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Wednesday, August 31, 2016 TENNIS / US OPEN Dhul Qa’da 28, 1437 AH Energised Nadal GULF TIMES grabs straight-sets win in opener SPORT Page 7 2018 WC QUALIFIERS Qatar can seize the moment against Iran: Milutinovic ‘Qatar have an average age of 25.5 years and players with a lot of quality and experience. This is fundamental. It is always important to start well, and Qatar have a schedule which can help them reach a strong position in the group early on’

right group of players and developing talented youngsters, which he believes Qatar have already achieved. “Qatar have very skillful players and very good coaching staff . There is a young generation of Qatari players who will blend very well with the ex- perienced ones,” he said. “I believe that with the great work which the Qatar Football Association and Aspire Academy are doing the team have the potential to be part of a very positive qualifi cation campaign. It will also be crucial to have the support of the home crowd in Doha. Euro 2016 illustrated how the connection be- tween Iceland’s players and their fans helped the team.”

‘2022 WORLD CUP - A MEETING POINT OF DIFFERENT CULTURES’ Looking ahead to the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the man who has also coached Mexico, Costa Rica and Nigeria said he believed the tournament would be a meeting point for diff erent cultures. “I have been lucky enough to be in- volved in the preparations from the be- ginning, and it has been a great honour to see how this country is preparing to host the most compact FIFA World Cup of all times. I know how well Qa- tar organises sporting events, so I think this will be the greatest tournament ever. It will be an opportunity for dif- ferent cultures from East and West to meet in the middle and celebrate football together. God willing, I will be there to enjoy the tournament.” Qatar coach Jose Daniel Carreno instructs players during a training session ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifying third round match against Iran on September 1. (Below) Bora Milutinovic. The former China coach concluded by saying that the team he coached By Sports Reporter diff erent teams at World Cup fi nals tant to start well, and Qatar have a “I believe Qatar can make it. to the 2002 FIFA World Cup had a Doha – more than any other manager - be- schedule which can help them reach a They can fi nish in the top two chance to impress in the current round lieves Qatar can make history when strong position in the group early on. or three. Qatar can seize the of qualifi ers: “China qualifi ed for the they begin their third round 2018 FIFA They will face three teams who have moment and it will be important third round in their last game of their ormer China coach Bora Mi- World Cup Russia qualifi ers in Tehran previously played in World Cup fi nals to start well in Tehran in the most second. Expectation is very big in lutinovic knows what it takes tomorrow. - South Korea, Iran and China. How- diffi cult game.” China to qualify for Russia 2018. In to help Asian nations make “In Group A the favourites are South ever, I think Qatar played an excellent recent years the players have gained a history. His team surprised the Korea and Iran, but I believe that Qa- second round of qualifying. teams are close to my heart.” lot of international experience. Their worldF by winning twenty of twenty- tar and China can qualify,” Miluti- “I believe Qatar can make it. They The Serbian coach, known as the coach has created a mentally strong four possible points in their qualifi ca- novic told www.sc.qa. “My optimism can fi nish in the top two or three. Qa- ‘Miracle Maker’ in the USA for his unit, which is very important for these tion campaign to progress to the 2002 is based on the quality of Qatar’s team. tar can seize the moment and it will work with the home team at the 1994 qualifi ers. The schedule favours China, FIFA World Cup, the fi rst time ever They have an average age of 25.5 years, be important to start well in Tehran in FIFA World Cup USA, reached the and it will be important for the players that China qualifi ed for the world’s and players with a lot of football qual- the most diffi cult game. I will also be second round of the tournament with to believe that they can do it. The team greatest football tournament. ity and experience. This is fundamen- watching the matches between Qatar four of his previous teams. He points will be backed by their fans to achieve Now the coach, who has led fi ve tal in such games. It is always impor- and China with special interest as both to the importance of assembling the the results that they need.”

GOODBYE Rooney to end career aft er 2018 WC

AFP Trnava, taking him past David Beck- Allardyce again over the next two years, Rooney has been playing in that po- Burton-on-Trent ham as the country’s most-capped but if selected, I will have enjoyed it. sition under new United manager Jose outfi eld player. Some highs, some lows, but I’ll be an Mourinho since the start of the season, Captain since August 2014, Rooney immensely proud man.” but the former Everton player said he ayne Rooney announced is also England’s record goal-scorer was happy to play anywhere. yesterday that the cam- with 53 goals. ‘MIDFIELDER OR ATTACKER’ “It’s the manager’s decision,” Rooney paign for the 2018 World But in six major tournament appear- Rooney’s most impressive performance said. “We haven’t spoken about that. In Cup in Russia will be his ances with England, he has never gone for England at a major tournament re- the next few days we’ll speak about it Wlast as an England player. further than the quarter-fi nals. mains Euro 2004 in Portugal, when, more, whether it’s as a midfi elder or at- “Realistically I know myself that England crashed out in the group aged only 18, he scored four goals as tacker. Russia will be my last opportunity to do phase at the last World Cup in Brazil Sven Goran Eriksson’s side reached the “It’s only a day we’ve been together, anything with England,” Rooney told a two years ago and, with Rooney as - last eight. but you can see he’s a relaxed guy, and press conference at St George’s Park in tain, were humiliated by minnows Ice- England failed to qualify for Euro since we’ve been here the camp has Burton, central England. land in the last at Euro 2016. 2008 and he did not manage to fi nd the been good. It’s just a matter of getting “So I’m going to try and enjoy these “I have had a fantastic international net as they met with disappointment at on the training pitch. two years and hopefully I can end my career so far, played a lot of games and the World Cups of 2006 and 2010. “I’m looking forward to getting back career with England on a high.” enjoyed every minute, but at some Rooney ended an eight-year wait for on the pitch. We have bad memories New England manager Sam Allardyce point it is going to come to an end,” a major tournament goal at Euro 2012, from the last game (against Iceland), confi rmed on Monday that Rooney, 30, Rooney said. but England fell in the quarter-fi nals. obviously. We have to put it behind us. will be kept on as captain for the World “I’m not old, I’m 30 years of age, and Although Rooney was deployed in “It was disappointing the way we Cup qualifying campaign, which begins come Russia I feel that will be the time midfi eld by former manager Roy Hodg- went out of the tournament. You can’t in Slovakia on Sunday. for me to say goodbye to international son during Euro 2016, Allardyce has forget it, but it’s a new era for us, a new The Manchester United striker will football. indicated he intends to use him in a manager.” Now to see how he and Eng- make his 116th England appearance in England’s Wayne Rooney during a training session. “My mind is made up. It is up to Sam number 10 role. land do in this qualifying campaign. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 31, 2016 SPORT

SA VS NZ, 2ND & FINAL TEST BLITZ England score world Stunning Steyn record total of 444-3 sets up South African series win England batsman Alex Hales (R) celebrates scoring 150 runs during Steyn takes three wickets with his first 11 balls and finishes with five for 33 as New the third ODI against Pakistan at Trent Bridge ground in Nottingham. Zealand are bowled out for 195 despite a defiant innings of 76 by Nicholls Reuters Highest ODI totals Nottingham Scoreboard 1. 444-3 England (v Pakistan) 2016 , first innings, 481-8 dec ngland piled up a world 2. 443-9 Sri Lanka New Zealand, first innings, 214 record one-day inter- (v Netherlands) 2006 national total of 444 for 3. 439-2 South Africa South Africa, second innings three against Pakistan (v West Indies) 2015 afterE Alex Hales and Jos Buttler (overnight 105-6) 4. 438-9 South Africa S. Cook lbw b Boult ...... 4 ran riot at a sun-kissed Trent (v Australia) 2006 Q. de Kock c W’mson b Bracewell ...50 Bridge yesterday. 5. 438-4 South Africa H. Amla c Guptill b Southee ...... 1 Buttler struck the last ball of (v India) 2015 J. Duminy lbw b Southee ...... 0 the innings for four to take Eoin 6. 434-4 Australia F. du Plessis c Taylor b Boult ...... 6 Morgan’s men past Sri Lanka’s (v South Africa) 2006 T. Bavuma not out ...... 40 443 for nine against Netherlands 7. 418-5 India S. van Zyl c Watling b Wagner ...... 5 in July 2006. (v West Indies) 2011 V. Philander b Southee ...... 14 Hales plundered 171, the high- 8. 418-5 South Africa D. Piedt not out ...... 0 est individual limited-overs (v Zimbabwe) 2006 Extras (b4, lb1, nb1, w6) ...... 12 score by an England batsman, 9. 417-6 Australia Total (7 wkts dec, 47 overs) ...... 132 before Buttler reached his fi fty (v Afghanistan) 2015 Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Cook), 2-32 off 22 deliveries, also an England 10. 414-7 India (Amla), 3-32 (Duminy), 4-47 (Du Ples- record. (v Sri Lanka) 2009 sis), 5-82 (De Kock), 6-98 (Van Zyl), The hosts passed their previ- 7-129 (Philander) ous highest total of 408 for nine, Bowling: Southee 16-6-46-3 (1w), Boult made against New Zealand last mid-wicket boundary. 14-3-44-2, Bracewell 7-2-19-1, Wagner year, while captain Morgan got to The bowler trapped him lbw 10-1-18-1 (1nb, 1w) his half-century off 24 deliveries with the next delivery to end a as he and Buttler shared an un- second-wicket stand of 248 with New Zealand, second innings broken fourth-wicket partner- Joe Root, who fell soon after for T. Latham b Steyn ...... 0 ship of 161. 85, but the pain was far from over M. Guptill c Amla b Steyn ...... 0 Hales fl ayed four sixes and for the Pakistan bowlers. K. Williamson c De Kock b Philander 5 22 fours in his 122-ball knock to Buttler hammered six sixes R. Taylor lbw b Steyn ...... 0 surpass Robin Smith’s 167 not and three fours to get to his half- H. Nicholls c Rabada b Steyn ...... 76 out against Australia in Birming- century and fi nished 90 not out B. Watling lbw b Piedt ...... 32 ham in 1993. off 51 balls while Morgan ended M. Santner b Steyn ...... 16 Caught off a no-ball on 72 and unbeaten on 57. D. Bracewell lbw b Philander ...... 30 dropped on 114, the 27-year-old Hales and Root’s partnership T. Southee b Rabada ...... 14 right-hander passed Smith’s was also England’s third-highest N. Wagner lbw b Rabada ...... 3 score by pulling Hasan Ali to the in one-day internationals. T. Boult not out ...... 0 Extras (b10, lb7, w2) ...... 19 Total (58.2 overs) ...... 195 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Latham), 2-3 England’s Bell signs up for Australia (Guptill), 3-5 (Taylor), 4-7 (Williamson), Big Bash with Scorchers 5-75 (Watling), 6-118 (Santner), 7-164 (Bracewell), 8-187 (Southee), 9-195 Former England middle-order Justin Langer will be superb.” (Wagner) batsman Ian Bell has signed Langer said the right-hander Bowling: Steyn 16.2-4-33-5, Philander for the Perth Scorchers team would bring experience and 14-4-34-2 (1w), Rabada 13-2-54-2 (1w), in Australia’s Twenty20 Big leadership to the team. South Africa’s Dale Steyn appeals successfully for the dismissal of New Zealand’s wicketkeeper BJ Watling. Van Zyl 3-1-5-0, Piedt 12-3-52-1 Bash League (BBL), joining “With 22 Test centuries and a compatriot David Willey. One-Day International average AFP and concentration in making his second lander which reared up off a good length. Result: South Africa won by 204 runs The 34-year-old, who captains close to 40, he’ll bolster our Centurion Test half-century and highest score to He required lengthy treatment before Series: South Africa won the two- Warwickshire, had previously batting options,” he added. delay South Africa’s celebrations. resuming his innings. match series 1-0. played in the West Australian Australia’s Big Bash League is He found a similarly determined part- The team physiotherapist went onto city in several Ashes tours, played in December and Janu- ast bowler Dale Steyn set up a ner in BJ Watling, who made 32 in a two- the fi eld twice more to treat the player and also joins retired interna- ary and last year attracted series-clinching 204-run win hour, 68-run fi fth wicket partnership, before Williamson was caught behind off bined 23 runs and the highest total at the tional Australian fast bowler stars such as Kevin Pietersen for South Africa on the fourth while Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell Philander for fi ve. fall of the second wicket was 13, putting Mitchell Johnson. and Jacques Kallis. day of the second and final Test and Tim Southee all provided varying In between, Ross Taylor was trapped pressure on Williamson and the remain- “I’m delighted to be coming The Scorchers have been the againstF New Zealand at SuperSport degrees of resistance. leg before wicket by an unplayable ball ing batsmen. back to play in Perth for the most successful team in the Park yesterday. Nicholls was last man out after batting from Steyn, which skidded through Watling was dropped by Stiaan van Scorchers in this year’s Big BBL, taking part in four of the Steyn took three wickets with his fi rst for 255 minutes. barely above ankle height off a pitch with Zyl at third slip off Philander when he Bash,” Bell said in a statement. five finals since it started in 2011. 11 balls of the innings and fi nished with He faced 140 balls and hit 12 fours. increasingly unpredictable bounce. had fi ve and two runs later seemed lucky “I love the city having played Bell has played 161 ODIs, scor- fi ve for 33 as New Zealand were bowled Steyn bowled Tom Latham with the Latham tried to leave the ball from to get the benefi t of the doubt from tel- there earlier in my career and ing more than 5,000 runs at out for 195 despite a defi ant innings of 76 fi rst ball of the fi nal innings, then had Steyn that bowled him but it lifted sharp- evision umpire Richard Illingworth when to work with (Scorchers coach) an average of 37.87. by Henry Nicholls. Latham’s fellow opener, Martin Guptill, ly and bounced off his raised bat onto the the South Africans appeared convinced It looked as though it would be easy for caught at fi rst slip, also for a fi rst ball stumps. that he had gloved Philander to De Kock. the hosts when Steyn and Vernon Phi- duck, off the fi nal ball of the over. Guptill, a heavy scorer in limited overs South Africa added 27 runs in 13 overs, EXPERIMENTING lander ripped through New Zealand’s top The magnitude of New Zealand’s task international cricket, again raised doubts for the loss of Philander’s wicket, before four batsmen for seven runs inside the was shown in the second over when cap- about his technique in Test cricket when declaring their second innings on 132 for fi rst four overs of the innings. tain and fi rst innings top-scorer Kane he edged a ball that seamed away from him. seven. Temba Bavuma made 40 not out. But the left-handed Nicholls, playing Williamson was struck a painful blow on In three innings in the truncated se- Tim Southee bowled Philander and Kiwis to keep in his sixth Test match, displayed courage the left hand by a ball from Vernon Phi- ries, Latham and Guptill scored a com- fi nished with three for 46. trialling day-night MOTORSPORT fi rst-class cricket

Reuters matches there are scheduled as Wellington day games. NZC has said they hoped to Alonso retirement from F1 is a play their fi rst day-night test ew Zealand Cricket ap- match at home against England pear to be pushing ahead in 2018. with plans to trial day- New Zealand played Australia night fi rst class matches in the inaugural day-night test in real possibility, says Hamilton Nas they build towards hosting Adelaide last year and while the their inaugural pink ball home test ball swung appreciably and bats- Reuters One to be someone anymore.” compete against him again.” against England in 2018. men said they found it diffi cult to Barcelona Nevertheless, Hamilton said he Alonso is 11th in the drivers’ NZC released their 2016/17 see after twilight, administrators hoped the Spaniard would go on. standings on 30 points, 202 be- domestic fi xture list on Tuesday felt the interest generated had His contract with McLaren hind current leader Hamilton and Wellington Regional Sta- been suffi cient to continue to ex- ernando Alonso’s im- expires at the end of the 2017 and has not achieved a podium dium, which has never hosted plore the concept. minent retirement from campaign. fi nish since 2014. a fi rst class match and has been Next year’s Plunket Shield Formula One is a real “If he quit next year and I He had a serious crash in the used solely for day-night limit- matches should give NZC the possibility, world cham- couldn’t race against him again, Australian Grand Prix in March. ed-overs international cricket, is opportunity to test the condi- pionF Lewis Hamilton said, add- that would be a shame, a real Alonso has previously to host one of the Plunket Shield tions likely to be faced by both ing that he hoped the Spaniard shame,” Hamilton said. brushed off suggestions that he games scheduled to begin on sides in 2018, with the England would decide to carry on. “It wouldn’t be good for this could retire and in April reacted March 6. tour pencilled in for mid-Febru- Former double champion sport and it would send out the angrily to Sky Sports Formula Auckland’s Eden Park and ary to late March. Alonso produced one of the sur- wrong message. Formula One One pundit Johnny Herbert tell- Hamilton’s Seddon Park, both of Eden Park has been designated prises in Sunday’s Belgian Grand would not be the same if Alonso ing him he should quit. which have lights, will also host the fi rst test on that tour, with Prix by jumping from 22nd on didn’t continue. Last Thursday in Spa, how- matches starting on March 6. the second at ’s the grid to fi nish seventh but on ever, the Spaniard fl oated the idea All three games have not had Hagley Oval, which does not the whole has endured another ‘ONE OF THE BEST AROUND’ of ending his 15-year career in their start times confi rmed, have lights. miserable campaign since re- “I still think he is one of the best the sport next year due to recent while every other Plunket Shield NZC had considered holding turning to McLaren. drivers around, I’ve always said changes in the sport’s regulations. match in the 2016/17 season a round of fi rst class day-night In an interview with Span- that,” added Hamilton, who is “I think if the cars are fun to has a traditional start time of matches earlier this year with ish newspaper AS published on bidding to win a third consecu- drive, I will probably stay longer 10:30am (2130 GMT). an eye to playing one of their Monday, Hamilton called Alon- File picture of McLaren Honda’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso. tive world title this season to add and drive more years in Formula Only one of the other ven- tests against South Africa next so “one of the best drivers of all to his fi rst triumph in 2008. One, and if the cars are still giv- ues scheduled to host fi rst class March with the pink ball, but had time” but admitted his former was a “real possibility”, Hamil- money. He has won enough “I really hope McLaren can ing me the feeling that I have in cricket this season, Napier’s to scrap the idea after McLean teammate could quit the sport. ton said: “Of course it is. He’s 35 races, he has enough experience make him a car that would allow the last couple of years probably McLean Park, has lights. Park’s lights were deemed not Asked if the Spaniard retiring and he’s already earned enough and he doesn’t need Formula him to win again, and so I can I will stop,” Alonso said. All of the Plunket Shield strong enough. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 31, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS CHANGE New Russia coach Schweinsteiger shakes up squad amid World Cup worries

AFP nayev told the press after a training session near Moscow. “We need to lift the interest of our won’t give up his supporters. That’s why we all need to ew Russia boss Stanislav Cher- play as hard as we can.” chesov has made wholesale Former Legia trainer Cher- changes for his fi rst game in chesov, 52, has a huge workload ahead charge against Turkey as he of him to transform a team whose Euro Nbids to revive a demoralised squad to host 2016 performances sparked an online the World Cup in less than two years. campaign to dismiss all the players that Only eight of the 23-man squad that garnered a million signatures. Man Utd dream crashed out of Euro 2016 have been “This petition shows that our fans retained for the friendly against Tur- aren’t indiff erent,” Cherchesov told the key in Antalya today. The match partly press. “Our primary task is to build a ‘We have to wait to see what happens... but I will definitely not stop playing’ aims to ease political tensions between competitive team by 2018.” the countries. Russia also play Ghana in But the former Spartak and Dynamo AFP “We have to see how the situation Moscow on September 6. Moscow boss does not have many op- Berlin goes, but of course the USA is an op- Former international goalkeeper tions as he looks to alleviate supporter ire. tion.” Cherchesov replaced Leonid Slutsky “He has a scanty choice of players,” Schweinsteiger says he is not let- after the fl op in with the mam- football pundit Igor Rabiner at news- head of his fi nal Germany ting the situation at Old Traff ord get moth task of turning around the squad paper Sports Express told AFP. appearance, Bastian Sch- him down and that he has experienced for the World Cup campaign. “There’s obviously a shortage of weinsteiger said yesterday worst moments in his career. Among the new faces are Rostov bright talent in the current generation he will not give up on his “I believe that things are good with goalie Soslan Dzhanayev, left-back Fe- of Russian footballers.” dreamA of playing again for Manches- me, despite the current situation,” he dor Kudryashov and midfi elder Yury Rabiner said Cherchesov’s no-non- ter United — despite his exile by Jose said. Gazinsky of Krasnodar. sense approach should help give his Mourinho. “When I think about the Cham- Cherchesov also invited CSKA Mos- stars a much needed kick. Germany’s friendly against Finland pions League fi nal in (when cow’s Brazilian right-back Mario Fern- “It’s clear that the discipline is one in Moenchengladbach today dou- Bayern lost to Chelsea on penalties in andes, who recently acquired Russian of his top priorities,” he said. “I expect bles as Schweinsteiger’s farewell on 2012), that was more diffi cult to get citizenship but is not yet eligible to play that his players will battle for the win his 121st — and fi nal — international over. for the country, along to training. in every single match under his guid- appearance when he will captain die “I’ve mellowed and know how to “We need to create the right chem- ance.” Mannschaft for the last time. deal with these situations. istry to make the players feel pleas- The political backdrop to the match The 32-year-old, who left Bayern “The football business is not only ure when they join the national side,” in Turkey will add extra spice to the oc- Munich for Manchester in 2015, has highs, but also lows, it is a hard busi- Cherchesov told the press after his ap- casion. a United contract running until 2018, ness and not just on the sports side.” pointment. The game comes after the strong- but new coach Mourinho banished Just over half of the 43,000 tickets, “First of all we need to restore re- man leaders of the the two countries him to the Under-23 team early this costing between 25-75 euros ($28- spect to the team.” Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Er- month, insisting the soon-to-be ex- $83), have been sold for the match in dogan dramatically made up after an Germany captain is not in his plans. Moenchengladbach with Schwein- ‘LIFTING THE FANS’ angry seven-month dispute over Tur- Schweinsteiger says he will keep steiger set to bow out after more than Those called up to the new-look squad key’s shooting down of a Russian jet on waiting for his chance at Old Traff ord 12 years in the famous white shirt. agreed that they needed to turn round the Syrian border last November. and insisted that he has ‘no problem’ “I am looking forward to the perfomances after the summer’s abys- Despite Russian football offi cials say- with Mourinho. evening,” he said. mal showing. ing they have received full security assur- “My absolute dream would be to “I know that the stadium perhaps “The team have not been good in ances for the match, media reports said play for Manchester United and help won’t be full, but I will be pleased to their recent matches,” keeper Dzha- few Russian fans are likely to attend. them reach their goals,” said Schwein- see every fan who comes to the game, steiger at a German FA (DFB) press the atmosphere and singing the na- conference in Duesseldorf. tional anthem. “I have had conversations (with the “I don’t know how many minutes club) and I have no problem with Jose I’ll be able to play. Mourinho, he has explained the situa- “I haven’t played a game yet (this tion to me from his perspective. season), so I don’t know how the lungs “We have to wait to see what hap- will hold up.” pens in September and October and Loew has said he will only name how things will develop, but I will def- Schweinsteiger’s replacement as Ger- initely not stop playing football.” many captain after the Finland inter- While Schweinsteiger will bide his there,” said Schweinsteiger. believe in my abilities. national. time in Manchester, he said a move to “My dream remains to play for “It would be a dream to once more Bayern trio Manuel Neuer, who was USA and the North American league Manchester United. show the (Man Utd) fans what I can do. skipper for fi ve of their six Euro 2016 (MLS) could be an option in the future. “Mourinho showered (the 34-year- “In the last year, things went well (at matches, Jerome Boateng and Thomas “The transfer window has already old Zlatan) Ibrahimovic with praise for Man Utd) until I was banned (from the Mueller are all vying for the armband closed (in the MLS), so there’s nothing still playing and if I get a fair chance, I fi rst-team). with Neuer as the favourite.

Russia’s new national team coach speaks with his players Hamstring injury leaves Messi in doubt for qualifi ers during a training session in Khimki outside Moscow on Monday. (AFP)

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has ( Football Association) have they host Uruguay in Mendoza on they lost the Copa America final to returned home to Argentina but agreed on this report,” Barcelona Thursday before the side travels to Chile in a penalty shootout at the end SPOTLIGHT remains doubtful for World Cup said in a statement. Venezuela for another qualifier in of June. qualifiers against Uruguay and Ven- “The player will travel to Argentina to Merida five days later. Aguero and Pastore both have calf ezuela with his club confirming the join the national team and the evolu- Manchester City striker Sergio Ague- muscle injuries and will miss tomor- 29-year-old is struggling with a sore tion of the discomfort will decide ro and Paris St Germain midfielder row’s home clash with Uruguay and Allardyce open to left hamstring. his availability to play in the games Javier Pastore have already pulled the visit to Venezuela next Tuesday, Messi played in Sunday’s 1-0 league scheduled.” out of the squad through injury, so the Argentine FA said. win at Athletic Bilbao but underwent Argentina sit third in the 10-team the 2014 World Cup runners-up will “Sergio Aguero has a left calf muscle selecting foreign-born tests on Monday after admitting that South American qualifying group be hoping Messi can be fit enough injury and Javier Pastore has a pulled the injury was causing him pain. on 11 points from six matches, two to play. muscle in his right calf. For this “Tests conducted have confirmed points behind leading pair Uruguay Earlier this month, Messi, who has reason they won’t be present for this players for England that Lionel Messi has a sore left and Ecuador. scored 55 goals in 133 appearances qualifying double header with the adductor muscle. Both the medical Edgardo Bauza will take charge of for his country, reversed a decision Argentina team,” the FA said on their Reuters services of FC Barcelona and the AFA Argentina for the first time when to retire from the national team after website (www.afa.com.ar).

ngland manager Sam Al- BOTTOMLINE lardyce is keen to the leave the door open for foreign-born players to enter the national teamE set-up and has told British me- No regrets for Keane as he prepares fi nal bow dia he would have no problem picking a player who qualifi ed only through AFP is no way I’m going into this game half residency. hearted. Allardyce had earlier revealed he had “Just because it’s my last game, I’m hoped to call up Steven N’Zonzi, who “The percentage of English players not going to go into it thinking ‘I’ll en- has lived in England for six years, but in the Premier League is 31 percent. etiring Ireland legend Robbie joy the moment’, as soon as that whis- his attempts were thwarted by FIFA be- Surely if you’re going to win something Keane says he would not have tle goes, I’ll want to win the game.” cause the Sevilla midfi elder is ineligible and that player is of the calibre to force swapped a major club honour He’s received good luck messages after featuring for the France under 21 his way into that side then you give him for his international career. since announcing his retirement from side. an opportunity? RThe LA Galaxy striker will play David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and The Football Association has previ- “If he goes out and scores the winner for his country for the last time in Mick McCarthy, among others, but ously held discussions over possible will it be quite that bad?... It’s not my tonight’s friendly with Oman at had special thanks to Ireland manager call-ups for several players including department to fi nd those. We have a de- Lansdowne Road. Martin O’Neill for asking him to play goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, mid- partment to look at the whole situation With 67 goals in 145 appearances, in Wednesday’s game. fi elder Mikel Arteta and winger Adnan at all areas for every international team.” Keane is 15th on the all-time interna- “I spoke to him after the Euros and Januzaj on residency grounds. Former Sunderland and Newcastle tional goalscorers list, just one behind thanked him, Roy (Keane), everyone,” “Do you pick the best squad to win United manager Allardyce, who will German legend Gerd Muller. said Keane. the World Cup, and if one or two of lead England for the fi rst time in their The 36-year-old Keane could over- “I said I would announce it (retiring) those are like N’Zonzi, do you do it? Or World Cup qualifi er in Slovakia on take the man who won three European in a few weeks and then I got the call don’t you and then suff er the conse- Sunday, also said taking up the England Cups with Bayern Munich in the 1970s, from Martin to see if I would play this quences of not getting to the quarter- job was likely to be “the fi nal challenge but he’d never change anything about game as an appreciation to you and I said fi nal and failure?” Allardyce said. of a long career”. his international career, that covered 18 Since then he has played for nine rejected requests by club managers to of course, no problem. I was delighted years and three major fi nals. clubs including Inter Milan, Leeds skip international duty. and humbled to have the opportunity.” “No way. No chance,” said Keane. United, Tottenham, , Celtic “One thing about me, I’ve always Keane is expecting an emotional “I’ll miss everything about play- and Los Angeles Galaxy. turned up, I’ve always tried my best. night in front of a packed house in Belgium call up cover aft er Fellaini injury ing for Ireland, fi rst and foremost, I’ll Although Keane is 13th in the Pre- “Even with injuries, you get injec- Dublin, for the game that comes just miss pulling that green jersey on. For mier League’s all-time goalscoring tions before games. And that’s just the fi ve days before the country’s World Marouane Fellaini’s back injury has forced Belgium to call Anderlecht’s Lean- me, more than anything, that’s been charts, with 126 goals, he won just one love for Ireland and that’s the love for Cup 2018 qualifi cation campaign der Dendoncker into their squad for the friendly against Spain and a World the highlight of my career. major trophy in British football, the the country.” opener in Serbia. Cup qualifier in Cyprus, the Belgian Football Association said yesterday. “I’ve played for many clubs but the 2008 League Cup with Tottenham, Oman could become the 37th diff er- “It’s certainly going to be diffi cult Fellaini was injured in Manchester United’s win at Hull City on Saturday. Ireland jersey always seemed to fi t me but has since added three MLS Cups in ent country to be on the wrong side of to keep a dry eye, there is no question “He has an injury in his back. It’s not good,” United manager Jose Mourinho the best. I’ve enjoyed every minute of the United States. a Keane strike, and he has history on about it,” he admitted. said after the game. it. I’ll miss it all. All I can do now is But the international scene was al- his side with 42 of his 67 goals scored “It’s been my life since I was 17 years Fellaini missed Belgium’s first training session under new coach Roberto watch from the side and wish the team ways what mattered most to the Dub- on home soil. of age. Knowing on Thursday that it’s Martinez on Monday and an announcement on his availability was scheduled well. It’s going to be a little bit diff er- liner, often to the annoyance of his “I don’t care about Muller’s record going to be the last time I’ve played to be made later yesterday. ent for me, a bit surreal.” club managers. or anyone, I’m chasing the next one for Ireland, waking up that morning Dendoncker, 21, was the first Belgian-based player picked by Martinez. He Over 18 years have passed since Keane “I could never understand why peo- because that’s what I’ve done since I is going to be very very strange for won his first cap last year. made his Ireland debut against the ple pulled out of games, I could never was seven. I don’t know any diff erent,” me. Even packing my bags for one last The friendly against Spain in Brussels tomorrow is followed by a trip to Cy- Czech Republic as a raw 17-year-old get my head around that and still to Keane said. time was very weird, it’s the weirdest, prus next Tuesday. striker at Wolverhampton Wanderers. this day can’t,” he said, revealing he “I want to sign off with a goal. There strangest feeling I’ve ever had.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 31, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Remy loaned to Crystal Palace by Chelsea

France international striker Loic Remy will spend the 2016-17 season on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, the two Premier League clubs announced yes- terday. Remy, 29, has been used sparingly since joining Chelsea from Queens Park Rangers in August 2014, making 46 appearances and scoring 12 goals. The move to Selhurst Park reunites him with Palace manager Alan Pardew, Ecstatic Torino fans who was Remy’s manager during the 2013-14 season at Newcastle United. “This is a very good chance for me and a big opportunity,” Remy told the Pal- ace website. “It was very important to know Alan Pardew as he is a very good manager and I am happy to be here.” Remy won the Premier League title and the League Cup in his first season at Chelsea. But Chelsea’s reliance on Diego Costa meant he rarely featured last season and he would have faced extra welcome England competition from new signing Michy Batshuayi had he remained at Stamford Bridge. The former Lyon, Nice and Marseille striker has won 31 caps for France, scoring seven goals, but has not played for his country in nearly two years. Czech Rosicky returns to Sparta Prague

Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky signed a two-year contract with Sparta goalkeeper Hart Prague yesterday, returning to his first club following the end of his contract with Arsenal. “I’m very happy to return to Sparta. I’ve never forgotten where I got my start,” the 35-year-old told reporters. “I’d like to thank Arsenal for eve- Hart is only third English ‘keeper to play in ’s top flight, first since 1929-30 rything. They did an incredible job of taking care of me when I was injured,” he added about his 10-year stint with the London side. The Czech Republic AFP captain left Sparta in 2001 for Borussia Dortmund for 14.5mn euros ($16mn) — Milan a record transfer sum for a Czech player — before joining Arsenal in 2006. The veteran player dubbed “the little Mozart” has seen his star career hampered by a string of injuries. Rosicky played only 19 minutes for Arsenal last season ngland goalkeeper Joe Hart because of injuries plaguing him since a Euro qualifier in Iceland in June 2015. was given a rousing welcome A fresh hamstring injury at Euro 2016 then forced him to miss the rest of the by ecstatic Torino fans yes- tournament. terday as he held up the team’s jerseyE ahead of signing a season-long Arsenal seal move for Spanish striker Perez loan with the unfashionable Serie A club. Arsenal have completed a deal to sign Spanish striker Lucas Perez from Hart, 29, fell out of favour with new Deportivo La Coruna, the Premier League club announced yesterday. Arsenal coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester did not disclose either the length of Perez’s contract or the transfer fee, but City following the signing of Claudio British media reports said the 27-year-old had cost around £17mn ($22.3mn, Bravo from Barcelona and has caused 20mn euros). Arsenal are also believed to be close to signing Germany de- general surprise by joining Torino in a fender Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia for around 35mn pounds. Discussing bid to preserve his international career Perez, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club website: “He’s not only a following England’s spectacular Euro goalscorer, he’s a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final 2016 exit. ball and makes good runs. He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstand- Television pictures earlier showed ing season last year.” Arsenal are reported to have seen off competition from Hart arriving at the city’s Caselle air- Premier League rivals Everton to secure Perez’s signature. Perez, who is port and the ‘keeper on a balcony in uncapped, scored 19 goals for Deportivo last season, including 17 in La Liga. the city centre holding up a Torino shirt with his name emblazoned on Valencia’s Alcacer joins Barca the back. Although Torino have yet to make Spain international Paco Alcacer has joined Barcelona from Valencia in a an offi cial announcement, Hart’s agent 30mn euro (£26mn, $33mn) five-year deal, announced the Catalan giants earlier told Tuttosport: “Yes, Joe Hart yesterday. “Valencia’s Paco Alcacer is now a Barcelona player and has signed a will play at Torino. It’s a done deal. He five year contract,” Barcelona said in a press release. The fee for the 23-year- has said ‘yes’ to the club and now Man- English goalkeeper Joe Hart poses with a supporter shirt upon his arrival for a medical check in Turin yesterday. (AFP) old will be £26mn with an additional £2mn in add-ons. Barca striker Munir-El- chester City have given the OK.” Haddadi is also thought to be part of the deal as he transfers to Valencia on a Hart becomes only the third Eng- Lithuania and Malta. year long loan with a 12mn euro (£10mn) buy out clause at the end of the loan. lish goalkeeper to play in Italy’s top Pep equals renewed energy for happy Sterling at City But Hart, who will be keen to avoid The 20-year-old scored eight in 25 appearances for the Spanish champions fl ight and the fi rst since 1929-30, an the fate of the many English players last season. Alcacer completes Barcelona’s attacking quartet and will largely era in which English players — some Raheem Sterling is enjoying life playing a pivotal role in unbeaten who failed to make an impact in Serie be used as backup to Barca trio Messi-Suarez-Neymar known as MSN. Alcacer of whom helped lay the foundations under new Manchester City man- City’s Champions League playoff A, has reason for apprehension. scored 13 goals in 34 appearances for Valencia last year and also made six of some of Italy’s biggest clubs — were ager Pep Guardiola, with the winger victory over Steaua Bucharest. One of Mihajloivoc’s fi rst decisions assists. The youngster was also a double Euro winner with the Spanish Under- prevalent in the country’s top fl ight. backing up his buoyant mood by “I’m enjoying my football and I am at Milan was to hand 16-year-old 19’s in 2011 and 2012. Prior to Hart, James Richardson shining on the pitch after he looked enjoying winning games and I am goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma his Spensley played for at the turn woefully out of form during Eng- working hard to continue doing Serie A debut, leading to the conten- Chelsea striker Bamford loaned to Burnley of the 20th century, when Hoberlin land’s poor Euro 2016 campaign. that. This is the season you will see tious demotion of experienced Span- Hood turned out between the posts Sterling became the most expensive me working my hardest, that’s for iard Diego Lopez. Young Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford has joined Burnley on a season- for AC Milan. English player when he joined City sure,” Sterling told British media. Donnarumma, widely expected to long loan, the two Premier League clubs announced yesterday. The It is considered a major coup for from Liverpool for 44mn pounds “I didn’t come into the season think- succeed Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi 22-year-old England Under-21 international, signed from Nottingham Torino, who have been given a boost in ($57.57mn) last year, but strug- ing: ‘I want to show everyone’. But Buff on as Italy’s number one some Forest in January 2012, has never played a competitive game for Chelsea. their bid to secure a place in next sea- gled to justify his hefty price tag just to concentrate on my football, time in the future, remains Milan’s He has previously been loaned out to Milton Keynes Dons, Derby County, son’s Europa League, especially with in a disappointing first season in that’s the most important thing. fi rst choice ‘keeper. Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Norwich City. Bamford scored 17 goals City agreeing to pay a signifi cant por- Manchester. “People will talk, but the most impor- Media reports said the option of for Middlesbrough in the Championship in the 2014-15 season, but made tion of Hart’s annual salary of 3.3mn The 21-year-old, however, has made tant thing for me was to come in and looking to sign Hart came through At- little impression at Palace and Norwich in the top flight last term. His ar- pounds (4.2mn euro). a bright start to the new campaign, do well under the new manager and tilio Lombardo, the former Sampdoria rival follows Burnley’s club-record £7.5mn ($9.8mn, 8.8mn euros) capture Hart, meanwhile, has the chance to scoring two goals and claiming two impress here. I knew if I kept work- winger who was Roberto Mancini’s of Belgium international Steven Defour from Anderlecht. Sean Dyche’s side gain valuable experience in one of the assists in the Premier League, while ing hard I would get my chances.” assistant at Manchester City and is have welcomed eight new players to Turf Moor since the end of last sea- world’s toughest league in terms of now Mihajlovic’s assistant at Torino. son. Burnley went into the international break in 13th place in the Premier tactics. hopes of contending for the title un- When Guardiola signed Bravo from Hart could make his Torino debut League standings with three games played. He is expected to take the gloves from done during a sensational 2-1 last 16 Barcelona, Hart lost his number one on September 11 when the ‘Granata’ Daniele Padelli, who has failed to im- defeat to Iceland that pre-empted the spot. face Atalanta in Bergamo. Malouda returns to Indian Super League press coach Sinisa Mihajlovic since he resignation of manager Roy Hodgson. To retain his place as England Mihajlovic’s men have made a arrived at the club several months after Hart was considered to be amongst ‘keeper, Hart needs regular football in mixed start to the campaign, follow- Former Lyon and Chelsea star Florent Malouda has returned to the upcom- his sacking by AC Milan last season. the key culprits after making errors a season that will see the Three Lions ing their 3-2 opening defeat to Milan ing Indian Super League (ISL) as the marquee player for the Delhi Dynamos It would allow Hart to rebuild con- against and Iceland, but if he ex- begin their qualifying campaign for at the San Siro with a 5-1 demolition team. The French international, who won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles with fi dence following a disastrous Euro pected to fi nd succour in the comfort of the 2018 World Cup in a Group F fea- of Bologna that saw new Italy call-up Lyon and the 2012 UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, played for Delhi last 2016 campaign for England, who saw his Premiership club he was wrong. turing Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Andrea Belotti hit a hat-trick. season as an attacking midfielder. “I am very excited to be back in India. It was a wonderful experience for me to play in the league last year and I enjoyed it a lot,” said Malouda who was on loan to Egyptian club Wadi Degla FC until last SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS month. The 36-year-old has been a standout performer for Delhi, contribut- ing eight assists last season and helping them reach the semi-finals of the eight-team tournament which begins on October 1. “It’s a diff erent squad this year, I hope we can build on what we achieved last season and together aim English clubs to lift the trophy this season,” said Malouda who played in two World Cups for Van Basten quits Dutch France in 2006 and 2010. national team for FIFA job pushing prices Pescara earn win aft er Sassuolo blunder Serie A newcomers Pescara earned their maiden win of the fledgling season up: Schalke boss yesterday but only after weekend opponents Sassuolo fielded an ineligible Agencies coaches in their own right and player, league bosses announced. Sassuolo, who will embark on their maiden Amsterdam were expected to form a power- AFP Europa League campaign this season, won Sunday’s home fixture 2-1. But ful support team for Blind. Berlin Serie A off icials yesterday revealed infringements relating to the registration However, Advocaat left after of midfielder Antonino Ragusa, who made his debut for Sassuolo in a second etherlands assist- just three months and Van Bas- half substitute’s appearance at the Mapei Stadium. As a result, Pescara have ant coach Marco van ten’s impending departure is a he fi nancial strength of Premier League been handed a 3-0 victory that moves them up to seventh place in the table. Basten is to give up further blow. clubs is driving up transfer prices in Ger- Sassuolo, who were joint second with champions Juventus and Sampdoria, the role by the end of “Of course I’m not happy but many, according to Schalke’s sports director now drop several places lower. A statement from league bosses said Sassuolo Nthe year as the leadership crisis the FIFA job is something that Christian Heidel, who recently sold Leroy “used the player Antonino Ragusa from the 65th minute of the match...” but surrounding the side took an- is tailor made for Marco. Even TSane to Manchester City. “... have forfeited the match because the club did not include player on their other twist yesterday, a week though it means I have to fi nd The transfer budgets of England’s top clubs have 25-man squad list before midday the day preceding the fixture.” Sassuolo are before the Dutch kick off their another successor, it is a great grown considerably since the English League’s tel- expected to appeal. 2018 World Cup campaign. opportunity for him,” Blind said evision rights were sold in 2015 to Sky and BT in the Van Basten is the second of in a statement yesterday. United Kingdom for a massive £5.14bn (6.9bn euros) Platini demands CAS reasoning for ban Danny Blind’s assistants to an- for three seasons. nounce their departure in the BARCA, ENRIQUE AGREE TO “If English managers are on the phone, then the Former UEFA president Michel Platini has demanded that the Court for Arbi- last two weeks after Dick Advo- DELAY CONTRACT TALKS (transfer) sums are automatically higher,” Heidel said tration of Sport (CAS) explain the reasoning behind their decision to ban him caat opted to take over as head Barcelona and coach Luis En- on a talkshow for magazine Kicker. “If the negotia- for four years from all activities relating to football. Originally banned for eight coach of Turkish side Fener- rique have agreed to put off talks tions are within Germany, then it is often diffi cult to years, reduced to six on appeal, Platini took further court action in May and bahce. on a contract extension until exclude the higher sums from England.” had the ban cut to four. But Platini’s lawyers say they still have not been told The Dutch football asso- early next year, club President Heidel speaks from experience. Earlier this month, why the decision was made. In a letter addressed to CAS, the former French ciation (KNVB) confi rmed the Josep Maria Bartomeu said. the Royal boss was involved in selling Ger- footballer’s lawyers demanded an explanation “in as brief a time as possible” 51-year-old’s impending exit Luis Enrique is in his third many winger Sane, 20, to City for a reported £37mn and branded CAS’s behaviour “unacceptable”. Platini was sentenced over a yesterday, saying Van Basten season in charge of Barca and ($48mn, 43mn euros). With additional fees, the fi g- 1.8mn euros (2mn Swiss francs, $2mn) payment made to him by Sepp Blatter was leaving to start work with recently said he would only ure could rise to 50mn for a player who had made just in 2011. the sport’s global governing consider his future at the end of 47 Bundesliga appearances and played only 11 min- body. the campaign when his current utes of Euro 2016 before City signed him. Rangers, Hibs charged over cup fi nal damage “FIFA have off ered me a deal runs out. “His market price can certainly be justifi ed, we chance to work in the develop- Barca are determined to keep would have liked to have had 60 or 70mn for him,” Rangers and Hibernian have been charged after their fans invaded the ment and reform of football, The acrimonious fallout be- the 46-year-old, who has won Heidel said about Sane. The Schalke boss said nego- pitch and caused damage following last season’s Scottish Cup final, the and to use my ideas and opin- tween Gullit and the KNVB has eight trophies out of a possible tiations with City “started at 30mn, but the player Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced yesterday. Hibs beat Rang- ions over issues like playing since dominated Dutch sports 10 in his two years as coach, be- would not have gone for that sum, because obviously ers 3-2 at Hampden Park in May to win the Scottish Cup for the first time in rules, refereeing and develop- pages at a time when the team yond next year. we know how the market works in England.” 114 years, but the match was overshadowed by trouble as supporters spilt ment programmes,” Van Basten are hoping to make a positive “We will not discuss Luis Schalke’s arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund also prof- onto the pitch at the end. The two clubs have been issued with notices said in a KNVB statement. start to World Cup qualifying Enrique’s renewal now or at ited from selling players to their Premier League rivals. of complaint by the SFA’s compliance officer, who has alleged that fan “I have agreed with Danny after the disappointment of Christmas,” Bartomeu told local Manchester United signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan misbehaviour caused damage to the stadium. In a statement, the SFA said Blind to stay as an assistant un- missing the Euro 2016 fi nals in radio station Catalunya radio. and Ilkay Gundogan joined Manchester City, which the surface of the pitch, a pair of goal posts and parts of the LED advertis- til the end of the year.” France. “The right time will be in reportedly profi ted Dortmund more than 70mn eu- ing system were damaged by Hibs supporters. Rangers fans stand accused The loss of his deputy is the The Netherlands start their February or March as he said ros for both transfers. of damaging advertising equipment and advertising hoardings at the latest blow for Blind, who had campaign to reach the 2018 that he didn’t want to talk about “All in all, not many stars from Germany trans- perimeter of the playing surface. Both clubs have until Tuesday next week asked another former Europe- World Cup fi nals away at Swe- it until the end of the season. fer to England, but we have to make sure the money to provide written responses to the allegations. Representatives from an Footballer of the Year, Ruud den next Tuesday. “Now we are thinking about stays in Germany,” said Heidel, suggesting clubs in club Hibs will attend a hearing on October 4, with officials from Gullit, to assist him, only for Advocaat and Van Basten the domestic league and the Germany’s top fl ight resist the urge to spend the cash Glasgow giants Rangers following suit a day later. negotiations to break down. are both former national team Champions League.” on overseas talent. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 31, 2016 5 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT NFL player under fi re over divisive Escobar’s three-run political stance

AFP Washington

y refusing to stand for blast leads Royals the national anthem, American football player Colin Kaeper- nickB has been slammed for politicising sport and even ac- cused of being unpatriotic, but he’s just the latest black athlete to protest US race relations. to win over Yankees The controversy has even entered the presidential race, with Republican nominee ‘I was just trying to put the ball in play in that situation, and I hit the ball good’ Donald Trump calling Kaeper- nick’s move “a terrible thing.” “Maybe he should fi nd a discrimination and gun vio- By Blair Kerkhoff country that works better for lence include basketball stars The Kansas City Star him, let him try, it’s not gonna Dwyane Wade, LeBron James happen,” the real estate mogul and Carmelo Anthony. said Monday. But unlike the NBA players, he power stroke of Al- Kaepernick’s off ense? who made public statements cides Escobar is yet the Remaining seated on the to promote their message, latest example of recent bench during the playing of Kaepernick delivered his opin- Royals fortune. “The Star-Spangled Banner” ion in a manner that has stirred TEscobar broke open Monday’s on Friday before his San Fran- national controversy. series opener with a three-run cisco 49ers played the Green In the United States, the fl ag homer to left center in the sev- Bay Packers in a National Foot- and the national anthem are enth inning, paving the way for a ball League pre-season game. supposed to be treated with the 8-5 victory over the Yankees. Etiquette in the United utmost respect. It was Escobar’s third home States requires that everyone Irish singer Sinead O’Connor run of August. He had hit one on stand when the national an- ran afoul of public sentiment in the season until then and has 28 them is played. 1990 when she refused to allow in his major-league career that The song is featured before “The Star-Spangled Banner” started nine years ago. the start of American sporting to be played before one of her “I was just trying to put the events, with athletes, coaches shows in New Jersey. ball in play in that situation, and fans all facing the fl ag for a In response, a number of ra- and I hit the ball good,” Escboar moment of patriotic unity. dio stations banned her from said. “I knew 100 percent it was But Kaepernick, 28, said their airwaves. A quarter- gone.” he chose not to stand Friday century later, Kaepernick fi nds The blast turned a pitcher’s to protest what he called op- himself vilifi ed on social me- duel among the starters into pression of black people in the dia, with some fans demanding another triumph for the Royals, United States. “Ultimately it’s that the NFL suspend or kick their 20th in August and 18th in to bring awareness and make him out of the league. Some the past 22 games. people realize what’s really go- former fans have even posted The torrid pace has allowed ing on in this country. videos of themselves burning the Royals to climb into posts- There are a lot of things that their Kaepernick jerseys. eason contention. They entered are going on that are unjust, the day three games behind in people aren’t being held ac- Rough road? the second wild card position countable for and that’s some- For now, the tattooed quar- and 5 { games behind the Cen- thing that needs to change,” terback — who led the 49ers to tral Division-leading Indians, a said the quarterback, whose the Super Bowl in 2013, where defi cit that remained intact af- biological father is black but they lost 34-31 to the Baltimore ter Cleveland’s victory on Mon- was adopted and raised by Ravens — seems to have the day. Before Escobar went deep, white parents. support of his club. the game’s drama was provided “There are bodies in the “We recognize the right of an by starting pitchers Dillon Gee street and people getting paid individual to choose and par- and Michael Pineda. Gee started leave and getting away with ticipate, or not, in our celebra- strong and left with a 3-1 lead af- murder,” he said, referring to a tion of the national anthem,” ter six innings. number of high-profi le deaths the 49ers said in a statement. Pineda arrived at the sev- of black people at the hands of But based on the experiences enth inning having retired the law enforcement. of other politically outspo- previous 15 Royals hitters. But Kansas City Royals Alcides Escobar connects on a three-run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Kauff man ken athletes, Kaepernick has a Pineda had trouble at the start Stadium in Kansas City. PICTURE: John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS Right to protest rough road ahead, especially as as the Royals scored three runs In a country where free he has vowed to continue to sit in the fi rst. Jarrod Dyson led off over the Red Sox the previous in to push the margin into what seven starts dating to July. before retiring the side. Flynn speech is protected by the during the national anthem in the Royals’ fi rst by beating out a night, now had another big in- seemed to be a comfort zone He started strong, retiring the hasn’t allowed an earned run in Constitution, the White House upcoming games. squibber that rolled past Pineda. ning. Pinada settled down and until the Yankees plated four in fi rst eight hitters and had sur- his last eight appearances. has defended the player’s right In the 1995-1996 season, Speed played a role early in the kept it close until the seventh. the eighth inning with most of rendered one hit through three RESULTS to protest. NBA player and Muslim convert inning. Dyson took second on a Morales opened the inning with the damage logged against Chris innings. The Yankees struck for Toronto 5 Baltimore 1 “I certainly don’t share the Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused wild pitch then stole third, his a sharp single, and Perez fol- Young. Instead of breezing home a run in the fourth on consecu- Washington 4 Philadelphia 0 views that Mr Kaepernick ex- to salute the US fl ag during 21st swipe off the season. Loren- lowed with a base hit. to a lopsided victory, the Royals tive doubles by Didi Gregorius Detroit 4 Chicago White Sox 3 pressed after the game in ex- pre-game ceremonies, instead zo Cain roped a single to center to Yankees manager Joe Girardi found themselves using closer and Starlin Castro, and threat- NY Mets 2 Miami 1 (10 innings) plaining his reasoning for his stretching during the national score Dyson and Cain stole sec- started a succession of pitch- Kelvin Herrera with two outs in ened with a pair of base runners Cleveland 1 Minnesota 0 actions,” White House spokes- anthem and avoiding looking ond. He came home when Kend- ing changes and Tommy Layne the eighth when Peter Moylan in the fi fth. (10 innings) man Josh Earnest said. at the banner, saying it was in- rys Morales, batting left-handed, got a fi elder’s choice grounder couldn’t record a third out. But Gee coaxed a fl y to center Boston 9 Tampa Bay 4 “(But) we surely acknowl- compatible with his beliefs. singled through left side. from Gordon Enter Blake Parker Herrera did, retiring pinch from Aaron Hicks and when he St. Louis 6 Milwaukee 5 edge and even defend his right He was suspended by the Salvador Perez kept the hit to face Escobar, who fell behind hitter Mark Teixeira on a ground set down the heart of the order in Chicago Cubs 8 Pittsburgh 7 to express those views.” league for one game, but his parade alive with a single, and 1-2. But Escobar turned on an out. Gee surrendered four hits the sixth - Gary Sanches, Grego- (13 innings) Kaepernick is repeating ar- views eroded his fan base. Will Alex Gordon delivered the fi fth off speed pitch and sent it in the over six innings, leaving the rius and Castro - he had regained Texas 6 Seattle 3 guments that have already Kaepernick face a similar fate? single of the inning, through the stands just beyond the wall. game with a 3-1 lead. He had steam of his early innings. Houston 6 Oakland 0 been raised by activists, artists Other athletes have had their right side, to score Morales. The Royals weren’t fi nished. been something of a tough luck Brian Flynn took over for Gee Kansas City 8 NY Yankees 5 and other public fi gures. careers derailed due to political The Royals, who turned in an Cheslor Cuthbert and Eric pitcher for the Royals with one to start the seventh, surrendered Colorado 8 LA Dodgers 1 Professional athletes who controversy but later revived eight-run inning in a victory Hosmer picked up RBI singles victory to show for his previous a leadoff single to Brian McCann LA Angels 9 Cincinnati 2 have spoken out against racial their popularity.

NBA Miami Heat looking to Whiteside for an assist

By Ira Winderman centers in a league with only 30 rectly to the shooter. ency that Ellington potentially Sun Sentinel teams. A lot of times it’s the next pass can off er. The ball simply didn’t come to the shooter. Entering his eighth season, out of those hands that often, Just being able to read the de- Ellington said he is willing to go he conversation was with Whiteside 40th among fense, I know that’s something to work with Whiteside both on about 3-pointers - the centers last season in passes per that he’s defi nitely working on and off the court. shots the Miami Heat game and 40th in secondary as- this summer.” “I’m going to come in and be a lacked last season - but sists created (the pass that leads And if not this summer, then positive in the locker room, be a Tit was as much about the ability to the pass for an assist). defi nitely in camp, which is just guy that plays the right way,” he to create as convert. “It’s no question. over three weeks away. said, having joined the Heat in Because as the Heat know That’s something big for us,” Even if coach Erik Spoelstra July on a two-year contract that fi rsthand, Wayne Ellington can Ellington said of getting Wh- has to coax that element with the includes a team option on the do the latter. iteside and the Heat’s outside carrot of more post touches. second year. “I’m unselfi sh. Actually, the conversation was threats on the same page.”And “Low-post scoring, that’s I’m going to be all about win- about the potential for the Heat being able to get on the same the number-one thing he wants ning.” to successfully play inside-out, page with Hassan and the other to work on, and I’m all for it,” This, of course, is far more an approach that could maxi- big guys is crucial. Spoelstra said on one of the about Whiteside than Ellington. mize Ellington’s ability to con- Gaining that attention and team’s promotional videos that But Ellington knows the way tribute. defenses being so focused on Whiteside re-tweeted on Fri- the game is going, that among And that made the conversa- him, being able to go out and fi nd day.” the most relevant paths to suc- tion about Hassan Whiteside, the open guys is going to be huge He will also work on his skill cess is surrounding a big man which it has to be, as much for for us.” level at the top of the fl oor, han- with shooters, scorers, which what Whiteside realised in the For the Heat to maximize their dling the ball, getting us into yet could justify the additions of off season (a four-year, $98mn possibilities, especially in the second situations as a playmak- both Ellington and Dion Waiters. contract) as what he hasn’t of- playmaking absence of Dwyane er, rebounding off the glass.” “We bring diff erent things to ten otherwise realized (35 total Wade, ball movement could At times last season, the frus- the game, no question,” Elling- assists over the past two sea- prove essential. tration of teammates with Wh- ton said. “ sons).To put Whiteside’s lack of Ellington had benefi ted play- iteside’s lack of ball movement He’s going to be doing what he a passing into perspective, con- ing with arguably the best ball- was tangible. does and I’m going to be doing sider that based on the NBA’s moving center in the NBA in But it’s not as if the Heat nec- what I do. And a lot of times now, player-tracking statistics, Wh- Marc Gasol, but also worked essarily had defi nitive 3-point teams are going smaller. iteside ranked 80th among cent- with some others without the threats to pass out to. So you could fi nd us on the ers last season in points created inclination or ability. Eventually, Tyler Johnson, court the same time sometimes, off assists, at 0.9 per game (as “A lot of times,” Ellington said, Luol Deng and Josh Richardson maybe.” compared to Pau Gasol’s league- “it’s not even that one pass that emerged as threats, but none And then it will be up to leading 9.6).That’s 80th among the big man is going to make di- with the type of career consist- Whiteside to fi nd them. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 31, 2016 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS lock Lavanini out for season with In-form Pieters gets ligament injury

Reuters

rgentina lock Tomas Lavanini will require surgery on a Europe Ryder nod damaged knee ligament and will be out of action until next year, missing the remainder of the Rugby Champi- onship and the Pumas’ tour of Europe in November. ‘But given his form, I found it impossible to leave Thomas out’ ALavanini picked up the injury in Argentina’s 26-24 victory over South Africa in on Saturday and was not included in the tour party for the Pumas’ Oceania leg of the championship when they AFP face New Zealand and Australia. Wentworth, United Kingdom THOMAS PIETERS “Unfortunately, we have just confi rmed Tomas Lavanini’s in- jury,” team doctor Guillermo Botto said. “It’s a cruciate ligament injury and we expect to do surgery in urope’s Ryder Cup captain Dar- three to four weeks and then he’ll have an estimated recovery time ren Clarke announced England’s of six months.” Lee Westwood, Germany’s Mar- The tour squad, posted on the Argentine web- tin Kaymer and Thomas Pieters of site (www.uar.com.ar) on Monday, is also missing wing Manuel BelgiumE as his three wildcards yesterday. Montero, who tore a thigh muscle against the Springboks. With rookies taking up fi ve of the nine Coming into coach ’s 28-man squad is number automatic qualifying places, Clarke had eight , who has served a 10-week suspension been expected to turn to experienced for biting handed out during the competition in May. Ryder Cup campaigners Westwood and Matias Moroni returns from the Pumas Olympic Kaymer. team and fellow centre Jeronimo de la Fuente, who also missed Pieters, 34, was picked ahead of Scot- Argentina’s two matches against the Springboks, is included after land’s Russell Knox, having bolstered his recovering from injury. case for inclusion with a stunning open- was named as a third scrumhalf. ing round of 62 alongside Clarke at last Botto said fl yhalf Nicolas Sanchez and centre Juan Martin week’s Made in Denmark tournament. Hernandez were recovering from head injuries and all being well “It came down to Thomas Pieters and would be available for selection for both matches. Russell Knox, and the phonecall to Russell Argentina face world champions New Zealand, who top the was one of the hardest I have ever had to standings after home and away wins over Australia, in Hamilton make,” Clarke told a press conference at on September 10 and the Wallabies in Perth a week later. Wentworth. Squad: “But given his form, I found it impos- Forwards: , Felipe Arregui, Agustin sible to leave Thomas out.” Creevy (captain), Lucas Noguera Paz, Julian Montoya, Ramiro Westwood, 43, will be making his 10th Herrera, , Matias Alemanno, , Marcos consecutive Ryder Cup appearance. Kremer, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, , Javier Ortega He fi nished 13th on the world points Desio, Leonardo Senatore, list, one place above Kaymer. Backs: Martin Landajo, Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Ezcurra, Westwood has not won a tournament Gonzalez Iglesias, Nicolas Sanchez, , Ramiro since April 2015, but he came joint-sec- Moyano, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Juan Martin Hernandez, Matias ond behind compatriot Danny Willett — Moroni, Matias Orlando, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Joaquin one of Clarke’s automatic picks — at this Tuculet. year’s Masters. He also recorded four oth- er top-15 fi nishes. “I’m incredibly proud,” said Westwood. “When I look back over my career, the Aft er Rio scandal, Lochte to appear Ryder Cup has provided most of the very special moments. Myself and Darren are on US reality show very close and I was very relieved and US swimming star Ryan Lochte will look to turn the page after thrilled to get the pick.” his drunken hijinks at the Rio Olympics cost him lucrative endorsements — by appearing on the reality TV show Dancing ‘Crazy’ with the Stars. Lochte, 32, is among 13 celebrities to sign up for Kaymer, 31, has not lifted a trophy since the popular television show, which launches its newest season claiming his second major title at the 2014 on September 12, US network ABC confirmed yesterday. “I’m US Open, but delivered six top-10 fi nishes breaking out my dance shoes for Season 23 of #DWTS!” Lochte in his last 12 events. tweeted. The line-up also includes gold medal-winning Olympic He has played in Europe’s last three gymnast Laurie Hernandez, former rapper Vanilla Ice, former Ryder Cup wins and sank the putt that Texas governor Rick Perry and actress Maureen McCormick, completed the European team’s stunning who appeared in the popular 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch. comeback to defeat the United States in American football star Calvin Johnson, reality TV star Amber 2012’s ‘Miracle of Medinah’. Rose and Indy race car driver James Hinchcliff e are also among “Narrowing it down to those three those scheduled to compete. wildcards has been a very diffi cult proc- Lochte used the announcement of his upcoming turn on the ess, but I said that I was going to look to show to repeat his regret about his “big mistake” in Rio. experience and with Lee Westwood and I was playing with him. He played unbe- it 110%.” Europe will be seeking a fourth wildcard after the Tour Championship, Brazilian authorities last week charged him with making a false Martin Kaymer I had two former world lievable, shot 62 and, on top of that, won consecutive Ryder Cup victory over the which concludes on September 25. report about being robbed at gunpoint during the Olympics. number ones,” Clarke added. the tournament.” United States when the teams face off at European Ryder Cup team Lochte had already left the country by the time the charges “The last one was very diffi cult.” Pieters’s victory in Denmark followed a Hazeltine in Minnesota from September (*denotes wildcard) were filed. The Olympic gold medal winner had told the media Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald fourth-place fi nish at the Olympics in Rio 30 to October 2. Rory McIlroy (NIR), Danny Willett (ENG), in Rio that he and three teammates had been mugged after an had an argument with their experience to de Janeiro and a runner-up showing at the American team captain Davis Love III Henrik Stenson (SWE), Chris Wood (ENG), all-night party by robbers pretending to be police. The tale hu- join that, but they would admit that they Czech Masters. Appearing via video link, will name three of his fourth captain’s Sergio Garcia (ESP), Justin Rose (ENG), miliated first the Brazilian hosts of the Games and later Lochte’s have not been on top of their game. Pieters said: “It’s a little bit crazy, espe- picks after the BMW Championship, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Andy Sullivan own Team USA, after police determined that he had largely “Last week I played with Thomas Pi- cially closing out the tournament like I did which runs from September 8 to 11. (ENG), Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG), Lee West- concocted his story. eters (in Denmark) and Thomas knew why on Sunday. I can’t wait to tee it up and give He will announce his fourth and fi nal wood (ENG)*, Martyn Kaymer (GER)*

RUGBY GCC Artistic Gymnastics from today

South Africa call up Hougaard, Mvovo Doha: The GCC Artistic Gym- nastics Championship 2016 will AFP There has also been growing criticism of begin today at the indoor hall skipper and hooker since of Khawla School in Doha. his appointment as successor to retired cen- Qatar Gymnastics Federation tre this season. president Ali al-Hitmi, said the truggling Springboks have called up The Johannesburg Star gave him a 2/10 organising committee has com- backs and Lwazi rating after the defeat in Argentina, the fi rst pleted its arrangements for the Mvovo for Rugby Championship time South Africa have lost in the South event which will conclude on Tests in Australia and New Zealand American country. September 3. duringS September. “Captain... The event will feature the A knee injury ruled winger-cum-scrum- of what exactly?” asked the Star.”Most participation of three countries half Hougaard out of a lucky home win and a of the time it seemed he was just loitering – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and deserved away loss against Argentina when around the breakdown.” Qatar. the competition began this month. But Coetzee has shown considerable loy- Tamim Mosaad Keraib, Rakan Winger Mvovo is surprisingly recalled alty to his players since replacing Heyneke Mesfer al-Harith, Ahmad having been axed after a fortunate 2-1 series Meyer last April and dropping Strauss now Nabil Mousa, Abdullah Mesfer, victory over Ireland last June, with his dis- seems unlikely. Raslan Anis, Hossam Abdulaziz, comfort under the high ball particularly no- “We are not happy with where we fi nd Mohmoud al-Saadi, Ahmad ticeable. The only other change to the squad ourselves after the fi rst two matches of the al-Dayani, Malik al-Yahri and that travelled to Argentina last week is the campaign,” admitted the coach, who for- Nasser al-Hamad will represent injury-enforced absence of winger Ruan merly handled -based Super Qatar. Combrinck. Rugby outfi t Western Province. He fractured a leg during the 26-24 loss in “Australia will pose an even tougher chal- Qatar in semis of Asian Youth Salta and a South African Rugby spokesman lenge (than Argentina) and it is important Handball Championship said he could be out of action for six weeks, that we deliver a much-improved perform- Manama: Qatar’s youth na- preventing him playing again in the Cham- ance in Brisbane.” tional handball team entered pionship this season. World champions New Zealand top the the semifinals of the 2016 Asian Off -form fl y-half suff ered table with 10 points after convincing home championship after beating bruising to a thigh in Argentina and a deci- and away bonus-point victories over Aus- Uzbekistan 25-15 on Monday in sion on his availability for the Australia Test tralia. Manama. The event serves as in Brisbane on September 10 will be made South Africa and Argentina have fi ve a qualification tournament for next week. points each and defending champions Aus- the 2017 Men’s Youth Handball Other under-performing Springboks like tralia are bottom without a without. Championships to be staged in inside centre , lock Lood Squad Georgia. de Jager and loose forward Forwards (16): Lourens Adriaanse, Eben Earlier on Saturday, Qatar get another chance from coach Allister Co- Etzebeth, , , began their campaign with a etzee. , , Francois Louw, 27-20 victory over China. Centre contin- , , Oupa The Maroon were in Group B ues to be overlooked despite an outstanding Mohoje, , , alongside China, Korea, Super Rugby campaign with runners-up , Adriaan Strauss (capt), Uzbekistan and Iran but the . Pieter-Steph du Toit, latter withdrew from the tour- Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit and loose for- Backs (12): Damian de Allende, Johan nament to leave the group with ward Jaco Kriel are in the Australasia-bound Goosen, , Francois Hougaard, four teams. In group A, hosts squad and many pundits believe they de- Elton Jantjies, , , FRANCOIS HOUGAARD Bahrain play with Japan, Iraq, serve starting places rather than continually , , , Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. coming off the bench. , Morne Steyn. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 31, 2016 7 TENNIS/ US OPEN

SPOTLIGHT Good night, good morning for advancing Keys Agencies After years of hand-wringing over In another all-American battle, New York the state of US tennis other than 26th-ranked Sock, who won mixed mighty women’s world number one doubles gold and doubles bronze at Serena Williams, talent from the junior the Rio Olympics, held off Taylor Fritz merican eighth seed ranks is beginning to emerge. 7-6(3), 7-5, 3-6, 1-6, 6-4. Madison Keys reached the At the start of play, 39 Americans The winners were full of praise for US Open second round on were in the main draw, one fewer than their younger opponents. AMonday, beating compatriot the record for local players set in 2005, “I was struggling to match his in- Alison Riske in a tie which ended at and by the end of the day, nine of them tensity,” Isner, 31, said about the 1.48am local time, the latest fi nish to a had advanced but 14 had already been Grandstand court contest. women’s match in tournament history. eliminated in fi rst-round action. “In the early going, he was all over Keys, who reached the Austral- Next up for Keys, who twice received me and was the better player hands ian Open semi-fi nals and Wimbledon treatment on her right shoulder, is an- down. The atmosphere was amazing. quarter-fi nals last year, reined in her other American, 16-year-old Kayla Standing room only in that fi fth set. sometimes over-exuberant ground- Day, the US national junior champion The crowd was going nuts.” strokes to claim a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2 win and youngest player in the draw. Tiafoe was serving for the match at over the 60th-ranked Riske in a gruel- On the men’s side, two established 5-3 in the fi fth set, but Isner broke to ling two-hour, 25-minute slugfest. American players, John Isner and Jack bring it back on serve and won the de- The night program at Flushing Sock, avoided upsets, fi ghting off chal- ciding tiebreaker 7-3. Meadows was delayed by more than an lenges from highly-touted 18-year-old “I can’t say enough about Frances,” hour following a ceremony to mark the compatriots. Isner said. “He has a fantastic future.” opening of the tournament. Big-serving Isner, the top-ranked Sock was equally as magnanimous “I just looked up and it’s almost 2 American in the draw at number 21, about Fritz after his win. (am),” the 21-year-old Keys laughed in roared back from two sets down to beat “He’s an incredible young player, a post-match interview. “Who wants Frances Tiafoe 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, has an incredible future ahead of him,” to go party?” 7-6(3). the 23-year-old Sock said. WELL PLAYED Need miracle to reach Open fi nal, Isner outmuscles says Muguruza rising star Tiafoe in all-American duel ‘For American tennis, I think it’s looking really good. I think we have a lot of guys that are going to be very good. I think we’re on the right path. We just got to keep our heads down and keep doing the work and I think we’re going to have good careers’

AFP New York

S teenager Frances Tiafoe came tantalizingly close to a stunning US Open upset on Monday, only Uto be denied by compatriot and fi ve-set master John Isner. Tiafoe, an 18-year-old who received a wild card into the draw of the fi nal Grand Slam of the year, won the fi rst two sets and served for the match in the fi fth before the 31-year-old Isner sealed a 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) victory. The match enthralled the crowd at the brand new Grandstand court, part of the $600mn remodel of the Billie Jean King Na- tional Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. “Serving for it I thought I defi nitely had it,” said a disappointed Tiafoe, the son of immigrants from Sierra Leone. “I defi nitely thought the match was over, but he played a good return game. Didn’t make that many fi rst serves that game. Probably should have played a higher percentage, but it’s tough, toughest loss of my career so far for sure.” Tiafoe, ranked 125th in the world, was playing in just his third Grand Slam main draw match. He broke the big-serving Isner in the veteran’s fi rst service game and broke him twice more en route to a two-set lead over his 31-year-old opponent. hird-seeded Spaniard The Spaniard needed almost But after Tiafoe broke for 5-3 in the fi fth, Garbine Muguruza, a two sloppy hours to dispose Isner’s experience paid off . “If I could re- Tgrand slam winner who of Mertens, committing seven play that, probably wouldn’t have gotten as has taken down world number double-faults while converting hyped up when I broke,” Tiafoe said. “May- one Serena Williams, would be just six of 15 break chances be would have taken a little bit out of it. I judged by most standards as while the 137th-ranked Belgian think (experience) played a little part in it.” a serious threat to grab the US made the most of her opportu- Isner, who was playing the 22nd fi ve- Open title. nities, breaking Muguruza four setter of his career, had a long hug at the But the 22-year-old French of five times. net for his young rival, who was playing his Open champion downplayed Muguruza stunned the fi rst. “He’s a hell of a player and a class act,” her chances following a 2-6, tennis world by overpowering Isner said. 6-0, 6-3 win over Belgian Williams to win the French Added Tiafoe: “The last thing I heard qualifier Elise Mertens in the Open title in June and could him say is ‘Don’t let this get you down.’” opening round on Monday, take over the world number Tiafoe is among the young prospects telling the courtside crowd it one spot from the American tipped to end the decline in US men’s ten- would take a miracle for her to this fortnight. nis. The last American man to win a Grand reach the final. A self-described country girl, Slam title was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US While it might not require Muguruza is not a big fan of Open. This year’s fi eld include 13 American divine intervention, Muguruza’s the bright lights of New York men, led by 19th-seeded Steve Johnson, 26, record at the year’s final grand but the Spaniard had better and 20th seed Isner. slam indicates she will need prepare herself for the Big Experienced Sam Querrey, who shocked to produce something special, Apple spotlight, which will get Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, is seeded having never ventured beyond brighter with each victory she 29th while Jack Sock, the 23-year-old seed- the second round in three achieves. ed 26th, stopped 18-year-old fellow Ameri- previous visits to Flushing “For me, it’s diff icult during can Taylor Fritz 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 3-6, 1-6, 6-4. Meadows. the tournament,” said Mu- Although he and Fritz came up empty, “I think is diff erent. Some- guruza, who will next meet Tiafoe said he believed the youngest US one that has reached the last 48th-ranked Latvian Anastasija pros now challenging on the ATP Tour are rounds of the tournaments Sevastova. “I came one week capable of establishing themselves on the you believe, maybe I can do earlier here to prepare and world stage. it again,” Muguruza said. “You everything. Ryan Harrison, the 24-year-old who have more expectations, that’s “I felt there’s more move- came through qualifying along with his for sure. For sure, maybe a ment, more noise, more stuff . 22-year-old brother Christian, reached the lot of people are talking. All It’s well known also because second round with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 vic- this kind of stuff that I cannot of the environment and the tory over France’s Adrian Mannarino. control... if I cannot control it, I crowd and the vibes, that feel- “For American tennis, I think it’s looking don’t put it in my bag.” ing that brings New York. really good,” Tiafoe said. “I think we have a Beyond her resume and “I think it’s also special. lot of guys that are going to be very good. I ranking, Muguruza’s opening There’s a lot of people. They’re think American tennis is defi nitely on the match off ered little hint that a watching you. Maybe it’s not as right path. We just got to keep our heads second grand slam is there for silent as Wimbledon, that eve- down and keep doing the work and I think her taking. rybody is like this, but I enjoy.” we’re going to have good careers.” John Isner (left) and Frances Tiafoe of the United States embrace after their first round match at the US Open on Monday. (AFP) Wednesday, August 31, 2016 GULF TIMES TENNIS/ US OPEN

REPORT Slowly getting my confi dence back, says Rafa Djoko survives scare, Reuters New York

afa Nadal was worn out from his Rio Olympics exertions after Remerging from an injury absence to win doubles gold, but the Spaniard Nadal on cruise mode perked back up with his trip to New York for the US Open. ‘It’s all good. Look, each day presents us some kind of challenges that we need to accept and over- Nadal, who said his injured wrist is improving daily, beat Denis Istomin of come. After all I’ve been through in the last couple of weeks it’s pleasing to finish the match and win it’ Uzbekistan 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in his first-round match on Monday’s opening day of the year’s last grand slam. RESULTS (ROUND I) “I think I played a solid match for a lot of time, then was a tough moment Men: Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Jerzy Jano- in the middle of the second set but I wicz (POL) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1; Jiri Vesely (CZE) bt think I resisted well and very happy for Saketh Myneni (IND) 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5; John Isner (USA) bt Francis Tiafoe (USA) 3-6, the victory,” Nadal said. “He’s a really 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 7-6 (7/3); Steve Darcis (BEL) bt dangerous player, so I’m very happy to Jordan Thompson (AUS) 5-7, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5, be through.” 7-5; Ernesto Escobedo (USA) bt Lukas Lacko Nadal said he is re-energised being (SVK) 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, retired; James Duck- worth (AUS) bt Robin Haase (NED) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, in New York after feeling fatigued two 4-6, 6-3; Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt Jozef Kovalík weeks ago in Cincinnati, where he lost his (SVK) 6-1, 6-3, 6-3; Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x9) second match after flying in from Rio. bt Guido Andreozzi (ARG) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4; Kevin “The most important thing is I’m here Anderson (RSA x23) bt Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 6-3, 7-5, 6-4; Jack Sock (USA x26) bt in New York and that makes me happy,” Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 3-6, 1-6, 6-4; said Spain’s 14-time grand slam winner, Mischa Zverev (GER) bt Pierre-Hugues Herbert who could not continue through the (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 6-0; Sergiy Stakhovsky French Open and also missed Wimble- (UKR) bt Gastao Elias (POR) 6-1, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4); Marin Cilic (CRO x7) bt Rogério Dutra don and the Toronto event due to his Silva (BRA) 6-4, 7-5, 6-1; Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) bt wrist injury. Denis Istomin (UZB) 6-1, 6-4, 6-2; Andreas Seppi “Is not easy to go two months and a (ITA) bt Stéphane Robert (FRA) 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3; half out of competition in the middle of Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) bt Thomaz Belluci (BRA) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8/6); Albert Ramos (ESP the season without hitting a forehand,” x31) bt Julien Benneteau (FRA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 2-6, Nadal added. 6-1; Lucas Pouille (FRA x24) bt Mikhail Kuku- “I need to have the confidence again shkin (KAZ) 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2; Roberto Bautista with my wrist. That is coming... every Agut (ESP x15) bt Guillermo García-López (ESP) 7-5, 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3); Gael Monfils (FRA day (I) feel the wrist a little bit better. x10) bt Gilles Muller (LUX) 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5); That’s very important thing for me, the Pablo Cuevas (URU x18) bt Dudi Sela (ISR) 6-3, most important thing.” 6-2, 0-6, 5-7, 6-3; Benoît Paire (FRA x32) bt Du- Nadal, a twice champion here, al- san Lajovic (SRB) 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1; Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) bt Facundo Bagnis (ARG) 6-4, ready has a memento from this trip to 6-2, 1-1 retired; Milos Raonic (CAN x5) bt Dustin Flushing Meadows — a video recording Brown (GER) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 of him hitting at Arthur Ashe Stadium Women: Kayla Day (USA) bt Madison Brengle under the new retractable roof. (USA) 6-2, 4-2 retired; Duan Ying-Ying (CHN) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3; Monica Nicu- “I have it recorded. I was the first lescu (ROM) bt Barbora Záhlavová Strýcová player to hit the first ball under the roof (CZE x18) 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 6-1; Svetlana Kuznetsova covered. Important thing in the history (RUS x9) bt Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 6-1, 6-2; of this tournament,” he said. Johanna Konta (GBR x13) bt Bethanie Mattek- Sands (USA) 6-3, 6-3; Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) “Thanks from the players’ side, from bt Virginie Razzano (FRA) 6-1, 6-2; Andrea the fans’ side, from the television side, Petkovic (GER) bt Kristina Kucova (SVK) 7-6 for everybody. Is so important to have (7/3), 6-3; Zheng Saisai (CHN) bt Mónica Puig a roof like this so then the programme (PUR) 6-4, 6-2; Garbine Muguruza (ESP x3) bt Elise Mertens (BEL) 2-6, 6-0, 6-3; Roberta Vinci is never changed and people are not (ITA x7) bt Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) 6-2, 6-4; waiting for a rain delay.” Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Sabine Lisicki (GER) Beyond the obvious benefit of keep- 6-1, 6-2; Carina Witthoeft (GER) bt Misaki Doi ing a rain-hit tournament going, the (JPN x30) 6-4, 6-1; Lucie Safarova (Czech) beat Daria Gavrilova (Australia) 6-4, 6-4; Denisa support structure of the moveable roof Allertova (Czech) beat 29-Ana Ivanovic (Serbia) has cut down on swirling winds that 7-6(4), 6-1; 5-Simona Halep (Romania) beat often perplexed players. Kirsten Flipkens (Belgium) 6-0, 6-2 “There is no wind,” Nadal said. “One of these days that I was practising in the centre court, outside was very, very Reuters vate matters” and on Monday trainers up the match. ease his misery. Romania looked ominous, losing just New York were called out early in the opening set Earlier, the year’s fi nal grand slam In the women’s event, second- two games en route to a 6-0, 6-2 win windy and in the centre court was not to work on his right forearm. got off to a glitzy Hollywood-style start, seeded Angelique Kerber, the Aus- over Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens. wind at all. It’s a beautiful court.” Several times during the two- with a performance from Phil Collins to tralian Open champion, needed just French 13th seed Richard Gasquet, ovak Djokovic opened hour, 37-minute match, Djokovic mark the arrival of the $150-million re- 33 minutes to progress but Roland a semi-fi nalist three years ago, was the defence of his US could be seen grimacing when hit- tractable roof at the stadium. Garros winner Garbine Muguruza re- the opening day’s biggest casualty. He Open title with a 6-3, 5-7, ting his powerful forehand, while his “It’s hard to put on show after Phil quired three sets and a visit from the went down to 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to British N6-2, 6-1 win over Poland’s serve rarely looked threatening, stuck Collins,” said Djokovic, before break- doctor before she survived. world number 84 Kyle Edmund. Jerzy Janowicz on Monday, but the la- at around 100mph. ing into one of Collins’ hits during his Kerber needed just over 30 min- Also exiting was Olympic cham- boured performance gave rise to fresh “It was just prevention, it’s all on court post-match interview. utes to get her pursuit of a fi rst US pion Monica Puig with the Puerto Ri- concerns about the world number good,” Djokovic told reporters. “Look, “The US Open is the most enter- Open title off to a winning start. can losing 6-4, 6-2 to China’s Zheng one’s fi tness. each day presents us some kind of taining grand slam. It was wonderful The German was leading Polona Saisai. Kayla Day, just 16 and ranked After a sizzling start to the season challenges that we need to accept and to come back and play a night session Hercog 6-0, 1-0 when the Slovenian at a lowly 374 in the world, was 6-2, that brought grand slam wins No. 11 overcome. After all I’ve been through that is undoubtedly the most special called it quits having won just nine 4-2 up on Madison Brengle when her and 12 at the Australian and French in the last couple of weeks it’s pleas- night session we have in our sport.” points. Kerber, a semi-fi nalist in fellow American quit with an injury. Opens, Djokovic’s form has plum- ing to fi nish the match and win it.” Elsewhere, the Serb’s long-time 2011, next faces Mirjana Lucic-Baro- Day next faces American eighth meted, with a third-round loss to Sam Up 3-2 in the opening set, Djoko- rival Rafael Nadal shone in 33-de- ni of Croatia. seed Madison Keys who beat compa- Querrey at Wimbledon followed by a vic called for a medical time out dur- gree heat while easing to a 6-1, 6-4, Muguruza carved out a gritty 2-6, triot Alison Riske 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 fi rst-round exit at the Rio Olympics. ing the changeover as Janowicz took 6-2 win over Denis Istomin of Uz- 6-0, 6-3 win over Belgian qualifi er in a tie which ended at 1.48am, the The Serb might have been in trou- a seat in the stands while the world bekistan. Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 Elise Mertens, ranked 137th. latest fi nish to a women’s match in ble on another day at Flushing Mead- number one had his forearm mas- champion here, is seeded to face But the French Open champion tournament history. ows but Janowicz, ranked 246 places saged. When play resumed, Djokovic Djokovic in the semi-fi nals. needed courtside treatment from a Croatian seventh seed Marin Cilic, below Djokovic, has advanced from immediately broke the Pole and held Djokovic next faces Jiri Vesely, doctor after dropping the fi rst set. the 2014 champion and winner in the fi rst round just once in four pre- serve on way to taking the fi rst set. the Czech who knocked him out of The consultation certainly worked as Cincinnati last week, eased past Bra- vious US Open visits and looked un- But in the second frame Djokovic’s Monte Carlo this year. Nadal’s reward she reeled off the next seven games to zil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva 6-4, 7-5, 6-1. likely to do it again. discomfort became even more evident for a fi fth win in fi ve meetings with lay the foundation for her win. Mu- Flamboyant French 10th seed Gael Djokovic, a US Open fi nalist fi ve of as he double-faulted and then sent a Istomin is a match-up with Italian guruza next plays Anastasija Sevas- Monfi ls took his summer hardcourt the last six years, next faces Czech Jiri wild forehand long as Janowicz broke veteran Andreas Seppi. tova of Latvia for a place in the last 32. record to 15-2 with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 Vesely, a fi ve-set winner over Indian to take control and level the match. A wrist injury forced the Spaniard Yesterday, women’s 29th seed Ana win over Gilles Muller of Luxemburg. qualifi er Saketh Myneni. Normal service was resumed in the into an early retirement at the French Ivanovic of Serbia lost 7-6(4) 6-1 to Monfi ls almost suff ered a freak acci- Djokovic arrived in New York hav- third and Djokovic moved in for the Open and sidelined him from Wim- Denisa Allertova of Czech Republic in dent when a giant courtside clock fell ing been hampered by a left wrist inju- knockout punch, breaking Janowicz bledon before a gold medal run in the the fi rst round to cap a misarable sea- towards him as he collided with the ry and distracted by undisclosed “pri- to open the fourth before wrapping doubles at the Rio Olympics helped son, while fi fth seed Simona Halep of back wall, chasing down a Muller shot.

ROUND-UP Federer’s absence being felt by Nadal, Djokovic afael Nadal and Novak Djoko- 35-year-old Swiss. “It’s not the same week, and she gave me so many tips USTA Girls’ 18s national champion has could have found some other ways to year which saw her seeded for the fi rst vic are missing old sparring when you don’t have Roger for the on how to play certain girls and how to now won her fi rst round match at the present his voice there. A lot of NBA play- time at a Slam at number 32. partner Roger Federer, who tournament, for the fans. He’s been one see the game,” the 28-year-old world US Open three out of the last four years. ers have done it, and good on ‘em. For him “It’s always a little bit tough, espe- was forced to skip the US Open of the most popular players of all time, number 35 said. “She has so much pow- CiCi Bellis beat Dominika Cibulkova in doing it in that way really irked me,” add- cially coming off winning the Olympic forR the fi rst time since 1999. Federer, one of the most successful players of all er and it was so nice to play with her... 2014 and Sachia Vickery beat Mirjana ed Isner, who’s now pulling for Kaeper- gold medal. A lot of pressure, a lot of the winner of a record 17 majors and a time,” said the Serb, a fi rst-round win- she was hitting so big and I just had to Lucic-Baroni in 2013. nick’s back-up in San Francisco. “I’m a expectation, but I can always continue fi ve-time champion in New York, shut ner over Jerzy Janowicz. go to the net and do my stuff . I learned big Blaine Gabbert fan now.” Kaepernick to learn,” said Puig. “That’s what I’m down his season to rest a knee injury “There is no doubt that every tour- so many things. I want to thank her for Isner blasts Kaepernick has stoked anger with his protest, which going to try and do. All credit to her, which was aggravated in a semi-fi nal nament is missing him. But on the playing with me, and I felt fantastic. I’m anthem protest as ‘pathetic’ he says he plans to continue, with critics though. She played well. But I’m still loss at Wimbledon. other hand, we have got to focus on the hoping to play again, when I can with calling it disrespectful. learning. I’m still growing. Trying to “Roger today is having the same in- players that we have at the moment. her, because it was great.” S tennis player John Isner weighed fi nd the positives out of everything.” jury issues, so I wish him a fast recov- So I think even without him, it’s a very Uin on Colin Kaepernick’s contro- I have a lot to learn, says ery,” Nadal said after beating Denis Is- strong fi eld. I’m sure it’s going to be a versial US national anthem boycott on beaten Oly champion Puig tomin to make the second round. Nadal good tournament.” Bright start for wild card Day Monday, calling the San Francisco 49ers had come into the tournament under ayla Day, a 16-year-old wild card quarterback’s action “pathetic”. Isner onica Puig, whose Olympic ten- an injury cloud after a serious wrist Kranked 374th in the world, reached said he respected Kaepernick’s aim of Mnis triumph in Rio de Janeiro gave problem had forced an early withdrawal Niculescu all praise for Sania the second round of the US Open with drawing attention to racial inequality in Puerto Rico their fi rst ever Games gold, from the French Open as well as an ab- omania’s Monica Niculescu a victory over Madison Brengle. Day America, but thought the NFL player’s was unceremoniously bundled out of sence from the Wimbledon. Rdumped Czech 18th seed Barbora was leading 6-2, 4-2 when Brengle, refusal to stand for the Star Spangled the US Open on Monday by China’s “It is very tough to see the players Strycova out of the US Open and cred- ranked 50th in the world, retired from Banner prior to a pre-season game was Zheng Saisai. Zheng beat the 32nd- outside of the tour. The fans miss the ited Indian doubles star Sania Mirza their fi rst-round match with a right a poor means of protest. “I thought that seeded Puerto Rican 6-4, 6-2 to book players, the tour needs the players,” with the victory. Niculescu won 6-3, forearm injury. Day, of Santa Barbara, was pathetic from him,” Isner said after a second-round date with Kateryna added the Spaniard. 6-7(3), 6-1 in her opener and paid trib- California, received her wild card invi- a fi ve-set victory over young compa- Bondarenko of Ukraine. World number one Djokovic, who ute to Mirza with whom she teamed last tation thanks to her triumph in the US triot Frances Tiafoe in the fi rst round. Puig, 22, admitted she had a lot to beat Federer to win a second US Open weekend to win the doubles title at New Tennis Association’s Girls’ 18s National “The cause he was going for, fi ne by learn about coping with success and last year, also felt sympathy for the Haven. “I learned so much from that Championship earlier this month. The me, but don’t do it in that fashion. He with her sharp rise up the rankings this