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Saturday, May 26, 2018 CYCLING Ramadan 10, 1439 AH Froome in pink GULF TIMES as Giro disaster strikes for Yates SPORT Page 6 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

“People can talk about favourites, but we know it’s not about that. We’re not favourites, nor are they. It’s 50-50 as fi nals always are. We’ll have to play a great game to try and win. We don’t see ourselves as favourites and aren’t taking anything for granted.” — , Real Madrid coach Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo Liverpool, Real up for battle of attack-minded aristocracy Expect some sparkling fare from two great clubs who between them have claimed almost a third of all European Cups

By Barney Ronay peaks that have been beyond the rest of Europe you just have to go with it, not least when both The Guardian this year. Not least that visceral commitment to embody and enact the most extreme strengths Last 5 winners attack embodied in the headline acts Cristiano of their own team; and when they have a little Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah. more in common as players than might at fi rst 2016-17: Real Madrid (ESP) ls sont les meilleurs. Nobody else has scored more goals in the seem the case. 2015-16: Real Madrid (ESP) Sie sind die Besten. competition this season than these two teams. Zinedine Zidane has already announced that 2014-15: Barcelona (ESP) These are the champions! Nobody else has had more shots on target or at- he wouldn’t take Salah in his Madrid team. It is 2013-14: Real Madrid (ESP) At least they are if you squint a little. tacked with such cavalier conviction. Liverpool hard to imagine him saying anything else on the 2012-13: Bayern (GER) IWhen Liverpool and Real Madrid walk out have scored or conceded 53 goals in the tourna- eve of the fi nal, just as there is no real compari- at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, neck hairs ment proper en route to Kiev, Madrid 45. son to be made here, at least not yet. Ronaldo Most European Cup/ prickling to the wonderfully overblown strains By way of comparison, Manchester United is an all-time phenomenon, remarkable for his Champions League wins of Tony Britten’s choral Champions League conceded fi ve and scored 13 across eight games sustained, relentless productivity. Salah has theme, they will do so in the capacity of genu- in the course of a meek last-16 exit that felt as if been operating somewhere close to this for nine Real Madrid (ESP) — 12 (1956, 1957, 1958, ine European aristocracy. it came from another sporting age altogether. months now. 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, By the end of Saturday night these two clubs Attacking football is in vogue, state of the art But still, we are in the late days now of the 2016, 2017) will have won fi ve of the past 14 Champions among winning teams, although not simply the Messi-Ronaldo godhead, a conjoined suprema- AC Milan (ITA) — 7 (1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, Leagues between them and almost a third of all annihilating slow death of possession football. cy that has been soundtracked by a rolling sub- 1994, 2003, 2007) European Cups since the competition was born Liverpool are 10th when it comes to average debate about succession, about the next of the Bayern Munich (GER) — 5 (1974, 1975, 1976, more than half a century ago. minutes in possession of the ball this year, Madrid next-besters. Salah’s 42 goals this season (to 2001, 2013) There is a purity even in the prospect of fi fth. Victory has instead come through periods Ronaldo’s 41) have elevated his status, a newbie Barcelona (ESP) — 5 (1992, 2006, 2009, meringue white versus Anfi eld red, a skein of of sustained attacking heat, a way of playing that face among that raft of pretenders. 2011, 2015) emotional authenticity in the fl ags, the songs, some have called the surge or the blitz. In terms of style – left-footed, jinky, shaggy- Liverpool (ENG) — 5 (1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, that shared folk memory of so many other Liverpool did not win in , A fan poses for a photograph with a scarf in haired – Salah has most often been compared to 2005) fl oodlit triumphs. and Manchester by wearing their opponents front of a giant replica of the Champions League Messi. But the fact is that he is probably closer Ajax (NED) — 4 (1971, 1972, 1973, 1995) There is, of course, another side to this. down but by conjuring up those famous attack- trophy in Kiev, , yesterday. (Reuters) to Ronaldo. Both run relentlessly, popping up in Some will question the right of either team to ing spells, moments where they simply fl ip the the top fi ve attackers for metres covered in the Most recent game proclaim themselves the best in Europe when switch and enter the Red Zone, a team playing slackness. There will be goals. Champions League this season. between them these two champions in waiting through a kind of synchronised rage. Talking of which: enter the big two. It is, of Like a mid-20s Ronaldo, Salah is a power- May 19: Villarreal 2-2 Real Madrid (Martínez fi nished a combined 42 points behind Man- Madrid were almost laughably fortunate course, misguided to obsess over individuals in runner with wonderfully quick feet and the 70, Castillejo 85; Bale 11, Ronaldo 32) chester City and Barcelona in the weekly grind. in the second leg of their semi-fi nal against what is more than ever a team sport. But this is ability at his best to basically make the game up May 13: Liverpool 4-0 Brighton (Salah 26, Not that there’s anything new in this. The Bayern Munich at the Bernabéu, hanging on unlikely to stop anyone doing it – relentlessly, in front of him. Salah is yet to reach anywhere Lovren 40, Solanke 53, Robertson 85) last reigning domestic champions to lift Eu- as the ball trickled or dribbled away from the and with an increasing reverence for the power of near the same heights. But in his best moments rope’s shiniest trophy were the peak Messi- vital touch so often that there was a kind of the star player, a sport of endless close-ups and he looks a bit like a product of some advanced Last ten games (recent fi rst) Pep Barcelona of 2011, evidence either of the hysteria in the stands by the end. But that tie, grand-scale personality obsession. gene-splicing Ronaldo-Messi experiments: dilution of the competition’s purity or of its like the previous round against Juventus, was The Champions League fi nal dishes up a the body of a shaggy-haired, left-footed jinker, Real Madrid: DWLDDWWDWL sheer depth of quality, depending on where you won by trusting in the cutting edge at the other little more in the way of ultimacy here, with but the direct style of a sprinter, a cutting edge Liverpool: WLLDWDWWDW choose to stand. end, the absolute conviction that at some point a meeting of Ronaldo and Salah: football’s rather than a playmaker. This time, though, the disjunct is pro- those strengths will tell. To borrow a line from reigning golden goal-dalek, the current owner In Kiev, Salah and Ronaldo will once again be nounced. For Madrid a fourth title in fi ve Gary Player, the more Real Madrid keep on of the Ballon d’Or, versus the Premier key to the attacking tempo of the competition’s by Salah. The Olympic Stadium was originally years would install this team as unassailable winning the Champions League in haphazard League’s own man of the season. two highest scoring teams. There has been a slight known as the Red Stadium of Trotsky, and after masters of the modern age. At home they have attacking fashion the luckier they seem to get. It has been almost too easy adaption with Madrid. These days they like to that as the just the Red Stadium. The ability of two league titles in the past decade. Liverpool Either way, the vocal majority who seemed to pitch this fi nal as a push you back and keep possession, to load balls the team and their fans to turn the air red on haven’t been champions of in more so underwhelmed by the dogged, reactive shootout between two into the box knowing Ronaldo will eventually fi nd Saturday night, to generate that shared driv- than a quarter of a century. Die Meister. Die football on show in Saturday’s FA Cup players who have 25 the tiny pocket of air he requires to combination ing energy, will be key to Liverpool’s chances. Besten. Les grandes équipes! fi nal can at least be assured of something Champions League punch the ball into the back of the net. Either way, it promises to be a thrilling, extreme And yet for all the gripes there are certain else in Kiev. There will be extremes of goals between them. With Liverpool the best moments have all and in its own way entirely apt meeting of the unassailable qualities in both these fi nalists, attacking intent. There will be defensive But sometimes been about the surge and the blitz, led so often knockout cavaliers.

“I am longer at Liverpool than he is at Real Madrid and he can win for the Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah third time the Champions League. You have to expect he is brilliant, like he was as a player. His players and him seem to work like a clock from Switzerland.” — Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool coach Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 26, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS EFL CHAMPIONSHIP Salah ‘full of power’ regardless of Ramadan plans: Klopp Fulham and Villa

Reuters Kiev has attracted a lot of media interest. conference. Liverpool striker could break the dec- Kiev Liverpool’s physiotherapist Ruben The Ramadan fast is a time when Mus- ade-long stranglehold on the Ballon d’Or clash in £160mn Pons told Spanish radio station Onda lims are required to abstain from food and award of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo Cero that Egypt forward Salah had been drink during daylight hours. Athletes are and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. iverpool coach Jurgen Klopp says observing Ramadan during the team’s allowed to defer their fasts until a later Klopp, however, had little enthusiasm promotion shoot-out forward Mohamed Salah will be recent training camp in Marbella but had date. for adding to the discussion. at peak fi tness for today’s Cham- chosen to interrupt his fasting three days The Egyptian broke the Premier League “It’s not important, no manager is in- AFP pions League fi nal regardless of before the fi nal. scoring record for a 38-game season with terested in that,” he said. London Lwhether or not he is observing the fasting “As I understand it, religion is a private 32 league goals this campaign and has “Messi and Ronaldo deserve all the rules of Ramadan. matter so I have nothing to say about that also netted 10 times in the Champions praise they have had in the past. Now The question of whether devout Mus- but all is fi ne, you will see him in train- League. they are in their 30s and still at a great lavisa Jokanovic has chal- lim Salah has chosen to fast in the build- ing, he is full of power, you need to be a Salah’s dominant displays in Europe level. We will see in next years if Mo can lenged Fulham to “cross up to the encounter with Real Madrid in day before the fi nal,” Klopp told a news have sparked debate over whether the go there.” the magic line” as they bid to return to the Pre- mierS League by beating Aston UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Villa in the £160mn ($213mn) Championship fi nal. Jokanovic’s side hope to end their four-year exile from the top-fl ight, while Villa are looking to get back to among the elite two seasons after their relegation. Whoever wins at Wembley today will bank a huge fi nancial Klopp praises windfall, with the rise in rev- No manager has won more pro- enue estimated at least £160mn motions to the Premier League across the next three seasons, than Aston Villa’s Steve Bruce. which could rise to in excess of £280mn if they retain their Pre- FA Cup fi nal against West Ham. mier League status. “I arrived here two and a half Refl ecting the thirst for fame years ago fi ghting against relega- and fortune provided by success tion, we must try and make great in English football, Fulham are steps, we have a great oppor- ‘brilliant’ Zidane controlled by American tycoon tunity to bring this club back,” Shahid Khan and Villa by Chi- Jokanovic said. ‘If people think Zidane doesn’t have much nese businessman Tony Xia. “We are now at the front of an Ronaldo lives for Champions But while the owners might important chance. We are going knowledge of tactics — because people be counting the cash, for players to follow our style and be confi - League fi nal stage: Zidane and fans it is the pride of com- dent we will cross the line.” think that about me — that would be funny’ AFP in La Liga last weekend. peting with the best that off ers No manager has won more Kiev “He’s fine. If he is just 140 percent it’s the biggest incentive this week- promotions to the Premier no problem,” said Zidane when asked end. League than Villa’s Steve Bruce, if Ronaldo is 150 % ready. Fulham missed out on auto- whose team is littered with play- ristiano Ronaldo is fit and “We’ll have our final training session matic promotion on the fi nal day ers who have experience at the ready to shine again in a today and it is the last game of the of the regular season despite a highest level, including former CChampions League final, season. You have to know something, 23-match unbeaten run, but they Chelsea and England defender believes Real Madrid coach Zinedine he lives for games like this. We will bounced back to see off Derby in John Terry. Zidane as the Spanish giants go for a see that tomorrow.” the play-off semi-fi nals. In contrast, Fulham, who fi n- third straight European Cup against The contrast in experience between Now Jokanovic is urging his ished fi ve points above Villa, are Liverpool today. the sides couldn’t be greater as players to fi nish the job as Ful- a young team driven by the pre- Ronaldo can join an elite group of Liverpool return to the final after an ham make their fi rst appearance cocious talent of 18-year-old just 10 other players to win five Euro- 11-year wait with no player in their at Wembley since losing the 1975 wing-back Ryan Sessegnon. pean Cups should Madrid win in Kiev. squad who has previously played in a The Portuguese became just the Champions League final. second player after legendary Real However, Zidane rejected sugges- forward Alfredo di Stefano to score in tions his side are the overwhelming Lyon score four in extra-time to three diff erent finals by netting twice favourites to become the first team in a 4-1 rout of Juventus last season to to win three-in-a-row for 42 years. win women’s Champions League deliver Madrid’s 12th European crown. “People can say what they like, but And he shrugged off fears over an we are not favourites, nor are Liver- Lyon secured a third consecutive women’s football Champions ankle injury picked up in a thrill- pool,” added Zidane. League title after coming from behind to beat Wolfsburg 4-1 in ing 2-2 draw with Barcelona earlier “As always in a final it is 50-50. We extra-time in the final in Kiev on Thursday. , Eug- this month by scoring on his return need to play very well to win the enie Le Sommer, and Camille Abily were on target against Villarreal as Madrid wrapped game and inside the dressing room for the French side, who scored three times in five minutes in the up a disappointing domestic season we know we are not favourites.” extra period following the dismissal of Wolfsburg’s Alexandra Reuters that’s never happened before so either he’s Popp on a second booking. Pernille Harder had given the Ger- Kiev lucky or he’s brilliant, I prefer to think he’s mans the lead in the third minute of extra-time after a goalless brilliant, like he was as a player.” 90 minutes before a 14,237 crowd in Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium Madrid have had an enthralling run to the in Kiev. Lyon now have a record five Champions League titles iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp fi nal, squeezing through their quarter-fi nal after what was a repeat of the 2013 and 2016 finals. Wolfsburg called opposite number Zined- tie with Juventus 4-3 on aggregate with a — league and cup winners in Germany — were seeking a third ine Zidane “a fi ghter” before the last-gasp penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo. Champions League title after 2013, when they won the treble, and Champions League fi nal against They also survived attacking onslaughts in 2014. But another extra period proved too much after Saturday’s LReal Madrid and praised the Frenchman for both legs of their semi-fi nal against Bayern cup win against Bayern Munich, which had gone to extra-time his supreme record in Europe’s elite com- Munich. and penalties. petition despite his short coaching career. “I’ve seen his team playing, I think it’s Zidane took the leap from coaching Ma- fantastic football, it’s organised when it drid’s reserve team to the top job at the needs to be, it’s chaos when it needs to be Spanish giants in January 2016 and so far and when you have all those world class SPOTLIGHT has won nine trophies, including back-to- players I think that’s a good idea,” Klopp back Champions League wins. said of Zidane’s Madrid. “Zidane has been a fi ghter his entire life, The ever-jovial German coach’s news when you grow up where he did in Mar- conference was peppered with outbursts Liverpool bid to get seille and had the career you have, you of laughter and he smiled at the suggestion need to be,” Klopp told a news conference that Zidane lacks tactical nous. yesterday. “If a lot of people think Zidane doesn’t stranded fans to Kiev “He was one of the best fi ve players ever, have much knowledge of tactics — because he was such a good player that it looked like people think that about me — that would he didn’t need to fi ght but he did. be really funny,” Klopp added. ‘not looking good’ “I’ve been at Liverpool longer than he “Two coaches in the fi nal who know has been a coach and he could win the nothing about tactics. What would that say Champions League three times in a row, about the game?” AFP able to claim a refund. London “Supporters who were booked on fl ight numbers ET8704 and OFFBEAT ET8706, and those who were un- iverpool’s mayor says his able to travel on the rearranged bid to get stranded foot- ET8700 fl ight booked through ball fans to Kiev for the Worldchoice Sports, will be able Champions League fi nal to claim the refund,” the club said No hotel room? Ukraine minister can help Lagainst Real Madrid is “really not on their website. looking good” after he was un- Liverpool manager Jurgen AFP “Plus, when it’s a minister... It seemed able to fi nd a crew for a back-up Klopp said the club were trying Kiev very unlikely. But in the end, it was true. plane. to fi nd a solution and We were lucky!” Hundreds of supporters face Jordan Henderson expressed his On the other bank of the Dnipro River missing the showpiece match in disappointment for those stuck hen Julie Pierson and her which splits the city, travel agency co- Ukraine after operator World- back in England. companion Jorge Ramirez owner Mikhailo Kalenskiy, 42, has been choice Sports cancelled three “Hopefully they can fi nd an al- had their apartment reser- waiting for his British guest Daren Old- fl ights because it did not have ternative route, if they can’t I’m vation for today’s Champi- ring, who works in Bratislava, Slovakia. suffi cient landing slots at Bo- sure they will support us back in Wons League fi nal in Kiev cancelled, they Daren’s hotel reservation was cancelled ryspil Airport. Liverpool,” Henderson added. did not expect to end up being hosted by in May, shortly before the hotel jacked up Mayor Joe Anderson said he The company repeated its a minister. its prices for a room from $42 (36 euros) was working with Kiev’s may- apology on its Twitter account But when the Real Madrid support- to $1,400 a night. or, former world heavyweight yesterday. ers from Luxembourg arrived for the big The Liverpool fan ended up posting champion Vitali Klitschko, to Financial adviser Jason match with Liverpool, it was Information a hosting request on Facebook. Within fi nd a solution for all those who McGimpsey was told on Thurs- Minister Yuriy Stets and his wife Yana minutes, Mikhailo had sent back a mes- face missing out. day his fl ight was cancelled. Konotop, a Ukrainian TV presenter, who sage, and a few moments later, Daren had He posted several messages on He told Britain’s Press As- laid out the welcoming mat. a place to stay. Twitter on Thursday and yes- sociation: “Worldchoice Sports The Ukrainian capital has witnessed a “This is the fi rst time I’ve come to a terday promising he was trying had been stalling on giving us e- mini accommodation crisis in the run up complete stranger’s house,” said Daren, to fi nd a solution to the fi asco tickets and exact departure times to the biggest match in club football, with who has supported Liverpool since the by sourcing a carrier to provide and it’s become clear why that some hotels charging nearly 100 times 1970s. fl ights from John Lennon airport. was the case, now fi nally they’ve their normal rates. Daren said the experience may prompt But he was later forced to admit said ‘we’ve cancelled it’.” Some fans who thought they were him to open up his own home to needy that a plan he had hatched with “I’ve been off ered a refund playing it safe by making inexpensive Ukraine’s Information minister Yuriy Stets (right) welcomes Real Madrid supporters travellers in return. Klitschko looked domed to failure. but it doesn’t go anywhere near reservations well in advance ended up Julie Pierson and Jorge Ramirez at his home in Kiev on Wednesday. (AFP) “It’s a great thing to do,” he said. He said: “No fi nal decision compensating me for what I’ve having their bookings annulled by hotels Some locals like Andriy, a 34-year-old yet but really not looking good lost,” he added. looking for a quick profi t. and decided to help out the best way we Finally, they found a place to stay businessman who is hosting a Liverpool — unable to resolve fl ight situa- Chris Bolland, who has sup- Grigoriy Surkis, vice president of the could,” said Konotop, 38, dressed like her through Facebook, where people were fan in his offi ce, said the expression of tion. With support of @Vitaliy_ ported Liverpool for 50 years, European football governing body UEFA husband in a white Madrid shirt. off ering lovers of the beautiful game good will by the locals will undo the “cra- Klychko, #Kievairport & carrier will have to watch the game from and a Ukrainian national, told AFP he was Stets said he just had a key condition: accommodations under the hashtag zy expanding ‘greedy’ trend.” we had plane & landing slot but home. “furious” with how things turned out. “Only if they are Real Madrid fans.” #FreeKyivCouch4Fans. “The number of housing off ers has crew were coming from the USA “I am gutted, to say the least. In the face of scandal, Kiev residents Their guests had fi rst booked an apart- A group called “ FREE couch for dramatically exceeded the number of re- and crew rest time a huge barrier. I am absolutely disgusted and have started off ering their sofas, spare ment through Airbnb, the global rental football fans” had nearly 9,000 members quests,” said Andriy. Time against us.” there is nothing I can do about rooms and even apartment for free — platform. by yesterday. Despite this solidarity, hundreds of Liverpool announced yester- it,” he told the BBC. a vast solidarity movement launched Like many others, they saw their book- “We received at least three off ers,” supporters have still thrown in the towel: day that anyone who had bought “I will now have to watch it through social media. ing annulled and hotels, with their exor- Jorge said with a smile. Real said around 1,000 of its fans have match tickets directly from the with my dear wife — but that’s “When these extraordinary prices bitant prices, were not an option. “I had a hard time believing something handed back their tickets because of the club who was due to be on one not a problem as she’s a big Liv- hikes started, we became very ashamed... “I was desperate,” Jorge, 34, exclaimed. like that was possible,” said Julie, 32. price hikes. of the cancelled fl ights would be erpool fan as well.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 3 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS I’m not ‘NextGen’ Nadal happy to anymore: Zverev AFP dent it’s only a matter of time. “This year at Davis Cup I have beaten great players. For me, that’s the same,” said Zverev. erman star Alexander “Those matches are over fi ve Zverev insisted yester- sets. They are exactly the same. ‘suff er’ in pursuit of day that he should no I have beaten (Nick) Kyrgios longer be tagged as part in Australia in a Davis Cup tie. Gof tennis’ ‘next generation’, as he Beaten (David) Ferrer, beaten bids to win his fi rst Grand Slam other great players. For me, this title at the French Open. The doesn’t matter. We all know I’m 21-year-old claimed his third going to beat a top-50 player Masters title in Madrid earlier at some point in a Grand Slam. this month and also pushed Ra- I mean, this is not something I 11th French Open fael Nadal all the way in the Ital- worry about, to be honest.” ian Open fi nal last weekend to Zverev came close against lay down his title credentials for Nadal in Rome, leading 3-1 in the Top seed is the overwhelming favourite to lift a 17th career major at Roland Garros Roland Garros. deciding set, before the Spaniard Zverev is seeded second in reeled off fi ve straight games to AFP Paris and could be the biggest win after rain delays. The two Paris threat to Nadal’s hopes of win- could meet in the fi nal again on ning an 11th French Open crown. June 10, but Zverev admitted that “We have been talking about it looking too far ahead had been afael Nadal said yesterday he is for a few years now, so I feel like his downfall at previous Grand happy to “suff er” as he chases the best of our generation are al- Slams. an 11th French Open title. The ready kind of the current genera- “I’m not trying to think that, top seed is the overwhelming tion,” he said. you know, I’m going to play favouriteR to lift a 17th career major at Ro- “They shouldn’t be called Rafa in the fi nal. This is a long land Garros after claiming his 11th titles next generation too much. I’m way ahead, and I’m not trying on clay in both Monte Carlo and Barcelo- number three in the world right to think ahead. I have done that na this spring as well as an eighth trophy now. (Denis) Shapovalov is on his before in Grand Slams, and I lost in Rome. way up. I think he will be top 10, early.” “In the end, sport is about trying to give for sure.” Zverev will start his bid to be- the best of yourself,” said the 31-year-old. Despite his successes in the come Germany’s fi rst winner “The sensations of matches of three or Masters tournaments over the of the men’s singles title since four hours, played at the limit and think- last two years, Zverev is yet to 1937 against Lithuanian Ricardas ing about the next point, these are beau- take that form into the Grand Berankis, with former champi- tiful moments. It is to suff er but also to Slam events, where he has never ons Novak Djokovic and Stan appreciate the moment you are living in. beaten a top-50 player or reached Wawrinka also in his half of the If you are suff ering you know how to value a quarter-fi nal. But he is confi - draw. it, how to enjoy it.” With Roger Federer and Andy Murray not playing at the French Open, which starts tomorrow, Nadal is the short-odds favourite to win a tournament where his overall record stands at an astonishing 79 wins and just two losses. His expected stranglehold has been further tightened by former champions Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka at- tempting to regroup after long-term in- juries. Djokovic, the champion in Paris in 2016, has seen his ranking slip to 22 after an elbow injury. Wawrinka, also the runner-up to Nadal last year, has only this week returned Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a shot after three months on the sidelines hav- during a training session yesterday ing undergone knee surgery. However, at the Roland Garros in Paris, ahead Nadal remains wary of the danger posed of the French Open. (AFP) by Djokovic who he defeated in the Rome semi-fi nals last week. “Novak is one of the best players in the history of this sport,” said Nadal. “My an- swer is he’s not coming back — he’s there always. Sometimes when you come back from injuries it is diffi cult to play that well in the Madrid Masters quarter-fi nals, are fi nal, and third-seed Marin Cilic in the because the ball fl ies a lot of the surface, from the beginning, but he played a great all in the other half of the draw where Al- semi-fi nals. which makes it tricky. event in Rome, and is no doubt one of the exander Zverev is the second seed. Nadal insists that his setback in Madrid “This altitude is a diff erent story. Of candidates to win here.” Nadal’s path to the fi nal could see him is now a thing of the past, pointing to the course I lost in a match that I didn’t play Nadal has been handed the better part face childhood friend Richard Gasquet in radically diff erent conditions in Paris. very well. So of course it was important of the draw in Paris. Djokovic, Wawrinka, the third round, possibly Denis Shapo- “Everybody knows that Madrid is the for me to stay there mentally, to be ready German star Alexander Zverev is seeded second in Paris and could as well as Austria’s Dominic Thiem who valov in the last-16, then Kevin Ander- most diff erent tournament on clay — at for Rome, and that’s what I did. I think I be the biggest threat to Rafael Nadal’s hopes of winning an 11th ended Nadal’s 50-set winning run on clay son, who he beat in the 2017 US Open the same time it is the most diffi cult one, played a good tournament there.” French Open crown. (AFP)

Kvitova pleased stabbing suspect in custody BOTTOMLINE Paris: Petra Kvitova said it was “great Serena can come back and news” that a suspect had reportedly been held in custody in connection with the 2016 stabbing that left her with career- win tournaments, says Halep threatening injuries. Czech media reported on Thursday that AFP SERENA WILL KEEP US ON a 54-year-old man had been detained in Paris OUR TOES: WOZNIACKI connection with the attack that left double Meanwhile, Australian Open Wimbledon champion Kvitova with serious champion Caroline Wozniacki injuries to the tendons in the fingers and orld number one says that Serena’s comeback will thumb or her left playing hand. She spent Simona Halep said force the current top-ranked six months recovering before returning yesterday that she players to raise their games at last year. thinks Serena the French Open. The former WilliamsW is still capable of chal- world number one will be look- Speaking in a news conference at the French Open yesterday, the 28-year-old lenging for titles, as the Ameri- ing to build on her long-awaited Czech, ranked back at eighth in the world, can prepares to make her Grand maiden Grand Slam triumph in said: “Well, of course great news for me to Slam return at the French Open. Melbourne, but she has never hear that. It’s great that they have him in Williams will be playing in her reached the semi-fi nals at Ro- custody. But probably the most, the happi- fi rst major tournament since land Garros. Despite being in est I will be when the story will end, when a “technical” breach of failing to co-operate statement. winning last year’s Australian the opposite half of the draw to everything will be done and finished. with a TIU investigation after his cell He was handcuff ed, hauled off and asked Open, having taken time off to three-time champion Williams, “I can’t really say anything more, but so phone supplied to the TIU for examination to provide a sample, which he refused to give birth to her fi rst child. Wozniacki knows that Serena’s far I’m very happy with this, and I’m just had been returned to its factory settings, do, the police added. In the end, a breath Halep, a two-time runner-up presence as an unseeded player here to play tennis and we will see what although it was accepted this had not been test proved positive, said Gilceava. Nastase in Paris, knows that despite a will put pressure on her rivals. happens after.” done for an improper purpose. was allowed to leave police custody after lack of time on court, the un- “I think it’s always great to have Kvitova, who won Wimbledon in 2011 Having been found guilty of the charges being fined 1,000 lei (215 euros, $251) seeded Williams could prove a the best players play, and it raises and 2014, said it had been “a little bit of a the world number 223 will discover his and his licence was suspended for three threat. “It’s great for tennis that your level,” said the Dane. “You wait” for a suspect to be detained for the sanction at a later date. On Thursday, months. she’s back,” said Halep ahead of have to play your best level, and I knife attack at her home. “It’s the police 25-year-old Nicolas Kicker was found guilty The police also opened a criminal the start of the tournament to- think having someone like Sere- and they do what they have to do. And in of match-fixing and other off ences by the investigation. Nastase then went to the morrow. tralian Open. na back, it’s keeping us all on our the end, hopefully they did a great job,” she TIU. hospital on a scooter to obtain a certificate “Maybe she needs a little bit “I feel that now everyone is toes and we have to keep improv- said. “Probably the timing isn’t the best, but Kicker, ranked 84th, attempted to fix the to back up his assertion that the police had more time to get again used to here (it) feels that the tourna- ing all the time.” it’s great news, right? So I should be happy. outcome of two matches, at ATP Challeng- used force to handicuff him. On leaving the the tournaments and everyday ment is completed and everyone I am happy.” er tournaments in Italy and in Colombia in hospital, Nastase was arrested for a second playing. “In my opinion... She’s is here just to show that tennis is WILLIAMS SISTERS 2015, the TIU said in a statement. He will time by the traff ic police and taken to their able to come back and to win really nice and also that everyone GET FRENCH OPEN CORIA FOUND GUILTY OF also be will be sanctioned at a later date headquarters. tournaments again. She knows can win it,” added Halep. “These DOUBLES WILDCARD ANTI-CORRUPTION CHARGE and will not be able to compete until then. Police also opened a second investiga- how to handle the pressure, how girls are coming back, Vika (Aza- Serena and Venus Williams Federico Coria has been found guilty of a tion for “driving without a valid licence,” to handle all the situations. She’s renka), Serena, with the kids, were handed a wild card into the breach of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Pro- NASTASE ARRESTED TWICE IN ONE said Gilceava. Last year, Nastase, a volatile (been) there for so many years. which is amazing. Makes it a lit- French Open women’s doubles gram — the second player from Argentina DAY FOR DRIVING OFFENCES showman, got in trouble when captaining So I think she will come back and tle bit diff erent and also special.” on Thursday as the American to fall foul of the rules in the past 24 hours. Flamboyant former tennis world number Romania in a Fed Cup tie against Britain. she will be good again.” Romanian Halep will be look- sisters seek to add a third Roland A statement from the Tennis Integrity one Ilie Nastase was pulled over by Bucha- He hurled abuse at a British player, an Williams, who opens her cam- ing to end her wait for a fi rst Garros title to their triumphs in Unit (TIU) said the 26-year-old had failed rest traff ic police twice yesterday on suspi- umpire and journalists, made “unwelcome paign with a fi rst-round match Grand Slam title after three pre- 1999 and 2010. to report being off ered a payment to lose cion of drink driving and a few hours later advances of a sexual nature” toward the against Czech Kristyna Pliskova, vious fi nal defeats, including They have won 14 Grand Slam a set in a lower tier Futures in Sassuolo, for driving without a licence, the Romanian British captain, and also made a “racially struggled on her return to tennis last year at Roland Garros by Je- doubles as a team but since their Italy, in 2015. It said he had also been ap- authorities said. insensitive comment” about the child in March with early defeats in In- lena Ostapenko and in February’s last win together in Paris they proached with a financial incentive to lose The 71-year-old attempted to drive away that American star Serena Williams was dian Wells and Miami before tak- Australian Open against Caroline have only featured on two further a number of matches during the year. when flagged down by police at 4.45 am expecting. ing more time off to get fully fi t Wozniacki. “It’s a Grand Slam. occasions at the tournament, “Although Mr Coria did not accept local time. Police gave chase and blocked The International Tennis Federation for Roland Garros. Everyone is at the highest level losing in the fi rst round in 2013 any financial incentive or take action to Nastase’s car after 200 yards, the head of initially fined Nastase $10,000 ($85,190 The 23-time Grand Slam here,” she said. “So it’s going and the third round in 2016. comply with the corrupt approaches, he the Bucharest traff ic police Victor Gilceava euros) but when he appealed to an inde- champion is joined in Paris by to be diffi cult. I’m not thinking Serena was drawn to face failed to inform the Tennis Integrity Unit told a press conference. “As he was visibly pendent tribunal, it decided in February to fellow former world number ones about the title, because it’s really Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech (TIU), which constitutes a breach of the the worse for drink he was called on to take double the amount to $20,000. Nastase Victoria Azarenka and Maria far. I’m thinking just of my fi rst Republic in the fi rst round of program,” the statement said. a breathalyser test and became aggressive, apologised but insisted the media had Sharapova, with the trio playing match.” The top seed will take on the singles which gets underway Coria was also found to have committed insulting the police off icers,” said an earlier “exaggerated” the scale of the rumpus. a major tournament together for American world number 105 Ali- tomorrow. Venus starts against the fi rst time since the 2016 Aus- son Riske in the fi rst round. China’s Wang Qiang. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 26, 2018 SPORT

GOLF McIlroy’s brilliance drives That’s the best round I’ve ever seen. I’m about to quit rivals to distraction golf I think: Alex Noren

AFP dropping a shot on the 17th and parring Wentworth, United Kingdom the 18th. The 21-year-old, who has had an encouraging start in his rookie season orthern Irish golf star Rory posting two top-four fi nishes, said he McIlroy played such a sublime could cope with the pressure at being second round of golf at the among the front runners at such a high PGA Championship yesterday profi le event. Nhe had defending champion Alex Noren “I think any time you’re playing on quipping he thought about quitting. the weekend and you’re up there near The 29-year-old quadruple ma- Rory, I think you’re going to be doing jor winner carded a bogey free seven- pretty well,” said Horsfi eld. “I’m just under par 65 to move to 12 under and a looking forward to tomorrow, whether three-shot lead over Englishman Sam I be playing with Rory or whoever I end Horsfi eld. Noren — who played in the up playing with, I’m going to go out same group as the Ulsterman and like there and give it my all.” him and playing partner Lee Westwood Horsfi eld’s gut feeling is the title will also didn’t record a bogey — may have come down to who putts best and if that been joking about retiring but he was in proves the case then Thailand’s Kira- awe of McIlroy’s round. “That’s the best dech Aphibarnrat — who is fi ve shots off round I’ve ever seen. I’m about to quit McIlroy — is one brimming with confi - golf I think,” said Noren. dence with regard to putting. “I’ve been Noren sits fi ve shots off McIlroy but putting so good,” said the 28-year-old. the Swede will be well aware that af- “I hole everything inside 15 feet which ter his stunning 62 last year which saw is phenomenal. “Just have to keep doing him come from way off the pace to seal until the last two rounds to catch Rory.” victory anything is possible. McIlroy, One man who knows McIlroy in- though, likes being out in front going side out is his fellow Northern Irish- into the weekend even if he like Noren man Graeme McDowell with whom he staged a last-round blitz to come from formed a partnership in the 2010 and seven shots off the lead to win in 2014. 2012 Ryder Cups and they were known “Obviously I have the confi dence that as ‘G-Mac’ and ‘Little Mc’. I’m playing well and I can go out and McDowell, who was named a Ry- try to I guess just replicate what I did der Cup vice-captain on Tuesday but the day before,” said McIlroy. “On the is keen to qualify to play in it in fi rst tee box tomorrow (Saturday), I’ll in September, is six shots back from be thinking about what I did today and his compatriot and the 38-year-old trying to just keep the same thoughts said chasing down McIlroy would be and make the same swings. You know, a tough ask. “You know, when Rory is I went a couple better today than I did on his game, he’s incredibly tough to yesterday. (I am) not sure I’ll keep the catch,” said McDowell. “I know he likes same progression going but something it around here, having won here in the similar tomorrow would be nice.” past, and these are perfect conditions McIlroy’s only disappointment was for him. Obviously no wind, target golf; parring the fi nal two holes, both par he can use his length and his ball fl ight fi ves, as he had done on Thursday but control to his great advantage. But ob- he was one of many who came away viously I’m hoping to give him a run for with nothing from them with Horsfi eld his money this weekend.” Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (right) and England’s Lee Westwood during the second round of the PGA Championship in Virginia Water, Britain. (Reuters)

Bok skipper Whiteley set to SPOTLIGHT miss Wales, England Tests Unlikely closing chip-in lift s Na to Fort Worth lead : South Africa against England from June 9. skipper Warren Whiteley will not Northern Bulls fly-half Handre AFP the lead at the last. Argentina’s Emiliano play this weekend, Pollard and Stormers flanker Los Angeles Grillo, Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas and which eff ectively rules him out Siya Kolisi have been mentioned Americans Andrew Putnam and Beau of June Tests against Wales as possible captains ahead of Hossler shared third on 64, one stroke in and England. The Golden Lions the squad announcement in evin Na chipped in for birdie front of US veteran Steve Stricker. No 8 was hoping to end a long Cape Town tomorrow. from 90 feet to cap an eight- A big group on 66 included England’s spell out with a knee injury by under-par 62 on Thursday and Justin Rose and Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira, playing against Western Storm- ENGLAND SKIPPER seize a one-shot lead in the US who produced an albatross at the fi rst KPGA Tour Fort Worth Invitational. Na, when his three-iron second shot from ers in Cape Town, and getting a FARRELL RELISHING Kevin Na lines up a putt chance to impress Springboks ADDED RESPONSIBILITY 34, was in the rough off the tee at Colo- during the Fort Worth 234 yards out in the fairway found the coach ‘Rassie’ Erasmus. England skipper Owen Farrell nial Country Club’s ninth hole — his last Invitational in Texas. (AFP) hole. It was just the second double-eagle But the injury-plagued is relishing the opportunity to of the day — and his approach nestled in the history of the tournament and the 30-year-old was not included in lead the team on next month’s against a grandstand. second on the PGA Tour this season. the Lions’ matchday 23 with an three-test series in South Africa, His relief drop left him in the rough off icial telling reporters “Warren the flyhalf acutely aware that and after a spirited discussion with his MORIYA AMONG LEADERS is not yet ready to return”. the role is loaded with added caddie over club selection he launched a Moriya Jutanugarn, playing with new Whiteley had skippered the responsibility. chip that rolled over a ridge and went in. confi dence since her maiden LPGA win Springboks only twice when a The 26-year-old Farrell, who “I told you,” Na said after the ball dropped last month, had six birdies in a six-under groin injury sustained in a home has 58 caps for England, has to give him a one-stroke lead over fellow 66 on Thursday to join a four-way tie for Test against France last June been promoted to replace Dylan American Charley Hoff man. the lead at the LPGA Volvik Champion- sidelined him for the rest of the Hartley as skipper while the “I just hit a perfect chip,” Na added. ship. Moriya, who had notched 11 top-10 year. His latest injury setback hooker takes an extended break “I saw it go over the ridge and I was like, fi nishes in 2017 before fi nally breaking occurred this March against from the game to recover from ‘this is going to be good. It’s going to be through for her fi rst win at the LA Open, Auckland in Super Rugby concussion symptoms. close.’ Then it catches the right lip and missed just one fairway and hit 14 of 18 with disastrous consequences “It (captaincy) puts a bit more goes in. I was like, ‘oh, my God.’” greens in regulation as she tied her low for the Lions, who lost the match pressure on you to play well but I Hoff man reaped the benefi ts of his de- fi rst-round score of 2018. and five others since. see that as a good thing,” Farrell cision to change putters, fi ring a seven- She was joined atop the leaderboard by Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth, said. “The first thing with that under 63 to set the early pace. “I had an Germany’s Caroline Masson and Ameri- who took over from Whiteley responsibility is standing up and idea coming out here that I wanted to cans Danielle Kang and Amy Olson. Japa- as national team skipper, has talking in front of the team, tell- have a little more weight in my putter,” solid,” Hoff man said. “It was a nice, very birdie at the second. “Six-under through nese teenager Nasa Hataoka, who fi n- not played since being injured ing other people what to do. The Hoff man said. “I went with one that was stress-free round. It was fun to play.” fi ve holes? I like those kind of stretches,” ished runner to Ariya in a playoff at the against Wales in Cardiff last No- more you end up speaking the sort of in my bag of putters at home that I Na, seeking a second PGA Tour title to Na said. “I was hitting it really great, just Kingsmill Championship, was among a vember. There has been much more you’ve got to do it and the could add some weight here.” go with the Shriners Open crown he won making some routine pars,” Na said. “I had group of seven players one shot off the speculation as to who might more you’ve got to front up. I’ve He put himself in position to make in 2011, chased down Hoff man with a bo- a couple chances, some misses, and then I pace on a crowded leaderboard. She was lead the Springboks against always been comfortable speak- good use of the club, hitting 16 greens gey-free round, catching fi re mid-round hit it really close on 16. I would say four, joined by Australian Minjee Lee, Eng- Wales in Washington on June 2 ing, especially on the field. Prob- in regulation and never facing a putt of with a fi ve-hole stretch played in six- fi ve feet. Made that. Felt pretty good.” land’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Americans and in a three-Test home series ably not as much off the field.” more than fi ve feet. “I was able to knock under thanks to birdies at 16, 17 and 18, He joined Hoff man at seven-under Megan Khang, Jessica Korda, Lindy Dun- in some mid-range putts and played very an eagle at the par-fi ve fi rst and another with a birdie at the sixth before seizing can and Morgan Pressel.

RUBGY England’s Daly to start at full-back against Barbarians AFP and the latter is joined in the back row part of a stellar back line featuring his Piers Francis, Mike Brown, George Ford London by , the Sale openside who Fijian Stade Mayol teammates Josua (co-capt), Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer, appears destined to fi ll the seven jersey Tuisova and Semi Radradra, and Scot- Tom Curry, Chris Robshaw (co-capt), Joe for next month’s series against South land’s Finn Russell. The famous invi- Launchbury, , Kyle Sinckler, lliot Daly will start England’s Africa. The Barbarians fi xture serves tational club’s all-star back row con- Jack Singleton, Joe Marler non-cap international tomor- as a warm-up for the three-Test series sists of captain Juan Martin Fernandez Replacements: George McGuigan, Ellis row against the Barbarians at against South Africa that takes place in Lobbe (Argentina), World Cup winner Genge, Nick Schonert, Josh Beaumont, full-back, with Danny Cipriani Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Cape Victor Vito (New Zealand) and British Mark Wilson, , Danny Cipriani, havingE to settle for a place among the Town. “This is a good young squad and and Irish Lions fl anker Justin Tipuric. replacements. It is Daly’s fi rst start in their work ethic has been outstanding “It’s an exciting challenge to bring the number 15 jersey, having made all over the last two weeks,” said England together a side in fi ve days but every- BARBARIANS SQUAD (15-1) but one of his previous England ap- coach Eddie Jones. thing we’ve done has been about im- Chris Ashton, Josua Tuisova, Semi pearances on the wing, and the selec- “Their application to learn has been proving our chances of winning this Radradra, , Niyi Adeolokun, tion sees Mike Brown, the usual in- very good but they are very young at game,” said coach Pat Lam. “We have Finn Russell, Rhodri Williams, Victor Vito, cumbent in the position, switch to the Test level so this week’s match against very high-quality individuals — and Justin Tipuric, Juan Martin Fernandez left wing. the Barbarians is a fantastic opportu- they’ve worked hard and risen to the Lobbe (capt), Sateleki Timani, Ultan Dil- Cipriani has been overlooked for a nity for them to step up.” challenge of coming together as a team, lane, John Afoa, Benjamin Kayser, Denis starting role despite his return to the England international wing Chris which is what we’ll need to compete Buckley senior England squad, with George Ashton, who has scored 19 tries in 39 with a top-class international side.” Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Loni Ford preferred at fl y-half. The team Test appearances, starts at full back for Uhila, Ramiro Herrera, Joe Tekori, Nili for the match at Twickenham is co- the Barbarians. The Toulon player, who ENGLAND SQUAD (15-1) Latu, Greig Laidlaw, Luke McAlister, England’s George Ford (left) and coach Eddie Jones at a press conference. (Reuters) captained by Ford and Chris Robshaw, has not played Test rugby since 2014, is Elliot Daly, Jonny May, Henry Trinder, Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Canucks’ Boeser Rockets outlast expected to be ready for training camp

Reuters Pettersson has not signed an en- New York try-level contract after being the No. 5 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. “Our medical staff took a look Warriors to edge ancouver Canucks for- at the X-rays, and the surgery ward Brock Boeser is he needed was a pretty straight- expected to be ready in forward surgery,” Benning said. time for training camp in “They did it over there (in Swe- SeptemberV as he continues to re- den) and everything went well. cover from back and wrist injuries. As far as any physical therapy is Boeser, 21, injured his wrist concerned, we’ll be in constant closer to NBA Finals February 8 and then added a back contact with his therapists over injury on March 5 when he hit an there to make sure everything is open bench door. He sustained a on schedule.” Golden State will try to fend off elimination when they host game six today broken transverse process, which is a spur that projects off the side WILD’S SUTER AIMS TO of each vertebra. RETURN FOR OPENER “My understanding is he’ll be Ryan Suter has a target date in 100 percent for training camp,” mind. The defenseman, recover- Canucks general manager Jim ing from right ankle surgery, hopes Benning told TSN 1040 on to be ready for the Minnesota Thursday. Wild’s season opener in October. “My understanding is the “It’s getting better every day,” cast was taken off a week ago. I Suter told the Saint Paul (Minn.) haven’t talked to Brock about it, Pioneer Press on Tuesday. “We but I believe the cast had to be won’t know for sure until I’m on a month. The doctor that he back playing. That said, the goal went back to see in Minnesota is is to get back for Game 1.” the Vikings’ hand specialist, and Suter added that he is eager to that’s the doctor that did Brock’s begin his rehab even though he surgery two years ago. has yet to put weight on the foot “We were able to get an ap- since the operation. pointment for him and we wanted “I can’t wait,” he told the news- to get him in there and have the paper. “I feel like once I start walk- doctor have a look at him. The ing, then it’s kind of behind me.... worst-case scenario was that he There’s a few more weeks for that, would require another surgery, but and once that happens, hopefully he didn’t need to do that.” I’ll be ready to go.” Boeser led all NHL rookies Suter, 33, was hurt during a with 29 goals when his season March 31 game against the Dallas ended. The Winnipeg Jets’ Kyle Stars. The broken ankle ended Connor fi nished with 31 as Boe- his season, costing him the last ser missed the fi nal 16 games of four games of the regular season the season. and all four of the Wild’s playoff Vancouver forward prospect games in a fi rst-round loss to the Elias Pettersson is also expected Winnipeg Jets. to be ready for camp after need- In 78 games this year, Suter ing surgery to repair a broken produced six goals and a career- thumb sustained while play- high 45 assists. He had a minus-1 ing for Sweden in the 2018 IIHF rating, just the second time in his World Championship. However, 13 NHL seasons that he didn’t Benning said he did not know if post a positive mark. Suter had a the 19-year-old would partici- career-best nine goals the previ- pate in prospects camp in July. ous season.

NFL used show of hands over formal anthem vote

Reuters proved the anthem policy, but New York at least one owner, Jed York of the San Francisco 49ers, ab- stained. ESPN reports Oakland Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) attempts a shot over Houston Rockets guard James Harden during the fourth quarter of game five of the Western conference he NFL did not hold a Raiders owner Mark Davis also finals of the 2018 NBA Playoff s at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) formal roll call vote in abstained from voting, though Tpassing its controversial the NFL said otherwise. AFP now,” insisted Warriors coach Steve Kerr. points off the bench for Houston in the nalfi heart. They weren’t great shots, he made national anthem policy, instead The new policy has been divi- Los Angeles “That may sound crazy but I feel it. I know frame to help the Rockets turn the tide. something out of nothing.” opting to use a show of hands, sive throughout the NFL since exactly what I’m seeing out there and we Gordon drained a three-pointer to put Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 29 league spokesman Brian Mc- being announced Wednesday. defended them beautifully tonight.” Houston up by four points with 1:21 re- points, but made just eight of 22 shots Carthy confirmed to ESPN. Players claim they were not he Houston Rockets clawed out a The winner of the series will face either maining, and he came up with the ball from the fi eld and missed all four of his The informal decision to use consulted and immediately 98-94 victory over the reigning the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics after Draymond Green lost it on Golden attempts in the fourth quarter. a show of hands came after threatened to challenge the champion Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals starting on May 31. State’s last possession. Klay Thompson scored 23 points and hours of debate and surprised policy. A terse statement from on Thursday to move within one The Cavaliers, who have played the Houston’s Most Valuable Player can- Curry added 22 for Golden State. some in the room, according the NFL Players Association Twin of reaching the NBA Finals. Warriors in each of the last three title didate Harden struggled from the fl oor — “We played well tonight,” Curry said, to ESPN, which first reported claimed the NFL and its owners The Rockets, who led the league with series, trail the Celtics 3-2 in the Eastern missing all 11 of his three-point attempts “just not well enough.” earlier in the day that a formal went rogue in establishing an- 65 regular-season wins, took a 3-2 lead Conference fi nals. — but fi nished with 19 points. The Rockets honoured victims and sur- vote wasn’t used as typically is them guidelines after an eff ort in the best-of-seven Western Conference Houston point guard Chris Paul scored vivors of the deadly shooting at Santa Fe the case with major rulings. to work together with players. fi nals and with one more victory can deny 18 of his 20 points in the second half as CHRIS PAUL ‘REMARKABLE’ High School, where a teenage gunman McCarthy told ESPN the show “Our union will review the the Warriors a fourth straight trip to the the Western Conference heavyweights The only downside for Houston was a killed 10 people and injured 13 others on of hands process is used often new ‘policy’ and challenge any championship series. went toe-to-toe. right hamstring injury to Paul that saw May 18. and that there were zero nays. aspect of it that is inconsistent “For us nothing changes,” Rockets star “They’re not going to let you win on him limp off in the final minute. The team provided tickets for more The NFL’s new anthem policy with the collective bargaining James Harden said of Houston’s mindset points, you’ve got to knock ‘em out,” Paul connected on just six of 19 shots than 300 Santa Fe High seniors, along requires players, coaches and agreement,” the NFLPA state- on the brink of the club’s fi rst trip to the Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. from the fi eld, but the baskets he made with some staff and fi rst responders. The personnel on the field to stand ment read. Finals since winning back-to-back titles “I thought our guys just hung in there, proved crucial. school’s choir sang the national anthem when the national anthem is The policy change has also in 1994 and 1995. hung in there and found a way,” added Paul’s three three-pointers in the before the contest. played. The policy permits drawn attention outside of “We just take it game by game, position D’Antoni, whose Rockets shot just 37.2 third quarter included a tough one over D’Antoni said it was “a great gesture” teams to choose to stay in football. President Donald by position, try to compete our butts off percent from the fl oor. “It won’t go down Stephen Curry, after which Paul gave a by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta but the locker room during the Trump said he believes the NFL and give ourselves the best chance.” as a classic, but it should go down as a little Curry-style shoulder shimmy that that more needed to be done to stop the national anthem, but calls for is “doing the right thing” with Golden State, whose streak of 16 straight hard-fought win.” drew a smile from the Warriors star. scourge of gun violence. fines and punishment for any the change while Golden State home playoff wins was halted by the Rock- In a game that saw 16 lead changes, the “What he did was remarkable,” Rockets “We all should be tired of gestures and mode of disrespect. Warriors coach Steve Kerr on ets on Tuesday, will try to fend off elimina- Warriors led by one going into the fourth coach Mike D’Antoni said of Paul. moments of silence,” D’Antoni said. “So Commissioner Roger Goodell Thursday slammed it as “idi- tion when they host game six today. quarter. “When we were kind of teetering he let’s get some action and try to change said owners unanimously ap- otic” and “typical of the NFL”. “I feel great about where we are right But Eric Gordon scored 10 of his 24 made two or three threes — that’s just his and do a better job for the kids.”

MLB Rays’ Snell masterful again against Red Sox

Reuters Porcello (6-2) allowed six runs (four ball from their bullpen. Injury-replace- fi elders Yoenis Cespedes and Juan New York earned) on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. ment starter Josh Lucas was pulled Lagares, has reached base in his past after struggling through the fi rst two eight plate appearances dating back to ASTROS 8, INDIANS 2 innings, allowing a run in each but get- Wednesday, when he walked, homered lake Snell continued his domi- Alex Bregman and Jake Marisnick ting bailed out from further damage by and singled in his fi nal three at-bats. nance of the Boston Red Sox slammed three-run homers and com- a pair of double plays. with eight strikeouts over six bined to drive in seven runs, and right- In between, the A’s did all their scor- ANGELS 8, BLUE JAYS 1 scoreless innings as the Tampa hander Charlie Morton ran his record to ing against Hernandez, whose 26 career Martin Maldonado had three RBIs, BayB Rays avoided a three-game sweep 7-0 as Houston won at Cleveland. wins are the most of any active pitcher Mike Trout and Albert Pujols hit home with a 6-3 win on Thursday in St. Pe- Houston secured its ninth win in 11 against Oakland. runs, and Nick Tropeano pitched 7 1/3 tersburg, Florida. games and its third victory in four tries strong innings as Los Angeles was vic- Snell (6-3) has allowed two runs with against the Indians this season as the METS 5, BREWERS 0 torious in Toronto. 19 strikeouts in three starts against teams began a four-game weekend se- Brandon Nimmo continued his break- Tropeano (2-3) allowed one run, four Boston this season. He gave up three ries. out season by collecting four hits and hits and one walk while striking out six hits and walked two Thursday to boost Morton went six innings, giving up reaching base in all fi ve plate appear- for his fi rst win since April 12, a stretch his team-leading win total as the Rays two runs and fi ve hits with three walks ances as New York won at Milwaukee. of fi ve starts in which he was 0-3. snapped a three-game skid. and fi ve strikeouts. His ERA rose from Mets left-hander Steven Matz (2-3) Toronto’s Marco Estrada (2-5) yield- Wilson Ramos went 3-for-4 with 1.94 to 2.04. Morton has posted quality tossed six scoreless innings, allowing ed four runs, seven hits and two walks two RBIs and Matt Duff y and Brad starts in eight of his 10 outings. four hits and three walks while striking in 4 1/3 innings. He has not won since Miller each drove in a run for Tampa out three. April 20, a span of six starts with four Bay, which has lost all but four of its 13 A’S 4, MARINERS 3 Paul Sewald tossed two perfect in- losses. games against the AL East rival Red Sox Oakland rocked Felix Hernandez for nings before Jacob Rhame worked a this season. four runs in the bottom of the fi rst in- one-hit ninth to complete New York’s OTHER RESULTS Mitch Moreland hit a solo homer for ning and then used fi ve double plays to fi ve-hit shutout. Orioles 9 White Sox 3 Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell throws a pitch during the game against the Red Sox, who had won four straight thwart Seattle. Nimmo, who has been thrust into Royals 8 Rangers 2 the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Thursday. (USA and six of seven. Boston starter Rick The A’s got seven innings of one-run everyday duty due to injuries to out- Reds 5 Pirates 4 TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 26, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING FOCUS Losing your temper is no longer an Froome in pink as Giro excuse in F1, says Vettel

DPA disaster strikes for Yates Monaco ebastian Vettel will have to keep his emotions in Froome leads defending champion Dumoulin by 40 seconds in the overall standings check if he wants to win the Monaco Formula One GrandS Prix the second straight AFP Bardonecchia, Italy year tomorrow as the German Ferrari driver readily admits that losing your temper is no longer ritain’s , of Team considered cool. Sky, relaunched his bid for a Vettel said in an interview maiden Giro d’Italia triumph conducted at the recent Spanish yesterday by soloing to victory, Grand Prix that driving fast and andB the pink jersey, from 80km out on emotional outbursts are not re- a dramatic 19th stage that proved disas- ally compatible. The four-time trous for overnight leader . world champion also agrees that Yates (Mitchelton) started the 184km the human side is losing out at a ride from Venaria Reale to Bardonecchia time when teams and drivers are in the Italian Alps with a 3min 22sec thriving for perfection. lead on Froome. But on the penultimate “I think that losing it is no day in the mountains, his 13th wearing longer excused these days. What the leader’s pink jersey, the Englishman used to be normal and is retroac- suff ered a stunning collapse on the no- tively considered cultic — such toriously diffi cult Colle delle Finestre as footballers who lost their cool that prompted Froome to attack with after a match — is not normal over 80km remaining. He eventually any more today,” Vettel said. fi nished over 30 minutes in arrears. “Emotions, that’s what los- Thanks to a distinct lack of collabo- ing your temper is about, can be ration in the four-man chase group be- good when you win and are hap- hind him, Froome was able to steadily py on the podium. But there are increase his lead over the rolling terrain also bad ones when everything leading towards . After pro- goes the wrong way.” ducing a solo performance that rekin- Vettel knows from experience, dled memories of Belgian great Eddy as incidents include him insult- Merckx, four-time Tour de France win- ing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ner Froome completed nearly fi ve and and race director Charlie Whit- a half hours on the bike by soloing over ing at the 2016 race in Mexico, the line in triumph to take a grip on the and deliberately driving into race with only two stages remaining. the Mercedes of title rival Lewis Froome was quick to thank his team- Hamilton at last year’s Azerbai- mates. It was Team Sky’s relentless jan Grand Prix when he believed pace-setting on the Colle delle Fines- the Briton had brake-tested him. tre halfway into the stage that forced “I had to answer questions Yates to dig so deep that he soon began whether I couldn’t control my to struggle. “I don’t think I’ve ever at- aggression and temper and tacked with 80k’s to go like that on my whether I required therapy,” Vet- own and gone all the way to the fi nish tel said in reference to the Ham- but the team did such a fantastic job to ilton incident. “Was it right? No set that up for me,” said Froome. it was wrong. It was a mistake of “It was going to take something really mine. Did I gain anything from special today to try and fi rst of all get rid it? No, I shot myself in the foot of Simon and get away from Dumoulin because otherwise I would have and (Domenico) Pozzovivo. To go from won the race. So I drew my con- fourth to fi rst, I wasn’t going to do that British cyclist Christopher Froome rides on the Colle delle Finestre during the 19th stage of the 101st Giro d’Italia in Bardonecchia yesterday. (AFP) clusions.” on the last climb alone, so I had to try But he also said there is a thin from far out and Colle de Finestre was ting up a possible duel on the fi nal day moulin led a futile pursuit of Froome “That was a completely crazy stage!” “It’s great. Obviously there’s still a line between showing too much the perfect place... It just felt good and I in the mountains today when the pelo- that saw the quartet fi nish over three said the Frenchman. Victory on the Giro really hard day tomorrow (Saturday), emotion and none at all, which said ‘it’s now or never, I have to try’.” ton takes in the 214km-long 20th stage minutes in arrears to the Briton. After would be Froome’s fi rst in the Italian but the legs are feeling good and I’ve could eventually possibly even Froome now leads the ’ from Susa to the Cervinia glacer. Pozzovivo struggled and fell down the three-week race, but his third Grand been feeling better and better as the harm the sport. “Many things defending champion Sitting among a four-man chasing overall standings, Pinot is now third Tour win in succession and his sixth race has gone on,” said Froome. “Hope- with us or in other sports happen by 40secs in the overall standings, set- group, France’s Thibaut Pinot and Du- overall but at 4:17 behind Froome. overall. fully, we can fi nish this off tomorrow.” intuitively. And that is good.”

LEGEND F1 Senna’s magical Monaco Red Bull’s Ricciardo looking for lap relived 30 years on Monaco Grand Prix payback AFP Monaco

aniel Ricciardo hides a streak of raw determination behind his sunny smile and he is looking for ‘payback’ in tomorrow’s Monaco GrandD Prix after missing out on a merited win in 2016. After demonstrating his and Red Bull’s superiority in Thursday’s practice sessions, he believes he has the car to deliver pole in today’s qualifying showdown. And from that, a chance to win. Two years ago, in a dramatic fi nale, the big-smiling Australian’s Red Bull team bun- gled a late pit-stop which handed victory to Briton Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes — an experience that still irks and motivates Ric- ciardo. “I haven’t forgotten it for sure and it is still there to motivate me,” he said. “It’s the one that got away and I am still looking for some payback on that.” After dominating opening practice on On May 14, 1988, Brazilian Ayrton Senna steered his Honda-powered McLaren MP4/4 car onto a dry track Thursday ahead of his Red Bull teammate in Monaco and put on a masterclass that is still discussed in astonished tones. (Reuters) Dutchman Max Verstappen, Ricciardo was keen to ensure his team remained clear and Reuters onships by then, joined Senna on the front row but realistic about their goals. “I defi nitely ex- Monaco was an astonishing 1.427 seconds slower. pect all three big teams to be below 1min Ferrari’s Gerhard Berger was third — 2.687 sec- 12sec (in offi cial qualifying) on Saturday — Red Bull Racing’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo (right) signs autographs yesterday, onds off the pace. Time and technology has moved we set a benchmark and we have stated our ahead of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. (AFP) oday’s Monaco Grand Prix qualifying is on and Senna’s time now seems slow in comparison intentions. We are here to try and win this likely to see the fastest lap yet around For- with those being set by the current crop of cars and race and to be the dominant team,” he said. yesterday. on Thursday trimmed Senna’s lap time by mula One’s most glamorous circuit but a far drivers with their V6 turbo hybrid engines and hy- Ricciardo’s lap in 1:11.841 set a new out- Verstappen will be bidding to out-pace 12sec. Such a gap seemed unimaginable in slower one from 30 years ago will always be persoft tyres. right lap record for the Monte Carlo circuit, his teammate and the rest to become the the past, but improved cars, track surfacing Trevered as one of the greatest ever. Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who dominated which appears to suit perfectly Red Bull’s youngest pole-sitter in F1 history, a record and tyres have made it possible and the Red On May 14, 1988, Brazilian Ayrton Senna steered Thursday practice for Red Bull, lapped the har- chassis and the pink-walled new ‘hyper- currently held by four-time champion Se- Bull raced around Monte Carlo as if it was his Honda-powered McLaren MP4/4 car onto a dry bourside circuit in a record 1:11.841. Senna’s lap soft’ tyres. That car advantage, he believes, bastian Vettel, who was third for Ferrari on on rails. Hamilton, whose 2008 victory was track and put on a masterclass that is still discussed still fascinates, however, even if it was not caught could be enough to give them an advantage Thursday. the fi rst by an Englishman at Monaco since in astonished tones. It was, as the late triple world in its entirety on television because of the nature of over both Ferrari and Mercedes when they Vettel claimed his pole for Toro Rosso in Graham Hill in 1969, may lead the champi- champion eloquently explained, almost unreal. qualifying at the time and the technology available. turn up their engine modes to ‘qualifying’ Italy in 2008 at 21 years and 73 days. Ver- onship from Vettel by 17 points, but he rec- “I was already on pole and I was going faster and A taste of it does exist, however, because McLaren levels today. stappen will not be 21 until September 30 ognises he faces a major challenge. faster. One lap after the other, quicker and quicker this week put together a re-imagined version on “Our gap from practice to qualifying isn’t and has a perfect opportunity. “To make a “We are not so far away as we feared we and quicker,” he told Canadian reporter Gerald Don- their website (https://www.mclaren.com/for- normally as big as Ferrari and Mercedes. diff erence here compared to other drivers, may be and we are not entirely lost or in the aldson some time later. “I was at one stage just on mula1/2018/legendary-laps/greatest-lap-youve- They will close that gap, defi nitely. But I feel they all think the same, so you have to risk a dark about what to do,” he said. “Let’s see pole, then by half a second, and then one second... never-seen-2319881) with commentary by the vet- that if we can put together a really good lap bit more between the walls,” said the Dutch- what we can do.” and I kept going. Suddenly, I was nearly two sec- eran voice of Formula One Murray Walker. again, we have a chance for pole. And that’s man. “I haven’t changed and that is my way Hamilton was fourth behind Vettel on onds faster than anybody else, including my team- On the Sunday, Senna failed to win in anoth- my job for Saturday.” — to try to extract the most from the car and Thursday, six-tenths adrift of the pace, but mate with the same car. And I suddenly realised that er drama that resonates down the ages. Leading Thirty years on from the weekend of Ayr- the track.” he remained hopeful. I was no longer driving the car consciously.” Prost by a massive margin, he set fastest laps until ton Senna’s celebrated 1988 pole lap for Remarkably, Brazilian Senna’s lap in Ricciardo, however, and his Red Bull team Midway through the session, Senna recorded a McLaren told both drivers to ease off . McLaren and 10 years on from Hamilton’s 1988 lifted him 1.4sec clear of his McLaren will not be as helpful, or charitable, if they lap of one minute 25.6 seconds. Then he clocked a They did, but Senna hit the barriers at Portier, the fi rst victory in the Mediterranean principal- team-mate Frenchman Alain Prost on a day are leading tomorrow’s race, as they were in 1:24.4. right-hander before the tunnel. While he strode off ity, Red Bull appeared to be in the mood to that has gone down in F1 folklore. Equally 2016. “Yeah, I am owed this one, I guess,” he And fi nally a 1:23.998. His French teammate Alain to brood in his nearby apartment, Prost won — pain smash records as the teams and drivers re- remarkably, to emphasise the speed for laughed. “I don’t want to go through that Prost, who had won two of his four world champi- and glory in one weekend. laxed on Monaco’s traditional F1 ‘rest’ day the modern breed of cars, Ricciardo’s lap again.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 7

RAKING IT IN From fl ipfl ops to cars: IPL pulls in the advertisers Star says IPL ad revenue is surging compared with 2017 Q Indian audience for IPL this year may exceed FIFA World Cup

FOCUSDECISION TIME International cricket struggles as T20 nomads chase white ball gold

AFP “only in a way that does not prej- New Delhi udice international cricket and makes sure that we have the best players in international cricket,” sian nations are clamp- said Richardson. ing down on the The committee will have to number of fi t Twenty20 leagues into the Aleagues players can international calendar, organise compete in as global cricket player release but also look at chiefs struggle to regulate the “whether there needs to be re- format’s phenomenal rise. strictions on players playing in a But with stars like West In- certain number of leagues,” said dies batsman and Richardson. England’s Ben Stokes making “We are not only talking about fortunes in the cash-rich Indian restrictions on players but also Premier League (IPL), Austral- making sure that any leagues ia’s Big Bash League and other that do take place, the players Twenty20 tournaments around are properly protected, there the world, players are likely to are minimum anti-corruption resist any attempt to impose re- standards, anti-doping, pay- strictions, their union says. ment of player contracts, all In recent weeks, the Pakistan those kind of things.” Cricket Board has told contract- Richardson said sanctions ed players they can take part in may be needed “to make sure only two Twenty20 leagues a that private promoters are not year, one of which must be the just making money and running Pakistan Super League. away with it.” Bangladesh allows its players In January the ICC ordered a to compete in only two foreign corruption investigation into the leagues, and participation in do- Ajman All-Stars League in the mestic fi rst-class tournaments is United Arab Emirates, which had also mandatory. featured several former interna- The West Indies suff ers most tional players. from the multi-billion dol- Both the Emirates Cricket cricketers celebrate after winning the 2018 (IPL) Twenty20 first qualifier cricket match against at the lar global Twenty20 circus and Board and the ICC had refused to Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on May 22. The IPL is a virtual cash cow whose popularity shows no sign of waning 10 years after its launch. wants the International Cricket endorse the league. Council (ICC) to restrict players’ But the international play- mobility and for national boards ers’ union, FICA, warned that Reuters we have gone through it we have realised And the tournament is doing well be- India — not just English and Hindi — to get a cut of their Twenty20 it would not accept “arbitrary” Mumbai it is even bigger than we thought it was... yond the traditional TV format. The across a range of specialist Star channels earnings. decisions on Twenty20, which in its scale, in its depth, in the follower- match between Chennai and Hyderabad and digital platforms. There are at least 10 Carib- players increasingly see as their ship that you get.” earlier this week set a new global record “It (IPL) provides for us a very, very bean stars in this year’s IPL, main format of the game. dvertising rates for this season’s The success of the tournament, which of 8.26mn concurrent viewers on Star’s turbo-charged atmosphere,” said Sid- including Dwayne Bravo, who “The cricket world is in many Indian Premier League cricket only began in 2008, refl ects not only the video streaming platform, Hotstar — the dharth Banerjee, executive vice president will be one of the key players for ways now like football and play- tournament have shot through obsession with cricket in the world’s sec- highest-ever for a live event. of marketing for mobile carrier Voda- Chennai Super Kings in tomor- ing for your club is now the peak Athe roof with a record 125 brands ond-most populous nation but also the This Sunday’s fi nal will be between fone’s India unit, one of the advertisers. row’s fi nal in Mumbai. for a lot of players,” said Darren riding on the country’s most lucrative increasing demands from domestic and Chennai and the winners of a playoff “It gives us a step jump which lasts us Australia and England oppose Sammy, who led West Indies to sports competition, far exceeding expec- foreign companies for eff ective avenues on Friday night between Kolkata and through the year. It’s like a shot that we restrictions however, offi cials two Twenty20 World Cup tri- tations of Star India, its new broadcaster. to market their products to India’s grow- Hyderabad. Last year, the overall India take which gives us a lot of sustaining said. umphs. With the fi nal in Mumbai tomorrow, ing middle class. viewership for the fi nal reached 39.4mn, power.” ICC chief executive Dave Ri- FICA executive chairman Star is already predicting its ad revenue The Twenty20 format, which means according to BARC. Mobile gaming fi rms are also among chardson said that while Twen- Tony Irish told AFP that “genu- from the 60-game tournament, which each team can only bat for 20 six-ball More than 120 brands, ranging from those to benefi t. Mumbai-based Nazara ty20 is crucial to securing more ine reform to the structure of the runs for just over seven weeks, will total overs, makes games much faster and those selling luxury cars to fl ipfl ops, are Technologies partnered with the Ban- converts to cricket and any fu- game is needed to create a bal- about 20bn rupees ($300mn). That is up more exciting than traditional cricket advertising during Star’s coverage of the galore team last year to launch a mobile ture Olympic bid, it also risks ance between traditional inter- more than 50% from the 13bn rupees that matches. Add in a lot of razzmatazz — IPL this year. They include online retail- game based on the side led by top Indian getting out of control. national cricket and new domes- was pulled in by the previous owner of dancers, fi reworks, big screen replays and ing behemoth Amazon, mobile carriers cricketer . The council is setting up a tic T20 markets.” the TV rights, Sony Pictures Networks, music — and the games played by male Vodafone and Reliance Industries’ Jio, “We got some amazing response,” panel to formulate international “FICA continues to oppose in 2017. players appeal to a wide audience, in- smartphone maker Samsung, Coca-Cola Nazara Chief Executive Manish Agarwal T20 rules that will include the arbitrary or restrictive regula- That will only partially off set the cluding many women. and PepsiCo and automakers Ford, Tata said, referring to last year’s game. heads of national bodies, the tions imposed on players that are record 163.48bn rupees ($2.4bn) that Star said it sold 90% of its advertising Motors and Volkwagen AG’s Skoda. “Within two days, we became the No. 1 international players’ union and not part of a collectively agreed Star India, which is part of Twenty-First slots before the IPL kicked off on April 7 Chinese smartphone maker Vivo game in the top free charts on Google Play specialist lawyers. framework. Century Fox, paid last September for the and the remaining 10% within the fi rst Communication Technology is the title (India).” “One of the biggest challenges “A blanket restriction on the television and digital rights of the IPL for two weeks of the tournament. sponsor for the IPL after bidding almost Agarwal added the new version of the facing the game is caused by the number of events players can fi ve years. There was a 14% jump in televi- 22bn rupees for a fi ve-year contract last game was also seeing massive demand proliferation of domestic T20 play in should not be the mech- But Star will make additional money sion viewership for the fi rst 52 of the 60 year. from users this season. leagues,” Richardson said at a re- anism to solve inherent issues from distribution and syndication rights games, according to BARC ratings, which Despite the higher advertising prices, Cricket historian Boria Majumdar said cent ICC meeting in Kolkata. with the structure of the game and also get the benefi ts of pulling in means the competition should easily sur- the mood has been buoyant with the that there is likely to be a bigger Indian The new leagues “are com- for many reasons including legal viewers for other programming. There is pass last year’s total viewership of 1.29bn number of advertisers this year 40-50% audience for the IPL this year than for the peting for time in the sched- ones.” also an increasing audience around the when it ends on Sunday. more than in 2017, according to Vineet FIFA World Cup, the international soccer ule with international bilateral FICA is expected to take part world in the Indian diaspora and from The brand value of the franchise-based Sodhani, chief executive for media audit tournament held once every four years cricket”, Richardson said, adding in the ICC working group. But it cricket fans generally. IPL, which has eight teams, grew to an and advisory fi rm Spatial Access. that is the most watched sports event in that “private entrepreneurs” ar- said: “It is hoped that the work- “When we took it over we thought it is estimated $5.3bn in 2017, according to One of the big attractions is that the the world. ranging high-stakes leagues in ing group will appreciate the the biggest tournament,” said Star India New York-based corporate fi nance advi- companies can choose to advertise in a “For a domestic competition to have smaller countries were a growing critical importance of engage- Managing Director Sanjay Gupta. “But as sory fi rm Duff & Phelps. variety of languages spoken in parts of this level of interest is incredible,” he said. problem. ment with players and their col- The new committee will rec- lective representatives in order ommend controls to ensure that to establish a workable frame- BOTTOMLINE Twenty20 leagues are played work.” Smartphones? Not on our watch — ICC tells players Reuters Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali net whilst there,” the ICC said in doing as it was not clear if they major concern for the ICC in re- London was unsure which of his a statement. were connected to phones. cent years with a high-profi le teammates were involved, “Smartwatches in any way “I didn’t know who was wear- incident involving Pakistan on a with British media reports connected to a phone or Wi-Fi or ing them but yes, the ICC anti- previous tour to England forming he International Crick- saying two players were in any way capable of receiving corruption offi cer came to speak one of cricket’s low points. et Council (ICC) has wearing the watches but communications are not allowed to us and they told us this is not Pakistani trio Salman Butt, warned players to stop there was no suggestion of and as such we will be reminding allowed,” Hasan said after Pa- Mohamed Asif and Mohamed Twearing smartwatches any wrongdoing as it was players that such devices must kistan dominated play, Amir, who is in the current side, during play to avoid any allega- not clear if they were con- be surrendered along with their England out for 184 before reach- were part of a gambling-inspired tions of match-fi xing, cricket’s nected to phones mobile devices on arrival at the ing 50 for one at the close. plot to bowl no-balls at pre-ar- governing body said yesterday. ground on match days.” “Next time nobody will wear ranged times during a Test match Some Pakistan players were “Communications devices are Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali was them.” Only match offi cials are against England at Lord’s in Au- seen sporting the devices dur- prohibited within the player and unsure which of his teammates allowed specifi c communication gust 2010. All three players served ing the opening day of their fi rst match offi cials area. No player were involved, with British media devices to communicate with time in prison and were handed test against England at Lord’s on is allowed to be in possession of reports saying two players were their colleagues while they per- multi-year bans from the game Thursday and were cautioned by or use a communications device wearing the watches but there form their duties. after a tribunal found them guilty West Indies batsman Chris Gayle plays in almost every T20 league an ICC anti-corruption offi cer. which is connected to the Inter- was no suggestion of any wrong- Match-fi xing has become a of spot-fi xing. around the world.

Saturday, May 26, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

LORD’S TEST TRAGEDY Pak turn screw on De Silva grieving at sloppy England home aft er Visitors 166 runs ahead as Azhar, Shafiq, Azam and Shadab make fifties father’s murder

Pakistan’s Shadab Khan celebrates his half century against England at Lord’s yesterday.

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain (L) speaks with Sri Lankan cricketer at his home in Colombo yesterday. ’s cricket board will not replace allrounder Dhananjaya de Silva who withdrew from a tour of the West Indies following the murder of his father, off icials said yesterday. Ranjan de Silva, a local politician, was shot dead near Colombo late Thursday, hours before the team was due to leave for the three-match Test series in the West Indies.

Reuters overcome the great pain and suf- Colombo fering caused by this tragedy.” The board said de Silva will Reuters Azhar and Haris Sohail were afternoon session. SCORECARD not be replaced. “There will be London untroubled by the England Shafi q chopped Wood high ri Lanka batsman no replacement for Dhanan- seam attack in the fi rst hour and over the slips to reach his half- England 1st Innings 184 (A Cook Mohamed Amir ...... 19 Dhananjaya de Silva will jaya,” a board offi cial told AFP. Azhar played one glorious cover century and moved on to 59 70; Mohamed Abbas 4-23, Hasan Hasan Ali c Buttler b Anderson ..0 not travel with the team “Instead of a 17-member squad, akistan patiently ad- drive for four off Mark Wood as before he was surprised by Ali 4-51) Mohamed Abbas not out ...... 0 Sfor their West Indies we will now have 16.” vanced to 350 for eight the pair took the total to 87. a short ball from Ben Stokes Pakistan 1st Innings (overnight: Extras (lb12, w1) ...... 13 tour following his father’s kill- Police said an investigation against a toothless Wood made the break- which looped up off his bat to 50-1) Total (8 wkts, 110 overs, 498 mins) ing, (SLC) said was underway but no arrests had England attack to take through when Sohail edged an at second slip. Azhar Ali lbw b Anderson ...... 50 ...... 350 yesterday been made. Pcontrol of the fi rst Test on the outswinger to wicketkeeper Azam played some wristy Fall of : Sri Lankan media reported Sri Lanka will also miss open- Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Broad ...... 4 1-12 (Imam), 2-87 second day at Lord’s yesterday. to depart for 39. strokes to reach fi fty but he lost Haris Sohail c Bairstow b Wood 39 (Haris), 3-119 (Azhar), 4-203 (Shafiq), local politician Ranjan De Silva, er who Azhar Ali, Asad Shafi q, Babar England captain Joe Root ro- his partner Sarfraz Ahmed just Asad Shafiq c Malan b Stokes ... 59 5-227 (Sarfraz), 6-318 (Ashraf), 7-332 62, was killed by an unidentifi ed fractured a fi nger while batting Azam and Shadab Khan made tated his fast bowlers in an ef- before tea when the captain Babar Azam ret hurt ...... 68 (Shadab), 8-337 (Hasan) gunman on Thursday, just a day in the nets this month as he pre- half-centuries in a solid bat- fort to unsettle the batsmen be- skied a pull off Stokes and was Sarfraz Ahmed c Wood b Stokes 9 Bowling: Anderson 26-6-82-3; before his son was to depart to pared for a domestic tourna- ting display which left the tour- fore turning to off -spinner Dom well caught by a diving Wood Shadab Khan c Bairstow b Stokes Broad 23-9-50-1; Wood 22-4-74-1 the Caribbean for the three-Test ment. ing side 166 runs ahead and in a Bess in his fi rst test. on the fi ne-leg ...... 52 (1w); Stokes 22-5-73-3; Bess 17-0- tour starting June 6. strong position to go 1-0 up in Azhar nudged the 20-year- Azam was forced to retire Faheem Ashraf b Anderson...... 37 59-0 “We are extremely shocked, Sri Lanka squad: Dinesh Chan- the two-match series. old for a single to bring up a hurt on 68 after being struck perturbed and saddened by the dimal (capt), Mahela Udawatte, England, bowled out for 184, half-century that included six a painful blow on the arm by great loss suff ered by Dhanan- , Kusal Janith toiled on another overcast day fours, but the compact right- Stokes but Shadab Khan and The 19-year-old Shadab without scoring, but Mohamed jaya and his family,” SLC presi- Perera, Roshen Silva, Angelo at the home of cricket, drop- hand batsman failed to add to Faheem Ashraf played positive- passed 50 for the second time in Amir survived to the close un- dent Thilanga Sumathipala said Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, ping several catches in a sloppy his tally, falling lbw to a full- ly to extend their team’s lead. his three tests and was unlucky beaten on 19 with Mohamed in a statement. , Dilruwan performance which did little to length from James Shadab was badly dropped to be caught down the leg-side Abbas (nought) and Pakistan “Sri Lanka Cricket will take Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Jeff rey lift morale following their heavy Anderson. Shafi q and Azam by Alastair Cook at second slip by Bairstow off Stokes for a val- will bid to increase their lead every measure to support Vandersay, Lahiru Gamage, Ashes defeat and series lost in took Pakistan to 136 for three at off Anderson before the expe- uable 52. before attempting to bowl Eng- Dhananjaya at this time of sor- Kasun Rajitha, , New Zealand. lunch and the pair continued to rienced seamer bowled Faheem Hasan Ali was caught by Jos land out cheaply again on day row and grief for him and his Lahiru Kumara, and Asitha Resuming on 50 for one, gather runs comfortably in the off the inside edge for 37. Buttler at gully off Anderson three. family, while giving him time to Fernando.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Smith to make Rashid stars with bat and ball comeback in to put Hyderabad in IPL fi nal Canadian T20 event

IANS gorgeous shots but it was too little too Kolkata late. Earlier, Rashid blunted chinaman Kul- deep Yadav’s two crucial wickets in one fghanistan spinner Rashid over with a superb cameo. Khan starred with bat and ball Coming in to bat when Sunrisers were to help Sunrisers Hyderabad still below par on 134/6, Afghanistan’s A(SRH) fi x a date with Chen- Rashid smoked two fours and four sixes nai Super Kings (CSK) in tomorrow’s fi - to stitch together a 36-run unbroken nal after beating eighth stand off 11 balls with Bhu- (KKR) by 13 runs in the Indian Premier vneshwar (5 not out) as 50 runs came in League (IPL) Qualifi er 2 at the Eden Gar- the fi nal three overs. dens here yesterday. The fi nal will be at In the last over, (0/56) the Wankhede Stadium. conceded 24 runs with Rashid hitting a Chasing 175 for victory, KKR were four and two sixes, his second one an ex- blown away by Rashid’s brilliance before quisite fl ick over deep backward square File photo of Steve Smith. (30; 20b; 2x4, 1x6) batted leg. brilliantly to take the game till the last Kuldeep had previously removed in- Reuters as a marquee. over when 19 runs were needed off six form batsmen Dhawan (34; 24b; 4x4, Sydney Global T20 Canada will have balls. 1x6) and captain Williamson (3) to expose a total of six teams with fi ve rep- (6) hit a four off Carlos Sunrisers’ weak middle order as the visi- resenting Canadian cities — Ed- Brathwaite before picking out Rashid at tors clawed to 79/2 in 10 overs. ormer Australia captain monton Royals, Montreal Tigers, deep midwicket. In the next ball, Rashid Sunrisers Hyderabad’s celebrates after taking the wicket of Kolkata The left-arm spinner was then in- Steve Smith will return Toronto Nationals, Vancouver was in the thick of things again, taking Knight Riders’ at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata volved in a run out off his own bowling to cricket after the ball- Knights and Winnipeg Hawks. Gill’s catch to end their fi ght as KKR fi n- yesterday. to get rid of Al Hasan (28; 24b; 4x4) – tampering scandal as a The players’ draft will be held ished on 161/9 in 20 overs. playing in place of – in marqueeF player at next month’s next week. Rashid fi rst smashed a whirlwind 10- giving Shikhar Dhawan an easy catch at Rashid and combin- the 16th over to further dent Sunris- Global T20 Canada league. Cricket West Indies will have a ball 34 to pull Sunrisers out of a hole and slip. With the ever-dependable captain ing to send Rana (22; 16b; 1x4, 2x6) back ers’ endeavour. Mystery spinner Sunil Smith was banned for 12 representative team in the event propel them to 174/7 before returning (8) also dismissed earlier in the hut. Narine (1/24) and leggie Piyush Chawla months from national and state with only Caribbean players. All spectacular fi gures of 3/19 in four overs by (1/16), Gill gave KKR KKR were 93/2 at the halfway stage, (1/22) were also good in the middle overs teams for his role in the scandal matches will be held at the Maple as the -led franchise some hope. well on course to gun down the target to throw a spanner in the works of their in Cape Town in March, but the Leaf Cricket Club near Toronto. made their second IPL fi nal. gave KKR a fl ying start, but Uthappa threw away his wicket to rivals. The league leaders could never suspension does not extend to Smith and Warner will not be Rashid gave away just three runs in taking for three keep their fate in the balance. The vice- recover from there in the fi nal few overs, domestic tournaments outside available for Australia until April the fi rst over and accounted for Rob- boundaries and a six off his first four balls captain attempted an audacious reverse until Rashid came to the party. his home nation. next year. Batsman Cameron in Uthappa (2) in the very fi rst ball of in the third over. sweep off Rashid only see his leg stump The 28-year-old joins compa- Bancroft was handed a nine- his second over. The 19-year-old then The West Indian holed out to Carlos fl attened. Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders triot Chris Lynn as well as Chris month ban for the tampering in- trapped KKR’s highest scorer Chris Lynn Brathwaite (2/16) at mid on off Sidharth In the form of his life, law of averages 161/9 in 20 overs (Chris Lynn 48, Shub- Gayle and for the cident. (48; 31b; 6x4, 2x6) in front to reduce the Kaul 2/32) in the next over but Nitish caught up with skipper Karthik (8) when man Gill 30; Rashid Khan 3/19, Carlos month-long tournament. Australia, captained by Tim purple brigade to 108/5 from 93/2 in 10 Rana continued the big hitting by tonking Shakib castled him with a beautiful de- Brathwaite 2/16, Sidharth Kaul 2/32) Australia batsman David Paine, head to England to play a overs. Khaleel Ahmed for two sixes over third livery that skidded through the surface lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad 174/7 in Warner, who also received a year- series of limited overs matches In his last over, Rashid outfoxed Andre man and fi ne leg as KKR raced to 67/1 and cramped him for room. 20 overs (Wriddhiman Saha 35, Shikhar long ban for his role in the South next month, their fi rst interna- Russell (3) with a superb which in six overs. A timely run out broke the Lynn departed in the next over fol- Dhawan 34, Rashid Khan 34, Kuldeep Africa scandal, is expected to join tional cricket since the ill-fated the batsman tried to cut but ended up 47-run second wicket partnership with lowed by Russell with Gill hitting a few Yadav 2/29). the June 28-July 16 tournament South Africa tour.