| Page 2 FFOOTBALL|OOTBALL Page 6 Captain Cook Rooney still glad to get key to ’s To Advertise here ‘carried along’ plans, says new Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 with Root coach Allardyce

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 ROAD TO RIO Shawwal 22, 1437 AH Phelps still GULF TIMES the big fi sh in the pool at Olympics SPORT Page 5

TENNIS DECISION Federer to miss to introduce Olympics and racial quotas for teams

Reuters ‘In the past we had never set rest of season Cape Town targets in our national teams but with changing circumstances we feel it is essential to move ‘The doctors advised that if I want to play on the ATP World Tour injury free ricket South Africa (CSA) will with the times’ formally introduce racial quotas for another few years, as I intend to do, I must give both my knee and body at national team level, the board The one-day international side that said yesterday. defeated by 47 runs in the tri- the proper time to fully recover. It is tough to miss the rest of the year’ CThe organisation has come under fi re series competition in the West Indies in from the South African government for June had eight players of colour for the Reuters with Stan Wawrinka in 2008. a lack of transformation in its national fi rst time ever. CSA have already intro- London “The love I have for tennis, the teams, leading to a ban on bidding for duced quotas for the country’s domes- competition, tournaments and... the international tournaments that will be tic franchise competitions where teams fans remains intact. I am as moti- reviewed next year. must fi eld at least six players of colour, oger Federer has pulled vated as ever and plan to put all my President Chris Nenzani said in a including three black African players. out of the Rio Olympics and energy towards coming back strong, statement CSA will seek to “move with South Africa’s sports minister Fikile will miss the rest of the sea- healthy and in shape to play attack- the times” and set a minimum number Mbalula has been critical of what he son, including the US Open, ing tennis in 2017.” of black players to be selected in all their says is the slow rate of transformation Rbecause he needs “more extensive Until May this year, Federer had national teams. He added that these in the country’s major sporting codes, rehabilitation” to prolong his career appeared in 65 successive grand slam “targets” would be calculated over a year bar football. The country has seen great- after knee surgery earlier this year. tournaments and the last time he was and not apply on a match-by-match ba- er participation among black players Last month he described how “one absent from one of the four majors sis. across most sports at junior level despite stupid move” sparked a chain of bad was at the 1999 US Open. “In the past we had never set targets the challenge of providing adequate luck — which resulted in left knee When he reached the last four at in our national teams but with changing school facilities in poorer districts. surgery in February and sitting out Wimbledon, which included win- circumstances we feel it is essential to But Mbalula wants to see this refl ect- the French Open with a back injury — ning a fi ve-set thriller in the quarter- move with the times,” Nenzani said. ed quicker at national team level and culminating in yesterday’s decision fi nals against Marin Cilic, it appeared “The precise targets will depend on in April slammed the federations from to end his wretched season. as if Federer’s injury woes were fi nal- work to be undertaken by relevant com- rugby, cricket, netball and athletics for “I’m extremely disappointed to ly behind him and his absence from mittees to determine what is realistic failing to meet what he says were agreed announce that I will not be able to the French Open was a one off . and sustainable. This will be announced to targets on transformation. represent Switzerland at the Olym- However, he was clearly rattled in due course.” The Proteas had already He banned them from bidding for pic Games in Rio and that I will also when he landed heavily on his left been seeking to introduce more black or hosting international events until miss the remainder of the season,” knee after rolling his ankle during players into teams in all for- they met their targets, with a review of the 17-times grand slam champion the fi fth set of his semi-fi nal defeat mats and have done so with some suc- this decision scheduled for this coming said on his Facebook page. by Candaian Milos Raonic at Wim- cess. April. “Considering all options after bledon. consulting with my doctors and my Although Federer, who was left team, I have made the very diffi cult sprawled face down on the turf fol- Ashwin regains number one spot in Test rankings decision to call an end to my 2016 lowing the fall, got up to complete season as I need more extensive reha- the match, he was worried about the Dubai: off -spinner Ravichan- Ashwin, who also tops the all-round- bilitation following my knee surgery long term eff ects on his knee. “I just dran Ashwin dethroned ’s ers ranking, is followed by England’s earlier this year. hope with the slip I had in the fi fth, Yasir Shah to top the International James Anderson and Stuart Broad, “The doctors advised that if I want I’m going to be fi ne... I hope I didn’t Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test rank- who both moved up one place respec- to play on the ATP World Tour injury hurt myself,” the world number three ings after his match-winning display tively. free for another few years, as I intend said at the time. against West Indies in the first test. Joe Root’s magnificent 254 in the to do, I must give both my knee and “Is it (the pain) a three-day thing, The 29-year-old picked up figures of 330-run victory against Pakistan has body the proper time to fully recov- is it a 24-hour thing or is it more? I 7-83 in the second innings as the visi- helped him move into the second er. It is tough to miss the rest of the don’t know at this point. tors cruised to an innings-and-92 runs place in the test rankings for batsmen, year.” “With the body that’s been playing victory inside four days in Antigua. behind Australian Steve Smith, who For much of his career, the former running a bath for his twin daughters 2012 silver medallist’s hopes of ever up this year, I just hope I’m going to Leg spinner Yasir, who became the retains top spot. world number one had been blessed following his Australian Open semi- winning an Olympic singles title. be fi ne.” first Pakistani bowler in 20 years to England’s test skipper Alastair Cook, with a body that seemed bullet-proof fi nal loss, means he would have gone “The silver lining is that this expe- It seems his worst fears were re- top the test rankings, dropped to fifth also moved back into the top 10 at against the aches, pains and injuries a whole season without a title for the rience has made me realise how lucky alised yesterday as he called time on after managing just one in the ninth place on the back of a century suff ered by most top athletes. fi rst time since 2000. I have been throughout my career his season after appearing in only second test defeat against England at and an unbeaten 76 in the second But one false move by the man Now aged 34, yesterday’s an- with very few injuries,” said Federer, seven tournaments and with a 21-7 Old Traff ord. Test. known for his gliding footwork, while nouncement also probably ended the who won an Olympic doubles gold win-loss record.

CRICKET Aussies skittle out Lanka for 117 in fi rst Test

AFP SCOREBOARD sunny day, but Australia made early in- play. I thought if we bowl well, which we runs are going to be very crucial for us,” Pallekele, Sri Lanka roads as they reduced the hosts to 84 for did, we would get a few early,” Hazlewood said. Australia were soon in Sri Lanka 1st innings 4-21-3, O’Keefe 10.2-3-32-2, Lyon 3-0-12-3 fi ve at lunch. Hazlewood told reporters. trouble themselves in their fi rst innings, D. Karunaratne lbw b Starc ...... 5 Australia 1st innings They only needed a further 6.2 overs Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe losing both openers cheaply. n unbroken stand of 59 be- K. Silva c Voges b Hazlewood ...... 4 J. Burns b Herath ...... 3 in the second session to fi nish off the claimed the prized wicket of Math- Vice captain David Warner went for tween Steve Smith and Usman K. Mendis lbw b Hazlewood ...... 8 D. Warner b Pradeep ...... 0 batting line-up, with the wickets evenly ews, caught at fi rst slip by his opposite a duck, surviving for just four deliveries Khawaja placed Australia in D. Chandimal c Nevill b Hazlewood ...15 U. Khawaja ...... 25 spread between their fast bowlers and number Smith. before dragging Nuwan Pradeep onto fi rm command of their open- A. Mathews c Smith b O’Keefe ...... 15 S. Smith not out ...... 28 spinners. Debutant Dhananjaya de Silva scored the stumps after being out of action for Aing Test against Sri Lanka after the hosts Extras Mitchell Starc, returning after eight a battling 24 but only four other Sri six weeks with a broken left index fi nger. D. de Silva c Burns b Lyon ...... 24 : (b 4, lb 6) ...... 10 were bowled out for just 117 yesterday. K. Perera b Lyon ...... 20 Total: (2 wickets, 20 overs)...... 66 months of injury, drew fi rst blood for Lankans made it into double fi gures. Joe Burns made only three before When rain forced an early end to play D. Perera lbw b Lyon...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Warner), 2-7 the visitors when he trapped Dimuth Even though he only bowled three being bowled by the veteran Rangana on the fi rst day in Pallekele, Australia R. Herath lbw b Starc ...... 6 (Burns) Karunaratne lbw for fi ve in the fi fth overs, Nathan Lyon took three Sri Herath, leaving Australia wobbling on were 66 for two, with skipper Smith L. Sandakan not out ...... 19 Bowling: Pradeep 5-3-3-1, Herath 6-2- over, prompting the opener to call for an Lankan wickets to vindicate Smith’s seven for two. (28) and his partner Khawaja (25) ram- N. Pradeep c Smith b O’Keefe ...... 0 15-1, Dilruwan Perera 4-1-19-0, Sandakan unsuccessful review. decision to pick both him and O’Keefe But Smith and Khawaja steadily went ming home the advantage forged by Extras: (lb 1) ...... 1 2-1-13-0, Mathews 3-1-6-0 Josh Hazlewood, bowling with pace — who picked up two scalps in only his about staging a recovery and by the their bowlers. Total: (all out 34.2 overs) ...... 117 To bat: A. Voges, M. Marsh. P. Neville, S and variety, then trapped Kusal Mendis third Test. close, Australia were only 51 runs adrift No play was possible after tea due Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Karunaratne), 2-15 O’Keefe, M. Starc, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon lbw for eight and had Kaushal Silva Both have been working with Sri with eight wickets in hand. to rain, prompting the umpires to call (Mendis), 3-18 (Silva), 4-43 (Mathews), Toss: Sri Lanka caught at fi rst slip by Adam Voges for Lanka’s record-breaking spinner Mut- Khawaja has so far hit four bounda- stumps at 4:15pm. Play will resume 5-67 (Chandimal), 6-87 (de Silva), 7-87 Umpires: Richard Kettleborough four. tiah Muralitharan in the build-up to the ries in his 54-ball knock while Smith had today at the earlier time of 9:45am to (Dilruwan Perera), 8-94 (Perera), 9-100 (ENG) and Sundaram Ravi (IND) In his second spell, he had vice-cap- series and his infl uence appeared to be three fours as he faced 46 deliveries. make up some of the overs lost. (Herath), 10-117 (Pradeep) Third Umpire: Chris Gaff aney (NZL) tain Dinesh Chandimal caught from paying early dividends. Australia have a poor recent away The downpour in Pallekele cast fur- Bowling: Starc 11-1-51-2, Hazlewood 10- Match Referee: Chris Broad (ENG) behind by wicketkeeper Peter Nevill 10 “I think the spinners are going to record against teams from the sub-con- ther gloom over the Sri Lankan side minutes before lunch. come into it (the match) a lot more. tinent but went into this series as fi rm after they recorded their lowest total a combination of Australian pace and Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews “I think it was a good toss to lose, They (Sri Lanka) obviously have got favourites after clinching top spot in the at the picturesque ground, undone by spin. decided to bat fi rst on what began as a just to see how that wicket was going to some quality spinners. First-innings Test rankings. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT LOYALSPOTLIGHT Collingwood commits another Captain Cook year to Durham

AFP ternational appearances. Durham “I feel that I can continue to contribute to the team and I re- ally want to help develop the glad to get ‘carried ormer England cap- next generation of Durham tain Paul Collingwood’s cricketers.I know that this club long-running love af- still has so much to off er English fair with Durham will cricket and I continue to be ex- Fbe extended to 22 years after he cited by the young talent com- signed a one-year extension to ing through the ranks,” added his present contract yesterday. Collingwood. The 40-year-old all-rounder David Harker, Durham chief along’ with Root — skipper when England won executive, said he was delighted the world Twenty20 in 2010 and to have persuaded the talismanic who played 68 Tests for England, player to carry on. Man-of-the-match Root made a Test-best 254, while left-handed including three Ashes series “To keep a player of Paul’s ex- winning sides — captained Dur- perience and ability at the club opener Cook’s 105 extended his England Test century record to 29 ham to the 2013 County Cham- is a massive bonus as we start to pionship title. look towards our plans for 2017,” “I am so proud to still be play- said Harker. ing for my home county, who “He continues to epitomise have given me the perfect envi- the values of Durham CCC, both ronment to fulfi l all of my crick- on and off the field, as well as eting dreams,” said Collingwood, still being a fi ne player who leads who also fell just three short of a from the front in the role of club double century of one-day in- captain.”

Former England player Paul Collingwood.

FOCUS Pakistan’s opening problems Manchester: Poor starts have The Oval 2010 been a problem for Pakistan in , Salman Butt 8 1 their ongoing four-Test series in Edgbaston 2010 England, which now stands at 1-1 Imran Farhat, Salman Butt 1 3 after the hosts’ 330-run win in Edgbaston 2010 England’s Joe Root in action in Manchester. the second match at Old Traff ord Imran Farhat, Salman Butt 5 2 yesterday. Trent Bridge 2010 But Mohamed Hafeez and Shan Imran Farhat, Salman Butt 10 4 AFP Then, after Cook decided against en- Monday was when all-rounder Ben Misbah, at a loss to explain the dis- Masood are not the first Pakistan Trent Bridge 2010 Manchester forcing the follow-on, they piled on the Stokes went off midway through his sixth crepancy, said: “It was maybe tiredness, a opening pair to struggle in Eng- Imran Farhat, Mohamed Hafeez runs again in England’s second innings. over with a right calf injury that will be lot of overs — I don’t know. lish conditions. 35* 2 The Oval 2006 Cook made an unbeaten 76, which in- scanned on Tuesday. “It was a big diff erence. But he is a Indeed you have to go back to Salman Butt, 34 2 lastair Cook said batting with cluded a 55-ball fi fty — the fastest of his But Cook said Stokes, returning to strong character, and before the next Test 1996 for the last time a Pakistan Headingley 2006 Joe Root encouraged “block- Test career — while Root was 71 not out in England action for the fi rst time since he will analyse what went wrong — and first-wicket duo put on a fifty Salman Butt, Taufeeq Umar 23 4 ers like me” to go for their shots a total of 173 for one declared. injuring his left knee in the Sri Lanka come back.” stand in a Test against England in Headingley 2006 after England’s senior batsmen “(Joe) is a world-class player, and it series opener in May, was a “fairly big Another concern for Pakistan was the England. Imran Farhat, 4 1 dominatedA Pakistan’s attack in a crushing was a great innings — one of the best I’ve doubt” for next week’s third Test at Edg- form of openers Mohammad Hafeez and Below AFP Sport looks back at Old Traff ord 2006 second Test victory at Old Traff ord. seen — to really set up the game for us,” baston. Shan Masood. that lengthy list of short-lived Imran Farhat, Kamran Akmal 21 3 England beat Pakistan by 330 runs on said Cook. In the meantime Cook was delighted Not since 1996 have a Pakistan open- opening stands by Pakistan Old Traff ord 2006 Monday, winning with more than a day to “One thing he does very well is keep by the way England had upped their game ing pair recorded a fi fty stand in a Test against England in England (bats- Imran Farhat, Salman Butt 28 2 spare as they levelled the four-Test series the scoreboard ticking over, so blockers after being well below their best at Lord’s. against England in England, with Hafeez men, stand, innings of match, Lord’s 2006 at 1-1 following the tourists’ 75-run suc- like me get carried away,” added a self- “It was us showing the standard of and Masood’s best so far this series the venue, year): Imran Farhat, Salman Butt 0 4 cess at Lord’s. deprecating Cook. cricket we can play,” he said. 38 they managed in the fi rst innings at Mohamed Hafeez, Shan Masood Lord’s 2006 Cook and Root scored 506 runs between Cook and Root’s run spree on Monday “We didn’t do that at Lord’s. We didn’t Lord’s. 27 2 Old Traff ord 2016 Abdul Razzaq, Saeed Anwar 6 1 them for just twice out at Old Traff ord. — they added 75 runs in just nine overs bowl as well as we could (there), cer- Pakistan have three ‘reserve batsmen’ Mohamed Hafeez, Shan Masood Old Traff ord 2001 After England captain Cook won the before the declaration — left Pakistan tainly didn’t bat as well as we could, and in their squad in Iftikhar Ahmed, Mo- 7 4 Old Traff ord 2016 Abdul Razzaq, Saeed Anwar 24 3 toss, they did the bulk of the damage in needing a massive 565 for victory. dropped too many catches. hammad Rizwan and Sami Aslam. Mohamed Hafeez, Shan Masood Old Traff ord 2001 a huge fi rst-innings total of 589 for eight James Anderson, returning to England “We put most of those things right in They will hope to press their case for 38 1 Lord’s 2016 Saeed Anwar, Saleem Elahi 4 2 declared. duty on his Lancashire home ground after this game.” a Test call-up in a two-day tour game Mohamed Hafeez, Shan Masood Lord’s 2001 Man-of-the-match Root made a missing the fi rst Test with a shoulder in- For Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, against Worcestershire starting on Friday. 2 3 Lord’s 2016 Saeed Anwar, Saleem Elahi 2 3 Test-best 254, while left-handed opener jury, scuppered any slim hopes of a shock this was a chastening defeat. “It’s a chance for us and them at Imran Farhat, 9 2 Lord’s 2001 Cook’s 105 extended his England Test win for the tourists by promptly reducing “Our batting was a big disappoint- Worcester,” said Misbah. Lord’s 2010 Aamer Sohail, Saeed Anwar 106 2 century record to 29. Pakistan to 25 for two. ment,” said Misbah. “To get 198 and 234 “Some of them (the current top or- Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed 7 3 The Oval 1996 With vice-captain Root promoted up Pakistan were eventually dismissed on a good pitch — you can’t take that.” der) are getting starts but not converting Lord’s 2010 * Hafeez retired hurt before the order to number three this series, the for 234, an improvement on their meagre Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah took those starts into bigger innings. Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed 48 2 resuming his innings, first wicket pair shared a second-wicket partnership fi rst-innings 198. 10 for 141 at Lord’s but only managed fi g- “We need to make it big and that’s The Oval 2010 fell at 70 – number three Younis of 185. The only downside for England on ures of one for 266 at Old Traff ord. what we’re missing,” he added. Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed 5 4 Khan.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Jonny be good’ is motto for in-form Bairstow

Reuters pro-am at Nailcote Hall yesterday. time,” said Bairstow of England’s huge came under attack in some quarters for Coventry, England “It can all change very quickly and fi rst innings 589 for eight declared. not enforcing the follow-on when Pa- I’m only too aware of that having gone “Then our bowling was really clinical. kistan were bowled out for 198 in their through some tough patches on my There wasn’t necessarily one thing you fi rst innings but Bairstow backed his onny Bairstow may be riding the journey,” said Bairstow who had an extra can point to, it was about us executing captain. crest of a cricketing wave but Eng- spring in his step the day after England our skills and putting the pressure on Pa- “There were still 200 overs left in the land’s in-form wicketkeeper-bats- beat Pakistan in Manchester to level the kistan. game so do you want to bat on day three Jman says he is only too well aware of four-match test series at 1-1. “We gave them soft wickets at Lord’s when the wicket is good or do you want to the perils of taking things for granted. “You’ve got to keep working hard to and they capitalised on that. If you give bat on day fi ve chasing a tricky 120 when The fl ame-haired Yorkshireman has keep improving. If you don’t then all of a people soft wickets they’ll take their op- the wicket is turning?” he asked. certainly been red-hot with the bat in sudden you fall out of the loop — focus on portunities.” Bairstow has come in for “It was a good decision because we the past year, making three big Test hun- the next day is an old cliche but it’s very occasional criticism for his glove work won the game.” Bairstow has a healthy dreds, three half-centuries and six scores true.” England completely turned the and he said that sometimes it is hard to batting average of 40.13 from 29 tests and in the 40s since replacing Jos Buttler be- tables on Pakistan at Old Traff ord, hand- adjust to playing in diff erent formats of a respectable 31.40 in 17 one-day inter- hind the stumps against Australia in July ing the touring team a 330-run drubbing the game. nationals. 2015. after losing the fi rst test at Lord’s by 75 “I hadn’t kept wicket for three weeks The wicketkeeper-batsman is con- Bairstow also struck a match-win- runs. Bairstow said the transformation before the fi rst test because I had been stantly on the road with England and he ning 83 not out in a thrilling one-day was simply down to the players doing fi elding in the one-day internationals said that sometimes there were draw- victory over in Durham 13 their jobs. against Sri Lanka so I’m pretty pleased backs to all the globetrotting. months ago. “I’m happy with the way “We didn’t play too well at Lord’s and with the way it’s going,” the 26-year- “There’s no point in doing this unless it’s going but at the same time there’s to perform the way we did at Old Traff ord old explained.It’s good to be playing you are going to enjoy it,” he added. “If a lot of hard work still to be done in was really pleasing,” he added. all forms of the game and being able to you look at our group of players, everyone all facets of my game,” he told Reuters “Joe Root played outstandingly well to England’s Stuart Broad (L) celebrates with England’s Jonathan Bairstow (R) after contribute in diff erent areas. It’s part has grown up together, been through the in an interview before teeing off in the make 254 and he and Alastair Cook (105) taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Asad Shafiq on the third day of the second Test and parcel of being a sportsman but system together and we’re living in each British -Three Golf Championship set their stall out to bat a long period of match in Manchester on Sunday. yeah it’s quite tough at times.” Cook other’s pockets. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 27, 2016 3 ROAD TO RIOSPORT

SPOTLIGHT IOC HAS ‘NO INTEREST IN CLEAN SPORT’: WHISTLEBLOWER

More number of Zurich: A Russian whistle- said. “It says strong words but blower who helped uncover it acts weak.” the biggest doping scandal The couple have asked the in decades has told Reuters IOC executive board (IOC EB) that the International Olympic to review its decision. “(We) Committee (IOC) is more cannot but be very disap- Russians banned in concerned about protecting pointed that the IOC EB has the organisation than ridding obviously not been given the world sport of drugs cheats. correct information by the IOC A day after the IOC rejected Ethics Commission,” they said a request by his wife, former in a letter to IOC Director Gen- Russian drugs cheat Yulia eral Christophe de Kepper. Stepanova, to run in the Rio Stepanov’s wife continues mounting Rio toll Games as an independent to train and was still hoping athlete, Vitaly Stepanov said an the IOC might change its mind, invite to attend the Rio Games he said. as spectators felt like they “She will never win another 22 of 28 Russian rowers banned from Rio Games: Federation were being bought. medal. It’s more about her The IOC decided on Sunday participating and trying to see not to impose a blanket ban how fast she can run by being on Russian athletes due to an honest athlete,” he added. the country’s doping history, The IOC recognised allowing sports federations Stepanova’s testimony and to decide on individual cases. public statements as having However, it said athletes who “made a contribution to the have been sanctioned in the protection and promotion of past for doping would not be clean athletes, fair play and eligible for Rio. the integrity and authentic- “My personal view, from the ity of sport, the Rules of the communications we had with Olympic Charter related to the people from the IOC, those organisation of the Olympic people had no interest in clean Games run counter to the sport,” Stepanov said in a recognition of the status of telephone interview. “I got the neutral athlete.” impression the only thing they However, it also said neither cared about, even the person she nor any Russian athlete from the ethics department, with a doping past would be el- is protecting the IOC as an igible for the Games. Stepanov organisation.” said he had never talked to Stepanov, who previously IOC President Thomas Bach worked for Russia’s anti-dop- about the case.”Just one email ing agency, and his wife helped exchange,” he said. expose the doping scandal There also had been “just which threatened to exclude one, one-hour conversation Russia from the Olympics. The with one person from IOC couple now live in an undis- Ethics Commission,” he added. closed location in the United “They write things like zero tol- States, fearful for their lives. erance in doping but you don’t Stepanov said the invitation get that impression when you to travel to Rio to watch the talk to people from IOC.” Games left them cold. “I felt Doping would never be like, ‘Are you trying to buy us?’” brought under control “until he said. “Is that how IOC treats IOC members start caring whistleblowers? Make them about clean athletes and about quiet by giving them IOC ac- clean sport and competition,” creditation and access to VIP Stepanov said. He cautioned lounges.” that the IOC’s stance on Russia A spokesman for the IOC was a green light to others This file photo taken on August 11, 2012 shows Russia’s Yury Postrigay (right) and Alexander Dyachenko celebrating after winning the gold medal in the kayak double 200m could not be reached late for engaged in doping. men’s final during the London 2012 Olympics. Canoeing’s governing body has banned five Russians, including a gold medallist and a five-times world champion, from next comment. The IOC’s deci- “If you are doping in a month’s Rio Olympics. The five were named as Elena Aniushina, Natalia Podolskaya, Alexander Dyachenko, Andrey Kraitor and Alexey Korovashkov. (AFP) sion not to impose a blanket system that is similar to Russia, ban on Russian athletes from continue doing so because AFP sisted the unprecedented eligibility cri- son. “The ICF will continue its strong fl urry of Russia doping cases before the the Rio Games, a ban which there is no reason to fight it Lausanne teria put in place for Russians had teeth, zero-tolerance stance and remove all ath- opening ceremony. was requested by the World because in the end the IOC will with the country’s athletes having to letes that contravene its rules in anyway.” Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), say they will not punish the clear “the highest hurdles” before going Modern pentathlon’s governing body — a key fi gure in the McLaren report who showed “the IOC is not a leader system, but we will punish the he International Rowing federa- to the Games, which start on August 5. said two more Russians nominated for has been banned from Rio — has voiced in sport movement,” Stepanov whistleblower,” he said. tion (FISA) announced yesterday International Canoe Federation (ICF) Rio — Maksim Kustov and Ilia Frolov — confi dence that the “majority” of the that 22 of 28 Russian rowers have secretary general Simon Toulson issued had been implicated in the McLaren re- country’s 387-member team would be been banned from competing a strong rebuke to suspected dopers. “If port and “are no longer eligible to com- declared eligible for Rio. Tin the Rio Games, based on criteria fi xed you step out of line you won’t make the pete at the 2016 Olympic Games”. In some rare good news for Russia, the by the International Olympic Commit- start line,” he said in a statement. The report linked both to the so-called International Shooting Sport Federation tee (IOC) over state-sponsored doping in The ICF said it had taken “swift ac- “Disappearing Positive Methodology”, said that all 18 competitors nominated by Russia. With just six rowers still eligible, tion to remove fi ve Russian canoe sprint meaning their positive drug tests at a Russia had been cleared for Rio because Russia can only compete with one boat in athletes from the Rio Olympic Games Moscow laboratory in 2014 were never they had no positive drug tests on their Brazil, a men’s coxless four, FISA said. following the release of additional infor- reported, according to the WADA report. record and were not mentioned in the Earlier, Seven athletes including a ca- mation naming those implicated by the With the Rio Olympics fast approach- McLaren report. noeing gold medallist became the latest McLaren report”. ing sports federations have precious little IOC chief Bach says the Olympic body Russian competitors to be banned from The report by Canadian law professor time to deal with Russian competitors, stopped short of a blanket ban to protect next month’s Rio Olympics. Five canoe- Richard McLaren for the World Anti- some of whom are already in Brazil. clean Russian athletes and safeguard the ists and two in modern pentathlon were Doping Agency (WADA) detailed an elab- In addition to the ban on Russia’s en- right to individual justice. barred, taking the number of Russians orate doping system in Russia directed tire track and fi eld team over doping, That rationale sparked a furious re- banned from the Games — which start in by the sports ministry that aff ected more seven swimmers, two weightlifters, a sponse from some of the Olympic move- just 10 days — to at least 42 since Sunday. than 30 sports. The banned fi ve included wrestler and three rowers have all also ment’s leading fi gures and countries. The bans followed a controversial deci- Alexey Korovashkov, a fi ve-time world been barred. Russia’s rowing federation ’s anti-doping chief Paul Melia sion at the weekend by the International champion who won a bronze medal in said it would appeal. Four-time world called the decision disheartening, while Olympic Committee (IOC) not to suspend London four years ago, and Alexander breaststroke champion Yulia Efi mova an- the head of the US anti-doping agency, all Russian competitors, instead leaving it Dyachenko, who took gold in a doubles nounced plans on Monday to also appeal Travis Tygart, blasted the IOC for failing up to each sport to decide what to do. kayak sprint. her ban at the Court of Arbitration for “to take decisive leadership”. The IOC has faced fi erce criticism from “This is a bitter blow for the Olympic Sport (CAS). Most Russian competitors will fl y out anti-doping leaders over the move, in- movement and we are saddened that our Matthieu Reeb, CAS secretary general, on Thursday, but it remains to be seen cluding accusations that it failed to show sport is implicated. We have taken swift told AFP in an email it had yet to receive how many will actually take part in the leadership in the battle for drug-free action and removed all off ending athletes the appeal. The court and federations Games because several federations have Former Russian drugs cheat Yulia Stepanova. sport. IOC president Thomas Bach in- where doping evidence exists,” said Toul- face a race against the clock to manage a yet to weigh in.

FOCUS TENNIS Putin to meet depleted Bouchard confi rms she’ll play at Rio Games

Russian team AFP that has already seen the German capture Montreal her fi rst Grand Slam title. The 28-year- Reuters Russian team originally billed old became the fi rst German to win a Moscow will actually compete at the Rio Grand Slam crown since Steffi Graf in Games remains to be seen. Rus- anadian tennis player Eugenie 1999 when she beat Serena Williams in sia’s track-and-fi eld athletes Bouchard will play at the Rio the Melbourne fi nal in January. resident Vladimir Pu- are already barred over dop- Olympics next month, after Kerber then lost to the American in tin will give a personal ing off ences and seven Russian weighing the risks posed by the the Wimbledon fi nal a fortnight ago, and send-off today to a di- swimmers, including four-times CZika virus and security concerns in Bra- Williams, the top-ranked player in the minished Russian Ol- breaststroke world champion zil. “It was a hard decision for me and world, is the defending Olympic cham- Pympic team who travel to the Yulia Efi mova, were ruled out of I defi nitely thought about all the pros pion and the name to beat in Rio. But Rio Games even as global sports the Games in August on Monday. and cons,” Bouchard told the media on Kerber, the world number two, is heading bodies mull over the eligibility of In a further blow to Russia’s Monday at the weekend as she prepared to Brazil buoyed by her success so far this Russian competitors. medal hopes, two modern pen- to play in the WTA hardcourt tourna- year and eager to get amongst the med- The International Olympic tathletes and fi ve Russian canoe ment in Montreal. als when the Olympic tennis tournament Committee threw Russia a life- sprinters — including the 2012 “But at the end of the day, I knew in starts on August 6. “I want to win a med- line on Sunday, ignoring calls for Olympic champion Alexander my heart I didn’t want to be sitting at al and gold would of course be an abso- the national team to be banned Dyachenko — were excluded by home watching the Olympics on TV. Also lute dream,” Kerber said. “In London (the over allegations of state-backed their sports’ governing bodies knowing I might have two or three Olym- 2012 Olympics), it didn’t work out as I doping and giving international on Tuesday. The International pics in my career, I felt that the decision went out in the quarter-fi nals, but I have sports federations the fi nal say Judo Federation (IJF), however, to go was the right one.” gained a lot of experience in the last few on whether individual Russian told Reuters the 11 Russian com- Bouchard is currently ranked 42nd in years. I am looking forward to playing in athletes could compete in Brazil. petitors who qualifi ed for the the world. Her compatriot Milos Raonic, the doubles with Andrea Petkovic, but Putin, who has warned of a Rio Games will be allowed to Romania’s Simona Halep and Czechs To- I’ll have to decide whether to play mixed split in the Olympic movement compete, a move likely to please mas Berdych and Karolina Pliskova have doubles when I am there.” and what Russian offi cials call Putin who is a judo blackbelt and all decided not to play in Rio, with Zika A young fan is excited to meet Eugenie Bouchard of Canada during the Rogers Cup in Kerber says she has no complaints fol- creeping political interference IJF honorary president. among the biggest concerns. Montreal, Canada on Monday. (AFP) lowing her 7-5, 6-3 defeat to Williams in in sport, will address the Rus- The Russian judo squad will The mosquito-borne virus has been Kerber gunning for Rio gold the Wimbledon fi nal. “Of course, a bit of sian team today after an earlier be joined by 18 Russian shooters leaked to birth defects and, more rarely, Top-ranked Australian , Amer- aft er landmark year disappointment still remains. I played scheduled meeting was post- who were cleared to compete by neurological problems. icans and , well, but Serena had the perfect reply,” poned due to the doping scandal, the International Shooting Fed- The men’s golf competition in Rio has and Northern ’s Rory McIlroy Australian Open champion Angelique said Kerber. “I didn’t lose the match, she Russian news agencies said. eration and Russia’s equestrian been even harder hit than tennis by the have all elected to miss golf’s return to Kerber is targeting Olympic gold in Rio won it and it showed me that I have ar- How many of the 387-strong team. withdrawal of the world’s top players. the Summer Games after 112 years. de Janeiro to build on a successful 2016 rived at this level.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

BASKETBALL FOCUS Outspoken US women’s dynasty Anthony seeks record 3rd gold rolls into Rio Games AFP rivals. “I know we’re expected to Washington win the gold. We want to win the gold. But the process is not easy,” Anthony said. “I don’t want guys American women are on a 41-game win streak, having made five unbeaten runs armelo Anthony, hav- to think just because we’re the ing endured years of best players in the world that it’s NBA disappointment going to be easy, because it’s not.” and feeling pushed to Anthony has taken just as Cspeak out on social issues, chases outspoken a role on social is- an Olympic-record third men’s sues, calling for unity on ESPN’s gold medal with the awards telecast, marching with Americans in Rio. protesters in his hometown of The 32-year-old forward is the Baltimore over the death of Fred- oldest man on the US collection die Gray while in police cus- of NBA stars, having endured a tody and speaking out on gun humbling bronze-medal show- violence, including the killings of ing at Athens in 2004 and led a unarmed African-Americans by revival that brought gold in 2008 police and the shootings of po- at Beijing and 2012 at London. lice offi cers. Anthony became the fi rst “The system is broken. Point man on four US Olympic hoops blank period. It has been this teams by saying yes when many way forever. Our anger should be other top players, including Le- towards the system. If the system Bron James and Stephen Curry, doesn’t change we will continue declined to play in Rio. “A lot of to turn on the TVs and see the people were telling me, ‘Don’t same thing,” Anthony posted on do it. Don’t do it.’ But I actually Instagram. enjoy it,” Anthony said. “It’s also “Shooting 11 cops and killing an opportunity to go get another fi ve will not work. We need to gold medal and I didn’t want to come together more than any- miss out on that opportunity.” thing at this time. We need each He’s a nine-time All-Star and other.” a former league scoring cham- Anthony’s desire for an end to pion on a struggling NBA team. gun violence is greater than even Since joining the New York his longing for a third gold med- Knicks from Denver in 2011, the al. “It’s unfortunate, it’s sad,” team has won only one playoff Anthony said. series. The Knicks have not made “You can’t really put into the playoff s the past three years. words what’s going on through- But with the Olympians, An- out the whole country, through- thony has enjoyed his greatest out the whole world. For us as a success. “I feel pretty good about country, we have to stand united. this team,” he said. “We’ve still We have to come together.” got some things we can get bet- Having the Olympics come ter at, get used to playing with around at the moment the mes- one another. But I like this team. sage needs delivering was op- Sometimes it comes easy to us. portune, Anthony said. “The Sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s a timing could not have been any matter of having the opportunity better for us as a country, having out there.” a chance to come together and Members of the USA Basketball women’s team pose for a photo at Galen Center in Los Angeles, California on Monday. (AFP) It’s a great one for Anthony, being united then go over there who has averaged 24.9 points on the biggest stage you can AFP losses in 1994 at Australia and 2006 in “Those last two games, semifi nal and As with the US men starting the NBA and 6.6 rebounds a game over 13 possibly play on and have that Rio de Janeiro Brazil. The US women already own the fi nal, will take care of themselves if we “Dream Team” for 1992 after a 1988 Ol- NBA campaigns. But he knows voice and represent something longest gold medal streak for any wom- do everything else along the way. I’m go- ympic loss to the Soviet Union, the US how hard it is to win gold against that is bigger than us as players,” en’s Olympic team sport, Canada’s ice ing to try to be more conscious of that.” women built their dynasty after not tak- a fi eld of ever-improving global Anthony said. here has never been an Olym- hockey and Russia’s synchronized swim- This year’s US team of Women’s NBA ing gold in 1992 at Barcelona. “Some sig- pic dynasty quite like the US mers having four-gold streaks. stars feature three-time gold medallists nifi cant changes were made and that ’96 women’s basketball team, which India’s men’s fi eld hockey team won and captains Tamika Catchings, Diana team was the fi rst team that had a chance Tseeks a sixth consecutive gold fi ve Games gold medals in a row and the Taurasi and Sue Bird, two-time Olympic to train together like the rest of the world medal in Rio to complete two decades of US men’s basketball team won the fi rst winners Seimone Augustus and Sylvia does,” Auriemma said. “That ’96 team global domination. The American women seven Olympic tournaments contested, Fowles, 2012 gold medallists Moore, Tina readjusted the balance of power so that are on a 41-game win streak, having made but both of those streaks were put on hold Charles, Angel McCoughtry and Lind- starting 20 years ago to today, there has fi ve unbeaten runs in a row to gold since by World War II. say Whalen and debutantes Elena Delle never been a more dominant team in the settling for bronze at the 1992 Barcelona US coach Geno Auriemma could feel Donne, Brittney Griner and collegian Olympics at any sport moreso than the Games where they dropped a semi-fi nal the tension of the Olympic history and Breanna Stewart. USA women’s national team.” to the former Soviet Union team. legacy in 2012 at London in his fi rst The veteran leaders learned from Having to wait for the WNBA to shut Add in 1984 and 1988 gold medals and Games semi-fi nal when Australia led 47- those who came before, including record down its season for the Olympics, the US the US mark is 55-1 with seven of the past 43 at half-time. “The fact we were down four-time Olympic champions Lisa Les- women now have only eight practices and eight Olympic titles. “It’s just a special at half-time against Australia shows you lie and Teresa Edwards, whose fi ve total four warm-up games together to build time in the history of USA Basketball, just how tenuous this thing is,” he said. medals are a Games basketball record. teamwork before they begin Olympic because of the level of talent that we “You have to play great every night and all “There’s a history of being together,” said competition on August 6. And they have have, with the opportunity to continue to it takes is one night where the other team Auriemma.”Without that continuity, it already been through two months of play make history with our legacy of winning plays better and you come home with would be very, very diffi cult.” with club teams. gold medals,” US forward Maya Moore something less than a gold medal.” Bird, Taurasi and retiring Catchings “We’re going to fi nd a way, like we al- said.”It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s an ex- Auriemma is trying to mellow out this can join the four-time gold club this year. ways do, of managing whatever it is play- citing challenge.” year. “The fi rst time around I was so fi x- “That’s pretty crazy,” Bird said.”When ers are dealing with,” Auriemma said. And that’s not even counting the US ated on ‘We have to win a gold medal,’ you’re younger, you’re just kind of going “I’m sure that everybody has got some- women having won six of the past eight that I probably didn’t really experience as through it. But now that I’m older I do re- thing that’s nagging but once they get World Championships titles, going 63-2 much as I could have throughout the rest alize just how fortunate I am to have had with us and practices begin, all that has a but settling for third after semi-fi nal of the tournament,” he said. these opportunities.” habit of going away.” Carmelo Anthony of the . (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Cambage makes stand for diverse Australia Reuters said to be the fi rst ever recorded by a woman at Melbourne the Olympics. She has since become one of the world’s most sought-after players and her lu- crative fi ve-month deal to join a Shanghai team ustralia has a good chance to clinch last year put her among Australia’s highest- gold in the women’s basketball at the paid athletes. Although feeling “lucky” to be Rio de Janeiro Olympics but the na- Australian, Cambage complains that racial in- tion is unlikely to win any medals tolerance remains prevalent in local sport from forA racial tolerance, according to outspoken grass-roots through to the elite. centre Liz Cambage. The imposing 6-foot-8- She cited the experience of Adam Goodes, an inch (2.03m) Cambage has never shied away Aboriginal Australian Rules football star and an from confrontation, whether staring down the anti-racism advocate, who was jeered relent- world’s best on court or battling with social lessly by stadium crowds across the country media trolls in her downtime. last year in the fi nal season of a decorated career In February, Cambage felt moved to pub- with the Sydney Swans. licly call out one of her national team mates for “We pushed one of Australia’s greatest ath- wearing ‘blackface’ at post-season celebra- letes away from what he loved doing through tions for her Melbourne basketball club. While racism and through discrimination,” she humiliating for Australia forward Alice Kunek, said. “I feel like the whole of Australia should who said her costume was intended to be a trib- be ashamed for what happened with Adam ute to American hip-hop icon Kanye West, the Goodes. If you want to try bring someone down episode was also bruising for Cambage. for standing up for what they believe in, then The 24-year-old, whose father is Nigerian, you should be ashamed of yourself. was bombarded with abuse on her social media “We have such a diverse and multi-cultural accounts for being too ‘thin-skinned’ after she country and such a beautiful country but we posted that she was ‘shocked and disturbed’ by don’t show how diverse we are and we also her teammate’s action. “If I don’t call (racism) don’t own our history of what happened to in- out, who’s going to do it?” Cambage, who won digenous Australians. We don’t teach proper bronze with Australia’s ‘Opals’ at London, said history in schools so I guess that’s where the in an interview with Reuters. The imposing 6-foot-8-inch (2.03m) Australian Liz Cambage (centre) has never shied away from confrontation, whether staring down the world’s best ignorance comes from.” “People are scared to take a stand. If you do on court or battling with social media trolls in her downtime. Cambage will represent Australia with pride take a stand you receive backlash. I guess I’m at Rio, however, and will be important for the lucky I learned quite young not to really care Cambage speaks from experience, hav- cult to make friends. She was pushed into bas- centre for elite athletes in Canberra, when just Opals’ hopes of capturing an elusive gold after what people say. I’ve learnt young to take a ing come out to Australia with her mother at a ketball by her mother who hoped it would help 15. Selected by Tulsa Shock in 2011 as the sec- medalling at the last fi ve Olympics. “Everyone stand if I feel like something’s wrong. I’m sick young age and struggled to fi t in at her school her build confi dence. ond draft pick in the WNBA, Cambage played goes to the Games with their eyes on the prize of seeing people get hurt and I’m sick of seeing on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne. Although initially reluctant to take it seri- in the United States before her Olympic debut which is a gold medal,” she said. people being made fun of. We teach kids that A head taller than other girls of her age in a ously, her natural talent was obvious to coaches at London the following year, where she made “Just to be at the Olympics is an achievement bullying is wrong and I don’t think there’s any white-majority community, Cambage was and she was off ered a scholarship to the Aus- waves with a dunk against Russia in a prelimi- but to be able to walk home with a medal is in- diff erence when you’re an adult.” taunted for her appearance and found it diffi - tralian Institute of Sport, the national training nary round match. The one-handed jam was describable, really.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 27, 2016 5 ROAD TO RIO

SWIMMING FOCUS Wu eyes record Phelps still the big as China targets sweep in diving

Reuters vals are at high-level, very ex- fi sh in the pool perienced and at the same time Shanghai very young,” she was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying Phelps may not win most medals but his fifth Olympics are about more than that hina’s Wu Minxia will about the men’s events in May. make her bid to become The major competition for the the most decorated fe- Chinese men are from the United male Olympic diver at States’ David Boudia who will theC Rio de Janeiro Games, front- defend his 10-metres platform Michael Phelps has three individual events (100 metres butterfly, 200 butterfly and ing an attempt by her country gold at his third Olympics, and 200 individual medley) plus relays with a to sweep all eight titles next Britain’s Tom Daley who took the younger-looking US team. month at the Maria Lenk Aquat- bronze in London. ics Centre. The 30-year-old, In the three-metres event, Ja- who equalled her former diving maica’s fi rst Olympic male diver partner’s Guo Jingjing’s record Yona Knight-Wisdom has been of four gold medals at the 2012 tipped as a contender after he Olympics, will lead China’s clinched his spot by winning a 13-member team who are ex- surprise silver medal during the pected to dominate after win- February test event. ning six out of eight golds at test Wu, however, will not be de- events in February. fending her individual three- They also won six of the eight metre springboard gold and will titles at the London Games. instead compete in the synchro- Among China’s other headline nized event with teammate Shi gold medal hopes are Qiu Bo, Tingmao. North Korea will be who won silver in the men’s 10 also pinning their medal hopes metres platform event in 2012, on teenager Kim Kuk-hyang in and 15-year-old Ren Qian, who the women’s 10 metre event af- scored a perfect 10 at the Feb- ter she won her country’s fi rst ruary test event in the women’s gold at last year’s world cham- category. pionships. While China domi- China’s diving team leader, nated the test event, the venue Zhou Jihong, has remained cau- has been the subject of some tious over the country’s chances, concern over its outdoor nature saying that China “had no ad- which could see weather chang- vantage in the men’s events” es test divers’ performances, es- and warned that “dark horses” pecially during Brazil’s winter. It lurked in the women’s platform also suff ered temporary power events. “It is very hard. Our ri- cuts during recent competitions.

Reuters Phelps is ratings gold as he seeks to add to four golds and a bronze in 2012, will com- the act, with Britain’s breaststroke world London his record haul of 18 Olympic titles and 22 pete in only two individual events and a champion Adam Peaty and 200m free medals in total. relay after a disappointing trials. The rest world champion James Guy hoping to Winner of the 100 butterfl y and 200IM of the world, and particularly the Aus- succeed for a country that has not had a reatness can be hard to defi ne at the past three Olympics, Phelps can tralians, sense an opportunity. male Olympic swimming gold medallist but two words suffi ce for Ol- become the fi rst swimmer to win the London saw the once-mighty swim- since Adrian Moorhouse in 1988. ympic swimming — Michael same individual event at four Games in a ming nation slump to its lowest Olympic Hungary, , — with reign- Phelps. Despite a global cast row. He is not the oldest US swimmer in haul in 20 years, with a subsequent re- ing 50 metres freestyle world and Olym- Gof world record holders, champions and Rio, however, with former bad boy and view highlighting a ‘toxic culture’, but Rio pic champion Florent Manaudou — and swim sensations preparing to light up the 2000 gold medallist Anthony Ervin back can expect a fi ghting comeback. the all have potential medal Rio pool, the greatest of all time will again at 35. Ryan Lochte, 31 and an 11 times “I think swimming has got its mojo winners too. Africa will look to South be the centre of attention at his farewell medallist, will be at his fourth Games. If back which is a great thing,” said head Africans Cameron van der Burgh, the Games. anyone is going to carry Phelps’ mantle at coach Jacco Verhaeren after national tri- reigning champion and Peaty’s big rival China’s Wu Minxia won gold in the women’s 3m springboard at the Phelps, who retired in 2012 before a re- a meet that will run well past midnight on als in April. in 100m breaststroke, and Chad Le Clos, London 2012 Olympic Games. (Reuters) think, may not win the most medals but some days to cater for US viewers, then it Cate Campbell set a 100m freestyle who beat Phelps to 200m butterfl y gold his fi fth Olympics are about more than is likely to be Katie Ledecky. world record in July while sister Bronte is in 2012. that. “I came back because I wanted to,” The 19-year-old American holds the world champion but both face a challenge The scourge of doping, in a year dark- he said at the US trials. “I wanted to do world record in 400 and 800 metres free- from ’s Sarah Sjostrom. On the ened by scandals in Russia, also hangs this for me.” style and could complete a golden triple men’s side, Cameron McEvoy will chase over the pool with 2012 gold medallists Brazil’s military helps The 31-year-old has three individual with the 200 as well. Ledecky, who won gold in the blue riband 100 freestyle, one Sun Yang of China and ’s events (100 metres butterfl y, 200 but- four individual golds at last year’s world of fi ve events he will contest. Park Tae-hwan back in Rio after suspen- athletes march to victory terfl y and 200 individual medley) plus championships in Kazan, Russia, is the Golden couple Emily Seebohm and sions. Pollution is also a major concern relays with a younger-looking US team youngest member of the US squad but boyfriend Mitch Larkin go to Rio as world for the open water swimmers after dan- Brasília: The bow string twangs share the values.” that has rung some changes since Lon- looking unbeatable in 800. champions in both the 100m and 200m gerous ‘super bacteria’ were found off and Bernardo Oliveira, one of As Brazil seeks to learn from don. However big the splash he makes, Team mate Missy Franklin, who won backstroke. The Europeans will get in on Rio’s beaches. Brazil’s army of military-spon- similar programs in China and sored Olympic athletes, sends Russia, it has rapidly expanded his arrow swooping into the the program. Only 76 of the ROUND-UP target 70 meters (yards) away. athletes accepted into the elite Mission accomplished. training are actually career Oliveira’s path to the podium military, while 594 are civilians at the Rio Games is being who won places and then went planned with military precision. through hurried military induc- Six days a week for five years, tion and were given ranks of Sun looking to lighting up the pools he has fired off 350 arrows — third sergeant. amounting to 546,000 arrows Oliveira, formally an air force Reuters not thought to be any damage to the The country is about to send its larg- to get to the opening day of third sergeant, is one of that Shanghai wrist. est ever Olympic squad of more than 100 competition on August 6 in category, winning access to athletes in hopes of improving its poor Rio de Janeiro’s Sambodromo sporting and medical facilities Indian shotputter fails drugs test medal count. arena. and getting a monthly salary. hina’s Sun Yang has suff ered a India has been rocked by previous Sport is often talked about Tamires Morena, a mem- number of setbacks in the build Shotputter Inderjeet Singh yesterday drugs scandals and is ranked third on a as a non-lethal form of war, and ber of the Brazilian women’s up to the Rio Olympics but the became the second Indian athlete to fail global list of doping off enders compiled sports training — like military handball team and another of freestyle specialist said his con- a drugs test in recent days, embroiling by the World Anti-Doping Agency, be- training — requires strategy, the instant sergeants, says that troversialC past has made him more deter- the nation’s Olympic squad in a doping hind Russia and Italy. In 2011 six top In- physical strength and mental military culture also gives ath- mined to defend his Olympic titles in the scandal before next month’s Rio Games. dian women runners tested positive for fortitude. Brazil’s Olympic ma- letes an edge. “Civilian athletes Rio Games. Sun served a three-month The Asian champion claimed he was banned steroids. chine takes that close relation- think things over and then let ban in 2014 after testing positive for a the victim of a conspiracy for criticis- ship further, with 145 athletes themselves get carried away, banned stimulant, spent a week in jail for ing sports authorities after his A sample Wiggins tips Froome to win gold connected to the military form- but in the military they think crashing a car driven without a license, taken during routine testing was found to ing a huge contingent within three, four times. They think and most recently was involved in an al- contain a banned substance. Bradley Wiggins has backed Chris the 465-strong Brazilian team. a bit more before taking what tercation at last year’s the World Cham- “I am being targeted and it’s a clear Froome to emulate his 2012 Tour de The program dates back to may be a harmful decision,” pionships last year. case of conspiracy against me. My sam- France and Olympic time trial double 2008 as preparation for the she said. The 24-year-old also was also sus- ple has been tampered with,” Singh, a success but felt his former Sky team 2011 Military World Games, Oliveira says he takes his pended from taking part in any com- gold medal winner at the Asian Athlet- mate’s task is more diffi cult as next which Brazil hosted and ended mixed role seriously. “The mercial activities by Chinese swimming Sun Yang ics Championships last year, said in a month’s Games are in Rio de Janeiro. up winning with the biggest armed forces defend this offi cials for missing training sessions in statement. “Why would I take something Froome, who will join Wiggins in the number of medals. But that country and we are doing the 2013. However, the 1,500 freestyle world “I have faith in him to win his events.” which is not good for health? I have been Great Britain cycling team, clinched his sporting influence soon went same thing. We bear the flag record holder said he was looking to learn framed because I am outspoken,” the third Tour de France on Sunday and will beyond the barracks, with Bra- and we defend the name of our from his experiences. Dumoulin back on bike 28-year-old also told Indian TV stations. now be attempting an unprecedented zilian military athletes winning country and in a way we serve “I think I’ve grown more mature, I An Indian sports offi cial said shotput- treble as he also plans to take part in both five of the country’s 17 medals it,” he said. won’t have a second chance to experi- Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin is still hope- ter Singh tested positive for the banned the time trial and road race at the Rio at the 2012 London Olympics. Boxer Patrick Lourenco, who ence the prime of my athletic career,” the ful of competing for road time trial gold steroid Androsterone during out-of- Games. Having won a bronze in the time Admiral Paulo Zuccaro, who comes from the Rio favela of Chinese swimmer was quoted as say- at the Rio Olympics despite breaking competition testing by the National trial at the 2012 London Olympics, the directs the program, says that Vidigal, says joining the military ing in the China Daily. “So I am fully in- his left arm near the end of the Tour de Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on June 22. 31-year-old’s hopes of a gold in Rio were in the Rio Games, his men and team was “essential.” vesting my time and energy in the pool. France. Dumoulin, regarded as the big- “NADA has informed Inderjeet about boosted when his chief rival, Dutchman women could win as many “I learned a lot about cama- Respect is always earned through hard gest threat to Chris Froome for the time the result. If he wants to test his B sam- Tom Dumoulin, fractured his wrist dur- as 10 of a possible 30 medals raderie, keeping to a schedule work. It’s not just given, no matter what trial on the hilly Grumari circuit on Aug. ple then it has to be done within seven ing the Tour de France and is a doubt for targeted by Brazil in its bid to and other things, not just as an you won in the past. I am still young and I 10, posted a video on Twitter of him back days,” said the offi cial, who was speaking the Games. be among the top 10 countries athlete,” he said.”You learn how am still hungry for more titles.” on his bike. on condition of anonymity. The positive “I think it’s probably harder for him in the medal count. “From the to command and how to save A gold medallist in the 400 and 1500m “Look what I’m doing?” Dumoulin test comes after revelations that Rio- this time. He has to travel out to a com- start, the program has had an someone who needs help. I’m four years ago, Sun set the fastest time in who won stage nine and 13 on the Tour bound wrestler Narsingh Yadav, a Com- pletely diff erent continent whereas we enormous potential to trans- not just Patrick anymore. I’m the 200m freestyle this year at the June but suff ered a heavy fall on stage 19, said monwealth Games gold medallist in the came back home, and that is probably form Brazil into an Olympic Sergeant Patrick.” international meet in California. as he fi lmed himself out pedalling on the 74-kilogram freestyle category, also more of a challenge for Chris,” Wiggins power,” Zuccaro told AFP at the The 23-year-old boxer has “No one can be 100 % sure to win gold road. “It’s a bit stiff but it’s okay. At least I failed a drugs test. India has not yet de- told British media. Wiggins, who is fo- marines base in Brasilia. “Sport also benefited from the more at the Olympics, but we don’t need to can ride my bike. Don’t try this at home!” cided the fate of either athlete. cusing on the track in Rio, added that his imitates combat and athletes practical side of being backed question Sun’s ability to do that if every- The 25-year-old faces a race against Yadav also cried foul, claiming his wa- performance at the 2012 Tour de France are good soldiers or become by one of Brazil’s biggest thing goes well in training,” Sun’s coach time to be fi t for Rio, although the break ter and food supplements were contami- gave him a clear indication that he was good soldiers because they institutions. Zhang Yadong added. to his forearm was clean and there was nated with a banned steroid. primed for glory in London. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

COMMENT United, City pay price of chasing global riches Postponement of Manchester derby due to the state of the Bird’s Nest pitch shows the dangers of using pre-season to build a club’s brand

By Jamie Jackson in Beijing known, said: “I am a big Manchester Dire weather that “would have conditions that aff ect this part of the It means that Woodward and the Yet there is a suggestion United may The Guardian United fan. I love Beckham, Rooney caused problems anywhere in the world and make it diffi cult for players Glazers can sanction a trip to the same return to America next summer and for and Rashford. Today, I am angry be- world”, according to Ed Woodward, to train: a factor also present on Friday destination and watch a visibly upset some length, as the Portuguese likes cause I had a ticket and now they can’t United’s executive vice-chairman, was when United lost 4-1 to Borussia Dort- Mourinho wish for the “good luck” of three-week tours for team-bonding hase the dollar or chase be- play the match. We drove here by car blamed for the call-off . Yet City’s dep- mund in Shanghai. no injuries. reasons. spoke, ideal preparation for and it took six or seven hours with my uty head groundsman was at the Na- Mourinho had no say in the Van Gaal, on his fi rst tour with Unit- His decision to add an extra friendly the new season? This is the father and my friend.” tional Stadium for 10 days, helping to two-game eight-day trip here as it was ed in 2014, complained bitterly at the to this summer’s schedule—the 2-0 question fans of Manchester The debacle may also cause awkward work on the pitch; United’s grounds- planned by his predecessor, Louis van fi ve-state odyssey across America that victory at Wigan Athletic—appears UnitedC and Manchester City may ask debate involving José Mourinho, Pep man was also in consultation about the Gaal. Next summer it is his decision took in California, Colorado, Wash- wise following the loss of the Beijing following the fi asco of Monday’s derby Guardiola and the commercial depart- surface and given the venue is rarely alone where United go, the club say, ington DC, and Florida. His game. When the season starts United in Beijing being called off less than six ments of United and City respectively used for football it seems each club had yet it seems unlikely Woodward and preference was for the cooler, dryer will have had fi ve warm-up matches hours before kick-off , and the less- about where the clubs go next summer. concerns before the torrential rain. the owners, the Glazers, will not have climes of Europe. but City only three. than-perfect conditions often found The decision to cancel was taken at It may be the fi rst time United have considerable input and stress com- Instead, United returned the follow- For Guardiola there is a chance his after fl ights to far-off destinations for 2pm local time following an inspec- not been able to play a game in China mercial imperatives. ing year to America, the “compromise” team could be undercooked when they pre-season tours. tion of the National Stadium pitch but but they have had at least one close At City, Guardiola will make the call being there were two bases — in Seat- host Sunderland on 13 August, then Given the pitch at the National Sta- Mourinho and Guardiola already held call. Three years ago in Hong Kong, in conjunction with the commercial tle and San Jose — plus a fl ying visit to play the Champions League play-off dium was a patchwork of loose turf and strong reservations. United — and City — experienced sim- department and other club stakehold- Chicago for the fi nal game. fi rst leg the following week. was infected with fungus, the puzzle These were simple: three weeks be- ilar diffi culties when almost incessant ers. A glaring truth is that United and In a message to fans, City’s cap- Yet if fans want change it may be is why the match was not cancelled fore the Premier League season starts, rain prevented David Moyes’s side from City are engaged in the race for global tain, Vincent Kompany, said: “There’s not be dramatic. Woodward says: “I earlier. The result is damaging public they had to prepare players for what training at Hong Kong Stadium before reach and the fi nance this yields that is things in life that you don’t control.” am sure we will return to the Bird’s relations for United, City and Relevant promises to be a seismic campaign in facing Kitchee in a friendly. the fi nal frontier for elite clubs. But where his club and United choose Nest”; City have sold a £265mn stake Sports, the International Champi- stifl ing heat and play on a pitch that Again there was concern about It means that Khaldoon al-Mubarak to tour is within their compass. in the City Football Group to a Chinese ons Cup organiser, which is headed threatened serious injury. player safety. A few days before, City’s and Ferran Soriano, City’s chairman In summer 2014, in the second year consortium. by Charlie Stillitano, the man whose On Sunday, Guardiola, despite match with Tottenham Hotspur at the and chief executive respectively, sign of Mourinho’s second spell at Chelsea, It seems Europe is the location dur- brainchild the tournament is. having considerable input into City’s same venue had a delayed kick-off and off a trip to China, then watch Guar- he took the club solely to Europe, play- ing the season, when the Champions As Hu Mu Lin, a 17-year-old wear- tour, pointed to the conditions, saying: was shortened to 40 minutes a half for diola feel moved to say “no injuries” as ing games in England, , Slov- League and Europa League is competed ing a David Beckham shirt outside “We know the humidity for training is the same reason. his fi rst words of the pre-Beijing derby enia, Holland, , Turkey, and for. In the close season the prime desti- the Bird’s Nest, as the ground is also not ideal.” Again, there were the stifl ing, humid press conference. Hungary. nation is the rest of the world.

FOCUS INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP Juve strike early to down Spurs 2-1 Rooney still key to AFP New Juventus signing Mi- Melbourne ralem Pjanic should have made it three early in the second half when he was talian champions Juven- released by Brazilian Hern- tus scored two early goals anes, but he blazed his shot and held off a strong n-fi over the bar. ish to down Tottenham Tottenham pulled a goal Eng plans: Allardyce HotspurI 2-1 in the Interna- back in the 67th minute tional Champions Cup, in when playmaker Lamela Melbourne yesterday. fi nished neatly after Victor ‘What’s Rooney’s best position? I think Jose will determine that. Because if Jose says he is not The Turin giants, who Wanyama won possession won a fi fth consecutive Serie on halfway. going to play him in centre midfield and he is playing up front and scoring goals for United A championship this season, Lamela almost scored struck early through Paulo again but his shot was beat- then it would be pointless me bringing him into England and playing him in centre midfield' Dybala and Medhi Benatia en down by Juve’s Brazilian to lead 2-0 at half-time. Ar- goalkeeper Neto. Neto also gentinian star Erik Lamela had to make a smart save AFP sparked a Spurs comeback in stoppage time to prevent London when he came on for the sec- a Spurs equaliser through ond half, scoring a goal and Shayon Harrison. almost grabbing another. “It was a very good sec- ew England manager “It was a good test against ond half and in the end I’m Sam Allardyce admitted one of the toughest teams happy. It’s not about the re- Wayne Rooney has a sig- in next season’s Champions sult, it’s about pre-season,” nifi cant part to play in his League,” said Juventus man- said Spurs manager Mau- plansN but refused to give assurances ager Massimiliano Allegri. ricio Pochettino. “It was a about the player’s future as captain. Spurs paid dearly early on great experience for us. Lots Rooney recently expressed a de- for failing to clear the ball of things to learn and lots of sire to continue as skipper, despite when defender Dominic Ball positives. I’m very pleased criticism following England’s dis- lost possession and Roberto with our young players.” astrous campaign at the 2016 Eu- Pereyra picked out fellow Juventus leave Australia ropean Championship in France. Argentinian Dybala. Dybala with a win and a defeat on Manchester United manager Jose went one-on-one with Dutch penalties to Australian A- Mourinho last week promised the goalkeeper Michel Vorm and League side Melbourne Vic- 30-year-old that he would keep found the bottom corner in tory. The Italians’ next pre- the armband at club level. But Al- just the sixth minute. season opponents will be lardyce, speaking at his fi rst press The Spurs defenders were South China in Hong Kong conference since taking over from punished again when they on July 30. Spurs face Span- Roy Hodgson, did not follow suit. failed to clear a corner and ish European Champions Instead, England’s record goal- Moroccan Benatia headed League fi nalists Atletico Ma- scorer will have a nervous wait un- home eight minutes later. drid in Melbourne on Friday. til September when Allardyce will meet his players for the fi rst time ahead of their World Cup qualifi er Dortmund dismiss Aubameyang interest with Slovakia. “I don’t want to put myself out orussia Dortmund have has long been linked with a in the open just yet. It’s a decision Bdismissed reports Pep move to the Premier League that I’ll make once I’ve got my feet Guardiola’s Manchester City having scored 48 goals over under the table,” Allardyce said, are poised to off er at least the last two seasons, “irre- when asked if Rooney would retain £58mn (70mn , $77mn) placable” and said he would the captaincy. for star striker Pierre-Emerick not be sold. In May, Lyon “I have got to leave that until Aubameyang. According to president Jean-Michel Aulas we reach all the players and get the British media, City are in ad- said the club had dismissed coaching staff together and plan for vanced talks with the Gabon a 40mn off er from West the internationals in September. “Because if Jose says he is not bound to cause some confl ict down monotonous when we are actu- from legendary Manchester United international, who scored Ham United for the prolific “Will I wait until I meet the going to play him in centre mid- the line because the pressures are ally together,” he explained. “My manager Alex Ferguson, who was 39 goals for Dortmund in all French international. players? I think so. Put it this way: fi eld and he is playing up front far greater than ever before. style is very much in terms of consulted over the appointment. competitions last season as I still think Wayne Rooney still has and scoring goals for Manchester “I think we suff ered more sack- man-management having a good “The single biggest thing (Fergu- they finished runners-up to Liverpool’s Allen a massive place to play in the Eng- United then it would be pointless ings than ever before. So they are relationship with the players. Not son said) was he’s a winner. He’s got Bayern Munich in Germany’s makes Stoke switch land side. I don’t think there is any me bringing him into England and bound to want to protect their being distant. That’s not my style. the edge. Winners can sometimes top flight. “All these rumours toke City have signed doubt about that.” playing him in centre midfi eld.” players and that is what I have to I like to be in amongst the banter.” be a bit awkward. That was his have already followed us SWales international mid- Allardyce would not be drawn on Allardyce, 61, acknowledged try and overcome with a little bit of Martin Glenn, the Football phrase. He’s a winner,” Glenn said. this summer,” Dortmund fielder Joe Allen from Liv- whether he thinks Rooney is more it is inevitable there will be occa- give and take, hopefully.” Association’s chief executive, Sammy Lee, Allardyce’s former team manager Michael Zorc erpool on a five-year deal. suited to a midfi eld or striking role, sions when he clashes with Premier Allardyce, who signed a two- claimed that Allardyce was the assistant at Bolton Wanderers, will said. “We can only repeat, as Stoke paid £13mn (15.5mn and plans to follow Mourinho’s lead League managers now he has crossed year contract to manage England, only candidate that was off ered the be part of England’s backroom staff always, that he has a contract euros, $17mn) to make Allen on where to deploy the player. over into international management. has promised his players that they England job. while Glenn also confi rmed that with us until 2020 and feels the club’s second signing “What’s Rooney’s best position? He said: “The demands on Pre- will work in a “fun” environment And the former Blackburn, Bol- the FA are holding talks with Bay- good at Borussia Dortmund of the pre-season after I’m not saying! I think Jose will de- mier League managers and de- while he is in charge. ton, Newcastle and Sunderland boss ern Munich assistant coach Paul — as it should remain.” The tying up a deal for Egyptian termine that,” added Allardyce. mand on me as England manager is “We don’t have to make it too received a positive endorsement Clement over a part-time role. 27-year-old though has made teenager Ramadan Sobhi clear his wish to join Real earlier in the day. Allen was Madrid, should he quit the named in UEFA’s team of Bundesliga. “Dortmund is the tournament as a fantastic club which has reached the semi-finals of FA CHIEF DEFERS WINTER BREAK PLANS UNTIL 2019 been decisive for my career,” Euro 2016, but the 26-year- By Andy Hunter in London benefit during his England tenure. “If we are going to get a winter break, for,” Glenn said. “What we didn’t want was a Aubameyang said. “My Span- old struggled for playing The Guardian Glenn said there is no prospect of a winter which the FA very much wants, it would be af- short-term mercenary to come in to ‘do a job’ ish grandfather always said time under Jurgen Klopp break during the current Premier League ter the current Premier League TV-rights deal for a couple of years.” that he wanted me to play at Anfield last season. “It’s broadcasting deal, which runs from this sum- is done. There’s more consensus for that than He added: “I’m not going to tell you who in one day and if that been a whirlwind 48 hours artin Glenn, the chief executive of mer until 2019, but he believes there is broad you might think. What scared people about else we spoke to, that would be inappropriate happens, it will be for Real for me but I am delighted the Football Association, has said agreement on the merits of a break among winter breaks in the past is the thought of it because it was a confidential process. We had Madrid. Before his death two to have finally been able to Mthere is a growing desire within the FA, Premier League and Football League. being between Boxing Day and New Year but interviews with four other people. years ago, I promised him put pen to paper,” Allen told English football for a mid-season break but it “I can’t make it happen,” Glenn said. “To it doesn’t have to be then. It can be after the “We spoke (about the candidates) to that I would one day run out Stoke’s off icial website. “I will be 2019-20 at the earliest before one can make it happen you need a whole-game solu- FA Cup third round in mid-January. We can’t former England managers—Glenn Hoddle for for Real and I am working was really excited as soon be introduced. tion. You need an agreement. The Football do it on our own. We can do it collaboratively one – other successful managers who haven’t hard to achieve that goal.” as I heard of the club’s inter- On Monday, Sam Allardyce used his first Association is a competition owner, as owner with the leagues but I think there is a growing run England teams, Harry Redknapp for est and it wasn’t a diff icult day as England manager to reiterate his belief of the FA Cup, and the Premier League and consensus that it should happen,” he added. example, and former players like Gary Lineker Lyon reject Arsenal decision for me to make. I a winter break would improve the team’s English Football League need to agree too. Glenn confirmed he, the FA’s technical and Rio Ferdinand. bid for Lacazette am incredibly excited about lamentable tournament record. “There is a consensus that it would be a director Dan Ashworth and the vice-chairman “We also spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson. He rench club Lyon have my future here at Stoke “It would help the Premier League and us good thing to do. I’ll say no more than that. David Gill spoke to four other candidates for said Sam’s single biggest quality was he’s a Frejected a 35mn euro City.” Allen, who will wear at international level if we could achieve that,” We can do our bit about fixture congestion the England job—Steve Bruce and Jürgen winner, that he’s got an edge. Winners can (£29mn, $39mn) bid from the number four shirt, flew he said. “January and February is always the and that’s why from the quarter-finals (of Klinsmann were among them – but said only sometimes be a bit awkward, that was his Arsenal for star striker out to Orlando along with most diff icult time to get players through.” the FA Cup this season) we’re not going to Allardyce was off ered the position. phrase. We only off ered it to one person, Sam, Alexandre Lacazette. Lyon Sobhi yesterday to join his Allardyce, however, is unlikely to see the replays. “He fitted all the criteria we were looking because he hit all the criteria.” called the 25-year-old, who new teammates. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 27, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB NBA Cavaliers sign coach Lue to fi ve-year, Verlander and K-Rod $35mn contract

By Jason Lloyd signed a four-year deal worth Akron Beacon Journal as much as $20mn a year later, although Blatt’s $20mn fi gure included a number of incen- oach has tives. It’s unclear how much of shut door on Red Sox agreed to a fi ve-year his fi gure was guaranteed. contract with the Cav- Lue’s new deal is believed to aliers, a league source put him behind only Doc Rivers, ‘There will be games where I think it’s more important to use him than others’ confiC rmed to the Beacon Jour- Gregg Popovich and Tom Thi- nal. The Vertical reported the bodeau in terms of highest paid deal is worth $35mn and ESPN coaches. By George Sipple reported the fi rst four years are Thibodeau signed a fi ve-year, Free Press Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (L) and fully guaranteed. $40mn deal with the Minnesota catcher James McCann congratulate each other aft er Lue, 39, never signed a new Timberwolves in the spring, defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. contract after taking over for although he is also president of he Detroit Tigers made PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports David Blatt in January in part basketball operations and has things interesting in the because the two sides couldn’t full control. Lue’s contract is eighth inning, but went agree on a fi gure. on par with Dallas Mavericks on to beat the Red Sox. The reported fi gure ranks coach Rick Carlisle, who signed TLefty Justin Wilson allowed Lue among the highest paid a fi ve-year, $35mn deal prior to three straight singles to load the coaches in the league after the last season. Carlisle, like Lue, bases with none out in the bot- Cavs made him the league’s has won a championship as a tom of the eighth and the Tigers highest paid assistant two years coach. leading, 4-1. ago when they pried him away Washington Wizards coach Bryce Brentz pinch hit for from the Los Angeles Clippers Scott Brooks and Detroit Pis- lefty Travis Shaw and struck out to become Blatt’s top assistant. tons coach Stan Van Gundy swinging. But Sandy Leon hit an Lue guided the Cavs to their are also working on fi ve-year, RBI single to make it 4-2. fi rst championship in franchise $35mn deals. Brooks took over Wilson struck out Brock Holt history last month and the the Wizards after the season, looking at a curveball. Tigers city’s fi rst title in 52 years. His and Van Gundy (like Thibode- manager Brad Ausmus, who reported salary will far surpass au) is also the team’s president has said he preferred not to use anything he made as an NBA of basketball operations and closer Francisco Rodriguez in a player; Lue totalled $21.3mn in has full control. four-out save situation, brought 11 seasons, according to bas- The only active head coaches K-Rod in to face Mookie Betts. ketball-reference.com. who have won championships And Betts grounded into a force. Owner Dan Gilbert still owes are Rivers and Popovich - who “I’ve said it before, I don’t like former coach Mike Brown the each make more than $10mn to use him,” in that situation, balance of the fi ve-year, $20mn annually - Erik Spoelstra, Steve Ausmus said. “I wouldn’t do it a deal he signed in 2013. Blatt Kerr, Carlisle and Lue. ton. There will be games where I think it’s more important to use him than others and this was one of ‘em.” The Tigers snapped a two- game losing skid with a 4-2 win Monday night at Fenway Park. Justin Verlander and Jose Ig- lesias came through in a big way. So did Justin Upton and James McCann. After a triple by Upton, Mc- Cann broke out of a 1-for-23 slump with an RBI single to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead in the seventh. Iglesias hit a two-run home run in the sixth for the Ti- gers and scored another run in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by Victor Martinez. Verlander turned in another stellar performance, allowing one run on fi ve hits over six in- nings. He walked two and struck out fi ve. Over his last four starts, Sale rips White Sox for ‘business fi rst’ mentality Verlander has allowed six runs (fi ve earned) with 29 strikeouts Pitcher Chris Sale said on Monday it was the Chicago White Sox over 26 2/3 innings putting ‘business first over winning’ that caused him to boil over Verlander had runners on fi rst and led the team to discipline him. and second with one out in the Sale was suspended five games by the White Sox due to an third with the heart of the lineup incident on Saturday where he reportedly cut up the team’s 1976 coming up for the Red Sox. Xan- throwback uniforms and was subsequently scratched from his der Bogaerts fl ied out to center scheduled start. and David Ortiz fl ied out to right. on what was ruled a base hit. was Dombrowski who signed Ver- gers as part of a three-way trade when Miguel Cabrera fl ied out “(The uniforms) are uncomfortable and unorthodox. When I saw Verlander had runners on fi rst Travis Shaw followed with an lander to a seven-year, $180mn with the White Sox and Red Sox to right. Iglesias came home on a that there was something in the way of that 100% winning men- and second with two outs in the RBI double. The Red Sox had contract extension in 2013. in 2013, erased the 1-0 defi cit single to right by Martinez. tality, I had an issue,” Sale told MLB.com. bottom of the sixth. He got Shaw two on and two out in the sev- “He’s a competitor and we with a two-run home run to left. “I didn’t want to go out there and not be at the top of my game in to strike out swinging on a 97 enth against Shane Greene, but always thought at the time that Iglesias has homered off Max RESULTS every aspect that I need to be in.” mph fastball on his 110th and fi - Bogaerts popped up to Iglesias he would learn to even make Scherzer, Chris Sale, Adam Toronto ...... 4 San Diego ...... 2 Sale had raised the issue with the jerseys prior to Saturday and nal pitch of the night. to end the threat. Former Tigers adjustments as he got older,” Conley and Drew Pomeranz this Detroit ...... 4 Boston ...... 2 was unhappy that the White Sox had overruled him in favour of The one run Verlander didn’t president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said. “And now his season. Pomeranz, a lefty, al- Philadelphia .4 Miami ...... 0 the promotion. Sale is enjoying a strong season with a 14-3 record allow shouldn’t have scored. Dombrowski, now the president velocity has picked back up. lowed two runs on four hits over Milwaukee .....7 Arizona ...... 2 and a 3.18 ERA. He started the All-Star Game for the American Verlander appeared poised of baseball operations for the Red “It may not be as good as it six innings for the Red Sox. He Texas ...... 7. Oakland ...... 6 League. “Do I regret standing up for what I believe in? Absolutely to get out of the inning. With Sox, said before the game it didn’t was at one time, but hardly any- walked two and struck out seven. White Sox ...... 5 Chicago Cubs ....4 not,” Sale said. “Do I regret saying business should not be first two outs, Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a surprise him that Verlander has body’s is. It doesn’t surprise me Iglesias added a single in the NY Yankees ..2 Houston...... 1 before winning? grounder toward second base. come back to have a good season he’s still a quality pitcher.” eighth, advanced to second on LA Angels..... 6 Kansas City ...... 2 “Absolutely not.” The ball ricocheted off the bag after his past injury problems. It Iglesias, who came to the Ti- a passed ball and went to third Cincinnati .....7 San Francisco .....5

SPOTLIGHT Heat add Thunder free-agent guard Waiters

By Ira Winderman Riley said on July 16, two days before The addition of Waiters further length- Sun Sentinel Waiters’ qualifying off er was rescinded ens the odds of summer-league additions by the Thunder, “we’re going to hold Okaro White, Stefan Jankovic or Rodney on to that. It’s a little jewel right now. I McGruder making the Heat’s opening- n a dramatic turn in NBA free agency, don’t think we’re going use it for the rest night roster, despite six-fi gure guarantees the Miami Heat have landed Oklaho- of the summer. There isn’t anybody out to each. ma City Thunder free-agent guard there right now that I want to give it to. Waiters’ future with the Thunder came IDion Waiters with their $2.9mn It’s something you can use somewhere in into question when Oklahoma City ac- salary-cap exception, agreeing to terms February or March.” quired Orlando Magic shooting guard Monday on a one-year contract. In the wake of losing franchise main- Victor Oladipo during June’s NBA draft, A free-agency period that began with stay Dwyane Wade in free agency to the with the Thunder then losing Durant to the Heat’s failed eff ort to land Waiters’ Chicago Bulls, the Heat appeared poised the in free agency. former Thunder teammate Kevin Durant to enter the season with Wayne Ellington, Waiters was selected with the No. 4 led Oklahoma City to recently rescind Tyler Johnson or Josh Richardson as their pick of the 2012 NBA draft as a sopho- their qualifying off er to Waiters. The Heat opening-night shooting guard in place of more out of Syracuse by the Cleveland then swooped in Monday, according to Wade. Cavaliers. the Associated Press, with their lone chip But into that void now steps Waiters, After a pair of productive seasons in remaining to put into play in free agency, who had his moments during the Thun- Cleveland, including a fi fth-place fi nish the $2.9mn salary-cap exception granted der’s run to within one victory of the in balloting for 2013 NBA Rookie of the to teams that had previously utilized sal- 2016 NBA Finals and provides an added Year, Waiters was dealt by the Cavaliers to ary-cap space to fi ll out their roster. element of 3-point shooting that the re- the Thunder in the middle of the 2014-15 Had Waiters, 24, merely accepted the vamped Heat roster had lacked. season in the three-way deal that deliv- Thunder’s $6.8mn qualifying off er as a With Waiters and Ellington added, it is ered guard J.R. Smith from the New York restricted free agent, he would have been possible that the Heat explore minutes at Knicks to Cleveland. guaranteed that salary for the coming small forward for Richardson. That would Waiters had been utilised primarily as a season. Instead, he declined to accept leave Justise Winslow available to move to reserve by the Thunder, with 35 regular- that contract for 2016-17, with Oklahoma power forward should Chris Bosh be un- season starts over the past two seasons, City then withdrawing that qualifying able to return from the blood clots that after starting 73 games with the Cavaliers. off er by their July 18 deadline. He earned have sidelined him the second half of the Waiters appeared in 18 playoff games $5.1mn last season. past two seasons. for the Thunder this postseason, playing To appreciate the dramatic turn of The addition of Waiters brings their 27.3 minutes per game and averaging 8.4 events, consider that Heat President Pat roster to 18 players, with teams allowed points. Riley said just over a week ago that there to carry a maximum of 20 during the pre- By utilizing their $2.9mn exception on were no plans to utilize the $2.9mn ex- season before being required to trim to a Waiters, the Heat now have only the NBA ception this off season. maximum of 15 by the start of the regular minimum salary to off er any additional “As far as the $2.9mn room exception,” season. players this off season. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Kvitova, Stosur cruise into second Wimbledon junior round in Montreal

AFP Montreal

ormer Grand Slam champions Petra Kvitova and Sa- champ Shapovalov mantha Stosur were unfazed by opening-day weather delays, cruising into the second round of the WTA hardcourt tournament in Montreal on Monday. FTwo-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, seeded 12th, needed just 59 minutes to get past Poland’s Magda Linette 6-1, 6-2. The Czech, who won her fi rst North American hardcourt title in Montreal in 2012, didn’t face a break point against the stuns Kyrgios young Pole, who pushed former world number one Venus Williams to three sets in Stanford last week. Kvitova, playing her fi rst tournament since Wimbledon, ‘It was great to hear some Bulgarian voices in the crowd when I got down on myself’ broke Linette twice in each set and fi nished her off with an ace. Former US Open champion Stosur, seeded 13th, had to work a little harder to dispatch Britain’s Heather Watson 7-5, 6-3. AFP After some fi rst-set struggles, however, she broke Watson Toronto Denis Shapovalov of Canada reacts during the three times in the second to wrap up the win. fi nal set against Nick Kyrgios of Australia at the “To get through in straight sets, I’m pretty happy,” the Aus- Rogers Cup in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP) tralian said. “Overall I thought I served pretty well. There ick Kyrgios turned in a weren’t a lot of points off my serve where she could dictate off patchy performance to the fi rst shot.” exit the Toronto Mas- A string of rain delays stopped play for a total of four hours. ters 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, Organisers eventually pushed the scheduled last match of N6-3 on Monday at the hands of the night, between Canadian Francoise Abanda and Chinese Wimbledon junior winner Denis qualifi er Zheng Saisai, to Tuesday. The only other seed in ac- Shapovalov. tion, 17th-seeded Elina Svitolina, advanced with a 6-2, 6-4 The 17-year-old Canadian set victory over American qualifi er Jennifer Brady. up a match point with his 12th The top eight seeds — now led by second-seeded Angelique ace, then calmly closed out the Kerber of Germany after the late injury withdrawal of world upset over the 19th-ranked Aus- number one Serena Williams — have fi rst round byes. tralian. In his fi rst match since Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni booked a second-round losing to eventual champion meeting with Wimbledon fi nalist Kerber with a 6-2, 6-0 vic- Andy Murray in the Wimbledon tory over ’s Nao Hibino. fourth round, Kyrgios at times Britain’s Naomi Broady beat Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig 3-6, showed little interest in his on- 6-4, 6-2 to line up a clash with third-seeded French Open cham- court duties, serving at lightning pion Garbine Muguruza — who was installed at the top of the speed with only a few seconds revised draw after Williams pulled out with infl ammation in her between points. shoulder. During one changeover, he was heard muttering to himself in dis- satisfaction. The Australian 11th seed somehow struck an ace as his racquet fl ew from his hand on one serve; he also double-faulted 18 times while managing 13 aces. Shapovalov, playing in only his second ATP event, will take on Former top 10 contender Grigor Dimitrov, who is trying to claw his way back in what has been a disappointing season. The Bulgarian reached the second round with a 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win over Yuichi Sugita. Three other seeds ad- vanced, with number nine John Isner coming back to eliminate Dudi Sela 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Australian 12th seed Bernard Tomic beat Alejandro Gonzalez 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) while Jack Sock, the number 16, defeated Denis Kudla 6-2, 6-2. Dimitrov, ranked 48th, got out of danger against Sugita after trailing a set and a break. Dimitrov, who lost six straight matches prior to Wimbledon, improved to 21-16 in 2016. “It was a very tough match, I didn’t play my best tennis but I got through. It was great to hear some Bulgarian voices in the crowd when I got down on my- self,” he said.

Patience key for Dimitrov the corner in the match while take on new life in the third. “I the winner, who next plays fi fth South African Kevin Ander- “The weeks before Wimbledon trailing 4-1 in the second-set tie- was desperate to win that point,” seeded Czech Tomas Berdych. son ended a losing streak of three were diffi cult for me,” he added. breaker, standing just a handful Dimitrov admitted. “It feels great “In the fi rst set, I didn’t play my consecutive opening matches, “I was still working hard, trying of points from a fi rst-round exit. to win a round here.” best tennis and I didn’t feel very downing Serb Viktor Troicki 7-6 to perform. Patience is the key The Bulgarian won a lob-to- Borna Coric won an all- confi dent. (7/4), 6-3. Canadian Steven Diez for me now, that’s what it’s all lob exchange with the 107th- Croatian clash as he beat Ivan “I got a little bit angry, but in surprised Briton Kyle Edmund Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic hits a return against Magda about.” ranked Sugita, coming through Dodig 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. “It was a the end it was good because I 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The wild card entry Linette of Poland during the Rogers Cup at Uniprix Stadium Dimitrov said he fi nally turned to eventually level the set and good match from my side,” said needed to let it out of my system.” will play Tomic. in Montreal. (Getty Images/AFP)

FOCUS ‘Fastest man in rugby’ ready for Rio Games

AFP across rugby during a search for “I didn’t know no rules, no mom that fl ower. She was in Los Angeles a workout routine on YouTube, nothing. I didn’t even know I had handcuff s. I was six. That was and wondered whether his skills to pass off my left or right hand. the last time I saw her.” would translate to the sport. “I learned as much as I could.” The fear of failure, has been an f things had gone to plan His legend took off in late 2012 undercurrent throughout Isles’ for Carlin Isles, the Ol- ‘Kind of sweet’ when a Youtube video showcas- life. “The biggest fear is waking ympic Games might have “I saw it and thought ‘This is ing Isles’ speed went viral. up and seeing someone in the witnessed a duel between kind of sweet,’” the 26-year-old To date, the video has gar- mirror you’re not supposed to Ithe fastest man in rugby and the recalled. nered nearly seven million views. be,” he said. “Fear drove me to fastest man on the planet. Impulsively, he fi red off an succeed. But instead of lining up against email to the then chief executive Unlikely conversion “I always like watching Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt of USA rugby, Nigel Melville, ea- If Isles’ conversion to rugby ‘Rocky’ movies. Because I can in Rio de Janeiro, Isles will be go- ger to know more. seems improbable, it is entirely relate. He struggled. He’s a no- ing for gold with a rugby ball. “I fi gured, ‘He ain’t gonna consistent with his life story. body. Nobody believed in him.” The fl ying winger is one of get back to me. He won’t care’. I He has been battling the odds Friends and loved ones had the most potent weapons in the prayed to God and said ‘Give me — successfully — ever since doubted the wisdom of his con- United States’ sevens squad, a sign’. And the next morning, a troubled childhood in Ohio version to rugby. which will be chasing rugby gold at like seven in the morning the which saw him placed in foster Although Isles had been a tal- as the sport returns to the Olym- phone rang. It was Nigel,” Isles care at at an early age. ented American football player, pics after a 92-year absence. told AFP. One of his earliest memories is trying out with the Detroit Li- Four years ago, Isles was a Four days later, Isles was on seeing his mother bundled away ons, many feared for his safety promising sprinter with dreams a plane to Colorado to begin his in the back of a police van at the on the rugby fi eld. of competing in the Olympics, rugby education. age of six. “People thought I was crazy. with a respectable personal best He toured with the US de- “A bunch of cops all over us. They were like ‘Rugby? Is that of 10.12 seconds for the 100m, velopment squad in July before They put my mom in a paddy with no pads? You’re going to get a time that would have got him making his debut with the US wagon. They put us in the police killed!’. People were like ‘What into the semi-fi nals of the 2012 Sevens squad in October. car,” he says softly. are you doing’ and sometimes I games. “All I needed was a chance, a “I remember I got out of the had to ask myself ‘Yeah, what am But the realisation that he shot. But it was all or nothing. police car and noticed those lit- I doing?’. might end up dedicating his life There was no ‘Plan B’. It had to tle fl owers. What are they called? “But people didn’t understand to track and fi eld yet still not work out. I remember crying Daisies? I picked one of them my vision. And that’s my main reach the elite level prompted and thinking ‘If this don’t work and gave it to her. thing — I’m going to paint my him to look elsewhere. out you are screwed.’ It was a big “And it’s the last thing I re- picture how I’m going to paint By chance, he stumbled sacrifi ce. member about her. Giving my it.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 27, 2016 9 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Harrington hungers Willett tries to move for gold at Olympics

Reuters Springfield, on from Masters glory ome top golfers have passed on the Olym- ‘I think winning a Grand Slam these days is virtually impossible’ pics because of a hectic schedule and others have healthS concerns, but three-times AFP Springfield, United States major winner Padraig Har- rington is thrilled to be going and dreams of gold. cause crippling defects in babies eigning Masters champion Dan- “I’m really looking forward to and has been linked to the neu- ny Willett wants to move be- Rio. My whole family are going,” rological disorder Guillain-Barre yond the excitement of winning the 44-year-old Irishman told in adults. his fi rst major title and concen- Reuters after a long session on “I’m going down there to try Rtrate on recapturing his best form. the practice putting green on a and win. No doubt about it, I be- In April, the 28-year-old Englishman sizzling hot and stormy Baltus- lieve I can win,” said Harrington, fi red a fi nal-round 67 at Augusta National rol, where the PGA Champion- who has slipped to 150th in the to take advantage of a back-nine collapse ship begins tomorrow. world rankings. by Jordan Spieth and take the green jacket “We’re busy getting our tick- Harrington, like others who from the American. ets organized for the second played at the Open at Royal “It’s time to move on a little bit from week that we’re there. It’s a big Troon, are returning for the sea- what we did,” Willett said yesterday. deal for us.” son’s fi nal major with just one “It was fantastic and yeah, it has Harrington, winner of the tournament week in between changed my life, but we need to get back 2008 PGA Championship and them in a tour season condensed to the kind of form that we took into that two British Open titles (2007, to make room for the Olympic week and hopefully then move forward.” 2008), accepted the honor of tournament. Willett became the fi rst British player in playing for Ireland after the Some players, including world 20 years to win the Masters and this week withdrawals of four-times ma- number eight of hopes to become the fi rst player since Jack jor champion Rory McIlroy and Australia and South Africa’s Nicklaus in 1975 to capture the Masters and Graeme McDowell citing con- world number 15 Louis Oosthui- PGA Championship, the year’s fi rst and last cerns over the Zika virus. zen, said they opted out of the majors, in the same season. Later Shane Lowery also with- Rio Games for scheduling rea- “The game is pretty good. Hopefully drew over Zika worries, opening sons. we are all set to try to compete again in the door for 297th-ranked Sea- Harrington said he had the last major,” he said. mus Power to join Harrington in planned to play two majors and Willett tees off Thursday at the 98th the 60-man Rio fi eld as golf re- the Olympics this summer. “I PGA Championship at Baltusrol alongside turns to the Olympic programme wanted to do my preparation for this year’s other major winners, Sweden’s after an absence of 112 years. all three and if I played well in from the British Open two World number one Jason Day one of those three would have a weeks ago and American Dustin Johnson of Australia, the defending PGA good chance of winning,” he said. from last month’s US Open. champion, and Americans Dus- “It didn’t happen at the (Brit- “I think you’ll see a lot more diff erent green jacket at Wimbledon. to switch sports any time soon. “You get probably the strongest fi eld in tin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, ish) Open. I’ve won three majors champions. I think winning a Grand Slam “I haven’t worn it too much,” Willett “It was a great day,” he said. “Yankees any of the majors because it’s top 100 in ranked second and third, re- and I’m happy to take either,” he these days is virtually impossible, and said. “The reaction has been great. You baseball is steeped in history. The ground the world and usually you get 99 or so of spectively, also bowed out from said about this week’s PGA or I think it has defi nitely proved that this always get a few people wanting to have a was awesome, and the way they treated them playing,” Willett said. Rio consideration due to health next month’s Summer Olympics. year with the three diff erent winners at look at it and stuff . us, and to be able to go out there in front “And it’s obviously quite unique in the concerns. “I could understand if you the fi rst three majors,” Willett said. “Hopefully try and move on from that of quite a few thousand people and not way that they never go for a certain type The mosquito-borne Zika haven’t won a major, making that “It just goes to show the strength and and try and get another couple of trophies mess up too bad, was pretty good. of golf course. virus, which the World Health more of a priority. But I think an depth throughout golf at the moment. under the belt. We’ve got a very impor- “Didn’t hit somebody in the fi rst row, “It’s a tricky one because you never Organization says is spread- Olympic gold would add a lot to It just goes to show on a week-to-week tant second half of the season coming up.” so I think we did all right.” quite know what the score is going to be ing rapidly in the Americas, can my career.” basis that if anyone who is really there Willett said he likes the way the PGA for the week, so you try to go out there pitches up with their A Game, they have WILLETT TRIES A NEW PITCH of America selects a variety of courses, and get a good game plan. If you fi nish got a good chance of winning.” Willett threw out the ceremonial fi rst including this week’s par-70, 7,462-yard anywhere near 6, 7, 8-under par, I think BASKETBALL Willett has enjoyed his new-found pitch at a New York Yankees’ Major layout, and lures the toughest fi eld of any that would be a very good score for four fame as a major champion, wearing the League Baseball game, but isn’t looking major. rounds around this course.” Bataan down Defending champ Day confi dent at storm-soaked PGA Severe thunderstorms drenched Whistling Straits. “I think the game is in really good Manila to earn Baltusrol with heavy rain on Monday, “I feel good about my game,” Day said. shape,” Johnson said. “Do a little cutting short the first practice session “I’m hitting a lot of good shots and practice on the putting in the next few for the 98th PGA Championship and that has given me confidence. I should days, but other than that, I’m really soaking greens that had been fast in be good to go.” confident in the game right now. I feel fi nals berth afternoon heat. Day was won seven titles in the past like everything is going really well.” Sweltering heat greeted players in the year and flirted with major success, Day will play the first two rounds early afternoon but the day ended sharing 10th at the Masters and eighth alongside four-time major champion with standing water puddled across at the US Open. Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Champi- many areas of the course after thun- His mindset is less about repeating onship winner, and , the der, lightning and downpours. as champion, especially on a diff erent 46-year-old US left-hander who won PGA of America off icials halted play course, than it is about achieving new the last PGA Championship played at at 4:38 pm and had spectators seek feats. Baltusrol in 2005. shelter, several dozen huddling in the “I never really look at it as defending,” Mickelson battled British Open winner massive souvenir tent until a break he said. “I try to win it again. That’s the Henrik Stenson into the final holes be- between storms allowed them a mentality.” fore settling for second to the Swede chance to leave. World number two Dustin Johnson at Royal Troon two weeks ago. It was a signal that players could face made his major breakthrough last Johnson will play Thursday and a lot of extremes in this week’s quest month by winning the US Open at Friday alongside Stenson and Masters for the Wanamaker Trophy, with fore- Oakmont. The American also won a champion of England in casts for hot conditions until storms WGC event at Firestone and shared the annual threesome of the season’s are set to return for the weekend. ninth at the British Open, enough prior major winners. Each won his first World number one Jason Day of good finishes to bolster his confi- major this year — and none of them Australia will try to defend his first dence entering the final major tourna- wants to see another first-timer take major title, which he won last year at ment of the year. the trophy this week. Jason Day

BOTTOMLINE Team Abu Dhabi resume battle for F1

H2O glory in Portugal this weekend Bataan Dukhan’s Rodel Mallari seems to be unfazed by four defenders swarming over him. PICTURE: Ronnie Castro

Agencies al-Qamzi and Mohamed al-Mehairbi re- By Sports Reporter Manila’s Sandie Limin and Portimao, Portugal turn to UIM F-4S Trophy racing action Doha Kemuel Proceso tried to inch in a pair of 20-minute races that precede closer with just a 2-point defi cit BRM F1 Qualifying on Saturday and the as they separately contributed on eam Abu Dhabi heads to the sce- main Grand Prix of Portugal on Sunday. t was the heroics of Bryan split charities but Bataan’s Rey nic Portuguese Algarve region Al-Qamzi is currently tied for the se- Tolentino including perfect Solomon answered back with this week, as Alex Carella at- ries lead with Ferdinand Zandbergen, conversion at the free throw another perfect conversion from tempts to continue the momen- after both the Emirati and the Dutchman line in the dying seconds that the free throw line before the fi - Ttum he showed with a famous victory at took a third place and an outright win Isaved the day for Bataan Dukhan, nal buzzer sounded. the Grand Prix of France two weekends apiece at the two races in Dubai in March. who escaped with a cliff hanger Herradura tried a Hail Mary ago and Thani al-Qamzi aims to bounce They are two points clear of Finland’s Ka- victory over Manila Red Apple, with a second left from the rain- back from a second successive disap- lle Viippo, while Al-Mehairbi suff ered his 72-68, to seal their ticket for bow territory but two defenders pointment in the UIM F1 H2O World own fair share of disappointment in Du- the championship rounds of the glided with him and he missed Championship. bai and holds ninth place with fi ve points. Ooredoo Ambassador 2016 on his three-point target. The Grand Prix of Portugal takes place Friday. Bataan will now face pro- on the Arade River in Portimao on Sunday 2016 UIM F1H2O World Championship Tolentino pulled off a jumper lifi c MVP Ronnie Cajayon-lead and the team out of the Abu Dhabi Inter- Drivers’ standings to equalise the game 64-64, with Inihaw Republic Batangas in the national Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) 1. Alex Carella (ITA) Abu Dhabi 35 pts 2:02 left and another basket to take championship match, which will has the bit between its teeth after Carel- Thani al-Qamzi and Alex Carella will hope for a 1-2 finish for Team Abu Dhabi in Portimao. 2. Shaun Torrente (USA) Victory Team 24 a 2-point lead with 1: 18 left but be held at the Al Gharafa Training la’s sensational victory in Evian catapult- 3. Philippe Chiappe (FRA) China CTIC 20 Manila Red Apple’s Charlie Herra- Gym on Friday. ed the Italian to the top of the Drivers’ cially when me and Shaun (Torrente) were Torrente may have been the major 4. Filip Roms (FIN) Baba Racing 17 dura bounced back by completing The Ooredoo 20th Season Championship and gave Team Abu Dhabi fi ghting.” challenger in Evian, but Carella knows 5. Jonas Andersson (SWE) Sweden 9 two charity shots from a quick foul Ambassador’s Cup of Pinoy Bas- an eight-point advantage in the Teams’ Carella won the race in France last year full well that Chiappe — who holds third 5. Cédric Deguisne (FRA) Maverick 9 by Rodel Mallari. ketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) is pre- title race. Carella also leads the UIM Pole before being deprived of the win with a in the Drivers’ Championship — endured 5. Duarte Benavente (PRT) F1 Atlantic 9 The former NU Bulldog, sented by Alicafe. The tourna- Position series by three points from two- post-race technicality and now leads this a disappointing weekend at the last round Ballers Bataan Dukhan trigger- ment is brought to you by Qatar time World Champion Philippe Chiappe. year’s series by 11 points from Torrente. by his exacting standards and the likes of 2016 UIM F1 H2O Pole Position man however continued to be Basketball Federation and the “The win in France was very hard “This year it was our weekend in France. al-Qamzi, Jonas Andersson, Ahmed al- Championship standings unstoppable after he converted Philippine Embassy in Qatar and fought and took everything out of me,” But Shaun will be determined to get his Hameli, Erik Stark and Sami Selio all suf- 1. Alex Carella (ITA) Abu Dhabi 35 pts another jumper and perfect con- co-Sponsored by Diana Jewel- said the Italian. “I was very tired after- revenge in Portugal and we have already fered their own bad luck and will be out to 2. Philippe Chiappe (FRA) China CTIC 32 version from the free throw line lery and Watches, Power Horse wards. No one lap was easy. The condi- been in contact through social media and avenge their French setbacks. 3. Shaun Torrente (USA) Victory 22 he executed in just mere 20 sec- Energy Drink, Control-P Sev- tions were diffi cult, with crazy waves, both of us are looking forward to what After F-4S racing was omitted from 4. Thani al-Qamzi (ARE) Abu Dhabi 14 onds diff erential to seal a com- enth Spectrum and Shuttersbug and I was taking risks all the time, espe- promises to be another great battle.” the racing programme in Evian, Rashed 4. Erik Stark (SWE) Emirates Racing 14 fortable four-point lead ,70-66. Photography. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 SPORT PICTURE PERFECT

Rory McIlroy of plays from the first tee during a practice round prior to the 2016 PGA Championship at in Springfield, New Jersey, yesterday. The PGA Championship begins tomorrow. (AFP)

Thailand badminton player Ratchanok Intanon (centre) takes a break from training at a gym in Bangkok yesterday. (Reuters)

Long distance runner Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia warms up ahead of training at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday. (Reuters)

Peru runners Raul Pacheco (right) and Cristian Pacheco take a break after a training sesion in Huancayo yesterday. Trained by Mexican Rodolfo Gomez, Peruvian athletes run 35 kilometres each day. (AFP)

French pole-vaulter Renaud Lavillenie trains at Jean Pellez stadium in Aubiere yesterday. (AFP) LEFT: Sergio Garcia of Spain signs autographs during a practice round prior to the PGA Champion- ship, starting tomorrow, at the Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, July 27, 2016 11 SPORT PICTURE PERFECT

Barcelona players take part in a training session at St George’s Park, near Burton-on-Trent, central England, yesterday. The Spanish champions will play pre-season matches against Celtic on July 30, and Liverpool on August 6. (AFP)

Maya Moore (white) of the USA women’s basketball team drives to the basket past Aerial Powers during a practice match, in prepara- tion for next month’s Rio Olympic Games, in Los Angeles yesterday. (AFP) LEFT: Barcelona star Lionel Messi shows off his new haircut, in this Instagram photo posted by his wife An- tonella. The Argentinian icon has changed his hair colour from natural black to blonde and the new look hasn’t gone down too well with his millions of adorning fans, who have vented their disap- pointment on social media. The 29-year-old could play against Liverpool at Wembley on August 6. (AFP)

Sculls lie on the grass, while (right) rowers carry a scull to the river during a training session ahead of next month’s Rio Olympics at Lagoa Stadium in the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (Reuters)

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING / QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL War Decree, Dutch Connection in spotlight on opening day O’Brien’s ward picks up Qatar Vintage Stakes, while Dutch Connection leads Godolphin 1-2 in Qatar Lennox Stakes

Agencies Goodwood,

he fi rst Group race of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the Qatar Vintage Stakes (Gr2), for two- year-olds, was won by one of Tthe favourites, War Decree. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt displayed im- pressive acceleration 200m from the post, after changing legs, and took an easy advantage over Thunder Snow. Outpaced at the start, Boynton, who defeated War Decree in the Superlative Stakes, fi nished third. The Qatar Vintage Stakes has show- cased very good colts over the recent years, including Galileo Gold, the win- ner of last year’s edition. “Like all of Aidan’s two-year-olds he’s improved a great deal from New- market and with every run he has pro- gressed,” said , jockey of War Decree. “He’s a very well-balanced horse and a very good mover. He’s a nice type and he was still green when he got to the front. I’d say he’ll improve again. I felt we could (reverse the form with Boynton), getting 3lb and just inexpe- rience cost him the last day.” “We’ll see how he winters, but he’s improving all the time and he learnt a lot from his last run,” said Paul Smith, son of part-owner Derrick Smith. “He settled very well and loved that ground (Above) Ruler of Dubai Sheikh — he really bounced off it.” Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum (left) Asked about future targets, Smith and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani added: “It’s open, but maybe races speak to each other on Day One of the like the Champagne Stakes and the Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. National Stakes, those races are open to him. If he gets his ground, he’ll be (Left) Godolphin representative Saeed competitive. I think the ground is Manan (right) receives the owner’s important. As we’ve seen with War trophy from Hamad bin Abdulrahman Fronts, it’s important they get good al-Attiyah after Dutch Connection won ground. I thought he’d be competitive, Qatar Lennox Stakes (Gr2). he had the weight pull today and the signs were good at home.” (Right) Hamad bin Abdulrahman Defeated in the Qatar Vintage al-Attiyah and Qatar Racing and Stakes (Gr2), Godolphin did not let the Equestrian Club general manager Nass- Qatar Lennox Stakes (Gr2), the second er Sherida al-Kaabi at the Qatar Good- group race of this fi rst day of the Qatar wood Festival. Goodwood Festival, be won by some- body else. Beaten narrowly by Toor- more in the seven-furlong race last Sheikh Mohamed’s season, Dutch Connection won from a neat distance, in front of another Desert Haze closes out Godolphin horse, Home of the Brave. Gifted Master took the third place. Day One with a fi ne win Dutch Connection stayed on for a second place in the Summer Mile H Sheikh this year. (Gr2) at Ascot. The horse has options Mohamed Ridden by Oisin in France and America under consid- Hbin Khalifa Murphy, Desert Haze, eration. al-Thani’s filly Desert who appreciates “We’ll have to speak to John Fergu- Haze won the Smarter good ground, was an son (racing manager) and Sheikh Mo- Bets With Matchbook easy winner in front hamed to see where we go,” said trainer Betting Exchange Fil- of Haggle and Home Charlie Hills. lies’ Stakes, the final Cummins. Yesterday, “There’s an option for him in Sara- race on Day One of she confirmed her toga, maybe the Prix Maurice de the Qatar Goodwood good form, which she Gheest in France as well. He’s pretty Festival. Trained by showed in her last run versatile with trip and fast ground is Ralph Beckett, Desert at Ascot. She should really the key for him. He’s a fi ne, big Haze has already se- earn her black type horse who should improve as he gets cured two successes during the season. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani leads in Desert Haze after she won Smarter Bets With Matchbook Betting Exchange Fillies’ Stakes yesterday. older.”

BOTTOMLINE I feel at home with Umm Higuain completes sensational Juventus move Salal, says Sagbo mm Salal’s Ivorian striker Yan- nick Sagbo is confident his AFP has triggered the buyout clause for the Uside can repeat their fifth-place Milan acquisition of the player Gonzalo Hi- finish from the 2015-16 season, ahead guain.” of the big kick off to the Qatar Stars Higuain, who will undergo a medical League season on September 15. onzalo Higuain completed today, will be expected to partner fel- The former Evian man has enjoyed a a sensational move to Juven- low striker Paulo Dybala, who fine debut season in the QSL notching tus after the Italian champions in his maiden season with Juventus was 13 goals in 23 starts for the Orange agreed to pay a 90mn euros their top scorer with 19 league goals, Fortress, something he is eager to G($98.8mn) fee, the third highest in his- when the club return from their pre-sea- repeat again. “I want to score fifteen tory, to wrest the Argentine striker from son tour of Australia. goals this season, this is my target I Napoli yesterday. The transfer of Higuain, who cost Napoli want to help Umm Salal and beat last In what is the biggest ever transfer fee 40mn euros when he arrived from Real Ma- year’s total,” Sagbo said on the sidelines of the club’s training recorded between two Serie A clubs, Hi- drid in 2013, could now spark a succession camp in the Netherlands. guain’s move to Turin on a fi ve-year deal of other, high-profi le transfers. The club have been training at their base for over a week now was confi rmed by Juventus two hours Italian media reports have claimed Ju- often in soaring night time temperatures. Despite the conditions, after being published by Serie A league ventus would sign Higuain if they con- Sagbo is drawing positives ahead of the first match of the sea- bosses on their offi cial website. vinced Manchester United to meet their son. “The humidity makes the preseason training in Qatar very In a statement, the Turin giants said: asking price of 125mn euros for star mid- hard, but we have been working well and I hope the weather can “Juventus Football Club announces the fi elder Paul Pogba. help us to get in shape ahead of the new season.” defi nitive purchase of Gonzalo Ger- Marotta suggested talks with United Umm Salal have been busy over the summer transfer window ardo Higuain for the sum of 90m euros, had stalled when he responded to ques- signing defender Alan Henrique on a free transfer, whilst also payable over two equal installments in tions on the France international by say- re-signing Waleed Mohiyaddin from Al Khor. Despite only train- 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. ing the talks had “stopped, but we’ll see.” ing with the side for a few days, the big Ivorian believes they “Higuain will sign a fi ve-year deal with Napoli, who fi nished runners-up to Ju- can improve the fortunes of the side. “We shall see how the new the club.” Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta gave no sive South American player in history, his ventus to secure their place in next sea- players bed in at the training camp in Holland, the squad is doing Napoli had slapped a 94.7mn euros details when asked by waiting media, transfer pipping the 86.2mn euros Bar- son’s Champions League, are now in the all they can to welcome them. I am confident they can make an ($104mn) buyout clause on Higuain’s but confi rmed the move when he said: celona paid to Santos for Brazilian starlet hunt for a top striker. impact for the team this year.” contract after he hit a record 36 goals “We’ve deposited Higuain’s contract Neymar in 2013. Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi is top of Sagbo enjoyed a breakout season with Umm Salal last term, in the league last season when he broke (with league offi cials). We’ve concluded Higuain, however, may expect sig- their shopping list, although reports and certainly believes that his quick adaption to life in Qatar has Gunnar Nordahl’s 66-year record of 35 everything.” nifi cant abuse from home fans of Napoli from the Netherlands yesterday said benefitted his football. “I like Doha, it’s a small place but every- goals in a single season for AC Milan It is the third highest transfer fee in when he visits with the Turin giants af- Ajax were set to sell Polish international one here has been friendly since I have arrived here. I have been (1950). history after Gareth Bale’s move from ter becoming the darling of the club, striker Arkadiusz Milik to the southern welcomed and I feel at home with Umm Salal.” After weeks of talks, Juventus ne- Tottenham to Real Madrid for 100.8mn prompting comparisons with the club’s club for a fee thought to be in excess of Sagbo also spoke on the current situation at his former club Hull gotiated nearly 5mn euros ($5.49mn) euros in 2013 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary former striker Diego Marado- 35mn euros. City, after long term manager Steve Bruce resigned from the job, off Napoli’s asking price to capture the 2009 move from Manchester United to na, as they fought a valiant battle for the Higuain’s arrival in Turin, meanwhile, with just three weeks to go to the start of the new season. “From 28-year-old striker whom they believe the Spanish giants for 94mn euros in Serie A title last season. will add fresh impetus to their ambition my point of view, this is bad news for Hull City. Steve Bruce can make the diff erence between success 2009. But for the club’s fi lm-producing own- of winning the Champions League. knows the team and the players inside out and whoever comes and failure in the Champions League next er De Laurentiis, it was business as usual. Juventus reached the fi nal in 2015 only into the team, will have a diff icult time ahead of the start of the season. SOUTH AMERICAN RECORD A short statement by Napoli said: “Na- to be outclassed in a 3-1 defeat in Berlin Premier League.” (QSL) After leaving the offi ces of Serie A, Higuain also becomes the most expen- poli would like to confi rm that Juventus to Barcelona.