BBADMINTONADMINTON | Page 4 RUGBY | Page 5 Prannoy 12-try All Blacks upsets crush Samoa Chen Long to in Lions enter semis warning

Saturday, June 17, 2017 TENNIS Ramadan 22, 1438 AH Berdych joins seeds’ GULF TIMES Stuttgart exodus aft er defeat to Lopez SPORT Page 3 CRICKET Amir confi dent of being fi t for Champions Trophy fi nal ‘I bowled in the nets and felt no discomfort and since we have one more day (to prepare), I hope the recovery will be complete’

AFP FOCUS London

akistan fast bowler Moham- ed Amir believes he is “fast gaining fi tness” ahead of the Champions Trophy fi nal India openers inspire againstP arch-rivals India. The 25-year-old left-armer missed Pakistan’s shock eight-wicket semi-fi - nal win over tournament hosts England in Cardiff on Wednesday with a back Kohli ahead of fi nal spasm.But after bowling in the nets at AFP number of runs do not matter at this labelled “shambolic”, they bounced the Oval — the venue for Sunday’s fi nal Birmingham stage. I’m really enjoying the process. back to beat top-ranked South Africa. — yesterday, Amir told AFP: “I am fast “The way Rohit and Shikhar bat- Pakistan then held their nerve to gaining fi tness. ted, it just gave me so much confi dence beat Sri Lanka in what was a virtual “I bowled in the nets and felt no dis- ndia captain Virat Kohli heads into heading out of the changing room. quarter-fi nal in Cardiff on Monday. comfort and since we have one more a Champions Trophy fi nal against Those two guys really dent the opposi- Two days on, they raised their game day (to prepare) I hope the recovery will arch-rivals Pakistan back on top of tion mentally,” he explained. still further to infl ict a crushing eight- be complete,” explained Amir, who took the one-day international batting That India had a below par total to wicket defeat of previously unbeaten none for 32 in Pakistan’s 124-run de- Irankings. chase owed much to Kohli’s decision tournament hosts England in a semi- feat by India in the teams’ tournament But the star batsman insists it is the to bring on unheralded spinner Kedar fi nal in the Welsh capital. For all that opener at Edgbaston on June 4. form of the title-holders’ opening duo Jadhav. He only had six ODI wickets India’s margin of victory was greater, “I look forward to playing as it’s a that is giving him confi dence in the prior to this match yet dismissed both Pakistan’s last-four success was argu- big occasion,” added Amir, now fi rmly lead up to Sunday’s clash between the Bangladesh top-scorers Tamim Iqbal ably even more impressive given they back in the international fold after his sub-continent cricket giants at the (70) and Mushfi qur Rahim (61) on his bowled England out for just 211. career was halted by a ban and jail sen- Oval. The 28-year-old Kohli is also top way to fi gures of two for 22 in six overs. “The turnaround has been magnifi - tence for his part in a 2010 spot-fi xing of the tournament batting averages The Tigers’ third-wicket duo had cent,” said Kohli of Pakistan’s progress. scam during a Test against England at with a scarcely credible mark of 253 — a given India something to think about “They’ve beaten sides that looked Lord’s. fi gure that owes much to the fact that while adding 123 but once they were really strong against them.” Amir, who took two wickets, includ- three of his four innings so far have both out the innings fell away. “He For Bangladesh their fi rst major ing that of all-time batting great Sachin been not outs. Kohli was undefeated bowled really well, credit to him,” said semi-fi nal was a reality check. Tendulkar, when Pakistan beat India again as India crushed Bangladesh by Kohli of Jadhav. Having been spared all but certain at Centurion in the 2009 Champions nine wickets in a commanding semi- “He doesn’t bowl much in the nets, elimination when rain washed out their Trophy, starred with both bat and ball fi nal victory at Edgbaston — the venue but he’s a smart cricketer. He knows match with Australia, the Tigers got to in the virtual quarter-fi nal victory over where they won the 2013 Champions where the batsmen get into trouble, the knockout phase with just one win, Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Monday. Trophy title — on Wednesday. and if you can think like a batter when albeit their defeat of New Zealand was a He took two for 53 in 10 overs as Sri His 96 not out saw Kohli end the you’re bowling, it’s obviously a bit of well-deserved success. Bangladesh all- Lanka were held to 236 and then made match with nearly 10 overs to spare by an advantage to any bowler.” rounder Shakib Al Hasan was left la- an unbeaten 28 as he and Pakistan cap- hitting a four off Sabbir Rahman. menting the fact his side had been “no- tain Sarfraz Ahmed (61 not out) steered But Rohit Sharma was 123 not out at ‘Turnaround’ where near their best” against India. their side to a tense three-wicket win the other end, having shared an unbro- India will now fi nish the tournament “I thought we were in a very good with an unbroken stand of 75. ken stand of 178 with his skipper. By against Pakistan having started their ti- situation to score 300-320, that would But he was hardly missed on the time Kohli came in, however, India tle defence with a 124-run thrashing of have been a diff erent game,” said Shak- Wednesday, with fellow left-arm pace- were well on their way to chasing down their traditional foes in Birmingham un- ib. “Losing those two wickets to an oc- man Rumman Raees, despite making a modest victory target of 265 thanks to der a fortnight ago. While it may be one casional bowler obviously didn’t help. his one-day international debut, taking a brisk opening partnership of 87 be- of cricket’s oldest cliches to label Paki- “With our runs and that wicket, we two for 44 as England were skittled out tween Sharma and left-hander Shikhar stan “unpredictable”, they’ve done their knew it was very hard for our bowlers, for just 211. Dhawan, who made 46. best to live up to it during this tourna- but still I think we were nowhere near Amir, however, has once again be- “I’m really enjoying the way I’m bat- ment. After a performance against In- our best today, especially in our bowl- come a mainstay of the Pakistan team ting,” Kohli told reporters. “For me the dia even Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur ing and fi elding.” since returning to the side early in 2016, appearing in 47 of the team’s 57 match- es across all international formats fol- lowing his comeback. As well as bowling in the nets on Friday, Amir received treatment from the Pakistan team physiotherapist and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood told reporters: “He bowled today without any problem whatsoever. “The back spasm took two days to get over, and he’s better now,” the former Pakistan all-rounder added. “We will go with Amir if he is fi t. But we don’t mind — if he is not fi t, then we Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir during a net session yesterday in London. (Reuters) move on with Rumman Raees.” Azhar added: “We have the bench “But the way Rumman Raees came and such an ability that they can per- strength. Last match, when Amir was in and bowled, it showed we have the form on any stage. It is just a matter of not there, people were worried about bench strength. self-belief and confi dence. I think any- India’s Shikhar Dhawan (second from left) celebrates with Rohit Sharma as MS Dhoni congratulates Virat Kohli (second from our main strike bowler not playing. “We have guys who have such skill one can replace anyone.” right) after defeating Bangladesh in Champions Trophy semi-final in Edgbaston on Thursday. (Reuters)

It’s personal — fi ve India-Pakistan spats There is never a dull moment when India and Pa- moments in international cricket. India won the group eventual winners Sri Lanka in the semi-final. Gambhir’s drinks clash with Akmal Pakistan again came to the fore in the 2010 Asia kistan clash in cricket. Ahead of their showdown match, but Pakistan won the title. Gambhir was in the thick of controversy again in 2010 Cup clash. Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and in the Champions Trophy final tomorrow, here Gambhir, Afridi sledgefest when he clashed with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal Shoaib Akhtar exchanged abuse in Punjabi, are five of their most memorable spats: Prasad’s perfect send-off Pakistan’s tour of India in 2007 is remembered during an Asia Cup game at Dambulla. Tempers a language they both speak, after the Indian In their 1996 World Cup quarter-final in Bangalore, for Indian opener Gautam Gambhir and Paki- boiled over after Akmal’s confident appeal for caught hit the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ for a massive six. When Miandad mimicked More Pakistan opener Aamer Sohail aggressively went stan’s Shahid Afridi nearly coming to blows dur- behind was denied by the umpire. During the drinks Harbhajan had the last laugh when he hit the Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More angered Pakistan’s after India’s opening bowlers. He brought up his ing a one-day international in Kanpur. Gambhir break, the two were at each other’s throats before winning six with one ball to spare, triggering mercurial Javed Miandad at the 1992 World Cup in 50 at more than a run a ball and celebrated with hit Afridi for a four and a verbal joust followed. captain MS Dhoni pulled aside Gambhir to calm things wild celebrations in the Indian dressing room. Sydney with constant appeals for a dismissal. Mian- a blistering four off Venkatesh Prasad. As the ball The next ball the players collided as Gambhir down. Later in a TV programme, Gambhir brushed Harbhajan said the two were often rivals on the dad looked furious when More at one stage appealed raced to the fence, Sohail mocked Prasad, pointing ran for a single. aside the spat as a heat-of-the-moment thing and pitch, but friends off . for a run out, leaping up and down the pitch. Miandad to the region with the bat as if to say, “Go fetch”. A heated argument ensued with the players blamed the broadcaster for showing the row instead “Shoaib once threatened me he would come turned towards More and the two exchanged sharp Sohail tried to repeat the slash off the next ball but hurling abuse at each other. Afridi recently of advertisements during the break. to my room and beat me. I told him come, let’s words. The next ball, More flipped the bails off when was bowled. It was Prasad’s turn to hit back, with recalled the spat. He said Gambhir was not the see who beats whom. I was really scared. He is a Miandad was clearly in. The Pakistani imitated More the bowler appearing to mouth “Go home, you friendliest cricketer around and they wouldn’t Harbhajan run-in with Akhtar great hulk,” the Indian said of their relationship by jumping up and down in one of the most comical ******* *******”. India won the match but went out to be sharing a coff ee with anytime soon. The bare-knuckle rivalry between India and last year. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 17, 2017 CRICKET

SELECTION Australia rest pacer Starc for Bangladesh tour

Reuters fellow pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Smith-led squad. Melbourne Pat Cummins, while the selectors Australia postponed their tour will name a fourth fast bowler later. of Bangladesh in 2015 over security O’Keefe was a notable omission, concerns but CA executive general ustralia have rested pace- having taken 12 wickets in the fi rst manager Pat Howard was satisfi ed man Mitchell Starc and test in India and fi nishing as Aus- with the assurance from their hosts. dropped left-arm spin- tralia’s joint leading wicket-taker in “The Bangladesh Cricket Board ner Steve O’Keefe for the series, which the hosts won 2-1. and the Bangladesh Government theA upcoming two-Test series in “Whilst Steve O’Keefe bowled have provided satisfactory levels Bangladesh, Cricket Australia said well in Pune, he did not maintain of assurance and security for this yesterday. this level in the remaining matches tour to proceed at this stage, and Starc featured in Australia’s failed of the series...” national selector we’re very grateful to them for this,” Champions Trophy campaign but Trevor Hohns said. Howard said. scans revealed the left-arm paceman Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar has “We will continue to work with has not fully recovered from the foot been asked instead to partner off - them to fi nalise plans but also moni- fracture that cut short his India tour spinner Nathan Lyon for the tests in tor advice from Government agen- earlier this year. Dhaka (from August 27) and Chit- cies and our own security advisors “Mitchell was due to go for fol- tagong (from September 4). about the security risk.” low-up scans after the Champions “Ashton has continued to impress Trophy, as part of his recovery plan,” us with his form and we believe his Australia squad physiotherapist David Beakely said bowling is at a level where he de- Steve Smith (captain), David Warner after CA named a 13-member squad. serves to be playing on the highest (vice-captain), Ashton Agar, Hilton “He will now undertake a period stage,” Hohns said. Cartwright, Pat Cummins, Peter of rest from bowling with the aim to “He will work nicely in tandem Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Us- have him return for the one-day se- with Nathan Lyon and also brings a man Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn ries in India in late September as he great all-round package to the team.” Maxwell, James Pattinson, Matt begins his build up to the Ashes.” All-rounder Hilton Cartwright Renshaw, Matthew Wade Australia’s Mitchell Starc (centre) smiles as England’s Ben Stokes takes a run during the ICC Champions Trophy match at Edgbaston Fit-again James Pattinson joined has also been named in the Steve (wicketkeeper). in Birmingham on June 10, 2017. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT England ODI team not ‘fi nished article’ Pakistan ready to yet, says Root

Reuters London

ngland’s limited-overs team have improved signifi cantly ‘change history’ since being dumped out of the World Cup in the group stage two years ago but they remain a work in progress, batting mainstay Joe Root has said. ‘This is the time for us to change the tag that we don’t perform well at ICC events’ EThe team have undergone a transformation under Eoin Morgan and were considered one of the favourites at the ongoing Champi- ons Trophy. And while their bid to win a maiden global 50-overs AFP title was scuppered by Pakistan in Wednesday’s semi-fi nal, Root London said it was clear they were on the right track. “This was a golden chance to win a tournament at home, and I think all we can do now is keep looking towards that World Cup akistan are ready to and use this as a really good platform,” test captain Root told re- change the course of porters. history in a clash that’s “We know we’re not the fi nished article. But we have made huge “bigger than the Ashes” strides and we’ve got to continue to work out ways to get on the Pwhen they face arch-rivals India right side of these scenarios when things aren’t favourable to us.” in the Champions Trophy fi nal. England will host the next World Cup in two years’ time and Some estimates suggest Sun- Root, who is expected to assume one-day captaincy before that, day’s match between the sub- said it was important for the side to keep improving. continental Cricket giants at the “It is a good learning curve for us but we’ve got to keep the same Oval in south London could attract drive that we’ve had over the last 18 months to keep getting better a worldwide television audience of so that, when that World Cup does come round, we’re in the best more than a billion viewers. shape possible and give ourselves the best chance of really con- Title-holders India will be tending that fi nal.” fi rm favourites against a Paki- stan side who were the lowest ranked of all the teams taking part in a tournament featuring the world’s top-eight one-day international sides. It was only on June 4 that India launched their title defence with a 124-run rout of Pakistan at Edgbaston. Yet even by their own “unpre- dictable” standards, Pakistan’s transformation since that re- verse has been remarkable and on Wednesday they knocked previously unbeaten tournament hosts England out of the com- petition with a comprehensive eight-wicket win in Cardiff . Pakistan have yet to play a match at the Oval this tourna- ment but in bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, who spent several seasons at his “second home” playing for Surrey, they have someone familiar with all the vagaries of the London ground. And the former Pakistan all- rounder insisted all the burden of expectation was now on In- dia’s shoulders. Pakistan’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood talks with the media yesterday. (Reuters) “We’ve got nothing to lose - the pressure is more on them,” 42, said there was no reason why was no hiding from the scale of the Ashes - and expectation is prise. “It wouldn’t be a shock if Azhar told reporters at the Oval the sequence had to be extended a fi xture which, mainly because high from both nations, crazy we won. No one gave us a hope yesterday. “They are ranked this weekend as well. of political pressure, rarely takes about Cricket. when we got here. We were the higher than us - so everyone is “India have the upper hand in place outside of a major interna- “The pressure is high for both number eight ranked side, and talking about India, India. But I ICC tournaments,” he admitted tional tournament. “It is mas- sides and their countries ... it is a no one gave us any credit. can tell you one thing - we have before adding: “But things can sive,” said Azhar. dream fi nal for the sponsors and “But someone asked me be- come to win.” change, and this is the time for us “India refuse to play against the broadcasters,” he added. fore the tournament who would India have won all three of to change the tag that we don’t us (in Pakistan’s adopted home “This is the game they want, be in the fi nal and I said Paki- their previous matches with Pa- perform well at ICC events. of the United Arab Emirates).” but it is up to us how we handle stan,” Azhar insisted. kistan in the knockout stages of “History can change, and I “But (now) on the biggest the pressure on the day.” “I believe in my boys ... if we England’s Eoin Morgan and Joe Root (right) look dejected after International Cricket Council hope we can (change it).” stage it is India v Pakistan. It is And he insisted a Pakistan win it would be a great gift to the losing the Champions Trophy semi-final against Pakistan in tournaments to date but Azhar, Meanwhile Azhar said there like the Ashes ... it is bigger than victory would be no great sur- whole nation.” Cardiff on June 14. (Reuters)

Sohail backtracks on match-fixing allegations Former star batsman Aamer Sohail has back- whether he wanted to dedicate the win to following,” he added. South Africa and Sri Lanka in the rest of their channel. tracked on his comments after his claim that Miandad. But I heard reports that he refused The former head of the Pakistan Cricket matches in Group B saw them qualify for the “If asked, I will say that the prayers of the fans the Pakistan team fixed matches at the ongo- to do so and said Miandad criticises the team Board’s (PCB) selection committee also as- semi-finals. and God has won them the games. They have ing Champions Trophy cricket tournament too much. “What I meant was that Sarfraz has serted that he always praised Sarfraz’s talent England, the only undefeated team in the been brought to the final due to external fac- drew widespread criticism across the country. become captain only recently and Miandad is and wanted him to achieve more success as tournament until that point, were among the tors and not based on on-field performance. The former national team captain had made a very big name in Pakistan cricket. He should the Pakistan captain. favourites to reach the final, but Pakistan domi- The boys now need to be level-headed and the claim after Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka not have said such things. If Miandad says “I never said that Sarfraz follows someone nated with both the bat and ball to outclass the focus on playing good cricket,” the former in their last match in Group B on June 12 to something, it is only for the improvement of else’s agenda. I alone supported Sarfraz since hosts and set up a title clash with India. Pakistan captain added. qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions Pakistan cricket,” Sohail told Pakistani channel 2015 and recommended him for taking on the However, Sohail’s comments after the win over Sohail was himself at the heart of the match- Trophy. Samaa TV. “The other thing I said was that captaincy of the Pakistan team. Sri Lanka had angered many Pakistani fans. fixing scandal that rocked Pakistan cricket in But yesterday, Sohail claimed that he never ac- the facilitators of the win cannot be named; “What I meant that day on your programme “Sarfraz needs to be told that you have not the late 1990s. One of the key players during cused the national team of fixing matches and however I said nothing about match-fixing or was that people should stop confusing Sarfraz done anything great. Someone has helped Pakistan’s successful campaign at the 1992 was only criticising Pakistan captain Sarfraz any other foul play - my statement was misun- otherwise we will see a good talent go to you win the game. There is no reason for you World Cup, Sohail’s most infamous moment Ahmed for not dedicating the win over Sri derstood. waste,” Sohail insisted. (Sarfraz) to be so happy. We all know what on the cricket field was at the 1996 World Cup Lanka to legendary batsman Javed Miandad, “If Pakistan is winning, then why bring up Pakistan had started their campaign on a disas- happens behind the scenes. Don’t wish to get when he got into an altercation with India whose birthday fell on that day. references to match fixing? I don’t know what trous note with a 124-run defeat to arch-rivals into the details on who won them the games,” pacer Venkatesh Prasad before being bowled “Sarfraz was asked after the Sri Lanka match agenda people who make such allegations are India, but consecutive wins over formidable Sohail said during a programme on a Pakistani off the very next delivery. Gulf Times Saturday, June 17, 2017 3 SPORT

TENNIS ROUND-UP Del Potro Lopez shocks Berdych to pulls out reach Stuttgart Open semis of Queen’s Lopez to face Mischa Zverev in last four; Paire yet to drop a set en route to semi-finals

Reuters Stuttgart, Germany

Reuters omas Berdych became the latest London seeded player to exit the Stutt- gart Open yesterday as Span- iard Feliciano Lopez edged past uan Martin del Potro’s Tthe Czech third seed 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4 to Wimbledon preparations reach the last four. The world number have been thrown into 14, who has reached only one fi nal this disarray after the Argen- year, joined top seeds Roger Federer and tineJ was forced to pull out of next Grigor Dimitrov on the sidelines. Span- week’s Aegon Championships at iard Lopez, ranked 33rd in the world, Queen’s Club with a groin injury. will face in-form Mischa Zverev on the Former US Open champion quick grass court after he beat 39-year- Del Potro, ranked 30 in the world old veteran Tommy Haas 6-4, 6-4. The after a steady rise up the rankings 35-year-old Lopez bounced back from following a succession of career- the fi rst set tiebreak loss to Berdych and threatening wrist injuries, also saved several break points on his own pulled out of this week’s grass- serve early in the third set. court event in Den Bosch. Lopez earned his only break with a It means the Argentinian faces superb crosscourt passing shot to go the prospect of arriving at Wim- 4-3 up and keep his advantage until the bledon without any grasscourt end. The other semi-fi nal will be an all- matches under his belt. Queen’s, French clash between world number 16 which features world number Lucas Pouille and Benoit Paire, who has one and Wimbledon champion yet to drop a set in the tournament. Andy Murray and world number Results (x denotes seeding): Mischa three Stan Wawrinka, has also Zverev (GER x6) bt Tommy Haas (GER) lost French Open champion Rafa 6-4, 6-4; Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt Tomas Nadal after he withdrew to re- Berdych (CZE x3) 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-4; Lucas cover after his triumph at Roland Pouille (FRA x4) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber Garros. Australian Thanasi Kok- (GER) 6-4, 2-6, 6-2; Benoît Paire (FRA) bt kinakis and Briton James Ward Jerzy Janowicz (POL) 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) have been awarded main draw wildcards. CILIC AND KARLOVIC SET UP ALL-CROATIAN SEMI-FINAL AUSTRALIA’S STOSUR IN Marin Cilic and fellow Croatian Ivo Spain’s Feliciano Lopez returns the ball en route to his win over Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych in quarter-finals of Stuttgart Open in southwestern Germany. (AFP) DOUBT FOR WIMBLEDON Karlovic set up a big-serving semi-fi nal Former US Open winner Sa- clash at the Den Bosch Open after im- The 38-year-old Karlovic reached his Quarter-final results: Men: Marin Cilic Ashleigh Barty to claim a 6-3 7-5 victo- ing round defeats but after her rapid mantha Stosur is in doubt for pressive victories at the Dutch grass- fi rst semi-fi nal of the year after the third (CRO x1) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-3, 7-5; ry and reach the semi-fi nals of the Not- rise up the rankings, including the title Wimbledon next month after court event yesterday. Rising German seed beat qualifi er Daniil Medvedev Ivo Karlovic (CRO x3) bt Daniil Medvedev tingham Open yesterday. Cheered on in Miami this year, she will be expect- suff ering stress fractures in her Alexander Zverev also advanced to the 6-4, 6-4 in less than an hour on court. (RUS) 6-4, 6-4; Gilles Muller (LUX x4) bt by the home crowd the world number ing a deep run at the All England Club. right hand, Australian media re- last four, as did Luxembourg’s Gilles “I was playing unbelievable, with some Aljaz Bedene (GBR x8) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; Alex- eight eased through the fi rst set but fell She will continue to sharpen her game ported yesterday. The 33-year- Muller meaning the top four seeds have really good volleys. Overall I am happy ander Zverev (GER x2) bt Julien Benneteau a break behind in the second before up- in today’s semi-fi nal against Magdalena old was hampered by the injury also survived to the semis. with the performance,” he said. (FRA) 6-0, 6-4 ping her game to avoid a deciding set. Rybarikova who beat American quali- during her fourth round loss to That is in stark contrast to the wom- Zverev, 20, was also detained for less Women: Ana Konjuh (CRO x5) bt Evgeniya “I only had one little dip but I tried to fi er Kristie Ahn. Croatia’s Donna Ve- eventual champion Jelena Os- en’s event where second seed Kristina than an hour as he beat 35-year-old Rodina (RUS) 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (12/10); stay strong. I felt I was able to raise my kic, a former fi nalist at the Birming- tapenko at Roland Garros ear- Mladenovic suff ered a 6-3, 6-1 quarter- Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-0, 6-4 Natalia Vikhlyantseva (RUS) bt Arantxa game,” Konta, who will carry Britain’s ham grasscourt event, also reached the lier this month. Stosur returned fi nal defeat to Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko. while Mueller beat Britain’s Aljaz Be- Rus (NED) 6-3, 6-2; Anett Kontaveit (EST) hopes in the Wimbledon women’s sin- last four with a 6-2 6-3 defeat of Greek to Australia for treatment for Top seed Dominika Cibulkova fell in the dene 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. bt Carina Witthoeft (GER) 6-3, 6-1l Lesia gles next month, said after reaching the player Maria Sakkari. what was initially thought to be fi rst round. World number seven Cilic Mladenovic, a 2016 runner-up, strug- Tsurenko (UKR x7) bt Kristina Mladenovic semis without dropping a set. “It was Quarter-final results : Johanna Konta a soft tissue injury but tests re- recorded his 50th grasscourt match win, gled throughout against Tsurenko, mak- (FRA x2) 6-3, 6-1 defi nitely a nice little comeback,” Konta (GBR x1) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6-3, 7-5; vealed the stress fractures. The beating Vasek Pospisil 6-3, 7-5. “I feel ing 24 unforced errors to her opponent’s added. “I worked very hard to get myself Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) bt Kristie world number 34 has already better and better, obviously after each nine. Tsurenko will meet Estonia’s An- KONTA THROUGH TO LAST back into that second set and stop Ash- Ahn (USA) 6-4, 6-1; Donna Vekic (CRO) bt withdrawn from the Eastbourne day I’m getting used to the grass,” Cilic, ett Kontaveit while the other semi-fi nal FOUR IN NOTTINGHAM leigh from running away with it.” Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-2, 6-3; Lucie tournament, which she had en- who recovered a 5-2 second-set defi cit, will be between Croatia’s Ana Konjuh Top seed Johanna Konta overcame a Konta won a round at Wimbledon for Safarova (CZE x5) bt Tsvetana Pironkova tered to prepare for the grass- said.”I served well in critical situations.” and Russian Natalia Vikhlyantseva. second-set wobble against Australia’s the fi rst time last year after four open- (BUL) 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 court grand slam.

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Spilak takes overall lead Doubles glory no stepping stone to

AFP all win as he leads Damiano Caruso of BMC by Lausanne 52sec and Steven Kruijswijk by 1min 05sec. singles success, says India’s Bopanna ormer champion Simon Spilak climbed to RESULTS AND STANDINGS the overall lead in the Tour of Switzerland Stage: 1. Simon Spilak (SLO/KAT) 3hr 58min 36sec Reuters yesterday with a solo breakaway to a sum- (average: 40.4 km/h), 2. Jon Izagirre (ESP/BAH) at Mumbai mit fi nish of the seventh stage at Solden 0:22, 3. Joe Dombrowski (USA/CAN) 0:36, 4. Damiano inF Austria. Spain’s Ion Izzagirre and American Caruso (ITA/BMC) 1:04, 5. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/ rider Joe Dombrowski kept pressure on 2015 win- LNL) 1:04, 6. Jan Hirt (CZE/CCC) 1:07, 7. Rein Taaramae oubles has been the ner Spilak after the largely fl at stage ended with (EST/KAT) 1:33, 8. Mikel Nieve (ESP/SKY) 1:47, 9. Rui source of Indian ten- a long, steep climb to the Tiefenbach Glacier at Costa (POR/EAU) 1:53, 10. Peio Bilbao (ESP/AST) 2:40 nis pride since Mahesh 2,780 metres. Overall: 1. Simon Spilak (SLO/Katusha) 26hr 02min Bhupathi partnered Ja- The Slovak fi nished strongly, however, and not Dpan’s Rika Hiraki to a grand slam 16sec, 2. Damiano Caruso (ITA/BMC) at 0:52, 3. Steven only won the stage but took the overall lead from Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) 1:05, 4. Domenico Pozzovivo title in 1997 but a lack of coach- Thursday’s stage winner Domenico Pozzovivo, (ITA/ALM) 2:28, 5. Rui Costa (POR/EAU) 2:35, 6. ing quality will ensure singles who struggled badly yesterday losing around Mathias Frank (SWI/ALM) 2:51, 7. Mikel Nieve (ESP/ success remains out of reach, 2min 40sec. Katusha rider Spilak, 30, fi nds him- SKY) 2:54, 8. Jon Izagirre (ESP/BAH) 3:51, 9. Marc Soler Rohan Bopanna has said. self in a powerful position to repeat his 2015 over- (ESP/MOV) 4:07, 10. Peio Bilbao (ESP/AST) 4:10 Bopanna, who joined Bhupathi, Leander Paes and Sa- nia Mirza as the latest Indian grand slam champion when he teamed up with Canadian Gabri- McDonald’s cuts ties with Olympics ela Dabrowski at Roland Garros, said the country should not be Lausanne: McDonald’s has ended its longtime athletes who had become “so homesick for satisfi ed with winning doubles Olympic sponsorship dating back to 1976, the American food” in the French Alpine city. crowns. International Olympic Committee announced Over the decades the fast food chain has And the 37-year-old disagreed yesterday. The US fast food giant has supported contributed hundreds of millions of dollars into with the theory that doubles glo- the Olympics since the Montreal Games and the IOC’s cash tills and had a popular presence ry was a stepping stone to singles although the split takes place with immediate at every Olympic village since. At last year’s success. “If playing doubles was eff ect they will continue to be a sponsor at the Rio Games their promotion of free meals for a shortcut to success we would 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang. athletes triggered lengthy queues from sunrise have had a number of players “The IOC and McDonald’s have announced to sunset. One marketing guru suggested the ranked in the top 50,” Bopanna India’s Rohan Bopanna (right) teamed up with Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski to win the French Open that they have mutually agreed to bring their split was logical given the emphasis on health- said in an interview. “There was mixed doubles title last week. worldwide partnership to an end,” an IOC conscious diets. “The scale of obesity and diet- no system in place for players to statement confirmed. The burger chain, which related disease around the world is alarming, come through. Whoever did well help out for the future of Indian the country. “I am also bringing nered Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-haq is cutting its Olympic ties with three years of and although we can’t put this at McDonald’s in singles in the past did it on tennis,” Bopanna said. a couple of coaches to my acad- Qureshi to a runner-up fi nish at its contract still to run, was one of the IOC’s door they must be aware that sponsoring the their own.” “That’s how a sport will grow emy in Bangalore from outside. the US Open men’s doubles. heavyweight “TOP” partners along with the Olympics has now become ‘illogical’ and even in While Paes alone has amassed in India, when there is a system in One from the United Kingdom It took Bopanna 14 years to likes of Coca Cola, Visa, Bridgestone, Panasonic, many ways ‘counterproductive’,” British sports eight doubles grand slam titles to place. “There are kids who have and one from Serbia. They will be achieve his grand slam dream Toyota and Omega. The IOC, giving the reasons marketing expert Patrick Nally said. go with 10 in mixed doubles, In- the potential, they only have to be there for an year at least. I want after turning pro in 2003 but he behind the divorce, wrote: “In today’s rapidly Looking ahead to their last association with dia has had only rare glimpses of guided well and supported well the kids to have that opportunity said he never gave up hope. “As evolving business landscape, we understand the Olympic movement next year, the IOC said: joy in singles. In the early 1960s, and we will have singles players to learn from experienced foreign a sportsman if you don’t have that McDonald’s is looking to focus on diff erent “McDonald’s will continue to be a sponsor of Ramanathan Krishnan twice playing at the highest level.” coaches in their own country. the belief then you have no mo- business priorities.” the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 reached the singles semi-fi nals Bopanna said Indian players They often spend a lot of money tivation to really go out there and McDonald’s global chief marketing off icer Sil- with domestic marketing rights in the Republic at Wimbledon. His son Ramesh had the skills to compete at the to get trained by foreign coaches play,” said Bopanna, an ambas- via Lagnado commented: “As part of our global of Korea only.” The IOC said it had “no immedi- and Vijay Amritraj both made the highest level but often lacked for just one or two months, which sador of sportswear brand Zeven. growth plan, we are reconsidering all aspects ate plans to appoint a direct replacement in the last eight there, as well as at the the fi tness to be successful. “We is not of much help.” “It was truly a personal goal, of our business and have made this decision in retail food operations sponsorship category”. US Open, and were ranked in the need to have a system in place at Bopanna enjoyed some memo- so there was no number to it. It cooperation with the IOC to focus on diff erent The IOC, with over 500 employees on its payroll, top 25 in the world at one point. the grassroots level for the future rable singles wins, including the didn’t matter how many years it priorities.” Whilst McDonald’s first became an receives 70% of its revenue from broadcasting Since then, however, the now- of Indian tennis. deciding victory in the Davis took. It has been many years of off icial backer at Montreal in 1976 and a TOP rights, which for 2013-2016 rose by 7.4% to $4.1bn retired Somdev Devvarman’s That’s one reason I have start- Cup tie against Brazil in 2010 sacrifi ces, discipline and com- partner in 1997, the company’s Olympic appetite (3.67bn) compared to 2009-2012, according 62nd spot in 2011 is the highest ed my academy in Bengaluru,” that brought India back into the mitment. Not only from my side, was first whetted at the 1968 Grenoble Winter to IOC figures. The bulk of the revenue is paid an Indian player has been ranked the Kodava lad said, adding that World Group after 19 years, be- but from my coaches, family, Games. McDonald’s on their website explained out to international sports federations, national in the singles. “The players, the he had also met India’s sports fore completely focusing on dou- friends and the team, who are how they “airlifted” burgers to US Olympic Olympic committees, and Games organisers. federation, the corporates, eve- minister, Vijay Goel, this week to bles. Prior to his French Open working throughout. Everyone ryone has to come together to discuss how to promote tennis in mixed doubles success, he part- has played a huge part.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 17, 2017 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Missed fairways leave McIlroy in rough shape Fowler on target at Erin Hills

Reuters course off the tee. Erin, Wisconsin McIlroy has played just six tourna- ments this year after battling through a rib injury but said pain was not to ory McIlroy said before the blame for his performance on Thurs- as US Open big US Open that if a player could day. not hit the broad fairways at Rust was more of an issue, he added. Erin Hills he might as well “I was hacking around in the rough goR home. After a disastrous opening out there and didn’t feel it one bit. So, round 78 on Thursday, ‘home’ may be no, that’s totally fi ne,” he said. where the world number two is headed. “I started missing some left on the McIlroy was two-under through two course and tried to sort of correct it on after a par-eagle start, but his accuracy the way in and missed a couple right,” guns fail to fi re from the tee then seemed to desert him. he said. He hit just fi ve of 14 fairways for his “So a little bit of timing, and a bit of round and ended six-over par, leaving rust as well.” American returns a seven-under 65 for a one-shot lead in opening round him with a mountain to climb to make The 28-year-old acknowledged that the cut on Friday. it would be a steep climb to get back Reuters major winner withdrawing to attend his “You cannot play this golf course if into the tournament after a day when Erin, Wisconsin daughter’s high school graduation. you’re not in position off the tee, and I 17 competitors broke 70, but he said he Six times a runner-up at the US wasn’t in position,” he said. was up for the challenge. Open, Mickelson skipped another “Obviously, I paid the price for it to- “I watched some of the coverage ear- merican Rickie Fowler tamed chance at completing a career grand day.” lier on and saw what Rickie (Fowler) did Erin Hills to claim the fi rst- slam when it became obvious Mother Before the tournament began, four- and Brooks Koepka and some of those round lead at the US Open Nature was not going to cooperate and times major winner McIlroy, one of the guys,” he said. on Thursday, making the so- delay the start of the opening round. game’s best drivers of the ball, had spo- “I thought I was on course to do that calledA toughest test in golf look easy Mickelson had kept fans and of- ken about how eager he was to attack after being 2-under through two, and with a record-equalling display while fi cials guessing almost down to the the long, links-styled, rolling farmland didn’t work out that way.” the big guns failed to fi re. wire, hanging on to the long shot hope With only a gentle breeze and rains that storms might delay the start of having taken the bite out of the mon- the year’s second major and allow him MLB strous 7,845-yard course, players tore to attend the graduation and then fl y apart the links-style layout, attacking from San Diego to Wisconsin to make the pins with bravado on a day when 17 his tee time. competitors broke 70. His withdrawal marked the end of a A’s beat Yankees on Fowler returned a seven-under 65 golfi ng era with the 117th US Open be- for a one-shot lead over compatriot coming the fi rst major to not include Xander Schauff ele and Englishman Mickelson and/or Tiger Woods since Davis’ soft single in 10th Paul Casey. the 1994 Masters. Starting from the 10th tee, Fowl- Woods, who recently underwent his er showed why he was among the fourth back surgery, has not played a pre-tournament favourites, return- PGA Tour event since January at Torrey ing a polished bogey-free eff ort that Pines, the site of the last of his 14 major matched the lowest fi rst round score wins in 2008. The last major he played in relation to par at a US Open. in was the 2015 PGA Championship. Not even the sight of a burning blimp crashing to the ground in an LEADING ROUND I SCORES open fi eld just a half-mile (800 me- 65 — Rickie Fowler (USA) tres) from the course could shake the 66 — Paul Casey (ENG), Xander Schauf- world number nine, who failed to fele (USA) make the cut at his previous two US 67 — Brian Harman (USA), Tommy Opens but fi nished runner-up in 2014. Fleetwood (ENG), Brooks Koepka “You don’t get many rounds at the (USA) US Open that are stress-free,” said 68 — Patrick Reed (USA), Kevin Na Fowler, who got his round off to a y-fl (USA), Marc Leishman (AUS), Adam ing start with birdies on three of his Hadwin (CAN) opening fi ve holes. 69 — Jamie Lovemark (USA), J.B. “It is always cool to be part of some Holmes (USA), Lee Westwood (ENG), sort of history in golf but I’d rather Andrew Johnston (ENG), Kim Si-Woo be remembered for something that’s (KOR), Scottie Scheff ler (USA-a), Jim Oakland Athletics outfielder Khris Davis (second from right) is congratulated by done on Sunday.” Rickie Fowler plays a shot from the eighth tee during the first round of the US Furyk (USA), Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) teammates after hitting a two-run single to win the game against the New York Newly branded as the “ultimate test Open in Erin, Wisconsin. (USA TODAY Sports) 70 — Charley Hoff man (USA), Brandt Yankees at Oakland Coliseum on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) in golf”, the US Open has long been Snedeker (USA), Ernie Els (RSA), Jack famed for its toughness and Erin Hills, back injuries, opened with an eagle “It’s not like I gave up. I actually Maguire (USA), Brandon Stone (USA), By Susan Slusser outs, and Gray struck out Chris Carter. the longest ever layout for a US Open, but could not shake the rust, fading gave it 100 % all the way through the William McGirt (USA), Sergio Garcia San Francisco Chronicle (TNS) In the sixth, however, Castro started was expected to add to that hard-man to six-over 78 after being punished by end and I shot 79.” (ESP), Shane Lowry (IRL), Matthew things with a one-out single, and after reputation. the brutal fescue rough on several oc- World number four Hideki Mat- Fitzpatrick (ENG), Jim Furyk (USA), Sanchez walked, Gregorius singled to But under sunny skies Erin Hills casions. suyama (74), number fi ve Jordan Spi- Cameron Champ (USA-a), Derek Bar- ack home after another rot- right. Chase Headley’s single drove in looked more friend than foe with 44 As bad as the Northern Irishman’s eth (73) and number Henrik Stenson ron (USA) ten road trip, the A’s repeat- two, and Carter tied it with a base hit. golfers breaking par setting a record day was it was still better than play- (74) will all have work to do if they 71 — Kevin Dougherty (USA), Davis edly rebutted Yankees rallies That was it for Gray, who has a 1.00 for the opening round of a US Open. ing competitor world number three hope to see the weekend at season’s Love IV (USA), Thomas Aiken (RSA), Thursday night, coming back ERA in innings one and two and a 6.23 But not everyone left with a smile as Jason Day, the Australian slumping to second major. toB win in the 10th on Khris Davis’ two- ERA thereafter. Zach Johnson (USA), Angel Cabrera the world’s top six ranked players all a seven-over 79 that included two tri- Few in the 156 player fi eld, how- (ARG), Tyson Alexander (USA), Stephan out, bases-loaded fl are that defl ected New York added a run in the seventh failed to get into red numbers. ple bogeys. ever, had a more wretched day than Jaeger (GER), Brendan Steele (USA), off the glove of second baseman Starlin when Sanchez doubled in a run against World number one Dustin John- “I just played bad golf,” said Day. “I Englishman Danny Willett, the 2016 Russell Henley (USA), Harris English Castro in short centre fi eld. Ryan Madson. Carter hit a solo shot off son opened defence of his US Open can’t put it any other way other than Masters champion who handed in a (USA), Charl Schwartzel (USA), An Davis’ dink sent in two runs to give John Axford in the eighth to tie it 5-5. crown with a shaky three-over 75 just there was some good stuff mixed nine-over 81. Byeong-Hun (KOR), Trey Mullinax Oakland an 8-7 victory, snapping a los- Lowrie and Alonso hit solo homers, while number two Rory McIlroy, side- in with a lot of poor stuff . Two triples, The year’s second major started (USA), Ryan Brehm (USA), Jonathan ing streak at three games. Rajai Davis Alonso’s his 17th of the season. In the lined for much of the year with rib and I don’t know. It’s weird. without Phil Mickelson, the fi ve-times Randolph (USA) got the rally going with a two-out sin- seventh, Matt Joyce banged a pinch-hit gle and Chad Pinder added a double single, went to second on a sacrifi ce by before Jed Lowrie was walked inten- Rajai Davis and scored on a base hit by tionally, bringing up Khris Davis, who Pinder to make it 5-4, A’s. Thai veteran Thaworn snatches Queen’s Cup lead had been 0-for-4 two strikeouts. And in the eighth, with one out and “That’s the defi nition of a team win the bases loaded, Joyce hit a grounder AFP fender Scott Hend struggled to keep But on the back nine Thaworn was It’s getting tiring for me.” there,” fi rst baseman Yonder Alonso that looked like a potential double-play Bangkok up with the pack. flawless, smashing out seven birdies, Thaworn holds the most Asian Tour said. ball, but Joyce busted down the line and The 50-year-old local showed exactly including four in a row from the 10th. wins with 18 titles, including previous “Both teams just kept battling. It was dived into fi rst headfi rst ahead of the why he’s won three previous tourna- “This score is beyond my imagina- triumphs at Santiburi in 2008, 2012 a back and forth game, fun for everyone throw, and Alonso scored to put the A’s hai veteran Thaworn Wiratch- ments at the Santiburi Samui Country tion,” Thaworn, who admitted he and 2014. He won the Order of Merit who came today.” ahead again 6-5. ant stormed to the top of the Club with a magnificent eight-under- is feeling his advancing years, told twice, in 2005 and 2012. The Yankees, who scored in each of Tleaderboard with a nine-birdie par 63. organisers after the second day. Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung ended day the fi nal fi ve innings, got an RBI single RESULTS second round triumph at the Queen’s His first nine raised little attention “The courses these days are a lot two nipping at Thaworn’s heels one from Gary Sanchez in the ninth to tie Kansas City 7 LA Angels 2 Cup in Thailand on Friday as title de- with two birdies and a bogey. longer and I’m getting older. It’s hard. shot behind after carding a 68. the game against Oakland closer San- Oakland 8 NY Yankees 7 (10 inns) tiago Casilla. Castro hit a sacrifi ce fl y Colorado 10 San Francisco 9 off Liam Hendriks to give New York its Milwaukee 6 St. Louis 4 fi rst lead in the 10th. Detroit 5 Tampa Bay 3 BADMINTON / INDONESIA OPEN A’s starter Sonny Gray eluded a Washington 8 NY Mets 3 bases-loaded jam in the fi rst, striking Philadelphia 1 Boston 0 out Castro and getting Didi Grego- Chicago White Sox 5 Baltimore 2 rius to fl y out. In the fourth, New York Minnesota 6 Seattle 2 Prannoy upsets Chen Long to enter semis had men at second and third with two Cleveland 12 LA Dodgers 5

IANS NBA Jakarta

ndian shuttler HS Prannoy ousted reigning Clippers want to move world and Olympic champion Chen Long of China to enter the semi-fi nals of the Indone- sia Open Superseries Premier here yesterday. out of Staples Center IOne day after knocking out multiple world and Olympic medallist Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, AFP of-the-art NBA arena would allow us the unseeded Prannoy stunned Long 21-18, 16-21, Los Angeles greater latitude to infl uence our game 21-19 in a match lasting an hour and 15 minutes. schedule, particularly as it relates to Prannoy played aggressively from the start and weekend games.” never allowed Long to dictate the terms. The Chi- he Los Angeles Clippers an- Ballmer said the Clippers hope to nese, however, looked rusty as he was coming into nounced Thursday they are build a state of the art facility on 20 the tournament after a break. Long struggled with considering leaving Staples acres of land that would include an are- his movement and conceded the fi rst game 18-21. Center arena which they have na, training centre and offi ces. It would He sealed the second game, riding on his deft Tshared with the Los Angeles Lakers and be located across the street from the net-game. But Prannoy then got back to his very Los Angeles Kings since 1999. NFL Los Angeles Rams’ new stadium. best and snatched the third by forcing Long to re- The Clippers reached an agreement But Ballmer said the Clippers would trieve from diffi cult and wide positions. with the city of Inglewood, California not be able to move before 2024, when Prannoy joined compatriot Kidambi Srikanth in to look into building a new stadium in their current lease with The Anschutz the semi-fi nals as the latter got the better of Chinese the suburbs, about 12 kilometres (eight Corp expires. Taipei’s Tzu Wei Wang 21-15, 21-14 in 37 minutes. miles) southwest of downtown Los An- The former boss of the internet giant In the semi-fi nals, Prannoy and Srikanth will geles. Microsoft bought the California fran- meet Japanese qualifi er Kazumasa Sakai and South “I have said from day one that we chise in 2014 for $2bn and quickly said Korean second seed Wan Ho Son respectively. need to plan for the future. This agree- he wanted the Clippers to play in their Sakai stunned England’s Rajiv Ouseph 13-21, ment helps us do that by expanding our own arena. The Clippers were elimi- 21-16, 21-10, while Son bested Chinese Taipei’s HS Prannoy of India returns a shot against Chen Long of China during their Indonesia Open quarter-final in options,” said Clippers owner Steve nated in the fi rst round of the 2017 NBA sixth seed Chou Tien Chen 21-15, 21-17. Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) Ballmer. “The prospect of a new state- playoff s. Gulf Times Saturday, June 17, 2017 5 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT French to test All Blacks rout Samoa Springboks’ in Lions warning credentials Reuters last week and are just aiming at Durban, South Africa bettering our performance. We 'We had to be disciplined tonight and when we were, we started to profit from that' know we can defi nitely improve on what we did at Loftus.” stiff challenge is ex- South Africa have made just pected from tourists one change to their line-up, with France in today’s sec- concussions ruling out centre ond test against South Jesse Kriel and bringing in Lionel AfricaA and will give the hosts Mapoe. a better indication of whether France coach Guy Noves they are emerging from a 2016 named eight changes, forming a slump, Springbok captain War- markedly strengthened line-up ren Whiteley said. “We do expect with captain Guilhem Guirado France to be much improved. returning and Francois Trinh They have brought in guys who Duc partnering Baptiste Serin in played in the Top 14 and they are a new halfback pairing. experienced players,” he said on the eve of the clash at King’s Park FRENCH REPRIMANDED Rugby Stadium in Durban. OVER PROP SUBSTITUTION “The French side that plays AGAINST WALES us on Saturday is a good team The French Rugby Federation and maybe that is a good thing (FFR) has been reprimanded over for us, in that the match will be the controversial substitution of a big challenge and tell us where prop Uini Atonio in the match we are as a team. We expect the with Wales on March 18, Six Na- French to be more physical. tions Rugby said yesterday. “They will be direct in their However, a disciplinary panel approach and they will have ruled there was no clear evidence strengthened their set-pieces, that France had sought to gain a both the lineouts and the scrums. competitive edge by the move in But we have focused more on the dying minutes of the game. ourselves this week rather than The Untoward Incident Review pay too much attention to the Group (UIRG Group) report — opposition. We are focused on an independent panel headed improving what we started last by Lorne Crerar — whilst criti- week,” Whiteley said. cising the French coaching staff South Africa lost eight of their for ‘some miscommunication’, 12 internationals last year in their judged there was no intention in worst ever 12-month return, but replacing Atonio to gain an ad- made a positive start to their vantage over their opponents. 2017 programme by beating the The match in Paris ended in French 37-14 in the opening test a 20-18 win for France, with at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria last referee Wayne Barnes allowing week. “A series win would mean an extraordinary 20 minutes of a lot to us but we haven’t even added-on time at the end. With New Zealand’s Julian Savea (right) is tackled by Samoa’s Ken Pisi during the rugby test match at Eden Park in Auckland yesterday. (AFP) spoken about it or mentioned it,” France 18-13 behind and camped said Whiteley. on the Welsh line, a series of AFP cap Vaea Fifi ta who came off the bench to 20 minutes,” said Samoa captain Kahn from Beauden Barrett saw Anton Lienert- “We are focusing on this game scrums took place late in the Auckland score with his fi rst touch of the ball. Fotuali’i. “We got down to their tryline Brown score the opening try. as an individual game. We have match as they went in search of “Samoa started out really physical and and coughed it up too many times. It was In the closing 10 minutes of the half the had the same approach as we had an equalising try. really tested us,” said All Blacks captain tough, they’re not number one in the All Blacks scored three more tries. The he All Blacks ran in 12 tries to de- Ben Smith. “We had to be really disci- world for no reason and we knew what we fi rst came when Fonotia lost the ball on molish Samoa 78-0 in Auckland plined tonight and when we were, we were up against.” the All Blacks line which resulted in Ben yesterday, sending out a clear started to profi t from that. We’ll go away Following the pre-match confronta- and Aaron Smith running the hosts out of warning to the British and Irish and learn from that and make sure we’re tion with the rival war dances — the All trouble, and ended with a Barrett try 90 TLions ahead of next week’s fi rst Test. It better next week. There’s a lot of learnings Blacks with their haka and Samoa with metres away. Ardie Savea and Williams was a game set up for the All Blacks to there that will be great for our group.” their siva tau — it was the Samoans who also crossed the line to have the All Blacks clear out any rust before they front the There was plenty for the Lions to take were the most fi red up when the whistle turn 28-0 up as the Samoans’ spirited composite team at Eden Park next week- note of, especially the control of the All blew. They dominated territory for the start fl agged. end, and rust there was. Blacks forwards at the set piece and the opening quarter with centres Alapati Aaron Smith started the second half If there weren’t teething problems audacious offl oads. When there was the Leiua and Kieron Fonotia carving through using turnover ball to spark a 60-metre in their fi rst run of the season the score merest hint of a counter-attack opportu- the All Blacks backs, where Sonny Bill move for Israel Dagg to score. would have been higher as tries went nity, the All Blacks struck hard. Williams was twice found wanting. Julian Savea, Codie Taylor, Beauden begging. Tackles were also missed but Aaron Smith justifi ed his return to the But despite the pressure, the All Blacks Barrett, Fifi ta, TJ Perenara and Ardie New Zealand still kept Samoa scoreless starting line-up as he was central to di- remained calm and when the chance Savea also scored in the second half as rhe in what ballooned to their second biggest recting play into the gaps. But against came to counter-attack they pounced. All Blacks ran riot. Beauden Barrett land- win against the Pacifi c islanders. The All that, the world champions revived a After defending desperately for the fi rst ed seven conversions and Lima Sopoaga Blacks led 28-0 with four tries in the fi rst problem of old when they made a slow 10 minutes, it took two well-placed Aaron kicked two on a night which will give the France's players during a training session at Growthpoint Kings Park half and added another eight in a spar- start and displayed a creaking defence. Smith clearing kicks to ease the pressure Lions plenty to chew over ahead of the Stadium in Durban, on the eve of their rugby test match against kling second spell, including one to new “We just didn’t capitalise on those fi rst and once inside the Samoan 22, a pop pass three-Test series. South Africa, yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Nakajima out to bury Le Mans Palmer must deliver, says heartbreak, Toyota on pole Renault Formula 1 boss Reuters the August break, after four more races, having London moved up to sixth. The Frenchman set a pre-sea- son target of fi nishing the year in the top fi ve with possible podium fi nishes. enault have warned Jolyon Palmer Hulkenberg has scored points in four races so (below) that his Formula One place is far since moving to Renault from Force India at not assured and he has to start scoring the end of last year with a best of sixth in Spain. points after drawing a blank so far this He was eighth in Canada last weekend. “We see season.R The Briton’s German teammate Nico that there is a very substantial gap between Nico Hulkenberg has taken all Renault’s 18 points from and Jo in qualifying, and in the race,” said Abit- seven races while Palmer, in his second season eboul. “We are discussing on a regular basis obvi- with the team, has struggled. ously with Jo to see how he can improve.” The 26-year-old, who scored only one point in Renault tested their ex-driver Robert Kubica a diffi cult 2016 debut year, has fi nished 11th in his in Spain, with the Pole, who has not raced in For- last two outings, however. “No one is safe in F1,” mula One since he partially severed his forearm Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abit- in a 2011 rally crash, making a good impression eboul said when asked if Palmer was safe from and doing 115 laps. They also have Russian Sergey the threat of being replaced and whether the team Sirotkin as a development driver. Switzerland driver Sebastien Buemi competes on his Toyota TS050 Hybrid N8 during the fourth qualifying practice session of the Le Mans 24 had an alternative. “F1 is not an environment hours endurance race, in Le Mans northwestern France, yesterday. (AFP where anyone can say loudly, ‘I’m safe’. To a cer- F1 BOSS CAREY TO WAVE tain degree there are two questions. There is Jo, THE START FLAG AT LE MANS AFP four-time runner-up. Former F1 driver Koba- “They weren’t quick during the test days and there is a second driver. Right now my focus Formula One chairman and chief executive Chase Le Mans, France yashi took pole in the TS050 Hybrid in record but, looking at them yesterday (Wednesday is on Jo and he has to deliver. The fact is that Jo Carey will be the offi cial starter of the 85th edition style, clocking 3min 14.791sec on Thursday to qualifying), their pace was more or less the has a car which is a point-scoring car, and he has of the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race this week- beat the previous best lap of 3min 16.887sec same as ours. It will be a tough race for us.” to enter into the points. Full stop.” end, organisers said yesterday. The 62-year-old apanese driver Kazuki Nakajima in- set by Neel Jani of Switzerland in a Porsche Japanese rookie Yuji Kunimoto completes Renault are currently seventh in the cham- American, who will wave the French fl ag to sig- tends to fi nish what he started at the two years ago. the Toyota line-up alongside Nicolas Lapierre pionship and Abiteboul said he hoped to go into nal the start of the endurance classic at the Sarthe Le Mans 24 Hour Race, one year after “It is nice to have the pole position. It was and Jose Maria Lopez, with this third Toyota circuit, follows on from Hollywood A-lister Brad his challenge ended in a heartbreaking just the greatest moment but now the tough- qualifying in fi fth. Pitt who did the honours last year. defeatJ just one lap from home. The 32-year- est is ahead of us,” said Kobayashi, second in “I cannot wait to experience Le Mans for Ford executive chairman Bill Ford was Le Mans old was heading for a famous win in the iconic 2016 after his compatriot’s misfortunes. To the fi rst time as a driver,” said the 26-year-old starter in 2015 while NASCAR’s Jim France was endurance race when his Toyota lost power start on the front is very good we are 1-2 and from Yokohama whose older brother Keisuke handed the role in 2013. The late Steve McQueen with just three minutes and one lap left. in race pace we have a good balance,” added won the 2008 Macau Grand Prix. Keisuke waved the fl ag in 1971, the year he starred in the The former Williams Formula One driver Kobayashi, who drove for Toyota as well as raced here in 2009 so I know how impressive movie “Le Mans”. steered his stricken vehicle home but ended Sauber and Caterham in F1 in a fi ve-year this event is.” “By starting the race side by side, we will be unclassifi ed as Porsche celebrated a second world championship career. Last year, Porsche won for an 18th time demonstrating the new ties forged between the successive triumph. “Last year we nearly won “It is an unbelievably long race which re- with pole-sitter Jani taking a maiden win ACO and Formula One,” said Automobile Club it with a good fi ght. But it was painful, sad quires the best preparation. After last year, with teammates Marc Lieb and Romain Du- de l’Ouest president Pierre Fillon, who will join and hard to forget,” said Nakajima who will everyone in the team is pushing hard and we mas. The German manufacturer fi elds two Carey. Carey has been in full charge of Formula hope to end Toyota’s 30-year wait for victory will be ready for the challenge.” cars this year compared to Toyota’s three — all One since January when US-based Liberty Me- in the 85th running of the race. Nakajima predicts a tough battle with Por- hybrids. With factory money behind them, it dia completed its takeover and replaced previ- Nakajima shares the driving with fellow sche, who qualifi ed in third and fourth. “As a will be a two-team battle which is not to eve- ous supremo Bernie Ecclestone. The sport’s new former F1 drivers, Sebastien Buemi of Swit- driver, the most important thing is to repeat ryone’s liking. owners have made improving the fan experience zerland and England’s Anthony Davidson. what I did last year. Porsche weren’t good at This weekend, Jani pilots the leading Por- a priority and have also spoken of their desire to Their car will set off in second today behind Silverstone and Spa (in world championship sche with Andre Lotterer and Nick Tandy. avoid major calendar clashes where possible. Last the Toyota driven like last year by Nakajima’s races this season) but they had a diff erent Around 250,000 fans are expected for the race year’s Le Mans 24 Hours coincided with the Eu- compatriot Kamui Kobayashi, Briton Mike package, and there is little relevance to this which starts at 4pm Qatar time today in tem- ropean Grand Prix in Baku, now renamed the Az- Conway and Stephane Sarrazin of France, a race,” said Nakajima. peratures of 30 degrees. erbaijan Grand Prix and scheduled for June 25. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, June 17, 2017 FOOTBALL

CONFEDERATIONS CUP: PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Five players to watch Hosts Russia, New at the Confed Cup Zealand primed for opening tie Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo runs during a training session. AFP his penchant for a long-range Fixtures Sochi, Russia shot at goal. ‘It’s a privilege and honour to represent our country. And we naturally He will form a skilful duo in (all times GMT) the Socceroos’ midfi eld alongside want to achieve better results than our team showed recently’ he Confederations Cup Tom Rogic, who scored Celtic’s Today, June 17 starts today when hosts winning goal in the Scottish Cup Group A Russia take on New Zea- fi nal to claim the domestic treble. Russia v New Zealand 1500 land. Here are fi ve play- “He wasn’t part of the (Hud- ersT to look out for in the tourna- dersfi eld) team that got promot-

Tomorrow, June 18 ment from June 17 to July 2: ed - he was a key part,” said Aus- Group B tralia’s coach Ange Postecoglou. Portugal v Mexico 1500 CRISTIANO RONALDO Cameroon v Chile 1800 (Portugal) TIMO WERNER (Germany) Having won the fi rst international With 21 goals in 31 games, Werner Monday, June 19 title of his illustrious career with was the top-scoring German in Group B Portugal at Euro 2016, Ronaldo the Bundesliga, spearheading RB Germany v Australia 1500 has a realistic chance of bringing Leipzig’s stunning fi rst season in the Confederations Cup home. Germany’s top fl ight where they Wednesday, June 21 The undoubted star attraction, fi nished their debut campaign Group A Ronaldo arrives in Russia looking second only to Bayern Munich. Russia v Portugal 1500 to round off another stellar sea- With lightening pace, the Mexico v New Zealand 1800 son after leading Real Madrid to 21-year-old, nicknamed ‘Turbo a fi rst La Liga title for fi ve years. Timo’ is deadly when he gets in Thursday, June 22 Ronaldo also continued to behind defences. Group B rewrite the record books in the His prowess in front of goal Cameroon v Australia 1500 Champions League as he became have put him on the radar of Liv- Germany v Chile 1800 the fi rst man to score more than erpool and Bayern. 100 goals in Europe’s premier When Germany head coach Saturday, June 24 club competition with a hat- Joachim Loew speaks of want- Group A trick against Bayern Munich. ing to groom players to reach Mexico v Russia 1500 world-class level, he has Werner New Zealand v Portugal 1500 JAVIER HERNANDEZ (Mexico) in mind. By his own high standards, “He has the potential,” said Sunday, June 25 the 2016-17 season was disap- Loew. “He brings chaos where Group B pointing for ‘Chicharito’, who there is order in defence and we Germany v Cameroon 1500 scored 11 league goals for Bayer need variable strikers with many Chile v Australia 1500 Leverkusen as they fi nished 12th qualities.” in Germany’s top fl ight. Germany have struggled to Tuesday, June 28 However, the former Man- replace Miroslav Klose, the all- Semi-final 1800 chester United and Real Madrid time top-scorer in World Cup striker broke Jared Borgetti’s fi nals, and Werner has been ear- Wednesday, June 29 record as Mexico’s all-time lead- marked for the role. Semi-final 1800 ing scorer last month to leave him on 47 goals for his country. CHRISTIAN BASSOGOG Sunday, July 2 He could well break the 50- (Cameroon) Third-place play-off 1200 goal mark in Russia. The 21-year-old Bassogog was at Final 1800 His best display this season the heart of Cameroon’s impres- was a hat-trick when he single- sive run to the 2017 Africa Cup of handedly sealed Leverkusen’s Nations title in February. Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov during a training session at the Smena Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Reuters) 3-2 away win at Mainz last Sep- Hugo Broos’ young squad tember — then modestly credited qualifi ed for the last eight at the AFP Russian President Vladimir Putin will wins, three draws and three defeats. Confed Cup for the fourth time, although his team for helping him score expense of the hosts Gabon and Moscow attend the opener along with FIFA boss the All Whites are still hunting for a fi rst the three goals. Bassogog was a lively presence Gianni Infantino at Saint Petersburg’s ‘FULL OF OPTIMISM’ victory in the eight-team competition. throughout the group stage, set- purpose-built World Cup 68,000-seater They salvaged an impressive 3-3 draw Anthony Hudson’s side are through AARON MOOY (Australia) ting up Michael Ngadeu’s winner osts Russia kick off the Confed- stadium. with Belgium, but that followed a 2-0 to the fi nal round of regional World Cup Mooy is coming off an outstand- against Guinea-Bissau. erations Cup against New Zea- “For us it’s a privilege and honour to home defeat to Ivory Coast — Russia’s qualifying and will play Solomon Islands ing season where he propelled Bassogog scored his only land in Saint Petersburg today, represent our country. Our team wel- fi rst loss to an African team — and a hu- in a two-legged play-off , but New Zea- unfashionable Hudderfi eld Town goal of the tournament with a targeting victory in their open- comes Russia’s president watching our miliating 2-1 defeat to Qatar. land suff ered 1-0 defeats to Northern to the Premier League. 93rd-minute left-footed shot Hing match to set the tone for a successful matches. However results in recent friendlies — Ireland and Belarus in recent friendlies. Mooy, 26, on loan from Man- to seal their 2-0 semi-fi nal win tournament. “And we naturally want to achieve a 3-0 win in Hungary and a 1-1 draw with Hudson though insists his players are chester City, now has a string over Ghana before his team beat But Russia coach Stanislav Cherches- better results than our team showed re- Copa America holders Chile — have given raring to go in Russia. of top clubs on his trail for next Egypt 2-1 in the fi nal. ov, appointed after the country’s dis- cently.” the country’s football fans some hope. “We’re 100 percent ready. We have a season. Having been voted best player astrous Euro 2016 campaign, predicts a It will be the fi rst meeting between “We’ve worked hard and I believe now very, very good team, we have some good Mooy, who was named in the of the tournament, his perform- tricky encounter as he oversees his fi rst Russia and New Zealand, the champions we’re well-prepared for the opening players in our team and the objective for Championship team of the year, ances saw Chinese side Henan competitive match in charge. of Oceania, in the post-Soviet era. game,” Zenit midfi elder Igor Smolnikov us is to do something signifi cant,” he will probe for openings with his Jianye snap him up from Danish The former Russian international The USSR beat New Zealand 3-0 at the told Russian TV. said. “We’re very optimistic coming into accurate deep-lying passes and side Aalborg. goalkeeper has set his squad the ambi- 1982 World Cup in Spain. “But we will be able to check whether this tournament. tious task of winning the Confed Cup, a Organisers have laid fresh turf at the we’ve done everything right only once we “There is no point in us being here if tournament that serves as a tune-up for Krestovsky Stadium to allay fears over play in offi cial matches. we’re not trying to win. The fi rst game next year’s World Cup. the condition of the pitch that prompted “We’re all feeling brave and will take for us is Russia and we want to win that Confed Cup - What you need to know “We’re ready to face a likeable New Zenit to shift their fi nal league match to things on full of optimism. Hopefully, the game.” Zealand team but we expect a diffi cult their former ground. arena in Saint Petersburg will be a lucky “And we will go into the next game What’s Confederations Cup? tiye Arena will host the match (on Saturday),” he told reporters Russia have produced mixed results venue for our team.” with the same mindset. We know they It’s an international eight-team third-placed play-off and holds yesterday. since Cherchesov’s arrival with three New Zealand are appearing at the are strong but we have no fear of them.” tournament, played every four 45,000. years. Since 2001, it has been The semi-finals will be held used as a warm-up for the fol- at the Kazan Arena, where BOTTOMLINE lowing year’s World Cup finals. Rubin Kazan play their home The 2017 edition is being held games, and the Fischt Olympic over a fortnight with two Stadium, which hosted the groups containing the six opening ceremony of the So- winners of the FIFA confedera- chi 2014 Winter Olympic and tions tournaments joined by Paralympic Games. world champions Germany Russia faces fi rst test for 2018 WC and hosts Russia. Why aren’t Brazil playing? Reuters The Selecao were winners of St. Petersburg Who’s playing? the Confederations Cup in World champions Germany 2005, 2009 and 2013, when face Copa America title- they hosted the tournament, ith President holders Chile, 2015 Asian but this is the first time Brazil Vladimir Putin in Cup champions Australia and have failed to qualify since the attendance and Africa Cup of Nations winners field was expanded to eight 44,000 tickets Cameroon in Group B. teams in 1997. Wsold, today’s Confederations Euro 2016 winners Portugal, They only finished fourth at Cup opener will give Russia the hosts Russia, Mexico, the 2015 the 2014 World Cup, after chance to show off its prepara- CONCACAF Gold Cup winners, their historic 7-1 drubbing by tions for next year’s World Cup and New Zealand, the 2016 Oce- Germany in the semi-finals despite concerns over stadium ania champions, are in Group A. and loss to the Netherlands in security and infrastructure. After the group stages, the the third-place play-off . World Cup holders Germany The Saint-Petersburg arena at the Krestovsky Island. top two teams in each pool As the winners of last year’s and the six winners of FIFA con- advance to the semi-finals -- in Copa America in the USA, federations descend on Russia FIFA will for the fi rst time also “A huge amount of preparato- Kazan on June 28 and Sochi instead Chile will be repre- for the two-week tournament implement a three-step proce- ry work has been done,” Kremlin on June 29. senting South America at the that will allow the hosts to as- A girl poses for a picture in front of a banner promoting the 2017 dure that allow referees to stop spokesman Dmitry Peskov told There is then a third-place play- Confederations Cup. sess the readiness of four of its Russia Confederations Cup football tournament in Kazan, Russia. matches in the event of racist or reporters yesterday. “We have all off in Moscow ahead of the July World Cup venues and its ability discriminatory incidents - a new the grounds to believe that eve- 2 final in St Petersburg. Tickets still available? to handle fans from overseas. there in April. The decade-long construc- measure Deputy Prime Minister rything will be successful and Once match tickets are Russia is set to host the 2018 “The preparations are now tion of the 68,000-seat venue Vitaly Mutko welcomed as the take place on a high level.” Which cities are hosting? bought online, through the World Cup in 12 stadiums spread complete. Russia is ready,” Colin was plagued with delays, cor- “absolute right decision”. While Germany are rest- The 16 matches are being FIFA website, which requires across 11 cities, including Mos- Smith, director of competitions ruption allegations and reports A bombing in the St. Peters- ing their senior players for the shared by the capital Moscow, log-in details, fans then must cow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and for global soccer body FIFA, said of human rights violations. burg metro that left 16 dead in tournament, the Confederations St Petersburg, Sochi and register on the www.fan-id.ru Sochi. at a news conference in St. Pe- Since clashes between Russian April has also triggered fears Cup will benefi t from the star Kazan. website and will receive an of- Russia take on New Zealand in tersburg yesterday. and English fans tarnished the that a similar attack could hit appeal of Portuguese forward The final will be held at the ficial badge to wear to games St. Petersburg in the fi rst match “It’s a useful test, as are any of European championship in France Russia during the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo. Krestovsky Stadium, the new in the post. of the eight-nation Confedera- our tournaments, to streamline last year, Putin has approved leg- However, Russia’s Federal Hosts Russia, who drew home of Zenit St Petersburg, The ID can be used for free tions Cup on a pitch that had to our processes and operations.” islation that toughens punish- Security Service (FSB) said last with Copa America champions which has a capacity of just local travel to games in the be hastily relaid after football of- Smith acknowledged that Rus- ments for violence at sporting week terrorism did not pose any Chile 1-1 in a friendly last week, under 70,000. host city but must be clearly fi cials deplored its quality when sia had done “some intense fi ne- events as part of a broader crack- threat to Confederations Cup slipped to a record low 63rd in Spartak Moscow’s Otkry- displayed during the match. it cut up badly during a match tuning” ahead of the tournament. down on hooliganism. participants and spectators. FIFA world rankings this month. Gulf Times Saturday, June 17, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS Football a bit player Rooney in focus for rugby-mad Kiwis as China transfer window opens New Zealand team visit the Saint Petersburg stadium. (Reuters) AFP The codes were both intro- Wellington duced to New Zealand in the late ‘Fabio Capello has just pitched up at Jiangsu Suning, Wayne Rooney will be available 19th century, when it was still a British colony. on a free and he has that huge international draw and prestige of his name’ or New Zealand’s All So why did rugby union take a Whites, the Confedera- grip on the national psyche from tions Cup represents a the outset, while football strug- rare chance for football gled for recognition? Fto emerge from the huge shadow cast by rugby union’s All Blacks ‘OUR SPECIAL THING’ and test themselves against top Morris said some theorise that opposition. rugby’s physical nature made it Unlike the top nations at the more appealing in a rough-hewn eight-team tournament in Rus- “settler” culture, where tough- sia, football is not the most sport- ness was a prized asset. ing popular code in New Zealand, New Zealanders also enjoyed where rugby dominates to a degree early success with the oval ball, unmatched anywhere else. while the national football team’s The All Blacks are world results were poor to average. champions and represent the “We found we were quite country’s best-known global good at it, then proved it on the brand, with even non-sports world stage and we’ve kept do- fans recognising the team’s dis- ing it,” he said. tinctive black jersey and fear- “It’s become our special thing, some pre-match haka war dance. from early on... the All Blacks are In contrast, the All Whites a big part of that. Without the are ranked 95 in the world, play success of the national team I in FIFA’s weakest confederation don’t think rugby would be near- Oceania, and struggle to attract ly as strong in New Zealand.” quality international teams to Morris said there have been remote New Zealand. two spikes in support for foot- It means there’s no contest in ball, both coinciding with the All the quest for public support in Whites qualifying for the 1982 the South Pacifi c nation of 4.5 and 2010 World Cups. million people. Current coach Anthony Hud- “Football’s completely son hopes to revive the feelgood eclipsed by rugby in terms of the factor by making the 2018 tour- national consciousness, the me- nament, although New Zealand dia and as part of our culture,” face a tough play-off against historian Grant Morris from South America’s fi fth-placed Wellington’s Victoria University side even if they do top the Oce- told AFP. ania qualifi ers. Consequently, the corporate Hudson, a 36-year-old Briton, dollars and government spend- was scathing about New Zea- ing that underpin sporting codes land’s football culture last year, through areas such as player de- labelling it “soft”, “laid back” and velopment and training facilities lacking urgency. fl ow to rugby. After much experimentation, New Zealand has just one pro- Hudson has selected a squad of fessional football team, Welling- young players he believes has the File picture of Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney (R) celebrating after teammate Juan Mata scored during the Europa League match against Feyenoord. (AFP) ton Phoenix, and even its place commitment to make a mark at in Australia’s A-League is under international level. AFP But in May the Chinese Football Asso- “Fabio Capello has just pitched up at in terms of its quality and brand. threat. Promising Kiwi play- The Confederation Cup of- Shanghai ciation (CFA) stepped in to limit the lar- Jiangsu Suning, Rooney will be available “The new rules have created some un- ers have little choice but to head fers a chance to test their mettle gesse, eff ectively slapping a 100 percent on a free and he has that huge interna- certainty with CSL clubs about exactly overseas to further their careers. against the quality opposition so tax on transfers for loss-making clubs, tional draw and prestige of his name. what they can do with foreign players,” Yet Morris points out that foot- often lacking when New Zealand ome of football’s biggest names with the proceeds going to a govern- “So the transfers are going to shift back Ji Zhe, director at London-based sports ball’s participation rate is equal play their poorly resourced Oce- remain linked with a move to Chi- ment-run fund. more towards that end-of-career type marketing fi rm Red Lantern, said. to, or even exceeds, that of rugby ania rivals. na but a 100 per cent tax on trans- In each game next year, clubs will have player.” “Whilst this uncertainty persists I among the general population. But Morris said football had fer fees looks likely to hit spend- to fi eld as many Chinese under-23 play- Strong said that, conversely, a spin-off think there will be a cooling eff ect on the In other words, New Zealand- to accept that rugby was the ingS when the country’s transfer window ers as foreigners, who are already capped of the new rules could be that Chinese amount we see spent.” ers like playing football but they number one in New Zealand. opens on Monday. at three maximum. clubs have to improve their scouting sys- Mark Dreyer, founder of China Sports don’t passionately follow it as “It’d be very hard to knock Wayne Rooney, Diego Costa and And this week, the CFA also proposed tems to snare better-value talent, rather Insider, which specialises in sports busi- spectators, unlike rugby. rugby off its perch,” he said. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are among amendments to its previous rules to stop than merely shelling out for stellar names. ness news and analysis in the country, the stars rumoured to be considering clubs fi nding inventive ways to skirt the But he added that such is the cash agrees. big-money moves to the Chinese Super rules. in the Chinese game, one or two clubs Any foreign players coming to China League (CSL), which has been smashing Chinese football experts say the result might be prepared to pay the new tax to are likely to be free transfers, bargains or Juventus fan dies in Tottenham’s Son has spending records in recent seasons. is that clubs will trim spend and revert to snap up a big-name foreign player in his “unknowns”, he said. hospital following ‘successful’ op on Brazilian international Oscar moved looking at players at the end of their ca- prime. “In the past clubs felt like they had a Turin stampede broken arm to Shanghai SIPG for 60 million euros reers — like Rooney. “I would not be surprised if one or two green light to spend because they had ($67 million) as Chinese clubs splashed “What I think you are going to see is a clubs were prepared to take a hit (fi nan- the blessing of the government and the A Juventus supporter has died Tottenham striker Son Heung- an unprecedented 388 million euros the lot more of the likes of — and I think this cially),” he said. president, ‘we are developing football’, all in hospital nearly two weeks Min underwent successful sur- January-February window. is the one most likely to happen — Wayne part of this over-arching football dream,” after being injured when panic gery on his broken right arm Argentine striker Carlos Tevez also ar- Rooney coming to China,” said Andy ‘COOLING EFFECT’ he said. broke out during the screen- on Friday and will take about a rived on huge wages to instantly become Strong, sports client manager at the Strong and others also warned that while “The message now from the top levels ing of the Champions League month to recover, the Korean among the best-paid players in world sports marketing and investment com- the CFA’s intentions to grow youth foot- is very clear: the spending in the wrong final in one of Turin’s main Football Association said. football. pany Mailman in Shanghai. ball were admirable, the CSL could suff er areas no longer has the green light.” squares. “The operation was success- The city government and the ful,” KFA Spokesman Cho Jun- club confirmed in separate Heon told AFP, adding that CONFEDERATIONS CUP statements that the fan, Son will stay in South Korea to 38-year-old Erika Pioletti, died focus on his recovery. on Thursday night. Son, 24, left the field in obvious “Juventus Football Club would pain in the 33rd minute of South like to express its sincere Korea’s 3-2 World Cup qualify- condolences for the death of ing defeat to Qatar on Tuesday, Erika,” said Juventus. clutching his right forearm after Loew keen to blood rising stars “The events that took place in an aerial challenge. AFP quadrennial tournament involv- fenheim’s burly striker Sandro Turin and the city’s victims of The operation at a univer- Sochi ing the six winners of FIFA’s Wagner will have their chance the tragedy on 3 June remain sity hospital lasted about an confederation championships, to shine. in the hearts and minds of all hour, and Son had the broken Russia, the hosts of next year’s Likewise, with no Mesut Ozil involved with the club.” bones repaired with pins and orld champions World Cup, and reigning world or Toni Kroos, the pressure to An estimated 30,000 people metal plates to keep them in Germany head to champions Germany. run Germany’s attack falls on had been in San Carlo square place, the Sports Chosun daily the Confederations He has justifi ed leaving his Julian Draxler. watching the game between reported. Cup with coach leading stars behind by arguing The attacking midfi elder has Real Madrid and Juventus, While the KFA estimated WJoachim Loew looking to nurture the cup has little place in an al- had a good six months with Paris which was being played in Son’s recuperation would take his next generation of stars after ready congested fi xture schedule. Saint-Germain, but this will be a Cardiff , on a giant screen. about a month, Song Jun- leaving his top names at home. “Some players are getting a big test for the 23-year-old. More than 1,500 were injured Seop, a former national team With a year to go before the rest from me, because I think Without Mats Hummels when supporters suddenly doctor, gave a longer recovery World Cup, Loew has given a three tournaments in three years and Jerome Boateng, Arsenal’s panicked and surged out of time of at least 12 weeks, ac- host of key players the summer is borderline,” said Loew, refer- Shkodran Mustafi and Bayern the square. cording to the daily. off and picked seven newcomers ring to Euro 2016, the Confed- Munich-bound Niklas Suele Most suff ered light injuries but The new Premier League sea- in his squad for Russia, which erations Cup and next year’s could forge a few parternship at one 7-year-old boy was left in son kicks off in eight weeks’ has a combined total of just 104 World Cup. centre-back. a coma for more than a week. time, on August 12, and South international appearances. “I probably wouldn’t be sad Loew is aware of the challeng- He is now recovering. Korea have crunch World Cup Missing the likes of Thomas if it (the Confederations Cup) es of playing in Russia, given the During the second half of the qualifiers on August 31 and Mueller, Manuel Neuer, Mario File picture of Germany’s coach Joachim Loew. (AFP) didn’t take place in 2021. political situation. match cameras showed a September 5. Gomez and Jerome Boateng, “It’s a dangerous game - we “I think it’s important to use sudden rush in the middle of His absence would be a Germany face Australia in So- “The 2018 World Cup, and when it comes to 2018. mustn’t pull too hard on the the opportunity to look behind the crowd, and then a violent further blow to South Korea, chi on Monday, with Chile and winning the title again, that is the “We want to lift players to rope,” he warned. the scenes and to form an opin- surge that flung people whose first defeat to Qatar in Cameroon to follow in Group B. vision,” said the 57-year-old, who a new level - achieving that is “One has the impression that ion,” he said. against barriers. Police are still 32 years put their hopes of The tournament kicks off to- has been Germany’s head coach what matters to me. things are already bloated and “Just as we did before Brazil investigating what set off the automatic qualification for a day when hosts Russia host New since 2006 and steered his coun- “I already know I have 12, 13 the fi xture list looks anything and South Africa, we’ll brief the stampede. Some witnesses ninth consecutive World Cup Zealand on June 17 with Mexico try to the 2014 World Cup title. World Cup winners with a lot but happy.” squad, but we must not forget we reported hearing firecrackers, finals in Russia next year on a and Portugal also in Group A. “A mission on the way is par- of experience and class, but With no Mueller or Gomez are guests in Russia and football others suggested someone knife-edge. Rather than targeting a place ticipating at the Confed Cup they need competition for their around, RB Leipzig’s Timo should not be expected to over- released pepper spray into the The KFA on Thursday fired in the St Petersburg fi nal on July with the goal that three or four places.” Werner, the Bundesliga’s top- come problems and grievances. air, making it hard for people coach Uli Stielike after the 2, Loew is thinking 12 months players will be able to put pres- Loew has been a sharp critic scoring German forward last “But we certainly won’t close to breathe. shock defeat. ahead. sure on our established stars, of the Confederations Cup — the season with 21 goals, and Hof- our eyes.”

Saturday, June 17, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Ronaldo seeks Real exit aft er tax accusations: report

Reuters ately be reached for comment. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar Lisbon Spanish prosecutors have fi led a law- — to be caught up in cases over tax or suit against the player accusing him of transfers. defrauding tax authorities of 14.7mn Ronaldo has completed eight seasons eal Madrid forward Cristiano euros ($16.5mn) by hiding his image at Real Madrid since joining them from Ronaldo wants to leave the rights income between 2011 and 2014. Manchester United in 2009 for a then club and Spain after being ac- Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing. world record fee of 96mn euros cused of committing tax fraud Real Madrid said on Thursday they During that time, they have won the inR the country, a report in Portuguese were confi dent the Portuguese for- Champions League three times and La sports daily A Bola said yesterday. ward had acted legally. They could not Liga twice. In November, he agreed to The newspaper said its story was immediately be reached yesterday to extend his contract until 2021. based on a reliable source and that the comment on the report. He is currently at the Confederations 32-year-old four-times world player of Ronaldo led Real Madrid to their 12th Cup in Russia with the Portuguese na- the year had already made up his mind European Cup earlier this month after tional team where his team mate Andre to ask the club for a transfer. scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over Silva said that Ronaldo was motivated It said that Ronaldo was “deeply Juventus in the Champions League fi - for the tournament. disenchanted” with the allegations nal, becoming the tournament’s top “All I can say is that he is motivated, against him. scorer. focused on the national team and en- Record, another sports daily, carried Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time lead- couraging us on to win the tournament,” a similar story. ing scorer, is the latest in a long line of he told a news conference in Kazan, Ronaldo’s agents could not immedi- soccer players in Spain — among them where Portugal face Mexico tomorrow.

SPOTLIGHT Thrillers mark fi nal day of AZF’s Ramadan Sports Festival

Winners of the junior futsal tournament pose with RSF organisers and sponsor off icials. Snapshot from the basketball tournament’s presentation ceremony.

By Sports Reporter ers secured third place after a 42- Doha 20 win against team Black Tigers. In the Ladies Sports Hall, the juniors’ futsal tournament con- spire Zone Foundation cluded its latest round with im- (AZF) has successfully pressive performances from the concluded its sixth Ra- boys participating. Team Almoj madan Sports Festival Al Azraq triumphed this year af- (RSF)A after two weeks of exhila- ter a 9-4 win against runner-up rating competitions across As- team Juventus. In the third-place pire Zone’s state-of-the-art in- playoff , team Shabab FC drew door and outdoor facilities. The with team MMA with 3 goals fi nal competitions were thrilling each, but the former eventually as teams were eager to win top overcame the latter with a 7-6 spots in the junior futsal tourna- win in the penalty shootouts. ment, and the men’s football and The winners were awarded basketball tournaments. by AZF Events manager Abdul- In the fi nal round of the men’s lah Aman al-Khater, AZF PR and football tournament, team Maiz- Communications director Nasser er Youth emerged victorious Abdullah al-Hajri, RSF organis- after securing a tough 2-1 win ing committee member Al Anoud against runner-up, team Islamic al-Misnad, and representatives Insurance, whilst team Airport from RSF’s sponsors, Ooredoo and fi nished in third place after a Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. crushing 10-0 win against team The Ramadan Sports Festival Al Fazaa. is an annual sports event that Meanwhile, fi erce competi- runs for two weeks during the tions marked the fi nal games of holy month. Over 1300 members the men’s basketball tourna- from the local community have ment. The competitions ended participated in 11 tournaments with team Doha Ballers on top taking place across Aspire Zone’s after a 46-28 win over runner-up world class sporting facilities so Action from the football tournament final between Maizer Youth and Islamic All Stars. Whereas team Aveng- far in 2017. Insurance. Maizer Youth won 2-1. Action from the basketball finals between Doha Ballers and All Stars. Doha Ballers won 46-28.

Qatar Olympic team beat Singapore in friendly NEW BEGINNING QF and Qatar Cyclists Center sign MoU to promote sports culture

QNA tures walkways, a running track, an said the centre, which is a part of Doha equestrian trail, sports pitches, and the Ministry of Culture and Sports, sculptured gardens. “has collaborated with a number “We are absolutely delighted to of institutions to encourage rid- atar Foundation for Edu- enter into this agreement with Qa- ers of all ages and nationalities to cation, Science and Com- tar Cyclists Center. One of our ob- cycle. We regularly organise tours munity Development (QF) jectives at Qatar Foundation is to and competitions, as well as fun has signed a memoran- ensure physical exercise plays an activities that can be enjoyed by the dumQ of understanding (MoU) with integral part in the lives of local res- whole family.” Qatar Cyclists Center in an eff ort to idents, and this partnership is an- “With that in mind, we are de- further promote a culture of sports, other step towards facilitating this lighted to sign this agreement with health, and well-being among the goal,” QF Community Development Qatar Foundation to continue pro- local community. President Machaille al-Naimi said. moting the sport within the local Following the event, attendees “Community development lies at community. We would like to thank and a number of representatives the heart of everything we do here at Qatar Foundation for providing in- from both organisations participat- Qatar Foundation, and this agree- door cycling facilities, as well as a ed in a cycle tour around Education ment, which aims to help encourage safe place to cycle outside, through City. The route took in a number of the local community to live health- the streets of Education City,” Dr al- iconic spaces and buildings, weav- ier lifestyles, will provide a number Kuwari said. ing through Al Shaqab, a state-of- of social engagement opportunities The MoU is part of a wider year- Qatar Olympic team players celebrate a goal during their friendly against Singapore on Thursday. Qatar, who are preparing the-art equestrian centre, and past for the public,” she added. round campaign by QF to encourage for the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers that will start on July 19 in Doha, won the match 3-0. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Oxygen Park, QF’s outdoor activity In turn, Qatar Cyclists Center Qatar’s population to live active and space and Green Lung which fea- Chairman Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari healthy lifestyles.