CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 4 FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 7 Thomas Red Bull see edges closer a chance as to Tour F1’s August victory break looms

Thursday, July 26, 2018 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 13, 1439 AH Ozil has ‘respect GULF TIMES of every player’, says Arsenal boss SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL All systems go as QNB Stars League set for start he new QNB Stars League sea- as the world’s attention switches from League will kick off on August 4 and son, that kicks off on August the FIFA World Cup in Russia towards ends in November this year. The QNB 4, will be one of the best ever, Qatar, the 2022 FIFA World Cup host. Stars League is starting ahead of sched- Ttop Qatar Stars League (QSL) “This makes us strive further to pro- ule this year due to Qatar national offi cial Hassan Rabia al-Kuwari said at mote the country and FIFA World Cup team’s busy international calendar. The a press conference yesterday. that’ll be held here. We’ll work in an Qatar national team will feature in the The season’s opening press confer- integrated manner with the Qatar Foot- 2019 Asian Cup to be held in the UAE ence was also attended by QSL’s Com- ball Association and Supreme Com- from January 5 to February 1. Also, top petitions Department Director Ahmed mittee for Delivery and Legacy since QNB Stars League teams Al Duhail and al-Adsani, Head of Technical at Al Kass we’re all working as a team in order to Al Sadd are featuring in the quarter-fi - Sports Channel Turki al-Subaie and present the best FIFA World Cup ever. nals stages of the 2018 AFC Champions Mubarak Bilal, who represented the “We hope that the new QNB Stars League. Ministry of Interior. League season will present the best- The AFC Champions League match- The higher offi cials joined hands to ever technical level of football in the es involving Al Duhail and Al Sadd discuss matters relating to the start of way the teams play their matches. We matches will be played on August 27 new football season in Qatar. also hope that the passion we’ve for and 28, September 18 and 19. If Al Du- QSL’s Executive Director of Market- football is also refl ected in the coming hail and Al Sadd advance in the AFC ing and Communications al-Kuwari weeks, months and years before the Champions League, their QNB Stars (L to R): Ahmed al-Adsani, QNB Stars League Competitions Director, Hassan Rabia al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Marketing said, “The 2018-19 football season will World Cup.” League matches will be rescheduled for and Communications at QSL, Turki al-Subaie, Technical Head at Al Kass Sports Channel and Mubarak Bilal, representative be an exceptional period of nine months The fi rst phase of the QNB Stars dates that are suitable to the two sides. from the Ministry of Interior, pose during yesterday’s press conference.

SPOTLIGHT Al-Attiyah keeps third place in Stop discrimination Silk Way Rally By Sports Reporter Volgograd, Russia

verdrive Racing’s Nasser Saleh al- Attiyah ceded further time to his ri- vals on a demanding 445km special Ostage of the Silk Way Rally between in dope tests: Serena Astrakhan and Vologograd yesterday. A broken drive shaft and ongoing diff erential issues had cost the Qatari and his French navi- Williams has been already tested five times by USADA up to July 20 gator Matthieu Baumel any realistic chance of taking a fi rst victory over the previous three days and the Toyota Hilux driver started the day 55min 54sec behind overall leader Yazeed al- Rajhi. He retained third overall after the day’s stage, but a minor map sensor issue means he DPA Anti-doping agencies are allowed to now trails the leader by 1hr 27min 23sec. Berlin target athletes, with success being one Al-Rajhi now has a comfortable lead of 1hr of the criteria which can attract the test- 14min 07sec over Frenchman Matthieu Serra- ers. And no one in women’s tennis is dori with two long stages remaining on the run S tennis star Serena Williams more successful than Williams. north to a fi nish in Moscow on Friday. The stage has suggested discrimination However, her numbers pale in com- win fell to Spaniard Joan Roma in a time of 4hrs is the reason behind the fre- parison to some others with many pro- 13min 07sec. quency with which she is se- fessional fighters having more than 10 Stage three winner Serradori led the car con- U tingent into the stage. Al-Attiyah followed in lected for anti-doping tests. tests in the first part of the year — boxer “...and it’s that time of the day to get Errol Spence, the IBF welterweight seventh – 12 minutes behind the stage opener – ‘randomly’ drug tested and only test champion, has been tested 17 times to and Hunt started in 11th after oil pressure prob- Serena,” she wrote on Twitter yesterday. July 20. lems cost the Englishman even further time on “Out of all the players it’s been proven the Astrakhan loop stage and he slipped to sixth I’m the one getting tested the most. Out of all the players it’s been in the overall rankings. Discrimination? I think so. At least I’ll be proven I’m the one getting tested Andrey Rudskoy shed a wheel and lost keeping the sport clean #StayPositive.” the most. Discrimination? I think chunks of time after just 13km of the day’s In a second message she then wrote: so. At least I’ll be keeping the sport special and Hunt was running as the quickest “But I’m ready to do whatever it takes clean‘ #StayPositive.’ driver in the stage from al-Attiyah and Roma after 100km. But al-Attiyah’s run of misfortune to have a clean sport so bring it on. I’m — Serena Williams excited.” continued and, following a stoppage for Hunt Williams, 36, had been tested five after 166km, the Qatari also ground to a halt times by the United States anti-doping eight kilometres further into the stage with the agency (USADA) in 2018, up to July 20, Cyclist Katie Hall had 11 tests, middle niggling map sensor issue. Rally leader al-Ra- according to its online database. In ten- distance runner Ajee Wilson 10 and long jhi was the main benefi ciary and the Saudi led nis only doubles specialist Bob Bryan distance runner Galen Rupp eight. from Roma and Serradori after 223km. (four) and John Isner (three) had been Meanwhile, Williams has been given Al-Attiyah regained the stage after stopping tested more than twice in the same pe- a wild card to compete in next month’s for around half an hour, but Hunt’s problems riod. Rogers Cup in Montreal, tournament seemed more serious and the former rally leader The 36-year-old Wil- organisers said. The three-times cham- remained stationary after 166km. Serradori lost pion, who gave birth last September time over the fi nal kilometres and was forced to stop and clean his clogged windscreen wipers, as Roma pipped al-Rajhi to the stage win. liams, a 23- Al-Attiyah’s Silk Way Rally challenge is run- time grand slam champion, is making ning with support from Red Bull, the Qatar Mo- her comeback this year having given and lost in the Wimbledon final 10 tor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), Oore- birth last September. Williams had pre- days ago, has not competed in Mon- doo Qatar and Toyota GAZOO viously complained about the frequen- treal since her run to the semi-finals in Racing. cy she was tested during her run to 2014 and last played the Rogers Cup in Today crews leave the Wimbledon final, which she lost to Toronto the following year. the city of Volgo- German Angelique Kerber, earlier this “After announcing our player list a grad and continue month. The sports website Deadspin few weeks ago, we were only missing a demanding path had revealed the frequency of her anti- Serena to complete our dream tourna- north towards doping tests with USADA compared to ment,” Rogers Cup tournament director Moscow with a her rivals and Williams reacted with sur- Eugene Lapierre said in a statement. special stage to Li- prise. “Serena has impressed everyone with petsk – a city in “I had literally no idea until the article the speed at which she was able to re- the Lipetsk Oblast came out. It’s one of the few articles I turn to a high level of play. She has al- on the banks of read,” Williams said at the All England ways been a fighter and she is proving it the Voronezh Club. “Like everyone else, I was sur- once again.” Williams returned to com- River in the prised. I didn’t know those numbers, petition at Indian Wells in March, where Don basin that I didn’t know I was being tested three she lost in the third round, but has since lies 438km times more, in some cases five times looked close to her best and is ranked south- more, than everyone else.” 27th in the world. east of the capital.

Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 26, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT United to start season at disadvantage: Mourinho Ozil’s focus on friendlies, Los Angeles: Manchester United manager Jose Mour- inho said on Tuesday they will start the Premier League season at a disadvantage as post-World Cup breaks for his players have left him less avoids retirement talk time to prepare with his full team than some rival clubs. United will warm-up for the The 29-year-old quit the German national side on Sunday citing 'racism and disrespect' new season by competing in the International Champions Reuters Cup, starting on Wednesday Singapore with a game against AC Milan just outside Los Angeles, where Mourinho will be rsenal’s Mesut Ozil avoided without many of his usual any talk of the controversy first-choice players. surrounding his retirement The Portuguese coach said from international football as the inability to train with a theA German midfi elder opted to focus full squad could prove costly on the club’s pre-season friendly tour- when United host Leices- nament in Singapore yesterday. ter City (Aug. 10) and visit The 29-year-old quit the national Brighton & Hove Albion (Aug. side on Sunday citing “racism and dis- 19) in their first two games respect” due to his Turkish roots as key of the new Premier League to the decision after he was singled out campaign. for criticism when Germany bombed “The first match of the out of the recent World Cup in the season is against Leices- group stages. ter and the second one is Making his fi rst public appearance against Brighton and when since his retirement statement triggered I look to Leicester, if I’m not a bad-tempered debate in Germany wrong, only (Harry) Maguire about relations with its largest immi- and (Jamie) Vardy were in grant community, Ozil was all smiles at the World Cup in the final a fan event in Singapore. “It’s very ex- phase because (goalkeeper citing to be in Singapore. It’s our second Kasper) Schmeichel was time here and we really enjoy coming,” back sooner,” Mourinho told he told a gathering of Arsenal fans a day reporters. ahead of a friendly against Atletico Ma- “So I think a team that drid at the National Stadium. They also is working for six weeks play Paris St Germain on Sunday. minimum with all the players “We are expecting good matches except one central defender against Paris St Germain and Atletico and one striker that can join Madrid. They are great teams with great in the last week and probably players, it’s a test for us to get ready for be available... that is clear the new season, so it’s something to it’s a much better situa- look forward to.” tion for them. When I look Ozil was also criticised for meeting to Brighton on the second Turkish President Recep Tayyip Er- game, I don’t think they have dogan in May, where the pair were pho- any player that is not doing tographed holding up an Arsenal shirt, a very good pre-season with and he has yet to comment on his re- lots of matches and training.” tirement since he announced it through Players who reached the social media. World Cup semi-finals and Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson and final are not competing in the midfi elder Alex Iwobi sat alongside Ozil International Champions Cup at the fan event in Singapore with the because they get a manda- former admitting new coach Unai Em- tory vacation. France beat ery had been very active in his fi rst few Croatia in the final, while training sessions with the club. Belgium won the third-place “Training has been good and Em- playoff against England. ery has been a major infl uence to what That means France mid- we are doing on the training ground,” fielder Paul Pogba and Bel- the 18-year-old England youth inter- gium striker Romelu Lukaku national said. “He’s looking to bring Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil (right) is all smiles as his teammates share a light moment during a training session ahead of the pre-season International Champions Cup match in will be among the 11 senior through the young players as well... Singapore yesterday. Arsenal play a friendly against Atletico Madrid today, and lock horns with Paris St Germain on Sunday. (AFP) players who are not with pushing them, so they will have a feeling United in Los Angeles. “So of they can shine under the new coach.” the new Premier League campaign with from the German national team was not serve what happened to him. “Everyone ny, Mutlu said, but it has now increased. course against Leicester and Spaniard Emery, who has also man- a home fi xture against champions Man- easy, his brother said in an interview. wants to play a last game and end well. However, he acknowledged that the Brighton the situation is not aged Valencia, Sevilla and Paris St Ger- chester City on August 12. “We made this decision together. He He could have had a better farewell,” he family has not experienced it much. amazing for us. I would say main, was brought in to replace Arsene thought about it a lot,” said Mutlu Oezil, added. He also said the blame for the “While many racist comments were third match after the third Wenger after the Frenchman ended his DECISION TO QUIT GERMANY TEAM adding that his brother would now con- early and unfortunate departure did not made against my brother, Germans also week and playing against a almost 22-year tenure at the helm at the WAS NOT EASY: OZIL’S BROTHER centrate on his club Arsenal. lie with his brother. support him,” he said. “We are not hurt. team (Tottenham Hotspur on conclusion of last season. Arsenal open Meanwhile, Ozil’s decision to retire Mutlu said his brother did not de- Racism has always existed in Germa- We live in Germany and are Turks.” Aug. 27) in a similar situa- tion as us, I think then after three weeks it is OK,” said FOCUS Mourinho. “But for the first two matches we have to fight for the points because we need the points, so that is what we Ozil has ‘respect of every player’, says Arsenal boss are going to do with the play- ers that we have available.” AFP in his no-holds-barred statement re- from Bayer Leverkusen. Asked if United’s rivals Singapore leased over the weekend. But Cech, who lost his position at faced the same issues, The 2014 World Cup-winner said he Chelsea to Thibaut Cortois, said it was Mourinho said: “If you look was unfairly maligned over Germany’s not the fi rst time he had faced competi- to the players Chelsea and rsenal boss Unai Emery said group-stage exit in Russia, after some tion for the number one jersey. “It hap- Liverpool have in pre-season, Mesut Ozil has nothing but media highlighted a pre-tournament pened many times during my career so especially these two teams respect from his teammates photo with Turkey’s strongman Presi- that’s the way it goes,” said the Czech. but also Arsenal, I think if you after his decision to quit Ger- dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “The only thing you can do is work compare, you see the diff er- many’sA national team claiming racism “I am German when we win, but I am hard and force your way through to the ence of the situation. (Man- sparked uproar in his home country. an immigrant when we lose,” Ozil wrote, starting line-up... especially in football, chester) City and Tottenham Emery yesterday said Arsenal were adding: “Certain German newspapers there is no sentiment about it — you just are in the similar situation as taking pains to make sure Ozil, 29, feels are using my background and photo do your job and you see.” we are.” comfortable at the club as controversy with President Erdogan as right-wing British media have linked Cech with Argentine defender Marcos rages in Germany over his acrimonious propaganda to further their political a fresh stint at Chelsea, whose Belgian Rojo is one player who may walk-out following the World Cup in cause.” ‘keeper Courtois — the Golden Gloves not join up with Mourinho’s Russia. “We want to help all the players Germany’s football federation swiftly winner at the World Cup in Russia — is squad in the US. and Mesut to feel here with us like he’s denied the allegation of racism, while reportedly a target for Real Madrid. “I don’t know, he’s with at home, like a family,” Emery, who is Erdogan called Ozil to praise his deci- But Cech, whose Arsenal contract the medical department, in in his fi rst weeks as Arsenal coach, said sion — which follows a resurgence of runs for another year, said there had contact since the World Cup, during a pre-season visit to Singapore. the German far right. Ozil declined to been no contact from Chelsea over a where he had some physical “We are every player’s family and for comment yesterday as he took part in Arsenal manager Unai Emery (left) and assistant coach Steve Bould chat during possible move. “I have a contract with problem,” confirmed the him to work every day, to work well with a training session at a private school the training session in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) Arsenal. I am concentrating on this sea- manager. his teammates, is good for us... I’m very in Singapore ahead of today’s friendly son, on the competition between the United finished runners-up happy with him. I’m looking at every against Atletico Madrid. Everybody at the club is thinking like for his place as Arsenal’s fi rst-choice goalkeepers because we have plenty of to local rivals Manchester player and I think Mesut, he has here the “For him it’s one thing with the na- me to help him and to feel (good) here goalkeeper and denied any contact options,” he said. City in the Premier League respect of every player.” tional team and another with us,” Em- and express his quality with us.” with Chelsea over a return to Stamford “I’m doing my best to show to the last season but Mourinho’s Ozil, who was born in Germany to ery said. “Normality is the best thing for Bridge. The 36-year-old veteran’s spot manager that I can be in the starting side were a massive 19 points Turkish-origin parents, said he felt him and I am sure he’s going to do a big CECH SAYS HE’LL FIGHT has come into question after a patchy line-up when the season starts. That’s behind Pep Guardiola’s Eng- “racism and disrespect” — pointing the season with us this year... it’s very, very FOR ARSENAL SPOT season last year, and following new my aim and as for the speculation, I lish champions. fi nger at German football authorities — personal and here I want to help him. Cech said he was prepared to fi ght manager Emery’s signing of Bernd Leno don’t really follow it.”

BOTTOMLINE Atletico can still shine despite missing regulars: Simeone Reuters ners-up face Arsenal at the Sin- their best players. “This is still cuses for not fi elding a full- were constantly linked with Real Madrid to Juventus as a Singapore gapore National Stadium today pre-season and we are building strength side here and the team moves away from the Spanish boost for Atletico’s Spanish title and Paris St Germain four days towards full strength but we aim we brought will give everything capital was a positive statement credentials, instead saying the later with Simeone looking to to do really well against Arsenal they have,” added Simeone. of intent for the club. club’s relatively new stadium tletico Madrid arrived get the best out of the 22 play- tomorrow.” “More importantly, the new “No one can ask more of this and improving squad proved in Singapore for a pre- ers who travelled to Asia for the France’s World Cup winners guys will get an opportunity team than us and it is an impor- how ambitious they were. season tournament three-team event. Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Her- to play with the fi rst team and tant achievement to get play- “The growth of the club itself missing a raft of fi rst “We understand how impor- nandez and new signing Tho- understand what it means and ers like Griezmann and Oblak can be seen by the strength of teamA players who were involved tant it is for them to rest after the mas Lemar did not make the trip what it is like to play for Atletico to commit their futures to the our squad,” he added. “The new in the latter stages of the World World Cup as we know it’s going to Singapore, nor did Spanish Madrid.” club,” he said. “Their presence stadium and investments will Cup, but coach Diego Simeone to be a long season ahead,” the internationals Koke and Diego He was also keen to point out and the fact they decided to stay give our supporters a belief that believes their absence presents a Argentine told reporters yes- Costa or Uruguayans Diego Go- that keeping hold of key play- at Atletico is really signifi cant.” we are positioning ourselves chance for youngsters to shine. terday when asked how the side din and Jose Gimenez. ers like striker Griezmann and Simeone also played down among the best sides in Europe Last season’s La Liga run- would cope without several of “We will not make any ex- goalkeeper Jan Oblak when they Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from and around the world.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 26, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Newcastle fans’ ultimatum: If Benitez goes, then so do we The Spaniard is more than just a great manager to the supporters on Tyneside, he is the thread by which their hopes hang as owner Mike Ashley’s malevolent reign goes on

By Harry Savill ing an extension until he has seen suf- The Guardian fi cient evidence to support his and the fans’ ambition. Having been promised investment ewcastle United is as famous this summer by Ashley regardless of as it is infamous, revered just the ongoing status of a possible takeo- as it is ridiculed. What is uni- ver, Newcastle have mustered up just versally accepted, however, one new addition to the squad, with Nis that there is never a dull moment Ki Sung-Yueng arriving on a free from on Tyneside. Many label Newcastle Swansea (Kenedy and Martin Dúbravka supporters as self-entitled, fi ckle and have also returned to the club after fi n- hard-to-please, while others (myself ishing the season with Newcastle last included) remain undeterred in main- May). Outside of that, the club have taining that, in spite of years of disap- generated at least £15mn from the sales pointment, it remains one of the sleep- of Mikel Merino and Chancel Mbemba. ing giants of English football. When you consider that the club’s As of late, you would be more in- transfer record has stood for 13 years – clined to think of it as less asleep and the £16mn spent on Michael Owen in more in a coma. Frustrations have once 2005 – it is hardly surprising why such again begun to bubble on Tyneside and unsatiated ambition has starved us of a new fan-led movement has emerged positivity for so long, leading to fans on above the trenches at St. James’ Park: social media involving themselves in a #IfRafaGoesWeGo. Spawned from of a “brand hi-jacking” campaign, swamp- toxic brew of anger and fear, Newcas- ing social media posts by Sports Direct tle fans up and down the country have and Mike Ashley’s PR agency of choice, threatened to renounce their support Keith Bishop Associates, with dispar- for the club if Rafael Benítez is forced aging comments. out this summer. Whilst some people might turn their At the centre of this protest, and nose up at fan-led protests, there is no like all good soap operas, the hero ver- denying the purpose or intent behind sus villain narrative is fulfi lled by two it. Victor Hugo famously said “not be- key players: the malevolent tyrant ing heard is no reason for silence”, and Mike Ashley and man-of the-people, this mantra could not be truer of the Benítez. Rafa’s disarming modesty, his Newcastle fanbase. symbiotic relationship with the fanbase Indeed, the message has been so and his all-round majesty has generat- loud and clear that Newcastle Central ed a renewed hope and cause for pride MP Chi Onwurah delivered a petition in our football club, something which to Parliament on Tuesday to prevent has been missing for a long while. Ashley from his continued exploitation In the two and a half years since the of the team. “The House of Commons Spaniard’s shock unveiling as manager urges the Government to prevent un- Rafael Benitez, who has returned – arriving just months after vacating scrupulous football club owners from Newcastle to the top 10 of the arguably the biggest footballing seat exploiting clubs, their fans and local Premier League last season, is on the planet – he has guided a motley communities with particular reference revered by the supporters. (Reuters) crew of relegated misfi ts to the Cham- to Mike Ashley and Newcastle United pionship title at the fi rst time of asking football club,” she said. and returned the club to the top 10 of It is not uncharacteristic for fans the Premier League all the while turn- to be left in the dark as transfer and ing a £19mn profi t in the transfer win- takeover dealings are often brokered dow. However, rumours have emerged discreetly behind closed doors and by equal measure. If mismanagement and ing reign. The peripetieas of the drama Benítez, whose continued faith in the Geordie-coined ‘we don’t demand a in recent weeks that Ashley is refusing lesser-known administrators. What miserly incompetence threatens that, have been excruciating, scandalous and club and the fans, in spite of all else, is team that wins, but a club that tries’ to release transfer funds to Benítez un- is perhaps most frustrating this time, then expect the fans to roar. downright embarrassing at times, and remarkable. He is so much more than mantra but, quite frankly, I don’t care. til he commits to a contract extension. however, is that for the fi rst time in a As this Shakespearean tragedy a change in ownership couldn’t come a great manager: he is hope. He is the Ashley’s 11-year reign at the club has Benítez, now accustomed to the false- long while we have something to cher- trudges on, we have to hope that this sooner. Crucial to our ongoing survival thread by which the fan base is hanging, amounted to a series of unfortunate promises and misgivings of the United ish in Benítez – a manager who we most recent episode is one of the last and, whisper it, fl ourishing in the top- and if he goes, we go. cliches and it’s high time we got off that hierarchy, is supposedly delaying sign- adore and who returns that adoration in under Ashley’s calamitous and damag- fl ight, is the magnanimous, majestic, It may be a cliche to hark back to the train of wearisome disappointment.

Bayern ROUND-UP star Boateng poised for France’s Pavard wins World Cup goal of the tournament award rance right-back Benjamin World Cup),” Mata said. Diego Rico from Spanish side Leganes PSG move Pavard has won the 2018 World France right-back Benjamin “But then after that, I was hoping on a four-year contract, the Premier Cup goal of the tournament Pavard sent a right-footed for them to win... Now, things have League club have said. The 25-year-old Berlin: Bayern Munich award for his stunning strike half-volley spinning into the changed. We have a new manager Spaniard, who will miss the fi rst three againstF Argentina, FIFA announced again, Luis Enrique... I’m again excited matches of the new season after picking centre-back Jerome Boateng top corner in eventual could join Paris Saint- yesterday. The 22-year-old Stuttgart champions France’s last-16 about the possibility of coming back. up a red card in the fi nal La Liga game Germain providing the price defender ran onto a left-wing cross tie win over Argentina. (AFP) I obviously want to come back and try last term, is Bournemouth’s second is right, the German giants’ from Lucas Hernandez and sent a to play as many games as I can with the signing of the transfer window fol- chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- right-footed half-volley spinning national team.” lowing the arrival of Wales midfi elder menigge suggested yester- into the top corner to level eventual Mata believes the emergence of a David Brooks earlier this month. day. “There is no direct con- champions France’s last-16 tie with new generation along with the pres- tact between the clubs at the Argentina at 2-2 in the 57th minute. ence of experienced players will propel ATALANTA SIGN CHELSEA moment, but there is contact France went on to win the game 4-3 Spain to new heights in the future. MIDFIELDER PASALIC ON LOAN between the agents, Jerome before beating Croatia in the fi nal on Mata is one of few senior United players Atalanta have signed midfi elder Mario has two,” Rummenigge said July 15. Pavard’s eff ort won a public currently participating in the club’s Pasalic on loan from Premier League in Philadelphia on Bayern’s vote to be named the best of the 169 pre-season tour of the United States, Chelsea, the Serie A club said. The tour of the USA. goals scored in the tournament, see- where manager Jose Mourinho’s team Croatia international, who has six caps, “Now, we have to wait ing off competition from Colombian will face AC Milan in the International spent last season on loan at Russian and see if we can find a midfi elder Juan Quintero’s free-kick Champions Cup today. top-fl ight club Spartak Moscow, where base at the end of the day against Japan and Luka Modric’s goal he made 21 league appearances, scoring to get together and need to in Croatia’s group-stage thumping of NO PANIC FROM POCHETTINO four goals. The 23-year-old, who has find a compensation that is Argentina. DESPITE SLOW SPURS TRANSFER also played for Spanish side Elche and acceptable to both sides,” Tottenham Hotspur’s lack of activity Monaco in Ligue 1, played on loan at Rummenigge added. PSG’s PORTUGAL WINGER GELSON MAR- in the transfer window is no cause for Serie A rivals AC Milan two years ago. German coach Thomas TINS JOINS ATLETICO MADRID concern and the club will not be rushed Tuchel reportedly met with Portugal winger Gelson Martins signed into spending for the sake of it, manag- FOUR CANDIDATES FOR Boateng before the World for Atletico Madrid yesterday as a free er Mauricio Pochettino has said. While EGYPT NATIONAL COACH JOB Cup in May. agent on a six-year deal after leav- Tottenham have tied down several key The Egyptian Football Association said However, Bayern chairman ing troubled Portuguese side Sport- players to long-term contracts they are it was choosing the national team’s Uli Hoeness said no formal ing. Martins rescinded his contract DORTMUND WINGER SCHUERRLE games for Dortmund since joining from one of only two Premier League teams, next coach out of four candidates who approach has yet been made. with Sporting last month, one of nine TO JOIN FULHAM ON LOAN Wolfsburg for 30mn euros ($35mn) in alongside Burnley, who have yet to add are being considered by a committee. Boateng, a 2014 World Cup players to quit the Lisbon club after an Germany winger Andre Schuerrle is 2016. to their squads. The candidates being considered are winner with Germany, is attack in May on a training camp by set to return to the Premier League by “We’re working hard trying to im- the Spain’s Quique Sanchez Flores, currently valued at 45.5mn fans in which Dutch forward Bas Dost joining Fulham on loan from Bundesliga MATA KEEN TO END prove the squad,” Pochettino said. “The Mexican coach Javier Aguirre, Vahid euros ($53.2mn). He had a was injured and the dressing room was club Borussia Dortmund, according to SPAIN EXILE UNDER ENRIQUE market has only started to move very Halilhodzic from Bosnia, and Colom- poor World Cup campaign vandalised. reports yesterday. Manchester United midfi elder Juan quickly after the World Cup. Be sure bia’s Jorge Luis Pinto, the federation after being sent off for two The incidents came at the end of a If the deal goes through, this will be Mata is optimistic of reviving his in- that we are going to do some movement said on Twitter. yellow cards in the last-gasp tumultuous campaign for Sporting who the second stint in the Premier League ternational career with Spain following but like always, we’re working hard — The candidates are being considered 2-1 win over Sweden and was fi nished third in the Primeira Liga and for Schuerrle, who played for Chelsea the appointment of Luis Enrique as the no rash decisions. I’m not worried, I’m by a committee comprising former suspended for the shock 2-0 reached the Europa League quarter- from 2013-15. Fulham have returned to national team’s new manager earlier happy preparing the team to arrive in Egyptian football players Magdi Ab- defeat to South Korea, which fi nals where they lost 2-1 on aggregate England’s top fl ight, winning promo- this month. the best condition for the fi rst Premier delghani and Hazem Emam, and former confirmed Germany’s exit to eventual winners Atletico. Martins tion last season via a play-off , after four The 30-year-old was part of the vic- League game.” international referee Essam Abdel Fat- after the group stages. played in both legs. years in the Championship. torious Spain teams at the 2010 World Tottenham, were playing AS Roma in tah, the federation said. However, the burly centre- The 23-year-old has been capped 19 The 27-year-old shot to fame at the Cup and the 2012 European Champion- the pre-season International Cham- The federation is choosing a succes- back has hinted at his desire times for Portugal and was part of their 2014 World Cup when his superb cross ship but earned the most recent of his pions Cup last night, face Newcastle sor for Argentinean coach Hector Cu- to leave Bayern, who are squad for the 2018 World Cup in Rus- led to Mario Goetze scoring the win- 41 caps for the nation in a friendly in United in their league opener on Aug. per after his contract expired following reportedly chasing Benjamin sia, appearing as a substitute in the 1-0 ning goal in the fi nal to give Germany November 2016. 11, two days after the transfer window the World Cup, where Egypt lost all Pavard, Vfb Stuttgart’s French win over Morocco. Martins is Atletico’s their fourth title. However, a loss of Mata was excluded from Spain’s closes three of the matches they played in. World Cup winner who can fi fth close-season signing after Thomas form and injuries meant he failed to squad for this year’s World Cup but is Cuper took the post in March 2015 from play right-back or centre- Lemar from AS Monaco, Rodri (Vil- win a place in the Germany squad for hopeful of turning his fortunes around BOURNEMOUTH SIGN SPANISH former coach Shawky Ghareeb, leading back. larreal), Jonny Castro (Celta Vigo) and this year’s World Cup and only man- under former Barcelona boss Enrique. DEFENDER RICO FROM LEGANES the country last year to its fi rst World Antonio Adan (Real Betis). aged three goals and 10 assists in 33 “I was disappointed not to go (to the Bournemouth have signed defender Cup in 28 years. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 26, 2018 SPORT

TOUR DE FRANCE Thomas edges closer to win as Quintana claims 17th stage Defending champion Froome appeared to abdicate his crown when he tipped his hat to Thomas at the finish

AFP Saint-Lary-Soulan, France

ritain’s Geraint Thomas moved a step closer to winning his maiden Tour de France after pushing Sky teammate Chris FroomeB down the standings on a 17th stage won by Colombia’s Nairo Quin- tana yesterday. Thomas held an overnight lead of 1min 39sec on compatriot Froome, but took it to 2:31 after the four-time champion crossed the fi nish 1:36 be- hind Quintana and nearly a minute off Thomas. Ireland’s Dan Martin (UAE) fi nished second at 28secs behind Quintana, with Thomas third at 47 and Slovenian Primoz Roglic (Lotto-Jumbo) in fourth at 52. Froome’s failure to stay with Tho- mas in the fi nal few kilometres of the 16km climb to the fi nish of the Col du Portet amid a series of attacks by rivals means the Kenyan-born Briton is in danger of fi nishing off the podium. Dutch rival Tom Dumoulin, the 2017 Giro d’Italia champion, fi nished behind Thomas but well ahead of Froome to move up to second place. Roglic, mean- while, moved up to fourth overall just 16secs behind Froome. Welshman Thomas will start today’s 18th stage, a mainly fl at 171km ride from Trie-sur-Blaise to Pau with a 1:59 lead on Sunweb team leader Dumoulin, with Froome in third. “It was just about de- fending that lead,” said Thomas. “But it’s the Tour de France, so anything can happen.” Froome appeared to abdicate his Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas of crown when he tipped his hat to Tho- Britain will start today’s 18th stage with mas at the fi nish. “Geraint deserves to Movistar Team rider Nairo Quintana of Colombia in action as a fans cheers him on during the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race from Bagneres-de-Luchon a 1:59 lead on Tom Dumoulin. (Reuters) be in the yellow jersey, he’s earned it,” to Saint-Lary-Soulan Col du Portet in France yesterday. (Reuters) said Froome. 9. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) 1:35. Tomorrow’s stage is the fi nal day in vation with the top 20 placed riders, hilippe eventually came to nothing, lin and Lotto Jumbo rider Roglic, who trial, over 31km, on Saturday. 10. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) 2:01. the mountains, but has a downhill fi n- much like in Moto GP, starting on a grid although the Quick-Step rider picked launched a series of attacks in the clos- ish in Laruns, meaning any advantage according to their times in the general up 18 precious points for his polka dot ing kilometres that put Froome in trou- 17TH STAGE RESULTS OVERALL STANDINGS rivals may manage to snatch from Tho- classifi cation. At only 65km long — a jersey. ble. Quintana, having benefi ted from A 65km ride from Bagneres-de-Luchon to 1. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Sky) 70hrs 34min mas on the ascent could, theoretically, nod to the number of the French de- Quintana overcame two mechani- the help of teammate Alejandro Val- Col de Portet 11sec be annulled by Sky on the descent. partment featuring the start and fi nish cal problems early in the race, when he verde after he got into an earlier coun- 1. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 65.0km in 2. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) at 1:59. Quintana said: “I’m happy for the (65) — and with three punishing climbs, twice had to chase back to join the pelo- ter-attack, attacked solo with 6.4km 2hrs 21min 27sec 3. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) 2:31. win. It was a day for the pure climb- a spectacular day of racing looked to be ton. When Martin attacked at the foot remaining. 2. Dan Martin (IRL/EAU) at 28sec 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) 2:47. ers. It’s also great for the morale of the on the menu. of the fi nal climb, Quintana was quickly Martin battled to close the gap, 3. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) 47. 5. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 3:30. team. It’s been frustrating, and sad be- But when it came to rival teams try- on his wheel. Safe in the knowledge but came up short as the Colombian 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) 52. 6. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) 4:19. cause things didn’t work out the way ing to loosen Sky’s grip, it was the same Quintana was unlikely to claw back his claimed just his second Tour stage fi ve 5. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) 52. 7. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) 4:34. we’d hoped. But we have to keep on old story. An early breakaway sparked overnight defi cit of nearly four min- years after winning at Semnoz in the 6. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) 1:05. 8. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 5:13. fi ghting.” by Estonian Tanel Kangert (Astana) and utes, Sky let the Colombian go. Alps. The fi nal podium placings will be 7. Egan Bernal (COL/SKY) 1:33. 9. Dan Martin (IRL/EAU) 6:33. Tour organisers introduced inno- ‘King of the Mountains’ Julian Alap- They only had to control Dumou- decided by the penultimate-stage time 8. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) 1:35. 10. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 9:31.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT For Bubba, golf’s a family aff air Froome knocked off bike, by policeman AFP AFP Washington Saint-Lary-Soulan, France

wo-time Masters cham- efending champion Chris Froome pion Bubba Watson almost crashed out of the Tour de hasn’t let golf stand in France — after being knocked off the way of life’s simple his bike when an overzealous po- Tjoys, his roles as husband and licemanD mistook him for a fan on stage 17 father outweighing that of be- yesterday. ing a major winner. The fact that Team Sky leader Froome, a four-time he failed to make the cut at last champion, fi nished the stage in eighth place week’s British Open is unlikely to at 1min 35sec behind Colombian winner trouble the 39-year-old Ameri- Nairo Quintana and 48secs behind team- can left-hander, a three-time US mate and overall leader Geraint Thomas. PGA winner this year. The Kenyan-born Briton had put on his His focus is less on golfi ng rainjacket and was cycling back to the Team success than on his family, whom Sky bus when a policeman on the side of he likes to drive to tournaments the road mistakenly took him for one of the in his motor home so wife Angie, thousands of cycling fans who tradition- son Caleb and daughter Dakota ally ride up the mountain stages to catch a can join him on the journey. glimpse of their idols. He tried to get Froome “Having a team that loves me, to stop and in the confusion the six-time getting an RV (recreational vehi- “It was a slow start to the year, starting school. My little man is Grand Tour champion crashed. He avoided cle), camper, whatever you call it. but I knew I was headed in the reading bedtime stories to us,” injury and is set to start stage 18 today. “It So our kids now have bunk beds, right direction,” Watson said. Watson said. was a misunderstanding. Chris is fi ne,” said we love it,” Watson said. “Getting trophies is always a “The golf part, it doesn’t mat- a Team Sky spokesman. Gerry Lester Watson Jr. grew pleasure. The goal was always to ter. He could care less if I win or Froome, who had been aiming for a fourth up in the rural south in Florida’s get the next trophy. So trying to lose. He would rather me not play consecutive Grand Tour victory after tri- western panhandle and still lives move forward and looking for- so I could be home playing toys umphing at the Vuelta a Espana last year and in the area near Pensacola, where ward to what’s ahead, and hope- with him.” this year’s Giro d’Italia, is now in a battle for he owns an ice cream shop, a car fully get to the Ryder Cup and Watson has 12 career US PGA a podium place. dealership and a piece of base- play well there.” titles, the most recent coming Team boss Dave Brailsford said they will ball’s minor-league Pensacola Watson is winless in three last month when he took his third now plan to make sure Froome joins Thomas Blue Wahoos. Ryder Cup appearances ahead Travellers Championship crown. on the Tour de France podium: “He’s not out Watson’s high-profi le pur- of this year’s event in France in “My whole dream was to get 10 of it necessarily, there’s a big mountain day trails Dutchman Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) dentials – and crucially give himself a 1:39 chases include the former Isle- September, going 3-8 overall in wins. I didn’t think it was possi- to come, and the time trial. We’ll sit down by 32secs and Thomas by 2:31. advantage over team leader Froome – is now worth mansion of Tiger Woods matches for US teams in 2010, ble to get 10 wins,” Watson said. tonight, review everything, see how every- “It was a very intense day but I’ve got assured of Froome’s support over the com- and the “General Lee” car from 2012 and 2014. “I’ve never won “Then I get 10 wins and now I’ve body feels then make our plan of attack.” no regrets,” said Froome at the fi nish after ing stages. “He looks really strong so I imag- The Dukes of Hazzard television a Ryder Cup, so making the Ry- got two more.” Froome, 32, had been hoping to join an struggling to keep pace with Thomas when ine he’ll be able to fi nish it off ,” said Froome. show for $110,000 in 2012. der Cup team and trying to win Watson shared eighth at the elite club of fi ve-time winners and become Slovenian Primoz Roglic launched one of “We’ve just got to try and look after him Watson won the 2012 and a Ryder Cup as a player would be Rio Olympics and wouldn’t mind the fi rst cyclist since Marco Pantani, in several attacks in the closing kilometres. now, these next few days.” 2014 Masters, his fi rst major ti- another tournament victory to another medal chance at Tokyo in 1998, to win the Giro d’Italia and Tour de “’G’ (Geraint) has ridden such an amazing “We’ve got a lead of two minutes,” said tle coming in a playoff win over me, would be a major champion- 2020. “It was the best experience France in the same calendar year. race and he deserves to be in yellow – and, Team Sky chief Dave Brailsford. South Africa’s Louis Oosthui- ship to me just because I’ve never of my life to watch all the other But Froome’s bid to join Jacques Anquetil, fi ngers crossed, he holds it now until Paris.” “The probability of us winning this race zen. Two years later, Watson won done it,” Watson said. events, and then the golf tour- Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Froome had also been bidding to claim his lies more with Geraint now I think, but it the green jacket by three strokes “You’d rather do it at home, nament got in the way,” Watson Indurain on the fi ve-time winners list may fourth Grand Tour win in succession after doesn’t mean it’s all over. “At this moment from playing partner Jordan Spi- but it would be fun anywhere you said. “I’d love to do it again.” have to wait another year. adding the 2017 Tour of Spain and this year’s in time, overall, we’ll look towards the next eth and Jonas Blixt of Sweden. can get a victory.” Family life might end Watson’s Starting the 17th stage with a defi cit of Giro d’Italia to a collection that has often mountain stage, try and retain the jersey His career has had its down- No US team has won a Ryder career long before his skills fade. 1min 39sec to Thomas, the Kenyan-born been boosted by the help of Thomas. He then it will all come down to the time trial.” turns. He struggled this year Cup in Europe since 1993. Asked “My motivation is to quit be- Briton showed rare glimpses of weakness on added: “I’ve won the last three Grand Tours Brailsford, though, was quick to credit with a health issue he has not recently where he saw himself in fore I keep winning because I his way to fi nishing nearly a minute behind I’ve done now, so it’s certainly been a tough Froome for his support of Thomas through- revealed, but victory at Riviera six months, just after the Ryder want to be there for my family,” his Welsh teammate at the fi nal mountain- build-up for me, but I’m still going to try out. “If ‘G’ goes on to win the race, he’ll be in February showed his return to Cup concludes, Watson put his Watson said. “My son asked me in top fi nish of the race at Saint-Lary-Soulan and fi ght for the podium and try and obvi- a legend,” added Brailsford. “But if Froomey form and a March WGC Match- family fi rst. “I see myself be- the bunk bed, ‘Dad, when are you won by Colombian rival Nairo Quintana of ously keep ‘G’ up there in yellow.” helps him, the way he sacrifi ced today, he’ll Play triumph proved endurance ing an improved father, teaching going to retire?’ because he wants Movistar. Thomas, who won back-to-back stages in be a titan. One of the all-time greats, with- was not an issue. my kids things now that they’re to spend more time with me.” Froome dropped to third overall and now the Alps to underline his yellow jersey cre- out even winning the race.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 26, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB NHL City of Chicago will forever be in our Phils dump Dodgers hearts, says Hossa

By Jimmy Greenfield off ered his thanks to Hawks fans Chicago Tribune and media members from his home in Slovakia. Wearing a Cubs cap and he end of Marian Hossa’s standing before a dramatic Slo- on Plouff e’s homer brilliant Blackhawks ca- vakian background, Hossa was reer has come over many brief, stoic and, as always, the ‘When Hernandez came in, we knew we had a good chance to score there’ months and in several epitome of class. Tstages. Hossa’s message to Hawks Reuters First, he shocked the hockey fans: Philadelphia world last summer when he re- “Hello, Blackhawks fans. vealed that a serious skin con- Marian Hossa here. I wanted to dition would prevent him from take some time to say big thank revor Plouff e hit a walk- playing for the Hawks during the you from me and my family to off , three-run home run 2017-18 season. you for all the support over 8 in the 16th inning to lift Shock had turned to formality years in Chicago. the Philadelphia Phil- when he told a newspaper in Slo- “You guys welcome us with Tlies past the visiting Los Ange- vakia last May that his 19-year open arms and made us feel les Dodgers 7-4 Tuesday night NHL career, which surely will home for 8 years. We want you to at Citizens Bank Park. earn him a spot in the Hockey know how much we appreciate Plouff e’s fi rst homer of the Hall of Fame, was over. it. We celebrated so many unfor- year came off position player The Hawks then severed con- gettable moments. Enrique Hernandez, one of tractual ties with Hossa on July “Because of the role you play 18 total pitchers used by both 12 when he was traded to the in those memories the city of teams. Coyotes in a move orchestrated Chicago will forever be in our Nick Williams and Jorge Al- to get his $5.3 million cap hit hearts. faro also homered for the Phil- each of the next three years off “I also like to thank the Chi- lies, who played their longest the Hawks’ books. cago media for all the amazing game since August 24, 2013, After eight seasons, 186 goals, years we spent together. Even when they lost 12-7 in 18 in- 229 assists and, of course, three though we are back in Slovakia nings to the Arizona Diamond- Stanley Cups, Hossa was no now Chicago will always be spe- backs. Tuesday’s contest lasted longer a member of the Black- cial place. Both daughters were 5 hours, 55 minutes. hawks organization. raised here and one was born in Phillies starter Aaron Nola, an That ended the contractual this beautiful city. All-Star this season, laboured a ties. The emotional ties will re- “Thank you again Blackhawks bit through fi ve innings as he al- main forever. fans and I look forward to see- lowed fi ve hits and three runs. In a minute-long video posted ing you when we are back in the Vince Velasquez (7-8), the to the Blackhawks’ offi cial Twit- Windy City. ninth Phillies pitcher, earned ter account on Tuesday, Hossa “Ciao, ciao.” the win with one scoreless in- ning in relief. Yasmani Grandal homered MARIAN HOSSA twice for the Dodgers. It was his 10th multi-homer game of his career, and he fi nished with three hits. Joc Pederson led the Dodgers with four hits. Hernandez (0-1) took the loss coming on as the ninth Dodgers pitcher. “We saw Rich Hill warming up, and I don’t really know what happened there,” Plouff e said. “When [Hernandez] came in, we knew we had a good chance to score there. Just a hard- fought game.” Los Angeles jumped out to Leonard passes physical with Raptors a quick 1-0 lead in the fi rst in- Kawhi Leonard is off icially a member of the Toronto Raptors after ning when Pederson scored on passing his physical with the team, according to a report by ESPN’s a wild pitch, just beating the tag Brian Windhorst on Tuesday night. The report also says that two other at home from Nola. players in the trade, Danny Green (also going to Toronto) and San Grandal connected in the Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Trevor Plouff e (left) celebrates with left fielder Rhys Hoskins after hitting a walk off three-run home run Antonio-bound DeMar DeRozan, also passed their physicals. The Spurs fourth on a solo homer for a 2-0 against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixteenth inning at Citizens Bank Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports also received Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick Dodgers advantage. in the deal. Green disclosed in his debut podcast earlier in the day that Odubel Herrera’s two-out fi eld with no outs in the sev- cotty home run leading off the Marcus Semien had a two- Both runs off Minor were the he played the end of the season on a torn groin which went unde- single in the fourth was the fi rst enth to score Santana, cutting ninth. Davis’ homer in the 10th, run double and Martini drove product of solo homers by tected by the Spurs. But, he added, the club “did a great job” and “did hit off Los Angeles starter the defi cit to 4-2. Later in the his 25th of the season, came in a third run with a double that Oakland’s Mark Canha in everything they could” when it learned of the injury. Kenta Maeda, but Carlos inning, Alfaro smashed a two- after Nick Martini had singled got Oakland back within 10-5 in the third and Lowrie in the That news is particularly noteworthy given that one of the big reasons Santana grounded out to end run home run, estimated at 446 and Jed Lowrie had walked with the seventh. fourth. for Leonard’s ultimate departure was the year-long saga about his the inning. feet, to tie the game at 4. It was one out off the Rangers’ seventh The A’s added four more in injured quad, suff ered during the 2017 postseason. He played in only In the fi fth, Pederson skied his seventh homer of the year. pitcher, Austin Bibens-Dirkx the eighth, with Lowrie provid- RESULTS nine games last season, seeking additional opinions on the injury after an RBI double off the left fi eld (2-3). ing the big hit, a two-run single Athletics 13 Rangers 10 the Spurs’ medical staff cleared him to play. “I get an MRI the next day,” fence, scoring Alex Verdugo for A’s rally from eight-run Newly acquired Jeurys Fa- that closed the gap to 10-9. Pirates 9 Indians 4 Green said of the injury suff ered Dec. 8 against Boston. “(It says) slight a 3-0 lead. deficit, stun Rangers in 10th milia (2-0), the winning pitcher After Rangers closer Keone Cardinals 4 Reds 2 (11 innings) strain, take a couple weeks off . So we do the rehab, do everything Williams sliced the lead to 3-1 Khris Davis capped a furi- in his A’s debut Sunday against Kela stranded the potential ty- Phillies 7 Dodgers 4 (16 inns) we’re supposed to do. After some time, it healed. I tried to play again. for the Phillies with a solo hom- ous comeback with his fourth the San Francisco Giants, made ing and go-ahead runs in the Yankees 4 Rays 0 Certain days, I’d have bad days. er in the bottom of the fi fth, his homer in the past three days it 2-for-2 with two innings of eighth, he served up a fi rst- Orioles 7 Red Sox 6 Some days would be good. I’d feel it. My agent (Joe Branch) said, 12th of the season. Tuesday night, a three-run shot hitless relief. pitch homer to Piscotty, the Astros 8 Rockies 2 (10 inns) ‘Maybe we should get a second opinion.’ I didn’t want to because I Grandal hit his second home in the 10th inning that gave the Closer Blake Treinen pitched right fi elder’s 14th of the Brewers 5 Nationals 4 (10 inns) have full faith and believe in the Spurs’ staff . They’ve always been great run of the game, this time right- Oakland Athletics an improba- a perfect bottom of the 10th for season, to cap the Oakland Diamondbacks 5 Cubs 1 to me. They’ve always done right by me. They’ve always done a hell handed off reliever Adam Mor- ble 13-10 victory over the Texas his 25th save. comeback and forge a 10-10 tie. Marlins 9 Braves 3 of a job.” ESPN also reported Tuesday night that Leonard won’t attend gan, for a 4-1 Dodgers lead in Rangers in Arlington, Texas. Thanks in large part to Elvis Texas left-hander Mike Mi- White Sox 4 Angels 2 coach Gregg Popovich’s Team USA minicamp this week in Las Vegas. the sixth. Grandal has 16 hom- The win was Oakland’s fourth Andrus’ fi rst career grand slam nor left with a 4-2 lead after Giants 4 Mariners 3 Popovich, the Spurs’ head coach, openly expressed his exaspera- ers this season. straight. The A’s trailed 10-2 in in a six-run sixth inning, the fi ve innings during which he Twins 5 Blue Jays 0 tion with Leonard last season during the forward’s protracted injury Maikel Franco lifted an RBI the seventh inning, eventually Rangers took a 10-2 lead before allowed four hits and one walk. Mets 6 Padres 3 absence. double into the gap in left center drawing even on a Stephen Pis- the A’s roared back. He struck out fi ve. Royals 5 Tigers 4

NBA Wade off ered $25mn over three years by Chinese team By Ira Winderman years, including former Heat players careers. The Heat open training camp in Sun Sentinel Eddy Curry, Jarnell Stokes, Mike James, late September, with the regular season as well as Americans J.R. Smith, Josh opening a month later. Boone, Quincy Douby, Kirk Snyder, Ivan hile clarity has yet to come Johnson and Lorenzo Brown. 76ers sign 2017 from Dwyane Wade regard- Wade, 36, said at season’s end that his second-rounder Bolden ing his basketball future, decision ultimately would come down to Jonah Bolden signed with the Phila- we now at least have per- continuing his Heat encore that began delphia 76ers, the team that drafted him Wspective on what constitutes a reported with last season’s February trade from in 2017. Bolden signed a four-year, $7 “monster deal” to play in China. the Cleveland Cavaliers or a move into million contract. Three days after the report of such post-basketball ventures. “We have been following Jonah Bold- an off er for Wade to continue his career Wade was accompanied during his en for a while and are very excited to with a shift to the Chinese Basketball marketing tour in China by Udonis bring him into our program as a young, Association, a report by a journalist in Haslem, who last month said he would up-and-coming prospect,” Brown said. China has the off er from the Zhejiang consider playing overseas, possibly in “He experienced positive growth and Golden Bulls to Wade at $25 million over China, as a means of securing additional development last season at Maccabi Tel three years. As a matter of perspective, playing time. Like Wade, Haslem is a free Aviv, a team led by Neven Spahija, who is Wade sought such a fi gure for a single agent. a friend of our program and an excellent season during his ugly 2016 free-agency The Heat have three open roster spots coach. departure from the Heat to his home- for next season, enough to accommodate Jonah’s style of play is that of a mod- town Chicago Bulls. Wade, Haslem and an additional player. ern-day player and we’re thrilled to grow The Heat, who are operating above the Already under contract to the Heat for our team with him.” NBA salary cap, are limited either to an 2018-19 are Hassan Whiteside, Kelly The 76ers selected Bolden, who hails off er of the $5.3 million taxpayer mid- Olynyk, Bam Adebayo, James Johnson, from Australia, with the No. 36 over- level exception for 2018-19 to Wade or Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Dion all pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Prior to the $2.3 million minimum salary for a Waiters, Tyler Johnson, Goran Dragic, the draft, Bolden played for Serbia’s KK player of Wade’s 15-season NBA tenure. Wayne Ellington, Derrick Jones Jr. and FMP, averaging 12.6 points and 7.0 re- Saturday’s report out of China, where Rodney McGruder. Undrafted Michigan bounds. He spent the 2015-16 season at Wade was conducting his annual tour for forward Duncan Robinson is on a two- UCLA. his Li Ning-branded sneaker line, had way contract and does not count against The 22-year-old last played with Mac- Wade being contacted by the Xinjiang that total. cabi Tel Aviv in Israel and winning the Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Among the reasons Wade cited for Israeli Basketball Super League title. In Association. his return last season to the Heat and 26 BSL games (24 starts), the 6-foot-10 The Zhejiang Golden Bulls, who play ongoing preference to remain in South Bolden posted 7.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, in a 6,000-seat arena, have attracted Florida was to spend more time with his 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 20.5 minutes a variety of American players over the sons amid their burgeoning basketball per game. Dwyane Wade is an unrestricted free agent and one of the biggest names left unsigned. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 26, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS SWIMMING Freestyle champion Ledecky still ‘Lochte ban shows pushing boundaries

AFP best swims are at this meet Irvine, United States and some are at Pan Pacs, I’ll take that, too.” Ledecky was 16 when she atie Ledecky, the set her fi rst world record, in US tough on doping’ freestyle phenom- the 1,500m free at the 2013 enon who bagged her world championships in Bar- ‘You have to follow the laws and I appreciate that FINA and WADA and USADA and all the 14th world record in celona. KMay, says she’ll keep trying She had improved that doping agencies are cracking down on that now because it’s something that needs to happen’ to push her boundaries as she record and grabbed the 800m looks toward the 2020 Olym- free world record before she pics in Tokyo. set her fi rst 400m free world Ledecky, who won four gold mark at the 2014 US champi- medals at the 2016 Rio Olym- onships in Irvine. pics to take her tally to fi ve, “I defi nitely walked in here obliterated her own 1,500m yesterday and it brought me freestyle world record at Indi- back to some good memories,” anapolis on May 16 - her fi rst Ledecky said. “It was the fi rst event since announcing she time I broke that one. So that was turning professional and was a memorable one, not to giving up the amateur status say all of them aren’t. But that that allowed her to compete was especially memorable.” for Stanford University. Since then Ledecky has In June she inked a sponsor- proven herself with world and ship deal with TYR Sport Inc., Olympic gold in the 200m the timing giving her plenty of free, and she remains in a class time to adapt to the demands by herself in the distance free- of a pro career before 2020 style events. arrives. Ledecky is entered in For Ledecky, 21, that only fi ve events at the US national adds to the challenge. championships that start on “I think it gets harder. It’s Wednesday in Irvine, south of not any easier being me and Los Angeles. having the times that I have to The meet is a qualifi er for go best times,” she said. the Pan Pacifi c champion- “But the work I’ve put in ships in Tokyo next month, over the past year has been re- with the two meets together ally, really good, some of my serving as selectors for the best training I’ve ever put in. 2019 world championships in “I’m someone that really South Korea. takes confi dence from prac- “Make the Pan Pacs team,” tice and translates it into my Ledecky said on Tuesday of racing. So that’s something her goals for the week. “That’s that I know that if I can train as much as I’m going to share. that way still, I can race that “I want to be my best this way still and can still push summer at Pan Pacs, but if my boundaries and see what it’s kind of split between these I can do when I step up on the two meets and some of my blocks.”

AFP how harsh USADA is now on our directly with USADA if he has a doping agencies are cracking Lochte was resuscitating a Irvine, United States American athletes,” Adrian said question. down on that now because it’s career disrupted by a 10-month on the eve of the US national He was aware of the prohibi- something that needs to hap- ban for his antics at the 2016 Rio championships in Irvine, south tion in intravenous infusions pen,” she said. Olympics, where Brazilian po- yan Lochte’s 14-month of Los - except in the case of medical lice determined the American’s ban for use of a pro- Angeles. treatment - thanks to a USADA ‘Those are the claim that he and three team- hibited intravenous “It would be nice if the rest of lecture he was required to attend consequences’ mates were robbed after a night infusion was the right the world kind of did the same when training at the US Olympic Simone Manuel, reigning of revelry was largely fabricated. call,R US Swimming stars said on thing - felt that they were not Training Center in Colorado. women’s world and Olympic Along with this week’s cham- Tuesday, they just hope athletes there to protect their athletes, Chase Kalisz, winner of the 100m free champion, called it pionships Lochte will miss next in other countries are being held that they were there to govern 200m and 400m individual “really diffi cult and really un- months’ Pan Pacifi c Champion- to similarly high standards. their sport,” Adrian said. medley world titles in Budapest fortunate” for Lochte but said ships in Tokyo and the 2019 world “I don’t think that this pun- Lochte’s ban was backdated last year, said he was made aware “those are the consequences any championships in South Korea. ishment would have necessar- to May 24, the date he received of the rule in a similar meeting athlete has to face” for break- This week’s meet is the US quali- ily been as strict if he was part of the treatment. The 33-year-old at the training centre three years ing the rules. Freestyle superstar fi er for Pan Pacs, and the com- certain other federations, to be American posted a picture of ago. Breaststroker Lilly King, Katie Ledecky noted that there bined results from Irvine and the totally honest,” said Nathan Adri- himself getting the IV on social who was outspoken in brand- had been few cases among USA Pan Pacs will determine the US an, whose fi ve Olympic victories media, which prompted USADA ing rival Yuliya Efi mova a drugs swimmers recently of positive world championship team. include 100m freestyle gold at the to open an investigation with cheat at the 2016 Games after tests or “situations” like Lochte’s Despite Lochte’s latest set- 2012 London Olympics. which Lochte “fully cooperated” the Russian served a 16-month “But we’ve seen it a little back, Adrian said he didn’t doubt Lochte, a six-time Olympic offi cials said. Adrian, 29, ac- ban, admitted it was “hard to more on the world stage in vari- that Lochte has every chance of champion, was suspended by knowledged that the complexi- see that happen to a friend and a ous parts of the world,” she said. making a fi fth straight Olympic the US Anti-Doping Agency on ties of the anti-doping code can teammate” but didn’t think Lo- “I think we all dream of the day team in 2020, even though he’ll Monday for use of the IV, which be hard to navigate. chte’s punishment was wrong. when we can get up on the blocks be turning 36 during the Tokyo isn’t allowed even though the “You have to ask a lot,” said “You have to follow the laws and know that we’re competing Games. “You can’t put anything infusion involved permitted Adrian, who said he consults and I appreciate that FINA and against completely clean ath- out of the realm of possibility substances. “We all understand with USA Swimming offi cials or WADA and USADA and all the letes,” Ledecky said. with that guy,” Adrian said. Katie Ledecky

NFL Were Bengals insane to bring back Lewis as coach? Defensively, the Bengals By John Clay Browns sign No 1 overall pick Mayfi eld Lexington Herald-Leader ranked 18th in yards allowed in 2017 before coordinator Paul Guenther joined Jon Gruden in After going 0-16 in 2017, the off season, and Cleveland head he Cincinnati Bengals Oakland. Meanwhile, Detroit Cleveland Browns already have coach Hue Jackson has repeat- held their annual pre- was ninth in total defense last a win in 2018. They got their edly said that Taylor is his start- camp mock turtle soup/ year under Austin. One con- franchise quarterback signed in ing quarterback. “I’m always orange sherbet luncheon trasting stat: Cincinnati’s de- time for training camp. competitive,’’ Mayfield said Ton Tuesday at Paul Brown Stadi- fense had 14 takeaways last sea- The team announced on during Browns rookie camp. um, and you’ll never guess who son; Detroit’s had 32. Tuesday night it has signed No “It wouldn’t matter what (Jack- was in attendance. Still, the brightest light still 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield to son) was saying in regards to Marvin Lewis. shines on the head coach. The his rookie contract, just one day the competition. I’m still going Didn’t see that one coming, Sept 8 opener at Indianapolis before players are scheduled to to compete and try and win did you? marks Lewis’ 16th season as the report to training camp. that job. So I’m going to listen to Not late last season, anyway, Bengals head coach. According to multiple reports, him, but I’ve got to go compete, when the Bengals were headed Only Bill Belichick, hired by Mayfield is expected to get and first and foremost, I’ve got for their second consecutive New England in 2000, has been $32.68 million guaranteed over to go learn my job.’’ losing season and conventional at one place longer. No matter four years and a $21.85 million The Browns have yet to sign wisdom held that surely owner how you slice it, 16 years is a long signing bonus. The deal also cornerback Denzel Ward, the Mike Brown would pull the plug time. includes the fifth-year option No 4 overall pick out of Ohio on Lewis’ 15-year run and turn “Most importantly, from Jon teams get for all first-round State. Mayfield, who transferred the franchise over to a fresh Kitna to Carson (Palmer) to picks. According to Cleve- to Oklahoma from Texas Tech, voice. Andy (Dalton), I’ve been blessed land.com, the deal includes finished his college career Alas, the Bengals ended the to have these quarterbacks that off set language that allows ranked second in FBS history in playoff aspirations of Detroit allow you to do that,” Lewis said. the Browns to recoup some passing eff iciency rating (175.4), and Baltimore in the fi nal two “They’re your lifeblood of guaranteed money should they third in yards per attempt (9.7), weeks and Brown surprised/dis- your football team. How they get rid of Mayfield and he signs tied for fourth in touchdown appointed his fan base by signing times, including a streak of fi ve they have been repackaged with After the Bengals somehow play and how they carry the elsewhere before the scheduled passes (131), fifth in total off ense Lewis a two-year contract. consecutive appearances from diff erent coordinators in Bill La- failed to score a touchdown the football team gives you as the expiration of his deal. It was the (15,690 yards) and seventh “It’s a very sturdy relation- 2011 through 2015. zor on off ense and Teryl Austin fi rst two games last year, the head coach the opportunity. off set language that led to a in passing yards (14,607). ship,” said Brown at Tuesday’s He has brought stability and on defense. Lazor didn’t assume 46-year-old Lazor replaced the Because when you’re changing delay in the deal getting done, Cleveland’s inability to find a luncheon, the only time he regu- modest success to a franchise OC duties until the third week of ousted Ken Zampese. quarterbacks all the time, you’re according to the report. quality starting quarterback larly meets with the media. that was a popular punchline last season. Austin was Detroit’s Not that the off ense took off probably changing head coach- The 2017 Heisman Trophy win- since returning to the NFL in “We know each other. We’re before his arrival. defensive boss the last four sea- under Lazor’s leadership. If fi n- es, as well.” ner with Oklahoma was the No. 1999 has prevented the club comfortable with each other. I That was in 2003, however. sons. ished last in the NFL in total No change in Cincinnati. Andy 1 overall pick after an off season from finding sustained success. think he can right our ship this Lewis has never won a playoff “We’re doing a lot of things off ense (280.5 yards per game) Dalton is the quarterback. Mar- evaluation period that did not Mayfield is the fifth quarterback year and go forward the way we game. And the last two seasons, diff erently. I don’t know that the and 26th in points per game vin Lewis is the head coach. For lack for speculation regard- the Browns have selected in the want.” the Bengals were 6-9-1 and 7-9. public understands that,” Brown (18.1). better or worse, when it comes to ing whom the Browns would first round since 1999. OK, but isn’t there an old ad- Bless the Browns, says Who Dey said. Fingers were pointed at the leadership, the Bengals opted for take. In need of a quarterback, The Indianapolis Colts expect age about the defi nition of in- Nation. Without Cleveland, the “We have put in a whole new off ensive line. So the Bengals continuity over change; boring the team ultimately settled to play quarterback Andrew sanity is doing the same thing Bengals would have assumed the off ensive system. We’ve put in acquired off ensive tackle Cordy over bold. on Mayfield over the likes of Luck in their preseason opener, and expecting diff erent results? key to the AFC North cellar. a whole new defensive system. Glenn from Buff alo, used their Insanity? Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and coach Frank Reich said. The Not that Lewis has been a Mike Brown looks at this dif- When you do that in pro foot- fi rst-round draft pick, No 21 “I know the call was con- Josh Allen. But the Browns also Colts open preseason play failure, mind you. His record is ferently, of course. Yes, the 2018 ball, that’s big. But that goes un- overall, to nab Ohio State center troversial,” Brown said. “If it’ll traded for Buff alo Bills starting against the Seattle Seahawks 125-112-3. He has coached the Bengals have the same head der the radar because it isn’t the Billy Price, then hired a new line prove out or not, we’ll see. I quarterback Tyrod Taylor this on August 9. Bengals to the playoff s seven coach as the 2017 Bengals, but head coach.” coach in Frank Pollack. think it will.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 26, 2018 7 SPORT

MOTORSPORT WOMEN’S HOCKEY WORLD CUP Confi dent India face Ireland in must win tie Red Bull see chance performance. We also discussed IANS London the goal we conceded and how we could have averted it. Our team feels we can do better than what fter a valiant start to we played against England and their women’s hockey the aim is to improve match by World Cup campaign, match,” the striker added. Rani Rampal-led India The Indians – who are placed as F1 break looms willA take on Ireland in a must- 10th in the world rankings – will win second Pool B match today. need to produce a similar per- ‘Hungary will see another tough fight with both Ferrari and Red Bull. It’s a high India had enjoyed an excellent formance against Ireland as a start to their campaign, holding defeat or a draw will complicate downforce track and on paper they should both be very fast in Budapest’ World No.2 England to a 1-1 draw things for them. In such a sce- on Saturday. nario, the Indians will have to The Indians could have beat the US by a healthy margin Australian Red Bull racing driver Daniel Ricciardo steers his car stunned the Olympic Champi- and hope for a favourable result during the second free practice session ahead of the German ons as they had taken the lead from the clash between England Formula One Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring racing circuit on in the second quarter. They and Ireland. July 20, 2018 in Hockenheim, southern Germany. (AFP) maintained the lead for most of World No.16 Ireland, on the the second half before the hosts other hand, will be coming into scored a late equaliser. Though their second match after a 3-1 India settled for a draw, skipper win against a much higher- Rani is happy with her team’s ranked US who are placed No.7 performance as they held their in the World rankings. own in front of a packed stadium Ireland are currently leading cheering for the home team. Pool B and will want to carry on “I think it was a great match, that momentum into the game a good start for us. There are so against India. many positives that we can draw “Yes, we have watched vid- from that match which will help eos from Ireland’s match against us in the upcoming matches in USA and credit goes to them for a the tournament. I don’t think good start and good defending to we are surprised with our per- hold their lead till the end,” Rani formance because we have done said. well against England in the past “In the three days rest that we and this time we went for a win,” have had, we played a few prac- Rani said. Rani further added tice matches among ourselves to that the team watched the vide- try out diff erent methods in goal os from their opening match and scoring and keep up the momen- are better-prepared for the next tum. We need to make a good challenge against Ireland. start against Ireland and keep “The entire team including up the pressure on them. We are support staff sat down for a meet- confi dent and ready for the next ing after the match to discuss our challenge,” she added.

Reuters est track,” said Hamilton, who confi dent. Budapest has won a record fi ve times at Miami race postponed until 2020 The German has won two of the circuit outside Budapest but the last three races in Hungary, never in a championship year. A Formula One race in Miami has been postponed until 2020, the including last year, and his car ed Bull fancy their Last year he sportingly hand- Motorsport series said. A street race in the United States city had has the performance to worry India captain Rani Rampal. chances in the heat of ed back third place to team mate been planned for October next year but an agreement could not be Mercedes. the Hungaroring this Valtteri Bottas, despite the loss reached. “Whilst our preference would have been to race in Miami in The Ferrari engine has be- weekend but given that of championship points, after 2019, there was always a point by which delivering the best possible come a paddock talking point, F1 pays tribute to former Ferrari chief Marchionne noR driver has won in Hungary the Finn had let him go past with Hamilton and his team wheel-to-wheel racing experience for our fans, drivers and teams and gone on to take the title in earlier to try to chase down the wouldn’t be possible in the time available,” Sean Bratches, manag- boss Toto Wolff impressed by Leading figures in Formula One have paid tribute to Sergio Mar- the same season since Michael Ferraris. ing director of commercial operations at Formula One, said in a their rivals’ evident improve- chionne yesterday following the announcement the former Ferrari Schumacher in 2004 Lewis “It’s not a power circuit so statement. ment over the last two races chairman had died aged 66. Hamilton will not lose too much hopefully this extra chunk of “We have now reached that point as far as racing in Miami in 2019 is with Vettel taking pole in Ger- “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sergio Marchionne,” sleep about that. power that Ferrari have doesn’t concerned. many. Formula One chairman and chief executive Chase Carey said. “He was While the prospect of a Dan- serve them as well there and “However, we are taking a long-term view and as a result, we have “In the cold light of day, we a great leader of not just Formula 1 and the automobile world, but the iel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen maybe we can have a decent decided, in consultation with the Miami authorities, to postpone also know and recognise that we business world overall. “He led with great passion, energy and insight, victory is of little real concern to fi ght with them,” added Hamil- sign-off until later in the summer, with the aim of running the first did not bring the quickest car and inspired all around him. His contributions to Formula 1 are im- Mercedes’ championship leader ton at Hockenheim. Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix in the 2020 season.” to Hockenheim,” said Austrian measurable. “He was also a true friend to all of us and he will be deeply what really matters is beating “But they’ve always been re- Wolff after Hamilton went from missed. At this diff icult time we extend our deepest sympathies to his Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel ally good on tyres and that’s 14th to fi rst to record an almost family, friends and colleagues.” before Formula One heads into quite a hot track so undoubtedly penalties in Germany for tacti- and was triumphant in Hun- miraculous victory. Marchionne took over the presidency of Ferrari in 2014 and helped the August break. they’ll continue to be fast but ... cal reasons to give himself the gary in 2014 but he is also fi fth “Hungary will see another rebuild the team to one capable of challenging for the world Hamilton came away from an I’ve got high hopes for it still. best shot in Hungary. overall and 82 points adrift of tough fi ght with both Ferrari championship. He was replaced at the weekend after complications epic German Grand Prix win last “Red Bull ... will be very That backfi red as he retired Hamilton. and Red Bull. It’s a high down- from a shoulder operation left him unable to return to work. Sunday having turned an eight- quick, I’m sure, in the next rac- from the race but the team say Verstappen is a point behind force track and on paper they “This is a sad day for all of us in F1. We have a lost a huge point defi cit into a 17-point lead es where it is really strong for there should be no further pen- his team mate. should both be very fast in Bu- supporter of our sport, a fierce competitor, an ally and a friend,” but he knows the stars were them. So it should be a closely alties for a tight and twisty track Vettel, who crashed out in dapest. said Mercedes Motorsport chief Toto Wolff . “Our heartfelt sympathies aligned for him in that race and matched race.” that suits their car’s character- Germany while leading on a “However, if there’s one thing are with Sergio’s family and all at Scuderia Ferrari at this diff icult time.” a hurting Ferrari will come back Australian Ricciardo, whose istics more than most. slippery track, will want to the German Grand Prix taught Williams and McLaren were among other teams to pass on their strong. new deal with Red Bull is ex- Ricciardo won from pole in atone for his dramatic error and us, it’s the fact that predictions sympathies. “It’s usually not our strong- pected imminently, took engine Monaco, a similarly slow track, he too has plenty of reason to be don’t determine race results.”

Men’s Beach Handball World Championships Asian U-20 Volleyball Championship

Qatar and Oman players in action during their Men’s Beach Handball World Championships match in Kazan yesterday. Oman won 2-1 (20-18, Action from Qatar-Thailand classification match at the Asian U-20 Volleyball Championship in 15-21, 15-14). PICTURE: Thajudeen Manama yesterday. Thailand won 3-0 (25-15, 25-10, 25-10). PICTURE: Jayan Orma

Thursday, July 26, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Shastri defends decision to curtail Ali set for recall to warm-up match

AFP the venue and the condi- London tions where you are playing the fi rst Test,” the former In- dia all-rounder added. “If we ndia coach Ravi Shastri had played four days here we England squad for insisted there was nothing would have lost that one day underhand about his side’s there because of travel.” decision to reduce their Shastri insisted India were Ischeduled four-day match happy with the practice facili- against Essex which started ties at Chelmsford. yesterday to a three-day game. “There was no complaints This is the only fi rst-class from the Indian management fi xture India will play before about anything,” he said. fi rst Test vs India next week’s fi rst Test of a fi ve- “On this entire trip, you match series against England will never see an Indian team Moeen has not played Tests since being dropped on the tour of New Zealand at Edgbaston in Birmingham. giving excuses as regards to There had been specula- conditions or the pitch. tion that India’s unusual move “Our challenge is to beat had been made in response them. We take pride in per- to being provided with green forming wherever we go. We practice pitches at Chelms- want to be the best travelling ford which, with England in side in the word. the middle of a heatwave, may “So the last person who will bare little resemblance to the make a complaint will be this surface they encounter for the Indian team.” fi rst Test. To emphasise his point, But Shastri was adamant Shastri highlighted a conver- the reason the tourists’ man- sation he had with the Essex agement wanted a day lopped groundsman about the con- off the Essex fi xture was be- dition of the match pitch on cause they believed it would Tuesday. be more benefi cial if India, “The groundsman (asked) who have already played do you want the grass to be Twenty20 and one-day inter- taken off ? I said absolutely national series in England this not,” explained Shastri. “It is trip, had an extra day of train- your prerogative. What you ing at Edgbaston instead. give, we play.” “(We are) getting in there, Meanwhile, against an un- into the Test match venue, be- der-strength side — Australia cause it wouldn’t have served fast bowler Peter Siddle was the purpose here (Chelms- among those rested by Es- ford),” Shastri told travelling sex — India were 322 for six at Indian media in comments stumps. File photo of Moeen Ali. reported by the ESPNCricinfo Four batsmen struck fi fties, website. Dinesh Karthik top-scoring “Instead of an extra day with 82 not out and captain here, I think an extra day (of Virat Kohli making 68. training) there would be more KL Rahul (58) and Murali valuable.” Vijay (53) also spent time in “More familiarity with the middle.

FOCUS Middlesex mourn wicket-keeping great Murray

By Ali Martin haul in fi rst-class cricket since last year’s they want to play two spinners in Bir- by Smith will be for the fi rst Test alone, AFP “Losing JT is a devastating The Guardian golden summer with the ball – while mingham without dropping a fast bowl- there are just three days between Edg- London blow to Middlesex cricket,” said Leach also claimed two on the fi nal day er. baston and Lord’s and continuity may be Middlesex president and former for the visitors. Beyond the new ball pairing of Stu- the order of the day. England off -spinner John Embu- oeen Ali looks set to return to The latter’s expected return, after art Broad and James Anderson, England Batting-wise England appear reason- ormer England wicket- rey in a club statement. England’s Test plans for next making his Test debut in place of Moeen look set to have Chris Woakes back on his ably settled, with Keaton Jennings re- keeper John ‘JT’ Murray “He is undoubtedly the fi n- week’s series opener with during the winter, will, as it did at New home ground after he missed the white- suming alongside Alastair Cook at the has died aged 83, his club est wicket-keeper in the history MIndia as one of two spinners Road, come at the expense of Dom Bess, ball section of the summer with quad and top of the order after his return in Leeds Middlesex announced of the club and would be one of in the squad alongside Jack Leach. who played against Pakistan earlier in the knee problems, while Ben Stokes is fresh at the start of June. That said, Surrey’s yesterday.F the fi rst names on any team sheet Ed Smith, the national selector, will summer when his county colleague suf- from claiming eight wickets for Durham Rory Burns and Ollie Pope – the leading Murray was taken ill at Lord’s, when picking an all-time Mid- today name what is expected to be a 13- fered a broken left thumb to his bowling away to Gloucestershire at Cheltenham. run-scorers in Division One – are push- Middlesex’s home ground, fol- dlesex XI. What he achieved is man party for England’s 1,000th men’s hand. This leaves one seam bowling berth ing hard and Malan in particular will be lowing the completion of their unlikely to be repeated.” Test match and will probably furnish the Bess impressed the England manage- vacant in the squad and with Mark Wood under pressure for his place having aver- dramatic County Champion- Emburey added: “He was not captain, Joe Root, with two slow-bowling ment with his all-round ability and at- out for two weeks, after a scan revealed aged 29 from his 14 caps to date. ship win against Warwickshire only a very fi ne cricketer, but options at Edgbaston in light of the heat- titude but Leach, a left-armer, is con- bruising to his left foot, it remains to be Jason Roy, a leading light in the one- on Tuesday and died later that was a fi ne man — loyal and com- wave in the UK. sidered the more seasoned bowler at seen whether Smith and co keep faith day side, is another understood to be in evening. mitted to Middlesex Cricket. He Moeen has not played Test cricket present and is expected to be the fi rst- with Sam Curran, the Surrey left-armer the thoughts of the selectors. Smith has In a 24-year fi rst career, with was a Middlesex man through since being dropped on the tour of New choice spinner when the fi ve-match who made his debut against Pakistan at already shown he is happy to factor in Middlesex his only county, from and through and he continued Zealand amid a chastening winter. But he series against Virat Kohli’s tourists gets Headingley, or perhaps unleash Somer- form across international formats, rather 1952-1975 the stylish Murray to serve the club magnifi cently is understood to have recently met Smith under way in Birmingham yesterday. A set’s uncapped Jamie Overton. than simply looking at County Champi- completed more than 1,500 in all after retirement as a committee to discuss a possible return and was then late change of direction in the selection Overton, whose brother Craig played onship returns, as demonstrated by Jos fi rst-class matches and scored man, confi dant and, most of all watched by James Taylor, the selection meeting could yet see Adil Rashid in- during the Ashes, is one of the quickest Buttler’s return to the Test side this sum- nearly 19,000 runs. supporter. panel’s newest member, during Worces- cluded, despite the leg-spinner having on the county circuit – as demonstrated mer. Many shrewd judges felt he “In many ways, it was fi tting tershire’s match at home to Somerset this made himself unavailable for four-day when taking eight wickets for his county was unlucky to play just the 21 that his last day was spent at week. cricket with Yorkshire. But Moeen ap- this week – but Curran’s all-round abil- England (probable): JE Root (capt), AN Tests for England, which yielded Lord’s enjoying a Middlesex vic- Though his county fell to a 141-run de- pears the favourite and would slot into ity could yet win out, given Stokes is due Cook, KK Jennings, DJ Malan, BA Stokes, 55 dismissals and 506 runs at tory.” feat, Moeen impressed with eight wickets the XI at the expense of a batsman – to miss the second Test at Lord’s when JM Bairstow (wkt), JC Buttler, MM Ali, CR 22, including an innings of 112 The Middlesex fl ag at Lord’s across the two Somerset innings via his most likely Dawid Malan – if Root and his court case in Bristol begins on Mon- Woakes, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson, MJ against the West Indies at The will fl y at half-mast in Murray’s off -breaks – including a fi rst fi ve-wicket Trevor Bayliss, the head coach, decide day 6 August; though the squad named Leach, SM Curran Oval in 1966. memory.

TENNIS PRE-SEASON Youzhny to end ATP career Caribbean T20 fl ing for Steve Smith

Reuters AFP Sydney Atlanta ormer Australia captain Steve eteran Russian tennis Smith will continue his return to star Mikhail Youzhny competitive cricket in the Caribbean said yesterday that he Premier League (CPL) next month would retire from the afterF signing up to replace Shakib Al Hasan VATP Tour following the St. Pe- in the Twenty20 league. tersburg Open tournament in The 29-year-old batsman has already mid-September. played in the Global T20 Canada League The 36-year-old from Moscow since being handed a 12-month ban from made the announcement after international and state cricket for his part in winning his fi rst round match at the ball-tampering scandal that rocked the the Atlanta Open 6-2, 6-0 over game earlier this year. American Emil Reinberg. Still the number one ranked Test bats- “The time is over,” the former man in the world, Smith replaces Shakib in world No. 8 said. the Barbados Tridents side after the Bangla- The 10-time ATP singles title deshi all-rounder became “unavailable” for winner said he is looking forward the tournament, organisers said. to competing in a fi nal grand Youzhny, who is ranked fect 17 of 17 points on his fi rst “It is a huge blow to lose Shakib for the slam at the US Open late next 105th in the world, still has serve and breaking the Ameri- tournament but in Steve Smith we have a month, then wrap things up at some work to do at the Atlan- can’s serve fi ve times. truly world-class replacement who can help the St. Petersburg Open which ta Open. He advances to the Youzhny competed in sev- to bring power to our batting line-up,” Tri- begins September 17. second round for a clash with eral Olympics and also won nine dents coach Robin Singh said in a news re- “I was so nervous this evening German seventh seed Mischa doubles titles. His best result in lease. “As a man who has played cricket at because I can announce I fi nish Zverev with the winner likely a grand slam was reaching the the highest level all over the world, we are my tennis career after US Open meeting top seed John Isner in semi-fi nals of the US Open twice very confi dent that Smith will be a big suc- and one more tournament. I will the quarter-finals. in 2010 and 2006 where he upset cess with the Tridents.” play my club tournament.... and Youzhny crushed Reinberg in second seeded Rafael Nadal in David Warner, Smith’s former vice cap- for his role in the scandal, will also be turn- Short at the St Lucia Stars when the all- this will be my last tournament.” just 73 minutes, winning a per- the quarter-fi nals. tain who is serving a similar 12-month ban ing out in the CPL having replaced D’Arcy rounder was called up by Australia ‘A’.