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Thursday, June 23, 2016 FOOTBALL Ramadan 18, 1437 AH Messi eyes Copa GULF TIMES America crown aft er goalscoring milestone SPORT Page 5 HUNGARY 3 PORTUGAL 3 Ronaldo on target as Portugal and Hungary go through ‘We’re happy as we’re still in the tournament. It was a tough game but we created chances and scored goals’

Reuters gary looked more likely to score through Lyon, France sporadic but dangerous raids. In the 19th minute, the 37-year old Gera took a half-cleared corner into ungary and Portugal reached his stride and unleashed a fizzing the Euro 2016 knockout stag- low-half volley past Rui Patricio from es after a rip-roaring 3-3 draw 25 metres. in which Cristiano Ronaldo Rocked by the setback, Portugal Hnetted twice and became the fi rst play- nearly fell two goals behind several er to score at four European Champion- minutes later after Patricio was forced ship fi nals yesterday. to parry a stinging shot by the hard- The Portuguese came from behind working Akos Elek. three times as Ronaldo, who also set a However, Ronaldo, struggling for tournament record of 17 appearances, form at Euro 2016, released Nani with fi nally rediscovered his touch to help a defence-splitting pass and his strike Portugal make the last 16, where they partner beat Gabor Kiraly with a neat will meet Croatia in Lens on Saturday. fi nish from inside the penalty area three Group F winners Hungary fi nished minutes before the break. above Iceland, who also qualifi ed after a The Hungarians were back in front last-gasp 2-1 win over Austria in Paris, in the 47th minute as Dzsudzsak beat and third-placed Portugal. Patricio with a free kick. Hungary will play the Group E run- After throwing a reporter’s micro- ners-up, which was to be decided later phone into a lake earlier in the day during yesterday between Belgium, Sweden a morning walkabout, Ronaldo produced and Ireland, while Iceland will face his best moment of the tournament in the England. 50th, beating Kiraly with a clever back- Ronaldo equalised twice in the sec- heel after good work by Nani. ond half after Zoltan Gera’s early strike Hungary took the lead for the third was cancelled out by Nani just before time. the break. Hungary captain Balazs Having had another free kick blocked Dzsudzsak had twice put his side ahead by the wall, Dzsudsak took the rebound before Ronaldo burst into life with a in his stride on the edge of the area and double strike. fi red a speculative shot which sailed “We’re happy as we’re still in the past Patricio. tournament. It was a tough game but Hungary’s joy was short-lived, how- we created chances and scored goals,” ever, as Ronaldo levelled with a thump- said Portugal coach Fernando Santos. ing header after a superb cross by sub- Portugal had promised the goals stitute Ricardo Quaresma, drawing an would fl ow and they did. eruption of joy from the Portuguese Like in their previous two matches fans behind Kiraly’s goal. against Iceland and Austria, Portugal enjoyed sterile possession in the early Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (second stages and rarely troubled their rivals from left) prepares to head the ball for with a fl urry of crosses easily dealt with his team’s third goal during their Euro by the Hungarian defence. 2016 Group F match against Hungary in With Ronaldo totally subdued, Hun- Lyon, France, yesterday. (Reuters)

ICELAND 2 AUSTRIA 1 Iceland extend heroic run with last-gasp win

Reuters land goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson Paris with a low shot. The Austrians had missed a great chance to equalise in the fi rst half when celand continued their fairytale they were awarded a penalty after Dav- story at Euro 2016 by making it id Alaba appeared to be held back in the through to knockout stage after a box by left back Ari Skulason. stoppage-time winner gave them a Aleksandar Dragovic sank to his Ideserved 2-1 victory against Austria in knees in despair after hitting the post their fi nal group match yesterday. from the spot, allowing Iceland to hold Substitute Arnor Ingvi Trausta- on to their lead until the break. son scored from close range deep into Austria, who went into their fi nal added time after collecting a though group game after a defeat by Hungary ball from Elmar Bjarnasson following a and a draw with Portugal, were hoping swift counter-attack. to survive the opening stage of a major The last-gasp goal secured Iceland tournament for the fi rst time since the second place in Group F, level on fi ve 1982 World Cup but it was not to be. points with Hungary, who drew 3-3 with They again lacked fi repower and Portugal in an action-packed encounter, their key player, Alaba, who is used to a played at the same time in Lyon. more defensive role, looked lost in the The Hungarians edged top spot by playmaker position, which he occupied virtue of a better goal diff erence. Por- throughout the tournament. tugal fi nished on three points and will Iceland, by contrast, off ered a spir- go through as one of the best third- ited display and took their chances placed teams. bravely. Austria, who had come to France as With a population of about 330,000, dark horses after a qualifying campaign which is roughly the size of English city featuring nine wins from 10 games, fi n- Leicester, home to the newly-crowned ish last and will go home with just one Premier League champions, Iceland point after a 2-0 defeat by Hungary and were cheered on by a strong contingent a 0-0 draw with Portugal. of noisy fans wearing the side’s blue The smallest country ever to qualify colours. for a European Championship, Iceland The Iceland supporters were clearly had started the tournament by hold- outnumbered by the red army of Aus- ing Portugal and Hungary to 1-1 draws trian fans but most of the noise came through resilient displays and will now Iceland’s Arnor Ingvi Traustason (left) scores past Austria’s goalkeeper Robert Almer during their Euro 2016 Group F match in Saint-Denis, near Paris, yesterday. (AFP) from those in blue, who will always re- face England in the last 16. member the night when they witnessed They stated well on a stormy night on Dadi Bodvarsson putting them ahead box following a long throw-in from the Austria, needing a win to survive the when substitute Alessandro Schoepf arguably the most remarkable feat in the outskirts of Paris with forward Jon with an angled shot from inside the right on 18 minutes. group, levelled the tie on the hour mark raced into the box and surprised Ice- their country’s sporting history. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, June 23, 2016 EURO 2016

SPOTLIGHT FA unsettled by Hodgson’s risky team selection against Slovakia Off icials feel wholesale changes were an unnecessary gamble that jeopardised England’s chances

Daniel Taylor in Chantilly, France The Guardian

oy Hodgson’s unsuccessful selection gamble in England’s fi nal group game of Euro 2016 has left senior fi gures within the Football Association ques- tioningR whether he has made a serious error of judgment that could jeopardise the team’s progress and potentially have repercussions for his future as manager. While Hodgson is adamant he has “no re- grets” about making six changes for the goalless draw against Slovakia, his employers are dis- tinctly unimpressed by the risk-taking that fi n- ished with England losing their place at the top of Group B and forfeiting the chance to play one of the third-placed fi nishers in the fi rst knock- out round. Wayne Rooney is also understood to be aggrieved at Hodgson’s decision to leave him out, and at the calculated gamble of breaking up the side that played so impressively in the sec- ond half of the 2-1 win against Wales. Rooney had expected to play and Hodgson’s decision to rest his captain is one of the issues that has troubled the people who will decide at the end of the tournament whether England’s manager warrants a new contract. England’s inability to beat Slovakia has gone down badly with various FA executives because it means Wales will have, in theory, the easier game as group winners while Hodgson’s team will face the Group F runners-up Iceland in Nice on Monday. England have also been left with the daunting prospect of meeting France in the quarter-fi nals. Behind the scenes there is a fi rm belief that they did not have to make life so dif- fi cult for themselves – and that Hodgson went too far in giving half a dozen players their fi rst starts of the tournament. The issue is whether it will be held against him should England not make it past their next two games and what would happen if, for in- stance, they were to go out against France in a match that might have been avoided. Greg Dyke, the FA’s chairman, has already made it clear that England may have to reach the semi-fi nals if Hodgson is to continue in the job A disappointed Roy Hodgson leaves the pitch with Jamie Vardy (left) and Dele Alli after England’s stalemate against Slovakia. (Reuters) through to the 2018 World Cup. Hodgson has the backing of at least one key decision-maker weekend. If they reach the quarter-fi nals, it will However, England avoided Portugal and for Jack Wilshere, playing instead of Rooney in are going to be very critical of the performance but has been heavily criticised by others and fi n- take place at the Stade de France but, if England Hodgson will feel bit relieved. Iceland beat Aus- midfi eld, but insisted he was right to make so because we didn’t win. But I cannot do that ishing as runners-up to Wales has not helped his get to the semi-fi nals, they are now in the side of tria at the Stade de France but Hodgson, perhaps many changes. (criticise). All I can do is put a team on the fi eld cause at a time when Dyke has also stated the FA the draw that would mean a return to Marseille, surprisingly, decided against making the short “I never have regrets if the team has played that I feel is capable of winning the game.” is looking for clear signs of improvement. a proposition few would want after the carnage trip to Paris to watch England’s next opponents well. I would maybe have had some regrets if England’s latest result means they have won Hodgson was taken aback to discover that earlier in the tournament. and left it to one of his scouts. “I am disap- we hadn’t dominated the game, played well and three out of Hodgson’s 10 tournament matches Dyke had been openly discussing the manager’s England discovered their next opponents yes- pointed we didn’t top the group but we will take controlled it. I might have had some regrets if in charge, with only two occasions when they future in a radio interview on the day before the terday after the fi nal Group F matches. Hodgson whichever route we are given,” Hodgson said. Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Clyne were not have scored more than one goal. Slovakia game. A diffi cult situation has not been was asked whether he would be confi dent fac- “We don’t know if it will be a harder road or candidates for man-of-the-match and I cer- “Where we are clearly at fault is that we are helped by the disclosure that Dyke apparently ing Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team- not because you never know which opponents tainly would have had a few regrets if I had given not taking the chances we are creating,” Hodg- agreed to be interviewed against the wishes of mates. “Why not?” he said. are tough and which are not. I am not always Kyle Walker and Danny Rose another game on son said. the FA’s media staff . “We beat them at Wembley in another attack- convinced the opponents you get as a third- the bounce and they had been injured. “In my wildest dreams I could not have im- The ramifi cations of England fi nishing behind versus-defence performance and they have tak- placed team are necessarily easier than a sec- “I look at the performance and I don’t hon- agined that we would be so dominant in each Wales are also being felt in a logistical sense, en only two points from their games so far. We ond-placed team. Let’s wait to see the Fifa rank- estly believe I could have put out anyone else of our fi rst three games of this tournament. But given that Hodgson’s side would have played have seen in this tournament it is not names and ings of the team we get.” who would have played a lot diff erently from the goals haven’t come. We scored three in one their next game in Paris had they won their reputations that count, it is what teams do on Hodgson’s argument is that there is no way those who started the game. If I play Kyle Walker game against Sweden [in Euro 2012] and I do be- group, meaning they would have stayed at their the fi eld. If it is Portugal, it is Portugal. I know of knowing whether his strongest England side next week, someone will say it should be Nath- lieve that, if the players keep this intensity and Chantilly base 25 miles away. Instead they are one thing: I would rather play Portugal in the would have beaten Slovakia. He admitted af- aniel Clyne. If I don’t play Jordan Henderson, positivity, then someone will be on the end of a now making arrangements to fl y to Nice at the round of 16 than not be in the round of 16.” ter the game that it had been a diffi cult night someone will say he should have played. People heavy defeat.”

FOCUS RONALDO THROWS REPORTER’S MICROPHONE IN LAKE Teams will dread Lyon: Cristiano Ronaldo threw a re- who he successfully sued after the disappointing quarter-final exit in 2008 porter’s microphone in a lake yesterday Portuguese newspaper printed details and three times in 2012 when Portugal after objecting to being approached of his private life. The Portugal captain, were knocked out on penalties in the hours before Portugal’s crunch Euro however, scored in a record fourth semi-finals by Spain. facing England: 2016 match against Hungary. European Championship finals when he However, Ronaldo is already top scor- Ronaldo, 31, has endured a frustrating backheeled into the net against Hungary er in the European championships when time in France, hitting the post with his in a 3-3 draw. qualifiers are included, with 28 goals. second-half penalty attempt in Satur- The goal came in the 50th minute to The record is just the latest of goals- Midfi elder Dier day’s goal-less draw with Austria. He also bring Portugal level at 2-2 in the Stade coring marks held by the prolific 31-year- drew criticism after slamming Iceland for de Lyon in their final Group F match. old. Already Portugal’s record goalscorer, their “small mentality” after the minnows And Ronaldo powered home his second he surpassed the legendary Luis Figo Reuters held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their open- goal of the match to level at 3-3 with just on Saturday as the man to have most Paris ing match. under half an hour left to play. represented his country. But the Real Madrid superstar was in Ronaldo scored on his record 17th Ronaldo is also the highest goalscorer no mood to talk when a reporter from appearance in the European Champion- in the history of the Champions League ther countries will the TV station of Portuguese newspa- ships finals, another record. with 93 – 10 more than closest challenger dread the prospect of per Correio da Manha approached him And the Real Madrid star is now bear- and eternal Barcelona rival Lionel Messi. facing England in the during a morning team walk at a lake in ing down on disgraced former UEFA Perhaps, most remarkably of all, Ron- Euro 2016 knockout Lyon, just hours before kick-off . president Michel Platini as he is just one aldo has devoured the record as Real’s rounds,O midfi elder Eric Dier has Video of the incident shows the goal off the Frenchman’s record mark of all-time top scorer. A remarkable strike said, despite his side’s failure to reporter asking: “Ronaldo, ready for the nine for goals in Euros finals. rate of 364 goals for Los Blancos in just secure top spot in Group B. game today?” But without a word or carried on with the team stroll. The former Manchester United man 348 games means he smashed previous After a goalless stalemate glance at the journalist, Ronaldo took his There is a history of bad blood be- scored twice as Portugal reached the record holder Raul’s 323-goal mark hav- against Slovakia on Monday, microphone and threw it in the lake, then tween Ronaldo and Correio da Manha, final on home soil in 2004, just once in a ing played over 400 fewer matches. England were overtaken by Wales and will next face Group F runner-up Iceland in a Round of OPINION 16 tie in Nice next Monday. “Of course we couldn’t win them all but in general our play has been very positive, and I am sure there are plenty who won’t Critics been extremely hard on Pogba: Wenger want to face us,” Dier told re- porters in France, where England Dan O’Toole in the second half and provided the assist “Pogba is going through a maturing against Switzerland the other day,” Le also drew against Russia before However, Iceland captain Aron The Guardian for Dimitri Payet’s winner as France left phase and he is starting to be questioned. Graët said at the France training base in beating Wales. “We shouldn’t Gunnarsson said he would relish it late to seal qualifi cation in Marseille. It’s a test of character in the career of Clairefontaine. “Paul was great. He is be fearful of anyone that’s the the prospect of taking on Eng- Wenger, speaking to the French publi- a big player. He will either lose the aura a phenomenal footballer, a very gifted wrong word. We’ll wait and see, land. “Playing against England rsene Wenger, the Arsenal man- cation Konbini.com, voiced his support that he had, or show that he is player we player who has it all. He will be vital in but we should not fear anyone.” in a fi nals would be something ager, has hit out at the criticism for the 23-year-old before France’s last- were waiting for. It is a normal part of this tournament.” England goalkeeper Joe Hart special. It would be a dream for of Paul Pogba after sections of 16 fi xture in Lyon on Sunday. “I fi nd that the development from being a very good Meanwhile, Wenger says he won’t buy echoed Dier’s sentiments and every Icelander. We have always the French media questioned in general the critics have been extremely player to a great player.” more than three players in this transfer praised the performances of his looked towards England in the hisA performances in the group stage of hard on Pogba,” Wenger said. Wenger added: “If we want to have a window as it could destabilise the team. side in the tournament. “We’re fi nals,” Gunnarsson, who plays Euro 2016. The France midfi elder was “We forget that he is only 23 and at chance at winning the Euros, we must The North London club have already going to look to build on three in the second tier of English dropped by Didier Deschamps for Les that age it is diffi cult to be the leader of have confi dence in Pogba.” The president signed midfi elder Granit Xhaka from good performances. Result-wise football with Cardiff City, said. Blues’ second group game against Al- the French team. Players like Platini and of the France Football Federation, Noël Borussia Monchengladbach, and Wenger it’s not been great but perform- “The Premier League is the bania after an indiff erent display in the Zidane were also questioned at that age. Le Graët, has also come to the defence of had hoped to bring in Jamie Vardy as his ance-wise, I don’t think anyone most watched league in Iceland tournament opener against Romania. Pogba is learning the game. I have never the former Manchester United prospect second summer signing before the Euro- will be looking forward to play- and the most talked about. It Pogba cut a forlorn fi gure on the bench known a player to have led the France at his fi rst media briefi ng of Euro 2016. pean started. But the Arsenal boss said ing us.” would be memorable.” at the Stade Vélodrome but came on early team at the age of 23, ever. “I don’t know if you saw the fi rst half that he expects Vardy to stay at Leicester. Gulf Times Thursday, June 23, 2016 3 EURO 2016

SPOTLIGHT French FA slams Wasteful Germany clubs for poor pitches

Paris: French Football Fed- eration (FFF) president Noel missing clinical fi nish Le Graet told the country’s top clubs yesterday to make the quality of their pitches an absolute priority, describ- With a potential quarter-final against Italy or Spain looming, Germany need to improve a lot ing one ground at Euro 2016 as “a failure”. AFP European governing body Paris UEFA has said it is unhappy about the state of pitches, in particular in Marseille, Lille ermany and their normally and Saint Denis where the prolifi c striker Thomas Muel- showcase Stade de France ler bemoaned missed chances is located. It appeared to at Euro 2016 as the world point the finger at stadium Gchampions scored just one goal against owners and clubs. battling Northern Ireland. “I would like to tell our The Germans had 26 attempts on clubs that having nice goal at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday pitches has to be their abso- to just two for their opponents but only lute priority,” Le Graet told a Mario Gomez was able to beat inspired news conference at France’s Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael training camp outside Paris. McGovern or the woodwork. “The quality of our pitches Germany won Group C and head to a has to be better. We have last-16 match in Lille on Sunday against great infrastructures but Albania, Slovakia or the third-placed some of our pitches are team in Portugal’s Group F. There was not adapted to top-level joy for Northern Ireland too, as the football.” Czech Republic’s 2-0 defeat by Turkey UEFA had asked for pitch- meant they also advanced to the knock- es in Nice, Marseille and out stage on goal diff erence in their first Lille to be replaced, the FFF ever Euros participation. president said. “For Nice, it The Northern Irish could well have worked. For Marseille, it was lost heavily — and with it the chance of more complicated but we qualifi cation — and Mueller acknowl- have indications that it will edged Germany will need to be more be better for the matches clinical in future rounds. to come. As for Lille, it is a “The goals were lacking. I alone could failure,” he said. “Who’s to have drawn level in the scorers’ list. We blame? UEFA, the clubs? were greedy,” Mueller said. “There were I think it’s time to tell the improvements in our play, but of course clubs something needs to we aren’t 100 % happy. We had more be done about this.” chances than in the last eight games.” Almost halfway through The Bayern Munich star combined the month-long, 24-team with Gomez to create the goal on 29 tournament, the demands minutes and he himself hit the post and on pitches have never the crossbar in the fi rst half as Michael been greater at a European O’Neill’s Northern Irish team looked in Championship. Some stadia danger of being swamped. are hosting six games and But Germany could not get past wet weather across France McGovern nor get their shots on tar- is visibly having an impact. get, despite a lively performance from With the exception of the Gomez and Mario Goetze, the diminu- Parc des Princes in Paris tive scorer of the goal which won Ger- and Lens’s Bollaert stadium, many’s fourth World Cup two years ago. which are soccer-only ven- Mueller has scored 10 goals at World ues, stadiums in the tourna- Cup fi nals but has yet to fi nd the net in a Germany’s star midfielder Thomas Mueller (centre) has failed to score so far at the Euro 2016 Championship. (AFP) ment have multiple uses as European Championship fi nals. owners maximise commer- With a potential quarter-fi nal against ers were upset at the criticism they formance. We showed a lot of the right been more dominant.” public-Turkey game. “Ideally we would cial activity. A French grass Italy or title holders Spain looming, de- faced after labouring to a 2-0 win over qualities. We are ‘die Mannschaft’ and In one dark cloud, key defender Jer- have hoped to guarantee a place in the association accused UEFA fender Mat Hummels said Germany Ukraine in their fi rst game and then a so that comes with big expectations, ome Boateng will have a possible calf round of 16 but it was always going to be of “scandalously” trying cannot aff ord to be so wasteful as the 0-0 draw with Poland. Mueller though that is only natural.” problem assessed after coming off in the diffi cult given the nature of the opposi- to pass the buck over the tournament progresses. took positives from a game played out Coach Joachim Loew also bemoaned second half. Hours before they learned tion. If we were going to lose the game state of playing surfaces, “We played well and we were con- against a wall of noise from joyous the missed opportunities. “We cre- that Northern Ireland had squeezed that’s the best defeat we could have laying the blame firmly on vincing but we didn’t score nearly Northern Ireland supporters. ated some very good chances, but also though to the last 16, their fans were had. We did remarkably well to stay in the governing body. UEFA enough. That was really lacking today,” And he accepted that merely be- squandered a few. They had no chances, still singing long after the fi nal whistle the game.” responded by saying it was Hummels. “When we play against the ing Germany heaps expectation on his but we needed to have had more pur- in Paris. He said over the three games “we de- entirely satisfied with the really top teams we’ll have to give it that team. “There was more togetherness pose and consistency in front of goal,” “They’re not going home regardless served that chance” of playing in the work done by its pitch con- little bit more.” as a team,” he told reporters. “It was a Loew said. “It was good in terms of the by the sounds of it out there,” O’Neill next round, where they will face Wales sultant Richard Hayden. Mueller and other German play- step forward and a very committed per- football we played, but we should have said, speaking before the Czech Re- or hosts France.

FOCUS ROUND-UP Dark horses Croatia an example Boateng nursing stiff calf to unruly fans: Coach Cacic muscle ahead of last 16 date DPA CZECHS FACE IDENTITY AFP Paris CRISIS AFTER EURO EXIT Bordeaux, France The days of the Czech Republic team having familiar faces from ermany defender Jer- the top European leagues could roatian coach Ante Cacic said his ome Boateng is nurs- be about to come to an end after heroic players are an example the ing a stiff calf muscle their sorry exit from Euro 2016 country’s unruly fans should follow ahead of Germany’s on Tuesday. after shocking European champi- Glast 16 match at Euro 2016, the A 2-0 defeat to Turkey meant onsC Spain 2-1 to top their Euro 2016 group. nation’s football federation DFB they fi nished bottom of Group D Flares thrown by Croatian fans halted said. Boateng sustained the in- with one point and were elimi- their side’s momentum in a 2-2 draw with jury in his right leg during Tues- nated with a whimper. Czech the Czech Republic on Friday and saw the day’s 1-0 win over Northern sides of old had names which country’s football federation fi ned 100,000 Ireland and was taken out of the all European football fans would euros ($113,000). game in the 76th minute. Coach recognize such as Pavel Nedved, However, despite threats of a repeat in Joachim Loew said afterwards he Karel Poborsky or Patrick Berger. Bordeaux, the Croatian fans were on their was hopeful Boateng could re- Now only goalkeeper Petr best behaviour to celebrate a glorious night turn for Sunday’s game against a Cech, 34, and captain Tomas as they ended the two-time defending yet to be determined opponent, Rosicky, 35, remain with the rest champions 15-game unbeaten record in the and the DFB said in a tweet the But his last France game dates of the squad barely household European Championship fi nals. stiff ness was subsiding. back to October 2015 as he was names in Prague. Coach Pavel “We achieved fi rst place and I can be real- Boateng suff ered a similar in- suspended in December after Vrba said Cech and Rosicky had ly satisfi ed that in all three matches we were jury during the 2014 World Cup being charged with conspiracy said nothing to him about inter- really aggressive, we played to win,” said group match against Ghana but to blackmail - relating to an in- national retirement but media Cacic after the Group D drama. “We had was able to play in the next game vestigation into an attempt to reports have said announce- great support from Croats all over the world against the United States fi ve extort money from his France ments could come soon. and we have to fi ght to make all the Croatian days later. team-mate Mathieu Valbuena “Jaroslav Plasil said he wants people happy. These players are showing using a sex tape. France coach to quit, I don’t know about any- how you have to represent and play for your BENZEMA CAN RETURN Didier Deschamps decided not one else,” the coach said. Media country and how you have to behave.” INTO FRANCE TEAM, to pick him for the Euro home reports also said forward David Croatia are now in a dream part of the Croatia’s midfielder Ivan Perisic (left) celebrates with captain Darijo Srna after scoring FEDERATION BOSS SAYS event which would have been Lafata, 34, was quitting the na- draw as they meet a third-placed team in against Spain at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux on Tuesday. (AFP) Karim Benzema could return Benzema’s biggest tournament. tional team. As for Vrba’s own the last 16 in Lens on Saturday. Meanwhile, into the French national team in Benzema, who has Algerian position after crashing out fol- Spain face a murderers’ row of Italy and then Croatia’s victory was even more remark- when asked why he wanted to avoid Italy, the future after not being picked roots, reacted upset and accused lowing two years in the job, he potentially Germany and France to reach able as Cacic made fi ve changes to his start- where he plays his club football with Inter for Euro 2016 in connection with Deschamps of racism. gave an ambiguous answer. the fi nal. “I am aware winning against Spain ing XI with star midfi elder Luka Modric and Milan, by scoring a sensational late winner. a criminal investigation, French De Graet said that the author- “I don’t have any other con- is a huge achievement, now we can be really infl uential striker Mario Mandzukic miss- However, Perisic warned Croatia cannot football supremo Noel de Great ities will likely soon clear up the tract, only the contract with the confi dent. We can show how strong we are,” ing through injury. However, Cacic is confi - get carried away if they are to go better than said yesterday. case but didn’t want to talk too national team. If you know any- added Cacic. “We cannot think about which dent they will both be fi t for the next round. when they reached the World Cup semi- “I can confi rm he is not much about Benzema who is on thing, you can tell me,” he said draw is better and that we are playing not so “I hope Modric and Mandzukic can be fi nals in France in 1998. “This was a really banned for life,” de Graet said holiday at an undisclosed loca- as he looked ahead to the World strong teams. You have to win every match. fi t. They had a special training regime in the special evening for us,” he said. at the team’s case camp in tion. France have qualifi ed for Cup qualifi ers for Russia 2018. The draw only tells you one of Spain or Italy past three days. There are no big problems, “We made a really great job in the group Clairefontaine near Paris. The the last 16 with two wins and a “International football is very will not be in the quarter-fi nals. no ruptures, so I am optimistic.” stages, but this is just the beginning. If we 81-times capped Benzema is draw, with Dimitri Payet scoring diff erent from the Czech league. “This is just the fi rst stage, but we are fi rst Hero of the night Perisic joked it was Italy lose the next match this doesn’t mean any- France’s most successful active two of their four goals. Benzema Players in international football (in the group). I believe we can achieve even who were the lucky with the draw as they thing. We have to stay at the same level and forward with 27 goals and won congratulated the team via social are on another level. It has been a more success and be even more confi dent. avoided Croatia. “You have to happy that fi ght as we did in the fi rst three matches if the Champions League with Real media after the opening 2-1 win good learning experience for our Now we have to win every match.” you are not playing against Croatia,” he said we want to recreate memories of 1998.” Madrid last month. over Romania. young players,” he added. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 23, 2016 EURO 2016

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Wales boss stays McGovern earns away from the guessing game N Ireland adulation AFP with Northern Ireland or Tur- Dinard, France key. A win then and Belgium and Croatia are the likely obstacles standing in the way of a remark- ‘Coming into this game, he was well prepared. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper’ ales boss Chris able run to the fi nal in Paris on Coleman insisted July 10. yesterday he is not England, by contrast, face yet trying to plot a the runners-up in Group F in Wpath through the minefi eld of the next round and would need the European Championship to negotiate their way past the knockout rounds. And Coleman likes of France, Germany, Italy or indicated he could make changes Spain be in with a chance of win- to the team that brilliantly beat ning the tournament. Russia 3-0 for their last 16 match Having waited 58 years to be against Northern Ireland or Tur- part of a major tournament, this key in Paris on Saturday. is unchartered territory for Wales With myriad routes possible and knock-out football will bring in looming rounds before last with the possibility of a penalty night’s fi nal games, Coleman shoot-out. But Coleman has no said he was staying away from plans to spend time specifi cally the guessing game. working on honing down a list of “I’ll tell you how I look at it — potential spot-kick takers. and players and staff — the only Several Wales players stay be- pathway I am thinking about is hind after training to work on the fi rst 45 minutes on Saturday free-kicks and practise penal- and how we fi nd our way through ties. The manager feels no need that. The second pathway is at to do any more than that. “I half-time and those second 45 would say three days out of fi ve minutes. If it goes to extra time or naturally a few guys just grab a penalties, whatever it is, beyond ball after training and take pen- that I promise I’m not saying we alties,” he said. can play this side or that side,” “We could practise every day Coleman said. and the guys won’t miss. But how “We have to have feet fi rmly do you recreate 50,000 people on the ground here. Everyone’s breathing down your neck and all talking about this possibility or the eyes on the world are on you that possibility. We have seen when you need to put in the back before that everything’s possible of the net? If it comes our way in football, but one minute you’re we’ll try and deal with it the best right there and everything’s we can.” great, the next you take your eye Wales’ win over Russia in Tou- off the ball and everything’s fall- louse on Monday ranks alongside en down. Whoever is it down the the fi nest ever by a Dragons side line that’s when you get on with in their 137-year international it and take care of the business history. But Coleman has not in front of you. There’s no talk ruled out the prospect of making in my camp about who could be changes for Saturday’s Parc des next after the last 16. No way, I Princes encounter. “If I look at Northern Ireland’s goalkeeper Michael McGovern pulled off save after save against Germany. (Reuters) wouldn’t allow that. the opposition and think we can “There’s not a team in this create diff erent problems with AFP he makes a lot of saves every week,” said to wait fi ve years to be awarded his sec- play-off berth, has admitted that he faces tournament who can think a diff erent player, it’s horses for Paris O’Neill. “Coming into this game, he was ond Northern Ireland cap — between a struggle to convince his captain to stay. like that, not even Germany or courses,” he said. “We can per- well prepared. He’s an exceptional goal- 2010 and 2015 — and it was not until last “If he moves on, I’ll be the fi rst to shake Spain, We’ve seen the games are haps cause problems if we change keeper. The type of saves he made tonight year that he supplanted former Manches- his hand and thank him for everything so tight. Once we fi nd out who one or two faces. We haven’t orthern Ireland goalkeeper showed that — not only his bravery, but ter United goalkeeper Roy Carroll as his he’s done for the club,” Canning said in is next we’ll focus on it and put changed formation yet, but our Michael McGovern spent last his speed in closing people down and how country’s number one. April. “Guys like Michael deserve to go everything into that challenge.” guys are absolutely loving every season toiling for Scottish he comes off his line. He didn’t put a foot McGovern’s show-stealing perform- and test themselves and play at the high- Wales’ win over Russia saw minute of this, they deserve all strugglers Hamilton Academi- wrong all night. ance against Germany, whose manager, est level they can.” them leapfrog England in Group the accolades. But there’s a mas- Ncal, but his brilliant display against Ger- “The players gave him a round of ap- Joachim Loew, praised his “great refl ex- In the short term, McGovern and his B to advance into a last 16 clash sive challenge coming next.” many at Euro 2016 made him the toast plause when he came in the dressing es”, came at a time when his club career Northern Irish team-mates must wait of Paris. The 31-year-old pulled off save room. When that happens, you don’t is in suspended animation. His contract until the end of the group phase to dis- Wales’ coach Chris Coleman. (AFP) after save on Tuesday to frustrate the really need the manager to say any more with Hamilton is due to expire next week cover whether they will face hosts France world champions and while Mario Gomez to be honest. It was a phenomenal per- and O’Neill said that he was likely to at- or neighbours Wales in the next round. found a way past him in the 30th minute, formance and up there probably with the tract interest from teams on both sides of Refl ecting on Tuesday’s game, McGovern it was only thanks to McGovern’s electric great goalkeeper performance we’ve had the border. said: “I was busy, but it was mentally very refl exes that the score remained 1-0. in the past from the likes of Pat Jennings, “I believe there’s a number of clubs in hard. We knew every goal was crucial so Captivating the 46,000-capacity Parc Tommy Wright and Maik Taylor. I’m de- Scotland that have interest in him,” said wanted to keep keep it at one and maybe des Princes, and reaching the last 16 in lighted for Michael because he’s waited a O’Neill. “I’d be surprised if there’s not nick a goal of our own. the tournament, was a world away from long time to play at club level and inter- clubs in England that would be interested “Germany had a slow start, but they his experiences with Hamilton, whose national level and he’s certainly taken the in Michael.” were excellent today. We could not get average home gate last season was 3,027. opportunity.” McGovern has never conceded more out. I’ve never had such a busy night and But Northern Ireland manager Michael McGovern has learnt the value of pa- than one goal in his 14 international ap- I’ve never played against such quality op- O’Neill said that his role in their relega- tience in his career, having spent seven pearances and Hamilton manager Martin position.” As new horizons approach with tion battle had been ideal preparation. years at formative club Celtic without Canning, whose side fi nished one place both club and country, it is something he “Playing for Hamilton Academical, making a fi rst-team appearance. He had above the Scottish top-fl ight’s relegation may have to get used to.

FEATURE Taylor’s goal completes journey from Portakabin to Paris

By Sid Lowe in Toulouse, France Athletic in the Blue Square Bet Premier ‘Listen, win, lose or draw, let’s go out The Guardian in April 2010. Not that Taylor needs playing the way we play.’ It takes some telling; he remembers it well. “Grays bravery to actually do that in a tourna- away,” he said. “That was my last game ment like this and we proved that we rom a Portakabin to the Parc for Wrexham actually. It was a volley can play good football. des Princes, Neil Taylor paint- at the back post: it was a bit nicer than “It’s a crucial goal, the second one, ed a portrait of Welsh history in the one today.” and then the third made it a really nice the making, outlining the ex- There were 298 people there that game for us. It was an unbelievable tentF of their achievement. Fifty-eight day. “Including the players,” Tay- feeling, to win the game in the man- years they had waited to return to a lor said. “I don’t know [how many of ner that we did; the last 30 minutes major tournament and, when they did, the 298 I actually knew] but we got of the game was enjoyable. We topped it was to win their group. Wales’ defender Neil Taylor holds changed in a Portakabin that day. I do the group, so we’re the best team in the Gareth Bale, twice a winner of the his children after he scored a goal remember that.” group, and to be able to enjoy it with European Cup, said this was “right up in his team’s 3-0 win over Russia in A Portakabin. It sums up just how the fans was a really special occasion.” there with anything I have done”; it the Euro 2016 Group B match at the huge this achievement is. “Exactly,” To be able to enjoy it with his family, is right up there with anything any of Stadium Municipal in Toulouse. (AFP) Taylor said. “It is massive for all of us. too. They had waited as well – not 58 them has done, a journey encapsulated The players should be very proud of years but they had. Taylor has two chil- in the moment the ball reached Tay- themselves. There are a lot of players dren, aged fi ve and two, and a third on lor inside the area and time seemed to now playing at a very high level. the way in August. slow down in Toulouse. “That never used to be the case; “It was nice to have them here with There he stood, alone before Igor Wales didn’t always have that. But us. I haven’t seen them for probably Akinfeev. With Wales already leading most of the players, a lot of them, are 25 days. It’s more diffi cult for the kids. 1-0, this was a chance that could defi ne now playing in the Premier League. We’ll see them tomorrow, so the mis- what came next. “A crucial goal,” Tay- We’re very proud of what we have done sus is happy,” he says with a smile. lor called it, turning what could have and how far we have come. Let’s just They got to see their dad score too. His been an evening to endure into one enjoy the journey. The fans enjoyed it. parents must also have been proud. to enjoy: “a really nice” game, in his Let’s enjoy it too.” Taylor’s mother is from Calcutta and words, that magnifi cent destruction of One of the most striking things he has family in Delhi, so it is put to him Russia becoming a reality. So, nerves? about Toulouse was that they really that he may well be the fi rst player of “Yeah, of course,” Taylor said, and then did enjoy this, the full repertoire roll- Indian descent to have scored at a Eu- it came to him just what he had done. ing round the stadium, the soundtrack ropean Championship fi nals. “I looked to square it twice. No one to a performance of astonishing supe- “Yeah, not only that: I’m actually was there. I looked to put it through riority. ahead of Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic,” he the keeper’s legs. He didn’t open them. “You have to learn from your defeats shoots back, quick as a fl ash. So I said: ‘Just put your foot through it.’ and we learned loads from that game The family probably expected him And I managed to score in the end. It against England. We didn’t play half home soon but instead he is heading to was a special feeling.” as well as we should on the ball, we Paris. Tens of thousands of Welsh sup- Wales, population three million. weren’t brave enough. We decided that porters will follow. Russia, 143 million. Score: 3-0. “As if we’re going to go out, we’re going to “We’re enjoying the tournament at a nation geographically we are small do it our way,” Taylor said. the moment. It’s great. The most im- but, if you’re judging us on passion, First stop is Paris this Saturday. On the scene, eloquent too in it being Tay- when he went back over it, Bale paus- “We defended well and we probably portant thing is that you can see the we could be described as a continent,” trains back from Toulouse supporters lor, 27, who takes them there, a player ing behind Taylor to lean in and adopt should have got a draw with a minute to emotion with the fans, with the cry- Chris Coleman said. were busy changing plans, a logistical who joined Swansea for £150,000 in a silly voice to ask: “Oh, did he score?” go against England, and we would have ing and the singing and everything,” he Wales have come a long way; they nightmare they barely dared dream of. 2010 and who had not scored in 149 Yes, he did. The last time Taylor had taken that. But deep down we knew says. “And hopefully Wales will empty may yet have a long way still to go. There was something eloquent in games since. It was well past midnight scored was for Wrexham against Grays we hadn’t played well. And we spoke: out again for Saturday in Paris.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 23, 2016 5 COPA AMERICA

FOCUS

Lionel Messi (left) of Argentina interacts with a fan, who ran onto the field prior to the start of the second half, during the 2016 Copa America semi-final against the United States in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday. (AFP) Messi eyes Copa crown aft er goalscoring milestone I’m happy to play with teammates a leader,” Maradona complained. was superb as Argentina demolished ‘I’m happy to have the record, and I’m happy to play with that have made it possible. I owe it to Messi responded to that verbal salvo Paraguay 6-1 in the semi-fi nals of the them,” the fi ve-time world player of with a sublime cameo against Panama Copa America with the best attacking teammates that have made it possible. I owe it to them’ the year added. a few days later, entering as a second- display of the tournament. A tournament that could prove to be half substitute and scoring a brilliant Neverthless, the upbeat mood in the AFP max of the 2007 Copa America, when Tuesday’s 4-0 semi-fi nal drubbing Messi’s crowning glory has followed a hat-trick inside 19 minutes. Argentine camp is a far cry from the Houston, Texas Messi lined up in an Argentina side of the United States took Argentina’s troubled build-up dominated by in- sense of despondency that enveloped that was beaten 3-0 by Brazil in Ven- tournament goals tally to 18 in fi ve jury and the distraction of his trial in ‘DEFEAT MADE US STRONGER’ Messi and his teammates after last ezuela, the Albiceleste have failed to matches, or 3.6 goals per game. Barcelona for tax fraud. Since then, he has been close to his year’s Copa America heartache. ionel Messi’s goalscoring ex- fi nd the back of the net. While Messi grabbed the headlines He arrived in the United States late, impish best, scoring a wonderful curl- He was named player of the tourna- ploits at the Copa America Another shutout followed in the for his magnifi cent free-kick that saw still troubled by a back injury sus- ing, dipping free-kick against the USA ment in Chile but reportedly refused Centenario have rewritten his 2014 World Cup fi nal, which ended in him become his country’s record scor- tained during a friendly win over Hon- on Tuesday while creating goals for to accept the award, disgusted by yet country’s record books and left a 1-0 loss to Germany, before an ago- er with 55 goals, one clear of Gabriel duras last month, and was forced to sit Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain. another loss in a major fi nal. LArgentina on the brink of a fi rst major nizing defeat on penalties to Chile in Batistuta, Argentina’s goals have come out Argentina’s opening game against He even found time to autograph the Messi now believes Argentina have title for 23 years. last year’s Copa America following a from all angles. Chile. jersey of a fan who sprinted onto the emerged stronger from the setbacks. But if Argentina are to avoid a fourth 0-0 draw. If that wasn’t bad enough, Diego pitch at half-time in Houston, smiling “You learn from everything,” Messi straight defeat in a major fi nal when All the signs, however, suggest that ‘HAPPY TO HAVE RECORD’ Maradona cast doubt on Messi’s abil- and hugging the interloper who was said. “It has been almost a year since they take the fi eld in New Jersey on Argentina’s barren goalscoring spell — “We’ve been playing well from day one ity to captain Argentina soon after the subsequently escorted from the sta- the last Copa America and I think that Sunday, the chances are they will have and long wait for a title — could come and we deserve to be in the fi nal,” Mes- tournament got under way, complain- dium by security guards. made us stronger as a group, and as a to do something they have never done to an end at the MetLife Stadium this si said Tuesday, dedicating his goals ing to reporters at an event in Paris The only note of caution for Ar- team. before in the Messi era: score. weekend, where Argentina will face tally to the work of his teammates. that “he has no personality.” gentina fans is that the team has been “We grew a lot, in lots of ways, and In three fi nals dating back to the cli- either Colombia or Chile. “I’m happy to have the record, and “He doesn’t have the character to be down this road before. Last year, Messi even though we didn’t win, it helped us.”

BOTTOMLINE Houston, we have a problem — Klinsmann mulls Copa mauling

AFP dents,” he said. “The free-kick from Houston Messi they pushed fi ve yards up one step at a time,” he added. “I was screaming at the referee and nited States coach Jurgen the fourth offi cial and that’s why he’s Klinsmann believes his team suddenly in range for shooting that need more regular fi xtures goal.” against top-class competition “If he’s fi ve yards back, he doesn’t Uif they are to stand any chance of join- score that goal,” Klinsmann said. ing world football’s elite. “Those are little things that we have to Klinsmann’s men bowed out of the try and fi gure out. We’re just too nice, Copa America Centenario on Tuesday too nice in those moments.” after being outclassed 4-0 by a Lionel However, the team’s failure to reach Messi-inspired Argentina, barely lay- the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia ing a glove on the South Americans in have hurt Klinsmann’s hopes of secur- 90 one-sided minutes. ing top-class competition in the future. It was a bitterly disappointing exit for confi dent to take them on,” he added. Klinsmann, who had spent the tourna- “This is just a process. If we can get ‘NO SHAME IN DEFEAT’ ment’s previous weeks encouraging his a friendly with Argentina or Brazil let’s The US side were defeated in a play- players to believe they could go toe-to- do it. Even if we get given a lesson here off for a place in the event by Mexico, toe with the world’s best teams. and there, it’s part of our process. I meaning that the only competitive fi x- But the US side were unable to man- think our players learned a lot tonight.” tures the United States will have head- age a single shot either on or off target ing into 2018 World Cup will come in throughout the entire game, just one ‘STEP ON THEIR TOES’ qualifi ers from the CONCACAF region. grim statistic from Tuesday’s mauling Already forced to improvise a new- However, Klinsmann — whose posi- that highlighted the yawning chasm in look line-up after the suspension of tion is likely to come under renewed class. Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Ale- scrutiny following Tuesday’s loss — Klinsmann said his team had given jandro Bedoya, Klinsmann’s game plan said his players had not been disgraced. Argentina “too much respect” after went out the window when Ezequiel “I told the guys there’s nothing to be suff ering the hammer blow of an early Lavezzi headed Argentina into the lead ashamed of,” he said. “We have to learn goal after only three minutes. after only three minutes. and move forward. We’re very grateful “Hopefully we can play these teams “I think you could clearly see when Argentina’s Lionel Messi (in blue) passes the ball between to this Copa America to be part of it and every year,” he said. “When you play we went 1-0 down, we had far too much USA’s John Brooks and Fabian Johnson (right) during their we made it to the fi nal four. them on a regular basis, I think the re- respect and they were able to play their Copa America semi-final in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday. (AFP) “There will always be a step back- spect gets smaller and smaller.” game,” Klinsmann said. wards and then two more steps for- “The more often we can play this ca- “After the fi rst goal, we were trying to Klinsmann cited the example of through the fi rst half. The US coach the dead ball into shooting range. ward,” he added. “That’s part of the liber of team, the more we’re going to scream into the fi eld ‘Go at them, become Messi’s magnifi cent free-kick, which said his team had failed to spot Argen- “I think in general we had too much process. We have to keep our heads up learn and the more the players will be physical, step on their toes, anything.’” put the Argentinians 2-0 up midway tina’s players moving the position of respect and that shows in little inci- and swallow it.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 23, 2016 SPORT

MLB Rivalry openers, outdoor games highlight next NHL season Season openers between arch rivals, including a Stanley Cup banner raising by the Grandal’s 3-run homer is Pittsburgh Penguins, and four outdoor games highlight the 2016-2017 National Hockey League schedule released Tuesday. The Penguins, who downed the San Jose Sharks this month to capture their fourth NHL crown, will enough for Dodgers win celebrate October 13 with ceremonies before they open the new season against the ‘The last week, he’s cooled off . I think he needs a break, as anyone does’ visiting Washington Capitals. The full 1,230-game regular- season schedule of 82 con- By Andy McCullough tests per club begins October Los Angeles Times 12 and runs through April 9. Four opening-night contests include the Edmonton Oilers he game reversed in an in- opening their new arena stant, two hours and 24 min- with a matchup against their utes of emptiness erased with Alberta provincial rivals, the Tone swing. Yasmani Grandal Calgary Flames. Another Ca- pumped his fi st before he even touched nadian matchup of provincial fi rst base, moments after his go-ahead, foes on opening night will see three-run homer in the eighth inning the Toronto Maple Leafs visit disappeared over the centre-fi eld fence. the Ottawa Senators to renew A mob of giddy Los Angeles Dodgers the “Battle of Ontario.” greeted him in the dugout, eager to cel- The St. Louis Blues will visit ebrate their only off ense in a 3-2 victory Chicago to face the Blackawks, over the Washington Nationals. the team St. Louis ousted in Winners of fi ve in a row for the fi rst the first round of this season’s time in 2016, the Dodgers (40-33) playoff s, and reigning Western can take joy in capturing a series over Conference champion San Washington, the leaders of the National Jose will entertain the Los League East. The Dodgers can conjure a Angeles Kings. sweep in Wednesday’s series fi nale. New Year’s Day will see the That outcome appeared remote when Maple Leafs play host to the eighth inning began. Silent for sev- Detroit in the first NHL Centen- en innings against Nationals starter nial Classic outdoors at BMO Tanner Roark, the team stoked a rally Field in Toronto, the launch of in brisk fashion. Joc Pederson walked. a full year of 2017 festivities Yasiel Puig laced a single off the glove of playing tribute to 100 years shortstop Danny Espinosa. It was Pu- of NHL hockey. It will be a re- ig’s fi rst hit in his fi rst game back after match of the 2014 NHL Winter two weeks on the disabled list. Classic that drew a record To the plate came Grandal. His bat- crowd of 105,491 at Michigan ting average hovered at.178, the prod- Stadium. On January 2, the uct of a wretched May. He had yet to Blues will host the Blackhawks elevate a ball against Roark. That would in the NHL Winter Classic at soon change. Busch Stadium, home ballpark Down two strikes, Grandal still de- of Major League Baseball’s St. stroyed a fastball at the thighs. It was Louis Cardinals. The NHL Her- his sixth home run of the season. Kenley itage Classic will be staged Oc- Jansen slammed shut the door in the tober 23 at Winnipeg between ninth for his 21st save of the season. the host Jets and Edmonton Scott Kazmir survived a series of at the home stadium of the rockets off Washington bats to last six Canadian Football League’s innings. He dodged most of the lasers, Winnipeg Blue Bombers while but did allow a pair of solo home runs. the Penguins play host to the In the afternoon, the conversation Philadelphia Flyers on Febru- was dominated by Puig, whose return ary 25 at the home of the forces daily decisions for manager Dave NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. The Roberts. Roberts intends to use Puig as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal annual NHL All-Star Game will his regular right fi elder, even though celebrates aft er he hits a three run home run in the be staged January 30 at Los Puig hit .237 with scant patience before eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Angeles. landing on the disabled list. Dodger Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports. Meanwhile Tampa Bay Light- With Puig in right and Howie Ken- ning forward Ryan Callahan drick in left, Trayce Thompson sat on had successful hip surgery the bench for the fi rst time all month. in New York. Callahan won’t Along with Corey Seager and Joc Ped- be able to return to the ice erson, Thompson aided a youth move- the lineup the group will maintain its the count full. Roark threw a belt-high Utley capitalized on Roark’s lack of foot frame. His third at-bat would prove far for about five months, which ment that powered the off ense earlier stamina through the long season. Given fastball. Puig grounded out. speed and threw him out on a subse- more fruitful. means he won’t compete for in the season. But opposing pitchers this arrangement, Roberts conceded, The lineup did not provide much quent groundball. RESULTS Team USA in the upcoming have scaled back Thompson’s fastball Puig must perform in order to retain his support for Kazmir. He allowed a solo The play by Utley proved crucial, Colorado 8 NY Yankees 4 World Cup of Hockey. consumption and fooled him with off - status. home run to Nationals slugger Bryce because Nationals outfi elder Jay- San Diego 10 Baltimore 7 speed pitches. During the past 11 games “For me, I want... consistent, qual- Harper in the fi rst inning. Harper son Werth followed up with a single. San Francisco 15 Pittsburgh 4 Lecavalier retires heading into Tuesday, Thompson hit ity at-bats from him, regardless of the turned around a 92-mph fastball to put Harper advanced both runners with a Arizona 4 Toronto 2 .195 with a .559 on-base plus slugging results,” Roberts said before the game. the Dodgers behind. grounder. The Dodgers intentionally Detroit 4 Seattle 2 Four-time All-Star Vincent percentage. He struck out 12 times and “Because I believe that if he’s putting The hole deepened in the fi fth. Ka- walked cleanup hitter Daniel Murphy. Atlanta 3 Miami 2 (10 innings) Lecavalier announced his walked only four. together good at-bats and squaring the zmir let a changeup fl oat to the top of Kazmir left the bases loaded by strik- Chicago W Sox 3 Boston 1 retirement to off icially end a “The last week, he’s cooled off ,” Rob- baseball up, he’ll get hits and drive runs the strike zone against shortstop Danny ing out fi rst baseman Ryan Zimmerman NY Mets 2 Kansas City 1 17-year career. Lecavalier, 36, erts said. “I think he needs a break, as in.” Espinosa. Kazmir smacked his glove with a changeup at the shins. Cleveland 6 Tampa Bay 0 spent the first 14 years of his anyone does.” The second inning presented Puig against his leg after Espinosa’s drive In the bottom of the inning, Peder- Cincinnati 8 Texas 2 career with the Tampa Bay Roberts must juggle at-bats between with an opportunity to do both. He cleared the fence in left fi eld. son smacked a one-out single. A rally St. Louis 4 Chicago Cubs 3 Lightning. He played two-plus Puig, Thompson and Kendrick, while stepped to the plate with two outs and Kazmir looked on the verge of folding never materialized. Roark fi red a 93- Houston 3 LA Angels 2 seasons with the Philadelphia still searching for time for reserves such Pederson at second base after a dou- as the inning continued. After Espinosa mph fastball over the middle, but the Minnesota 14 Philadelphia 10 Flyers before finishing it off as Scott Van Slyke and Enrique Her- ble. Puig spit on a pair of sliders from took him deep, Kazmir yielded a double late movement stifl ed Puig’s power. Oakland 5 Milwaukee 3 with the Los Angeles Kings. nandez. The team hopes by juggling Washington starter Tanner Roark to run to Roark. A reprieve came when Chase He rolled into a double play to end the LA Dodgers 3 Washington 2

NHL Kane sets sights on improving upon sensational season

By Chris Kuc der a cloud of suspicion while be- the playoff s still stings for Kane, Chicago Tribune ing investigated for an alleged who after posting career highs with sexual assault at his Western New 46 goals and 60 assists during the York home. The Erie County dis- regular season, had a goal and six lean-shaven, relaxed and trict attorney eventually dismissed assists in the seven-game series noticeably bulked up, the allegations and Kane was not against the Blues. Patrick Kane’s off season charged. The NHL launched its “I felt I could have performed is already in full swing. own investigation and found the a little bit better in playoff s and CThe Blackhawks winger said he is woman’s claims to be unfounded. maybe take some control of dif- working out in Chicago this sum- Being in Chicago also gives the ferent games in that series,” Kane mer - a departure from his usual Hawks organisation an opportunity said. routine of living and training in his to keep a closer eye - and perhaps “That’s always tough to look hometown of Buff alo - as he tries maintain some control - on their back and say you could have done to improve on the season for which star attraction. He has had his share this or that. Hopefully it prepares he is the prohibitive favourite to of off season diffi culties throughout you (for) what happens next year or earn the Hart Memorial Trophy as his nine-season NHL career. down the road. It’s always tough to the league’s most valuable player Kane, who will be “back and lose in the playoff s, especially in the during the 2016 NHL Awards on forth” between Chicago and Buf- fi rst round when you feel you have Wednesday night in Las Vegas. falo, said it will be good to have a a chance to do some special things.” “Hitting it hard, you know,” Kane return to an off season where the Kane now is focusing on the said Tuesday of his fi ve-day-a- focus is on rest while also preparing 2016-17 season and said there are week workouts. “It’s not like I’m for an encore of his most sensation- “a lot of things” he can improve. trying to get too big or anything, al season yet. “Whether it’s having more con- I’m just trying to feel good about “(Last summer) I was still train- trol every shift or being able to my body, work on certain things ing as hard as I would have, I’m just capitalise in certain areas ... as a like explosiveness - especially in doing it at home,” Kane said of be- competitive player you always want the gym right now. ing in Chicago. to work on everything,” he said. “That’s kind of where you get “Now, I’m doing it with a couple “I’ll probably stay off the ice for a your motivation, how tough work- of guys and a trainer and (it) feels little bit to try to get my body where outs can be in the gym and trying good. I don’t think I’d be working I want it. After that, work on certain to push yourself through that. Once out the week after (if) we would things like your shot, explosiveness you get on the ice, you’re playing a have made it to the fi nals. It’s ex- (and) agility. game you love (and) it’s fun. So you citing to work out a little bit earlier “(Agility’s) one thing in the game try to get your motivation for the and do certain things that maybe today that can be really used ef- gym.” you didn’t have time to do over the fectively to try to get in and out of The change in locale for the course of a short summer.” checks and move your way, wheth- workouts fi gures to benefi t Kane, The disappointment of the er it’s through the neutral zone (or) who prepared for last season un- Hawks’ fi rst-round departure from the off ensive zone.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 23, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Viewers, social media, sales add to Nowitzki not going to NBA Finals records

AFP ings a minute, the top-tweeted New York moment in fi nals history and most-tweeted US sports mo- ment so far this year. ot only did LeBron The Cavaliers-Warriors go play for Warriors James and the Cleve- showdown was the most- land Cavaliers make talked about NBA Finals ever the greatest come- on Facebook, with a record 43 Nowitzki will likely give the Mavs another hometown discount Nback in NBA Finals history million people posting, liking, to dethrone the Golden State sharing and commenting more Warriors, they broke viewer- than 269 million times. ship, social media and souvenir On Vine, the NBA ranked sales records as well. number one last week among The NBA announced Tues- all accounts with 76.5 million day that the epic seven-game loops. series was America’s most NBA.com and the NBA App watched NBA championship recorded a record 1.9 billion fi nal since 1998, when Michael page views and 1.4 billion video Jordan won the last of his six views, eclipsing the respective career crowns, as well as the previous records of 1.1 billion most-viewed NBA game ever and 400 million set during last on digital platforms in China. year’s NBA Finals. US telecaster ABC averaged A free NBA emoji app un- 20.215 million viewers a game, veiled during the fi nals ranked its best-ever fi gures, with the fi rst in the sports section of thrilling seventh-game trophy the App Store and NBA Finals- showdown luring an average of related emojis were used more 31.018 million viewers, peak- than 800,000 times. ing at 44.807 million viewers On Monday, the day the to become the third-most- Cavaliers landed back in watched NBA game on record. Cleveland and were greeted In China, an NBA Finals- by 20,000 fans at the airport, record 65.9 million total view- the NBA’s online store had its ers watched the series live on highest sales day in history, Tencent’s digital assets, with breaking last year’s record. The game seven’s 15.3 million view- online store generated record ers a record for any NBA game breaking merchandise sales up in China on digital platforms. almost 50 percent from last Across social media, the year’s record totals. NBA Finals sparked a record The Cavaliers’ NBA Cham- 5.2 billion impressions and 800 pions Locker Room T-shirt was million video views. the top-selling item on NBAS- Game seven of the fi nals in- tore.com and set records for duced 337,000 Twitter post- such items.

Adidas, German Football Association extend partnership until 2022 One of the longest and most successful, we are innovative successful partnerships in and we deliver quality; we are sport continues: Today, the cosmopolitan, multi-cultural German Football Association and bring joy. As part of our (DFB) and adidas off icially long-term strategy, we will announced the extension increase our production vol- of their long-term partner- ume in Germany again and ship. DFB president Reinhard plan to also produce the DFB By Dwain Price process as long as Nowitzki is zki can win a title next season for them. That powerful Los Between Charles Barkley, Grindel and Herbert Hainer, jerseys directly in our home Fort Worth Star-Telegram with the Mavericks. with the Warriors if he signs Angeles Lakers team lost to the John Stockton, Patrick Ewing CEO of the adidas Group, market. So, there you have. Period. with the Warriors, you know Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA and Malone, they have a total of confirmed in Paris that adidas “These were the most trans- Paragraph. End of story. that’s not a guarantee. Finals. zero NBA titles. And they’ll all will remain the off icial sup- parent, most demanding and efore you get all riled Please stop the nonsense. Sure, the Warriors are an ex- Pick up the phone and dial up run circles around Adam Mor- plier of the world’s largest ultimately for the DFB the up and lose your lunch, Nowitzki is not leaving the ceptional team who set an NBA David West and ask him about rison and the hundreds of other sports federation until 2022. economically most success- Dirk Nowitzki is not Mavericks, so don’t waste your regular season record with 73 taking a pay cut of approximate- two-bit NBA players who made During their over 60-year ful negotiations in the history Bgoing to go play for the time writing that he might/will wins this year. But they lost as ly $11 million so he could play for extremely minor contributions partnership, the DFB and of our Association. I am very Golden State Warriors. and talking about that he might/ many games in the regular sea- $1 million and “win” a cham- towards the NBA rings they won. adidas have celebrated pleased that we’ve managed And since we’re on the subject will. Nowitzki bleeds as much son (nine) as they did in the play- pionship with the San Antonio How many championship many sporting successes to extend the contract with of Nowitzki’s impending free Mavericks’ blue blood as Cuban. off s (nine). Spurs this past season. And how rings a player has doesn’t de- including four World Cup adidas, our partner for dec- agency, he’s not going to go play He’s not in that world of bunny- The Warriors also lost as many did that title-chasing venture termine how great he was as a and three Euro titles for the ades. adidas is reliable, knows for the world champion Cleve- hopping from team to team. home games in the NBA Finals work out for West? player. Yes, the Warriors have German men’s national team the DFB and is supporting us land Cavaliers, either. Neither is he a part of that to Cleveland (two) as they did The Spurs lost in the second a stronger chance of winning as well as two World Cup and with upcoming innovations If you don’t know Dirk Nowit- group of players who join forces in the regular season (two). And round of the playoff s, and now the NBA title next year than the eight EURO trophies for the such as the construction of zki by now, to paraphrase Harold to form a super team. they lost the decisive Game 7 of West has opted out of a contract Mavericks. A six-year old kid women’s team. As part of the the new DFB academy or Melvin & The Blue Notes, you’ll Nowitzki’s DNA is laced with the Finals on their home court to that will pay him $1.55 million knows that. new agreement, adidas will the further development of never, never, never know him. all things Mavericks. Drafted at the Cavs after leading the best- next year with the Spurs so he According to Bovada, 11 teams continue to be a dedicated fussball.de. We will use the I was at DFW airport when age 19, Nowitzki, now 38 years of-seven series 3-1. can become a free agent. have better odds of winning the and reliable partner not only money to make the DFB and Nowitzki fi rst got off the plane old, has spent half his life in Pick up the phone and call (Is hitching up with LeBron 2017 NBA title than the Maver- to the DFB but also to its na- German football even better. from Germany and joined the Dallas, and he will play out the Mike Bibby and ask him how and the Cavs the next destina- icks. And one of them probably tional associations to further Our investments will be Mavericks in 1998, and there’s remainder of his career with the capturing a title worked out of tion for West, or is he going to will win it. develop football in Germany focused on both professional one glaring ingredient I’ve Mavs. Look, Nowitzki could have him when he gave back some $12 the Warriors)? But the Warriors were picked on all levels. “We are looking football and the work done at learned about him during nu- earned about $75 million in free million so he could “win” a ti- Oh, there’s plenty more sad to win this year’s title, and they forward to continuing our the grassroots level. We will merous interviews throughout agency two summers ago. But he tle with the Miami Heat in 2011. stories of millions being blown didn’t. close and trusting coopera- also strengthen our national the years. That young man is turned his back on that to return It worked out so well that after chasing titles, only for the play- Just like LeBron returned tion with the DFB”, said CEO associations and further loyal and truthful to a fault. to the Mavericks for $25 million starting the fi rst fi ve games of ers to be reminded that death home to win a title for Northern of the adidas Group Herbert improve in particular our tal- And I mean that in a positive over three years. the 2011 Finals against the Mav- and taxes are the only two guar- Ohio, Nowitzki wants to win an- Hainer. ent promotion programmes,” way. Mavericks guard Devin Harris ericks, Bibby didn’t even play in antees in life. other title in Dallas. “We belong together, as said DFB president Reinhard An 18-year veteran, Nowitzki said of Nowitzki: “I don’t think the decisive Game 6, which the And who told who that win- If Draymond Green and the both the DFB with its na- Grindel. has said on numerous occasions the Big German is going any- Mavericks (and Nowitzki) won ning an NBA title means you’re Splash Brothers care to join tional teams and we as an that unless the Mavericks plan where.” to close out that series. greater than the players who Nowitzki in Dallas, I’m sure he international sporting goods on going through a rebuilding Of Nowitzki having the gall Pick up the phone and call never won a title? would gladly pick them up at the company excellently present process, he plans to play his en- to leave the Mavericks to play Karl Malone and Gary Payton I remind you that Adam Mor- airport. But Nowitzki isn’t leav- Germany around the globe. tire career with the Mavericks. for the Warriors, Harris said: “I and ask them how joining forces rison only played four seasons ing the Mavericks for the Warri- We represent everything And owner Mark Cuban has said don’t really see that happening.” with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe and has two sparkling NBA rings. ors – or for any other franchise. the ‘made in Germany’ seal on numerous occasions that he Besides, even if you buy into Bryant to form the super teams You do know who Adam Morri- Period. Paragraph. End of sto- of quality stands for: we are will never go into a rebuilding the crazy argument that Nowit- of all super teams worked out son is, don’t you? ry. Please stop the nonsense.

SAVE THE DREAM Access to sport for underprivileged LA kids

Agencies These outskirts are everywhere, often very close to Los Angeles us. The clinic in Pasadena had an important sym- bolic value for us and for the families of the chil- dren who attended. It was for us an opportunity to ave the Dream has given children from un- understand how we can provide long-term help, in derprivileged communities in Los Angeles, terms of empowering and supporting the work of California, the chance to play soccer and local NGOs, youth organisations and other expres- Sexperience the thrill of attending a Copa sions of local civil society.” America match. Executive director of Southern California Youth In partnership with the Southern California Soccer Organisation (SCYSO) Joe Supe said: “We Youth Soccer Organisation (SCYSO) and the Villa were delighted to co-operate with Save the Dream Park Community Center, Save the Dream hosted a and help reach many children from underprivileged soccer clinic, including inspirational sessions, for communities. These kids can learn a lot from sport, 100 Latino boys and girls from 8-12 years of age. strengthen self-esteem and respect for the others. The following day, the children attended a Copa We trust this clinic is just the beginning of a solid America match, which saw Mexico defeat Jamaica future co-operation for the good of our kids in Los 2-0, cheering for positive values of sport. Recent Angeles and many other cities.” articles have emphasised that many children in To coincide with the activities, representatives of Southern California, and elsewhere in the US, are Save the Dream held bilateral meetings with the LA unable to participate in organised soccer, due to the Galaxy Foundation, the LAFC Foundation and sev- fi nancial cost. eral NGOs that assist children through sport and Speaking about the initiative executive director education. of Save the Dream Massimiliano Montanari said: Save the Dream is a joint initiative of the Inter- “For more than two years, Save the Dream has fully national Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and Qa- committed itself to take a ball, and with it, educa- tar Olympic Committee (QOC) with the support of tional opportunities, to the outskirts of the world. Ooredoo, the technology partner. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, June 23, 2016 SPORT

CYCLING/ TOUR DE FRANCE RUGBY Savea back in reshaped All Blacks Froome given strong for third Test

AFP Hansen stressed that the Wellington widespread changes did not mean a lessening of the All Blacks approach. ruising wing Ju- “We’re expecting another team for title defence lian Savea returns to brutal Test match, with the ex- frontline action and pectation that Wales will again Elliot Dixon will make chuck the kitchen sink at us,” ‘He’s confident, ready to go and is very hungry and wants to win’ Bhis Test debut as New Zealand Hansen said. take a ‘risk and reward’ ap- “We’ve seen over the last proach to the third Test against two Tests that they’re a very Wales in Dunedin on Saturday. good side who play physi- With the All Blacks taking cal, combative and innovative the fi rst two Tests to wrap up rugby. Our own expectations CHRIS FROOME the series early, coach Steve are as high as ever and we’ll Hansen has made fi ve changes be looking for continued im- to the run-on side for the fi nal provement right across our showdown. game.” He has also replaced seven Starting scrum-half Aaron of the eight benchwarmers Smith and lock Brodie Retal- where prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi lick will be playing their 50th and loose forward Liam Squire Tests for the All Blacks. are set to earn their fi rst caps. The pair made their Test de- “With the series won, it buts in the same Test, against came down to risk and re- Ireland in June 2012. ward and we felt the rewards New Zealand(15-1): of seeing these new players in Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, George the Test arena, after watching Moala, Ryan Crotty, Julian them for three weeks on the Savea; Beauden Barrett, Aaron training pitch, outweighed any Smith; Kieran Read (capt), risks,” Hansen said when nam- Sam Cane, Elliot Dixon; Brodie ing the side Thursday. Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Savea, who was ignored for Charlie Faumuina, Dane Coles, the second Test after indiff er- Joe Moody ent form, returns to the left Replacements: Codie wing with Waisake Naholo Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa dropping to the bench while Tu’ungafasi, Luke Romano, Dixon takes over from Jerome Liam Squire, Tawera Kerr-Bar- Kaino on the side of the scrum. low, Lima Sopoaga, Waisake Outside centre George Moa- Naholo. la comes in for only his sec- ond Test after playing against Samoa last year and Beauden Barrett replaces injured fl y- half Aaron Cruden opening the way for Lima Sopoaga to join the bench. Charlie Faumuina starts in place of prop Owen Franks with Tu’ungafasi added to the replacements. Other bench changes in- clude Squire for Ardie Savea, Tawera Kerr-Barlow has re- covered from injury to replace scrum-half TJ Perenara and Codie Taylor replaces Nathan Harris as the back up hooker.

Jones backs Hartley as Lions captain AFP London Kittel back at Tour with new team England coach Eddie Jones good with the players in has thrown his support making sure they understand German sprint king Marcel Kittel returns to Alaphilippe (FRA), Iljo Keisse (BEL), Marcel old Dutchman Groenewegen in his behind Dylan Hartley to standards we want in the efending champion the Tour de France next month with his new Kittel (GER), Dan Martin (IRL), Tony Martin place. captain the British and Irish team, and making sure they Chris Froome will Etixx-Quick Step team. (GER), Maximiliano Richeze (ARG), Fabio “This will be good for his development, Lions next year on their understand the values that make his challenge for Kittel won four stages in each of the 2013 and Sabatini (ITA), Petr Vakoc (CZE), Michel although we hadn’t been considering giving tour of New Zealand. The are important”. a third Tour de France 2014 editions but injury and illness ruled him Vermote (BEL) him his Tour debut just yet,” said team man- Northampton hooker has “He continues to do that on titleD in four years with the sup- out of last year’s race. ager Nico Verhoeven. excelled as England skipper a daily basis and that is so port of a strong, climb minded He has since moved to Etixx from Giant, re- Lotto take a chance on “We’d like to win a stage on this tour in 2016, captaining the side to important for a captain.” Team Sky line-up. placing the man he surpassed as the world’s Groenewegen however,” said Verhoeven, who hinted his eight straight victories, and Jones this week ruled himself Froome will be joined on the best sprinter in the process, Briton Mark strongest chance of that might be climber Jones sees him as a prime out of coaching the Lions starting line at Mont St-Michel Cavendish. Dutch cycling team Lotto NL are betting on Wilco Kelderman. contender for the job. against the All Blacks. “I on July 2 by British riders Luke Etixx picked a team with the view of winning rookie sprinter Dylan Groenewegen on the Lotto NL for the Tour de France George Ben- “I think he would be a great signed a four-year contract to Rowe, Geraint Thomas and Ian stages that includes German three-time 2016 Tour de France after Robert Gesink was nett (NZL), Dylan Groenewegen (NED), Wilco candidate,” Jones told the make England the best team Stannard, Team Sky confi rmed world time-trial champion Tony Martin and involved in a heavy fall last week. Kelderman (NED), Bert-Jan Lindeman (NED), BBC in Australia, as England in the world and I’m going to yesterday. punchers Dan Martin of Ireland and France’s Senior rider Gesink has failed to get over his Paul Martens (GER), Timo Roosen (NED), go after a 3-0 series clean- spend every minute I have The 31-year-old Froome won Julien Alaphilippe. tumble in the Tour of Switzerland, Lotto NL Sep Vanmarcke (BEL), Robert Wagner (GER), sweep against the Wallabies doing that,” he told report- the Tour last year and in 2013, Etixx team for the Tour de France: Julian said yesterday, and have named the 23-year- Maarten Wynants (BEL). in Sydney on Saturday. ers after England secured an while British-based Team Sky “He has clearly done a good unbeatable 2-0 lead in the also triumphed in 2012 when job leading England – he has series against Australia. Bradley Wiggins took the title. Belarusian time-trial specialist into the race and am fortunate to we want to win it again. But we fi dent, ready to go and is very got the ability to develop re- “If I took the Lions job I’d have With Astana and Movistar Vasil Kiriyenka has been picked have a strong team around me - have trained hard. “We’re ready hungry and wants to win. lationships with people – and to spend anything from six to providing tough competition, for his all-round ability and to both on and off the bike. for the challenge and can’t wait “I’m absolutely confi dent this therefore he would be a great 12 months not doing that.” Froome will enjoy top class sup- lead the drive along the fl at sec- “Every rider obviously starts to get back racing in front of the team will pull together and give candidate for the Lions job.” Jones has said he believes port on the crucial mountain tions. Froome will go into the every new Tour equal and what millions of people in France who everything to win this race. They Next year will see the Lions England would be repre- stages. With the proven climb Tour in fi ne form after winning has gone before counts for noth- make the race so special.” will be completely together as a bidding for just their second sented by “at least” 15 players ability of Spanish duo Mikel his third Criterium du Dauphine ing. This year I am hungrier than Team Principal Dave Brails- unit and there will be no squab- series win on New Zealand when the Lions select their Landa and Mikel Nieve, Colom- and he can’t wait to get started. ever for success. ford believes Froome can win bles. “Their feedback will be fan- soil after the celebrated 1971 squad next year for a series bia’s Sergio Henao and Dutch- “The Tour de France will al- “There is not a trace of com- again and he told Sky Sports tastic and they will be very blunt team that won a four-Test that clashes with England’s man Wout Poels, Froome is un- ways be the pinnacle of our placency in the team. We know News: “Froome has been here with each other. In terms of sup- campaign 2-1 with one draw. scheduled tour of Argentina likely to fi nd himself isolated in sport,” Froome said. how hard this race will be and before and he knows how to deal port for Chris, they will optimise Jones said Hartley was “very in June. either the Pyrenees or the Alps. “I feel in good shape coming how much we will have to give if with this experience. “He’s con- his chances of winning.”

SPOTLGIHT Injury forces Wasps’ Italian Masi into retirement

AFP Oosthuizen called up as front row cover for Springboks London Prop Coenie Oosthuizen has been drafted into the South Africa camp as front row cover for taly stalwart Andrea Masi yesterday an- the series-deciding third test against Ireland on nounced his retirement from rugby after Saturday after the Springboks suff ered further Ihe failed to recover from an achilles ten- injury withdrawals. don injury suff ered during last year’s World Capped 23 times, Oosthuizen comes in for Cup. Trevor Nyakane, who pulled out due to an ankle The 35-year-old full-back or centre won injury, with the experienced 27-year-old able to 95 Test caps for Italy and was part of four cover both the loosehead and tighthead posi- World Cup campaigns. He also made 59 ap- tions. Lock Lood de Jager has also withdrawn pearances in Wasps colours in the English because of a calf injury that saw him miss last Premiership. weekend’s second test at Ellis Park, where the In a statement released by Wasps and the Springboks rallied to level the series with a Italian rugby federation, Masi said: “Rugby thrilling 32-26 win. South Africa also dropped has been at the core of my life for the past 20 Garth April, Nic Groom and Scara Ntubeni from years, and it’s not easy to close such an im- eff ort to come back from the injury, but sadly off ers to play elsewhere – will never be for- their squad for Saturday’s third test at the Nel- portant chapter of my life. it wasn’t to be. I gave a lot to the game I love, gotten. son Mandela Bay Stadium. The trio were named “But I am conscious that I need to follow and the game gave a lot to me.” “He is one of the most genuine and consid- in an initial 31-man squad for the series but did experts’ medical advice, and that this is the Wasps rugby director Dai Young paid trib- erate characters you could wish to meet, and not make it into the matchday squads for either only possible way. ute to Masi, adding: “It’s hard to summarise is someone who never shirks a challenge. of the opening two tests. Ireland opened the se- “Despite the recovery process progressing the contribution Andrea has made to Wasps, “That is what makes his enforced retire- ries with a first ever victory over the Springboks positively in the early stages, it didn’t heal as because his impact has been tremendous in ment all the harder to bear, as he has worked in South Africa when they held on for a 26-20 hoped, and it became clear I wouldn’t be able all areas of the club. his socks off and done everything humanly triumph at Newlands on June 11, despite being to continue playing professional rugby. “His loyalty to stick with Wasps during the possible to come back from the Achilles reduced to 14 men for an hour. “I am satisfi ed that I made every possible tough times – when he received numerous injury.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 23, 2016 9 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Qualifi er shocks Wozniacki in Djokovic relishing Eastbourne

Eastbourne, UK: Monica Puig the English south coast for the defeated 2009 WTA Eastbourne eighth time and reached the champion Caroline Wozniacki semi-fi nal in her last three ap- 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 yesterday as the pearances. Murray challenge qualifi er booked a quarter-fi nal Puig is hoping to duplicate or place at the pre-Wimbledon perhaps surpass her run from a tune-up event. qualifying start last January in Puig, from Puerto Rico and Sydney, where she reached the ranked 43rd in the world, battled fi nal against Svetlana Kuznet- through a two-and-a-quarter- sova. Puig is making her debut at hour contest against the former the fi nal event prior to Monday’s number one which was delayed start at Wimbledon. at Wimbledon for 90 minutes by rain. Slovak 12th seed Dominika The 22-year-old Puig double- Cibulkova also moved into the faulted on her fi rst of two match last eight, beating Kateryna Murray has been Djokovic’s most consistent rival over the last six months, but the Serb has points but completed the job at Bondarenko 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Devonshire Park in style with an thanks to a fi rst-set comeback won 13 of their last 15 meetings, including the Australian and French Open finals this year eighth ace. from a break down. After a mass “Finishing with an ace is the exodus of seeds in the second best way to go. I hope I can keep round, number one survivor Ag- this up. I’m excited for the next nieszka Radwanska was facing round and ready for whatever Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard in comes up. a third-round battle of former “It was a really tough match, Wimbledon fi nalists. she made me run for every ball.” Two-time Wimbledon win- Wozniacki, the number 37 ner Petra Kvitova, the fi fth seed, who missed the clay season with was playing Britain’s number 11 an ankle injury, was playing on Johanna Konta.

HORSE RACING Dahham picks up easy win in Chantilly

File picture of Ivan Lendl with Andy Murray during their previous association. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racing manager Abdullah Rashid AFP “We have to be respectful to all the play- to be able to hold all four grand slam titles the fi rst British male singles champion at al-Kubaisi (second from right) poses with trainer Didier Guillemin London ers at Wimbledon, more than 120 players, at the same time. It’s a remarkable achieve- the All England Club for 77 years. and jockey Alexandre Gavilan after Dahham won Qatar Coupe de so we take it by step by step.” ment for my team and I. The Scot has lost 13 of his last 15 match- France des Chevaux Arabes (Gr1 PA) in Chantilly, France, yesterday. Djokovic’s coach Boris Becker said he “But we’re moving on, it’s back on grass es against Djokovic, including this year’s ovak Djokovic admits he was was surprised by Murray’s decision to go now and starting from scratch.” Australian and French Open fi nals, but he Agencies fl attered to discover Andy Mur- back to his former coach given the Scot’s As well as the calendar Grand Slam, has won their last two meetings on grass Chantilly, France ray and his coach Ivan Lendl are excellent recent form, but the world Djokovic could still win the Golden Slam if and is in fi ne form after lifting the Queen’s working overtime to end his two- number one believes it is a good move. he adds an Olympic gold medal to that col- Club title for a record fi fth time last week. yearN reign as Wimbledon champion. “I don’t think it’s a surprising decision lection. If the world’s top two make the Wim- ahham raced to an easy Djokovic holds all four Grand Slam titles from Andy,” Djokovic said. Golfer Rory McIlroy has announced he bledon title match it would be a record- win in the Qatar Coupe after winning the French Open earlier this “When Ivan was his coach Andy won a will not be travelling to Rio because of con- equalling eighth Grand Slam fi nal between de France des Chev- month and the world number one is heav- couple of Grand Slams, an Olympic gold cerns regarding the Zika virus, but Djoko- them. Djokovic has defeated Roger Federer Daux Arabes (Gr1 PA) in ily favoured to defend his crown at the All medal and made the best results in his ca- vic has no intention of withdrawing. in the last two Wimbledon fi nals and the Chantilly, France, yesterday. England Club. reer. “No, I don’t. I’m still planning to go and Swiss legend will be seeded third in his bid The colt, owned by Sheikh Murray has been Djokovic’s most con- “I think it was a logical move for him to it’s going to stay that way,” he added. for a record eighth Wimbledon title. Mansoor bin Zayed al-Nahyan, sistent rival over the last six months, but take. They’re a good team so it’s going to be Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, initially was held up towards nearly had to take a pull in the the Serb has won 13 of their last 15 meet- an interesting tournament.” Top seeds hasn’t won a major title since lifting the the rear. On to the straight, he straight.” ings, including at the Australian and While Murray spent last week sealing a Djokovic and Murray are on course for Wimbledon trophy in 2012 and has en- was still full of running but, Al Shaqab Racing’s Lwsail, French Open fi nals this year. record fi fth title at Queen’s, Djokovic has a Wimbledon fi nal showdown after be- dured an injury-plagued year that saw him without being asked too much caught fl at-footed coming into It was that failure to get the better of not played a competitive match since win- ing confi rmed as the top two seeds for the miss the French Open. by jockey Alexandre Gavilan, the straight, picked up well to Djokovic which played a key role in the ning the French Open almost three weeks grass-court Grand Slam. Federer’s compatriot Stan Wawrinka is he quickly went lengths clear of come and take second from Bra- world number two’s decision this month ago. The three-time Wimbledon cham- World number one Djokovic and sec- seeded fourth and Japan’s Kei Nishikori is his rivals. ma de Pompadour. Lwsail, who to reunite with Lendl, who was Murray’s pion instead began honing his grass-court ond ranked Murray will be seeded in those the fi fth seed. Dahham was coming off a vic- was ridden by Julien Auge yes- coach when he defeated Djokovic in the game at The Boodles on Wednesday, an positions, All England Club offi cials an- World number 10 Richard Gasquet has torious debut in a Listed at Tou- terday, had also won on his career 2013 Wimbledon and 2012 US Open fi nals. exhibition event, where he lost 6-3, 7-5 to nounced on Wednesday, meaning they been moved up to the seventh seeding after louse. debut in Bordeaux in May. Lendl announced his return to the fray world number 11 David Goffi n. can’t meet until the fi nal as they will be reaching the Wimbledon semi-fi nals last “He is a horse who will keep “I am happy with his race,” by claiming he and Murray would do all Regardless of his low-key preparation, placed at opposite ends of Friday’s draw. year, while 2014 US Open champion Marin improving,” his trainer, Didier Lwsail’s trainer Thomas Fourcy they could do end Djokovic’s spell as the Djokovic heads to Wimbledon in high Djokovic is bidding to win Wimbledon Cilic is lifted from a world ranking of 13 to a Guillemin, said. “He did it very said. “He looked empty com- preeminent force on the men’s tour. spirits after a fi rst success at Roland Gar- for the fourth time and third year in a row seeding of ninth. well today. He could run over ing into the straight, but picked “It’s fl attering to hear that,” Djokovic ros brought him the last major title missing as the Serb chases a rare calendar Grand Defending champion Serena Williams further as he doesn’t pull. We back up well. The winner looks said. “I know there’s been a lot of talk about from his collection. Slam. will be top seed in the women’s draw as the may well try him over 2,000 me- very good and my horse is still a potential match-up between Andy and “There is certainly a great sense of relief, Murray is aiming to win his third Grand American looks to equal Steffi Graf’s Open tres even though he is very hap- immature. He doesn’t have the me, and with Ivan coming to his team, but no doubt about it,” Djokovic said. Slam title and his fi rst since he beat Djoko- era record by sealing a 22nd Grand Slam py over 1,600 metres. He came strength to get out of this kind of it’s still very early. “Of course I am very proud and thrilled vic in the 2013 Wimbledon fi nal to become triumph. past them very easily. His jockey ground.”

BOTTOMLINE Men’s Ramadan volleyball tournament concludes at Aspire Zone

By Sports Reporter with ease following a 6-2 victory, formances by the competing teams, out of the competition stronger. Doha while Barcelona ended the evening on the evening was also marked by a Monday also witnessed the launch a high-note following 11 goals in San worthy and enthusiastic attendance of the Ladies’ Volleyball tournament, Siro’s net, who were sadly only able to by parents that were there to sup- which opened with a one-sided match he Men’s Volleyball tourna- return one. port their children. A parent who had between Hyper Spikers and Charms ment in Aspire Zone’s Ram- The second day also witnessed made their way from the city of Me- that resulted in a 25-12 win for the adan Sports Festival conclud- strong performances, as team Brazil saieed specifi cally to support his son former. The evening hosted three Ted on Tuesday evening, as trumped Back Street Boys with a 10-3 expressed his delight with the atmos- more matches that led to a 25-22 win team Soul Riders took home the tour- win, while Al Assateer lost a closely phere at the tournament, thanking As- for QPM in its match against Ladies nament title, followed by W League in fought match with Black Star that pire Zone Foundation for encouraging Stallions Busters, while Carrefour B second place and Qatar University in ended with a 4-2 win for the latter. youth to be active and practice sports emerged victorious in their match third. The tournament took place over Team Golden also put on a solid per- in a competitive environment. against Carrefour A with a 25-20 win. the course of 5 days and witnessed the formance, winning its game against Player Tamim Mansour al-Muftah, In the fi nal match of the evening, TWS participation of 11 teams participating team Immortal with a score of 12-3, son of renowned Qatari footballer and passed their competitor Aspetar Active in 4 groups. while Barcelona beat Al Aziziya with a Al Sadd player Mansour al-Muftah, Girls with ease, achieving a 25-4 win. Meanwhile, the Junior Futsal and score of 8-2. said that he is participating in the The second day of the tournament Ladies’ Volleyball tournaments got The Junior Futsal competition is tournament with his friends and Bar- hosted a 25-15 win for TWS in its off to high scoring starts on Monday following a groups based competition celona team to make use of the facili- match against Qatar Aces, a 25-8 win evening as both competitions wel- system with the participation of 12 ties and the opportunity, adding that for QVIB in its match against Carre- comed some amazing opening fi xtures teams, with three in each group. The it helps them work on their fi tness and four A, a 25-3 win for Aktor its in match at the Aspire Dome. when the winners of each tournament competing in the fi rst four matches of top contender from each group will football skills. against QPM and a 25-11 win for Hyper The two tournaments form part of will be crowned champions at Aspire the competition. In the fi rst match of qualify to the fi nal rounds of the com- He described the organisation of Spikers in its match against Zyrens. Aspire Zone Foundation’s (AZF) Ram- Dome. the evening, team Brazil won against petition taking place today, which will the tournament to be impressive, The semi-fi nal stages of the com- adan Sports Festival (RSF) and will see Meanwhile, the Junior Futsal tour- team Samba with a score of 3-2, while determine who qualifi es to the fi nals adding that while it is his first partic- petition, which also follows a group a combined 24 teams go head-to-head nament got under way with a stun- Al-Asateer beat the Legends 3-0. Bay- on Friday 24 June. ipation in Aspire Zone’s tournaments based system of elimination, will take from Monday 29 June to Friday 24 June ning 29 goals from the eight teams ern passed their competitor Golden In addition to the remarkable per- he expects his team will win and come place today, with the fi nal tomorrow. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, June 23, 2016 CRICKET

ZIM VS IND, 3RD T20 INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Amir is part of Jadhav knock gives the family for Pakistan’s Wahab

Reuters India series win Mumbai ohamed Amir is part of the Pakistan Jadhav’s 42-ball 58 proves the diff erence in a low-scoring aff air family and will al- ways have the sup- Mport of his teammates as he pre- AFP Harare pares to return to Lord’s six years after the scandal that derailed his career, fast bowler Wahab Riaz edar Jadhav’s brisk half-century has said. proved the diff erence as India The paceman spent time in held off a spirited Zimbabwe in jail and served a fi ve-year ban for the third Twenty20 interna- spot-fi xing after admitting he Ktional at Harare Sports Club yesterday to had deliberately bowled no-balls clinch the series 2-1. at predetermined times in the In a low-scoring game that went down fourth Test against England at to the fi nal ball, the value of Jadhav’s 58 the fabled London venue in 2010. from 42 balls on a slow pitch was clear Then 18, Amir was rated among when none of the Zimbabweans managed the world’s most exciting fast more than 28 and India shaded the game bowlers before the high-profi le Amir,” Wahab added. “We are all by just three runs. incident stalled his progress and behind him, we are all support- Jadhav arrived at the crease with the resulted in similar penalties for ing him, whenever he needs us, tourists struggling on 27 for three after fellow accused parties, former however he needs us, we will be they had lost the toss and been asked to test captain Salman Butt and fast around him all the time. bat for the fi rst time on the tour. bowler Mohamed Asif. “So he is not the one who is Zimbabwe had blown hot and cold The 24-year-old has now re- being left alone, he is a part of our throughout the series, winning the fi rst turned to the Pakistan setup and family. He is the youngest part of game in thrilling fashion before losing the the left-arm paceman will be our family, so he is like a kid to us, second by 10 wickets, but it was soon ap- fi rmly in the spotlight should he he’s like a brother to us, a son to parent that they were up for the decider. be selected for the fi rst Test of most of our senior players. However, Jadhav added 49 for the the four-match series starting at “We are always here for him, fourth wicket with Ambati Rayudu, who Lord’s on July 14. we are going to support him, and made 20, and went on to reach his fi fty in “Obviously he has struggled a we will push him up because we just 38 balls. lot,” Wahab told ESPNcricinfo. know what kind of capability he Donald Tiripano struck back for Zim- “He has learned a lot of things in has in his bowling and how he babwe at the death as he removed Jadhav the past fi ve years, he has become can perform.” and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to fi nish with India’s players pose with the winners’ trophy after beating Zimbabwe in the third T20 International in Harare yesterday. (AFP) more strong and he wants to an- The 30-year-old Wahab said impressive fi gures of 3 for 20 from four swer everyone with his perform- Pakistan would try to retain a overs, but Axar Patel’s 20 not out from 11 to the last over. bwe fi nished on 135 for six. which also saw India sweep the one-day ances, and that’s what he’s really positive attitude throughout balls gave India a fi nal tally of 138 for six. Seamer Barinder Sran was tasked with “When I hit that six, that’s when I series 3-0. looking for. what appears to be a tough series “The wicket was dry and the ball was defending 21 runs from the fi nal six balls, started to believe that we could do it,” said “The fast bowling department is some- Amir’s return to the national in England. keeping a bit low so run-making wasn’t and looked to have bottled it when Timycen Maruma. “Unfortunately those two balls where that we need a good pool of play- side was initially resented by “What is in our hands is to go that easy, so credit to Rayudu and Kedar Maruma hit him for six and then four, with that I missed thereafter were where we ers, and now we can say that we have 10 some of his teammates but the into the ground and have a smile for the way they consolidated the innings,” the second boundary coming off a no-ball. lost the game. But it was a good challenge to 12 such bowlers for the limited overs paceman has enjoyed steady and on our faces,” Wahab said. “We said India coach Sanjay Bangar. “I thought However Sran allowed only a single and a good game.” formats,” Dhoni said. growing support from the Paki- know what our goal is and we 138 was a good score on that wicket and our from the next three deliveries, leaving El- India had left more than a dozen of stan Cricket Board (PCB). know how to achieve our goal, so bowlers would be able to defend that.” ton Chigumbura needing eight runs from their fi rst-choice players at home, which BRIEF SCORES: India 138 for six in 20 we have to do that. Vusi Sibanda marked his return the fi nal two balls. off ered an opportunity for less experi- overs (K Jadhav 58; D Tiripano 3-20) beat LIKE A BROTHER “We have to enjoy our cricket, from injury with a boundary-laden 28, The Zimbabwe allrounder struck the enced players to impress. Zimbabwe 135 for six in 20 overs (V “As a team, as a squad of 17 plus we have to laugh all the time, if and with Zimbabwe’s middle order all fi rst ball for four, but could not repeat the Dhoni felt that the fast bowlers had ac- Sibanda 28; D Kulkarni 2-23, B Sran 2-31) our team management, all of us anyone says anything, a smile chipping in the hosts took the game down feat off the fi nal delivery and so Zimba- quitted themselves well on the short tour, by three runs are going to support Mohamed can do everything for them.”

ENG VS SL, 1ST ODI Morgan says England ‘out of a hole’ with Sri Lanka tie

AFP Nottingham, United Kingdom

ngland captain Eoin Morgan praised Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler and Liam Plunkett for getting his side “out of a hole” as the fi rst one-day interna- tionalE against Sri Lanka ended in a thrilling tie. Set 287 to win, England collapsed to 30 for four and 82 for six in Nottingham on Tuesday. But a stand of 138 between Buttler (93) and man-of-the-match Woakes, who made 95 not out — the highest ODI score by any Australian captain Steven Smith (right) and teammate Mitchell Marsh take a run during the ODI match number eight batsman — revived the innings. against West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday. (AFP) England’s hopes of victory disappeared in a fi nal over where they needed 14 to win in front TRI-NATION of a capacity crowd at a fl oodlit Trent Bridge. However, with six required to tie off the last ball, tailender Plunkett drove Nuwan Pradeep over long-off to seal the tie, in what was a stunning start to the fi ve-match series. Samuels ton in vain This was Plunkett’s fi rst match at this level since September, but the fast bowler said he was confi dent his reputation as a big hitter in county cricket would be maintained on the as Aussies reach fi nal international stage. “I was telling myself I have been hitting it AFP with a 122-run fourth-wicket 134 deliveries, Samuels’ tenth well for Yorkshire — ‘stay still and hope I get Bridgetown, Barbados partnership that set the World one-day hundred followed a enough on it to get it out of the ground’,” said Cup-holders back on course. match-winning 92 in the last Plunkett. “You know when you have nailed However, when Smith was run meeting between the two teams the ball, it’s like on a golf course off the tee, a ustralia displayed the out for 78 in the 42nd over, any in St Kitts a week earlier. Amaz- similar feeling.” composure and assur- hopes the West Indies had of ingly, they were his fi rst two Morgan added: “You can always win the ance of world cham- claiming the victory that would scores over 50 in ODI cricket game from any situation, and today proved that pions to chase down a have eliminated Australia were against the Australians for more a little bit. Getting out of the game with a tie is targetA of 283 and advance to the extinguished by Maxwell. than 14 years. a big result,” the former Ireland batsman said. fi nal with a six-wicket victory Displaying his full range of Ramdin, who matched his “Towards the end, it was in Sri Lanka’s fa- over the West Indies in the sev- unorthodox shots, he crashed senior partner shot-for-shot vour, there weren’t a lot of boundaries being enth match of the Tri-Nation fi ve fours and two sixes off just in an entertaining innings of hit, and they bowled well.” One-Day International Series 26 balls to banish any lingering 91, joined Samuels at the crease at Kensington Oval in Barbados anxiety among his teammates with the West Indies faltering at WOAKES V STOKES on Tuesday. in the dressing room. Marsh 31 for three in the ninth over af- At one stage on Tuesday, it looked as if Mor- Marlon Samuels’ fi rst-ever was left unbeaten on 79, his ter Smith had won the toss and gan’s men, playing their fi rst ODI of the Eng- hundred against Australia and mature knock going a long way chose to fi eld. lish season, were in danger of a record defeat. a record-breaking partner- towards fulfi lling a lot of the “We put in a good eff ort but “The general performance was poor — bat, England’s Liam Plunkett (left) celebrates with teammate Chris Woakes after hitting a six off the ship with Denesh Ramdin lifted promise that has been expected being a bowler short for most of ball, fi eld, was really rusty,” said Morgan. last ball to draw the match against Sri Lanka in Trent Bridge on Tuesday. (Reuters) the West Indies to a competi- of him in Australia’s middle- the innings cost us,” said West “Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes and Liam Plun- tive 282 for eight batting fi rst. order. Indies captain Jason Holder, kett have got us out of a hole at the end. from the front by top-scoring with 73 in his yet to discover if his injury will rule him out But half-centuries by captain “Mitch played really well who could only deliver two “We’ve got confi dence with the guys coming side’s 286 for nine and then taking two early of the second ODI across the Midlands at Bir- Steven Smith and all-rounder all the way through and Glenn overs before leaving the fi eld in anywhere down past seven and eight — but wickets with his medium-pace bowling. mingham’s Edgbaston on Friday. Mitchell Marsh, together with was brilliant at the end there,” with a leg injury. we don’t want to leave them too much to do.” But come the fi nish he was off the eldfi “For Pradeep, it happens. Unfortunately a quickfi re unbeaten 46 from said a delighted Smith after the “We have to lift ourselves to Woakes might not even have played Tues- with a hamstring injury and it was perhaps for bowlers, it happens.” Glenn Maxwell ensured that the match. “We knew it was chal- face South Africa on Friday and day had injured fellow England all-rounder no surprise that Sri Lanka’s ground fi elding, Mathews added: “We batted and bowled target was reached with eight lenging target but we always I’m confi dent of us putting in a Ben Stokes been fi t. a problem during their preceding 2-0 Test se- pretty well. We were poor in the fi eld. We can balls to spare. backed ourselves to get home.” good eff ort.” But he responded to England’s slump with ries defeat by England, became increasingly improve in all three departments but espe- West Indies and South Africa It was so diff erent at the half- a career-best score, having earlier taken two ragged in his absence. cially in fi elding.” will now meet in the last pre- way point of the match follow- BRIEF SCORES: West Indies wickets with some lively pace bowling. Nevertheless, Mathews wasn’t alone in be- liminary match tomorrow with ing Samuels’ superb knock, an 282 for eight in 50 overs (M “It was outstanding — a lot of Woakes’s lieving that Sri Lanka had the match won. BRIEF SCORES: Sri Lanka 286 for nine in the winners to face the Aussies eff ort that earned him the Man Samuels 125, D Ramdin 91; M story is that he is competing with Ben Stokes, “I thought we had the game in the bag for 50 overs (A Mathews 73, S Prasanna 59; C in Sunday’s fi nal. of the Match award. Starc 3-51) lost to Australia 283 and the two of them are incredible cricketers,” most of the overs,” he said. Woakes 2-56, D Willey 2-56) tied with Eng- Smith and Marsh steadied Dismissed off the last ball of for four in 48.4 overs (M Marsh said Morgan. “Unfortunately the yorker fell just off line land 286 for eight in 50 overs (C Woakes 95 Australia’s eff ort following the innings for 125 which in- 79 not out, S Smith 78) by six Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews led and went for a six,” explained the all-rounder, not out, J Buttler 93; A Mathews 2-22) the loss of three early wickets cluded 14 fours and two sixes off wickets Gulf Times Thursday, June 23, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT OPPORTUNITY India’s Nehwal senses Russian star golden Rio chance Isinbayeva eyes

Olympic swansong File picture of India’s badminton player Saina Nehwal. Reuters “For 2020, it depends on my New Delhi progress and health conditions. ‘Today I have to admit that deep down there is hope. Now it means that the end of my Rio is an ideal place to showcase my game,” she said. career, I hope, will be in Rio. I was desperate yesterday, but I’m very optimistic today’ aina Nehwal eschews “You can’t predict results. the “natural talent” tag You need hard work and God’s AFP thrust upon her by Indian blessing, apart from support Cheboksary, Russia media and says only hard from the fraternity,” the world graftS and good coaching have number six said. given her the chance to turn the Rio will mark a third Olym- ole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva had Olympic badminton bronze she pics for Nehwal, who is hitting nearly abandoned all hope of end- won four years ago in London a rich vein of form at exactly the ing her stellar career with a third into gold at the Rio Games. right time. Olympic gold in Rio, saying she “Whatever I am today, it’s be- Her second Australian Open Pwould hang up her spikes at a far less glam- cause of my coaches,” Nehwal title saw her beat world cham- orous event on the banks of the Volga. told Reuters in an e-mail inter- pions Ratchanok Intanon (2013) But the International Olympic Commit- view following her victory at the and Wang Yihan (2011) before tee’s announcement on Tuesday that Rus- Australian Open last week. overpowering China’s Sun Yu in sian athletes who are individually screened “They taught me smash, drib- the fi nal in Sydney. by world athletics governing body, the ble and net game in copybook “It is wonderful to win Austral- IAAF, might be allowed to compete in Rio style and I trained fi ve to six ian Open prior to the Olympics. It under Russia’s fl ag has revived the two- hours daily to master them. is very satisfying to beat two world time Olympic champion’s Rio dreams. “I am a worker and my coaches champions and a junior world “Today I have to admit that deep down know how to get the best out of champion (Malaysian Goh Jin Wei) there is hope,” Isinbayeva told reporters me,” added the 26-year-old, who in one tournament,” she said. after winning the Russian championship became the fi rst Indian shuttler It was a welcome win for Ne- in Cheboksary with a 4.90-metre vault. to win an Olympic medal in 2012. hwal, who had failed to reach a “It hasn’t died completely.” While winning a medal in Lon- World Superseries final since The crowd-pleasing athlete, 34, asked don was celebrated back home in last November in China and for the bar to be raised to 5.07m to the success-starved India, her rise to was returning from an Achilles rhythmic clapping of an ecstatic crowd, the top of the world singles rank- injury she sustained at the end in an attempt to beat the 5.06m world ings in April last year was no less of last year. record she set in 2009. signifi cant. “The injury was a big jolt Isinbayeva missed but celebrated her It marked the fi rst time a non- to me... I missed South Asian national championship victory with a Chinese shuttler sat atop the Games, Indian Grand Prix and backfl ip on the landing area in what was women’s singles rankings since the (badminton) Asian team her fi rst offi cial competition since 2013 Dane Tine Baun in late 2010. championship. due to giving birth to a daughter in 2014. Nehwal, who will be 30 by the “It was mid-May when I felt I Russia’s pole vault tsarina had said time the 2020 Olympics come was good enough to play tourna- that Tuesday’s national championship around in Tokyo, believes Rio is ment. It was a horror, looking at fi nal in Cheboksary — a Volga port city her best chance of gold. my condition those three months.” some 650 kilometres east of Moscow — would be the last track and fi eld meet of her professional career if she could not compete in Rio. Injury dashes Rio hopes for Japanese IAAF’s decision last week to uphold Russia’s suspension over evidence of sprint prospect state-sponsored doping in athletics had Teenage sprinter Abdul Hakim cast heavy doubt about whether Isin- Sani Brown has withdrawn bayeva — the fi rst woman to clear the from Japan’s national cham- 5-metre bar — would be taking part in her pionships with a thigh injury, fi fth and fi nal Olympics in Rio. virtually ruling him out of The IAAF left the door ajar for a few contention for the Rio Olym- clean Russian athletes to compete in Rio pics, the Japan Association as neutrals — a prospect Isinbayeva re- of Athletics Federations said jected, saying she would only compete yesterday. under her country’s fl ag. Born in Fukuoka to a Japanese But the IOC’s announcement might Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva warms up before an attempt at the Russian Track and Field Championships in Cheboksary. mother and Ghanaian father, now give Isinbayeva a loophole to end her Sani Brown, broke champion- 20.34 in the 200, the second career on the world stage after all. ship records to win two gold bettering the mark set by “Now it means that the end of my ca- hello from Russia to my rivals,” she said, to wrap up her career at the Russian na- controversial law banning “homosexual medals at last year’s world Usain Bolt in 2003, to claim reer, I hope, will be in Rio,” she said.”I was waving to the cameras. tional championship. propaganda” to minors, vaguely-worded youth championships and was the sprint double at the youth desperate yesterday, but I’m very opti- When IAAF suspended Russia in No- legislation critics say violates the rights part of the senior squad at the championships in Colombia mistic today.” vember, Isinbayeva said her foreign com- Sharp tongue of the LGBT community. 2015 world championships. and also won the IAAF Rising petitors would be upset by her absence Isinbayeva is also the queen bee of Her comments sent shockwaves A left thigh injury forced the Star Award in 2015. ‘A BIG HELLO’ from international competitions because Russian athletics, forging her reputation through the athletics world and saw 17-year-old to withdraw from He became the youngest Isinbayeva, who has always steered they would have no-one to vault against. as a fi erce competitor with a fi ery charac- some Swedish track and fi eld stars com- the national championships, athlete to represent Japan at clear from doping scandals, has often “She pushed me to do to my best,” said ter and sharp tongue. peting in Moscow paint their nails in which act as the qualifying senior level at the world cham- found herself surrounded with few ri- pole vaulter Anzhelika Sidorova, who Isinbayeva — who had endorsed IAAF rainbow colours. meet for Rio, the Kyodo news pionships in Beijing, where he vals who could challenge her domi- fi nished second behind Isinbayeva at president Sebastian Coe when he ran for Ahead of Tuesday’s fi nal Isinbayeva agency reported. reached the semi-finals of the nance in the sport. the national championship with a 4.85m the post last year — took a jab on Mon- implored her peers to carry on with their “I am really disappointed, I 200 metres. In Cheboksary on Tuesday, she re- vault. “If I had won, it would have been day at the IAAF, calling the members of sport in spite of the ban. have just got to try and do my His coach Takahiko Yamamura minded her foreign opponents that her too much.” its council “pricks” on camera before she “Keep practising track and fi eld the best to aim for the Tokyo 2020 said: “He had a burning desire reign is not over. Former Olympic runner Yury Borzako- smirked and walked away. same way — with dedication, love and Olympics,” Sani Brown said. (to compete in Rio) and I feel “The main thing we should all be hap- vsky, who now serves as the head coach During the 2013 World Champion- zeal — because all this will go away, and Sani Brown clocked 10.28 bad that I can’t have him at py about is that Yelena Isinbayeva has the of the Russian athletics team, told AFP ship, she earned the ire of Western press you will remain,” R-Sport news agency seconds in the 100 metres and the starting line.” world’s best result of the season. A big it would be “very tough” for Isinbayeva and competitors after backing Russia’s quoted Isinbayeva as saying.

BOTTOMLINE Indonesian lift ers say Ramadan no heavy weight

AFP plays a large role in many people’s “Praise be to God, up till now it has instead of 9:00am, to give them a little Jakarta lives, and the training began with the not aff ected me,” Irawan told AFP of the more rest. team standing in a circle and saying a fasting month. Triyatno and Irawan had modest up- brief prayer. “I am used to it, every time there is bringings in the province of Lampung, on ndonesian Olympic medallist Triy- Triyatno, who like many Indone- a championship, we must lose some western Sumatra island, and stumbled atno had a look of pained determi- sians goes by one name, claimed silver weight so we must eat less anyway.” into weightlifting almost by accident. nation on his face as he hauled a 180 at the London 2012 Olympics in the But he conceded that at times it was Irawan said he originally wanted to kilo barbell into the air — no mean -69kg class with a total of 333kg, while tough and thirst in particular was a join his local football club but could Ifeat for a weightlifter fasting during the 26-year-old Irawan won bronze in the challenge. not afford the monthly fee so took up Islamic holy month of Ramadan. -62kg class, lifting a total of 317kg. “It is a bit diffi cult to stay focused but weightlifting, which was free, while The 28-year-old and fellow weight- But the fi nal medal tally of just two was we don’t have to train hard every day, Triyatno was attracted by the pros- lifter Eko Yuli Irawan were Indonesia’s Indonesia’s worst at an Olympics for over some days we just work on our tech- pect of getting to travel and staying in only two medal winners at the last Ol- 20 years, with the performance dragged nique,” he said. nice hotels. ympics, clinching silver and bronze down by a poor showing from the tradi- For his part, national team coach Dirja But they quickly went on to compete respectively, and the pressure is on as tionally strong badminton players. Wiharja did not believe the country’s top at the national level and have never they gear up for Rio this summer. As the best performers in London, medal hopes would be aff ected. looked back. But that has not stopped the athletes Indonesia’s weightlifting team — which “Indonesian athletes have a warrior After the Eid holiday at the start of joining tens of millions of others in the consists of fi ve men and two women — mentality, they will fi ght to give their July marking the end of Ramadan, the world’s most populous Muslim-major- are now carrying the country’s hopes best — that is what a true champion is,” weightlifters will take part in a train- ity country in forgoing food and drink for success on their broad shoulders as he said. ing camp in South Africa before head- during the daytime to mark Ramadan. they head into Rio. The coach has made adjustments ing to Rio. And they insist it has not aff ected for training in Ramadan, Islam’s holi- While some have voiced concerns their intensive preparations. ‘WARRIOR MENTALITY’ est month when Muslims commemo- about the impact of fasting, others be- “I don’t fi nd it a heavy weight, it’s Triyatno and Irawan will face stiff com- rate the divine revelations received by lieve that such strong religious devo- not diffi cult,” Triyatno said of juggling petition from the likes of the Chinese Prophet Mohammed. tion could help Indonesia on the path to the competing demands of fasting and and North Koreans, but they appeared For the pre-dawn breakfast that Olympic victory. getting ready for the Olympics. “My Indonesia weightlifting athlete Deni conducts a daily exercise in Jakarta, during relaxed at the recent training session. Muslims eat to set them up for a day of “If the faith is strong, we should do training remains the same.” the holy month of Ramadan. And they insisted observing Ramadan fasting, the weightlifters are given more even better,” said Aveenash Pandoo, a At a recent session at a gym in Jakarta’s would not get in the way of their prepa- supplements than usual and advised former South African national coach main stadium, the country’s weightlift- groaning as they pumped iron under the While most in Indonesia practise a rations, with the men typically training against eating unhealthy fried foods. who is helping the Indonesians prepare ing team spent two hours grunting and watchful eyes of their coaches. moderate form of Islam, religion still four hours a day, fi ve days a week. The training starts later, at 9:30am for the Olympics.

Thursday, June 23, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT OPINION Quitting Olympics an ‘over-reaction’: Rory McIlroy pulls Zika experts

AFP “very low risk” of Zika spreading Paris further internationally as a result of the Games. Olympics host Brazil has seen nly pregnant women 1.5 million people infected, and out of Rio Games and people planning a nearly 1,300 babies born with family need fear Zika, abnormally small heads and disease experts said brains since the outbreak started yesterdayO after golfer Rory McIl- last year. roy became the latest athlete to withdraw from the Olympics Q: What precautions can be taken? over virus fears. A: For most people, the main Should Rio-bound Olympians thing is to protect oneself against over Zika fears and sports fans be concerned? mosquito bites by covering up We asked the experts. and using a good insect repellent, said the experts. ‘Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk Q: Who needs to be concerned But pregnant women should about Zika? not travel to Rio at all. nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take’ A: Women who are pregnant or Those considering a baby, who planning a baby imminently, as do not fall ill, should delay con- Reuters the virus targets the foetus in the ception for two months after London womb, said Cardiff University their return as a precaution, said infectious diseases expert An- Whitworth. drew Freedman. “In the unlikely event of a orthern Ireland’s four-times Men who contract the virus woman or her partner getting major winner Rory McIlroy in Brazil can pass it on to their infected with Zika, they should has decided to pull out of the partners through sex, so would delay pregnancy for six months, historic golf tournament at the need to use condoms for several by which time all traces of Zika NRio Olympic Games in August because of months after their return. infection will have been cleared health fears over the Zika virus. Unless McIlroy and his wife from the body.” “After speaking with those closest to were planning a baby, “I feel the me, I’ve come to realise that my health decision to withdraw from the Q: Is the decision to withdraw and my family’s health comes before an- Games is an over-reaction,” said scientifi cally sound? ything else,” the world number four said Freedman. A: The chances of contracting in a statement yesterday. Zika on a golf course are very “Even though the risk of infection Q: Is there a risk to the athletes low, said Whitworth, as infecting from the Zika virus is considered low, it is themselves? mosquitoes live mostly around a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwill- A: In most people, the Zika vi- houses and rarely venture more ing to take.” rus causes mild disease — many than 50 metres (160 feet) from The 27-year-old McIlroy was due to never even notice the symptoms. their breeding sites. represent Ireland, rather than Britain, at Those who do fall ill, usually with “Obviously I don’t know the the Games and his withdrawal is the lat- a rash and fl u-like symptoms, re- reasons for this (McIlroy’s) de- est blow to golf, which is returning to the cover within days. cision, but it does strike me as Olympics for the fi rst time since 1904. “Rarely, complications such being extreme,” added virology A number of big names, including Fi- as Guillain-Barre syndrome may professor Jonathan Ball of the ji’s Vijay Singh and Charl Schwartzel of occur,” said Jimmy Whitworth, a University of Nottingham. South Africa, have also withdrawn be- professor of international public But Peter Barlow, an infection cause of the virus. health at the London School of expert at Edinburgh Napier Uni- Controversy over the Aug. 5-21 Games Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. versity, said the long-term eff ects has grown as more becomes known But he called for “perspective”. of Zika are poorly understood. about Zika. The mosquito-borne virus “The most credible estimates “It is completely understand- can cause crippling birth defects and, in suggest no more than 10-20 infec- able that an elite athlete such as adults, has been linked to the neurologi- tions with Zika among the half a Rory McIlroy is putting his own cal disorder Guillain-Barre. million athletes and visitors going and his family’s health fi rst in Last week, the World Health Organisa- to Brazil for the Olympics.” this instance, particularly if he tion (WHO) said that the Games did not The World Health Organiza- has plans to start a family in the need to be moved or postponed because tion said last week there was a near future.” there is “a very low risk” that holding the event in Brazil will cause further spread of the virus. This file photo shows Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy during Round 2 of the 80th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta. An expert WHO panel on Zika con- Britain’s Jones targets another cluded that staging the event during the Brazilian winter means the mosquito “The chances of being infected by the FROZEN SPERM “I trust the Irish people will understand taekwondo gold in Rio population will be smaller and intensi- Zika virus is low, especially if you protect The connection between Zika and mi- my decision (not to go). The unwavering Jade Jones is determined to saying by British media. fi ed mosquito-control measures in place yourself from mosquito bites by covering crocephaly fi rst came to light last year in support I receive every time I compete in a retain her Olympic title in Bra- “I’ll be leaving everything on around venues “should further reduce up and using a good insect repellent.” Brazil, which has now confi rmed more golf tournament at home or abroad means zil after being named in Brit- the mat and I want to be the the risk of transmission”. But there are clearly worries in the golf than 1,400 cases of microcephaly that it the world to me,” McIlroy added. ain’s four-athlete taekwondo best which makes me hungri- world. Earlier this month, world number considers to be related to Zika infections “I will continue to endeavour to make squad for the 2016 Rio Games, er than ever and determined MIXED RESPONSE one Jason Day expressed doubts for the in mothers. my fans and fans of golf proud with my announced yesterday. to succeed. Medical experts had a mixed response to fi rst time over whether he would com- Britain’s Olympic long jump champion play on the course and my actions off it.” The 23-year-old, who became “Overall my preparation for McIlroy’s decision. pete and the virus was a hot topic among Greg Rutherford has decided to have his Irish golf team captain Paul McGinley the first Briton to win Olympic the Games is going really Derek Gatherer, a virus expert at Brit- golfers at last week’s US Open. sperm frozen before the Games. said McIlroy would have been a 100 per- gold in taekwondo, will be well and things are coming ain’s Lancaster University, said if the golfer Masters champion Danny Willett, whose His partner Susie Verrill, who will not cent certain pick for the Games but fully joined by world champion together at the right time.” was “contemplating becoming a father wife Nicole gave birth to their fi rst child at travel to Rio with their young son, said understood the reasoning behind the Bianca Walkden (+67kg), Ol- European champion Walkden within a year or so, then it was a perfectly the end of March, said he was excited about the couple had taken the precaution be- player’s withdrawal. ympic bronze medallist Lutalo who missed the 2012 games reasonable precaution to stay away from the Olympic Games but would not to go if cause they wanted to have more children. “It’s not for me to infl uence his decision, Muhammad (-80kg) and due to injury, said she was ea- regions of active Zika transmission”. his family’s health was at risk. McIlroy, who is engaged to American it’s a health decision he has discussed with Mahama Cho (+80kg). gerly anticipating making her But Jonathan Ball, a professor of mo- The list of absentees also includes Aus- Erica Stoll, took a long time to decide who his family and wife to be,” McGinley told “I’m going to Rio for gold,” Olympic debut. “I can’t wait lecular virology at the University of Not- tralian world number eight Adam Scott he would represent in Rio and threatened Irish national broadcaster RTE. Jones, who will compete in the to get there now and take the tingham, said: “Obviously I don’t know and South Africa’s world number 14 Louis to skip the Olympics as he agonised over “Shane (Lowry) and GMac (Graeme -57kg category, was quoted as chance to live my dream.” the reasons for this decision, but it does Oosthuizen, who both opted out of playing his choice between Britain and Ireland McDowell) are the next two in at the mo- strike me as being extreme. in Rio over scheduling confl icts. before opting for the latter in 2014. ment,” he added.

COMPLAINT RIO OLYMPICS IOC is intimidating Olympics not to blame for Kenyan athletes: former champion

Reuters the IOC’s ruling. Brazil fi nancial crisis: mayor “It is up to us Kenyans to prove Nairobi that we are doing enough to AFP “If Rio state is in crisis, it’s eradicate doping among our ath- Rio de Janeiro not the fault of the Games. y forcing Kenyan athletes letes. We don’t have to wait for It’s in crisis because it’s in to undergo additional international bodies to coming crisis for other reasons” drugs tests before allow- knocking on our doors for us to io’s mayor insisted ing them to compete in wake up,” AK executive commit- Tuesday that the up- billion reais ($850,000) to “sup- Rio,B the International Olympic tee member Barnaba Korir said. coming Olympic port Rio state in public safety Committee is trying to intimidate “We must prove that we are Games being hosted by expenses for the Olympic Games his countrymen, a former running doing what we are supposed to hisR city were not at fault for Bra- and the Paralympic Games.” champion said yesterday. do. How do we prove this? By zil’s disastrous economy. For years, Rio city and state The IOC said on Tuesday that continually testing our athletes. Stressing that his city’s fi - have been ruled by the same par- every competitor from Russia Let us not wait for them (the nances were doing well in stark ty — interim president Michel and Kenya will have to be evalu- World Anti-Doping Agency) to contrast with those of Rio state Temer’s PMDB, a party at the ated individually for doping and come and do it for us.” and Brazil at large, Mayor Edu- heart of the massive Petrobras be cleared by their sport’s inter- The head of Kenya’s mission to ardo Paes said: “If Rio state is corruption scandal. national body, because of those the Rio Olympics, Stephen Arap in crisis, it’s not the fault of the Temer has announced a freeze countries’ poor anti-doping Soi, said he had requested gov- Games. It’s in crisis because it’s until the end of the year on the records. “Kenyan athletes un- ernment funds to conduct tests in crisis for other reasons.” debt that the country’s 27 states dergo various doping tests all on the 90-member delegation to Last week, Rio state authori- owe the federal government. over the world - in Diamond the Games, which comprises track ties declared a “state of public Rio state has projected a 19 League and other international and fi eld, boxing, archery, rugby, calamity” over a major budget billion reais ($5.6 billion) defi cit competitions. judo and swimming athletes. crisis in order to release emer- for this year due in part to a drop This special test announced by “We want to send a mes- gency funds to fi nance the in oil prices that has hit the roy- IOC does not sit well,” said Noah sage that, yes, Kenya is against Games, due to begin in August. alties it was due to receive. Ngeny, winner of 1,500m gold in any unfair play in the Olympic The city is fi nancially respon- Teachers have been on strike the Sydney 2000 Olympics. movement and that we don’t en- sible for 93.5 percent Olympic since early March. “This, to me, sounds like in- courage nor condone doping in construction. They and other state offi cials ternational bodies are intimidat- sports,” he said. The regional government pays A sport fan shows his tickets after buying them at the Rio Olympics ticket off ice in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. are being paid late, while retirees ing Kenyan athletes. And that’s The east African nation known for the other 6.5 percent, and are not receiving pension pay- annoying,” said Ngeny, who for its middle and distance run- provides the needed electricity. in a speech. “The city of Rio is confront- Security is a major concern, ments on time. stepped down as athletes’ rep- ning prowess has been under in- “We pay our civil servants on The city government has ing social problems, problems with the state’s military police The state government has al- resentative within the Kenyan tense global scrutiny over dop- time, we are reducing our debt, largely managed to stay afl oat of inequality and violence, we’re tasked with keeping order in a ready put in place an austerity athletics ruling body, AK, two ing, with up to 42 athletes failing we keep our investment pledges. thanks to heavy reliance on us- a country in crisis, but we don’t city plagued by violence. plan, removing fi ve ministries months ago, after accusing it of tests in the past four years and 18 City hall is doing just fi ne, and ing private funds to pay for Ol- use the Games to justify crises The federal government and two social programs. Now to various shortcomings. of them serving sanctions total- the Olympic Games too,” he said ympics-related projects. and problems,” he said. meanwhile off ered to provide 2.9 see what happens next. Kenyan offi cials have accepted ling 55 years.