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Sunday, July 31, 2016 FORMULA 1 Shawwal 26, 1437 AH Rosberg beats GULF TIMES Hamilton to pole at Hockenheim SPORT Page 6

HORSE RACING / QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL Al Shaqab’s Al Mourtajez brilliant in Goodwood win Thomas Fourcy’s ward wins Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA), which is the first leg of the Doha Triple Crown

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani receives the trophy after Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Mourtajez won the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) on the last day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday.

HE Sheikh Joaan, trainer Thomas Fourcy (left) and jockey Julien Auge lead in Al Mourtajez after the Al Shaqab Racing-owned horse won yesterday.

Agencies came back up on the outside in the fi nal Goodwood, United Kingdom phase to take a good third place. Al Mourtajez, bred by Hassan Mou- sli, Nada Mousalli and Faiz Al Elweet l Shaqab Racing’s Al Mourta- had never run over the mile but it was jez demolished the opposition clearly not a disadvantage for him. in the Qatar International The Thomas Fourcy-trained horse Stakes (Gr1PA) at Goodwood had raced to an impressive victory in Ayesterday. This race is the fi rst leg of the the Qatar Coupe d’Europe des Chev- Doha Triple Crown. aux Arabes (Gr1 PA), mid-June at Directly put in the lead by his jockey Deauville. Julien Augé, the horse never let go and The French trainer said: “The horse in the home straight, he kept detaching runs very well. He can go fast, but also himself from the rest of the lot. There on long distances. He is outstanding, was Al Mourtajez and the others in this a real champion. He has been getting competition. better year after year and is getting Several lengths behind fi nished more mature. His objective is the Triple Prada T, who cantered amongst the Crown. He will run the day of the Arc Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi presents Mubarak Ajlan al-Kuwari, second secretary at the embassy of Qatar in the UK, other horses to keep the second place de Triomphe and then take his revenge the trophy to the representatives of China Horse Club-owned Lockheed, who won the presents the trophy to jockey Nathan Evans after the latter rode Hoof It to a ahead of Sir Bani Yas. The title-holder at Doha.” Qatar EBF Stallions Maiden Stakes yesterday. Qatar Stewards’ Sprint Handicap win. Ballydoyle’s Minding wins Qatar Nassau Stakes Ballydoyle-owned filly Minding ing it as simple as we could, she has raced to her sixth Group 1 win with an awful lot of class and was only do- a victory in the Qatar Nassau Stakes ing what she had to do. She’s a very (Gr1) on the fifth day of the Qatar special filly to keep coming back like Goodwood Festival yesterday. she does, she’s run in seven Group After travelling at the back of the Ones and won six of them. field beside Al Shaqab Racing’s “It’s hard to compare (horses), it’s Jemayel, she came down in the mid- hard to know how good she is; she’s dle of the home straight. The Aidan doing it over a variety of trips and O’Brien-trained filly had a minor tiff only does what she has to do.” with Godolphin’s Beautiful Romance Whereas trainer Aidan O’Brien said: and did not have a smooth passage. “We’ve been very happy with her at Minding, who was coming off a home and she’s thrived from race victory in the Pretty Polly Stakes to race. Physically she’s getting (Gr1) last month, finally took a clear stronger, and she has a super mind. advantage and detached herself eas- It can get messy in those small fields, ily towards the post. but Ryan handled it great. In second place came Cheveley Park “He said she did what she had to do Stud-owned Queen’s Trust, also seen and has become very professional. at the back during the race. We can now look at York and the She was not worried by Jemayel’s Irish Champion Stakes at Leopards- comeback, who finished fast to take town, but there is also France — she’s the third place in the competition. probably ready to go down most Jockey Ryan Moore said: “It was roads. A mile, a mile and a quarter, always going to be a messy sort of a and a mile and a half all come alike race today. It was just a case of keep- to her.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 31, 2016 SPORT

WPA WORLD 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP Defending champion Ko off to a blazing start Qatar’s Bashar Hussain, Gabica Antonio, Francisco Olita Felicilda were among the winners the Al Arabi Sports Club

Qatari players in action at the WPA World 9-ball Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Pin Yi was the star attraction as he put on a RESULTS Doha solid display against Elraousti. He next faces Group 1 Australia’s Mario He of who beat Mazen Berjadi Ko Pin Yi (TPE) bt M Elraousti (ALG) 9-1 of Lebanon 9-5. Can Ko repeat his feat in 2016 M. Berjadi (LEB) lost to M. He (AUS) 5-9 efending champion Ko Pin Yi started in Doha remains to be seen. He certainly has K. Shahbaz Adil (IND) lost to T. Hohmann (GER) 4-9 his WPA World 9-ball Championship the ability and experience. However, only Earl J. Young Hwa (KOR) bt W. Majid (QAT) 9-5 in style, with a commanding win over Strickland has won back to back titles (1990 and Group 2 DAlgeria’s Mohamed Elraousti 9-1, at 1991) so the odds on Ko standing in the winner’s Chang Jun Lin (TPE) bt Ho Sum (HKG) 9-5 the Al Arabi Sports Club yesterday. circle once again this year are long indeed. J. Ignacio (Phi) bt K. Skowerski (Pol) 9-4 Pin Yi of Chinese Taipei is making a return to Meanwhile, Qatar had three winners on the P. Makkonen (FIN) bt A. Aziz Alawadhi (QAT) 9-0 Qatar after a dramatic 2015, which saw him win day. Bashar Hussain beat Abder Rehman Me- F. Crevier (CAN) lost to J. Chua (PHI) 8-9 world titles in 9-ball and 10-ball. barki of Algeria 9-6, Gabica Antonio overcame Group 3 Last year, the Taiwanese player cemented his Mohannad al-Ghumayz of Saudi Arabia 9-7, D. Appleton (GBR) bt B. Muratore (ITA) 9-4 status as pool’s true hardcore man, defeating while Francisco Olita Felicilda put it past Teut- C. Hong Ming (TPE) bt H. Corriea (POR) 9-2 K. Boyes (GBR) bt M. Saeed (QAT) 9-5 J. Shaw (GBR) bt A. Karar (IRQ) 9-3 America’s Shane Van Boening in the fi nal, 13-11. scher Marco of Netherlands 9-7. M. Almin (BAN) bt M. Chamat (SWE) 9-4 N. OI (JPN) lost to H. Saeed Ali (ERI) 8-9 J. Campbell (AUS) lost to A. Rahman al-amar (KSA) The win was the 26 year old Ko’s second The Group stages will run till tomorrow, Au- O. Al Shaheen (KUW) lost to R. Chinakhov (RUS) A. Mahmoudi (IRN) lost to H. Toh Lian (SIN) 5-9 7-9 world championship of the year, after capturing gust 1. The players are broken up into 16 groups 4-9 J. De Luna (PHI) bt C. Wang (CHN) 9-6 R. Hart (USA) lost to C. Ko Ping (TPE) 1-9 the 10-ball world title in the Philippines seven of 8 playing a race-to-9, alternate break, dou- Group 4 Group 7 Group 9 months earlier. The two world titles in one year ble elimination format. Four players from each A. Yapp (SIN) lost to F. Sanchez Ruiz (ESP) 8-9 D. Orcollo (PHI) bt A. Mohd Karmastaji (UAE) L. Haitao (CHN) bt Kong Bu Hong (HKG) 9-6 put Ko onto that list of all time pool greats. group will make up the fi nal 64, which marks D. Peach (GBR) lost to C. Tevez (PER) 6-9 9-5 Y. Jalal (VEN) bt S. Wilke (USA) 9-6 This is the seventh straight year that Qa- the start of the always tense and dramatic single M. Al Ghumayz (KSA) lost to A. Gabica (QAT) 7-9 I. Majid (GBR) lost to R. Gallego (PHI) 6-9 N. Feijen (NED) bt Latif Fawal (Qat) 9-3 tar, through Qatar Billiards and Snooker elimination phase of the tournament. Matches R. Gomez (PHI) lost to A. Ouschan (AUT) 6-9 I. Nasution (INA) bt A. Abdulhadi Almeri (QAT) S. Kawabata (Jpn) lost to A. Kazakis (GRE) Federation(QBSF), has put its full backing be- will then become race to 11, alternate break. The Group 5 9-2 7-9 hind the sport of pool’s biggest and most im- fi nal, which takes place on August 4, will be a J. Morra (CAN) bt A. Koshovoj (UKR) 9-5 C. Goetemann (GER) lost to D. Alcaide (ESP) Group 10 portant event. Yesterday, 128 players from over race to 13. The winner of the 2016 World 9-ball L. Zhou (CHN) bt A. Ryoji (JPE) 9-2 4-9 J. Chu Bing (Chn) bt Okbani (ALG) 9-3 40 countries were in action on the opening day Championship will receive $40,000. The runner A. Pagulayan (CAN) bt M. Al Kashawi (KUW) 9-5 Group 8 H. Takenaka (JPE) lost to R. Bautista (MEX) 5-9 of the main event, even though the qualifying up will receive $20,000. The total prize fund is L. Chi Dung (VIE) bt Y. Ching Shun (TPE) 9-8 N. Ekomonopoulos (GRE) bt K. Juszczyszyn (POL) H. Chia Chen (TPE) bt Fortuński (POL) 9-7 rounds were held from July 25. $200,000. Group 6 9-3 A. Maghsoud (IRN) bt M. Immonen (FIN) 9-8

FIRST TEST Broad hails ‘complete batsman’ Root New Zealand build massive lead London: Stuart Broad believes rounded guy and I know he’ll England teammate Joe Root is be desperately hungry to get the “most complete batsman” another big score next week.” Bulawayo New Zealand’s batsman Ross Taylor finished he has played alongside. Root’s After a relatively lean start unbeaten on 173 and shared a sixth- commanding and career-best to the summer, Root’s double stand of 253 with BJ Watling (107). (AFP) 254 against Pakistan in the century in Manchester saw oss Taylor and BJ Watling scored second Test at Old Traff ord laid him deliberately avoid certain centuries as New Zealand closed the platform for a mammoth strokes. “For him to rein in his in on victory against hapless 330-run win that saw England shots slightly and just say, ‘I’m Zimbabwe after day three of the square the four-match series at going to bat big’, was a great fiR rst Test on yesterday. Taylor fi nished 1-1 heading into Wednesday’s example of how to put the unbeaten on 173 and shared a sixth- third Test at Edgbaston. team first,” said Broad. wicket stand of 253 with Watling (107) The Yorkshireman is unusual “He knew that first-innings to take the touring side to 576 for six de- in the present England set-up runs were going to be vital at clared in their fi rst innings, a lead of 412. in being a key player in all three Old Traff ord and he did it in a Seamer Trent Boult then took three international formats — Tests, no-risk way. I think that was quick as Zimbabwe closed the one-day internationals and one of the best knocks I’ve day on 121 for fi ve, still 291 runs shy of Twenty20s. “I think Joe’s prob- seen for England.” making New Zealand bat again on what ably the all-round, complete Broad said he was looking remains a fl at wicket. Craig Ervine (49 player,” said Broad, speaking at forward to returning to Bir- not out) and Graeme Cremer (14 an event staged by series spon- mingham’s Edgbaston ground, not out) will resume in the morning, with sors Investec. where England have lost only the side hoping to have Regis Chakabva “I think in 10 years’ time one Test, against South Africa and Sean Williams back after the pair there’s no doubt we’ll be sat in 2008, in the last 15 years. missed the third day through illness. with a glass of red saying, The fast-medium bowler lik- Zimbabwe came out all guns blazing in ‘Wow, I’m lucky to have played ened the raucous and partisan their second innings and scored at close with that Root fella — look at support at Edgbaston to that to six an over throughout, even as the his record in all formats’,” the Australia receive at Brisbane’s wickets tumbled. Hamilton Masakadza England paceman added. Gabba ground. “For us Edg- steered a Tim Southee to Tay- Ervine and Cremer delayed what New Zealand first innings H. Masakadza c Taylor b Southee 4 “If I had to pick two bats- baston feels very pro-England. lor at fi rst slip inside the fi rst over before seems the inevitable as they saw the R. Taylor not out 173 B. Chari b Boult 5 men to bat for my life, I’d pick You can’t say that about every Brian Chari was bowled by Boult. hosts through to the close. New Zealand I. Sodhi c Chari b Chinouya 11 C. Ervine not out 49 Alastair Cook and Jonathan ground but here it feels like the Boult induced an edge from Chamu had resumed the day on 315 for four and BJ Watling c sub b Sikandar Raza 107 P. Masvaure lbw b Boult 0 Trott, but I think Joe is prob- whole ground wants England Chibhabha to Taylor and trapped debu- lost only nightwatchman Ish Sodhi (11) Extras (15b, 4w, 12nb) 31 Sikandar Raza c Latham b Wagner 37 ably the most complete to do well, wants you take tant Prince Masvaure lbw for a golden in the fi rst two sessions as Taylor and Total (for 6 wkts dec, 166.5 overs) 576 G. Cremer not out 14 batsman I’ve ever played with,” wickets,” he said. duck as Zimbabwe were reduced to 17 for Watling plundered runs. Taylor brought Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Guptill), 2-235 Extras (5lb) 5 added Broad. “He has fewer “Those sort of atmospheres four. The wicket was a 150th in tests for up his 14th Test century from 191 balls, (Latham), 3-272 (Williamson), 4-299 (Ni- Total (5 wkts, 21 overs) 121 weaknesses — he’s a fantastic give teams a huge lift. You only the New Zealand seamer. his fi rst score over 50 in eight test innings cholls), 5-323 (Sodhi), 6-576 (Watling). Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Masakadza), 2-12 (Chari), player of spin, a good player of have to look at Australia in Ervine and Sikandar Raza (37) since he his 290 against Australia in No- : Chinouya 26-6-79-1, Tiripano 28-4- 3-17 (Chibhabha), 4-17 (Masvaure), 5-86 the short ball, a good player of Brisbane, there’s a reason they launched a counter-attack, adding 69 vember last year. Watling needed only 82-1, Masvaure 10-0-38-0, Cremer 53-4-187-1, (Sikandar Raza). quick bowling. He is a brilliant play the first Test there every in under nine overs before the latter be- 169 deliveries to reach his ton, a sixth in Sikandar Raza 25.5-4-106-1, Chibhabha 15-1- Bowling: Southee 5-1-35-1, Boult 5-1-33-3, team-man in the way he plays summer: because the crowd came the seventh victim of the match for Test . 44-1, Masakadza 9-1-25-1. Wagner 4-0-18-1, Santner 5-0-19-0, Sodhi and he’s got every tempo and give them such a lift they don’t seamer Neil Wagner with a wild hack at 2-0-11-0. every shot in the book.” lose there. Edgbaston feels like a short delivery that went straight up in SCOREBOARD Zimbabwe second innings Zimbabwe trail by 291 runs with five Broad added: “He’s a very our Gabba, so to speak.” the air and was caught by Tom Latham. Zimbabwe first innings 164 all out C. Chibhabha c Taylor b Boult 7 second-innings wickets remaining Gulf Times Sunday, July 31, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

1966 WORLD CUP TRIUMPH/ 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS English football left with mixed feelings

Reuters out of seven in total, the 2014 performance London being their worst ever at a World Cup. Being knocked out of Euro 2016 by Iceland was particularly humiliating ifty years on from the greatest day and off ered no encouragement towards in the history of English football, former Football Association chairman pessimists fear that the prospect Greg Dyke’s stated aim three years ago of of becoming world champions winning the 2022 World Cup. againF is as remote as it has ever been. “We should have won a tournament in On that day, Saturday, July 30 1966, the the last 50 years,” he said more recently. nation came together in a manner rarely “We haven’t. But we will win in the next seen since the end of the Second World 50 years, hopefully long before.” War as Alf Ramsey’s England side defeat- Others are less convinced. “We are ed West 4-2 after extra time to blinded by the Premier League,” former win the World Cup for the only time. striker Alan Shearer told the BBC. In the intervening years, the event has “We think it’s the best in the world for come to be seen as an important part of talent. It’s not. We are totally reliant on for- British popular culture, exemplifi ed in a eign players and managers for excitement. book published last year titled 1966: The We are not as good as we think we are.” Year the Decade Exploded. In the circumstances it is hardly sur- As part of the anniversary celebra- prising that the reputation of the boys of tions, British media are devoting acres ‘66 grows stronger with every passing of newsprint to the triumph and yester- year and each tournament failure. day, BBC Radio 5 Live broadcast almost 12 A number of the surviving team hours of programming based on it. members are suff ering from ill-health, That included a 90-minute phone-in, adding further poignancy to memories in which football fans were called upon of their World Cup victory. to off er unfavourable observations about Nine of them survive, although at the present state of the national team least half a dozen have suff ered from ei- and most of its predecessors. ther cancer or serious memory loss. Sam Allardyce has just been appoint- Skipper Bobby Moore died of cancer ed as the 12th full-time manager since in 1993 aged 51, followed by manager Ramsey was sacked in 1974. The best any Ramsey in 1999 and midfi elder Alan Ball of the other 11 achieved was losing on eight years later. penalties in the semi-fi nals of the 1990 “As a team we remain great friends World Cup (Bobby Robson) and Euro 96 and have kept in touch, but it is getting (Terry Venables). harder to meet up with some of the guys Germany, taking ample revenge for now because they are not well,” goal- 1966, won each of those matches and keeper Gordon Banks said this year. went on to take the trophy. The consolation is retaining their In the last two tournaments, England unique place in the country’s sporting MOMENT OF GLORY: Fifty years back, on July 30, 1966, the nation came together in a manner rarely seen since the end of the Second World War as under Roy Hodgson won only one game history. Alf Ramsey’s England side defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra-time to win the World Cup for the only time in England’s football history.

FOCUS Ibrahimovic delighted to make United debut in Coach Ranieri sets front of fellow Swedes ‘survival’ target for champions Leicester ‘It’s the same this season at the start—to achieve 40 points, to be solid and to believe in yourself’ AFP London AFP Los Angeles eteran Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic said yesterday he is ith a fi rst Premier Vdelighted his compatriots will get to League title under their see the moment ‘everyone has been waiting belts and a place se- for’, namely his debut for new club Manches- Wcured among Europe’s ter United in his homeland. footballing elite, Leicester City could Ibrahimovic will lead United’s frontline be forgiven for expecting the silver- in the pre-season friendly with Turkish side ware to just keep coming. Galatasaray in Gothenburg, Sweden, after But the Foxes’ Italian boss Clau- missing the club’s trip to China. dio Ranieri is keeping his players’ feet Ibrahimovic, who has had to wait till fi rmly on the ground, insisting the goal the end of his career to play in the Premier for 2016-17 remains the same as 12 League having won titles in Italy, Spain, months earlier — avoiding relegation. France and the Netherlands, said it pleased “It’s the same this season at the him his compatriots would be the ones to start — to achieve 40 points, at the see him don the United shirt for the first time beginning, to be solid and to believe in since arriving on a free transfer from French yourself,” the 64-year-old Italian said. champions Saint Germain. Leicester, 5,000/1 outsiders in “Everybody has been waiting for that mo- pre-season, were crowned champi- ment,” a typically immodest Ibrahimovic told ons for the fi rst time in their 132-year the club’s television station MUTV referring history in May, handing Ranieri his to his first appearance. fi rst domestic title as a manager. “There has been a lot of talk and to make Ranieri, who will surely have the my debut in my country will feel great. tougher task, has been busy in the “I think the fans are waiting for me to transfer market, beating the club come back and they are waiting to enjoy not record outlay twice in a week to se- only me, but the team as well. cure French midfi elder Nampalys “Hopefully, we can give them a good Mendy for £13mn ($17.2mn, 15.4mn game and, at the same time, we are in the euros), and Nigerian forward Ahmed preparation. Musa for £16.6mn. “We need to keep focused, to build up the One of Ranieri’s biggest headaches physical part and the conditioning part but ahead of the season opener at Hull we will give them what they want.” will be keeping his team of newly- Ibrahimovic, 34, who retired from interna- minted all-stars together, with big- tional football following a disappointing Euro spending Premier League rivals dan- 2016 campaign in France, said he had been gling lucrative contracts. Leicester City coach Claudio Ranieri impressed with the first few days of training Welsh international midfi elder (left) jokes with club’s Thai owner under United manager Jose Mourinho, for Andy King — the only player in the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha during a whom he played at Inter Milan. Premier League era to have won titles training session in Carson, “Positive vibes. They seem to be good in the top three tiers — gave the man- California, on Friday. (AFP) guys, quality players, they train very hard ager a boost by signing a four-year and, during the training, are very focused,” deal on Friday. said Ibrahimovic. The 27-year-old, who made gain £5.6mn, was a revelation in break- “I think they want to stay with us more,” Ranieri said. of Leicester’s title-winning campaign “The coach (Mourinho) — he is direct, he his Leicester debut in 2007, joins ing down attacks and was shortlisted to try to improve our last season. We One problem for Ranieri going into and was a key part of their success, is concrete, he says what he wants and the 19-year-old Ben Chilwell in commit- for PFA Players’ Player of the Year. know it is very diffi cult but we are am- the new season is that his team has forming a rock-solid central defensive players are adapting. So there are only posi- ting to the King Power Stadium along Ranieri said he expected Leicester bitious,” Ranieri said. “It is important lost the element of surprise, and will partnership with Robert Huth. tive things.” with Jamie Vardy, who has rejected an to cope fi ne without the star, as they they sign, stay with us and (get) expe- not benefi t again from being under- “It’s fantastic to be here. It’s a lot Ibrahimovic, who scored 156 goals in 180 off er from Arsenal. had when Argentine midfi elder Este- rience in the Champions League.” estimated by opponents. “We have to diff erent to 12 months ago,” he said. appearances for PSG, said he didn’t feel his Ranieri told reporters King was ban Cambiaso moved to Greek giants Ranieri said the chairman, Thai change something because the other “It’s a pleasure to be in a prestigious age because of his attitude to training and “a good example for everybody,” and Olympiacos in the last close season. billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanapra- teams know us very well. We have to competition like this, to come to playing. described Chilwell as “one of the Kante’s teammate, Algerian in- bha, was ready to fork out if the man- make a plan B,” Ranieri said. these types of places and play against “I believe in working hard,” he said. “Not best young players in the UK”. But ternational Riyad Mahrez, has also ager decided he needed more players. Towering captain Wes Morgan, the world’s best teams.” only in games but even in training. the team’s all-action defensive mid- been at the center of summer transfer Polish international winger Bar- who signed a new contract with the Morgan said his teammates were “The way you train is the way you play in fi elder N’Golo Kante went earlier this speculation alongside Kasper Sch- tosz Kapustka, 19, confi rmed yester- club to June 2019, is relishing his still “buzzing” over their title win the games — that’s my philosophy. month on a fi ve-year deal to Chelsea meichel and Danny Drinkwater. day he is is on the verge of a £7.5 mn participation in the exhibition ICC, but warned: “We can’t dwell on that. “Working hard, training hard and feeling for a reported £32mn. Ranieri said, however, he expects switch from Polish club Cracovia. which involves 17 clubs playing on There’s another season ahead and we good. Then you need to get the rhythm by Kante, signed for Leicester last sum- all three to still be at the club when “We are waiting, and when this play- four continents. have to focus on that. We’re here to playing games.” mer from French club Caen for a bar- the transfer window closes. er is with us I will tell you something The 32-year-old played every minute work and we’re here to get a job done.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, July 31, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS PSG’s Krychowiak eyes Champions League glory

AFP makes you want to come here and be from Nice. The French champions have The French champions were sched- Los Angeles part of that adventure.” also secured the services of Belgian in- uled to face surprise English champi- The 26-year-old won back-to-back ternational Thomas Meunier from FC ons Leicester City in the International Europa League titles with Sevilla be- Bruges, pipping rivals from across Eu- Champions Cup yesterday night in oland international midfi elder fore signing for PSG on a fi ve-year deal rope to get the deal across the line. California, an exhibition tournament Grzegorz Krychowiak said earlier in July for a reported 26mn eu- The 1.90 metre (6ft 3in) right-back, which involves 17 clubs playing on four yesterday he had moved to ros ($28.9mn). 24, who featured twice for Belgium at continents. PParis Saint-Germain to power Krychowiak, who started his career Euro 2016, has signed a four-year deal The Foxes, 5,000/1 outsiders in pre- the French giants to an elusive fi rst at Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, links up again for an undisclosed fee. season, were crowned champions for the Champions League trophy. with former Sevilla coach Unai Emery, “When a club like PSG knocks at fi rst time in their 132-year history in May, The Qatar-backed club dominates now at the helm of PSG. your door, you can’t hesitate too long beating much bigger rivals like Manches- at home, having won four consecutive “Every year PSG is progressing, to make a decision,” Meunier told re- ter United and Arsenal to the title. Ligue 1 titles, but has never progressed evolving and getting better, and I try porters at the StubHub Center, home “It’s a pleasure to see the Leicester beyond the quarter-fi nals of Europe’s to do the same in my career,” said the of the LA Galaxy. “I asked myself a lot City story — it’s great for football,” said elite competition. midfi elder, who was part of Poland’s of questions. Coming from the Belgian Emery. “It’s such a fantastic story that “PSG is one of the biggest clubs in Euro 2016 squad eliminated in the league, would I be able to step up to the not only the big teams can win the Pre- Europe,” said Krychowiak, who was quarter-fi nals by Portugal. “I went to level played here?” mier League, but also a small team like in Los Angeles with his new team- Sevilla to become a better player. That But he added: “I couldn’t refuse Leicester who can come up and over- mates for the pre-season International was the aim for me going there, and in PSG, I couldn’t turn down coming to come all that competition. Champions Cup (ICC). coming back to play for PSG — one of join one of the top fi ve European clubs.” “Thanks to the Premier League, “Coming here gives you the oppor- the best teams in the world.” Emery took over at PSG last month their story has become recognized tunity not only to play in the Champi- Krychowiak was PSG’s second re- from Laurent Blanc, who won the do- worldwide, which makes tomorrow’s ons League but also the opportunity to cruit of the summer after French in- mestic treble twice in a row but failed match even bigger — the French cham- win it. And that motivates the player, ternational midfi elder Hatem Ben Arfa to make substantial progress in Europe. pions against the English champions.”

SPOTLIGHT Atletico sign forward Gameiro from Sevilla

Atletico Madrid will sign French reer last term, scoring 29 goals in forward Kevin Gameiro from all competitions, including 10 in fellow La Liga side Sevilla, the Europe, but missed out on selec- Champions League runners-up tion for Dider Deschamps’ France announced yesterday. The fee Euro 2016 squad. Atletico coach was undisclosed, but media Diego Simeone had been looking Man City reluctant reported that the capital city to strengthen his forward line, as side paid about 32mn euros Griezmann and Fernando Torres ($35.8mn, £27mn) for Gameiro’s have been sharing the bulk of services. He arrives at the Vice- the striking duties. Argentinian nte Calderon stadium on a four- Simeone had also added former year deal, and will join up with Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan compatriot Antoine Griezmann in and Croatian defender Sime attack. The 29-year-old joined Se- Vrsaljko to his squad this to meet Everton’s villa from Paris Saint-Germain in summer. Atletico have also 2013 and was part of the side that announced that striker Luciano won three consecutive Europa Vietto, who only joined the club League titles. Gameiro enjoyed last year, would leave and go to the most prolific season of his ca- Sevilla “for the next season”. Sevilla replace Gameiro with Ben Yedder valuation of Stones Sevilla signed forward Wissam Ben Yedder from French side Toulouse on a five-year deal yesterday, as they look to bolster their squad fol- City’s preferred price is around £40mn, while Everton are quoting £50mn for Stones lowing the departure of Kevin Gameiro. Ben Yedder, 25, comes in for a cut price of just 9mn euros ($10mn, £7.6mn), after scoring 23 goals last season to help Toulouse dramatically avoid relegation from Ligue By Jamie Jackson in Shenzhen 1. “Ben Yedder is a new striker of Sevilla subject to a medical,” the Spanish club said on their Twitter account. Sevilla saw Gameiro, their top scorer from last term, leave for Atletico Madrid yesterday, and have acted quickly by replacing him with another French attacker. anchester City are The reigning Europa League champions, who are now coached by reluctant to match Chilean Jorge Sampaoli after Unai Emery left for Paris Saint-Germain, Everton’s £50mn also brought in Luciano Vietto from Atletico on a season-long loan. Mvaluation of John Stones, with their preferred Zenga appointed as new Wolves head coach price being around £40mn, plus potential add-ons. City have had Wolverhampton Wanderers have whose previous managerial stint this bid rejected but their sport- appointed former Italy goalkeep- was in the Middle East with Al- ing director, Txiki Begiristain, er Walter Zenga as their new head Shaab last season, has managed does not want to go higher. coach, the English Championship sides including Steaua Bucharest, Stones has told Everton he club said yesterday. Wolves acted Red Star Belgrade, and Catania, wishes to leave but, given the quickly in naming a replacement Palermo and Sampdoria in Serie club’s refusal to budge from its after they sacked manager Kenny A during an 18-year coaching desired price, the 22-year-old is Jackett on Friday, a little more career. The 56-year-old, who kept in a similar position to last sum- than a week after China-based five clean sheets for hosts Italy mer. Then Chelsea wanted to Fosun Group took over the sec- when they finished third in the buy him but the central defender ond tier side from long-standing 1990 World Cup, will formally take was not sold as the London club owner Steve Morgan. Zenga, charge of the squad tomorrow. would not raise their off er to meet Everton’s valuation. PSG interested in Real’s Jese, says Emery Despite City’s stance, talks are ongoing and Pep Guardiola’s need Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery said yesterday that the to sign a high-class centre-back French champions could sign Real Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez because of concern over Vincent before the end of the transfer window. The 23-year-old would provide Kompany’s long-term fi tness support in attack to Edinson Cavani for PSG, who saw talismanic could yet force the club’s hand. striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic leave at the end of the past season before Twelve months ago City were joining Manchester United. “It’s a possibility, as are other opportuni- also resistant to raising the transfer ties in the transfer window,” Emery said during PSG’s tour of the US. fee for Raheem Sterling, initially “I know Jese well, the club knows Jese well, he is a good player.” Jese informing Liverpool they would scored five league goals for Real last season, but struggled to force his not pay the £49mn the Merseyside way past Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to get club wanted. Yet in order to close into the starting line-up. PSG will open the domestic season in a week’s the deal City fi nally off ered the full time against Lyon in the French Champions’ Trophy. amount for the forward. Guardiola wants Stones for his Argentina team robbed at Mexico hotel ability to start the play from de- fence and if the England interna- club, Independiente. He has spo- completing the signing of the As- he’s going to go. There are other Gueye joined Villa from Lille Argentina’s Olympic football tion said in a statement that an tional is acquired City may drop ken previously of doing so. ton Villa midfi elder Idrissa Gueye, clubs interested, that’s right, but last summer and made 38 ap- team have complained that cash agreement was finally reached their interest in Leonardo Bo- City may also off er Fernand- despite rival interest, according to the only offi cial bid so far has pearances, scoring once, as the and electronics were stolen from between the AFA, the Camino nucci, the 29-year-old Juventus inho a new deal. The 31-year- the Championship club’s manager, been from Everton. club were relegated from the top its players’ hotel rooms while Real hotel and an insurance firm centre-back. old Brazilian has two years re- Roberto Di Matteo. He said Ever- “There’s not much I can do fl ight last season. He could be- they were playing a friendly to compensate the Argentine City are expected to announce maining on his contract and has ton had instigated Gueye’s £7.1 mn because he had a clause in his come Everton’s fi rst major sign- in Mexico. Argentina Football delegation. Tapia said earlier a one-year contract extension impressed Guardiola since the release clause, which expires at the contract and that’s something I ing of the summer after they ap- Association (AFA) vice-president that the team had given several for Sergio Agüero before the sea- 45-year-old took over on July end of the transfer window. inherited, and my hands are tied. pointed the former Leicester City Claudio Tapia said the theft took statements to the authorities son opener at home to Sunder- 1. He was among City’s better “It’s public Everton have trig- We will be losing him. The fact he assistant manager Steve Walsh, place when Mexico and the and complained of a “total lack land on August 13. It is thought performers in last season’s dis- gered his clause and he’s going to is leaving is basically down to the who helped fi nd Riyad Mahrez South American team played to of respect” in the way the issue the 28-year-old has agreed the appointing campaign and Guar- leave,” Di Matteo said. “There’s clause he has in his contract, oth- and N’Golo Kanté, as director a 0-0 draw in the central city of was handled. He had warned terms on a deal to 2020. After diola has described him as being no news so far but the expecta- erwise there would be no chance. of football. The only arrival has Puebla on Thursday night. It was that the delegation would not that Agüero may return to his able to play “10 positions”. tion is, once personal terms are We’re not a club looking to sell, we been the goalkeeper Maarten the last preparation game be- leave the hotel until it received native Argentina and his fi rst Meanwhile, Everton are close to agreed and a medical (is done), don’t have to, we don’t need to.” Stekelenburg from Fulham. fore both countries compete in guarantees that it would be the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, compensated. “You know what’s which start this Friday. “When the strangest thing? It’s that they we returned at 11:40 pm and have verified and know who Argentina need Messi, says country’s acting FA chief went up to the rooms, we real- is the thief from the (security) ized that they had been robbed,” cameras, so they are protecting AFP spoken with Jorge, his father, who team. But we have a huge obsta- Tapia said, without specifying the thief,” he said before the Buenos Aires told me he would be available cle in economic terms because how much money was taken. Mexican football federation an- on these days,” added Perez, the he’s under contract with Sevilla,” The Mexican Football Federa- nounced the agreement. head of a FIFA-appointed nor- said Perez. he acting head of Argen- malisation committee currently in Sampaoli, 56, joined Europa No deal between Juve, United on Pogba yet tina’s FA, Armando Perez, charge of the AFA. League champions Sevilla last Tinsisted he would do all he “We’ll see what he tells me. I want month after replacing Unai Em- No deal has been reached between Juventus and Manchester could to lure Lionel Messi out of to know the reasons that drove him ery and the club have ruled out United concerning the touted transfer of French international Paul international retirement during to quit the national team and to see the Argentine’s departure or any Pogba, the player’s agent Mino Raiola insisted yesterday. “Journal- an upcoming visit to the Barce- if I can do something to get him to job-sharing arrangement. ist = parrots. No deal done between clubs,” Raiola wrote on Twitter. lona superstar in Spain. come back,” he said. He has a six-million-euro “It’s a game between Italy press and UK press who announce it first “We need Messi,” Perez stressed Perez is also due to meet Sevilla release clause, although Perez and who is worse.” United have reportedly had an £86mn ($113mn, yesterday, with Argentina left in coach Jorge Sampaoli, the man conceded the AFA didn’t have the 102mn euros) off er turned down by the Italian champions as they try shock after the five-time world who led Chile past Argentina to funds available to buy Sampaoli to lure Pogba back to Old Traff ord four years after allowing him to player of the year announced his their maiden Copa America title out of his contract. leave on a free transfer. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho retirement following a penalty a year ago and is AFA’s “number “But we’ll try and free it up one all but confirmed United were interested in signing the 23-year-old shootout defeat to defending one candidate” for the vacant way or another,” he said, with Perez playmaker last week, stating: “You have smoke, you have fire. I am champions Chile in last month’s manager’s role. also due to holds talks with sports- not going to try to make you naive and believe that we are not try- Copa America Centenario final. “I spoke to him and I know he wear giant Adidas over a new deal ing for one player.” Raiola responded on Twitter the following day: “I am going to Madrid. I’ve wants to manage the national with the Argentine federation. “There is no deal done regarding Paul Pogba, lots of bla bla bla.” Gulf Times Sunday, July 31, 2016 5 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Kerber, Halep Djokovic, Monfi ls to meet in reach Toronto semis last four clash AFP little resistance against Russia’s Montreal Kasatinka she said Halep would be another matter. “It’s going to Djokovic needed two hours to win his 12th straight match against Berdych. be tough,” Kerber said. “We’ve omania’s Simona Ha- played a lot of good matches in AFP lep rallied for a 3-6, the past.” Toronto, Canada 6-1, 6-1 victory over In the day’s other quarter- Svetlana Kuznetsova fi nals, world No. 121 Kristina onR Friday to set up a semi-fi nal Kucova’s fairytale run continued ovak Djokovic said he needed showdown with Angelique Ker- on Friday night with a straight some luck to escape on Friday ber at the WTA Montreal tour- set win over 15th seeded Johanna with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 victory nament. Halep, seeded fi fth, Konta. The Slovakian qualifi er, over Tomas Berdych for a place will have a chance to avenge her who ousted Canada’s Eugenie Nin the semi-fi nals of the ATP Toronto quarter-fi nal Wimbledon defeat Bouchard in the third round, Masters. The top seed with three Ca- at the hands of Australian Open fashioned a 6-4, 6-3 victory to nadian titles was tested in a 71-minute champion Kerber, who reached end Konta’s impressive recent opening set but survived before motoring the fi nal four in Montreal with an run and quash her hopes of be- to victory over a top 10 rival he has now emphatic 6-2, 6-2 victory over coming the fi rst British player in beaten in 25 of 27 meetings. teenager Daria Kasatinka. 32 years to reach the top 10. Djokovic needed two hours to reach the Gael Monfils of France reacts “It was very tough, I feel really Kucova’s win sets up a semi- fi nal four, winning his 12th straight match after breaking serve against tired now, she played very well fi nal clash with tenth seeded against Berdych. Milos Raonic of Canada and she’s very strong so I knew Madison Keys who defeated The Czech has now lost 17 straight during the Rogers Cup in it was going to be like this,” Ha- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-6 matches against top fi ve opponents. But Toronto on Friday. (AFP) lep said. “All I can say is that I’m (7/3), 1-6, 6-0. “I cannot believe it was not all one-way traffi c for Djoko- very happy I could win against it, I’m so happy. There is no se- vic, who struggled to close out a testing her, because we always have cret to my success, I feel so good tiebreaker. tough matches.” here, I get so much energy from Berdych showed his desire by winning Once Halep shook off some the crowd,” Kucova said. “Al- fi ve consecutive points from 1-3 down in early nerves, she was able to though I’m already a bit tired but the fi rst-set decider, only to miss on three pressure the Russian veteran’s they help me through.” set points as he fi nally handed over the set serve and was rewarded when to his opponent. Djokovic earned a sec- Kuznetsova surrendered an QUARTER-FINALS RESULTS ond-set break for 2-1 and rode the margin early break in the second set (x denotes seeded player): to his eventual victory in a match which with a double fault. Halep seized Simona Halep (ROM x5) bt Svetlana was well below his best level. control for good with an early Kuznetsova (RUS x9) 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 “I don’t know how I got out of that tie- break in the third to keep alive Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt break,” Djokovic said. “I guess I was just her hopes of improving on her Darya Kasatkina (RUS) 6-2, 6-2 able to focus on the next point. “Tomas runner-up fi nish in Canada last Madison Keys (USA x10) bt Anasta- had a double-fault (on set point) and year — when she retired from the sia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x16) 7-6 some errors. I was very fortunate to win fi nal against Belinda Bencic with (7/3), 1-6, 6-0 that fi rst set. I really had some relief going an illness. Kristina Kucova (SVK) bt Johanna into the second.” While Kerber encountered Konta (GBR x15) 6-4, 6-3 Djokovic will line up against on-form Frenchman Gael Monfi ls, who domi- nated Canadian fourth-seeded and home favourite Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-4 in 72 minutes. Monfi ls, who won last week’s Washington title, was untouchable on the night. “I played good, I’m strong, full of confi dence,” he said. “I feel confi - dent with my game. When I’m in shape, I’m tough to beat.” Second seed Stan Wawrinka stormed into his fi rst semi- fi nal here, thrashing South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 6-1, 6-3. The Swiss second seed will next face Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori, who beat former top-10 player Grigor Dim- itrov 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 with four breaks of the Bulgarian’s serve. Although he’s still recovering from the rib problems which forced him out of the fourth round of Wimbledon, Asia’s top player won his 39th match of 2016, fi ght- ing back in the third set after losing the second and lifting his record over Dim- itrov to 3-0. Wawrinka was in full fl ow against An- derson as he swept the opening set in a master-class display. “It was a really good match, I started Two-time Grand Slam winner (BUL) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 Anderson, ranked 34th, has yet to really well the fi rst game,” Wawrinka Wawrinka, the world number fi ve, is Stan Wawrinka (SUI x2) bt Kevin Anderson reach the fi nal four at the Masters 1000 said. “It’s one of the best matches of the chasing his fourth title of the season after (RSA) 6-1, 6-3 level, losing in all seven of his attempts. year I’ve played. It showed me that I was success at Chennai, Dubai and Geneva. Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Tomas Berdych Wawrinka needed just 73 minutes to dis- ready, aggressive, moving really well. I QUARTER-FINALS RESULTS (CZE x5) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 patch Anderson, who was limited to six was calm, served very good and mixed up (x denotes seeded player): Gael Monfils (FRA x10) bt Milos Raonic (CAN Madison Keys of US returns during her win over Anastasia aces and dropped his serve four times. my game.” Kei Nishikori (JPN x3) bt Grigor Dimitrov x4) 6-4, 6-4 Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Rogers Cup at Uniprix Stadium in Montreal, Quebec on Friday. (AFP)

MLB Suzuki closes in on baseball’s 3000-hit club

Reuters Manny Machado homered for Balti- four hits in fi ve innings, but two were Miami more, which has dropped four straight. homers that accounted for three Astros Orioles starter Kevin Gausman (2- runs. Collin McHugh (7-7) lasted only 1 8) allowed six hits, three walks and six 2/3 innings and was roughed up for 10 chiro Suzuki remained two hits runs in three innings. Blue Jays starter hits and the Tigers’ fi rst eight runs. shy of 3,000 as he went 0-for-4 Marco Estrada (6-4) gave up fi ve hits, with a strikeout in Miami’s 11-6 two walks and four runs (three earned) ROCKIES 6, METS 1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at and had six strikeouts in six innings. Carlos Gonzalez fi nished 2-for-5 with Ithe Major League Baseball on Friday four RBIs as the Colorado remained night. Suzuki lined into a double play, INDIANS 5, ATHLETICS 3 red-hot. Gonzalez opened the scoring grounded twice and struck out. Kolten Carlos Santana homered in the sixth and extended his hitting streak to 11 Wong went 3-for-5 with two RBI and inning and Cleveland scored four more games with an RBI double in the fi rst Tommy Pham had three RBIs as St. in the seventh and rallied past Oak- inning and provided the Rockies plenty Louis (56-47) took a one-game lead land. Abraham Almonte and Jason of insurance in the ninth with a long over the Marlins (55-48) for the second Kipnis had RBI singles in the seventh three-run homer. wild card spot in the National League. for the Indians. Josh Reddick and Khris The Rockies have won 11 of 15 since St. Louis right-hander Mike Leake al- Davis homered for Oakland. the All-Star break to get within a game lowed six runs in fi ve innings. of.500. James Loney went 2-for-4 with Jose Urena gave up eight runs and CUBS 12, MARINERS 1 a second-inning homer for the Mets, eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, doing so Jason Heyward and David Ross who have lost three straight and four hours after the Marlins acquired start- homered as Chicago rolled past Seat- of fi ve, a stretch in which they have ing pitchers Andrew Cashner and Co- tle. Heyward and Anthony Rizzo had scored just 11 runs. lin Rea in a seven-player trade with the three RBIs apiece for the Cubs, and Jon San Diego Padres. Lester allowed four hits in six scoreless BRAVES 2, PHILLIES 1 Suzuki is pleased with his amaz- innings. Hisashi Iwakuma allowed fi ve Rookie Tyrell Jenkins allowed an un- ing Major League Baseball career, so runs and eight hits in three innings for earned run in six innings and picked up pleased that he wants to keep playing Seattle. his fi rst major league win in Atlanta’s until he’s 50. The 42-year-old Suzuki win over Philadelphia. Jenkins, the or- made the proclamation in an interview RAYS 5, YANKEES 1 ganization’s 2015 Minor League Pitch- with ESPN, which quizzed him about Jake Odorizzi, the subject of trade ru- er of the Year, gave up four hits and four his many hitting records and talked mors, pitched six shutout innings to walks, one intentional, in his fourth a little smack about Cincinnati Reds lead Tampa Bay past New York. career start. The losing pitcher was great Pete Rose. Logan Forsythe and Corey Dickerson rookie Vince Velasquez, who allowed One of the questions put to the Ai- hit solo home runs in the fi rst inning two runs, seven hits and two walks chi, Japan-born superstar involved his for Tampa Bay. Ivan Nova allowed fi ve with fi ve strikeouts in six innings. feelings when Pete Rose knocked him runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings for the once he exceeded in combined Japan/ Miami Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki attempts to beat out a ground ball against the St. Louis Cardinals at Marlins Park in Yankees. RANGERS 8, ROYALS 3 MLB hits Rose’s record. ESPN won- Miami. The Cardinals defeated the Marlins 11-6. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Rougned Odor homered twice as Texas dered if Rose’s comments bothered TIGERS 14, ASTROS 6 routed struggling Kansas City. AJ Grif- him. Ichiro, though, said he was “hap- kind of felt I was accepted. I heard that time around it was a diff erent vibe.” Troy Tulowitzki hit solo home runs Tyler Collins and Justin Upton blasted fi n allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings py” when Rose went off on him. about fi ve years ago Rose did an inter- in the fi rst inning and Toronto moved three-run homers and James McCann for his fi rst victory in more than three “I was actually happy to see the Hit view, and he said that he wished that I BLUE JAYS 6, ORIOLES 5 within a half-game of fi rst-place Bal- hit a pinch-homer to help Detroit months. Edinson Volquez allowed six King get defensive,” Suzuki said. “I could break that record. Obviously, this Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and timore in the American League East. trounce Houston. Matt Boyd allowed runs and nine hits in six. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, July 31, 2016 SPORT

FORMULA ONE Vettel not happy with Ferrari Rosberg beats Hamilton pace Hockenheim, Germany: A disappointed Sebastian Vettel expressed his feelings yesterday when he said that Ferrari were not at the German Grand Prix ‘to finish to German GP pole fifth and sixth’ at his home event. The four-time world champion was almost a It was Rosberg’s third pole at Hockenheim, 30 years after his father Keke had claimed his final pole second slower than the pace- setting Mercedes team and pole-sitter compatriot Nico Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg races during the Rosberg, as he wound up qualifying session at the Hockenheim circuit, sixth on the grid. southern Germany, yesterday. (AFP) “I was happy with my final attempt, but it was just not quick enough so it didn’t come together,” said Vettel. “Overall, I just didn’t feel that comfortable in qualify- ing. It’s something that we need to understand, to know where we are missing out to everyone else, to the people ahead of us.” Ferrari teammate Finn Kimi Raikkonen qualified fifth. “Overall, it’s a decent result, but we’re not here to finish fifth and sixth,” Vettel added. “We’re here to challenge for pole on Saturday and AFP when Rosberg’s engine cut out as he aborted his to win on Sunday. We know Hockenheim, Germany fi rst run in. “It lost synch on all the gears and it Mercedes is in superb form corresponded with a warning about the throttle at the moment and it is very pedal, which was actually not to do with it, but I diff icult.” ico Rosberg regained the initiative in his think that gave him a scare — nobody likes to lose He was defiant about Fer- duel for the Formula One world title with control of their throttle pedal,” said Lowe. rari’s position and the gains Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton “He aborted the lap, which is a disturbance to apparently made by Red yesterday, when he grabbed pole position your pattern in Q3. We were just particularly im- Bull. “It’s not necessarily that Nfor the German Grand Prix with a dramatic late pressed that he went out there and got the pole other people have made a qualifying lap. time with that sort of stress, and with two laps of step, but I think we fell back The 31-year-old German driver, inspired by rac- fuel on board. We gave him two chances, so a great this afternoon. Compared to ing on home soil and in front of his team’s home lap, good job. We found a way of shutting it down Force India, as well. I think it’s crowd, looked to be set for second place on the grid into a safe mode, and then sent him again.” fair to say we are not as good after electrical problems forced him to abort his For Hamilton, Hockenheim continued to be as we usually are so we need fi rst fl ying lap in the third qualifying session. one of his most unrewarding venues in qualifying, to work and understand a But he responded with a bold and dramatic lap where he has not beaten a teammate since 2008. couple of things.” in the fi nal minutes of a tense session to secure the prime starting slot and a chance to regain the STARTING GRID leadership of the drivers’ championship. Rosberg 1st row: Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes); Lewis Hamil- Mercedes fi ned for clocked a startling best lap of one minute and ton (GBR/Mercedes) unsafe release of 14.323 seconds to outpace the defending three- 2nd row: Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull); Max Ver- Hamilton time champion by 0.123 seconds. stappen (NED/Red Bull) When Hamilton went for his fi nal lap, he was un- 3rd row: Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari); Sebastian Vettel Hockenheim, Germany: Lewis able to improve and regain the initiative and Ros- (GER/Ferrari) Hamilton’s Mercedes team berg could celebrate, while a disappointed Ham- Mercedes’s Nico Rosberg (left) shakes hands with teammate Lewis Hamilton after snatching pole for 4th row: Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Force India); Valtteri were fined 10,000 euros yes- ilton struggled to hide his feelings. “Well done, today’s German Grand Prix at the Hockenheim circuit, southern Germany. (AFP) Bottas (FIN/Williams) terday for his ‘unsafe release’ Nico, a fantastic lap and well done under the cir- 5th row: Sergio Perez (MEX/Force India); Felipe Massa from the pits during the final cumstances,” said Mercedes technical chief Paddy Nico Hulkenberg of Force India, Finn Valtteri Bot- said. “I had no problems. I had the pace today but (BRA/Williams) free practice for today’s Ger- Lowe, who revealed that Rosberg’s car was heavily tas of Williams, Sergio Perez in the second Force just couldn’t fi nish it off on that last lap, so I didn’t 6th row: Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Haas); Jenson But- man Grand Prix. fuelled. It was Rosberg’s third pole at Hockenheim, India and Felipe Massa in the second Williams. really have much of a lock-up, it was subtle and I ton (GBR/McLaren) The defending world cham- 30 years after his father Keke had claimed his fi nal “Yes it was a great feeling,” said Rosberg. “It was didn’t really lose any time. It should be a good day 7th row: Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Toro Rosso); Fernando pion escaped a reprimand pole at the famous old circuit in 1986, his fi fth of a great lap, but I also had extra fuel just in case I for Mercedes tomorrow.” Alonso (ESP/McLaren) or penalty, after being called the season and the 27th of his career. needed to go again and do a third lap.” Ricciardo was happy to grab third ahead of Ver- 8th row: Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault); Kevin Magnus- to see the stewards follow- Behind the two Mercedes Australian Daniel Ric- Hamilton lost time on his fi nal lap when he stappen. “I think we got pretty close to the Mer- sen (DEN/Renault) ing the incident in the early ciardo, in his 100th Grand Prix, was third fastest locked up at the hairpin and again when he over- cedes,” he said. “My fi rst lap in Q3 was really good 9th row: Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Manor); Daniil Kvyat part of the morning session, for Red Bull ahead of his team-mate Dutch teen- drove in the stadium section, while Rosberg rev- and I knew there was probably not much more — (RUS/Toro Rosso) when he was released from ager Max Verstappen, the pair slightly more than elled in the technical demands of the track and maybe a tenth of a second in it if I could do a per- 10th row: Rio Haryanto (INA/Manor); Romain Grosjean the Mercedes garage into the three-tenths behind. obeyed the adage of ‘making the car do the work’. fect lap. We may have diff erent tyres available for (FRA/Haas) path of Frenchman Romain The two Ferraris of German Sebastian Vettel and The Englishman was in laconic mood when he the race so that hopefully will make it interesting.” 11th row: Felipe Nasr (BRA/Sauber); Marcus Ericsson Grosjean’s Haas. Finn Kimi Raikkonen were fi fth and sixth ahead of spoke afterwards. “It has been a good weekend,” he Lowe added that Mercedes had been worried (SWE/Sauber)

RUGBY BOXING Jantjies powers Lions Stevenson knocks out Williams to Super Rugby fi nal to defend light heavyweight title

AFP New Zealand fi rst semi-fi nal. A Jantjies try after AFP Johannesburg 12 minutes gave the South Africans a lead they Montreal never surrendered and the New Zealanders were a beaten team long before the fi nal whistle. lton Jantjies was the 22-point star as “Reaching the fi nal is amazing,” said Lions anada’s Adonis Stevenson made his Golden Lions of South Africa defeated skipper and fl anker Jaco Kriel. seventh successful title defence by title-holders Otago Highlanders of New “We have been building a team for several sea- knocking out Thomas Williams at Zealand 42-30 in Johannesburg yesterday sons and this is the reward. We are brothers who C2:54 of the fourth round to retain toE reach the Super Rugby fi nal. The Springbok fi ght for each other to the end. That is a secret of his WBC light heavyweight belt on Friday fl y-half scored a try, kicked four conversions and our success this season. The only disappointment night. Stevenson improved to 28-1, with 23 three penalties, and created three other tries for was conceding two late tries — we need to sharp- knockouts as he almost ended the southpaw the home team, who built a 17-6 half-time lead en our defence before facing the Hurricanes.” slugfest in opening round at the Videotron in the semi-fi nal at Ellis Park stadium. “I cannot Highlanders skipper and All Blacks full-back Centre in Quebec City. describe how I feel,” admitted offi cial man of the Ben Smith said the Lions were the better team as With about 30 seconds left in the fi rst match Jantjies. “It is wonderful that we are still in they avenged a 34-15 regular season loss in Dun- round, Stevenson slammed a hard left into the the competition with one week to go.” edin. “The Lions played really well and some of side of Williams’ head, sending the American Reaching the decider continues a fairy-tale their running rugby was unbelievable. It should to the canvas. But Williams was able to get rise for the Johannesburg team, who were rele- be a great fi nal against the Hurricanes. up and beat referee Michael Griffi n’s count. gated after the 2012 season and narrowly avoided “I am proud of what we achieved this sea- “He wanted to put on some pressure, so I put bankruptcy before returning to the big time two son defending the title, but today we did not some on as well,” said Stevenson. “Two men years ago. The scoreline fl attered the visitors, put enough pressure on the Lions.” Apart from who know how to fi ght. We gave a good show, who trailed 42-16 fi ve minutes from time before Jantjies’ contribution, centre Rohan Janse van and that’s what people want to see.” winger Waisake Naholo and substitute lock Joe Rensburg, winger Courtnall Skosan, Kriel and Stevenson was fi ghting for the fi rst time Wheeler scored. replacement lock Lourens Erasmus scored a try since scoring a third-round knockout 10 Lions face another New Zealand outfi t, 2015 each for the Lions. months ago of journeyman fi ghter Tommy runners-up Hurricanes, in the fi nal next Saturday Centre Matt Faddes, fl y-half Lima Sopoaga, Karpency in Toronto. The 38-year-old Ste- in Wellington. Resolute defence and the brilliance Naholo and Wheeler were Highlanders’ try scor- venson went on the attack in the fourth, of fl y-half Beauden Barrett guided Hurricanes ers with Sopoaga kicking two conversions and landing a barrage of body shots which took Adonis Stevenson of Canada punches Thomas Williams Jr. of the US during their WBC light to a 25-9 triumph over Waikato Chiefs in an all- two penalties. their toll on Williams. heavyweight title fight in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on Friday. (AFP) With the challenger slowed and unable to put up a proper defence, Stevenson landed sie Vargas thinks he has the inside track when Arum. Arum tweeted Friday night that he a vicious left to the head that put Williams it comes to enticing the Filipino superstar is also talking to a group that wants to stage down for good. It was Stevenson’s seventh back into the ring. “I am the WBO welter- Pacquiao’s next fi ght in the Middle East. title defense of the crown he took from US weight champion and he wants to return to “Meeting on Sunday with people anxious fi ghter Chad Dawson by knockout in June fi ght for this belt. to put on a @MannyPacquiaoTR fi ght in the 2013. Stevenson is on a 15-fi ght win streak So I am happy to give him a title shot,” Var- Middle East,” Arum wrote. Vargas won the since suff ering his lone loss to Darnell Boone gas told AFP during the Nevada Boxing Hall vacant WBO welterweight title with a ninth in 2010, a defeat he avenged by knocking out of Fame function on Friday. Vargas (27-1-0) round TKO of Sadam Ali in March. the American in 2013. In all, Stevenson has said on Friday he is in talks with Pacquiao’s “Manny has never faced someone like me. 13 knockouts in his past 15 bouts. Stevenson, camp to hold a fi ght on November 5 at the I’m at my best, I have several advantages. I’m who hasn’t fought outside Canada since 2011, Thomas & Mack Center arena in Las Vegas. taller and faster than him. I’m really smart holds the lone belt in the division not owned “The fi ght is still under negotiation and fi ghter too,” Vargas said. “I not only want to by Russian fi ghter Sergey Kovalev. Williams’ I can say that soon we will announce it, al- face him but I want to beat him. Juan Manuel record dropped to 20-2 with 14 knockouts. though I do not want to advance because in Marquez did it and I want to beat him too, boxing everything can change every minute,” mainly because at his best he was someone Vargas eager to promote Vargas said. who gave many headaches to Mexico fi ght- potential fi ght with Pacquiao Undefeated Terence Crawford has also ers,” he said. Record eight division champion been named as potential opponent for Pac- Pacquiao announced his retirement from Lions’ Elton Jantjies scores a try while being tackled by Highlanders’ Ash Dixon during the SuperXV There are no shortage of suitors for Manny quiao, who is likely to return to the ring lat- boxing in April after his unanimous decision rugby semi-final match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP) Pacquiao, but Mexican-American boxer Jes- er this year according to his promoter Bob victory over Timothy Bradley. VERDICT Gulf Times Sunday, July 31, 2016 7 ROAD TO RIO

FOCUS CHIPPING IN U.S. sailor lends hand to clean Rio’s S. Sudan refugee bay before Games

Reuters Rio de Janeiro

Olympians run for obbing on Rio de Janei- ro’s Guanabara Bay in a blue and white fi shing boat, American sailor BradB Funk uses a plastic bin to scoop rubbish from the waters where Olympic sailing races will take place next month. glory of lost home Funk missed out on his dream of competing in Rio 2016 in the two-man 49er sailing class, but None have lived in South Sudan since it split from its northern neighbour in 2011, but travelled to Brazil anyway with the aim of clearing the path for Agency (Inea), which is con- the pain of the new country’s five years of on-off fighting since plays on their minds those who did, including his girl- ducting daily monitoring of friend British windsurfer Bryony water quality with the help of Shaw. the World Health Organization AFP A native of Clearwater, Flor- (WHO), insists the water qual- Nairobi ida, Funk is leading his own ity is fi ne, helped by the rapid clean-up eff ort to help remove movement of water through the rubbish from the Bay which is mouth of the bay where events here will be more South Sudanese competing at the Rio clogged by sewage from some 15 will be held. Games in the Olympics refugee team than for the Afri- municipalities, home to some 9 More worrying for many com- can state that will be taking part for the fi rst time. mn people. petitors, however, is the fl oating Five South Sudanese runners who make up half of “I decided that if I am not go- debris which could crash against theT refugee Olympic Team arrived in Rio on Friday. For the likes ing to compete, I want the sail- boats and slow them down in the of James Nyang Chiengjiek the troubles of home have cast a ors to not have problems when competition. shadow over the tough preparations for the Games which start they sail,” he told Reuters. “I love Inea has deployed 12 green August 5. Rio, and it is very important to eco-boats — each with a wire South Sudan is allowed to send three runners who will take me that the Olympic Games is a metal scoop on the front that lifts part with special invitations. success and the trash does not rubbish out of the water and into The refugee team was selected by the International Olympic get stuck on the sailboats, taking its hull. It has also placed 17 red Committee in June to compete under the Olympic fl ag as the medals away from them.” fl oating eco-barriers across the world struggles with its biggest migrant crisis since World War In recent months, concern mouth of rivers and canals feed- II. fl ared over pollution levels in ing the bay, which collect debris Apart from the South Sudanese there are Syrian swimmers the bay and nearby sea, where fl oating on the water’s surface. Yusra Mardini and Rami Anis, Ethiopian marathon runner sailing, windsurfi ng and long- Just the eco-barrier in the Yonas Kinde and judokas Yolande Bukasa Mabika and Popole distance swimming events are Canal do Cunha had collected Misenga, who come from Democratic Republic of the Congo being held. 208 tonnes of rubbish in the last and live in Brazil. Two academic studies seen month, Inea said. The three men and two women from South Sudan — by Reuters in June showed the Brazilian sailors said recently Chiengjiek, Yiech Pur Biel, Paulo Amotun Lokoro, Anjelina waters were infected by drug- that the work of eco-boats pick- Nadai Lohalith and Rose Nathike Lokonyen — were picked in resistant super bacteria and mi- ing up rubbish along competi- September at trials held at the sprawling Kakuma refugee camp crobes normally found only in tion routes had improved the in northern Kenya. hospitals. situation considerably, but that “The team has been training well in Ngong and I hope they The State Environmental more needed to be done. perform well in Rio,” said the athletes’ Olympic co-ordinator Tegla Loroupe, referring to the town southwest of Nairobi where they have been training. SPOTLIGHT Beyond their sporting talent, the quintet’s childhoods also bind them together. All come from families that fl ed civil war that broke out in Sudan in the 1980s and lasted until 2005. None have lived in South Sudan since it split from its north- For Rio’s sports-mad ern neighbour in 2011, but the pain of the new country’s fi ve years of on-off fi ghting since plays on their minds. “It is so sad that our country is going backwards instead of population, it’s moving forward,” Chiengjiek, who will compete in the men’s 400 metres told AFP. In recent weeks, clashes between govern- ment troops loyal to President Salva Kiir’s and former rebels al- Olympics every day lied with arch-rival Riek Machar have left 300 dead. “We hope our leaders will use our participation at the Olym- pics to bring peace to our people, since sport has long been con- AFP Even at two or three in the sidered a unifying factor,” Chiengjiek added. Rio de Janeiro morning, it’s common to see The athletes are training at Ngong, some 40 kilometres (25 employees from hotels and miles) from the capital, following intensive two-week sessions restaurants playing beach running alongside elite Kenyan athletes. io de Janeiro’s residents, football by fl oodlight at the Piech Bur Biel sought shelter with his mother and older or Cariocas, don’t need end of their long shift s. brother in the Kakuma camp in 2002 aged seven. He believes the Olympics to prove that Olympic success could off er a chance to fi nd his father. their city is the center of boat’s Polynesian design is an- “I may not be a good runner now,” the 21-year-old said, mod- Rthe sporting world — they know cient. Marcus Vinicius Freire, estly, “but it is my duty to go back and bring up others in my that the second they step outside. sports director at the Brazilian country,” to an Olympic level. He wants to inspire the next gen- Winter or summer — well, Olympic Committee, which over- eration of athletes to represent South Sudan. there isn’t too much diff erence in sees the 465-strong team at the After competing in the men’s 800m, he hopes to return to tropical paradise — crowds of lo- Summer Games, told AFP that Malakal, South Sudan’s second largest town, undeterred by re- cals get up at dawn for a jog. Rio is a sports capital for three ports of army and rebel forces mobilising. That might be true in many basic reasons. Biel had suff ered from a lack of confi dence that trainers say cities. What’s diff erent here is “First, it’s the geography: it’s they had to worked hard to overcome. that Cariocas also rise for rowing, green, there’s water, mountains, Kenyan coach Joseph Domongole told AFP transforming paddleboarding, group swim- fl at areas, so you have options. athletes with raw ability into highly disciplined Olympians had ming in the Atlantic, climbing Secondly, there’s the tempera- South Sudan’s athletes based in Kenya for the Refugee Olympic Team (ROT) pose in front of the statue of been as big a mental challenge as it was physical. on Sugarloaf Mountain, surfi ng, ture, and thirdly there’s the Cari- Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has “It wasn’t easy at the beginning. We had to go through so skateboarding, football, volley- oca spirit,” he said. selected 10 refugee athletes to represent a refugee’s team for the first time, to bring about hope to people many challenges to mould them and make them believe they ball — the list goes on. That spirit is partly the easy- displaced by conflicts or war in the world. can be good athletes,” Domongole said. And then after work, out they going Carioca way, but it also in- all come again. cludes the love of living outdoors, Every evening, Copacabana, where the beach becomes an ex- BOTTOMLINE Ipanema and Barra beaches fi ll tension of the living room and with people in bathing suits, biki- swimming is feasible 365 days a nis and Lycra athletic gear. year.“There’s also a big cult of Even at two or three in the the body. But it’s also the cult of Father and son hammer throwers share Olympic pain morning, it’s common to see health, it’s a mix,” said canoe in- employees from hotels and res- structor Ricardo Moreira, 42, who taurants playing beach football has competed at a high level and AFP for the banned athletes. my control and I am dependent on my by fl oodlight at the end of their also likes to cycle, run and go to Moscow “You have to look for the problem federation, which does not make me long shifts.It’s the healthy, even the gym every week. within yourself fi rst. There is no smoke optimistic.”Russian athletes in other sometimes fanatically healthy, Victor Melo, coordinator at the without fi re.” sports have been cleared to compete in side of a country where obesity Sports History Laboratory at Rio ussian hammer thrower Sergey Litvinov Sr., who won silver at the Rio after the IOC shied away from a blan- is a serious problem, with more Federal University, said there’s Litvinov and his father have a Moscow Olympics, had his sights set on ket ban and called on international sports than 52 % considered overweight another big element: the love of lot in common: a fi rst name, an gold for Los Angeles, having won his fi rst federations to determine Russians’ eligi- nationwide. having fun. athletics discipline and now a world title one year ahead of the Games. bility. That sparked fi erce criticism from “We’re addicted to sport. We “There’s a cult of having a historyR of missing the Olympics. The Soviet boycott devastated him. some anti-doping agencies and athletes have classes from Monday to good time” and Rio has the pub- The suspension of Russia’s athletics “A great depression swept over me,” outside Russia. Thursday and if we can, we go lic space to let that happen, Melo federation over “state-sponsored” dop- Litvinov Sr. said. “It took me a whole year Litvinov — who missed the cut for Rus- Friday too. And Saturday. And said. ing will deny the 30-year-old a shot at to return to my normal self.” sia’s 2012 Olympic team — says that his Sunday,” said Manuela Jifoni, a “Having fun is the Carioca’s Olympic glory, just as the Soviet boycott Although he returned to win gold at the choice to compete without performance- 34-year-old foot volleyball player strong point and before or after of the 1984 Los Angeles Games did for his boycott-free 1988 Seoul Games — Ol- enhancing drugs had seen him lag behind waiting for her companions to work, he’s trying to fi nd ways to father and coach, legendary Soviet ham- ympics in which Litvinov said the sports other competitors. show up on Flamengo beach. do that.” mer thrower Sergey Litvinov. world could fi nally breathe — his absence “The pharmaceutical path doesn’t in- Leonardo Ghisoni, a Hawaiian That’s why in addition to the Father and son recognise the striking from the Los Angeles Games left a stain terest me,” he said. “I’m interested in the outrigger canoe champion and team sports, Cariocas take seri- parallels between their careers and wish on his stellar career. “I could have had a training process, in competing against instructor, said “there’s no bet- ously the after-games tradition the stinging memories of 1984 had not chance to go for gold,” he said. “But what myself.” ter city than Rio” for swimming of having a cold beer. returned more than thirty years later. can I say? It didn’t happen and that’s it.” Litvinov shrugged at the prospect of sports, given the average annual “Always after football, you “There is nothing good in this,” Litvinov Sr. declined to answer ques- competing at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 temperature of 24 Celsius. have beer — it’s as important as Litvinov Sr. told AFP about seeing his son tions whether he had doped or had wit- when he will be 34. “I have students of all ages. At the football,” Melo said. sidelined from Rio like he was in 1984. nessed the use of performance-enhanc- “I didn’t make it to the 2012 London six in the morning, older women Adriana Behar, a silver medal- Unlike many banned Russian athletes, Russia’s Sergey Litvinov competes in ing drugs among his Soviet teammates. Games because of my own stupidity, now come and in the afternoon, it’s the winning Olympic beach volley- Litvinov and his father have been openly the men’s hammer throw final at a track But he said that doping “has always I’m not going because of others’ stupid- adolescents,” Ghisoni, 44, said. ball player in the Sydney 2000 critical of Russia sports authorities and and field meet called “Stars of 2016” in existed.”The younger Litvinov insists he ity,” he said. “Maybe for Tokyo there will Ghisoni leads classes paddling and Athens 2004 Games, said Rio their inability to reform the scandal-rid- Moscow on July 28. has never doped and says he has paid the be other kinds of stupidity that won’t al- out into the beautiful, but badly is “fabulous.” den anti-doping system in time for track price for refusing to cheat. low me to go.” polluted Guanabara Bay, where “There are mountains, paths, and fi eld athletes to compete in Rio. before a falling-out with the federation In a letter to IAAF chief Sebastian Coe, He said he will keep training, no matter Olympic sailing and windsurfi ng beaches, lagoons. The tempera- Litvinov Sr., 58, thinks that Cold War- there saw him change his allegiance, has Litvinov Jr. implored international ath- the uncertainties ahead. events will take place, and fur- ture gets people up and they can era politics weighed into the decision to rejected the popular notion in Russia that letics chiefs to outline what Russia needs His father has little advice about the ther out into the Atlantic to visit stay outside late into the night,” keep Russians away. He blamed the coun- the ban is a Western conspiracy aimed at to do to return to international competi- future but pledged he will be there to the coastal Cagarras islands off Behar said. try’s sports authorities for their “pas- eliminating strong competitors. tion. tweak his son’s technique. Ipanema. The 49-foot (15-me- “Cariocas go to the beach to sive approach” to the problem. His son, “I don’t have a negative attitude to- “Just please show me a clear way,” he “I try to be more of a coach than a fa- ter) canoe takes six people at a sunbathe, but it’s also to play who competed at the youth level and the wards the West,” he told AFP after a con- wrote. ther,” Litvinov Sr. said. “I don’t give him time and although the sport only sport and to have fun with friends 2009 world championships for Germany solation track and fi eld in Moscow held “Otherwise the situation is out of advice on life. Just on the hammer throw.” arrived 15 years ago in Brazil, the and family. To play.” Gulf Times 8 Sunday, July 31, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Rio not ‘clean’, says doping Blanket ban on whistleblower weightlift ers new blow for Russia About 117 Russian competitors from the 387 initially put forward by Russia have now been banned from the Games. They include 67 track and field athletes

Russian Olympian Yuliya Stepanova (L) and her husband Vitaly Stepanov seen with their son after an interview with Reuters at an undisclosed location.

Reuters Stepanov gave the Rio de Janeiro interview by telephone. The former Russian Anti- Doping Agency (RUSADA) ussian doping whistle- offi cial and his wife now live A weightlifter from Brazil practices in blower Vitaly Stepanov in a secret location in the Rio de Janeiro yesterday. has told a Brazilian United States newspaper that the Rio OlympicsR “will not be clean” and vidual federations should decide blasted the International Olym- which Russians should compete pic Committee for not banning rather than order a blanket ban. Russia. Stepanov said he had expected Stepanov, who with his 800m the IOC decision because the in- runner wife Yuliya Stepanova ternational body “will not sup- gave details of the state-run port anyone who betrays doping doping programme in Russia, or corruption. They fear inform- said that despite attempts to ers because that would be the clamp down, doping cheats will end of the whole system.” be in Rio when the Games start “They do not want the truth,” on August 5. added Stepanov, who says he “It has always been the case in fi rst provided information to the Olympics. There has never the World Anti-Doping Agency been a clean Olympics and there (WADA) in 2010. is no reason to believe that Rio “The IOC was never inter- will be clean,” he told O Estado de ested. We have evidence of cor- Sao Paulo newspaper. ruption in the noble sport of the “Unfortunately, doped ath- Olympics, but they never wanted letes will be competing.” to know.” The IOC decision not Stepanov gave the interview to suspend Russia “is not zero by telephone. The former Rus- tolerance for doping, but for eth- sian Anti-Doping Agency (RU- ics,” Stepanov added. SADA) offi cial and his wife now “They want to show the world live in a secret location in the that all is well and that every- United States. The Stepanovs thing must be undercover. They were the key source for a German prefer to hide anything negative television documentary in 2014 because problems mean loss of that set off the doping scandal. money. The IOC is not being The International Association managed for Olympic values, of Athletics Federations (IAAF) money wins,” he said. has suspended Russia, includ- The IOC also ruled that ing for the Rio Olympics. But af- Stepanova could not take part in ter new revelations of state-run the Rio Games, but has invited AFP “We would like to highlight the ex- the agency’s activities later. Friday at the Olympics organising com- doping the IOC decided indi- the couple to Rio. Rio de Janeiro tremely shocking and disappointing sta- Reedie had led calls for a blanket ban mittee, accusing it of “serious problems” tistics regarding the Russian weightlift- on Russia over the doping. in managing the village. ers.” The IOC decided last week however Paes blamed the Rio2016 commit- ban on all Russian weightlifters Among those banned, Artem Okulov is that individual sporting federations had tee for a slew of problems at the vil- dealt a new blow to the coun- a world champion while Ruslan Albegov to examine Russian entries and decide lage, which has been his public relations Russian Rio ban stands at 266 try ahead of an International took a bronze medal at the 2012 London whether they should be allowed to com- nightmare all week. A Olympic Committee meeting Games and Tatiana Kashirina a silver. pete. “The athletes’ village was ready. Then Moscow: Russia’s sports minister said yesterday that the national Saturday that will be dominated by mul- The IOC has taken fi erce criticism for The Olympic committee will take a the organising committee took charge for team to compete in the Rio Olympics starting next week so far has tiple doping scandals. not ordering a blanket ban on Russia af- fi nal decision on Russian entries based three months, and there were extremely 266 competitors, although decisions were still pending on several New criticism of the athletes’ village ter an independent report said there was on the recommendations. It is not yet serious management problems. athletes. in Rio added to the dark clouds hanging state-organized doping at the 2014 Sochi known when this will be announced “During those three months, people “As of this morning I can say that we will represent 29 disciplines over the Games which start in one week. Winter Olympics. however. intruded into the apartments and a lot of out of 34, with 266 people,” minister said in an inter- The International Weightlifting Fed- Boxing, golf, gymnastics and taek- things were stolen,” he told O Estado de view with sports channel Match-TV. eration (IWF) banned all eight Russian Weightlift ing’s reputation “has wondo are among sports still to have an- Sao Paulo newspaper. Besides 67 track and field athletes banned by the International As- contenders — fi ve men and three women been seriously damaged on multi- nounced their decisions. “The doors were left half-open. The sociation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) over revelations of a state- — entered for Rio. ple times and levels by the Rus- A small fi re at the Rio athletes village organising committee was careless, ob- run doping scheme, dozens more have been told not to compete in About 117 Russian competitors from sians, therefore an on Friday, which forced the evacuation jectively speaking.” Brazil, including swimmers, rowers, and wrestlers. the 387 initially put forward by the Rus- appropriate sanction was applied of the Australian delegation, left a new He said his offi ce was informed of the Mutko said that Russia is still expecting to hear final judgement on sian Olympic Committee have now been in order to preserve the status of stain on preparations for the Games. problems only last week, despite a series its swimming team later today. banned from the Games. They include 67 the sport,” the IWF said Team spokesman Mike Tancred told of weekly meetings between his staff and “In swimming, we announced a team of 35 people, now 26 have track and fi eld athletes. AFP “there was a lot of smoke” but that the organising committee. passed the selection process,” he said, adding that he expected a Weightlifting’s reputation “has been The IOC executive is to meet today athletes returned after fi re fi ghters con- Paes’s week got off to a rough start final decision “today”. seriously damaged on multiple times and to discuss the crisis. The full IOC meets trolled the blaze. “There was no big dra- Sunday when the Olympic village opened The US Anti-Doping Agency said Friday that Olympic medallist levels by the Russians, therefore an ap- from tomorrow. ma,” he said. to a boycott from Australia, which re- Nikita Lobintsev has tested positive for , the substance propriate sanction was applied in order World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Australia had led a boycott over condi- fused to move in because of exposed banned in the beginning of 2016. He is one of seven swimmers who to preserve the status of the sport,” the president Craig Reedie, who is also an tions at the village last week. And Rio de wiring, leaking pipes, blocked toilets, have been banned from Rio. IWF said. IOC vice-president, is to give a report on Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes lashed out unlighted stairwells and other problems.

BOTTOMLINE Genetic doping — the ‘sea serpent’ of cheating

AFP TT players relieved to be cleared to cheat with genetic doping are inevitably fac- Center for Research and Expertise in anti-Dop- Lausanne ing similar diffi culties. ing sciences at the University of Lausanne. “We need to put things in perspective. Genet- “This is one of my main principles: you need Rio de Janeiro: Table tennis players Polina Instead it deferred decisions on the participa- ic therapy in the medical domaine has diffi culty to work with the right sample from the right ow big a threat is genetic doping to Mikhailova and Alexander Shibaev said yes- tion of Russian athletes to the sports federa- getting its place because it’s very complicated,” athlete taken at the right time,” he said. clean competition in sport? terday they are relieved to have been given tions. “All these two weeks we were looking at he said. Overall, Saugy endorsed the notion that the “It’s a bit like sea serpent,” mythol- permission to compete for Russia at the Rio the internet and checking the news. But we are Asked if there was a testing system for genetic entire global anti-doping infrastructure needed ogised, potentially capable of causing Olympics. here, they confirmed, now of course we practise doping in place for Rio, Saugy, who stepped a shake-up. Hserious harm, “but not so present”, said Martial down from the Lausanne lab last month, said: In too many cases, private labs motivated by The two were given the green light for the to show our best,” Mikhailova told the Olympic Saugy, former director of the Swiss Laboratory Games in Brazil by governing body the ITTF on news service after a training session. “Of course “there may well be tests but I’m not sure of their profi t are accredited to conduct tests by sport for Doping Analyses. Wednesday. The ITTF made the decision after we can breathe normally after all this,” she said. relevance.” federations, which are sometimes motivated by The lab is in Lausanne, near the headquar- the International Olympic Committee (IOC) “It is a diff icult situation for all sports because “The biggest problem at the moment are the desire to see their star athletes have clean ters of the International Olympic Committee, last weekend decided against a blanket ban on each federation could make their own deci- microdoses,” Saugy said, when asked about the records. which put Saugy on the frontline of eff orts to Russian athletes in connection with allegations sions.” Shibaev said: “I feel very good, very worst threat to fair play. Making sure that WADA has the authority and purge drug cheats from global sport. of widespread and state-sponsored doping in happy that I can play in the Olympic Games. For Dopers have increasingly realised that tiny willingness to withdraw accreditation for labs In an interview with AFP ahead of the Au- the country. everybody this is the number one competition.” doses of steroids or the oxygen capacity booster whenever problems occur is crucial to cleaning gust 5 start of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, EPO can be very eff ective and extremely hard to up the system, Saugy argued. Saugy said anti-doping labs had to keep pace detect. Saugy noted that Tour de France 2006 IOC executives have pushed for a major anti- with new methods developed by doping cheats winner and former Lance Armstrong teammate doping overhaul and have fl oated the idea of that multiple scandals involving Russia have with ways to inject synthetic genes into pa- “We’ve been talking about it since the crea- Floyd Landis cheated with a steroid “that is still WADA taking over the entire system, removing proved are still a major threat. tients, altering an individual’s genome to en- tion of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 1999,” very present”. authority from national sport federations which But he cautioned against putting too much hance muscle recovery or stem muscle deterio- Saugy said, adding that the goal for labs is to fi nd Landis “made an error in usage. Without that can be corrupted, as notably happened in Russia focus on the still undetermined threat of genetic ration, among other benefi ts. a way to detect “the indicators of genetic dop- error, we wouldn’t have seen anything,” he ex- and Kenya. doping, when other dangers — like micro-doses Should such treatments be taken up by ath- ing.” But he noted that since the world’s best plained. IOC executives last month called for a special — are far more pressing. letes, anti-doping eff orts could be set back doctors are struggling to use the technology to The use of biological passports “helps enor- summit on doping to be held next year, where Doctors have for years been experimenting years. treat sick children, athletes and trainers seeking mously,” said the doctor, who now heads the enhancing WADA’s authority will be discussed. Gulf Times Sunday, July 31, 2016 9 GOLF

SETBACK McIlroy seeks answers aft er early PGA exit AFP the British Open and 10th at the Mas- that’s what I was trying to do,” McIlroy Springfield, United States ters, the lone major title he needs to said. “I think if you had to given anyone complete a career Grand Slam. else in this fi eld my tee shots this week, But McIlroy’s mind is more on fi xing they would have been up near the top ory McIlroy ended a “disap- his putter problems than checking past of the leaderboard. It just shows you pointing” year at the majors glory or future goals. how bad I was around the greens.” on Friday by missing the cut “Tee to green was good, but it was Phil Mickelson, the British Open at the PGA Championship for just pathetic when I got onto the runner-up to Henrik Stenson two theR fi rst time in his career, undone by green.” said McIlroy. “I just need to do weeks ago, made the cut on the number nagging putting woes. a lot of work.” despite troubles of his own. He saw McIlroy fi red a one-under par 69 His vacation plans before the sea- McIlroy’s woes and had faith they are in the second round of the year’s fi nal son-ending PGA playoff s will have only temporary. major tournament at Baltusrol, but a some alterations. “We all have periods where we have birdie-less 74 on Thursday proved too “I was planning on taking two weeks mental blocks on the greens,” Mickel- much to overcome and he fi nished one off and then practising the week be- son said. “Right now he’s just so tenta- shot beyond the cut line. fore Barclays,” he said. “I’ll still take tive through impact. He’s just not con- “I’ve hit the ball really well this week two weeks off from tournaments, but fi dent. You can just tell. and I’m walking away not playing the I’ll have to see what practice schedule “You watch him with a driver and weekend,” McIlroy said. “It’s really looks like. I need to do something. it’s the sweetest thing you can imagine. disheartening. I need to go back to the “Tee to green is good, I just need to It just goes through eff ortlessly with drawing board and see where we go fi gure out what to do on the greens. I so much speed and power, and the ball from here.” need to have a long hard think about just fl ies so long and true with such a The 27-year-old from Northern Ire- that.” tight fl ight pattern. He’s just not strik- land has won four major titles, includ- Fourth-ranked McIlroy closed with ing his putts with the same confi dence ing the 2012 and 2014 PGA Champion- a bogey at the par-5 18th to miss the as he is his driver.” ships, but has not won a major in two weekend, pushing for a birdie to be sure “It’s not that he’s not capable. He’s years. He also missed the cut at the US of the weekend with the cut line in fl ux. just having a period where he’s not Open but shared fi fth two weeks ago at “I thought I needed to make four, so feeling it. He will get it back.”

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Pregnant Young bows out aft er brave eff ort at Woburn iz Young’s husband- with the 3:30 tee time I had caddie provided a perfect today that I’d have plenty of Lsummary after his expect- rest in between the two rounds ant wife’s brave bid to qualify but it started to hit me around Record-equalling 63 for the last two rounds of the 12 and 13.” Women’s British Open ended in Young, who is expecting a disappointment on Friday. daughter in two months’ time, “The heart was willing but said her midwife and doctor the body gave up on her,” never advised her not to play Jonathan Young said after the this week. “They just said your blonde Englishwoman, who is body will tell you if you can’t seven months pregnant, tired play and my body is telling me helps unheralded over the closing holes and that now,” giggled the world missed the cut on 149, five over number 269. par. “She did well just to keep “Luckily this is my last going over the last couple of tournament and obviously you holes. Even if she had made need to have your body fit for the cut I’m not sure she could labour so I wanted to keep go- have played two more rounds.” ing with the exercise if I could. Liz, 33, with her sizeable “Getting up and getting Streb to share of lead bump showing beneath a light down to mark my ball on the blue tee-shirt, was exhausted greens was not the best but at by the time three putts on the least it’s a non-contact sport ‘Most of the year has been a big struggle. Felt like I kind of found something with my golf 18th green gave her a four- so that bit’s alright,” she added over 76 in the fourth women’s with a smile. swing the last two weeks. Starting hitting it kind of solid... and obviously made a bunch of putts’ major of the year. Young, who has never won “I was very tired. I played on the Ladies European Tour okay but I just had some loose but has two top-10 finishes this shots at the end when my back season, said she was already was killing me and my feet looking forward to returning were killing me,” she said after for the fourth major of the year Woburn’s severely undulating in 2017. fairways and greens got the “The Women’s British Open better of her. is always the tournament you “I was pleased to compete want to play in and this is now here, I just wish I had a bit it for me until probably next more energy for the last six May,” she said. “I’ll be ready for holes. The hills on 14 and 15 this one next year. It was great wiped me out and it was a bat- to compete and I’m not going tle coming in. to complain — it was my dream “I know my golf is good to play here. I’ve got an excit- enough for me to be here for ing time coming up now, it’ll be the weekend, it was whether I all change. I’ll have to put the had the energy to keep going,” golf clubs away and get ready said Young. “I thought maybe for the birth,” added Young.

WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN Jutanugarn grabs two-stroke lead

Robert Streb of the United States plays a shot during the second round of the PGA Champi- tournament scoring record of onship in Springfield, New Jersey, on Friday. LPGA.com Woburn, England 19-under par which she posted Streb matched the record-low round in major in her victory in 2004 at Sun- golf history with an astonishing seven-under ningdale Country Club. par 63 to seize a share of the lead. (AFP) riya Jutanugarn of After holding both the 18 and Thailand will sleep on 36-hole lead over the past two Reuters ously made a bunch of putts today.” gey on seven,” said Australian Day. “It was fell at two-over 142. the 54-hole lead in a days, Mirim Lee stumbled yes- Springfield, New Jersey Walker, winless this season after win- pretty receptive out there today. I think Among players squeezing in on the major championship terday, getting lapped early in ning three tournaments in 2014 and two you could be a little bit aggressive, but also number were former US Open winner Jus- forA the fi rst time in her career. the round as leaders went low. more last year, also emerged from no- play it safe on some of the holes that you tin Rose of England (70-72), former Mas- The three-time winner Lee dropped her only shot of the nheralded Robert Streb fi red a where, after fi nding his putting stroke, needed to. If you had the putter rolling you ters champion Charl Schwartzel (73-69) posted a six-under 66 on a day at the par-4 third to open the record-equalling 63 to share notwithstanding his sole bogey of the day could get a score going.” and his fellow South African, four-times moving day to take the lead door for Jutanugarn and Mat- a two-shot lead with Jimmy on the par-fi ve 18th. Sweden’s Stenson, who fi red a sen- major winner Ernie Els (73-69). at the Women’s British Open thew. She rebounded with four UWalker after the second round Walker and Streb will seek to make a sational fi nal-round 63 to outduel Phil Players just missing the cut included at 16-under yesterday, two birdies to post a third round 69. of the PGA Championship on Friday, with year of four fi rst-time major winners, fol- Mickelson at Royal Troon two weeks ago former world number ones Rory McIl- strokes ahead of Mirim Lee at Mo Martin, the 2004 British heavyweights Jason Day and Henrik Sten- lowing England’s Danny Willett at the and set a British Open scoring record of roy of Northern Ireland (74-69) and Luke 14-under. While this is the fi rst Open champion, remained in son lurking nearby. Masters, US Open winner Dustin Johnson 20-under, posted his second successive 67 Donald of England (72-71), while US Open time Jutanugarn will sleep on the mix, posting a 69 to sit fi ve Streb, who has one PGA Tour victory, and Stenson at the British Open. “I’m sure for fi fth place. winner Dustin Johnson (77-72) tied for the lead in a major, she suc- strokes back of the lead head- rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt on his last I’ll be excited, nervous,” said Walker about The second round began ominously 142nd in a 156-man fi eld that included 20 cessfully managed her nerves ing into the fi nal round. hole, the ninth at Baltusrol, for the 30th starting the third round in the lead. “It’s when pouring rain led to a 41-minute sus- teaching pros. when holding the 54-hole lead Jutanugarn played alongside round of 63 ever shot in a major champi- more like, man, this is going to be fun.” pension of play a little more than an hour in each of her three victories 2009 champion Catriona Mat- onship. He joined fellow American Walker Looming large two strokes behind are after the fi rst tee shots of the day. Lightning threat delays 3rd round play during the month of May. thew, who kept pace with her (66) at nine-under 131. defending champion Day, and 23-year-old That downpour followed an inch (2.54 The third-round play at the PGA Cham- The long-hitter swapped younger counterpart through- “Most of the year has been a big strug- Emiliano Grillo of Argentina, with Stenson cm) of rain overnight that drenched the pionship at Baltusrol Golf Club was sus- out her driver for a 2-iron this out the round, carding a one- gle,” said 29-year-old Streb, who won the three back at rain-softened Baltusrol. layout and made the tricky Baltusrol pended by the threat of lightning in the week, and although she feels under-par 71 to sit six strokes McGladrey Classic two years ago but has Day came alive after an early double- greens more receptive for approach shots. area. The horn sounded at 2:15pm and of- more comfortable when she back of her playing partner. missed nine cuts this year including the bogey, roaring back with seven birdies But the sun broke through and the course fi cials said they expected the delay to last at has driver in the bag, Jutanu- Matthew has a chance to Masters, US Open, British Open and The in his next eight holes on his way to a 65, dried as the day wore on, setting up a fl urry least an hour. The suspension came before garn still fi nds herself in posi- make history of her own. With Players. while Grillo birdied four holes on his fi rst of good scores that set the stage for a ten- the leaders had teed off as Americans Jim- tion to make history today. a win she would become the “Felt like I kind of found something nine in shooting 67. sion-fi lled battle over the last 36 holes of my Walker and Robert Streb, who shared At 16-under par, Jutanu- oldest major champion in with my golf swing the last two weeks. “I kind of gave myself a little bit of a kick the year’s fi nal major championship. the overnight lead at nine-under 131, were garn is just three strokes shy LPGA history at 46 years, 11 Starting hitting it kind of solid... and obvi- in the bum, especially with the double bo- Eighty-six players made the cut, which scheduled to begin third-round play. of matching Karen Stupples’ months and 6 days old. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, July 31, 2016 SPORT PICTURE PERFECT

The overall winner LMAX Exchange sails up the river Thames past the Shard tower during the sail parade after the finish of the 2015-16 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in London. At 40,000 nautical miles long, the race, which takes almost a year to In this picture taken with a tilt and shift lens, Ferrari mechanics work in the pit lane during the third practice session for the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheim circuit. (AFP) complete, is the world’s longest ocean adventure. (AFP)

Hospitality staff jump next to the Olympic rings inside the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro. (Reuters)

Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic competes against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Rogers Cup quarter-final in Toronto, Canada. (AFP)

Amy Mickelson greets husband Phil Mickelson on the 18th hole after his third round of the 2016 PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. (AFP)

Lions’ Andries Coetzee (left) jumps with the ball past Highlanders’ Waisake Naholo during their Super Zimbabwe’s batsman Sikandar Raza (left) hits the ball past New Zealand’s Henry Nicholls on the third day of the first Test at Queens Sports Rugby semi-final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. (AFP) Club in Bulawayo. (AFP)

Rowers of France train ahead of Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Lagoa Stadium venue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, July 31, 2016 11 SPORT

Sights from Qatar Goodwood Festival 2016

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, trainer Hugo Palmer (left) and Al Shaqab Racing’s Racing manager Harry Herbert (centre) at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani and Lord March (left) witness the proceedings at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Action from the Qatar Goodwood Festival Challenge Cup polo match between Goodwood and Cowdray at Cowdray Park. PICTURES: Juhaim

Sunday, July 31, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SL VS AUS, DAY 5, 1ST TEST Herath spins Sri Lankans to memorable win over Aussies ‘I don’t have words to explain after a very hard few months. We regrouped, trained really well and prepared’

Australia’s captain Steven Smith asks for a review on the fifth day of the first Test Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath (left) celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Steve O’Keefe with his teammates on the fifth day of the first Test in Pallekele yesterday. (AFP) against Sri Lanka in Pallekele yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters Australia set a new record as the last “I don’t have words to explain after a Herath ripped the heart out of Aus- Pallekele, Sri Lanka 154 deliveries of their innings did not Scorecard very hard few months. We regrouped, tralia’s middle order with three telling produce a single run. O’Keefe and Nev- trained really well and prepared to the strikes in the morning session. ill also featured in the slowest partner- SRI LANKA 1st inns 117 all out N. Lyon lbw b Sandakan 8 best,” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Math- The left-arm spinner sent back angana Herath claimed four ship in among those that AUSTRALIA 1st inns 203 all out S. O’Keefe b Herath 4 ews said. Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh be- Australian wickets to spin Sri lasted at least 100 balls. SRI LANKA 2nd inns 353 all out J. Hazlewood not out 0 He praised Mendis as a “special tal- fore dealing the biggest blow when he Lanka to a remarkable 106- It was a remarkable win for Sri Lan- Extras 0ent” while also praising Herath and trapped Smith lbw to end the Austral- run victory on an intriguing ka, who were shot out for 117 in the AUSTRALIA 2nd Inns (o/n: 83/3) Total (all out in 88.3 overs) 161 left-arm Chinaman bowler Lakshan ian captain’s spirited resistance. fiR nal day in the weather-hit fi rst Test in fi rst innings and were reeling at six for Sandakan, who claimed seven wickets Smith hit just one boundary in his grit- J. Burns b Sandakan 29 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Warner), 2-33 Pallekele yesterday. two in the second before Kusal Mendis D. Warner b Herath 1 (Khawaja), 3-63 (Burns), 4-96 (Voges), on a memorable Test debut. ty 55 which was only the second 50-plus A hamstrung Steve O’Keefe and Pe- made an epic 176, which earned him the U. Khawaja lbw b D. Perera 18 5-139 (Marsh), 6-140 (Smith), 7-141 “He is a brilliant fi nd for us,” Math- score in the bowler-dominated match. ter Nevill tried to delay the inevitable man-of-the-match award. S. Smith lbw b Herath 55 (Starc), 8-157 (Lyon), 9-161 (Nevill), 10- ews said. “We looked at the wicket O’Keefe and Nevill, aided by luck with nearly 30 overs of dogged resist- “Credit to Kusal, the way he played A. Voges c & b Herath 12 161 (O’Keefe) and knew it was going to turn. So we and Mathews’ struggle with reviews, ance but could not deny Sri Lanka only and scored 176 which certainly turned M. Marsh lbw b Herath 25 Bowling: Pradeep 6-3-16-0, Herath thought playing another spinner would blocked everything, frustrating the their second Test win over Australia this game. It was tough to come back P. Nevill c Chandimal b De Silva 9 33.3-16-54-5, D. Perera 13-3-30-1, be ideal and he responded brilliantly.” hosts in a partnership that lasted 29.4 which put the hosts 1-0 up in the three- from there,” Smith said at the presen- M. Starc c & b Sandakan 0 Sandakan 25-8-49-3, De Silva 11-7-12-1 The weather-hit match got off to an- overs and yielded only four runs. match series. tation ceremony. other delayed start following steady Nevill faced 115 balls for his nine runs Chasing 268 runs for victory, Aus- “We were sure 268 on this wicket on Herath, who claimed 4-49 in the ing O’Keefe, who is unlikely take part in morning drizzle and Sri Lanka attacked while O’Keefe scored four off 98 balls. tralia eventually folded for 161 in Steve day four and fi ve was going to be dif- fi rst innings, took 5-54 in the second the remainder of the series, towards the with spin from both ends to unsettle the The second Test starts in Galle on Smith’s fi rst loss as their Test captain. fi cult and it turned out to be that way.” and fi ttingly sealed the win by bowl- end of the afternoon session. visitors who resumed on 83 for three. Thursday.

WI VS IND, DAY 1, 2ND TEST Ashwin shines as Windies are dismissed for 196

Reuters Kingston, Jamaica

ff -spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bagged his 18th fi ve-wicket haul as India dismissed West Indies for 196 on the fi rst day of the secondO Test in Jamaica yesterday. Ashwin continued his brilliant form, taking 5-52 as India seized command at Sabina Park in Kingston. Paceman Ishant Sharma greased the wheels by picking up two early wickets with a devastating opening spell of seam bowling. The Windies lost their fi rst three wickets for only seven runs and Ashwin took over in the second session as the home team continued their recent miserable Test form after captain Jason Holder won the toss and batted. Only Jermaine Blackwood (62 off 62 balls) and Marlon Samuels (37 off 118 balls) among the Windies top order showed sig- nifi cant resistance. They shared in an 81-run fourth wicket stand, while tailenders Miguel Cummins (24 not out) and Shannon Gabriel (15) slogged 38 in an entertaining 10th-wicket partnership. Blackwood’s drama-fi lled knock includ- ed a vociferous shout for caught-behind off leg-spinner Amit Mishra but English Ravichandran Ashwin of India celebrates with teammates after dismissing Jermaine Blackwood of the West Indies on Day One of the umpire Ian Gould was unmoved. second Test in Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. (AFP) The Indians had nobody but themselves to blame because they refuse to accept the A replay showed the ball would barely provement after a pair in the fi rst Test. status. He made a century in the fi rst Test video review system that the rest of the have clipped the outside of leg stump, It was Ashwin’s fi rst scalp, and four in Antigua, where he collected 7-113. cricket world has embraced, and therefore which meant Blackwood would have sur- more followed on a pitch that turned from had no recourse to appeal the decision. vived if the Windies had the ability to ap- the very start. BRIEF SCORES (at Tea): West Indies 196 Cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar (left) and Sir Vivian Richards (right) But soon afterwards they reaped the peal the decision. Ashwin has now taken 31 wickets in less all out (J Blackwood 62, M Samuels 37; R pose with West Indies cricket Marlon Samuels and his son Dimitri benefi t of the system when Blackwood was He departed after a knock that included than four Tests, and his value to the team Ashwin 5-52, M Shami 2-23, I Sharma 2-53) before the start of the second Test between West Indies and India at given out lbw to Ashwin. four sixes and seven fours, a welcome im- is immense, given his genuine all-rounder vs India Sabina Park, Jamaica, yesterday. (WICB)