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Sunday, July 7, 2019 CYCLING Dhul-Qa’da 4, 1440 AH Teunissen steals GULF TIMES show as favourites fall on fi rst stage SPORT Page 4

FOCUS QOC forms Higher Organizing Committee of World Beach Games 2019

QNA assistant general manager for TECHNICAL DELEGATE with a view to gathering feedback were designed to ensure that any Doha Supporting Services Ali Ghanim MEETING CONCLUDES from the delegates. The Organis- immediate actions that are re- al-Kuwari, assistant general The International Federation (IF) ing Committee covered a number quired are identifi ed and priori- manager for Operations Khaleel Technical Delegate (TD) meet- of operational areas including tised. atar Olympic Com- Ibrahim al-Jabir, deputy assist- ing for the ANOC World Beach venue services, timing and scor- ANOC secretary-general Gu- mittee (QOC) presi- ant general manager for Sup- Games Qatar 2019 concluded in ing, accommodation, medical, nilla Lindberg said: “It has been dent HE Sheikh Joaan porting Services Khalid al-Yafei, Doha yesterday after two days of anti-doping, transport, ticketing critically important to meet with bin Hamad al-Thani deputy assistant general manager productive meetings in which the and security. The new Qatar 2019 the IF Technical Delegates here to hasQ issued a decree forming the for Operations Ishaq al-Hashimi, delegates were updated on the logo was also shown. In the after- get their expert feedback on how Higher Organizing Committee of head of Facilities, Information latest preparations and provided noon, there was a tour of the pro- we can hone and refi ne our plans. ANOC World Beach Games Qatar Technology and Communica- feedback on where improve- posed sites for the ANOC World Of course, no one knows their 2019, which will be held in Doha tions Committee Salah al-Saadi, ments can be made. Beach Games Qatar 2019 with sport better than they do and so from October 12-16. head of Security Committee and Delegates from each of the Katara Beach proposed as the it has been very valuable to hear The Higher Organizing Com- Media and Broadcasting Com- international federations par- main competition cluster. The where and how we can improve. mittee which includes 20 members mittee Yousef Abdullah al-Mul- ticipating in the Games were in delegates also visited the Gharafa It has been very encouraging is chaired by HE Sheikh Joaan bin lah, head of Medical Committee attendance as the Qatar 2019 Or- Sports Complex which is being to hear the Technical Delegates Hamad al-Thani. The committee and Anti-Doping Committee ganising Committee continues to considered to host the remaining speak so positively about the includes QOC secretary-general Dr Nasser Ali al-Ansari, head of make rapid progress since ANOC sports at existing venues. work that has been done and the HE Jassim Rashid al-Buenain as Marketing, Communication and confi rmed Qatar as host of the On the second day, break-out strength of the team we have here deputy chairman in addition to Dr Opening Ceremony Committee QOC president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani will chair the inaugural Games just over three workshops were held, with the in Doha. We have complete con- Khalid Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, repre- Sheikha Asma al-Thani, head of Higher Organizing Committee for ANOC World Beach Games 2019. weeks ago. technical delegates meeting their fi dence in the Organising Com- sentative of the Ministry of Inte- Administrative Aff airs and Man- On the fi rst day of the meet- National Federations and Com- mittee’s experience and expertise rior, and Association of National power Committee Mohamed Ab- Nasser Hamad al-Sulaiti. place immediately after the ing, delegates were welcomed by petition Managers. During the to deliver the fi rst ever ANOC Olympic Committees (ANOC) dullah al-Meer, head of Games The Games will feature 14 Games on (October 17-18). the Organising Committee and workshops, delegates discussed World Beach Games to the high- secretary-general Gunilla Lind- Services Committee Eman Ali sporting disciplines with athletes The NOCs’ delegates attend- provided with an overview of the a number of key topics includ- est standards.” berg as members. al-Emadi, head of Protocol and from up to 90 nations expected to ing the ANOC General Assembly Games and an outline of Qatar’s ing sports equipment, fi eld of The Qatar 2019 Organizing The QOC also formed the International Public Relations compete. will be invited to arrive in Qatar extensive sports-hosting expe- play requirements, sport session Committee and ANOC will host games’ local organising commit- Committee Hamad Ali al-Ibra- Qatar will also host the ANOC at the start of the Games so that rience. A presentation on the schedules, training session for- the Chef de Mission seminar tee including the general manag- him, and head of Financial Aff airs General Assembly and ANOC all NOCs will be able to enjoy the proposed location and format of mats and medical and recovery on July 8-11 with more than 100 er HE Jassim Rashid al-Buenain, and Procurement Committee Awards, which will now take inaugural event. each of the sports was delivered requirements. The workshops NOCs scheduled to attend.

TENNIS / WIMBLEDON Federer posts new Slam record as favourites cruise Eight-time Wimbledon champion registers record 350th win in Slams; Nadal, Barty ease through to last 16

AFP London

ight-time Wimbledon singles champion Roger Federer posted yet more landmarks yesterday as allE the main contenders male and female encountered few prob- lems in reaching the last 16. Federer registered a record 350th win in Grand Slam match- es in his 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (4) win over Lucas Pouille of France and in the process reached the fourth round for an unprecedented 17th time. “It’s a nice number to achieve I’ve enjoyed my time at the Slams,” said Federer of his Grand Slam record. “It’s been nice winning that much.” Earlier his great rival two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Australia’s Ashleigh Barty returns against Britain’s Harriet Dart Nadal had a much more enjoy- (not pictured) during their Wimbledon third round match at The All able experience than his previ- England Club in London yesterday. (AFP) ous match as he eased into the last 16 with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 romp over French veteran Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The ease with which Nadal made the fourth round for the ninth time was replicated on the women’s side by Ashleigh Bar- ty — who will be breaking new ground in appearing in the last 16 for the fi rst time — and Serena Williams. Switzerland’s Roger Federer serves against France’s Lucas Pouille (not pictured) during their Wimbledon third round match at The All England Nadal, who embraced Tsonga Club in London yesterday. (AFP) fondly at the end in stark con- trast to the chilly handshake he Andy Murray’s hopes of men’s Republic’s Barbora Strycova and convincing display in dispensing (to be in the last 16), new terri- had with fi ery Australian Nick doubles glory ended early as he Britain’s French Open semi-fi nal- with German Julia Goerges 6-3, tory for me.” Kyrgios in the previous round, and French partner Pierre-Hu- ist Johanna Konta respectively. 6-4. Williams goes on to face said he was delighted with the gues Herbert went out in the sec- While Barty will be in new ter- Barty, bidding to become the Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro for manner of his victory describing ond round. ritory playing singles at Wimble- fi rst Australian Wimbledon a place in the quarter-fi nals. every match as a battle. On the women’s side Barty and don in the second week for the fi rst women’s champion since Evonne Eleventh seed Williams, who Britain’s Andy Murray (left) and US player Serena Williams high-five “I was very happy,” said Nadal. Williams could meet in a block- time, for Williams it is the 16th. Goolagong Cawley won her sec- defeated Goerges in last year’s between points during the mixed doubles first round match against “I played a great match from the buster quarter-fi nal if they win ond title in 1980, will play un- semi-fi nals, is bidding to equal against Germany’s Andreas Mies and Chile’s Alexa Guarachi (not beginning to the end. their last 16 matches on ‘Manic ‘SUCH A BUZZ GOING seeded American Alison Riske for Margaret Court’s all-time record pictured) yesterday. Murray-Williams combine won 6-4, 6-1. (AFP) “Jo is one of those players you Monday’. AROUND’ a place in the last eight. of 24 Grand Slam titles. don’t want to face early but today Two of the top 10 seeds did Barty overwhelmed British wild She is also the fi rst Australian There was no fairytale win in The 15-year-old American British partner Jay Clarke lost was my day.” bow out, Dutch fourth seed Kiki card Harriet Dart 6-1, 6-1 while woman to make the second week the mixed doubles, though, for — who has wowed the crowds 6-1, 6-4, in the first round to Federer and Nadal’s one-time Bertens and American ninth seed 37-year-old, seven-time cham- since 2010. the star of the championships in reaching the last 16 of the Robert Lindstedt and Jelena fellow member of the big four Sloane Stephens losing to Czech pion Williams produced her most “Incredible it is a fi rst for me Coco Gauff . women’s singles — and her Ostapenko. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 7, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS OFFBEAT Tennys, Storm and Eden: Welcome to The real Serena name game AFP London

ennys Sandgren has fi nally shows up at just about the perfect name for tennis, gen- erating as much excite- ‘It’s been an arduous year Tment among fans as it does con- fusion in bars and coff ee shops. for me so every match I’m Tennis star Tennys, from Ten- nessee, is not the only one with hoping to improve’ an eye-catching fi rst name doing Wimbledon battle on the Wimbledon lawns. Storm Sanders, Eden Silva, Desirae Krawcyzk, Raven Klaasen and Astra Sharma have all been swinging their racquets at the All England Club. Meanwhile there’s competi- tion coming up in the juniors with Blu Baker, Destinee Martins and Hurricane Black — whose sister is called Tornado. Sandgren, who is named after his Swedish great-grandfather, said there was no way a man called Tennys could take up ten- nis and fl op. “I at least had to be good at the sport if I was going to play,” the 2018 Australian Open quarter- fi nalist told AFP. His early enthusiasm for ten- When she was born, her par- nis came from his family being ents were reading Wilbur Smith’s keen players — but his name pos- epic Courtney series of novels, sibly helped. tracking the lives of one family “Who knows, maybe there’s through the centuries. some sort of cosmic pull in “One of the characters is that direction,” said the world Storm Courtney and they liked number 94, who made the Wim- the name. No crazy story with bledon fourth round yesterday. the weather!” she said. Sanders said she had met a few TENNYS? REALLY?! other Storms. “It’s always inter- Away from the courts, the Amer- esting to see what they’re like,” ican said the name had its chal- she said. lenges. One pair she has not yet “Explaining it gets a little tir- breezed into is Hurricane and ing, like when I’m trying to get a Tornado Black. “I’ve seen them coff ee,” the 27-year-old said. but we never spoke about our “Or when I’m trying to intro- names,” she said. duce myself to someone of the op- Could they join forces in a posite sex that I don’t know. That whirlwind doubles partnership? gets a little tedious, and I haven’t “Maybe in the future, we’ll have really fi gured a good way to transi- to see!” tion that into meaningful conver- sation. If I’m explaining my name, SOUND OF EDEN I’m already on my heels!” British main draw debutante But around the tennis world, Eden Silva, who is rising up the it usually generates a buzz in the rankings, has her motto “stay stands. fi erce” tattooed on the back of US player Serena Williams serves to Germany’s Julia Goerges (not pictured) during their Wimbledon third round match at The All England Club in London, yesterday. (AFP) “It can be challenging, but it’s her neck, following a career- fun, it’s entertaining and people threatening knee ligament injury. Reuters the American dropping a set court major had been hampered Against Goerges, she should As if on cue, the Red Ar- get a kick out of it — especially at When she was named, her par- London against a 133rd-ranked qualifi er by a knee injury. have been confi dent of victory rows shot through the sky just a tournament if they haven’t re- ents liked the sound of paradise. in the second round or squan- “I’m getting a really late start since the German had failed to as Goerges was about to begin ally heard of me,” he said. “It’s quite original and unique. dering three break points from (in all of my matches here so far, take a set off Williams in four serving in the sixth game. “There’s always a bit of sur- It goes well with Silva,” the loud and brash Red 0-40 up against Germany’s Julia but) all that matters is that I am previous meetings — including While the crowd looked prise and a positive shock — ‘like, 23-year-old Londoner told AFP. Arrows fl ypast over Goerges yesterday? still here.” last year’s semi-fi nal here. skywards, Williams only had really?!’” “They just said that they liked Wimbledon’s Court But once the plumes of And being in the fourth-round But when Goerges soaked Goerges in her sights and cut the Sanders visited a pub during it and it sounded good with my One provided a timely smoke left behind by the Red mix means that it is still game on up everything Williams could German down by immediately the Wimbledon warm-up tour- last name.” distractionA yesterday that al- Arrows had painted the over- for that record 24th Grand Slam throw at her to fi ght back from breaking for a 4-2 lead. nament in Eastbourne on Eng- Meanwhile US doubles spe- lowed the real Serena Williams cast sky a patriotic red, white title that has proved elusive over 0-40 down to hold her serve in The trademark roar was back land’s south coast. “The guys cialist Desirae Krawcyzk, 25, to fi nally show up at the All Eng- and blue, the seven-times the past year — when fi nal ap- the second game of the opening rocking Court One and it was were like, ‘no way your name’s who made her Wimbledon debut land Club this year. Wimbledon champion’s com- pearances at Wimbledon and set, it seemed this might be an- game over — at least for now. Tennys!’” he recounted. in the mixed doubles with the Before the unexpected inter- petitive fires burned brightly Flushing Meadows both proved other long day. “There’s such a buzz around Sandgren showed them his ID livewire Nick Kyrgios, said her ruption, there defi nitely seemed and she screamed to a 6-3, 6-4 to be lost causes. But Williams could not re- about me and Andy, that I’ve — and drinkers still did not be- unusual fi rst name was mostly to be something amiss. win over Goerges to reach the Life certainly should not have ally aff ord to dilly-dally around gotten nervous now. I feel like I lieve him. her father’s doing. The impostor who had turned second week of Wimbledon for been so diffi cult for Williams court too long yesterday consid- might have a bit of performance “The bartender’s just laugh- “My dad is Polish and my mum up this week looked like Ser- the 16th time. against her fi rst two opponents ering this match was just a dress anxiety! I hope I can live up to ing. He’s like, ‘OK, he’s Tennys; is Filipina,” the Californian told ena and sounded like Serena but “It’s been an arduous year for this week — 161st ranked Giulia rehearsal for a more pressing the hype,” Williams said. he plays tennis. Fair enough’.” AFP. “My dad loved the French she defi nitely did not play like a me so every match I’m hoping Gatto-Monticone or Slovenia’s engagement she had later in the “I’m ready, and I’m excited name Desiree but he wanted to champion who owns 23 Grand to improve. Every time I go out Kaja Juvan — considering they day — to partner Britain’s most but I am defi nitely nervous.” INCOMING STORM spell it ‘ae’ and not ‘ee’. They just Slam singles titles. there I try,” said the 37-year old, were both little-known quali- famous tennis son Andy Murray Next up in singles for the 11th Australia’s Storm Sanders said really liked the name.” How else would one explain whose build-up to the grass- fi ers. in the mixed doubles. seed is Carla Suarez Navarro. her name could sometimes catch Sandgren might be streets people off -guard. ahead with the coolest fi rst name “I love my name because it’s in tennis. BOTTOMLINE memorable,” the 24-year-old However, the prize for literally told AFP. “People sometimes the coolest surname at Wimble- don’t know what to expect of me. don goes to Dutch doubles spe- ‘Goofy’ Gauff can’t believe who is watching her It’s a bit quirky but I love it.” cialist Wesley Koolhof.

Reuters Murray’s men’s doubles dream London dashed by Croatian pair Former world number one Andy Murray’s hopes of emulating mong the many re- Michael Stich in adding a Wimbledon men’s doubles title to markable things that his singles crowns ended yesterday as he and Pierre-Hugues happened to Cori Herbert exited in the second round. The 32-year-old Scotsman, ‘Coco’ Gauff yesterday, who landed the Queen’s doubles title a fortnight ago in his theA 15-year-old actually lost a first tournament back after “life-changing” hip surgery, and his game of tennis. French partner were outclassed by the sixth seeded Croatian But no matter. Being tweet- duo of Nikola Mektic and Franko Skugor who won 6-7 (4), 6-4, ed by Michelle Obama, Jaden 6-2, 6-3. Murray’s title hopes are not finished yet as he teams up Smith and Samuel L Jackson with seven-time Wimbledon women’s singles champion Serena among others more than made Williams later on Saturday in the mixed doubles against German up for losing her mixed doubles Andreas Mies and Chile’s Alexa Guarachi. Stich won the singles ti- match with Jay Clarke 6-1 6-4 tle in 1991 and a year later the German added the doubles crown. to Robert Lindstedt and Jelena For Herbert, it represents a losing gamble as he had angered Ostapenko. long-time partner Nicolas Mahut — with whom he won all four Gauff , the American teenager Grand Slam titles — in choosing to play with Murray after appar- who has proved the revelation ently originally saying he would focus on singles only. Mahut has of Wimbledon’s fi rst week by made the third round with new partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin. reaching the fourth round of the women’s singles, was still pinch- Wimbledon match suspended aft er ing herself at her celebrity status. Spectators cheer as they watch a big screen showing US player Cori Gauff winning the second set against Slovenia’s Polona Hercog during She said she was delighted that their third round match on the fifth day of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships on Friday. (AFP) fan falls ill her country’s former First Lady had tweeted ‘Coco is terrifi c’. Asked to describe herself, kind of slowed down on it a little against former world number “I like to look at prank videos A Wimbledon match was suspended yesterday when a 60-year- “I was super excited, She’s she came up with the sort of bit, but still, it was pretty excit- one Simona Halep on Monday on YouTube and listen to music. old female spectator fell ill and needed “medical assistance,” a one of my role models. So it was self-deprecating response that ing for me. His new album just and the bad news for the Roma- I love music that keeps me calm tournament off icial said. The men’s singles third round tie be- just cool to see that she knows explains why she has been such came out, as well.” nian is that she intends to fol- before matches, because obvi- tween Mikhail Kukushkin and Jan-Lennard Struff was in a fourth I exist,” said Gauff , whose In- a hit at Wimbledon. “Weird. Gauff has enjoyed a life- low exactly the same pre-match ously when you get out there set on Court 12 when the drama unfolded. The players eventually stagram account showed her Weird, goofy, and, I don’t know. changing week after beating routine that has worked so well there’s a lot of nerves anyway. left the court as did the spectators while an ambulance was sum- clowning round and swooning at Yeah, weird and goofy, I guess.” Venus Williams and 2017 semi- up to now. Yeah, I like to fi nd my own space, moned to the All England Club. “A 60-year-old female collapsed news of all her famous backers. Gauff said she was particu- fi nalist Magdalena Rybarikova “I think I’m just going to ap- put some relaxed music on.” while watching tennis on Court 12,” read a statement from the “I saw videos back at home of larly fl attered that singer Jaden, and then saving two match proach her like every other match Asked if she will feel any dif- organisers. “She received immediate medical attention and was people screaming after a match. one of her big idols, had noticed. points to down Polona Hercog I have been approaching. My rou- ferent going into the second successfully resuscitated before being transported to a local And I saw somebody painted a “I have looked up to Jaden for in front of an ecstatic crowd on tine has been working pretty well week of a grand slam, she said: hospital. “Play was suspended and the court evacuated to give mural of me in Fort Lauderdale. so long. People who follow me Friday. so that’s how I’m going to go into “I don’t know. We’ll see when I appropriate space for treatment.” That was pretty cool.” know that’s all I post about. I Now she faces her biggest test the match,” she said. go on the court.” Gulf Times Sunday, July 7, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Brazil banking on USA take on Dutch defence in Copa pretenders in fi nal AFP Sweden clinch America decider Lyon third place Brazil have not conceded a single goal so far in the tournament he United States head Nice: Sweden benefited from into the women’s World poor defending and the video AFP state championship in 2013 and Cup final against the assistant referee to beat Eng- Rio de Janeiro Flamengo to do likewise in the Netherlands today land 2-1 in the women’s World Rio state championship four seeminglyT in such rude health Cup third place playoff match years later. that the biggest controversy yesterday. razil will be looking “He’s a player who deserves surrounding the holders in re- Early goals from Kosovare to maintain their de- special attention for everything cent days has been Alex Mor- Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson fensive invincibility he’s done in the past,” said cen- gan’s tea-sipping goal celebra- were enough to see off Phil against Peru in today’s tre-back Marquinhos. tion against England. Neville’s side, who pulled one CopaB America fi nal, midfi elder “I know him well, I played Morgan, one of the faces of back through Fran Kirby and Casemiro says. with him for a bit at Corinthians the USA side that has made his- had an Ellen White equaliser The hosts have yet to concede and I’ve played against him sev- tory by reaching a third consec- ruled out for handball. a goal in the tournament, includ- eral times for the national team.” utive final, has been at the cen- Winger Karen Carney came ing when they thrashed Peru 5-0 One of those was two weeks tre of a veritable storm in a tea on for Nikita Parris in the in a group-stage match earlier in ago at the Corinthians Arena in cup since using the celebration 74th minute to make her final the competition. Sao Paulo when Guerrero was to mark her winner in Tuesday’s appearance in an England And keeping their goal intact kept quiet while Peru when into semi-final. Whether it was an shirt having announced on will be key to lifting a ninth Copa a defensive meltdown. attempt to wind-up the English Friday she would retire after crown, according to the Real They’ve bounced back spec- for their love of the drink, or the match. Madrid man. tacularly from that set-back, something more innocent, the However, she was unable to “Ending the competition though, fi rst ousting Uruguay 30-year-old has been struck by help her team claim a second without conceding a goal is one on penalties in the quarter-fi nal, the level of media attention. successive third-place finish of our aims,” said Casemiro. in a match in which they were “You see men celebrating all at the World Cup. “And if we don’t concede a clearly second best, and then in around the world in big tour- goal, it’s not just thanks to the a stunning performance to beat naments, grabbing their sacks should be fit in time to make guys at the back, those up front the outgoing champions Chile or whatever it is, when I look at coach Jill Ellis’ starting line-up help us a lot and that makes the 3-0 in the last four. sipping a cup of tea, I’m a lit- for the game in Lyon, as the USA diff erence. “The woodwork also “It’ll be a great fi nal, a really tle taken aback and kind of you aim to win a fourth World Cup made a diff erence in Brazil’s 2-0 diffi cult match. We can’t think have to laugh about it to see all in eight editions. semi-fi nal victory over arch ri- it’s already won, we have to play the criticism,” Morgan said on That would cement their sta- vals Argentina, as did referee Brazil’s players Dani Alves and Lucas Paqueta (R) take part in a training session at the Granja it,” said Casemiro. Friday. tus as the dominant force in the Roddy Zambrano’s refusal to Comary sport complex in Teresopolis, Brazil, yesterday. “They’ve eliminated great The striker scored five goals international women’s game. It consult VAR twice when Lionel teams — Uruguay and Chile — in the record 13-0 win over would also immediately bring Messi and his teammates were fouls inside the area on Man- will not be changed. last seven years playing in the we have to respect them.” Thailand with which the USA back questions as to whether claiming a penalty. chester City pair Aguero and Brazil have identifi ed the main country. The 35-year-old scored It’s only the second time Peru began their defence of the tro- the team might accept the offer Sergio Aguero headed against Nicolas Otamendi respectively. threat to their defensive invinci- the winning goal for Corinthians have reached the Copa fi nal in its phy, but it is Megan Rapinoe of a trip to visit Donald Trump the bar in the fi rst half and Messi Argentina have complained to bility on Sunday at Rio de Janei- in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup 103-year history. who has been the big star of the at the White House, but first rattled the post after the break, South American football’s gov- ro’s iconic Maracana stadium: fi nal against Chelsea. Currently They beat Colombia in a play- tournament. The pink-haired they have to beat the European while Brazil captain Dani Alves erning body CONMEBOL over Peru forward Paolo Guerrero. playing for Internacional in Por- off in Caracas in 1975 after each midfielder scored all of her champions. and midfi elder Arthur both got the refereeing in that semi-fi nal, He’s a player well known to to Alegre, he previously helped side had won at home in a two- team’s goals in the wins over “To be in the last three World away with blatant off -the-ball although to no avail as the result Brazilian fans having spent the Corinthians win the Sao Paulo legged title decider. Spain and France before miss- Cup finals, it’s pretty unbeliev- ing the England showdown due able,” said veteran Carli Lloyd, to a hamstring problem. scorer of a hat-trick in the 2015 Argentine federation seeks answers on suspected VAR interference Rapinoe has said that she final win over Japan.

AFP fused to consult VAR to check the validity erico Beligoy. penalty area. Neither incident was seen Buenos Aires of their claims. On Wednesday, the Brazilian website by Zambrano nor referred to the VAR “We’re very concerned that Brazilian Globoesporte.com reported that there team to see if an off ence was committed. media and news websites are talking had been a problem with VAR before In AFA’s previous complaint, its president rgentina’s football association about possible problems and interference the semi-final match, claiming a “radio Claudio Tapia had hit out at Bolsonaro’s on Friday asked the company in the system of communication between signal used by” Bolsonaro’s security team behaviour describing it as a “political supplying the VAR technology the VOR (video operating room) and the aff ected the referee’s communication demonstration” that is against both Abeing used at the Copa Amer- field off icials,” said the AFA federation on channel with the VAR team. CONMEBOL and world football governing ica to clarify whether Brazil President its website. Beligoy mentioned the two incidents body FIFA’s regulations. Jair Bolsonaro’s security team interfered It’s the second complaint made by AFA that most angered the Argentines, one The Brazilian leader went to pitchside with Tuesday’s semi-fi nal. about the semi-final having protested on in which television replays showed Brazil at half-time and waved enthusiastically Argentina lost 2-0 to hosts Brazil in front Wednesday to South American football’s captain Dani Alves bodycheck Argentina to fans, and at one point climbed onto of the watching Bolsonaro at the Mineirao governing body CONMEBOL over “seri- forward Sergio Aguero to the ground in advertising hoardings and waved the stadium in Belo Horizonte but were infuri- ous and gross refereeing errors”. the penalty area in the build-up to the national flag. ated that they were denied two penalty “According to the aforementioned hosts’ clinching second goal. Copa America 2019 organising commit- claims that replays suggested should versions, this interference was caused The other incident, later in the match, saw tee chief Thiago Jannuzzi responded on have been given. by President Jair Bolsonaro’s security Brazil midfielder Arthur shoulder charge Friday, claiming Bolsonaro’s presence at And what angered them most was that teams,” said the statement, which was defender Nicolas Otamendi in the throat the semi-final was “normal” and that he’s Ecuadoran referee Roddy Zambrano re- signed by AFA’s refereeing director Fed- in another off -the-ball incident inside the expected to attend the final too.

Megan Rapinoe and Jessica McDonald of the US during training ahead of the Women’s World Cup final yesterday. PREVIEW/GOLD CUP AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Young attackers Nigeria topple holders Cameroon SCATHING Alexandria: Odion Ighalo in Egypt, with Karl Toko Ekambi post where it was driven back Rapinoe slams FIFA are key for US scored twice and teed up Alex dropping to the bench here and across goal by Omeruo and Ighalo Iwobi’s winning goal as Nigeria 2017 player of the tournament stabbed home via a huge defl ec- Reuters eliminated defending Africa Cup Christian Bassogog recalled tion that wrong-footed goalkeep- over scheduling Chicago “They are fearless, they of Nations champions Cameroon along with Clinton Njie in a bid to er Andre Onana. On Friday night, have a good mentality, they after a thrilling 3-2 victory in Al- breathe life into a faltering attack. Sadio Mane became the leading give you solutions,” the exandria yesterday. Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr paid scorer when he scored the goal and prize money ne of international coach said. “Christian can China-based forward Ighalo the price for resting key players that gave Senegal a 1-0 win over football’s newest give you solutions. He is in bundled home a scrappy opener in the shock 2-0 loss to Mada- Uganda in a feisty last-16 clash. Reuters CACAF’s Gold Cup, featuring the but fi ercest rival- moments that you think it but Clarence Seedorf’s Cameroon gascar, with Wilfred Ndidi, Ken- The Liverpool star struck on 15 Lyon, France United States and Mexico is in ries will resume is very diffi cult to navigate hit back through Stephane Ba- neth Omeruo and Alex Iwobi all minutes with a close-range shot Chicago. Neither game’s timing todayO when the United out of and he fi nds a way and hoken and Clinton Njie with two returning to the starting line-up. after a passing move carved open clashes with the women’s World States take on Mexico in the that is a great quality of his. quick-fi re goals before half-time. The Super Eagles eliminated the Ugandan defence in Cairo. nited States co-cap- Cup fi nal, being held in Lyon be- Gold Cup fi nal and the US “Weston is an outstand- Nigeria drew level as Ighalo Cameroon in the fi rst knockout Mane later missed a penalty – tain Megan Rapinoe tween the United States and the coach is betting on a grow- ing player, he is a real talent. volleyed in his second just past the round the last time they were the second time he has fl uff ed a launched a scathing at- Netherlands. ing young strike partnership What he brings us, what he is hour and he then turned provider reigning champions in 2004, and spot-kick in as many matches – Utack on world soccer’s “The World Cup fi nal is set so to bring him his fi rst title. teaching us is just raw abil- to play in Iwobi to steer home their bid to repeat history looked but his three-goal tally from three governing body FIFA, on the eve far in advance it is actually un- Gregg Berhalter has been ity. He is another guy that three minutes later and set up the on when Ighalo nudged Nigeria matches moved him ahead of 11 of the women’s World Cup fi nal, believable. So no I don’t think in charge of the United can solve things by dribbling prospect of a highly anticipated ahead with a scrappy opening goal scorers with two each. saying the organisation did not that we feel the same level of re- States less than a year but alone with his physicality quarter-fi nal clash with hosts and after 19 minutes. In the quarter-fi nals, Senegal respect the female game. spect, certainly that FIFA has for after some poor results be- and his ball control.” favourites Egypt. Moments after Michael Nga- will face fellow west Africans Be- Rapinoe said FIFA’s decision to the men and just in general,” said fore the tournament he has No matter how good their Seedorf’s penchant for change deu-Ngadjui powered a header nin, who stunned Morocco earlier, allow the Copa America fi nal and Rapinoe. Rapinoe also took aim assuredly guided his team to forwards may be the defend- has seen the former Dutch star over at the other end, Peter Etebo winning a penalty shootout after a the Gold Cup fi nal to take place on at FIFA over the fi nancial prize on the fi nal with a record of 15 ing champions will have heavily rotate his Cameroon side hooked a deep cross to the far 1-1 draw following extra time. the same day as the women’s fi nal off er for the women’s World Cup. goals for and one against. their work cut out against a was “unbelievable”. On Friday FIFA president Gi- Crucial to his attack are confi dent Mexico side with “It is terrible scheduling for anni Infantino proposed doubling Christian Pulisic and We- stalwart Guillermo Ochoa in everyone. As people who work in the total prize money of the World ston McKennie. The two goal and new coach Gerardo Olympiakos sign Moroccan striker El-Arabi football, play in football, that is a Cup to $60mn. 20-year olds have combined Martino on the sidelines. terrible idea to put everything on The men’s edition in Russia last well going forward, each Former Argentina boss Piraeus: Moroccan internation- side Caen, where he was born, the same day. In every way,” she year, featuring 32 teams, had a to- getting goals in the quarter- Martino has so far enchant- al striker Youssef El-Arabi has before moving to Saudi Arabian said during the pre-fi nal news tal prize money pot of $400mn. fi nal and semi-fi nal wins ed the hard-to-please Mexi- signed a three-year contract for club Al Hilal for a season. He conference. That amount for the men will rise over Curacao and Jamaica. can fans, with an unbeaten an undisclosed fee with Olym- moved to Spain in 2012, scor- “Obviously there are two oth- to $440mn for the Qatar World Both matured in German nine-game run since taking piakos, the Greek Super League ing 44 goals in 130 matches er fi nals going on but this is the Cup in 2022. “It certainly is not football, Pulisic spending over in January. club announced yesterday. for La Liga club Granada. He World Cup fi nal — this is like, fair,” said Rapinoe. four years at Borussia Dort- Mexico scored 13 goals French-born El-Arabi played has scored 15 goals in 36 ap- cancel everything day. So no, I “We should double it now and mund before heading for against Canada, Martinique the last three seasons with pearances for the Moroccan don’t know how it happened, I then use that number to double it Chelsea this summer and and Cuba in the group stage Qatar’s Al Duhail appearing in national team since making read somewhere that they said or quadruple it for the next time. McKennie plying his trade at but managed just one each 31 league matches and scoring his debut in 2010 but missed they just didn’t think about it — That’s what I mean when I talk Schalke. against Costa Rica and Haiti 43 goals. out on selection for the 2018 that’s a bit of a problem.” about do we feel respected? Berhalter lauded both in the knock-out stages and The 32-year-old began his World Cup and for the ongoing The Copa America fi nal be- “If you really care about each men as “real diff erence mak- even then only after extra career with French first division African Cup of Nations. tween Brazil and Peru will be held game in the same way, are you let- ers”. time. in Rio on Sunday while CON- ting the gap grow?” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, July 7, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING/ TOUR DE FRANCE MOTORCYCLINGMOTORCYCLING Marquez takes pole for seventh Teunissen steals successive year at German GP

AFP causing serious pain in his right Sachsenring, Germany shoulder. show as favourites His mechanics — and the team doctor — appeared to have fi xed arc Marquez con- the problem as he fi nished just tinued his recent 0.205sec behind Marquez. dominance of the Quartararo was being pressed Sachsenring by tak- all the way by Maverick Vinales, Ming pole for Sunday’s German who won in Assen last week. MotoGP. The Spaniard was just 0.006sec fall on fi rst stage It is the seventh straight year slower and completes the front that the Spaniard will start the row on his Yamaha. race as pole-sitter. The last six Alex Rins went off the track ‘I STARTED CYCLING WITH THESE KIND OF DREAMS. IT’S A DREAM COME TRUE’ years, the Honda rider went on to early on but came back to take win the race. fourth on his Suzuki. “I am very happy but the He is joined on the second row Yamaha and Suzuki riders are by Ducati’s Jack Miller and Hon- going really strong,” said Mar- da’s Cal Crutchlow who is riding quez. in spite of fracturing his tibia and The 26-year-old, who leads damaging his anterior cruciate the championship standings by ligament in a cycling accident 44 points, set a new lap record earlier in the week. of 1min 20.195sec, edging out the It was a bad day, though, for French youngster Fabio Quar- Andrea Dovizioso, second in the tararo who will start from second championship standings. on his Yamaha. The Ducati rider failed to get Quartararo, who began from direct entry into the second pole before fi nishing second in round of qualifying after miss- last week’s Dutch GP in Assen, ing the top 10 in practice. He had a scare in morning practice was then only third quickest in when his Yamaha developed Q1 consigning him to 13th on the steering problems, the vibrations grid.

Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez in action at the Sachsenring Circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, eastern Germany, yesterday.

Dutch rider Mike Teunissen (C) celebrates on the podium after winning the first stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France cycling race in Brussels yesterday. SPOTLIGHT

AFP “The main thing is that it how much that meant to me,” tension mounted a kilometre tures in the Flanders one-day Brussels didn’t do any damage — the bike he said after the Belgian legend from home. classics. took the hit and I just toppled helped him on with the jersey. One of the Tour de France The 34-year-old Belgian Van Qatar takes part in over,” said the unfl appable 2018 Teunissen edged Peter Sagan overall favourites, Denmark’s Avermaet, on his golden Olym- ank outsider Mike Teu- champion. by a few centimetres on a slight- Jakob Fuglsang also crashed pic champion bike, was in Sat- nissen won a chaotic The 26-year-old Jumbo-Vis- ly uphill sprint in a photo fi nish 18km from the fi nish but strug- urday’s early breakaway, from FIA Senate meeting opening stage of the ma suprise winner Teunissen at the winning line, the Slovak gled back to the peloton looking which he also came second on RTour de France yester- becomes the fi rst yellow-jersey will wear the green sprint points shocked and bleeding from the the day’s other, lesser, Bosberg QNA paid tribute to the role played by day after a collision in the fi nal holder on the 2019 Tour and the jersey Sunday after he won the head. climb securing the polka dot jer- Paris Qatar in motorsport and praised kilometre blew the bunch sprint fi rst Dutchman to lead the race early intermediate sprint leaving “He’s had three stitches to the sey after just 50km. the new changes introduced to wide open in Brussels. since Erik Breukink 30 years ago. him and Teunnissen on 50pts eyebrow and he needs an x-ray The combativity award was the statutes of QMMF which will Defending champion Geraint He also becomes the 267th each. to check out his knee,” Astana’s won by 32-year-old French- atar Motor and Mo- contribute to the development of Thomas of Ineos was caught ever yellow jersey wearer on the Australian rookie Caleb Ewan team director Alexandre Vinok- man Stephane Rossetto, on his torcycle Federation motor sport. up in that late fall, caused by centenary of the introduction of took the young rider’s white ourov revealed. fi rst Tour de France, after he (QMMF) President Al-Mannai expressed happi- Teunissen’s teammate sprinter the overall leader’s jersey. jersey after staying clear of the “He looks okay but it’s never launched a concerted solo bid QAbdulrahman bin Ab- ness at the special invitation for Dylan Groenewegen, but the “Now I have this lovely jersey crash and fi nishing third. a good thing to fall heavily like from 70km out. dullatif al-Mannai, took part in the QMMF to attend the meet- Welshman said he was un- and no-one can ever take it away “I actually got caught right that, to win a Tour you need a Half a million fans and well- the annual meeting of the Inter- ing. “We appreciate the invita- scathed back at his team bus. from me,” said the ecstatic win- behind the crash, my legs were bit of luck,” said the former Tour wishers turned out as the race national Automobile Federation tion extended to the federation, “I’m fi ne. I gave myself ner. fi ne so it’s a shame,” said the rider. embarked in balmy sunshine (FIA) Senate, which was held in in recognition to the State of Qa- enough space and avoided the “I started cycling with these 24-year-old Ewan on his debut Greg Van Avermaet claimed from Brussels city centre, pass- Paris, at the Invitation of the FIA tar’s international reputation in actual crash but with the bar- kind of dreams. It’s a dream Tour. the fi rst King of the Mountains ing the Grand Place, the Royal President Jean Todt. the fi eld of motor sport” riers there was nowhere to go,” come true. I’ll remember this The race was marked by an- polka dot jersey after winning Palace and the European Com- In its meeting agenda, the FIA He said that the president of Thomas said of the late spill day for a long, long time.” other fall ahead of Groenewe- an intense struggle on the 7.8% mission building before a Senate focused on discussing the FIA valued the great role which caught up many of the “Eddy (Merckx) told me it was gen’s, who many tipped for the gradient Mur de Grammont 194.5km loop through the lush the current status of women and played by the State of Qatar as race favourites. a good, clear win, I can’t tell you stage win, which came as the climb at 45km, which often fea- Belgian plains. the progress they recently made well as its attention to women’s in motorsport. The plan to en- sport and participation in mot- able women to participate in the orsport. GOLF sports, technical and adminis- He called for the participation trative fi eld of motorsports was of women in management and also presented. technical matters in addition to On the sidelines of the meet- participating in races. ing, the President of QMMF “I have met with the President met with president of the FIA of the FIA and discussed many Jean Todt and Prince Faisal bin topics that contribute to the de- DeChambeau shoots a 62 to al-Hussein, President of Jor- velopment of motorsport and fo- dan’s Royal Automobile Club. cus on events in Qatar,” al-Man- The meeting discussed issues nai said adding that the meeting grab lead in Minnesota related to motorsport. Jean Todt was fruitful and constructive. Tokyo slalom canoe venue opens on schedule Reuters would be good enough to walk four sixth and then repeated the to a one-shot lead in the Irish Minneapolis away as a winner. feat on the other side with four Open third round with a record- Tokyo: The Kasai Canoe run on the 200-metre course, “When I got onto the course straight, beginning at the par- breaking 10-under-par 60 on Slalom Centre for the 2020 including 2016 Olympic bronze I thought 15 or 14 would be the fi ve 13th. Saturday, the lowest round in Tokyo Olympics was off icially medallist Takuya Haneda. ryson DeChambeau number for the week but I’ve got She shot a bogey free round to the event’s history. unveiled on a dreary and foggy Haneda, who finished third in fi red a PGA Tour career to re-evaluate that now,” said reach a 17-under 127 total at the Rock, 42, made up 30 places to morning in the Japanese capital the C1 class at Rio, believes the best round of nine-un- the former US Amateur champi- halfway stage of the LPGA Tour lead compatriot Eddie Pepperell yesterday, the latest newly-built proximity to central Tokyo will der-par 62 on Friday to on, who is hunting for his sixth event in Oneida, Wisconsin. and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello permanent venue to open on please visiting athletes. takeB a two-stroke lead into the career PGA Tour title. “I made four birdies in a row while overnight leader Zander schedule. “I have participated at the weekend at the inaugural 3M The shot of the day belonged twice today. I honestly didn’t Lombard of South Africa fell to The venue, which will host the Games three times but I have Open. to Charles Howell III, whose ap- know,” Park said. “When I was fourth with a two-under par 68. kayak and canoe slalom at the never been to a venue so The 25-year-old American proach from 80 yards at the par- eight under today, I thought I Rock made 11 birdies and July 24-August 9 Games next accessible from the centre of bagged nine birdies to vault up four seventh sailed over the fl ag was seven under.” nearly fi nished with a score of 59 year, was the third purpose- the city,” he said after testing the leaderboard and was 14-un- before rolling back into the hole Park, 25, is fresh off a win at before missing a 35-foot eagle built venue to be unveiled on out the course where he will der after 36 bogey-free holes at for his second eagle in a round the NW Arkansas Champion- putt on the fi nal hole. schedule — a further indication compete next year. the TPC Twin Cities course in of 66. ship that vaulted her back into “It’s disappointing not to of Tokyo’s readiness to host the “This venue is located next to Minnesota. Howell, who was grouped the top spot. It was her second (fi nish with 59) but 60 is a great summer showpiece. such a big park and this is a “Whenever I can roll in a cou- with DeChambeau and Keegan win of the season. score. It’s my best score,” Rock A fourth, the Musashino Forest great location.” ple putts in from 20 feet or more, Bradley, fi nished the day in a tie Noh, who is making her said. “I played rubbish so far this Sports Plaza, opened in late Built next to an aquarium in the that gives you a lot of confi - add a 66 to the 64 he shot in the for 11th at eight-under. pro debut at this tournament, year, so just delighted to play 2017 and will host badminton south-east of Tokyo, the venue dence with the game,” the world fi rst round. capped her second round on Fri- better. and the fencing component will be open to the public for number eight said after his 62 The 31-year-old is 12-under PARK AHEAD day with a six-foot birdie on the “It’s a good opportunity... to of the modern pentathlon but canoeing and rafting following tied the course record. for the tournament, two back of Park Sung-hyun stormed par-fi ve ninth. get my season back on track, to was not built specifically for the the Games. “And then when you’re strik- DeChambeau and in sole pos- through her second round at Noh shot a 63 in her opening try to qualify for The Open and Games. The course and warm-up pool ing it well and driving it where session of second place. the Thornberry Creek Classic round on Thursday. She turned maybe have a chance to win a The construction of all venues have been completed but tem- you’re looking, that’s very Americans Scott Piercy, Sam on Friday, with a sizzling 62 for down a scholarship off er from tournament again, which would for the Games is on schedule, porary seating for 7,500 specta- positive. You kind of get into a Saunders, Brian Harman and a one-shot lead over tour rookie a US college and instead turned be lovely because it’s been a long organisers said. tors still need to be installed rhythm, into a zone, and it feels Sam Burns were tied for third at Yealimi Noh. pro. This is her third LPGA event while.” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and the administration building good.” 10-under. The world number one Park, after competing in the other two Rock is seeking his third Eu- cut the ribbon to open the first constructed. Canada’s Adam Hadwin came DeChambeau, who is playing who moved into the coveted as an amateur. ropean Tour title and he will man-made canoe slalom course There will be six days of compe- through back-to-back bogeys the course for the fi rst time, said top LPGA Tour ranking spot on pocket a cheque for 1.16mn eu- in Japan on Saturday before tition at the centre across four early in his round with a strong that going into the tournament Monday, rolled in four straight ROCK HITS 60 ros ($1.30mn) if he wins tomor- various local canoeists took a events at the Games. showing on the back nine to he thought his current score birdies beginning at the par- England’s Robert Rock surged row. Gulf Times Sunday, July 7, 2019 5 SPORT

FOCUS NHL Penguins lock up Kawhi joins Clippers, Sullivan through 2023-24 season George follows in Reuters win multiple Stanley Cups. New York The Penguins have won an NHL-best 38 playoff games during his tenure despite being ittsburgh Penguins swept in the fi rst round of the coach Mike Sullivan 2019 playoff s by the New York agreed to a contract Islanders. extension through the “Mike has proven he is a tre- NBA blockbuster P2023-24 season on Friday. mendous leader for our team,” Sullivan’s extension will begin Penguins team president and after the 2019-20 campaign. CEO David Morehouse said in a Leonard, who returns to his hometown, averages a career-best 26.6pts this past season Sullivan has won two Stanley statement. Cup titles since becoming Pen- “Our trust in him as a coach guins coach in December 2015. has continued to grow since “Mike has done a great job winning back-to-back Stanley delivering four 100-plus-point Cups in his fi rst two years. Mike seasons with our team,” Pitts- has a championship mindset and burgh general manager Jim Ru- he is the right guy for our team, therford said in a statement. “To the organisation and the city of win back-to-back Cups in this Pittsburgh.” era speaks volumes of him as a Sullivan also coached the Bos- coach. His instincts in managing ton Bruins from 2003-06, mak- the inter-workings of our team ing the playoff s his fi rst season both on and off the ice has been before the 2004-05 campaign impressive.” was cancelled due to the NHL The 51-year-old Sullivan is lockout. He went 29-37-16 in his 174-92-34 as coach of the Pen- fi nal season in Boston. guins with the club reaching the Before getting into coaching, playoff s in all four seasons. Pitts- Sullivan spent 11 seasons as a burgh won the Stanley Cup in player and scored 136 points (54 2016 and 2017, making Sullivan goals, 82 assists) in 709 career the fi rst American-born coach to games from 1991-2002.

SPOTLIGHT Cowboys defender Gregory to seek NFL reinstatement: reports

In this June 17, 2019, picture, forward Kawhi Leonard acknowledges the crowd during the Toronto Raptors NBA Championship Parade in Toronto, Canada. (USA TODAY Sports) (TNS)

AFP reached a conference fi nal. than 80 major free agency deals puts Oklahoma City in a re- two-year deal worth $8.2mn deal AFP suspension by the NFL on Feb- Los Angeles Leonard was named NBA worth more than $3bn. building position that might to remain the Lakers’ center. New York ruary 26 but both reports said Finals Most Valuable Player “This has been the craziest push them to trade superstar “That LAL vs. LAC rivalry is he will seek another chance af- in leading the Raptors to the NBA summer ever!!!” tweeted Russell Westbrook. going to be (fi re emogi),” tweeted ter not missing or failing any awhi Leonard, who led crown. Toronto and the LeBron free agent swingman Jamal Kevin Love, a former Cleveland allas Cowboys de- drug tests during his latest ban the Toronto Raptors James-led Los Angeles Lakers Crawford. LAKERS SCRAMBLE QUICKLY Cavaliers teammate of James. fensive end Randy and having bolstered his support to last month’s NBA tried in vain to sign him for next With Leonard and George and Former Lakers legend Jerry The Clippers and Lakers will Gregory, indefi nitely system to better manage what is title, agreed to a four- season. guard Patrick Beverly, all among West, now an executive with be trying to overtake Golden suspended by the NFL expected of him from the NFL’s Kyear deal worth $142mn with the It was the second NBA Finals the top defensive players in the the Clippers, has frustrated his State, who have lost injured afterD a fourth substance abuse anti-substance abuse policy. Los Angeles Clippers, who also MVP award for Leonard, the NBA as well as formidable point former club. Kevin Durant to Brooklyn. policy violation, will seek rein- Gregory played in 14 games over landed playmaker Paul George, 28-year-old forward who also producers, the Clippers should Foiled in their bid to have Le- Add to that a revamped Utah statement in time for training his fi rst three NFL campaigns and according to multiple reports. won the honour with San Anto- instantly become title contend- onard join James and Antonio team powered by French big camp, multiple reports said Fri- another 14 last season. The blockbuster deal an- nio in 2014. ers in the Western Conference. Davis in a ‘Big Three’, the Lak- man Rudy Gobert and a Houston day. After his most recent ban, nounced by ESPN, USA Today Leonard, who returns to his George comes to from Okla- ers instead switched to spending squad featuring scoring cham- The Dallas Morning News Cowboys coach Jason Garrett of- and several other media outlets hometown, averaged a career- homa City in a trade deal. The their remaining salary cap funds pion James Harden and star guard and NFL Network reported the fered his support to Gregory and is part of a reshaping of the NBA best 26.6 points this past season Clippers sent Italian Danilo to surrounding James and Davis Chris Paul and the Western Con- 26-year-old would appeal to the the team extended his contract that leaves next season wide along with 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 Gallinari, 20-year-old Canadian with enough supporting talent ference looks up for grabs. league within 10 days in hopes of through 2020 as a sign of support. open without a heavy favourite assists a game. In the playoff s, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to make them a solid contender In the Eastern Conference, the being able to train with the Cow- Gregory missed the entire 2017 from either the Eastern or West- Leonard lifted his averages to 30.5 and several draft picks sent to in a wild western conference. Raptors will be weakened by the boys when pre-season workouts campaign on his third suspen- ern Conference. points and 9.1 rebounds a contest. the Thunder. They signed Danny Green, an loss of Leonard and Green. The begin. sion. The Clippers’ moves added su- New NBA free agent contracts George, 29 and also from the ex-Clipper who played for To- Milwaukee Bucks, who won an Gregory tested positive for mar- In 2018, he made his lone NFL perstar skills to an already solid cannot be signed until later Los Angeles area, averaged 28.0 ronto last season, to a two-year NBA-best 60 games last season, ijuana at the 2015 NFL Scouting start and for the season had six team that went 48-34 last season, Saturday, when teams will be- points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists deal worth $30mn, and Kentav- and the Philadelphia 76ers, who Combine and slid to 60th in the quarterback sacks, 25 tackles and losing to Golden State in the fi rst gin confi rming deals as they are and an NBA-best 2.2 steals a ious Caldwell-Pope on a two- revamped the lineup around Joel NFL Draft, when he taken in the two forced fumbles. In his career, round of the NBA playoff s. The completed. game. year deal worth $16mn. Embiid and Ben Simmons, look second round by Dallas. Gregory has 45 tackles and seven club, founded in 1970, has never In all, there have been more The departure of George also JaVale McGee also agreed to a the top contenders. Gregory received his fourth sacks.

MLB Renfroe’s late HR hands Dodgers rare home loss Reuters The Padres grabbed an early 2-0 New York RESULTS lead in the third inning against Ker- shaw, getting an RBI double from Eric Kansas City 7-4 Washington Hosmer and a run-scoring groundout unter Renfroe hit a go-ahead Milwaukee 7-6 Pittsburgh from former Dodger Manny Machado. home run in the eighth in- Baltimore 4-1 Toronto The Dodgers got one of the runs ning and Eric Lauer pitched back in their half of the third in- six strong innings as the NY Yankees 8-4 Tampa Bay ning against Lauer on an RBI single Hvisiting San Diego Padres ended their Boston 9-6 Detroit from Chris Taylor. Los Angeles tied fi ve-game losing streak with a 3-2 vic- Philadelphia 7-2 NY Mets the game 2-2 in the fi fth inning when tory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in a Alex Verdugo scored on Max Muncy’s Atlanta 1-0 Miami game that was played through a strong grounder to fi rst base, with Hosmer’s earthquake. LA Angels 5-4 Houston throw home off -target. With the Dodgers’ Enrique Hern- Minnesota 15-6 Texas Renfroe broke the tie in the eighth andez at the plate in the fourth inning, with a two-out shot to left fi eld against Arizona 8-0 Colorado an earthquake centred just over 100 Dodgers right-hander Yimi Garcia (1- miles northeast of Los Angeles began San Diego 3-2 LA Dodgers 3). It was Renfroe’s 26th home run of shaking Dodger Stadium. Hernan- Oakland 5-2 Seattle the season, giving him the team lead dez’s at-bat continued uninterrupted, St. Louis 9-4 San Francisco over Franmil Reyes. although both foul poles swayed and The Padres called on closer Kirby the live broadcast shook through the Yates with one out in the eighth in- center-fi eld camera shot. gave up two runs (one earned) on fi ve ning. It was the All-Star’s 28th save of Lauer gave up two runs (one earned) hits over seven innings with one walk the season and fi rst fi ve-out save on the on four hits with one walk and six and nine strikeouts as the Dodgers year, although he hit Russell Martin in strikeouts, and continues to have suc- saw their nine-game home winning the helmet with two outs in the ninth cess against the Dodgers. He not only streak come to an end. Kershaw ended inning. Martin remained in the game. took a no-hitter into the fi fth inning up with a no-decision, but it was the Yates’ only other outing of more than when he faced Los Angeles on May 3, fi rst time the Dodgers lost a home one inning came last Friday when he he is now 4-0 with a 1.47 ERA against game started by Kershaw since August recorded a four-out save against the St. the Dodgers in fi ve career starts. 13 of last season — ending a streak of 11 Louis Cardinals. Craig Stammen (6-4) San Diego Padres right fielder Hunter Renfroe (right) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw straight starts. pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Dodgers in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Sunday, July 7, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Al-Attiyah begins his quest for maiden Silk Way Rally title Agencies Irkutsk, Russia

ith new categories and fresh terrain to explore, the 2019 Silk Way Rally promises to be an excep- Wtional race. The ceremonial start was held in the Siberian capital of Irkutsk yesterday with the Russian crowds coming out in full forced to cheer the off -roaders, who will tackle a marathon 5,000-kilometre route. Qatari legend Nasser al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France were applauded on and off the start podium in Irkutsk. The Dakar winning duo are hoping to steer their Toyota Hilux through Russia, Mongolia and China before claiming another car cat- egory win in Dunhuang on July 16. Al-Attiyah and Baumel fi nished sec- ond in the event last season – the best ever fi nish on the event for a Toyota and Overdrive Racing – but have never won the Silk Way Rally. Al-Attiyah also fi n- ished second overall back in 2010 with German navigator Timo Gottschalk. The three-time winner of the Dakar Rally in South America has been in impressive form so far this season and leads the FIA World Cup for Cross- Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah (third right) and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel (third left) pose during the ceremonial start Country Rallies following wins in Qatar for the Silk Way Rally in Irkutsk, Russia yesterday. Husqvarna rider Anastasiya Nifontova of Russia poses with her bike. and Kazakhstan. He faces 52 rivals in the car category in central Asia. good luck to everybody in the race, let’s stage between Baykalsk and Ulan Ude inbaolige in Inner Mongolia on July 13 paced and technical riding were the Red Also taking part in the fi rst bike race Al-Attiyah said: “This is a very im- enjoy ourselves.” tomorrow. Crews then move on to- and a timed test to Alashan in northern Bull KTM Factory Team. The Austrian at the Silk Way Rally will be Husqvarna portant race for us, it’s one that we re- Overdrive Racing will run three Toy- wards the Mongolian capital of Ulan China on July 14. team has won the last 18 Dakar Rally rider Anastasiya Nifontova (Russia). ally want to win. This is my fi rst time in ota Hiluxes for al-Attiyah, Saudi Ara- Bator on July 9 and the route features a The penultimate section crosses into bike races, and now they want to taste After completing the Dakar earlier this Irkutsk and for a couple of days before bia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi and Dutchman loop stage to the east of the city on July Jiayuguan on July 15 and the fi nal com- success at the Silk Way. year in the Original by Motul class, Ni- the rally we’ve been able to enjoy the Erik van Loon. Competitive action, 10. From there, crews head through the petitive action takes teams to the fi nish The Silk Way Rally is the second stop fontova is ready for her next extreme place. We’ve been out to Lake Baikal, totalling 2,593.15km, kicks off with the Mongolian steppes towards Mandal- near the high dunes of the Gobi Desert of this season’s 2019 FIM Cross-Coun- challenge. which is one of the most amazing plac- short opening stage through the Rus- govi on July 11 and on to Dalanzadgad and the fi nish in Dunhuang on July 16. try Rallies Championship. This adds “My only worry before the race is es to see. We’re really so happy to be sian ‘Taiga’ forest between Irkutsk and on July 12. This ninth edition of the Silk Way is an extra incentive for KTM bikers Sam rain. We know the roads in Russia and here. I think the rally will be very inter- Baykalsk today. The rally caravan then takes a wind- the fi rst to allow two-wheel competi- Sunderland (Britain), Luciano Bena- a motorbike in slippery mud is like a esting. It should be fun to drive across The route then heads towards the ing trail towards China with a seventh tors to participate. Among the fi rst to vides (Argentina) and Laia Sanz (Spain) cow on ice. I hope we get lucky with the all three countries that host us. I wish Mongolian wilderness with a second stage between Dalanzadgad and Bay- sign up for the 10 stage mix of fast- to push hard for those podium places. weather,” Nifontova said.

ATHLETICS FOCUS Tokyo 2020 slalom Lyles becomes canoe venue latest to open on schedule

Reuters in Japan on Saturday before vari- Tokyo ous local canoeists took a run on the 200-metre course, including 2016 Olympic bronze medallist fourth fastest 200m he Kasai Canoe Slalom Takuya Haneda. Centre for the 2020 To- Haneda, who fi nished third in kyo Olympics was of- the C1 class at Rio, believes the fi cially unveiled on a proximity to central Tokyo will drearyT and foggy morning in the please visiting athletes. “I have Japanese capital yesterday, the participated at the Games three latest newly-built permanent times but I have never been to runner of all-time venue to open on schedule. a venue so accessible from the The venue, which will host the centre of the city,” he said after kayak and canoe slalom at the testing out the course where he Two-time Olympic champion Fraser-Pryce powers to a dominant victory in the 100m July 24-August 9 Games next will compete next year. year, was the third purpose-built “This venue is located next to AFP venue to be unveiled on sched- such a big park and this is a great Lausanne ule — a further indication of To- location.” kyo’s readiness to host the sum- Built next to an aquarium in mer showpiece. A fourth, the the south-east of Tokyo, the merican Noah Lyles became the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza, venue will be open to the public fourth-fastest man in history opened in late 2017 and will host for canoeing and rafting follow- over 200 metres with a stun- badminton and the fencing com- ing the Games. The course and ning Diamond League victory ponent of the modern pentath- warm-up pool have been com- inA 19.50 seconds at Lausanne on Friday lon but was not built specifi cally pleted but temporary seating for night. The 21-year-old was expected for the Games. The construction 7,500 spectators still need to be to face a close challenge from Andre De of all venues for the Games is on installed and the administration Grasse, but the Canadian was left trail- schedule, organisers said. building constructed. ing in third as Lyles laid down a seri- Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike There will be six days of com- ous marker ahead of September’s World cut the ribbon to open the fi rst petition at the centre across four Championships in Doha. man-made canoe slalom course events at the Games. “Oh my God, would it be crazy if I said yes?,” said Lyles when asked if he expect- ed to run so fast. “The worlds — I’ve been waiting for this since 2017, for so long, but I have no pressure as I have never partici- pated in a big championship.” Only world-record holder Usain Bolt (19.19sec), his fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake (19.26sec) and four-time Olym- pic gold-medal winner Michael Johnson (19.32sec) have run quicker. Lyles will now have the US Track and Field Cham- pionships, which run from July 25-28 in Iowa, in his sights. “I was even disap- pointed that the trials are postponed until July (from June),” he added. “It makes we wait even more, and I want to show that An athlete takes part in canoe demonstrations following the opening I’m the best.” ceremony of the Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre, which will host canoe Running in lane 7, Lyles seized a clear (slalom) competitions during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (AFP) lead coming out of the bend and was nev- er going to be caught in the fi nal 100m. Ecuador’s Alex Quinonez snatched a sur- BOTTOMLINE prise second place from lane 8, ahead of De Grasse (19.92sec), running 19.87sec. Two-time Olympic champion Shelly- Ann Fraser-Pryce powered to a dominant Crusaders win 10th victory in the 100 metres to confi rm her return to the upper echelons of sprinting, Noah Lyles (centre) of the US celebrates after winning the men’s 200m at the Diamond League in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Reuters) while reigning world champion Justin Super Rugby title Gatlin won the men’s race. Her time was only 0.02secs slower feel strong,” said Gatlin. raised in celebration — but with a lap still The 32-year-old Jamaican, on the than Marion Jones’ 21-year-old meeting Earlier on Friday, Bahrain’s Salwa Eid remaining. AFP chants of “three-peat” from the comeback trail after taking time away record. Britain’s Asher-Smith, 23, ran Naser made it four women’s 400-metre His compatriot Yomif Kejelcha took Christchurch home crowd of 18,000, they ex- from the sport to give birth to her son a season’s best time of 10.91sec to beat victories from as many Diamond League full advantage, showing little sympathy tended their run to three back- Zyon, clocked 10.74 seconds to beat Eu- world silver medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou races this year. Nigerien Aminatou to take the victory in 13 minutes and 0.56 to-back titles, remain unbeaten ropean champion Dina Asher-Smith (10.93sec) into third. Seyni pushed her all the way, but Naser seconds as Gebrhiwet was forced to set- ichie Mo’unga kicked in their last 31 games on home into second. Fraser-Pryce had already American veteran Gatlin proved his is won in 49.17sec, smashing the previ- tle for 10th. Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot the Canterbury Cru- soil and have won all 24 of their impressed when fi nishing second at the still capable of defending his world 100m ous Lausanne record of 49.45sec set by edged out Norwegian rising star Jakob In- saders to a record 10th home play-off games since the Jamaican trials last month, managing title later this year with a second consec- Marie-Jose Perec in 1996. gebrigtsen to win the 1,500m in a world- Super Rugby title, and competition’s inception in 1996. the same time (10.73sec) as winner Elaine utive Diamond League win. The contro- Seyni was a relative unknown just two leading time of 3min 28.77sec. theirR third in a row, with a 19-3 In a clash of Test-match pro- Thompson. She won the 100m gold med- versial 37-year-old, who has twice served weeks ago, but has since improved her There were also wins for Olympic victory that left the Jaguares in portions, with most of the play- als at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, doping bans in his career, claimed victory personal best by an incredible one-and- champion Caterine Ibarguen in the wom- tears in Christchurch yesterday. ers either All Blacks or Pumas, before having to settle for bronze behind in 9.92sec, having run 9.87sec to triumph a-half seconds. “My race was very good,” en’s triple jump and Spain’s Orlando Or- The Crusaders scored the only the Jaguares put up a gallant compatriot Thompson in Rio de Janeiro in Stanford last weekend. The 2004 Ol- said the 22-year-old. tega in the men’s 110m hurdles. Six men try through Codie Taylor and showing but could not break the three years ago. Fraser-Pryce will be a ympic champion beat fellow countryman Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet suff ered an ran sub-1min 45sec times in a remarkable Mo’unga landed four penalties Crusaders defence and their for- contender for a medal at the worlds if she Michael Rodgers (10.01sec) and Canada’s embarrassing mishap during men’s 5,000 800m race won by Commonwealth gold for the defending champions wards melted as the game wore can maintain this kind of form. Michael Rodgers (10.07sec). “I feel good, I metres, crossing the line with his arms medallist Wycliff e Kinyamal of Kenya. as they beat the Argentines. To on. Gulf Times Sunday, July 7, 2019 7 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Pakistan’s Malik confi rms ODI retirement aft er World Cup exit London: Pakistan batsman Pakistan seek solutions Shoaib Malik confirmed his retirement from one-day crick- et without making a farewell appearance in his side’s win over Bangladesh on Friday. Malik had admitted last year that he intended to quit one- day cricket after the World to lift World Cup gloom Cup and he followed through with that plan after Pakistan’s 94-run win at Lord’s. The 37-year-old will con- Coach Arthur admits his side’s failed campaign left him with mixed feelings tinue to play the Twenty20 format, but he admitted it was AFP an emotional moment to call London time on his ODI career. “I am retiring from one-day cricket,” said Malik, who was dropped very World Cup failure for Pa- after a disappointing World kistan sparks a wave of reviews Cup featuring two ducks in and sackings and the promise three matches. of a fresh approach — until the “I’m sad as I’m leaving the teamE wins again and all is forgotten. format I loved the most but The script is expected to be similar after this will allow me to spend Sarfaraz Ahmed’s team failed to make more time with my family and the semi-fi nals in England and Wales concentrate on the Twenty20 despite a late charge. World Cup next year,” added Pakistan won four straight matches Malik, who is married to In- to fi nish level on 11 points with New dian tennis star Sania Mirza. Zealand, but they bowed out of the Malik’s decision came after tournament due to an inferior net run- a Pakistan win which was rate. There have once again been calls not enough to take the 1992 for an overhaul of the system, changes champions into the semi-fi- in the team set-up and style of play, but nals. Pakistan were ousted by 1992 World Cup winner Wasim Akram New Zealand on net run-rate said there was no need to panic. despite finishing level on 11 “Pakistan woke up late in the World points after nine matches. Cup and when they gained momen- Malik appeared in 287 one- tum they won four straight games,” the day internationals and scored former captain said. “It is not a bad fi n- 7,534 runs with nine hundreds. ish and I don’t think we need to panic. His last appearance came in There is no quick fi x and the people the defeat against arch rivals running cricket need time and must India in Manchester on June keep the example of how England lift- 16. As an off -spinner he fin- ed their one-day cricket. I am ready to ished with 158 wickets, while contribute towards that.” he also captained Pakistan in England’s humiliating fi rst-round 41 ODIs. exit in 2015 sparked a radical rethink and Malik said he was disap- the host nation started this World Cup pointed to finish on a low as the number one side in the world. note. “Yes, I wanted to help Another World Cup winner, Ramiz my team win the World Cup Raja, believes Pakistan have the ability as a senior but at times things to produce “magical” cricket and says don’t go the way you think their exit is a loss to the tournament. and that’s part and parcel of But he said every defeat was an oppor- cricket,” he said. tunity to assess things and that ruthless “You don’t judge a player on decisions were required. two or three matches, but I am “I think every defeat gives an oppor- still happy that the player who tunity for introspection, so Pakistan replaced me performed well,” need to do four or fi ve things if they Teenage fast bowler Shaheen Afridi (second right) was one of the bright spots for Pakistan, who once again failed to make it to the semis of a World Cup. (Reuters) Malik said of Haris Sohail, who want to be a force in world cricket,” he scored half-centuries against said. “Pakistan have to correct their “At 24, we’re the youngest team by a stay positive’.” stan secured 11 points in nine games, as Arthur said a seven-wicket defeat South Africa and New Zealand. system, which can provide them with long way in this competition, and that is Pakistan has hosted little interna- many as New Zealand scored, but were against the West Indies in the fi rst game regular talent and then defi ne and refi ne something that we can be proud of, and tional cricket since Sri Lanka’s team bus ousted on an inferior net run-rate. “It hurt his team badly. “If we go back, the that talent. Look at Australia — they I think that augurs well for the future was attacked in 2009 in Lahore. hasn’t ended as we would have liked to West Indies game, the fi rst game of the were losing against every team a year of Pakistan cricket,” said Arthur, who The situation has forced Pakistan have ended it. It’s been a campaign of tournament, when you lose like we lost, ago but since their system is strong they wants to continue in the role of coach. to play at neutral venues in the United ifs and buts,” Arthur said. “If we have a it’s almost impossible to get back on net stood up. We need to take ruthless deci- We’ve showcased a lot of our young Arab Emirates, meaning the game is not look through our fi rst fi ve games and we run rate, that was disappointing,” said sions in a review.” talent, and I think the likes of Shaheen so visible to the younger generation who have a look through our last fi ve, it’s a Arthur. The positions of head coach Mickey Afridi, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, need to be inspired to play the game. campaign of two halves, which has been Arthur labelled his team’s wins over Arthur and captain Sarfaraz — both of Shadab Khan, the list goes on and on. The nation’s cricket board is striv- disappointing.” semi-fi nalists England and New Zea- whom had contracts until the World And look, there’s going to be a review ing to bring back international cricket Pakistan had just one win, against land as the main highlights. “It’s nice to Cup — will be looked at as part of the now, and we’ll see how that goes. to Pakistan in the hope that will pro- hosts England, from fi ve games with sit here and know we’ve beaten two of assessment. Luckily for Pakistan, they “Unfortunately it has always been vide a further catalyst for a revival in the three defeats, including a loss to arch ri- those top four teams during our cam- have a crop of talented youngsters who this way for Pakistan — we don’t seem team’s fortunes. vals India, and a no-result. They staged paign, which shows we are not a mile can form the nucleus of the team for to be able to fi nd that collective consist- Arthur admitted his side’s failed cam- a comeback by winning the next four off in terms of where we are as a cricket years to come. ency. But my message, again, is ‘let’s paign left him with mixed feeling. Paki- games but still failed to qualify. team,” he said.

FOCUS BOTTOMLINE Captain Mashrafe coy over Bairstow opens up on secret of success with partner Roy future aft er Bangladesh’s exit AFP London AFP London ngland’s Jonny Bairstow has revealed that a re- angladesh captain Mashrafe laxed, fun-loving ap- Mortaza admitted he needs time to proach is the secret of decide his future amid speculation hisE World Cup success with fel- he will retire or resign following his low opener Jason Roy. Bairstow team’sB World Cup exit. Mashrafe’s side lost and Roy have recorded three by 94 runs against Pakistan at Lord’s on Fri- successive century stands in the day in a disappointing conclusion to their tournament to lay the founda- World Cup campaign. tions for England’s surge into the Attention turned to Mashrafe’s future at semi-fi nals. the post-match press conference, but the They have now reached three 35-year-old wasn’t ready to reveal his plans. fi gures 10 times in 31 innings to- “My future plan is obviously going home gether, with their average open- from here, and then I’ll rethink,” he said. ing stand sitting at 67.70 — the Bangladesh had already been eliminated highest in one-day international from the race to qualify for the semi-fi nals, history for partnerships with to- but had hoped to fi nish the tournament on tal runs of 1,000 or more. a high note. Instead, they succumbed to a It is no surprise that England’s limp defeat that left them with three wins successive defeats against Sri from nine matches in the tournament. Lanka and Australia — which put Asked how he rated Bangladesh’s cam- their semi-fi nal place in danger England cricketers Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Stuart paign, Mashrafe conceded they had been — came when Roy was absent Broad and Andrew Strauss at the Royal Box during the Wimbledon exposed at times in their sloppy fi elding, with a torn hamstring. Bairstow, match between Australia’s Ashleigh Barty and Britain’s Harriet Dart at while his bowlers found it hard to thrive in fresh from match-winning All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. (Reuters) English conditions. “I think the players tried has been exposed to everyone else. And to be it succinctly. “The rest of the boys is in and scores of 111 and 106 in his past their best. As I said, there were a few areas honest I think some people will not be very out,” he said. “Hopefully, the boys will step two innings, admitted he feels drew Strauss and Cooky (Alastair 2003 World Cup. Ahead of next we could improve a lot. We knew what our happy with that,” he said. up next time with him.” more relaxed when he sees Roy at Cook) were the same when they week’s semi-fi nals, Bairstow was weaknesses were,” he said. Mortaza singled out batsman Shakib Al He said his side, who with the exception the other end of the wicket. opened in Tests,” Bairstow said. asked if the footballers’ struggles “If we play in Asia, I think it will be a far Hasan for praise. The swashbuckling Shakib of Afghanistan were seen as the weakest in “It’s just a good craic. That’s “Along the way there’s going to had crossed his mind. better bowling site than here. So we need to smashed 64 runs as his side stumbled to 221 the competition, had enjoyed and learned a what it is. It’s genuinely good be ups and downs but through- “That’s a bit of a negative way fi nd our best ways to bowl them out or may- all out against Pakistan. That took his World lot from the tournament in which they won fun,” Bairstow said. “It’s pretty out it you’ve got to have trust of looking at it. I’ve not even be restrict them. “Batting hasn’t been an is- Cup tally to 606 runs. three games. “Obviously, it’s been very ex- relaxed, good fun and the com- within yourselves.” thought about it,” he said. “Let’s sue before the World Cup. I think the boys “I think he’s been absolutely beautiful. He citing. To know our strengths, to know our munication is important all the While England’s international remember that in 2003 an Eng- are clear what they can do. Fielding, it has had done what he could do. I really feel sorry weaknesses, and how can we improve our way through. We just keep each footballers have suff ered semi- land team won a World Cup, so been concern there all of my career... This for him, not only the whole team,” Mashrafe game going forward — it’s really a very ex- other going. It’s nice, it’s relaxed, fi nal setbacks in World Cups — you can look at it in any which is the part the players can change. We really said. “The way he played, this team could citing tournament,” Mashrafe said. and we just try and crack on and Gareth Southgate’s side losing to way you want. That Jonny be- need to improve fi elding.” have been in a diff erent zone than where we He also praised the team for arguably their do what we do.” Croatia last year and the wom- came probably the best fl y-half The World Cup’s round-robin format — are standing right now. I think his is one of best performance, chasing down a target of Roy and Bairstow keep the op- en’s team beaten days ago by the ever to play for England. with each of the 10 teams facing each oth- the best performances of all time that has 322 to beat West Indies in Taunton. “I think position under pressure, with United States — Bairstow takes “I’ve had messages of support er once before the top four move into the been done in the World Cup.” batting is something we can take positive each trusting the other is capable his inspiration from elsewhere. from mates outside cricket and semi-fi nals — has received mixed reviews, What Shakib lacked during the tourna- things from. It has really helped (for the) of scoring runs at a rapid pace. A huge rugby union fan, it’s nice to get support from peo- but Mashrafe relished the opportunity for ment, however, was solid partnerships to future to understand that we can score now “Of course, you’ve got to have Bairstow wants to replicate the ple who are in diff erent circles Bangladesh to play all the top sides. help the side build defendable scores and 300 or even when asked sometimes more, trust in each other, in an opening achievements of Jonny Wilkin- and diff erent sports, of course, “That format I loved, because every team chase down sizeable targets. Mashrafe put we can run for it,” he said. partnership. I’m sure that An- son, who helped England win the and refreshing.”

Sunday, July 7, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET WORLD CUP

MATCH REPORT Rohit hits record fi ft h century as India humble Sri Lanka Rohit’s opening partner Rahul top-scored with 111 as the pair put on 189 runs for the first wicket

SCORECARD

SRI LANKA INNINGS Kuldeep Yadav 10-0-58-1 (w1) D. Karunaratne c Dhoni b Bumrah 10 K. Perera c Dhoni b Bumrah 18 INDIA INNINGS A. Fernando c Dhoni b Pandya 20 KL Rahul c K.Perera b Malinga 111 K. Mendis st Dhoni b Jadeja 3 R. Sharma c Mathews b Rajitha 103 A. Mathews c Sharma b Bumrah 113 V. Kohli not out 34 L. Thirimanne c Jadeja b Yadav 53 R. Pant lbw b Udana 4 D. de Silva not out 29 H. Pandya not out 7 T. Perera c Pandya b Kumar 2 Extras (lb1, w5) 6 I. Udana not out 1 Total (3 wickets, 43.3 overs) 265 Extras (b4, lb2, nb1, w8) 15 Fall of wickets: 1-189 (Sharma), 2-244 Total (7 wickets, 50 overs) 264 (Rahul), 3-253 (Pant) Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Karunaratne), Did not bat: MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, 2-40 (K. Perera), 3-53 (K. Mendis), 4-55 Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, (Fernando), 5-179 (Thirimanne), 6-253 Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (Mathews), 7-260 (T. Perera) Bowling: Malinga 10-1-82-1 (w4), Did not bat: K. Rajitha, L. Malinga Rajitha 8-0-47-1, Udana 9.3-0-50-1, T. Perera 10-0-34-0, De Silva 6-0-51-0 (w1) Bowling: Kumar 10-0-73-1 (w3), Bumrah 10-2-37-3 (w2), Pandya Result: India won by seven wickets 10-0-50-1 (w1), Jadeja 10-0-40-1, Toss: Sri Lanka

Most centuries by a batsman at a single World Cup PLAYER COUNTRY YEAR CENTURIES * Rohit can Rohit Sharma India 2019 5* extend his Kumar Sangakkara Sri Lanka 2015 4 record with Mark Waugh Australia 1996 3 India having Sourav Ganguly India 2003 3 qualified for the Matthew Hayden Australia 2007 3 semi-finals.

India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates after reaching his century during the World Cup group stage match against Sri Lanka at Headingley in Leeds, England, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP in complete command. than 600 runs at a single World Cup. England or New Zealand next? The op- Leeds, United Kingdom Man-of-the-match Sharma reached Tendulkar, India’s all-time record position has never mattered. We don’t his milestone with a boundary off run-scorer in one-day internationals, focus on what they bring to the table. If Kasun Rajitha to pass the mark set by tweeted his praise for Sharma. “3 con- we play well we can beat anyone.” ohit Sharma became the fi rst Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who secutive 100s and 5 in a single @crick- Earlier, Mathews hit his third one- player to hit fi ve centuries in a scored four hundreds at the 2015 tour- etworldcup is just phenomenal, Rohit,” day international century and put on single World Cup as India can- nament. His century came off 92 balls, Tendulkar wrote. 124 runs for the fi fth wicket with Lahiru tered to a seven-wicket win with 14 fours and two sixes. Rahul registered his fi rst century of Thirimanne (53) to give Sri Lanka a re- inR their fi nal World Cup group match Sharma was dismissed shortly af- the tournament but was caught behind spectable total after they were reeling against Sri Lanka yesterday. terwards, caught by Angelo Mathews shortly before the end of the game off at 55-4. Jasprit Bumrah returned im- India fi nished top of the table, a point off the bowling of Rajitha. Known as veteran paceman Lasith Malinga — pressive fi gures of 3-37 in his 10 overs as more than Australia, who lost to South the “hitman”, Sharma leads the current playing his fi nal World Cup match — India, who had already qualifi ed for the Africa at Old Traff ord yesterday. India World Cup’s run-scoring charts with after hitting 11 fours and one six. semi-fi nals, restricted Sri Lanka with face fourth placed New Zealand in next 647 runs in eight matches after hitting Skipper Virat Kohli remained un- some quality bowling. week’s semi-fi nals, while the Austral- his third successive century. beaten on 34 and Hardik Pandya hit the The 1996 champions fi nished their ians play third placed England in the “I’m just trying to go out there and do winning runs. World Cup campaign with three wins, other last four clash. my job, I’m not thinking of milestones,” “We wanted to play good cricket but four defeats and two games ending in Sharma smashed 103 off 94 deliver- Sharma said. “If I play well these things we didn’t expect to do this well head- no result. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne ies as semi-fi nalists India chased down will happen on the way. I have learned ing in to the semis,” Kohli said. “That’s said Sri Lanka would take stock as they their target of 265 in 43.3 overs to end from my mistakes in the past. I don’t what hard work gets you. I am really try to build for the future. the group stage with seven wins, one go into a match thinking of hundreds. proud of this team as a captain, they are “After this World Cup we have to defeat and a washout. Every day is a new day.” amazing people. More or less every- think about what we have to do and Sharma’s opening partner K L Rahul He is only the fourth batsman after thing is set for the semis but we don’t what we got wrong. We will talk to the top-scored with 111 as the pair put on Sachin Tendulkar, Matthew Hayden want to be one-dimensional. We need selectors and fi nd some new talent,” 189 runs for the fi rst wicket to put India and Shakib Al Hasan to score more balance in the side. We are very happy. Karunaratne said. India’s K L Rahul smashes a six enroute to 111 yesterday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Australia lose to South Africa to set up England semi-fi nal

AFP Manchester SCORECARD SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS (Duminy), 5-317 (Pretorius), 6-325 (Van P. Cummins c Duminy b Phehlukwayo 9 ustralia will play England in A. Markram st Carey b Lyon 34 der Dussen) M. Starc b Rabada 16 the World Cup semi-fi nals af- Q. de Kock c Starc b Lyon 52 Bowling: Starc 9-0-59-2 (4w), Behren- J. Behrendorff not out 11 ter the holders suff ered a dra- dorff 8-0-55-1, Lyon 10-0-53-2, Cummins matic 10-run defeat against F. du Plessis c Starc b Behrendorff 100 9-0-66-1 (3w), Smith 1-0-5-0, Stoinis 3-0- N. Lyon c Markram b Phehlukwayo 3 SouthA Africa at Old Traff ord yesterday. R. van der Dussen c Maxwell b 19-0 (1w), Maxwell 10-0-57-0 (1w) Extras (lb4, w3) 7 Opener David Warner marked his Cummins 95 Total (all out, 49.5 overs) 315 fi rst match against South Africa since JP Duminy c Stoinis b Starc 14 a 12-month ball-tampering ban with AUSTRALIA INNINGS Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Finch), 2-33 (Smith), his third hundred of the World Cup, but D. Pretorius b Starc 2 D. Warner c Morris b Pretorius 122 3-95 (Stoinis), 4-119 (Maxwell), 5-227 it was not enough to prevent Australia A. Phehlukwayo not out 4 (Warner), 6-272 (Cummins), 7-275 suff ering their second loss of the 10- A. Finch c Markram b Tahir 3 (Carey), 8-301 (Khawaja), 9-306 (Starc), Extras team group stage. (b1, lb10, w13) 2 4 U. Khawaja b Rabada 18 10-315 (Lyon) Defeat on the penultimate ball meant Total (six wickets, 50 overs) 325 S. Smith lbw b Pretorius 7 Bowling: Tahir 9-0-59-1, Rabada 10-0- Australia, who had already qualifi ed for Did not bat: C. Morris, K. Rabada, Imran M. Stoinis run out (Rabada/de Kock) 22 56-3, Pretorius 6-2-27-2 (1w), Morris 9-0- the semi-fi nals, failed to clinch top spot Tahir, T. Shamsi 63-1, Shamsi 9-0-62-0 (1w), Phehluk- as India leapfrogged them to take pole G. Maxwell c de Kock b Rabada 12 Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Markram), 2-114 wayo 2.5-0-22-2 (1w), Duminy 4-0-22-0 position after beating Sri Lanka earlier A. Carey c Markram b Morris 85 yesterday. (De Kock), 3-265 (Du Plessis), 4-295 Result: South Africa won by 10 runs Had Australia won, they would have faced fourth-placed New Zealand in Steve Smith, who like Warner was the fi rst semi-fi nal at Old Traff ord on given a 12-month ban for his part in the POINTS TABLE Tuesday. But instead they will play re- ball-tampering scandal during a Test in Team P W L NR Pts Team P W L NR Pts surgent hosts England in the second Cape Town last year, fell lbw for seven 1. India (Q) 9 7 1 1 15 6. Sri Lanka 9 3 4 2 8 semi-fi nal at Edgbaston on Thursday. to Dwaine Pretorius. Warner held fi rm, 2. Australia (Q) 9 7 2 0 14 7. South Africa 9 3 5 1 7 The fi nal is at Lord’s a week on Sunday. going past 600 runs for the tourna- 3. England (Q) 9 6 3 0 12 8. Bangladesh 9 3 5 1 7 Warner (122) and Alex Carey (85) got ment, with his latest century coming 4. New Zealand (Q) 9 5 3 1 11 9. West Indies 9 2 6 1 5 Australia to within sight of a stiff target up in 100 balls when he edged Chris 5. Pakistan 9 5 3 1 11 10. Afghanistan 9 0 9 0 0 of 326 during a fi fth-wicket partner- Morris for his 12th four. He was eventu- ship of 108. But neither could see their ally out when a drive off Dwaine Preto- Note: Top four teams qualify for semi-finals. (Q) qualified side home to victory after South Africa rius was well caught by a diving Morris captain Faf du Plessis made 100 and at mid-on. a nail-biting last over — bowled by Friday, and Quinton de Kock (52) set the Rassie van der Dussen a career-best 95 Carey, however, launched Tahir for Andile Phehlukwayo — with one wicket tone in front of a sun-drenched crowd in a total of 325-6. six during his career-best ODI knock standing. And with 11 needed off two in a fi rst-wicket stand of 79. After the match, Du Plessis predicted before his 69-ball innings ended when balls, last man Nathan Lyon holed out Du Plessis, who drove fast bowler Pat a India vs England fi nal. “I think India he carved Morris to Aiden Markram to Markram in the deep. Cummins for a superb six, completed would be very happy we won today, South Africa’s Chris Morris (centre) celebrates with teammates after taking the at deep cover to leave Australia 275-7 Earlier, Mitchell Starc equalled Aus- the fi rst hundred by a South African at looking at New Zealand’s form last wicket of Australia’s Alex Carey at Old Traff ord in Manchester. (Reuters) in the 46th over. Usman Khawaja re- tralia legend Glenn McGrath’s World this World Cup in 93 balls. three games - dipping a little bit. I’ll turned after retiring hurt earlier in the Cup tournament record of 26 wickets, But he was out to the next ball he probably say India vs England fi nal. I Australia were struggling at 119 for Aaron Finch, Warner’s opening part- innings and helped get the target down set at the 2007 event in the Caribbean, faced, slicing Jason Behrendorff to third think India and Australia are teams who four and Warner could only watch as ner, went for three, when he chipped to 25 off 12 balls before he was bowled with a return of 2-59. Markram (33), man. Van der Dussen fell short of his play big games very well, I’ll back one of wickets fell early against a Proteas side Imran Tahir to short cover, sparking a for 18, walking across his stumps, by opening after South Africa veteran maiden ODI hundred when, trying to them in the biggest stage of them all,” whose own semi-fi nal hopes had long typically exuberant celebration from Kagiso Rabada. Hashim Amla was ruled out with a knee hit the last ball of the innings for six, he the Proteas skipper said. since disappeared. Australia captain the bowler. The target eventually became 18 off injury playing football in a warm-up on holed out off Cummins.