SAILING | Page 4 TTENNISENNIS | Page 7 New Zealand Federer and claim America’s Nadal primed Cup with 7-1 for dream fi nal victory at Wimbledon

Wednesday, July 28, 2017 FOOTBALL Shawwal 4, 1438 AH Chile out to GULF TIMES curb Portuguese star Ronaldo SPORT Page 3

ATHLETICS 3X3 BASKETBALL Bolt to make Qatar begin campaign European bow in today in U18 World Cup

Agencies fi eld as well as the most active coun- farewell season Chengdu, China tries to participate in the event, which fulfi ls a key aim of 3x3: diversity. Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan efending champions Qatar and Uganda will make their debut at the will take on Bahrain on the event. opening day of the FIBA 3x3 All games at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World DU18 World Cup at the Global Cup will be played on the same court Center here today. with 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams Forty teams are taking part in the competing in the event and in three in- tournament which will fi nish on July 2 dividual contests (men’s dunk contest, and is being organised by FIBA in co- women’s skills contest and mixed operation with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Chengdu Participating teams: Municipal Government. Men: Bahrain (BRN), Belgium (BEL), This will be the sixth edition of the China (CHN) (Hosts), Georgia (GEO), FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup (previously Hungary (HUN), Indonesia (INA), Israel known as 3x3 U18 World Champion- (ISR), Kyrgyzstan (KGZ), Netherlands ships). It’s the fi rst time that the com- (NED), New Zealand (NZL), Philippines petition is hosted in China after being (PHI), Poland (POL), Qatar (QAT) (2016 staged in Italy (2011), Spain (2012), winners), Romania (ROU), Slovenia Indonesia (2013), Hungary (2015) and (SLO), South Korea (KOR), Turkey Kazakhstan (2016). (TUR), Turkmenistan (TKM), Uganda France’s women won the last two (UGA), Ukraine (UKR). editions while Qatar’s men struck gold Women: Andorra (AND), Argentina last year in Astana, Kazakhstan. Both (ARG), Australia (AUS), China (CHN) teams were automatically qualifi ed for (Hosts), Czech Republic (CZE), Egypt the event as well as the Chinese hosts. (EGY), France (FRA) (2016 winners), The other teams earned a ticket to Germany (GER), Hungary (HUN), Italy the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup thanks (ITA), Japan (JPN), Kazakhstan (KAZ), to their position in the FIBA 3x3 Fed- Netherlands (NED), Russia (RUS), Bolt’s presence eration Ranking. This ranking includes Singapore (SIN), Spain (ESP), Sri Lanka sport and development criteria, allow- (SRI), Switzerland (SUI), United States has ensured a ing both the strongest teams on the (USA), Venezuela (VEN). sell-out crowd at the Mestsky stadium.

AFP That is not to say the meet has not attracted other enjoyed an unbroken streak of nine global fi nal wins Ostrava, Czech Republic stars, although there is a dearth of US and Jamaican (the 5,000m in 2011, and the double at the 2012 and athletes. 2016 Olympics and the 2013 and 2015 worlds). South African Wayde van Niekerk will compete in Due to trade in the track for a pitch at conquering amaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt will today the rarely-run 300m, aiming to shoot down Bolt’s the marathon, Farah was full of praise for Bolt. make his fi rst appearance in Europe in his fare- meet of 30.97sec, set back in 2010. “The guy’s incredible, what he’s done for the The World Cup winning Qatar U18 team in 2016. well season. Kenyan 800m star David Rudisha goes in the sport,” he said. J Bolt, winner of eight Olympic and 11 world 1,000m, while Britain’s Mo Farah competes in his fi - “It’s going to come to an end at some point. I see gold medals, will bring down the curtain on his glit- nal 10,000m on the IAAF circuit before quitting the him as a role model, someone I look up to. When you SPOTLIGHT tering career at August’s world championships in track for road racing after the worlds. go through a down patch and say ‘how am I going to London. Van Niekerk summed up the athletes’ sentiments do it?’, he’s shown us the way and I’m just glad to be After kicking off his season on home soil in King- that the meet was all about one person, however, part of it.” ston, the 30-year-old chose Ostrava and the Dia- Bolt. “This year’s really about honouring him and Bolt’s presence has ensured a sell-out 15,000-ca- IPL rights sold mond League meet in Monaco as his two pre-worlds what he’s done for the sport,” said the 24-year-old pacity crowd at the Mestsky stadium. warm-up events. South African, who beat Michael Johnson’s world Also competing will be Kenya’s Olympic steeple- It will be Bolt’s ninth appearance in the north- record when winning Olympic 400m gold in Rio last chase gold medallist Conseslus Kipruto, and Ameri- to Vivo for $341mn, eastern Czech city, where organiser Alfons Juck has year to add to his world crown. can double Olympic triple jump champion Christian unashamedly gone out of his way to tailor the meet “He’s been a massive inspiration to myself and to Taylor returns to the place of his fi rst major medals to the Jamaican’s plans for the season. many other athletes out there. Hopefully, we as an at World U18 Championships in Ostrava 2007. an increase of 554% “We gave priority in our preparation and the upcoming generation can take the baton and con- Germany’s Olympic javelin champion Thomas whole set-up of the meet to Usain,” Juck told AFP. tinue what he’s done.” Rohler headlines a duel between his German team Bolt said a Czech visit was always on the cards. Farah has similarly dominated his events. and the Czech Republic, with four throwers on each IANS ‘In the upcoming fi ve IPL “One meet I was always going to come to was Os- Since winning silver over 10k at the 2011 world side, captained respectively by former champions Mumbai seasons (2018 to 2022), Vivo and trava,” he said. champs in Daegu, the 34-year-old Londoner has Klaus Wolfermann and Jan Zelezny. IPL will have extensive co-operation in terms of sports hinese cellphone manufac- events, on-ground activities and turer Vivo yesterday extended marketing campaigns’ the title sponsorship contract Pacquiao eyeing Mayweather rematch: trainer with the lucrative Indian Pre- extensive cooperation in terms of mierC League (IPL) by fi ve more years, sports events, on-ground activities and AFP, Sydney: A rematch between Floyd May- in a must-win situation. He wants a rematch with “If there’s a chance, why not. I’m willing, but let’s focus the Board of Control for in India marketing campaigns.” Speaking on weather and Manny Pacquiao could be on the cards Mayweather,” Roach said. first for this fight,” the 38-year-old eight-weight world (BCCI) announced here. the development, IPL Chairman Rajeev if the legendary Filipino boxer wins his bout against “And I mean to get Mayweather you have to look champion told reporters when asked about fighting According to BCCI, Vivo bid Rs 2199 Shukla said: “We are delighted to have Australian challenger Jeff Horn this weekend, his good against Jeff Horn, he has to look good, he has Mayweather again. crores ($341mn) to renew its contract, Vivo joining us once again as the title trainer said yesterday. to be impressive. “We don’t want to underestimate Horn thinking which is a 554 percent increase over the sponsor for IPL for next fi ve years. The Pacquiao, who was outpointed by Mayweather in “I think there is a lot riding on this fight and I feel about another fight, this fight is not done yet.” previous contract. association with Vivo has been great the “Fight of the Century” two years ago, will be the Manny has to look really good in this fight and the Pacquiao, 38, briefly retired last year before making “The Board of Control for Cricket in for the past two seasons and I am sure strong favourite when he defends his world title way the training camp went, I think he will.” a successful comeback against Vargas in November, India (BCCI) today announced its asso- they will continue to make it bigger and against the unbeaten Horn in Brisbane. Pacquiao was coy about a possible rematch, and is juggling boxing with his duties as a senator in ciation with Vivo as the title sponsor for better.” Apart from the IPL, the mobile But the Horn fight could be critical to whether the stressing that his focus was on the World Boxing the Philippines. the for the next company has also acquired the rights “Pac-Man” secures another superfight with his Ameri- Organisation welterweight title fight against 29-year- Boxing legend Mayweather, 40, is coming out of fi ve years,” said a statement from the of becoming the title sponsors of the can rival, Freddie Roach told reporters in Brisbane. old former schoolteacher Horn at Brisbane’s Suncorp retirement to fight mixed martial arts star Conor cricket board. Pro-Kabaddi League for a period of fi ve “He (Horn) can derail us really badly. Manny is, I think, Stadium. McGregor in August. “In the upcoming fi ve IPL seasons years. The deal was announced in May (2018 to 2022), Vivo and IPL will have 2017 and it is valued at Rs 300 crore. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT — agent to the stars Nicknamed 'the shark' by rival agents, the diminutive Mendes has a penchant for being discreet — he keeps his head down and rarely gives interviews

AFP corporation tax. Such a practice has long been common notably in South America although the English Premier League and also UEFA leagues have offi cially condemned it. Mendes appears to wo decades ago, he was a budding en- be an archetypal ‘self-made man.’ Born to an oil trepreneur making a living from man- industry worker in Lisbon he left the Portuguese aging a video club and discotheques. capital aged 19 to enter the business world in the Today, at the age of 51, Jorge Mendes northern provincial town of Viana do Castelo. Toperates in a hyper-moneyed world inhabited A video club which he opened became a suc- by top sportsmen as agent to the stars — in- cessful venture and soon he would meet Por- cluding . But all is no longer tugal keeper Nuno Espirito Santo in a disco he well among the gilded megastars advised by the was also running. A former semi-professional man who has been elected “best agent of the footballer himself, Mendes set about cultivating year” several times at the Globe Soccer Awards. close links to players, creating his own network Mendes appeared in court near Madrid yester- and starting to look after their interests. day for questioning over striker Radamel Fal- “He works hard with players and looks af- cao’s alleged tax evasion, just one of his clients ter them constantly,” Real Madrid president to fall foul of Spain’s judiciary. Florentino Perez once said of Mendes in allusion Monaco’s Falcao is suspected of failing to cor- to his dealing with Ronaldo’s 94mn euro move rectly declare 5.6mn euros ($6.3mn) of income from United. earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 “I have every confi dence in him. He is like a while at Atletico Madrid. The Colombian is ac- big brother for me a father fi gure in the world of cused of using a web of shell companies in the football and godfather to my son,” said Ronaldo British Virgin Islands, Ireland, Colombia and in a 2012 documentary which coincided with 15 Panama to avoid taxes. years of Mendes’ agency work. “Jorge Mendes Ronaldo, the world’s highest paid athlete ac- is for me a great friend, more than an agent,” cording to Forbes, is due to be questioned on July Mourinho said of their relationship. “Our ca- 31 after allegedly evading 14.7mn euros in taxes. reers started at the same time and happily things Fabio Coentrao, the international who have gone well for both of us,” said the man now also plays for Real Madrid, is suspected of hav- in the Old Traff ord dugout who after leading ing hidden close to 1.3mn euros. to the 2004 Champions League took sev- And Manchester United manager Jose Mour- eral Portuguese stars with him to Chelsea. inho, another Mendes client, has been accused Mendes’ links with Falcao’s Monaco goes back of failing to pay millions in taxes during his to his working on the transfer to the French top time in charge of Real Madrid. Nicknamed “the fl ight club of Portuguese international shark” by rival agents, the diminutive Mendes in 1997. Asked about his style of doing business has a penchant for being discreet — he keeps his Mendes once said: “I am not one of these agents head down and rarely gives interviews. who races after players making promises....” When he does surface he is generally seen adding that he represents players interests and phone in hand or clamped to his ear wheeling intervenes to protect them when clubs would and dealing for his stable of some 100 play- prefer to do deals behind their backs. “Some- ers or coaches whose interests he manages. times their (transfer) situation is almost sealed Football agent Jorge Mendes (centre) is surrounded by journalists as he arrives at the Court in Pozuelo de Alarcon in Madrid yesterday, to be Yet Mendes has been front page news since an and they themselves know nothing of it.” questioned by Spanish judge as part of a probe into Colombian striker ’s alleged tax evasion. (AFP) international consortium of media organisa- tions highlighted a huge data leak purporting to show that Ronaldo, Mourinho and others kept millions of earnings out of the taxman’s reach Mendes charged, denies creating shell companies in havens. Mendes, whose company, Gestifute International, is registered in Ireland, has vigor- Madrid: Football super-agent Jorge Mendes many football stars live, a judicial source said. web of shell companies in the British Virgin merely appearing as a witness, a judicial source ously denied any wrongdoing. He was one of the yesterday denied he created shell companies As Spanish authorities tighten the net around Islands, Ireland, Colombia and Panama to avoid said. fi rst to exploit player rights through third par- for his clients during questioning by a Span- footballers such as Real Madrid superstar Cris- taxes on the image rights income. Mendes risks being put under off icial inves- ties such as investment funds — a practice FIFA ish court investigating alleged tax evasion by tiano Ronaldo, another Mendes client suspect- Mendes arrived at a court wearing a dark tigation in the case, but his company Gestifute has now made illegal. striker Radamel Falcao, his company Gestifute ed of fiscal fraud, their advisers and agents are suit and black tie. The 51-year-old made no has already denied any wrongdoing. “Neither Mendes Quality Sports Investments, based said in a statement. coming under scrutiny too. Monaco’s Falcao is comments as he went into court, where he will Jorge Mendes nor the company he manages, in the tax haven of Jersey, off ered rich investors Mendes was charged with tax off ences over suspected of failing to correctly declare 5.6mn be questioned over his possible role in Falcao’s Gestifute, participate in or off er any service the chance to buy a percentage of players’ “eco- his possible role in Falcao’s alleged tax evasion euros of income earned from image rights alleged tax evasion. linked, directly or indirectly, to financial, fiscal nomic rights” with a view to making a killing during his appearance at a court in Pozuelo de between 2012 and 2013 while he was at Atletico He will see the judge just after Falcao’s or legal advice to their clients,” it said earlier when they were eventually sold on for a hefty Alarcon, an upmarket suburb of Madrid where Madrid. The Colombian is accused of using a Argentine wife Lorelei Dahiana Taron, who is this month. transfer fee in jurisdictions operating ultra-low

ROUND-UP QSL PSG goalkeeper Sirigu joins Torino Al Khor sign Hilal Mohammed QNA will hold a press conference in a few days to present Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu (right) Doha the player to the media. left Paris Saint-Germain to join Torino on a three-year deal yesterday that means he HAMOOD YAZIDI SIGNS FOR AL AHLI should take over as the club’s number one l Khor SC yesterday fi nalised the signing Al Ahli SC has signed Hamood al-Yazidi for one from ’s Joe Hart. of Hilal Mohamed, who joins them from season. He joins Al Ahli for the 2017/2018 season Sirigu spent the last of his six seasons Umm Salal. Mohamed had joined Umm with the hope of erasing memories of the last sea- with PSG on loan in Spain with Sevilla and Salal just last season on a three-year con- son, when his team fi nished 10th in the league and then Osasuna and, with the 2018 World tract.A He informed his club however, after only one was knocked out of the third round of HH the Emir Cup on the horizon, the Sardinian was season, that he would like to go back to his old club. Cup. Al Ahli had also announced Joaquin Caparros looking for more playing time. Sirigu, 30, He had a good season last year with Umm Salal, as their new manager for next season. The team will is expected to take over from Hart after the particularly in the second half. He scored four goals hold a training camp in Holland from August 2 to England goalkeeper’s one-year loan from that were crucial for the team. The management August 22 to prepare for the new season. Manchester City recently ended. Hart’s future destination is yet to be determined. FOCUS BORDEAUX ‘INTERESTED’ IN LEICESTER’S MENDY Bordeaux are in the hunt for Leicester’s French midfi elder Nampalys Mendy, the Slovak PM urges UEFA action Ligue 1 side’s coach Jocelyn Gourvennec disclosed. Mendy joined Leicester from Nice in a 16mn euro deal in July 2016 as on Italy vs Germany ‘farce’ then manager Claudio Ranieri prepared the defence of the Foxes’ stunning Premier Reuters Slovakia were eliminated aft er Italy League title triumph. on the competition next season. However four quarter-fi nal matches, Fox said. Bratislava, Slovakia beat Germany 1-0 on Saturday in the But the 25-year-old spent more time the capital club, who will be coached by tournament in Poland, a result that off the pitch than on it as perpetual injury former Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Franc- SHREWSBURY MAKE LANDMARK allowed both teams to progress to the hampered his fi rst season in England. “He esco, have several transfer issues to resolve. BID FOR SAFE STANDING lovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico has semi-fi nals from Group C was bought very expensively by Leicester New club sporting director Monchi recently Third tier Shrewsbury have become the fi rst written to European football governing after a very good season as at Nice,” oversaw the sale of speedy Egyptian winger English club to apply for right to install safe body UEFA requesting an investigation into should be banned for making them. Carlo Tavec- Gourvennec said. “But considering the Mohamed Salah to Liverpool for a reported standing in their stadium. The League One the circumstances surrounding his coun- chio, head of the Italian football federation (FIGC), season he had (with two ankle operations) 39mn euros. He is also reported to have team want to create a safe standing area, try’sS group stage exit from the European Under-21 rejected the suggestion “with indignation”. he wants to return to France, and Bordeaux agreed to sell Greek defender Kostas Mano- which would have a capacity of around 500, Championship. Horst Hrubesch, the German football federa- are interested in him.” las to Zenit Saint Petersburg. in their Greenhous Meadow arena. Slovakia were eliminated after Italy beat Ger- tion’s sporting director, who played and scored in Mendy could join the club in a loan ar- Shrewsbury’s stadium was built 10 years many 1-0 on Saturday in the tournament in Poland, the 1982 match, also denied the allegations. “I think rangement with an option to buy attached. FACEBOOK, FOX SIGN DEAL TO ago and is one of 29 in the Football League a result that allowed both teams to progress to the it’s perfectly normal to play cautiously in the last Six-time French champions Bordeaux LIVESTREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE which are eligible to apply for safe stand- semi-fi nals from Group C. The scoreline was the few minutes,” he said. UEFA did not immediately fi nished out of European contention in Fox Sports said yesterday it had partnered ing. Clubs in England’s top two divisions only one that could have sent both teams through respond to a request for comment. West Germany’s sixth place last season, 36 points behind with Facebook Inc to livestream UEFA have been legally required to have all-seater and Fico labelled the match a “farce”, comparing it 1-0 win over Austria in their fi nal group game of the champions Monaco. If Mendy does end up Champions League matches during the grounds since the measure was recom- to the 1982 World Cup game between West Germa- 1982 World Cup in Spain sent both teams through at Bordeaux he will team up with his cousin, 2017-18 season. The sports network, owned mended by the 1990 Taylor Report into the ny and Austria. and eliminated Algeria. striker Alexandre Mendy, who is joining by Twenty-First Century Fox Inc, said that 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which saw 96 Fico’s comments, following similar complaints Much of the match appeared to be played at from Ligue 1 rivals Guingamp. some matches from Europe’s top-tier club Liverpool fans killed in crushes caused by by Slovakia coach Pavel Hapal, were rejected by walking pace after Hrubesch scored the only goal soccer tournament will be exclusive to Fa- over-crowding in the Leppings Lane stand- both German and Italian team offi cials. “Slovak of the game in the 10th minute, with neither West DEFENDER KARSDORP SET cebook and Fox Sports GO, while others will ing area. Should Shrewsbury win approval football talents did everything with regard to sport- Germany nor Austria looking like they were try- FOR ROMA MEDICAL: CLUB be simulcast on television. from the Sports Ground Safety Authority, ing performance to win advancement to the next ing to score. Fico urged Ceferin to investigate the Serie A runners-up Roma have moved to Social media companies such as Face- then they would become the fi rst all-seater phase of the tournament,” Fico wrote in an open Germany-Italy result and change tournament rules shore up their defence ahead of next season book and Twitter Inc have beefed up their stadium in England and Wales to introduce letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. to prevent a similar recurrence in future. “I believe with the imminent signing of Dutch inter- focus on signing live-streaming sports safe standing. The Premier League recently “What they were not prepared for, though, was that you will have the whole issue investigated national defender Rick Karsdorp. Feyenoord deals as young audience increasingly rely wrote to its 20 clubs asking if they would be the farce performed by players from countries ad- and UEFA will make rules for the next tournament full-back Karsdorp, 22, arrived in Rome on the internet to watch sports ditching the interested in taking part in a trial to reintro- vanced in football — Italy and Germany. The re- which will give precedence to a sportsmanlike per- yesterday morning and “will have a medical traditional cable services. duce standing sections in their grounds. sulting situation reminded me of ancient football formance instead of unfair agreements,” he added. in the Italian capital, ahead of a proposed Fox Sports will stream UEFA Champions Scottish Premiership champions Celtic history, when at the 1982 World Cup Germany and “It is disrespectful towards the athletes them- move to the Giallorossi from current club League matches in the United States on last season installed 2,600 rail seats at Austria played out a similarly unworthy spectacle selves, fans and also the countries they represent.” Feyenoord,” Roma said in a statement. its Facebook pages, starting in September, Parkhead that can be fl ipped down or in front of the fans of this beautiful game at the ex- Twelve teams are taking part, divided into three Roma, who have secured an automatic according to the deal. The partnership locked into an upright position, with safety pense of humble Algeria.” groups. The winners qualifi ed for the semi-fi nals spot in next season’s Champions League, includes two live matches per day in the barriers separating each row, in a move that Italy’s coach Luigi Di Biagio told reporters that along with the best second-placed team, which are hoping to strengthen for a fresh assault group stage, four round of 16 matches and was considered a success. the allegations were “ridiculous” and that Hapal turned out to be Germany. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

CONFEDERATIONS CUP Liverpool to escape punishment Chile out to curb Portugal for alleged tapping-up of van Dijk

London: Liverpool are set to goal-machine Ronaldo escape punishment from the Premier League for the al- leged tapping-up of the South- ampton defender Virgil van The Real Madrid forward has now scored 16 times in his last 10 games for club and country Dijk, with the heat over the issue having rather fizzled out. AFP It had ignited at the beginning Kazan, Russia of June, when Southampton were furious to read that Van Dijk was keen to join Liver- opa America champions Chile pool, having been won over, in will try to curb Portugal su- part, by the vision of the club’s perstar Cristiano Ronaldo in manager, Jürgen Klopp. They today’s Confederations Cup reported Liverpool to the semi-fiC nal with the goal-ace in rich Premier League, arguing that form despite a tax storm brewing in Van Dijk ought not to have Spain. The 32-year-old converted a been privy to any vision of penalty in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Klopp’s as the Anfield club had New Zealand to claim his 75th interna- not made an off icial approach tional goal. to them for the player. The Real Madrid forward has now Southampton felt that scored 16 times in his last 10 games for Liverpool’s fingerprints had club and country. The Portugal captain been on the newspaper will face tax evasion charges in a Ma- stories while it was reported drid court next month, but has dazzled at the time that Klopp had met on the pitch in Russia, claiming man- with Van Dijk in Blackpool to of-the-match awards in all three group discuss the proposed transfer. games, netting two goals and providing The south coast club are an assist. After helping steer Portugal to aware that direct and indirect the Euro 2016 title in Paris a year ago, approaches for players are Ronaldo is aiming to win a second inter- commonplace – even if the national title when the Confederations practice is, technically, forbid- Cup fi nal concludes on Sunday in Saint den – but, in this instance, Petersburg. Mexico or Germany, who they felt that they needed to meet in the other semi-fi nal, will face take a stand, believing Liver- the winners of today’s clash in Kazan. pool to have been too blatant Ronaldo is closing in on the legendary in overstepping the mark. Ferenc Puskas’ European record of 84 Southampton have insisted international goals, despite the off -fi eld that Van Dijk is not for sale turmoil and constant speculation about while it was clear that they his future — he has reportedly threat- wanted to send out the mes- ened to quit Real. “We all know he’s an sage that they would not be amazing player, he’s very dangerous pushed around by a bigger and can decide a game alone,” said Chile club. Their action sparked midfi elder Marcelo Diaz, who has come Liverpool into making a public up against Ronaldo with his Spanish apology, which served to calm club Celta Vigo. the situation – particularly as “He has had an amazing season in they also promised to drop Spain, he’s playing here with the same their interest in Van Dijk. strength, which is why Portugal are in The Premier League the semi-fi nal. The main thing is trying listened to Southampton’s to stop him getting the ball and scoring.” complaint and they asked Chile, who won the Copa America in Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo attends a training session in Kazan, Russia, on the eve Liverpool for their version both 2015 and 2016, will present Por- of the Confederations Cup semi-final against Chile. (AFP) Chile’s Alexis Sanchez training in Kazan, Russia, yesterday. (Reuters) of events but they did not tugal with their toughest test so far in launch a formal investigation. Russia, although the South Americans foot after scoring in Saturday’s win over tre-back as Santos expects a tricky tie look to exploit those tomorrow.” Gunners’ contract, Sanchez is stalling It was believed that South- have yet to beat Portugal in three at- New Zealand. “We still have 24 hours to against Chile. Chile coach Juan Antonio has on signing an extension amid rumours ampton had the evidence to tempts with two defeats and a draw. decide if he plays or not, he has reacted “They have a good team, they’re ag- all 23 players fi t after midfi elder Charles of a switch to German giants Bayern incriminate Liverpool but, in Fatigue could well be an issue in Por- well to his injury and we’ll take the deci- gressive with a fi ghting, combative Aranguiz recovered from a knock in Munich. “He’s giving his best here and the weeks that have followed tugal’s ranks. Head coach Fernando sion tomorrow,” said Santos when asked spirit, but we are also warriors, we have Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Australia. I think most players would like to be the complaint, they have not Santos opted to rest none of his forward about the former Monaco winger. a great capability to suff er and we don’t Despite doubts about Alexis Sanchez’s in a similar situation, because the best put it forward. Chelsea and line against the Kiwis and it has been Left-back Raphael Guerreiro is fear anyone,” said Santos. “They are a Arsenal future, the Chile camp says squads in the world want to have him, Manchester City would love a long season for the likes of Ronaldo, struggling with a badly bruised foot and very dynamic team with a lot of move- their star striker is in high spirits. even if he is already at a good club,” said to sign Van Dijk, who is rated Joao Moutinho, Andre Gomes and Ber- will not feature. With defender Pepe ment and are not an easy team to ana- They hope his good performances Pizzi. “He’s a responsible person, he at upwards of £50mn and was nardo Silva. Manchester City new boy suspended, either Jose Fonte or Luis lyse. Their strengths are many, but like will showcase his skills to potential fu- knows what he has to do and he’s fully excellent last season. Silva, 22, went down clutching his right Neto will partner at cen- any team they have weaknesses. We will ture employers. With a year left on his focused on Chile.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT ‘All-powerful’ African football club Germany duo braced for tough hit by DR Congo political feud semi with Mexico AFP happy and moved by what has happened, AFP Lubumbashi, DR Congo it doesn’t come like that for all the young- Sochi, Russia sters,” he said. Tout Puissant Mazembe vice president, he training pitches and class- Malta David Forrest, a Belgian, says the ermany’s Premier rooms are fi t for one of Africa’s academy players have to be encouraged League stars Emre Can most illustrious football clubs, despite their lack of experience. “They and Shkodran Mustafi but the political battles rife in are a real source of wealth for the club, the expect a tough battle TDemocratic Republic of Congo have province and the country,” he said. Gagainst Mexico in tomorrow’s stopped Tout Puissant Mazembe from After taking over the club, Katumbi Confederations Cup semi-fi nal using their new academy. brought in some of Africa’s best players to as the world champions chase The teenagers who are meant to be the help Mazembe live up to its name. Some more silverware in Russia. future stars of African football are losing were earning tens of thousands of dollars Liverpool midfi elder Can and weight because food rations have been a month, when the average salary for a Arsenal defender Mustafi have cut back. Lush grass is starting to grow Congolese player is between 100 and 200 just over 30 international ap- around the buildings that owner Moise dollars a month. pearances between them, yet are Katumbi, exiled tycoon and key opposi- The academy players have their skills senior fi gures in a young Germa- tion leader, has built on his property in refi ned but must also do French and other ny squad. Lubumbashi. Katumbi took over Tout lessons. “Our job is to educate them. We Despite resting nearly all of Puissant Mazembe — which means All- have to train their feet and their heads,” their World Cup winners and Powerful Mazembe — in 1997 and spent said Curbilie. The teenagers have to be in bringing an inexperienced side Germany’s Skodran millions to turn it into a continental foot- bed by 9:00pm. “We make them eat fruit to Russia, Germany’s young guns Mustafi speaks to the press in ball force. They subsequently won the and vegetables and they cannot watch won Group B and face Mexico at Sochi yesterday. (AFP) African Champions League title three just anything they want on television,” Sochi’s Fischt stadium for a place times — though they also had two early added the teacher. “It’s tough for these in Sunday’s Confed Cup fi nal. three-man defence against Mex- wins in the 1960s. Trainer Johan Curbilie (left) talks to Katumbi Football Academy players at the boys to be trained at European standards.” Juan Carlos Osorio’s Mexicans ico. Can has featured in all three On the political front, Katumbi, the Tout-Puissant Mazembe stadium in Lubumbashi, DR Congo. (AFP) The academy aims to have half of its had to come from behind in all matches so far in Russia and says former governor of mineral-rich Katanga pupils become professionals — a success three of their Group A games, the Germans must play to their province that takes in Lubumbashi, an- reasons and can now only use the pitch at academy member Magloire Nongo. “But rate way above rivals in Europe. Prince drawing 2-2 with Portugal, then strengths. nounced he would challenge President the Tout Puissant Mazembe stadium. for me, football is all my life.” Kasongo, 16, proudly showed off the beating both New Zealand and “We’ll be well prepared for Joseph Kabila in elections due in 2016. “Each month, I weigh the players and It is the club’s popularity that keeps the medals on the walls of his grandparents’ Russia by the same 2-1 margin. this game, everyone is looking But the elections were delayed and Ka- for the fi rst time in fi ve years they have academy from closing, for the moment. It house where he was raised. “I want to Mustafi — one of only three 2014 forward to it,” said the 23-year- tumbi left the country the same year after lost weight because we have been forced plans to recruit new pupils this year and work hard to get them out of this poverty World Cup winners in Russia old. “They are an uncomfort- being accused of harming state security. to reduce their food,” said Laguesse, a expects 6,000 applications for the 15 one day,” he said. Kasongo travelled for — says Germany’s young guns able opponent, similar to Chile. He was also subsequently sentenced in 67-year-old Frenchman, who has trained spots up for grabs. “Each time we have the fi rst time to France and Spain with the are relishing their clash against They have very fl exible players absentia to jail for real estate fraud. The budding footballers from Abidjan to to fi lter out the men with beards who say academy side in 2015. Mexico’s come-back kings. in a technically strong team, it new classes and bedrooms for the Ka- Bangkok. they are only 13,” said Johan Curbilie, one “I am very proud to have a grandson “Mexico remind me a bit of won’t be easy. But we have no tumbi Football Academy, wholly fi nanced From the Tout Puissant Mazembe sta- of the coaches.”Or they come pressing the who is going to become a star,” responded Chile, it’s a team which is very reason to hide, because we have a by the exiled businessman, have been dium there is a view of the mines that case for their own star, even if the kid has his grandfather, Jean-Marcel Ngoie, 70. aggressive and can play very var- strong team. No one had expect- ready for a year, but are like a Wild West powered Congo’s economic growth after only one leg,” Curbilie joked. “He is a model, and tomorrow or later, ied football,” said the 25-year- ed much from us, but the quality ghost town. The club says insuffi cient the end of its devastating 1998-2003 war, When Mazembe play, the stadium is there will be another Prince who will fol- old Arsenal centre-back. is up there. Even if we have never money is trickling in to pay for operations until the drop in commodity prices in packed with about 18,000 people. In a low him.” Amid the deserted buildings on “They are very organised in played together before, a lot of since Katumbi went into exile in Belgium. 2015. The young recruits work out there recent game against CF Mounana of Ga- Katumbi’s property, Regis Laguesse tries defence, experienced players and things are already working well.” There has been no shortage of potential in the fabled black jersey of the Mazembe bon, the team featured Arsene Zola, 20, to remain upbeat. “There are already a lot we’ll need to be patient. We have With World Cup winners Sami recruits for the academy since it opened team, often under a baking sun. the fi rst academy graduate to force his of the players from the second year who to fi nd a way to disrupt them and, Khedira and Toni Kroos left at in 2012 but its predicament has become Most have come a long way from the way into the fi rst team. Twelve academy are better than those in the fi rst. And now a bit like us, they have no super- home, Can sees this tournament increasingly dire, according to managing times when they practised in the streets pupils have left to become professionals. those in the third are even better,” he said, stars.” as his chance to stamp his claim director Regis Laguesse. or on wasteland, hoping to be noticed. Zola is 1.8 metres tall, (fi ve feet 11.5 while giving orders to the gardener to cut Mustafi was left on the bench for a place in Germany’s mid- The young players are banned from “In the neighbourhood, football is just inches) and comes from a poor family the grass waiting to be trampled by the for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Cam- fi eld at next year’s World Cup in the academy football pitches for “safety” a game with friends,” said 16-year-old but is humbled at his success. “I am so studs of Africa’s future football stars. eroon, but is set to feature in a Russia. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 SPORT

SAILING ATHLETICS No regrets as Farah calls time New Zealand win on track racing America’s Cup in emphatic fashion z Burling becomes youngest helmsman to win the Cup z New Zealand avenge San Francisco defeat in 2013

Mo Farah of .

AFP “I’m a little bit sad but at the Ostrava, Czech Republic same time I think I have some unfi nished business on the road.” Farah said he was looking for- ritish distance running ward to performing in front of legend Mo Farah said home fans in the British capital yesterday he had no re- for the worlds, with the longer Bgrets about calling time aim to return to London from his on his glittering track career to Oregon training camp. focus on road racing. “It’s better to end it on a high. The four-time Olympic If London goes as well as I want gold medallist will race his last and everything goes perfect, 10,000m on the IAAF circuit at you won’t see me on the track, the Golden Spike meet in the you might see me do some crazy northeastern czech city of Os- events, but in terms of 5,000 and trava today. 10,000 I’ll call it a day,” Farah Then comes an outing at the said. London Diamond League over The Somali-born runner, who 3000m, followed by a training spent his early years in Djibouti camp in southern France to fi ne- before moving to Britain at the tune preparations for August 4-13 age of eight, said that a decision World Athletics Championships. to take part in the marathon at It is no exaggeration to say Fa- Tokyo 2020 Olympics was not rah has successfully overcome the most pressing item on his Kenyan and Ethiopian team tac- agenda. tics to dominate the 5000 and “It’s really diff erent training 10,000m. for marathon than the track,” he Since winning silver over 10k said. at the 2011 world champs in Dae- “When I fi nish track I’d like to gu, the 34-year-old Londoner be able to sit back a bit, do a few has enjoyed an unbroken streak marathons to get used to it and of nine global fi nal wins (the then after that make a decision. 5,000m in 2011, and the double at “To be honest, sometimes I the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and do feel like maybe I’ll run a few the 2013 and 2015 worlds). marathons and call it a day, it de- “It’s a little bit sad because ob- pends on how motivated I am.” viously track is where I made it, Farah added: “I do miss my where it changed my life in terms family, I do miss spending a lot of competing at London Olympic of time with them. I’ve seen Games and winning the double them grow so fast and it really and continuing from there,” Fa- hurts me sometimes, to not be rah said of his decision to step able go to parents’ evenings at New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling takes his boat to the finish line to defeat Oracle Team USA in race nine to win the America’s Cup. away from the track. their schools, not being able to “It’s been an amazing journey be part of my family because I’m Reuters “We’re all ecstatic about what we have questions over whether they will opt for crew member Blair Tuke, has exuded a for me but I have to move on now, away for six months (every year) Hamilton, Bermuda managed to achieve and we are on top of high-octane catamarans, or revert to the disarming calm and has now won a place everything must come to an end and that’s always a challenge for the world, it’s going to be a good night,” monohulls used in previous cups. in yachting history. at some point. me.” Burling said after coolly steering his CEO Grant Dalton did not detail his He has also brought a youthful confi - ew Zealand lifted the America’s space-age 50-foot (15 metre) foiling cata- plans, but told a media briefi ng they dence to New Zealand’s rejuvenated cam- Cup on Monday, almost white- maran to yet another win over Spithill. would “play out in the next couple of paign to regain the “Auld Mug”, which SPOTLIGHT washing the US holders with a “They really were a class above in this weeks”. Ashby called “this bloody trophy” in his revolutionary boat and a new America’s Cup... They outsailed us and One certainty for the other teams victory speech. superstarN sailor avenging a humbling de- had a better boat... really well done,” Sp- thinking of the next campaign is that Many have put New Zealand’s triumph feat four years ago. ithill said, later adding that there were Italy’s Luna Rossa, which is backed by down to the revolutionary “cycling” sys- Van Niekerk vows New Zealand claimed international many things his team would have done the Italian luxury goods group Prada, has tem developed to power the hydraulics sport’s oldest trophy with a stunning 7-1 diff erently. been chosen as the Challenger of Record needed to control the catamaran’s foils, victory in Bermuda’s Great Sound, with Spithill, one of the world’s most suc- for the 36th America’s Cup. which lift it out of the water, and the vast to get ‘ridiculous’ 26-year-old Peter Burling becoming the cessful sailors, said it was too soon to say “The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squad- “wing” sail which drives it along. youngest helmsman to secure sailing’s what he or the US team would do next. ron... has accepted a challenge from Cir- Their “cyclors”, including an Olympic biggest prize. The America’s Cup, named after the colo della Vela Sicilia,” Dalton said. cycling medallist, have kept their heads AFP I’m lying so if I don’t make it to In doing so, Burling usurped New Zea- schooner “America” which won it off The New Zealand crew had been on down throughout the contest, pedalling Ostrava, Czech Republic the fi nish line I hope there’ll be land’s nemesis, Oracle Team USA skipper the south coast of England in 1851, has a mission to wipe out the hurt infl icted furiously to provide enough oil in the sys- someone there to pick me up!” Jimmy Spithill, who won the cup in 2010 only been held by teams from the United when an 8-1 lead was overhauled by the tem to allow the boat to perform almost Bolt backed Van Niekerk, the aged 30 and was hoping for a third suc- States, Australia, New Zealand and Swit- US team. balletic pirouette manoeuvres on the wa- outh African track fi rst athlete to break 10sec for cessive victory. zerland. New Zealand skipper Glenn Ashby, ter. sensation Wayde van the 100m, 20sec for the 200m Larry Ellison, the billionaire Oracle New Zealand won the right to take on who has a low-key but critical role “trim- The sight of the boats skimming over Niekerk vowed to get and 44sec for the 400m, for founder, dressed in Oracle Team USA kit, the US by beating four other “challeng- ming” the giant wing with a games con- the crystal clear waters of the natural sail- “ridiculous” when he great things, describing the came ashore from his boat to greet both ers” from Britain, France, Japan and Swe- sole-type device, was the only member ing “arena” has drawn new audiences for competesS in the little-run 300m South African as desperate to teams after a fascinating battle of wills den, using cycling sailors dubbed “cy- of the crew defeated in 2013 in this year’s sailing both in Bermuda and on television. at today’s Golden Spike meet in get one over him. and technology. clors” to provide pedal power to control winning combination. New Zealanders, in their uniform of Ostrava. “It’s always an experience and But the focus was on Olympic cham- their catamaran’s vast “wing” sail and “Relief to right the wrongs of the last black shirts and red socks, feted the vic- The world and Olympic 400m something I really enjoyed do- pion Burling, who showered his jubilant hydrofoils. campaign,” Ashby said when asked how tors with fl ags and cheers as Burling, champion, who broke Michael ing,” the Jamaican said of racing team mates and support crew with cham- The Kiwis will now decide where, when he felt. Ashby and the team lifted the ornate sil- Johnson’s long-standing world the 300m. pagne after their sleek black, red and and in what type of boat the next Ameri- Burling, who won Olympic gold last ver trophy, which they later paraded tri- record when winning gold in “Wayde defi nitely wants to white catamaran crossed the line. ca’s Cup will be held and there have been year in the 49er skiff class with fellow umphantly back to their base. Rio, said he would do everything run faster than me so he can to break the meeting record set have something to brag about! by his role model Usain Bolt, “He’s in good shape, I see BADMINTON back in 2010. him running the 200m in 19sec, The world record of 30.85sec, he ran a personal best over the set at altitude in Pretoria in 100m, that shows he’s in good 2000 by Johnson, is seconded shape. Shuttler Srikanth now eyes World Championship by Bolt’s 30.97, with van Niekerk “After running the world third in the rankings, having run record last year, I defi nitely 31.03 in Kingston last year. think he has a chance” of beat- IANS imagine playing badminton at Gopichand Badminton Academy “I’ve had a few good runs this ing the meet record. Hyderabad this level without him,” said the and Hyderabad District Badmin- season so far,” said the 24-year- Bolt added: “We’re really 24-year-old. ton Association President Cha- old. “I’ve been moving quite pretty cool. Wayde’s a chilled Srikanth, who became only mundeswarnath. quick in the 100 and 200m, but guy and he works hard. He’s a fter winning two back- the fi fth player in the world to “These two weeks were fan- I’ve still got quite a lot of world person who doesn’t complain to-back Superseries reach three successive Superser- tastic not just for me but also for to do to get fi t for the 300 and at all, which is shocking... even titles, Indian shuttler ies fi nals, did not single out any Prannoy and Sai. It was an un- 400m. This is another stepping when his coach kills him with a AKidambi Srikanth particular match when asked fortunate semi-fi nal for Prannoy stone to see where I’m lying at hard programme, which shows has now set his eyes on the up- which was the toughest. at the Indonesian Open. I would the moment. the determination and dedica- coming World Championship in “Every match was tough,” said have loved to play the fi nal with “We want to grow, do better tion that he has towards what he August. the shuttler, who defeated reign- him,” said Srikanth. and break records. I’ll give it my wants. Srikanth, who returned home ing Olympic and World Cham- Prannoy shocked defend- all and try to improve my time.” “He’s a really cool guy, very yesterday after bagging the In- pion Chen Long of China in Aus- ing champion Lee Chong Wei Van Niekerk added: “It’s not level-headed and he will be one donesian and Australian Open tralian Open fi nal on Sunday. of Malaysia in the pre-quarter- really an offi cial event, so I’m of the best in the sport, without titles, said his focus is on the Srikanth said the new Bad- fi nal and defeated Chen Long in going to go out there and be ri- any doubt.” World Championship in the minton Association of India the quarter-fi nal but went down diculous tomorrow, I’ve got Van Niekerk was equally full coming six weeks and he would (BAI) President, Himanta Biswa fi ghting to Japan’s Kazumasa nothing to lose. of praise for the eight-time Ol- not play any other tournament. Sarma, had been very kind and Sakai in the semi-fi nal. “It’s the only 300m of the ympic gold medallist, saying: Proudly displaying the med- supportive from the day he took Srikanth was presented with year... I’ll try and give you a “Usain Bolt is someone that I als, the World No. 11 said the last over. prize money of Rs 3 lakh for his show. can learn from and when there’s two weeks have been fantastic national coach Pullela Gop- “My special thanks to Gopi Srikanth, along with two other Indonesia Open win and another “It’s a massive test. I’m go- advice needed from him now for Indian badminton. ichand, his other coaches and sir. Without him I would not shuttlers H.S. Prannoy and Sai identical amount for his Austral- ing to have to go out there and and then, I pop in to ask him He also thanked India’s chief the physio for his success. have been here for sure. I can’t Praneeth, were felicitated by ian Open feat by IDBI Federal. push myself a bit to feel where how he’s doing.” Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA CYCLING/ TOUR DE FRANCE Cavendish targets Merckx record Thunder’s Westbrook AFP well as the emotional attach- Paris ment I have for it – to give it my best and to put everything I have in to trying to help the ritish road cycling star team.” Mark Cavendish will Cavendish enjoyed some- target Eddy Merckx’s thing of a renaissance last year, Tour de France record winning four Tour stages for his claims MVP award ofB stage wins as he spearheads African team – his best return the Dimension Data team’s since claiming fi ve stages in 2011. challenge despite an illness- Since then he’d been pushed into plagued season. the shade by German pair Marcel The sprint king is just four Kittel and Andre Greipel, but he wins away from equalling Tour left both trailing in his wake last great Merckx’s record of 34 year as they could win only one stage wins. The 32-year-old stage each. aft er historic season has raced little this year due Cavendish has however just to glandular fever but said the one stage win this year in the ‘It was an amazing season for me but without these guys none of it would have been possible’ lure of the Tour was too great to Tour of Abu Dhabi in February consider skipping the world’s and was sidelined with glan- AFP most prestigious race. dular fever for three months New York “As has been widely re- before only returning to com- ported, it’s been a diffi cult few petition in mid-June. months for me on the back of He will be joined in the Di- klahoma City’s Russell the illness that set me back mension Data team by two- Westbrook, who be- earlier on in the season,” said time British time-trial cham- came only the second the 30-time Tour stage winner. pion Stephen Cummings. player in NBA history “Despite this setback and my The 36-year-old has focused toO average a triple double for an lack of race time I’ve worked in- on the three-week French race entire season, was named the credibly hard both to ensure I in recent years and has stage NBA Most Valuable Player on could fi rstly recover from the ill- wins in each of the past two Monday at the inaugural NBA ness as well as then aiming to editions. This year’s tour starts Awards show. build my fi tness up as much as in the German city of Duessel- Westbrook defeated fellow fi - possible in order to start the Tour. dorf on Saturday. nalists James Harden of Houston “If I am being totally honest, and Kawhi Leonard of San An- had this not been the Tour de Dimension Data team tonio to claim the season MVP France we may have collective- Mark Cavendish (GBR), award for the fi rst time in cer- ly taken a diff erent approach Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR), emonies at New York. with regards to my inclusion Stephen Cummings (GBR), The 28-year-old guard who but I feel that I owe it to myself, Bernhard Eisel (AUT), Reinardt helped the Americans win 2012 the team, our sponsors and Janse van Rensburg (RSA), London Olympic gold averaged most importantly to the Tour Serge Pauwels (BEL), Mark a league-high 31.6 points plus itself given its history and eve- Renshaw (AUS), Scott Thwaites 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists a rything that it stands for – as (GBR), Jaco Venter (RSA) game, matching Oscar Robert- son from 1962 with double digits in three statistical categories for a full season. “To everybody in Oklahoma City who helped me go out eve- ry night and compete at a high level, I thank you for that,” said Westbrook, who invited team- mates on stage with him. “It was an amazing season for me but without these guys none of it would have been possible. This award is not for me. It’s for all of us.” Westbrook thanked “all my fans all across the world who appreciate me” and cried as he thanked his wife and parents. “I couldn’t do none of this without you guys,” he said. “I can’t say thank you enough.” Westbrook also won awards for best style and from fans for British cycling star Mark Cavendish the game winner of the year. Greek star Giannis Antetok- ounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks Quick Step team for Tour de France announced won the Most Improved Player award, beating out Gobert and Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook poses with his 2017 NBA most valuable player award during the 2017 NBA Awards at Basketball In-form Belgian Philippe season so far coming second Serbian forward Nikola Jokic of City at Pier 36. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gilbert, German sprint ace in two classics and third at the Denver Nuggets. Marcel Kittel and Ireland’s the Tour warm up Criterium. Another Bucks standout, Mil- fi nalists for the top newcomer Houston Rockets guard Eric award,” D’Antoni said. “You do fully, I’ll be around a couple Dan Martin lead Quick Step’s Making his debut in cycling’s waukee guard Malcolm Brogdon, award. Golden State forward Gordon was named the NBA’s not win this alone.” more years.” assault on the Tour de France, blue riband is Italian Gianluca won Rookie of the Year honors Draymond Green was voted the top reserve player, taking the Other fan-voted awards went which starts on Saturday. Brambilla while Quick Step’s and thanked his teammates. Defensive Player of the Year, de- Sixth Man Award. Nowitzki named to Leonard for block of the year, Alongside this trio in Quick Julian Alaphilippe misses the “They believe in me,” he said. feating co-fi nalists Leonard and “We just had an unbelievable top teammate Golden State’s Klay Thompson Step’s team announced yester- race with a knee injury. “They have given me tremen- French center Rudy Gobert of year,” Gordon said. “I would like German star Dirk Nowitzki of for performance of the year in a day were Zdenek Stybar and Quick Step team: Philippe dous opportunity... This is a the Utah Jazz. to thank my teammates and my Dallas was named Teammate of 60-point eff ort, Golden State’s Matteo Trentin with all five Gilbert (BEL), Jack Bauer testament to guys who get over- “This isn’t an individual coaches for making my job easy the Year in voting by players, the Kevin Durant for best playoff having already enjoyed stage (NZL), Gianluca Brambilla (ITA), looked. You can always achieve award,” Green said. “There are this year.” 39-year-old forward expected moment for a 3-pointer in game success on the Tour. Marcel Kittel (GER), Dan Martin your dreams if you have faith and fi ve guys on the fl oor every time. Houston’s Mike D’Antoni was to be back with the Mavericks three of the NBA Finals, Golden Ireland’s Martin, nephew of (IRL), Fabio Sabatini (ITA), you sacrifi ce.” I can’t do this all by myself so I named Coach of the Year over next season. “My teammates are State’s Stephen Curry and Green Stephen Roche who won the Zdenek Stybar (CZE), Matteo Cameroon center Joel Embiid appreciate them.” San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich there to support me and push me for assist of the year and Okla- Tour de France and Giro d’Italia Trentin (ITA), Julien Vermote and Croatia’s Dario Saric, both Golden State’s Bob Myers was and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra. and motivate me,” said Nowitzki. homa City’s Victor Oladipo for in 1987, has had an impressive (BEL) with Philadelphia, were losing named Executive of the Year. “This is the ultimate team “I still enjoy to compete. Hope- dunk of the year.

MLB Yankees win game, lose Castro to strained hamstring

By Pete Caldera Chapman gave up an RBI dou- RESULTS single to left, and a Ronald Tor- The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) ble to Jose Abreu before getting reyes sac fl y made it 3-1, though Avisail Garcia on a grounder and Indians ...... 15 Rangers ...... 9 Headley was erased on the bases getting Todd Frazier on a fl y ball Red Sox ...... 4 Twins ...... 1 for the fi nal out. or about six weeks, Star- to end it. Yankees ...... 6 White Sox.... 5 Austin’s one-out, solo homer lin Castro had played Rookie lefty Jordan Mont- Cubs ...... 5 Nationals...... 4 in the sixth off Holmberg (1-2) through an achy right gomery proved steady again, Angels ...... 4 Dodgers...... 0 was his fi rst since being recalled wrist – fi nally sitting on tossing seven strong innings Giants ...... 9 Rockies ...... 2 on Saturday to replaced Chris SundayF to allow a cortisone shot and keeping the Yankees (40-33) Carter, who was designated for Cardinals ...... 8 Reds ...... 2 to do its work. atop the AL East while the AL Diamondbacks 6 Phillies ...... 1 assignment. But two more White Castro was back in the Yan- Central’s last place White Sox Sox errors led to two more Yan- kees’ lineup on Monday night, (32-43) bumbled their way to a kees runs in the sixth. but not for long. fourth-straight loss. tions, Rob Refsnyder replaced Ellsbury reached on Holm- One of the game’s most du- But the loss of Castro – in the Castro at second base. Entering berg’s bobble, moved to third on rable players, Castro was forced midst of a potential All-Star sea- the game, Castro learned he was Headley’s double off the center out of Monday’s game with a son – is especially tough for a second among AL second base- fi eld wall and scored on a Romine strained right hamstring, creat- Yankee team that just placed Aar- men in the All-Star voting, trail- sac fl y after a tough at-bat. And ing a further strain on the Yan- on Hicks (right oblique) on the ing only Houston’s Jose Altuve. when fi rst baseman Matt David- kees’ injury-plagued roster. DL, and is still operating with- Castro is the Yankees’ team son dropped shortstop Tim An- A stint on the 10-day disabled out starter CC Sabathia (strained leader with 29 multi-hit games derson’s throw from shortstop list seemed assured for Castro, hamstring), reliever Adam War- this year, and his 92 hits ranked on a Torreyes grounder, Headey who was in the trainer’s room ren (shoulder infl ammation) and him tied for second in the AL as scored from third to make it 6-1. as the Yankees held on for a 6-5 the can’t-get-started Greg Bird Monday’s play began, and his Torreyes played shortstop as win against the White Sox be- (bruised right ankle). .315 average was seventh Didi Gregorius received a day of fore 20,339 fans at Guaranteed After a month on the con- best in the league. Having lost 10 rest against a lefty starter. Rate Field. Tyler Wade, being cussion DL, Jacoby Ellsbury re- of their previous 12 games and Montgomery (6-4) gave up groomed for an all-purpose role, turned to the Yankees’ lineup six straight road games entering just a Frazier leadoff homer in is expected to be called up from on Monday night and scored Monday night, the Yankees be- the second, yielding fi ve hits Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes- twice as the Yankees chased lefty gan clawing back during a three- and a walk and striking out eight Barre to take Castro’s spot. starter David Holmberg during a New York Yankees first baseman Tyler Austin hits a solo home run during the sixth inning against the run fourth inning. batters. The AL East was sepa- Though the Yankees had a three-run sixth. Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports After Aaron Judge led off with rated by fi ve games as Monday’s fi ve-run lead to start the ninth, Castro, who started 72 of a walk, Frazier’s error on a Gary play began, but “we felt it’d be a Aroldis Chapman was sum- the Yanks’ fi rst 74 games, ex- to have a sure infi eld hit with a pulling up a few feet from fi rst nohue and manager Joe Girardi. Sanchez grounder led to Tyler very tough division, a tight divi- moned for the fi nal two outs af- ited with the White Sox leading dribbler toward third base. But base. A moment later, Castro Just recalled from Class AAA Austin’s game-tying sacrifi ce fl y. sion the whole way through,” Gi- ter Tim Anderson’s three-run 1-0 in the third. Batting second Todd Frazier barehanded the ball was being helped off the eldfi by Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a se- Ellsbury’s single to center was rardi said. “And it’s kind of living homer off Chase Shreve. in the lineup, Castro seemed and threw out Castro, who began head athletic trainer Steve Do- ries of early Monday transac- followed by Chase Headley’s RBI up to that.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT All Black Kaino denies intent to hurt Murray

AFP “What’s been said out there “Their team meetings and jective of it? Wellington about malice and intention to training will have a lot of edge “So we’ve just got to stay in hurt anyone, that’s never the and lot of emotion... so we need our own mind really clear and case,” he told reporters after to make sure that we turn the focused about what we do and ll Black Jerome Kaino being peppered with questions screw a lot more in our sessions remember... it’s about a game of yesterday rejected alle- about the incident. and expect a backlash from the rugby on Saturday and we have gations he maliciously The 79-Test veteran said he Lions on the weekend,” he said. to be ready.” targeted British and played hard but “within the rules Foster admitted the needling IrishA Lions scrum-half Conor and the spirit of the game”. could sometimes go too far, re- No sulking Murray and predicted a backlash Asked if he had seen the inci- All Blacks assistant coach Ian ferring specifi cally to a New from the tourists after their fi rst dent since Saturday, he replied: Foster said Gatland’s comments Zealand Herald cartoon depict- Test loss. “It’s popped up on my Twitter were just part of the hype in the ing Gatland as a clown. Lions coach Warren Gatland feed about a mn times, so it’s a lead-up to a big Test. “I wouldn’t like that,” he said. said after the 30-15 defeat that bit hard to avoid.” He said both sides tried to A similar cartoon of Michael players were recklessly diving at He said the furore sparked by pressure kickers and “to take it Cheika last year enraged the Murray in a dangerous manner Gatland’s comments had not af- any further than that is just a bit Wallabies coach, who accused that could cause a career-ending fected the All Blacks as the world silly”. New Zealand Rugby of being be- injury. champions prepared for the second Foster, a former Waikato hind it. The comments, dismissed as Test in Wellington on Saturday. teammate of Gatland’s, said the Foster said he and Gatland “desperate” by All Blacks coach “I don’t think it bothers us All Blacks were used to visiting would forget any diff erences Steve Hansen, put Kaino under what’s going on outside of our coaches taking potshots in a bid after the third and fi nal Test in the spotlight as he crashed into circle,” he said. to put the hosts off their stride. Auckland early next month and Murray early in the game while Two-time World Cup win- “We don’t take it as personal, relax over a drink. the Irishman was kicking. ner Kaino said the Lions would it’s just what some people do,” “We’ll go hammer and tongs The fl anker said he was trying be hurting and desperate to re- he said. at each other but at the end of to disrupt Murray’s kick “but my spond after the loss in Auckland, “If we start sulking about that the third Test hopefully we’ll sit timing was off and I rolled into where their vaunted forward then we’re going to get upset and down and have a beer together his planted foot”. pack failed to meet expectations distracted and isn’t that the ob- and a yack about it,” he said.

RUGBY GOLF Nicklaus says Tiger faces tough road Lions Test hopefuls back: report

AFP Pines and withdrawing from a Potomac, United States European Tour event in Dubai last February. Woods, whose 79 career PGA wins are three iger Woods will miss shy of Sam Snead’s all-time blow it as Hurricanes this week’s PGA Na- record, has not won a major tional, skipping his title since the 2008 US Open usual host role while and has not won any event Tcontinuing treatments to since the 2013 World Golf manage pain medications after Championships Bridgestone an impaired driving arrest last Invitational. month, tournament offi cials Top players have supported said on Monday. Woods as he fi ghts to return snatch 31-31 draw The former world number after a mug shot seen around one, whose charity founda- the world and years of strug- ‘It’s very frustrating to have given up a lead twice. It’ll be the last game (of tour) for a lot of us’ tion stages the event, was ar- gles with back pain. rested May 29 near his Florida “I think we all want him to AFP home for impaired driving. A do what’s best for him,” world Wellington breathalyser test showed no number three Jordan Spieth sign of alcohol but police video said last week. showed Woods struggling to “We all want him to be bet- he British and Irish Lions answer questions. ter. We want him to be healthy squandered a 16-point Woods later said he did not and we want him to be back lead as the Wellington realise how prescription drugs out here. So whatever needs to Hurricanes roared back might interact and last week happen for that to happen he Tto snatch a 31-31 draw and dent said he had sought treatment to knows and I’m sure he’s do- the Test prospects of several cope with medications to ease ing it.” touring players yesterday. back pain and sleep issues. World number four Rory The Lions leaked four sec- “I’m currently receiving McIlroy has off ered his sup- ond-half tries and then missed professional help to manage my port to Woods in his latest a drop-goal attempt after the medications and the ways that I fi ghtback bid. siren as they threw away a com- deal with back pain and a sleep “It’s a tough one,” McIlroy manding position against the disorder,” Woods tweeted. said last week. “I reached out Super Rugby champions. Tournament offi cials con- to him whenever everything It wasn’t the result the Li- fi rmed that Woods, 41, would broke a few weeks ago and just ons wanted in their fi nal tour not attend the National due making sure he was OK. He’s match as coach Warren Gatland to ongoing treatment. The 14- OK. He has gone through a looks for reinforcements for this time major winner will be up- rough time the last few years week’s second Test after Satur- dated about the event during with injuries and being in pain day’s defeat to the All Blacks. the week. and not being able to sleep. I There were some bright spots, Woods has only played the totally understand how that with Tommy Seymour scoring National twice since 2012 be- can happen. two tries on the right wing and cause of injuries and was not “So it’s good that he’s get- George North one on the left, al- slated to be in the fi eld this ting help. It’s good that he’s on though Gatland’s Test focus will year. the road to recovery... he has be on the forwards. In April, Woods announced felt an outpouring of love over Lock Courtney Lawes ex- he had undergone his fourth the past few weeks after all this celled, along with hard-running back operation since 2014 to happened and he really appre- number eight CJ Stander. ease back and leg pain and ciates that.” Iain Henderson also played would miss the remainder of Woods said as much last well but marred his Test hopes the season. week, tweeting, “I want to when he was sin-binned for a Woods made his comeback thank everyone for the amaz- dangerous tackle, allowing the last December in the Bahamas ing outpouring of support and Hurricanes back into the game in but has played only twice this understanding, especially the a thrilling fi nale. year, missing the cut at Torrey fans and players on tour.” “It’s very frustrating to have Wellington Hurricanes’ Wes Goosen scores a try during the rugby match against the British and Irish Lions in Wellington yesterday. (AFP) given up a lead twice,” said Lions captain Rory Best, adding: “It’ll back with a pick-and-go try as be the last game (of the tour) for the Hurricanes outmuscled the a lot of us. Lions defence, but the visitors ‘Orange’. Yellow. Penalty. Coaches disagree over Henderson’s card “But we’ll make sure that we kept the scoreboard ticking over Wellington Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd thought game.” knuckle down, roll up the sleeves with another Biggar penalty. opposing lock Iain Henderson’s tackle on Jordie With Henderson off the field, the home side came and whoever’s lucky enough to play North then scored their sec- Barrett deserved an “orange” card, while his Brit- roaring back and after Goosen and Fifita’s tries, in the last two games we’ll make ond try when the Hurricanes ish and Irish Lions counterpart Warren Gatland with the 38,690-strong crowd urging the 2016 they’re well prepared and ready to failed to claim a Biggar high ball reckoned it warranted just a penalty. Super Rugby champions on, they pressed hard to win the game on Saturday.” and Henderson fl icked it into the Both, however, agreed the incident when Hender- try to score the winning try. path of the giant Welsh winger. son upended Barrett in a midfield ruck in the 65th The Lions, however, managed to hold them out Niggle factor The Hurricanes pressured minute was the major talking point of their 31-31 and had the opportunity to win the game only for In what may be a taste of the Lions with a lineout drive as draw yesterday. The Hurricanes were trailing 31-17 flyhalf Dan Biggar to miss his drop goal attempt. things to come in the second half-time approached, but this at the time and scored tries through Wes Goosen Test, it was an often bad-tem- time the defence held to send and Vaea Fifita, both of which Barrett converted, to Springboks skipper Whiteley out for two months pered encounter featuring plen- them into the break up 23-7. lock the score up while Henderson was off the field. ty of off -the-ball niggle. A perfectly timed Savea pass “I was a bit horrified when I was listening to the South Africa captain Warren sustained in line out practice The match in front of a 39,000 set up fellow All Black Ngani mike and he (referee Romain Poite) was talking Whiteley faces up to two with the Boks, has now been sell-out crowd in the New Zea- Laumape for a try seconds after about nothing,” Boyd told reporters. “Clearly he months on the sidelines with confirmed as torn ligaments land capital started brightly, the restart and a Jordie Barrett (Barrett) was tipped beyond the horizontal and a pelvis injury, ruling him out in the pelvis. with both sides throwing the penalty narrowed the gap to 23- the starting point for that is yellow. of the rest of the Super Rugby “We expect to rehabilitate him ball around. A Dan Biggar pen- 17. The Lions patiently worked “The penalty around that I understand is where season and possibly the open- in six to eight weeks,” Lions alty put the Lions ahead but the the ball forward after Welling- you land, it has nothing to do with intent. ing matches of the Rugby team doctor Rob Collins told Hurricanes looked threatening ton scrum-half Te Toiroa Tahu- “It was probably an orange in my mind so some- Championship, his team said reporters. It will come as a se- on the wing as Julian Savea went riorangi was sinbinned for a high where between a yellow and a red.” yesterday. rious blow to the Lions’ hopes on the charge. tackle, then sent it out wide for Gatland, who did not address the fact his side Whiteley was appointed of Super Rugby success as Just as they were building Seymour to score his second. scored eight points while Hurricanes scrumhalf Springbok captain for the they are well on course for pressure and looked poised to But the Hurricanes replied Te Toiroa-Tahuriorangi was sinbinned in the sec- three-test tour by France this next month’s quarter-finals. score, Lions scrum-half Greg with tries to Wes Goosen and ond half, had a diff erent interpretation. month and looked an inspired The 29-year-old Whiteley Laidlaw intercepted an Otere Vaea Fifi ta after Henderson’s “Disappointed we ended up with a yellow card,” choice as South Africa won could also miss the start of Black pass and pinned his ears yellow card, locking up the he said. “The referee was initially going to give the first two tests in convinc- the southern hemisphere back. He was run down just over scores at 31-all and setting up a it as a penalty but he made the decision to look ing fashion. However, he Rugby Championship in Au- the halfway line but offl oaded to barnstorming fi nal 10 minutes. at other angles and changed his decision to a British and Irish Lions player Iain Henderson (L) was hurt in the build up to gust. South Africa start with fellow Scot Seymour, who dotted The Hurricanes worked the yellow card. is yellow carded by the referee for a dangerous the third test and had to pull two tests against Argentina, down between the posts, with ball through 23 phases but could “It was the big moment of the game. It was going tackle on Wellington Hurricanes’ Jordie Barrett out of the team on the eve followed by matches against Biggar adding the conversion not fi nd a way through, and then to be a penalty to us and we had all the territory during their rugby union match in Wellington of last Saturday’s victory in Australia and world champi- and another penalty. Biggar’s attempted drop goal fell and possession so it was a massive swing in the yesterday. (AFP) . The injury, ons New Zealand. Flanker Callum Gibbins hit short to end the match in a draw. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 7

WIMBLEDON TENNIS / ATP ANTALYA OPEN Thiem upset by Federer and Nadal lowly ranked Indian primed for dream ‘I’m motivated. Grass is not my speciality, but fi nal reprise I’m very motivated’

Reuters London

oger Federer and Rafael Nadal have shared the Grand Slam AFP last four, beating Novak Djokovic in spoils this year and it would Antalya, Turkey straight sets in the quarter-fi nals be- take a hard heart not to hope fore losing to eventual winner Rafael forR a fairytale rematch next month of Nadal. their epic 2008 Wimbledon fi nal. ominic Thiem crashed out However, he arrived in Turkey after a Federer, 35, prevailed in their fi ve- of the Antalya ATP grass second-round loss to Robin Haase last set battle in Australia to win a record- court tournament yesterday, week on grass in Halle. extending 18th Slam, but sat out the the French Open semi-fi nal- The Austrian was appearing in Tur- claycourt season in which Nadal, 31, istD stunned by India’s Ramkumar Ra- key to help prepare for the third Grand made his own history by winning a manathan, ranked 214 places below the Slam of the year at Wimbledon which 10th French Open title — ‘La Decima’ world number eight. starts on Monday. — and 15th Slam. The 22-year-old Ramanathan upset Ramanathan had only played in one In 2008, Nadal was just 22. He Thiem 6-3, 6-2 to claim the biggest win ATP tour event this year before head- survived two rain breaks and an en- of his career. ing to Turkey, and that was at home in thralling Federer fi ghtback to end the Thiem made it into the French Open Chennai in January. Swiss’s fi ve-year reign as Wimbledon champion to fi nally triumph 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 after defeats in the TENNIS / AEGON INTERNATIONAL 2006 and 2007 fi nals. The match, at four hours and 48 minutes, is still the longest fi nal in Wimbledon history. It was hailed by Djokovic frustrated as pundits, players and fans alike, with seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe describing it as the rain rules at Eastbourne greatest match he’d ever seen. The Wimbledon seedings, to be confi rmed today, and Friday’s draw will determine whether the titans In this July 6, 2008, picture, Rafael Nadal of Spain (right) and of Switzerland embrace after their finals match could meet on Centre Court in the at Wimbledon in London. Nadal had won 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. (Reuters) fi nal of the tournament, which runs from July 3 to 16, for the fi rst time Club, to rest up for his challenge for a He prevailed in the 35th chapter of day as he won a ninth Halle title with- since that tussle. third Wimbledon title while preparing his rivalry with Nadal in January to out dropping a set all week. But for those who believe in omens, in his native Mallorca. clinch the Australian Open — his fi rst “I was doubting myself a little bit, Nadal, then all pirate swagger with his Grand Slam title since Wimbledon I must admit, because losing (in the long shorts, long hair and sleeveless ‘VERY MOTIVATED’ in 2012 — before again trumping the opening) round for the fi rst time in shirts, won the 2008 Wimbledon title He missed Wimbledon last year with a Spaniard en route to claiming the In- 15 years on grass was always going to after annexing the French Open with- wrist injury and since he lost to Novak dian Wells and Miami titles. shake me a little bit and it did,” Federer out dropping a set — a feat he repeated Djokovic in the 2011 fi nal, Nadal has That run defi ed logic as Federer had told the ATP men’s tour website. earlier in June. had an underwhelming run, with each spent the last six months of 2016 on “So I’m happy to react right away “He’ll go to Wimbledon with so of his four subsequent visits ending in the sidelines recuperating from a knee and let that be forgotten and actually much confi dence. For me, he’s fa- defeat to a player ranked 100 or lower. injury that had required surgery earlier move on and remind myself I actually vourite with Federer but Federer won’t Yet Nadal gave notice of his intent in the season. can play well on grass.” have the confi dence of coming in as after winning in Paris. “I’m motivated. He then gave the unforgiving Ro- And if Federer also needs a talisman French Open champion,” Mats Wilan- Grass is not my speciality, but I’m very land Garros courts a miss to focus on from the statistics books as he heads der, three-times French Open cham- motivated,” he told reporters. Wimbledon and the hardcourt swing. to London, how about the fact that in pion and Eurosport host, told Reuters. For his part, Federer, whose 2016 While the grasscourt comeback for the years that he won his fi rst four fi - Nadal, the world number two, season came to an abrupt end after he the seven-times Wimbledon champi- nals — 2004, 2005 and 2012 — he also pulled out of the traditional grasscourt lost in the Wimbledon semi-fi nals to on faltered in the fi rst round at Stutt- went on to win Wimbledon? AFP heels after the weather wrecked play warm-up tournament, the Aegon runner-up Milos Raonic, made a sen- gart, losing to German veteran Tommy Could the great man now do the London yesterday. Championships at London’s Queen’s sational start to the year. Haas, Federer was imperious on Sun- same in 2017? When the former world number one took to the court at Devonshire ovak Djokovic’s Wimbledon Park he held serve at the start of the COMMENT preparations were hampered first set and was leading 30-15 in the yesterday as rain ruined his second game, only for rain to start Eastbourne second round falling. Nclash with . The showers never relented and play Djokovic took a wildcard entry into was called off until 0930 GMT today. Men and women should play each other the Wimbledon warm-up event on the Meanwhile, Britain’s Marcus Willis south-coast in a bid to ensure he is up saw his bid to qualify for Wimbledon to speed in time for the grass-court held up by rain at . to solve Serena question, says McEnroe Grand Slam, which gets underway on Willis memorably faced Roger Fed- Monday. erer on Centre Court in the Wimbledon The 30-year-old crashed to a shock second round last year after battling ohn McEnroe has refused to the men’s circuit today. French Open quarter-fi nal defeat through the qualifying stages. apologise for saying that Ser- McEnroe, who won seven Grand against and has not The 26-year-old, ranked 374 in the ena Williams would be ranked Slam singles titles during his career, won one of the four majors since last world, is trying to repeat that fairytale around No. 700 in the men’s was bemused his comments had at- year at Roland Garros. run, but his second qualifying round game.J tracted so much attention. Djokovic has not played a competi- clash with compatriot Williams, the holder of 23 Grand “I didn’t know it would create con- tive tournament between the French yesterday was called off due to the bad Slam singles titles, told McEnroe to troversy. I’ve said this 1,000 times,” he Open and Wimbledon since 2010, but weather. “respect me and my privacy as I’m said. the 12-time Grand Slam champion Willis will have to try again today, trying to have a baby,” after he made “I don’t want anything to go wrong is desperate to fi nd his form after a with the winner facing the comments during an interview with Serena because she’s pregnant, I wretched run in 2017. or Benjamin Becker for a place in the with NPR on Sunday. During the in- don’t want to upset her. I think she’s But the Serb was left kicking his main draw at Wimbledon. terview McEnroe stressed that Wil- doing it tongue in cheek as well and I liams was the “best female player think deep down we’re talking about ever — no question” and added that something... I can’t even believe we’re a woman one day could be the best talking about it.” player on the planet. Many believe making comparisons Yesterday, McEnroe stood by his between men’s and women’s tennis comments. does little for the game, something “I felt the need, however unfortu- that Williams herself has touched nately, to defend myself and say what I upon in the past. really felt, which is about what I think “For me, men’s tennis and women’s she would be [in the men’s rankings],” tennis are completely, almost, two he told CBS’s This Morning. “I’ve got separate sports,” Williams said in 2013. a solution. Solve the problem, and I’m “If I were to play , I would sure the men would be all for this – the lose 6-0, 6-0 in fi ve to six minutes, men and women play together. And maybe 10 minutes. No, it’s true. It’s a then we don’t have to guess.” completely diff erent sport. The men The 58-year-old added that he are a lot faster and they serve harder, thinks he would be ranked around they hit harder, it’s just a diff erent Serena Williams won her 23rd Grand Slam title when she won the Australian 1,200 in the world if he was playing on game.” (The Guardian) Open in January this year. (AFP)

Murray suff ers Wimbledon planning to play the second match against an as- lit up last January’s edition with sellout crowds for injury scare yet-unnamed opponent in west London on Friday. all three of their ties at the eight nation showpiece, But it is not the preparation Murray would have with 13,917 fans turning out for the clash between Andy Murray suff ered an injury scare ahead of wanted as the three-time Grand Slam champion Switzerland and France, the biggest tennis crowd Wimbledon as the world number one pulled out of prepares to defend his title at Wimbledon, which in Western Australia. An additional 6,000 people an exhibition match at the Hurlingham Club due gets underway on Monday. Murray’s diff icult sea- at the Perth Arena watched a Federer training to a sore hip yesterday. Murray had scheduled two son has included a host of fitness problems, includ- session as the 18-time grand slam winner played matches at the Aspall Tennis Classic event follow- ing shingles, an elbow injury and two bouts of flu. the event for the first time in 15 years. Bencic, 20, ing his shock first round exit against Australian who once ranked seventh on the WTA, has been world number 90 Jordan Thompson at Queen’s Federer, Bencic to return to troubled by injury this season and is looking for a Club last week. The 30-year-old Scot had been 2018 Hopman Cup fresh 2018 start. “The Hopman Cup was amazing due to face Lucas Pouille, but his management an- for me earlier this year, I enjoyed every second,” nounced on Tuesday that he would not take to the Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic will return to the Swiss said. “Playing with Roger was obviously a court because his hip was “a bit sore”. The decision headline the 2018 Hopman Cup mixed teams dream come true and I learned so much from him Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova (left) shakes hands after losing to Britain’s was described as a precaution, with Murray still event, off icials confirmed yesterday. The Swiss pair during that week on and off court.” Heather Watson during their second round match at ATP Aegon International in Eastbourne, England, on Monday. Watson won 7-5, 6-4. (AFP)

Wednesday, June 28, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET / WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FOCUS Sciver, Knight tons Shastri to apply for set up England’s India coach, say reports

IANS post on Twitter about his deci- win over New Delhi sion to walk away, the BCCI had dropped enough hints by ad- Hosts won by 107 runs through Duckworth-Lewis after rain halts Pakistan innings vertising the post of head coach ormer India skipper Ravi right before the start of the crowd of 2,169, largely made up Shastri has reportedly Champions Trophy. of enthusiastic school kids, at decided to throw his hat While the BCCI has the likes Grace Road in Leicester for the into the ring as the Board of Virender Sehwag, Dodda ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 ofF Control for Cricket in India Ganesh, Richard Pybus, Lal- Agame between England Women and Pa- (BCCI) hunts for the next India chand Rajput and Tom Moody on kistan Women on a gloomy Tuesday, was head coach following the con- its shortlist, the Indian cricket treated to some special batting from Na- troversial exit of leg-spin legend board has extended the deadline talie Sciver and Heather Knight during the Anil Kumble. to receive applications for the home team’s 107-run win on DLS Method. Shastri had previously worked head coach to July 9. Sciver, who became the fi rst woman as India team director between Shastri’s return though will to be given out by the Decision Review 2014 and 2016, and guided the not be as easy as it appears, es- System on the tournament’s opening day, team to the semi-fi nals of the pecially after his showdown with continued her date with records with a 50-over World Cup in 2015 and former India skipper Sourav 92-ball 137 that took England to 377 for 7. the ICC World T20 the following Ganguly, one of the members Having posted the second-highest team year. of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory total in World Cup history, the home side Considered close to skip- Committee (CAC) last year. then reduced Pakistan to 107 for 3 in 29.2 per Virat Kohli, the former all- Shastri’s candidature was re- overs when rain arrived. Play was offi cial- rounder was replaced by Kumble, jected last time, with Ganguly ly called off at 6:02pm local time, as Eng- who was handed a one-year ten- reasoning that the applicant for land got in among the points after losing ure till the recently-concluded an important job like the India its opening fi xture to India Women. 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. team coach must be present in Sciver’s 213-run stand in 30 overs with But soon after taking India to person during the interview. Knight (106 in 109 balls) – England’s joint the fi nal of the Champions Tro- Shastri, on the other hand, best third- stand – was studded phy in London, Kumble decided had accused Ganguly of not be- with 25 fours and three sixes. The assault against extending his tenure, ing present when he had given from Sciver and Knight – both scored stating that the “partnership” his interview via Skype. their maiden One-Day International with Kohli was “untenable”. Master blaster Sachin Ten- centuries – as well as Danielle Wyatt (42 While the rift between Kohli dulkar and VVS Laxman are the in 27) and Fran Wilson (33 in 19) and Kumble was out in the open other members of the BCCI’s underscored England’s superiority. Eng- after the former leg-spinner’s Cricket Advisory Committee. land hit a total of 44 fours and seven sixes. For perspective, New Zealand Women’s 455 for 5 against Pakistan in January 1997 – the highest-ever total in ODIs, men’s or women’s – had 38 fours and two sixes. Play started half an hour late because of a drizzle, and not long after that, trapped a shuffl ing Sarah Taylor in front of the . Imtiaz and were largely disciplined in the Power Play overs, and it resulted in Tammy Beaumont, dropped off the fi rst ball of the match at fi rst slip, edging Imtiaz to depart for 14. Sensing that another wicket could push England back, continued with the pacers until the 13th over. With Imtiaz and Iqbal tiring – the pacers bowled most of the 12 wides in the innings – the third break- through remained elusive even as the fre- quency of boundaries increased. Spinners were always unlikely to be eff ective in these conditions, and Sciver England’s Natalie Sciver (right) runs a single to complete her century as teammate Heather Knight looks on during their Women’s and Knight knew that. Once Mir came to World Cup match against Pakistan in Leicester, England, yesterday. (Reuters) bowl the 14th over, the batters targeted the gaps in the outfi eld, and after the run Sciver reached her century in 76 balls Sciver used the pace of the ball to hit three her bad show against India behind and rate went past six in the 27th over. – England’s fastest in World Cups and huge sixes, which could have crossed the pick up two wickets, and While the fi fty partnership came in 55 second-fastest overall. Knight joined her fence in any ground. Even if wickets kept to record her highest score of 56 not out balls, the century stand was up in 93 balls. partner with a boundary in the 39th over. falling, England had enough in the tank – Pakistan’s main takeaway from the day. The fi rst signs of things to come were es- The two took a particular liking to to hit 100 runs in the last 10 overs, falling (ICC) tablished in the 23rd over when Sciver Sandhu, who fi nished with fi gures of just one short of equalling its best-ever Former player Ravi Shastri is considered close to skipper Virat Kohli. hit Nashra Sandhu for four consecutive 10-0-82-0 – the most expensive spell in total of 378 for 5 – also against Pakistan, BRIEF SCORES: England Women 377 for boundaries to cover, third man, long-off World Cups. Having conceded 78 in nine at home last June. 7 in 50 overs (Natalie Sciver 137, Heather and square leg. Knight opened the sixes overs, Mir might have taken over that After the show of England’s batting Knight 106; Asmavia Iqbal 3-62, Kainat SPOTLIGHT column in the 33rd over when she slog- spot had she completed her quota. might, the focus shifted to the rain that Imtiaz 2-68) beat Pakistan Women 107 swept Sandhu over the mid-wicket fence The second shift in gears came in the was expected at 1:00pm local time. The for 3 in 29.2 overs (Ayesha Zafar 56 not much to the delight of the kids chanting 40th over after Iqbal had Knight weather, however, stayed good for just out; Katherine Brunt 2-21) by 107 runs by ‘England … England’. at widish long-off against the run of play. long enough for Katherine Brunt to put Duckworth-Lewis Method Unemployment

APPOINTMENT Malinga to face looms for Australia’s disciplinary inquiry: Sri Lanka board cricketers: union Nic Pothas is SL interim coach gives the players a fi xed percent- Reuters age of the revenue of the game, AFP a deal which CA says prevents Colombo Sri Lanka plays uncapped batsman them from suffi ciently investing ore than 200 of Aus- in the grassroots. against Zimbabwe tralia’s top cricketers CA off ered a revised deal on ri Lanka yesterday placed face unemployment Friday but the union quickly re- the national cricket team in Sri Lanka yesterday named a bantota Stadium. within days, with a jected it. the charge of fi elding coach Mbitter pay dispute “extremely” Unless the impasse ends, the 13-member squad, including a The only Test match will be at the Nic Pothas before fi nding a 19-year-old uncapped batsman, Premadasa Stadium in Colombo unlikely to be resolved by a dead- upcoming Australia A tour of replacementS for who line on Friday, players’ union South Africa, a two-Test series in for the five-match one-day inter- starting July 14. prematurely ended his contract last national series against Zimbabwe. boss Greg Dyer has said. Bangladesh and a limited-overs week. Wanidu Hasaranga, who has SRI LANKA SQUAD: Angelo Australia’s top cricketers face tour of India are under threat, chief Thilanga played 12 first class matches and Mathews (captain), Upul Tharanga being locked out unless a new with the Ashes also looming at Sumathipala said the 43-year-old scored 775 runs, was brought into (vice captain), Niroshan Dikwella, memorandum of understanding the end of the year. former South African wicketkeeper- the squad led by skipper Angelo Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal (MoU) is struck between Crick- CA has declined to comment batsman will be responsible for pre- Mathews and Vice Captain Upul Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Wanidu et Australia and the Australian on the negotiations but said in paring the team for two upcoming Tharanga. Hasaranga, L. Sandakan, Akila Cricketers’ Association (ACA), announcing its revised off er last tours by Zimbabwe and India. Zimbabwe begins their first tour Dananjaya, Nuwan Pradeep Fern- with the current agreement set week that it was “100 percent “Nic has been with our team since of Sri Lanka in 15 years by playing ando, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha to expire on June 30. committed” to resolving the August (as fi elding coach) and he the first one-day international Chameera and Lahiru Madush- ACA president Dyer said play- MoU by the deadline. knows the players well,” Sumathipala Friday at the Galle International anka. Fast bowler Lasith Malinga will face a disci- ers and Cricket Australia re- Former Australia Test opener Ed told AFP. “He is very good with the Stadium, which will host its first Zimbabwe squad: Graeme Crem- plinary inquiry by Sri Lanka Cricket for com- mained “a long way apart” on Cowan, who is contracted for New team and I am confi dent he can do a limited-overs match in 17 years. er (captain) Solomon Mire, Hamil- ments he made to the media in breach of basic issues and the union was South Wales state, said players very good job.” The last ODI at Galle was in June ton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean his contract, the board announced yester- preparing its members for un- remained unifi ed and resolute in Ford quit 15 months into his four- 2000, when Sri Lanka beat South Williams, Ryan Burl, Peter Moor, day. A three-member panel would conduct employment. their demands, and cast doubt on year contract, just two weeks after Africa by 37 runs. Raza Butt, Tendai Chatara, Christ the inquiry after Malinga twice broke rules “It is extremely likely that as Steve Smith’s Test side boarding the team’s early exit from the Cham- The first two ODIs with Zim- Mpofu, Donald Tiripano, Richard by making statements to the media, SLC of July 1 we’ll be jumping over the plane for Bangladesh for the pions Trophy this month. babwe will be at Galle and the Ngarava, Hamilton Masakadza, said in a statement. “Malinga has on two the cliff together,” Dyer told local Test series starting Aug. 27. The 56-year-old said in a statement remaining three 50-over games Malcolm Waller, Chamu Chibhab- occasions since his return from the Cham- media yesterday. “The next line in the sand is after leaving Sri Lanka that he was will be at the refurbished Ham- ha and Tarisai Musakanda. pions Trophy acted in contravention of the “The fundamentals of the deal probably the tour of Bangladesh, ending his second stint with the team terms of agreement which specifically bar are nowhere near to being re- do the players go on that late Au- after a “decision arrived at mutually.” him from making any statements to the solved. gust? Sumathipala said Pothas was be- He declined to identify the other down the rankings. media without the prior written consent of “Over 200 of Australia’s most “My gut feeling is probably ing considered for promotion as the candidates, but said “Pothas is a Sri Lanka failed to reach the semi- the Chief Executive Off icer,” the statement senior cricketers are unemployed hit and miss for security reasons permanent head coach while the strong contender for the job.” fi nals of this month’s eight-team said. The board has called a meeting of its as of the 1st of July. (and) MoU reasons.” cricket board had several expressions Ford, who was previously with Sri Champions Trophy in England, and executive committee to discuss several “We will be assisting in what- The ACA has already made of interest from unidentifi ed coaches Lanka from 2012 to 2014, had said he there have been recriminations with issues, including the recent resignation of ever way we possibly can in that moves to prepare for a lockout, to take up the job. Those interested faced a huge rebuilding task when he the country’s sports minister Daya- head coach Graham Ford and appointment but they’re unemployed.” setting up a business to manage in the high profi le position were “Sri returned to the team in February last siri Jayasekera accusing the players of an interim replacement. At the heart of the dispute is and market players’ intellectual Lankans,” he added. year, when the islanders had dropped of being too fat. a long-standing agreement that property.