a hanging Cincinnati 5 Pittsburgh 2 doubled to begin the inning and soon Valbuena groundout, and scored on an slider, crushing it about 443 feet for Baltimore 6 Kansas City 0 scored on a Philadelphia error. Mike Andrelton Simmons single. a two-run homer. That made it 6-0. Minnesota 5 San Diego 2 Trout then deposited a ball into the Pujols slowed while rounding third Kaleb Cowart’s subsequent shot made Toronto 5 Chicago White Sox 1 Repsol Honda’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez had won the German GP before the trees behind the centre-fi eld wall for a until coach Ron Roenicke gave a sur- it 7-0, and gave the Angels their fi rst Detroit 2 NYYankees 0 summer break. (AFP)

NFL Ravens deny owner blocking team from signing Kaepernick

AFP Newsome said in a statement in re- man quarterback Josh Woodrum as Washington sponse to the ESPN report. a third-string quarterback. Ryan “Steve Bisciotti has not told us we Mallett and Dustin Vaughan are fi ll- cannot sign Colin Kaepernick, nor ing in until Flacco returns, but Mal- altimore Ravens offi cials has he blocked the move. Whoever lett struggled with the fi rst-team denied Wednesday a report is making those claims is wrong.” off ensive unit, tossing at least fi ve that owner Steve Bisciotti The report said the Ravens were interceptions in one workout. was blocking the signing of not the fi rst NFL team that wanted “I do not have an update on Co- quarterbackB Colin Kaepernick over to sign Kaepernick but had the move lin Kaepernick,” Harbaugh said fears of a backlash from supporters. blocked by a team owner. Wednesday. “I’ll frame that this But the team also admitted it is Bisciotti said Sunday the Ravens way — there are other positions that speaking with sponsors, advertisers were still weighing a decision on we’re looking at too and I don’t have and former players as it weighs the Kaepernick, whose arrival would be any updates on those either. I think decision to possibly sign the con- helpful with Ravens starting quar- they’re all in the same category.” troversial free agent. terback Joe Flacco sidelined for at Kaepernick, who opted out of Kaepernick became a fl ashpoint least a week of training camp with a his contract with the San Francisco last season when he kneeled dur- back injury. 49ers on March 3, threw for 2,241 ing the pre-game playing of the US “I hope we do what is best for the yards with 16 touchdowns and four national anthem in a bid to bring at- team and balance it with what’s best interceptions while fumbling a ca- tention to civil rights issues, a move for our fans,” Bisciotti said, telling reer-worst seven times last season. that followed several controversial supporters at a fan forum, “Your He also ran for 468 yards and two shooting of African-American men opinions matter to us.” touchdowns. by white police offi cers across the “We’re very sensitive to it and In six NFL seasons, Kaepernick nation. we’re monitoring it, and we’re try- has passed for 12,271 yards with 72 ESPN reported that Ravens coach ing to fi gure out what’s the right touchdowns and 30 interceptions John Harbaugh and general manag- tact.” while running for 2,300 yards and 13 er Ozzie Newsome supported sign- Team president Dick Cass con- touchdowns, ing of Kaepernick but cited sources fi rmed the Ravens are reaching out Kaepernick, 1-10 as a starter last saying Bisciotti has resisted the to former players, major sponsors season with the 49ers, as a 32-32 idea. and advertisers to see what reaction career record and led San Francisco “We are going through a process might be if they sign Kaepernick. to the 2013 Super Bowl, which the In this October 5, 2016, picture, San Francisco 49ers players Eli Harold (left), Colin Kaepernick (centre) and Eric Reid kneel to bring and we have not made a decision,” The Ravens signed journey- 49ers lost to Baltimore. attention to civil rights issues during the national anthem prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, California. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, August 4, 2017 SPORT

BOXING Finally respected, Klitschko retires Joshua’s rematch hopes in Las Vegas in November go up in smoke

Reuters reigned supreme in a era disappointing defeat by Britain’s Ty- Ukraine’s prime minister, Volodymyr London suff ering from a dearth of box offi ce son Fury in 2015, has decided enough is Groysman, said on Facebook: “Thank names. enough. you for the all-time great fi ghts and The 41-year-old dispatched a regular victories! I wish you successes and ladimir Klitschko ruled the supply of average fi ghters to reach 64 ‘FRESH CHALLENGES’ achievements on new fronts.” heavyweight scene with a career victories yet few, if any of them, “Twenty-seven years ago I started my Klitschko turned professional in steel glove for more than a will feature in a showreel of the sport’s journey,” he said in the video announc- 1996 shortly after winning super- decade yet it was a defeat greatest contests. ing his decision to retire yesterday. heavyweight gold at the Atlanta Olym- Wby Anthony Joshua which ensured the Instead it will be his fi nal fi ght, “And it was the best choice of profes- pics. Ukrainian retired yesterday with the against Britain’s Joshua, that will defi ne sion I could have ever made. He won his fi rst 24 fi ghts before los- universal respect that eluded him Klitschko’s legacy. “At some point in our lives we need ing to American in 1998 — for so long. Despite a 14-year age gap and fi ght- to, or just want to, switch our careers his only fi ght in his native Ukraine. Often denigrated for ing in front of a partisan 90,000 Wem- and get ourselves ready for the next Klitschko won his fi rst world title in a robotic style, short bley Stadium crowd, Klitschko pro- chapter and chart a course towards 2000, beating American to on fl air, Klitschko duced arguably his best performance fresh challenges. Obviously I am not an claim the WBO title. before being stopped in the 11th round exception to this and now is my turn. He suff ered defeats at the hands of a sensational fi ght. “I’m doing this with... tremendous of South Africa’s and Had he fi nished off a wobbling Joshua excitement, dedication, passion; ex- American in 2003 and in the sixth round Klitschko would have pecting and hoping that my next career, 2004. become only the second fi ghter after which I’ve already been planning and After teaming up with trainer to win a recognised working on for some years, will be at Emanuel Steward, Klitschko became a version of the world title as a 40-some- least as successful as my previous one, far greater all-round fi ghter and went thing. if not more successful.” 11 years unbeaten before losing to Fury. Yet, even in defeat, a global audience Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente It was an era dominated known as fi nally gave the Germany-based fi ghter said his man had not lost his powers, the “Klitschko era” with his older the acclaim he deserved for a career in but was no longer prepared to put him- brother Vitali also holding the WBC which he carried the a sport so often self though the 10-week training camps belt from 2008 to 2012 before retiring dragged into the gutter with profes- needed to prepare for big fi ghts. in 2013. sionalism and dignity. “It took him time to make a decision Klitschko is second on the all-time An eagerly anticipated Las Vegas re- but he realised that the motivation and list for successful title defences with match with Joshua was in the pipeline, fi re was not there any more,” he told Sky 23, behind the 25 of Joe Louis, while his yet Klitschko, who had lost his WBA, Sports. “I don’t think it was that he felt 29 heavyweight title fi ghts remains a IBF and WBO heavyweight belts in a past his best.” record. Klitschko fi les

BORN: March 25, 1976 PROFESSIONAL CAREER Was awarded the Ring and PLACE OF BIRTH: Semipalatinsk, Turned professional in 1996. lineal titles with a victory over Uz- Kazakhstan Built an undefeated record of bekistan’s in 2009. WIN-LOSS RECORD: 64-5 (53 24-0 with 22 before suf- Won the WBA title from Briton knockouts) fering his first loss to Ross Puritty in 2011. in Klitschko’s only professional Went undefeated for 11 years EARLY YEARS bout in Ukraine. before losing his WBA, IBF and Won gold medal at junior Defeated American Chris Byrd WBO titles to Tyson Fury in Novem- European championships in Thes- in 2000 to win the WBO heavy- ber 2015. saloniki as a heavyweight in 1993. weight title. His reign ended with a Knocked out in the 11th round Claimed silver at the junior world defeat to Corrie Sanders in 2003. by current champion Anthony championships in Istanbul a year Regained the IBF and IBO titles Joshua at Wembley in April. later. in a rematch with Byrd in 2006. Fought in 29 heavyweight title Won gold medal at the 1996 Won the WBO title for the fights, more than any heavyweight Olympics in the super-heavyweight second time by defeating Russian champion in the sport’s history. division as an amateur. in 2008.

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT N’Dam to Fullback Smith unruffl ed over face Murata All Blacks future aft er sabbatical in WBA title rematch Reuters stricted his playing time and he decided to Wellington delay the beginning of the break. AFP The injuries to All Blacks coach Steve Tokyo Hansen’s fi rst-choice fullback forced him ullback Ben Smith has no qualms to tinker with his backline during the series about surrendering his hold on the against the British and Irish Lions. assan N’Dam will face London All Blacks number 15 jersey next Israel Dagg played the second test in his Olympic gold medallist Ryota month as he takes a total break from preferred position at fullback before rookie Murata in a WBA middleweight allF rugby until next year’s Super Rugby sea- Jordie Barrett got his fi rst start in the jersey title rematch after the French- son. in the third. Hman’s controversial victory, the Japanese The 31-year-old will utilise a sabbatical Waikato Chiefs fullback Damian Mc- fi ghter’s gym said yesterday. clause in his contract after the All Blacks’ Kenzie also impressed for the second suc- The fi ght is scheduled for October 22 second Rugby Championship clash with cessive year in Super Rugby, but Hansen in Tokyo, nearly fi ve months after N’Dam Australia in his hometown of Dunedin on named him as a fl yhalf for the training took the vacant world title despite being August 26. camp and has said the 22-year-old’s future knocked down by Murata and suff ering “I’m not going to play any rugby at all,” is likely to be closer to the scrum. heavy punishment for much of their May Smith told reporters in Christchurch, Smith, however, said he was not con- 20 bout in the Japanese capital. where the All Blacks have been holding cerned at giving some of the young con- The (WBA) a two-day training camp ahead of their tenders an opportunity to usurp him in suspended two judges for six months over opener against the Wallabies in Sydney on Hansen’s planning ahead of the 2019 Rugby their decision and ordered the rematch. August 19. “It’s a real chance to take a bit World Cup in Japan. After the shock result was declared, of a break from footy and get my body right “There’s always going to be opportuni- WBA president Gilberto Mendoza ordered (and)... gives me an opportunity to do some ties but if I’m good enough I’ll get back, a rematch and tweeted: “Let me apolo- other things that I think will help me.” and if I’m not... that’s the beauty of the All gise to Ryota Murata. There are no words Smith said he would take his family on Blacks. The best players play,” Smith said. to repair the damage. I will demand the holiday to Australia and the United States “I’ve just got to back myself that with that championship committee order a direct during his break. time I want to be really humming coming rematch.” He had originally planned to take the into next year. I felt that was the best way Through a statement issued via his gym, sabbatical after his Super Rugby commit- to really push for the next couple of years.” Murata pledged to claim the belt and said ments with the Otago Highlanders ended Hansen will name the All Blacks squad the experience of the earlier bout had only this year but concussion issues had re- for the Rugby Championship next Monday. sharpened his fi ghting. But he also said he respected D’Nam as an experienced fi ghter and that the two LOSS were friends. “A key point in our last bout for me was that I couldn’t go all the way when oppor- tunities presented themselves,” he said. “One thing I can say about the last fi ght Ex-All Black captain John Graham dead at 82 was that there was no belt for me. I will go get the belt this time. “Fans are waiting for a complete deci- AFP he died peacefully late Wednesday af- A defi ning moment in his life came of advertising on the All Blacks’ jer- Former Black Caps captain Stephen sion. I think if I win this fi ght, I will get Wellington ter “a life well-lived”. when he toured South Africa in 1960 sey, and said New Zealanders should Fleming said Graham’s no-nonsense bigger fi ghts and bigger opportunities,” he Graham played for the All Blacks 53 and was appalled by what he saw, focus more on eradicating poverty approach turned around the strug- said. times from 1958 to 1964, including 22 speaking openly about his feelings. than excelling at rugby. gling cricket team, leading to a series In the same statement, D’Nam said he ormer All Blacks captain John Tests, captaining the side 10 times. “I said that if we had any con- New Zealand Rugby described him win over England in 1999. has already put the controversial win be- Graham, perhaps best known He also served as president of New science and feeling for humanity, we as “an exceptional All Blacks fl anker “We needed discipline, we were hind him and is looking forward to the re- for his strong opposition to Zealand Rugby from 2005 to 2006 and should not have been touring South and a dedicated rugby administrator”. playing poorly but also carrying on a match against Murata, whom he described apartheid, has died at the age managed the national cricket team, Africa,” he later recalled. “He was a leader in every endeav- little bit like rock stars,” he told Radio as a fi ghter on the rise. ofF 82, offi cials said yesterday. the Black Caps, from 1997-1999. Graham refused to attend any our he turned to, and his long list of Sport. “Straight away he had a huge Murata, 31, has a record of 12 wins, nine Auckland Grammar School, where Graham’s profi le on the All Blacks matches when the Springboks contro- honours and achievements are testa- impact, I think some of us were shav- of them by knockouts, against one loss. Graham had a distinguished career in website describes him as “an intelli- versially toured New Zealand in 1981. ments to his exceptional character,” ing twice a day to make sure our ap- N’Dam, 33, has won 36 bouts, 21 of them education after retiring as player, said gent player with a great turn of speed”. He was also an outspoken opponent NZR chief Steve Tew said. pearance was right!” by knockouts, against two losses. Gulf Times Friday, August 4, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS TENNIS / STANFORD CLASSIC Indian qualifi er Day lasts less than an hour dumps defending as Muguruza races to win

Reuters Croatia, who battled past Russia’s Na- champ Monfi ls Safety Harbor, Florida talia Vikhlyantseva 7-5 6-4. The 23-year-old said she was doing her best to put the elation of Wimble- World number eight Zverev rallies to edge out 75th-ranked Thompson imbledon champion Gar- don behind her and focus on the hard- biñe Muguruza dropped court season. AFP just two games in her fi rst “I’m just working on trying to forget Washington match since last month’s what happened and just starting Stan- WAll-England Club triumph as she pow- ford. Stanford is my goal and that’s it,” ered past American Kayla Day at the she told reporters. ighth-ranked Alexander Stanford Classic on Wednesday. American third seed Madison Keys Zverev and 10th-ranked Mi- The Spaniard, who was taken to survived a surprisingly stern test from los Raonic foiled upset bids three sets by the 17-year-old Day at In- teenage compatriot Caroline Dolehide Wednesday at the ATP and dian Wells in March, was a decisive 6-2 to reach the last eight, rallying from a WTAE Citi Open but 200th-ranked In- 6-0 winner at the Taube Family Tennis set down for a 3-6 6-2 6-3 win. dian qualifi er Yuki Bhambri stunned Stadium at Stanford University, need- “I think I fi nally just took a big deep defending champion Gael Monfi ls. ing less than an hour to book her place breath, and restarted the match and Zverev, a 20-year-old German play- in the quarter-fi nals. settled in a lot more,” Keys said after ing his fi rst hardcourt match in four “I think I learned a lot from that overhauling the 212th-ranked 18-year- months, rallied to edge Australia’s match (at Indian Wells),” Muguruza old qualifi er. 75th-ranked Jordan Thompson 4-6, said in an on-court interview. “I wasn’t playing great and I turned 6-3, 7-6 (5). “I knew that it was going to be dif- it around. Things are starting to look up “I’m just happy to be through and fi cult, so I really trained hard and pre- and I’m really happy about that.” happy to get the win,” Zverev said. pared.” The victory set up a quarter-fi - Canada’s Raonic, hoping to end an Muguruza used a big serve to set up nal meeting with seventh seed Lesia 18-month ATP title drought, blasted her booming forehand and took full Tsurenko of Ukraine, who advanced 26 aces in defeating France’s Nicolas advantage of Day’s vulnerable sec- without hitting a ball when high-pro- Mahut 7-6 (2), 7-6 (8) on the Wash- ond serve. The top-seeded Spaniard fi le Russian wild card Maria Sharapova ington hardcourts where he won in will next face fi fth seed Ana Konjuh of withdrew due to an arm injury. 2014. “This is a chance to really get things going the right way,” Raonic said. “It’s the leadoff to having a chance to turn things around. This year, I haven’t had that good a season.” France’s Monfi ls, ranked 22nd, was humbled after stumbling from the Yuki Bhambri of India celebrates after beating Gael Monfils of France (not pictured) on day three of the Citi Open in start as Bhambri won 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. Washington DC on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) “I played very bad. It wasn’t a good match,” Monfi ls said. KYRGIOS RETIRES AGAIN victory after two hours and 11 minutes. 6-1 to book a third-round date Thurs- “I’m disappointed. It’s tough to talk Zverev will seek his 100th career “I tried to stay calm, stay composed day with Austrian top seed Dominic about it because it was really bad. I ATP match victory Thursday against and focused on me,” Zverev said. “He’s Thiem, who lost to Anderson in all fi ve love this tournament. To come here 106th-ranked American Tennys playing very well right now.” prior meetings, all on hardcourts. and play a poor match like that, it’s Sandgren, who advanced 6-3, 3-0 Raonic advanced to a third-round very tough.” when Aussie 10th seed Nick Kyrgios match against Cypriot Marcus Bagh- ‘TOP SECRET STUFF’ Bhambri connected on 72% of fi rst retired and was booed off the court datis, who ousted US 16th seed Ryan On the women’s side, 2014 Wimble- serves in the opening set, winning 16 with what was described as a right Harrison 6-4, 6-1. don runner-up Eugenie Bouchard of of 18 points on his fi rst serve, and lifted shoulder injury. Raonic has not won an ATP title Canada upset US eighth seed Chris- his level in the third set, taking of 20- It was Kyrgios’s fi rst match since he since last year at Brisbane, a run of tina McHale 7-6 (8/6), 6-0. Bouchard of-23 fi rst serve points. retired from his Wimbledon opener 29 events. He has dropped fi ve fi - visited Andre Agassi in Las Vegas for “Defi nitely one of the biggest wins last month with a hip injury. nals since then, including last year some help with her game. of my career,” Bhambri said. “I hung Thompson, who upset Britain’s at Wimbledon, and was nagged by a “It’s top secret stuff ,” she said. “Yes, in there and fought my way through. It top-ranked Andy Murray in the fi rst right leg injury that forced him out of I got lots of pointers.” gives me a lot of confi dence going into round at Queen’s, was poised to dump fi ve events. French second seed Kristina Mlad- my next match.” Zverev as well, taking the fi rst set and “Until the recent weeks, my mind enovic, who won her only WTA title in Next up for Bhambri is Argentina’s grabbing a 5-4 edge in the deciding hasn’t been on tennis as much,” Raon- February at St. Petersburg, outlasted Guido Pella, who ousted Bhambri’s tie-breaker. ic said. “Now is the fi rst time I’ve had Germany’s Tatjana Maria 7-5, 3-6, Davis Cup teammate Ramkumar Ra- But the 23-year-old Aussie netted time to put all the pieces together and 6-3. manathan in round one. a backhand, then hit his only double focus on my game.” “Nothing has changed for me,” “I’m absolutely going to ask him for fault of the match and swatted a fore- South African 15th seed Kevin An- Mladenovic said. “I’m just working on some advice,” Bhambri said. hand into the net to hand Zverev the derson beat Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri 6-4, elevating my game and playing hard.”

GOLF Miyazato to play Garbine Muguruza of Spain returns a shot to Kayla Day of the United States at the British Open Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, California, on Wednesday. (AFP) despite father’s McIlroy hopes caddie split collapse UPDATE Japan’s Ai Miyazato will take part in the Women’s British brings positive results Open as scheduled despite Sharapova withdraws her father and coach Masaru being taken to hospital after AFP collapsing on the course on from Stanford with left Los Angeles Tuesday, the former world number one has said. The Okinawa-born Miyazato, arm injury slumping Rory McIlroy re- who is retiring at the end grets having to part ways of the season, cut short her with long-time caddie JP participation in the pro-am AFP Fitzgerald but says it was the event to accompany her father San Francisco bestA option as he fi ghts to revive his to hospital but said she had struggling golf game. decided to play because he McIlroy earlier this week axed Fit- was in better condition than ive-time Grand Slam champion zgerald, who had been with him for originally thought. Maria Sharapova withdrew nine seasons and all four of his major “At this stage he is still under- from the WTA Bank of the West championships, the most recent at going various tests and will Classic just before her sched- the PGA Championship three years uledF second-round match Wednesday remain in hospital,” she added. ago. “He is in an unfamiliar country with a left arm injury, tournament of- “I still consider J.P. one of my best and for him to be in hospital fi cials announced. friends, one of my closest friends, but will allow me to play with “We’re sad to announce that @mari- sometimes to preserve a personal re- Rory McIlroy (right) and caddie Harry Diamond during the first round of the peace of mind.” asharapova has withdrawn after doc- lationship, you might have to sacrifi ce WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron Ohio yesterday. (USA TODAY Sports) Miyazato, a nine-time winner tor’s advice regarding her left arm,” a a professional one and that was sort on the US LPGA Tour, won her post on the tournament’s Twitter feed of the decision that I came to in the Harry Diamond, who was the best wrap up the FedExCup title last Sep- first LPGA title at the 2009 said. end,” McIlroy said Wednesday as he man at McIlroy’s wedding earlier tember. Evian Masters in France. She Sharapova played her fi rst US match and I wish I could continue playing but prepares for the World Golf Champi- this year, will be on his bag this week McIlroy captured the 2014 WGC- has never won a major, coming in more than two years on Monday, de- I have to make a preventative decision.” onships-Bridgestone Invitational. at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Bridgestone by two strokes over Ser- closest when tying for third at feating American Jennifer Brady 6-1, Sharapova told supporters after her McIlroy missed the cut at the Irish Ohio. gio Garcia, but missed defending his the Women’s PGA Champion- 4-6, 6-0 in an opening-round match Monday match that her cheers meant a Open and the Scottish Open before Diamond is also expected to cad- title because of a left ankle injury and ship (2006, 2010) and Women’s at the hardcourt event in Stanford, great deal to her. rallying to fi nish in a tie for fourth at die for McIlroy at next week’s PGA skipped the tournament last year to British Open (2009). California. “I feel like I just want to hug eve- the British Open. Championship but after that it is any- play in Europe. “This is the home of golf and “Toward the end of the Monday ryone and say thank you,” Sharapova McIlroy accepted the blame and one’s guess. it will be fun working out night’s match, I felt pain in my left said Monday. “It’s my fi rst match in the opened up on the split with Fitzger- McIlroy did not rule out a reunion TOUGH FIELD AT AKRON how to tackle the course and forearm,” Sharapova said Wednesday. States in a really long time, and it’s the ald, who previously worked for four- with Fitzgerald in the future. McIlroy faces a tough fi eld that in- the winds,” she added of the “After yesterday’s scan, the doctor has closest thing to home for me.” time major winner Ernie Els. “We’ll see how the next two weeks cludes the world top 10 and 49 of the layout located southeast of St recommended I don’t risk further in- The latest injury brings into question “I was getting very hard on him on go, but I’m not ruling anything out,” world’s 50 highest-ranked golfers. Andrews. “I have experienced jury.” whether or not Sharapova will be fi t in the golf course and I don’t want to he said. “It could be two weeks, it But he does it with a caddie who is many diff erent courses and The former world number one time for the US Open, which starts Au- treat anyone like that, but sometimes could go longer than that. If we have a very familiar with how he approaches that has really widened my from Russia hadn’t played in the US gust 28, as well as for another key tune- this game drives you to that,” he said. couple of good weeks here, you never the game. technical range. I’m really since March of 2015, before serving a up event in Cincinnati in two weeks for “I got to the point where if I didn’t know but I think that decision will be “He knows me, he knows my game, excited and the result just 15-month doping suspension for the which Sharapova has also accepted a play a good shot or if I made a wrong up to Harry rather than me. he has caddied for me before. He depends on me.” use of meldonium. wildcard. decision, I was getting more frustrat- “Obviously he’s got his own thing knows my personality,” McIlroy said Miyazato, whose slow, simple Seventh-seeded Ukrainian Lesia Sharapova, 30, returned to compe- ed at him than I was at myself. I would going on back home, but a couple of of Diamond. “I just needed someone swing makes her one of Tsurenko advanced by walkover as a tition in April, but her comeback was much rather be angry at myself for wins might change things.” who knew me and knew my thought the cleanest ball-strikers in result of wildcard entrant Sharapova’s disrupted by a hip injury that forced her making a wrong decision than being World number four McIlroy has 22 process. I might think a little bit dif- women’s golf, is making her early exit. to withdraw from Wimbledon qualify- angry at him. pro victories, 13 of them on the US ferently than some of the other play- 14th consecutive appearance “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw ing. “It’s a big change. J.P. has been a PGA Tour, but hasn’t won a title since ers out here, might come to decisions at the tournament. from today’s match,” Sharapova said. Sharapova’s ranking has fallen to 171 huge part of my life.” claiming the Tour Championship to in a diff erent way.” “Monday night’s crowd was so special in the world.

Friday, August 4, 2017 GULF TIMES ATHLETICS

WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Russian chief apologises for doping Aft er De Grasse exit, who can scandal London: Russia made an “important step” yesterday by publicly apologising for the doping scandal that has seen stop Bolt and Van Niekerk? the country barred from inter- national track and field com- petition. Dmitry Shlyakhtin, head of the Russian athletics Canadian had succumbed to a season-ending hamstring strain in training on Monday federation (RusAF), made the apology in an address to the Reuters IAAF Congress meeting ahead London of the world championships which get underway today. “The situation with athlet- ndre De Grasse’s withdraw- ics is very diff icult indeed,” al through injury has only Shlyakhtin said, outlining that boosted the chances of Usain the federation had been to- Bolt and Wayde Van Niekerk tally overhauled since he took stampingA themselves as the headline charge in early 2016 and that acts of the World Athletics Champion- “radical changes” have been ships that start in London today. introduced. The news that the exciting young “The initial period was not Canadian had succumbed to a season- suff icient to understand the ending hamstring strain in training on scale of the crisis happening Monday gives a very diff erent complex- in Russia. I’ve delved into this ion to the 100 and 200 metres, in which situation and understand he was expected to off er perhaps the that the decision by the IAAF biggest threat to the duo. In the 100 me- and Council (to ban Russia) tres, it had appeared that De Grasse had was the right one. I would like begun to get under the skin of the usu- to apologise to all athletes ally unfl appable Bolt, who is seeking to who have had gold and silver end his matchless career with a seventh medals snatched from them at global 100 metres title in Olympic and competitions.” World Championships. Shlyakhtin added: “I can Not only had the 22-year-old, a triple assure you that our new team medallist at last year’s Olympics, sug- will fight doping and what gested airily that Bolt might be slowing happened will never happen down but his team had also said the Ja- again.” Rune Andersen, inde- maican’s camp ensured he was kept out pendent chairman of the IAAF of their recent 100m race in Monaco, a Taskforce looking into doping suggestion they denied vehemently. in Russia, hailed the apology. It all left Bolt saying on Tuesday that “It is fair to say that the he had been “disrespected” by an ath- path has not always been lete that he had previously praised and completely smooth. There while he did not name De Grasse, the have been some bumps along widespread assumption was that it was the way, usually in the form De Grasse who had incurred his wrath. of political statements or So, with the Canadian who is consid- interventions that have not ered the leader of the next wave of 100 been entirely helpful,” said metres men now not around to torment Andersen. him, who is best equipped to ruin Bolt’s Russia was accused in a farewell? On the face of it, the onus is on World Anti-Doping Agency an absolute beginner, Christian Cole- report last year of widespread man, and two old world title-winning state-sponsored doping. Its foes, Justin Gatlin and Yohan Blake, athletics team was barred who have been burned far too often by from last summer’s Rio Ol- Bolt already down the years. The un- ympics and will also miss the known quantity is 21-year-old US col- IAAF World Championships. lege student Coleman, who’s comfort- A number of Russian ably the fastest in the world this year at athletes, however, have been 9.82 seconds but who still sounds a little In the 100 metres, it had appeared that Canada’s Andre De Grasse (left) had begun to get under the skin of the usually unflappable Usain Bolt, who is seeking to end his granted permission by the starry-eyed about the prospect of beat- matchless career with a seventh global 100 metres title in Olympic and World Championships. (AFP) IAAF to compete as neutrals ing Bolt, calling the idea “crazy”. after meeting the exceptional In the US Championships, he was the world this year at 9.90 seconds, has Bolt said everyone would write again bypass. Yet his absence now smooths to carve out a special rivalry over both eligibility criteria, essentially beaten by 35-year-old Gatlin, who aid lost fi ve out of six completed races over tomorrow night. With his only global the path for world 400m record holder 200m and 400m. Van Niekerk clocked demonstrating that they’ve that “it is back to the old Justin, like the distance to his training partner. 100m fi nal loss being disqualifi cation Van Niekerk, who is seeking the same 19.84 seconds in Kingston, Jamaica, in come through transparent 2004”. That is when he was Olympic The odds remain that Bolt, even after for a false start in Daegu 2011, the sus- 200m/400m double that Michael John- June while Makwala recorded 19.77 sec- anti-doping testing. 100 metres champion and had yet to be a patchy season where he has gone un- picion indeed remains that only he can son last achieved at the 1995 Gothen- onds in Madrid a month later, the two IAAF president Sebastian given the four-year doping suspension der 10 seconds just once, has timed his beat himself. burg World Championships. fastest times in the world this year. Coe has confirmed that 19 that was to turn him into the sport’s run to the championships as assuredly De Grasse, who won Olympic 200m The half-lap event now looks in- Makwala, who keeps improving at Russian athletes were in Lon- bete noire. Yet he has lost eight out of as ever, his 9.95 second win in Monaco a silver in Rio in 19.80 seconds, may creasingly likely to be another straight the age of 30, but it is going to take a re- don to compete at the worlds. nine times to Bolt over 100m while, fortnight ago suggesting plenty more to have had a better opportunity in the fi ght between Van Niekerk and Botswa- markably good man to defeat either Van But the country remains similarly, Yohan Blake, second fastest in come. “Unbeatable!” was the headline longer event, which Bolt has chosen to nan Isaac Makwala, who are beginning Niekerk or Bolt at these championships. excluded as a whole after the Council of the Interna- tional Association of Athletics ROUND-UP Federations (IAAF), meeting in London, voted unanimously to maintain the ban on the Rus- sian Athletics Federation. Two Ukrainians provisionally suspended, miss Worlds The Congress of federation members backed the Council wo female Ukrainian sprinters due to Zemlyak, 27, was due to run in the women’s 400 “Usain Bolt could be even more important for ball star David Beckham to promote its products. yesterday by voting 166 to 21 compete at the World Athletics Champi- metres, in which she was a European silver medal- us when he stops running,” Chief Executive Bjorn Bolt is due to run his last races at the World to uphold the ban. onships have been provisionally suspend- list in 2014, and the 4x400 metres relay event. Gulden told the Handelsblatt daily in an interview. Athletics Championships in London this week and Andersen insisted that the ed due to doping violations, the Athletics The championships start in London today and “I can even imagine that he could run our business next — aiming to sign off with a fourth 100m title timeline of a Russian return to TIntegrity Unit (AIU) said yesterday. continue until Aug.13. in the Caribbean.” and a fi fth 4x100m relay gold — taking his world international action in Novem- Olesya Povkh and Olha Zemlyak were sus- Gulden has previously said Bolt, who has been haul to 13 to add to his eight Olympic golds. ber was possible. “Their fate is pended “for the use of a prohibited substance”, PUMA COULD OFFER USAIN sponsored by Puma since he was 15, could be just Bolt, who turns 31 later this month, intends to in their own hands,” Andersen the AIU said in a statement. The two will remain BOLT A JOB AFTER LAST RACE as valuable for the brand off the track, adding he stay close to athletics and is eyeing some sort of said.”They could complete the suspended until the outcome of the case. Povkh, Puma could make Jamaican sprint superstar Usain would have more time for product development. roving ambassadorial role, inspiring the world’s steps without much further 29, was due to run in the women’s 100 metres and Bolt the head of its Caribbean business once he Bigger rival Nike has built a multi-billion dollar youth to get involved in a sport he says is on the delay.” the 4x100 metres relay event in which she won retires from athletics, the head of the German brand with retired basketball player Michael Jor- up after reaching “rock bottom” with the Russian bronze at the London Olympics in 2012. sportswear fi rm was quoted as saying yesterday. dan, while Adidas still uses former England foot- doping crisis of two years ago.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Farah bids for fi nal double fanfare Qatar star Barshim eyes elusive AFP British story.” World Championships gold London Whilst Brownlee put it down to Farah perhaps not being considered British — he By Sports Reporter came from war-torn Somalia via Djibouti Doha o Farah will like another athlet- with his mother (Amran) and two of his fi ve ics superstar Usain Bolt bring siblings aged eight to England to join their the curtain down on his track father Muktar — doping claims made about io Games silver-medallist Mutaz Essa career at the world champion- his US-based coach Alberto Salazar, since Barshim will lead Qatar’s challenge at Mships with hopes of a fi nal double golden proved to be false, may have had an impact. the 16th World Athletics Championships, fl ourish. The 34-year-old Somalia-born Farah, though, is used to adversity having which will kick off today in London. Briton — who will switch his focus to road been separated from his twin brother Has- RFive Qataris will take part in the championship. running — can capture his 10th successive san for 12 years until he returned to Somalia Apart from Barshim, holder of the high jump title world or Olympic title in the 10000 metres for the latter’s wedding. at the Diamond League, Ashraf al-Saifi (hammer today. Then he hopes to bow out in style Farah, who was forthright with regard throw), Ahmed Bedair (havelin throw) and sprinters on the track in London where he achieved to US President Donald Trump’s remarks Abdulrahman Samba (400m hurdles) and Abdulilah his fi rst Olympic double in 2012 with the Great Britain’s Mo Farah takes a selfie at the about Muslims last year when he was a can- Haroun (400m) will be in action. 5000m on Saturday week. That will bring to London stadium yesterday. (Reuters) didate describing them as “blasphemy”, also All eyes will be on Barshim though. The 26-year- an end a six year spell where like Bolt in the had to put up with racist comments at his old’s form ahead of the World Championships has portant decisions, most notably the amendment of sprints Farah has dominated. popular vote for the prestigious BBC Sports London school. been good. He won gold at the Diamond League some articles of athletics international law, in ad- He broke up the previous hegemony of the Personality of the Year poll. “It was diffi cult to adapt to London at meets in Doha, Shanghai, Oslo and Paris. dition to discussing performance and fi nancial re- Kenyans and Ethiopians, lifting his exploits It prompted British triathlon star Alistair fi rst but when you’re aged eight, you some- Barshim, who has a personal best of 2.43m, has ports as well as adopting the plans for the coming up above those of legends such as Paavo Brownlee to decry the glaring omission for how fi nd a way,” Farah told The Big Issue, been eyeing the long-standing record of 2.45 set by years and other items on the agenda. Nurmi, Lasse Viren, Emil Zatopek, Haile an athlete whose exploits were recognised by the weekly magazine which is sold by the Cuban Javier Sotomayor in 1992. Barshim has come In a statement, al-Kuwari expressed his pride in Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele. However Queen Elizabeth II who bestowed a knight- homeless last year. “You make friends. I close to breaking Sotomayor’s record many times. A the active participation at the IAAF General As- whilst many question how will the sport hood on him. “It’s really sad, because for me was always quite accepted, I think because I World Championships gold has eluded him all the sembly meetings and the World Athletics Champi- cope without Bolt and his engaging show- he is the perfect British story,” Brownlee told never saw myself as diff erent to anyone else, time with the 2013 silver medal at being his onships in London, at the end of which the Qatari manship — lightning bolt and all — perhaps The Guardian in December last year after a diff erent colour. I had white friends, black best at the IAAF’s biennial event. delegation will receive the fl ag of organising the unfairly the same has not been said about Farah fi nished only fourth in the poll. friends. The Qatar delegation, headed by secretary-gen- next 17th world championship in Doha in 2019. the vacuum that Farah will leave in his wake. “It’s what we should be about: a person “I was easy going. The occasional com- eral of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and “We are participating in London with a Qatari Despite his achievements — Olympic who comes to Britain as a young man, as ment, I just chose not to hear it. I was good Chairman of Qatar Athletics Federation Dr Thani delegation comprising a number of the presidents (2012/16) and world doubles (2013/15) at a refugee, and an ex-schoolteacher (Alan at running so the kids liked me for that. If Abdulrahman al-Kuwari will take part in the Gen- of the Doha 2019 organising committees. We intend 5000m and 10000m — the British public Watkinson) identifi es something that he’s I hadn’t been into running I wouldn’t have eral Assembly meeting of the International Asso- to gain experience through workshops and daily have been left largely unmoved. Only once, brilliant at and he represents Britain as the made friends, met so many people and ciation of Athletics Federations (IAAF). contact with the local committees. I believe this will in 2011, has he reached the top three in the best in the world. I think that’s a fantastic learned the language as quickly as I did.” The meeting is expected to take a number of im- be a useful and fruitful experience,” al-Kuwari said.