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Thursday, August 17, 2017 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 25, 1438 AH Ronaldo feels GULF TIMES persecuted as appeal against ban rejected SPORT Page 3 PREVIEW CONFIDENCE Holder backs Windies pacers to shine against

AFP England will be fi elding a deb- Birmingham utant opener in Mark Stoneman, Law urges Windies while Tom Westley and have yet to cement their est Indies places at numbers three and fi ve Jason Holder be- respectively. lieves his pacemen “I think for us, it’s mainly just can help the “huge to make it as uncomfortable as Wunderdogs” make life uncom- possible for their senior players... fortable for England during their and put some pressure on the to ‘rewrite history’ upcoming Test series. junior guys who are coming in to “I think our bowling has really make their mark,” said Holder. ‘There’s been a lot said about this (West Indies) team, and that is motivation for carried us throughout the last But while the West Indies’ few Test matches,” said Holder. original ‘fearsome foursome’ them. We’re looking forward — let’s rewrite that history’ “Shannon Gabriel has had a pace attack of the 1980s was pretty decent year; I haven’t been backed up by batsmen of the cal- AFP doing too badly, and we’ve got ibre of Gordon Greenidge, Des- Birmingham young Alzarri Joseph and Miguel mond Haynes, Vivian Richards Cummins. and Clive Lloyd, the present top “Kemar Roach is actually order are still making their way est Indies coach Stuart Law showing some very, very good in international cricket. hopes his side can “rewrite form — so I’m really confi dent in “It’s just for our batsmen to history” during a Test series our bowling.” make some runs,” said Holder. in England. Gabriel took 15 at an “We’ve struggled in the past, WThe fi rst of a three-match campaign average of 18.8 during a recent primarily with our batting, but gets underway at Edgbaston today with home Test series against Pa- so far on this tour we’ve been do- the inaugural day/night Test ever staged kistan, with the 20-year-old ing really well,” added the cap- in England. Joseph’s 10 wickets costing 28.4 tain, who saw four West Indies Much of the pre-match build-up has apiece. batsmen score hundreds in their focused on how ’s men will cope But West Indies still suff ered a fl oodlit warm-up match against with their fi rst tasted of pink ball interna- 2-1 reverse in a three-match con- Derbyshire. tional cricket. test — their sixth straight Test “So I expect good things from Also, given this is England’s last Test series loss. the batters (as well).” series before they tour Australia, there has been much speculation as to what the com- position of this side could mean in terms of REQUEST their Ashes defence ‘Down Under’. That England, fresh from a 3-1 home success against , will win Lanka captain Tharanga pleads their series against the West Indies is al- most taken as read, something unthink- for patience ahead of India ODIs able when the men from the Caribbean were dominating in the 1970s The 32-year-old said the 1996 and 1980s. Colombo World Cup winners had already Yet a sign of how far the West Indies identifi ed areas for improve- have slipped from those heights is that ment. they have gone 17 matches without a Test day after Sri Lanka’s “These areas are being taken win in England, losing 14 and drawing the test captain Dinesh care of, and we are seeing the other three. LET’S DO THIS! West Indies skipper Jason Holder (left) during a practice session. Chandimal apologised results behind the scenes – how- Although an end now appears in sight for a 3-0 series white- ever it will take a little more time to a bitter dispute between players and Law told reporters at Edgbaston on Tues- West Indies’ pace attack, which in- For many of their young batsmen, this Awash against India, limited- for it to be seen externally, so offi cials, the West Indies have still arrived day. cludes Shannon Gabriel and 20-year-old will be the fi rst time they have played Test overs captain Upul Tharanga has please have patience, and most in England without several star names for “It is a lot of responsibility, and he does Alzarri Joseph, could pose problems for cricket in English conditions. asked fans for patience ahead of importantly have faith,” Tha- a series that is, to the dismay of tradition- it with fantastic integrity,” added former an England top order often overly-reliant And if that were not enough of a prob- their upcoming ODIs and Twen- ranga said. alists, taking place at the same time as batsman Law, who made just one Test on Cook and Root. lem, the West Indies will now be facing ty20 matches. Sri Lanka have recalled all- the lucrative Caribbean appearance for Australia such was their “You always look at any little crack you one of England’s greatest new-ball duos Sri Lanka failed to challenge rounders Thisara Perera and competition. top-order strength in the 1990s. can fi nd,” said Law. in James Anderson and Stuart Broad. the world’s top-ranked test side to their lim- Yet the West Indies did draw their last Law knows English cricket well from “With a couple of new guys to the fore But Broad, whose father Chris was during the three-match series ited-overs squad and Tharanga Test series against England in the Car- his successful playing stints with county in Test cricket, that’s an opportunity for a member of the England side ‘black- and the gulf in quality between was confi dent of defeating India. ibbean two years ago — despite being sides Essex and Lancashire. our bowlers,” he added. washed’ by a brilliant West Indies team the two sides was clearly visible. “Sri Lanka have always been labelled a “mediocre” side by England England may have overwhelmed South “There’s been a lot said about this in 1984, was taking nothing for granted. They also suff ered their maid- stronger in our white-ball for- and Cricket Board chairman Colin Africa but doubts about their top-order (West Indies) cricket team, and that is “We’ve got a huge amount of respect en one-day international series mat, and I am confi dent that we Graves. batting remain. motivation for them,” Law explained. for the way the West Indies play,” said loss to Zimbabwe last month, will come out strong and beat In- Jason Holder, the captain for that se- The Edgbaston Test will see Mark “We’re looking forward — let’s rewrite Broad, who needs just fi ve more wickets prompting long-serving captain dia,” he said. ries, is still the West Indies skipper and Stoneman become ’s 12th that history.” to overtake Ian Botham and go second Angelo Mathews to step down. “We have the talent, we have Law is confi dent the all-rounder remains England opening partner in the fi ve years But the West Indies, for all that Shai behind Anderson in England’s all-time Sri Lanka next play fi ve ODIs the skill. We have been putting in the right man for the job. since Andrew Strauss retired. Hope and Roston Chase scored centuries list of leading Test -takers. and a Twenty20 against the Vi- the hard work, we just need the “He takes it with a pinch of salt, the Meanwhile Tom Westley and Dawid in a warm-up match against Derbyshire “The West Indies as they are on this rat Kohli-led India, starting on spirit, and for that we need your things said about him and this team and Malan have yet to nail down their places last week, have their own top-order con- England tour are going to be hugely keen Sunday, which will be Tharanga’s support too.” uses it to drive him and them forward,” at numbers three and fi ve respectively. cerns. to prove themselves,” he added. fi rst as full-time captain. “Every team goes through a SQUAD: rough patch,” Tharanga said in a Upul Tharanga (captain), An- BOTTOMLINE statement from Sri Lanka Crick- gelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella et. “This is something that hap- (wicketkeeper), Dhanushka Gu- pens in cycles to every team and nathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Chamara every nation no matter how great Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana, a cricketing nation they are. Malinda Pushpakumara, Akila Dan- “Sri Lanka dominated in all anjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Thisara Stoneman only change for England three formats for a good 18 years Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith AFP retired fi ve years ago. would have to make his mark. – don’t forget this now when we Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Birmingham “Chris Woakes and Mason Crane are “Who knows. Ideally you want some- are going through a rough patch.” Vishwa Fernando the two guys who will miss out,” Root told one to come in and set the world alight at Edgbaston yesterday. and their career move forward from there. ark Stoneman will be the “I think it’s a great opportunity for the “I’d like to think he would get a very Head knock won’t stop Warner’s Bangladesh tour lone change to England’s side rest of the guys to experience a pink ball good opportunity and some good game for the start of the fi rst Test Test match for the fi rst time and we’re re- time with England. Australian vice-captain David intra-squad match in Darwin, against the West Indies at ally excited.” “Of course you want it (the top order) Warner is expected to be fit for Australia’s Northern Territory. MEdgbaston today, captain Joe Root an- Root said Woakes needed more time to to be settled. You never want to go into the upcoming Bangladesh tour “It’s good that Davey’s fine,” nounced. regain full match fi tness. any series with the guys out of form or after retiring hurt when he was Aussie pacemen Pat Cummins Surrey opener Stoneman, 30, was all “He will have defi nitely wanted to play under pressure but that’s one of the chal- struck in the neck by a bouncer said after close of play Tuesday. set for a Test debut the moment a 13- here but with the lack of game time he’s lenges of Test cricket and generally as a during a warm-up match. “He’s a little bit stiff and sore, man squad was unveiled after England had, it felt like another week of loading side we’ve responded quite well to that in The opener was hit by a Josh but just speaking to him then, dropped his struggling former Durham up on overs making sure he’s absolutely the past. Hazelwood in a chilling he’s all fine.” team-mate following ready coming back from a serious injury “This is a great opportunity for him blow Tuesday that saw him A focus on player safety has a recent 3-1 home Test series win over is important,” star batsman Root said. (Stoneman) to go out and show everyone drop to his knees and let go been heightened since the South Africa. “That’s where we’re at at the minute how good a player he is.” of his bat, with captain Steve tragic death of Australian bats- Stoneman apart, the team is the same and I think Toby deserves his opportu- Most England players’ experience of Smith rushing from slips to man Phillip Hughes. that beat South Africa by 177 runs in the nity.” playing under lights with a pink ball ex- check on his deputy. Hughes, who played 26 Tests, fourth Test at Old Traff ord earlier this Turning his attentions to Stoneman, tends to a single round of County Cham- Appearing shaken, Warner died from bleeding on the brain month. Root added: “He’s obviously got a huge pionship matches earlier this season. removed his helmet and im- in November 2014 after being Warwickshire all-rounder Chris amount of runs under his belt, this sea- “There are obviously diff erent chal- mediately walked off the field hit on the base of the skull by a Woakes, only recently fi t following a side son in particular, and in previous seasons lenges it brings, diff erent times of the day leaving his bat behind. rising ball at the Sydney Cricket injury, misses out on the chance to play England’s Mark Stoneman during nets. as well. to what you would normally expect with Cricket Australia’s news site Ground during a domestic in the fi rst day/night Test in England, de- “He’s got a well-rounded game, he’s a Test cricket,” the 26-year-old Root said. cricket.com.au said the fiery match. spite the match being played on his home The in-form Toby Roland-Jones bit more experienced having played a lot of “It’s ultimately still the same funda- left-hander had passed a con- The Australian squad flies ground. kept his place as third seamer ahead of county cricket and I’m excited to see him mentals of cricket and you just need to cussion test and would be avail- to Dhaka tomorrow for the And there was no place either for un- Woakes, with Stoneman the 12th man to hopefully take his opportunity.” make sure when those diffi cult periods able for the tour of Bangladesh, two-Test tour which begins on capped Hampshire leg-spinner Mason partner Alastair Cook at the top of the or- But with an Ashes tour on the horizon, crop up we respond well and we respond but would sit out the rest of the August 27. Crane. der since former captain Andrew Strauss Root refused to say how long Stoneman quickly. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, August 17, 2017 FOOTBALL

QATAR PIP ANDORRA 1-0 IN FRIENDLY

Ali Asadallah (No. 8) scored in the 73rd minute as Qatar eked out a 1-0 win over lowly Andorra in a friendly international at St. George’s Park in England yesterday. Andorra, ranked 129th in the FIFA rankings, put up a spirited display against the 78th-ranked Qataris before Asadalla’s strike put paid to their hopes of a draw. The match was part of Qatar’s preparations for their two remaining Asian World Cup qualifiers – against Syria on August 31, and against China on September 5. Interim Qatar coach Felix Sanchez, who took over the reins after Jorge Fossati resigned abruptly, is trying out new players for the upcoming qualifiers.

BUNDESLIGA German female ref ready to whistle in Bundesliga

Berlin: Germany’s Bibiana Bayern expected to Steinhaus insists she is no feminist trailblazer as she prepares to become the first female referee in Europe’s top leagues having already tamed Bayern Munich’s stars. The 38-year-old is on the of- win sixth straight title ficial list of Bundesliga referees for the 2017/18 season, which starts tomorrow, meaning she will become the first female ref Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti sees Borussia Dortmund as their main rivals in the top flight of Germany, England, Spain, or Italy. AFP Steinhaus’ first Bundesliga Berlin match has yet to be announced, but she oversaw Bayern Munich’s 5-0 win at minnows ayern Munich kick off the new Chemnitz last Saturday in the Bundesliga season tomorrow first-round of the German Cup with the coaches of 13 of their 17 and proved she can handle rivals expecting them to domi- star players. She gave Bayern’s a fitness coach, acknowledges nateB again — although Usain Bolt’s recent Franck Ribery a playful punch that refereeing in the Bundes- shock defeat is being used as inspiration. on the arm after the French liga will challenge her both Bayern host Bayer Leverkusen at the winger cheekily untied her boot on and off the pitch. “I like Allianz Arena in the season opener, with laces before a free-kick. “She’s to say that the Bundesliga is the Bavarians the overwhelming favour- strong, she has a lot of power,” another step up, I have worked ites to win the title. In a survey of the said Ribery. “It was funny, she intensively and the speed is 18 coaches in Germany’s top fl ight, the played along and was in good diff erent,” said Steinhaus. overwhelming consensus is that Carlo spirits. You can have fun with “Certainly, as a female Ancelotti’s Bayern will claim a sixth referees, but it’s also important referee, I will be under special straight league crown. that there’s mutual respect.” scrutiny from the start of the “I’m tipping Bayern, but nothing is Steinhaus says her promo- season, especially from the me- set in stone,” said Cologne’s coach Pe- tion to the Bundesliga is a dia. I don’t seek public attention ter Stoeger. “If Usain Bolt can lose a 100 “great incentive” and reward and my colleagues know me metres race, perhaps someone else can be for her hard work, but shuns well enough to know that.” champions in Germany.” Jamaica’s Bolt her role as a trailblazer. “I never Steinhaus is a policewoman could only settle for bronze over 100m planned, and still don’t today, to and in a relationship with behind Justin Gatlin at the IAAF World break new grounds of emanci- English former top ref Howard Championships in his fi nal individual pation,” she said at a referee’s Webb. She can expect to have race before retiring in . training camp in July. “I am only her decisions scrutinised by In the last decade, Bayern have won doing what I love.” fans in football-mad Germany. the Bundesliga title seven times — fi ve of Steinhaus has taken charge Claudia Neumann, Germany’s which have been on the spin since 2012. of around 80 German second first female commentator, ex- They fi nished 15 points ahead of sec- division matches since 2011, ref- perienced a sexist backlash on ond-placed RB Leipzig last term. “Our ereeing the women’s final at the social media when she took the required standard is to win the Bundes- London Olympic Games tourna- microphone for state broad- liga title,” said Bayern president Uli Hoe- ment and this year’s women’s caster ZDF during last year’s ness bluntly. According to a survey, only Champions League final. European championships. “In Borussia Dortmund’s new boss Peter She has already acted as the football, which is the favourite Bosz, Hoff enheim’s Julian Nagelsmann fourth off icial in Germany’s top child of German men, changes and Stuttgart’s Hannes Wolf opted not tier and shrugged off Pep Guar- are about as welcome as an to say which name they think will be en- diola’s attempt to put his arm annoying bout of diarrhoea,” graved on the trophy for 2017/18. around her shoulders when the Neumann told SID, an AFP Leverkusen’s Heiko Herrlich was the then-Bayern coach remonstrat- subsidiary. only coach who tipped Dortmund, the ed with her on the touchlines A survey by Loughborough last team to break Bayern’s strangle- in 2014. Unfortunately, the University has found only 3.7% hold in 2011/12, to be champions. But his Bayern Munich host Bayer Leverkusen in the season opener, with the Bavarians the overwhelming favourites to win the title. 1.81m Steinhaus has already of senior positions in European was a lone voice. Bayern have strength- experienced direct sexism on football are occupied by wom- ened their squad by signing midfi elders lot harder.” Bayern boss Ancelotti sees “We’ll have to see how Leipzig fare, they things will have to go well. I don’t see the pitch. en. Even in women’s football, Corentin Tolisso from Lyon and James Dortmund, who are battling to keep hold have a stressful season ahead of them three or four teams challenging, but eve- During a second division 10 of the 12 teams in Germany’s Rodriguez from Real Madrid. of wantaway teenage winger Ousmane with the new experience of the Champi- ryone will be closer together.” match in 2015, she sent off Hof- top flight are coached by men. However, Bayern will be without the Dembele, as their main rivals. “Of course, ons League,” added Ancelotti. Eff enberg thinks Leverkusen are fortu- fenheim’s Germany internation- Nevertheless, Steinhaus is steadying infl uence of ex-captain Philipp we want to be champions again and I Ex-Germany international and Bayern nate to play Bayern fi rst. al Kerem Demirbay, then play- relishing her chance to make Lahm and Spain midfi elder Xabi Alonso, think we can do it,” said the Italian. “From captain Stefan Eff enberg expects a two- “This is an advantage for Leverkusen, ing for Fortuna Duesseldorf, history by blowing her whistle who both retired in May. “If everything everyone else, Borussia Dortmund will be horse race in Germany with Dortmund because when Bayern Munich get on a who told her women had no in the Bundesliga. “It has always goes normally, FC Bayern will be the our challengers.” challenging for the title. “I think Borus- roll, then you don’t walk off the pitch place in football. The remark led been my dream and I am champions again,” said Leipzig coach Ancelotti expects Leipzig to struggle sia Dortmund are in a position to annoy there as winners,” he said. “In the fi rst to him receiving a five-match delighted that it will come true,” Ralph Hasenhuettl. “We want to sur- to come to terms with their fi rst season Bayern Munich this year,” the 49-year- game, it’s a bit diff erent. If you’re lucky, ban by the German FA. she said. prise again, even if this season will be a in the Champions League group stages. old said. “Of course, for that to happen, then anything is possible.” Steinhaus, who works with

ROUND-UP PSG midfi elder Matuidi undergoes Juventus medical France midfi elder Blaise Matuidi is on the a smiling Matuidi arriving for his medical. Set at his native Las Palmas. He won the Champi- back handed in a transfer request in a bid to AC Milan. Bacca, 30, had a highly successful verge of signing for Juventus, who have agreed to become Juve’s ninth signing of the season ons League twice with Real and was top scorer engineer a move before the window shuts at the two-year spell in Spain with Sevilla between to pay Saint-Germain a reported 20mn following the arrival, notably, of Douglas Costa when Spain lifted the European Under-19 end of August. Southampton had already asked 2013 and 2015 as he won two Europa League euros plus bonuses, after undergoing a medical (Bayern Munich), Mattia Di Sciglio (AC Milan), Championship in 2012. He is Stoke manager the Premier League to investigate an alleged titles and scored 49 goals in just 108 games yesterday. Matuidi, who won four consecu- Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina) and goal- Mark Hughes’s sixth signing of the season join- illegal approach from Liverpool in June, leading before joining Milan for 30mn euros. He also tive league titles with PSG, was met by dozens keeper Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal). ing the likes of Darren Fletcher, Kurt Zouma, the Reds to publicly drop their interest in the scored 31 times in 70 Serie A appearances for of enthusiastic fans on his arrival at Torino’s Maxim Choupa-Moting, Bruno Martins Indi 26-year-old. But the Holland international re- the Italian giants. Caselle airport before undergoing a medical. JESE JOINS STOKE ON LOAN FROM PSG and Josh Tymon at The Potters. mains keen to leave and has been training away He is expected to sign a deal that would see Spanish forward Jese has joined Stoke City on from the rest of the Southampton fi rst team SCHUERRLE OUT FOR A MONTH the 30-year-old earn 3.5mn euros per sea- a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, VAN DIJK NOT FOR SALE, SAY SAINTS squad as he tries to force through a transfer. World Cup-winner Andre Schuerrle is set to son. The box-to-box midfi elder, known for the two clubs announced yesterday. The Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk won’t be miss the fi rst four weeks of the new season after his strength on the ball and his ability to win 24-year-old Spanish youth international only allowed to leave St Mary’s in the current trans- BACCA GOES ON LOAN TO VILLARREAL tearing his thigh muscle, Borussia Dortmund back possession, has been a Juventus target for joined PSG from Real Madrid a year ago but fer window, the Premier League club’s chair- Villarreal boosted their forward options ahead confi rmed. His latest setback means Schuer- some time. Juventus confi rmed the imminent failed to establish himself in the French capital man Ralph Krueger said. Van Dijk is a target for of the start of the Spanish season this weekend rle will miss Dortmund’s trip to Wolfsburg on move by posting a picture on their website of and spent the second half of last season on loan Chelsea and Liverpool and the Dutch centre- with the signing of Carlos Bacca on loan from Saturday in their opening league match. Gulf Times Thursday, August 17, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY-OFF Raging Ronaldo ‘persecuted’ Own goal seals Liverpool as appeal against ban rejected

Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo blasted his treatment by the victory at Hoff enheim Spanish Football Federation as “persecution” after his appeal against a five-game ban was After Mignolet had saved a penalty, Alexander-Arnold curled in a free-kick to give Liverpool the lead rejected yesterday. The World Player of the AFP Year missed the second leg Berlin of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona played late last night and will also have urgen Klopp insists Liverpool are far from to sit out of Madrid’s first certain of a Champions League group stage four games of the season in berth despite their 2-1 win at Hoff enheim on La Liga. “Impossible to be Tuesday in their play-off , fi rst-leg. The re- immune to this situation, 5 sultJ in south-west Germany leaves Klopp’s Liver- games!!” Ronaldo posted to pool in pole position ahead of the return at Anfi eld his 108mn followers on Insta- on Wednesday, August 23. gram. “It seems to me exag- After goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had saved gerated and ridiculous, this is a fi rst-half penalty, 18-year-old defender Trent called persecution! Thanks to Alexander-Arnold curled in a free-kick to give my teammates for the support Liverpool the lead. Ex-England forward James and the fans!!!” Milner made sure of victory by curling in a cross- The Portuguese captain cum-shot, which dropped inside the far post on 75 was controversially sent off minutes after defl ecting off Havard Nordtveit for as Madrid won the first leg of an own goal. the Super Cup 3-1 on Sunday However, Hoff enheim pulled a goal back when at the Camp Nou. Ronaldo replacement Mark Uth managed to beat the off side had come off the bench to fire trap to score late on to give the Germans hope. “I Madrid into a 2-1 lead but was am happy with the performance, we’d have liked booked for removing his shirt to have won 2-0 and the goal they scored just be- in celebration and then saw fore the end isn’t so favourable for us,” said Klopp. a second yellow card when “We could have scored one or two more goals and referee Ricardo de Burgos we need Anfi eld in the return leg. This thing isn’t Bengoetxea adjudged he had over yet.” dived trying to win a penalty Liverpool’s want-away attacking midfi elder eight minutes from time. Philippe Coutinho sat out the play-off with a back After being shown the 10th injury. The Brazilian is desperate to leave Anfi eld red card of his career, Ronaldo for Barcelona after handing in a transfer request, then lightly pushed the ref- but Liverpool insist he is not for sale. eree. On Monday the Spanish Belgium goalkeeper Mignolet saved an early Federation (RFEF) issued fi rst-half penalty to deny hosts Hoff enheim an Ronaldo with an automatic early lead in Sinsheim. When Liverpool’s Dejan one-game ban for the red Lovren brought down Germany winger Serge Gna- card plus an extra four-match bry, Hoff enheim’s ex- City striker Andrej suspension for the push. Kramaric stepped up for the spot kick. Madrid boss Zinedine The Hoff enheim forward squandered the golden Zidane has also expressed chance, weakly fi ring his 11th minute spot-kick his anger at what he believes at Mignolet. At the other end, Liverpool’s Egypt is an excessive punishment. striker Mohamed Salah fi red just wide of the post Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) celebrates after scoring against Hoff enheim during the Champions League play-off in Sinsheim, Germany. (Reuters) “When you look at every- on 15 minutes after sprinting clear and beating thing that happened, to think Hoff enheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Substitute Milner put the matter beyond doubt were a bit too open in the second half and risked are struggling this time, falling 1-0 in Azerbaijan Cristiano won’t play five Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool the lead when when he snapped up Firmino’s pass to the wing too much. The way the game went, with the missed by Qarabag FK. Mahir Madatov scored the only games with us... it is infuriat- his fl oated free-kick beat Baumann on 35 minutes. from a quickly taken free-kick. He fi red home off penalty, was unfortunate for us.” goal of the night when he fi red in a rebound after ing,” Zidane said on Tuesday. However, Hoff enheim could have gone into the his left boot on 75 minutes as the shot clipped Nor- Elsewhere, Apoel Nicosia took a big step towards Dino Ndlovu’s shot hit the post after 25 minutes. Ronaldo will be absent when break level when striker Sandro Wagner hit the dtveit and went into the net. the group stages with a 2-0 victory over Czech side In Switzerland, Young Boys defender Kasim Madrid begin their defence of post after Mignolet blocked a Gnabry shot. Uth netted Hoff enheim’s consolation goal to Slavia Prague in Cyprus with Igor de Camargo Adams Nuhu scored an own goal in added time to La Liga on Sunday at Depor- Liverpool should have made it 2-0 straight after give his team a lifeline when he managed to hold and Efstathios Aloneftis scoring in the fi rst ten hand CSKA Moscow a 1-0 win. tivo la Coruna. He will be free the break when Baumann saved Roberto Firmin’s off Alexander-Arnold to score on 87 minutes. “We minutes. Steaua Bucharest, reduced to ten men after Mi- to play the Champions League shot from point-blank range after Sadio Mane’s deserved to at least of had a draw,” said Hoff enheim The Cypriot outfi t were knocked out by FC Co- hai Pintilii was sent off ten minutes from time, starting on September 12 or 13. clever cross. coach Julian Nagelsmann. “We were brave, but we penhagen at this stage last season, but the Danes drew 0-0 at Sporting Lisbon.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Mbappe was dropped No progress on Sanchez talks: Wenger AFP to ‘protect’ him: coach London lexis Sanchez and Arsenal remain at an impasse over new contract talks, manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday. Wenger’s admission will onlyA heighten speculation the 28-year-old Chile international forward will join Pre- mier League rivals Manchester City. Sanchez, who played under City manager Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, is presently in- jured with an abdominal strain which will keep him out of Saturday’s game against Stoke City and prevented him from playing in the opening 4-3 win over Leicester City. “He (Sanchez) is a player who goes into the fi nal year of his contract. We have not progressed on that front,” said Wenger Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took the positives out of the fact neither Alexis Sanchez yesterday. “Let’s not be wrong, it’s not an nor Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have handed in a transfer request. (AFP) ideal situation on the fi nancial side and it demands some sacrifi ce. But fi rst of all it However, Wenger took the positives out of next two or three years the English player doesn’t mean the players who are in the fi nal the fact neither Sanchez nor England mid- everyone looks at,” said the Frenchman. year of their contract will not extend their fi elder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain — who Wenger, who signed a new contract of his contract. You have still that possibility and has been linked with a move to champions own after Arsenal salvaged a disappointing we work on that as well.” Chelsea — had handed in a transfer request, last season by beating Chelsea in the FA Cup Kylian Mbappe (left) started Monaco’s first two competitive matches of the season but sat on the bench If no contract extension is agreed and unlike Liverpool’s Brazilian star Philippe fi nal, said he agreed with the likes of Liver- for the duration of the principality club’s 4-1 victory at Dijon on Sunday. (AFP) Sanchez stays at the Emirates, he could Coutinho who wants to move to Barcelona. pool’s Jurgen Klopp that the transfer win- leave for free at the end of the season. “That “Yes, I am very happy about that,” said dow should close prior to the season begin- AFP When so many things are hap- scorer of a hat-trick in Dijon — is a consequence of what I say, yes, unfortu- Wenger. “It’s important you have a serene ning, rather than August 31, as is currently Monaco pening around an 18-year-old against Metz. Mbappe won his nately,” added Wenger. atmosphere inside and clarity about your the case. kid, it is our responsibility to fi rst four caps for France at the “But we have to make a choice between commitment. It’s important the players “I would support it,” said Wenger. “It’s protect him,” said Jardim. “That tail end of last season but Jardim effi ciency on the fi eld and fi nancial interest, aren’t half in and half out, and they are com- better for the season, for our psychological onaco coach Le- means me, Vadim (Vasilyev, the accepted that the current situ- and most of the time if you can fi nd a good pletely in.” comfort as a manager.” Meanwhile, German onardo Jardim vice-president) and the sporting ation puts at risk his chances of compromise, it’s better. But in this case, I Wenger is adamant Oxlade-Chamberlain defender Shkodran Mustafi and Frenchman has claimed that director (Antonio Cordon). It is being called up for his country’s think I prioritise the fact that he will be use- will remain and predicted great things for Francis Coquelin are in contention for a star striker Kylian always to protect the squad, the World Cup qualifi er against the ful on the sporting side.” him. “I’m convinced that he will be in the place in the side to play Stoke. MMbappe was left on the bench player and the club. Netherlands at the end of the last weekend “to protect him” “Kylian is not at 100%. He is month. But the former Sporting rather than as a punishment. The not in great form. But that is to be Lisbon boss is more concerned TRANSFER 18-year-old sensation report- expected of a kid who is just 18... with what losing Mbappe might edly wants away from the French Even you (journalists), if tomor- mean for his squad after seeing champions, with Paris Saint- row another newspaper off ers Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Germain his favoured destina- you a contract where you will Tiemoue Bakayoko and Valere Sigurdsson set for record move to Everton tion but Real Madrid also report- earn 15 times more, you won’t be Germain leave, amongst others, edly ready to pay 180mn euros so good when it comes to tapping since winning the title. AFP press conference on the eve of their Europa the beginning of the summer. ($211mn) for his services. the keys on your computer key- “I always say we have to adapt. London League match with Hakjduk Split. “Still he It is believed, though, that Everton will get Mbappe started Monaco’s fi rst board,” he added with a smile. Those who stay are always the needs to sign, but I saw him in the blue!” their way in paying an initial £40mn with two competitive matches of the Mbappe, whose Monaco con- most important. The objective is Sigurdsson, who played a pivotal role in another £5mn to follow, taking their summer season but sat on the bench for tract runs until June 2019, could to be able to play well with those celand midfi elder Gylfi Sigurdsson Swansea retaining their Premier League spending under Koeman to over £140mn. the duration of the principality again be left out when his side who remain. That is the men- is due to complete a £45mn ($58mn, status last term after scoring nine goals and Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Mo- club’s 4-1 Ligue 1 victory at Dijon travel to Metz on league duty to- tality. I never cry about those 49.4mn euros) move to Everton from creating 13, pulled out of their pre-season shiri has spent close to £100mn so far in on Sunday. Jardim said after that morrow evening. “The philoso- who leave. “I know the transfer Premier League rivals Swansea City af- tour to the United States and was not in- recruiting former favourite Wayne Rooney, match that dropping Mbappe phy at AS Monaco is to play those market. 20% of it is about buy- Iter he passed a medical yesterday, Everton cluded in the squad for last weekend’s 0-0 goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (£30mn), mid- was a “decision by the club” but who are at 100% and totally ing players to strengthen the manager Ronald Koeman announced. draw with Southampton. fi elder Davy Klaassen (£23.6mn), defender the Portuguese coach told media available to the squad,” said the team and the other 80% is about The 27-year-old, due to sign a fi ve-year Swansea, who are also battling to keep Michael Keane (£30mn), Cuco Martina and yesterday that it was not taken to coach, whose side have won their weakening the opposition and contract worth £100,000 a week, would Chelsea target and veteran Spanish striker Sandro Ramirez. However, a considerable punish the French international. opening two Ligue 1 matches. messing things up for everyone be Everton’s record signing, topping the Fernando Llorente, had wanted £50mn. proportion of the spending has been fi nanced “We never punish our play- If he does not play, either Gui- else. It is a strategy. There are £31.8mn they paid Chelsea for Romelu Lu- They have already turned down two bids by the £75mn sale of Lukaku to Manchester ers. That is not the right word. do Carrillo or Adama Diakhaby only two weeks left. After that kaku in 2014. “I have seen the doctor and from Everton and rejected a reported £40mn United. Everton could also sell midfi elder ‘Protected’ is a better word. will partner Radamel Falcao — it’s fi nished.” there is no problem,” said Koeman at a off er from 2016 champions Leicester City at Ross Barkley to Tottenham Hotspurs. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, August 17, 2017 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT AIM Wallabies battling to Battle hardened win back the faith All Blacks ready to prove a point File picture of Australia coach Michael Cheika. Reuters clash against the All Blacks in Melbourne Dunedin also double as the fi rst ‘We’re disappointed with how things went and we wanted more. So it will make the two fi xtures in the teams’ annual Bledisloe Cup series, which will Rugby Championship one where we really want to show how good we can play’ ichael Cheika’s re- be decided with a third test out- building Wallabies side the Rugby Championship in suff ered a blow to October. their confi dence Australia could lose every match Mduring the June internation- against South Africa and Argen- als and may struggle to get it tina in the Rugby Championship back when they start the Rugby and it would scarcely matter to lo- Championship with back-to- cal fans so long as their team can back tests against the All Blacks. claim the Bledisloe Cup for the Facing the world champions fi rst time since 2002. from across ‘the ditch’ has never Bookmakers give the Walla- been an ideal way to ease into the bies very little chance of beating southern hemisphere tourna- the New Zealanders, who will be ment and the Wallabies are un- fuelled by the frustration of their der the added pressure of having drawn series against the British to ‘save’ Australian rugby. and Irish Lions. Less than two years have “I have never been less con- passed since Australia’s dash- fi dent that we will beat the All ing run to the World Cup fi nal Blacks,” former Wallabies cap- in England, but by almost any tain Andrew Slack told Reuters in measure, the local game is at an a recent interview. alarmingly low ebb. For all the doubt, Cheika re- Players and pundits are furious mains convinced his team can at the national federation’s ham- make the nation proud and has fi sted eff orts to cut a team from put his players through harrow- Super Rugby, and fans deserted ing bootcamps in regional New their provincial sides in droves as South Wales to build the physi- they stumbled through a season cal and mental fi tness required without a single win over New to match the All Blacks for 80 Zealand opponents. minutes. The June internationals of- Hard-nosed fl anker Michael fered a chance for the Wallabies Hooper has been confi rmed as to restore some faith in the Aus- captain, ending an awkward tralian game but paltry crowds leadership dynamic that dogged turned out to witness a scratchy the team in June when former win over Fiji, a shock loss to skipper Stephen Moore was Scotland and a huge scare against benched for two of the matches. lowly Italy. Playmaker Kurtley Beale, Against that backdrop, Aus- whose 2016 season was wiped tralia’s opener against the All out by injury, should also add a Blacks in Sydney on Saturday has much-needed spark to the at- been invested with a grim solem- tack. File picture of New Zealand’s All Blacks coach Steve Hansen (R) watching his players take part in the Captains Run ahead of the first Test against the British and Irish Lions. nity, as if the very foundations of But having already blooded the sport might crumble if Chei- 13 debutants last season, Cheika Reuters wanted more. fl yhalf Aaron Cruden heading to France markable 46 tries in 54 tests, was dumped ka’s men fail to at least trouble has another seven uncapped Wellington “So it will make the Rugby Champion- and he also sent a message to his players after two years of inconsistent perform- Steve Hansen’s side. players in his 34-man squad as ship a little bit more of a stronger feeling that by dropping winger Julian Savea no ances though Hansen has off ered him the “Why is it so important? Be- he strives to build a team that can for us and one where we really want to one is indispensible. prospect of a return in time for the 2019 cause the Wallabies need to re- contend at the 2019 World Cup in ew Zealand’s failure to over- show how good we can play. We didn’t do The 27-year-old, who has scored a re- World Cup if he can show improvement. gain the support of the Austral- Japan. come the British and Irish Lions that in the Lions series.” ian rugby public in a sport that, Compared to the machine- may end up being very bad news It is hard to exaggerate the extent to Frustrated Williams raring to take on Wallabies in Sydney it saddens me to say, is lagging like All Blacks, who seem able for their Rugby Champion- which the All Blacks dominated last desperately in the popularity to replace quality players with Nship rivals as the world champions look year’s Rugby Championship, when they stakes,” former Wallabies full- the ease of car parts, the Walla- The likely return of Sonny Bill Williams “But he’s made sure that he has used to wash away the bitter aftertaste of the won all six matches and averaged more for New Zealand’s Rugby Champion- that time smartly, he’s trained well and back Matt Burke wrote in the bies appear far from the fi nished drawn series over the next seven weeks. than six tries a game. ship opener against Australia after a been able to get on top of a couple of Sydney Morning Herald. article and must fi nd cohesion The All Blacks were not only unhappy That potency, allied to a sense of griev- four-match ban on Saturday should be niggles. Saturday’s match at Sydney’s quickly to challenge for silver- at being denied the opportunity to clinch ance, could make life very uncomfortable an opportunity for the centre to shake “He’s back charging around, you’ve got Olympic stadium and the return ware. the series in the third test thanks to a con- for Australia, South Africa and off more than a year of frustration. to sort of hold him back a little bit.” troversial refereeing decision, their pride if they are unable to match the intensity Williams was originally ruled out of the New Zealand fans will be pleased to took a few blows at the way the tourists of the All Blacks. Aug. 19 clash when he was suspended see Williams champing at the bit if he CARRYING ON exposed weaknesses in their game. While Hansen has made the occasional following his dismissal for a dangerous is selected, as expected, to partner The Lions calculated that if the All left-fi eld calls in his selections since tak- shoulder charge on British and Irish Ryan Crotty in the midfield on Satur- Blacks were placed under sustained pres- ing over in 2012, he also sticks with what Lions winger Anthony Watson in the day. sure they would crack eventually and he knows and the squad for the next second test of the three-match series All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has Boks can continue duly reduced their time on the ball and World Cup will probably start to take last month. been looking for a settled midfield shut down the space to restrict their shape from this year’s Rugby Champion- The 32-year-old, however, was cleared partnership since the international counter-attacking ability. ship. to play two weeks ago after a convo- retirements of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad revival in Rugby Coach Steve Hansen, however, is de- The settled pack maintains a grizzled luted appeals process ended contro- Smith after the 2015 World Cup and termined to use the series as a learning and athletic balance and the forwards versially with World Rugby expressing the Williams-Crotty axis was seen as experience for the All Blacks and be- will be looking to shore up some defi - their surprise at the decision. their potential successors. Championship lieves his team will go into the southern ciencies in contact and the breakdown All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster Williams, however, chose to concen- hemisphere championship with a point exposed by the Lions. said that with the process complete, trate on rugby sevens last year and Reuters to prove. Ryan Crotty, Ben Smith and Nehe Mil- Williams was now anxious to just get then ruptured his Achilles tendon in his “Does coming off a draw put peoples ner-Skudder return from injury and with out and play against the Wallabies. first match at the Rio Games. bums a bit closer to the front of the seat Sonny Bill Williams back from suspen- “He’s certainly raring to go,” Foster That meant he had a late return to rather than the back of it?” Hansen said sion, the backline has more experience told reporters in Sydney. “He’s done Super Rugby with the Auckland Blues outh Africa will seek to in Sydney this week. than that which fi nished the Lions series. his four-game suspension. It’s been an this year and he looked rusty earlier continue their recent re- “Yeah, it does, because we’re disap- Hansen was forced to make a few awkward time for him, its been tough. this season. vival in this year’s Rugby pointed with how things went and we changes with prop Charlie Faumuina and Championship, a tourna- mentS that will reveal much about whether their shortcomings of BOTTOMLINE 2016 can be consigned to history. The Springboks lost eight of their 12 tests last year to suff er the worst season in the country’s history, plunging South Afri- No place like home for Argentina’s squad can rugby into crisis and taking File picture of South Africa’s coach Allister Coetzee to the rugby coach Allister Coetzee. Reuters pearances in the tournament. after they won their three tests brink of dismissal. Port Elizabeth Almost all the Argentina play- against France (in June). However, a comprehensive 3-0 With loose-forward Warren ers will be familiar to their oppo- “They have not lost their es- home series victory over France in Whiteley sidelined by injury, nents given they also play Super sence in physical contact but June off ered some green shoots of perhaps for the entire Rugby rgentina’s decision not Rugby together as the Jaguares with dynamics you did not see recovery and the side can now take Championship, lock Eben Etze- to call up with only Gonzalo Bertranou, before, (playing) a game more the next step towards redemption beth has been chosen to lead the for the Rugby Champi- Emiliano Boff elli and the un- in accordance with Super Rugby in a much tougher set of fi xtures in side ahead of his captain at the onship may yet force a capped Bautista Ezcurra in line as shown by the Lions, Stormers the Southern Hemisphere cham- Stormers, Siya Kolisi. rethinkA in their selection policy for tournament debuts. and Sharks.” pionship. “Eben has done a fantastic job, but coach Daniel Hourcade is Bertranou is competing for Australia, whose style Hour- Defensively, they were vastly fi lling in on short notice in that confi dent he has enough depth the scrumhalf position with 2015 cade draws on most, are also re- improved against the French, third test against France when for this year’s campaign. World Cup duo Martin Landajo covering from a diffi cult year and their work at the breakdown Warren suff ered a groin injury,” Loose forward Isa was impres- and Tomas Cubelli, who has left might be the team Argentina feel more effi cient and their condi- Coetzee told reporters. sive in last year’s Rugby Cham- Australia’s ACT Brumbies to re- they can take most points from. tioning to last 80 minutes no- Coetzee continues to have pionship for the but has turn home. Champions New Zealand, ticeably advanced. worries at fl yhalf where Elton joined French club Toulon and so Hourcade is under no illusions however, would be tough after be- There was also a greater cut- Jantjies is the current number fallen foul of the Argentine Rug- that the task will be just as hard ing battle hardened in the British ting edge to their attacking play one pick, but injuries to Handre by Union (UAR) policy of select- as in previous seasons against and Irish Lions series and despite that led to an impressive 12 tries Pollard and Pat Lambie leave him ing only locally-based players in the three southern hemisphere always pushing the world cham- in the three tests against France, thin on experienced back-ups. non-World Cup years. rivals who are all in the world’s pions before having the score while conceding only four. That has led to a fi rst call-up Hourcade is realistic enough top fi ve. blown out, Hourcade believed A home meeting with an in- for 20-year-old Sharks number to know that if Argentina do File picture of Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade. “Clearly we are improving but they would continue to learn. consistent Argentina in Port 10 Curwin Bosch. “Curwin has not improve this year, the last of so are the powers and quite a “To play against the All Blacks Elizabeth on Saturday provides really done well. He’s a talented his current contract, the policy same hymn book tactically. that starts on Saturday in Port lot,” he told Reuters in an inter- is always a tremendous and very perhaps the gentlest of openings guy, whether he’s ready now or may well be addressed, however The 59-year-old, however, Elizabeth, which he hopes will view. nice challenge because without to this year’s championship and not, and I think he will defi nitely much benefi t there is from all believes he has his strongest add another couple of wins to “We’re going to come up a doubt it helps you grow what- Coetzee has largely chosen con- play for South Africa in the fu- the players all singing from the possible squad for the campaign the three from fi ve previous ap- against a confi dent South Africa ever the result,” he said. tinuity in his squad selection. ture,” Coetzee said. Gulf Times Thursday, August 17, 2017 5 SPORT

NFL SPOTLIGHT Goodell talks Trump has made racism anthem protest, ‘fashionable’: urges outreach NBA star James ‘We see a lot of players going into the community, making positive change’

AFP Los Angeles

ational Football League chief Roger Goodell has en- couraged players to engage in community outreach in Nthe wake of fresh protests against the national anthem during pre-season games. Goodell told an Arizona Cardinals fan forum on Monday that while it was important to embrace diff erent view- points, there was a “time and a place” to speak out. The NFL Commissioner’s remarks came after Seattle Seahawks player Michael Bennett sat through a rendi- tion of the Star Spangled Banner on Sunday to raise awareness of racism and intolerance. Bennett’s protest followed an iden- tical snub by Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, who also re- mained seated during the anthem at a preseason game against Arizona. It came amid nationwide soul- searching following violent clashes in AFP James, who has long been outspoken Virginia on Saturday linked to a dem- Los Angeles about matters of race and social justice onstration by white nationalists, neo- in America and endorsed Trump’s op- Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members. ponent Hillary Clinton for president, Goodell suggested he would prefer leveland Cavaliers super- had tweeted his dismay at the events in players to engage in community pro- star LeBron James blasted Charlottesville over the weekend. grammes rather than protest the an- Donald Trump on Tuesday “It’s sad what’s going on in Char- them. for making hate “fashionable lottesville,” James tweeted on Satur- “I think it’s one of those things again”C, saying individuals must combat day. “Is this the direction our country where I think we have to understand racism and not look to the “so-called is heading? that there are people with diff erent president”. “Make america Great Again huh?! viewpoints,” Goodell said. “It’s some- James reacted swiftly after the US He said that,” added James in a dig at thing that I think everybody wants. president reiterated his opinion that Trump’s celebrated campaign slogan. The national anthem is a special mo- there was “blame on both sides” in the James, whose Los Angeles home was ment to me. It’s a point of pride. That deadly racial unrest in Charlottesville daubed with a racial slur on the eve of is a really important moment. at the weekend. the NBA Finals in June, spoke out again “But we also have to understand the “Hate has always existed in America. on Tuesday night, at a LeBron James other side that people do have rights In this January 13, 2017, picture, Michael Bennett of Seattle Seahawks looks on in the game against the Atlanta Falcons in Yes we know that but Donald Trump Family Foundation event in Sandusky, and we want to respect those. But I Atlanta, Georgia. Bennett chose to remain seated during the playing of the Stars and Stripes in the Sunday’s pre-season win just made it fashionable again!” James Ohio. was with the Jets a few weeks ago and over the Los Angeles Chargers, emulating Colin Kaepernick’s protest last season which drew a firestorm of criticism. (AFP) tweeted shortly after Trump angrily “I have this platform and I’m some- one of the players was there in the defended his controversial initial re- body that has a voice of command and fan forum actually and we were talk- change. And that’s what I think is so love football like any other American. been unable to fi nd a team willing to sponse to the white supremacist rally the only way for us to get better as a so- ing about this and they were asked important.” But I don’t love segregation. I don’t hire him, prompting many players and on Saturday that erupted in clashes ciety and for us to get better as people the same question. And they said you Seahawks player Bennett on Sunday love riots or oppression. pundits to believe he is being frozen with counter-demonstrators. is love,” he said. “And that’s the only know, there’s a time and a place.” said he had emulated Colin Kaeper- “I just want to see people have the out of the league as payback for his Trump’s reaction on Saturday, that way we’re going to be able to conquer “And that’s what we all have to sort nick’s 2016 anthem protest to draw at- equality that they deserve. And I want activism. there was violence “on many sides” something as one. of understand. The responsibility of tention to racism. to be able to use this platform to con- Bennett has worked with Kaeper- provoked a backlash and on Monday he “It’s not about the guy that’s the so- doing it at the right time and in the The 31-year-old hit out at critics who tinuously push the message of that.” nick during the off season to promote singled out the Ku Klux Klan and neo- called president of the United States, or right way. claimed his protest was disrespectful to Former San Francisco 49ers quar- a campaign to raise awareness about Nazis involved as criminals. whatever the case... It’s about us. “And what we see is a lot of play- members of the US armed forces. terback Kaepernick staged his protest rights. But in an exchange with reporters at “It’s about us looking in the mirror. ers going into the community and re- “First of all, I want people to under- last year to draw attention to treat- “I hope that I can activate every- Trump Tower in New York on Tuesday, Kids all the way up to the adults,” James ally taking the platform they have and stand that I love the military,” Bennett ment of minorities by law enforce- body to get off their hands and feet and a clearly irked Trump again said that said. “All of us looking in the mirror being active and creating dialogue said. “My father’s in the military. I love ment. go out into the communities and push both groups were at fault in inciting and saying, ‘What can we do better to and actually making really positive hot dogs like any other American. I Since his protest, Kaepernick has helping each other,” Bennett said. violence. help change?’”

BOTTOMLINE UPDATE Players union appeals USADA bans Goodwin but 49ers Elliott suspension receiver says has quit long jump

Reuters Toronto

ormer long jumper Marquise Goodwin, who is now a wide receiver for the San Francsico 49ers, was handed a one-year banF by USADA on Tuesday for not providing his whereabouts for drug testing but the NFL player said he no longer competes in athletics. The United States Anti-Doping Agency said in a statement that the 26-year-old Goodwin’s suspension began on April 1, the date of his third whereabouts failure in a 12-month pe- riod. But Goodwin, who came up short in his bid to compete in last year’s Rio Olympics, said he had never failed AFP Elliott, who enjoyed a dazzling rookie a doping test and had always been Los Angeles season at running back for the Cow- compliant with protocols but stopped boys last year, had physically assaulted submitting whereabouts information his ex-girlfriend Tiff any Thompson on because he had quit athletics. he NFL Players Association “multiple occasions”. “More than a year ago, I decided to on Tuesday confi rmed it had US reports have said Elliott’s legal cease competing in the sport in order lodged an appeal against the team will attempt to discredit Thomp- to concentrate 100 % on my NFL ca- six-game suspension handed son’s evidence, claiming she had reer,” Goodwin said in a statement re- Tout to Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel El- threatened to “ruin his career”. leased by the 49ers. liott. Elliott has not spoken to the media “Therefore, I discontinued all prac- In this May 22, 2016, picture, USA’s Marquise Goodwin competes in the men’s Long Jump event at the Diamond League The NFLPA said it was challenging since the ban but on Twitter said he tices associated with competing in event in Rabat, Morocco. (AFP) Elliott’s ban in order to “ensure that the was “surprised and disappointed” by track and fi eld, including submitting NFL is held to its obligation of adhering the NFL’s decision. my ‘Whereabouts’ information. Buff alo before signing with San Fran- discipline under the NFL’s policy on est jumps of 2016 but went on to fi nish a to principles of industrial due process”. His representatives also issued a “It appears that because I did not cisco in March, informed the team a performance-enhancing substances disappointing seventh. Elliott was suspended last week for statement challenging the ban, say- inform USADA of my plans, my name while ago that he no longer intended as a result of USADA’s decision. In 2012, Goodwin won the men’s violating the league’s personal conduct ing the NFL had made “factual inac- was inadvertently included in their to compete in the long jump. Goodwin, a two-time USA long jump long jump at the US trials. His victory policy following an allegation of do- curacies and erroneous conclusions”, 2017 testing pool.” The 49ers also said that after dis- outdoor champion and twice US colle- earned him his fi rst Olympics berth mestic violence by a former girlfriend promising that “a slew of additional The 49ers said Goodwin, who spent cussions with the NFL it understood giate champion, arrived at last year’s Ol- and he fi nished 10th at the 2012 Games in July 2016. credible and controverting evidence” the fi rst four years of his NFL career in Goodwin would not be subject to any ympic trials having posted the two long- in London. The NFL said it had evidence that would come to light. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, August 17, 2017 SPORT

MLB Indians blast Colon in massive win over Twins The 1-8 loss was Minnesota Twins’ eighth in as many tries against the Cleveland Indians this year at Target Field

By Mike Berardino tle high,” Colon said through a transla- Pioneer Press, (TNS) tor. “I thought there were some pitches that were closer than what the call was. At the end of the day that’s not my call. aybe the fi rst clue should He’s the umpire for a reason.” have been the centre-cut The mid-game power barrage also fastball that Francisco Lin- wiped out a rare lead for the Twins dor lined for a single on a in this year’s home series against the Mtwo-strike count to start the game. reigning American League pennant Or, perhaps, it was the fi rst balk winners. When Byron Buxton knocked called on Bartolo Colon in 12 years, in Eddie Rosario with a two-out sin- since he was pitching for the Los An- gle in the second, it ended a span of 64 geles Angels with a rookie teammate home innings against the Indians in named Ervin Santana. which the Twins had led at the comple- Reaching three-ball counts six times tion of just fi ve of them. in the fi rst three innings of Tues- Once Austin Jackson added a three- day’s 8-1 loss to the Cleveland Indi- run shot off Buddy Boshers in the sev- ans was another indicator that some- enth, the Twins were on their way to thing wasn’t quite right for the Twins’ another night playing from an insur- 44-year-old pitching sensation. mountable hole. “It just looked like his command was Hard-throwing right-hander Danny a little bit off ,” Twins manager Paul Salazar (5-5) worked the fi rst seven in- Molitor said. “When he made some nings on just three hits. He walked none pitches that were close, we didn’t get and struck out 10 while setting down 16 many calls. You don’t use that as an ex- of his fi nal 17 batters. cuse or anything. He hung in there.” In 72 total innings against the Indians With the loss, their eighth in as at home this year, the Twins have led at many tries against the Indians this the completion of just seven. That’s 9.7 year at Target Field, the Twins fell six percent. games out of fi rst place in the Ameri- With just two games left to salvage can League Central. They have been something in this season series, the outscored 56-16 at home by the Indians Twins are reminded of their 0-9 home this year. showing last year against the Detroit Colon (4-10) danced out of danger Tigers. Since the start of the 1997 sea- for awhile, escaping a bases-loaded, son, they have lost eight or more times no-outs jam in the second and getting to a single opponent at home just two Jay Bruce to bounce into an inning- other times: 2007 Tigers (1-8) and 2013 ending double play in the third. Kansas City Royals (2-8). But there was a limit this time on The crazy thing is the Twins are how long Colon could fool his original 5-1 this year at Cleveland’s Progres- employer. Carlos Santana’s 423-foot sive Field, where they are scheduled to blast to start the fourth set off a run of spend three luxurious nights during the three homers in a span of eight Cleve- fi nal week of the regular season. land batters. “It doesn’t really make sense but Jason Kipnis (405 feet) and Edwin there are a lot of things in our game that Cleveland Indians Francisco Lindor hits a single in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Encarnacion (411) had the others in the you can spin your head around trying fi fth inning. to fi gure out,” Molitor said. “I’m well “Fastball -- that’s what they all aware of the fact they’ve come in here looked for,” Colon said. “Those three and dominated us in our home park. Stanton homers in sixth straight game, but Marlins fall to Giants home runs were fastballs. Other than They outplayed us, they outpitched us, that, on my off speed, they couldn’t hit they certainly outhit us. File it away and AFP third, but Stanton knotted the score with his it tonight.” try to rebound.” Miami homer off of Giants ace Madison Bumgar- Thus ended a delicious run of unex- Added Colon: “I don’t know. All I ner in the bottom of the inning. pected excellence in which Colon had know is I’m 0-1 against them today.” Miami grabbed the lead with another run in allowed just one run (Carlos Gomez’s iami’s Giancarlo Stanton homered the inning, and Marlins backup catcher A.J. solo homer) in a span of 16 innings cov- RESULTS for the sixth straight game on Ellis hit his third homer of the season in the ering three starts. It marked just the Seattle 3 Baltimore 1 MTuesday, but it wasn’t enough as fourth. sixth time since June 2009 that Colon LA Dodgers 6 Chicago White Sox 1 the Marlins fell 9-4 to the San Francisco But after the Giants trimmed the deficit to had allowed three or more homers in a San Diego 8 Philadelphia 4 Giants. 4-3 in the fifth, they took the lead with three start. Oakland 10 Kansas City 8 Stanton leads baseball’s major leagues with runs in the seventh, adding three more over Colon would later walk Santana on Atlanta 4 Colorado 3 44 home runs. He has homered 11 times the last two innings. fi ve pitches for his fourth walk of the Cleveland 8 Minnesota 1 in his past 12 games and 23 in 35. He is on The Giants ended the Marlins’ four-game night, just the fourth time in the past Cincinnati 2 Chicago Cubs 1 pace to hit 60 home runs this season, a winning streak. But Stanton’s homer streak decade that Colon had issued at least Texas 10 Detroit 4 milestone only five major league players continues. He’s approaching the major four unintentional walks in a single Milwaukee 3 Pittsburgh 1 have reached. league record for consecutive games with a start. He had only mild quibbles pub- San Francisco 9 Miami 4 Stanton helped the Marlins get off to a home run, which is eight. licly for plate umpire Alfonso Marquez, Boston 10 St. Louis 4 fast start, belting a single to left in the first That was last achieved by Ken Griff ey Jr. in with whom Colon had worked to a 2.52 Tampa Bay 6 Toronto 4 inning and scoring on Christian Yelich’s 1993. Don Mattingly of the Yankees in 1987 earned-run average and just fi ve walks Washington 3 LA Angels 1 Giancarlo Stanton of Miami Marlins in action against the San Francisco double. and Dale Long of the 1956 Pittsburgh Pi- in 35 2/3 career innings. NY Yankees 5 NY Mets 4 Giants in Miami on Tuesday. (Miami Herald/TNS) San Francisco had taken a 2-1 lead in the rates also homered in eight straight games. “I thought (the strike zone) was a lit- Houston 9 Arizona 4

BOXING SPOTLIGHT Philippine boxers at Mayweather and McGregor risk in brain scan scam ponent. allowed to wear lighter gloves AFP Manila Two other Filipino professional boxers also died from ring injuries in 2005 and 2008, Mitra AFP said. Los Angeles total of 150 professional boxers in Apart from the boxing deaths, Viernes said the Philippines have been banned for the board had also refused to renew the licences falsifying brain scan results aimed at of fi ve other boxers due to brain injuries or fl uid loyd Mayweather and Conor Mc- detecting serious head injuries in the build-up. Gregor will be allowed to wear sport,A regulators said on Tuesday. Four of them had been diagnosed with lighter gloves when they clash in The government has been imposing strict “minute haemorrhage” from blood vessels in their Las Vegas superfi ght this medical testing procedures following the the brain, believed to have been sustained in month,F it was confi rmed yesterday. deaths of several Filipino boxers from injuries previous fi ghts, while the fi fth had brain oede- The Nevada State Athletic Commis- sustained in professional fi ghts in previous ma, Viernes added. sion (NSAC) approved a request from both years. The Philipines is a boxing hotbed that has fi ghters to switch from 10-ounce (283- “The welfare and safety of our boxers is part produced the likes of legendary Manny Pacqui- gram) to eight ounce gloves, despite con- of our mandate. We do not want any more box- ao, winner of world titles in an unprecedented cerns raised by safety experts. ing deaths,” Games and Amusements Board eight diff erent weight divisions. Lighter gloves carry less padding over chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra told reporters. For many in the impoverished Asian nation, the knuckles, potentially making for a The ban means one in seven of the country’s Pacquiao is an icon and role model and prize- more explosive spectacle. 1,054 Filipino professional boxers are not al- fi ghting off ers one of the shortest tickets to NSAC rules mandate that 10-ounce lowed to step on the ring, the country’s sports fame and fortune for young Filipino males. gloves are used in any bout over 147 regulator said. However, Mitra said many success-starved pounds. However former welterweight The board found 150 boxers had submitted Filipino fi ghters were earning puny prizes and king Mayweather and UFC star McGregor, “fake” CT scan results this year, apparently be- could not aff ord CT scans that the health min- who clash on August 26, are to fi ght at a cause they could not aff ord an actual test, the istry says cost at least 6,000 pesos ($170) or 154-pound limit. board’s medical offi cer Radentor Viernes told the more expensive magnetic resonance imag- The Association of Ringside Physicians AFP. ing (MRI) scans costing almost three times as urged NSAC not to waive its glove regula- About half of those blacklisted have since much. tions for the McGregor-Mayweather fi ght. submitted the required medical examinations “We’ve been criticised for being too strict “This is a bout that has already been set and the ban against them will be reviewed, Mi- but still that’s our job and we maintain it that at a specifi ed weight class,” the physician tra said. way,” he added. chairman Raymond Monsell wrote in a let- The board is also investigating the involve- Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told reporters ter released on Tuesday. ment of other parties in the CT scan fraud, he Tuesday the government had no plans to out- “Unless there is scientifi c evidence to added. law boxing, only to “regulate” it. support the view that such a change might In 2012 the undefeated fl yweight Karlo To help the hard-up boxers and prevent more improve the safety of this bout, we strongly Maquinto, aged 21, collapsed and later died boxing deaths, Mitra and Ubial announced caution against allowing current regula- from a brain injury after only his ninth pro fi ght, Tuesday that government hospitals will in fu- tions to be overruled. having rallied from two early knockdowns to ture off er free medical tests to Filipinos apply- “To do so would also set a precedent for salvage a majority draw against a Filipino op- ing for professional boxing licences. Floyd Mayweather (left) and Conor McGregor. future bouts.” Gulf Times Thursday, August 17, 2017 7 SPORT

CYCLING Double disappointment for triple-jump world Froome guns for Tour, champ Taylor Tignes, France: World and able to get off of it. But I Olympic champion Christian realised what I needed to do Taylor suff ered a double failure I just started to increase, in- yesterday as he attempted to crease, increase but it was just break the triple-jump world not far enough. Now I know for record at altitude in Tignes, the future what to expect.” Vuelta double bid France. The double Olympic Although the 3,000-metre and triple world champion not altitude was expected to help only failed to trouble Jonathan in a world record attempt, Only Frenchmen Anquetil (1963) and Hinault (1973) have achieved the double feat Edwards’s 22-year-old record strong winds made conditions of 18.29m but he also finished diff icult. Taylor nevertheless Reuters should arrive fresher. second to American compa- said he “had the time of (his) Paris “I will be in perfect shape for the triot Will Claye. Claye won with life” competing against a Vuelta,” said Nibali, who with Con- a modest eff ort of 17.42m while picturesque backdrop of icy tador is one of six riders with titles 27-year-old Taylor’s jump of snow covered mountains. “It he Vuelta is where eve- in all three grand tours. 16.99m was well off his per- was a new experience for me. rything started for Chris Should it be a tight race, it might sonal best of 18.21m. The turnout was incredible, the Froome and it could well be be decided on the penultimate day Competing at altitude has views are incredible. I just had where he moves closer to at the top of the Angliru mountain long been thought to give so much fun.” Tthe greatest riders as the road, known as one of the hardest athletes, especially jumpers, an A few days earlier at the champion attempts climbs in cycling. The Vuelta will be advantage. But Taylor admitted world championships in Lon- a unique double in the modern era. without title holder he had some diff iculty adjust- don, Taylor won with a leap of Only Frenchmen Jacques An- as the Colombian is worn out after ing to the conditions and the 17.68m, with Claye second after quetil (1963) and trying — and failing — to win the elevated track. “There was a lot jumping 17.63m. South African (1973) have achieved that feat, but Giro/Tour double. of talk about the world record,” Luvo Manyonga backed up his the Spanish race was then held in he said. “At the beginning I world championship win by April-May. GERMAN was a little lightheaded, I tried leaping 8.46m in the long jump, Froome, instead, will have only KITTEL SWITCHES TO not to think about it, I tried just two centimetres off what had 25 days to rest before Saturday’s KATUSHA-ALPECIN to do everything as normal. I he managed in London, but Grand Depart in Nimes, France. Sprint star has quit realised I needed to control my well off Mike Powell’s 26-year- “I’ve got the opportunity and I’m Belgium’s Team Quick Step-Floors breathing but with every run I old record of 8.95m. certainly going to go for it,” Froome to link up with Germany’s world became a little more comfort- “I was a little disappointed, said. “The Vuelta is a race I love — time-trial champion able and also with the runway. the wind was pushing me. But I it’s vicious but it’s three weeks that at Swiss outfi t Katusha-Alpecin, it “I didn’t do the indoor feel that I have 9 metres within I enjoy.” was announced yesterday. season so I’m really not used to me,” said Manyonga. The final Froome has had his share of dis- Kittel, 29, had an outstanding elevated runaways. It’s my first athletics competition of the appointment in the Vuelta, losing 2017 Tour de France, winning fi ve time since 2013 I’ve been on a season will be the Diamond by 13 seconds to Spain’s Juan Jose stages last month and holding the track like this. I’m not used to League meet in Zurich on Cobo in 2011, the year he came to sprinters’ green jersey for 12 days the bouncy response, I was not August 23. prominence, before settling again before being forced to withdraw for second in 2014 and 2016. Last from the race after a crash on the year, the Team Sky rider eff ectively 17th stage in the Alps. lost his chances after being trapped The German has signed a two- behind following an unexpected at- year deal with Katusha. “I am look- tack in a downhill by Alberto Con- ing forward to racing with the team tador, who will take part in his last and especially with Tony and some race before heading into retirement. of the other German riders,” said The Spaniard, who won the last Kittel. of his seven grand tour titles at the He also thanked his previous 2015 Giro d’Italia, is not among the employers for helping him recover top favourites after fi nishing ninth from a virus that plagued him in overall in the Tour, where Froome 2015 and saw him miss that year’s prevailed for the fourth time. He Tour de France due to poor form. “I will see some familiar faces in got some great support over the last Nimes as Italian , fellow two years and was able to get back Briton and Frenchman to my previous best after my horror — third overall in year in 2015,” he added. Paris — also embark on the three- Kittel had won four stages at the week journey. Tour in each of 2013 and 2014 but The race starts with a team time after missing the 2015 edition could trial in Nimes and there will only win only one last year. His fi ve wins be one solo eff ort against the clock this year made him the most suc- but Froome should get the chance to cessful German stage winner in the gain time on his rivals in the 42-km world’s most prestigious bike race. fl at — a disci- Kittel will be linking up with Martin pline in which he usually excels. One again after the pair raced together of his rivals will be Italian Vincenzo for the German-based Energie USA’s Christian Taylor competes in the triple jump during the Nibali, while Briton is Team 10 years ago as juniors, while Tignes Athletics Open, at the foot of the Tignes glacier, 3032m has had his share of disappointment in the Vuelta, losing by 13 seconds to Juan the only top contender who has not they also spent last season together high, in Tignes, French Alps, yesterday. (AFP) Jose Cobo in 2011, before settling again for second in 2014 and 2016. taken part in the Tour de France and at Quick Step.

QSL ROUND-UP GOLF Al Rayyan sign defender Bae swaps fi ring range for driving range Reuters golf, Bae knows he has to put the hours in Seoul on the practice range if he is to be ready in Kasola from Al Sadd time for his comeback event, which begins on Sept. 14. “From today and until the start Qatar Stars League side Al Rayy- Etoile Sportive du Sahel in July, Bruno Gallo and recently-signed ae Sang-moon took his fi rst steps of the tournament, I can’t aff ord to be doing an have announced the signing will now lead The Dream Team Qatari goal keeper Rajab Hamza. back into civilian life yesterday after anything else,” Yonhap News quoted him as of Qatari international defender next season. Habibou is now expected to completing his mandatory stint in saying. “I have a lot of work to do,” he add- Mohammed Kasola. The Lions Al Arabi head coach, Kais join Qatar SC in their preseason the South Korean military and the ed. “I’ve been dying to play golf. I’ve been confi rmed that the highly expe- Yaâkoubi originally entrusted training camp in Slovenia from Btwo-time PGA Tour winner is eager to get dreaming of the moment when I fi nd myself rienced player was signed from new signing Khalfan Ibrahim which they will return on the his golfi ng career back on track. in contention for a title.” Al Sadd on Tuesday. with the captain’s armband, 28th of August. The 31-year-old has spent the last 21 Kasola is considered one of the however, the Qatari striker months as a rifl eman in the army, honouring WOMEN’S MAJOR WINNER DAVIES TO most sought-after defenders in recommended his Tunisian BALOTELLI JOINS the requirement for all able-bodied Korean MAKE HISTORY ON MEN’S SENIOR TOUR the QSL and has 65 caps for the teammate as the new captain of AL GHARAFA men between the ages of 18 and 35 to under- in an Asian Tour statement. “Even though I Laura Davies is set to make history as the national team. He was a fi xture the side. Jemal has an exten- Al Gharafa have signed Brazilian take military service as a deterrent to North didn’t get to play much, I grew to love golf fi rst woman to play on the European Senior at the back for his former side sive footballing resume having centre-forward Jonathan Balo- Korean aggression. even more. I’ve had such great memories Tour in next year’s Shipco Masters in Den- Al Sadd. This is an important played at a high level in Europe, telli. After signing the contract, Bae, whose last tournament was the Pres- serving in the military and I feel that I’ve mark. Four-time major winner Davies will signing for Al Rayyan, who are which includes stints in France, the player has now joined his ident’s Cup on home soil in 2015, had little grown a lot stronger.” play from the same tees as male opponents looking for stability in their de- Germany and Switzerland. new team at their preseason chance to practice during his stint but said Bae was granted US residency in 2013 and including former Masters champion Ian fence following the departure of The 33-year-old defender training camp in Turkey. the time away had not dulled his love for the had initially challenged the Military Man- Woosnam. Paraguayan international Victor is currently with his side in The 28-year-old makes the game. He plans to make his return to profes- power Administration’s decision to call him The tournament will be held in June 2018 Caceres. The 31-year-old Kasola Slovenia where they are involved move to the QSL from Mac- sional golf at next month’s $1mn Shinhan up, hoping to delay his conscription in order and Davies, 53, said: “My golfi ng career will now join his new teammates in a pre-season training camp. edonian Prva Liga side Vardar Donghae Open, which is co-sanctioned by to continue his lucrative career in the United has been played in parallel with a number for training ahead of the new The team is expected to return Skopje. Balotelli was signed by the Asian Tour and Korean PGA. States. He was charged with violating South of players who are currently on the Senior QSL season. Rayyan returned to Doha on August 26th ahead of the Cheetah’s as they look to “I did a lot of weight lifting and running to Korea’s military service regulations and Tour, so I’m really looking forward to testing from their pre-season training the start of the new season. strengthen their attacking line improve my conditioning, and I am not con- later lost a legal battle to defer his service. my wits against them. I’m looking forward camp in Holland on Tuesday and up ahead of the new season. It cerned about my fi tness level at all,” he said After so much time away from competitive to making history on the Senior Tour.” will play their fi rst league match KINGS INK HABIBOU DEAL will be exciting to see how re- against Al Khor on the 16th of Newly-promoted QSL side, cently signed Chilean midfi elder September. Qatar SC announced the signing Luis Jimenez and Jonathan Ba- VOLLEYBALL of Central African striker Habib lotelli will link up for Al Gharafa AL ARABI HAND JEMAL Habibou from French side RC next season. CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND Lens on a season long deal. Al Gharafa are currently in Al Arabi have confi rmed that The 30-year-old is vastly Turkey for their pre-season QVA mulls legal action aft er GCC Tunisian defender Ammar Jemal experienced in Europe hav- training camp to prepare ahead will be the new captain of the ing played in France, England of the QSL season. Under the side. The club announced on and Belgium among others. He guidance of head coach Jean their offi cial social media ac- promises to be a great addition to Fernandez, the team is expected junior tournament scrapped counts that the player, who was the Kings’ arsenal which already to return to Doha on the 22nd of signed from Tunisian Ligue side includes Brazilian playmaker August. QNA cision because there were commitments ing their recent participation in the Beach Doha and agreements signed by the QVA with a Volleyball World Championships in Austria. number of companies, hotels and institu- The Qatari team improved their ranking to tions to organise this tournament, al-Ku- 18th in the world after being ranked 30th he Qatar Volleyball Association will wari said. previously. If the team improves their rank- take legal action against the GCC Al-Kuwari said that the 2017-2018 sea- ing to 16th, they will qualify for the 2020 Volleyball Organising Committee son will be launched in October. The season Olympics without going through the quali- after it cancelled the GCC Junior will include many local and international fying process. Ttournament scheduled to be held in Qatar tournaments. He added that QVA will start Al-Kuwari extended thanks to HE Sheikh next month because of the current Gulf po- age group competitions after the start of the Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of Qa- litical crisis. Speaking to Qatar News Agency new school year in order to tap Qatari talent. tar Olympic Committee, for supporting Qa- (QNA), Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) He said that the El Jaish team will not take tar’s beach volleyball team. president Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari said Qatar part in the tournaments this season in ac- He also announced that the Qatar Volley- was scheduled to host the GCC Junior Vol- cordance with the decision of the Ministry ball Association will organise a beach vol- leyball Championship in September, but it of Culture and Sports, noting that the QVA leyball world tour event at Katara in Febru- has been now cancelled in accordance with has given players of the team the freedom to ary next year. The event will be held at the the decision made by the GCC Volleyball move to other clubs without restrictions. Greek Theater in Katara under the title “Ka- Organising Committee. Al-Kuwari added that the Qatar beach tara International Beach Volleyball Tour”. Qatar Volleyball Association will take volleyball team managed to make a very big The tournament will be accompanied by Qatar SC have signed Central African striker Habib Habibou from French side RC Lens. legal action against the GCC body’s de- leap in the international classifi cation dur- many events to promote sports tourism. Thursday, August 17, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Isner leaps into Zverev’s path at Expectant Serena injury-hit Cincinnati

AFP ray (hip), Novak Djokovic (el- Cincinnati bow), Stan Wawrinka (knee), Kei Nishikori (right wrist) and Marin Cilic (adductor). n a week where most ATP That off ers an enticing chance has ‘outrageous’ stars are idled by injuries, the for those who have never won so two men with multiple titles large a title, even with Zverev and since Wimbledon — John Is- Nadal still in. nerI and Alexander Zverev — are “It’s an opportunity for a lot on a collision course. of players,” Isner said. “I think Isner fi red 16 aces and needed (Zverev) recognizes that as well. only 56 minutes Tuesday to dis- I think he has looked at the draw patch fellow American Tommy and seen that Roger is out and comeback plan Paul 6-3, 6-3 and reach the Milos is out. third round at the ATP and WTA “So I think his eyes are kind Cincinnati Open. of popped wide open again. He’s American says she is preparing to defend her Australian Open title in January “I played a good match and I’m looking for another one.” happy to get off the court in under On the women’s side, Wimble- an hour,” Isner said. “When I had don winner Garbine Muguruza, break point, I got after it, put good and second-ranked Simona Ha- returns on the court and played lep cruised into the third round. aggressively.” Romania’s Halep, hoping to World number 19 Isner, who overtake Czech Karolina Pliskova won titles last month at Newport for the world number one ranking and Atlanta, could next face Zver- this week, downed US qualifi er ev, who has taken titles the past Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-1, while two weeks at Montreal and Wash- Spain’s sixth-ranked Muguruza ington, although the 20-year-old ousted Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad German must get past US teen Maia 6-2, 6-0. Frances Tiafoe fi rst. “I’m happy to be into the third “If I do play him, it will be a round,” Muguruza said. huge challenge. For me, he’s defi - After trading four service nitely the guy to beat right now on breaks in the fi rst six games, Ha- tour,” Isner said. “If I do play him, lep took 11 of the last 12 to dis- I’ll be very much looking forward patch Townsend in 66 minutes. to that and defi nitely think I can French Open champion Jelena give him a good tussle.” Ostapenko of Latvia was ousted Spanish top seed Rafael Nadal, by Serbian qualifi er Aleksandra the 15-time Grand Slam champi- Krunic 6-4, 6-2 while Russian on who returns to world number lucky loser Natalia Vikhlyantseva one next week after a three-year beat Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-3, absence, faces France’s Richard 2-6, 6-3 to book a matchup with Gasquet in his opener Wednesday Czech women’s world number after a bye. one Karolina Pliskova. World number 10 Milos Raonic Argentina’s Juan Martin del of Canada withdrew Tuesday Potro, the 2009 US Open cham- with a left wrist injury, leaving pion, hit 17 aces in defeating only three of the top 10 in the Czech 10th seed Tomas Berdych men’s fi eld. 3-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-0 while Japan’s Also among the missing are Yuichi Sugita took advantage of Roger Federer (back), British 43 unforced errors by Jack Sock to world number one Andy Mur- oust the US 13th seed 7-5, 6-4.

Nishikori to miss rest of season with wrist injury

AFP, Cincinnati: World number went to see a very renowned nine Kei Nishikori of Japan will wrist specialist who works with miss the remainder of the 2017 many of the Major League Base- ATP season after suff ering a ball pitchers. We saw another torn tendon in his right wrist, his specialist today to get a second management team announced opinion. On top of that we have yesterday. The 27-year-old sent MRI results to three other Serena Williams of the US. Asian number one will miss the wrist specialists to ensure we upcoming US Open, on the New get several independent opin- AFP not going to pass that up,” Williams said. ian Open runner-up Venus Williams is In April, Serena revealed on social me- York hardcourts where he has ions from specialist. Los Angeles “If anything, this pregnancy has given me preparing this week for the US Open and dia that she was pregnant. She is expected produced his best Grand Slam “After consulting with all of a new power.” to become a new aunt with sister Serena to give birth in about another month. results — a 2014 runner-up finish them, it has become clear that Williams says she’s had a “love-hate giving birth to a baby soon. With Serena sidelined, seven-time and a semi-final run last year. Kei has a tear in one of the erena Williams, feeling “new relationship with the idea of power” as it Ninth-ranked Venus advanced to the Grand Slam winner Venus has picked up Nishikori becomes the third top- tendons in the right wrist. At this power” from her pregnancy, is al- relates to her game, sometimes irked that second round at the WTA Cincinnati the family mantle and turned back the 10 player to conclude his season stage, we have elected not to do ready preparing for an Australian her skill and strategy seemed to be over- Open by eliminating US compatriot Ali- clock, making a run to the Wimbledon fi - early, joining Serbian 12-time surgery and Kei is in a cast. Open title defence in January. looked. son Riske 6-2, 6-0 in 66 minutes. nal last month, losing to Spain’s Garbine Grand Slam champion Novak “After the swelling comes down SIn a wide-ranging interview with Vogue “As I’ve gotten older I’ve started to But off the court, she’s doing some Muguruza in a bid for her fi rst Slam crown Djokovic, out with an elbow in the next weeks, we will evalu- touching on motherhood, body image and feel diff erently about it. Power is beauty. online shopping for Serena’s baby, and since 2008. injury, and Swiss 2016 US Open ate next steps. Kei will withdraw race, Williams said she had set herself a Strength is beauty. So now on the court I getting some valuable advice from her Venus, who won fi ve Wimbledon and champion Stan Wawrinka with a from all the 2017 tournaments goal of playing Melbourne. want people to think that I’m powerful,” mother, Oracene Price, who has raised fi ve two US Open titles, has been an aunt be- knee injury. and work hard to be ready for “It’s the most outrageous plan,” the she said. daughters. fore, but not when she was old enough to A statement from Nishikori’s next year.” Brazilian Thiago 36-year-old Williams, who is expecting But she’s dismayed to think that many “I have a lot of things in my cart that do some serious spoiling and spending on team said the injury took place Monteiro will replace Nishikori her fi rst child next month. interpret her on-court determination as I’m about to order,” Venus Williams said. the new arrival. during a practice session at in the US Open main draw “I just want to put that out there. “mean” — something she believes has to “I talked to my mom yesterday. I’m like, “This is the fi rst time I’ve been an aunt Cincinnati ahead of this week’s when the year’s last Grand Slam That’s, like, three months after I give do with race. ‘Mom, what do you really, really need?’ So as an adult,” she said. “So it’s a completely ATP Masters hardcourt event, tournament begins August 28, birth. I’m not walking anything back, but “I feel like people think I’m mean,” she she really gave me the low-down. diff erent experience than before when I the last major US Open tuneup. organisers said. I’m just saying it’s pretty intense.” says. “Really tough and really mean and “So I’m going to get this stuff and as was a child.” The decision to end Nishikori’s Nishikori concludes the 2017 Williams said during her pregnancy really street. I believe that the other girls things progress I’ll see what I need after.” After a third-round exit in Toronto last season came after advice was season with a 30-13 match layoff she had kept a close eye on the ten- in the locker room will say, ‘Serena’s really Serena and her fi ancee, Reddit co- week, Williams hopes to put the fi nal fi ne sought from five wrist special- record. His best finishes were nis world, including her sister Venus’s run nice.’ But Maria Sharapova, who might founder Alexis Ohanian, have said they tuning on her game this week ahead of the ists and with hope he can return runner-up showings at Brisbane to the Wimbledon fi nal. not talk to anybody, might be perceived by plan to keep the sex of the baby a surprise year’s fi nal Grand Slam that begins Au- in top form in 2018. in January and the Argentina And she has her eye on matching Mar- the public as nicer. Why is that? Because until birth. gust 28 in New York. “Two days ago during practice Open in February. garet Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand I’m black and so I look mean? That’s the Serena, 35, was pregnant when she beat “I just want to play free and feel confi - in Cincinnati, Kei hit a serve and In the Grand Slams, Nishikori Slam titles. She was already pregnant society we live in. That’s life. They say Af- Venus, 37, in an Australian Open fi nal that dent. That’s important,” Williams said. “I heard a ‘pop’ in his wrist,” the reached the fourth round at when she won her 23rd at the Australian rican-Americans have to be twice as good, was more all-Williams than either knew, need to play my best at all the big events. statement read. the Australian Open, losing in Open last January. especially women. I’m perfectly OK with winning a 23rd career Grand Slam singles “Today was about being measured and “We went straight to the hospi- five sets to eventual champion “Obviously, if I have a chance to go out having to be twice as good.” crown, one shy of Margaret Court’s all- being patient and trying to just capitalize tal to take an MRI. Yesterday, we Roger Federer. there and catch up with Margaret, I am Meanwhile, Wimbledon and Austral- time record. on the match.”

BOTTOMLINE Don’t write West Indies off yet, warns Garner AFP Roach and Shannon Gabriel, allied to a new work players back on board ahead of the 2019 World London ethic being installed by Australian coach Stuart Cup in England, it has come too late to alter the Law, Garner believes his side, who have played squad for the Test series. “We will welcome them a day/night Test — a hard-fought defeat by Pa- back because they are our better players but at oel Garner has warned against “writ- kistan in Dubai in October — could yet upset the the present moment we are here to play cricket,” ing the West Indies off too early” ahead of odds. said the 64-year-old Garner. “We’ve got to work their upcoming Test series against Eng- “Cricket is played in the middle at the end with what we’ve got. We still have fi ght. land. of the day,” Garner added at an event staged by “We can’t keep looking and saying ‘we’ll wait JA three-match campaign starts with the fi rst series sponsors Investec in London. “I think the and see if the other players come back as well’.” day/night Test ever staged in England, at Bir- fellas have got talent.” Garner, who stood for election as WICB presi- mingham’s Edgbaston ground today. “It’s who makes the greatest adjustment in dent two years ago but lost to incumbent Why- England, fresh from a 3-1 win over South Af- the day/night game. Games between England cliff e ‘Dave’ Cameron, said he felt relations be- rica in a four-Test home series, will start as huge and the West Indies are competitive. I wouldn’t tween players and offi cials were improving. favourites. completely write them off .” “There’s a lot more communication going on Not only have the West Indies lost their last six West Indies, however, have arrived in Eng- between the players and the offi cials,” he said. “It Test series, they have been beaten in 14 of their land without several star players including Chris can only get better.” most recent Tests in England and drawn the oth- Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Dar- But the 64-year-old Garner accepted the tim- er three. ren Sammy — the legacy of a bitter dispute with ing of the CPL was far from ideal. But fast-bowling great Garner, now the West West Indies cricket offi cials and the fact that the “That is the biggest challenge because that is Indies team manager, said Monday: “It’s going Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 tourna- where most of the money is being aimed at,” said to be some interesting times. I think people are ment is going on at home at the same time as Garner. writing the West Indies off too early and it could the Test series. While Cricket West Indies, as “I think you have to work around it and get the be at their own peril.” the West Indies Cricket Board is now known, re- tours organised in such a way there’s no compe- And with a fast-bowling attack led by Kemar cently granted an ‘amnesty’ in a bid to get senior tition from the shorter version of the game.”