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Monday, July 18, 2016 CRICKET Shawwal 13, 1437 AH Pakistan thrash GULF TIMES England at Lord’s to go one up in series SPORT Page 3 Stensational Stenson’s 20-under-par total of 264 was a record low score in The Open at Royal Troon, obliterating the American Justin Leonard’s 12-under winning eff ort in 1997. Mickelson’s 65 was not enough as he was left to settle for second place at 17-under

AFP Troon, United Kingdom

enrik Stenson held off the challenge of Phil Mickelson to win his fi rst major at the Brit- ish Open on a breathtaking fi - nalH afternoon at Royal Troon yesterday. The Swede started the day one shot clear of Mickelson and recovered from a bogey at the fi rst to produce a stunning major-championship record-equalling round of 63, eight under par. His eff ort featured 10 birdies and took him to a 20-under total to fi nally win his fi rst major by a three-stroke margin with the lowest overall score in Open history. Mickelson did very little wrong, with four birdies, an eagle and not a sin- gle dropped shot, but his 65 was not enough as he was left to settle for sec- ond place at 17-under. On a surprisingly bright and calm af- ternoon on Scotland’s west coast, it was set up for a shoot-out between the two players and they did not disappoint. Emphasising the gulf between them and the rest of the fi eld was the fact that JB Holmes of the United States took third place with a six-under-par total for the weekend. “This will take a while to sink in,” said Stenson, at last a major winner at the age of 40, as he clutched the trophy. He had previously endured seven top-four fi nishes in majors and was the runner-up to Mickelson in the British Open at Muirfi eld in 2013. Coming into the day, the prospect of a two-way shoot-out for the Claret Jug evoked memories of the legendary ‘Duel in the Sun’ down the Ayrshire coast at Turnberry in 1977, when Tom Watson edged out Jack Nicklaus after the two Americans had separated themselves from their rivals. And the showdown between the two forty-somethings more than lived up to its billing as they produced an exhibi- tion of world-class golf. Sweden’s Henrik Stenson Stenson recovered from dropping a celebrates with the Claret Jug shot at the par-four fi rst by recording after winning the British Open golf fi ve birdies before the turn and also re- championship Royal Troon, Scotland, cording a birdie at the 10th. yesterday. At bottom, he is seen with There was a wobble when he missed his wife Emma. a par putt at the diffi cult 11th hole but remarkably he produced three straight birdies from the 14th to put the outcome beyond doubt. The game was up for Mickelson when Stenson came up with a stunning long putt for birdie at the 15th to go two shots clear and leave his opponent with too Leading fi nal scores much to do. The fi nal gap became three shots as Stenson holed out for birdie at the last Troon, United Kingdom: Leading Woodland (USA) 69 73 71 70, Matthew to follow Mickelson’s feat in the fi rst final round scores from the British Southgate 71 71 72 69, Patrick Reed round on Thursday by shooting 63. Open at Royal Troon on Sunday (Gbr (USA) 66 74 71 72 “It’s probably the best I’ve played and & Irl unless stated; par 71): 284 — Tony Finau (USA) 67 71 72 74, not won,” admitted Mickelson. 264 — Henrik Stenson (SWE) 68 65 Keegan Bradley (USA) 67 68 76 73, “I’m disappointed to come in second 68 63 Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 72 66 73 73, but I’m happy for Henrik.” 267 — Phil Mickelson (USA) 63 69 Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP) 71 72 70 Stenson’s 20-under-par total of 264 70 65 71 was a record low score in The Open at 278 — J.B. Holmes (USA) 70 70 69 69 285 — Jason Day (AUS) 73 70 71 71, Royal Troon, obliterating the American 279 — Steve Stricker (USA) 67 75 68 Jason Dufner (USA) 71 71 74 69, David Justin Leonard’s 12-under winning ef- 69 Howell 74 70 71 70, Thongchai Jaidee fort in 1997. 280 — Rory McIlroy 69 71 73 67, Ser- (THA) 71 74 69 71, Kevin Na (USA) 70 Stenson becomes the fi rst Scandi- gio Garcia (ESP) 68 70 73 69, Tyrrell 69 73 73, Justin Rose 68 77 70 70, navian man ever to win a major and the Hatton 70 71 71 68 Brandt Snedeker (USA) 73 73 68 71, fi rst player from continental Europe to 281 — Andrew Johnston 69 69 70 73 Lee Westwood 71 73 73 68 lift the Claret Jug since the late, great 282 — Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 67 68 75 286 — Haydn Porteous (RSA) 70 76 Seve Ballesteros of Spain in 1988. His 72, Dustin Johnson (USA) 71 69 72 70, 68 72, Ryan Palmer (USA) 72 73 71 victory prevented Mickelson from be- Bill Haas (USA) 68 70 69 75 70, Darren Clarke 71 72 73 70, Russell coming the seventh straight American 283 — Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 69 72 72 Knox 72 70 75 69, Thomas Pieters winner of an Open to be held at Troon. 70, Zach Johnson (USA) 67 70 75 71, (BEL) 68 76 70 72, Jordan Spieth The 46-year-old Californian was also Andrew Sullivan 67 76 71 69, Gary (USA) 71 75 72 68 denied the honour of becoming the old- est winner of the Claret Jug since Tom Morris Senior down the road at Prest- out, denying him the fi rst ever 62 in a ly in the shade on Scotland’s west coast. wick way back in 1867. major, and he was also agonisingly de- McIlroy, the 2014 Open champion Mickelson remains on fi ve majors, nied lifting the Claret Jug for the second at Hoylake, fi nished the highest of that despite having started his week with time by Stenson’s brilliance. quartet after an impressive 67 on Sun- that remarkable 63 of his own. Both players put the so-called ‘Big day left him tied for fi fth at four under On Thursday he was left cursing Four’ of Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jor- par overall alongside England’s Tyrrell when a birdie putt at the 18th lipped dan Spieth and Rory McIlroy thorough- Hatton and Sergio Garcia of Spain. Gulf Times 2 Monday, July 18, 2016 GOLF

INTERVIEW REGRET Pity I had no emotional Open Rookie Evans send-off : Monty

Reuters think it might well be the last time Troon, Scotland I’m here at an Open.” Montgomerie, though, was pleased to have achieved his ambi- outplays local olin Montgomerie tion by making the cut. made his 22nd, and prob- “The goal at the start of the ably fi nal, appearance at week was to play on Sunday,” said the British Open yester- the former world number two who dayC but the European Tour great is now a regular on the senior cir- was denied the emotional farewell cuit. “Anything beyond that was a given to Jack Nicklaus and Tom bonus. Watson in recent years. “When I saw the course in hero Montgomerie The 53-year-old Montgomer- practice, how long it was playing, ie, who occupied the last spot in it really took it out of my hands. I the fi eld at the start of the fourth needed it to be running like Turn- Evans, who secured his 2016 tour card at Qualifying School, said he enjoyed round, was accompanied by a berry or Hoylake,” added Mont- marker when he teed off at 0740 gomerie of the parched fairways of playing alongside Montgomerie who is a member of Royal Troon local time in the opening match of 2009 and 2006. the day. Europe’s triumphant 2010 Ry- Reuters A closing fi ve-over-par 76 gave der Cup captain said he was full Troon, Scotland the eight-times European number of admiration for the fans who one a 17-over aggregate of 301 turned up at Troon this week in and Royal Troon member Mont- spite of receiving a buff eting from ittle-known Ryan Evans was un- gomerie said it was “a shame” the the rain and 25mph winds. fazed after being handed a dream grandstands were quiet when he “The spectators here, they’ve pairing with Colin Montgomerie walked off the 18th green. battled way, way hard,” added in the British Open third round on “It was a pity,” the veteran Scot Montgomerie. “It’s 80 pounds Saturday,L so much so that the rookie ended told reporters. “I’d have loved to ($105) to get in, it’s not cheap. up outplaying the eight-times European be in the middle of the pack where “They’ve done well to come in number one. the stands are beginning to be- and battle hard knowing the con- Evans, who shook off some early nerves come full...that would have been ditions are going to be diffi cult. with an opening birdie, went round in 74 more emotional. Pars here are good, it’s tough, very, while his 53-year-old Scottish partner “You’ve got to be realistic and very tough.” Montgomerie slid to a 79 in blustery winds of up to 20mph on the west coast of Scot- land. “I just tried not to let the occasion get to me on the fi rst tee,” the Englishman told Reuters. “Colin was fi rst on the tee and hit one down the middle so I thought ‘let’s rip the driver and get going’. “It’s the biggest club in the bag and thankfully I hit a great shot straight down the middle. It was nice then to hole my putt on the green.” Evans, who secured his 2016 tour card at Qualifying School, said he enjoyed playing alongside Montgomerie who is a member of Royal Troon and whose father was once club secretary. “He’s had a great career, he’s a local hero, this is his golf course, so it was nice to play with a lot of people watching and a lot of support for him,” said the 29-year-old. “We had a good chat. He was asking how things have started for me in my career...it was good to speak to him especially after he made a birdie. “When he made a bogey though I thought it was best to stay out of his way,” giggled Evans. “I didn’t really feel in awe of him, he’s just another golfer, just like me (but) if I can get anywhere near his achievements in my career I’ll be more than happy.” Evans missed the cut eight times in 13 tour events ahead of the third major cham- pionship of the year, achieving his best re- Cabrera, Vegas share Barbasol lead sult when fi nishing tied 12th at the Mauri- tius Open. His prize was a cheque for $17,000 but Reuters, Opelika, USA: to slam it off the tee was a big the fi rst-year professional said he had to Double major winner Angel help on the Alabama layout push the fi nancial implications of the con- Cabrera of Argentina and close by Auburn University. stant travelling on tour to the back of his Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas “There is a huge advantage mind. both fired six-under-par 65s to if you can carry 310 yards or “I’ve got some backing at home,” said share the first-round lead at so because you can carry the Evans. “A friend of my club is supporting the Barbasol Championship in bunkers that come into play, me and also a couple more friends...I’ve got Alabama on Thursday. especially at the par-fives,” the to try and forget about what each week is With most of golf’s elite Venezuelan said. costing me. engaged in the British Open, With the points chase heating “I’ve just got to go and play golf and that big hitters Cabrera, 46, and up for the season-ending Fed- will take care of it. If you start thinking how Vegas, 31, both took advan- ExCup playoff s, Vegas said this much money it’s costing every week there’s tage of their length at the RTJ was an important week. only one way you can go and that’s down.” Trail Grand National layout “It’s a great opportunity, Evans has found it tough during his early at Opelika with bogey-free especially with the playoff s days as a professional. rounds spiced by eagles on the getting closer and closer,” said “My fi rst goal this season was to fi nish in par-five 13th hole. the 240th-ranked Vegas, who the top 110 to guarantee full playing rights England’s Ryan Evans putts on the The co-leaders were one shot stands 91st in the FedExCup next year,” he added. “It’s always diffi cult 12th green during his third round on ahead of a pack of seven points standings. coming straight out of tour school because day three of the 2016 British Open pursuers at five-under 66 that “Every week here counts a you’re never going to get in every event. Golf Championship at Royal Troon included Scotsman Martin lot, and opposite a major with “That’s still my target and then next year in Scotland on Saturday. Laird and Americans Ben guys playing on the other I can set new goals. You’ve just got to trust Crane, Michael Kim and Shawn side (of the ocean), it’s a super yourself. You are here for a reason, your Stefani. Vegas said being able important week.” game is good enough.

LPGA Red-hot Kim Hyo-Joo builds three-shot lead

AFP so close but didn’t end up falling, so Los Angeles Kim, who held a share of the lead hopefully a few more fall (Sunday). aft er each of the fi rst two rounds, “Hyo-Joo played great today, holed was on fi re on the Highlands a lot of putts, put herself in really outh Korea’s Kim Hyo-Joo Meadows course in Sylvania good positions, so yeah, obviously I’ll fi red seven birdies without a be trying to track her down tomor- bogey on Saturday, her third- New Zealand’s world number one Ko, row, but there’s still a lot of golf to be round 64 giving her a three- who started the day with a share of the played.” shotS lead over Lydia Ko and Alison Lee lead, also played without a bogey but After tricky winds made for tough in the LPGA Marathon Classic in Ohio. could come up with only four birdies scoring on Friday, Ko said conditions Kim, who held a share of the lead af- in a 67 for 201. couldn’t have been better for the third ter each of the fi rst two rounds, was on That left her tied for second with round. fi re on the Highlands Meadows course American Alison Lee, who notched “If it stays like this to tomorrow, I’m in Sylvania. her second straight 66. They were one pretty sure there could be some low Her fi rst birdie of the day, at the par- stroke in front of Thailand’s Ariya Jut- (scores) out there,” said the 19-year- four fi fth, sparked a run of fi ve birdies in anugarn, who carded a 66 and Ameri- old star, who won her second major seven holes that featured three straight can Stacy Lewis — who had six birdies title at the ANA Inspiration this year. at the seventh, eighth and ninth. without a bogey in her six-under 65. Lee notched three of her six birdies “I hit good drives, good tee shots and Ko was left regretting a short miss in her last four holes. iron shots, and I managed to get up- at the par-five 18th that would have “I just felt really in tune with my and-down, and I made good putts,” said moved her closer to playing partner swing,” Lee said. “All my approach Kim, who celebrated her 21st birthday Kim. shots, I was hitting it well. Putting felt on Thursday. “It was good.” “I let one — it was a very dumb one really good today. I did miss a couple Birdies at 14 and 17 saw her build a — slip on the last hole,” she said. putts, but other than that, I felt like comfortable cushion heading into Sun- “But it was a pretty consistent day. just overall I was hitting it really sol- day’s fi nal round on 15-under par 198. There were so many putts that were id.” Gulf Times Monday, July 18, 2016 3 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Golf’s Olympic shambles further Yasir Shah spins undermines Games’ Pakistan to Lord’s special allure win over England Mohamed Amir in his first Test appearance since he was given a five-year ban for his part in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal at Lord’s — Pakistan’s previous Test at ‘the home of cricket’ — ended the match when he bowled No 11 Jake Ball.

Phil Mickelson of the US reacts after saving par on the 12th hole during the final round of the British Open at Royal Troon, Scotland, yesterday. Mickelson finished runner-up to Swede Henrik Stenson by a three-shot margin.

By Owen Gibson justifi cation, argue we should The Guardian focus on the women’s golf com- petition and the attendant boost in profi le it will provide. But this furore matters because it is just The IOC is the latest example of the fraying of the thread that still – despite being lured by everything – gives the Olympics the dollar and the its allure. That appeal that has been ruth- Rio golf furore is lessly and successfully mined since the commercial resurrec- latest example of tion of the Games in Los Ange- les in 1984. It relies on a kind of a the fraying of the trick of the light. By aggregating thread that the eff orts of thousands of under- appreciated athletes from around makes the the world every four years at the peak moment of their careers, al- Olympics so most all other sins can be forgiven. All those hundreds of thousands inspirational for of hours of blood, sweat and tears so many people are woven into a tapestry of com- pelling human endeavour that is distilled into a fortnight that re- s Lefty and the Ice Man tains the power to thrill, move and duelled their way up inspire. Pakistan’s Yasir Shah (C) celebrates with Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir (2R) after taking the wicket of England’s Moeen Ali for 2 runs at Lord’s yesterday. the 18th at Royal Troon Even as news continued to drip and basked in the ac- through of the world’s top golfers England, set 283 for victory, were all “It is a tough pill to take, losing at he paddled a Rahat short ball to Shah, set claimA of the grandstand on Sat- delivering death by a thousand AFP London out for 207. home, but there are three games to go.” back at deep square leg. urday evening, BBC 5 Live’s Jay cuts to its Olympic status, I spent Delighted Pakistan skipper Misbah- England were holding fi rm at 195 for James Vince, dropped in the slips, Townsend was in lyrical mood. a morning at Bisham Abbey with ul-Haq, whose fi rst-innings 114 in his six thanks to a determined stand of 56 struck nine fours, mainly through the off - “This is the pinnacle of the game. Britain’s women’s rugby sevens asir Shah marked his fi rst Test maiden Lord’s Test saw him become Test between Jonny Bairstow (48) and Chris side, on his way to a Test-best 41 not out This is the Open Champion- squad – the other sport added to outside of Asia and the United cricket’s oldest century-maker for 82 Woakes (23). at lunch without looking assured. ship, the biggest tournament in the programme at the same time Arab Emirates by taking 10 years, said: “It is one of the top wins as But Bairstow’s three-and-a-half hour He had added just one run to his lunch the world. There is no equal,” he as golf in 2009. They have spent Ywickets in the match as Paki- captain and for Pakistan as a team. innings ended when he was bowled trying score when, not moving his feet, he edged whispered as Phil Mickelson and three years focusing on Rio and stan beat England by 75 runs in their se- “Everyone bowled well, especially Ya- to whip a Shah leg-break. a booming drive of a Wahab Riaz delivery Henrik Stenson set themselves up little else – try telling them Ol- ries opener at Lord’s yesterday. sir Shah. We always believe if we cross That was the cue for a collapse that that moved away to second slip Younis, for an epic fi nal-day joust. ympic gold is a mere bauble. It is Leg-spinner Shah took 10 for 141, in- 300 runs (Pakistan made 339 in their fi rst saw England lose their last four wickets who this time clung on at the second at- And there is the rub for those that intangible appeal that leads cluding a second-innings haul of four for innings), we are very much in the game. for 12 runs in 31 balls. tempt. continuing to rake over the sham- to overblown claims being made 69 on the fourth day yesterday. “We have a top spinner and the bowl- England’s defeat was tough on Woakes England were making steady progress bolic reintroduction of golf to the on the Olympics’ behalf. So it is His return, which surpassed Waqar ers can really put pressure on the opposi- who, in the absence of the injured James at 135 for four when leg-spinner Shah, Olympics after 112 years away. If that the IOC president, Thomas Younis’s previous Test-match best for tion.” Anderson and Ben Stokes, took 11 for 102 who took six for 72 in the fi rst innings, Olympic gold should represent Bach, has pompously claimed the Pakistan at Lord’s of eight for 154, was The 42-year-old Misbah added: “It has in the match. bowled recalled left-hander Gary Bal- the pinnacle of sport, each major Games will somehow pour balm central to the tourists going 1-0 up in this been a remarkable turnaround after the It was Pakistan’s unheralded left-arm lance behind his legs for a painstaking 43 that slips by is a reminder that for on Brazil’s open wounds at a time four-match series. 2010 incident and the team took respon- quick Rahat Ali who reduced England to with a delivery that spun out of the rough. golf it will always be very much an of economic, political and social Mohamed Amir in his first Test ap- sibility...To win here speaks volumes.” 47 for three on Sunday. Moeen Ali (two) then charged down afterthought. turmoil. So it is that those behind pearance since he was given a five-year As for Amir, a teenager in 2010 but now His back-off -a-length ball had Cook the pitch in an attempt to drive Shah, only The International Olympic the awe-inspiring transformation ban for his part in the 2010 spot-fixing aged 24, Misbah said: “Everybody wants (eight) edging through to wicket-keeper to be clean bowled. Committee has got away with of the British Olympic team into a scandal at Lord’s — Pakistan’s previous Mohamed Amir to play, especially the Sarfraz Ahmed. Riaz was unlucky to wicketless during football’s under-23 fudge and ten- ruthless medal-winning machine Test at ‘the home of cricket’ — ended crowd. Cook’s opening partner Alex Hales (16) an excellent spell of reverse-swing bowl- nis retains an uncomfortable po- made the bold claim last week that the match when he bowled No 11 Jake “He is a good kid now and matured and then carelessly chased a wide Rahat ball ing against Bairstow and Waokes. sition, but the parade of top male success in Rio could help bridge Ball. can prove he is a good bowler.” outside off stump, with Mohamed Hafeez Earlier, Pakistan added just one run golfers turning their backs on Rio the divide at the heart of a nation Victory prompted the Pakistan team to England paid dearly for some poor holding a good catch at fi rst slip. to their overnight 214 for eight as Stuart has thrust wider issues into the split in two by Brexit. perform several press-ups in front of the top-order batting in both innings and Joe Root struck two superb cover- Broad cleaned up the tail. light. For a Games facing a perfect Yet the IOC, in being lured by Lord’s Pavilion — a reference to their pre- skipper Alastair Cook said: “There was a driven fours off Rahat but the star bats- Shah did not add to his 30 but more storm of problems, from corrosive the dollar just a bit too conspicu- tour military boot camp. bit of naive batting, kind of basic errors. man fell into a hooking trap on nine when than made amends with the ball. ennui over doping and corrup- ously and being called out on its tion to concerns over tickets and hubris, risks fraying that thread transport, it is the last thing or- just a little more. Greedily eyeing ganisers needed. golf and its corporate backers, its Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir and Sarfraz Ahmed celebrate winning the first Test after LORD’S SCOREBOARD On top of everything else, they members fell over themselves to bowling England’s Jake Ball at Lord’s yesterday. now have to defend the expense of add it to the schedule when others Pakistan 1st Innings: 339 Woakes 18-6-32-5; Ali 13-3-49-2 building a golf course for a com- – not least squash – blatantly had (Misbah-ul-Haq 114, Asad Shafiq (1nb) petition that no one wants – least a better case. 73; C Woakes 6-70, S Broad 3-71) England: 2nd Innings (target of all those most likely to win it. It is the same self-aggrandising England 1st Innings: 272 (A 283) Forget letting them eat cake, in- strand that leads it to preach sus- Cook 81; Yasir Shah 6-72) A. Cook c S.Ahmed b R. Ali .....8 stead let them build golf courses. tainability and legacy in choosing Pakistan 2nd Innings: (over- A. Hales c Hafeex b R. Ali ...... 16 Zika has given golfers, and an in- host cities yet ultimately proves night: 214-8) J. Root c Yasir Shah b R. Ali ... 9 creasing number of tennis players, unable to resist the siren call of M. Hafeez c Root b Broad ...... 0 J. Vince c Y.Khan b Riaz ...... 42 the cover they had perhaps been scale and spectacle when off ered S. Masood c Cook b Woakes 24 G. Ballance b Yasir Shah ...... 43 looking for to make the decision the choice. Azhar Ali lbw b Woakes ...... 23 J. Bairstow b Yasir Shah ...... 48 not to travel to Rio that bit easier. That has convinced it that in- Younis Khan b Ali ...... 25 M. Ali b Yasir Shah ...... 2 Although not among the fi rst vesting a fortune in an “Olympic Misbah-ul-Haq c Hales b Ali ... 0 C. Woakes c Y. Khan b Yasir wave of deserters, Rory McIlroy Channel” is the way to reach the Asad Shafiq b Woakes ...... 49 Shah...... 23 and Jordan Spieth – the young youth of the world, even as the S. Ahmed c Bairstow b Woakes S. Broad b Mohamed Amir ...... 1 bucks whom the sport’s market- average age of those watching the ...... 45 S. Finn not ou ...... 4 eers prayed would fi ll the gap left Games creeps upwards. And that Y. Shah c Bairstow b Broad ...30 J. Ball b Mohamed Amir ...... 3 behind by Tiger Woods – dealt led it to follow up its mistake in Wahab Riaz c Bairstow b Extras: (b1, lb5, w1, nb1) ...... 8 the cruelest blow. McIlroy then ushering in golf by lurching wildly Woakes ...... 0 Total: (all out, 75.5 overs, 346 twisted the knife by fl ippantly the other way, allowing Tokyo M. Amir c Bairstow b Broad ..... 1 mins) ...... 207 suggesting that he would instead 2020 to introduce fi ve new youth- Rahat Ali not out ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Cook), watch “the stuff that matters” friendly sports – skateboarding, Extras: (b6, lb11, nb1) ...... 18 2-32 (Hales), 3-47 (Root), 4-96 rather than his own sport. It is surfi ng, mountaineering, base- Total: (all out, 79.1 overs, 353 (Vince), 5-135 (Ballance), 6-139 hard to castigate McIlroy for his ball and karate – in a move that mins) ...... 215 (Ali), 7-195 (Bairstow), 8-196 honesty. It is no more than the smacks of a drunk dad grooving at Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Hafeez), (Broad), 9-204 (Woakes), 10-207 IOC deserves. a wedding. 2-44 (Masood), 3-59 (Azhar) (Ball) You could take the view that In doing so it threatens to un- 4-60 (Misbah), 5-129 (Younis), Bowling: Amir 17.5-4-39-2; this is all a bit of a sideshow; it dermine not only what makes 6-168 (Shafiq), 7-208 (Ahmed), Rahat 14-0-47-3 (1w); Shah 31-9- matters little that a sport that the Olympics sellable but what 8-214 (Riaz), 9-214 (Shah), 10-215 69-4; Riaz 13-1-46-1 (1nb) should not have been reintro- still makes it special. And it risks (Amir) Result: Pak won by 75 runs duced to the roster in the fi rst bringing just a little closer the day Bowling: Broad 19.1-7-38-3; Man-of-the-match: Yasir Shah place is derailing its own Olympic when the fi ve rings off end rather Ball 16-7-37-0; Finn 13-4-42-0; (PAK) Toss: Pakistan ambitions. You could, with some than inspire. Gulf Times 4 Monday, July 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT English manager needed and Allardyce heads the queue The shortlist is embarrassingly short but to look beyond these shores for the next England manager would be even more shameful

By Paul Wilson The Guardian

here is, it has frequently been noted, a certain lack of continuity about the business of appointing a new England manager. This is not just limited to the TEngland managers themselves, who often tend to be opposites or mirror-images of the pred- ecessor who has been found wanting, it also ap- plies to the people who make the appointments. Change is practically built into the Football As- sociation’s constitution. Every time a manager needs replacing it will be a diff erent set of head- hunters forming the posse, and hence a diff erent set of ideas, preferences and protocols. That is why there are no rules for guidance about whether the England manager should be English, say, or whether he should be a certain age and have a particular number of Premier League games under his belt. Nothing is ever ruled out and nothing is ruled in. It is an ad hoc decision each time, and this time it will be reached under the aegis of Martin Glenn, the FA chief executive, who has made it abundantly clear that he is not a football expert. Sam Allardyce could well have been pleased to hear that, because after supervising close to a thousand games and managing to improve each of his clubs to the extent that he has never suff ered a top-fl ight relegation despite being sent into some unpromising situations, his own football credentials are impeccable. And the previous time he was interviewed for the Eng- land job, 10 years ago when the FA were looking for a successor to Sven-Goran Eriksson, an ex- perienced panel led by Brian Barwick ended up overlooking him in favour of Steve McClaren. The FA then added insult to injury by claim- Sam Allardyce (right), seen here with Arsene Wenger, may not be a fashionable choice to manage the national side but he has been immersed in English football throughout his career. ing McClaren had been the preferred candidate all along, even though it was obvious Barwick accuse Glenn and his colleagues of not casting equipped to cope with international football in because almost all the developed nations stick English managers are stuck in a double bind. had been turned down by Luiz Felipe Scolari. their net suffi ciently wide. suffi cient numbers. to the fundamental principle of international There are not enough of them, they cannot get The new-found commitment to up and com- Yet if, as reported, the FA intends talking to In other words, his experience, philosophy football, that it should be a true contest be- the top jobs, yet when the England job is up for ing English coaches lasted as long as it took for Jürgen Klinsmann, the net is perhaps being cast and skill set are a world away from Allardyce’s, tween nations without borrowing or blurring of grabs they are accused of lacking experience. England to fail to qualify for Euro 2008, at which wider than it need be. On Roy Hodgson’s resig- so much so that it is hard to believe two such boundaries. Premier League short-termism might have point preposterous sums of money were fl ung in nation, Glenn indicated he would be appointing disparate candidates are being interviewed It is not exactly cheating to hire a foreigner as brought this situation about, but the FA should the direction of Fabio Capello. the best man for the job, regardless of national- for the same job. It is true that Klinsmann has coach – there are reasons why it might be bene- be resisting the trend, not affi rming it. It remains possible that the best choice for ity. That immediately brought Arsène Wenger considerable international experience both as a fi cial for emerging nations to do so – but a coun- International football might be in decline, England in 2006 would have been Allardyce. into the equation, even though the Frenchman player and a manager with Germany, though it try with a strong domestic league and a World overshadowed by glitzier club competitions Then, as now, he would not have been seen as a would rather wait until Arsenal have no further is also worth pointing out that the current Ger- Cup winner’s star on its shirts should have no that bring the world’s best players together in a fashionable or forward-looking option, but he use for him than leave his present post to answer man side peaked only once Joachim Löw took truck with it. Especially when England has no more dynamic way, though in the end it is still deserved his chance and he would probably have an England summons. sole control. one else to blame if too many of the manage- the most accurate indicator of a nation’s foot- made England a tight enough defensive unit to Klinsmann is understood to be more attain- Klinsmann has no real insight into the English rial positions at its top clubs are held by foreign balling health. at least qualify for the 2008 fi nals instead of able, even receptive to FA overtures. While sporting psyche other than anything gleaned coaches, leading to a situation whereby English It shows the calibre of the players and coaches fi nishing behind Croatia and Russia. He almost things have not exactly gone sour in the US, they from his short spell as a player at Tottenham, managers fi nd it hard to break into the elite. being produced. In neither case could the num- certainly would not have trialled a three-at- appear to have become somewhat stale. Klins- whereas Allardyce, or Steve Bruce or Alan It is far too easy to sneer at Bruce for only bers in England at the moment be said to be im- the-back system in Zagreb, or let a lead slip in mann spends most of his time urging his play- Pardew for that matter, have been immersed managing at Hull, when the more diffi cult ques- pressive, but that does not mean there are not Moscow, though there is nothing to be gained ers to show more aggression within their clubs in English football at several levels throughout tion to answer is why he has never been off ered enough good people around. The FA just needs from the application of hindsight when fore- and fi ght for game time instead of being content their working lives. a chance at Manchester United. Note too how to invest the same trust in English coaches as sight is what is required. with a squad number and a place on the bench. It is hard to escape the conclusion that the FA Sir Alex Ferguson rarely misses a chance to rate it does in English players, and without delay. Allardyce has already been seen, so we know He is constantly criticised for not picking makes life unnecessarily diffi cult for itself when Allardyce highly when the England job is under The fact that the shortlist is at present so short the FA are interested, and now he and Sunder- enough MLS players, or for selecting players it glibly states that it wants the best man for the discussion, though was much more reticent might be a cause for embarrassment, though land are being made to wait while a few other out of position, because of his belief that the job regardless of nationality. No other leading about advancing his cause as a potential succes- surely the greater embarrassment would be in candidates are considered so that no one can American system does not produce performers football country gives itself the same dilemma, sor at Old Traff ord. looking elsewhere.

FOCUS Chelsea’s Conte lauds Kante signing aft er debut loss

AFP Chelsea academy product Ola Aina fi red named the best player in the league. It’s Vienna against the post in the second half. How- important for us to recover Hazard in the ever, Rapid struck again through Tomi best condition: technique, tactical, physi- Correa on 82 minutes to wrap up the victo- cal, overall and with the good mentality. helsea coach Antonio Conte hailed ry. “This is the fi rst game for us but I knew “But I spoke with him and I’m very hap- the signing of N’Golo Kante after it would be very diffi cult after three days py. For me I’m pleased to train a fantastic the France international joined of double training,” said Conte. “I think it player like him and also the other players. from Premier League champions was a bit normal to meet these diffi culties In Chelsea, with Hazard there are many LeicesterC City on Saturday. in the game, but I don’t like to lose and it’s players with great talent — Diego Cos- Kante, 25, became Chelsea’s second ma- the same for my players.” ta, many players. I don’t want to say the jor signing this month, following the arriv- Conte, who steered an unfancied Italy names but many, many players.” al of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, after side into the quarter-fi nals of Euro 2016 Regarding the heights Chelsea’s most the Blues paid a reported £32mn (38mn before losing to Germany on penalties, outstanding individuals can reach, he said: euros, $42mn) for the defensive midfi elder. said Chelsea’s ultimate goal this season “We have players, fantastic players, who “I want to say Kante was a target and for was to challenge for the title after a lowly have great talent but in this moment the this reason I’m very happy the club bought 10th-place fi nish last term. world doesn’t think they are the same level the player,” said Conte, after watching “We’ll work very hard because we want as (Lionel( Messi, (Luis) Suárez, Neymar, Chelsea lose 2-0 to Rapid Vienna in his to come back and compete for the title un- Cristiano Ronaldo or (Paul) Pogba. In our fi rst match in charge. til the end of the season. I know there is a squad there are players who, with work, “He’s a good player. He has good tech- lot of work to do but we are ready,” he said. can improve a lot and reach this level. The nique, fantastic stamina and I like this type Conte was confi dent he can transform player must understand that there is the of player. If you want to win then a team players such as Eden Hazard into world- ability to work to prove and to show that, needs this type of player that works hard class performers at Chelsea. Hazard was ‘Now I am a top player, but I want to be- for the team. All together we are working voted the PFA Player of the Year in 2015 for come top, top, top and want to stay there.’” to improve the squad. We know we have the dazzling displays that helped Chelsea Conte also outlined the respect he will to but we prefer to wait and go for our tar- to win the Premier League, but he endured demand from his players. “I always give gets, rather than go with emotion and take a dip in form last season during a dismal education and respect but I demand the the players who don’t adapt to our idea of title defence that led to Jose Mourinho’s same, for all the people that work with me. football.” sacking. I give them this and I demand this,” he said. Conte fi elded an experienced side with Hazard showed glimpses of returning “This was taught to me by my family, John Terry named as captain for Saturday’s to his best for Belgium during Euro 2016 to give education and respect to all peo- pre-season friendly against Rapid in the and Conte is hoping the 25-year-old will ple. If I don’t have this, you are asking for Austrian capital. The Italian also handed improve into one of the world’s best. “We trouble, for a problem. I love to be with my starts to several fi rst-team regulars includ- know that when you have great players players, to speak with them, to help them ing Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, Willian with great talent like Hazard in the team, to understand my philosophy, my meth- and Branislav Ivanovic, but the English the expectations are very high,” Conte ods and my thoughts. I love this. Hopefully Chelsea manager giants fell behind when Brazilian teenager said. “Also, when the season before you when the players understand this we have Antonio Conte. (Reuters) Joelinton scored after just eight minutes. have won the title and Hazard has been a fantastic relationship.” Gulf Times Monday, July 18, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Gotze in talks to return to Dortmund; Mourinho hails Shaw Robben out 6 weeks Munich: Germany midfielder Goetze needs to play regu- Mario Goetze’s return to Borus- larly and a return to his former sia Dortmund appears more club was “a good option” and likely after talks with Bayern also “not bad for Dortmund,” he Munich now has come down to added. Goetze has also in the aft er holiday ‘sacrifi ce’ his transfer fee, while Bayern’s past been linked with a move Dutch winger Arjen Robben is to Liverpool and his former likely to miss the start of the Dortmund coach Juergen season with a groin injury. Klopp, and more recently by ‘He stayed in Manchester and was at the training ground every day’ German media reports some British media reports to yesterday said Bayern were fellow Premier League side Tot- AFP seeking around 28mn euros tenham Hotspur. Wigan, United Kingdom (30.9mn dollars) for Goetze, Robben, meanwhile, is ex- who moved to Munich from pected to be out for six weeks Dortmund in 2013 for 37mn, after suff ering a groin injury ose Mourinho paid tribute to England left-back then the most expensive trans- in Saturday’s friendly. Robben Luke Shaw as he continued his comeback from fer within the Bundesliga. came off in the 35th minute a 10-month injury lay-off in the new Manches- Rummenigge has confirmed of the 4-3 win over fifth-tier ter United manager’s fi rst game in charge of the that the club were in talks with Lippstadt after pulling up club.J both Dortmund and Goetze’s following a sprint. “The injury Shaw, out since suff ering a double leg break in agent on a transfer of the to the player’s right leg was a Champions League tie at PSV Eindhoven, came 24-year-old, who has another diagnosed after an examination through the fi rst 45 minutes of a 2-0 victory at Cham- year on his contract in Munich. conducted by the club’s medi- pionship side Wigan as the Portuguese manager began Speaking at a friendly in Lipps- cal unit in Munich on Sunday,” the latest chapter of his career in winning style. tadt on Saturday, Rummenigge the club said in a statement. “When I found Luke at the training ground it was a said: “There is a price which is “Robben will be sidelined for surprise for me because I thought he couldn’t be ready known. When it is fulfilled we approximately six weeks.” to train without any type of limitation but he did fan- will be ready to complete this Robben was restricted to 15 tastic in the summer,” said Mourinho. transfer. It is a three-way busi- Bundesliga appearances last “He sacrifi ced his holiday. He stayed in Manches- ness. We have to have a little bit season due to a similar injury. ter and was at the training ground every day putting more patience.” He missed the last two months himself in condition. Of course you lose a bit of sharp- Goetze did not play in of the campaign but prior to ness of condition and confi dence that is normal but he Bayern’s first match under new Saturday’s fixture against Lipp- is trying hard. He was mad to play for more than just coach Carlo Ancelotti, who stadt he said he felt his injury 45 minutes but for me it is better 45 safe minutes than was without the internationals agony was now behind him. more, so let’s go step by step.” who took part at Euro 2016 in He is now likely to miss Shaw, 21, looked composed and fi t, even in such low- France. Bayern’s German Supercup fix- key surroundings, and is clearly relishing the chal- In interviews after the game, ture with Borussia Dortmund, lenge of re-establishing himself in the United line-up Rummenigge said Goetze was their opening DFB-Pokal game under the new manager. “I’m just looking forward and “a wonderful footballer but at Jena and first Bundesliga to carry on doing what I did last year from the start,” unfortunately it has not worked match of the season against said Shaw. “Everyone helped me from the club and my out at Bayern so far.” Werder Bremen on 26 August. family and friends played a massive part in helping me through so a massive thanks to all them. I don’t want to put things in my mind, I am going to take it as it comes. The main thing is to get through pre-season and to be ready. Every pre-season is important. But I have been out for 10 months and I can’t wait to get going.” Shaw’s return was just one of the positive aspects of Saturday’s friendly as Mourinho was without 14 international players, who have been granted an ex- tended summer break, but still handed debuts to nearly £60mn (71.7mn euros) of new signings in defender Eric Bailly and midfi elder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. On a personal level, Mourinho was also handed a warm response from the 5,500 United supporters who had made the short journey to Wigan to support their team. “It is nice to feel welcome and that they are be- hind the team,” said Mourinho. “My reaction is that honestly I would prefer them to go with the players. I prefer them to go with the team, I prefer them to go with Man United. They are the ones on the pitch and they are the ones that need support and if I could tell them that I would tell them directly: fi rst the players. I am the last one after them. It is nice Luke Shaw, out since suff ering a to feel that the things I liked in the game they also liked, double leg break in a Champions you could feel from some of their reactions that they League tie at PSV Eindhoven, liked it.” came through the first 45 minutes United now travel to China for friendly games of a 2-0 victory at Championship against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai and a Man- side Wigan. (Reuters) chester derby with City in Beijing. The 14 United play- ers who were on international duty this summer, in- cluding England trio Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and Chris Smalling, return to the fi rst team fold this week, although Mourinho claims they will not play in the games in China. “Basically in China I will play with these guys that are training for 10 days and the Rooneys and Rashfords and Smallings, these guys are coming to China without training so I am not going to play them,” he explained. Bayern Munich were seeking around 28mn euros for Mario “I have two training processes, one for those that are Goetze, who moved to Munich from Dortmund in 2013 for 37mn, close to (full) condition and one process for the players then the most expensive transfer within the Bundesliga. coming from their holidays.”

ROUND-UP OPINION Tottenham agree deal to sign Despite international failures Nkoudou from Marseille Agencies hua in a Chinese Super League derby against Messi still the best: Ronaldinho London Shanghai SIPG yesterday. The 31-year-old Senegalese collapsed in the Reuters 63rd minute of his side’s 2-1 victory after a chal- Chennai ottenham have agreed a fee of £10.9m with lenge from Sun Xiang, with his left leg giving way Marseille for Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, beneath the knee as he fell to the ground. “It could with the France Under-21 winger set to end his professional career,” Shenhua coach Grego- ionel Messi is still the best player complete his move in the coming days. rio Manzano told reporters. “I would rather lose the in the world despite never winning THaving completed the purchase of the Holland game than lose Ba.” a major international trophy for striker Vincent Janssen last week, Mauricio Po- Argentina, former Barcelona team- chettino has been keen to make further additions Lmate and Brazil great Ronaldinho said yes- DALLAS BOUNCE BACK WITH to his squad before the start of the Premier League 3-1 VICTORY OVER FIRE terday. season. The Spurs head coach had considered an Maximiliano Urruti and Mauro Diaz scored in the The 29-year-old Messi, who retired from off er for the £20m-rated Lille playmaker Sofi ane fi rst half Saturday as FC Dallas bounced back from internationals last month after Argentina Boufal, who is also being monitored by Chelsea and a mid-week defeat with a 3-1 Major League Soccer lost to Chile in the Copa America fi nal, is his Arsenal as he recovers from a knee injury, before victory over the Chicago Fire. country’s top scorer with 55 goals. The fi ve settling on a move for Nkoudou instead last week. The home win in suburban Frisco, Texas, was the times World Player of the Year has played The 21-year-old, who moved to the Stade Vélo- fourth in fi ve matches for FC Dallas, who head the in three Copa America fi nals and the 2014 drome last summer from Nantes for £1m, has been Western Conference table and with 12 wins lead World Cup fi nal, but lost them all. scouted by several other clubs including Liverpool, the race for the Supporters’ Shield as the top team Cristiano Ronaldo, his frequent rival for West Ham and Manchester United and scored 10 overall. FIFA’s prestigious Ballon d’Or, recently won goals in all competitions last season. It helped erase the taste of a 5-0 loss to the Seat- Euro 2016 with Portugal, to reignite the de- But despite off ers from Hamburg and inter- tle Sounders on Wednesday. bate about which of the two is the world’s est from Bournemouth and Sevilla, Marseille have After struggling with possession through the best player. “For me, Messi leaving interna- given Tottenham permission to begin negotiations fi rst few minutes of the match, FC Dallas domi- tional football does not change anything,” over personal terms with Nkoudou, and the player nated the remainder of the fi rst half, opening the Ronaldinho told reporters. is likely to travel to London for a medical in the next scoring in the 23rd minute. “He is still the best football player in the 48 hours. FC Dallas’ Fabian Castillo outworked Chicago world. The respect I have for him doesn’t It is believed he will sign a fi ve-year contract defenders Rodrigo Ramos and Michael Stephens to change at all. And if he really has decided to after speaking to Pochettino on the phone at the the left of the penalty area before getting free long leave international football then the sport end of last week. The French club are also keen to enough to send a scissor-kick pass across the goal will miss his presence, and so will the fans,” take the Cameroon forward Clinton Njie on loan mouth and toward Urruti, who pushed a header be- added Ronaldinho, who is playing in India’s from Tottenham just a year after he joined from yond the reach of Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson. Premier Futsal league. Goa 5’s Ronaldinho (centre) in action against the Bengaluru 5’s during their Premier Lyon, although this is not understood to be part of Diaz added to the lead in the 41st minute when Ronaldinho, who played at Barcelona Futsal League match in Chennai yesterday. (AFP) the Nkoudou deal. Nkoudou was born in Versailles he took a feed from Kellyn Acosta and belted a shot for fi ve years from 2003, said he had nur- and began his career at Paris Saint-Germain before past off the left post and into Lampson’s net. tured Messi when the pair played together for Neymar because it’s very important for a two-month spell at Brazilian side Flumin- joining Nantes in 2013. Chicago, last in the Eastern Conference and tied at the Nou Camp. He said the Argentine a more experienced player to share things ense last year and has not ruled out playing with Columbus for fewest points in the league, got had followed in his footsteps by helping to with younger players,” the 36-year-old in the Indian Super League. DEMBA BA SUFFERS HORROR on the scoreboard in the fi rst minute of injury time guide Brazil forward Neymar at the Span- Ronaldinho said. “And that I believe is one “I am uncertain but I will go to a place INJURY IN SHANGHAI DERBY on a 25-yard free-kick goal by Arturo Alvarez. ish champions. “I am not there to see. But of the reasons that Neymar has adapted to where I feel very comfortable and will Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has suff ered a But Mauro Rosales answered with a goal for Dal- I believe the attention and dedication I had the club and their style of play.” consider this possibility (the Indian Super horror leg break while playing for Shanghai Shen- las a minute later. for Messi, is the same thing Messi is doing Ronaldinho has been without a club since League),” the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner said. Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 18, 2016 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Thurmond, a dominant With Wade in fold for NBA center, dies at 74

Reuters Bulls, Hoiberg excited San Francisco

ate Thurmond, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee considered one of the greatest centers ever to play in the NBA, died on Saturday at age N74, his former team the Golden State War- about his playmakers riors said in a statement. Thurmond, known for his bruising on- court style, died in San Francisco after a ‘Dwyane is a tough matchup for opposing teams with him and Jimmy on the wings and Rajon at point’ short battle with leukaemia, the team said. The seven-time National Basketball As- sociation all-star excelled at all aspects of By KC Johnson the game during a career that spanned from Chicago Tribune 1963 to 1977. In 1974, Thurmond in one game became the fi rst NBA player to record a quadruple- n a Saturday during which double by tallying double-digits in four Heat President Pat Riley statistical categories, with 22 points, 14 re- expressed “great regret” bounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks. over not immersing him- “Looking back, he was as ferocious as selfO more in negotiations to keep any player in the history of the game on Dwyane Wade, Bulls coach Fred the court, but one of the kindest and nicest Hoiberg was fi nally able to comment souls in his everyday life,” Al Attles, a former publicly on his team’s major free- player, coach and general manager with the agent acquisition after his signing Golden State Warriors, said in a statement. became offi cial late Friday. A native of Ohio, Thurmond was drafted Needless to say, the Bulls’ coach by the Warriors, who were then based in had diff erent emotions. San Francisco but later moved to Oakland. “I’m really excited to get him on He spent his rookie season as an apprentice board,” Hoiberg said via phone from of sorts to Wilt Chamberlain, a center con- Las Vegas, where the Bulls played the sidered one of the greatest NBA players of all Wizards in the NBA Summer League time. quarter-fi nals Saturday night. “Ob- Thurmond soon began playing the for- viously, he’s a guy with champion- ward position, with Chamberlain at center, ship experience and gives us another before the Warriors traded Chamberlain in playmaker on the fl oor. I’ve been 1965 and Thurmond replaced him at center. watching a lot of fi lm to see how to “I really liked Wilt as a person,” Thurmond best utilize the talents of the players told NBA.com in an interview after his re- on our roster. tirement. “Dwyane is a tough matchup for “We kept in touch after he left San Fran- opposing teams with him and Jimmy cisco, but it was a happy day for me when I (Butler) on the wings and Rajon (Ron- heard he was traded because I didn’t want to do) at the point. A lot of how we attack play forward for the rest of my life and nei- will be based on matchups and who ther did I want to play behind Wilt for the the defender is and whose hands we’re rest of my life,” he said. going to put the ball in to make plays.” Thurmond spent his fi rst 11 seasons with Hoiberg left summer league to at- the Warriors. During that time, they lost tend Monday’s dinner with Wade the NBA championship series twice, once in in Chicago, his fi rst prolonged con- 1964 to the Boston Celtics and again in 1967 versation with the 12-time All-Star. to the Philadelphia 76ers when Thurmond Hoiberg came away impressed, call- matched up against Chamberlain. ing him a “rock solid person (with) Thurmond played with the Chicago Bulls great people around him.” from 1974 to 1975 when he was traded to the Hoiberg’s playing career over- Cleveland Cavaliers, ending his career with lapped with Wade’s for two seasons. that team in 1977. He averaged 15 points and In fact, Wade posted a picture on In- 15 rebounds a game during his career and was stagram of himself from one of his inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1985. two predraft workouts for the Bulls in 2003 at the defunct Berto Center. Now, Hoiberg will be coaching the future Hall of Famer. “He’s so good at getting in the paint,” Hoiberg said. “He has a great fl oater and runner. He shot the 3 at a very high rate in the playoff s last year. He gives us another guy who can make plays. That’s huge. “We have multiple playmakers now, multiple guys who can get in the paint. We do have fl oor spacing on this team. It will be important his staff have been watching fi lm of a tie game, Hoiberg laughed before 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.3 as- “This was not about money. This to have guys who can knock down other teams that feature three play- answering. sists in 14 games. was about something else,” Riley shots.” ers who need shots and touches. “We’ll see who has it going,” he “He knows his body,” Hoiberg said. “I more than he (failed) because Hoiberg again referred to the “Great players always fi gure it said. said. “He has a team around him that he’s the asset, he’s the star, he’s the 2003-04 Timberwolves, which he out,” Hoiberg said. “It has to be Wade will turn 35 in January. He helps keep him in great shape. He face of the franchise. I should have played for and featured Kevin Gar- about one thing, and that’s winning. played in 74 games last season, his had an unbelievable year last year. done everything I could have verbal- nett, Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cas- Based on who has the hot hand on highest regular-season total since But we’ll manage that situation.” ly to try to change his mindset.” sell and advanced to the Western any given night, you play through 2010-11. Wade averaged a career- Holding his annual state-of-the- Denzel Valentine, the Bulls’ fi rst- Conference fi nals, as an example of that guy, and the rest of the team low 30.5 minutes and then delivered Heat address in Miami, Riley said round draft pick, signed his rookie a team that can make three strong plays off him.” a turn-back-the-clock postseason Wade’s departure “fl oored me” and scale contract Saturday and is under personalities work. He said he and Asked who gets the last shot in performance in which he averaged wished he had handled it diff erently. team control for at least four seasons.

NFL Chargers must allay fears with good faith eff ort

By Kevin Acee land acquisition, MTS bus yard which suggests a beautiful Su- ment and/or steel and/or ceil- The San Diego Union-Tribune relocation, construction and CHARGERS CHAIRMAN per Bowl-worthy edifi ce next to ing tiles and/or fuel skyrocket? other costs will be, as well as the DEAN SPANOS Petco Park, such a proposal? It is What if infrastructure improve- division of the stadium-conven- if there is a chance it could bur- ment, the cost of which is not fter 110 pages of legal tion center’s operational revenue den a city that can’t adequately provided for in the initiative, is gobbledygook and mil- and expenses. fi x streets or give a competitive prohibitive? lions of dollars spent This will be the process after wage to police offi cers. See? A lot of questions. on spin, we are des- the election, assuming the ini- You have to acknowledge that, But not so many that we tinedA to have as many questions tiative is approved. no matter how desperately you should just throw up our hands as answers about the Chargers The pledge from the Chargers want the Chargers to remain in and say, “Never!” stadium initiative even after vot- must come now. San Diego. Look, we’re going to have ers cast their ballots on Nov. 8. Dean Spanos must say that if The Chargers say they have time after the election to fi gure That is not anyone’s fault. it is determined by an independ- run simulations in which even out some things. Construction That is, according to folks on all ent/bi-partisan group that the two recessions don’t come close won’t start by Thanksgiving. sides of the issue and those fa- proposed transient occupancy to using all the money provided We’re looking at the end of 2017 miliar with political machina- tax increase might not be suffi - by their proposed net increase of before we even know whether a tions, the way these things are cient to cover the bills, he won’t four percent in the hotel tax. shovel will ever turn dirt on this inherently designed. hold the city to the terms of the Spelled out in their initiative is thing. Potential/probable law- The language in an initiative initiative. that they will provide $350 mil- suits aside, should the measure is binding. Thus, it can only ad- (This goes beyond the ini- lion and the NFL will provide pass, the city would have to ap- dress so much. tiative’s language that says it $300 million toward construc- point an entity to work with the But one gigantic cloud can “would not impose any obliga- tion of the stadium portion of the Chargers on the construction, at least be dissipated. It can be tion on the city to pay for op- project. The cost of the conven- operation and maintenance of done now. Really, it must be. erations and maintenance and plan for a downtown stadium possible problems. contiguous convention space. tion center and land acquisition the facility. The Chargers have to pledge capital costs for the conven- and convention center is a recipe Of course, this would do noth- That is also a non-starter as an is not specifi ed, but the team has The sides would then hammer that if it is determined the cost tion center expansion and sta- for fi nancial ruin. ing to soothe those opposed argument. said it expects the total cost of the out real costs. Only at that time of their stadium-convention dium out of the general fund.” Not taking this step leaves too to the initiative on the basis of What the pledge by Spanos project to be $1.8 billion. will we know what we can re- center project puts even a cent Not “imposing an obligation” much open for interpretation. being anti-tax increase and/ would do is provide some guard That’s great. The Chargers say ally expect to spend and whether of the city’s general fund in peril doesn’t necessarily mean the And after the past year or so, or against public subsidies for against the city being on the it will be x. What if it’s xy or xy what voters mandated is actually they will not go forward. city couldn’t have to fi nd a way the Chargers can’t aff ord locals stadium construction. That’s an hook for more than it can handle. [;us z? feasible. We should accept a cer- Whether general fund money to fund a potential shortfall.) interpreting that they are un- argument for another time, and We can’t have that. What if the cost of land and tain amount of ambiguity until was at risk would be determined Such a guarantee by Spanos trustworthy. Too, there is evi- it is likely one with no hope of A concept can be wonderful relocation of the MTS bus yard then. However, we need a larger by a committee convened to es- would reasonably allay the fears dence in the plight of other NFL resolution. Too, it does not as- and bad. is north of the $200 million es- measure of good faith from the tablish what the actual costs of of those who say the Chargers’ stadium projects that portends suage those opposed to the non- Is the Chargers initiative, timated? What if the cost of ce- Chargers now. Gulf Times Monday, July 18, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB RUGBY Storm take over top Verrett’s eff ort wasted in spot in NRL

AFP Brisbane

he Melbourne Storm moved Mets’ 4-2 loss to Phillies to the top of the Austral- ian National Rugby League when they narrowly beat ‘This moment we don’t have a lot of options but he’s got to give us good innings’ Tlast-placed Newcastle Knights in Newcastle yesterday. The 20-16 win was enough to move the Storm ahead of the Cronul- New York Mets starting pitcher Logan Verrett pitches la Sharks on points for and against. during the fi rst inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at The Sharks didn’t play this week- Citizens Bank Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports end because of a split round due to the fi nal State of Origin match played last Wednesday. The Storm had Queensland Origin stars Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith backing up, while they also welcomed Cameron Munster and Will Chambers back from injury. But a lack of possession and some ill-discipline hampered the Storm and the Knights were unlucky not to end an 11-game losing streak. Storm’s Fijian winger Marika Koroibete scored two tries as Mel- bourne eased home against the lowly Knights. Penrith ended Parramatta’s slim fi nals hopes when they beat the Eels 22-18 in Penrith. The Eels were fi rmly in fi nals con- tention until they were docked 12 competition points for salary cap breaches. They needed to win every remain- ing game if they wanted to reach the playoff s but were unable to over- come the Panthers, who climb to ninth, one place out of the fi nals. Glamour club the Brisbane Bron- cos returned to form when they beat a woeful South Sydney 30-10 on Saturday night. Having struggled through the State of Origin period, Brisbane roared back to form on the back of a dominant backline performance as they scored fi ve tries to two against the Rabbitohs. Fellow Queensland outfi t the Gold Coast moved back into the top eight when they stunned St George Il- lawarra 32-12, while the Manly Sea Eagles upset the New Zealand War- riors 15-14. RESULTS SUNDAY: Newcastle Knights 16 By Matt Ehalt lies to just the two runs on eight hits. He struck “This moment we don’t have a lot of options That left the Mets with runners on fi rst and Melbourne Storm 20 The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) out four and walked one. Jerry Blevins (3-1) took but he’s got to give us good innings. That’s the job second with no outs, but they were unable to Penrith Panthers 22 Parramatta the loss. of any pitcher: to go out there and pitch as well score following a sacrifi ce bunt. Kelly Johnson Eels 18 Verrett encountered little resistance in the fi rst as you can for as long as you can,” Mets manager fl ied out to left with one out, and following a walk Saturday: South Sydney 10 Brisbane he Mets will gladly sign up for Logan Ver- three innings, aside from Ryan Howard’s homer Terry Collins said. by Jose Reyes that loaded the bases, Asdrubal Ca- Broncos 30 rett to continue to post quality outings in the second that gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead. He “We’ve seen this guy has pitched enough good brera lined out to left to end the jam. Manly 15 New Zealand Warriors 14 like the one he produced Saturday night then pitched consistently from the fourth inning games for us as a starting pitcher to think he has The Phillies took the lead in the bottom of the Friday: St George Illawarra 12 Gold against the Phillies. on. He stranded a pair in the fourth, and allowed a good innings left in him. We’re hoping that now inning following an error by Cabrera, with Maikel Coast 32. TThey just need to get some timely hits next run in the fi fth that tied the game at 2. with a bit more of a consistent role that he starts Franco lacing a single to left to give the Phillies a time to not put a fi ne eff ort to waste. The Phillies recorded two doubles in the frame, to fi nd that command that makes him so eff ec- 3-2 edge. Verrett allowed just two runs in six innings, but but Verrett held them to just the one run. tive. RESULTS the Mets went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring In the sixth, a fantastic play helped Verrett end “I don’t think there is any reason for him to Chicago Cubs 3 Texas 1 position and fell to the Phillies, 4-2, on Saturday his night with having allowed just the two runs. look over his shoulder, but we’re in a pennant Boston 5 NY Yankees 2 night at Citizens Bank Park. With two on and two out, Jerad Eickhoff hit a slow race. All fi ve of (the starters) should be concerned Oakland 5 Toronto 4 The right-hander received a no-decision after grounder to shortstop that he beat out, but fi rst about doing their job.” Seattle 1 Houston 0 the Mets’ bullpen allowed two runs and the of- baseman James Loney made a nice throw to home Verrett gave the Mets a chance to claim a sec- Baltimore 2 Tampa Bay 1 fense stranded seven runners. and Travis d’Arnaud applied the tag to nail Carlos ond straight game against the Phillies, but the of- Philadelphia 4 NY Mets 2 The Mets are asking Verrett to fi ll in for Matt Ruiz as he tried to score. fense had another poor showing with runners in Washington 6 Pittsburgh 0 Harvey while they wait for Zack Wheeler to re- Ruiz had been at second and tried to take the scoring position. Kansas City 8 Detroit 4 turn, and the pressure is on Verrett to produce. extra base on the slow grounder. One night after going 1-for-8, the Mets went Minnesota 5 Cleveland 4 (11 innings) Verrett posted a 9.33 ERA in his previous four Verrett will need more outings like this going 0-for-7 Saturday - although they did manufac- Colorado 4 Atlanta 3 starts entering Saturday, but team staff ers hope forward to cement his spot in the rotation, but the ture their fi rst two runs against Eickhoff . Milwaukee 9 Cincinnati 1 he can pitch like he did in April when he served as team is not brimming with options if he falters. Sean With the game tied 2 in the seventh, d’Arnaud St. Louis 5 Miami 0 a spot starter. Gilmartin, Seth Lugo and prospect Gabriel Ynoa are led off with a double to left and made a heads-up Arizona 2 LA Dodgers 1 (12 innings) In his second spot start for Harvey, Verrett internal candidates, but Verrett has enjoyed the baserunning play to avoid being tagged out after San Diego 7 San Francisco 6 (10 innings) produced a fi ne eff ort by battling to hold the Phil- most success as a starter in the majors of the group. Brandon Nimmo hit a chopper to the mound. LA Angels 1 Chicago White Sox 0

SUPER RUGBY Golden Lions gamble backfi res against Jaguares

AFP The quarter-fi nals kick off with half, resulting in two forwards (Cyle Buenos Aires the ACT Brumbies against title- Brink and Lourens Erasmus) being holders Otago Highlanders in Can- sin-binned. berra on Friday night. “We want to get home and start Super Rugby gamble by The last-eight line-up raises the doing our homework on the Cru- the Golden Lions in fi eld- possibility of all the semi-fi nalists saders, who beat us in Johannesburg ing a reserve team against coming from New Zealand, the this season.” Argentina’s Jaguares back- dominant country in the compe- Number eight Facundo Isa was fiA red on Saturday as they lost 34-22 tition. While Lions prepared for a outstanding in an Argentine pack in Buenos Aires. long, depressing fl ight home across that held their own in the opening Coach Johan Ackermann rested the Atlantic Ocean, Jaguares cel- half and took charge after the break, all 15 players who started last week- ebrated the most impressive of four especially when numerically advan- end’s victory over fellow South Af- victories in a 15-match debut season. taged. rica side Southern Kings, fearing “It was a tough match and the Fears that the absence of inspira- injuries and side eff ects from travel- Lions enjoyed a good fi rst half,” ad- tional leader Creevy and fellow cas- ling to the Argentinian capital. mitted Jaguares skipper and scrum- ualty, fl anker Pablo Matera, would The Johannesburg team needed half Martin Landajo, standing in for have a negative impact proved un- one point from the fi nal match of injured hooker Agustin Creevy. founded. the regular season to top the over- Lions won the fi rst-half try con- all standings but fi nished empty Wonderful finish test 2-0 and when giant winger An- handed after surrendering a 15-12 “But in the second half we were thony Volmink scored his second half-time lead. very good and deserved our second two minutes into the second half for The result left New Zealand’s victory in three weeks over a South a 22-12 lead, it seemed the reserve- Wellington Hurricanes in fi rst place African side. team gamble might pay off . as they became the top seeds and “This is a wonderful climax to the But the South Africans did not earned home advantage for the season for our supporters. I am so score again while the Argentines knockout phase, which begins with happy that we produced such a fi ne claimed 22 points, including tries the quarter-fi nals next week. performance in front of them.” from Isa and substitute lock Matias The Wellington team are one of Lions skipper and scrum-half Alemanno plus a penalty try. four Kiwi contenders to reach the Ross Cronje conceded that the su- The other 19 points came from playoff s. They will host the eighth- perior side won on a bitterly cold fl y-half Nicolas Sanchez, who slot- seeded Coastal Sharks of South Af- night at Estadio Jose Amalfi tani. ted two conversions and fi ve penal- rica next Saturday. “The Jaguares played for 80 min- ties from nine shots at goal. Also on Saturday, Lions will tack- utes, but we faded after half-time Volmink (2) and full-back Sylvian le Canterbury Crusaders in Johan- and conceded far too many penalties. Mahuza scored tries for the Lions nesburg and Western Stormers face “Our discipline slipped under with fl y-half Jaco van der Walt con- Lions’ hooker Akker van der Merwe (C) vies for the ball with Jaguares’ fullback Matias Orlando (2nd L) during their Super Rugby Waikato Chiefs in Cape Town. severe pressure during the second verting two and kicking one penalty. match at Jose Amalfitani stadium in Buenos Aires. (AFP) Gulf Times 8 Monday, July 18, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT McLaren report weakened by leaked letter: WADA member ‘Obviously the report focuses on the situation in Russia but we cannot generalise. Of course it has been harmed now’

Reuters lovic, who is also an IOC member Moscow said. NENAD LALOVIC “USADA should be focused on the health of American athletes he leaking of a draft let- and those competing in the United ter urging a complete States. Now it seems that USADA ban on Russian athletes and the Canadians took over re- at the Rio de Janeiro Ol- sponsibility of WADA. Nobody en- Tympics has undermined a key titled them to do that.” report into doping allegations Swimming’s world body FINA at the 2014 Sochi Games, WADA also criticised the leak. board member Nenad Lalovic “FINA is concerned by the pre- said yesterday. mature calls from US and Cana- The leaked letter, addressed to dian Anti-doping authorities to the International Olympic Com- ban Russia from Rio 2016 Olympic mittee (IOC), backed by several Games several days ahead of the anti-doping agencies and circu- publication of the independent lated to the World Anti-Doping McLaren report,” it said in a state- Agency’s (WADA) athlete commit- ment. tee, called for all Russian athletes “FINA is also concerned that to be banned from the Rio Games. there has been a drive behind the Russia’s track and fi eld athletes scenes...to get a global coalition .... are already banned from compet- to support the call for the total ban ing in Rio by the International As- on Russia. All of this is based on sociation of Athletics’ Federations the fi ndings of the McLaren Report (IAAF) over widespread doping in which is meant to have been inde- the sport. pendent and confi dential. “Such The letter was due to be sent breaches of confi dentiality and once a report into allegations of the perception of a breach of inde- state-backed doping at the Sochi pendence of the report undermine winter Olympics led by Canadian its credibility.” law professor Richard McLaren is presented today. GLOBAL COALITION Lalovic, who heads United “A global group that includes World Wrestling and is also a various athletes committees and member of WADA’s foundation anti-doping organisations, in- board, said the letter would weak- cluding those of the United States, en the McLaren report, if it off ered Germany, Japan and New Zealand, clear evidence of doping off ences. are preparing for the McLaren re- “Unfortunately this report is port,” Melia told Reuters. harmed by all the events before “If the McLaren report pro- the report is public,” Lalovic told duces clear and convincing evi- Reuters. dence of state-sponsored doping “Obviously the report focuses in sport in Russia, they are pre- on the situation in Russia but we pared to call on the IOC to ban cannot generalise. Of course it has the Russian Olympic Committee been harmed now. from the Games in Rio.” tion we have taken so far in this “Nobody will now take it as se- Tygart, in a statement emailed (long) process,” Scott wrote in an Europe opposition to Russia Olympic ban pleases Mutko riously as it should be because it to Reuters when asked about the e-mail dated July 16. seems that a lot was known in ad- draft letter, said: “We always IOC President Thomas Bach Russia’s sports minister Vitaly Mutko said “Now it’s clear what will happen after the could rule as early as Tuesday on an appeal vance.” want universal inclusion at the said last month that individual yesterday he was pleased with European report by McLaren: a news conference and by 68 Russian athletes who say they should The letter, obtained by Reuters Olympic Games, but we can’t be Russian track and fi eld athletes Olympic Committee (EOC) president Pat pressure on Russia.” be allowed to compete in Rio. Pole vault star on Saturday, was drafted by United blind to the evidence before us, assessed as clean would be able Hickey’s opposition to a North American- Hickey said he was alerted to the move when Yelena Isinbayeva is among the 68 hoping States Anti-Doping Agency (US- and if we – as those who cher- to compete for their country in led campaign to ban Russia from the Rio de the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s for a last-minute ticket to Rio from CAS. “It’s ADA) CEO Travis Tygart and his ish the Olympic values – are not Brazil. “My concern is that there Janeiro Olympics. athletes commission sent out an appeal for necessary to understand that by blaming us Canadian counterpart Paul Melia. preparing for all potential out- seems to have been an attempt to “The statement by Hickey is very important,” backing for the campaign. you also blame yourself,” Mutko added, ad- It has the support of several oth- comes, then we are not fulfi lling agree an outcome before any ev- TASS news agency quoted Mutko as saying. McLaren is expected to report on Monday on dressing WADA, arguing that both RUSADA er anti-doping bodies including our promise to clean athletes.” idence has been presented,” IOC Earlier on Sunday Hickey said he was his investigation into allegations that the Rus- and Moscow’s anti-doping laboratory are Germany, New Zealand and Japan, The draft letter has also been Executive Board member Patrick “shocked” by a move led by the United States sian government manipulated doping sam- currently part of WADA’s internal structure. as well as some athletes groups, circulated to the World Anti- Hickey said. and Canada’s anti-doping agencies to have ples taken at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics “Russia is open. We’re ready to do everything according to Tygart and Melia. Doping Agency’s (WADA) Ath- “Such interference and calls Russia completely banned from the Summer to protect Russian competitors. at the top level. That’s our philosophy,” Mutko It was also circulated to WADA’s lete Committee members by ahead of the McLaren Report Games, which start in Rio on August 5. McLaren has investigated allegations made said. Athlete Committee members by Canada’s Beckie Scott, who publication are totally against The move pre-empted the release on Mon- by former Moscow doping laboratory direc- Canada’s Beckie Scott, who chairs chairs the committee, asking internationally recognised fair day of a report into allegations of Russian tor Grigory Rodchenkov that even Russian the committee, asking whether whether they agree to support it. legal process and may have com- doping carried out for WADA by Canadian secret services took part in an operation to they would support it. “The letter outlines a basis for pletely undermined the integrity lawyer Richard McLaren. manipulate Russian doping samples at the Lalovic said he had not received suspension of the Russian NOC and therefore the credibility of Mutko said that Hickey “is quite right when 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. a copy of the letter despite being on (National Olympic Committee) this important report.” he says that the move by USADA puts in Russia is already barred from international WADA’s decision-making body. from Rio, in light of the evidence WADA set up an investigation question the independence and the confi- athletics by the International Association of “If we have drafts of letters being and information that will come under McLaren to probe allega- dentiality of the investigation by the WADA Athletics Federations (IAAF). circulated asking to ban all Russian as a result of this report, and tions of state-backed doping at commission.” But the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) athletes then that is strange,” La- aligns very much with the posi- the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

FOCUS Aregawi has Rio hopes dashed after suspension lifted

Abeba Aregawi will not be selected for next month’s Rio Olympics despite having her doping suspension lifted following Gender dispute rumbles as a positive test for meldonium, the Swedish Athletics Association (SAA) said yesterday. Aregawi has not competed in 2016 due to her suspension, which was lifted yesterday, but still hoped to be included in Sweden’s Olympic team. S Africa’s Semenya goes for gold SAA general secretary Stefan Olsson, however, said in a statement that uncertainty surrounding Aregawi’s “medical and physical AFP an unfair natural advantage. Se- the press. Ahead of the Olym- status and environment” would have to be clarified before she Johannesburg menya has put in some startling pics, IAAF president Sebastian could be considered for selection. track times in recent months. Coe has already rallied to her Team coach Karin Torneklint added that the SAA committee’s She scored a gold hat-trick defence. decision meant that the Ethiopian-born 26-year-old would not be outh Africa’s Caster at the African champion- “I don’t like to see any athlete nominated for Sweden’s Olympic squad. Semenya is back and ships, winning the 1,500m and in any discipline under sensitive Aregawi’s doping suspension was lifted after the Swedish Sports vowing to win an Ol- 800m titles and anchoring the situations being demonised, we Confederation said it had not been proven that she had taken ympic gold medal that 4x400m relay to fi rst place. are talking about human beings meldonium after it was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency couldS reignite the complex bio- In April she became the fi rst here,” he said last month. (WADA) list of banned substances on Jan. 1. logical and ethical gender storm person to take triple gold in the Semenya, a sports science The former 1500m world champion was suspended by the SAA that once engulfed her life. 400m, 800m and 1,500m races student at North-West Uni- in February following a positive test for meldonium, from a The athlete, who was at the — all in a single day at the South versity in Potchefstroom, who sample taken in Addis Ababa on Jan. 12 this year. WADA said in centre of a bitter dispute over African national champion- stands 1.78 metres (5 ft 8 in), is April, however, that positive tests could be overturned due to a gender testing seven years ago, ships in Stellenbosch. understandably wary of pub- lack of clear scientific information on how long the drug takes to is favourite to win the women’s Semenya has also run the lic attention but can open up to be excreted from the body. Aregawi ran for Ethiopia at the 2012 800 metres in Rio next month. fastest 800m times in the world friends, said Sepeng. London Games, but began competing for Sweden later that year Semenya shot to interna- this year, posting 1min 56.64sec “She is talkative and feels after being granted citizenship. tional stardom in 2009 when twice, in Rome and Rabat. more free when she is among She won the world outdoor 1500 title in 2013. She has not raced in she won the 800m at the World “She’s a clear favourite for an people she trusts,” he said, 2016, but hoped her times from last year would enable her to run Championships in Berlin. But now Semenya, 25, is in the full health records have never Olympic gold medal,” Hezekiel adding that if “she does not at the Rio Games, which start on August 5. But her victory triggered a best form of her life, and confi - been made public, but her case Sepeng, athletics manager with like something she will tell you storm of controversy when ri- dently brushing off the past triggered a debate in sport over Athletics South Africa, told straight.” vals questioned her gender. track disputes. hyperandrogenism, a condition AFP. Born in the poor northern She was forced to undergo “I don’t have time for that,” involving overproduction of Semenya said she drew in- village of Ga-Masehlong, Se- medical tests and barred from she said when asked about the male sex hormones. spiration from Nelson Mandela menya married her long-time the track for nearly a year, be- gender issue at the African Ath- Last year, regulations were who stood by her during the partner Violet Raseboya in De- fore returning to win silver at letics Championships in Durban suspended that required wom- 2009 scandal, when she en- cember last year. the 2011 World Championships in June. en athletes to take testosterone- dured what she described as “It feels good to be back on and 2012 London Olympics. “I am an athlete and I focus lowering medication if their “invasive scrutiny of the most track. I’ve been through a lot,” Her career appeared to be more on the issues that con- levels were above a legal mark. intimate and private details of she told the Sunday Times in a sharp decline, however, when cern me: training, perform, eat, The ruling ended much of my being.” rare interview given in April. she failed to qualify for the sleep. So that thing — you know, the uncertainty over Semenya’s The test results were never “Now I’m back with a bang... world championship fi nal last it’s not part of me.” right to run, even if some of her released, but speculation was The main target is to go to Rio year. — Demonised — Semenya’s competitors still feel she holds fuelled by unconfi rmed leaks to and win a gold medal.” Gulf Times Monday, July 18, 2016 9 TENNISSPORT

DAVIS CUP Edmund takes Britain into Davis Cup semi Tsonga leads France against Argentina Belgrade: Kyle Edmund won his second singles rubber of the weekend to steer Davis Cup champions Great Britain past Serbia yesterday and into a mouthwatering semi-final clash into semi-fi nals against Argentina. Edmund, ranked at 67 in the world, justified his position as his country’s top player in France will face either the United States or Croatia in the last four in September the absence of Wimbledon champion Andy Murray to see AFP off Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 Prague (7/5) on the back of 39 winners for an unbeatable 3-1 lead. “You want to win for your o-Wilfried Tsonga sent France into country. When you know what the Davis Cup semi-fi nals after is at stake – I’m so pleased that beating Jiri Vesely of the Czech Re- I’ve won,” said Edmund. public yesterday to hand his team “When you’re out there you anJ unbeatable 3-1 lead in their quarter- are in the moment and trying fi nal. On the hard court of the Werk to win every point. Lajovic Arena in Trinec, world number 10 Tsonga missed the backhand down beat 50th-ranked Vesely 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), the line - when you see that 6-4, 7-5 in three hours and 28 minutes. you feel so happy. When you Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund In their quest for a fi rst Davis Cup title play away, and the home player celebrates after winning his since 2001, France will now face either gains momentum the crowd match against Serbia’s Dusan the United States or Croatia in the semi- bite into that. The crowd got Lajovic. (Reuters) fi nals in September. louder and louder. It was tough In a clash of the teams’ number-one getting broken,” he added. Inglot defeated Nenad Zimonjic players, the 23-year-old Vesely took the Britain go on to host Argen- and Filip Krajinovic in the fi rst set on a single break and both held on tina in September after the doubles. to their serves in the second, which went South Americans reached the Argentina, who have never to Tsonga, 31, in a tie-break. A dominant semi-finals with a 3-1 win over won the Davis Cup, saw Fed- Tsonga then broke Vesely’s serve for the Italy in Pesaro. erico Delbonis defeat recently- fi rst time to win the third. Argentina have won the married Fabio Fognini 6-4, 7-5, In the fourth set, Tsonga survived three last three Davis Cup meetings 3-6, 7-5 yesterday. break points in game six and broke again between the two countries in Delbonis, the world number fi ve games later to win the rubber and the 1981, 1989 and 2008 while Brit- 40, had also pocketed the first tie. “With the experience I have, I knew ain’s only win was in 1928 in the point on Friday by beating that even despite a poor start it’s not over, sleepy seaside town of Torquay. Andreas Seppi, the world 52, it goes on, the rubber is long,” Tsonga told Edmund had defeated Janko before Fognini saw off Juan reporters. “But I really had to work hard Tipsarevic on Friday in the Monaco in straight sets to level to win today.” opening singles as the hosts, the quarter-final. “The game was extremely hard, he’s Davis Cup champions in 2010, Juan Martin Del Potro, back a very experienced player,” Vesely told paid heavily for not being able in the Argentina team for the Czech Television. “It’s harder to play to call upon Novak Djokovic first time in four years, then when you’re 2-1 down, I gave it my best, and Viktor Troicki, comfortably teamed with Guido Pella to de- I felt much better today than on Friday, their top two players. feat Fognini and Paolo Lorenzi maybe because I had absolutely nothing Lajovic levelled the tie with in the doubles. Argentina have to lose. I’m sorry about the second set, I a win over James Ward before now made the semi-finals 11 played well and if I had managed to win Jamie Murray and Dominic times in the last 15 years. maybe things would have been diff erent, but it’s hard to tell.” On Friday, the Czechs took the lead in the tie as world number 78 Lukas Rosol stunned Tsonga 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4. Lucas Pouille, ranked 21st, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France returns the ball en route to his win over Jiri Vesely of Czech Republic during the Davis Cup then swept past Vesely 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, quarter-final match in Trinec, Czech Republic yesterday. (AFP) 7-5 to put France level on his Davis Cup debut. And in Saturday’s doubles rubber, urday to keep Croatia alive in their Davis with him against the Bryan brothers. As ters. It’s bit diff erent situation now, it’s Wimbledon champions Mahut and Her- Cup World Group quarter-fi nal against it happened, today I played probably the 2-1 on Sunday. Whatever happened the bert beat Radek Stepanek and Rosol 6-1, the United States. best match of my life in doubles.” last two days it’s behind us. It’s going to 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to hand France a 2-1 World number 12 Cilic stepped in at The Croatians were on the ropes after be defi nitely a tough match against John, lead. French captain Yannick Noah said the last minute to partner Dodig, and the singles defeats for Cilic and Borna Coric especially on this kind of court. I’m hop- he had no preference when it comes to the moved paid off with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Friday. Jack Sock, ranked 26th in the ing I am going to be 100 % and I can pull semi-fi nal rival. “Whatever team we face, victory over the Bryan brothers — owners world, roared back after dropping the fi rst out a great match,” Cilic said. I sincerely think that if we arrive well- of 16 Grand Slam doubles titles. With the two sets to stun former US Open cham- With 32 titles, the United States are the prepared, ready, in our best shape, we will win, Croatia closed the gap to 2-1 in the pion Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, and US most successful Davis Cup nation ever. win the Davis Cup,” he said. best-of-fi ve match hardcourt tie in Port- number one John Isner then overpowered But they were ousted in the fi rst round the land, Oregon. Coric 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. past two years by Britain and last reached CILIC STEPS UP IN DOUBLES AS “It was a group decision,” Cilic said of Cilic will try to keep the tie alive when the semi-fi nals in 2012 — when they were CROATIA STAY ALIVE AGAINST USA his replacing Marin Draganja in the dou- he takes on Isner in the fi rst reverse sin- beaten by Spain. The winners of the best- Britain's Andy Murray celebrates with the team after they beat Ivan Dodig and Marin Cilic dealt Bob and bles. “Ivan is our fi rst player in the team gles match. He has beaten the big-serving of-fi ve match tie will take on France in the Serbia at the Tasmajdan stadium in Belgrade. (AFP) Mike Bryan a rare doubles defeat on Sat- and he felt that I would work a little better American in all fi ve of their prior encoun- semi-fi nals.

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Ramos-Vinolas clinches Golubic celebrates fi rst title in Gstaad Swedish Open for maiden title AFP BOPANNA STEERS INDIA TO Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic Paris 4-1 WIN OVER SOUTH KOREA poses with the trophy after Rohan Bopanna yesterday steered India to an em- winning the Gstaad WTA phatic 4-1 victory over South Korea in the Asia/ tournament. (AFP) lbert Ramos-Vinolas beat Spanish com- Oceania Davis Cup Group I tie after winning his patriot and fellow left-hander Fernando reverse singles match in Chandigarh. India, which Verdasco 6-3, 6-4 to clinch his fi rst title had secured a world play-off berth on Saturday by Aat the Swedish Open yesterday. Ramos- taking a 3-0 lead, led 4-0 after Bopanna’s triumph Vinolas, 28, was presented with the trophy by but South Korea managed a consolation win in the Swedish great Bjorn Borg. Ranked 35th in the world, fi nal match. the Spaniard had only previously made it to one fi - Bopanna, who took court in place of Saketh nal where he lost to Pablo Andujar at Casablanca Myneni, was given a hard time by Hong Chung but four years ago. The 32-year-old Verdasco has sev- prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on the grass court of the en ATP titles, the last of which he won on the clay Chandigarh Club. South Korea’s Yong-Kyu Lim courts at Bucharest in April. then spoilt India’s hopes of a clean sweep after serving past Ramkumar Ramanathan 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 KLIZAN WINS FIFTH ATP TITLE IN HAMBURG in the fi fth and fi nal rubber. Slovakia’s Martin Klizan claimed the fi fth ATP Tour Earlier, the doubles pair of Bopanna and Leander title of his career yesterday by beating Pablo Cuevas Paes had already sealed the tie on Saturday after the of Uruguay 6-1, 6-4 in the fi nal at Hamburg. singles players had given India a 2-0 cushion on the Seventh seed Klizan saw an early break in the sec- opening day. It was a great tune-up for Bopanna ond set cancelled out by world number 24 Cuevas, and Paes who have been made to team up for the but another in the seventh game helped him seal men’s doubles draw in the upcoming Rio Olympics victory in just over an hour. by the Indian tennis association.

AFP er sent a return out. Bertens was plagued trophy ceremony in this alpine village. Gstaad, Switzerland by six double-faults as an event which had This was the fi rst women’s event staged in been rained off for three mid-week days fin- Switzerland since the last edition of the Zu- ished on schedule in bright sunshine over rich Indoors in 2008. ictorija Golubic claimed a home the Alps. victory at the Gstaad WTA tourna- Bertens was unable to save any of the HALEP TAKES BUCHAREST ment yesterday, the Zurich player seven break points she faced as Golubic took TITLE IN 47 MINUTES fi ghting back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 command at key moments; the Swiss lost World number fi ve Simona Halep raced Vdefeat of third seed Kiki Bertens. The world her own serve fi ve times. to the Bucharest clay court title in just 47 number 105 won the fi rst title of her career “It’s fantastic to win at home,” said Golu- minutes on Sunday with a 6-0, 6-0 blitz of in just over two hours as she overhauled her bic. “Kiki is always so tough to play. I was Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova. It was a sec- more experienced Dutch opponent. impressed with her play in Paris (where she ond title of the season for top seed Halep af- Golubic denied 26th-ranked Bertens a beat Gstaad top seed Timea Bacsinszky in ter the 24-year-old also triumphed on clay second title this season after Nurnberg as the quarter-fi nals).” in Madrid and the 13th of her career. she claimed at a tournament returning to Bertens praised Golubic for an “unbeliev- Victory came just two days after Halep the calendar after a three-decade absence. able week”. “We had a lot of trouble with pulled out of the Olympics because of fears Golubic lost the fi rst set but won the second, the weather and scheduling, but she came over the Zika virus. which was littered with six breaks of serve. through for the win. Victorija played a great “I think I’ve never won 6-0, 6-0 in a WTA The 23-year-old Swiss went down a break match today when it counted.” event,” said Halep. “I knew she was a tough in the fi rst game of the fi nal set but immedi- Golubic showed much more skill through adversary and I never dreamt of winning this ately broke back. her tennis than with a traditional alpenhorn. way. Today I think I was more solid, I fought Albert Ramos-Vinolas (left) of Spain poses with legendary Bjorn Borg of Sweden after his triumph at the She concluded victory as she broke The three-metre long mountain wooden for every ball, I was aggressive and I man- Swedish Open in Bastad, Sweden yesterday. (AP) Bertens in the tenth game as the Dutch play- musical instrument is used as part of the aged to fi nish the points very quick.” Gulf Times 10 Monday, July 18, 2016 SPORT PICTURE PERFECT

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Russian tennis great Marat Safin (centre) poses with retired woman players Amelie Mauresmo of France (left) and Justine Henin of Belgium after being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday. LEFT: Justine Henin poses with daughter Lalie, 3, and husband Benoit Bertuzzo after being inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame. (Reuters)

Monica Seles speaks about Justine Henin (left, waving to the crowd), during her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. (Reuters)

Amelie Mauresmo with her son. (Reuters)

Kenyan athlete Nicholas Bett (left) wins the 3000m steeple at the 13th KBC Night of Athletics event in Belgium yesterday. LEFT: Goa 5’s former Brazilian footballer Ronaldhinio (centre) celebrates after scoring against Bengaluru 5’s during a Premier Futsal League match in Chennai yesterday. Futsal is a 5-a-side shorter variant of football with two halves of 20 minutes each. (AFP)

Kalex rider Alex Rins of Spain crashes during the Moto2 race of the Grand Prix of Germany at the Sachsenring circuit yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, July 18, 2016 11 SPORT PICTURE PERFECT

Riders compete in pouring rain during the Moto3 race of the Grand Prix of Germany at the Sachsenring circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, eastern Germany, yesterday. Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi, on a Honda, won the race. (AFP)

Images from the Red Bull Air Race World Championship over river Danube in Budapest yesterday. (AFP)

Deontay Wilder (left) fights Chris Arreola during their heavyweight championship bout in Birmingham yesterday. Wilder won the fight. (Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports)

Mexico’s Olympic boxing team poses for a group photo after a training session in San Jose Teacalco. (Reuters) Monday, July 18, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

CYCLING/ TOUR DE FRANCE Marquez increases his lead to 48 points Colombian Pantano aft er German GP win wins stage, Froome clings on to yellow Pantano shows he is master of descent by claiming his maiden Tour de France win in yesterday’s 15th stage, outsprinting breakaway companion Rafal Majka of Poland AFP in soaking conditions, as his Sachsenring, Germany nearest rivals crashed out. The reigning world champion pipped fellow Kalex rider and pain’s Marc Marquez home hope Jonas Folger to the doubled his lead at the line, with the Spaniard Julian Stop of the MotoGP cham- Simon third on the podium, in pionship after the Honda rider the ninth race of the season. roared back from a slow start Zarco’s thrilling victory — he off pole position to win the was just 0.059 seconds ahead German Grand Prix yesterday. of the German — was his fourth Second in testing conditions win this season and propelled at the sodden Sachsenring him to 151 championship points. circuit, which was pounded Second in the standings is with rain for much of the day, Spain’s Alex Rins, who suff ered was Britain’s Cal Crutchlow and a heavy crash that ended his third Andrea Dovizioso of Italy race with only three laps to go after they enjoyed a tussle. when riding in third. He walked It was a miserable day away from the smash. though for Marquez’s cham- In Moto3, the 17-year-old pionship rivals with Jorge Malaysian Khairul Idham Lorenzo, the reigning champ, Pawi took victory at the main finishing down in a lowly 15th expense of Italians Andrea Loc- for just a single point and atelli and Enea Bastianini. Pawi Valentino Rossi eighth. is 10th in the Moto3 standings, Marquez, who celebrated 105 points behind South Afri- wildly after the race, almost can leader Brad Binder, only doubled his lead on Lorenzo as eighth in Germany. he closes in on a third title. He jumped up to 170 points overall, Finland set to return with his fellow Spaniard now to MotoGP calendar lagging in second on 122 points. Rossi, the Italian legend, is Finland is set to host a MotoGP third on 111 points, with half the round in 2018, the country’s races in the season now gone first appearance on the calen- and the riders heading off on dar since 1982, while Germany a summer break for a month has agreed a contract extension before the Austrian Grand Prix. until at least 2021, promoters “I could not imagine (that Dorna said yesterday. Dorna I would be this far ahead), it said in a statement that agree- is great,” the brilliant 23-year- ment had been reached for Fin- old Marquez said, beaming land’s KymiRing, a circuit under broadly. “I opened the gap in construction at Tillola near the the last two races (he was sec- city of Kouvola, to be approved AFP dropped on the fi nal climb and lose almost Majka managed to drop Pantano with His loss is a blow to Quintana’s hopes ond last time out in Assen) and in time for the 2018 season. Culoz, France a minute and a half, dropping from sixth 18km left and went over the top with a of winning a fi rst Tour de France. The I am in good confidence after Finland hosted motorcycle overall to eighth. 24sec lead over Switzerland’s Sebastien 26-year-old Colombian is already 2min a good first half of the season. grands prix in Tampere and A 30-man group got clear of the peloton Reichenbach and the Colombian. Majka 59sec behind leader and reigning cham- Now I will have some quiet and Imatra between 1962 and 1982. arlinson Pantano (in white) fi nally on the opening fi rst category climb of the almost lost all hope of victory when he pion Chris Froome. go to the swimming pool.” The late Jarno Saarinen, who provided some joy for Colombia day inside 20km. It broke up on the hors briefl y went off the road on the descent, Marquez, for whom this died at Monza in Italy in 1973, at the Tour de France by winning category Grand Colombier climb inside 11km out from the fi nish. And it cost him Results (15th stage) was a stunning seventh vic- is the only Finn to have won a yesterday’s 15th stage. The coun- the fi nal 60km, with 13 riders left at the as he was caught by Pantano a couple of tory at Sachsenring, gambled motorcycle grand prix world try’sJ top rider Nairo Quintana has been front, 8:30 ahead of the peloton. kilometres later. 1. Jarlinson Pantano (COL/IAM) 4h 24m 49s with his tyres — and it paid off championship, in 250cc in 1972. strangely out of sorts over the Tour’s fi rst Russian Ilnur Zakarin and Majka went Two kilometres from the end the two 2. Rafal Majka (POL/TIN) at 0:00. handsomely in the end. He was Dorna also announced, in a two weeks, and sits fourth overall at 2min clear on the fi rst of two climbs up the leaders had 16sec on the chasing pair 3. Alexis Vuillermoz (FRA/ALM) 0:06. unable to match the pace of statement issued at the German 59sec behind race leader Chris Froome. Grand Colombier and pulled out a gap of Reichenbach and Frenchman Alexis 4. Sebastien Reichenbach (SWI/FDJ) 0:06. the leading riders as the race Grand Prix at Sachsenring, a But there was celebration after Pantano of more than a minute. The peloton had Vuillermoz. They started playing cat and 5. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/ETI) 0:22. began in the wet and fell down new five-year deal for Germany outsprinted Poland’s Rafal Majka to win closed to 7:45 by the summit of the Grand mouse in the fi nal kilometre but had just 6. Serge Pauwels (BEL/DDT) 0:25. to fifth and was struggling. to remain on the calendar. the 160km mountainous stage from Bourg Colombier but it was clear the stage vic- enough room to contest the sprint before 7. Pierre Rolland (FRA/CAN) 0:25. He came off the track at en Bresse to Culoz. The 27-year-old had tory would be decided up front. Vuillermoz beat Reichenbach for third. 8. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) 1:30. Turn 8 but was able just about MotoGP: 1. Marc Marquez proved last month he was in good shape by Pantano and Frenchman Julian Alap- 9. Daniel Navarro (ESP/COF) 1:30. to stay upright and on lap 17 he (ESP/Honda) 47 min 03.239sec; fi nishing fourth at the Tour of Switzerland. hilippe caught the front two on the moun- Quintana loses teammate to illness 10. Tom Slagter (NED/CAN) 2:08. entered the pits for slicks — it 2. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda) at And while Majka seemed the stronger tain’s descent, 42km from the fi nish. But Tour de France contender Nairo Quintana was a move that would take 9.857secs; 3. Andrea Dovizioso climber on a day that included six catego- as it happened, Zakarin was dropped — the lost one of his key lieutenants yesterday Overall Standings him to the race win. With the (ITA/Ducati) 11.613 rised ascents, Pantano’s descending skills Russian, who crashed badly in May’s Giro as Jesus Herrada pulled out of the race. track drying up, his lap times Moto2: 1. Johann Zarco proved crucial. He was dropped by Majka d’Italia, was simply more circumspect than Herrada, one of Spain’s highest-rated 1. Chris Froome (GBR/Sky) 68h 14m 36s immediately surged to four (FRA/Kalex) 47min 18.646sec; on both the last two climbs of the day, but his fellow escapees on the fast descent. young riders, was suff ering with illness 2. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) at 1:47. seconds faster than those on 2. Jonas Folger (GER/Kalex) at each time closed the gap on the descent. Alaphilippe’s hopes were destroyed by a and pulled out within the fi rst 50km of the 3. Adam Yates (GBR/ORI) 2:45. wet tyres and with just six laps 0.059secs; 3. Julian Simon Behind, the Tour favourites spent the problem with his bike, leaving him strand- mountainous 160km 15th stage from Bour 4. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 2:59. to go Marquez grabbed the (ESP/Speed Up) 20.433 day marking each other and there was ed on the side of the road as Pantano and en Bresse to Culoz. 5. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) 3:17. lead before pulling away. Moto3: 1. Khairul Idham Pawi no change to the overall positions, with Majka soldiered on. The front two had a “Jesus had a fever last night. He man- 6. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 4:04. Earlier, Johann Zarco also (MAL/Honda) 47min 07.763sec; Dutchman Bauke Mollema remaining lead of just over 30sec by the start of the aged to eat this morning but he wasn’t 7. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC) 4:27. surged clear at the top of the 2. Andrea Locatelli (ITA/KTM) at second at 1:47 and young Briton Adam the second, shorter climb of the Grand Co- feeling good. He threw up. He couldn’t 8. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) 4:47. Moto2 championship when the 11.131s; 3. Enea Bastianini Yates third at 2:45. The only change in the lombier, by a diff erent route known as the continue,” said the 25-year-old’s Movistar 9. Daniel Martin (IRL/ETI) 5:03. Frenchman surged to victory (ITA/Honda) 13.359 top 10 saw American Tejay Van Garderen ‘laces’, with the peloton 6:40 down. sports director Jose Luis Arrieta. 10. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) 5:16. AL SHAQAB RACING’S HESHEM WINS PRIX EUGENE ADAM

Al Shaqab Racing’s Heshem won the Prix Eugène Adam (Group 2) at Maisons-Laff itte, France, yesterday. Heshem made a great recovery after trailing in fourth spot in the beginning of the race, behind Craven’s Legend and Viserano, before pulling away by jockey Grégory Benoist 300 metres out. Ultra came second by less than a length, with Spectroscope third by three lengths. “He is a horse that has been preserved as his owners had more hardened representatives at the beginning of the season,” said Christophe Ferland, the winning trainer. “Today, he did it on class alone as 2000m is really the end of the world for him. Gregory Benoist knows him by heart. He will next run the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano (Gr 2) in August in Deauville.”