WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2019 SPORT 05 We have to do a couple of things in preparation for the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp says media stuff. We have to do that, then Liverpool players face CRICKET the boys will have a couple of days off intense pre-season Ireland vs Bangladesh in Women’s T20I: Pakistan and then we have two proper weeks as ahead of Champions Dublin vs South Africa ACTION

a pre-season for the final. League final. TODAY’S Woods eyes Olympic gold in Tokyo

REUTERS I’m sure I won’t get many more opportunities maximum of four players, and NEW YORK going forward at 43 years old to play in many there is no guarantee Woods will Olympics. That would be a first for me and qualify, though based on current Tiger Woods has collected plenty something I would certainly welcome if I was form he has an excellent chance. of Green Jackets and Claret Jugs “Getting there and making the during his decorated career, but part of the team: Tiger Woods team is going to be the tough part,” there is one shiny thing missing he said. from his collection -- an Olympic “I just know that if I play well gold medal. at 43 years old to play in many career-threatening back injury at in the big events like I did this year, That is about the only big thing Olympics. the time and did not qualify for the things will take care of itself.” worth winning that Woods does “That would be a first for me United States team. He is healthy Woods collected his fifth Green not have, and something he would and something I would certainly again now after a 2017 spinal Jacket when he won the Masters like to take care of at next year’s welcome if I was part of the team,” fusion. in April, his 15th major title and first Tokyo Games. he said. Justin Rose won the men’s gold in more than a decade. “Would I like to play in the Golf returned to the Olympics medal for Britain in Rio and while He also has won three Claret Olympics? Yes,” Woods said yes- at Rio in 2016 after a century-long South Korean Park In-bee tri- Jugs awarded to the British Open terday during a news conference absence, but many players who umphed in the women’s event. winner. Woods will go for a fifth at Bethpage Black ahead of this qualified stayed away due to con- The 2020 Olympic golf will be Wanamaker Trophy at this week’s week’s PGA Championship. cerns about contracting the mos- played at the Kasumigaseki course PGA Championship and next month “I’m sure I won’t get many quito-borne Zika virus. in suburban Tokyo. he will bid for a fourth US Open Tiger Woods smiles during a practice round more opportunities going forward Woods was battling a Each country is restricted to a trophy at Pebble Beach prior to the 2019 PGA Championship in Bethpage, New York, yesterday.

LA Lakers Dutch F1 Grand Prix to return at confirm Vogel is ‘iconic’ Zandvoort next season new head AFP an absence of 35 years,” Casey Sporting director Jan Lammers (left) and Chase Carey of the PARIS Bottas fastest said. Formula One Group pose during the signing of the agreement coach “In recent years, we’ve seen that confirms the advent of the Grand Prix on the race circuit for Mercedes The Dutch Grand Prix will a resurgence of interest in of Zandvoort in May 2020. return next season at Zandvoort Formula 1 in Holland, mainly AFP after a 35-year absence, due to the enthusiastic support at Circuit de LOS ANGELES Formula One organisers for the talented Max Verstappen, announced yesterday. as seen from the sea of orange Catalunya The Los Angeles Lakers A deal to stage the race at at so many races.” confirmed on Monday that the historic seaside resort circuit Zandvoort will now be mod- REUTERS former Indiana Pacers and near Amsterdam has been ernised to bring it up to the F1 BARCELONA Orlando Magic coach signed for at least three years. world championship standards. Frank Vogel had signed a “I am pleased to see that If none of the existing venues Valtteri Bottas continued the multi-year contract to Zandvoort will be part of the drop out the addition of Hanoi Mercedes domination of coach the storied NBA proposed calendar... and and Zandvoort would mean a Formula One with the fastest franchise. thankful for the hard work of record 23-race season in 2020. lap in testing at Barcelona’s The announcement Formula 1 to bring the sport But five races in Britain, Circuit de Catalunya follows multiple media back to the Netherlands”, Jean , Italy, Mexico and yesterday. reports at the weekend Todt, president of the sport’s Spain are out of contract next The Finn, second in the that Vogel would be the ruling body the FIA, said. year, with reports that two or championship after losing to next head coach of a Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max even three of these group could team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Lakers team led by NBA Verstappen (pictured), born 12 be ditched. A deal to continue Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, superstar LeBron James. years after Niki Lauda took the the Italian Grand Prix at Monza lapped with a best time of one “We are excited to add last chequered flag in a McLaren until 2024 is waiting to be minute 15.511 seconds. The Frank Vogel as the next in 1985, hailed the prospect of signed, and Silverstone say they time was slower than his Sat- head coach of the Lakers,” lining up in his home race. are close to securing a new urday pole of 1:15.406 but still Lakers general manager “It’s just an iconic, historic contract. considerably quicker than Rob Pelinka said. track,” Verstappen said in a Verstappen’s emergence as Hamilton’s best lap in “Coach Vogel has a team statement. one of F1’s brightest stars has led qualifying. proven track record of Formula One chief executive to his orange-clad Dutch fans Bottas also did 131 laps, the success in the NBA play- Chase Carey said the return of becoming a colourful feature of “I think a Dutch Grand Prix, “I compare the track a little equivalent of almost two race offs, and he reflects the racing to the Netherlands was race weekends. with the popularity of Ver- bit with Suzuka because it’s distances. core qualities we were in line with their twin policy of “We saw it here in Spain stappen, is going to be immense. designed by the same person,” Champions Mercedes have looking for in a head coach “respecting the sport’s historic with (Fernando) Alonso when I think that’s positive for the he said. won all of the first five races of - including, detailed game roots in Europe” whilst also he was at his peak, we see the Formula 1,” he added. “I’ve done a few laps and the season with one-two preparation, extreme hard looking for new venues. amount of Dutch fans around Verstappen, who holds the donuts in an F1 car there too and finishes. work, and holding players “Next season therefore, we the world, it just seems to be unofficial track record at Zand- the track was actually pretty Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc accountable to the highest will have a brand new street growing and growing,” Verstap- voort when he sliced three challenging because you have a was second fastest in 1:16.933 basketball standards.” race that will be held in the Viet- pen’s Red Bull boss Christian seconds off the former fastest few banked corners, some places with Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat Vogel said he was “very namese capital of Hanoi, as well Horner said at the Spanish lap at an F1 trial, knows the are very narrow and there’s no third on the timesheets in excited” by the the return to Zandvoort, after Grand Prix last weekend. circuit well from his F3 days. run off.” 1:17.679. opportunity. “I look forward to coaching such phenomenal talent and bringing my Blues down Sharks 4-2 to strategic vision to the team,” he said. Vogel, 45, went 304-291 in eight seasons level NHL play-off series as an NBA coach, six with Indiana from 2010-2016 AFP any of his eight NHL cam- when they host game three and the next two with a LOS ANGELES paigns, responded, taking a today. rebuilding Orlando Magic pass from Joel Edmundson and The winner of the series squad. Robert Bortuzzo scored the skating in to put a backhand will face either the Boston He led the Pacers to go-ahead goal in the second shot into the top corner. Bruins or Carolina Hurricanes five playoff appearances period on Monday as the St. “It’s not really my game, in the Stanley Cup finals. and back-to-back trips to Louis Blues beat the San Jose but it’s definitely something Martin Jones made 21 saves the Eastern Conference Sharks 4-2 to knot their NHL that goes in the back of your for the Sharks, whose game- Finals in 2013 and 2014. play-off series at one game mind,” Bortuzzo said. “It was two jinx struck again. It was Reports of his hiring apiece. just a rush of emotion.” San Jose’s third straight game came after the Lakers, Bortuzzo’s first goal in 31 Despite the unexpect- two defeat after they had won who have missed the NBA Stanley Cup play-off appear- edness of Bortuzzo as a scoring the first game of a series in this playoffs for six consec- ances gave the Blues a 3-2 lead hero, Blues goalie Jordan Bin- post-season. utive seasons, reportedly with a backhand at 16:34 of the nington noted the goal was Couture tied the game 2-2 were unable to come to second period. “pretty smooth”. at 6:54 of the second after he terms with Tyronn Lue, a Logan Couture scored “Clearly he’s got it in his took an outlet pass from Timo former coach of James twice in space of 1min 59sec arsenal,” Binnington said. Meier and scored with a wrist with the Cleveland earlier in the period to pull the Jaden Schwartz, Vince shot from the left face-off Cavaliers. Sharks level at 2-2 in the Dunn and Oskar Sundqvist circle. James joined the team contest at SAP Center in San scored, and Binnington made Dunn fired a wrist shot as a free agent prior to last Jose. 24 saves for the Blues, who through traffic at 4:16 of the season after eight consec- Bortuzzo, who had scored improved to 6-2 on the road second to make it 2-0. utive trips to the NBA just two goals for the Blues in in the play-offs and will try to Sundqvist capped the Finals with Miami and the regular season and has get ahead in the best-of-seven scoring at 16:52 of the third for Cleveland. St. Louis Blues’ players celebrate a goal against the San Jose Sharks. never had more than four in Western Conference finals St. Louis. 06 SPORT WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2019

Serena pulls Federer seeks more match out of Italian Open with knee problem time ahead of French Open AFP ROME AFP twice held match point and for crowds hopefully, good ROME a set and a half was dominant atmosphere. Serena Williams withdrew against a player considered “I’m pumped up to play well. from the Italian Open Roger Federer insisted among the favourites for Roland I mean, my excitement couldn’t yesterday with a recurring yesterday his focus at this Garros after Rafael Nadal and be bigger.” left knee injury handing week’s Italian Open was on Novak Djokovic. Federer is in the same half of sister Venus a walkover into getting more match practice on “I think I was playing well in the draw as eight-time Rome the third round. clay ahead of the French Open Madrid, so I just said, again, ‘Let’s winner Nadal, who is looking for In yesterday’s statement in two weeks time. come to Rome, a city I like so his first clay title this season the 23-time Grand Slam The 20-time Grand Slam much as well’. before his French Open title winner insisted she would winner has not played on the “Madrid is a tough place to defence. still be competing in the red clay in the Foro Italico since play. I felt like playing somewhat “I have other problems first French Open later this his third round exit in 2016 maybe more sea level conditions getting there,” said Federer, who month. having finished runner-up the would be good for me. could meet the Spaniard in the “I must withdraw from previous year for the fourth “There would be excitement, semi-finals. the Italian Open due to pain time, losing to Novak Djokovic more excitement than me A potential quarter-final in my left knee,” Serena said in the final. coming to a practice court in awaits against either Stefanos in a statement. “Regardless of what happens Switzerland. Tsitsipas, the eighth seed, who “I will miss the fans and here, I just think it’s good for me “I think this week, then next beat Nadal in the Madrid semi- competition at one of my to play matches at this stage,” week in Paris, it’s going to be finals, or Italian 10th seed Fabio Roger Federer of Switzerland looks on during a press favourite tournaments. said world number three interesting to see how I play the Fognini, the Monte Carlo winner. conference at the ATP Masters tournament at the Foro “I’ll be concentrating on Federer before his first match points, how I do it all.” “I thought Stefanos was very Italico in Rome, yesterday. rehab and look forward to today. His arrival in the Italian impressive against him (Nadal) seeing you all at the French He has a first-round bye as capital has been a boost for last week,” continued Federer. Open and next year in the number three seed, and will organisers who doubled ticket “I think it’s going to be a good I think I was playing well in Madrid, so I just Rome.” The French Open begin his tournament against prices after it was announced he season. It’s going to be inter- said, again, ‘Let’s come to Rome, a city I like so starts on May 26. Serena’s Portugal’s Joao Sousa, who would be playing. esting to see who is going to much as well’. I think this week, then next week withdrawal comes a day battled past American Frances “That’s obviously disap- make the World Tour Finals, in Paris, it’s going to be interesting to see how I after she beat ’s Tiafoe 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4) to pointing to hear,” said Federer. especially if so many guys have Rebecca Peterson in straight reach the second round. “They made it in a way like won especially big titles, like play the points, how I do it all: Federer sets to set up a second round The 37-year-old’s per- they rewarded the fans who Fabio in Monaco. meeting with her older sister formance in the Madrid Open bought tickets earlier, which is “There is a bit of a new wave just a moment in time. We’ll see next year, I believe, because this Venus. last week has boosted his hopes sort of strange. coming through with the one- what happens for the rest of the is the year where they truly are She had been returning of winning the French Open, a “Look, I just really hope it handed backhand that can year. breaking through, truly are after more than two months decade after his only title there. doesn’t take away the fact I’m counter some of Rafa’s spins and “It’s announcing to be a very gaining a lot of experience. out with a knee problem, in He fell in the quarter-finals really happy to be here. lefty play. exciting season, even a more “Especially for the the final warm-up clay- on Friday to Dominic Thiem, but “There’s going to be good “But, again, this is maybe also complicated one for the top guys clay-courters.” court tournament before the French Open. Four-time Rome winner Serena, 37, Gibbs will miss had eased through 6-4, 6-2 her first round match Roland Garros Zverev crashes out of Italian Open against Swedish qualifier Petersen. as she fights AFP Italy’s Matteo Berrettini returns Serena had also played ROME the ball to Germany’s Alexander Petersen in the second cancer Zverev during their ATP Masters round at the Miami Open in Germany’s Alexander Zverev crashed out of match at the Foro Italico in Rome, March before withdrawing AFP the Italian Open yesterday with a 7-5, 7-5 yesterday. with a knee injury. LOS ANGELES loss to Italian wild card Matteo Berrettini in Her withdrawal sends the second round. Venus Williams, the 1999 US tennis player Nicole Gibbs “The match that I played was hor- winner, through to a third says she will miss the French rendous,” said Zverev after the game which round meeting with either Open because of surgery to took 1hr 48min on the red clay of the Foro Johanna Konta of Britain or treat salivary gland cancer. Italico. American seventh seed The 26-year-old, ranked Zverev, the 2017 winner and runner-up Sloane Stephens. 116th in the world, said on in Rome last year to Novak Djokovic, has Serena - now ranked Twitter that the procedure is had a terrible start to the clay-court season 11th - has completed just scheduled for Friday, and she’s with the French Open starting on May 26. eight matches this year, aiming to try to qualify for The 22-year-old lost his Madrid Open also withdrawing from Wimbledon in June. title last week, falling in the quarter-finals Indian Wells in March with Gibbs reached the third of both Madrid and Munich to Stefanos Tsit- illness. round of the 2014 US Open and sipas and Cristian Garin respectively. There are now doubts 2017 Australian Open. The German has yet to win a trophy this that the veteran can add to She reached a career-high season and stands 4-6 on clay this spring. her tally of Grand Slams, 68th in the world rankings in Zverev had been seeded fourth in the set, but lost this advantage immediately. 6-0, 6-2 in 1hr 55min against the three-time something which has so far 2016. She won US collegiate final clay-court warm-up before Roland The 33rd-ranked Italian survived four Grand Slam winner to set up a meeting with proved beyond her since singles and team titles for Garros, and was playing his first game having break points, breaking the German in the Argentine seventh seed Juan Martin Del Potro returning last year after Stanford University, but received a first-round bye. twelfth game to close 7-5 to the delight of for a place in the third round. Ninth seed taking time out following the remains in search of her first Last year, Zverev reached the final in the home crowd. Berrettini will play Marin Cilic beat Italian wild card Andrea birth of her first child. WTA Tour title. Rome beating Berrettini there in their only Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who eased Basso 6-1, 7-5 as Australian Nick Kyrgios Her last Grand Slam She said in her tweet that previous meeting. past Yoshihito Nishioka 6-1, 6-4 in 73 needed three sets to get past Russian 12th singles title was won at the her dentist discovered a growth But the 33rd-ranked Italian has been on minutes. Belgian David Goffin rallied from seed Daniil Medvedev. Australian Open in 2017, on the roof her mouth about a form capturing his second ATP title on clay a set down to beat former French Open “I knew it was going to be tough today where she was pregnant, month ago, and her surgeon is in Budapest last month, and reached the final champion Stan Wawrinka in three sets and because I haven’t played much on clay,” said breaking a tie with Steffi “confident that surgery alone in Munich. advance to the second round. Kyrios, who next plays Norwegian qualifier Graf for the most in the pro- will be sufficient treatment”. Zverev started with a break in the second The 28-year-old Goffin won through 4-6, Casper Ruud. fessional era.

Pakistan’s ease to crushing win over Pakistan Shadab AFP making batting look ridicu- declared fit for lously easy, made 128, belting 15 fours and five sixes before World Cup England’s batsmen made light work he was eventually bowled by of chasing down a whopping Junaid Khan. REUTERS 359-run target to win by six wickets Joe Root made a breezy 43 KARACHI and take a 2-0 series lead against before Ben Stokes was joined by Pakistan in Bristol yesterday. to accelerate England All-rounder Shadab Khan has In scoring 358-8 on a flat pitch towards victory. been declared fit for Pakistan’s under blue skies Pakistan looked Stokes was run out for 37 but World Cup campaign after to have given themselves a fair it was already a lost cause for blood tests showed zero viral chance of victory but it proved Pakistan’s dispirited attack as load, the Pakistan Cricket Board woefully inadequate as Jonny England romped to the joint fifth- (PCB) said yesterday. Bairstow’s magnificent century set highest successful ODI run chase. Shadab, 20, was originally up a comfortable England win. England quick Chris Woakes had named in the squads for the England could easily have chased earlier reduced Pakistan to 27-2 current England limited-overs down a total of 400 plus as they with the wickets of Fakhar Zaman series and World Cup only to sealed the win with 5.1 overs and Babar Azam but opener Imam- be ruled out after contracting a remaining. World Cup hosts England ul-Haq hit a superb 151 to enable virus. had made 373 in their victory at the visitors to post a big score for The PCB has confirmed Southampton at the weekend and the second match in a row. Shadab will now leave for once again showed why they will be They scored 361 in a losing London. the team to beat when the tour- cause at Southampton. “I am delighted to know nament starts on home soil. Brief Scores that the blood tests are negative Openers Jason Roy and Jonny Pakistan 358-9, 50 overs and I can now return to com- Bairstow began tucking into the (Imam-ul-Haq 151, Asif Ali 52; C petitive cricket,” Khan said in a Pakistan attack with relish, racking Woakes 4-67) statement. up 74 from the first 10 overs and England 359-4, 44.5 overs (J “I was always very con- putting on 159 for the first wicket Bairstow 128, J Roy 76) fident that I would fully recover England’s celebrates his century during the third (ODI) in 17.3 overs. Roy struck four Result: England won by six from the viral infection and will against Pakistan at the Bristol County Ground in Bristol, yesterday. sixes in his 76 while Bairstow, wickets be available for the World Cup. WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2019 SPORT 07

All-female Solskjaer can restore United’s referee team to take charge of lustre, says departing Herrera AFC Cup clash

AFP review with the players becausecause Koulibaly,Koulibaly, the eveneven more than the £75m Liv-Liv- QNA LONDON he was so angry at the limp MirrorMirror claims,claims, erpoolerpool paid Southampton for KUALA LUMPUR display in the 2-0 home ddefeatefeat wouldwould cost DutchDutch centralcentral defenderdefender VirgilVirgil Ole Gunnar Solskjaer possesses by relegated Cardiff in ttheirheir vanvan DijkDijk whilstwhilst Pepe wouldwould not The Asian Football Confeder- the qualities necessary to I think Ole is final match of the season.. bebe ccheapheap either,either, tthehe paper citing ation announced yesterday that restore Manchester United as a the right person “I really believe in OlOle.e. I a figurefigure ooff £45m.£45m. for the first time an all-female genuine title contender, because he has really believe in Michaelchael referee team will take charge of according to departing qualities and (Carrick), Kieran (McKenna),nna), a men’s continental club Cup midfielder Anders Herrera. Mick Phelan, in Demps (MarkMark clash. The 29-year-old Spanish knowledge but also Dempsey), but I think therere is a Japanese referee Yoshimi international -- who has been he is a great man tough job ahead,” said Herrera.rrera. Yamashita and assistants linked to a move to French and a great person: “They (the coaches) need Makoto Bozono and Naomi champions Paris Saint-Germain Anders Herrera time because this is not goinggoing Teshirogi will officiate the AFC -- believes the common to be from the first day. Thee club Cup match between Myanmar’s decency of Solskjaer will be will need time, confidencee and Yangon United and Cambodia’s rewarded with better perform- “Everyone loves him in the support. Naga World at the Thuwunna ances on the pitch. dressing room. Everyone wants “I am sure they will givegive it Stadium today. Solskjaer’s star faded almost to fight for him. but the only thing I ask for them “This will be the first time as soon as he was given the job “When you have the players is time because this is not easy. three female referees preside in full-time after a terrific spell as behind you and wanting to fight “(But) the right personn is at the Asian Football Confedera- caretaker manager following for you, part of the job is done. the wheel. He’s the right tion’s club competitions, the sacking of Jose Mourinho in “I believe in karma and if person.” marking a new milestone in December. you are a good person, if you Aside from Herrera veteranteran Asian refereeing,” the AFC said The former United striker are honest and sincere with the defender Antonio Valenciacia is in a statement. guided them to 14 wins in 17 players and the fans, sooner or also leaving on a free transfer,nsfer, The AFC Cup is the second- games but the end of the season later it will work. whilst several others includinguding string Asian club competition, a has been nothing short of a dis- “I think Ole is the right Juan Mata, inconsistent Frenchrench rung below the AFC Champions aster as they lost eight of their person because he has qualities World Cup winner Paul PogbaPogba League. last 12 -- ending up 32 points and knowledge but also he is a and even Belgian strikerriker Women officials have only off city rivals and champions great man and a great person.” Romelu Lukaku are thoughtght to previously been employed as Manchester City -- and missed Herrera, who is likely to be be on the way out. assistant referees in AFC Cup out on Champions League followed out the door by a slew According to Tuesday’say’s matches, with Australians Sarah football next term. of players in the close season, Daily Mirror Solskjaer is keeneen Ho and Alysson Flynn becoming “He is one of the best people added Solskjaer and his to bring in fresh blood in thethe the first in 2014. I have ever met in football,” said coaching staff needed the fans shape of Senegalese interna-na- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Herrera, quitting United after to be patient as the turn around tional central defender Kalidoulidou the club declined to offer him a will take time. Koulibaly from Serie A sisidede Qatari referees new contract when he Solskjaer showed there was Napoli and Ivory Coast strikertriker demanded increased wages of a harder edge to him when he Nicolas Pepe from Ligue 1 outfit to officiate £300,000 ($388,000) a week. cancelled an end-of-season Lille. Amir Cup final

In this file QNA photo taken on Star Robben dreaming DOHA November 27, 2018 Bayern The Qatar Football Association Munich’s Dutch (QFA) Arbitration Department midfielder Arjen announced on Monday that of fairytale farewell Qatari referees, led by Abdul- Robben gestures during the UEFA rahman Al Jassim, will officiate AFP Champions League preferred it otherwise, to be weekend. Bayern can wrap up HH the Amir Cup final. BERLIN honest,” he said. a seventh successive league title The first assistant will be Group E match “It is not an easy decision to if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt Talib Salem, the second assistant against Benfica Departing Dutch star Arjen make. If you decide that you are on Saturday, and Robben said Saud Ahmed, the fourth referee Lisbon in Munich. Robben has said that he is still going to keep playing, you have that he had “goosebumps” Khamis Al Kuwari, and the video undecided about what to do to find a place where everything thinking about the game. referee Salman Falahi. when he leaves Bayern Munich, is just right, not just in terms of “To be crowned champions Al Duhail, the defending and admitted that he may still football but also for my family.” on Saturday, after 10 years, in Amir Cup champions, will take retire from football altogether. Asked whether he might stop front of 70,000 fans at a full on Al Sadd, the reigning QNB The 35-year-old winger is playing altogether, Robben said Allianz Arena. There is nothing Stars League champions, set to leave Munich after 10 years it was possible. better.” tomorrow in the final. at the end of the season, and has “It is an option, but I don’t “It will be a very special The final match will be been linked with clubs as diverse know whether it will happen.” game, I have played it out three played at the brand new Al as Inter Milan and his hometown He said that were he to play times in my head already. Wakrah Stadium, which will be club Groningen. against Bayern in the future, he “Maybe I can play for 90 inaugurated on the same day At a press conference in would have no problem cele- minutes and score two goals,” and is one of the eight venues of Munich yesterday, Robben said brating against his old club. said the Dutchman, whose Bun- the 2022 FIFA World Cup. that he still didn’t know what life “Everyone is different, but desliga tally currently stands at after Bayern held for him. with all due respect I think it is 98. Robben said that he had not “I am late making my a bit silly when players don’t cel- expected to become a club Bulgaria hires decision because of my injury. I ebrate against their former clubs. legend when he joined Bayern wanted to get back on the pitch Football is football,” he said. from Real Madrid in 2009. Cup star Balakov first,” said Robben, who had The Dutchman won the “It was a difficult step for me. been sidelined since November Champions League with Bayern My aim was to win the Cham- as team coach before returning to action in 2013, and now hopes to win pions League, and it didn’t look against Hanover two weeks ago. an eighth Bundesliga title in his very likely at Bayern then,” he AP “My wife would have last home game for Bayern this said. SOFIA

Bulgaria’s Soccer Federation GERMANY SQUAD FOR WOMEN’S WORLD CUP has hired 1994 World Cup star Krasimir Balakov as national Germany name Women’s Cup squad Goalkeepers team coach, looking to end a (BM), (F’burg), (W’burg) 16-year wait to play at a major Defenders AFP team, we are well set for the World FIFA Women’s World Cup, the quad- tournament. BERLIN (Wolfsburg), (Turbine Potsdam), Lena Cup.” rennial international football cham- Goessling (Wolfsburg), (Freiburg), (SGS Balakov replaced Petar Voss-Tecklenburg’s team touch pionship contested by the women’s ), (Bayern Munich), (Bayern Mu- Hubchev, his team-mate on the Germany coach Martina Voss-Teck- down in Rennes on June 3, three days national teams of the member asso- nich), (Lyon) World Cup semifinalist squad, lenburg announced her 23-woman ahead of their opening group game ciations of the Fédération Interna- Midfielders/Forwards: who resigned after the team squad for the women’s World Cup in against China, as they look to secure tionale de Football Association Klara Buehl (Freiburg), Sara Daebritz (Bayern Munich), drew its first two 2020 France yesterday, led by captain and a third World Cup title in July. (FIFA) between 7 June and 7 July (SGS Essen), (Turbine Potsdam), (SGS Essen), European Championship qual- striker it contained They play a final pre-tournament 2019. (Bayern Munich), Dzsenifer Marozsan (Lyon), Lena ifying games in March. Aiming no major surprises. friendly against Chile in Regensburg In March 2015, France won the Oberdorf (SGS Essen), Alexandra Popp (c) (Wolfsburg), Lea Schueller to reach a first tournament “We had intense discussions and on May 30. right to host the event. (SGS Essen), , Munich) since Euro 2004, Bulgaria is there were some tough decisions in “Chile are the perfect test to get The first time the country will host Reserves second in a five-team group led the end, because we have a high- an idea of where we are,” said the tournament, and the third time a Lisa Schmitz (Turbine Potsdam), (Manchester City), by England.

quality team,” said Voss-Tecklenburg, Voss-Tecklenburg. European nation will stage this event. (Bayern Munich), Lena Lattwein (Hoffenheim), Felicitas The top two teams will 51, who took the reins in January. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Matches are planned for nine cities Rauch (Turbine Potsdam) advance to Euro 2020. “I am convinced that with this Cup will be the eighth edition of the across France. Qatari riders to feature at Global Champions Tour in Madrid

QNA weekend. World’s best riders display of top class sport and all lining up in the starting box (GBR), Edwina Tops-Alexander (USA), Maikel and Eric van der MADRID will continue their campaign in entertainment across three and flexing their muscles in (AUS), Henrik von Eckermann Vleuten (NED), Jessica Spring- the premier show jumping days. preparation for a venue they (SWE), Peder Fredricson (SWE), steen (USA), Alberto Zorzi Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al series from May 17 to 19, heading Previous winners of the know and love. Martin Fuchs (SUI), Ludger (ITA), Laura Kraut (USA), Nayel Thani and Bassem Hassan will to the beautiful destination of LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid will But it’s set to be a thriller of Beerbaum (GER), Malin Nassar (EGY), Michael Whitaker participate in the 5th leg of Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, also be out for glory, with Ben an event, with plenty of big Baryard-Johnsson (SWE), (GBR) and Pius Schwizer (SUI) Longines Global Champions where thousands of spectators Maher (GBR), Marcus Ehning names to throw into the mix, Jerome Guery (BEL), Julien just a handful of A-listers in Tour to be staged in Madrid this will be treated to a dazzling (GER) and Luciana Diniz (POR) including the likes of Scott Brash Epaillard (FRA), Lauren Hough action. SPORT Wednesday 15 May 2019 PAGE | 05 PAGE | 06 Golf: Woods Federer seeks more eyes Olympic match time ahead gold in Tokyo of French Open

Kyrgios leaves Qatar keen to impress at Copa Medvedev slamming his America, says coach Sanchez racket AP RIZWAN REHMAT ROME THE PENINSULA Nick Kyrgios took full Asian champions Qatar are keen to leave advantage of his crafty game to a good impression when they make their eliminate Daniil Medvedev 6-3, Copa America debut in Brazil next month, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of the coach Felix Sanchez said yesterday. Italian Open yesterday. Qatar will play against former World For his first win on clay this Cup champions Argentina, Colombia and year, Kyrgios was full of smiles Paraguay in Group B at the South American as he fired aces and passing football blockbuster to be held from June shots seemingly at will. 14-July 7. Kyrgios set the tone by Japan and Qatar are the two guest serving underhand to start the teams in the 12-team tournament that also match, catching Medvedev off features Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, Ven- guard. There were also a bevy ezuela, Chile and Ecuador. of drop shots and even a suc- Earlier this year, Sanchez guided Qatar cessful through-the-legs effort. to seven straight wins on their way to a his- “I was trying to throw him toric Asian Cup title win in the UAE where off his game because I knew he ‘Al Annabi’ beat three-time champions loves rhythm. He’s a great Japan in the final. player,” Kyrgios said. “We are looking forward to the event. “Today was a lot of fun. I Our target is to play to our best. It will be a thought the crowd was a lot of great experience and a great challenge,” fun. It’s very important to go out Sanchez said yesterday. there and put on a bit of a “After the tournament we will be a show.” better team. Our players are very compet- Medvedev played better itive. We saw that at the Asian Cup. They after getting his lower back are confident. We are committed to giving Qatar team celebrating their Asian Cup win in UAE in massaged after the first set but our best. Let’s see what stage we are at since this file picture of February 2019. had no answer for Kyrgios’ it has been a long season. We have great wide array of shots in the third, motivation to play a great tournament,” prompting the frustrated the Spaniard, who will coach Qatar until Qatar’s Fixtures Russian to break his racket by 2022, said. slamming it on the dirt. June 16: Qatar vs Paraguay - Kickoff “There are strong sides like Argentina     Kyrgios won the final game at 10.00pm Qatar time. and Paraguay. They are World Cup winning   at love by serving four straight June 19: Qatar vs Colombia - Kickoff sides in that competition. Most of the sides aces. He had 15 aces in all. at 12.30am Qatar time. U‚ƒ‡‚s ‚€rhput ‚ˆƒhq‡‚ir†‡‡uv qƒyhprq are top 50. It will be hard but that’s what Meanwhile, Serena Wil- June 23: Qatar vs Argentina - Kickoff ‡rh€†ƒ ‚t r††‡‚x‚px‚ˆ‡†‡htr†‚s‡‚ˆ h€r‡ we want to do - we want to play against liams withdrew ahead of her them and learn. We need to arrive and at 10.00pm Qatar time. !"#!"# second-round match against compete well. It will be physically tough.  # sister Venus because of a pre- We have to forget the Asian Cup triumph.  $% viously injured left knee. It is not easy at this level. For sure it is huge ones not playing in these events have joined Also, Joao Sousa saved four   a challenge,” Sanchez said. us at the camp. The rest will join us soon,” match points before beating “I am extremely happy with the Qatar’s Sanchez said.  &# Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-7 (3), 7-6 performances before the Copa. We have a “It will be a short training camp before (4) to set up a meeting with !"# number of stars, not one, who could do well we will travel to US for some days and then Roger Federer. in Brazil also. I hope those players showcase to Brazil. We play Brazil on the fifth. That  themselves well. I know they would be will be our first game on the Brazil trip.  Qatari Olympic looked at top teams, by big clubs. Most of Then on 9th, we will play a club game   the players are young and they want to get against a Brazil side. It will be a time for us !" team set for experience,” he said. to test players. We are happy to play this The Qatari coach said his team can’t fixture. On the 16th of June, we will start Eˆ $%&' Wrˆr training camp wait to land in Brazil. our Copa campaign,” he added.  !&   ()( Q‚ ‡‚6yrt r “We are willing to learn. It has been a “We are happy what we did in the Asian !'    Sv‚qrEhrv ‚ in France long season for the players. We played the Cup. We are proud to see Qatar fans were ( !'    Th‚Qhˆy‚ Asian Cup followed by the AFC Champions so happy. There was a big support which QNA !(   ()( Thy‰hq‚ League apart from the regular football that helps us to be better. But we are appearing  DOHA started in August last year. But we know in Copa America for the first time. We are Eˆy '*&' we have to arrive in good condition at Copa not used to playing against South American  ! +  + 7ry‚C‚ v“‚‡r The Qatari Olympic football America. The players have the motivation sides,” he added. " +(  + Q‚ ‡‚6yrt r team is set to launch their to do well,” Sanchez said. When asked about the possible players training camp in France during %,-## "&& Sanchez said a light training camp has line-up, Sanchez said: “We have to submit the period from May 20 until kicked off his team’s preparation for the a list of 40 players. At the end of the month, % Th‚Qhˆy‚ the end of the month as part of event in Brazil. we have to submit 23 players. There are a preparations to participate in ./0 "#*& @†‡hqv‚Hh hphhSv‚qrEhrv ‚ “After the Asian Cup, last week we have few players who are injured. We have to the Toulon International Tour- started preparing with available wait on their fitness updates. Hassan got !'  $!()*+ !#'## $, '   nament in France. bunch of players. Some (club) injured. We have to wait for the report on The Qatari team’s partici- players are still playing the Amir his scans. Karim Boudiaf is also injured. Copa America Factbox pation in the Toulon tour- Cup matches and the AFC When it is a long season, it is normal to see nament, is an important stage Champions League games. The players get injured.” for the preparation of the ** The 2019 Copa America - the upcoming Under-23 Asian Cup 46th edition of the event - will be We have to be realistic and I’ve been in Qatar a long which will take place in played across five cities in Brazil - perform at a good level in Copa time. Some of the junior Thailand in January 2020, a Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Rio de qualifying tournament for the America. I am sure we are players I have worked at Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo. The going to perform well. We have Aspire Academy are in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. tournament is set to get under way on The Toulon International to submit a list of 40 players. national side now. These June 14 and will run for three weeks Tournament will run from June At the end of the month, we players have made me feel until the final on July 7. 1 to 15. ** Chile have won the past two Qatar Olympic team is have to submit 23 players. proud. We have the perfect tournaments but have slipped to 13 There are a few players who environment to improve. I pooled in Group B alongside in the world rankings - below Denmark France, Brazil and Guatemala. are injured. We have to wait am thankful to QFA for their - as hosts Brazil who start off as Qatar will open their campaign on their fitness updates. Our confidence and the trust favourites, will attempt to win the against France on June 2 while aim against Brazil in Brazil is tournament for the first time in 12 years. the second match will be they have shown in me and ** All eyes will be on global icon to do well. There are not more against Guatemala three days my team. It was the main Lionel Messi who could return to lead later, the final match will difficult things to do in football priority to continue to keep Argentina after a disappointing World against Brazil on June 8. than play Brazil in Brazil. It will working here as there are Cup campaign. The Toulon International be a big challenge. We have big challenges. There’s a lot ** Argentina have won the tournament Tournament has been held Qatar coach Felix Sanchez 14 times but their last cup win came annually in the city of Toulon to prepare well. Brazil have speaking at a press of work to do here. We are in 1993. in southern France since 1967. talented players who play conference in Doha going to keep working. We ** Uruguay is the most successful team It is also held in other French great at the top level: Qatar yesterday. want to keep trying to give in the tournament’s 103-year long cities and witnesses the partic- coach Felix Sanchez good results to our fans. history with 15 title victories. ipation of teams from all continents.