FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 GGOLFOLF | Page 6 Hernandez Rahm makes snatches fairy-tale return draw for from Covid-19 to Venezuela US Open win

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 12, 1442 AH Maharaj hat-trick GULF TIMES helps S Africa seal series win over WI SPORT Page 4 FIFA ARAB CUP QUALIFICATION Al Duhail win Asian club handball Mauritania all set for Yemeni challenge

Al Duhail SC players and off icials celebrate with the trophy after winning the 23rd Asian Club Handball ‘One-off matches are diff icult as just one mistake will cost you’ Championship in , , yesterday. The Qatari club beat Al SC 27-24 in the final to win the title for the third time, having also lifted the trophy in 2015 and 2018. By Yash Mudgal

auritania, a team on the rise in recent years, are ready for the Yemeni chal- Mlenge in the FIFA Arab Cup Qa- tar 2020 qualifi er today as they vie for the lone qualifi cation spot in Group B, where Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and await. Mauritania coach Corentin Martins feels his team has all the Al Arabi players and off icials celebrate their bronze medal finish after they beat Al Najma of ingredients that are required to 25-24 in the third-place match earlier yesterday. tackle the tough Yemen side at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. “It is diffi cult, of course, because it is football and the FOCUS chances remain equal. We have followed the Yemeni team and monitored it well through their recent matches, and I think that gets automatic my team is capable of qualify- ing, but we have to seize the opportunities as we don’t get qualifi cation to group stage another chance,” Martins said during the pre-match press QNA this evening against Jordan as Ministry of Health, means that conference yesterday. Doha part of the FIFA Arab Cup quali- these players were likely incubat- Mauritania’s improvement fi ers a forfeit with a 3-0 win to ing the virus. Given that another can be measured by their jump Jordan. The decision is based seven players had close contact of more than 100 places in the IFA announced the on article 5.6 of the competition with those who tested positive, FIFA World Rankings between qualifi cation of the Jor- regulations (“force majeure”) a total of 19 players are currently 2012 and 2017. The Lions of Mauritania coach Corentin Martins and Yemen coach Mohamed Ali Guacem (right) address a press danian national team to and takes into consideration the in isolation. There are no cases Chinguetti not only have their conference on the eve of the FIFA Arab Cup 2020 Qualification match. the group stage of the need to protect the health of the presenting severe symptoms and sights on returning to Qatar FIFAF Arab Cup Qatar 2021 due to players and everyone involved in everyone who tested positive is later this year, but also mak- record also includes appear- Having seen their hopes to ing performance in the double South Sudan’s inability to meet the tournament.” being monitored and receiving ing football’s showpiece event ances in three make Qatar 2022 come to an end qualifi ers. We are motivated to the minimum number of quali- Upon their arrival in Qatar the best possible medical care for in 2022 after being drawn in an in 1976, 1985, 1997. during the latest round of Asian overcome our recent poor show. fi ed players to participate in the and as per the protocols estab- free through the Qatar national African zone qualifying group Captain Adama Ba also zone World Cup qualifying in We want to bring smiles back match, which was scheduled last lished by the Qatari Ministry healthcare system. with Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia sounded confi dent as he said his Saudi Arabia, Yemen is also on the faces of our fans,” Yemen evening in Doha. of Health, all delegations were FIFA and the local organisers and Zambia. team would give their best. hoping for a better show today. coach Mohamed Ali Guacem In a statement FIFA said, tested for Covid-19. After two deeply regret this unfortunate After making their Africa “The match is one opportuni- Yemen lost to Saudi Arabia, Uz- said. “Following the confi rmation rounds of PCR tests, it was con- situation and wish the delegates Cup of Nations debut in 2019, ty that we should not waste, we bekistan and Palestine in group “One-off matches are diffi - of Covid-19 cases among the fi rmed that seven players and one of South Sudan a speedy recov- Mauritania recently secured must be careful and avoid mak- matches recently to go out of cult as sometimes just one mis- South Sudan delegation, the team member of South Sudan ery. their place in the next edi- ing mistakes and I am sure we contention. take will cost you your chances, FIFA Bureau for Men’s Senior were positive, with another fi ve Following the cancellation of tion of the tournament in will give our best performance “The match is diffi cult for us, but we’ve ready for the match,” Tournaments has declared the players receiving a reactive test this match all tickets will be re- early 2022. Their international tomorrow,” Ba said. especially after the disappoint- he said. match scheduled to take place result, which as per the Qatari funded.

UEFA EURO Wijnaldum double as Dutch complete perfect group phase

AFP group winners after defeat- before fi nishing for the Dutch side, who will not Amsterdam, Netherlands ing Ukraine and Austria in front and the goal stood following a play any more games in Amster- of their own fans at the home VAR check. dam — victory in the last 16 will of Ajax, and so the 1988 Euro- send them on to a quarter-fi nal in eorginio Wijnaldum pean champions knew they were RELAXED SEND-OFF distant Baku. scored twice as the heading for a knockout tie in Bu- PSV Eindhoven forward Malen After Depay’s opener, Denzel Netherlands completed dapest next weekend. and Ajax midfi eld prodigy Ryan Dumfries came close to making a perfect group stage at North Macedonia, meanwhile, Gravenberch came in for Wout it 2-0 before they ran away with GEuro 2020 by comfortably beat- were already out after losing their Weghorst and as the game early in the second half. ing North Macedonia 3-0 in Am- fi rst two games in their debut ap- the only two changes made to the had a header sterdam yesterday. pearance at a major tournament. Dutch line-up by De Boer. cleared off the line prior to Depay The Dutch captain, who signed They leave without a point, but He stuck with his much criti- squaring for Wijnaldum to make for Paris Saint-Germain from they will never forget this cam- cised 3-5-2 formation — before it 2-0 six minutes into the second Liverpool just before the tourna- paign and this game will be best tweaking it in the second half period. ment began, scored twice in the remembered as the last of veteran — but was reluctant to rest too Another delightful move second half at the Johan Cruyff 37-year-old striker Goran Pan- many players with six days after brought the third goal just before Arena after had dev’s international career after this until their next match. the hour as Malen’s pass found put them in front. two decades. Wearing their black change kit, Depay whose shot was saved by Depay, fresh from sealing a He was gifted a Dutch shirt Netherlands’ (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Euro Group C the Netherlands had VIP support Stole Dimitrievski only for Wi- transfer of his own to Barcelona, with the number 122 — the match against North Macedonia in Amsterdam, Netherlands, yesterday. (AFP) in the shape of Prime Minister jnaldum to convert the follow-up could claim assists for both of number of caps he has won — Mark Rutte, who watched the for his third of the tournament. Wijnaldum’s goals as Frank de before kick-off , and was given But the North Macedonians They also had two goals disal- the edge of the Dutch box by Da- game alongside his North Mac- Weghorst then hit the bar Boer’s side made it nine points a guard of honour by his team- couldn’t sign off on a high, with lowed for off side and felt that the ley Blind but the Romanian ref- edonian counterpart Zoran Zaev. within moments of appearing off out of nine in Group C. mates as well as an ovation from Pandev setting up Aleksandar Netherlands’ opener in the 24th eree allowed play to go on and the And, despite the cold and the bench and the Netherlands They had already secured the home fans on being replaced Trajkovski for a shot off the post minute should not have stood. home side broke forward. damp conditions, the evening look in good shape, albeit with qualifi cation for the last 16 as midway through the second half. when the game was still goalless. Pandev felt he was fouled on Depay exchanged passes with had the air of a relaxed send-off tougher tests lying ahead. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, June 22, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Qatar and Tajikistan football associations sign co-operation agreement atar Football Association Sheikh Hamad emphasised the long- (QFA) and Tajikistan Foot- standing relationship that connects ball Federation (TFF) signed both QFA and UFA. “I am very happy a co-operation agreement in to be here today to sign this agreement DushanbeQ yesterday. The signing cer- and to extend our strong relationship. emony was witnessed by QFA presi- For the past few years, the MoU has dent HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin been activated many times and both Ahmed al-Thani and Rustam Emomali, federations have benefi ted immensely. President of TFF and Dushanbe mayor. However, I would like to invite UFA to Dignitaries from both federations at- collaborate even further and would like tended the signing ceremony including to invite UFA to use all Qatar football QFA and AFC Vice President and FIFA and QFA facilities.” Council Member Saoud al-Mohannadi, The new addendum to the agreement CEO of president offi ce Ali Daoud and comes fi ttingly with the latest push by Khurshed Mirzo, TFF Vice President. football federations to tackle the men- Several key areas such as technical and ace of match-fi xing and corruption professional exchanges, national teams, in football. UFA has been actively in- exchange of expertise (including coach volved in promoting football integrity education and youth development), for the past few years. game development, player develop- Azizov pointed out the importance ment, and referee development will of football development especially with represent the agreement core focus. regards to player development which The QFA President, Sheikh Hamad in turn will benefi t national teams. “I commented: “The offi cial signing of the Qatar Football Association president HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Qatar Football Association president HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed appreciate immensely what QFA has agreement with TFF is a very positive al-Thani (left) with Tajikistan Football Federation Rustam Emomali in Dushanbe. al-Thani with Uzbekistan Football Association’s chief Abdulsalom Aziziov. been doing in the past few years with step towards football development, es- the MoU activation. I look forward to pecially since both our federations en- Qatar and QFA for hosting the FIFA training camps, and friendly matches and addendum to the Memorandum of importance of the MoU and how it had working with QFA in the near future to joy a close relationship. This agreement World Cup Qatar 2022 and also for among other things. Understanding (MoU) to include mat- been the catalyst for many collabora- try to capitalise on opportunities that will pave the way for further strength- winning the AFC Asian Cup 2019. The ters related to football integrity and tions over the past four years. They this MoU off ers both our federations.” ening of both our federations relations agreement will run for fi ve years, and QFA AND UFA EXTEND MOU event security in Tashkent. also pledged to continue the successful Azizov added “We are delighted to work and will play a major role in developing it will see exchange of knowledge and Meanwhile, Qatar Football Associa- The MoU was signed by Sheikh collaboration in order to continue the closely together with QFA on issues re- football in both our countries.” experiences, observation and second- tions (QFA) and Uzbekistan Football Hamad and UFA’s chief Abdulsalom development of football in Qatar and lated to football integrity and sports TFF President Emomali commended ment programmes, capacity building, Association (UFA), signed an extension Aziziov. Both presidents stressed the Uzbekistan. security.”

COPA AMERICA FOCUS QNB Offi cial Regional Hernandez snatches Supporter of the fi rst draw for Venezuela FIFA Arab Cup 2021 Peru bounced back from their opening 4-0 defeat to Brazil to stun Colombia 2-1

AFP Rio de Janeiro NB, the largest fi nan- The nations participating in cial institution in the the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 include: Middle East and Af- Qatar (host nation), Bahrain, onald Hernandez scored an in- rica, was announced as , Jordan, Kuwait, , jury time equalizer to earn min- theQ Offi cial Regional Supporter Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, nows Venezuela a share of the of the fi rst FIFA Arab Cup 2021, Syria, the United Arab Emirates spoils in a 2-2 draw with Ecua- a mega event that will bring to- and Yemen, Algeria, Comoros, dorR at the Copa America on Sunday. Ec- gether 23 Arab nations from Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, South uador twice took the lead through Ayrton North Africa and the Middle East Sudan, Mauritania, Morocco, Preciado and Gonzalo Plata either side of in a strong competition between Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia. The a powerful headed goal from Venezuela’s 30 November and 18 December matches are set to take place in Edson Castillo. in Qatar. venues of the FIFA World Cup It was a remarkable achievement for a This is the fi rst edition of the Qatar 2022 stadiums. The fi nal team still missing 12 players due to test- FIFA Arab Cup and QNB, the match is scheduled for 18 De- ing positive for Covid-19 or injury. “I patron of major sports events in cember, which is also Qatar Na- have no words to describe my admiration Qatar as well as regional and glo- tional Day. for these lads,” said Venezuela’s coach bal tournaments, is determined The QNB Group’s presence Jose Peseiro. “The way they played for the to play a key role in supporting through its subsidiaries and as- fi rst time in the professional team, they’re the event. It is worth mention- sociate companies extends to here showing an ability to sacrifi ce, to ing that QNB is also the sponsor more than 31 countries across fi ght, to defend the Burgundy (jersey), of Qatar’s national football team, three continents, providing a which excites me.” who is representing Qatar at the comprehensive range of ad- The point left Ecuador bottom of the FIFA Arab Cup. vanced products and services. fi ve team group on one point, with Vene- zuela a place and a point above them after having played a game more. Hosts Brazil lead the group with a perfect two wins Chile admit Covid-19 health from two ahead of Colombia, who lost 2-1 to third-placed Peru in Goiania. bubble breach by hairdresser Ecuador were off to a bright start with both Leonardo Campana and Enner Va- Venezuela’s Ronald Hernandez (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Ecuador during the Copa America Group B Cuiabá, Brazil: Chile’s football of a hairdresser who, although lencia shooting narrowly wide from good match at the Estadio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. (Reuters) federation admitted on Sunday testing negative (for Covid-19), scoring positions. that it broke Copa America should not have been in con- Cristian Casseres was Venezuela’s cross into the top corner, leaving Ortiz equalizer, caught out of position as Hern- Peru took the lead on 17 minutes as health bubble rules by bringing tact with the players.” main threat but he skied one great chance rooted to his line. Three minutes later, andez ran past him to head Edson Castil- Yoshimar Yotun took aim from almost 30 a local hairdresser into their The federation said the play- from 12 yards out, before breaking the Farinez got down quickly to save a header lo’s long ball into the box past a stranded yards out to the left, and when his stun- Brazilian hotel. ers involved would be fined. off side trap and seeing his chip over goal- from Campana as Ecuador looked to hit Ortiz. ning shot came back off the far post, the On Friday, ahead of Chile’s The team delegations taking keeper Pedro Ortiz cleared off the line by back immediately. Peru bounced back from their opening ball fell kindly to Pena to drill home. Co- 1-0 victory over Bolivia in part in the Copa America in Pedro Hincapie. They did move back in front 19 min- 4-0 defeat to Brazil to stun Colombia 2-1 lombia were given a lifeline early in the Cuiaba, senior players Arturo Brazil are required to stay in a The deadlock was broken in scrappy utes from time after a length of the fi eld thanks to a Yerry Mina own goal. Sergio second half when Borja got in behind Vidal and Gary Medel published health bubble to minimise their circumstances six minutes before half- counter-attack from a Venezuela corner. Pena gave Peru a fi rst half lead but Miguel Peru’s defense only to be brought down in photographs on social media of chances of contracting the time. Pervis Estupinan sent a freekick Plata ran from one box to the other with Borja equalized from the penalty spot the penalty area by a rash challenge from them receiving haircuts from a novel coronavirus. into the box that Campana won in the air, the ball and although Farinez saved his early in the second period. goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. local barber, seemingly in their Chile said all members of its causing havoc before Preciado stabbed tired eff ort, Christian Noboa’s follow-up However, Mina inadvertently bun- Borja made no mistake from 12 yards, hotel rooms. Chile’s federation delegation took and passed home the loose ball after it ricocheted off ricocheted back to him off a back-track- dled the ball past goalkeeper David Os- sending Gallese, who was booked for his said in a statement published coronavirus tests on Saturday. goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez. ing defender and Plata poked home. pina from a corner to hand Peru victory. challenge, the wrong way on 53 minutes. on social media that it “ac- Vidal had contracted Venezuela were level, though, just six Soon after, captain Valencia had a Colombia were in the ascendancy early Yet 10 minutes later Peru were back in knowledges the delegation’s Covid-19 earlier this month and minutes into the second half when Cas- chance to wrap things up but shot wide on but Juan Cuadrado lashed over and front as Colombia’s giant centreback breach of the health bubble was forced to sit out a World tillo rose unmarked eight yards out to with only Farinez to beat. After his earlier Borja’s shot was defl ected inches past the Mina defl ected a Christian Cueva corner with the unauthorised entry Cup qualifier. plant a bullet header from Jose Martinez’s heroics, Plata was at fault for Venezuela’s post. into his own net with his chest.

ROUND-UP Manchester City make £100mn move for Tottenham’s Kane: Reports anchester City have made CALHANOGLU SWITCHING clubs in Spain and Italy. He scored nine general director and rector of Perugia’s a bid of 100mn pounds FROM AC MILAN TO INTER goals in 43 appearances for AC Milan in University for Foreigners, as well as a (138mn dollars) to Totten- Putting Turkey’s early exit from Euro the 2020-21 season, in which he came Juventus lawyer, of helping the Uru- ham for England captain 2020 behind him, Hakan Calhanoglu down with Covid-19. Inter won their guayan player cheat on an Italian exam. MHarry Kane, according to reports yes- focused on his future in yester- Serie A fi rst title in 11 years that season, The exam would have been the fi rst terday. Kane, 27, has publicly expressed day, announcing a move from AC Mi- but have since parted ways with coach step to procuring an Italian passport his desire to add trophies to his excel- lan to city rivals Inter. The 27-year-old Antonio Conte. for Suarez as Juventus had already lent goalscoring record and is believed midfi elder said that he will be in Milan Calhanoglu joined AC Milan in 2017 fi lled its quota for non-EU players. to be keen on a move away from his today to sign a contract after complet- after four seasons in Germany’s Bun- The transfer never happened, and the boyhood club this summer. ing a physical with his new team. desliga, where he played for player ended up joining Atletico Ma- Sky Sports reported that Spurs are Calhanoglu had hoped to be the and Bayer Leverkusen. Milan also seem drid from Barcelona. expected to reject the bid with Tot- engine of Turkey’s drive for its fi rst certain to lose another free agent, Italy Suarez, who has been called as a tenham chairman Daniel Levy holding international title, dispatching his goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. witness in the case, has admitted re- out for at least 120mn pounds for his trademark free-kicks and organising ceiving the questions in advance of the prized asset. Despite Kane winning the attack for a youthful squad that PROSECUTORS ASK FOR September 17 test. In one of the wire- the Golden Boot for top goalscorer and had beaten and drawn against world FOUR TO STAND TRIAL FOR taps ordered by the prosecutor’s offi ce, top assist provider last season, Spurs champions France in the qualifying SUAREZ ITALIAN TEST one of the suspects said that Suarez fi nished seventh in the rounds. Italian prosecutors have asked for cannot conjugate verbs and speaks and missed the Champions League for ons are looking for a replacement for a slow start. has sub- But Turkey had a European cam- three university offi cials and a lawyer in the infi nitive but it was essential the second consecutive season. all-time top goalscorer Sergio Aguero, stituted his skipper in both matches, paign to forget, losing all three matches to stand trial for allegedly helping Luis that he pass the test because “with a By contrast, City claimed a third who has left City after 10 years to join against Croatia and Scotland, and Kane while scoring once and conceding Suarez pass a language test ahead of salary of 10mn (euros) per season, you Premier League title in four seasons, Barcelona. Kane is yet to win any major has failed to score. However, Southgate eight goals. Calhanoglu turned down a a move to Juventus that fell through, can’t make him fail”. One of the Italian but missed out on the club’s fi rst ever trophy for club or country. He is hop- has already confi rmed Kane will start contract extension at Milan to become media reports said yesterday. professors involved in the case has al- Champions League by losing 1-0 in the ing to change that next month at Euro today’s fi nal Group D match against the a free agent and was linked to Man- Prosecutors in the central Italian city ready negotiated a one-year suspended fi nal to Chelsea. The English champi- 2020, but his tournament has got off to Czech Republic. chester United as well as other big of Perugia accused the former dean, sentence, the reports said. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 22, 2021 3 EURO 2020

MATCH REPORT SPOTLIGHT Gilmour loss hurts Scotland’s hopes Austria advance against Croatia AFP more of a goal threat to a team Glasgow that has failed to fi nd the net in their opening two matches. Three years on from shocking cotland’s bid to reach the Argentina and England to reach to last 16 with win knockout stages of a ma- the World Cup fi nal, Croatia fi nd jor international tourna- themselves in the same situation ment for the fi rst time as Scotland, with just one point Swas rocked by the announce- from their opening two games. ment yesterday that Chelsea Without the energy of Ivan Rak- midfi elder Billy Gilmour had itic in midfi eld and the cutting tested positive for coronavirus. edge provided by the bulldozing Rarely will the loss of a player presence of Mario Mandzukic over Ukraine with just one senior start for his up front, both of whom have re- country be so lamented. The tired from international football, 20-year-old walked away from Croatia have appeared one-di- Baumgartner scores as Austria profit from a lacklustre display from Ukraine Wembley on Friday with the mensional. man-of-the-match award after A moment of magic from Reuters getting the better of a host of Ivan Perisic salvaged a 1-1 draw fellow Premier League stars as against the Czech Republic to Scotland kept their Euro 2020 keep their hopes of qualifi cation campaign alive with a 0-0 draw alive. But the 32-year-old Inter hristoph Baumgartner’s fi rst half against England. Milan winger and captain Luka goal sealed a slice of history for Steve Clarke’s side need to Modric, 35, remain their nation’s Austria as they defeated dismal beat Croatia at Glasgow’s Hamp- key players. Ukraine 1-0 yesterday to fi nish den Park today to stand any hope “Right now we’re not the runners-upC in Group C and seal a fi rst of reaching the last 16. “We al- Croatia we all want,” said Mo- ever place in the last 16 of the European ways do it the hard way, or the dric, who has already played 61 Championship. Austria were able to cel- Scottish way,” said midfi elder games for club and country this ebrate their achievement, but the result John McGinn after a 2-0 defeat to season. “We all have to improve, leaves Ukraine sweating on what looks a the Czech Republic in Scotland’s from the fi rst player to the last.” slim chance they will be among the four fi rst major tournament game for Victory for either side should best third-placed teams and also earn 23 years a week ago left them be enough to seal a place in the their place in the knockout stages. with a mountain to climb. last 16 as one of the four best Baumgartner turned in ’s The one crumb of comfort for third-placed sides, even if they corner midway through the fi rst half as Clarke is that he has not lost any do not sneak into the top two in Austria profi ted from a lacklustre display more players to self-isolation Group D. from Ukraine, who battled to fi nd fl uidity despite their contact with Gil- when it seemingly mattered most in the mour. All 25 remaining members tournament. of his squad trained yesterday af- The Netherlands, who beat North ter news of the midfi elder’s posi- Macedonia 3-0 in their fi nal game, top tive case broke. the group with a full haul of nine points Gilmour’s calm and com- from their three games, while Austria are posure on the ball at Wembley second on six points and Ukraine have despite the noise and tension three, and a negative goal-diff erence. around the match between the Austria may not be celebrating for long old enemies led to a deluge of though as they face in-form Italy in the plaudits. “Billy Gilmour is my last 16 in London on Saturday, coming up idol,” tweeted three-time tennis against Roberto Mancini’s team that are Grand Slam winner Andy Mur- unbeaten in their last 30 internationals ray, while former Scotland cap- and who have not conceded in 11 games. tain Graeme Souness claimed he Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko will was the his country be bewildered with the limp showing of could build around for 10 years. his side — they did, after all, fi nish top Scotland will now have to of their qualifying pool, picking up 20 fi nd a way to cope without him points from their eight games — three — he is forced to self-isolate for more than holders Portugal. Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner celebrates after scoring against Ukraine at the Euro 2020 match in Bucharest yesterday. (AFP) 10 days — but Clarke is at least But they showed none of that tenac- blessed with options in midfi eld, ity against their workmanlike opponents. passes but created a rare opening just opportunity to double the lead before the pressure. But a lack of accuracy with their which is why he had resisted the Austria made the early running and went before the half-hour mark when Mykola break when he found himself unmarked passing continued to hamper the side and clamour to start Gilmour until ahead on 21 minutes through a simply- Shaparenko’s shot was beaten away by in the box, but could not get a solid con- the only time they looked threatening was the trip to London. worked goal. Alaba’s corner delivery Austria goalkeeper and nection on an inviting cross from Ales- from occasional set-piece opportunities. Southampton’s Stuart Arm- reached Baumgartner, who had moved Andriy Yarmolenko narrowly failed to get sandro Schopf and the ball dribbled wide. Even in the closing stages, as the min- strong, who replaced Gilmour ahead of his marker and prodded the onto the rebound. Ukraine were brighter at the start of utes ticked away, Ukraine never looked for the fi nal quarter of an hour ball into the net. Ukraine largely wasted Marko Arnautovic, back in the side the second half and showed more ambi- like getting the goal that would have at Wembley, is expected to come what possession they had with misplaced after a suspension, spurned an excellent tion to get forward and put Austria under meant they fi nished above the Austrians. into the side and should off er

PREVIEW FOCUS Czechs hoping to learn lessons England duo Mount, Chilwell from 2019 thrashing at Wembley isolating aft er Gilmour contact AFP AFP London London ngland suff ered a Euro he Czech Republic will travel to 2020 blow yesterday Wembley for today’s Euro 2020 as Chelsea duo Mason game against England knowing Mount and Ben Chilwell what they do not want — to repeat wereE forced to self-isolate fol- Tthe 5-0 thrashing they suff ered in a qualifi er lowing contact with Scotland’s in 2019. “Of course we remember that game Billy Gilmour, who has tested very well,” Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy told positive for the coronavirus. reporters in London yesterday. “We have England’s 26-man squad all re- learnt, we have gone some way since that turned negative Covid-19 results match and I believe tomorrow’s game will be after the news of Gilmour’s posi- diff erent, better for us.” tive test broke earlier yesterday. Inspired by ’s hat-trick, But Mount and Chilwell are England handed the Czechs their worst- likely to miss England’s Euro ever defeat since the country gained inde- 2020 Group D clash with the pendence in 1993 by splitting with Slovakia Czech Republic at Wembley to- two years ago. The Czechs exacted a meas- day as a result of their contact ure of revenge when they won 2-1 at home with Gilmour. six months later to qualify for the Euro as the Chelsea teammates Mount and second team in the group behind England. Gilmour were on opposing sides They can now take that even further — all in England’s 0-0 draw against they need to win Group D is a point against Scotland on Friday, while their the Three Lions. “They are still an extremely Czech Republic players train in London yesterday. (Reuters) club colleague Chilwell was an strong opponent full of stars,” said Czech unused substitute. captain Vladimir Darida, who played both the way we did when we won in Prague. The is still an outstanding forward, a very smart The English Football Asso- qualifi ers against England. “But in their lat- players know how much eff ort they gave, striker with a great fi nish, but... I believe we ciation are in discussions with est games they did not work as well as in the how they worked hard, how responsible will be strong enough tomorrow to prevent health authorities over whether qualifi cation and we would like to capitalise they were then,” said Silhavy. him from scoring,” said Silhavy. the pair can face the Czechs. Gil- on that,” added the Hertha Berlin midfi elder. The Czechs can rely on in-form striker The game will decide the winner of Group mour has been ruled out of Scot- England beat Croatia 1-0 before being Patrik Schick, who has scored all their three D, who will face the second-placed team land’s match against Croatia in England’s (left) and during training session held to a goalless draw by Scotland, while goals at the Euro. from Group F at Wembley on June 29 in the Glasgow today. Mount had been in London yesterday. (Reuetrs) the Czechs beat Scotland 2-0 and then drew England’s , on the other hand, last 16. Potential opponents include power- due to appear at the pre-match 1-1 with Croatia. “We would like to perform has been lagging behind expectations. “He houses France, Germany and Portugal. press conference alongside Eng- Scotland outbreak. “In terms of with being on the pitch, that’s land boss Gareth Southgate, but the testing, we had the manda- why there’s no issue with teams the Chelsea midfi elder was with- tory PCR tests for the pre-game, training.” drawn from his media duties. and we’ve just followed that up England need to beat the France lose injured Dembele for the rest of Euro 2020 Asked if the pair will be avail- today because of the situation Czech Republic to fi nish top of able for the Czech game, South- that’s emerged with Scotland,” he Group D in their fi nal match of Budapest: France have lost X-rays on Sunday evening before limping off in the 87th a minute in the Euros. gate told reporters: “We don’t said. “It’s just belt-and-braces to the fi rst stage. That will deter- Ousmane Dembele for the showed he would not be back minute. Coach Didier Deschamps has know at the moment. There’s make sure we’re OK for people to mine who England face in the last rest of Euro 2020 after X-rays before the end of the Euros. Under UEFA rules which only other worries ahead of France’s obviously got to be quite a doubt travel together and eat together.” 16 and where they have to play. showed the Barcelona winger’s Dembele came off the bench allow for goalkeepers to be re- final group game against but there’s still a lot of discus- Southgate was confused why Southgate admitted the isola- knee injury would not heal in both France’s matches in the placed during the tournament. holders Portugal in Budapest. sions and investigations going Mount and Chilwell had to iso- tion problem was the last thing in time, the French Football Euros. France cannot call up a stand-in Defender Benjamin Pavard took on behind the scenes. So at the late, while none of Gilmour’s he needed before such a signifi - Federation said yesterday. He replaced Adrien Rabiot for for Dembele, who has 27 caps. a knock against Hungary and moment they’re isolating and we Scotland teammates have to do cant match. “I can’t say it isn’t Dembele, 24, was hurt in the the final seconds of the opening France started with eight at- starting strikers Karim Ben- just have to fi nd out over the last so. “I don’t want to cause drama disruptive. We don’t really know closing minutes of the 1-1 draw win over Germany and replaced tackers in their 26-man squad zema and Antoine Griezmann 12 hours or so.” for Scotland but if you are all at this point whether they might against Hungary in Budapest Rabiot again after 57 minutes including Kingsley Coman of as well as Coman and backup Southgate revealed his play- in the dressing room together, be OK for tomorrow, or they on Saturday after coming on as in Budapest with France losing Bayern, a similar type of player defender Lucas Hernandez are ers were subjected to additional where does it stand?” he said. could be out for 10 days,” he said. a substitute. and hitting the post with a shot to Dembele who has yet to play nursing injuries. testing yesterday as a precau- “I don’t know all the factors “So there are a lot of unknowns tionary measure following the behind that. It’s nothing to do at this moment in time.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, June 22, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET Femi claims sprint double Maharaj takes hat-trick as SA thrash Windies It was just the second Test hat-trick in the country’s history, after seamer Geoff Griff in managed the feat against England in 1960 Qatar’s Femi Ogunode added the 200m gold to his 100m title at the Arab Athletics Championships in Tunisia on Sunday. He clocked 20.59 secs in the 200m. He had won the 100m gold on Thursday.

TENNIS Gauff relaxed as she prepares for Wimbledon return

Reuters London

oco Gauff returns to the scene of her Grand Slam break- Cthrough at Wim- bledon later this month but the American says she is not feeling any pressure to repeat her heroics of 2019 when she reached the fourth round as a 15-year-old. Gauff , who lost to even- tual champion Simona Halep two years ago, will play at the Eastbourne International as she prepares for another tilt at Wimbledon, which was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Keshav Maharaj (R) and Wiaan Mulder (L) of South Africa celebrate the dismissal of Jason Holder of West Indies in Gros Islet yesterday. Now 17 and ranked world No. 23, Gauff said her Wim- Agencies ST. LUCIA SCORECARD feat against England at Lord’s in bledon debut felt like “a long Gros Islet, St. Lucia 1960. Until that over, South Af- time ago”. me as a player and a person.” due to the current situation South Africa 1st Innings — 298 Total (58.3 overs, 9 wkts) ...... 165 rica had relied on the excellence “People might expect me to Wimbledon begins on June my team and I have decided West Indies 1st Innings — 149 Fall of wickets: 1-16 of Rabada to limit West Indies’ feel pressure going into it, but 28. this is the best decision for eshav Maharaj became South Africa 2nd Innings — 174 (Brathwaite), 2-26 (Hope), 3-90 prospects after they resumed at I don’t really feel any pres- Meanwhile, Canada’s Denis everyone’s safety,” Shapoval- only the second South West Indies 2nd Innings — (Mayers), 4-107 (Powell), 5-107 the overnight position of 15 with- sure going into it,” said Gauff , Shapovalov has decided not to ov wrote on Twitter. African to take a Test overnight 15-0 (Holder), 6-107 (da Silva), 7-147 out loss. who reached her maiden compete at the Tokyo Olym- “I can’t wait to represent Khat-trick as he ripped K. Brathwaite c Elgar b Rabada ..6 (Blackwood), 8-158 (Roach), 9-165 With the memory of their suc- Grand Slam quarter-fi nal at pics due to the ongoing Cov- Canada at future Olympic through the West Indies middle K. Powell c Nortje b Maharaj ...... 51 (Seales) cessful bid to chase down 395 the French Open earlier this id-19 pandemic, the world games.” order with fi ve wickets to help his S. Hope c Markram b Rabada ...... 6 Bowling: K. Rabada 16-3-44-3 against Bangladesh in Febru- month before losing to Bar- number 12 said yesterday. Shapovalov, who reached side to an emphatic 158-run vic- K. Mayers c Elgar b Rabada ...... 34 (2nb), L. Ngidi 10-2-29-1(1w), K. ary still fresh in their minds, the bora Krejcikova. The 22-year-old Shapo- the quarter-fi nals at last tory in the second Test in Saint J. Blackwood c de Kock b Ngidi ... Maharaj 17.3-7-36-5, A. Nortje 11-3- home side even had thoughts of “I’m just going to have fun valov is the latest player to year’s US Open, pulled out of Lucia yesterday ...... 25 35-0 (1w), W. Mulder 4-0-14-0 winning the Test and squaring and enjoy it. I don’t really opt out of the Olympics as this year’s French Open with a South Africa, who claimed J. Holder c Petersen b Maharaj ...0 Result: South Africa won by the series. want to push myself to com- Spaniard Rafa Nadal and Aus- shoulder injury a day after he the series 2-0 after winning the J. da Silva c Mulder b Maharaj .....0 158 runs That scenario changed quickly pare my result this year with tria’s Dominic Thiem both lost in the Geneva fi nal. opening game by an innings and K. Roach c Ngidi b Maharaj...... 27 Toss: West Indies as captain Kraigg Braithwaite last time. announced last week they He has competed in two 63 runs, bowled out their hosts J. Seales c Nortje b Maharaj...... 7 Umpires: Joel Wilson (WIS), gave his South African counter- “I want to do better than would not compete in the July tournaments since, most re- for 165 in pursuit of a victory tar- S. Gabriel not out ...... 2 Gregory Brathwaite (WIS) part Dean Elgar a straightforward when I fi rst went there but it 24-Aug. 1 men’s tennis tour- cently in a Wimbledon tune- get of 324 on the fourth day at the R. Chase absent hurt Match Referee: Richie Richard- catch at fi rst slip and Shai Hope, was the start of everything. nament in Tokyo. up at Queen’s Club in London Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. Extras (b-4, lb-3, nb-2, w-2) ...... 11 son (WIS) who never looked comfort- I’m thankful for that experi- “Representing Canada where he lost in the semi-fi nal The home side were in the able against the short-pitched ence and it defi nitely helped means the world to me, but on Saturday. game at 107 for three when left- aggression of his opponents, arm spinner Maharaj (5-36) fended at another spiteful deliv- claimed the scalp of Kieran Pow- South Africa captain Dean Elgar many reckless shots and a lack of ery angled into his body, a faint ell (51), who tried to launch him said. “The boys stood up. It was patience at the crease. touch off his left glove carrying Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has twin boys — Thunder and Saint Leo to the midwicket boundary but great to see guys like KG (Kagiso “As a batting unit, we let our- through to wicketkeeper Quin- picked out lone fi elder Anrich Rabada) rock up and do what he selves down,” Brathwaite said. ton de Kock. Mayers was ad- Kingston: All-time Olympic great sprinter Olympia Lightning was born in May 2020 but Nortje. does, and great to see Keshav (get “We were going good (in the judged leg-before to the very fi rst Usain Bolt and his partner Kasi Bennett an- the name was only announced two months The world’s top-ranked Test the hat-trick).” chase), but we didn’t carry on. ball he faced from Rabada, only nounced the birth of twin boys, who have later. The 34-year-old Bolt, who won eight all-rounder Jason Holder was West Indies had started the That hurt us and, including my- for the verdict to be negated by been named Thunder Bolt and Saint Leo Bolt. gold medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 caught by short-leg Keegan day on 15 without loss, but lost self, we fell short. the fast bowler’s delivery being Bolt revealed the news on Instagram with a Games, will not be competing at the Covid- Petersen fi rst ball, and Wiaan captain Kraigg Brathwaite (6) “As batsmen, we know what ruled a no-ball. Granted the re- Father’s Day family photo, showing a light- delayed Tokyo Olympics next month after Mulder took an excellent diving early as he edged Rabada (3-44) we did wrong. We have to learn prieve, Mayers grew in authority ning bolt emoji next to each of his children’s retiring in 2017. catch at leg-slip off Joshua Da to Elgar at first slip, one of nine from this and come back strong- alongside Powell, their partner- names in the caption, without stating when The fastest man in history, Bolt holds the Silva to complete the hat-trick wickets the fast bowler took in ly.” ship worth 64 to give the home the twins were born. world records for 100 metres and 200 and spark wild South African cel- the match. The South Africans celebrated team hope of causing consider- Bennett also posted a shot of the couple metres. He is the only sprinter to win the ebrations. It was just the second Rabada accounted for Shai noisily as Maharaj joined fast able anxiety in the South Afri- posing with the twins and daughter Olympia 100m and 200m double at three consecutive Test hat-trick in the country’s Hope (2) and had Kyle Mayers bowler Geoff Griffi n as the only can camp. However Mayers, on Lightning Bolt captioned: “Happy Father’s Olympics. Bolt, who won 23 major champion- history, after seamer Geoff Griffi n (34) plumb lbw off a no-ball, but players to take Test hat-tricks 34, spoiled all of that good work Day to my forever love! @usainbolt You are ship golds in a glittering career, tried to turn managed the feat against England later did pick up the wicket of the for South Africa. Griffi n, whose when he inexplicably attempted the rock of this family and the greatest daddy to professional football after his track career at Lord’s in 1960. attacking left-hander with Elgar career was subsequently ruined a pull to Rabada and the top-edge to our little ones. We love you world without ended, but failed to secure a contract and “We haven’t won a series on catching a skier. by doubts over the legality of was well-judged by Elgar running end!” retired from all sport in 2019. AFP the road for quite some time,” West Indies were left to rue too his bowling action, achieved the back from fi rst slip.

PSL Rain washes out fourth day of WTC final Southampton: The inaugural that one team will be able to claim days, with fans who missed out in Multan Sultans reach fi nal for fi rst time World Test Championship final a winners’ cheque worth $1.6mn, the initial ballot able to buy tickets between India and New Zealand at with the runners-up receiving from today. PCB of the Eliminator 1 in the Eliminator 2 tans scored 180 for fi ve on the back of Southampton was hit by yet more $800,000. Overnight and early morning Abu Dhabi today. Sohaib’s fourth HBL PSL 6 half-cen- bad weather yesterday as rain But that is still no guarantee a two- rain meant the pitch and square In their pursuit of 181, United lost tury. The right-handed hard-hitting washed out the whole of the fourth year process to crown Test cricket’s at Hampshire’s headquarters three wickets inside three overs – two batsman top-scored for his team with day’s play — the second time in the first off icial world champion will remained fully covered when the hree-fers from Sohail Tanvir to Sohail, who accounted for Colin 59 off 41, smashing seven fours and match a day’s play had been aban- end with an outright winner. match should have resumed at and Blessing Muzarabani and a Munro (zero off one) and Shadab Khan three sixes. doned without a ball bowled. The International Cricket Council 10:30 am local time (0930 GMT) belligerent half-century from (zero off three). He stitched a 63-run partnership Friday’s opening day suff ered a confirmed yesterday the final yesterday. Sohaib Maqsood guided Multan United were reeling at 61 for fi ve in with Johnson Charles (41 off 21, three similar fate and, with bad light would be extended to tomorrow if Play was finally abandoned for the TSultans to their fi rst-ever fi nal of the the 10th over before in-form Usman fours, three sixes) for the fourth-wicket bringing about an early close on the match had not been completed day at 3:00pm (1400 GMT). HBL Pakistan Super League. Khawaja was joined by Hussain Talat. after Sultans had lost Shan Masood (25 Saturday and Sunday, only 141.1 by close of play today. Sunday saw New Zealand’s Kyle Islamabad United were dismissed for The pair contributed 50 off 28 for the off 22, four fours) and Rilee Rossouw overs out of a scheduled 360 have But the global governing body Jamieson take an impressive 5-31 in 149 in 19 overs to hand Sultans a 31- sixth-wicket before Sohail – who was (zero off two balls) in the eighth over to so far been bowled. stressed the aim of using the 22 overs — the towering paceman’s run win in the Qualifi er, played at the brought in for his fi nal over in the 15th Shadab. Captain Mohamed Rizwan had Sunday’s absorbing day of high- reserve day was to do with mak- fifth five-wicket haul in just eight Sheikh Zayed Stadium yesterday over took prized wicket of Usman. earlier perished for a duck in the second quality cricket ended with New ing up the overs lost in the game, career Tests. Sultans, who made their fi rst ap- Usman top-scored with a 40-ball 70, over of the innings. Zealand 101-2 in reply to India’s first rather than trying to force a result. Blackcaps opener Devon Conway pearance in the HBL PSL playoff s last striking nine fours and a six. Khushdil Shah (42 not out off 22, fi ve innings 217 — a deficit of 116 runs. The ICC added a decision would fell for 54 two balls before stumps. year but were knocked out after losing Zimbabwe international Muzarabani sixes) struck four sixes in the 19th over Given a standard men’s Test lasts a be taken by the match off icials It was his third score of over fifty to Karachi Kings in the Qualifi er and accounted for Iftikhar Ahmed (16 off of the innings which helped Sultans maximum of five days, this match 60 minutes before the scheduled in just five Test innings following to Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator, 15, two fours), Hussain Talat (25 off 25, post a formidable score on the board. would usually be destined for a close of play on day five. the 29-year-old South Africa-born made sure they did not make any mis- two fours) and Faheem Ashraf (zero off He knitted an unbeaten 43-run part- draw. Tickets have now gone on sale to left-hander’s stunning 200 on his takes this time around. three) and ended up with three for 31. nership for the sixth-wicket with So- The provision of a reserve day to- spectators who had paid to attend debut against England at Lord’s United – 2016 and 2018 winners – The left-arm fast Sohail ended-up hail (12 not out off nine, one four). morrow, however, off ers the hope the washed-out first and fourth this month. AFP will have another chance of progress- with fi gures of three for 17. For United, Faheem Ashraf and Shad- ing to the fi nal as they play the winner Earlier, after opting to bat fi rst, Sul- ab took two wickets apiece. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 22, 2021 5 SPORT

FOCUS US Supreme Court backs payments for student athletes AFP their performances on football on whether the student-athletes ferences take home between $2 Washington, United States fi elds and basketball courts, the could receive extra education- to $5mn... And annual salaries Supreme Court made it clear it related benefi ts from their sports for top Division I college football did not accept the NCAA’s claim performances, like additional coaches approach $11mn.” he US Supreme Court that its strict ban on their earn- scholarship payments. While Gorsuch stressed the ruled yesterday that ing any money, to retain “ama- It did not address the hottest narrow application of the deci- America’s top university teur” status, was important to topic of college sports, whether sion to the case at hand, the rul- athletics body cannot the business. the athletes should benefi t from ing appeared to open the gate Tuse its monopoly power to block The court called the NCAA an their personal images, like sales for a broader challenge to the student-athletes from getting eff ective monopoly in its control of shirts with their names — NCAA’s control on how student- extra benefi ts for playing sports, over the lucrative industry of col- which the universities and the athletes can earn money, or share eroding its power over the multi- lege sports. NCAA profi t from. in the profi ts the NCAA and uni- billion-dollar college sports in- “Put simply, this suit involves But the court made clear it did versities rake in. dustry. admitted horizontal price fi xing not see any justifi cation for such “Price-fi xing labour is price- The high court sided unani- in a market where the defend- restrictions, and said the NCAA fi xing labour,” Justice Brett Ka- mously with student-athletes ants exercise monopoly control,” could not prove that athletes vanaugh wrote in a concurring in a narrow case focused on wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch in the keeping their amateur status opinion. whether they can receive lim- opinion. was important to what Gorsuch “The NCAA’s business model ited cash or non-cash benefi ts “No one disputes that the called its “massive business”. would be fl atly illegal in almost from their schools related to their NCAA’s restrictions in fact de- “Those who run this enterprise any other industry in America,” education, which the National crease the compensation that profi t in a diff erent way than the he said. Collegiate Athletic Association student-athletes receive com- student-athletes whose activi- “All of the restaurants in a re- (NCAA) currently denies them. pared to what a competitive mar- ties they oversee,” he said. gion cannot come together to cut While it did not weigh in on ket would yield.” “The president of the NCAA cooks’ wages on the theory that whether student-athletes should The long-brewing case, Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrate Luke Hancock’s (second from right) run against the Texas Longhorns in earns nearly $4mn per year. ‘customers prefer’ to eat food be able to cash in completely on NCAA v. Alston et Al, focused the NCAA College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, United States, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) Commissioners of the top con- from low-paid cooks.”

NBA NHL Roy scores in Hawks upset Sixers, overtime as Knights square series 2-2

AFP know they were really happy and Los Angeles, United States I know we wanted to win pretty bad here.” Booker pours in 40 Brayden McNabb also scored egas regained the emo- for the Golden Knights, while tional edge in their goaltender Robin Lehner made Atlanta Hawks will now face the Stanley Cup playoff se- 27 saves in a surprise start in ries with the Montreal front of a pandemic-limited Milwaukee Bucks in game one VCanadiens on Sunday night, crowd of 3,500 at the Bell Centre after Nicolas Roy’s overtime arena. in Suns’ win of their series tomorrow winner capped a nail-biting 2-1 Game fi ve is Tuesday night in Golden Knights victory in Mon- Nevada. treal. Paul Byron scored and goal- AFP Conference fi nals before and the Roy grabbed his own rebound tender Carey Price stopped 19 Los Angeles, United States Suns last made it in 2010. and scored on a chip shot 78 shots for the Canadiens, who This was the Suns’ fi rst game seconds into the extra session as were a perfect 4-0 in overtime since last Sunday when they the Golden Knights levelled the games prior to Sunday night. evin Huerter scored completed a four-game sweep best-of-seven NHL semi-fi nals Montreal was without head a playoff career-high of the Denver Nuggets in the series at 2-2. coach Dominique Ducharme for 27 points as the up- second round. Parked directly in front of the a second consecutive game after start Atlanta Hawks It is their ninth trip to the Canadiens’ net, Roy buried his he tested positive for Covid-19 Kpunched their ticket to their fi rst Conference fi nals as they seek second chance, moving to the on Thursday. Assistants Luke Eastern Conference fi nals in six their fi rst title in their 53-year right and deftly lofting the puck Richardson and Alexandre Bur- years on Sunday, with a 103-96 history. over a tangled mass of Montreal rows have taken over running the game seven win over the Phila- Deandre Ayton scored 20 players from a sharp angle. bench. delphia 76ers. points with nine rebounds while But the winner wouldn’t have Vegas coach Peter DeBoer All-star Trae Young fi nished Mikal Bridges (14 points), Jae been possible if shifty Vegas for- gambled and replaced starting with 21 points and 10 assists, Crowder (13 points) and Cam- ward Max Pacioretty hadn’t cir- goalie Marc-Andre Fleury with John Collins had 14 points and eron Johnson (12 points) scored cled the back of the net with the his backup and it paid off as Leh- 16 rebounds and Danilo Galli- in double digits for the Suns. puck then made a spinning shot ner made 27 saves. nari came off the bench to score For the Clippers, Paul George on goal which created enough A Fleury miscue led to the 17 points for the Hawks, who scored 34 points, Reggie Jack- confusion for Roy to fi nd some Knights losing to Montreal in won three games in Philadelphia son had 24 points and DeMarcus open space and nine-iron it into game three. Fleury misplayed the to take the series 4-3. Cousins added 11 points off the the upper half of the cage. puck behind his net, allowing it “Winning game seven is a bench. Roy had a number of family to carom off his skate to a Mon- treat for us,” said Huerter. “We “I have no excuse,” Clip- members in attendance, includ- treal player in front who scored. are a little naive. We always be- pers coach Tyronn Lue said. ing his dad on Father’s Day. Brayden McNabb also scored lieve we can win.” “I thought we played hard and “That was unbelievable,” he for the Golden Knights in the win The Hawks will now face the competed. A little credit — said. “I got my family here. I in game four. Milwaukee Bucks in game one they were making shots and we of their series tomorrow as both Devin Booker (centre) of the Phoenix Suns shoots against Terance Mann (left) and Marcus Morris Sr. didn’t. But I loved our fi ght. I NBA semi-fi nals are now set. (right) of the Los Angeles Clippers during game one of the Western Conference Finals in Phoenix, Arizona, loved what I saw.” The Phoenix Suns have a 1-0 United States, on Sunday. (AFP) Both teams were missing star lead over the Los Angeles Clip- players after Clippers forward pers in the Western Conference Joel Embiid scored a game- three to boost the lead to 96- health and safety protocols. Kawhi Leonard suff ered a knee fi nal. high 31 points and grabbed 11 92 and the Hawks held on from “I’m just going out there to injury in game four of the second The Hawks had surprised rebounds for the Sixers. there. win every game possible,” said round against the Utah Jazz. by dispatching the New York But he also committed eight “We felt like this was going to Booker. “I’ve been saying this Leonard did not join the Clip- Knicks in fi ve games in the turnovers, including a key wob- be our year. There is a lot to re- since the start of the playoff s — pers on the trip to Phoenix. Lue opening round. ble with 41 seconds left in the gret,” Embiid said. every next game is the biggest said he wasn’t sure of his avail- They needed a balanced of- fourth. game.” ability. fense in Sunday’s winner-take- Tobias Harris added 24 points SUNS OUTSHINE CLIPPERS The Suns’ Jae Crowder said it The Clippers beat the Jazz all contest, and 22-year-old and 14 rebounds, Seth Curry Elsewhere, Devin Booker deliv- was fi tting that Booker put on in epic fashion, ending one of Huerter needed to shoot well had 16 points and Ben Simmons ered a 40-point triple-double as a show in front of the crowd of the league’s most infamous because of all the injuries in contributed 13 assists in the loss. the Suns shook off some playoff 16,583 at Phoenix Suns Arena. droughts by advancing to the their lineup — they were with- Game seven was a see-saw rust to beat the fourth-seeded “I expect it. I know the type of conference fi nals for the fi rst out De’Andre Hunter, who had a contest with 20 lead changes Clippers 120-114 in the opening player he is,” Crowder said. time in their 51-year history. right knee injury. and 19 ties but the turning point game of the West fi nals earlier Game two is scheduled for After the game Young slipped came in the fi nal minute of the Sunday. Tuesday night in Phoenix. RESULTS off his jersey and went up into fourth. Booker also had 13 rebounds This is an unexpected NBA Western Conference finals the stands at Wells Fargo Arena Embiid’s turnover was pre- and 11 assists for his fi rst career fi nal four match-up between Phoenix 120 LA Clippers 114 to hand it to his father for Fa- ceded by a costly foul by reserve triple-double as the Suns won de- two franchises trying to cap (Phoenix leads series 1-0) Nicolas Roy of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring ther’s Day. guard Matisse Thybulle which spite the absence of all-star guard their storybook seasons by win- Eastern Conference semi-final the game-winning goal in overtime against the Montreal Canadiens “A winning jersey. I wanted to sent Huerter to the foul line for Chris Paul, who has been quaran- ning their fi rst NBA titles. The Atlanta 103 Philadelphia 96 in Game Four of the Stanley Cup Semi-finals of the 2021 Stanley Cup win it for my dad,” he said. three shots. Huerter made all tining due to the NBA’s Covid-19 Clippers have never been to the (Atlanta wins series 4-3) Playoff s in Montreal, Canada, on Sunday. (AFP)

MLB Long Jr. hits 10th-inning grand slam as Mariners sweep Rays Reuters bottom of the 10th against right- The Rays tied the score in the Clanahan allowed one run on New York, United States hander Diego Castillo (2-4), sixth. Wendle led off with a line- three hits in six innings, with one Dylan Moore bunted down the drive single to center and ad- walk and eight strikeouts. third-base line for a single, send- vanced to second on left-hander Gonzales went 6 1/3 innings and hed Long Jr. hit a grand ing Trammell to third. With the Marco Gonzales’ errant pickoff gave up two runs on fi ve hits with slam with two outs in the infi eld drawn in, Jake Bauers hit attempt. Brett Phillips grounded three walks and six strikeouts. bottom of the 10th inning a hard grounder to shortstop Joey out to the right side of the in- as the Seattle Mariners Wendle, who was shifted to the fi eld to move Wendle to third and RESULTS completedS a four-game sweep of right side of second base. Wendle Wendle scored on Manuel Mar- Toronto 7 Baltimore 4 the visiting Tampa Bay Rays with threw home to catch Trammell in got’s double to right. NY Yankees 2 Oakland 1 a 6-2 victory Sunday afternoon. a pickle and Trammell was called Tampa Bay took the lead an Cleveland 2 Pittsburgh 1 Luis Torrens and Ty France out for going out of the basepa- inning later. With one out, Bran- Washington 5 NY Mets 2 also homered for Seattle, which ths, with Moore reaching third on don Lowe doubled on a fl y ball St. Louis 9 Atlanta 1 won for the seventh time in its the play. that went off the glove of leaping Houston 8 C White Sox 2 past eight games. Torrens drew a walk to load center fi elder Fraley. Mike Zunino Kansas City 7 Boston 3 The Rays suff ered their sea- the bases. Jake Fraley fl ied out hit a ground-rule double to give Chicago Cubs 2 Miami 0 son-high sixth consecutive de- to shallow left fi eld before Long the Rays a 2-1 advantage. Minnesota 4 Texas 2 feat. lined a 1-1 pitch just over the wall France greeted right-hander Milwaukee 7 Colorado 6 Right-hander Rafael Montero in right fi eld to win it. Ryan Thompson with a solo homer San Francisco 11 Philadelphia 2 (5-2) pitched a scoreless 10th for The Mariners led 1-0 through to center fi eld leading off bottom of Detroit 5 LA Angels 3 the second consecutive day to fi ve innings after Torrens hit the seventh to tie the score at 2. LA Dodgers 9 Arizona 8 earn another victory. fi rst pitch in the bottom of the Both starters pitched well but San Diego 3 Cincinnati 2 With pinch-runner Taylor third over the wall in left-center Seattle Mariners’ Shed Long Jr. (centre) is mobbed by teammates at home plate after hitting a walk-off grand didn’t factor into the decision. Seattle 6 Tampa Bay 2 Trammell at second to start the fi eld. slam against the Tampa Bay Rays in Seattle, Washington, United States, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) Rays left-hander Shane Mc- Atlanta 1 St. Louis 0 Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, June 22, 2021 SPORT

GOLF Rahm makes fairy-tale return from Covid-19 to US Open win ‘THIS ONE IS VERY INCREDIBLE, VERY HARD TO BELIEVE, THAT THIS STORY CAN END UP SO GOOD’

AFP La Jolla, United States

on Rahm knew after con- tracting Covid-19, miss- ing his parents meeting his son and losing a near-cer- tainJ PGA victory two weeks ago that he was due for something good to happen. It turned out to be winning his fi rst major title, which happened Sunday at the US Open at Torrey Pines, one of his favourite places in the world. “This one is very incredible, very hard to believe, that this story can end up so good,” Rahm said. “It almost feels like it’s a movie that’s about to end and I’m going to wake up soon. With the setback I had a couple of weeks ago, to end up like this, it’s in- credible. I do love Torrey Pines, and Torrey Pines loves me.” Defending champion Rahm had seized a six-stroke lead after 54 holes at the Memorial when he was told seconds after fi nish- ing his round that he had tested positive. He spent the next week in quarantine until two negative tests allowed him to return to US Open preparations. On the same course where he proposed to his wife Kelley Cahill and where he won his fi rst US PGA title in 2017, Jon Rahm (also left) of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning Rahm sank birdie putts on 17 and SCORES AFTER FINAL ROUND US Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (Getty Images/AFP) 18 to defeat South African Louis Oosthuizen by one stroke. 278-Jon Rahm (ESP) 69-70-72-67 (USA) 71-73-68-74 292-Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 72-73-74-73, RAHM TAKES OVER NO. 1 RANKING “It felt like such a fairy tale 279-Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 67-71-70-71 287-Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 69-76-74-68, Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP) 68-76-74-74, Gary story that I knew it was going to 281-Harris English (USA) 72-70-71-68 Rikuya Hoshino (JPN) 69-74-73-71, Martin Woodland (USA) 74-71-73-74, Bubba Watson Jon Rahm off icially reclaimed the heels of a withdrawal due have a happy ending,” Rahm said. 282-Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 71-70-73-68, Brooks Kaymer (GER) 77-68-69-73, Chris Baker (USA) (USA) 72-67-77-76, Richard Bland (ENG) 70- the No 1 spot in the Off icial to Covid-19 while leading the “I could just tell. I knew there Koepka (USA) 69-73-71-69, Collin Morikawa 74-71-69-73, Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 73- 67-77-78 World Golf Rankings yester- Memorial and a T8 at the PGA was something special in the air. (USA) 75-67-70-70 69-68-77 293-Kevin Kisner (USA) 73-73-72-75, Matt day, a day after the Spaniard Championship. Rahm has eight I could just feel it. I just knew it.” 283-Branden Grace (RSA) 72-70-74-67, Daniel 288-Patrick Rodgers (USA) 70-71-77-70, Dylan Fitzpatrick (ENG) 70-75-72-76 claimed his first major title at top-10 finishes in 13 starts in “That’s why I played as ag- Berger (USA) 71-72-72-68, Paul Casey (ENG) Wu (USA) 70-73-74-71, Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 294-Taylor Montgomery (USA) 70-76-74- the US Open. Rahm briefly held 2021, including the forced WD. gressive as I did, because it was 71-75-67-70, Xander Schauff ele (USA) 69-71- 75-69-71-73, Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) 74, Stewart Cink (USA) 73-72-74-75, Akshay the spot twice in 2020, after Rahm also vaulted past Justin like, man, this is my day, every- 72-71, Scottie Scheff ler (USA) 72-69-70-72, 72-70-70-76 Bhatia (USA) 73-73-73-75, Jhonattan Vegas winning the Memorial and after Thomas, who slipped a spot thing’s going to go right. I felt like Rory McIlroy (NIR) 70-73-67-73 289-Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 70-76-72-71, Rob- (VEN) 75-69-74-76, Charley Hoff man (USA) tying for 13th at the PGA Cham- to No 3, followed by Collin that helped me. I just knew that I 284-Francesco Molinari (ITA) 68-76-69-71, ert MacIntyre (SCO) 71-73-72-73, Adam Scott 72-71-75-76 pionship. Both stints lasted only Morikawa, Xander Schauff ele, could do it and believed it.” Russell Henley (USA) 67-70-71-76 (AUS) 70-75-71-73, Lanto Griff in (USA) 76-69- 295-Phil Mickelson (USA) 75-69-76-75, Grey- one event, however, although Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick It didn’t hurt he had faced sim- 285-Patrick Cantlay (USA) 70-75-71-69, Kevin 69-75, Im Sung-jae (KOR) 72-72-69-76 son Sigg (USA) 71-74-75 Rahm has not been outside of Cantlay, Brooks Koepka, Patrick ilar putts before at Torrey Pines in Streelman (USA) 71-69-72-73, Matthew Wolff 290-Wade Ormsby (AUS) 72-74-73-71, Adam 296-Marc Leishman (AUS) 74-70-75-77 the top three since. Reed and Rory McIlroy in the PGA Tour play. “I knew I could get (USA) 70-68-73-74, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) Hadwin (CAN) 70-72-75-73, Chez Reavie (USA) 297-Matt Jones (AUS) 72-71-79-75, Troy He knocked Dustin Johnson top 10. Louis Ooshuizen also it done,” Rahm said. “I’ve made a 73-67-68-77 76-68-72-74, Kim Si-woo (KOR) 71-75-70-74, JT Merritt (USA) 75-71-73-78, Shane Lowry (IRL) off the No 1 perch this week climbed six spots to No 12 couple of long left-to-righters 286-Patrick Reed (USA) 72-73-74-67, Sergio Poston (USA) 72-73-71-74, Ian Poulter (ENG) 72-74-72-79 after Johnson tied for 19th at following his second consecu- in the past in some clutch mo- Garcia (ESP) 71-74-73-68, Charl Schwartzel 74-71-68-77 298-Wilco Nienaber (RSA) 72-74-80-72, Kyle Torrey Pines. Johnson had held tive runner-up in a major and ments, and I was able to get two (RSA) 71-74-71-70, Brian Harman (USA) 72-71- 291-Rick Lamb (USA) 71-75-74-71, Tom Hoge Westmoreland (USA) 71-73-78-76 the top spot since winning The the sixth in his career. Harris more on the last two holes. “The 71-72, Jordan Spieth (USA) 77-69-68-72, Justin (USA) 72-71-76-72, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 73-72- 303-Fabian Gomez (ARG) 70-76-78-79, Jimmy Northern Trust last August, English, who finished third at fact I stayed patient and hopeful Thomas (USA) 73-69-71-73, Dustin Johnson 72-74, Lee Westwood (ENG) 71-72-71-77 Walker (USA) 74-72-77-80 kicking off a dominant run the US Open, rose six spots to and believed something good was that included winning the Tour No 19. Just as important for coming my way is what helped. I Championship and the Masters. English, he climbed three spots never lost hope for a second.” tive,” Rahm said. Rahm has been without having practised much had that grit, but almost like each ample for two-month-old son However, Johnson has only one to No 13 in the United States In a strange way, getting Cov- trying to control his temper bet- relaxed me a little bit. In case I miss bothered me less.” Kepa. “I really set out myself to top-10 finish in his past nine Ryder Cup rankings. The top six id-19 helped Rahm pull off his ter on the course, but after a play bad, I have an excuse. Hey, I Rahm, who said his biggest be an example for my son that he starts, while Rahm has been spots will automatically qualify, long-sought breakthrough ma- club-crunching incident at last had Covid,” Rahm said. Covid-19 disappointment was would be proud of,” Rahm said. steadily eating away at his lead with captain Steve Stricker then jor triumph. “I believed from the month’s PGA Championship, the “I feel like it relaxed me a little not being there when his parents “I’ve done some stuff in the at the top of the OWGR. making his six captain’s picks biggest setbacks we can get some Spaniard has felt calmer and in bit and ever since the Sunday at saw their grandson for the fi rst past on the golf course that I’m Rahm finally got there with after the Tour Championship in of the biggest breakthroughs, greater emotional control. the PGA, I felt a bit of a shift on time, celebrated his fi rst Father’s not proud of and I wish I could Sunday’s win, which came on August. and that’s why I stay so posi- “I feel like coming in here the golf course mentally. I still Day as a dad hoping to set an ex- eliminate it.”

FOCUS MOTORSPORT Korda wins Meijer LPGA Classic Palou wins Road AFP America, grabs Los Angeles IndyCar points lead elly Korda got up and down for birdie on the par-5 18th hole and staved off Ireland’s Leona Maguire AFP Palou took a 28-point lead to win the Meijer LPGA Classic on Sunday in Los Angeles over O’Ward in the series stand- Grand Rapids, Michigan. ings with his second victory of NKorda shot a 5-under 67 for her fi nal round to fi nish the the season. He also won the sea- event 25 under, two shots ahead of Maguire (66 on Sun- pain’s Alex Palou cap- son opener on April 18 at Barber day). In Gee Chun of South Korea (63) and Brittany Al- tured the Road America Motorsports Park. tomare (64) tied for third at 21 under. IndyCar race on Sunday, Playing together in the fi nal grouping, Korda and passing Josef Newgarden RESULTS Maguire duelled throughout the day at Blythefi eld Coun- withS just two laps left to regain 1. Alex Palou (ESP/Chip Ganassi) try Club. Maguire caught up to Korda to tie for the lead the championship points lead. 55 laps 1hr 50:55.05 with four birdies on her front nine. Chip Ganassi driver Palou led 2. Colton Herta (USA/Andretti Korda sank an eagle on the par-5 No 14 and birdied the fi ve of 55 laps on the 14-turn Autosport) at 1.910secs following hole to build a three-shot advantage. But on No 4.01-mile track in Elkhart Lake, 3. Will Power (AUS/Penske) s.l. 16, Maguire birdied and Korda bogeyed to cut that lead to Wisconsin. It was the second 4. Scott Dixon (NZL/Chip Ga- one. straight heartbreaking Sunday nassi Racing) s.l. After both players made par at No 17, Korda’s second fi nish for Newgarden. He led for 5. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Dale shot at No. 18 found thick rough short of the green. But a race-high 32 laps and appeared Coyne) s.l. Korda stuck her third shot close to the hole and made bird- to be headed to his fi rst win of 6. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Chip ie, while Maguire three-putted for par. the season after a restart at the Ganassi Racing) s.l. “Leona’s a really good player. Honestly, she kept me on end of the 53rd lap. 7. Alexander Rossi (USA/Andretti my toes all day,” Korda said on the broadcast. “I had to play But his Team Penske Chev- Autosport) s.l. good golf. There’s a lot of birdie opportunities out here. I rolet suff ered mechanical prob- 8. Takuma Sato (JPN/Rahal Let- started off a little rough, not hitting many fairways, but lems and he limped the fi nal two terman Lanigan) s.l. kept telling myself to battle through it and just to have fun laps to the fi nish. He ended up 9. Pato O’Ward (MEX/Arrow out here.” fi nishing a disappointing 21st. McLaren) s.l. Korda fi red a 10-under 62, the low round of the event, on Last Sunday, Newgarden was 10. Max Chilton (GBR/Carlin) s.l. Saturday to grab the 54-hole lead. overtaken by Pato O’Ward for Season standings: It was Korda’s fi fth victory on tour and her second of the the lead with three laps remain- 1. Alex Palou (ESP/Chip Ganassi) season - the fi rst multi-winner on tour this season - after a ing in Detroit and ended up fi n- 349 pts win at the Gainbridge LPGA in February. She was projected Nelly Korda poses with the ishing second after leading 67 of 2. Pato O’Ward (MEX/Arrow to move into No 1 in the tour’s season-long points compe- trophy aft er winning the Meijer 70 laps. McLaren) 321 pts tition, the Race to the CME Globe. LPGA Classic for Simply Give Palou averaged 119.424mph 3. Scott Dixon (NZL/Chip Ga- Maguire fell short of winning her fi rst LPGA Tour title. It at Blythefi eld Country Club in to fi nish just 1.9106secs ahead nassi) 296 pts was her second time placing second this season. Grand Rapids, Michigan. of Colton Herta. The 2014 series 4. Josef Newgarden (USA/Pen- Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist fi nished fi fth at 20 under. Ally (Getty Images/AFP) champion Will Power fi nished ske) 261 pts Ewing, Lauren Stephenson, Lizette Salas and England’s third. The race was slowed by 5. Simon Pagenaud (FRA/Pen- Georgia Hall tied for sixth at 18 under. four caution periods. ske) 255 pts Gulf Times Tuesday, June 22, 2021 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING FOCUS Al Shaqab’s Katara lands second Listed win Katara International Agencies and James Doyle-helmed Gold- Online Pontefract, England en Pass in the closing stages, winning the Class 1 contest by a head. kicks off with big n the colours of Al Shaqab The Hughie Morrison-trained Racing, the classy four- and Tom Marquand-ridden Ur- year-old fi lly Katara scored ban Artist fi nished third with a excitement a new Listed win in the Pon- further two-and-a-half-length Itefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes at margin. jat Mamedov (2609) and Eltaj By Sports Reporter Pontefract racecourse in Eng- Trained by Sir Michael Stoute Doha Safarli (2598). land on Sunday. in Newmarket, Katara was a From USA, the list includes Ridden by Ryan Moore in the dual winner at three, includ- new generation stars like Jeff ery 2,400m race for four-year-olds ing the Listed Chalice Stakes. he 2nd edition of the Xiong (2709), Ray Robson (2673) and older fi llies and mares, Ka- She now boasts of three wins $12,800 Katara Inter- and Samuel Sevian (2660), all tara broke behind the fi eld to sit from seven starts and looks one national Chess Tourna- among America’s top ten. in last place. to be closely watched. She was ment 2021 (Online Bullet Other notable players in fray They began racing in the fi nal bred by Al Shaqab Racing at TTournament) got off to a rous- are: GM David Paravyan (Rus- bend and Moore kept her in on Haras de Bouquetot in France. ing start with the qualifi cation sia), GM Sanan Sjugirov (Russia), the rail waiting patiently for the She is by the Champion Japa- rounds on Sunday across diff er- GM Maksim Chigaev (Russia), opening. She came progressively nese sire Deep Impact and out ent time zones around the world. GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uz- through to join the leaders with of New Approach mare Asyad, a The worldwide open event is bekistan), GM Sergei Zhigalko 200m left to run and battled three-time winner herself for Al Ryan Moore (right) rides Katara to victory in the Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes in Pontefract, England, being conducted by the Qatar (Belarus), GM Vladislav Kovalev with the Hugo Palmer-schooled Shaqab Racing. on Sunday. (Steve Davies) Chess Federation (QCF) in co- (Belarus), GM Oleksandr Bort- operation with the Cultural Vil- nyk (Ukraine), GM Matthias lage Foundation – Katara from Bluebaum (Germany), GM José SPOTLIGHT June 20 to 23. Carlos Ibarra Jerez (Spain), and The qualifying stage saw a India’s 15-year-old chess prod- whopping 5,143 entries includ- igy GM Rameshbabu Praggnan- ing some of the world’s top and andhaa. rising stars. The list includes 110 The qualifi ers will see only 15 Grandmasters and 223 Interna- of these players make the grade to tional Masters. join Carlsen in the fi nal rounds. Besides the seven-time world The buzzing start — in accord- champion of ance with the remote playing sys- Circular economy Norway, who is also the defend- tem via the lichess.org website ing champion and World No.1 with the ‘Bullet’ chess system (FIDE Rating 2847), the partici- where players are free to join and pation includes several of Rus- participate in any time zone they sian top stars, namely World prefer – saw palpable excitement, No.7 Alexander Grischuk (Rat- camaraderie and intense contests ing 2776), Russia’s No.4 Dmitry with live broadcast. Andreikin (2724), Russia’s No.7 The fi nal round will be played in focus in Josoor Daniil Dubov (2714), Russia’s tomorrow from 6pm Doha time No. 10 Vladislav Artemiev (2704) and is expected to attract a large and No.12 Vladimir Fedosaeev worldwide audience virtually. (2696). The organisation of this tour- ace and World No. 5 nament online had emerged fol- Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2770), lowing Qatar’s precautionary who just days ago won the 2021 measures to prevent the spread of Superbet Chess Classic, is also coronavirus (Covid-19) in 2020, Institute webinar participating. The other top but the event has already become players from Azerbaijan are Nid- a vouched for world event. osoor Institute, the train- steel and wood. It was a learn- ing and education arm of ing experience that yielded tre- the Supreme Commit- mendous benefi t for both pro- tee for Delivery & Legacy fessionals in the public works Rugby Australia chief calls France (SC),J recently held a new we- sector as well as for the local ‘most dangerous side in Europe’ binar focused on the circular community which now strives economy – an economic ap- to build a circular economy for France are the most dangerous a host of others have played proach aimed at minimising future generations to thrive in,” side in Europe, with almost as more than 50 times. waste. added Sahsuvaroglu. much depth in their squad as But Rugby Australia director Moderated by Orjan Lund- An example of a young entre- the All Blacks, Australia’s rugby of rugby Scott Johnson said berg, Sustainability & Envi- preneur that has implemented director warned yesterday France still had a strong squad ronmental Expert at the SC, circular economy thinking in his ahead of their Test series next under coach Fabien Galthie. speakers discussed diff erent practice is Ghanim al-Sulaiti, month. “The French have so much strategies and best practices in who has been behind a number Dave Rennie’s Wallabies face a depth. They have the most implementing sustainable prac- of successful eco-friendly busi- depleted Les Bleus in Sydney depth — outside of New Zea- tices in relation to supply chain nesses that promote well-being on July 7 before they move to land — in world rugby,” he told and waste management in the through sustainable food and Melbourne and Brisbane on the Sydney Morning Herald, planning of large events held in legacy of the event,” said Hed- ment of a more capillary public Sustainability & Environmental skincare products. Al-Sulaiti July 13 and 17. pointing to France winning the urban settings. jazi. transportation system in the Expert, has witnessed Qatar’s shared some of the challenges he Given the need to quaran- last two under-20 world titles. Alexandre Hedjazi, Direc- Prior to joining the Qatar 2022 city, with the realisations of a growth fi rst-hand. In particular, faced when setting up a business tine for 14 days on arrival in “They’ve always had talent but tor of the Global Environmen- project, Gaia Pretner, Sustain- new metro line that connected she has seen the way tourna- that was committed to growing Australia, an already injury-hit now they have a really gifted tal Policy Programme at the able Procurement Manager at Milan’s main train stations to ment-related infrastructure has within a circular economy. France have left out players group of kids coming through. University of Geneva, empha- FWC Qatar 2022 LLC, was a full the exposition area. In addition, completely revolutionised the “The most diffi cult part of from Toulouse and La Rochelle, “They have a young, talented sised the role urgency plays in time consultant for the sustain- all EXPO’s participants were in- way people live in, move around implementing the fundaments who will contest the Top 14 group of players that play encouraging event planners to ability function of EXPO Milan vited to apply the EXPO’s sus- and enjoy the country. For her, of a circular economy to my final next weekend. instinctively and the style that unlock innovative solutions. In 2015, the universal exposition tainable procurement guidelines one tournament venue, Ras Abu business was building a green Instead the emphasis in the 42- people would perceive as tra- particular, he discussed initia- that attracted more than 20 mil- in the selection of their products Aboud Stadium, embodies the supply chain in a local mar- man squad named Sunday is ditionally French. They’re the tives that addressed challenges lion visitors in six months with and services for the event. commitment to sustainability ket that is traditionally very on youth with Damian Penaud, most dangerous side in Europe. related to providing sustainable the participation of nearly 140 “Sustainable procurement that has been at the forefront of cost sensitive. Raising people’s Teddy Thomas and Romain Without doubt.” critical infrastructures during a countries and investment worth is also a key objective of FWC all Qatar 2022 related projects. awareness about the benefi ts of Taofifenua the only players In total, Galthie has 23 large event while ensuring their more than €3 billion. Sustainability Strategy since Built from shipping contain- sustainable economic practices with more than 20 caps. uncapped players including long-term legacy afterwards. Pretner shared how circular- it can both contribute to lower ers, the stadium is situated on will always be the fi rst and most In contrast the Wallabies have Perpignan fullback Melvyn “Stakeholders need to work ity was a key part of EXPO Milan the environmental impact of a repurposed plot of land that important step in creating a cir- plenty of experience, led by Jaminet, who has never played together to identify co-benefi ts 2015. This included the building the tournament and encourage once housed a beach club and cular economy, and the World Michael Hooper (105 Tests) above Pro D2, and Pau scrum- that respond to multiple and si- phase, which saw the conver- the birth and development of industrial sites. After the tour- Cup’s commitment to that goes and James Slipper (100), while half Clovis Le Bail. (AFP) multaneous needs and urgencies sion of a former industrial area new sustainable businesses in nament, Ras Abu Aboud will be a long way in building that type within an urban setting. Only in the city into the main expo- the region as a positive legacy” completely dismantled, with its of necessary consciousness,” then, can organisers of large sition site. The organisers also said Gaia about Qatar 2022’s parts used for diff erent projects said al-Sulaiti. events unlock the social, envi- ensured that all the temporary commitment to ensuring that in Qatar and around the world. This and other sessions can RUGBY ronmental and economic capi- countries’ pavilions met sus- circular economy principles are “The stadium’s infrastructure be found on Josoor Institute’s tal of the ecosystem where the tainability standards. Pretner deployed through the organisa- was built entirely from the prin- Knowledge Hub, where interest- event is taking place and ensure also explained how hosting the tion of the event. ciples of a circular economy, and ed participants can also register the long-term and sustainable event pushed for the develop- Dr Talar Sahsuvaroglu, SC saw the use of reused or recycled for future webinars. South Africa focused

SELECTION on getting up to speed with Tests

Reuters traditional November tour to Cape Town, South Africa Europe. Whitelock to captain All Blacks, The Test against Georgia will be their fi rst match since they ew South Africa coach won the World Cup, beating Jacques Nienaber has England 32-12 in Yokohama on few other plans for his Nov. 2, 2019. four uncapped players in squad country’s fi rst game South Africa host the fi rst Test Nsince winning the World Cup at Loftus Versfeld and the sec- Reuters it,” Foster said. New Zealand play Tonga in than to get players reacquainted ond at Ellis Park in Johannesburg Wellington, New Zealand “He’s been a member of the Auckland on July 3 before back- with international rugby after 20 seven days later. They have three leadership group for a long time to-back tests against Fiji in months without it. Tests against the Lions on suc- and... we’ve got a lot of faith in Dunedin and Hamilton. The Springboks play Georgia cessive Saturdays between July an Foster has turned to Sam that group.” in Pretoria on July 2 in the fi rst of 24 and Aug. 7. Whitelock to captain the Foster’s main selection quan- SQUAD two Tests before the British and The majority of South Africa’s All Blacks in place of the dary was in the centres, where Backs: , George Irish Lions tour. players have been restricted to injured for two last year’s starters Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian “I think that fi rst Test will be, domestic competition over the Itests against Fiji and one against and Anton Lienert-Brown are McKenzie, , Rieko ‘let’s just used to international last year but there is also a size- Tonga next month. both injured and Ngani Lau- Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, rugby again’,” Nienaber told a able contingent of Boks, who Coach Foster named a 36- mape is set to depart New Zea- Braydon Ennor, , news conference yesterday as play at clubs in England, Ireland, man squad for the matches on land for French club rugby. Quinn Tupaea, Beauden Bar- the world champions continued France and Japan, and have been Monday, which included four Lienert-Brown was named rett, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron their preparations for the Lions selected in a large squad for the uncapped players in forwards in the hope that he will recover Smith, , Brad at a training camp. Lions series. and Ethan from elbow surgery in time to Weber. “For us it’s just let’s get used to The Toulouse-based duo of Blackadder and backs Finlay play some part in the July cam- Forwards: Ethan Blackadder, the pace of the game, the physi- Cheslin Kolbe and Rynhardt El- Christie and Quinn Tupaea. paign, while a call-up Waikato , , cality of the game, the small stadt will miss the fi rst Test against Foster said Cane, who is side- inside centre Tupaea was , , margins in international rugby, Georgia after their club progressed lined with a pectoral injury, something of a surprise. , , because it is going to be a lot dif- to the Top 14 fi nal on June 25. would still have involvement “The biggest conversations Blacks jersey in 2017 but gets a recall Trans-Tasman for the Auckland Scott Barrett, , ferent to club rugby.” “They will hopefully be get- with the squad and that select- we had were about the midfi eld,” after successfully transitioned from , who beat the Otago High- , Tupou Vaa’i, The Covid-19 pandemic ting into South Africa either on ing 122-cap lock Whitelock to Foster added. fullback this season, Braydon En- landers in the fi nal on Saturday. Samuel Whitelock (captain), caused a planned tour by Scot- Monday or Tuesday thereafter. lead the team onto the pitch had “We’ve picked fi ve midfi eld- nor and were the other TJ Perenara, who usually vies George Bower, Ethan de Groot, land to be cancelled and the We will be playing that Friday, been a simple decision. ers, Anton’s injury has allowed centres named in the squad. for the number nine jersey with , , South Africans to pull out of so that will leave them very little “He’s an outstanding All us to bring in Quinn. We haven’t Scrumhalf Christie gets his Aaron Smith, is ineligible for se- Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, last year’s Rugby Championship time to get back into the mix and Black, we don’t use that word got a lot of 12s.” chance after some eye-catching lection after taking a sabbatical Asafo Aumua, , Codie against Argentina, Australia and our way of doing things,” Niena- often, but I think he deserves David Havili, who last wore an All performances in in Japan. Taylor. New Zealand. There was also no ber said.

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 GULF TIMES OLYMPICS

TOP OF THE LINE India protest ‘unfair’ Tokyo Olympic rules

AFP including India, that have seen in the Games village only fi ve days kistan and the UK, would be af- NOCs are present all the time.” clarify whether athletes from the six countries — Bangladesh, In- New Delhi “signifi cant impact from vari- before their event,” IOA presi- fected. The Tokyo 2020 organisers said aff ected countries would be al- dia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan ants” of Covid-19. dent Narinder Batra and secre- “Where and when will the ath- in a statement to AFP that they lowed to train in the three days and Sri Lanka — had pledged to The protocols will involve daily tary Rajeev Mehta said in a joint letes have their breakfast, lunch, had received a document from after their arrival. fully vaccinate their delegations ndia’s Olympic body has testing of athletes for a week be- statement released on Saturday. dinner during these three days, as India’s Olympic body. Batra told AFP last week that and conduct additional testing. slammed as “unfair” strict fore they depart for Japan and “Now three days will be wasted, everyone has food in the Games “For participants from areas Indian athletes will be fully vac- Some Indian athletes, includ- rules imposed by the Japa- for them to “refrain from coming this is the time the athletes need village food hall where all athletes such as India that have seen sig- cinated before the Games starting ing javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra nese government on athletes into contact with other teams for to be moving towards their mode and offi cials of other NOCs (Na- nifi cant impact from variants, it is July 23. and wrestler Vinesh Phogat, are fromI several Covid-hit nations three days after they arrive” in to peak... highly unfair for Indian tional Olympic Committees) are necessary that they follow more The country has eased some training abroad and will travel to for the Tokyo Games starting next Japan. athletes, who have worked hard present all the time,” the state- stringent rules than those out- lockdown restrictions in recent Tokyo from their respective loca- month. But the Indian Olympic Asso- for fi ve years, to be discriminated ment added. lined in the (athletes) Playbook, weeks as it emerges from a brutal tions. But most of the Olympic Tokyo 2020 organisers said ciation (IOA) said the rules would against just fi ve days before the Where can athletes train? it and are similar to the existing surge in infections and deaths in team will depart from India. yesterday that additional meas- cause athletes to lose three cru- Olympics.” asked, because “practice/train- border control measures,” they April and May. Despite its huge population, ures will be used to reduce infec- cial training days. The sports administrators said ing areas are never empty and added. The International Olympic India won just two medals at the tion risks from several countries, “Athletes are allowed to arrive 11 countries, including India, Pa- athletes and offi cials of other But the organisers did not Committee said in late May that 2016 Rio Olympics.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Sponsorship pours in for India aft er dropping Chinese kit partner Up to 10,000 an Olympic Association (IOA) covers the Tokyo Olympics as Reuters New Delhi ended its 60mn rupees deal well as the Asian and Common- with Li Ning two months before wealth Games next year. it was due to expire after the The IOA also welcomed In- ndia’s cricket board (BCCI) Tokyo Games. dian conglomerate JSW Group has offered $1.35mn in fi- The BCCI said it hoped the and dairy product brand Amul nancial support to the “monetary gesture” would help as its Tokyo partners last week, country’s National Olym- Indian athletes bring home a each bringing in 10mn rupees. fans allowed at picI Committee, which dropped record number of medals from “We have been negotiat- Chinese sportswear maker Li Tokyo. ing with different firms not Ning as its official kit partner “The BCCI wishes all the just for Tokyo but also for the citing public sentiment ahead athletes representing India in future events,” IOA President of the Tokyo Games. the Olympics all the very best Narinder Batra told Reuters by Chinese companies have and hopes that they return with telephone. faced a backlash in India since more medals than ever before.” “It’s an ongoing process, not 20 Indian soldiers were killed The IOA also received notice a reaction to the departure of Tokyo events in a clash with Chinese forces of support last week from MPL our earlier kit sponsor. in a Himalayan border dispute Sports Foundation, which came “But we are thankful to the last year. on board as principal sponsor in BCCI for their support for the SPECTATORS TO BE SELECTED THROUGH A LOTTERY Earlier this month, the Indi- a deal worth 80mn rupees that Tokyo Games,” Batra added. “People still talk about what they saw at the fi rst Tokyo Ol- ympics. That’s how memorable SWIMMING this event is. We want to off er the same experience to chil- dren,” Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Manuel brings US swimming Muto said. The decision means Tokyo 2020 needs to take back 910,000 trials to inspiring end of 3.64mn tickets currently held by domestic fans. Organisers said limiting spectators would cut projected ticket revenues by about 50%. And even those limited num- bers of fans could be kept out if the virus surges. Japan has seen a compara- tively small virus outbreak, with nearly 14,500 deaths, despite avoiding the harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere. But the vaccine rollout has been slower than in many de- veloped countries, only picking up speed in recent days. Around 6.5% of the population is now fully vaccinated. Polls in Japan have regularly shown most Japanese would A general view of the Olympic Rings installed on a floating platform with the Rainbow Bridge in the prefer to see the Games delayed background in Tokyo yesterday. further or cancelled altogether. But recent surveys suggest a AFP ympic Games will be set at They fear crowds of fans softening of opposition, with Tokyo 50% of venue capacity, up to a could fuel a new surge in infec- more in favour of holding the maximum of 10,000 people in tions in a country still racing to Games than cancelling it — if Abbey Weitzeil and Simone Manuel of the United States react after competing in the Women’s 50m all venues,” organisers said in a vaccinate its residents. Organ- postponement is not off ered as freestyle final in Omaha, Nebraska. p to 10,000 fans will statement. isers said it was unlikely that an option. be allowed at Tokyo A decision on spectators at negative virus tests would be A survey published Mon- Reuters long meet was more welcomed While Manuel is on her way Olympic events, or- the Paralympics will be delayed required to attend. day found around a third of Omaha than Manuel’s after she failed to to Japan there was no story- Uganisers said yester- until July 16, a week before the International Olympic Com- respondents want the Games make the fi nal in the 100m free- book ending for Nathan Adrian day, warning competition could Olympics open. mittee chief Thomas Bach, to happen, up from 14% last style. who was attempting to earn a move behind closed doors if in- And offi cials left open the speaking before the announce- month, though a majority still he United States Ol- The fi rst black woman to berth on his fourth Olympic fections surge. possibility of a reversal if the vi- ment, said he was “absolutely prefer further delay or cancel- ympic swimming trials claim an individual swim- team after overcoming testicu- The decision, just weeks be- rus rebounds. Tokyo was under sure that it will be a decision to lation. wrapped up on Sunday ming gold medal, an emotional lar cancer. The winner of eight fore the opening ceremony, ends a coronavirus state of emergen- best protect the Japanese people Organisers say strict rules will with Simone Manuel Manuel revealed later that she Olympic medals, including fi ve months of speculation about cy until Sunday. and all participants”. keep both athletes and the pub- Twinning the 50 metres freestyle had been suff ering from over- gold, Adrian had been one of whether domestic spectators “If there should be major dra- There will be some wiggle lic safe, and Bach said Monday to snatch a spot in Tokyo after training syndrome that had kept the United States’ top sprinters would be able to attend the matic change in the infection room on the cap, with organis- that “well over” 80% of people missing out in the 100 metres her out of the pool until just since the 2008 Beijing Games pandemic-postponed Games. situation, we may need to revisit ers allowing sponsors and oth- staying in the Olympic Village free, which she won at the 2016 weeks prior to the trials. but at 32-years-old came up Overseas fans were banned in this matter amongst ourselves ers dubbed “stakeholders” to will be vaccinated. Rio Games. “I’m a hard worker I take a short, fi nishing third in the 50m March. A lottery will determine and we may need to consider the attend above the 10,000 limit. Athletes will be barred from Also earning a Tokyo ticket in lot of pride in what I do,” said free behind Dressel and Michael which existing ticket-holders option of having no spectators They said those spectators contact with the public and risk the fi nal night of action in Oma- Manuel. “I just want to go out Andrew. can attend a Games that will be in the venues,” Tokyo Governor would travel separately from the being kicked out of the Games ha was Bobby Finke with a win there and do my best.” “I was really rooting for unlike any other, with cheering Yuriko Koike said. public and pose less of a virus if they violate rules including in the men’s 1,500m freestyle With one last chance to make Nathan but the point of hav- banned, masks mandatory, and Senior medical experts, in- risk, but declined to specify how mask-wearing and daily virus while Caeleb Dressel quali- the Tokyo team Manuel dug ing this meet is to pick the two fans told to go straight home af- cluding top advisers to the many people would come under tests. fi ed for a third individual event deep and got to the wall fi rst fastest guys,” said Dressel. “I’m ter the competition. government, have said holding that group. In a taste of the complexities blitzing to victory in the men’s in 24.29 seconds just 1/100th not ready to be on a team with- “In light of the government’s the Games behind closed doors School children invited as ahead, a coach from Uganda’s 50m free equalling his American ahead Abbey Weitzeil, who had out him (Adrian) but we’ve got a restrictions on public events, would be “ideal” from a health part of a special programme also Olympic team tested positive on record of 21.04 seconds. already clinched her spot with a great coaching staff and I’m sure the spectator limit for the Ol- perspective. won’t count towards the cap. arrival in Japan on Saturday. No result the entire week win in the 100m free. we will fi gure it out.”

BOTTOMLINE Felix books berth, Bromell storms to 100m win AFP Felix, who resumed her track and fi eld mother — won in 49.78sec while Wade- Justin Gatlin meanwhile failed in his for her 2016 trials heartache after a con- Eugene, United States career two years ago after life-threat- line Jonathas claimed the other ticket to quest to make a fourth Olympic games vincing victory in 12.47sec. ening complications arising from the Tokyo after coming third in 50.03. at the age of the 39, coming home in Harrison was the favourite for Ol- premature birth of her daughter, looked Felix, who will retire after next eighth place in 10.87sec. ympic gold in 2016 but failed to qualify llyson Felix punched her to be fading out of contention coming month’s Olympics, said she hoped her Bromell, the fastest man in the world for the Rio games at the trials where she ticket to a fi fth Olympic games down the stretch. qualifi cation would send a message to over 100m this year with a season’s best fi nished sixth in the fi nal. while Trayvon Bromell ce- But the 13-time World Champion- other mothers. of 9.77sec, will head to Japan as hot fa- Brianna McNeal, who won gold in Rio Amented his status as favourite ship gold medallist dug deep to reel in “I think society tells us a lot of times vourite for the 100m. in Harrison’s absence, fi nished second to succeed Usain Bolt as world’s fastest the fi eld and claim second place, a result if you have a child your best moments No American sprinter has won the in Sunday’s fi nal with a time of 12.51sec. man with victory in the 100m at the US which was greeted with the loudest roar are behind you but that’s absolutely Olympic 100m crown since Gatlin took Christina Clemons was third in track and fi eld trials in Oregon on Sun- of the night. not the case,” Felix said. Elsewhere on gold at the Athens Olympics in 2004. 12.53sec. McNeal’s participation at this day. “Man, it has been a fi ght to get here Sunday, Bromell blasted to a wire-to- Elsewhere Sunday, Michael Norman week’s trials is shrouded in controversy. The 35-year-old Felix, the only wom- and one thing I know how to do is fi ght, wire victory in the 100m, winning in won the 400m to clinch his fi rst Olym- The 29-year-old is facing a fi ve-year an in history to win six Olympic track and I just did that all the way home,” 9.80sec. The 25-year-old from Florida, pic ticket, winning in 44.07sec. Michael suspension for an anti-doping rules gold medals, produced a signature dis- said an elated Felix, whose time of 50.02 who has made a remarkable return to Cherry was second in 44.35sec while violation, and was only allowed to com- play to snatch second in the 400m at seconds was her fastest in the event form this year after a career ravaged by Randolph Ross was third in 44.74sec. pete in Eugene because she is awaiting Hayward Field and clinch her place at since 2017. injuries, took fi rst ahead of Ronnie Bak- In the women’s 100m hurdles, world a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for next month’s Tokyo Games. Quanera Hayes — another returning er (9.85sec) and Fred Kerley (9.86sec.) record holder Keni Harrison made up Sport.