TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 17 I’m probably more ready than I ’s fast bowler TENNIS CYCLING have ever been. I bowled 50 overs Jofra Archer in one game for Sussex which I looks poised to make ATP/WTA UCI World Tour - Round 31 think was past the overs they told his Test debut on Cincinnati Masters Binck Bank Tour

me to bowl, it was good practice. ACTION in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA in Netherlands/Belgium

Wednesday. TODAY’S Djokovic rules Nadal beats Medvedev Montreal ATP Rankings winner Nadal AFP PARIS to lift 5th Rogers Cup withdraws Rafael Nadal’s Rogers Cup win in Montreal at the weekend marked a REUTERS from Cincinnati significant step for the Spaniard as he MONTREAL prepares for the US Open but it wasn’t AFP CINCINNATI enough to topple Novak Djokovic at Top seed Rafa Nadal over- Then I think I played a very the top of the ATP rankings, released whelmed Russia’s Daniil yesterday. Medvedev 6-3, 6-0 to win his fifth solid, best match of the Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Cincinnati Nadal, who will be vying for a Rogers Cup on Sunday in Montreal week without a doubt. It is Masters for the second year in a row after fourth title at Flushing Meadows, was -- the first time he has retained a so important to be back on polishing off his US Open preparation with too strong for Daniil Medvedev in title outside of clay. a Montreal title on Sunday. Sunday’s final, seeing off the Russian The 33-year-old Spanish world a hard court and winning The announcement came a few hours 6-3 6-0 to claim his 35th Masters title. number two dominated the eighth- another big title: Nadal after Nadal won his fifth Canadian title Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem seeded Medvedev in their first-ever 6-3, 6-0 over Russian Daniil Medvedev. stay third and fourth respectively. meeting. The oft-injured Spaniard decided The Russian had not Winning 82% of his first serve points against playing any more before the LATEST ATP RANKINGS dropped a set in the tour- and delivering high and heavy fore- August 26 start of the US Open in new 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,325 pts nament but was no hands on the windy afternoon that York. 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945 match for Nadal, pushed back the at times confused “I am very sorry to announce that I won’t 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,460 who saved a break looking Medvedev, the Spaniard broke be playing in Cincinnati this year,” Nadal 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,925 point in his first the Russian three times in the second posted on Facebook. “No other reason than 5. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040 (+1) game and confi- set before wrapping up the victory, a personally taking care of my body and trying 6. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,005 (+1) dently put away record 35th at the Masters 1000 level. to keep as healthy as I feel now.” 7. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,455 (-2) Medvedev who is 10 Nadal shrugged aside the importance Nadal said he explained his position 10. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,555 (+1) years his junior. of the stat that he had successfully to Brazilian Cincinnati tournament 11. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,395 (+2) “He was playing defended a title outside clay for the first director Andre Silva, whom he said 12. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 2,230 very well during the time. understood. 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,195 (+1) whole week so for “It is so important to be back on a “I’m sure the tournament will be a 15. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 2,130 (+5) me it was important hard court and winning another big success and I wish him and his team all 16. John Isner (USA) 2,040 (-1) in the beginning title,” he said. the best,” Nadal said. 18. Marin Cilic (CRO) 1,940 (-2) that he not take The Spaniard’s previous two vic- Nadal will go into the US Open with 19. David Goffin (BEL) 1,815 (-1) advantage,” Nadal tories this season, in the Italian and just one hardcourt warm-up, albeit his 20. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,810 (-1) said in courtside French Opens, both came on clay. record-extending 35th Masters 1000 title. 23. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,670 (-1) interview. Medvedev reached the final by His late withdrawal leaves the 27. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 1,475 “Then I think I defeating compatriot Karen Khachanov Cincinnati draw severely lopsided, with played a very solid, best 6-1, 7-6(6) to become the top-ranked top seed Novak Djokovic and number match of the week Russian when new rankings come out three Roger Federer positioned in the top without a doubt.” on Monday. half. Osaka returns Nadal broke But he made 22 errors in the cham- Neither of the pair have played since the Russian in the pionship match. their Wimbledon final a month ago won fourth game to go Nadal advanced to the showpiece by Djokovic. to number one Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after 3-1 up and domi- contest on a walkover when his semi- Federer is bidding for an eighth his win against Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the AFP nated the final opponent, Frenchman Gael Monfils, Cincinnati title while Djokovic is the mens singles final of the Rogers Cup in Montreal, PARIS remainder of the withdrew with an ankle injury before defending champion. Canada, on Sunday. 70-minute match. their meeting. US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka returned to the world number one spot in the WTA rankings yesterday. The 21-year-old lost to Serena Murray ready to go alone in Cincinnati Williams in the quarter-finals of last week’s Rogers Cup but benefitted REUTERS Andy Murray of The quickest way to get up to inspiration from doubles player from the second round defeat of CINCINNATI Great Britain signs speed is by being on the practice Bob Bryan, who made a suc- former number one Ashleigh Barty autographs after and match court with top cessful return from hip surgery. and the failure of Karolina Pliskova Andy Murray has sharpened his a training session players,” the ATP Tour’s website “I probably would have had to reach the semis in Toronto. game on the practice courts at Lindner Family quoted him as saying. the operation regardless,” he with some of the best players in Tennis Center in Now with a metal covering said. “But I’m not sure I would LATEST WTA RANKINGS the world but the Scot says now Mason, Ohio, on on part of his hip, Murray says have tried to play if I hadn’t 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,417 pts (+1) is the time to really test himself Sunday. he is pain-free but knows it will seen what he had done and 2. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6,256 (-1) with a return to singles action take time to regain his agility and heard everything he told me 3. Karolína Pliskova (CZE) 6,185 at the Cincinnati Masters. movement around the court. about. He’s been brilliant.” 4. Simona Halep (ROU) 5,223 Murray had hip resurfacing “I’m not expecting to move Murray returned to doubles 5. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5,120 surgery in January in a bid to as well I used to, but I think I play in June, winning the 6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,780 salvage his career and eased can move better than I am Queen’s Club title with partner 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,577 himself back into competitive now,” he said at a news con- Feliciano Lopez, who he also 8. Serena Williams (USA) 3,995 (+2) action in doubles play. ference. “That will take some partnered to the last 16 in Mon- 10. Sloane Stephens (USA) 3,189 (-2) The 32-year-old is now time since I only started playing treal last week and will team up 11. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3,167 ready to go it alone and will face singles a couple of weeks ago. with again in Cincinnati. 13. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2,875 Frenchman Richard Gasquet on “When you’re playing at the Murray, who also played 15. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2,695 (-1) Monday in what will be his first highest level against the best mixed doubles with Serena Wil- 18. Madison Keys (USA) 2,557 (-1) singles match since losing in the “The performances against whose world ranking has players, they hit the ball big liams at Wimbledon, would go 19. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 2,537 (-1) Australian Open first round to top singles players in practises slipped to No. 325 and that takes some time to get against fourth seed Dominic 40. Victoria Azarenka (-1) Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut have been good,” said the three “But at some stage you have used to.” Thiem in the second round if he 65. Venus Williams (-9) seven months ago. times Grand Slam winner, to take the step to try and play. Murray said he taken gets by Gasquet. England spring surprises in World Cup selection

AP Ludlam was particularly an incredible tournament where was in charge of the Australia team LONDON impressive in the 33-19 win at opportunities can present them- that lost to England in the 2003 final Twickenham that prevented Wales selves and all those players who and was a consultant with South England left centre Ben Te’o out of replacing world champion New have missed out have been told Africa when the Springboks won in its Rugby World Cup squad Zealand as rugby’s top-ranked side. they have to be ready.” 2007. Jones also masterminded one yesterday after he was involved in As expected, Jones left out Flyhalf captains of the greatest Rugby World Cup a scuffle with a teammate at a former captain Dylan Hartley, the squad in his second World Cup. upsets when his Japan team beat training camp in Italy. scrumhalf Danny Care, flyhalf England also has the experience of South Africa four years ago. Te’o lost his place to utility and fullback Mike prop , second-rower Jones named his England squad back as coach Eddie Brown, the player New Zealand- and scrumhalf Ben nearly a month before the deadline Jones sprang a few surprises in his born Te’o had an altercation with Youngs, who will play in their third and well before the other major 31-man group destined for Japan at a camp in Treviso last month. World Cups. contenders. next month. Inside centre Te’o had been Heinz and first-choice Ben “We have taken the decision to Jones included uncapped wing prominent in Jones’ team when Youngs are the only two No. 9s in go early because of what we Ruaridh McConnochie, a former fully fit. the squad. Flanker is in learned from previous campaigns,” sevens specialist, and also gave Loose forward Brad Shields, after he left the field against Wales he said. “We want the squad to World Cup opportunities to hooker another New Zealand-born player, with a shoulder injury that Jones know early and now we can get on , flanker Lewis also missed out on the World Cup said was only minor. and be the best prepared England Ludlam and 32-year-old scrumhalf after sustaining a foot injury at the Lock and the side there has ever been, ready to just 24 hours after their same training camp. Vunipola brothers Mako and Billy win the World Cup.” England’s Ben test debuts. “A lot of good players have will be at the heart of England’s England plays Tonga, the Youngs in action They all made their first missed out, we feel for them, I feel forward pack. United States, Argentina and during a training appearances in Sunday’s victory for them personally,” Jones said. Australian coach Jones has sig- France in the group stage at the session in Bagshot, over Six Nations champion Wales. “But as we know the World Cup is nificant World Cup experience - he World Cup. Britain, on Saturday. 18 SPORT TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2019

Officials looking to include Kohli hits 42nd ton as India cricket in 2028 Olympics: MCC

REUTERS clinch rain-hit second ODI LONDON

AFP Virat Kohli (left) and Cricket could be included in the PORT OF SPAIN Bhuvneshwar Kumar Olympics in the future with the of India celebrate 2028 Games in Los Angeles Indian captain Virat Kohli ended the dismissal of Chris being the earliest it can be a run of 10 matches without a Gayle of West Indies staged, the Marylebone Cricket century on Sunday, setting the during the 2nd ODI Club (MCC) said yesterday. platform for his team’s 59-run match at Queens Park The MCC, custodian of the (DLS) victory over the West Oval in Port of Spain, sport’s laws, had its World Indies in a rain-hit second Trinidad and Tobago, Cricket Committee (WCC) One-Day International at on Sunday. discuss the inclusion of cricket Queen’s Park Oval. in multi-sports events at Lord’s. Kohli went a long way Last played in 1900, the towards justifying his decision sport’s Olympic return has been to bat first with a typically on the agenda of the Interna- assertive innings of 120 off 125 tional Cricket Council (ICC) but deliveries, with 14 fours and four India’s powerful board (BCCI) sixes adorning his 42nd ODI was not keen on the idea, hundred as India totalled 279 for fearing it might lose its seven. autonomy and be answerable Set a revised target of 270 to the country’s Olympic off 46 overs when rain inter- committee. rupted play during their chase, “There is still much to be West Indies were on course at done if cricket is to be included 179 for four in the 35th over but in the Olympics, with Los then crashed to 210 all out with Angeles 2028 the earliest likely four overs to spare as seamer opportunity, and the ICC con- Bhuvneshwar Kumar triggered tinuing to work internally to the slide with figures of four for align cricket to pursue the 31. Shreyas Iyer who contributed 71 “You saw exactly why we SCOREBOARD sport’s Olympic ambitions,” the Kumar’s first wicket was and featured in a 125-run fourth- wanted to bat first given the WCC said in a statement. INDIA WEST INDIES near the start of the innings wicket stand with his skipper. As way the West Indies struggled However, the BCCI is finally C. Gayle lbw b Kumar 1 ...... 1 when he removed Chris Gayle, their partnership progressed in the latter half of their innings. S. Dhawan lbw b Cottrell ...... 2 set to come under the ambit of the hard-hitting opener falling through the middle overs of the It would have been even worse R. Sharma c Pooran b Chase ...... 18 E. Lewis c Kohli b Yadav ...... 65 the National Anti-Doping for just 11 although it was innings a total closer to the but for the rain during their V. Kohli c Roach b Brathwaite ...... 120 S. Hope b Ahmed ...... 5 Agency, with its compliance enough to take him past Brian 300-run mark seemed innings.” R. Pant b Brathwaite ...... 20 S. Hetmyer c Kohli b Yadav ...... 18 paving the way for their cricket Lara for the most runs in ODI inevitable. Sheldon Cottrell got the West S. Iyer b Holder ...... 71 N. Pooran c Kohli b Kumar ...... 42 teams to take part in the cricket by a West Indian, a However Kohli’s dismissal to Indies off to an excellent start K. Jadhav run out ...... 16 R. Chase c and b Kumar ...... 18 Olympics and Commonwealth record which now stands at Carlos Brathwaite in the 42nd when he trapped Sharma’s R. Jadeja not out ...... 16 J. Holder not out ...... 13 Games. C. Brathwaite c Shami b Jadeja ...... 0 10,409. over triggered a mini-collapse opening partner, B. Kumar c Roach b Brathwaite ...... 1 In June, women’s Twenty20 K. Roach b Kumar ...... 0 It was also Gayle’s 300th and the West Indies retained Shikhar Dhawan, leg-before M. Shami not out ...... 3 cricket moved a step closer to ODI, making him the first West their discipline through the final in his first over, a decision S. Cottrell c Jadeja b Shami ...... 17 featuring in the 2022 Common- Extras (1b, 2nb, 9w) ...... 12 Indian to reach that landmark. overs in conceding 67 runs over determined by the television O. Thomas lbw b Shami ...... 0 wealth Games after being nom- Following a no-result from the last 10. official after on-field umpire Total (7 wkts, 50 overs) ...... 279 Extras (b4, lb5, nb1, w11) ...... 21 inated by organisers for its the rain-ruined first ODI in Brathwaite was the most Nigel Llong turned down the Did not bat: K. Yadav, K. Ahmed Total (all out, 42 overs) ...... 210 potential inclusion in Guyana three days earlier, India successful of the bowlers, fin- initial appeal. Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-76, 3-101, 4-226, Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-52, 3-92, 4-148, Birmingham. will defend an unassailable 1-0 ishing with figures of three for Kohli’s eighth ODI hundred 5-250, 6-258, 7-262 5-179, 6-179, 7-180, 8-182, 9-209, 10-210 Cricket has not featured in lead going into the final match, 53 off 10 overs. against the West Indies and Bowling: S. Cottrell 10-0-49-1 (2w), K. Roach Bowling: B. Kumar 8-0-31-4 (1w), M. Shami the Commonwealth Games also at Queen’s Park Oval, on “It was a good outing with second in succession in the Car- 7-0-54-0 (1nb, 2w), J. Holder 9-0-53-1 (1w), O. 8-0-39-2 (2w), K. Ahmed 7-0-32-1 (2w), K. since its maiden appearance in Wednesday. the bat,” was Kohli’s understated ibbean underlined both his Thomas 4-0-32-0 (1nb, 2w), R. Chase 10-1-37-1, Yadav 10-0-59-2, K. Jadhav 5-0-25-0 (1w), 1998 when the South African Man of the Match Kohli reaction to his chanceless supreme class and ravenous C. Brathwaite 9-0-53-3 (2w) R. Jadeja 4-0-15-1 (1nb) men’s team won the gold medal received excellent support from innings. appetite for runs. in Kuala Lumpur. Archer throws down gauntlet to Aussie batsmen

AFP “I’ve played a lot more red-ball “The first one (appearance) is LONDON cricket and it’s my preferred always special, and (to be) at Lord’s format,” Archer said at a press con- where we had recent success will England pace bowler Jofra Archer ference on Monday. be comforting as well,” said Archer. warned the Australian batsmen “If you don’t have a good 10 “It’s a good ground to come back yesterday that he is not just a overs (in white-ball cricket) that’s to, and hopefully keep our winning one-day cricketer and said he will it. You’ve got to wait to the next ways here. try to “work miracles” if he faces game, but you’ve ample chances in “I’ll try and work miracles but I them at Lord’s in the Ashes this Test cricket. can only give my best.” Australia week. “I’m more ready than I’ve ever coach Justin Langer said his The 24-year-old Barbados-born been. batsmen would hopefully be able seamer, who starred for his adopted “I bowled 50 overs in one game to weather the storm from his first country in their World Cup triumph, for Sussex and am the one usually spell and then score freely in his missed the first Test defeat at Edg- bowling at the end. later sessions. baston because of a side strain. “Test cricket is pretty much “Hopefully our guys have got the But, with James Anderson ruled the same as first-class. Know answers whatever he (Archer) out with a calf injury, Archer is now what your strengths are and stick dishes up for us,” Langer said at his in line to to play in the second Test to them.” Archer, whose father press conference. which starts at Lord’s on Frank is British, became eligible “Most of our guys have seen him Wednesday. to play for England under the in white-ball cricket. It’s up to the Archer proved his fitness three-year residency rule earlier individuals, not so much our game playing for Sussex in a 2nd XI match this year. plan against him. against Glucestershire during which He said Lord’s brought back “Our batters will be organised he took 6-27 in the first innings and happy memories of England’s in their minds how they are going then scored 108. victory over New Zealand in a to face him, and the rest of Eng- He said the Australians would thrilling World Cup final in July land’s attack. be fooling themselves if they during which Archer was entrusted “It’s the same for everyone in England’s Jofra Archer (centre) and Stuart Broad during nets at the Lord’s Cricket Ground thought he would offer rich pickings with bowling the Super Over which Test cricket, get them into their in London, Britain, yesterday. on his Test debut. clinched the trophy. second, third and fourth spells.” Reed ends title drought at Northern Trust AFP “Just to be back here and be Birdies at 12 and 13 moved That means Reed, who was NEW YORK playing some solid golf and Rahm to 16-under, but he faded struggling enough less than finally have it paying off. with bogeys at the 14th and three months ago that he took Patrick Reed fired a two-under “It’s been awhile,” he 15th. several weeks off to work on par 69 on Sunday to win the US added. “It’s been a little too Reed, even for the day after his game, is in prime position PGA Tour Northern Trust tour- long, honestly.” Reed was part three birdies and three bogeys to challenge for the $15m play- nament, his first victory since of the US Presidents Cup team on the front nine, rolled in an off purse that will be on offer his 2018 Masters triumph. that triumphed at Liberty eight-footer at the 14th before at the season-ending Tour Reed’s overnight lead at National in 2017. draining a 10-footer to save par Championship. Liberty National in Jersey City, Fans at the course in the at 15, where he missed the Ancer closed with a Patrick Reed of New Jersey, evaporated with shadow of the Statue of Liberty green and pitched on. two-under par 69 for 269. the United States back-to-back bogeys at the welcomed him back with He stuck his short approach Rahm carded a 69 to share celebrates with the second and third holes. enthusiasm. shot four feet from the pin at 16 third on 270 with American winner’s trophy after But two back-nine birdies, “Hearing ‘Captain America’ and rolled that in to give Harold Varner, who signed the final round of at the 14th and 16th, were and ‘USA’ all week -- it was a himself a two-stroke cushion. for a 68. The Northern Trust enough to lift the American to great time to get a W,” Reed The victory in the first of Ancer’s performance -- his at Liberty National a seventh career title on said. three events in the US tour’s best finish on the PGA Tour Golf Club, New Jersey 16-under 268 -- one stroke in Spain’s Jon Rahm surged to FedEx Cup playoffs moved bumped him from 67th in the on Sunday. front of Mexico’s Abraham the top of the leaderboard with Reed to second in the playoff playoff standings to eighth. He’s Ancer. three birdies in four holes on standings going into the BMW certain to make the Tour “It’s amazing,” Reed said. the front nine. Championship. Championship. TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 19

Griezmann PSG start title defence with win fuels Barca’s

AFP They were awarded a bid for third PARIS penalty by VAR midway through the first half, as a corner struck straight title Paris Saint-Germain brushed off Nimes defender Pablo Martinez the ongoing Neymar transfer on the arm after Diallo ducked REUTERS saga by kicking off their Ligue 1 under the ball while standing BARCELONA title defence with a straight- right in front of him. forward 3-0 victory over Nimes Cavani slammed the spot- Barcelona have coasted to the on Sunday. kick into the net, before Nimes last two domestic titles and the The 27-year-old Neymar was coach Bernard Blaquart was added presence of Antoine left out of the squad the day after booked for his protestations. Griezmann in an already formi- PSG sporting director Leonardo A pedestrian affair, with dable forward line makes them said talks about a possible sale Nimes happy to almost exclu- favourites to land a third of the Brazilian were “more sively keep all 11 men behind the successive La Liga crown this advanced than before”. ball, had to wait until the 57th season. On Sunday, coach Thomas minute for a second goal when The Catalans will not just be Tuchel told Canal+ he had “no Mbappe slotted in to open his looking to extend their domestic news” on Neymar’s future and league account for the hegemony, though, as they have that he would have to “find solu- campaign. spent a combined $280m on a tions without” him. Di Maria came off the bench renewed bid to win the Cham- Edinson Cavani’s contro- and drilled into the bottom pions League after last season’s versial VAR penalty in the 24th corner after an excellent pass harrowing semi-final exit to minute set PSG on their way at from Mbappe with 20 minutes Liverpool. the Parc des Princes, after sup- remaining, and PSG played out After finishing 11 points porters had made their negative the most comfortable of wins -- clear of Atletico Madrid to win feelings towards the absent finishing with 74 percent of pos- an eighth title in 11 years, Barca PSG forward Kylian Mbappe is congratulated by team-mate Marco Verratti after scoring a goal during Neymar clear. session as goalkeeper Alphonse acted ruthlessly by shelling out the French L1 match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on Sunday. A fine second-half display Areola did not face a shot on 120m on Griezmann, who was from Kylian Mbappe -- with a target. their nearest challengers’ goal and an assist for Angel Di beat Monaco 3-0 on Friday, at before kick-off translating to Tuchel handed Ligue 1 Earlier on Sunday, new leading scorer in each of the last Maria -- showed Tuchel the the top of the fledgling table, and “Neymar. Get out”. debuts to centre-back Abdou signing Victor Osimhen marked five seasons. obvious solution to Neymar’s will be hoping to occupy that Other banners slammed his Diallo, signed from Borussia his Ligue 1 debut with two goals They did so even after impending exit, and gave the position for the rest of the recent comment that his fondest Dortmund in the close-season, as last year’s runners-up Lille Griezmann had publicly capital club a perfect start to season. memory in football was inspiring and midfielder Pablo Sarabia, kicked off their new campaign rejected an offer to join them their bid for a third straight Former Barcelona forward Barcelona’s stunning 2017 who joined from Sevilla. with a 2-1 victory over Nantes. the previous year, so strong was French title and ninth in total. Neymar’s two years in the Champions League comeback The champions monopolised Christophe Galtier’s hosts, their urge to provide another “We are not going to lie. We French capital since PSG made against PSG, while one called the ball from the off, with who finished 16 points behind layer of flair and firepower to will see what happens with him the world’s most expensive Neymar “heartless”. Mbappe shooting straight at vis- PSG last term, were indebted to an attack already containing Neymar -- but it’s not the same player have been plagued by Neymar has been linked with iting goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni Nigerian Osimhen, who scored Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. team,” said Mbappe. injuries and controversies. a return to Barca or a move to after jinking through the massed a fabulous 80th-minute winner Griezmann will guarantee PSG sit level with Lyon, who Home fans unfurled a banner their arch rivals Real Madrid. Nimes defence. at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. his side more goals but his cre- ativity, intelligence and renowned work rate could prove even more useful, espe- cially in the latter rounds of the Lampard defiant in face Champions League, which Barca have failed to win since 2015. of Mourinho criticism “We are very happy with what he has given us so far, his movement offers us a lot and REUTERS midfield, the attack, they were “(Marcos) Alonso was on the he works very hard in defence,” ENGLAND not compact,” he said. bench, Kante was on the bench, said Barca coach Ernesto Val- “(Forward) Tammy Abraham (Olivier) Giroud was on the verde of Griezmann after an Chelsea manager Frank was staying up, (Ross) Barkley bench, and to come to Old emphatic 4-0 friendly win over Lampard defended his team was staying up, (Mason) Mount Trafford, even if this is not the Napoli. selection for Sunday’s 4-0 defeat was staying up, Pedro was huge Manchester United that “The fact he can play as a by Manchester United at Old staying up. used to scare people, it’s Man- centre forward or on the wing Trafford in response to criticism “Nowadays you look to the chester United. is an advantage for us, he can from his former boss Jose good teams and all the good “A little bit of experience play from deep but he always Mourinho. teams defend compact. Higher would fit well with the team. You likes to get into the box because Mourinho made his debut as block or lower block, the lower look to the performance of Hansa Rostock’s Markus Kolke in action with VFB Stuttgart’s Mario he scores a lot of goals. He’s a a television pundit for Sky Sports block is more defensive, the Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham Gomez during the DFB Cup First Round match at Ostseestadion, different kind of player to what on the day Lampard, his former higher block more offensive, and for matches of this in Rostock, Germany, yesterday. we’ve had before.” midfield general, was in charge more aggressive, but always in dimension you need a little bit Barca could yet add even of Chelsea for a Premier League the block. more,” he said. more glamour to their attack game for the first time. “It’s just a basic principle, Lampard appeared surprised by bringing back Neymar from The Portuguese coach, you have to defend compact, and by Mourinho’s comments, par- Bale returns to action Paris St Germain, although re- sacked by Manchester United in Chelsea were never that, so it ticulary about 20-year-old signing the Brazilian would put December, was making a crit- was too easy for Man United,” Mount, who was making his further pressure on the club’s icism of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s he said. Premier League debut. at Real Madrid finances and force them to sell strikers Marcus Rashford and Mourinho also questioned “He didn’t like the per- more players. Anthony Martial which then Lampard’s team selection, in formance of Mason Mount? Did AFP They will be guaranteed an veered into a damning verdict particular his decision to start he say Mason Mount?” asked MADRID extra slice of class and balance on the west London club where with midfielder N’Golo Kante, Lampard, before saying fitness in the middle of the pitch, he won Premier League titles in returning from injury, on the issues had influenced his Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale played for the first time in four pre-season however, thanks to the two separate spells. bench. choices. matches on Sunday to suggest he could yet regain his place under presence of Frenkie de Jong, the Rashford scored twice on coach Zinedine Zidane. 22-year-old midfield anchor Sunday and Martial was also Bale came off the bench as Madrid drew 2-2 against Roma in who they shrewdly signed from on target, along with new the Stadio Olimpico, before losing the friendly on penalties. Ajax Amsterdam for 75 million signing Dan James, but After the game, Zidane was also asked about a possible move euros. Chelsea manager Frank Mourinho questioned whether for Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar but he refused to address Left back Junior Firpo Lampard applauds they could perform consistently the issue. meanwhile will provide some well against more solid fans at the end of It was Madrid’s seventh and final warm-up fixture ahead of the much needed competition for defences. the English Premier start of La Liga next weekend but Bale has only played three of Jordi Alba, who stagnated “I think they can when they League match against those, and each time as a substitute. towards the end of the cam- are facing teams like Chelsea, I Manchester United James Rodriguez, who has also been expected to leave Madrid paign, much like his team. think they were too soft,” at the Old Trafford, this summer, was not even named on the bench against Roma. After wrapping up the title Mourinho said, before ques- Manchester, on Sunday. “Bale and James are players of Real Madrid,” Zidane said in April, Barca’s superb season tioning Lampard’s tactical afterwards. was tarnished by their shock approach. “Anything can happen until August 31 but we are counting on 4-0 defeat to Liverpool, which “(Chelsea) were not compact all the players.” On a potential move for Neymar, who is reportedly denied them a place in the defensively, too much space to keen to leave PSG and could rejoin Barcelona, Zidane said: “We are Champions League final, and play, not enough aggression on here with the squad that we have and we are only thinking about their 2-1 loss to Valencia in the the ball, the defensive line, the that.” final of the Copa del Rey. Bewildered fans take on VAR system AFP LONDON There were several conten- in future,” was the reaction from improvement for me would be they can hear it then it would the Premier League heard even tious calls. They included a Wolves captain Conor Coady. if the fans could actually hear give them a better under- City’s fans, whose team had ben- penalty retaken by Manchester Shearer, though, took issue what the referee is hearing standing of what’s going on.” efited from the call, serenading The use of VAR for the first time City’s Sergio Aguero because of with leaving the paying fans from the VAR officials,” The lack of transparency the officials with a chorus of, in the Premier League bewil- encroachment by defenders in inside the stadia unaware of why Shearer wrote in his column was highlighted in Martin Sam- ‘What the f*** is going on?’” dered fans and experts alike at the 5-0 hammering of West the decision has either been for The Sun. uel’s column for The Daily Mail, wrote Samuel. the weekend, prompting Ham. taken or over-ruled. “After all, the fans pay the in which he revealed that after Former leading English demands for change. There was also a disallowed TV viewers, in contrast, see money to be inside the stadium the match neither West Ham nor referee Keith Hackett concurred The Video Assistant Referee goal for Wolverhampton Wan- the images being studied by the and watch their team play, so if Manchester City directors knew about the need for more trans- system, previously used in derers Leander Dendoncker due VAR referee -- based in a studio they can hear why the referee why Aguero’s penalty had been parency in his column for The England in the FA and League to the ball striking team-mate in a suburb in the west of or the VAR official has come to retaken. Daily Telegraph. Cups, is supposed to eradicate Willy Boly on the arm before he London -- although they cannot a particular decision then that “The reason for the re-shoot “My last plea, however, any doubt that the right decision scored. hear the conversation between would benefit everyone. was sent, by email, to members would be for an even greater has been taken over goals, pen- “We are going to have to the officials. “If they know why the of the press about 10 minutes emphasis on transparency,” alties and other key moments. play with our hands chopped off “What would be a massive decision has been made and after the incident; perhaps when wrote Hackett. TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Nadal beats Kohli hits 42nd Medvedev century as India to lift 5th clinch rain-hit Rogers Cup second ODI Dutch Star Sneijder announces retirementnt The former Al Gharafa THE PENINSULA/AGENCIES having bought a corporate box at missing a penalty in the semi-final years in the capital club’s first tteameam THE HAGUE their stadium. shoot-out loss to Argentina. before moving to Real Madrid,drid, captain has scored 15 “My connection to the town is He was also named in the Euro where he linked up with coun-oun- goals at the QNB Stars Former Al Gharafa captain Dutch big. Now I’ve retired from football 2008 Team of the Tournament tryman Arjen Robben. League during his star Wesley Sneijder (pictured) has I want a nice place to share my despite his team’s quarter-final exit He won the La Liga title in 20082008 two-season announced his retirement from memories,” he said. at the hands of Russia. before making the move to Interter a stay in Qatar. football, bringing down the curtain He has scored 22 goals and pro- His run to the 2010 final with year later, winning that famousmous on a trophy-laden career that vided 25 assists in 116 international the Netherlands came after his treble before a succession of injuriesuries spanned 17 years, international appearances for Inter between finest season in club football, as the saw him moved on to Gala, wherehere media reported yesterday. 2009 and 2013. number 10 led Inter Milan’s charge he picked up two more league titlestitles The Netherlands’ most-capped His displays earned him the to a Serie A, Coppa Italia and Cham- and three Turkish Cups in four yyears.ears. player, Sneijder who has played 134 Silver Ball for the tournament’s pions League treble under Jose The 35-year-old joinedd AlAl internationals, made the second best player behind Uru- Mourinho. Gharafa in January 2018 and scoredored announcement while speaking to guay’s Diego Forlan. An Ajax academy graduate in 15 goals at the QNB Stars Leaguegue the YouTube channel of his Four years later in Brazil he 2002, Sneijder won the Eredivisie during his two-season stay iinn hometown club FC Utrecht after took his side to third place after title and two Dutch Cups in his five Qatar. Al Sadd, Al Duhail battle for spot in quarters THE PENINSULA must have high pressure in the game, Al Duhail players in action during a training session on the eve DOHA we did well during the last match, and of today’s AFC Champions League (ACL) Round of 16 second I am happy with the team's per- leg match against Al Sadd. PICTURE: TWITTER/@DUHAILSC Qatari heavyweights Al Sadd and Al formance. But still there are lot of things Duhail lock horns again in the second to develop," Xavi said. leg of the AFC Champions League (ACL) The Spanish legend also noted that Round of 16 today as they target a spot he and his players are aware of the in the quarter-finals of the continental threat that Al Duhail could offer. event. "Tomorrow's game will be a difficult Al Sadd, who scored a valuable one. Everyone knows that Al Duhail is ‘away’ goal when the two sides played a strong team and has a special coach. out a 1-1 draw at the Al Janoub Stadium, We have always struggled in front of will today host the fellow QNB Stars them. But we are confident of achieving League (QSL) side at Jassim Bin Hamad a positive result," Xavi said. Stadium. Al Duhail coach Rui Faria is also The two Qatari giants were present aware of the difficult task in today’s clash. at the quarter-final stage last year, but “The game will be a very difficult one there is only room for one of them against a strong team. Al Sadd is one of among Asia’s top eight this time around. the best teams in the Middle East. They Speaking at the pre-match press have an advantage in the result after a conference yesterday, Al Sadd's coach, positive draw in the first leg,” Faria said Barca legend Xavi Hernandez said he is at a press conference yesterday. confident of his team's strengths. “We are ready with a high concen- "We are motivated with all the tration. We know it is a difficult task strength, and I am very happy with the but we are ready to give the best. We a knee injury 18 minutes into the first Duhail’s goal in the first leg on his return Awaiting the aggregate winners of players and confidence in what they have analysed the previous game and leg. The club has since announced the from a loan spell at KAS Eupen and the two Qatari sides is a quarter-final offer. We are confident of a positive we have seen our mistakes. We have Moroccan international is set to Mohanad Ali, who showed glimpses date with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, the outcome and ready for the face-off," the corrected them so we are ready for the undergo surgery and will be sidelined of his ability in his 25-minute cameo. winners of yesterday’s clash against former Al Sadd captain said. match,” he said. forf r uptopto fourffour months.months. AkramAkra Afif’s first-half goal gave Al UAE’s Al Wahda. In the meantime, Xavi noted that the “Today’s winners will advanceadvaancnce inn CoachCoach FariaFaria will,will, however,however, SaddSadd ttheh lead on the night and the Al Nassr walked away with the team is aware of their weak points and the continental championship.nshishipp. BothBotthh beb encouragedencoun raged by the positiveposp itive away ggoal advantage, meaning a quarter-final ticket after a thrilling 3-2 said that necessary corrections have to teams have the potential andndd botbothh araree debutdebuebebubuut performancesperforformances ofo f goalggoallesslesslee draw at Jassim bin Hamad comeback victory in the second leg of be made at today's blockbuster meeting. capable of going further inn thethhee tourtotour-- YoussefYoYoussefef StadiumStadtaddiumumm today would be enough for the Round of 16 clash which gave them "There are many points that we nament,” Faria said. MsakniMMsaksaknnii Xavi’sXavii’ss ssidei to reach the Continental a 4-3 aggregate win. must develop in terms of correcting mis- Al Duhail will be withoutout centralcec ntrantrnt l whowwhho quarter-finalsquarqu ter for the sixth time in The quarter-finals will be played on takes, especially in the defense, and we defender Medhi Benatia whoho suffered suffeu red nettednetttttededA Al Al theirtheirhir history.his August 26 and September 16.

Al Sadd’s coach Xavi Hernandez juggles with the ball during his team’s final training session on the eve of today’s AFC Champions League (ACL) Round of 16 second leg match against Al Duhail. PICTURE: TWITTER/@ALSADDSC

Jockey Olivier Peslier (left) and H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned French King Impressive French King wins winning the 129th Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin (Gr1) at Hoppegarten, in Germany, on Sunday. Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin THE PENINSULA He then lined up in the Carl against confirmed Group 1 horses, HOPPEGARTEN Jaspers-Preis (Gr2) for another win, and in style. He is easier to ride now, followed by the Grosser Hansa Preis as he was a bit keen as a French King, bred and owned by (Gr2). 3-year-old.” H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al He won on Sunday following a “He showed a smart turn of foot Thani, continued his incredible textbook hold-up ride from Olivier to beat some top-class horses. After series of success by winning the Peslier. this win, we can dream of the Qatar 129th Longines Grosser Preis von He came with an authoritative Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, bit…. The Berlin (Gr1) at Hoppegarten on run 300m from the line to dominate Grosser Preis von Baden is also an Sunday. the race, with Communiqué and Old opportunity, but I don’t want to do Trained by Henri-Alex Pantall, Persian behind him. too much with him as his long-term the bay colt began this year by Henri-Alex Pantall commented: objective is to run in Qatar this winning the Amir Trophy at the “French King has really improved winter, and so I would prefer not to QREC Al Rayyan Park, Doha. and changed. He has won here over-race him,” Pantall said.