Hosts Prevail 2-0 in Exciting Contest

Portugal manager Santos hails Ronaldo as a ‘football genius’ FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019 PAGE 14

Australia roar back from precarious 79-5 CRICKET WORLD CUP to turn the tables on West Indies PAGE 13 PAKISTAN VS SRI LANKA

QATAR-BRAZIL FRIENDLY Hosts prevail 2-0 in exciting contest

Brazil’s Neymar being assisted after he got injured during the friendly against Qatar on Wednesday. (AFP) Neymar suffers ankle ligaments tear, ruled out of Copa America

AFP A large ice pack had been the host nation face an uphill RIO DE JANEIRO strapped to his lower right leg. battle to win South America’s “Due to the seriousness of continental championship for BRAZIL star Neymar has been the injury, Neymar will nei- the first time since 2007. ruled out of the Copa America ther be fit nor have time to The injury also leaves a after tearing ankle ligaments recuperate sufficiently to par- question mark over the future Brazil’s Dani Alves tries to get past Qatar’s Assim Madibo during their friendly at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Wednesday. (REUTERS) during his country’s 2-0 win ticipate” in the tournament, career of Neymar. Ankle prob- over Qatar in a pre-tourna- the Brazilian Football Confed- lems ruled him out of the sec- QNA fered a serious injury during ing a VAR review. Jesus following some neat ment friendly, capping a trou- eration (CBF) said. ond half of the just-completed RIO DE JANEIRO the match. Qatar had won seven suc- combination play with Rich- bled season for the world’s The injury comes just nine Ligue 1 season in France. Qatar had a chance to pull cessive matches heading into arlison. Philippe Coutinho most expensive player. days before Brazil’s opening When he did finally return to QATAR gave a good account of a goal back in the 96th min- the friendly but the Copa thought he had the chance to The injury to the Paris Copa America game against the team, he played as PSG suf- themselves as they went down ute after the referee penalised America guests were com- make it 3-0 after a handball Saint-Germain player is a Bolivia. It caps a troubled fered a shock defeat to Rennes fighting 0-2 in a friendly to Bra- Ederson for a mistimed chal- pletely outplayed as Brazil hit inside the box six minutes be- huge blow to host nation Bra- season on and off the field for in the French Cup final and zil at the Estadio Nacional De lenge following a VAR review, the front in the 16th minute. fore half-time. zil’s preparations for the South Neymar. Despite the furore he then lashed out at a supporter Brasilia stadium on Wednes- however, Boualem Khoukhi’s Dani Alves picked out The referee, however, American continental champi- had continued to train with his in the stands afterwards. day as part of the two sides’ spot-kick cannoned against Richarlison, who rose high- overturned his original deci- onship, which begins in just Brazilian team-mates for the In a sign of how signifi- preparations for forthcoming the crossbar. est to head past Saad al Sheeb sion following a VAR review. over a week’s time. Copa America. cant a figure Neymar remains Copa America tournament. The match was event- for his fourth international The second half saw the A distraught-looking Ney- Before the injury, CBF in Brazilian life, the country’s Richarlison and Gabriel ful in the first half. This was goal. It was five minutes later introduction of Lucas Paqueta mar covered his face with his president Rogerio Caboclo far-right President Jair Bol- Jesus scored the goals for Bra- not just due to the two goals that Neymar got injured and and Champions League semi- hands as he sat on the bench had insisted Wednesday for sonaro offered his public back- zil in the 16th and 24th min- scored, but also due to Ney- was eventually replaced. finalist David Neres. after hobbling from the field the second time this week ing for the player ahead of the utes respectively. mar’s injury that took place in That did not hamper Bra- Qatar will face Paraguay in the 20th minute at Brasi- that Neymar would play in match. “He’s going through a On the unfortunate side, the 21st minute and a penalty zil, who doubled their lead on June 16 in their first match lia’s Mane Garrincha Stadium the tournament. difficult moment but I believe PSG superstar Neymar suf- that was overturned follow- eight minutes later through of Copa America. on Wednesday. With Neymar ruled out, him,” said Bolsonaro. South Africa have no regrets on Thompson beats Asher-Smith to win turning down de Villiers approach 100m in Rome Diamond League REUTERS Leagues respectively. DURBAN “He turned down the offer AFP and said he was at peace with ROME Elaine Thompson, the CRICKET South Africa selec- his decision to retire.” Olympic champion in the tion convenor Linda Zondi Zondi admitted that de OLYMPIC sprint champion 100m and 200m, was beat- said on Thursday they have no Villiers’ request for inclusion Elaine Thompson dominated en by Dina Asher-Smith in regrets in turning down an ap- had come as a surprise, and the field to win the women’s the 200m in Stockholm last proach from retired batsman they owed it to other players in 100 metres at the Diamond AB de Villiers to make himself the squad who had worked to- League meet in Rome ahead week with the Briton also available for the Cricket World wards being part of the World of Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith. winning in Doha in May. Cup in England. Cup to stick with them. Jamaican Thompson South Africa have lost all “For (captain) Faf du Ples- clocked 10.89sec in the Olym- season’s best 21.46. three of their games at the sis and (coach) Ottis Gibson pic Stadium with Asher-Smith China’s Lyu Huihui won the tournament, largely because to share AB’s desire to be in- second in 10.94 and American women’s javelin throw, in the of a soft middle-order that has Former captain AB de Villiers. cluded in the squad on the day Aleia Hobbs, winner in Shang- fourth leg of the IAAF series. missed the quality of one of we announced our World Cup hai, third in 11.12. The 29-year-old Asian re- the world’s premier batsmen. There would also have squad on April 18 was a shock Thompson, the Olympic cord holder and world bronze But Zondi said an ap- been a feeling of opportunism to all of us,” Zondi said. champion in the 100m and medallist threw a best of 66.47 proach by de Villiers to come on behalf of de Villiers, who “AB left a big vacuum when 200m, was beaten by Asher- metres to finish ahead of Tur- out of international retirement had skipped South Africa’s he retired, we had a year to find Smith in the 200m in Stock- Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson after the IAAF Diamond League women’s key’s Eda Tugusz (64.51) and for the World Cup had come build-up to the event, but then players at franchise level to fill holm last week with the Briton 100m at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Thursday. (REUTERS) Latvia’s Lina Muze (63.72). 24 hours before South Africa sought to be part of the party the gap. We had players who also winning in Doha in May. Czech two-time Olympic were due to announce their at the last minute. put in the hard work, who put Ivory Coast’s Marie-Jo- dles ahead of compatriot Little champion Caterine Ibarguen javelin champion Barbora final squad, and was rejected “I pleaded with AB de Vil- up their hands and deserved to sée Ta Lou, a double 100m Shamier (54.40) and Czech (6.87) of Colombia and former Spotakova finished seventh as out of hand. liers not to retire in 2018,” be given the opportunity to go and 200m silver medallist at Zuzana Hejnova 54.82. Olympic and four-time world she returns following the birth “At no point in the year Zondi added. “Although there to the World Cup. the 2017 worlds in London, European long jump champion Brittney Reese or her second child last year. that he had retired did he was a perception that he was “The decision was based clocked 11.14 to finish fourth champion Malaika Mihambo (6.76m) of the United States. World champion Spota- make himself available for se- picking and choosing when to on principle; we had to be in her first international ap- broke the seven metres mark Earlier Poland’s Konrad kova, 37, set the world record lection,” Zondi said in a CSA play - which was not true - I fair to the team, the selection pearance of the year. for the first time in her ca- Kukowieczki won the shot of 72.28 metres back in 2008. statement on Thursday. did give him the option to plan panel, our franchise system The United States went 1-2 reer with a wind-assisted put with a new meet record “To be back after the sec- “It was no option when I and monitor his season to get and players.” in both the men’s and wom- 7.07 metres (+0.5) leap on of 21.97 metres, breaking the ond child is a big difference,” received the news on the day him to the World Cup fresh De Villiers retired from all en’s 400 metres hurdles. her way to victory. mark which had been achieved she said. “In 2014 I came here of the squad announcement, and in a good space. forms of international cricket Rai Benjamin won the Mihambo pulled out the in Rome nine years ago. with my partner and first child our squad was finalised and “We made it clear that he last May, but has played in men’s with a season’s best jump on her fourth attempt to American Darrell Hill but this year I decided to come confirmed. AB is undoubtedly would have to play during the lucrative Twenty20 competi- 47.58, ahead of David Kenzi- become the first woman this came second with his final alone. I think it was one of my one of the best players in the home tours against Sri Lanka tions since. He had captained era (48.99) with Japan’s Abe year to break the symbolic sev- throw of 21.71 with Brazil’s biggest mistakes, I’m not used world, but above all else, we and Pakistan to be consid- South Africa at the 2015 Takathoshi third (49.57). en-metre mark, with the long- Darlan Romani third (21.68) to be being this relaxed. have to stay true to our mor- ered for selection, instead he World Cup, when they ex- Olympic champion Dalilah est jump in two years. and world champion Joe “A few things went wrong. als and principles, there is no signed to play in the Paki- ited in the semi-finals against Muhammad clocked 53.67sec The 25-year-old finished Kovacs of the United States It looks like I have to be in to- regret in the decision.” stan and Bangladesh Premier New Zealand. to win the women’s 400m hur- ahead of Olympic triple jump dropping to fourth despite a nus to perform well.” 12 Friday, June 7, 2019 Sports

ROLAND GARROS SHOW Teen Anisimova shocks Halep The 17-year-old American packs off defending champion in straight sets

AFP PARIS

AMERICAN teenager Aman- da Anisimova said she was “excited” and did not suffer from nerves after stunning defending champion Simona Halep on Thursday to reach a French Open semi-final against Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty. The 17-year-old downed Halep 6-2, 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier to announce herself on the big stage, while Barty saw off 14th seed Madi- son Keys 6-3, 7-5 to also become a first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist. “If I didn’t look nervous is Amanda Anisimova of the US celebrates after her match against Romania’s Simona Halep. (REUTERS) because I wasn’t,” said world number 51 Anisimova, who is the youngest player to reach a major semi-final since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2007 Austral- No friends, no problem ian Open. “I was just super excited and I was really happy with Romania’s Simona Halep reacts during her women’s singles quarter-final match against Amanda Anisi- as a star is born the opportunity. mova of the US at the Roland Garros 2019 French Open, in Paris, on Thursday. (AFP) “This is more than I could have asked for.” It is the first time two back to 4-4, but the young- AFP had little effect on her per- Martina Hingis, Anisimova is The last-four ties will teenagers have reached the ster gathered herself to save a PARIS formance against Romanian not fazed by the big occasion. be played on Friday, after semi-finals at a Grand Slam break point in the next game star Halep, as she booked a “If I didn’t look nerv- Wednesday’s downpour in for 10 years, while it had not and then grabbed her first SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD semi-final spot with surpris- ous it’s because I wasn’t,” Paris caused a backlog of happened at Roland Garros match point with a glorious Amanda Anisimova an- ing ease and is yet to drop a she said of facing defending matches, with the women’s Young & rising since Henin and Kim Clijsters backhand winner up the line. nounced herself as a future set in the tournament. champion Halep on Court semi-finals held on Court Su- in 2001. star by powering into the Anisimova has long been Philippe Chatrier. zanne Lenglen and Simonne The winner of Amanda Anisimova crushed 25 Barty sees off Keys French Open semi-finals on tipped for big things, reach- Anisimova is the young- Mathieu to keep Chatrier free Anisimova’s clash against winners past a bewildered Barty also won in relative com- Thursday with a stunning ing the juniors final in Paris est American woman to for the men’s semis. Ashleigh Barty will face either Halep, who made 17 unforced fort on Court Suzanne Lenglen victory over defending cham- three years ago at the age of reach the last four of a major “Actually, I’m really happy Britain’s Johanna Konta or errors and served two double to go one better than her run pion Simona Halep although 14, before winning the US since Venus Williams at the that I get to play tomorrow,” Czech 19-year-old Marketa faults. to the Australian Open last the tough world of profes- Open girls’ title in 2017. 1997 US Open, and said last said Anisimova. Vondrousova in the final. It is Halep’s run of breaking in eight earlier this year. sional tennis meant the lock- week that 23-time Slam title “I don’t have to wait a the first time two teenagers 16 consecutive return games The 23-year-old was too er room celebrations may winner Serena Williams had whole day, because I get re- have reached the semi-finals was swiftly ended by Anisimo- consistent for American Keys, have been a little subdued. helped pick her up after a really eager to want to go on the at a Grand Slam for 10 years, va’s big hitting, and the Amer- hitting 16 winners and four aces. The world number 51 will I just played the best tennis cent difficult defeat in Miami. court, so I’m happy I get to while it had not happened at ican broke serve in fifth game Keys, a semi-finalist at Ro- be the youngest player to “When I had a tough loss play tomorrow.” en route to a 4-2 lead. land Garros last year where contest a Grand Slam semi- of my life. I don’t know how, at the Miami Open, it was a Roland Garros since Henin and I don’t know how I did She is the youngest Ameri- and Kim Clijsters in 2001. She saved a break point she lost to Sloane Stephens, final for 12 years on Friday really long match and I was can woman to make the last and then dismantled the Ha- was undone by 26 unforced against eighth seed Ashleigh it, but it just happened. super upset in the locker four at a major since Venus lep serve once more to seal the errors. Barty, after cruising past room, Serena actually came Williams at the 1997 US Open, Open titles in the Open era. opening set in under half an World number eight Barty Halep 6-2, 6-4 in the biggest Amanda Anisimova up to me and we shared a and the youngest to reach the “I feel sad, because every hour. is the highest-ranked woman match of her career so far. little bit of a chat. That was semis at Roland Garros since time when I lose, I’m sad,” Halep, who had thrashed in the semi-finals, ahead of She is the youngest really nice of her, and I’ll Jennifer Capriati in 1990. said Halep. “And I’m a little 18-year-old Pole Iga Swiatek 26th seed Konta and the un- American to make the last She gave notice of her remember it forever.” The defeat for third seed bit upset because I couldn’t 6-1, 6-0 in the fourth round, seeded youngsters Anisimova four since Jennifer Capriati potential when reaching Halep means it has now been make my game. I couldn’t faced being on the wrong end and Vondrousova. in 1990, but said she has not the Australian Open fourth New generation ‘so exciting’ 12 years since the last suc- move normally.” of a similarly one-sided match But she insisted it would been suffering with nerves round earlier this year and Anisimova is one of two teen- cessful title defence in Paris – The winner of Anisimova’s when she fell 3-0 down in the not give her an advantage, say- and even slept through most also won her first WTA title agers in the last four -- 19-year- Belgian Justine Henin’s third clash against Barty will face ei- second. ing: “As I just said, all four of us of Wednesday, when her in Bogota in April, but says old Czech Marketa Vondrous- straight triumph in 2007. ther Britain’s Johanna Konta Anisimova tightened up have been playing great tennis. quarter-final was delayed she still misses the camara- ova faces Johanna Konta in the Still only five women have or Czech 19-year-old Marketa with the semis in sight and the It’s a new situation for me. It’s a due to torrential rain. derie of junior tennis. other semi -- the first time that lifted back-to-back French Vondrousova in the final. defending champion fought little bit of a new territory.” “I just played the best “It was just, like, a fun en- has happened in the French tennis of my life. I don’t vironment and everyone was Open since Justin Henin and know how, and I don’t know just hanging out. It’s kind of Kim Clijsters in 2001. how I did it, but it just hap- different in the WTA. I don’t Williams said that she pened,” said Anisimova. have that many friends, I’d was more than happy to try Crafty Barty solving the clay court puzzle “I was just, like, sleep- say,” she said. “I just miss and help the latest genera- ing in the locker room (on that a little bit, travelling. tion reach the top. REUTERS moves to scramble Madison fers a more thoughtful, three- my coach, taught me as many Wednesday). I thought I There were South American “I just needed to do that, PARIS Keys’ brain in their quarter- dimensional, approach than shots as possible. The toughest wasn’t going to play, so I was tournaments that I remem- and I know she’s super young. final on Thursday. merely trying to knock the fluff thing is making sure I make the just sleeping. ber and I had good memo- I really love all the new young ASHLEIGH Barty With her crafty style, full of of every ball. right decisions. I’m getting bet- “Then I left, and I was in ries there. So just those little players,” she said before be- likens a tennis slices, topspin, dropshots and “It is a puzzle out there. It’s ter at that every single day. traffic a lot, because I wanted memories with old friends.” ing dumped out of Roland match to a slight- net approaches, the 23-year-old a little bit of a chess game in a “We are at a slam, but in to get new shoes. Already being compared Garros in the third round by ly more ener- Australian drove Keys to de- way,” Barty, who returned to my mind it’s been a very quiet “Then I didn’t get them, to Maria Sharapova when 20-year-old Sofia Kenin. getic game spair at times in a 6-3 7-5 win to tennis in 2016 having switched tournament,” Barty said, say- and I was like, Wow, ‘that she won Wimbledon aged “It’s just so exciting. I feel of chess and advance to her first Grand Slam to cricket, told reporters. ing she has even been able to was a bad idea. Why am I ex- 17 in 2004, as well as other like tennis has done so much on Thursday semi-final against Amanda Ani- “I have always enjoyed that enjoy watching the Cricket hausting myself right now?’” teenage Grand Slam cham- for me, and to see a new gen- she showed simova. Barty can hit as hard as part of it. I think when I first World Cup taking place across Her unusual preparation pions like Monica Seles and eration come through is great.” all the right most, when required, but pre- started playing the game, Jim, the English Channel. Djokovic embracing history and Thiem’s ‘Ringo Starr’ threat

AFP Slam for the first time since weather. quarter-finals in straight sets set slipped away, it was diffi- PARIS the 2012 French Open, the Heavy rain is forecast to in 2017. cult,” said the German. Serb was asked if Thiem was hit Paris again on Friday after Fifth seed Zverev, bidding The world number five fin- NOVAK Djokovic admits he’s the tennis equivalent of Ringo, Wednesday’s washout. to reach a maiden Slam semi- ished with eight double faults within touching distance of a role previously filled by the However, that won’t final and become the first Ger- while converting just one of history at Roland Garros but absent Andy Murray. dampen Djokovic’s ambition man in the last-four in Paris eight break points. must first overcome Dominic Djokovic, Nadal and of emulating Rod Laver, the since Michael Stich in 1996, Thiem was utterly domi- Thiem, the Austrian who on Federer, by extension, would only man to have held all four made the stronger start. nant on Court Suzanne Len- Thursday found himself being be John Lennon, Paul McCart- Slams at the same time twice. The 22-year-old had glen, hammering 29 winners, compared to Ringo Starr, the ney and George Harrison. “The presence of history- break points in the third and as Khachanov contrived to least heralded of the Beatles. “I’m sure some people making is stronger than ever fifth games of the opening set tally 37 unforced errors and World number one Djoko- would debate if Ringo Starr right now in my career. and finally broke through for only 17 winners. vic reached his ninth Roland was the less famous. Some “That’s one of the greatest a 5-4 lead. Thiem insists he will not Garros semi-final, sweeping people liked him the most,” motivations I have.” But top seed Djokovic be intimidated by Djokovic but past Alexander Zverev, keep- said 32-year-old Djokovic. levelled immediately before was full of praise for his rival ing his bid to become just the “I don’t know. That’s what Federer vs Nadal claiming the set on a Zverev as well as Nadal and Federer second man to hold all four my parents tell me.” Friday’s other semi-final will double fault. who have a combined 52 Slam Slams at the same time twice He added: “Dominic is de- see Nadal and Federer resume Djokovic dominated the titles between them. firmly on track. servedly where he is, one of their great rivalry, meaning second set as breaks in the “I think that all three of Top seed Djokovic won the top four guys, especially on this is the first time the top second and eighth games were them have something special 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and will face Aus- clay. That’s where he’s playing four seeds have all reached the enough to tighten his grip. around them because of all trian fourth seed Thiem on his best tennis. last four at a Grand Slam since The world number one the success they had,” he ex- Friday in what will be his 35th “He’s got that tremendous the 2013 Australian Open. saved two more break points plained. Grand Slam semi-final. power in his game, especially The last time Djokovic in the opening game of the “I think that especially in Thiem reached the semi- with forehand and serve. I made the semi-finals in Paris third set and again made the the early rounds, they have a finals for a fourth successive think backhand also has im- was 2016 when he went on to German pay with a break for huge advantage only because year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 vic- proved a lot in the last couple win the title. 4-2. of their name. tory against Russian 10th seed of years.” He has a 6-2 career lead Zverev’s 40th and last un- “Many players don’t re- Karen Khachanov. over Thiem and beat the Aus- forced error proved to be the ally believe, if they step on But with this Roland Gar- ‘Make history’ trian in the Rome semi-finals final point of the one-sided court, that they can beat ros seeing Djokovic, Rafael The problem for Djokovic now A combination of pictures shows Austria’s Dominic Thiem (above) and in the run-up to Paris. quarter-final. them,” added the 25-year- Nadal and Roger Federer all in his pursuit of a second title Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during their men’s singles matches at the However, Thiem came out “I expected more from this old who is chasing a maiden in the semi-finals at the same in Paris and 16th major is the French Open. The two will clash in the semi-finals.(AFP) on top in the Roland Garros tournament but once the first Grand Slam title. Sports Friday, June 7, 2019 13 Santner steers NZ to fighting win

REUTERS LONDON

PLAYING only his second Cricket World Cup match, Mitchell Santner needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangla- desh crowd at the Oval and guide New Zealand to victory on Wednesday. The 27-year-old bespecta- cled all-rounder, who arrived at the crease with his side in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, held the tail together and hit the winning runs with 17 balls re- maining in the match. Santner scored an un- beaten 17 off 12 balls and ensured the Black Caps ad- Australia’s Nathan Coulter-Nile (left) smashes a ball and his teammate Mitchell Starc in action during their team’s fighting victory against the West Indies in the ICC Cricket World Cup match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, vanced from 218-6 through to on Thursday. (REUTERS) their 245-run target with his lofted off-drive from Mustafi- zur Rahman taking them past Bangladesh’s total for two crucial competition points. “Bangladesh were on top Starc, Coulter-Nile help gutsy there for a while and you can hear it through the crowd,” Santner told reporters. “I think a big thing is the com- munication between you and your partner. Aussies sink West Indies “We were just trying to keep it about playing ball by ball. “If they bowl a good ball Five-time champions bounce back from 79-5 to eventually beat twice winners from Caribbean by 15 runs then you can just try and get your ones and twos and go REUTERS After leg-spinner Adam Cottrell and Oshane Thomas SCOREBOARD the whole way until Starc from there.” NOTTINGHAM (ENGLAND) Zampa removed Pooran, fast removed Australian openers came back.” Kane Williamson’s side bowler Pat Cummins had David Warner and Finch with AUSTRALIA: WEST INDIES: Atrocious umpiring restricted the Tigers to 244 FAST bowler Mitchell Starc’s Hope caught at mid-on in the 26 runs on the board. D. Warner c Hetmyer b Cottrell 3 C. Gayle lbw b Starc 21 In a game dotted with and with Williamson (40) five-wicket haul and a defiant 35th over to deliver a body A. Finch c Hope b Thomas 6 E. Lewis c Smith b Cummins 1 umpiring errors reversed by and Ross Taylor (82) taking U. Khawaja c Hope b Russell 13 S. Hope c Khawaja b Cummins 68 92 by Nathan Coulter-Nile blow to the Windies who never S. Smith c Cottrell b Thomas 73 N. Pooran c Finch b Zampa 40 the Decision Review System them through to 160-2 in the helped Australia beat West In- recovered. Mitchell Starc claimed G. Maxwell c Hope b Cottrell 0 S. Hetmyer run out 21 (DRS), Windies opener Chris 32nd over, the 2015 World dies by 15 runs at Trent Bridge Starc claimed Jason Hold- Jason Holder (51), M. Stoinis c Pooran b Holder 19 J. Holder c Zampa b Starc 51 Gayle was unlucky to be ad- Cup finalists looked on course on Thursday to secure their er (51), Carlos Brathwaite and A. Carey c Hope b Russell 45 A. Russell c Maxwell b Starc 15 judged lbw when he should for an easy win. Carlos Brathwaite N. Coulter-Nile c Holder b Brathwaite 92 C. Brathwaite c Finch b Starc 16 second consecutive win at the Sheldon Cottrell in the final P. Cummins c Cottrell b Brathwaite 2 A. Nurse not out 19 have had a free-hit after Starc Bangladesh’s slow bowl- Cricket World Cup. five overs to finish with 5-46 in and Sheldon Cottrell M. Starc c Holder b Brathwaite 8 S. Cottrell b Starc 1 had overstepped in the previ- ers, however, fought back as Chasing 289 for victory, his 10 overs. in the final five overs A. Zampa not out 0 O. Thomas not out 0 ous delivery. New Zealand lost wickets at West Indies got off to a poor Earlier, Coulter-Nile Extras (b1, lb1, w24, nb1) 27 Extras (lb9, w11) 20 Umpire Chris Gaffney crucial junctures until Sant- to finish with 5-46 in Total (all out, 49 overs) 288 Total (nine wickets, 50 overs) 273 start before Shai Hope (68) and struck the highest World Cup Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Finch), 2-26 (Warner), 3-36 Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Lewis), 2-31 (Gayle), 3-99 had given Gayle out twice in ner’s 20-run stand with Matt Nicholas Pooran (40) laid the score for a number eight bats- his 10 overs. (Khawaja), 4-38 (Maxwell), 5-79 (Stoinis), 6-147 (Pooran), 4-149 (Hetmyer), 5-190 (Hope), 6-216 the third over but the opener Henry pushed them to the platform for the power-hitters, man as he took Australia to a (Carey), 7-249 (Smith), 8-268 (Cummins), 9-284 (Russell), 7-252 (Brathwaite), 8-252 (Holder), 9-256 survived with two successful cusp of victory. but the Starc-led Australian at- competitive total after they All-rounder Andre Russell (Coulter-Nile), 10-288 (Starc) (Cottrell) DRS appeals. Holder had two Bowling: Thomas 10-0-63-2 (1nb, 8w); Cottrell 9-0- Bowling: Starc 10-1-46-5 (4w), Cummins 10-3-41-2 tack kept them on a tight leash, lost their first five wickets for struck in his first over when a 56-2 (3w); Russell 8-0-41-2 (5w); Brathwaite 10-0- (3w), Coulter-Nile 10-0-70-0, Maxwell 6-1-31-0, incorrect decisions reversed, restricting them to 273-9. 79 runs. thick edge from Usman Kha- 67-3 (2w); Holder 7-2-28-1; Nurse 5-0-31-0 (2w). Zampa 10-0-58-1, Stoinis 4-0-18-0. first off Maxwell and then “You have to keep trying to “I absolutely was nerv- waja was taken by a brilliant Zampa. get wickets, once the West In- ous. At 38-4 and they keep one-handed catch by wicket- and eight fours, falling short so thought I’d stick around,” “I’m sorry but the um- dies batsmen get set they are coming hard at you - we just keeper Hope, before Glenn of his maiden century when he man-of-the-match Coulter- piring in this game has been so destructive and can hit it to had to keep hanging in there Maxwell was snared for a duck was removed by Brathwaite in Nile said. atrocious,” said former West all parts,” Australian captain and to get 288 in the end by Cottrell. the 49th over. “I found it very difficult, Indies quick Michael Hold- Aaron Finch said. was outstanding,” Finch Smith (73) and wicket- “I didn’t think I’d get that they were either bowling very ing who was commentating “You have to try and stall added. keeper Alex Carey (45) halted much but happy to. I got a bit quick or the pitch was up and on the game. They are being their momentum and get them Having won the toss, the a middle-order collapse before of a spray from the coach after down. It looked like they were intimidated, that means they New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner to take risks - it came off today.” Windies new-ball attack of Coulter-Nile struck four sixes getting out in a warm-up game on track (during the chase) are weak.” (right) and Lockie Ferguson. Pressure-free Pakistan ready A sad end of era looms for to deliver against Sri Lanka struggling South Africa

REUTERS dies ... there were nerves ... AFP ger is still there, from my per- 2008, is another whose contract BRISTOL (ENGLAND) the guys got over that against LONDON spective, I’ll try and push for expires after the World Cup. England and showed their as long as I can,” he said at the Criticism has been levelled PAKISTAN’S stunning vic- proper skills. It was a true test BARRING a miraculous turna- time. at the team management and tory over World Cup favour- of character and they came round after three successive de- Since then, AB de Villiers selectors for taking Dale Steyn ites England has eased the through with flying colours in feats, the Cricket World Cup is and Morne Morkel have retired, to a tournament in which he pressure on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s the second game.” likely to be the end of an era for although both continue to play was never going to be fit for squad before Friday’s poten- Sri Lanka have made a South Africa. cricket outside of the interna- the first game, especially as tially tricky test against Sri similarly patchy start, capitu- The careers of several long- tional arena. South Africa had to play three Lanka at Bristol, batting coach lating to New Zealand before term players are coming to an With Duminy and Tahir on matches in the first week of Grant Flower said on Thurs- seeing off a determined Af- end while a comprehensive the way out and the futures of the event. day. ghanistan in a thriller. Flower change of management is likely. Amla and Steyn in doubt, Du There is also likely to be After a crushing seven- said Dimuth Karunaratne’s Here AFP Sport looks at Plessis’ role in shepherding in a a new selection panel. Con- wicket defeat by West Indies team cannot be taken lightly. three key issues that triggered new era for South African crick- vener Linda Zondi’s term is in their tournament opener, “You have always got to South Africa’s shocking decline: et will be crucial. also expiring and he indicated former champions Pakistan be respectful and they have Ageing playersJP Duminy in announcing the World Cup beat hosts England by 14 runs got good bowlers. I have just and Imran Tahir have already Management changes squad that he would be happy in a high-scoring contest at come out of a batting meet- announced they will be retir- The contract of coach Ot- to hand the responsibility to Trent Bridge on Monday to get Pakistan’s Babar Azam bats during a practice session in Bristol on ing to see their skills. And ing from one-day internation- tis Gibson ends after the World someone else. their campaign back on track. Thursday ahead of their 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against it should be a good game,” als after the World Cup, while Cup, with Cricket South Africa Having come into the Sri Lanka. (AFP) former Zimbabwe batsman the careers of veteran batsman chief executive Thabang Moroe Player relations World Cup on the back of a Flower added. Hashim Amla and record- saying at a function last month Although not directly re- 4-0 series hammering by Eng- “I definitely do sense a bit “Psychologically, that lifts “Hopefully the weather breaking fast bowler Dale Steyn, that winning the tournament lated to the national team or the land, which was followed by a of confidence ... since we’ve a weight from their shoulders. stays away. It’s a bit poor, the aged 36 and 35 respectively, was a condition of Gibson’s World Cup campaign, relations warm-up defeat by minnows won. It took off a lot of the And to score (close to) 350 forecast. But I don’t think we’d seem to be nearing an end. deal. between Cricket South Africa Afghanistan, Flower said that pressure definitely, having against a very good England be targeting any one individu- Steyn was taken to Eng- Gibson has subsequently and the SA Cricketers’ Associa- downing Eoin Morgan’s men gone through that string of attack, the guys are relieved. al though they have got some land despite struggling with a been touted as a possible suc- tion, which represents the play- had helped settle the nerves in defeats,” Flower told a news “We didn’t adapt well to good seamers and some spin- shoulder injury but didn’t start cessor to Trevor Bayliss as the ers, have soured over the past the dressing room. conference. conditions against West In- ners with very good skills.” a match before being ruled out England head coach – the for- year. of the tournament. mer West Indian fast bowler Concern were highlighted He will be unable to bowl has already had two stints as a about a lack of consultation for an “indefinite” time and the member of the England coach- about the financial position of latest setback, after a lengthy ing staff. South African cricket and a plan Karunaratne backs batting to find form today struggle with injuries, could If Gibson goes, it is likely by CSA to restructure the do- spell the end for South Africa’s most of his support staff will go mestic game. all-time leading Test wicket- with him. Apart from ageing players, REUTERS World Cup winners were bowled out for ets,” Karunaratne told a news conference taker. Fielding coach Justin On- South Africa has had to contend LONDON a modest 201. on Thursday. Faf du Plessis has built up a tong is likely to be another with the lure of lucrative Kolpak It was the second consecutive match “I saw a good team spirit there strong record as captain but at casualty, with commentators, contracts in England. SRI Lanka cannot afford another sloppy in which Sri Lanka’s batting failed to de- (against Afghanistan) and the fielding and age 34 his future is not certain. including former South African Morne Morkel, Kyle Abbott batting display if they are to beat a resur- liver, having been bundled out for 136 in a bowling unit did a good job. Now ... the Speaking in 2018 he noted that captain Graeme Smith, criticis- and Duanne Olivier are three gent Pakistan and record a first World 10-wicket defeat against New Zealand on batting line-up have to put their hands up several leading players were ing what is regarded as a drop fast bowlers who have gone this Cup win over their subcontinent rivals on Saturday. and do the job. reaching an age where retire- in South Africa’s normally high route, while batsman Rilee Ros- Friday, captain Dimuth Karunaratne said. “I think if you are playing any big “If we can put a good total on this ment was an option. fielding standards. souw and off-spinner Simon In a topsy-turvy affair on Tuesday, Sri team, you have to do the basic things, you wicket, a good flat wicket ... then our “All of us are in a similar Mohammed Moosajee, Harmer are others who could Lanka claimed a narrow win over outsid- have to put some runs on the board and bowlers can defend it, I’m pretty sure of boat where we’re just taking it who has filled the dual roles of have been contenders for World ers Afghanistan in Cardiff after the 1996 give a chance for the bowlers to take wick- that.” series by series and if the hun- manager and team doctor since Cup places. 14 Friday, June 7, 2019 Sports NATIONS LEAGUE Latest VAR row a reminder Ronaldo hat-trick sends humans still Portugal into final make decisions DPA tainly not. Was it enough to PORTO (PORTUGAL) cause Zuber to fall over or did he dive? Only one person, Zu- THE video assistant referee ber himself, truly knows the an- (VAR) made its international swer, and everyone else - Brych debut in a UEFA competition included - had to guess. when Portugal defeated Swit- “I see it often in Portugal, zerland in the Nations League in Germany, in Italy. But there - and the European govern- has never been a VAR situa- ing body might be grateful tion like this,” said Swiss coach Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick Vladimir Petkovic. “In one min- hogged the headlines. ute, in two halves there were A controversial passage two opportunities to award a of play early in the second penalty, or to award one or the half of Wednesday’s semi- other.” Predictably, in contrast final led to one penalty being to the penalized party who felt overturned and another, at they were wrongly punished, the other end - awarded after Petkovic said you “couldn’t see a VAR consultation. it immediately,” when Zuber In the end it didn’t matter, was fouled. the Switzerland equalised from the spot only to be undone by A controversial passage of Ronaldo’s brilliance late on. But UEFA will note with inter- play early in the second est the somewhat farcical scene half of Wednesday’s semi- at the Dragao Stadium in Porto final led to one penalty when the game stopped for over being overturned and a minute yet still the decision another, at the other end - made was not met with univer- awarded after a VAR con- sal acceptance. sultation. “As far as I’ve been told, it wasn’t a penalty, so I think we have to pay attention to this,” VAR had, in effect, settled said Portugal coach Fernando nothing despite interupting Santos. “It’s not my duty to the game for over a minute. analyse the referees’ job, but the Even those who believe the Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League semi-final soccer match against Switzerland at the Dragao Stadium in Porto on duty of those who have the right penalty was correct would Wednesday. Portugal won 3-1. (EPA-EFE) to do so, in this case UEFA.” struggle to argue Brych miss- The drama began when Steven ing it originally, given the mar- Zuber fell to the ground chasing ginal nature of the contact, The genius striker nets 53rd career three-in-row feat despite VAR controversy a long ball. Portugal then coun- had made a “clear and obvi- ter-attacked, aided by Switzer- ous” error, the supposed level AFP threat themselves in the first land players making television for VAR to intervene. PORTO (PORTUGAL) half with Xherdan Shaqiri, gestures with their hands rather “We need to accept this, re- Unruly England fans an ‘embarrassment’ fresh from winning the Cham- than focusing on defending. gardless of whether it goes for PORTUGAL manager Fer- pions League with Liverpool, Bernardo Silva being fouled us or against us,” said Petkovic. nando Santos hailed Cristiano for disappointed Football Association particularly lively. by Fabian Schaer in the Swiss “This is the way it’s going in the Ronaldo a “football genius” However, it took the help box brought the game to a halt future.” He added Brych “dealt after his 53rd career hat-trick AFP of VAR to get them back in and after referee Felix Brych with it very well.” Santos said sent Portugal into the final of PORTO the game just before the pointed to one spot, consulted those “whose duty it is must the Nations League on home hour mark. television pictures to review the take a closer look at this issue,” soil in Porto with a 3-1 win NGLAND’S football as- Brych had waved away earlier incident. and warned: “Otherwise, we over Switzerland. sociation branded the appeals for a foul by Nelson Here is where the difficulty will all end up saying that VAR The hosts had to with- Eunruly behaviour of some Semedo on Steven Zuber be- began. After several looks, the is not necessary. stand a huge moment of VAR English fans in Portugal an fore awarding Portugal a pen- slightest contact on Zuber from “I think VAR is a great controversy as after Ronaldo’s ‘embarrassment’ ahead of the alty as play broke down at the Nelson Semedo could be seen. tool, but unfortunately, some- free-kick opened the scoring, Three Lions’ Nations League other end, but overturned his Was it deliberate? Almost cer- times it isn’t.” Portugal thought they had the semi-final against the Nether- initial decision. chance to double their lead lands on Thursday. Rodriguez drilled home from the penalty spot. Travelling fans clashes the resultant spot-kick much Instead German referee with police and were seen to the fury of the home sup- Felix Brych reversed his ini- hurling bottles in Porto on porters at the Estadio do CAF President Ahmad quizzed tial decision and awarded a Wednesday night with fears Dragao. spot-kick at the other end for there could be further trouble England fans and police outside the stadium before the match. The Swiss could then have by French authorities an earlier incident, which Ri- in nearby Guimaraes where (REUTERS) gone in front when Benfica cardo Rodriguez converted to Gareth Southgate’s side take forward Haris Seferovic head- REUTERS Ahmad, who is also a FIFA seemingly send the game to on the Dutch later today. in the city. in football,” the FA said in a ed just wide. PARIS vice president, had been in extra-time. Portuguese police said two “The FA strongly condemns statement. By contrast, Portugal had Paris for the FIFA Congress However, Ronaldo pre- England fans were arrested on the scenes witnessed in Porto “They are an embarrass- one of the deadliest finishers CONFEDERATION of Afri- on Wednesday, where its dictably took centre stage as Wednesday after bottles were overnight. Anyone responsible ment to the team and the in football history on the end can Football President Ah- newly re-elected president Gi- he struck twice in the final thrown as crowds watched for these disturbances cannot thousands of well-behaved of their chances. mad Ahmad was questioned anni Infantino said his organ- two minutes to set up a clash Portugal’s 3-1 semi-final win be seen as true England sup- fans who follow England in the “Congratulations to Por- by French authorities in Paris isation had got rid of a “toxic, with England or the Nether- over Switzerland in a fan zone porters and are not welcome right way.” tugal. They had street smarts, on Thursday, world football’s almost criminal” image. lands, who meet in the sec- they had the cherry on top of governing body FIFA said. “FIFA is unaware of the ond semi-final on Thursday, the cake and that made the Ahmad, a former Mala- details surrounding this in- in Sunday’s final. However, the five-time report, saying the case had not nardo Silva starring for Man- difference. Four shots, three gasy cabinet minister, was vestigation and is therefore “I was his coach in 2003 Ballon d’Or winner returned been dropped. chester City where he could goals,” said Switzerland coach reported in March to FIFA’s not in a position to make and I could see where he’d to the national team in March In front of an adoring soon be joined by Joao Felix. Vladimir Petkovic. ethics committee for alleged any comment on it specifi- go,” said Santos. “He’s a ge- and was always likely to be the home crowd, Ronaldo put City are reportedly set to Silva was the creator for corruption and harassment cally,” FIFA said in a state- nius. There’s genius paintings centre of attention, particu- the spotlight back on his per- pay Felix’s 120-million-euro Ronaldo to drill home his sec- by CAF general secretary Amr ment on Thursday. and sculptures and he’s a foot- larly on a day when it was re- formance on the pitch as he ($135 million) buyout clause ond of the night two minutes Fahmy. Fahmy was then fired. “FIFA is asking the French ball genius!” ported a rape lawsuit against opened the scoring with a bril- from Benfica, but the 19-year- from time. Ahmad, 59, was taken authorities for any informa- Portugal made it to the him had been dropped. liant free-kick. old missed a glaring chance Moments later the hosts from his Paris hotel at 8.30am tion that might be relevant last four without their all-time A lawyer for the American to mark his international de- sealed their place in the fi- and questioned by officers to investigations taking place record goalscorer as Ronaldo woman who claimed she was Debut for Felix but with a goal just before the nal on the counter-attack as of OCLIF, the French po- within its Ethics Committee.” took a hiatus from interna- sexually assaulted by Ronaldo The Portugal captain is break as he blasted over from Ronaldo curled into the far lice agency fighting financial Reuters has made several at- tional football to concentrate accusations he has strongly however no longer his coun- Ronaldo’s pass. corner for his 88th interna- crime and corruption, French tempts to contact Ahmad and on his first season at Juventus. denied -- later dismissed that try’s only star name, with Ber- Switzerland had posed a tional goal. media reports said. CAF for comment. Aussie coach excited by ‘fantastic’ Copa America opportunity

tle defence was ended by hosts Fullback Aziz Behich, who has been recalled after a strong Chance for Socceroos to make United Arab Emirates in the will wear the captain’s arm- return to the A-League with quarter-finals. band in his 36th international, the Western Sydney Wander- up a bit for Asia Cup flop show A second-string Australia is the most experienced player ers following several years in play a strong South Korea team in the squad along with re- Japan. in a friendly on Friday in Bu- called centre back Matthew Taggart will hope to add to REUTERS nity. It’s really exciting oppor- san, their first match since the Spiranovic. his eight caps after five years MELBOURNE tunity not only myself and the Asian Cup flop. Since taking over the Soc- in the international wilderness players but for the country,” ceroos after the World Cup, and knows South Korean foot- AUSTRALIA’S participation Arnold told reporters in a con- “Players (who) get the Arnold has tried to rejuvenate ball well, having had a bright in the Copa America is not ference call. the team’s attack, opting for start with Suwong Bluewings yet confirmed but would be a “The invitation, I believe, is opportunity to play in a trio of interchangeable for- since joining the four-times K- “fantastic” opportunity for the there. I think there’s still a fair those type of games and wards rather than a traditional League champions in January. Socceroos to test themselves bit of paperwork to go through those type of tournaments striker. Arnold was coy on whether against some of the best play- yet but until that’s done, I is where the players go up The ploy fell flat at the he would persist with a front ers in the world, coach Graham pretty much can’t say too much to another level. Asian Cup where Australia three against the Taeguk War- Arnold said on Thursday. but it’s something that would managed only six goals in five riors and said he had not decid- Brazilian media reported be absolutely fantastic for the matches. ed on the makeup of his team. on Wednesday that Aus- players and the nation. Arnold included only a Arnold has Mitchell Duke, “It’s a very flexible front- tralia and Qatar, the last two “Players (who) get the op- Australia coach Graham Arnold: Ready for big test in Brazil handful of players that featured a late replacement after Chris line, it’s a frontline that has a champions of Asia, had been portunity to play in those type at the Asian Cup in his squad Ikonomidis was ruled out with lot of pace and a lot of individu- invited to play in next year’s of games and those type of stage at club-land.” Australia were knocked for South Korea, with captain a shoulder problem, and the al quality,” he said. edition of the continental tournaments is where the play- Qatar and Japan are the out of the group stage at last Mark Milligan and midfielder recalled Adam Taggart as two “So, we’re looking forward championship along with 10 ers go up to another level. guest teams at this year’s Copa year’s World Cup in Russia Aaron Mooy among the many options to play up front. to a great performance tomor- South American teams. “And when they go to an- America in Brazil, which starts and had a disappointing Asian rested for World Cup qualify- Duke played the last of his row night with a lot of energy “It’s a wonderful opportu- other level they go to a bigger on June 14. Cup in January, where their ti- ing later in the year. four internationals in 2013 but in front of a sold-out stadium.” Friday, June 7, 2019 15 KIDS CORNER

Happy Birthday

GEORGINA BIEL L. SALCEDO (June 7)

Half Full By Maria Scrivan

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, 1234567891011121314 to form four ordinary words. Level: 1 2 3 4

15 16 TIWYT @PlayJumble

17 18

19 20 21

22 23 TCEHF

24 25 DSS)ROORZXVRQ7ZLWWHU 26 27 SWOYLL 28 29 30 31 32

33 34 JUST JUMBLE 35 36 37 38 MRAHEM

39 40 Get the free

41 42 Now arrange the circled letters ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. 43 44 45 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 46 47 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk 48 49

By Ryan McCarty Level: 1 2 3 4

it was a — WASTE OF TIME OF WASTE — a was it

Answer: Answer:

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Do you have a poem, short story, painting or a kid’s birthday that you want to share? If YES, we would like to hear from you. And don’t forget to mention your name, your school and class and include a passport size photograph of yours, along with your contact number. Email to us at [email protected] 16 Friday, June 7, 2019 The Last Word With cows, chickens and greenhouses, Qatar meets regional boycott head-on Once dependent on its neighbour for dairy, Qatar now exports milk, while it has achieved self-sufficiency in fresh poultry REUTERS DOHA

TWO years after flying in thousands of dairy cows to beat the siege imposed by some neigh- bouring countries, Qatari milk producer Baladna has made its first exports. Baladna received its first cows a month after the boycott and set up a huge diary farm. It says it now supplies more than half of Qatar’s fresh milk and is exporting to Afghanistan, Yemen and Oman, and soon to Libya. Soon after the boycott was imposed, Doha developed new trade routes to replace its former Gulf partners. In late 2017 it opened a $7.4 billion port designed to become a regional transport hub. Cows are fed in a shed at Baladna farm in Al-Khor, north of Doha. (Right) Bottles of milk on the production line at the dairy factory at Baladna farm. (REUTERS) Government officials say Baladna’s rapid expansion the first time, drawn partly by shows the embargo has made increased subsidies for power, Qatar’s economy stronger. fertiliser and seeds since 2018. Their goal is to encourage local “We never before saw busi- producers. nessmen investing in farms. In April, Baladna rolled They liked to invest in build- out a line of fruit juices. In Qa- ings and industry, anything tar’s supermarkets, brands like but farms,” said Sheikh Faleh, Mazzraty, which opened the Qatari official. country’s largest poultry plant Rabban Agriculture is one in January, sit beside “Qatar of the new entrants. Farms” displays of local fruit Owner Al Rabban Holding and vegetables. - with investments in property, Vegetable output is up transport and bottled water - about 20 percent since mid- is tapping initiatives like a QR1 2017 to around 66,000 tonnes million collateral-free loan per year and is expected to from Qatar’s Development increase by 20,000 to 40,000 Bank to build a greenhouse tonnes next year as new farms farm, said Deputy Chairman come online, said Sheikh Faleh Khalifa al-Rabban. bin Naser al Thani, an agriculture official at the Ministry of A worker inspects tomatoes at an Agrico farm in Al Khor. (REUTERS) Sheikh Faleh bin Naser al Thani, an agriculture official at the Ministry Nader Kabbani, director of Municipality and Environ- of Municipality and Environment, at his office in Doha. (REUTERS) research at Brookings Doha, ment. Baladna Communications Di- The economy has since dle East last year. said Qatar’s tone had changed Qatar is now self-sufficient rector Saba al Fadala, refer- stabilised, growing 2.2 percent Qatar’s goal of greater food ness has boomed since he de- temperature outside tops 40. from initially wanting to re- in dairy and fresh poultry. ring to the start of the boycott. year-on-year in the third quar- self-sufficiency has required signed a system to keep fruit Khalaf said the system al- solve the dispute to asserting it Before 2017, it produced only “We now don’t want or need ter of 2018. Qatar’s banks have launching agriculture on a and vegetables cool enough to lowed him to more than triple can go it alone. about 20 percent and 10 per- anyone.” been replenished by foreign commercial scale. grow year-round. fruit and vegetable production Qatar can do that, said a cent of its needs in those sec- With a $320 billion sover- deposits replacing much of the Nasser al Khalaf, manag- In a polycarbon green- to over 15 tonnes per day. Western diplomat, thanks to tors, respectively. eign fund, Qatar is well-placed Saudi and Emirati money that ing director of Agrico, a pro- house, rows of ripening hydro- Khalaf said his green- its gas wealth, World Cup ex- “Qatar after June 5, 2017 to weather the embargo, diplo- left, and its stock market was duce grower and greenhouse ponic tomatoes are cooled be- houses are attracting inves- posure and international out- is not like Qatar before,” said mats and analysts say. the top performer in the Mid- manufacturer, said his busi- low 28 degrees Celsius as the tors looking at farming for reach efforts.

PEOPLE THRONG PUBLIC PLACES ON THIRD DAY OF EID

People from all walks of life, including expats, families and children, gathered in large numbers at public places, parks and malls across the country to spend happy time together on the third day of Eid Al-Fitr on Thursday. (TNN)