SPORT SUNDAY 23 JULY 2017 21 Confident Eriksen says no signings, no problem for Suprs
Orlando courted by Manchester United. spend money to win something A young, talented side is Christian Eriksen AFP Yet Danish midfielder Erik- apparently. bristling with self-belief and sen, who has seen great upheaval “But also I read something confidence ahead of what prom- hristian Eriksen is adamant of playing personnel over his five from the gaffer where he said our ises to be a fascinating Tottenham Hotspur’s lack years at Tottenham, believes the club are just different compared campaign. Cof action in the transfer Argentine manager is cleverly to other clubs in that we don’t Eriksen added: “We as a market this summer will not and patiently building a squad spend as much money as them. team are very young and eve- hamper manager Mauricio who are aiming to go one better “When I came (to the club) ryone has a long contract, Pochettino’s push for the Premier when the Premier League sea- there were seven new players at no-one has to go away they are League title. son starts next month. the same time and you saw how happy where they are. Of course While Manchester United, “I don’t think you need to that ended and now the last few it’s something we can improve Manchester City and Chelsea spend to win anything,” said the seasons we haven’t bought as and help on because when you have all spent vast amounts in 25-year-old former Ajax mid- many players and it’s changed are young you learn and that’s the last few weeks, Tottenham fielder ahead of Saturday’s around. what we are doing now. have brought in no fresh faces to International Champions Cup “Of course you have to have “Everyone knows we have boost a squad who’ve gone close game against Paris St. Germain a philosophy. You need a plan been very close the last two sea- to landing the championship for at the Camping World Stadium. and it looks like we have one.” sons so I think in that time the past two campaigns. “It’s just a matter of how you Pochettino, along with chair- something has been brewing Indeed, the North London see a team, how the players are this season because everyone is Manchester United have man Daniel Levy, have tied down and now this is the third season side have been left weaker with - only Walker has left in our team in Europe and everyone has to already spent £100m while Chel- star striker Harry Kane to a long- with the manager to become England full-back Kyle Walker and we know what we did last think about two or three tourna- sea have just paid Real Madrid term deal while England even better than we were. signing for City coach Pep Guar- season so I can’t see why we ments and the top sides will want £58m for striker Alvaro midfielder Dele Alli also sees his “It’s the same lads trying to diola last week in a £50m ($65m) shouldn’t be able to do hopefully to win everything so the key is Morata. immediate future at Spurs become better, help each other deal while Eric Dier, the English even better. to try and keep everyone fit and But Eriksen added: “It’s an despite growing interest from and that makes it easier”, he international, continues to be “I think it will be very close sharp.” English thing where you have to across Europe. said. John Wall, O J Simpson will get his Wizards agree to a ‘supermax’ freedom, but then what?
extension Lovelock, Nevada shield his home and every- AP thing in it from seizure to Washington satisfy the verdict. But Tom AP hen O J Simpson Scotto, one of Simpson’s clos- gets out of prison est friends, said Simpson has ll-Star point guard John Win October for his no plans to buy a house. Wall and the Washing- first taste of freedom in nine Simpson played 11 sea- Aton Wizards have years, he will have the sons for the Buffalo Bills and agreed to a $170m, four-year mementos he was convicted San Francisco 49ers, and his contract extension that will of stealing in a Las Vegas league pension could be as start with the 2019 season, heist, his guaranteed NFL much as $10,565 a month, two people with knowledge of pension and, with any luck, depending on when he began the deal told The Associated certain life skills he says he collecting it, according to Press on Friday night. acquired behind bars. ESPN. The people confirmed the Beyond that, the 70-year- Cook said he believes terms of the agreement to the old sports legend faces an Simpson does not have much AP on condition of anonymity uncertain future. more than that, noting that because the Wizards have not “The legitimate main- the Hall of Famer lost his officially announced the deal. stream business Miami-area home to fore- The extension includes a opportunities for Juice in the closure in 2014. player option for the final sea- megabuck world of profes- One thing Simpson will son in 2023, and a 15 percent sional sports are slim and have is some of the sports trade kicker, according to one none,” said John Vrooman, memorabilia and family pho- Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (centre) crosses the finish line to win the men’s 100m event at the of the people. an economics professor and tos he and his armed “Re-signed with the Wiz- IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting in Monaco on Friday. Bolt clocked a season’s best sports industry expert at Van- accomplices stole from a Las ards, man. Signed my of 9.95 seconds. derbilt University. Vegas hotel room in 2007, extension. You know where I “If Americans love any- the crime for which he was want to be. I love being in D C one more than a superhero, locked up. I love the organisation. Love it is a fallen hero making a He told the parole board my teammates. Love the amaz- comeback against the odds,” on Thursday that California ing fans,” Wall said in a video Bolt on right path to he said a day after Simpson authorities investigated the posted on Twitter. “Just had to was granted parole. But ownership of the items think it out with my family and Vrooman said the odds shortly after he went to friends and made the against the one-time murder prison, concluded they were decision.” defendant and convicted his and returned them to him, “Definitely going to bring world 100m defence armed robber “now seem a turn of events he called y’all that championship,” Wall insurmountable.” “kind of mind-boggling.” added. “That’s my ultimate Monaco “There are mixed emotions Others think he will find Simpson also told the goal and I ain’t going to stop AFP always - happy for my career, a way to make ends meet, board he is a better man and until I get it.” sad that it is ending.” perhaps by signing auto- a “better Christian” and has Wall is a four-time East- amaican sprinting legend I’m going in the When asked what his plans graphs and making personal a new appreciation for those ern Conference All-Star who Usain Bolt insists he is on the were after the world champi- appearances. less advantaged. He said he was the No. 1 overall pick in right path as he targets the right direction, onships, Bolt was unwilling to “The primary asset this intends to make use of what the 2010 NBA draft out of Ken- defence of his 100m crown although there is disclose too many details. guy has is name and brand he considered the most val- tucky. He becomes the third Jat next month’s world cham- “I’m planning to chill with recognition. ... I believe Mr. uable part of his stint in still a lot of work player to agree this summer pionships in London. my family after London,” he Simpson believes he can prison — an “Alternative to to a designated player “super- In his swansong season, the to do. Running said. make a bunch of money by Violence” class. max” extension, joining 30-year-old has struggled to sub-10 is always “And my plan after this sea- returning to the memorabilia If he gets in trouble again Houston’s James Harden and light up the track. son? I’m not sure.” circuit,” said David Cook, col- in the next five years, he Golden State’s Stephen Curry. In his outings over the blue good. It was an Bolt said he was touched by lections attorney for the could be sent back to prison Wall’s deal was first riband event so far this season, exciting race, the efforts meet organisers had parents of Ronald to serve out the remainder of reported by NBA.com. Bolt had clocked 10.03sec in there was lots of gone to make his farewell Goldman. his 33-year sentence. The expensive extension Kingston and 10.06 in Ostrava appearances special. Goldman was stabbed to Scotto, for one, said comes shortly after the Wiz- against relatively weak opposi- energy. Monaco’s Prince Albert II death along with Simpson’s Simpson is not going to go on ards matched a $106.5m, tion before finally dipping under I am always here presented the Jamaican with a ex-wife Nicole Brown Simp- the personal appearance cir- four-year, max-contract offer the 10sec barrier at Friday’s Dia- for the fans, and giant golden figure of Hercules sonson in Los Angeles in 1994, a cuitcuit and instead plans to forward Otto Porter Jr. signed mond League meet in Monaco. after video clips of his medal- crime O J Simpson was sspendpend hhisis time golfinggolfing anandd with the Brooklyn Nets, which A season’s best of 9.95 sec- of course I will winning career were shown on aacquittedcquitted of the following beingbeing with family and friends. temporarily made him Wash- onds to win at a packed out miss the vibe the stadium’s big screens follow- year.year. ington’s highest-paid player. 17,000-capacity Stade Louis II around the track, ing his victory. HeHe was foundfound liableliable in Now Wall will top that. was just the tonic, the towering That came after Bolt had civil court in 1997 for the kill-kill- Wall, 26, and Porter, 24, Jamaican said of his second says Usain Bolt. delighted hordes of screaming ingsings andand was orderedordered to paypay join shooting guard Bradley appearance in Europe in his fare- fans by joining in a synchronised $33.5m$33.5m to the victims’ fam-fam- Beal, 24, to give the Wizards a well season. cheerleading dance, which ilies.ilies. TThehe verdictverdict is stillstill young core of talent. “I’m going in the right direc- ended with his trademark pose. hanginghanging over him,him, anandd tthehe The mechanics for Wall’s tion, although there is still a lot One of Bolt’s main rivals for Goldmans’Goldmans’ lawyerlawyer has extension are new to the NBA of work to do,” he said after run- the 100m crown in London will beenbeen trying forfor years to in the latest version of the col- ning a time that now moves him Bolt, winner of eight Olym- likely be Canada’s Andre de seizeseize some of Simpson’s lective bargaining agreement up to joint seventh on a 2017 pic and 11 world gold medals, will Grasse. assets.assets. and were put in place to help world list headed by Christian bring down the curtain on his But De Grasse only raced the AfterAfter getting teams hold on to their star Coleman of the United States glittering career at August’s 4x100m relay in Monaco -- his released,released, Simpson planspllans players. A player has to reach with 9.82. world championships in Canadian team failing to com- to move to FFlorida,loridaa, a certain parameters to qualify, “Running sub-10 is always London. plete the lap -- and was moved statestate with a strongstrong including making an All-NBA good. It was an exciting race, And he acknowledged that to play down ideas that Bolt had lawlaw thatthat team the prior season. A player there was lots of energy.” his final season on the track was asked organisers that he not wowoulduld can also become eligible by As in Ostrava, Bolt suffered an emotional one. race the 100m. making All-NBA in two of the a sluggish start before opening “I am always here for the “I can state that stories about prior three seasons or being up and easing through the line fans, and of course I will miss me competing here in the 100m Former NFL player named MVP or Defensive ahead of American Isiah Young the vibe around the track,” he are just rumours. It was never O J Simpson Player of the Year. by 0.03sec. said. in our plans,” De Grasse insisted. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 23 JULY 2017
Swimming body FINA India’s chance to create history re-elects London stumbled chasing a modest tar- officials to top England’s AFP get of 219 in Bristol on Heather Tuesday. 2 positions ndia have the chance to Knight and England captain Heather alter the course of cricket India’s Mithali Knight is one of several sea- Budapest history when they face Raj at Lord’s soned campaigners along with AP hosts England in the Wom- yesterday. bowlers Jenny Gunn and Kath- en’s World Cup final at erine Brunt. But Sarah Taylor, I Lord’s today. who took heart from the way ulio Maglione has been re- Since the tournament’s England had scrapped hard for elected for a third term as inception in 1973 -- two years wins, has arguably been the Jpresident of swimming’s before the men’s World Cup team’s star performer. governing body FINA, while started - it has been dominated “We can take a lot of pride Husain al-Musallam was con- by England and Australia, with into this game regardless of firmed for another term as its New Zealand, in 2000, the only what’s going to happen,” Tay- senior vice president despite other country to have won the lor said. allegations of bribery against event. “We’ve worked really hard him. The final sees this year’s edi- to get here and we’ve fought like The 81-year-old Magli- tion come full circle, with India anything.” one, of Uruguay, defeated the having upset the form book to Taylor underlined her president of European aquat- beat England by 35 runs in the standing as the best wicket- ics federation LEN, Paolo tournament opener in Derby on keeper in the women’s game Barelli, after FINA changed its June 24. with a superb stumping in a rules to remove its age limit. “It isn’t going to be easy for semi-final where she also made It was an expected victory England,” promised India cap- 54. for Maglione at FINA’s elec- tain Mithali Raj after her side’s Her performances have tion congress on the sidelines stunning semi-final win over For Raj and India pace have equally far-reaching con- India of this World Cup is that been all the more impressive of the world championships six-times champions Australia bowler Jhulan Goswami, the sequences, as Raj they have not been over-reli- given Taylor spent 12 months in Budapest, Hungary. in Derby on Thursday. leading run-scorer and wicket- acknowledged. ant on Raj and Goswami, who out of the game with anxiety Barelli complained that A 36-run victory over the taker in women’s one-day “It’s an opportunity for the nevertheless produced the issues. he wasn’t allowed to speak to title-holders was built on Har- international history respec- Indian team to make it big in delivery of the tournament to “A year ago I wasn’t even the bureau before the vote. manpreet Kaur’s stunning 171 tively, this could be the last India,” Raj, appearing in her bowl Australia captain Meg thinking that I could potentially He said that essentially ended not out. chance the two 34-year-olds second World Cup final 12 years Lanning for nought in the semi- play cricket again, so this is any hopes he had of persuad- An innings full of correct yet have to win the World Cup. after her first, said. final. The likes of Smriti massive,” Taylor said, adding ing the governing body to powerful shots ought to have But the significance of the “Everybody will be glued to Mandhana, Punam Raut and she now relished the prospect make a change at the top. banished any remaining stere- day goes far beyond what it the television on Sunday,” she Sharma have also stepped up of appearing in a final in front “There is a lack of good otypes about ‘demure’ women’s means to their cricket careers. added while recalling how when needed. of a sold-out crowd of more governance. We need trans- cricket in general and the India India’s win in the 1983 men’s India’s 98-run defeat by Aus- England, since their open- than 26,000 at ‘the home of parency,” Barelli told The team in particular. World Cup final at Lord’s turned tralia in the 2005 final at ing defeat by India, have had the cricket’. Associated Press in an inter- Certainly there was nothing the country on to limited overs Centurion, South Africa, was not potentially useful experience of “You want to play at Lord’s, view before the vote was even ‘ladylike’ about the fiercely cricket and led the world’s sec- even broadcast. winning two close games, you want to play in a World Cup completed. “Where it needed competitive Kaur’s angry reac- ond-most populous nation to “If we can pull it off, there defeating Australia by three runs final and you want to play in to be shown is during the con- tion towards batting partner become the sport’s financial will be nothing like it. It will help in pool play before seeing off front of a packed house -- that’s gress. It is not easy for Deepti Sharma after almost powerhouse. the future of women’s cricket.” South Africa by just two wick- the situation you want and anybody to understand why being run out on 98. An India win today could One pleasing aspect for ets in a semi-final where they we’ve got it.” the candidate cannot speak. This is unbelievable.” Maglione has been in charge since 2009. Al-Musallam ran unop- Women’s World Cup: The two finalists posed after FINA cleared the Fears grow Kuwaiti official on Wednes- day for re-election despite Probable teams for the Women’s World Cup final between England and India at Lord’s today fresh allegations made by (0930 GMT): British daily The Times and ENGLAND: Lauren Winfield, Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Taylor (wkt), Heather Knight (capt), Nat German magazine Der Spiegel for Ashes as Sciver, Fran Wilson, Katherine Brunt, Jenny Gunn, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Alex Hartley that he had sought payoffs INDIA: Smriti Mandhana, Poonam Raut, Mithali Raj (capt), Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, from sponsorship deals Veda Krishnamurthy, Sushma Verma (wkt), Shikha Pandey, Jhulan Goswami, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, through the Olympic Council Poonam Yadav of Asia (OCA) in 2012. pay row rages Al-Musallam is next in line to take over the top posi- T able and scores tion should Maglione be Sydney almost four months away, unable to fulfill his duties. AFP much preparation, including Women’s World Cup scores and table ahead of today’s final between England and India FINA said “there was no broadcast inventory and spon- at Lord’s (played, won, lost, no result, points, net run-rate): breach of any FINA regula- sorship and advertising deals, tions” after Wednesday’s ustralia’s cricketers have must be locked in far earlier, England 7 6 1 0 12 +1.29 - semi-finals allegations were made, much been warned this year’s Fairfax Media said. Australia 7 6 1 0 12 +1.00 - semi-finals to Barelli’s frustration. A Ashes series could be It added that the players India 7 5 2 0 10 +0.66 - semi-finals “You cannot permit the scrapped, even if a new pay had thought the two parties South Africa 7 4 2 1 9 +1.18 - semi-finals infection to enter inside the deal is reached with the game’s had reached common ground organization,” the Italian said. governing body, reports said since Sutherland joined nego- “FINA doesn’t have any yesterday. tiations earlier this month. New Zealand 7 3 3 1 7 +0.30 (mechanism) to protect them- Australian Cricketers Asso- After months of negotia- West Indies 7 2 5 0 4 -1.52 selves from the possibility ciation chief Alistair Nicholson tions, the players and CA have Sri Lanka 7 1 6 0 2 -1.09 that something really has warned the players via failed to reach agreement on Pakistan 7 0 7 0 0 -1.93 happened.” email the showpiece Test a new pay deal, leaving 230 Al-Musallam was previ- series against England, due to cricketers unemployed since Note: All eight teams played each other, top four qualified for semi-finals ously identified in United begin in Brisbane on Novem- the end of June when their Semi-finals States federal documents as ber 23, is under threat. contracts expired. Played Tuesday “co-conspirator #3” in a FIFA Negotiations over a new In an escalation of the pro- At Bristol: bribery case, when FIFA audit Memorandum of Understand- tracted pay dispute, the South Africa 218-6, 50 overs (M du Preez 76 no, L Wolvaardt 66) v England 221-8, 49.4 committee member Richard ing between players and players, through their union overs (S Taylor 54) Lai of Guam told Brooklyn Cricket Australia have all but the ACA, decided to boycott England beat South Africa by 2 wkts federal court that he was paid broken down, although this month’s Australia A tour Played Thursday six-figure bribes through the Nicholson and CA counterpart of South Africa. At Derby: OCA to advance the soccer James Sutherland are sched- Meanwhile in Melbourne, India 281-4, 42 overs (H Kaur 171 no) v Australia 245, 40.1 overs (A Blackwell 90, interests of Kuwaiti uled to meet today, Fairfax Cricket Australia has settled a E Villani 75; D Sharma 3-59) officials. Media said. dispute with former test spin India beat Australia by 36 runs Al-Musallam was allowed “If there is agreement, the bowler Stuart MacGill over to go for re-election to his No. next step would be the more more than $635,000 in salary Final 2 position on the FINA intensive MOU and contract and match payments he July 23: England v India, Lord’s (0930 GMT) Bureau, despite the Kuwaiti drafting period,” Nicholson claimed he was owed after swimming federation being told the players in an email, injury forced his retirement in suspended since October seen by Fairfax Media. 2008. 2015. “Given past experience and The 46-year-old MacGill A little over 10 days ago, the massive detail involved, agreed to mediation earlier Hungarian star Katinka this would take some time and this week ahead of a trial Hosszu took the first steps still may not be completed scheduled to start on Aug. 14 toward creating a profes- with time enough to meet the in Victoria state. sional swimmers’ union, needs of fans, sponsors and The Australian Associated signing up athletes such as broadcasters invested in the Press reported Friday that the American Katie Meili and upcoming tours and the (Aus- parties had reached an agree- Australia’s Bronte Campbell. tralian) summer of cricket. ment, but no details were While still in its formative “I add that it is hard to con- released. stages, this is very promising ceive of any further flexibility MacGill was initially seek- development. the players could possibly ing $2.06m, including $1.27m India’s Hosszu noted that other offer in these negotiations.” in match payments, prize batting star professional athletes already Cricket Australia said it money and retainers, and Harmanpreet have fought many of these was surprised and perplexed nearly $800,000 in interest. Kaur during same battles. by the ACA’s claims but would MacGill played 44 test matches nets at Lord’s “We wouldn’t need to be not comment on key details. for Australia and claimed 208 yesterday. pioneers,” Hosszu said then. Australia’s next series is a wickets. His last Test was in “There are so many inspiring Test tour of Bangladesh in 2008 on a tour of the West examples from other sports August. While the Ashes are Indies. before us.” SUNDAY 23 JULY 2017 SPORT 23 Davis Cup: Qatar beat Malaysia
Colombo QNA
atar’s tennis team took a step forwards to qualify for the second Asian Oceania 2018 Qin the Davis Cup men’s tennis tournament after beating Malaysia 2-0 on Friday in the Asian Oceanic Group 3, currently hosted by Sri Lanka. In the first match of the singles competition, Jabor Al Mutawa defeated his Malaysian rival Hao Sheng Kwai 2 sets against one, while Mubarak Shannan won the second match after Malaysian rival Mohammed Marzuki withdrew in the first set. In the beginning of the tournament, The Qatari team defeated UAE 2-1 and then managed to eas- ily beat Turkmenistan 2-0. The team lost for Lebanon 0-2 in the third meeting. The victorious Galfar Al Misnad players and officials pose for a photograph after With these results, Qatar are second to Leba- winning the Qatar Cricket Association 50 overs tournament. non in Group B. The Lebanese team, won all of their matches. The Qatari Team was facing the leaders of Group A, Sri Lanka, yesterday to decide the qual- ified team for the second Asian Oceania 2018 in the Davis Cup men’s tennis tournament. Galfar Al Misnad dominate Vice-Chairman of the National Tennis Teams Committee and head of Qatari Team mission to Sri Lanka Ibrahim Al Khulaifi expressed his delight with this victory. He pointed out that this result has been positively reflected on the technical, Qatar’s domestic cricket physical and moral situation of the team espe- cially after reaching the final of this tournament. Fawad Hussain The Peninsula
alfar Al Misnad, arguably the best cricket club in Qatar almost made a clean sweep of trophies in the recently-concluded Gdomestic season. The club, led my talismanic Qatar vice-captain Mohammad Rizlan, made it to all the four finals last sea- son winning the trophy on three occasions. Galfar Al Misnad completed hat- trick of titles in the season last month when they clinched the popular Ram- adan Twenty20 tournament, thrashing Malabar XI by eight wick- ets in the final. They had earlier won Qatar Qatar’s Jefferson Pereira in action during the Cricket Association’s One-Day Tour- Skipper of the Galfar Al Misnad team, Mohammad Rizlan (fourth right) receiving the Qatar Airways FIVB World Tour - Olsztyn beach volleyball nament and shared the Qatar Airways event in Olsztyn, Poland. One-Day trophy after the final was Tournament Premier Division’s joint-winners’ trophy during the presentation ceremony organised by the tied. Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation (QRHCF) in the presence of QRHCF and Qatar Airways officials. Galfar’s players like Rizlan, fast bowler Tamoor Sajjad and seasoned Qatar through to batsman Kamran Khan have often been winning awards in the domes- tic tournaments for their individual round 3 of performance. The team’s winning It wasn’t easy to percentage in 2017 remained over 90 percent. dominate the season FIVB World Tour Currently, four Galfar players - like this but our Rizlan, Tamoor, M Iqbal, Kamran are also representing Qatar’s national hardwork and Olsztyn, Poland team. dedication paid off: QNA Captain Rizlan terms the success of the club ‘a result of solid backing Galfar Al Misnad captain atar Beach volleyball team, Jefferson Par- from the management and team Mohammad Rizlan reira and Sherif Younis, continued their work’. Qbrilliance in the 4-star FIVB World Tour - “It wasn’t easy to dominate the Olsztyn beach volleyball event and qualified for season like this but our hardwork and the round 3 after beating their German counter- dedication paid off,” Rizlan told The Mohammad Rizlan receiving the Qatar Cricket Association Twenty20 part Dillinger / Erdman with two clean sets 21-18 Peninsula in an interview. Cricket Tournament runner-up trophy. and 21-18. “ The competition is not like before coaches like Chaminda Vass, Ruwan The team have earlier beaten the world’s and it is getting tougher after every field and net facilities. We are among his tremendous support. Without his Kalpage, Rumesh Kaluwitharane and number 14, the US team Brunner and Paterson, season. The clubs have started import- the few teams to have own nets facil- support and encouragement this suc- Roshan Mahanama. in the second round of the World Tour. The Qatari ing quality players which is making ities under lights. We also have cess wasn’t possible at all. Meanwhile, Rizlan also lauded the duo was to face their Mexican counterparts the challenge even more difficult.” modern equipment like bowling Rizlan informed that the Galfar Al Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) for yesterday. Rizlan said the success was not machine and advanced gym Misnad will be travelling to Sri Lanka raising standards of the game in Qatar. Qatari team’s participation in the tournament possible without the support of top facilities. for their offseason training camp. “QCA is doing a great job to uplift is part of their preparatory program to partaking, management of the club. “Our coaching team led by sea- “The management has planned cricket in the country. Our maiden for the first time, in the World Beach Volleyball “We are lucky to have a very sup- soned Saman Fonseka (head coach) an extensive training tour of Sri Lanka victory in the ICC tournament in Thai- Championship, which will be held in Vienna from porting management which keeps on is very competent. to prepare us for the next season. The land (in April) was the result of July 28 to August 6. motivating the players to take out the “I would like to specially thank players will attend training sessions constant endeavour by the QCA man- The draw has put Qatar in group B along with best results. The club has own cricket Satish G Pillai (Executive Director) for under the supervision of qualified agement,” he said. Latvia, Germany and Venezuela. Grace breaks major single round record with 62 BRITISH OPEN LEADERBOARD -6 Jordan Spieth (US) 2 65 69 Southport, England 16th and par-five 17th, Grace needed added. “I think he did. He never said any- -5 Matt Kuchar (US) 2 65 71 Reuters just a par on the final hole to break the The 29-year-old said that his cad- thing, so good on him, I suppose. But -4 Branden Grace (South Africa) 18 70 74 62 record -- which he did with two putts. die, Zack Rasego, had been the first to after I made the putt, that was the first -3 Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 15 69 73 outh African Branden Grace cre- The South African said he might break the news to him. thing he told me. So obviously he must Richie Ramsay (Britain) 4 68 70 ated golf history yesterday by have been helped by being unaware of “Zack came up and said, “You’re in have known,” he said. Austin Connelly (Canada) 4 67 72 Sshooting the first round of 62 at a the fact that he was in with a chance of the history books.” And I was like, ‘What American Johnny Miller was the first Rory McIlroy (Britain) 4 71 68 men’s major championship, at the Brit- making history. are you talking about?’ Now it makes player to make 63 in a major, when he Dustin Johnson (US) 17 71 72 ish Open. “I didn’t know what was going on the day even sweeter,” he said. won the 1973 US Open. -2 Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 9 68 72 In the 442nd major championship, 18, I promise you,” he told reporters. After Friday’s windy and rainy con- Grace added: “It’s special, it really Brooks Koepka (US) 2 65 72 Grace achieved what the greats of the “I honestly didn’t. You know, I was ditions, the course on the Lancashire is. It’s always nice shooting a low Ian Poulter (Britain) 2 67 70 game could not in 157 years of trying just so in the zone of playing, hole after coast was more placid on the third day, number, whether it’s any day of the -1 Bubba Watson (US) 7 68 72 and cracked the previous best of 63, hole. I knew I was obviously playing and with the soft greens and a gener- week, whether it’s in a tournament or Ross Fisher (Britain) 10 70 72 which had been achieved 31 times. really well, and making the turn in five- ous set-up, there were plenty of players with friends. 0 Jason Day (Australia) 18 69 76 65 Grace, ranked 35th in the world, under was pretty special. heading for low scores. “And to do it at the Open Champi- made eight birdies in his bogey-free, “I thought if I could make a couple Still coming to terms with his onship is pretty special. It’s something Joost Luiten (Netherlands) 6 68 72 eight-under-par third round at the par- more on the back nine, then it’s going achievement, Grace said Rasego had I really enjoyed and something I’ll Ernie Els (South Africa) 9 68 73 70 Royal Birkdale course. to be a great score. I had no idea that probably helped him by keeping the remember forever, definitely.” Sergio Garcia (Spain) 12 73 69 After making birdie on the par-four 62 was obviously the lowest ever,” he historical context to himself. SPORT Sunday 23 July 201717
PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 O J Simpson will India’s chance Galfar Al Misnad get his freedom, to create dominate Qatar’s but then what? history domestic cricket Qatar ready to give their best against Syria, says Sanchez
Rizwan Rehmat and if we don’t qualify for The Peninsula China that would be disap- pointing. So we are ready to osts Qatar will go give our best.” all out against Sanchez said Qatar won’t Syria today when take Syria - who beat India 2-0 the two sides in their opening game on meet in the final Wednesday - lightly in their Hmatch of the AFC U-23 Asian clash under lights at Jassim Bin Cup qualifying event, coach Hamad Stadium. Qatari players Felix Sanchez said. “Our rivals are strong. We celebrate Group leaders Qatar on don’t take them lightly. They after scoring Friday beat India 1-0 to post are a capable unit but meeting their wining their second successive win in them will be relatively easy goal during the four-nation qualifying because we are ready to play the AFC U-23 event being played at Jassim tough,” Sanchez said. Championship Bin Hamad Stadium. The Qatari coach was qualifying match On Wednesday, Qatar pleased after his Olympic against India at crushed Turkmenistan 2-0 to squad beat India who are Al Sadd Stadium open their campaign on a pos- coached by Stephen itive note. A win against Syria Constantine. on Friday. RIGHT: today will secure Qatar a berth “We had 90 minutes to win Qatar coach Felix at the finals to be played in this game and we did well in Sanchez reacts China. patches. I am happy with the during a training “Our focus is only to qual- result. We deserved this win,” session in this file ify for China,” Sanchez said Sanchez said. photo. after his team’s hard-fought “It was a tough match but win against India. we got all three points. India “We are a quality side and played a tough game and we This match was different from were fortunate to score a goal. I trust my team to deliver the didn’t play our game. In the the first one but both were I am proud of my players. AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP goods in their last match,” second half, we had some good extremely tough. Some of the boys were playing GROUP C: QUALIFIERS Sanchez added ahead of moments but in the last 20 “In general the first half international football for the today’s match. minutes, we had a tough time,” was tough but in the second first time and they didn’t TODAY’S FIXTURES “We will have 90 minutes Sanchez said. half, we performed slightly deserve to lose this game.” India v Turkmenistan to get the result we seek. These “Our aim is to ensure qual- better to win the match. This He added: “We lost because boys are ready to give their ification in the next game. Syria will strengthen our resolve for of another silly mistake. Venue: Al Sadd Stadium best. We won’t spare any effort have very strong potential and the last game. It will boost us Another day, it would have hit Kick-off: 5:00pm to reach our target. That will it’s going to be a tough game to give a stronger perform- the crossbar and gone inside be the target from this game,” against them. ance,” Sanchez added. (about India’s chance). They Qatar v Syria the long-serving Qatar coach “It was a tough match India coach Constantine - have shown fantastic Venue: Al Sadd Stadium said. against India. This win has who saw his side exit the event determination.” Sanchez added: “We could given us three points despite a with two losses - said: “Con- India will play Turkmeni- Kick-off: 8:00pm not qualify for Rio (Olympics) strong resistance from India. gratulations to Qatar. They stan today.
Al Sadd, Al Rayyan train in Europe Froome on brink of fourth Tour triumph
Marseille win three Tours in a row since TOUR DE FRANCE Reuters Indurain who was unbeata- S TAGE 20 RESULTS (TOP 10) ble between 1991-95. 1. Maciej Bodnar (Poland / hris Froome kept his American Lance Arm- composure in a hostile strong won seven Tour titles BORA-hansgrohe) 28:15” Cenvironment as he vir- from 1999-2005 but was later 2. Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland / tually secured a fourth Tour stripped of them for doping. Team Sky) +1” de France title after extend- Colombian Rigoberto 3. Chris Froome (Britain / Team ing his overall lead with a Uran (Cannondale-Drapac) Sky) +6” good showing in yesterday’s overcooked a left-hand cor- 4. Tony Martin (Germany / Katu- 22.5-km time trial through ner in the finale but stayed on sha-Alpecin) +14” the streets of Marseille. his bike and leapfrogged The Briton was booed by Romain Bardet into second 5. Daryl Impey (South Africa / the crowd in the Stade Velo- place overall to wrap up the Orica-Scott) +20” Players of Qatari football giants Al drome -- where the Tour with a 54-second 6. Alberto Contador (Spain / Sadd (top) and Al Rayyan (bottom) penultimate stage started and deficit. Trek-Segafredo) +21” attend pre-season training camps ended -- and also in the Old Bardet had a mediocre 7. Nikias Arndt (Germany / Team in Austria and the Netherlands Port and on the climb up to time trial and the AG2R-La Sunweb) +28” respectively. Al Rayyan will train in Basilica Notre Dame de la Mondiale rider, runner-up Poland’s Maciej Bodnar 8. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Netherlands until August 15 while Garde, as he took third place last year, salvaged a podium crosses the finish line to Cannondale-Drapac) +31” Al Sadd players are expected to behind two Poles, with Maciej win the 20th stage of the finish by one second to finish Bodnar (Bora-Hansgrohe) third, 2:20 off the pace, with 9. Stefan Kueng (Switzerland / return to Doha on August 5. The Tour de France cycling race winning in 28:15 ahead of Froome’s Spanish team mate BMC Racing Team) +34” Qatari football season which will yesterday. start on September 15. Michal Kwiatkowski. Mikel Landa taking fourth 10. Sylvain Chavanel (France / Froome finished six sec- place. Direct Energie) +37” onds off the pace and five Hinault and Jacques Anquetil. “I gave everything but I behind his Sky team mate Despite the boos, Froome was not feeling well today. I and was voted the most Kwiatkowski, who has been was gracious. rode this time trial with my aggressive rider in the race. instrumental in his leader’s “The atmosphere here is head, not my legs,” said The top three riders in the ride to what should be his incredible, it’s huge,” he said. Bardet. general classification were all third consecutive, and Team While Froome won at Nairo Quintana, who was within 29 seconds of each Sky’s fifth, victory in the last least a stage in 2013, 2015 and targeting a Giro d’Italia-Tour other going into yesterday’s six years. 2016, he has not raised his double this season, will fin- stage but there was little sus- Providing Froome avoids arms in celebration this year ish outside the top 10 after pense as Froome is a much any calamities on the 103-km in a very tight race and has taking second place in Italy. better time-trialist than Uran trek from Montgeron to the not won a single race this Briton Simon Yates and Bardet. capital he will take his Tour season. secured the white jersey for He was already ahead of haul to four in the last five “It’s a three-week race the best under-25 rider. his rivals at the first check- years -- just one behind and we rode it as such,” he France’s Warren Barguil, point while Bardet’s cycling greats Miguel Indurain said. who won two stages, will advantage over Uran had of Spain, Belgian’s Eddy Mer- Froome, 32, goes on the claim the polka dot jersey for melted after a few ckx and Frenchmen Bernard record as the first person to the mountains classification kilometres.