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FOOTBALL Qatar future bright aft er tough Copa America debut

AFP The Gulf state has lofty ambi- tics, their teamwork... look what teams he took over the top job Porto Alegre, Brazil tions and took a pair of important happened with Paraguay,” said from Uruguayan Jorge Fossati in steps this year. Queiroz before his side played July 2017. In February in the United Arab the Qataris. And it’s been an immediate atar may have fallen at Emirates, they overcame a hostile “They go to 2-2 and Qatar success with Qatar beating Japan the fi rst hurdle in their home crowd — provoked by a po- could have won it.” 3-1 to win the fi rst major title in South American ad- litical spat in the Gulf region — to their history in February. venture but the 2022 win the Asian Cup for the fi rst ‘RAPID TRANSITION’ But for bouts of naivety, Qatar WorldQ Cup hosts showed enough time, having never before gone Although Colombia dominated, could realistically have made the in Brazil to suggest the future is beyond the quarter-fi nals. Qatar held on grimly for 86 min- knock-out stages in Brazil. bright for the Maroons. And their participation in the utes and created several chances They gave away fourth-minute They arrived at the Copa Copa America — the oldest con- on the counter-attack before goals against Paraguay and Ar- America as an unknown quan- tinental national team competi- eventually falling to a Duvan Za- gentina — the latter after a sui- tity as far as the locals were con- tion in the world — has exposed pata header. cidal Bassam Hicham pass across cerned but despite losing two Qatar to a higher level of tour- “It was a very diffi cult match his own area fell straight to Lau- of their three matches, Qatar nament than they’ve ever faced and it was very important to be taro Martinez to fi re home. proved competitive enough to before. patient,” said Colombia mid- Against Paraguay, two Qatar ensure they won’t be a surprise Despite a positive start when fi elder Gustavo Cuellar after the players failed to turn a wicked package next year when making they fought back from 2-0 down game. cross into an open goal at 1-0. their second appearance in the to draw 2-2 with Paraguay, it “We managed to counter their “We paid for inexperience, we South American showpiece. proved a chastening experience threat which was the rapid tran- started two matches by conced- “There were times that we following defeats by Colombia sition from defence to attack.” ing goals from unnecessary ac- played well. We have to keep (1-0) and Argentina (2-0). Qatar’s has been a patient tions,” bemoaned Sanchez. working hard,” said Qatar’s But Colombia’s Portuguese project, and many years in the That, though, is something Spanish coach Felix Sanchez. coach Carlos Queiroz, who has a making. they should be able to iron out of “It’s a young team looking at lot of experience playing against Sanchez, a product of Barce- their game, if not by next year’s the next three years. We need to Qatar having coached Iran for lona’s renowned La Masia train- Copa America, then at least the work hard to be strong when we eight years, feels there is more to ing centre, joined Qatar’s Aspire World Cup. get there.” come. Academy — which aims to devel- “They’re a very worthy team Qatar have never qualifi ed for “Qatar are here to show that op elite athletes — in 2006. with a great future, with young the World Cup and will take part there’s football in Asia and if you Having coached Qatar’s un- players,” enthused Argentina Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi (top) and Argentina’s Sergio Aguero struggle for the ball during the Copa America for the fi rst time as hosts in 2022. don’t respect their characteris- der-19, under-20 and under-23 coach Lionel Scaloni. match at the Gremio Arena in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on Sunday. (AFP)

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Australia outclass England Finch scores a century before Behrendorff scalps five as to reach semi-fi nals England lose by 64 runs

AFP London Scorecard AUSTRALIA 27 ustralia captain Aaron A. Finch c Woakes b Archer 100 J. Root lbw b Starc 8 Finch hit a hundred before left-arm quicks D. Warner c Root b Ali 53 E. Morgan c Cummins b Starc 4 Jason Behrendorff and U. Khawaja b Stokes 23 B. Stokes b Starc 89 MitchellA Starc shared nine wick- S. Smith c Archer b Woakes 38 J. Buttler c Khawaja b Stoinis 25 ets as the reigning champions G. Maxwell c Buttler b Wood 12 C. Woakes c Finch b Behrendorff 26 thumped England by 64 runs at Lord’s on Tuesday to book their M. Stoinis run out 8 Moeen Ali c Carey b Behrendorff 6 place in the semi-fi nals of the A. Carey not out 38 A. Rashid c Stoinis b Starc 25 World Cup. P. Cummins c Buttler b Woakes 1 J. Archer c Warner b Behrendorff 1 Finch made exactly 100 in a M. Starc not out 4 M. Wood not out 1 total of 285-7 before England slumped to 221 all out with 32 Extras (lb4, w4) 8 Extras (lb5, b1, w3) 9 balls left. Total (seven wickets, 50 overs) 285 Total (all out, 44.4 overs) 221 The recalled Behrendorff took Fall of wickets: 1-123 (Warner), Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Vince), 5-44 — his fi rst fi ve-wicket haul 2-173 (Khawaja), 3-185 (Finch), 2-15 (Root), 3-26 (Morgan), 4-53 in a one-day international — 4-213 (Maxwell), 5-228 (Stoinis), (Bairstow), 5-124 (Buttler), 6-177 while Starc became the leading 6-250 (Smith), 7-259 (Cummins) (Stokes), 7-189 (Moeen), 8-202 bowler at the tournament with Bowling: Woakes 10-0-46-2 (Woakes), 9-211 (Archer), 10-221 19 scalps thanks to a haul of 4-43. (1w); Archer 9-0-56-1 (1w); Wood (Rashid) For England, who entered the 9-0-59-1 (2w); Stokes 6-0-29-1; Ali Bowling: Behrendorff 10-0-44-5 showpiece event as the top- 6-0-42-1; Rashid 10-0-49-0 (1w); Starc 8.4-1-43-4; Cummins ranked side in ODI cricket, this 8-1-41-0 (1w); Lyon 9-0-43-0; was a second straight defeat af- Stoinis 7-0-29-1 (1w); Maxwell ter their shock 20-run loss to Sri ENGLAND 2-0-15-0 Lanka. J. Vince b Behrendorff 0 The host nation, bidding to RESULT: Australia won by 64 J. Bairstow c Cummins b Behrendorff win a fi rst World Cup title, can runs still qualify for the semi-fi nals but they are likely to need to beat Maxwell for two sixes in three men, with the exception of Chris at least one of India and New balls but, shortly before com- Woakes, dropped short. Zealand in their remaining two pleting his fi fty, the all-rounder The skipper’s exit sparked a group games. pulled up with a calf injury. late fl urry of wickets but Austral- “There are teams that you have Starc was brought back to take ia had enough runs on the board. confi dence playing against but a key wicket and duly obliged Both Warner, the World Cup’s I have had plenty of low scores with a thunderbolt yorker, his leading run-scorer, and Steve against England as well,” said 18th wicket of the tournament, Smith were booed as they en- man-of-the-match Finch. that ended Stokes’s 115-ball in- tered and exited the fi eld follow- “It was nipping around fi rst nings of 89, including eight fours ing their recent return from year- thing. We were as tight as we Australia’s Jason Behrendorff (centre) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s Jofra Archer (not pictured) during the ICC and two sixes. long bans for ball-tampering. could be and then took advantage Cricket World Cup match at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London yesterday. (Reuters) Stokes’s dismissal left England Finch went to his century of any width.” 177-6 in the 37th over and eff ec- thanks to a misfi eld by Woakes England’s reply saw them lose nine balls. Australia, who had lost 10 of too many of their top-order ap- damage with a fi fth-wicket stand tively ended the contest. Starc but next ball he miscued a hook a wicket off just the second ball Test skipper Joe Root was their previous 11 ODIS against pear to know only one way to bat. of 71. ended the match when he dis- off Jofra Archer and Woakes held of their chase, with the strug- plumb lbw to an inswinger for England, were in complete charge Buttler was well caught by Us- missed Adil Rashid. the catch at fi ne leg. gling James Vince — only playing eight before England captain with the hosts now 26-3. CARELESS ENGLAND man Khawaja, running round Earlier Finch, dropped on 15, The skipper faced 116 balls, because Jason Roy was out with a Eoin Morgan (four) fell into a England have surged to the top Jonny Bairstow, for example, fell and staying just inside the deep and fellow opener David Warner with 11 fours and two sixes in hamstring injury — bowled by a hooking trap when a top-edge of the ODI rankings on the back next to a careless hook off Be- square leg boundary off Marcus (53) came through some testing his second century of this World Behrendorff inswinger. was held safely by Pat Cummins of aggressive run-scoring but the hrendorff before Stokes and Jos Stoinis. early overs to share a stand of 123 Cup following his 153 against Sri Starc then took two wickets in at fi ne leg. worry for Morgan’s men is that Buttler (25) repaired some of the Stokes defi antly hit Glenn as too many of England’s pace- Lanka. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 26, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS New Zealand’s Santner warns over ‘dangerous’ Pakistan ‘They took down England and took down South Africa the other day. When they’re hot, they’re really hot’

Agencies Birmingham, United Kingdom Pakistan’s Azhar questions New Zealand toughness

itchell Santner said AFP England. New Zealand could Birmingham, United Kingdom Pakistan started their campaign not aff ord to take slowly at the 1992 World Cup in “dangerous” Paki- Australia and New Zealand but Mstan lightly as they attempt to akistan bowling coach beat New Zealand twice and seal their place in the World Cup Azhar Mahmood ques- went on to lift the trophy for the semi-fi nals in Birmingham to- Ptioned New Zealand’s abil- first and only time. day. ity to win the biggest matches “If you see the 1992 World Cup Unbeaten New Zealand have ahead of today’s World Cup and this one, there are a few 11 points from fi ve victories and clash in Birmingham. similarities,” said Azhar. “But a rained-off game while Paki- Kane Williamson’s side are we’re not thinking like that. Aus- stan must win to keep alive their undefeated at the tournament tralia were in a similar situation chances of qualifying for the last in England and Wales, with five in the 1999 World Cup (which four wins in six games, plus one no they won). “Obviously, they’ve had a result. “If they lost any games, they pretty good record over here,” In contrast, Pakistan must win the would have been out. We are said the spinning all-rounder on match at Edgbaston if they are in that situation now. But for the eve of the match at Edgbas- to maintain a realistic chance of us, every match is a final, that ton. reaching the semi-finals after a is how we are looking at it. We “They won the Champions poor start to the tournament in Pakistan’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood addresses the media at a know that if we perform poorly Trophy a couple of years ago and England and Wales. press conference at Edgbaston in Birmingham yesterday. (AFP) anywhere, we could be out.” they’ve come off a pretty good Mahmood, a former allrounder Mahmood praised in-form pace- win against South Africa.” who played in three World Cups yesterday. they have coped well in pres- man Mohamed Amir, who has “We’re at the top at the mo- for Pakistan, said New Zealand “It can happen to any team. sure situations, coming out on taken 15 wickets in five matches. ment (before the England v Aus- had a good record early in tour- Everyone has to have a bad day. top against Bangladesh, South “Amir has started pushing his tralia result), but we can’t take naments but often wilted under Hopefully New Zealand have it Africa and the West Indies in lengths up a little, allowing any games lightly.” pressure at the business end. tomorrow.” tight finishes. himself to swing the ball,” he Santner praised Pakistan’s “New Zealand’s history is such New Zealand, who have never But Pakistan have a good record said. “That has been key for us. varied bowling attack. that they get there winning, win- won a World Cup, have reached in matches between the two It’s very important for us that “Their bowling attack on the ning and then when a crunch the semi-finals six times and lost sides, winning six of their eight he gives us early breakthroughs whole is very good. They’ve got situation comes up, in the semi- to Australia in the 2015 final in World Cup encounters, includ- and he has that ability. some very good seam bowlers as final, or quarter-final, they don’t Melbourne. ing semi-final victories in 1992 “His skills and ability have well as spin bowlers. We’re aware do that well,” Mahmood said During the current tournament and in the 1999 edition, also in always been exceptional.” of their strengths, and I think Wahab (Riaz) back into their team is very good for them.” “(Mohamed) Amir is bowling New Zealand’s Martin Guptill takes part in a training session at very well as well,” added Santner Edgbaston in Birmingham, United Kingdom, yesterday. The opener of the left-arm paceman, who has struggled in this tournament but coach Gary Stead has put his has 15 wickets in fi ve matches. faith in the right-hander and his opening partner Colin Munro. (AFP) Santner said Pakistan, who have lost three matches at the the knockout phase. Pakistan. World Cup so far, had the ability Guptill and Munro, in full “Martin and Colin have both to raise their game despite their fl ight, provide New Zealand done it for us on numerous occa- troubles. with an explosive start but the sions and I hope that their time “They took down England and pair have struggled in England, will be the next game. took down South Africa the other with Kane Williamson (373 runs “If they come off it is going day,” he said. “When they’re hot, at 186.5) and Ross Taylor (200 at to make it easier for the likes for they’re really hot. We have to, 50) responsible for the bulk of the Kane and Rosco and the guys af- obviously, fi nd ways of trying to side’s runs. ter them.” cool them down when they’re The right-handed Guptill, While victory over Pakistan like that.” the only New Zealander to have would confi rm a spot in their The left-handed batsman said scored an ODI double century, eighth World Cup semi-fi nal, skipper Kane Williamson was has been dismissed for two gold- Stead was wary of looking too far key to New Zealand’s batting en ducks and his 133 runs in fi ve ahead and knows that while they strength. innings are mostly courtesy of 73 top the table they could also fi n- “He’s coming off two hun- not out against Sri Lanka in their ish outside the top four if things dreds, and the one against South opening match. go against them. Africa the other night was pretty The majority of Munro’s 113 “The team is in a good space,” special,” he said. “It didn’t look, runs also came in the 10-wick- he said, adding that tight wins I guess, as fl uid, his innings, but et victory over Dimuth Karu- over Bangladesh, South Africa that’s what made it so good.” naratne’s side when he scored 58 and the West Indies would stand not out in Cardiff as he and Gup- them in good stead. STEAD CONFIDENT OPENERS till chased down the 137 needed “We have had three really close CAN REDISCOVER FORM for victory in 16.1 overs. games and I guess that augurs New Zealand coach Gary Stead is “In any team you will have well for when you get to fi nals confi dent opening batsmen Mar- times when people don’t score time because you have been in tin Guptill and Colin Munro will runs. That’s the game of cricket,” those tight situations. rediscover their scoring touch as Stead told reporters in Birming- “We want to just keep playing Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz gestures at his teammates during a training session at Edgbaston in Birmingham, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) the Cricket World Cup reaches ham ahead of their clash with the way we are at the moment.”

SPOTLIGHT REVIEW Coach Joshi hails ‘Mr Consistent’ Shakib Skipper Naib fumes at sloppy

Reuters London Afghanistan aft er latest defeat

AFP angladesh all-rounder Southampton, United Kingdom Shakib Al Hasan’s con- sistency with the bat and ball at the Cricket fghanistan cap- WorldB Cup is down to his fi tness tain Gulbadin Naib regimen and his presence in the slammed his side’s squad has driven them to new sloppy fi elding in their heights, the team’s spin coach 62-runA World Cup defeat against Sunil Joshi has said. Bangladesh on Monday. Shakib made 51 in Monday’s Naib’s men were guilty of a 62-run victory over Afghanistan series of errors- — dropping to reclaim his position as the catches and committing care- tournament’s leading run scorer less misfi elds — as Bangladesh (476 runs) and also logged the scored 262-7 in Southampton. best bowling fi gures of 5-29 to Those blunders were worth take his tally to 10 wickets. an extra 35 runs according to the The 32-year-old brushed disgruntled Naib, who defended aside suggestions Bangladesh his decision to bowl fi rst after were a one-man team but his winning the toss. third man-of-the-match per- “I’m happy with the toss, formance has moved them one but if you look at the match, we Afghanistan’s Dawlat Zadran drops a catch during the match against step closer to the semi-fi nals, missed a couple of catches and Bangladesh on Monday. (Reuters) the side sitting in fi fth place and gave some extra runs,” he told a point behind England. reporters. who took fi ve wickets and scored the most runs in the tourna- “It is a source of great pride “We gave away 30, 35 runs. Be- 51, saying: “If you look for the ment’s history against England that we have a player like that in cause of mis-fi elding we missed wicket, it’s chasable. and failing to sparkle against the Bangladesh side,” Joshi told the opportunity again. “But praise goes to Shakib. Bangladesh. reporters. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan (left) celebrates after the dismissal of Afghanistan’s captain Gulbadin Naib “Again, we didn’t bowl in the He bowled really well. He’s the “He’s giving his 100 percent, “He is Mr. Consistent for us — (not pictured) during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, United right area in fi rst 10 overs, and world number one all-rounder. but if you look for the fi elding be it with the bat, the ball or in Kingdom, on Monday. (AFP) they scored like 50-something.” “He has a lot of experience, so side, I’m a little disappointed,” the fi eld. He has really focused Afghanistan slipped to 200 all he took time on the wicket when Naib said. on his fi tness and lost between take our whole game forward.” spinners on a slow pitch at Edg- in Ireland, we have beaten West out despite Naib’s 47 in a lack- he batted. Also, he bowled really “He’s also disappointed about fi ve and seven kilos recently. Bangladesh have a break un- baston. Indies home and away and come lustre run-chase that suggested well, according to the plan.” the fi elding. One time he’s very “You can see how that has til they play India next Tuesday “We all know they play spin close to beating India three they would have been better off Naib was also frustrated by the angry in the fi eld. paid off with his running be- and Joshi, who played 69 one- well but so do we,” Joshi said. times in the past three years. batting fi rst. bowling and fi elding of star leg- “I asked him just keep relaxed tween the wickets, you can see day internationals for the twice “We have shown in the white “I have seen India very closely Asked if it was a realistic target spinner Rashid Khan. and just focus on your bowling. the hunger in his cricket. His champions between 1996 and ball formats here and before this when we have played them. We to chase, Naib saluted man-of- Rashid has endured a disap- So I think he missed his momen- presence is really helping us to 2001, is expecting a battle of the that we are a good side. We won know where to bowl to them.” the-match Shakib Al Hasan — pointing World Cup, conceding tum there because of fi elding.” Gulf Times Wednesday, June 26, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS UPDATE Bhuvneshwar hits the net running Rashid buckling under watchful eyes of the physio

IANS no visible discomfort and that is New Delhi a good sign,” the source said. under weight of Earlier, Navdeep Saini had joined the Indian team in Man- n a big positive for the India, chester on Monday. The timing pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar of the arrival combined with a bowled for around 30-35 lack of any fresh update on Bhu- minutes at the indoor nets in vneshwar’s injury had raised IManchester yesterday. While it is quite a few eyebrows. But the In- unclear if he will be in contention dian team has made it clear that expectations for the game against West Indies Saini had joined the camp only as at Old Traff ord tomorrow, the a net bowler. close to full run-up bowling ses- Interestingly, Saini was named ‘Rashid is one of those players, who is trying to do well in all three departments’ sion is an indicator that the ham- as one of the stand-by players string niggle has improved. when the Indian selectors had an- Reuters Speaking to IANS, sources in nounced the 15-member squad for Manchester, United Kingdom the know of developments said the World Cup. The BCCI sent out that while the pacer did start an offi cial message saying: “Nav- with a short run-up, there was deep Saini has arrived in Man- o other spinner headed a gradual increase in the run-up chester. Navdeep is the only net into the World Cup 26 - 06 - 2019 under the watchful eyes of phys- bowler here and he will train with with a burden of ex- io Patrick Farhart. the Indian cricket team.” pectation heavier “It is indeed a positive sign as After the game against Pa- thanN the one on Rashid Khan’s he bowled close to 30-35 minutes kistan, skipper Virat Kohli had shoulders but seven matches under Farhart’s observation. It said: “Slight niggle for Bhuvi, he into the tournament and the started with a small four or fi ve slipped on one of the footmarks. poster boy of Afghan cricket is step run-in to the wicket before He’s out for two — maybe three buckling under the weight. he kept increasing the run-up — games, but he should come His reputation, earned largely at regular intervals. He was also back for us at some stage during in franchise cricket, preceded checked on by skipper Virat Kohli this tournament. He is very im- him in England but success has during his net session. There was portant for us.” eluded him in a tournament he was supposed to set alight. England is not exactly a spin- ner’s paradise though. South African old warhorse Imran Tahir and Bangladesh tal- isman Shakib Al Hasan are the only two spinners among the tournament’s top 10 bowlers. Right-arm quick Gulbadin Naib is the highest placed Af- ghan with nine wickets from seven matches — all of which his team have lost to be rooted to the bottom of the standings. With just four wickets from seven outings, Rashid, currently the top ranked Twenty20 bowl- er, is not even the best spinner in his team. West Indies legend Lara admitted to Mohamed Nabi has seven from seven and Mujeeb Ur Rah- Mumbai hospital man — another off -spinner — West Indies batting legend casters of the ongoing cricket has fi ve from fi ve. Brian Lara was admitted to a World Cup. Batsmen initially treated Rash- hospital in Mumbai yesterday “He complained of chest pain id with respect before Eoin Mor- ment’s best fi gures of 5-29 on “I’m also disappointed with after complaining of chest and uneasiness this morning gan destroyed him in Manchester the same slow track. our fi elding like him. There was an pain, Indian media reports and and was sent for a routine where the leg-spinner’s 9-0-110- The closest he came to tasting occasion when he was very angry sources said. check-up. He is fine now,” a 0 went down as the worst fi gures success was when he trapped with a fi elder,” Naib added. The 50-year-old Trinidadian source at the broadcaster, in World Cup history. Shakib leg before. “If we do not fi eld well, it up- was rushed to hospital after he who asked not to be named, No bowler in the tournament The batsman instantly re- sets the bowlers. Rashid is one of complained of discomfort dur- told AFP. has been hit for more sixes than viewed it and eventually got the those players, who is trying to do ing a promotional event, the One of the best batsmen of the dozen he has conceded so far. decision overturned with ball- well in all three departments. But Press Trust of India (PTI) news all time, Lara holds two world “He is not bowling (at the tracker suggesting the delivery again, we gave away extra runs, agency said, quoting a source records — the highest Test level) where I want him,” captain would have just sailed over the and naturally he was very upset. close to the player. score of 400 not out, and the Naib, who defended Rashid after stumps. “I told him ‘relax and focus on “He is fine and will be dis- highest first class knock of 501 the Manchester mauling saying His frustration was evident your bowling’. He missed mo- charged soon,” the source that he scored in the English it was a one-off day, said after too as Rashid remonstrated with mentum because of our poor told PTI. county championship in 1994. Monday’s loss to Bangladesh. teammates who put up another fi elding.” Lara was in Mumbai to take The former skipper retired in “But he is trying hard, he is shabby fi elding display marked Their next two assignments part in events organised by 2007 after a dismal West Indies giving his 100%.” by spilled catches, misfi elds and — against former champions Star Sports, the off icial broad- campaign in the World Cup. The 20-year-old endured overthrows. Pakistan and West Indies — are another wicketless day at the Naib, who reckoned his team Rashid’s fi nal hopes to salvage Hampshire Bowl on Monday, bled extra 30-40 runs on fi eld, some of his reputation in his even as Mujeeb got three while said he could sympathise with maiden 50-overs World Cup ap- OFFBEAT Shakib returned the tourna- Rashid. pearance.

BOTTOMLINE World Cup fans stand to attention Less crash, bang, wallop need for Cottrell’s salute AFP Manchester, United Kingdom of the hour for Windies: Lloyd est Indies paceman Sheldon Cottrell Reuters have the mentality that if they has handed plenty London scored “80-odd” before they got of batsmen their out they had done their job and Wmarching orders at the Cricket it was then up to the rest of the World Cup and seen his unique est Indies need to side to get the team home. celebration win an army of fol- rethink their tacti- Holding’s fellow Jamaican lowers online. cal approach and Chris Gayle raced to 87 against A serving member of the Ja- pace their innings New Zealand but was dismissed maica Defence Force, Cottrell’s Wbetter at the Cricket World Cup in the 24th over to leave his side march and salute has been his if they are to get the best out of at 152 for fi ve. trademark since bursting onto Cottrell responded by invit- a side full of talent, according to Lloyd added that if his former the international scene in 2013 ing the youngsters to the West cricketing great Clive Lloyd. side had a player like New Zea- and the distinct send-off has Indies’ next match against India West Indies are eighth in the land captain Kane Williamson, caught the imagination of fans at on Thursday, but is concerned standings after six matches who scored 148 by accumulating the World Cup. about them missing school for having won just one game — a runs and waiting for the bad ball The left-arm quick returned the clash at Old Traff ord. seven-wicket demolition of Pa- he could put away, they would fi gures of 4-56 in his team’s “I’m looking into it for kistan in their opening match. have won more games in Eng- fi ve-run loss to New Zealand on you,” Cottrell replied on Twit- Jason Holder’s side, how- land. Saturday to take his tally for the ter. “Thanks for your support. ever, could have been in a much “Had the West Indies bats- tournament to nine. Would like to invite you to the stronger position heading into men turned some of those 50s, “It’s a military-style salute. game in Manchester if your not their next match against India in 60s and 70s, 80s into hundreds I’m a soldier by profession. Me already attending? #salute (it’s a Manchester on Friday had they they would have been in a better saluting is just to show my re- week day tho).” not lost to front-runners New position in the points standing,” spect to the Jamaica Defence However, not everyone is a fan Zealand narrowly or let Austral- Lloyd said, highlighting the fact Force,” Cottrell told the BBC. of Cottrell’s fl amboyance, with ia off the hook. that six West Indies players, be- “I do it every time I get a wick- England coach Trevor Bayliss “West Indies could be one of sides Brathwaite, had passed 50 et. I practised it for six months telling ESPN Cricinfo it annoys the best teams around — they during the tournament. when I was training in the army,” older cricket-watchers. have the talent,” Lloyd said in West Indies’ Carlos Brathwaite attends a training session in Manchester yesterday. A maiden century “Against New Zealand, they he said. West Indies players have al- his column for the International from the all-rounder meant that they got close to the target against New Zealand on Saturday. (AFP) were well aware of the asking Among the many videos of ways been synonymous with in- Cricket Council. rate; all they had to do was knock the Cottrell imitation on Twit- novative celebratory styles. “Ultimately, the diff erence The Guyanese, who captained ing start, but suff ered a top-or- by fast bowling great Michael it around. It wasn’t about play- ter, a clip of a young boy and girl The Darren Sammy-led side has been that the West Indies the West Indies to the fi rst two der collapse and only a rearguard Holding during his commen- ing big shots. copying the bowler’s salute in a celebrated their World Twen- just aren’t settling in and mak- World Cup titles in 1975 and maiden century from all-round- tary of the New Zealand match, “I just hope that they’ve British street has gone viral. The ty20 title win with a trademark ing big scores (and) they’re 1979, said the fi ve-run loss to er Carlos Brathwaite meant they stating he felt the side lacked the learned from their mistakes and person who shot the video of the “Champion Dance” in 2016 just not putting the clinical fi nish- New Zealand was the perfect il- got close to New Zealand’s 291 ability to buckle down. that they can rectify them be- young fans asked the paceman as the Gangnam-Style dance was ing touches necessary to win lustration of his argument. for eight. Holding said that some of the cause they are talented cricket- where he could buy a West Indies used during their fi rst T20 tri- games.” The West Indies had a blister- The approach was criticised top-order batsmen seemed to ers.” jersey with his name at the back. umph in 2012. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 26, 2019 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Bach rules out direct IOC revenue Tokyo domestic payout to athletes

DPA Lausanne, Switzerland

nternational Olympic Com- sponsorship tops mittee (IOC) president Thomas Bach yesterday Iruled out direct payments to athletes from IOC revenue but admitted their solidarity model needed to be presented in a bet- ter way. A group named “Athletes Ger- $3bn, IOC says many” had called on the IOC to distribute “a fair share” of its In comparison, the London Games raised roughly $1.1bn from domestic sponsors sponsorship income to them be- cause athletes were at the centre Reuters of the Games. Lausanne The issue was discussed at an athletes forum at the IOC in April but Bach told the IOC Session Bach also warned that the IOC he Tokyo 2020 Ol- that any kind of direct payment solidarity model has been chal- ympics have gener- would do the Games harm. lenged by commercial organisers ated record domestic “If that was the case we could of sports events and asks state Tsponsorship revenues be sure to have not 33 Olympic authorities to make a distinction of more than $3.0bn, the Inter- sports in Tokyo 2020 and seven between them and the IOC and national Olympic Committee in Beijing 2022 but far less,” he sports federations. said yesterday — three times said. “Sport without values is just more than any previous sum- “We wouldn’t have athletes entertainment. Olympic sport mer Games. from all 206 national Olympic must be entertaining, but it must There is huge enthusiasm committees participating in the not be just entertainment,” Bach among the Japanese for the To- Olympic Games but a far smaller said. kyo Games, and the public have number.” “We stand for values, for all rushed in their millions to buy Bach reiterated that athletes athletes, for all sports, regardless tickets. profi t from the IOC which dis- if our competitions are commer- The IOC’s Co-ordination tributes 90 per cent of its rev- cial or not. Commission chief for Tokyo, enue to national Olympic com- We are not cherry picking. We John Coates, said local spon- mittees and sports federations stand for values, we stand for sorship agreements were up to but could do better in explaining universality, we stand for peace.” 62 companies for all three tiers what happens with the money. The IOC also presented its of sponsorship arrangements. “We did not always do our 2018 fi nancial fi gures yesterday, “This equates to revenues best to make the solidarity model with a profi t of 165mn dollars in exceeding 3.0bn dollars from clear enough to athletes and the Pyeongchang Winter Olym- national partnerships. That is the public. We are working on a pics year. an amazing amount of money,” model to make it clearer on the Revenue was given at 2.206bn Coates told the IOC session. opportunities,” he said. dollars, including 1.436bn from “This does not include the “The athletes know better TV broadcast rights and 550mn partnerships with (Japanese than us how to support us and from the IOC’s top tier sponsors. companies) Toyota, Bridge- support athletes in their own The IOC spent 2.068mn dol- stone and Panasonic and their Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, pose with other attendants during a countdown event to mark the countries. There is no one size lars, with 1.153bn going to or- contribution to the TOP pro- two years until the opening of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo yesterday. fi ts all solution,” he said, adding ganising committees, national gramme.” the athletes “recognised the im- Olympic committees and sports The three companies have Speaking to Reuters on the portance of the redistribution” federations, and 604mn listed as separate deals with the IOC as sidelines of the LA Sports Sum- at the forum. Games-related expenditure. major sponsors of the organi- Breakdancing takes next step towards Paris mit, Garcetti also said that see- sation, worth hundreds of mil- ing the deals Tokyo 2020 or- lions of dollars in total. Lausanne: Breakdancing inclusion in the 2024 pro- Paris Games organisers said ganisers had been able sign for In comparison, the London and three other sports took gramme, but the sports face they want to deliver a pro- sponsorships for next year’s 2012 Games raised roughly another step towards appear- one final review in late 2020 gramme that is in keeping with Games had made him even more ‘Excited’ Ewan will make $1.1bn from domestic sponsors ing at the Paris 2024 Olympics before a final decision is taken, the times and will attract a new bullish on his city’s prospects. — a record at the time — while after the International Olympic IOC President Thomas Bach and younger audience. “When I look at what oth- Tour de France debut Rio de Janeiro in 2016 claimed it Committee yesterday voted in said. Under new IOC rules first er cities have been able to do Paris: Australian Caleb Belgian Jasper de Buyst and had slightly surpassed London, favour of their inclusion. Surfing, climbing and skate- introduced for the Tokyo in terms of sponsorships, we Ewan will make his Tour de German Roger Kluge, were although that is unlikely with The Paris 2024 organising boarding will be part of the Games, Olympic host cities can should be able to blow way past France debut in the opening also in the team unveiled fi nal accounts inaccurate given committee in February pro- Tokyo 2020 Olympics and hand-pick sports and propose the guaranteed level that we’re stage in Brussels on July 6 yesterday. ongoing corruption probes posed surfing, skateboarding their performance as new them for inclusion in those budgeting with,” he said. after being included in the Ewan seems to be still linked to those Olympics. and sport climbing as well as sports there will be monitored Games if they are popular in “I think our ticket sales will Lotto Soudal team yester- wrestling with some of the The IOC has been strug- breakdancing for inclusion by the IOC before a final deci- that country and add to the do that as well.” day. Tour basics. “It’s going to be gling to attract new cities to in the Games and the IOC’s sion is taken on their inclusion Games’ appeal. Garcetti’s comments came “It’s going to be a dream a tough four weeks,” he said bid for the Games and awarded executive board gave the initial in Paris. It is planned that the The IOC is eager to refresh the on the same day the Los An- come true for me,” said before correcting himself. the 2026 winter Olympics on green light in March. four sports will have a total 248 Games’ sports programme to geles Sports Council released Ewan in a team video. “Or three weeks.” Monday to Milan and Cortina Yesterday the IOC session athletes, split evenly between remain relevant to sponsors, an ‘Economic Impact Analysis “I’m excited about the first The eight-man team is com- D’Ampezzo after four other cit- voted unanimously for their men and women. broadcasters and fans. of the Sports Industry in the stage being a sprint because pleted by Thomas De Gendt, ies dropped out and Stockholm Greater Los Angeles Region’. it’s an opportunity for us who has said he wants to was left as the only other bid- The report found that last sprinters to take the yellow ride in all three grand tours der. But in Japan, the Games is an indication of this strong ticket and sponsorship sales Garcetti said the money year alone the sports industry jersey. It’s going to be so this year, and four more have generated great enthusi- support and high level of inter- would top current projections would help support youth generated $6.3bn in economic exciting to be in a Belgian Belgians Tiesj Benoot, Tim asm with 7.5mn citizens reg- est among the Japanese public,” to help Los Angeles avoid the sports in the city “for decades impact, $327mn in taxes for team starting the Tour de Wellens, Jens Keukeleire istering to apply for tickets Coates said. pitfalls that have left some oth- to come.” state and local governments France in Belgium.” and Maxime Monfort. through a lottery system, many QThe 2028 Summer Games er host cities in debt. “We’ve had cities scared to while supporting nearly 40,000 The 24-year-old sprinter “I think we chose the of whom ended up without any. will see host city Los Ange- “We made a million dollars bid for the Olympics because jobs. won stages on the Giro strongest possible team,” Tokyo’s bid fi le had said some les record a profi t of at least in 1932, we made $250mn in they cost so much and because Los Angeles is home to 11 and the Vuelta in 2015 and said Lotto manager Marc 7.8mn tickets would be avail- $1bn, mayor Eric Garcetti told a 1984,” he said, referring to the people build so much infra- professional sports franchises added two more stages for Sargeant for the Belgian able for Games but 20-30% of sports summit yesterday. last two times the city has host- structure for two and a half and will next year open a multi- Lotto in the Giro in May. outfit. “We are fully aiming those are reserved for interna- Garcetti said utilising the ed the Games. weeks. “It wasn’t a very sus- billion dollar NFL stadium in His lead-out men in Italy, for a stage victory.” tional customers and sponsors. city’s existing sports venues “I think we will make at least tainable model... we created a Inglewood, one of the venues “7.5mn ticket (requests). This would keep costs down while a billion dollars in 2028.” diff erent model.” that will host events in 2028.

FORMULA ONE Wolff optimistic Ocon will race next year Reuters itial term is coming to an end at the end Bolsonaro backs Rio to host 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix London of this year but there is some mecha- nism of options,” Abiteboul said at Le Castellet. Brasilia: Brazilian President Jair Bol- Joao Doria, a possible presidential ercedes team boss Toto “So it’s maybe that we continue our sonaro vowed yesterday to move the candidate in 2022 who is keen to keep Wolff has taken a dig at journey with Nico. Frankly, Nico has 2021 Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix the race in Brazil’s largest city. Renault counterpart Cyril delivered for the team,” he added. to Rio de Janeiro after the contract He indicated that he was looking for Abiteboul while remaining “But also we need to look at the op- for Sao Paulo’s Interlagos racetrack the best venue to provide a spectacle Mconfi dent that French driver Esteban tions, like everyone is doing, like I’m expires next year. that draws the fans and can stimulate Ocon will secure a seat in Formula One sure Nico is doing...things are open Bolsonaro said a yet-to-be-built private the local economy. next season. for him and for us, but there is also an racetrack in Rio would have a capacity “We want it to be in a destination city Mercedes-backed Ocon raced for option in place so that we can possibly for 130,000 fans compared to 60,000 that captures the world’s imagination,” Force India, now Racing Point, last sea- continue our journey together.” at the Sao Paulo venue. he said. son but was left without a drive when Hulkenberg has scored half of Re- “No one is trying to take Formula One The Brazilian Grand Prix has been held Renault sprang a surprise and signed nault’s 32 points this season after eight away from Sao Paulo. The race will in Sao Paulo continuously since 1990 Australian Daniel Ricciardo from Red races. The team, fourth overall last year, stay in Brazil, that’s what counts,” Bol- and Rio’s Jacarepagua circuit was Bull for 2019. are currently fi fth and eight points be- sonaro said at a news conference also demolished to make way for facilities Until then, the 22-year-old had hind McLaren. attended by Formula One chairman for the 2016 Olympics. looked set for the seat at the French Chase Carey and Rio Governor Wilson Bolsonaro, a Rio resident, said the new manufacturer team as part of a loan LOWE LEAVES WILLIAMS Witzel. circuit will be built in the Deodoro deal agreed verbally between Abiteboul Former technical director Paddy Carey said that nothing had been sector of western Rio and be a multi- and Wolff . Lowe is leaving Williams with immedi- decided and he would discuss it with purpose facility where music shows “I like Cyril but in order to become ate eff ect and has stepped down from both cities. and other events can be held to make a gentleman with the handshake, he the board of directors, the Formula One Carey will meet Sao Paulo governor it profitable. needs to restore his gentleman image,” team said yesterday. Wolff told reporters at the weekend’s Lowe had been on an extended “leave French Grand Prix when asked if he of absence” since March 5, before the testing in Barcelona and turned up two last year’s car — the fi rst under his su- would discuss another such loan. start of the season. days late. pervision — proved ill-handling and “We are looking at all options. Este- “After a period of careful refl ection I The team are last in the champion- uncompetitive. ban is a hot topic because he’s clearly said Wolff . Ricciardo in what could be a make-or- have reached the decision that I will not ship and have yet to score a point with The family-owned British team have one of the most promising young driv- Renault could have a vacancy next break year. return to work at Williams,” he said in a a car that has been the slowest on track British rookie George Russell and Po- ers and he deserves to be in Formula season with 31-year-old Nico Hulken- Hulkenberg holds the Formula One team statement. all season. land’s Robert Kubica as their drivers. One, and we can see that with the in- berg out of contract and the German’s record for most grands prix started Lowe’s position at the former world Williams fi nished last overall in 2018 “We understand and respect the de- terest that he generates. future uncertain. without ever stepping on the podium — champions appeared shaky last year and have not won a race since 2012. cision Paddy has reached and wish him “I am very optimistic that we will see Abiteboul said in February that 164 to date with a best result of fourth. and worsened after they failed to fi n- Lowe joined Williams in 2017 from well for the future,” said deputy princi- him in a Formula One car next year,” Hulkenberg would be measured against “(Regarding) Nico’s contract, the in- ish their new car in time for the start of dominant champions Mercedes but pal Claire Williams. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 26, 2019 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Capitals’ Orpik to Antetokounmpo retire from NHL aft er 15 seasons Reuters and relationships that hockey Washington has given me.” named NBA’s MVP Drafted 18th overall in the 2000 NHL Draft by the Penguins, ashington Capi- Orpik fi nished his college career Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic won the Rookie of the Year Award tals defenseman the next season with a national Brooks Orpik re- championship at Boston Col- tired from the NHL lege. Not long after, he became a Wafter 15 seasons. Orpik, 38, said leader and fi xture for Pittsburgh on Tuesday he would call it a ca- and played on his fi rst Stanley reer after 1,035 career games. Cup-winning team in 2008-09. “I’ve been extremely lucky to He signed with the Capitals as have the best job in the world for a free agent in 2014 and helped many years, but my body is tell- Washington cap the 2017-18 sea- ing me it is time to move on to son with the Stanley Cup. something new,” Orpik said in a “Batya was a great leader in statement issued by the Capitals. our locker room and was so im- “I’m excited for more family portant for us to win our fi rst time and to experience a lot of Stanley Cup,” Alex Ovechkin the things that being a profes- said. sional athlete forces you to miss “We will miss his presence in out on. Thank you to the Wash- the room and on the ice. Not only ington Capitals and Pittsburgh was he a great leader and a play- Penguins for giving me the op- er, but he was a better person!” portunity to play against the The left-hander had 194 career best athletes in the world. I’ll be points (176 assists) and played in forever grateful for the memories 156 career playoff games.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (third right) poses with his family members after winning the Most Valuable Player award at the 2019 NBA Awards show in Los Angeles on Monday night. (USA TODAY Sports)

Reuters goal to be the best player in the league,” pick in last season’s draft, Phoenix Suns points, 8.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds in Los Angeles Antetokounmpo said. “I’m gonna do center Deandre Ayton. 30.9 minutes per game last season. He whatever it takes to win, and I’m going Named Most Improved Player was played in 81 of the team’s 82 contests. A to win MVP. And every time I step on the power forward Pascal Siakam of the NBA year ago, Young, the No. 5 overall draft ilwaukee Bucks forward Gi- fl oor, I think of my dad, and that moti- champion Toronto Raptors, who won the pick in 2018, was dealt from Dallas to At- NBA annis Antetokounmpo be- vates me to play harder and move forward award over fellow fi nalists De’Aaron Fox lanta along with a 2019 fi rst-round pick came the second European even when my body is sore, I don’t feel of the Sacramento Kings and D’Angelo in exchange for Doncic. Siakam averaged player to be selected the like playing, I’m always going to show up Russell of the Brooklyn Nets. Like Doncic, 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists MNBA’s Most Valuable Player, winning the and I’m going to do the right thing.” Siakam ran away with the award, receiv- over 31.9 minutes and played in 80 games. Wizards’ Beal says honour on Monday night at the league’s “The Greek Freak” averaged 27.7 points, ing 86 out of 100 votes. Siakam, a third-year player whom awards show in Santa Monica, California. 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks and Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Wil- the Raptors drafted with the 27th over- Luka Doncic, the No. 3 overall selec- 1.3 steals in 72 games. liams was chosen the Sixth Man of the all pick in 2016, increased his point total he won’t be traded tion who was traded to the Dallas Maver- Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who Year for the third time, matching Jamal by 9.6 points per game over the 2017-18 icks on draft day in 2018, won the Rookie was selected the Executive of the Year on Crawford for the most times winning season, the biggest gain by any player to Reuters ent and that’s been great,” Beal of the Year Award. Antetokounmpo, a Monday, said in a statement, “We are be- the award. The only other two-time have played in 40 games in the consecu- Washington said. “They’re not keeping me 24-year-old from Greece, joins Germa- yond proud of Giannis for earning his fi rst winners of the Sixth Man award were tive seasons. in the dark about anything, even ny’s Dirk Nowitzki (2006-07 Dallas Mav- MVP award. This well-deserved honour Kevin McHale, Ricky Pierce and Detlef Williams, 32, put up 20 points, 5.4 as- about the trade rumours.... It’s ericks) as European NBA MVPs. is due to his relentless hard work and Schrempf. The other fi nalists for the sists and three rebounds per game in 75 ashington Wizards great having that peace of mind.” The only other non-United States dedication in becoming the most impact- Sixth Man award were Williams’ team- appearances in 2018-19, starting just guard Bradley Beal Beal, who turns 26 on Friday, players to capture the honour were Ni- ful player in the NBA. mate Montrezl Harrell and the Indiana once. Budenholzer, 49, led the Bucks to claims team offi cials was the No. 3 overall pick in the geria’s Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94 Hou- Giannis propelled the Bucks to great Pacers’ Domantas Sabonis. Coach of the a 60-22 record in his fi rst season in Mil- gave him assurances 2012 NBA Draft. Deeply involved ston Rockets) and Canada’s Steve Nash heights last season with his leadership, Year went to the Bucks’ Mike Buden- waukee, their best record since going 60- Whe won’t be traded. in the community, he said he en- (2004-05 and 2005-06 Phoenix Suns). drive and unselfi sh play. His grace on and holzer, who beat out fellow fi nalists Doc 22 in the 1980-81 season. Beal said he is open to a long- visions spending his career with In addition, two-time MVP Tim Dun- off the court has made him one of the Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers and The 16-win improvement over the term contract extension with the Wizards but also realises the can (2001-02 and 2002-03 San Antonio most admired players in the world.” Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets. previous season was the best mark in the the team. Beal said that owner time for him to move on could Spurs) was born in the US Virgin Islands. Antetokounmpo also was a fi nalist for Doncic, a 20-year-old guard who aver- NBA this season and earned the Bucks Ted Leonsis, interim general come. A two-time All-Star, Beal Antetokounmpo received 78 fi rst-place Defensive Player of the Year, which went aged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 as- the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. manager Tommy Sheppard and has two years remaining on the votes, well ahead of the 23 for fellow MVP to Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert for the sists in 32.2 minutes per game, is Dallas’ They lost to the eventual NBA champion coach Scott Brooks all have told fi ve-year, $127mn contract and is fi nalist James Harden of the Rockets, last second year in a row. George also was a second Rookie of the Year winner, joining Raptors in six games in the conference fi - him he’s staying put as rumours due to make $27.1mn in the 2019- season’s winner. The third fi nalist, Paul candidate for the defensive honour. Don- Jason Kidd, a co-winner with Grant Hill nals. Budenholzer also won Coach of the about interest from the Boston 20 season. ESPN reported last George of the Oklahoma City Thunder, cic received 98 of the 100 votes, with Trae in the 1994-95 season. Doncic played in Year in Atlanta in 2015 after leading the Celtics and New Orleans Peli- week that the Wizards were ex- received no fi rst-place votes. “Two, three Young of the Atlanta Hawks getting the 72 games last season. Hawks to a 60-22 record in his second of cans swirl. pected to off er him a three-year, years ago, I had the goal in my head, that other two. The third fi nalist was the top Young, a point guard, averaged 19.1 fi ve seasons with the team. “They’ve been very transpar- $111mn extension.

MLB Yankees tie record for longest consecutive games with home run Reuters nine of their past 11 games. Brad Hand out Anderson (four K’s) with a runner New York (4-2) picked up the win after retiring on second to end the top of the ninth. the side in order in the 10th inning. It was the only batter Workman faced.

iancarlo Stanton hit his fi rst DIAMONDBACKS 8, DODGERS 5 PHILLIES 13, METS 7 homer of the season to high- David Peralta drove in the go-ahead Jean Segura, Rhys Hoskins, Jay Bruce light a seven-run sixth inning, run in a four-run eighth inning, pitcher and Maikel Franco homered to lead host and the New York Yankees Zack Greinke hit a home run, and Ari- Philadelphia past New York. Segura led Gtied a major league record by homering zona stopped Los Angeles’ six-game the way with four hits, Franco added for the 27th straight game on Monday winning streak with a victory in Phoe- three hits and three RBIs, and Cesar night before holding on for a 10-8 vic- nix. Arizona’s Ketel Marte, returning Hernandez had three hits. tory over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. to the lineup after missing two games Scott Kingery also had three hits for The Yankees matched the mark set because of a groin cramp, went 2-for- the Phillies, who snapped a season- by the Texas Rangers in 2002 and won 4 to tie Luis Gonzalez’s franchise long seven-game losing streak. for the ninth time in 10 games by hold- record with seven consecutive multi- Bryce Harper added a pair of doubles ing off a late Toronto comeback at- hit games. Greinke gave up four runs and two RBIs. The Phillies, who had a tempt. Aaron Hicks connected for the and seven hits in six-plus innings. He season-high 19 hits, had scored 12 runs record-tying drive when he got a hold struck out six and walked one. Yoan combined in their previous fi ve games. of a fastball by Aaron Sanchez (3-10) Lopez (1-1) pitched a scoreless eighth Philadelphia starter Zach Efl in (7-7) and lined it into the right fi eld seats for inning for his fi rst career victory in 45 tied his career high by giving up 11 hits a three-run shot that gave New York a appearances, and Greg Holland got the to go along with six runs in fi ve innings. 3-2 lead in the fi fth inning. last out for his 11th save of the season Michael Conforto, Todd Frazier, Wilson Stanton’s 445-foot drive to a social and the 200th of his career. Ramos and Dominic Smith homered for gathering area beyond the center fi eld the Mets. fence put the Yankees up 10-2. ROCKIES 2, GIANTS 0 CC Sabathia (5-4) allowed two runs Jon Gray combined with three reliev- CUBS 8, BRAVES 3 and six hits in six innings while striking ers on a six-hit shutout, and David Dahl Jon Lester pitched six strong innings out a season-high nine hitters and is- provided all the off ense with a two-run and sparked a fi ve-run rally that put the suing two walks. Aroldis Chapman gave home run, giving Colorado a victory game away with a fi fth-inning single, up an unearned run in the ninth before at San Francisco. Gray combined with leading Chicago to a win over visiting sealing his 22nd save. Jairo Diaz, Scott Oberg and Wade Davis Atlanta. Lester (7-5) allowed two runs, on Colorado’s fourth shutout of the both unearned, on fi ve hits with no INDIANS 3, ROYALS 2 season, all of which have been recorded walks and seven strikeouts. Jason Kipnis homered to lead off the on the road. New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks (right) celebrates with catcher Gary Sanchez after hitting a three-run home run Lester singled with one on and none 10th inning, and host Cleveland record- The Colorado foursome outdueled against the Toronto Blue Jays during the MLB match at Yankee Stadium in New York. (USA TODAY Sports) out in the fi fth, then the next fi ve bat- ed a victory over Kansas City. Kipnis Drew Pomeranz and two Giants reliev- ters each drove in a run to make it 7-0 deposited a 1-0 slider from Wily Peralta ers, who combined to allow just fi ve hits left fi eld against Pomeranz. beat the throw of shortstop Tim An- back to tie the score on three separate — all runs charged to Atlanta starter Ju- (2-4) over the wall in right-center fi eld while striking out 13. Pomeranz tied a derson, who got to the ball in the hole occasions in the late innings. Eduardo lio Teheran (5-6).During the outburst, for his sixth homer of the season and career high with 11 of those strikeouts. RED SOX 6, WHITE SOX 5 but couldn’t get the runner on a jump Nunez was responsible for two of the Chicago got an RBI double from Kyle his third career walk-off shot. Dahl delivered the game’s only scor- Marco Hernandez beat out an in- throw to fi rst. rallies, including an RBI single ground- Schwarber, run-scoring singles from Rookie Bobby Bradley and Jose Ram- ing after a one-out single by Charlie fi eld single with the bases loaded in Andrew Benintendi came home af- ed through the infi eld in the eighth in- Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, an RBI irez each had an RBI double for the In- Blackmon in the third inning. The left- the bottom of the ninth inning to lead ter starting the inning with a double ning to knot the score at 5. Brandon double from Javier Baez and a run- dians, who have won four in a row and handed hitter went the opposite way to host Boston past Chicago. Hernandez off Jace Fry (1-3) as the Red Sox battled Workman (7-1) got the win, striking scoring grounder by Willson Contreras. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 26, 2019 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT AMBITION Nadal not happy Federer targets with Wimbledon ninth title seeding system on hallowed ‘Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that does it like this’ grass venue

Reuters London

istorically, emotionally and statistically, Roger Federer remains the man to beat at Wim- Hbledon even at the 21st time of asking. Forget the creaking knees and advancing years — the Swiss will be 38 in August — not many in SW19 will bet against their adopted favourite achieving Wimbledon history with a ninth men’s title to equal Martina Na- vratilova’s record singles mark. Victory would consolidate his position as oldest male champi- on, a record he set in 2017 when he won his eighth title without dropping a set at the age of 35 years and 342 days. Federer’s cheerleaders will on his favourite surface. point to the confi dence gleaned Former French Open fi nalist from 2019 tournament wins on Alex Corretja is another who has the hard courts of Dubai — his fl agged up Federer. 100th ATP title — and Miami. “Federer played a great clay- This year’s Wimbledon lead- court season, which gives him up has been wrinkle-free after a the belief he can win Wimbledon positive showing at the French again,” said the Spaniard. Open, where he lost in the semi- Grass has always suited Fe- fi nals to Rafa Nadal, and his tra- derer’s aggressive style, which ditional grass tune-up at last is based on footwork, pace and week’s Halle Open, where he tri- ability to fi nd sharp angles. umphed for the 10th time. Perhaps the only remaining But look through the glass question is whether the Swiss diff erently and 2019 may tell a has the stamina to slug it out whole new story. against the game’s young guns. Perhaps Federer’s decision to As always the aim remains to compete at Roland Garros for the win but now it is to do so without fi rst time in four years was actu- expending too much energy. ally an acknowledgement that Last year there were signs his great powers are waning. that the balance is more diffi cult Federer knows that every op- to achieve and the eight-times File photo of Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action at Wimbledon. portunity to boost his Grand champion squandered match Slam tally of 20 trophies must be points against Kevin Anderson AFP, Reuters their positions being the re- surfaces but Wimbledon does my half,” Nadal added. time and has won the most grasped or risk being eclipsed by before exiting in the quarter- Madrid verse in the rankings list. not respect the ranking they “But that can only happen in Wimbledon titles of any player the rejuvenated Nadal. fi nals. “Wimbledon is the only tour- have earned. the semi-fi nals and to get there in history and if any player de- The Spaniard’s victory in Paris Despite Anderson’s raw power, nament of the year that does it “And for this reason they get I have to win fi ve matches. To- serves it it’s him. took his Grand Slam total to 18 few at Wimbledon expected Fed- afael Nadal has com- like this,” Nadal told Spanish more complicated draws.” day I’m far away.” “But at the same time it’s while Novak Djokovic has won erer to lose that day because for plained about Wim- television channel Movistar on Nadal is yet to play an offi cial Nadal claimed his 18th ma- Nadal that he is taking over three of the last four blue-riband so many years Wimbledon victo- bledon’s seeding sys- Monday night. match on grass this year while jor title earlier this month by (from as) the second seed so it’s events to bring his career tally to ries came so naturally. tem after the Spaniard “Obviously it would be better Federer warmed up for Wim- winning the French Open for a surprising to be honest.” 15. All that can be said with cer- Rwas placed at number three, to be two than three but if they bledon last week by winning record-extending 12th time. He The top 32 players on the ATP It is possible to make a strong tainty is that should anyone beat behind Roger Federer, for next think I have to be three I will ac- his 10th title at the grass-court now sits behind only Federer’s ranking list, who are present at case for all three, with Nick Kyr- the man who has already pock- week’s grand slam in London. cept three and fi ght to win the tournament in Halle. 20 grand slam triumphs in the Wimbledon, will take the seed- gios last week making special eted $124mn in prize money, he The other three major tour- matches I have to win. Federer and top seed Novak all-time list of male champions. ed places, but a formula using mention for Federer, whom he should consider himself cham- naments all match their seeding “Having said that, the only Djokovic will be at opposite Meanwhile, Nadal received results on grass for the past 24 predicted will “be hard to beat” pion in waiting. to the offi cial world rankings thing that doesn’t seem right ends of the Wimbledon draw, support from Wimbledon months can change the order. but Wimbledon uses its own about this issue is that it is only separated until the fi nal, but champion Novak Djokovic. The women’s seedings follow formula to dictate the order, Wimbledon that does it. If they Nadal is guaranteed to have ei- “It’s their rules and you have the WTA ranking list but can be FOCUS combining ranking points with all did it, it would seem more ther Federer or Djokovic in his to respect it although it’s a little tweaked to produce “a balanced form in grass-court competi- correct. half, and could meet them in bit surprising to be honest,” the draw”. tions. “It’s not only about my par- the semis. Serb told Reuters after playing Serena Williams was ranked It means Nadal will be seeded ticular case. There have been “For me personally, it means at the Boodles exhibition event 183rd ahead of last year’s tour- Tsitsipas facing a three and Federer two at the All many occasions when players if I am three, to get to the fi nal, yesterday. nament but was handed a seed- England Club this year, despite have played well all year on all Djokovic or Federer will be in “Roger is the greatest of all ing of 25. steep learning curve BOTTOMLINE Reuters Lausanne

Kerber relishing emotional return to Wimbledon he rise of Stefanos Tsitsipas is one of the Reuters feel-good stories of London tennis this year but the TGreek world number six with the CANADA’S INJURED ANDREESCU PULLS OUT infectious smile and aggressive ngelique Kerber was born on Los Angeles: Rising Canadian talent the first round, handing American Sofia game will be out of his comfort Germany’s Baltic coast, but for Bianca Andreescu will miss Wimbledon Kenin a walkover into the third round. zone as the grass-court season her Wimbledon feels like the as she continues to recover from the At Roland Garros, she was playing her builds up to Wimbledon. green, green grass of home. shoulder injury that forced her out first tournament since retiring from her The 20-year-old, who have to come to the net.” AEspecially this year when she will walk reached the Australian Open Getting experience on a sur- of the French Open, Tennis Canada round of 16 match at Miami in March back through the All England Club gates yesterday. with a right shoulder injury. last four and won titles on clay face that has a very short sea- as defending champion. “Unfortunately, due to ongoing A week earlier, Andreescu had toppled (Estoril) and indoor hard courts son is crucial if he is to match It is not new territory for the 31-year- shoulder rehab and recovery, Bianca Angelique Kerber in the final at Indian (Marseille) this year, has had a last year’s run to the last 16 in old former world number one who on Andreescu has withdrawn from Wimble- Wells to become the first wild card diffi cult time of it on the surface. the Grand Slam and give heav- two other occasions arrived for the start don,” the federation said in a tweet. to win the WTA title in the California A fi rst-round straight sets yweights Roger Federer, Rafa of a Grand Slam having won it the year Andreescu, who turned 19 on June 16, desert. Ranked 60th going into Indian loss to world number 55 Nicolas Nadal and Novak Djokovic a run before. withdrew from the French Open after Wells, she rose to 24th and was ranked Jarry in s-Hertogenbosch was for their money. But she has never experienced that at beating Marie Bouzkova in three sets in 25th on Monday. followed by another straight sets The trio, together with Andy Wimbledon — the title she cherishes the quarter-fi nal loss to Felix Auger- Murray, have won every singles most. Aliassime at Queens. title at Wimbledon since 2003. “I think maybe it’s the same but dif- me, to be able to be ready to fi ght, I’m “The serve is a big thing on grass. Tsitsipas won two matches “I would love to see something ferent in some ways because Wimbledon in match mode. I’m hungry after having You have to play different on the first before facing the Canadian teen diff erent this year,” said Tsitsi- was the tournament I was looking for- a little break, I feel motivation and the two balls after the serve or the return. but even against world number pas. “Hopefully it can be me. But ward to win one day,” left-hander Kerber Wimbledon fi nal when many had already energy. The next few shots must be really ag- 65 Jeremy Chardy in the round I think it is good for the sport to said at Eastbourne this week. given the title to the American. “It’s a good sign.” After the drudgery gressive.” of 16 he struggled, coming from have a little bit of variety. “I think when I get there it will be very This year there has again been a slump of clay, Kerber looked immediately at The other image would be her collaps- a set down to win with two tie “I mean, it’s boring to see emotional and I will have a lot of great although illness and injuries, rather than home on the Mallorca grass last week, ing to Centre Court that sunny Saturday breaks. “I am happy with the these guys win all the time. We memories. I’m really happy to go back the loss of drive of 2017, have been the beating former Wimbledon champion a year ago when she completed a 6-3 6-3 way I played,” Tsitsipas said af- are responsible, as the new gen- there and enjoy the memories, the peo- root cause. Maria Sharapova and grasscourt threat defeat of Williams having played near- ter his exit in London. “Did a eration, to work hard and be- ple, the place. An ankle injury during the claycourt Caroline Garcia before losing in the perfect tennis. lot of things. I can take a lot of lieve in ourselves if we can come “It’s always really special, but espe- season left her struggling and she lost in semi-fi nal to Swiss Belinda Bencic. “I’ve watched the video of the match a things from that and move on. up with something new, come cially this time.” the fi rst round of the French Open. That, Few players move better on grass than couple of times,” she said. “I took all my “I gained some experience up with our best games to beat Kerber won the Australian Open she says, may have been a blessing. Kerber and her stock Wimbledon pho- chances that day.” and some understanding of the those guys.” and US Open in a remarkable 2016, but “I feel much better after Paris, I had 10 tograph could be one of her getting low, While the pressure will be amped up in game on grass. The difference Last year he still had the ele- struggled the following year. days off for recovery and rehab, and right knees almost scraping the grass, to fi re a a few days when Kerber leaves the chilled between clay and grass, you ment of surprise on his side be- She was back to her best last year, now I’m feeling good, the pain has gone, backhand. out surrounds of Eastbourne and heads have to stay lower. You have to ing relatively unknown on the reaching the semi-fi nal of the Australian I’m not sick and I feel ready again,” she “Grass is more natural for me than clay,” to Wimbledon, she believes she is well- have fast anticipation and not Tour. This year he is a household Open, the quarters in Paris, before con- said. the world number fi ve, who owns a 30-10 equipped to handle it and start another necessarily play extreme ten- name and little of his game re- vincingly beating Serena Williams in the “That’s the most important thing for record from her 11 Wimbledon, said. title quest. nis. You have to play clean. You mains a secret. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 26, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Nigeria call off Nations Cup bonus Italy make history aft er strike Abuja: Nigeria yesterday suspended a training strike over unpaid bonuses at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt following last-minute pleas by the country’s football off icials. reaching quarter-fi nals The team finally agreed to train in Alexandria, 30 min- utes after schedule, after the Nigerian Football Federation Bertolini’s side see off China and match their best run in the competition back in 1991 (NFF) promised to pay a win bonus from their 1-0 victory AFP over Burundi on Saturday, by Montpellier, France the end of the week. A NFF spokesman said “the matter has been resolved”, taly reached the Women’s World conceding that funds for the Cup quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time tournament had arrived late. in nearly three decades after beat- “The only money they’re ing China 2-0 in Montpellier yes- owed is the win-bonus for the Iterday. A 15th-minute tap in from Val- Burundi match.” The players entina Giacinti and substitute Aurora had earlier boycotted the Galli’s fi erce drive three minutes after off icial pre-match conference. the break saw Milena Bertolini’s side see Other NFF off icials disclosed off a committed Chinese side and match that the players have been their best run in the competition back paid a daily training allowance in 1991. of $200-a-player from June 2 The Italians will now face either the to June 30. Nigeria’s top foot- Netherlands or Japan, who were play- ball body — cash strapped and ing later last night, in Valenciennes on besieged by corruption trials Saturday for a shot at their fi rst ever against its top off icials — have appearance in the last four. “It’s a great struggled to pay athletes their result after a diffi cult match. Today bonuses and allowances at wasn’t a display of beautiful football several tournaments. Both the but the girls gave everything and we women’s senior team at the were clinical,” said Bertolini. “To reach Women’s World Cup in France the quarter-fi nals is hugely satisfying.” and the men’s FIFA U20 World They will fancy their chances after Cup team in Poland also em- a dream-like run in France that saw barked on pay strikes to press them win yesterday’s last 16 clash in for their entitlements. Montpellier after topping a group con- taining Marta’s Brazil and pre-tourna- CAMEROON PLAYER ment dark horses Australia. PULLED OUT DUE TO Giancinti started the move that gave POSSIBLE HEART DEFECT Italy the lead after already having one Striker Joel Tagueu has been eff ort ruled out for off side, feeding Bar- withdrawn from Cameroon’s bara Bonansea on the edge of the box squad at the Africa Cup of before the Juventus attacker slipped in Nations after a medical ex- Elisa Bartoli. amination revealed a possible Roma defender Bartoli’s low eff ort life-threatening heart defect, was eventually tapped by Giacinti fol- the country’s football federa- lowing Peng Shimeng’s smart save and tion said. The 25-year-old, who indecision from the Chinese defence. plays for Portuguese club The Italians had chances to extend their Maritimo, had an “anomaly in lead through Giacinti and her AC Mi- his coronary artery detected lan teammate Valentina Bergamaschi, by team doctor William who forced a superb save from Peng, Italy players celebrate after winning their Women’s World Cup last 16 match against China at La Mosson stadium in Montpellier, south western France, yesterday. (AFP) Ngatchou which risks his life if but China pinned them back as the half he were to play,” the Cam- wore on. On Monday, Megan Rapinoe scored In Paris, more than 38,000 fans saw “I was so happy, just pure joy, and match at the 2016 Olympics, which eroon Football Federation However they eff ectively sealed their two penalties as defending champions Sweden edge out fi fth-ranked Canada my teammates felt the same way,” said the Germans won 2-1. “I had the best said. “On the advice of the place in the semi-fi nals almost immedi- the United States beat Spain to set up 1-0 at the Parc des Princes thanks to Lindahl, when asked to describe her preparation today that you could have doctor, the coach (Clarence ately after the restart through Galli, who a mouthwatering quarter-fi nal against a solitary second-half goal scored by emotions after saving the spot-kick. for a match like that. I listened to four Seedorf) has decided not to collected Alia Guagni’s pass and com- hosts France at the women’s World Cup, Stina Blackstenius, superbly set up by That was the 22nd penalty awarded at albums by Neil Young, who is Canada’s risk the player, who is leaving posed herself before drilling a low shot with Sweden joining them in the last Kosovare Asllani. this World Cup, equalling the total tally top performer,” said Sweden coach Pe- the tournament,” past Peng. From there, outsiders Italy eight. Sweden then held on for the vic- from the 2015 tournament and under- ter Gerhardsson. The doctor first detected held off a determined China side with On another day in the limelight for tory thanks to Lindahl, who dived to lining the infl uence of Video Assistant Asked what music he would listen to the possible defect when typically dogged defending and some VAR, Sweden’s goalkeeper Hedvig Lin- her right to keep out Janine Beckie’s Referees, although VAR later intervened before facing Germany, Gerhardsson Cameroon held a pre-tourna- solid goalkeeping from Laura Guliani dahl made a brilliant second-half penalty 69th-minute penalty awarded after to overturn a spot-kick awarded to went for some industrial metal. “It will ment training camp in Qatar to push them to equal their best-ever save as her country edged out Canada 1-0 a VAR review showed Asllani had Sweden. be Rammstein. They released a new al- and subsequent examinations World Cup performance back in the fi rst in Paris, meaning they advance to a simi- stopped a Desiree Scott shot with Sweden will face Germany on Sat- bum and it will be heavy going on Satur- confirmed his suspicion. edition of the tournament. larly enticing tie against Germany. her arm. urday in a repeat of the gold medal day so that will work just fi ne.”

FOCUS AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Chelsea get permission from Cameroon begin title defence with win AFP Derby to hold Lampard talks Ismailia, Egypt

By David Hytner has announced that he will take a The Guardian year out from football after step- tephane Bahoken scored two min- ping down from the Juventus job. utes after coming off the bench to Lampard’s appeal is obvious seal a 2-0 win for defending cham- rank Lampard’s widely on a romantic level and it is clear pions Cameroon over Guinea-Bis- anticipated move to that he will galvanise a Chelsea sauS yesterday in the Africa Cup of Nations. Chelsea has edged to- fanbase which grew frustrated There was little to excite the small crowd in wards its completion with Sarri’s sometimes ponder- Egyptian city Ismailia until the fi ve-time afterF Derby granted him per- ous football. But more practi- trophy-holders struck twice within three mission to open talks with the cally, with the club set to serve a minutes midway through the second half. London club regarding their taking them to the Champion- FIFA transfer ban for breaches of Giant defender Yaya Banana nodded managerial vacancy. Derby made ship play-off fi nal, which they the rules regarding the registra- Cameroon in front on 66 minutes and for- a statement to confi rm the de- lost to Aston Villa. His impact tion of under-18 foreign players, ward Bahoken struck from close range three velopment and they added that has been profound, particularly it is expected that Lampard will minutes later in Group F, which includes “with pre-season fast approach- on the players, who have admired embrace the necessity of pro- Benin and Ghana. Cameroon were the fi fth ing for both clubs, it is hoped this his professionalism and enjoyed moting academy products. of the six top seeds after Egypt, Nigeria, will allow Chelsea to swiftly con- working with him. He has trans- Lampard worked productively Senegal and Morocco to win their opening clude their discussions”. formed the team’s style of play. at Derby with Mason Mount and match at the tournament while Tunisia were That is certainly the expecta- In their hearts, though, the Fikayo Tomori, who were on loan surprisingly held by Angola. tion on the side of Chelsea, who players have known it would from Stamford Bridge, and he The Cameroon line-up included four have moved for Lampard, their be diffi cult for Lampard to turn knows that he will most likely starters from the 2017 fi nal — centre-backs former midfi eld favourite, after down Chelsea, for whom he have to lean on other talents such Michael Ngadeu and Ambroise Oyongo, allowing Maurizio Sarri to join scored a record 211 goals in 649 as Reece James and Tammy Ab- midfi elder Arnaud Djoum and forward Juventus after one fi tful, if ulti- appearances over 13 years, and raham – together with Callum Christian Bassogog. Georges Mandjeck, mately successful, season. Sarri Lampard’s return to Stamford Hudson-Odoi when he recovers who came off the bench during the 2-1 title- returned the club to the Cham- Bridge looks like a formality. from achilles surgery. decider triumph over Egypt in Gabon, was pions League with a third-placed Lampard’s managerial inex- Lampard would like to bring also included by coach Clarence Seedorf. Premier League fi nish and won perience is well-documented his Derby assistant Jody Mor- For Suriname-born former Dutch start the Europa League. and, in other circumstances, the ris – another former Chelsea Seedorf the Cup of Nations represents a Chelsea are ready to pay a Chelsea hierarchy might have player and Under-18s coach – chance to improve his coaching credentials Cameroon’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (centre) is marked by Guinea-Bissau’s Pele (left) compensation fee of £4mn to preferred to have waited for to Stamford Bridge, along with after fl opping at clubs in Italy, China and and Eliseu Nadjack Soares during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt. (AFP) Derby for Lampard and they him. But he came to be their No the fi tness coach, Chris Jones. Spain. Before facing Guinea-Bissau, Seed- could unveil him this week. Lam- 1 candidate, as other targets – Chelsea’s players are scheduled orf had been in charge of nine Cameroon match in their favour. From a corner, Banana the fi rst time. Long regarded as pushovers, pard enjoyed an encouraging fi rst including Massimiliano Allegri to start returning for pre-season matches, winning three, drawing three and soared in the middle of the goalmouth to Mauritania have improved steadily under season in management at Derby, – proved out of reach. Allegri training next week. losing three. nod powerfully into the net off Guinea-Bis- French coach Corentin Martins, but they The best chance of a goalless, uninspiring sau defender Rudi Silva. The goal ratted the were blown away by a Mali side who faced opening half at the Ismailia Stadium came outsiders and they fell further behind when the threat of disqualifi cation in the build-up AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE after 31 minutes when Bassogog ballooned a cross struck a defender and fell invitingly to the event. wide a Karl Toko Ekambi cutback. It was a for Bahoken to fi re past Mendes. Later last FIFA warned Malian football offi cials to deeply embarrassing moment for the 2017 night, the second match of a doubleheader get their act together regarding the holding Cup of Nations winner, who should at least pitted four-time champions Ghana against of elections or face suspension, and they did Evergrande reach last eight have been on target with the Guinea-Bissau a Benin side seeking a fi rst Cup of Nations so with less than a week to spare, although defence disorganised. victory after eight losses and a draw. they named their squad for Egypt four days AFP Shandong Luneng yesterday. Antlers, who squeezed past fel- Earlier, Judilson Gomes went close to giv- after the deadline. Mali have often punched Beijing Brazil international Paulinho low Japanese side Sanfrecce Hi- ing the Guinea-Bissau Djurtus (wild dogs) MALI HAND OUT above their weight, fi nishing third in 2012 scored twice as the second leg roshima courtesy of the away the lead with a fi erce snap shot that fi nished LESSON TO MAURITANIA and 2013 after twice eliminating the host ended 4-4 on aggregate after ex- goals rule. narrowly off target. After Bassogog fl uff ed Mali infl icted a harsh dose of reality on Af- nations, but did not get out of their group in hong Yihao netted the de- tra time, but it was Zhong who Earlier, in Hiroshima, Sho- his chance, Cameroon created another rica Cup of Nations debutants Mauritania the last two editions. cisive spot-kick as Chi- struck the killer blow as Ever- ma Doi scored in each half as opening from a free-kick and Guinea-Bis- by routing the newcomers 4-1 on Monday Coach Mohamed Magassouba has em- nese giants Guangzhou grande shaded their Chinese ri- Kashima lost 3-2 on the night but sau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes parried a Joy- night in their fi rst ever game at the tour- phasised youth although it was one of his Evergrande reached the vals 6-5 on penalties. fi nished 3-3 on aggregate, go- skim Tchakonte header to safety. nament. After decades being among the elder statesmen, 28-year-old captain Ab- ZAsian Champions League quar- The 2013 and 2015 winners ing through with their two away The second half was meandering along weakest African football nations, the largely doulay Diaby, who set Mali on their way in ter-fi nals after a nerve-shred- reached the last eight alongside goals which followed last week’s with no hint of a goal until Cameroon net- desert northwestern country have reached Suez with a 20-yard rocket into the top cor- ding penalty shoot-out against reigning champions Kashima 1-0 win at home. ted twice within three minutes to swing the the expanded 24-team competition for ner after 37 minutes.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Qatar’s sponsorship of Goodwood renewed up to 2024 By Sports Reporter cause it promoted the name of Qatar at Doha such international gatherings. “It has also helped foster our rela- tions and co-operation with horse or- atar, represented by the Qa- ganisations in the United Kingdom. tar Racing and Equestrian Besides, it enhances Qatar’s commit- Club (QREC), has renewed ment to purebred Arabian racing with the sponsorship of the Qatar races run at the world’s top level and GoodwoodQ Festival up to 2024. at Goodwood as one of the most im- The renewal of the sponsorship for portant and iconic racecourses world- the annual mega event, which has been wide. The Festival also involves the fi rst held at the iconic racecourse for over round of the Doha Triple Crown for 200 years, was announced during a pure Arabians. meeting held between QREC chair- “Goodwood racecourse offi cials re- man Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi alise that the Qatari sponsorship has and the Duke of Richmond, owner of contributed immensely to adding bril- the Goodwood racecourse, in the pres- liance and thrill to the famed Festival ence of QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida with top races run in presence of the al-Kaabi. world’s top horse owners and breeders.” The initial sponsorship term will ex- Qatar’s sponsorship of the Festi- pire in early August this year with the val is the fi rst of its kind for Qatar’s fi fth edition of the fi ve-day Festival. equestrian sport and horseracing in the The fi rst edition of the Qatar Good- United Kingdom. The Festival features wood Festival was launched in late July the Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 and early August of 2015. The huge suc- PA), which is the fi rst round of the Doha cess of the Qatar-sponsored Festival Triple Crown. The other two rounds are over the last few years has motivated the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Group 1 Goodwood racecourse to renew the PA) during the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de sponsorship and continue the partner- Triomphe weekend at Longchamp in ship with Qatar at such a global event. Paris in early October, and HH The “Based on our experience over fi ve Amir Sword (Group 1 PA) at Al Rayyan years at the Qatar Goodwood Festival,” Park in February. the QREC chairman said, “the agree- Some of the top thoroughbred races ment to renew Qatar’s sponsorship at the Festival include the Qatar Good- realises one of the objectives of QREC wood Cup (Group 1), the Qatar Sus- that Qatar has its well-deserved stand- sex Stakes (Group 1), the Qatar Nas- ing worldwide. In fact, the outcome of sau Stakes (Group 1), the Qatar Lillie this sponsorship over the last fi ve years Langtry Stakes (Group 2), the Qatar has benefi ted Qatar in general and Qa- King George Stakes (Group 2) and the The sponsorship renewal agreement was signed by Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi (second from left) and the tar’s equestrian sport in particular be- Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 1). Duke of Richmond (second from right) in the presence of QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi (left).

COPA AMERICA SPOTLIGHT Coutinho owns up to Heartache for Japan and poor season at Barcelona AFP Porto Alegre, Brazil

Ecuador as draw sends razil midfi elder Philippe Coutinho admitted on Monday he had a poor season withB Barcelona over the last 10 months but insisted it would serve as a “lesson” for the future. Paraguay into quarters Coutinho was widely criticised this season for his performances at the Camp Nou but it hasn’t stopped him retaining the favour Uruguay top Group C as Cavani’s goal gives them a 1-0 win over defending champions Chile of Brazil coach Tite, playing eve- ry minute for the Selecao at their AFP a draw to keep hold of top spot in Group home Copa America so far. Rio de Janeiro C and avoid Colombia — the only team “Honestly, it wasn’t a good with a perfect group stage record — in season. It didn’t produce what I the quarter-fi nals. They took no risks wanted, it didn’t go as I hoped,” apan and Ecuador were left and began with a back three, recalling said the 27-year-old, who joined heartbroken as their 1-1 draw in Gonzalo Jara — no stranger to Uruguay’s Barca for a reported 160mn eu- Belo Horizonte on Monday night forwards. ros in January 2018. “But I hope saw them miss out on the Copa He was involved in a pair of con- it serves me as an example, as a AmericaJ quarter-fi nals, with Paraguay troversial incidents in 2013, when he lesson so that I want more, con- qualifying instead. Uruguay, mean- touched Luis Suarez’s testicles during centrate even more to be able to while, topped Group C as Edinson Cav- a match, and two years later when he succeed.” ani’s goal eight minutes from time gave tried to insert a fi nger in Cavani’s back- Coutinho scored in Brazil’s them a 1-0 win over champions Chile, side. Chile, playing with greater urgen- opening 3-0 Group A victory who also qualify, at Rio de Janeiro’s Ma- cy, were on top for the fi rst 20 minutes over Bolivia, was pretty anony- racana stadium. with Alexis Sanchez lashing an early mous in their 0-0 draw with Japan and Ecuador faced a must win shot over the bar and Uruguay goal- Venezuela but then played his match in their bid to reach the knock- keeper Fernando Muslera saving from best game yet in the 5-0 thrash- out stages as one of the two best third- Charles Aranguiz and Eduardo Vargas. ing of Peru. “Here with the na- placed fi nishers. Peru had already se- Uruguay found their feet, though, tional team there’s always the cured their spot from Group A while and Suarez pounced on a defensive mis- same responsibility: showing Paraguay, in Group B, were left sweat- take to nip around goalkeeper Gabriel the right commitment to be able ing on Monday’s result having fi nished Arias, but he was forced wide and the to play,” he said. their campaign on Sunday with two chance was snuff ed out. From the re- “Whether a good or bad sea- points from three games. sulting corner Diego Godin headed over son it doesn’t change anything: Shoya Nakajima gave Japan the lead from three yards out. the desire to win is always the on 15 minutes with a goal validated by Uruguay looked dangerous from set same, or maybe even more so.” VAR, but 10 minutes from half time, pieces and Martin Caceres bundled Coutinho has scored just 13 Angel Mena equalized for Ecuador. Ja- wide after Cavani’s fl ick-on. At the La Liga goals since joining Barca pan substitute Daizen Maeda was put other end, Jose Gimenez headed the and was confi ned to the substi- clean through late on but saw his ef- ball off his own line from Paulo Diaz’s tutes bench a few times last sea- fort saved by goalkeeper Alexander header. For a team with nothing to lose, son. Meanwhile, in his absence, Dominguez. Deep into stoppage time Uruguay had shown little urgency but Liverpool won the Champions teenage sensation Takefusa Kubo had they took the lead with a moment of League last month. the ball in the net but a dramatic winner quality. Just six minutes after coming was ruled out for off side after consult- on Jonathan Rodriguez chipped the ball ing VAR. It meant Japan missed out on into the box and Cavani planted an un- goal diff erence while Ecuador came up a Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani (left) celebrates with teammate Luis Suarez after scoring against Chile during the Copa America stoppable header into the corner, secur- point short. group match at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday night. (AFP) ing top spot in Group C and a quarter- Paraguay will play hosts Brazil in the fi nal date with Peru in Salvador. fi rst quarter-fi nal tomorrow in Porto kajima gave Japan a 15th minute lead rebound. Almost immediately, new Real Dominguez saved the Japan midfi elder’s QUARTER-FINALS FIXTURES Alegre. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu with a shot from outside the box. It was Madrid signing Kubo came to life and header while Kawashima denied Ayrton (all times GMT): had recalled 18-year-old Kubo but it originally disallowed but then validated forced a save out of Dominguez. Preciado. Maeda had a chance to win it was Nakajima who proved the Blue following a VAR review. Japan impressed with their pace and in the dying moments when put through June 27: At Porto Alegre: Brazil vs Samurai’s most potent weapon, at one Japan’s Eiji Kawashima saved a shot team-work in the fi rst half but Ec- by Kubo but couldn’t beat Dominguez. Paraguay (1830); June 28: At Rio de point trying to chip Ecuador’s goal- from Valencia but Ecuador were level on uador’s outfi t of strapping, muscular And Kubo, nicknamed the “Japanese Janeiro: Venezuela vs Argentina (1300); keeper from halfway. 35 minutes after the veteran goalkeeper specimens had a clear physical advan- Messi” saw his hopes of becoming the At Sao Paulo: Colombia vs Chile (1700); He and Ecuador’s Enner Valencia failed to hold a Robert Arboleda eff ort, tage. Nakajima turned provider for nation’s hero dashed by VAR. June 29: At Salvador: Uruguay vs both fi red early shots over before Na- allowing Angel Mena to tuck home the Naomichi Ueda in the second half but In Rio, Chile knew they needed only Peru (1300)

FOCUS Cavani praises Uruguay’s ‘attitude’ and ‘mentality’ in Chile victory AFP champions and facing a daunting po- we were able to snatch the game,” said Captain Diego Godin said this win “is their quarter-fi nal, against a Peru side were beaten by “Uruguay’s strength” — Rio de Janeiro tential quarter-fi nal tie with Colombia, the 32-year-old, who scored his 48th important for confi dence, to rediscover that has had two extra days to recover their aerial game. the only side to go through the group goal for his country. But the Paris Saint- the feelings after Japan” in which they from their pool eff orts, on Saturday in “Undoubtedly, it was a very close stage with three wins. But Cavani’s Germain forward insisted thoughts of a were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw. Salvador. game. We knew about our opponents’ ruguay demonstrated a win- header eight minutes from time from potentially easier quarter-fi nal draw Veteran coach Oscar Tabarez admitted Chile will face Colombia the day be- quality, with a well defi ned system, a ning attitude and mentality in Jonathan Rodriguez’s cross propelled played no role in Uruguay’s approach. there was little between the two sides. fore in Sao Paulo. “One extra day of rest diffi cult style in terms of their aerial their 1-0 Copa America suc- Uruguay above Chile and into, what “We wanted to win the group with- “It was a keenly contested match with is useful, it’s important, because we’re game,” he said. cess over Chile on Monday looks on paper at least, an easier last out knowing what would come next, few spaces. We managed a little bit bet- on the limit,” said Tabarez. “But we played very well, we showed Uthat gave them top spot in Group C, eight challenge against Peru. to show a good image in the group and ter than our opponents,” he said. Chile’s Colombian coach Reinaldo character, we showed discipline. Still, match-winner Edinson Cavani said. “In some moments we played well, continue with this attitude,” he said More so than avoiding Colombia, Rueda, who was jeered by many of his defeat was hard to take. We lost, that’s Uruguay began the game in second in other moments less well, but always following the match at Rio de Janeiro’s Tabarez was most pleased that Uruguay team’s fans when his name was an- tough on the players’ motivation,” said place in their pool behind the reigning with the (right) attitude and mentality iconic Maracana stadium. will get an extra day of rest ahead of nounced before the match, said his side Rueda.