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Tuesday, July 25, 2017 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 2, 1438 AH World Cup star GULF TIMES Shrubsole lives out Lord’s dream SPORT Page 2 SWIMMING CRICKET Shastri on mission to keep India at Hosszu delights number one home fans with 200m IM title ‘It was really amazing how everyone was supporting me in red, white and green, when I got out of the pool, I couldn’t believe it’ India’s cricket team coach Ravi Shastri looks on ahead of their first Test match against Sri Lanka starting tomorrow.

AFP Dhawan among the scorers. Galle, Sri Lanka Meanwhile Indian opener Lokesh Rahul, who scored a half- century in the practice game, was ew India coach Ravi ruled out of the fi rst match due to Shastri will look to viral fever. prove his team remains India could start with three the world’s best Test spinners and use left-arm wrist sideN when they take on Sri Lanka spinner Kuldeep Yadav with the in the fi rst of three matches from experienced Ravichandran Ash- tomorrow. win and Ravindra Jadeja. Shastri, who took over the de- Ashwin said the players were manding role after Anil Kumble’s looking forward to working with acrimonious exit last month, Shastri. has backed India to continue the “Ravi has been a fabulous per- “fearless brand of cricket” that son to have in the dressing room. helped them regain the number Even when he was here last time, one position last year from Paki- we lost that Test in Galle and he stan. While India lost the Cham- really picked us up from that low pions Trophy fi nal to their arch- point in our careers,” Ashwin told rivals, the Virat Kohli-led side reporters. is on a roll after winning 10 of Sri Lanka, whose new Test the last 13 Tests, overcoming top skipper Dinesh Chandimal has sides like New Zealand, England been ruled out through fl u, will and Australia. need all the experience of stand- “They know their job. They in captain Rangana Herath. are professional cricketers. Once The left-arm spinner, who took they step on the fi eld they take 11 wickets against Zimbabwe and over. That is how it should be,” his 31st fi ve-wicket haul in 81 said Shastri, who became head Tests, is key for Sri Lanka. coach after Kumble quit over his Sri Lanka’s pace lineup has “untenable” relationship with been bolstered by the return of Kohli. veteran Nuwan Pradeep, who is “My role will be to get the guys likely to start at Galle Interna- to express themselves and play tional Stadium. a fearless brand of cricket,” the Dhananjaya de Silva adds mus- former all-rounder added. cle to their strong batting arsenal, Katinka Hosszu of Hungary reacts after winning the 200m individual medley race at the World Aquatics Championships yesterday. While India start as over- comprising former captain Ange- whelming favourites after the lo Mathews, Upul Tharanga and AFP after his win. seventh-ranked Sri Lanka Niroshan Dickwella. Budapest Phelps loses race against great white shark... sort of “It was incredible, when I walked out I scraped past Zimbabwe in a one- Sri Lanka’s interim coach Nic felt like I was in Britain, as everyone was off Test last week, Shastri has Pothas said the team should take Los Angeles: Michael Phelps, the the supervision of marine experts cheering for me so much. warned against complacency. inspiration from Kohli’s men, atinka Hosszu said defending greatest Olympian of modern times, and divers. “I’m very happy, I put in a 26.5 seconds “Sri Lanka can’t be taken light- who overcame a 1-0 defi cit to her women’s 200m individual has finally met his match in a swim- The filmmakers used special eff ects (for the fi rst 50m), then built off that on ly at home. Their track record beat the islanders in a three-Test medley title in front of her home off against the greatest predator in to splice the two together, so it the back end.” playing at home is as good as any series in 2015. crowd at the world aquatics the oceans, the great white shark. looked as though the American Peaty had targeted his own world another team. We would look to The triumph resurrected In- Kchampionships on Monday was an “un- record of 57.13, set when he won the Ol- improve in the series,” said the dia’s fortunes as they registered But many viewers of the Discovery swimmer was racing alongside the forgettable experience”. Channel’s much-publicised race huge predator. ympic title last year in Rio de Janeiro, but 55-year-old. their fi rst series win in Sri Lanka Hosszu clocked 2min 07.00sec to re- between man and beast found the Despite being fitted with a special was not disappointed to come up short. The visitors have played a two- for 23 years and went on to be- tain the gold medal with Japan’s Yui result to be a little fishy. monofin to help propel him through “No, I’m still 1.5 secs ahead of the rest day warm-up game in Colombo come the number one Test side Ohashi in silver at 0.91sec and Madisyn Touted as “Phelps vs. Shark: Great the water, Phelps lost by two seconds of the world, it’s not the time it’s the way with returning batsman Shikhar again a year later. Cox of the United States earning bronze, Gold vs. Great White,” the face-off in to the shark, which put on a final I did it,” he said. 2.71sec behind. the chilly, shark-rich waters off South spurt as it closed in on a seal. “You don’t want to keep breaking it The 28-year-old Hosszu is the fi rst Africa was the launchpad for the After his narrow defeat, Phelps every year. Aussies reportedly mull Bangladesh boycott woman to win three gold medals in the channel’s annual Shark Week series demanded a rematch. “Next time... “Obviously I can fi nd areas where I can event at world championships, following of shows. warmer water,” the 32-year-old cham- improve, for example, that was the turn Sydney: Australia’s senior play- there is a new memorandum of her successes at Barcelona in 2013 and Phelps, who has won 28 Olympic pion wrote on Twitter. tonight. ers have voted to boycott next understanding in place. Kazan two years later. medals including 23 golds, noted be- Many viewers of the show also took “The 26.5 is very promising, not many month’s tour of Bangladesh The players are entering their fore the event that his safety was the to social media to express their people can go out on 26.5 and come back. unless their long-running pay fourth week of unemployment Hosszu clocked 2min 07.00sec to number one priority going into the disappointment, having apparently Earlier, Ben Proud won the men’s 50m dispute with Cricket Australia since the failure to reach a new retain the gold medal with Japan’s race, and said before the broadcast believed Phelps would actually be butterfl y gold — but only realised he had (CA) is settled before they leave, agreement on pay at the end Yui Ohashi in silver at 0.91sec and that he did not actually enter the racing a shark in real time. won when no-one else celebrated. reports said yesterday. of June. Madisyn Cox of the United States water with the shark he was racing. “Call me crazy but I thought they Proud, 22, clocked 22.75 seconds in the Captain Steve Smith and vice- The squad voted to attend the earning bronze, 2.71sec behind. Instead, the film crew shot footage were gonna put Phelps up against sprint event with Brazil’s Nicholas San- captain David Warner attended training camp in Darwin on of a shark speeding along the same a real shark not a simulation. I feel tos second at 0.04 secs back while Andrii an undisclosed meeting with August 10 but will not leave for stretch of water as Phelps, who swam robbed,” said a Twitter user who goes Govorov of Ukraine took bronze at 0.09 Australian Cricketers’ Asso- Bangladesh a week later unless Hosszu was well short of her world the course at a diff erent time under by Meg Conley. in a tight fi nish. ciation (ACA) chief executive an agreement is reached, the record of 2:06.12, set in Kazan two years “At fi rst I didn’t realise I had won,” ad- Alastair Nicholson to consider newspaper said. ago, but is the favourite to also defend her mitted Britain’s Proud, clearly shocked by their options after a breakdown The first match of the two-Test 400m IM world title on Sunday. his own victory. in the talks with CA last week. series was due to start 10 days She was roared on to her third straight garian national anthem ‘Himnusz’ as ships record of 57.47 seconds with Kevin “I was waiting for someone else to The Australian newspaper said later. 200m IM world crown by the passionate Hosszu struggled to keep her emotions in Cordes of the United States second at 1.32 start celebrating, but when no one did, the players discussed a range The Australia A squad went crowd in Budapest. check. back with Russia’s Kirill Prigoda third at I looked on the scoreboard and saw my of options, including going through a similar process “It was really amazing how every- “Thank you for the experience, it was 1.58. name on top.” ahead with the Bangladesh tour before abandoning the tour to one was supporting me in red, white unforgettable — I almost cried,” admitted The 22-year-old was delighted to de- Proud was born in London, but moved under a special contractual South Africa earlier this month. and green, when I got out of the pool, I Hungary’s “Iron Lady”. fend the world title he fi rst won in Kazan back to the UK from Kuala Lumpur, Ma- arrangement. The dispute is over CA’s refusal couldn’t believe it,” Hosszu said. Meanwhile, Britain’s Adam Peaty two years ago with plenty of support from laysia as an 11-year-old to follow his But they resolved to stand by to renew a revenue-sharing Fireworks were set off next to the po- failed to beat his own world record, but the Budapest crowd. dreams of becoming a pro swimmer. the resolutions reached at a arrangement which has been dium as she collected the sixth world title was happy to defend the men’s 100m “A lot of hard work goes into compet- “It’s a weird feeling, this is something previous meeting and refuse part of all deals over the past of her career. breaststroke title. ing and the crowd were amazing, I want I’ve dreamt of since I started swimming,” to take part in any tours unless two decades. The crowd sang along with the Hun- Peaty clocked a new champion- to thank everyone out there,” Peaty said he said. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, July 25, 2017 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS World Cup heroine Ashwin hails India’s Shrubsole lives rise to top out Lord’s dream ‘If someone had said to me that all this time later I’d be at Lord’s, winning a World Cup final, I would have laughed them away — you never think that sort of thing happens’

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin takes part in a practice session at Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle yesterday.

AFP cricketers have come in and put Galle, Sri Lanka their hands up and some oth- ers have excelled really. That includes me, (Ravindra) Jadeja, avichandran Ashwin, Puji (Cheteshwar Pujara). who will play his 50th “Sometimes I feel that even Test against Sri Lanka good cricketers lose out in this this week, yesterday particular team because of the hailedR India’s rebuilding eff ort quality we have in the dressing to become the number one Test room,” he added. side. Ashwin became the fastest The 30-year-old Ashwin will bowler to 250 Test wickets in a be one of India’s key players in one-off match against Bangla- the match starting in Galle to- desh in Hyderabad in February, morrow, the fi rst of three Tests. his 45th Test. Ashwin believes life has come Looking ahead to his 50th full circle for Virat Kohli’s India since his debut in 2011 against since their last tour of Sri Lanka the West Indies, Ashwin said Sri in 2015. Lanka would always be special India lost the Galle Test then after he resurrected his career but bounced back to beat the there in 2015. hosts 2-1. That spurred them on “To come back to a place England’s Anya Shrubsole (R) raises the trophy after England won the ICC Women’s World Cup cricket final against India at Lord’s on Sunday. to regain their number one Test where I did really well last time crown a year later. in 2015 is like a dream come AFP Following her stunning display in front will become a champion, but I am sure out — said: “Once we got Raut it just gave “In 2015 I think we were sand- true, because it was some sort London of a sold-out Lord’s, Shrubsole, whose that the mindset of parents is bound to us a little bit of hope, a little chance with wiched in the middle of a leader- of a momentous occasion for me return of six for 46 was the best by any change now.” the new batters coming in under a huge ship takeover. Virat had just tak- then because I was on the way bowler in a Women’s World Cup fi nal, He added: “Honestly, I was not a keen amount of pressure.” en over in Australia and we came back into the Test side,” he said. nya Shrubsole said her match- joked: “Dad’s Twitter profi le has gone follower of women’s cricket, but I am There threatened to be a late twist here having played one Test in “It brings back a lot of good winning display in England’s through the roof! their biggest fan now. I am sure... people when, with India nine wickets down Bangladesh,” Ashwin said. memories, coming back to the Women’s World Cup fi nal win “If someone had said to me that all will pray to be blessed with daughters. but still in sight of victory, Jenny Gunn “We had set ourselves a lot of same venue. over India at Lord’s on Sunday this time later I’d be at Lord’s, winning Hats off to them.” dropped an easy catch to reprieve No 11 goals for each other and I would “I think every Test match a wasA proof that dreams can come true. a World Cup fi nal, I would have laughed Shrubsole agreed this World Cup had Rajeshwari Gayakwad. say we have achieved them and blessing from here on,” he added. The 25-year-old pace bowler turned them away — you never think that sort of marked a turning point for the women’s But Shrubsole — who struck a fi rst- come out with fl ying colours The lanky bowling all-round- the match on its head with a spell of fi ve thing happens.” game, with the fi nal drawing a global tel- ball four to seal a two-wicket semi-fi nal over the last couple of years as a er has scored 1,903 runs and wickets for 11 runs late on as England Recalling that childhood visit to Lord’s, evision audience of 100mn according to win over South Africa after England al- group. bagged 275 wickets in 49 Tests. snatched a nine-run win. Shrubsole told BBC Radio Five Live: “I some estimates. most snatched defeat from the jaws of “We have produced a lot of He has scored four centuries and India were on course for victory at 191 remember the day, I remember watch- “I think it’s a watershed moment for victory — bowled Gayakwad next ball. good cricketers. Some young picked 25 fi ve-wicket hauls. for three, chasing 229. ing him in that game — I don’t remember women’s cricket,” said Shrubsole. “The In the end, England’s total in the fi nal But they were dismissed for 219 to saying that but I guess it just shows that fi nal was a really fi tting tribute to the of 228 for seven, featuring Natalie Sciv- deny captain Mithali Raj a winner’s med- dreams can come true.” whole tournament, which has been bril- er’s 51 and valuable late-order runs had Worcestershire’s Whiteley hits six sixes in an over al in what the star batsman said was her This World Cup altered many en- liant from start to fi nish. proved just enough. last World Cup match. trenched perceptions regarding women’s “We obviously set out to win, but we “It’s still pretty surreal to be honest,” London: Worcestershire’s it in a second-team game Just days before the fi nal Ian Shrubsole, cricket, with Kapil Dev, captain of the also want to inspire women and girls said Shrubsole. Ross Whiteley became the against Yorkshire. Anya’s father, tweeted a picture of his then India side that won the 1983 men’s World to play cricket and hopefully our win, “You’ve always got to believe you can sixth male cricketer to hit “It was the right time in the nine-year-old daughter watching him Cup fi nal at Lord’s, telling the Hindu and the way we have played, has done win no matter what the score and no six sixes in an over when he game for me to go for it. It was play in a club fi nal at Lord’s, with the cap- newspaper: “Mithali’s team too has won that.” matter what the game situation. achieved the feat in Sunday’s all or nothing,” Whiteley said. tion: “What a place! I’d like to play here... the hearts of the nation. As for the thrilling conclusion to the “We fought until the end and it came Natwest T20 Blast match “Unfortunately for the bowler for England... in a World Cup fi nal.” “I know that not every daughter fi nal, Shrubsole — also involved in a run- off .” against Yorkshire at Headin- it was a short boundary on the gley. leg-side. The 28-year-old clobbered “I hit the first out of the screws BOTTOMLINE left-arm spinner Karl Carver and needed to keep going for six times over the rope in the the team, not for that achieve- 16th over to join a select group ment. It’s something I never that includes Garfield Sobers, really thought I’d do in profes- Ravi Shastri, Herschelle Gibbs, sional cricket.” Yuvraj Singh and Lancashire’s Despite Whiteley’s heroics, India’s Raj wants women’s IPL Jordan Clark, who achieved Worcestershire lost by 37 runs. aft er World Cup heartbreak BLOW AFP for Cricket in India. rica and Australia (in pool play), London “These girls have really set the no one thought we would get to platform for the upcoming gen- the fi nal. Rahul out of erations in India,” said Raj. “A team like that has come to ndia captain Mithali Raj said “They’ve opened up the chan- the fi nals and given a good fi ght to now was time to “create the nels for women’s cricket and they the home team. fi rst Sri Lanka base” of a female equiva- should be really proud of them- “The WBBL has given exposure lent to the Indian Premier selves. I have seen the changes to the two girls who have played ILeague after her side’s hopes of the girls have made. Unlike 2005 (Smriti Mandhana and Kaur). Test with fever Women’s World Cup fi nal glory (when Australia hammered India “If more girls participate in were snatched away by England by 98 runs in the fi nal at Centuri- such leagues, it will give them AFP and a short tour of the West at Lord’s. on, South Africa), this went to the experience and help them to im- Galle Indies with a shoulder injury, Raj’s side looked on course to end.” India’s collapse was sparked prove their own game. played a vital role in India’s lift the trophy for the fi rst time by Punam Raut’s exit for 86, the “If you ask me, they should Test series win over Australia at 191 for three, chasing 229 for top score of the fi nal. have (women’s) IPL because now ndia have ruled opening in March despite getting in- victory, in Sunday’s fi nal at the Together with Harmanpreet is the right time to create that batsman Lokesh Rahul out jured during the first match. ‘home of cricket’. Kaur, who made 51 after her as- base.” of the first Test against Sri The 25-year-old averages But on the same Lord’s ground tounding 171 not out in India’s England, beaten by India in Lanka starting tomorrow over 44 in 17 Tests since mak- where India’s men had won an semi-fi nal win over reigning their opening pool match, also dueI to viral fever. ing his debut for India against inaugural World Cup title back champions Australia, the opener made plenty of mistakes in the Rahul, who scored a half- Australia at Melbourne in in 1983, they lost their last seven India captain Mithali Raj shared a third-wicket stand of error-strewn closing overs on the century in a two-day warm-up 2014. He has scored four hun- wickets for just 28 runs to be 95.“We messed it up in the end. way to winning a fourth World match last week, stayed in Co- dreds and seven half-centu- bowled out for 219 with eight later confi rmed this has been her run-scorer in women’s one-day It was a very brave innings from Cup title and third in as many lombo as the rest of the squad ries. balls to spare. last World Cup appearance, said internationals told reporters. Punam,” said Raj. editions on home soil. practised in Galle. Shikhar Dhawan, who re- Anya Shrubsole did the damage that would be less likely to happen England’s women have been But the skipper said her side “Cricket’s a funny game, and The Board of Control for placed injured Murali Vijay with a late burst of fi ve wickets for if they had a tournament to match full-time professionals for some had established a solid founda- pressure’s a funny thing,” said Cricket in India said yester- in the 16-man squad for the 11 runs in 19 deliveries. The pace Australia’s Twenty20 Women’s two years now, with Raj’s side tion for women’s cricket in India, England captain Heather Knight day that Rahul has “no major three-Test series, and Abhinav bowler’s match haul of six for 46 Big Bash League or England’s still on their way — although the the sport’s fi nancial superpower. after a win greeted with the sound health concerns” but will miss Mukund are the other openers was also the best individual re- equivalent Super League. squad did receive bonus pay- “The response from the public of thousands of girls cheering in the first Test as a “precaution- in the Indian squad. turn in any Women’s World Cup “Everybody was very nervous ments of 50 lakh Indian rupees is very positive,” said Raj. “I’m the stands of a capacity crowd ary measure”. India, the world number one fi nal. Pressure got to India in the and I think that resulted in our (£60,000) each for reaching the sure the BCCI is very proud of the rather than the polite applause Rahul, who missed the side, are to play three Tests in end, but the 34-year-old Raj, who defeat,” Raj, the all-time leading fi nal from the Board of Control team. When we lost to South Af- usually associated with Lord’s. Champions Trophy last month Sri Lanka. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 25, 2017 3 SPORT

CYCLING TENNIS ‘Trapped’ Tomic Froome rises to says he has no love for the game

‘biggest challenge’ AFP “Bernie has been ultra-profes- Sydney sional since he was 14 and it’s almost like he’s suff ering some sort of burn-out at the moment,” ustralian star Bernard Masur told reporters. Tomic admits he has no The tabloid Sydney Daily love for a game that has Telegraph pulled no punches: for fourth Tour win earned him millions, “Few people lose any sleep over sayingA it is just a job and he feels Bernard Tomic these days. “As “trapped”. a nation Australia has become Froome would have dearly loved to crown his fourth Tour win with a stage success In a frank Australian television accustomed to the tennis brat’s interview, the 24-year-old told shameful performances on the his fans to stay at home rather tennis court and off it, and his than paying to watch him play if window of forgiveness is now they were opposed to his polaris- barely a centimetre wide, if it’s ing on-court antics. even there at all.” “Don’t come,” Tomic said late But he won a more sympa- on Sunday. “Just watch on TV, thetic hearing on social media. you don’t have to pay anything.” “Tough to watch because Tomic Tomic, who was hit with a is a talent that doesn’t realise his US$15,000 fi ne after he claimed potential. Needs guidance and he was “bored” during his lack- direction,” tweeted Australian lustre fi rst-round defeat at football star Tim Cahill. Aussie Wimbledon last month, said he NBA basketballer Andrew Bogut oscillates between full commit- said on social media: “Watched ment and apathy on court. Tomic interview. Will cop fl ak for “Throughout my career I’ve my opinion: His family is the root given 100%. I’ve given also 30%. of most of what’s going on. Hope But if you balance it out, I think he fi nds peace + bounces back.” all my career’s been around Asked during his interview to 50%,” he said in the interview. provide advice to aspiring tennis “I haven’t really tried, and (still) players, Tomic was blunt. “Don’t achieved all this. So it’s just play tennis. Do something you amazing what I’ve done.” love and enjoy because it’s a grind The talented Tomic has long and it’s a tough, tough, tough life. been plagued by controversy, My position, I’m trapped. I have making headlines last year when to do it,” he said. “Tennis chose he turned his racquet the wrong me. It’s something I never fell in way to face a match point against love with.” Fabio Fognini in Madrid. Once He also stood by his infl am- mooted as a rising star of the matory comments after being sport, he has slid down the rank- controversially eliminated at ings to 73 from a career-high 17 Wimbledon by German Mis- and added: “I’m just going to go cha Zverev. “I don’t regret what about it as a job.” I said. That’s why I said it — to Tomic divides opinion in Aus- piss a few people off ,” he said. “I tralia and there was both criti- didn’t come from a rich family. cism and support following his We had no money. And now liv- latest candid revelations. He has ing in all these lavish houses and Great Britain’s Christopher Froome (centre) now stands just one short of the record five Tour de France cycling titles achieved by Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spain's Miguel Indurain had a fractious relationship with property around the world, it’s and French duo Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault. (AFP) Tennis Australia, which dropped my choice. It’s something that him from the Davis Cup team, I’ve worked for.” Tomic was axed AFP win in 2012. This time, though, he was crash, while it was the day that confi rmed nical fi nish to stage 14 in Rodez where but the organisation’s head of by his racquet sponsor just hours Paris beaten into third as Fabio Aru took a bril- Nairo Quintana’s gamble to ride the Giro Froome showed all his experience and performance Wally Masur ex- after his Wimbledon fi ne, deem- liant solo victory with Dan Martin even d’Italia in May followed by the Tour would determination, wrenching back the yel- pressed sympathy yesterday. ing his behaviour unacceptable. distancing Froome into third. backfi re. Twice a runner-up to Froome low jersey by 18sec. The challenge is even bigger this Beaten on the day, Froome did however in France and third last year, Quintana He would never again let it go. Michael year — I feel as if the level of rivals take the yellow jersey off his loyal lieuten- would gradually fall further away every Matthews took over the green jersey as is even higher,” said Chris Froome ant Geraint Thomas, the shock winner of time the race hit the high mountains, his Kittel left the Tour, the Australian going before the Tour de France began the opening time-trial, albeit against the usually forte, and fi nish a lowly 12th. on to win two stages. in“ Dusseldorf. Three weeks later and his backdrop of accusations from rival team Froome consolidated his lead on that His room-mate at Sunweb, Warren projection proved true as he won the race FDJ about the skinsuits used by Sky — ninth stage but his main rivals estab- Barguil, ensured France had much to cel- by his slimmest margin yet: just 54 sec- with little Vortex air pellets one detractor lished themselves as Aru, Romain Bardet ebrate, winning the 13th stage on Bastille onds on Sunday. Things had started well claimed were “banned”. and Rigoberto Uran fi nished alongside Day, the French national holiday, and for the Briton, now a four-time champi- That story would peter out with little the Briton. claiming a second success atop the iconic on, as he put at least 30 seconds into each more fuss. There was something familiar All three would beat him to the summit Col d’Izoard fi nish to stage 18. of his main rivals on the opening time- about seeing Froome in yellow and Sky of the fi rst uphill fi nish in the high moun- That was the last chance for Froome’s trial in Dusseldorf. But what came next in control of the peloton but things were tains on stage 12 in the Pyrenees. Froome rivals to strike a blow. Bardet, tried, and was a test that neither he nor his team had far from straight-forward, not only for could fi nish only sixth as Bardet took vic- tried again several times, but he couldn’t faced before. It was a dramatic Tour, for Froome. tory and Aru stripped the Sky man of the shake the Briton. Uran didn’t falter, set- many reasons. The ninth stage in the Jura was a costly yellow jersey by 6sec — something that ting up his chance to steal second from World champion Peter Sagan was sen- one for the Tour favourites as rain made had never happened to him before in his a wilting Bardet in Marseille, while Aru, sationally kicked out for elbowing Mark the descent of the Mont du Chat climb three previous Tour victories. getting weaker by the day, fell away to Cavendish in the sprint fi nish to the perilous. Richie Porte came crashing It was a rare sign of weakness from fi fth. Froome would have dearly loved to fourth stage, won by Frenchman Arnaud down in a spectacular fall that ended his Froome and gave hope to his rivals, but crown his fourth Tour win with a stage Demare. Cavendish suff ered a broken race with a broken collarbone and pelvis, his reaction was emphatic. success but he came up 6sec short in the collarbone, and Sagan paid the penalty, and almost took Ireland’s Martin out of By then, German powerhouse Marcel 20th stage time-trial in Marseille. although many riders criticised the deci- the race two. A sturdy helmet, which was Kittel had already dominated the sprints, It was but a minor blow, though, for the sion. In the overall battle, everyone was destroyed, saved Martin but the Tour had winning fi ve stages from six bunch fi n- man long established as the fi nest Grand waiting for the fi rst uphill fi nish on the lost the rider Froome considered “the ishes, but he would not be able to claim Tour rider of his generation, and who fi fth stage at La Planche des Belles Filles, man to beat”. the green jersey outright as he crashed on knows in a couple of years, maybe the Bernard Tomic told his fans to stay at home rather than paying to where Froome had taken his fi rst stage And he also lost Thomas in another stage 17. Aru was caught out on a tech- greatest of them all. watch him play if they were opposed to his polarising on-court antics.

Former Tour winner Van Impe ROUND-UP suff ers heart attack Brussels: Lucien Van Impe, the de France and his house in Flan- Lucky guy Rublev wins fi rst career crown 1976 Tour de France winner, is ders, Belgium, is called “Alpe in hospital recovering from a D’Huez”, after the mountain AFP Rhode Island, after 2011 and 2012. heart attack suff ered last Friday. where he first took the yellow Umag, Croatia Isner did not faced a break point in The 70-year-old Belgian under- jersey in his Tour-winning year the week and the only set where he was went surgery and was said to of 1976. Van Impe is most often pushed to a tie-breaker was the last, be out of danger although his remembered in a polka dot ussian lucky loser Andrey Ru- when he took three of the fi nal four points condition is not yet stable. jersey as he won the Tour de blev claimed his fi rst career title for the victory. “I’m very happy with how Van Impe started and France king of the mountains on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-2 win I played all week. It was a perfect week,” finished 15 editions of the Tour title six times. over 35-year-old Italian vet- Isner said. “I couldn’t ask for anything eranR and fourth seed Paolo Lorenzi in the better.” Umag claycourt fi nal. Rublev, 19, had lost Ebden, the lowest-ranked ATP fi nal- in the fi nal round of qualifying last week- ist since 2009 at 249th, was in his fi rst FOCUS end, but earned a spot in the main draw ATP fi nal. The 29-year-old South Afri- when Borna Coric was forced to withdraw can-born former Commonwealth Games with injury. bronze medallist was only 3-3 in 2017 The world number 74, who will break ATP main draw matches until this week, Home favourites snag the top 50 next week, made the most of when he won six matches in six days to his reprieve by seeing off third seed and reach the fi nal. fi rst-round wins in Jiangxi defending champion Fabio Fognini in the “It’s disappointing, but at the same AFP Peangtarn Plipuech. However, quarter-fi nals and home hope Ivan Dodig time I have to be happy with my week,” Beijing Russian-Australian duo Alla in the semis. “It’s amazing. I have no Ebden said. It was the fi rst title for Isner Kudryavtseva and Arina Rodi- words to explain it, especially after this since Atlanta in 2015 and came in his fi rst onova defeated Chinese doubles tough week,” Rublev said. “Now I’m here fi nal since last November’s Paris Mas- hinese players dominat- team Liu Chang and Lu Jia-Jing and it’s amazing.” ters, where he lost to Britain’s top-ranked ed fi rst round matches in two sets (6-4, 7-6). Chinese Moscow-based Rublev is the seventh Andy Murray. yesterday at the hard wildcard player Zheng Saisai also lucky loser to win an ATP World Tour ti- “It has been two years since I won a court WTA Jiangxi Open lost to Japan’s Eri Hozumi. tle and the fi rst to do so since Rajeev Ram tournament, so I had that weighing on inC the city of Nanchang, south- Retired Chinese tennis star in Newport in 2009. Rublev has been in a my mind,” Isner said. “It’s hard to win a eastern China. Second seed sin- Li Na is credited with introduc- rich vein of form in recent weeks, reach- tournament. It’s no small feat to come gles player Peng Shuai of China ing the game to the country’s ing his fi rst quarter-fi nal on grass in Halle out here and be the last man standing. I’m won her fi rst set against Japan’s masses. Training since the age of and making the second round as a quali- very happy about that.” Kurumi Nara 7-5 before losing six, Li was the fi rst Asian player fi er at Wimbledon. Four months ago, he Isner, ranked 21st, improved his ca- the second 4-6 then clinching to win a grand slam singles ti- was ranked at 130. reer record at Newport to 19-5. He broke the victory with a 6-3 win. tle. Her success prompted rapid Ebden’s fi rst service game of the match Nara had battled fi ercely with growth in the sport in China be- ISNER BEATS AUSSIE EBDEN for a 2-0 lead and held from there to claim her opponent, hitting a tricky fore she retired in 2014. China’s FOR ATP NEWPORT TITLE Russia’s Andrey Rublev poses with his trophy after winning the ATP Croatia Open the opening set. Isner improved to 3-0 drop shot for a hard-won point. men have yet to make an impact US top seed John Isner blasted 17 aces tennis tournament in the coastal city of Umag on Sunday. (AFP) lifetime against Ebden without dropping China’s Wang Qiang also bested on world tennis. The women’s Sunday in defeating Australian qualifi er a set, also winning in the fouth round at Britain’s Harriet Dart in two sets, tournament, in its fourth year, Matthew Ebden 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to win the The 32-year-old American won 37-of- triumph in capturing his 11th career ATP Indian Wells in 2012 and in the second as Han Xinyun beat Thailand’s runs until Sunday. ATP Hall of Fame Open title. 41 fi rst-serve points in the 74-minute title and third on the grass at Newport, round at Wimbledon in 2015. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, July 25, 2017 SPORT

GOLF RUGBY Super season done, Wallabies brace for Murray takes fi rst US Newcastle boot camp

Reuters rugby. Melbourne Cheika told reporters in Newcastle yesterday the boot camp would also aim to make he ACT Brumbies’ rap- Wallabies hopefuls more PGA title by a shot id exit from the play- mentally fi t for the All Blacks off s capped a season of challenge. “The fi rst couple of ‘To get into the playoff s, that was my goal this year. I didn’t set my goals too high’ gloom for Australia’s weeks of our preparation has TSuper Rugby teams but has of- to be able to get us to the phys- fered a silver lining for the Wal- ical and mental level where we labies as they race to get fi t for believe we can go out there and stiff tests against the All Blacks. win the game,” he said. While three New Zealand “I know the way I like to sides battle in the Super semi- coach and the game we need to fi nals this week, Australia play, we need to be at the best coach Michael Cheika has fi tness level we can be. gathered a bumper 38-man “We’re not going to acquire squad for a punishing training that all in a couple of weeks camp in the New South Wales but at the end of the day... we port city of Newcastle ahead need to get them to turn the of their Rugby Championship key inside of their minds to get opener against the All Blacks them to the next level. in Sydney on August 19. “Because the games we The squad will be further play against New Zealand will reinforced by another eight or probably the most intense the so Brumbies later this week guys have played in their ca- in the wake of their 35-16 loss reers.” to the champion Wellington After the Sydney test, the Hurricanes in Canberra on Wallabies will travel to Dun- Friday. The boot camp comes edin for the second Rugby as a sense of crisis engulfs Championship game against Australian rugby after the na- the All Blacks a week later. tion’s fi ve teams failed to beat a While versatile back Kurtley single New Zealand opponent Beale is on track to recover from in 26 matches this season. a hamstring injury Karmichael That has stoked fears the Hunt, who played at inside Wallabies could face a tor- centre during the June match- rid time in the three-Test Bl- es, has been ruled out of the edisloe Cup series against the All Blacks matches after ankle world champions having al- surgery and could miss up to a ready suff ered a surprise loss month of the Rugby Champi- to Scotland and a huge scare onship, Cheika confi rmed. The against Italy in the June inter- Wallabies will also head inland nationals. The basic level of fi t- to the Hunter Valley town of ness of Australia’s players came Cessnock for a second training under the microscope during camp before basing themselves the Super Rugby season, with in western Sydney ahead of the the teams prone to fading badly Rugby Championship. late on during games against The rural tour is aimed at New Zealand opposition. ‘winning hearts and minds’ Wallabies captain Stephen outside of Australia’s major Moore complained after the centres and shoring up sup- June series that the provin- port after a diffi cult two years cial sides had failed to prepare since the Wallabies’ run to the players for the rigours of test World Cup fi nal.

Original Lakers coach Kundla dead at 101 John Kundla, a Hall of Fame coach who led the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA titles before the team moved to Los Angeles, died on Sunday. He was 101. Kundla, the original coach of the Grayson Murray of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning on the 18th green during the final round of the Barbasol Championship at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Lakers NBA franchise, had been in a Minneapolis assisted living Trail at Grand National in Auburn, Alabama. (Getty Images/AFP) facility in recent years. “On behalf of the entire Lakers organisation, I’d like to express FP Murray took the $630,000 top down the fi nal holes, but Murray career PGA title and fi rst since Cameron Tringale 65-66-67-68, our sadness at the passing of John Kundla,” Lakers president Washington prize after fi nishing 72 holes on endured down the stretch after 2014, began the day with a one- Ben Martin 68-68-64-66, a-Sam and co-owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “John played 21-under par 263 with Collins a bogey-birdie start and clos- stroke edge on Murray atop the Burns 68-66-66-66 an important role in the history of the Lakers organisation. second on 264 and Brian Gay, ing the front nine with birdies at leaderboard but fi red a 71. 267 - Robert Garrigus 67-67- Not only was he a Hall of Fame coach, he was our first head rayson Murray, a Tag Ridings and Scott Stallings seven and nine around a bogey at He fell back with a three-putt 66-67 coach and led the organisation to five NBA championships. In 23-year-old American next in an all-US top 10 on 265. the eighth. bogey at the par-5 13th, stayed 268 - Shawn Stefani 69-65-66-68 addition to his numerous contributions to the Lakers and our rookie, fi red a three-un- The event, played opposite the Murray eagled the par-5 13th, within reach with a six-foot 269 - Retief Goosen (RSA) 69- legacy, John was a wonderful man and will be remembered der par 68 Sunday to win British Open at Royal Birkdale, dropping his second shot four birdie at 16, but needing a birdie 65-69-66, Smylie Kaufman 69- fondly.” Gthe Barbasol Championship, edg- featured players largely fi ght- feet from the cup and making at 18 to match Murray, his tee 65-68-67, Cameron Percy (AUS) Kundla was only 31 years old when he guided the Lakers in ing compatriot Chad Collins by a ing to reach the US PGA points the putt, but found a fairway shot went far right beyond a cart 68-67-65-69 1948 as they signed center George Mikan, the star who pow- stroke for his fi rst US PGA title. list top 125 and qualify for the bunker off the 14th tee and made path and needed three shots to 270 - Alex Cejka (GER) 67-67-70- ered the club to five NBA crowns from 1949-1954. Murray, who missed the cut in season-ending playoff s that be- bogey, setting up the birdie at 16 make the green at the par-4 18th 66, Ricky Barnes 68-66-68-68, It was Kundla and Mikan that began the tradition of success nine of his prior 23 tour starts, gin next month.World number that proved the diff erence.While to doom his hopes. Steve Wheatcroft 68-68-65-69 which evolved through the move to California, such stars as sank a tap-in birdie at the par-5 156 Murray ranked 124th in the booking a spot at next month’s 271 - Dicky Pride 68-68-68-67, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, Magic Johnson and Kareem 16th hole for his margin of vic- US PGA playoff chase before this PGA Championship, Murray did Leading scores Noh Seung-Yul (KOR) 67-67-71- Abdul-Jabbar and later Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. tory at the Robert Trent Jones week but jumped into the top 60 not claim a berth in next year’s 263 - Grayson Murray 67-64- 66, Peter Malnati 72-68-66-65, Kundla was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 Grand National layout in Au- with the triumph. Masters, with US PGA win- 64-68 Chad Campbell 66-69-68-68, and in 1996 for the NBA’s 50th anniversary was named one of burn, Alabama. “To get into the playoff s, that ners in events opposite majors 264 - Chad Collins 67-60-69-68 Richy Werenski 67-67-69-68, the league’s 10 greatest coaches. Kundla had a career record “I was in control. I didn’t get was my goal this year,” Murray or World Golf Championship 265 - Brian Gay 69-63-68-65, Tag John Merrick 71-66-69-65, Kyle of 423-302 with the Lakers before resigning in 1959, the year out of my game plan once,” Mur- said. “I didn’t set my goals too events not earning an automatic Ridings 66-67-63-69, Scott Stall- Reifers 71-65-67-68, Martin before the team moved to Los Angeles. He went on to coach at ray said, calling his tee shots “the high for my fi rst year.” berth at Augusta National. ings 69-65-60-71 Flores 65-68-68-70, Seamus University of Minnesota after that, going 110-105. best I’ve ever driven it in my life.” Six players were in the hunt Stallings, seeking his fourth 266 - Ryan Blaum 69-67-66-64, Power (IRL) 68-70-64-69

FOCUS Kim’s sizzling 63 delivers Marathon Classic victory

AFP Kim opened with a birdie, took two more of pressure for me,” Chein said. Washington at the third and fourth and closed the front “I feel great because I worked with my nine with three in a row to reach 19-under. caddie about six months. We’re getting Back-to-back birdies again at 15 and 16 better and every week we fi nd some prob- outh Korea’s Kim In-Kyung birdied stifl ed Thompson’s late charge to seal the lem we will change it. We’re getting better. six of the fi rst nine holes on her way triumph. For me a top 10 here is great. I’m very proud to a four-stroke victory on Sunday Asked about her hot start, Kim had no of me.” at the Marathon Classic to capture idea how she pulled it off . herS sixth LPGA title. “I wish I had the answer, but I really Leading scores Kim, ranked 28th, fi red a bogey-free don’t,” Kim said. “I always liked the golf 263 - Kim In-Kyung (KOR) 65-67-68-63 eight-under par 63 at Highland Meadows course. Getting up and down on number 267 - Lexi Thompson 67-65-69-66 Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, to fi nish 72 two, the par-3, gave me a chance to go for 269 - Chien Pei-Yun (TPE) 64-68-69-68, holes on 21-under par 263. a good round.” Gerina Piller 63-68-70-68 “I really didn’t expect anything. Maybe Thompson birdied the par-5 seventh 270 - Sandra Changkija (THA) 66-70-65-69 that’s why I played really well today,” Kim and par-4 ninth to reach 16-under but bo- 271 - Kim Kaufman 73-67-66-65, Park said. “Really good names were on top of geys at 10 and 12 dropped her too far back. Sung-Hyun (KOR) 64-70-67-70 the leaderboard and I just wanted to go out “I put up a good score,” Thompson said. 272 - Angela Stanford 70-69-68-65, Angel and make the most out of it and today I was “I had a little bit of a rough stretch there Yin 66-71-68-67, Brittany Lincicome 67-67- able to do that.” but overall I’m very happy with the way I 68-70, Aditi Ashok (IND) 65-68-68-71, Nelly It was the second triumph in as many played. Korda 68-64-66-74 months for Kim, who captured last week’s “I knew if I started off with some bird- 273 - Perrine Delacour (FRA) 70-68-69-66, ShopRite LPGA Classic. She has also taken ies and get it going, which I did, (I had a Alena Sharp (CAN) 69-69-68-67, Kim Hyo- three European Ladies Tour events, in- chance) but you can’t control other play- Joo (KOR) 68-69-69-67, Amy Yang (KOR) cluding her second triumph in three years ers. You just have to focus on doing your 68-68-69-68 at last September’s Ladies European Mas- best and control your attitude and your 274 - Katie Burnett 70-68-67-69, Alison Lee ters. game.” 67-69-68-70, Kelly Shon 65-71-68-70 American Lexi Thompson birdied three Play was halted for almost two hours 275 - Jaye Marie Green 68-71-72-64, Lee Mi- of the last four holes to grab second on 267 with only the last 10 players on the course. Rim (KOR) 68-69-70-68, Feng Simin (CHN) with a closing 66, with American Gerina LPGA rookie Chien, ranked 266th in the 67-72-68-68, Lydia Ko 73-68-65-69, Laura Piller and Taiwan’s Chien Pei-Yun sharing world, managed her fi rst top-10 fi nish this Diaz 67-67-71-70, Emily K. Pedersen (DEN) third on 269. season after missing the cut in 10 of her 16 69-68-67-71, Chella Choi (KOR) 67-67-69-72 US 18-year-old rookie Nelly Korda, the prior LPGA starts this year. 276 - Marina Alex 70-67-72-67, Chun daughter of retired Czech tennis star Petr “Proud, very proud, because a lot of In-Gee (KOR) 70-68-70-68, Pannarat Korda, owned the 54-hole lead but stum- Taiwanese fans really care about this Thanapolboonyaras (THA) 71-70-66-69, Ji In-Kyung Kim of South Korea holds the trophy after winning the Marathon Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club bled to a fi nal-round 74 to share eighth. tournament and I played well. Still a lot Eun-Hee (KOR) 69-67-68-72. in Sylvania, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, July 25, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL NFL Prescott has made Romo’s absence a Rookie Frazier leads footnote at camp

By Drew Davison 3,667 passing yards, 23 touch- Fort Worth Star-Telegram downs, four interceptions and a 104.9 passer rating. The Cowboys brass at the erry Jones never looked news conference praised Pres- Yankees to fi rst series forward to the day Tony cott throughout and are ex- Romo wouldn’t be part pecting him to become even of the Dallas Cowboys. better in Year 2. They have JustJ a year ago at this time Jones no concerns about Prescott’s talked about Romo extending new-found fame that included his career another fi ve years. doing several endorsement But life without Romo is far deals in the off season. more comfortable than Jones “I’m just amazed with how win since early June ever thought. That is in large he handles himself,” executive part due to Dak Prescott, who vice president Stephen Jones ‘I’ve learned that guys are pretty good. I’m not going to hit a home run every time. fi lled Romo’s void by putting said. “I would want to endorse together arguably the best him because he represents eve- For me, it’s just trying to make contact and let the ball go wherever it goes’ rookie season by a quarterback rything you want. At the same in NFL history. time, he’s very clear from my By Erik Boland “A lot more comfortable understanding with sponsors Newsday than I ever thought I would be because I’ve talked to them be- this time last year or beyond cause he represents some of the not having Romo,” Jones said same companies that sponsor inally, a series win. during his ‘State of the Cow- the Cowboys that are our part- And it could not have boys’ news conference to open ners and he’s always very clear come at a better time. training camp. with them that football is fi rst. The Yankees wrapped “So that has everything to He’s got an insatiable appetite Fup a three-city, 11-game trip to do with the year that Dak had to want to get better. start the season’s second half and more importantly the way “He understands more than with a 6-4 victory over the Mar- Dak is approaching this year. It anybody that teams are going iners Sunday afternoon at Safeco is a really good feeling. I am ex- to study his tape, our tape up- Field. cited about the fans excitement side down all around in terms Rookie Clint Frazier’s two- about Dak. All of that makes of understanding how we were run double in a three-run sixth this a lot more palatable and able to have success with Dak. snapped a 4-4 tie and the Yan- a lot more comfortable than I He knows he’s got to take his kees’ new-look bullpen turned thought I would ever be with- game to another level. He and in a dominant 5 1/3 scoreless in- out having Romo in this short a Scott [Linehan] and Jason nings. time span not on the team.” [Garrett] and Wade [Wilson] Frazier has a .364 average with Romo, who walked away and the staff have worked hard runners in scoring position, best from the game and into CBS to get better. He should. Look on the club among players with Sports’ broadcast booth this at any quarterback in the NFL, at least 10 RISP at-bats. off season, left the Cowboys as usually the great ones get bet- “I think it makes me focus the franchise leader in passing ter each year. I think he expects more,” Clint Frazier said. “I yards (34,183), passing touch- that from himself. think in the past, being a little downs (248), passer rating “I know he puts in the work. bit younger I was trying to hit a (97.1), completion percentage I know he’s a leader. The team home run every time I got a big (65.3) and most 3,000-yard responds to him. The team opportunity. passing seasons (seven). wants to play hard for him. “Growing as a player, I’ve But Prescott is the future and That’s rare. I think he’s going to learned that guys are pretty it is bright. Prescott is coming answer the bell and I think he’s good. I’m not going to hit a home off a season in which he led the going to be better than he was run every time. For me, it’s just Cowboys to a 13-3 record with last year.” trying to make contact and let the ball go wherever it goes.” By taking three of four the Yankees (51-46), who got two home runs from Didi Gregorius and one from Brett Gardner, won their fi rst series since June 9-11 against Baltimore and fi nished this at-times gruelling trip 6-5. They had been 0-8-2 in their previous 10 series. The Bombers, who pulled within 2 {games of the Red Sox New York Yankees centre fielder Brett Gardner (R) is greeted by left fielder Clint Frazier following a solo-home run by Gardner during the first in the AL East, start a nine- inning against the Mariners at Safeco Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports game homestand Tuesday night against the Reds at the Stadium. Sanchez. Chapman, however, re- singles and Nelson Cruz, after got Matt Holliday to fl y to center, two-run double that made it 6-4. After rookie left-hander Caleb tired Mitch Haniger on pop up to getting ahead 3-and-0, walked extending his skid to 5-for-43. Smith, making his fi rst career second and struck out Ben Gamel, to load the bases. The Yankees retook the lead in RESULTS start, failed to get out of the a thorn all series, to end it. Smith almost recovered. He the sixth - this time for good - Dodgers ...... 5 Braves ...... 4 fourth, the bullpen took over. Gardner’s leadoff homer off struck out Kyle Seager on a full- against left-hander James Pazos, (10 innings) That sterling eff ort was led by Yovani Gallardo was the center count changeup and got Haniger another former Yankee. Cubs ...... 5 Cardinals ...... 3 Chad Green, who struck out fi elder’s 17th homer of the sea- to foul out to right. Pazos issued back-to-back Nationals ...... 6 Diamondbacks 2 three over 2 1/3 innings, giving son to match a career-best. But Gamel, dealt by the Yan- walks to Chase Headley and Orioles ...... 9 Astros ...... 7 the 26-year-old right-hander 30 Gregorius made it 2-0 with a kees to the Mariners last August Todd Frazier with one out, and Indians ...... 8 Blue Jays ...... 1 strikeouts and one earned run al- shot in the second. Gregorius’ for two minor leaguers, lined a pinch hitter Ronald Torreyes Phillies ...... 6 Brewers ...... 3 lowed over his last 20 1/3 innings. 14th homer of the season made fi rst-pitch fastball to left for a punched a single to right to load Athletics ...... 3 Mets ...... 2 Dellin Betances and David it 3-0 in the fourth and gave the two-run single that made it 3-2. the bases. Rangers ...... 6 Rays ...... 5 Robertson pitched the seventh shortstop the fi rst multi-homer Guillermo Heredia followed with Gardner’s sinking liner to left Reds ...... 6 Marlins ...... 3 and eighth, respectively and game of his career. Smith cruised a double, on a 0-and-1 change- brought in Headley to tie it at 4 Royals...... 5 White Sox ...... 4 Aroldis Chapman, though he gave through three innings but was up, into the gap in left, the two- and mercifully put an end to Pa- Yankees ...... 6 Mariners ...... 4 up a couple of hits, recorded his knocked out in a four-run fourth run double just like that giving zos’ outing. Padres ...... 5 Giants ...... 2 11th save. Kyle Seager doubled that put the Yankees behind. the Mariners a 4-3 lead. In came right-hander Tony Tigers ...... 9 Twins ...... 6 Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (No 4) calls the signals with one out and he went to third Danny Valencia and Robinson Gallardo struck out Judge and Zych to face Frazier and the rookie Rockies ...... 13 Pirates ...... 3 against the Green Bay Packers in the NFL divisional playoff s on on a passed ball charged to Gary Cano led off with back-to-back Sanchez to start the fi fth, then drilled a 1-and-1 sinker to left for a Angels ...... 3 Red Sox ...... 2 Sunday in Arlington, Texas. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

NBA Did it have to end this way for Heat with Reed?

By Ira Winderman levels of one of the NBA’s mid- Hawks, another anticipated po- if there was only to be a one-year Sun Sentinel level exceptions from which to tential landing spot, opted for deal, it had to be a deal accom- build a multi-year contract, be it Dewayne Dedmon. panied by assurances of playing the $8.4 million standard/non- That leaves three questions time. Reed received that from the he lasting image of Wil- taxpayer fi gure, the $5.2 million about this parting with Reed Clippers and Doc Rivers. lie Reed will be as the for taxpaying teams, or the $4.3 and whether enough was done It was among the reasons why lone player in tears when million granted to teams other- to keep a player who bled Heat an equal minimum-scale deal the media was granted wise utilising salary-cap space, red, white and black last season from the Heat would not have Taccess into the locker room after such as the Heat. seemingly as much as anyone been as viable. As for the salary the season-ending realisation So the Heat acted proactively, this side of Udonis Haslem: diff erence between Haslem and that there would be no playoff s amid the belief that Reed - who 1. Was Olynyk over Reed the Reed, it is a factor of tenure in the for the Miami Heat. by then had opted out of $1.6 right move? league, with both salaries count- “I really wanted it for these million for 2017-18 - deserved The league is changing. The ing the same against the 2017-18 guys,” the 6-foot-11 centre said his and would get his from a team perimeter game matters. You salary cap. as his eyes welled. without as much urgency with won’t fi nd a general manager 3. And yet the Heat’s $4.3 “It’s bigger than just basket- their salary-cap space. First the who would opt for Reed over million mid-level remains un- ball with us. We all truly care Heat pursued Gordon Hayward, Olynyk.And it’s not as if the touched? about each other. We have fun then cycled back to the deals for Heat could have skimmed much, Again, no matter the price, with each other. We hang out. James Johnson, Dion Waiters, if anything, off the combined Reed faced limited - and poten- It’s diff erent than anything I’ve Kelly Olynyk. And when the op- Olynyk-Johnson-Waiters deals tially no - playing time with the really been a part of. I love all tion was picked up on Wayne El- to carve out what they thought Heat behind Hassan Whiteside, these guys. I hate to see it end. I lington, the space was gone. would be necessary to sate Reed, Adebayo, Olynyk and possibly don’t want it to end.” Along the way, the Heat se- after his breakout season. James Johnson, when factoring And now it’s over. lected Bam Adebayo with what Plus, with the Heat envision- in undersized lineups. To a degree, shockingly over, they hope will be their last lot- ing Olynyk as an option in the Ultimately what the Heat after Reed was reduced recently tery pick for years. From the middle, that would have re- make out of that exception will to accepting a one-year, veter- outset of summer league, which duced, if not eliminated, avail- determine the prudence of going an-minimum $1.6 million deal coincided with the start of the able minutes in the middle for forward without Reed. with the Los Angeles Clippers. free-agency signing period, the Reed. Last year, by saving their mid- Through all of the “Heat Fam- big man out of Kentucky showed 2. But $2.3 million for Haslem level, the Heat were able to add ily” mantra, Pat Riley has never he would be worthy of immedi- and Reed taking $1.6 million Waiters later in free agency. It is lost sight that this also can be ate minutes as a rookie. elsewhere? an exception that can be spent -and often has to be - a cold And then the market for ghts looking for deals. This nmi couldn’t be scooped up fast slammed closed for Reed, with Apples and oranges. at anytime during the season, business. When the season end- big men dried up, leaving the was nothing like a year ago, enough. the Los Angeles Lakers’ acqui- Haslem played three games including on the buyout market ed, Reed was not alone in believ- likes of Nerlens Noel, Mason when Timofey Mozgov, Bis- Even before free agency sition of Brook Lopez. Then over the second half of the season after the February trading dead- ing he could, at worst, reach the Plumlee even Marreese Spei- mack Biyombo and Ian Mahi- started, one door already had early in free agency, the Atlanta and never complained. For Reed, line. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, July 25, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Mexico artisans handcraft gloves for boxing legends The Mexican craftsman is the owner of Cleto Reyes boxing gloves, a family firm founded by his late father in the 1940s

Alberto Reyes, son of Cleto Reyes founder of the iconic Mexican boxing gloves factory which bears his name, poses in front of a wall packed with autographed gloves at Reyes Industries headquarters in Mexico City. (AFP) A staff er of Reyes Industries works finishing protective training headgear. (AFP)

AFP to imagine in this age of mega-bouts like next ran, today aged 64. “It was one of the fi rst pairs I you’re brave.’” Reyes was traumatised for life. an old-school exercise in craft, using old-fash- Mexico City month’s “Money Fight” between boxer Floyd made,” he told AFP at one of the company’s two But he used his experience stitching baseball ioned sewing machines. Mayweather Jr. and mixed martial artist Conor factories on the outskirts of Mexico City. “When gear to patch up his damaged gloves after that A professional pair of Cleto Reyes gloves costs McGregor. “They had a contract with a diff er- I saw the fi ght, I was so excited for the company. fi ght. Soon he was making his own gloves — and 1,380 pesos ($75). n a boxing world often dominated by pro- ent company to supply the gloves, but Ali said, ‘I Then I saw the picture in the newspaper.” gained the notice of his idol Zurita, who used “They’re comfortable on the hands, which moters, self-promoters and glitz — exhibit don’t fi ght if it’s not with Cleto gloves,’” Reyes, Albarran grew up with dreams of becoming a Cleto Reyes gloves in a 1945 championship bout take less damage,” said top-tier trainer Ignacio A, Mayweather vs McGregor — Alberto 65, said in his Mexico City offi ce. boxer himself, but when he was 15 years old, his against American boxer Ike Williams. Beristain, who has coached Mexican champions Reyes likes to do things the old-fashioned The fi ght promoters agreed to let Ali use his father told him he was crazy, he said. So he went Word spread from one boxer to another that including Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricardo Iway: his company still makes gloves by hand, favourite gloves, on one condition, Reyes said: for the next best thing, in his eyes: a job making Cleto Reyes made an exceptional pair of gloves. Lopez. Cleto Reyes gloves are a source of pride just as it did for Muhammad Ali. he had to put tape over the label. But once inside gloves at Cleto Reyes. It is nearly the same story And the list of famous clients grew: Joe Louis, in Mexico. The Mexican craftsman is the owner of Cleto the ring, the fi ghter known as “The Greatest” as that of Alberto Reyes’s father, Cleto Reyes George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Ty- The factory walls are covered with pictures Reyes boxing gloves, a family fi rm founded by asked his trainer, Angelo Dundee, to take off the himself. As a young man in the 1930s, he idol- son, Evander Holyfi eld, Lennox Lewis, Oscar De of presidents, celebrities and boxing legends his late father in the 1940s whose clients have tape. The photo of a sweat-drenched Ali fending ised Mexico’s then-emerging boxers like Juan La Hoya... even Sylvester Stallone as “Rocky.” wearing them. included such legends as Ali, Manny Pacquiao off a punishing swing from Spinks — the name Zurita and Rodolfo Casanova. In those days, Alberto Reyes says the company has never Public health offi cials here recently unveiled and even the fi ctional Rocky Balboa. Reyes likes “Cleto Reyes” visibly stamped on his glove — amateurs were allowed to get in the ring and try paid a fi ghter to wear its gloves. “They use a new campaign to fi ght breast cancer — don- to tell the story of the best publicity his com- was published around the world after the former their luck — and Reyes, whose day job was mak- them because they feel safe, because they know ning bright pink pairs of Cleto Reyes gloves. pany ever received, when it made the gloves for champ, then aged 36, seized back the heavy- ing baseball gear at a local factory, did just that. they’re going to score a knockout,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to work for a company that is one of Ali’s last fi ghts: his 1978 match to reclaim weight title belt from his 25-year-old opponent. “He lasted three rounds,” said his son. “The The fi rm’s artisans start by selecting the best- internationally recognised,” said Albarran, who his heavyweight title from Leon Spinks. That particular pair of gloves was made by trainers told him, ‘Go to the gym, learn how quality leather. Then they painstakingly cut it, now stitches one of the fi rm’s other products: It was the kind of free advertising that is hard longtime Cleto Reyes employee Ruben Albar- to hold your hands. You’ve got potential and sew it and stuff it with foam and horsehair. It is punching bags.

FOCUS FORMULA ONE Japan marks three years to Tokyo Kubica to test 2017 Renault

Reuters selves to gather a great amount The 23-year-old Japanese is London of information,” Renault’s F1 currently a test and develop- Olympics 2020 as issues linger managing director Cyril Abit- ment driver with Honda-pow- eboul said in a statement. “The ered McLaren, focusing on work AFP olish driver Robert Kubi- upcoming session with the R.S.17 in the simulator. Sauber are due Tokyo ca, whose career looked at the Hungaroring will allow us to switch to Honda power next over when he partially all to obtain detailed and precise season, although that deal has severed his forearm in a data in a current car and repre- been thrown into doubt by recent apan yesterday marked three years P2011 rally accident, will test Re- sentative conditions. management changes at the team before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with nault’s current Formula One car “After this test, we will care- and reports that no fi nal contract celebrations and fanfare — even as on Aug. 2 in Hungary, the French fully analyse the collected in- was signed. Matsushita also com- organisers struggle to contain soaring manufacturer said yesterday. formation to determine in what petes in the Formula Two support costsJ and restore credibility. Renault described the deci- conditions it would be possible series for the ART team, which is Japanese celebrities and athletes dressed sion as a “a new phase in as- for Robert to return to compe- run by newly-appointed Sauber in bright kimonos gathered for the launch sessing Kubica’s capabilities.” tition in the upcoming years.” principal Frederic Vasseur. of a remake of a popular 1964 Tokyo Olym- The 32-year-old returned to the Kubica won the 2008 Canadian “I am pleased that Nobuharu pics song, as organisers promised to turn the cockpit in Renault’s 2012 car in Grand Prix with BMW-Sauber has this great opportunity. He 2020 Games into the biggest “natsu mat- June and had a second test earlier and joined Renault in 2010. His deserves the experience of his suri” (summer festival) ever. this month. arm injury, in a rally he entered fi rst test in a Formula One car,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, clad in a The in-season test in Hungary for fun in Italy, came before the said the Frenchman Vasseur in white traditional Japanese “happi” coat, will be Kubica’s fi rst time driv- start of the 2011 season. a team statement. “Ever since attended a fl ag ceremony at city hall. “We ing a current F1 car and is the his debut in Formula Two with have only three years left,” Koike said at clearest sign yet that he is being SAUBER F1 TEAM TO GIVE ART Grand Prix, I have been fol- the evening event at which cutting-edge considered for a race comeback, TEST DRIVE TO MATSUSHITA lowing his progress closely, and projection mapping illustrating Tokyo was amid speculation that he could Honda protege Nobuharu Mat- have watched him advance his shown. “I hope to lead the Olympics to suc- replace Britain’s Jolyon Palmer, sushita will have his fi rst expe- performance from year to year. cess with all of you,” she told the audience. who is yet to score a point in 10 rience of driving a Formula One “With this Formula One test, The International Olympic Committee, races this season. car when he tests with Sauber in he comes one step closer to his fearful that ballooning budgets could see fu- “The fi rst two days of testing Hungary next week, the Swiss- dream of becoming an F1 driver ture Olympic bids dry up, last month praised allowed both Robert and our- based team said. one day.” local organisers for slashing costs. Koike last year ordered a review of the budget which recommended revised plans to reduce costs Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike waves the Olympic flag during a ceremony marking three projected to rise to more than $25bn — four years to go before the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games at the Tokyo Metropolitan times the initial estimates when Tokyo won Assembly Building yesterday. (AFP) the 2020 hosting rights. Tokyo organisers have since slashed costs to around $13bn champion Naoko Takahashi at the start. A While the two Koreas technically remain but have otherwise largely failed to inspire surfi ng exhibition by pros took place at the at war, Moon, who came to power in May, confi dence since the city beat Madrid and Tsurigasaki beach venue in Chiba — an hour has pledged to engage the North in dialogue Istanbul in its bid to host the Games for a outside Tokyo — where the sport will make as well as bring pressure to impede its nu- second time. Progress on the fi nancial front its Olympic debut in 2020. clear and missile programmes. comes after a rocky start when the initial North Korea claimed to have conducted rollout of the centrepiece Olympic stadium DOOR TO PYEONGCHANG STILL OPEN the fi rst test of an intercontinental ballistic was bungled, forcing Prime Minister Shinzo FOR N KOREA, SAYS MOON missile earlier this month, and said it had Robert Kubica. Abe in 2015 to tear up the blueprints amid South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in said mastered the technology to mount a nuclear public anger over its price tag. yesterday the North will be given until the warhead on the missile. A new and cheaper plan was unveiled lat- very last minute to decide on its partici- Moon urged the North to participate and er that year. More embarrassment followed pation at next year’s Winter Olympics in said the international sporting community when the original Games logo was scrapped Pyeongchang. would welcome it at the Games. “We will following allegations of plagiarism. But the Moon, speaking as the countdown to not rush nor be pessimistic, but will keep focus on Monday was on building up enthu- Asia’s fi rst Winter Olympics outside Japan the doors open until the very last moment,” siasm for Tokyo’s hosting of the Games. ticked down to 200 days, has been keen to Yonhap News quoted Moon as saying. Other events held across Japan included get North Korea involved in the Feb. 9-25 “The International Olympic Commit- a 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) running and event, despite none of its athletes meeting tee too has opened the doors for North Ko- cycling relay from the northern prefecture the qualifi cation standards. His proposal for rea’s participation, and now all that is left of Aomori to Tokyo. The route took in areas a unifi ed team has already been shot down is North Korea’s decision.” The IOC said hit by the deadly 2011 tsunami and the event by a top North Korean sports offi cial as un- earlier this month that it was trying to fi nd featured 2000 Sydney Olympics marathon realistic due to the current political climate. ways for North Korean athletes to take part. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 25, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT QATAR STARS LEAGUE

Umm Salal ink deal for is a graduate of the Aspire Qatar’s Zaidan programme. The injection of pace brought QSL side Umm Salal have con- forward by al-Saadi on the firmed that they have signed right wing will strengthen the Qatari goalkeeper Basil Zaidan Lions’ attacking line up as they Man United defeat from Muaither on a one-year look to have a positive season deal with an extension option. ahead. Michael Laudrup’s men The experienced 36-year-old are currently on a preseason joins the Orange Fortress and training camp in Holland and will most likely be the second will return to Doha on the 15th choice goalkeeper behind of August. Baba Malick. Zaidan made some crucial saves and cap- Tresor joins Al Ahli on Real Madrid on tained Muaither last season loan from Al Duhail however they were relegated to the second division after a QSL side Al Ahli have con- diff icult campaign. firmed that they have complet- Umm Salal continue to train in ed a season long loan deal for Doha ahead of their pre-sea- Qatari defender Mohammed son training camp in Holland Tresor from Al Duhail. which runs from the 10th to The Qatari international has penalty kicks the 27th of August. ten caps for the national team and will be a valuable addition Al Rayyan sign to the Al Ahli defence. Tresor ‘We managed to organise the pre-season in a way where we were based in LA for 15 al-Saadi joins new signings Moham- med Mubarak, Fran Sandaza days. It’s fantastic to always be in the same hotel, same training ground’ QSL side Al Rayyan have and Hamoud Yazidi as the off icially announced the sign- Brigadiers are in the process ing of Qatari winger Ahmed of rebuilding their team under al-Saadi from Al Duhail. the guidance of their new Al-Saadi played for Al Ahli last head coach Joaquín Caparrós. season on loan from Al Duhail Al Ahli continues to train in and has now signed a season Doha ahead of their pre-sea- long deal with Al Rayyan. The son training camp in Holland young Qatari is also a part which runs from the 2nd to the of the Qatar U23 team and 22nd of August.

Confed Cup dope tests said it had been notified by tax all negative — FIFA authorities of an amended tax assessment for 2006 after the All of the near 1,000 sam- federation’s non-profit status ples involving players at the for that year was withdrawn. Confederations Cup were The DFB board and its legal ad- negative, FIFA announced visers believe the decision will yesterday. still be overturned on appeal. FIFA said a total of 379 tests DFB treasurer Stephan and 854 player samples were Osnabruegge said in Frank- collected in what it called the furt Monday that “we are largest anti-doping programme convinced that the factual in Confed Cup history. situation does not justify new “All participating players tax assessments.” were tested...in unannounced The DFB has already spent 7.11 controls and, additionally, two million euros on investigating players per team were tested the World Cup payment aff air by FIFA anti-doping off icers including legal costs for an in- after each of the competition’s vestigation and report by the 16 matches,” a statement an- law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus nounced. Deringer. During the World Cup warm- up fresh allegations surfaced Danish goalkeeper of doping in Russian football. Sorensen retires aft er Canadian lawyer Richard 24 long seasons McLaren, the author of WADA’s explosive report into Former Denmark international Russian doping, told German goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen broadcaster ARD he has new said yesterday he is retiring evidence suggesting that posi- from professional football af- tive tests taken from Russian ter a playing career spanning Manchester United forward Anthony Martial (right) celebrates with midfielder Jesse Lingard after Lingard scored a goal during the International Champions Cup. players were swopped with 24 years. clean samples. A veteran of over 350 matches AFP “Obviously, we want more consistency Hernandez in the area and Casemiro no risk in friendly matches. If you feel McLaren said WADA had in the English Premier League Santa Clara in his talent,” said Mourinho. “I think smashed home the resulting spot-kick. that something is coming, a little injury, seized 155 samples from 2018 with Sunderland, Aston today was positive for him. That’s why I Zidane said he was “satisfi ed” with the then get off . The result is not important.” World Cup hosts Russia for Villa and Stoke City, Sorensen left him for 90 minutes on the pitch. He performance, particularly the contribu- Herrera is expected to join Juan Mata re-testing. played 101 times for the Dan- ose Mourinho has challenged An- was enjoying it, trying things and it’s im- tion of the club’s hot prospects. on the treatment table when United A British media report claimed ish national team. thony Martial to produce the goods portant in these friendly matches to try But when asked about the depth of his round off their Stateside pre-season tour FIFA is investigating if Russia’s The 41-year-old ends his on a more consistent basis after things, which he did. squad and whether he was chasing a re- against Barcelona tomorrow. 2014 World Cup squad were career after two seasons with the Manchester United frontman “That’s only good for his confi dence.” placement for the departed Alvaro Mor- part of a state-run doping Melbourne City in Australia’s caughtJ the eye against Real Madrid. On the stroke of half-time, Martial’s ata, Zidane was cautious at being drawn ‘HAPPY WITH OUR PRE-SEASON’ scheme, but no players from A-League, where he was Martial produced a scintillating weav- quick feet saw him leave both Daniel over any transfer business. But despite a hectic period of fi ve games the finals three years ago in named the league’s goal- ing run to set up Jesse Lingard’s open- Carvajal and Luka Modric for dead, be- “I’ve talked to the president, but we in the space of 12 days, Mourinho feels Brazil returned a positive test. keeper of the year in his first ing goal in United’s 1-1 draw against Real fore squaring the ball across the six-yard have a roster of 28 players and I’m happy,” the trip has been benefi cial. season. in the International Champions Cup at box for Lingard to tap home. said the Real boss. “Ultimately, we will “We managed to organise the pre-sea- Inter beat Lyon in “It was a very challenging Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, al- It was just reward for Lingard after see. We have until August 31, but I have son in a way where we were based in LA preseason friendly decision, but after reflecting beit the French international blazed over he was the best player on the pitch dur- not asked for any (players).” for 15 days,” he added. “It’s fantastic to on my career and my achieve- from the spot in the penalty shootout ing the fi rst half, only a smart save from United won 2-1 in a desperately low always be in the same hotel, same train- A bumpy pitch and hot ments to this point, I knew the that followed the draw. Keylor Navas keeping out a swerving shot quality penalty shootout at the conclu- ing ground. The fl ights were quite short weather took the shine off time was right, both mentally The 21-year-old shone during his im- from 25 yards in the seventh minute. sion of the encounter, but it was an injury to go to Salt Lake, Houston. Inter Milan’s 1-0 victory over and physically,” Sorensen said pressive debut campaign at Old Traff ord In their fi rst pre-season outing, Real to midfi elder Ander Herrera which was “Now we go to (Washington) and that’s Lyon yesterday in a pre-sea- in a statement. under Louis van Gaal two years ago, yet were understandably rusty during the preying on Mourinho’s mind afterwards. halfway home, almost. son friendly held in China. “I’ve been in a privileged posi- struggled under Mourinho last season — fi rst half, but they improved signifi cantly The half-time substitute lasted just “In terms of jet lag, it’s halfway home. The match at Nanjing Olympic tion to play the game I love prompting speculation that he could be after Zinedine Zidane changed his entire seven minutes before he was forced off These next three days in DC are not a Sports Centre — home of Chi- and enjoy a career of over on the move this summer. 11 at the interval and introduced a host of with a rib injury. problem. After that, we have two more nese Super League’s Jiangsu 20 years, which has included But after Martial looked back to his youngsters. “For him to come off , it has to be very matches to play in Norway and Ireland. Suning — saw both sides many highlights and I will best, Mourinho admitted that talent is They drew level when Victor Lindelof painful,” Mourinho said. “I want to wait Travelling in the same day, short fl ights. struggle with the poor surface look back on my career very not the issue for the United forward. brought down summer signing Theo and see what it is but I always say there’s I’m really happy with our pre-season.” and humidity. fondly.” The city’s weather bureau Sorensen’s focus will now shift issued a red heatwave alert to cycling as he organises WOMEN: EURO 2017 earlier in the day, ordering all the “Ride for Kids” — a 3,500 outdoor work in the city to kilometre (2,175 mile) bike be stopped as temperatures ride in February next year in hit 39 degrees Celsius (102 Australia to raise money for a degrees Fahrenheit), although children’s charity. the mercury dropped by the start of the match. Cassano leaves Verona England edge closer to quarters Inter pulled ahead in the 75th but vows to continue minute when Joao Mario playing football AFP spirit, the resilience, the grit... It clear. broke down the right flank. Breda, Netherlands was all there tonight.” Scottish substitute Erin The Portuguese midfielder Former Italy international A frantic opening period Cuthbert put Scotland level in squared the ball to an un- striker Antonio Cassano con- saw England skipper Steph the 68th minute with a clinical marked Stevan Jovetic, who firmed yesterday he has quit ran Kirby and Jodie Tay- Houghton slam the ball over fi nish after being put through by scored the only goal of the Verona just two weeks after lor handed England a and Spain’s Alexia Putellas send Caroline Weir. match. joining the Serie A club. 2-0 win over Spain in a a weak shot straight at keeper But Scotland’s joy was short- After the final whistle, the The 35-year-old, renowned for Fgame marred by heavy Karen Bardsley. lived as four minutes later, Leite Inter players held up a banner his volatile behaviour, signed rain in Breda on Sunday, to make It came to an end with a tor- sprinted down the middle and in Chinese that read: “All of the for Verona on July 10 but just it back-to-back victories at the rential downpour that damp- beat goalkeeper Gemma Fay world is one family - thank you a week later said he was retir- women’s Euro tournament. ened the pitch and slowed things with a low strike. for your support” in front of a ing, before doing a dramatic Earlier in the day, Carolina down considerably with Spain “We are enjoying this moment delighted crowd. U-turn hours later. Mendes and substitute Ana Leite on the front foot. – it is our fi rst time,” said Portu- China retailing giant Sun- And just days later Cassano, gave Portugal a 2-1 win over The second half was very gal coach Francisco Neto, whose ing bankrolls Inter, having who won 39 caps for Italy, has Scotland in a clash of Euro new- much in the same vein as the rain side will need to better Spain’s snapped up a majority stake now decided to go through comers in Rotterdam. returned – Spain dominated the result against Scotland when in the celebrated Italian club with his threat to leave the England are all but into game, pushing for an equaliser, they face England on Thursday last year. Serie A club. the quarter-fi nals and sit at but they never really came close to reach the last eight. “I’ve no intention of quit- the Group D summit, having as the soaked pitch hampered “We will try our best, but we German federation ting football. Simply I can’t thrashed Scotland 6-0 in their their play. know England are in the top facing huge tax bill in continue with Hellas Verona,” opener. England’s forward Jodie Taylor (R) celebrates with teammates after “We dominated the whole three of European teams in the World Cup aff air Cassano wrote on the Twitter The second knock-out round scoring a goal during UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 match. game but we weren’t lucky,” said rankings. But Portugal will fi ght account of his wife Carolina. spot is likely to go to Spain or Spain coach Jorge Vilda. with everything we have, for The German football federa- “Physically I feel good... but Portugal, with the former the Chelsea striker Kirby picked in two games fi ve minutes from “We are going to continue this sure.” tion DFB is facing a 26-million- mentally I’m not stimulated to favourites as they take on bot- up a pass from Ellie White in the the end, after a pass from Jordan way, I am confi dent about my Portugal scored from their sin- euro (30-million-dollar) tax continue with the club.” tom team Scotland in their fi nal second minute and stormed into Nobbs found her inside the box. team.” gle shot in the fi rst half, despite bill amid investigations into Cassano, who hasn’t played group game on Thursday. the box, beating Spain keeper “If you look at the overall pic- In Rotterdam, Mendes scored Scotland being more threaten- a payment around the 2006 since his release from The Scots appear destined for Sandra Panos with a low shot to ture, it’s a fantastic performance against the run of play on 27 ing up front, with Lana Clelland World Cup. Sampdoria in January, joined an early exit, and will have to score her seventh international and a really good result,” said minutes after a cross from Diana fi rst fi ring wide and then seeing In its financial report for the Verona after the club secured beat Spain by two goals to have goal. England coach Mark Sampson. Silva which Scotland defender her shot tipped onto the post by 2016 business year, the DFB promotion back to Serie A. any chance of progressing. Taylor scored her fourth goal “Bloody damn happy. The Vaila Barsley comically failed to keeper Patricia Morais. Tuesday, July 25, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT TRANSFER SAGA Neymar staying at Barcelona, says Moneybags Man teammate Pique

AFP Washington

razilian superstar striker City bank on their Neymar will stay with Barcelona, according to teammate Gerard Pique, Bwho posted a Twitter message on the striker’s status Sunday. Spanish international de- fender Pique indicated the South American maestro would con- costly wide boys tinue at Camp Nou by tweeting a photo of Neymar with the cap- Mendy became the latest to arrive at the Etihad Stadium for a reported 49 million tion “He’s staying.” The message came hours af- pounds, joining Danilo (signed from Real Madrid) and Kyle Walker (from Tottenham) ter Neymar gave Barcelona fans a dazzling reminder of what Monaco’s Mendy completes he brings, the talisman scor- File picture of Barca’s Neymar . record Man City move ing twice as the Spanish giants defeated Juventus 2-1 in a pre- Barcelona manager Ernesto Monaco full-back Benjamin Mendy yes- season friendly Saturday in New Valverde swatted down talk of terday signed a mega five-year contract Jersey. Neymar departing to France on with Manchester City making him the The 25-year-old Brazilian su- Friday, dismissing “rumours” world’s most expensive defender. perstar is at the centre of fren- while saying the squad wants The 23-year-old, who joined the French zied speculation linking him to him to stay for years to come. champions from Marseille last summer, a world record 222-million-euro “This is a time of rumours. We has agreed a deal reported to be worth ($256.8 million) transfer to Paris understand it’s how it is,” Val- a record £52 million (58 million euros, Saint-Germain. verde said. “He is with us right $67 million) for a defender. French newspaper Le Parisien now. One of us. It’s a player we The France player will link up with reported on its website late Sun- love and we want. Not only foot- his new teammates in the United day that the transfer of Neymar ball-wise, but also for the things States where Pep Guardiola’s side are to PSG could be made offi cial in he brings to the locker room. preparing for their second pre-season the next few days. “It’s only rumours. There’s no tour game against Real Madrid. And ESPN’s website reported, need to worry about something “I am absolutely delighted to be citing an unnamed source, that we don’t know if it’s going to joining Manchester City,” Mendy said. Neymar had no idea why Pique happen or not. If it happens in “They are one of Europe’s leading tweeted the photo and message. the future, we’ll see. But no need clubs and in Pep Guardiola they have The report also said sources to worry about it now.” a manager committed to playing at- had Neymar wanting to move to Barcelona, with Neymar set to tacking football. the French club and agreeing to be in the lineup, play a pre-sea- “I am sure that over the next few terms on a deal for at least four son friendly against Manchester years we will be successful.” years. United tomorrow at Washington. Tottenham’s Kyle Walker and goal- keeper Ederson are the other players to join a new-look City backline with PREPARATION Mendy’s Monaco teammate Bernardo Silva coming in to bolster midfield. Guardiola was desperate to add Mendy to his full-back options after releasing Conte drives Chelsea, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta this summer, but City’s original £44.5 million ($55.7 million, 49.7 million sensing rivals will euros) off er was rejected. Mendy made his France debut in a 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over make it harder Luxembourg in March, and won Ligue 1 in his first season with Monaco. Reuters Man City finished third in the Premier Singapore League last season behind champions Chelsea and Tottenham. This file photo shows Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy in action during the Champions League match against Fenerbahce. helsea manager Antonio Conte is putting his play- Reuters nullify the opposition winger, now he is a “Benjamin has all the qualities we are 34, and Gael Clichy, 31, on the bench — a ers through a rigorous London focal point of attack too, with Guardiola looking for in a full back,” City’s director quartet with a combined age of 128. pre-season training cam- banking on this trio’s ability to deliver of football, Txiki Begiristain said yester- “We don’t have full backs to go up and paignC as the English champions chances for his equally expensive strikers. day. “For such a young player, he has a down, up and down, because all of them sense rivals will now only be more othing refl ects the evolution For Monaco, French international wealth of top-level experience. are 33, 34 years old, so I adapt with the committed to toppling them. of football’s modern full back Mendy completed fi ve assists in Ligue 1 “He is undoubtedly one of the world’s quality of players,” said Guardiola, who “Obviously, as we are champi- more than Manchester City’s and three in the Champions League last best full backs, our number one target in became so exasperated that he even ex- ons of the Premier League, every decision to spend around 120 season, fi gures that suggest more goals this position.” perimented with midfi elder Fernandinho team we face will want to beat us Nmillion pounds ($156.35 million) on buy- should now fl ow from Guardiola’s prob- City are almost certain to rotate their there. more than before,” Chelsea de- ing three in 10 days — with a fourth pos- lem left side. full backs, with Danilo, who can play on All four of City’s recognised full backs fender Cesar Azpilicueta told re- sibly on the way. Perhaps only City would pay such a both sides, acting as a cover for Mendy from last season have now departed with porters yesterday. “So we know Benjamin Mendy became the latest to fee — four times the amount Monaco and Walker. Guardiola’s class of 2017-18 primed to it’s going to be harder.” Chelsea coach Antonio Conte. arrive at the Etihad Stadium yesterday paid Marseille for the 23-year-old just 12 Guardiola is also reported to be in the form a dazzling wide link with Leroy Which is why Conte is de- for a reported 49 million pounds, join- months ago — but Mendy’s pace, tech- market for another right back to com- Sane, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo termined to ensure they hit the “We will make sure we are ful- ing Danilo, signed from Real Madrid for nique and intelligence were major factors plete a very expensive set. Silva, another new signing from Monaco. ground running in defence of ly committed to all competitions 26 million pounds on Sunday, and Kyle in the French side’s success last season. Last season City’s full back problems With Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, their title. After their 2015 tri- next season.” Walker, a 45 million pound buy from Tot- Guardiola, who witnessed Mendy’s frustrated Guardiola, who cited his lack Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva in the umph, Chelsea made a woeful Conte is happy to have new tenham Hotspur earlier this month. worth close up in Monaco’s Champions of options as the excuse for City’s inabil- middle, City threaten goals all over the start to the following season, signing Alvaro Morata in Singa- In making these signings, City’s man- League knockout win over City last sea- ity to break down neighbours United in pitch, assuming Guardiola can knit his with manager Jose Mourinho pore and believes the 24-year- ager Pep Guardiola has both reshaped his son, has persuaded his paymasters to fork April’s goalless Manchester derby. talents together. losing his job before the side old will be a success in England. defence and provided an exciting new out serious money for a player who could On that occasion Guardiola named If he can’t, City may have just made stuttered to a 10th-place fi nish. “He is a young player with a range of options out wide. make his debut against Real Madrid in 32-year-old Pablo Zabaleta and Ale- the most expensive mistake in football Conte took over prior to last lot of experience. He can make Where once the full back’s job was to Los Angeles tomorrow. ksandar Kolarov, 31, with Bacary Sagna, history. season and after guiding the side a big impact in the Premier to the title in his maiden cam- League. Yes, it is a diff erent type paign, the Italian is determined to of football compared to where GOLD CUP ensure his squad is in the best pos- he has played previously, but he sible shape ahead of their season- is strong and ready for the chal- opener against Burnley on Aug. 12. lenge,” Conte said. “We have to work really hard Morata’s fellow Spanish strik- and prepare in the right way for er Pedro has left the tour, how- next season,” Conte said. ever, after suff ering a fractured “Being back in the Champions cheekbone in Chelsea’s 3-0 win Jamaicans stun Mexico, book League is great for us and right over Arsenal in Beijing on Satur- for the club,” he added on the day after colliding with opposing eve of a match against German goalkeeper David Ospina. champions Bayern Munich. “The Pedro injury is worse “The players are all enthusias- than we thought,” Conte added. fi nal berth against USA tic to be in this tournament. It is “We were hoping it was just a AFP them to a goal-less draw earlier in September. an extra competition compared concussion but we discovered he Los Angeles this month in the group stage. Mexico leads the six-team to last season but we are working has a fracture. He will be fi tted “El Tri” trailed for the fi rst CONCACAF qualifying table really hard to prepare the team in with a facemask and hopefully time in the tournament when with four wins and two draws for the right way and fi nd a good fi t he can be back working with us emar Lawrence scored Lawrence chipped in the im- 14 points. as soon as possible. in 10 days.” in the 88th minute to pressive shot from 25 metres out “We want to go to a World Cup give Jamaica a shock- off a free kick set up by Hugo Ay- and transcend,” Paez said. “We ing 1-0 upset of de- ala’s foul on Jamaican substitute are very close to going.” Rooney can lead Everton to new level: Koeman Kfending champion Mexico on Michael Binns. Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Sunday in a CONCACAF Gold Mexico goalkeeper Jose Co- Blake was credited with fi ve saves, Everton manager Ronald certainly the young players to Cup semi-fi nal match. rona was planted too far left to among his most impressive a two- Koeman says their new show them what you need to The 24-year-old fullback make a play on the ball, tucked fi sted stop in the 65th minute off a signing Wayne Rooney has do to reach that high standard for Major League Soccer’s New just under the crossbar near the Mexico free kick by Jesus Gallar- already made a huge impact of football. York Red Bulls expertly curled far corner of the woodwork. do, whose line drive rocket from on the squad and believes the “That means he needs to be a a left-footed free kick around The seven-time champions just beyond the penalty area was England captain’s experience leader off the pitch and if I see the Mexico wall and just under pressured Jamaica to the fi nish knocked away and cleared by the could lead the Merseyside how he’s working and what the crossbar to deliver Jamaica a but could not net the equaliser. Reggae Boyz backline. club to new heights. he’s doing with all the players stunner at the Rose Bowl. “We had the illusion of giving Time and again, Jamaica’s Rooney, who is the record it’s really what we want.” The Reggae Boyz advanced a victory to the Mexican fans,” shut-down defensive unit de- scorer for the national team, With Koeman hoping to to face the host United States Paez said. “What we lacked was nied Mexico, Rodolfo Pizarro returned to his first club after sustain a challenge in both the in Wednesday’s championship Jamaica celebrate the goal scored by forward Kemar Lawrence effi ciency. coming away empty in the 75th 13 years with Manchester Premier League and Europe match at Santa Clara, California. (second left) against Mexico during the second half at Rose Bowl. “Jamaica gave priority to the minute wide of the far post United and was Koeman’s during the upcoming season, The US squad beat Costa Rica defensive. Things were miss- and Blake thwarting a Gallardo sixth signing in the current the Dutchman believes they 2-0 in a Saturday semi-fi nal. “The football of Mexico has we all have to do self-criticism ing to score goals. We look for header in the 81st minute. transfer window. have added plenty of quality Despite sending most of their to rise from this fall,” he said. and refl ections. This is a process all the sides, as it is necessary to Jamaica’s best chance before “He has a lot of experience,” to the squad. “I’m really happy best players to Russia for the “There will be an individual and we all have to improve.” look for the goals. The eff ort was the game winner came in the Koeman told the club website with how the new players Confederations Cup, the Mexi- and collective analysis as well as It was only the third-ever vic- made, we were effi cient, but not 78th minute, a spinning header (www.evertonfc.com). have settled in,” Koeman add- cans saw the dismal result as a self-criticism. tory for Jamaica over Mexico as eff ective to solve.” toward the bottom left corner “He is an important player ed. “They have great futures reason for soul-searching and “We have to make adjust- the Reggae Boyz avenged a 3-1 The Mexican squad will now of the goal by Jamaica’s Damion on the pitch but also impor- at Everton and provide the self-examination, acting man- ments. We’re determined to give loss to the Mexicans in the 2015 return its attention to World Lowe batted away by Corona’s tant for his team mates and quality we need to improve.” ager Luis Pompilio Paez said. out best. When we do not win, Gold Cup fi nal after battling Cup qualifying, which resumes right hand.