Dananjaya takes fives as restrict Kiwis at Galle PAGE 15

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

Archer gets England cap as rain washes THE ASHES out first day of second Ashes TestPAGE 15 2ND TEST AT LORD’S (DAY 2) With improved consistency Barber upbeat as Doha Worlds approaches

ESCRIBING the few the Gold Coast Common- days following the Rio wealth Games. DOlympics as “pure dev- Since the 2018 campaign astation” Kelsey-Lee Barber Barber has made one or two was in a state of despair. small tweaks, which she be- Badly compromised after lieves has contributed to the sustaining a stress fracture best season in her career so far. of the back earlier in 2016 it “I haven’t undergone any was perhaps no surprise the Dreaming on major technical overhauls,” Australian javelinist could Since London 2017 (World she explains. only muster a best of 55.25m “I’ve simply picked up a to place a lowly 28th out of 31 Championships) I set couple of things in terms of athletes in the qualification. myself the target of a the way some of the top girls “I had by no means the podium place and this like (two-time Olympic and ideal preparation for Rio,” (Doha Worlds 2019) is three-time world champion) explains the articulate and an opportunity to Barbora Spotakova and (the personable Barber. 2018 world leader) Kathryn “I had delivered a child- achieve that. Mitchell were moving. hood dream to qualify (for Kelsey-Lee Barber “My training has shown the Olympics) but until you consistency and my series are in that environment your of throws across all com- realise that the medallists are out of the Australian Institute petitions has been good,” only a very small portion of of Sport in Canberra. she adds. what happens at an Olym- “Mike has helped me re- “I’ve hit a good rhythm pics. Surrounded by many discover my competitive na- and positioning on the run- athletes who did not achieve ture,” she explains. “He has way, and I’ve held through medals me off guard.” really promoted the fact that back to back competitions.” However, the positive and while we are chasing numbers Next up the Australian upbeat Barber did not stay and distances, at the end of plans to target the Diamond down for long. By the time the day we are all competitors League Final in Zurich (Aug she returned to Australia the trying to beat the opposition.” 29), before she targets the 1.75m tall thrower set about Australian javelinist Kesley-Lee Barber plans to target the Diamond League Final in Zurich (Aug 29), before setting sights on the IAAF World IAAF World Athletics Cham- the re-building phase for the Athletics Championships in Doha (Sept 27-Oct 6). Doha on the radar pionships in Doha (Septem- next stage of her career and Since her Rio disappoint- ber 27-October 6). put together a plan to avoid of emotions. After claiming mark (since surpassed by Lyu of her first memories of life in hockey and netball and her ment, Barber has enjoyed a A lover of competing in a repeat performance at the back to back PBs in Towns- Huihui of China) of 67.70m - her adopted home was arriv- natural upper-body strength rising level of success. She the heat she has set herself Tokyo 2020 Olympics. ville (65.61m) and Lausanne a personal best by more than ing in a nation caught up in also impressed in the throw- describes her 2017 season some ambitious goals. “I got home and thought (65.63m) she is bursting with two metres. Olympic fever in the count- ing events at school sports – where she finished tenth “Since London (World to myself, this is where I want positivity. “I knew I was capable at down to the Sydney Games. days and athletics carnivals. at the World Champion- Championships) I set myself to be (in future) and what I “I just remember this the start of the year of some- It lit a fire inside the then ships and improved her PB the target of a podium place want to achieve. There are clear confidence at the top thing like 67 metres, so to primary school student. Managing the husband- to 64.53m to finish second in and this is an opportunity to clearly things I need to do a of the runway; it was like throw 67.70m is really ex- “I was first exposed to the athlete-coach relationship the IAAF Diamond League fi- achieve that,” explains Barber, lot better; let’s start now.” nothing else existed,” she ex- citing because it shows the Olympic Games ahead of the Describing cracking 60 me- nal in Zurich – as her “break- who works three afternoons a Some three years on from plains. “I knew what I needed world the work and training Sydney Games and that is the tres as a “huge moment” she through” year on the interna- week as a gym trainer. her Rio heartbreak and Bar- to do, so set myself up for the I’ve put into place.” moment I said I wanted to nonetheless desired change tional stage. “With that 67-metre ber is stood on the end of the big throw and I was able to Born in East London, one day feature at an Olym- and in October 2014 left her Meanwhile, last year she throw behind me I feel it (a runway for her sixth round execute.” South Africa, at the age of pics,” she recalls. then coach Aaron Holt to join claimed a silver medal in medal) is a realistic goal, it is throw in Luzern in July expe- Moments later the spear nine Barber relocated with In her younger days she her current coach and now front of her home fans amid just a case of being able to do riencing a very different set flew out to a world-leading her family to Australia. One tried swimming, tennis, husband, Mike Barber, based an “electric” atmosphere at that on the day.” (IAAF) Eliud Kipchoge likens sub-two hour marathon attempt to moon landing

REUTERS LONDON

KENYAN world record holder Caster Semenya, who is fighting an IAAF regulation that would require her Eliud Kipchoge says running a to take testosterone-lowering medication to defend her 800-metre title marathon in under two hours at the Doha World Championships in September, speaks at a women’s would be comparable in the an- conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. (REUTERS) nals of human achievement to standing on the moon or scal- ing Everest for the first time. Caster Semenya unfazed The 2016 Olympic mara- thon gold medallist, speaking to reporters from his home after middle distance ban training camp in Kaptagat on AFP confident Semenya said the Wednesday, was sure he too JOHANNESBURG obsession with getting rid of could enter uncharted terri- her was driven by the fact that tory in Vienna on Oct. 12. SOUTH Africa’s two-time she is undisputedly the best in “It’s like stepping on the It’s like stepping on Olympic 800m champion the world. “I’m targeted be- moon, going up the tallest the moon, going up the Caster Semenya on Wednes- cause I’m undefeated...I’m the mountain and even going to tallest mountain and day shrugged off critics in best at what I do.” the middle of the ocean,” said the face of a ruling that has “When you are the best in Kipchoge who ran 2:00.25 in even going to the banned her from defending the world people get obsessed his previous non-world record middle of the ocean. her world middle distance title with what you are doing.” attempt at Italy’s Monza mo- Eliud Kipchoge in Doha in September. “Probably I’m a ‘problem’ tor racing circuit in 2017. The 28 year-old has been because I’m an over-achiever “I have no doubts at all,” on breaking the two hour embroiled in a bitter legal so we must get rid of you,” said added the 34-year-old, who marathon record battle with the International the self-confident athlete. said he also wanted to make Association of Athletics Fed- Semenya was raised as a history before next year’s To- erations (IAAF) over rules that woman, races as a woman and kyo Olympics. A file photo of Kenyan world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who reveals plans to break two hour marathon record.(REUTERS) force female athletes to regu- is legally classified as a woman. INEOS have yet to pro- late their testosterone levels. The IAAF argues that while vide details about race day that they had been approached championships in Doha end pacemakers and other aids but well, he was rising at 5 a.m. and Last month a Swiss court it accepts Semenya is legally a plans and identities of the of- to run as pacesetters. on Oct. 6. Kipchoge was unconcerned. running 200-220km a week. revoked a temporary suspen- woman, she has masculine at- ficial pacesetters in the 1:59 “I have been hare for Filip “Marathon is no longer an “I think it’s about history, “What has changed is sion on the IAAF’s controver- tributes stemming from differ- challenge http://www.ine- and Jacob for many years, so individual event, it’s a team about leaving a legacy,” said mental preparation,” he said. sial testosterone-curbing rules, ences of sexual development os159challenge.com. it will go well,” said Henrik, 28 event,” said Kipchoge, who set the Kenyan. “So I am going “I am really better prepared meaning the double Olympic (DSD) that create an unfair The conference call, on a and the European 1,500 me- the world record of 2:01.39 in to make history and leave a mentally... this time I know champion Semenya can no advantage over other women. line that was at times barely tres champion in 2012. Berlin last September. “The legacy. It’s not about making a what will happen.” “Certainly longer compete in events be- “There’s not much that I audible, was restricted to ques- Jakob, 18, won 1,500 and pacemakers are playing a key world record. I am feeling good,” he added. tween the 400m and mile, as can say about the case, what I tions about Kipchoge’s prepa- 5,000 metres gold at last year’s role in my quest.” Any sub-two “I am already a record Kipchoge said he planned she did in June and July. can tell you is that I am on top rations. Norwegian brothers European championships hour time will not be ratified holder for marathon... I think to arrive in Vienna about a Speaking at a women’s of my game,” she said adding Henrik, Filip and Jakob Inge- while Filip, 26, won 1,500 for record purposes by the I have done that. This is for week before the attempt and empowerment conference in that she had no plans of quit- brigtsen told national broad- bronze at the 2017 worlds. IAAF, the governing body of the human family.” The Ken- will jog over the 4.3km Prater Johannesburg, the defiant and ting running anytime soon. caster NRK this week, however, This year’s world athletics athletics, because of the use of yan said his training was going Hauptallee course. Sports Thursday, August 15, 2019 13 Al Sadd lay down marker with win over domestic rivals Duhail The Wolves go into Saturday’s season-launching Sheikh Jassim Cup brimming with confidence

AYENI OLUSEGUN achievement is amazing.” DOHA The win also sealed Al Sadd’s place in the 2019 FIFA Red Knights lost to a AL Sadd laid down the mark- I am very happy that we Club World Cup, which will be er for the new season after a have qualified, I am very played in Qatar in December. convinving 4-2 aggregate win happy for the players. Our The Spaniard, who took better a team: Faria over Al Duhail in the AFC work continues now, next up charge of Al Sadd as head Champions League. The win we have the Sheikh Jassim coach after having served TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK sets up a quarter-final place them as a player for four sea- DOHA for the Wolves and the QNB Cup match (the Qatar sons, said his team had shown Stars League champions seem season opener against consistency over both legs. AL Duhail coach Rui Faria to have not lost stride despite Al Duhail). “Our players gave an un- expressed his sadness after handing over affairs of the believable performance over the Red Knights’ AFC Cham- club to a rookie coach in Xavi Xavi Hernandez the two games. At Al Wakrah pions League loss to Al Sadd Hernandez. in the first leg, we were the at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadi- Over both legs in the to Duhail but a win again on better side but today, we were um on Tuesday. Round of 16, Al Sadd were Saturday – would most likely only good in the first half.” “I congratulate Al Sadd the better side as Al Duhail dictate affairs for the coming “They made things very for their qualification and I despite creating opportuni- season with Al Sadd and Al difficult for us in the second wish they will represent Qa- ties failed to impress in front Duhail expected to battle it half. We created and missed tari football well in the com- of goal. Sadd on the other out. But Xavi’s team have kept chances but I have been ing rounds,” Faria said after hand, were clinical as Akram the core players of the title- working on a new philoso- the match at the Jassim Bin Afif, Nam Tae-hee, Baghdad winning team while adding phy with the team for the last Hamad Stadium. Bounedjah ran the Duhail de- Nam Tae-hee. three weeks. “We wished the result fence to the ground. However, Al Duhail lost “I am very happy that was better than what we “I am very happy to qualify prolific striker Yousef El Arabi we have qualified, I am very came out with, looking at for the next stage. We played to Greek giants Olympiacos happy for the players. Our what we presented in both for the win from the first min- while Japanese star who blos- work continues now, next up matches. We were not good ute. Our only goal was to get somed in the Red Knights we have the Sheikh Jassim in the first half and it became Al Duhail coach Rui Faria the victory. We want to thank midfield last season, complet- Cup match (the Qatar season more difficult in the second the fans, who supported us in ed a move to FC Porto. opener against Al Duhail),” half especially after going Mehdi Benatia to injury. both legs. Speaking after the game he added. two goals down. “I do not prefer to talk “We still have a lot of work at the Jassim Bun Hamad On the quarter-final clash “In the second half we about the absences and their to do. We need to prepare for Stadium on Tuesday, Al Sadd with Al Nassr, Xavi said: “It had some opportunities impact on the result despite the Super Cup match, which coach Xavi expressed his de- will be a tough game against and we scored a goal. That the absence of Benatia and we wish to win as well. The light over his team’s perfor- Al Nassr, we saw their game boosted our game a bit but his experience. This is not team’s objective is to com- mance and progress in the – they have excellent players Al Sadd got the third goal,” an axcuse for the loss, and pete for all the titles, both in competition. but our aim will be to reach Faria added. the players who participated the Champions League and at “We are very happy to the semis. The Portuguese who was in the match gave their best. ome. We hope fortune will be qualify for the quarter-finals. “But now, the team is cele- appointed in January faces Our focus is now on the up- on our side,” Bounedjah said. I am very happy with the brating and we will then think an uphill task this season coming match. Both teams will meet team because they did an out- about the Sheikh Jassim Cup, dur to the club’s high ambi- “Al Sadd won because again on Saturday for the sea- standing job. after that, the league and then, tions. Faria also refused to they played better in both son-opening Sheikh Jassim “As I had said earlier, Al the AFC Champions League.” put the resbonsibility of the legs. It doesn’t mean they Cup which Al Sadd have won Duhail are one of the best The Saudi side will host loss on the absences and fit- are the best team because we Al Sadd Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez celebrates during the AFC a record 14 times. teams in the Middle East with the first leg on August 26 with ness of players, particularly have a good team and we will Champions League Round of 16 second leg match Al Duhail at the The Wolves had earlier in players who have played to- the second leg three weeks the loss of defensive stalwart do well in the future.” Jassim bin Hamad stadium in Doha on Tuesday. (AFP) May lost the Amir Cup final gether for 7-8 years. So our later in Doha.

A file photo shows Fearless teenager Felix leads tribute to Argentine player Emiliano Sala of FC Nantes in La Joneliere, Nantes, charge of refreshed Atletico France. (EPA-EFE) REUTERS The departure of veterans initially appeared to strip the team of their backbone. But the considerable windfall from those deals have allowed them to invest FC Bayern Munich head coach ATLETICO Madrid underwent Niko Kovac during the presentation seismic changes in the close more than €300 million in a new group of dynamic players. of Bayern’s new player Ivan Perisic season but after a rip-roaring on Wednesday. (EPA-EFE) warm-up campaign spear- headed by teenage hotshot Tragic footballer Sala ‘Kovac can build Joao Felix, they look refreshed, more dangerous in attack and an era at Bayern’, ready to mount a serious La and pilot ‘exposed to Liga title challenge. says club legend The departure of veteran defenders Diego Godin, Filipe carbon monoxide’ Matthaeus Luis and Juanfran plus talis- AFP “A COHb level of 50 percent man Antoine Griezmann’s LONDON or above in an otherwise healthy AFP bitter transfer to champions individual is generally consid- DORTMUND, GERMANY Barcelona initially appeared FOOTBALLER Emiliano ered to be potentially fatal.” to strip the team of their back- Sala and the pilot flying his The bulletin said that car- BAYERN Munich legend Lo- bone, as did the sales of Lucas plane when it crashed were bon monoxide poisoning was thar Matthaeus believes un- Hernandez and Rodri. likely exposed to “poten- a particular risk in the type of der-fire coach Niko Kovac can But the considerable tially fatal” levels of carbon aircraft they were travelling in. define an era at the club and windfall from those deals Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix (7) monoxide, investigators an- “Piston engine aircraft pro- walk in the footsteps of mana- have allowed them to invest in the touch and volley contest during nounced on Wednesday. duce high concentrations of CO gerial greats Ottmar Hitzfeld more than 300 million euros the 2019 MLS Skills Challenge at the “Toxicology tests found that are conveyed away from and Jupp Heynckes. in a new group of dynamic ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. that the passenger had a high the aircraft through the exhaust In an interview with AFP players that look set to trans- (USA TODAY SPORTS) saturation level of COHb (the system,” said investigators. ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga form ’s infa- combination product of carbon “Poor sealing of the cabin, opener against Hertha Berlin mously defensive side into an monoxide and haemoglobin),” or leaks into the heating and on Friday, the 1990 World Cup attacking machine. It was a staggering fee against Juventus. Felix is far from the only Britain’s Air Accidents Investi- ventilation system from the ex- winner said that Kovac could “The coach has been get- for a player with less than a The youngster has also aver- new addition at Atletico: their gation Branch (AAIB) said in a haust can provide pathways for emulate the achievements of ting us playing in a 4-3-3 shape, season in professional foot- aged a goal or an assist every 35 defence has been replenished by special bulletin. CO to enter the cabin. Bayern’s most successful coach- he wants to be more attacking, ball under his belt, but if minutes in pre-season, prompt- 21-year-old Brazilian left back “It is considered likely that “In this type of aircraft, the es and lead the club to Champi- have a little more of the ball and the Portugal international’s ing Spanish newspaper and Spain centre the pilot would also have been cockpit is not separated from ons League glory. try to be more forward-think- early performances are an to boldly declare: “Not even back Mario Hermoso, 24, plus exposed to carbon monoxide,” the cabin and it is considered “I think Kovac could even ing,” said midfielder Koke, hint- indication of what is to come, Lionel Messi can cast a shadow England’s and it added. likely that the pilot would also build an era in the way Ottmar ing at a change in strategy. his transfer could look like over Joao Felix.” Brazilian centre back Felipe. The Argentinian was flying have been affected to some ex- Hitzfeld, Jupp Heynckes and Atleti won five out of six of shrewd business. Simeone added of his Mexican Hector Herrera to Wales from France to join tent by exposure to CO.” Udo Lattek did at Bayern,” Mat- their pre-season games, ham- Felix appears to have all the club’s record signing: “He has has bolstered the midfield Premier League club Cardiff Exposure to the gas can thaeus, 58, told AFP. mering Real Madrid 7-3 and qualities of a centre forward and so much capability and he is alongside former Real Madrid when his plane came down in lead to damage to the brain and Kovac was under constant beating Juventus 2-1 with eye- a playmaker rolled into one. He adapting very fast. The best player , while the English Channel on January nervous system, with uncon- pressure in his first year at catching displays from 19-year- dovetailed superbly with Diego thing about him is his willing- Spain striker Rodrigo Moreno 21 during a night-time flight. sciousness and heart attacks Bayern. old Felix, who cost 126 million Costa in the demolition of Real, ness to learn and when a player is also set to join from Valen- His body was recovered, but possible with COHb levels of “He won the double in euros from Benfica as a replace- providing two assists and a goal, is like that the path to the top is cia before their opening game that of pilot David Ibbotson has over 50 percent. difficult conditions last year. ment for Griezmann. while scoring two clinical strikes always shorter.” at home to Getafe on Sunday. never been found. “It is clear from the symp- He showed he can fight,” said Sala’s family said the bulle- toms that exposure to CO can Matthaeus. “He is a football tin “raises many questions”. reduce or inhibit a pilot’s abil- expert and I think this season “The family and the public ity to fly an aircraft depending will be easier for him.” Asian World Cup Qualifiers need to know how the carbon on the level of that exposure,” Matthaeus, who won sev- monoxide was able to enter the added the bulletin. en Bundesliga titles with Bay- Asian Football Confederation names first female match commissioner cabin,” Daniel Machover, law- Cardiff said it was “con- ern as a player, said that Ko- yer for the Sala family, said in cerned” at the report’s findings, vac has been “left on his own” SOUTH Korea’s Kim Se-in will become the first female match commissioner to take charge of an Asian World Cup men’s qualificationsec- a statement. “Emiliano’s family “which once again highlights by players who had “the ear of ond round tie when Guam play Maldives next month, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Wednesday. Match commissioners are call on the AAIB to salvage the that the aircraft used for Emil- the club bosses”. the official representatives of a governing body at a game and are responsible for ensuring that the match is properly organised and runs wreckage of the plane without iano Sala was not appropriate. He suggested that the Croa- smoothly. Three more female match commissioners – Vietnam’s Nguyen Thanh Ha, Hong Kong’s Lau Cheuk Chi and Kanya Keomany of further delay.” “We continue to believe that tian would find it easier now Laos – have also been appointed for Asian qualifying matches for the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup China. Toxicology tests on Sala those who were instrumental in that senior players such as Arjen “The Asian football family is proud to have four female match commissioners appointed to manage the Asian Qualifiers,” AFC General showed a carboxyhemoglobin arranging its usage are held to Robben, Mats Hummels and Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said in a statement. (REUTERS) (COHb) saturation level of 58 account for this tragedy,” said a Franck Ribery had left Munich. percent, according to the AAIB. club spokesperson. 14 Thursday, August 15, 2019 Sports

Davis Cup Indian players want Nishioka beats Nishikori safety guarantees for Pak trip: Bhupathi in all-Japanese contest REUTERS request, saying they were sat- MUMBAI isfied with the current safety plan in place in Islamabad. INDIAN tennis players want “The recent developments safety guarantees before they have resulted in an atmos- travel to Islamabad for their phere which is not conducive Davis Cup tie against Pakistan, for a happy friendly tie be- Mahesh Bhupathi said tween the two teams which on Wednesday. have immense respect for each Pakistan last week ex- other,” AITA General Sec- pelled India’s ambassador and retary Hironmoy Chatterjee suspended bilateral trade and wrote to the ITF in an email all public transport links with seen by Reuters. its neighbour after New Delhi “Whether or not there is a removed “special status” from security threat in Islamabad, its portion of the contested re- the moods of the two nations gion of Kashmir. are deeply affected and there is an undercurrent of tension which is perhaps not being The All India Tennis taken into account by the Se- Association (AITA) said on curity Agency of ITF in their Wednesday they had written assessment.” The India asso- to the sport’s governing ciation have also asked the ITF Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan celebrates defeating compatriot Kei Nishikori during the ATP Cincinnati Fans hold up a sign during Kei Nishikori and Yoshihito Nishioka’s body once again asking to share the security reports Masters at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, United States, on Wednesday. (AFP) match at Lindner Family Tennis Center in Ohio, on Wednesday. (AFP) from its assessment of the sit- them to shift the tie to uation in Islamabad and to set a neutral venue or to up a call between their respec- Federer, Djokovic advance as Serena pulls out in Cincinnati postpone it for a couple tive security consultants. of months until tensions The AITA has named a AFP Halep fights back playing injured last week. 7-5, 7-6 (7/1). tina’s Juan Ignacio Londero simmer down. six-member squad under Bhu- CINCINNATI Simona Halep fought back “But I didn’t have pain, Earlier on Tuesday, Roger 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third pathi for the Sept. 14-15 tie. from a set down to defeat Rus- which is good. It took time Federer and Novak Djokovic round at the event he has An Indian tennis team last KEI Nishikori lost to fellow sia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova to get a rhythm and then do overwhelmed opponents as won seven times. The nuclear-armed neigh- went to Pakistan in 1964 for Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6, 7-5, 6-4. something on court.” Serena Williams withdrew be- “I’m very happy, even if it bours have fought two wars a Davis Cup tie, defeating the 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Wednesday Wimbledon champion Ha- She went up a break in the cause of back trouble. was a bit tricky with the rain over Kashmir since gaining hosts 4-0, while Pakistan lost in the second round of the ATP lep, seeded fourth, earned a third set, before letting the Williams had hoped to re- delay,” Federer said. “I’m hap- independence from colonial 3-2 on their last visit to India Cincinnati Masters. late break in the penultimate lead slip, only for the 43rd- bound from the back spasms py to be back on court. power Great Britain in 1947. in 2006. The sixth seed went down game of the final set to reach ranked Alexandrova to serve that forced her out of the WTA “This is the start of a long, They came close to a third in Pakistan was forced to host to his 77th-ranked compatriot, the third round after two two straight double-faults and final in Toronto on Sunday, long hardcourt swing. It’s February after a deadly attack Davis Cup ties at neutral ven- who came through qualifying, hours of action. fall 5-4 behind. where she lasted only four good to begin with a win. on Indian police by a Pakistan- ues for more than a decade as in just over 90 minutes. The Romanian has finished Halep completed her fight- games before retiring. “I didn’t know that much based militant group resulted teams refused to travel to the “It was a tough match for runner-up in Cincinnati three back on a second match point But the 23-time Grand Slam about my opponent – he’s new in air strikes by both countries. country because of security me. I think he played good ten- times, last reaching the final a a game later. champion said her back was to the tour – but at the end you Bhupathi said security was concerns. They played their nis, served well,” Nishikori said. year ago against Kiki Bertens. “After the first set, I felt I “still not right” casting a further have to concentrate on your his main concern for the team. first home tie after a gap of “I was happy to play him In the next round, the could play aggressive,” she add- shadow on her chances at the own game.” “We just want guarantees on 12 years against Iran in 2017, for the first time. It’s good 27-year-old, who retired in- ed. “I also changed the tactics. US Open starting in Flushing Defending champion safety,” he told Reuters by email. while Hong Kong was relegat- to see he’s getting stronger, jured from her Toronto quar- “I fought and did not give Meadows on August 26. Djokovic double faulted three The All India Tennis Asso- ed and fined by the ITF after growing up. He was already ter-final against Czech quali- up. I wanted to run for every For Djokovic and Federer, times as he dropped serve ciation (AITA) said on Wednes- they refused to travel to Paki- good, he gets a lot of balls back fier Marie Bouzkova last week, ball, it felt really good.” back in action for the first time in the opening game against day they had written to the stan the same year. and has good defence.” will face either Madison Keys Ninth seed Elina Svitolina, since the Serb’s victory over Sam Querrey but quickly put sport’s governing body once India’s sports minister Nishikori has never ad- of the United States or Rus- a semi-finalist four years ago, the Swiss in the Wimbledon things right and pulled away again asking them to shift the Kiren Rijiju has said the gov- vanced beyond the third round sia’s Daria Kasatkina. advanced past Belgian Elise final, it was a smooth start to for a 7-5, 6-1 victory over the tie to a neutral venue or to post- ernment would not prevent at the US Open warm-up “It was a very, very tough Mertens 6-4, 6-1. their US Open build-up. American. pone it for a couple of months the team from playing the event. Nishioka will next face match,” Halep said. “She France’s Richard Gasquet, Federer, seeded third, “I ended the match well until tensions simmer down. Davis Cup tie in Pakistan as Australia’s Alex de Minaur, played well, hitting the ball who ended Andy Murray’s remained unruffled by a even if the start was nervy,” The International Tennis it was not a bilateral series who was a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 win- very strong. comeback singles tournament one-hour rain interruption said Djokovic, who would Federation (ITF) has already and was organised by a world ner over American wildcard “Mentally, it was tough to in the first round, saw off Ar- at 2-2 in the second set, break Querrey twice to take responded to a previous AITA governing body. Reilly Opelka. return for me at the start after gentinian Federico Delbonis eventually defeating Argen- the first set then roll to victory.

Sport & Life Taylor back as Scotland name team for World War-hardened Afghans discover Cup warm-up in France REUTERS enthusiasm for new sport: rugby PARIS

AFP erning body, but has received DUNCAN Taylor will get the KABUL support from the Asian fed- chance to claim a berth in Scot- eration, which helps it train land’s Rugby World Cup squad THIRTY or so teenagers kick referees and coaches. after being selected for the first up dust as they sprint around The national sevens side, time in two years for their match a field in Kabul, focused in- made up of Afghan expatri- against France on Saturday. tensely as they chase an oval ates, participated in the Asian Taylor will partner with ball in the sweltering heat. Games in Indonesia last year, Huw Jones in midfield on his The players are sweat- narrowly missing out on the return since last playing for the ing profusely but that has not quarter finals. national side in 2017 against dampened their enthusiasm for To build a future for rugby, Fiji in Suva. His last 24 months their new-found sport: rugby. the federation is focusing on have been blighted by injury. Essentially unheard of youth, starting in the schools. has a first before the arrival of interna- “We must first convince start at flyhalf since last No- tional forces, the sport has teachers there’s an interest vember’s international against slowly begun to pick up steam in rugby, and explain the val- Argentina and will be part- in Afghanistan, where football, ues of this gentleman’s sport nered by and body-building are that is rooted in rules and a club mate in Nice. better known. respect for the enemy. And Edinburgh hooker Stuart “I love the tackles and the kids need to find it fun,” McInally will captain the side passes of rugby,” said Wardak said. while uncapped Warriors lock 16-year-old Lutfullah Ka- Habib, who started coach- Scott Cummings and North- zemi, a high-school student ing the Qahramanan team ampton Saints centre Rory who previously had been a about four years ago, said it Hutchinson were named on football fan. He was drawn to was a difficult sport to learn. the bench and should make the game largely because of “It took me about two their debuts on Saturday. its novelty, but stuck with it months to teach them the Scotland will host France and now dreams of an inter- rules,” he said. in a return fixture on Aug. 24 national career. Wardak, the rugby fed- at Murrayfield before away In a country that has been at eration spokesman, recalled and home tests against Geor- war for four decades, tough-guy his first contacts with college gia next month round off sports including body building students. “They would ask me World Cup preparations. and taekwondo already have where the goal was and why we Scotland are due to name found a loyal following. had to pass the ball backward – their 31-man Rugby World And thanks to the efforts and they thought a scrum was Cup squad on Sept. 3. over several years by die-hard WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING, AND SPIRIT IS FREE OF FEAR: In this photo taken on June 13, 2019, young rugby players take part in a practice ses- the start of a fight,” he said. Team: 15-, 14-Darcy fans, awareness around rugby sion on a pitch in Kabul. Essentially unheard of before the arrival of international forces, the sport of rugby has slowly begun to pick up steam Brooking said the thing Graham, 13-Huw Jones, 12-Dun- is growing. in Afghanistan, where football, cricket and body-building are better known. (AFP) players need the most in Kabul can Taylor, 11-Byron McGuigan, Stephen Brooking, a Briton is pitches. Not easy to come by 10-Adam Hastings, 9- Ali Price, who advises the Afghan Rugby “They have the skills, they But conditions are less “Qahramanan” – meaning Three youth and adult in a city experiencing a demo- 8-Josh Strauss, 7-Jamie Ritchie, Federation, is convinced Af- have the fitness, they have the than ideal. Chunks of synthet- “champions” in Dari, the main championships are supposed graphic boom. 6-John Barclay, 5-, ghans have the characteristics strength,” Brooking told AFP. ic grass have been torn from Afghan language. to be created within months, A plot of land about 10,000 4-, 3-, to shine at the sport, notably “You get some very big the Kabul pitch, making tack- Still, the sport is growing. and a women’s team has even metres square (2.5 acres) will 2-Stuart McInally (captain), physical conditioning. strong Afghans and I think ling dangerous. Today, 18 teams have been been started in Kabul with the soon be allocated for rugby 1-Jamie Bhatti. Replacements: For the moment, the focus they would be also good at Only touch rugby, which formed in schools and univer- hope of others coming soon. practice, according to the 16-George Turner, 17-Gordon is on seven-a-side rugby, known fifteens. is less physical, is allowed. sities around Kabul and six Afghan Rugby Federation, Reid, 18-, as rugby sevens, as it is the best “Eventually, I am sure Otherwise the players risk in- more in provinces outside the ‘Where’s the goal?’ though funds are still lacking 19-Scott Cummings, 20-Matt Fag- way to build skills and is easier Afghanistan will produce a jury, explained Abdul Habib, capital, said Aref Wardak, the Afghanistan is not yet a mem- to construct any facilities or erson, 21-George Horne, 22-Rory to understand than 15 a side. strong 15-a-side rugby team.” the trainer of this team called rugby federation’s spokesman. ber of the World Rugby gov- put in a decent turf. Hutchinson, 23-. Sports Thursday, August 15, 2019 15 Rain washes out first day of second Ashes Test England cap for soon disappeared as well. tralia have yet named their Now officials will hope the teams. They are not required Archer; Priority weather relents sufficiently to do so until the toss takes for the match to begin at the place. to Hazlewood scheduled 1000 GMT start of Josh Hazlewood was in- over Starc Thursday’s second day. cluded in the Australian team, Ashes-holders Australia coach Justin Langer con- AFP lead the five-match series 1-0 af- firmed. LONDON ter their 251-run win in the first Fast bowler Hazlewood Test at Edgbaston last week. has seen off competition from JOFRA Archer received his It is 18 years since Austral- left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, England Test cap but was ia last won an Ashes series in who was also included in a still to make his debut as rain England. 12-man squad after paceman saw the first day of Wednes- In 17 of the last 19 Ashes James Pattinson was omit- day’s second Ashes match campaigns, the team that has ted as part of a rotation policy against Australia abandoned led 1-0 has won the series. after featuring in Australia’s without a ball bowled at a The exceptions were in 1997 251-run win in the first Test at soaking wet Lord’s. when Australia lost at Edgbas- Edgbaston last week. Chris Jordan, a Sussex ton, but won the six-match se- “He’s got an outstanding teammate, presented Archer ries 3-2 and 2005 when Eng- record,” said Langer of the with the cap in England’s land lost at Lord’s but won the 28-year-old, whose 44 Tests pre-match huddle ahead of a five-Test series 2-1. have yielded 164 at an revised toss at 3:00pm local World Cup-winner Archer average of 27.14 but who was time (1400 GMT) - only for is set to play after James An- sidelined with a stress fracture further rain to delay the start derson, England’s all-time earlier this year. once again. leading -taker, was “He’s built up over the With rain still lashing an ruled out with a calf injury past few months. He missed increasingly gloomy ‘home of that meant he bowled just four out on the World Cup because cricket’, umpires Aleem Dar overs at Edgbaston. we felt he hadn’t played much and Chris Gaffaney finally Neither England nor Aus- cricket.” abandoned play for the day Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya (second left) celebrates with teammates after dismissing New Zealand’s Tom Latham (right) during the first day of after tea at 4:19 pm local time their opening Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on Wednesday. (AFP) (1519 GMT) Jordan may only have made eight Test appearances but he has been something of a ‘cricket brother’ for fellow Bar- Five-star Dananjaya bados-born county colleague Archer. When the match should have been getting underway at 11:00 am (1000 GMT), the puts NZ on backfoot square and pitch remained fully covered. Covers protect the pitch from rain during the first day of the second Further rain then meant Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Lord’s in Galle opener hopes of any play before lunch Cricket Ground in London on Wednesday. (AFP) Taylor scores After New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bat, the Indian cricket great Rahul Dravid opening pair added 64 before Dananjaya struck twice in the space of four deliveries unbeaten 86 to to send back Tom Latham (30) and Williamson (0). cleared of conflict of interest plug one end on Both sides selected three for three. SCOREBOARD AFP the cement company, after a meeting in Mum- opening day spinners for the Galle pitch Taylor, a veteran of 93 NEW DELHI bai on Tuesday. and the 25-year-old Danan- tests, staged a fight back for NEW ZEALAND (1ST INNINGS): “There is no conflict on Rahul’s case,” REUTERS jaya, who in the past has been the Black Caps with Henry J. Raval c De Silva b Dananjaya ...... 33 INDIA’S cricket board has cleared great BCCI administrator Ravi Thogde told GALLE (SRI LANKA) T. Latham c Dickwella b Dananjaya ...... 30 suspended from in Nicholls and added 100 for the K. Williamson c Karunaratne b Dananjaya ...... 0 Rahul Dravid of conflict of interest charges af- reporters. international cricket for an il- fourth wicket before Danan- R. Taylor not out ...... 86 ter he was made head of the national cricket “He has got a notice and we have cleared SRI Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya legal bowling action, made a jaya dismissed the latter. H. Nicholls lbw b Dananjaya ...... 42 academy while working for a company that his appointment. We had seen no conflict, but spun a web around New Zea- quick impact. Nicholls failed to connect B.J. Watling lbw b Dananjaya ...... 1 owns an team. if the Ombudsman finds any conflict, we will M. Santner not out ...... 8 land’s batsmen, picking up all After New Zealand captain a sweep shot and was out leg Extras (nb1, lb2) ...... 3 The complaint against Dravid followed give our response to the Ombudsman stating five wickets on a rain-short- Kane Williamson won the toss before for 42 and BJ Watling Total: (5 wickets, 68 overs) ...... 203 similar allegations against record-breaking why we found no conflict.” ened opening day of the first and chose to bat, the opening soon joined him in the dress- Fall of wickets: 1-64 (Latham), 2-64 (Williamson), batsman Sachin Tendulkar and former India The case against Dravid was brought by cricket Test match in Galle on pair added 64 before Danan- ing room after being out in 3-71 (Raval), 4-171 (Nicholls), 5-179 (Watling) captain Sourav Ganguly as authorities attempt Sanjeev Gupta, a state association mem- To bat: T. Southee, T. Boult, W. Somerville, A. Patel Wednesday. jaya struck twice in the space similar fashion to hand the Bowling: Lakmal 10-5-14-0 (1nb), Kumara 10-1- to root out corruption in India’s powerful ber of the BCCI. The Indian board is being Experienced batsman Ross of four deliveries to send back off-spinner his fourth five- 37-0, Dananjaya 22-2-57-5, De Silva 6-0-20-0, cricket establishment. run by a Supreme Court-appointed panel Taylor held firm with an un- Tom Latham (30) and Wil- wicket haul in Tests. Embuldeniya 20-1-73-0. Last month Dravid was named as director tasked with clearing out corruption from the beaten 86 against the guile of liamson, who was dismissed The two-Test series, Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Lahiru of the National Cricket Academy, a breeding world’s wealthiest cricket body after a series Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Dananjaya to take the touring without scoring. with the second match set Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, ground for young talent, while remaining as a of scandals. side to 203 for five when rain Dananjaya then induced for Colombo, is the first Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara vice-president of India Cements, which owns Ganguly, who is president of the Cricket forced early stumps. Mitch- an edge from Jeet Raval to dis- for both teams in the newly and Suranga Lakmal. IPL franchise the . Association of Bengal and mentor of IPL fran- ell Santner was the other un- miss the other opener for 33 at launched World Test Cham- But Board of Control for Cricket in India chise Delhi Capitals, had hit out over the accu- beaten batsman at the crease the stroke of the lunch break pionship, which features nations competing in a administrators ruled out any conflict of inter- sation against Dravid, saying “God help Indian on eight. to reduce New Zealand to 71 the top nine Test-playing league across two years. est involving Dravid, who has taken leave from Cricket”.

THIRD ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL Strauss tells Vegan cricket England to ball introduced Gayle smashes 72 in rain-hit be patient in pursuit of by Earley Club game at Queen’s Park Oval Smith’s wicket AFP told the Daily Mail. AFP LONDON “But we’re enthused by it PORT OF SPAIN was at his AFP and we’re hopeful of finding typical best: 62 of his 71 LONDON WG Grace and Don Brad- a better version.” CHRIS Gayle bludgeoned 72 runs came in boundaries. man may be spinning in their Shacklady, who founded off just 41 balls as West In- The opener helped West ANDREW Strauss believes graves at the news an English the club 12 years ago and at dies reached 158 for two off 22 patience if the key as England cricket club have switched to 33 is the youngest cricket overs before rain affected the Indies make the highest look to find a way to dismiss using a vegan ball from the club chairman in England, third and final match of their 10-over score for a side star Australia batsman Steve traditional leather one. is hoping other clubs in their one-day series against India at batting first in the history Smith in the ongoing Ashes Berkshire Cricket League the Queen’s Park Oval to a halt series. will follow their lead. on Wednesday. of ODI cricket. Smith returned to Test The school teacher says Gayle, 39, hit five sixes and cricket following a 12-month there was not much oppo- eight fours as he and fellow SCOREBOARD ban for his role in a ball-tam- sition when he proposed opener (43) put on pering scandal with innings of switching the tea to a vegan 115 for the first wicket. WEST INDIES INNINGS 144 and 142 as Australia beat menu two years ago. He started off with a C. Gayle c Kohli b Ahmed ...... 72 England by 251 runs in the E. Lewis c Dhawan b Chahal ...... 43 Earley Cricket Club in Ham and beef sandwich- maiden, but ended up with S. Hope b Jadeja ...... 24 Ashes opener at Edgbaston Reading, a town 40 miles (64 es have been replaced by the 72 in a display of seemingly S. Hetmyer b Shami ...... 25 last week. kilometres) west of London, likes of Moroccan tagine, effortless hitting. N. Pooran c Pandey b Shami ...... 30 Smith has scored five cen- had already introduced a ve- lasagne and meat-free spa- This was Gayle at his C. Brathwaite c Pant b Ahmed ...... 16 turies in his past six Ashes J. Holder c Kohli b Ahmed ...... 14 gan tea for their players. ghetti Bolognese. typical best: 62 of his 71 runs F. Allen not out ...... 6 Tests, averaging 139. That was down to their “The teas have been well came in boundaries, he helped K. Paul not out ...... 0 But former England cap- founder and chairman Gary received as our players un- West Indies make the highest Extras: (b1, lb2, nb1, w6) ...... 10 tain Strauss, speaking to re- Shacklady who found most derstand and support the 10-over score for a side bat- TOTAL: (For 7 wkts, 35 overs) ...... 240 porters at Lord’s on Wednes- Did not bat: R. Chase, K. Roach cricket club teas consisted of reasoning behind the deci- ting first in the history of ODI Fall of wickets: 1-115 (Lewis), 2-121 (Gayle), day as rain washed out the ham sandwiches, not much sion,” said Shacklady, who cricket, and he hit five of his 3-171 (Hetmyer), 4-171 (Hope), 5-211 (Pooran), first session of the second use to him when he became a set up the club 12 years ago. eight sixes in that period, also 6-221 (Holder), 7-236 (Brathwaite). Test, insisted England were vegan. Now they have gone the “When other teams come the record for a batsman in a Bowling: B. Kumar 5-1-48-0 (3w), M. Shami 7-1-50- not up against a superhuman 2 (1nb, 1w), K. Ahmed 7-0-68-3, Y. Chahal 7-0-32-1 full hog and introduced a vegan to us, they pile their plates side batting first. (1w), K. Jadhav 4-0-13-0, R. Jadeja 5-0-26-1 (1w). in Smith. cricket ball - a synthetic animal high. And when they eat the Eventually Gayle hit one Chris Gayle of West Indies celebrates his half-century during the third “If you look in that first products-free one covered in food, nobody complains. too well, sending a low catch ODI match against India at Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad three days ago with an ex- innings, he played and rubber instead of leather. “Although you usually get through to mid-off off the and Tobago, on Wednesday. (AFP) change of wrist-spinners as missed a lot early on. He “It does behave like a one middle-aged white man bowling of Khaleel Ahmed. right-armer Yuzvendra Chahal played brilliantly, fantasti- leather cricket ball, but it who is horrified – it’s fine, he Kohli, the catcher, led his team 1-0 lead following the 59-run ment of the first match in Guy- replaces left-armer Kuldeep cally well. But he’s going to bounces more and it’s more doesn’t have to eat it. But the in giving Gayle a guard of hon- win via the DLS method in the ana as a no-result last week. Yadav, who claimed the wick- nick one at some point. difficult to grip,” Shacklady point is that everyone can.” our of sorts. second ODI on Sunday. Virat Kohli’s team has just ets of Shimron Hetmyer and “Bowlers have to be pre- India hold an unassailable Rain forced the abandon- one change from the game Evin Lewis in the second ODI. pared to be patient.”