SPORT 21 in the Last Week He Started to Be Involved with the Group

Home , Anwar El Ghazi, John Hatton (cricketer)

TUESDAY 28 MAY 2019 SPORT 21 In the last week he started to be involved with the group. I’m FOOTBALL CRICKET very positive about his Pochettino says he is positive FIFA U-20 World Cup Bangladesh vs India at situation, we have one week about Kane’s recovery ahead of Portugal vs Argentina Cardiff; New Zealand vs ahead to evaluate and see how Champions League. ACTION Panama vs France West Indies at Bristol he’s progressing. TODAY’S

Angels rally to Nadal and Djokovic cruise as edge Rangers AP ANAHEIM

Mike Trout is feeling better in Wozniacki makes quick exit the batter’s box than he has all year. AFP The 22-year-old Hurkacz, who has The two-time MVP PARIS claimed three wins over top-10 players homered and drove in two runs this season, had no answer to the 2016 to help the Los Angeles Angels Defending champion Rafael Nadal got It’s always amazing to play French Open winner, as Djokovic sealed erase a four-run deficit Sunday his bid for a record-extending 12th here, the new Chatrier a second-round spot without breaking in a 7-6 victory over the Texas French Open title off to the perfect start sweat, hitting 27 winners. Rangers. by brushing aside German qualifier is very nice. It’s been an Earlier yesterday, former world “At the plate I felt great Yannick Hanfmann, while world number important place in my number one Caroline Wozniacki collapsed today,” Trout said. “I haven’t felt one Novak Djokovic was also a career. I played a good to a 0-6, 6-3, 6-3 loss to Russian world like that all season. Just got to comfortable victor in the first round at number 68 Veronika Kudermetova in the tournament in Rome keep doing the same thing and Roland Garros yesterday. first round. The Danish 13th seed had take it into tomorrow.” Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam which was very important retired injured from her two previous The Angels have a day game champion, cruised to a 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 for my conﬁdence. Now matches in the lead-up to Roland Garros, Monday in Oakland. They victory on the rebuilt Court Philippe we’ll see: Rafael Nadal and fell away badly after a strong first headed to Northern California Chatrier to set up a clash with another set. Sixth seed and two-time Wimbledon on the heels of two comeback German qualifier -- world number 114 champion Petra Kvitova was forced to wins after a five-game losing Yannick Maden -- in round two. Nadal broke after a lengthy game to take pull out before her scheduled opener streak. Trout went 2 for 3 with Nadal had suffered three consecutive a 2-1 advantage in the third, and the against Sorana Cirstea with a left arm a walk and his 12th home run, semi-final defeats earlier in the clay-court Spaniard completed the job on his first injury, but said she should be fit for Wim- tied with Tommy La Stella for season, but appeared to find his best in match point as world number 184 bledon, which starts on July 1. the team lead. an Italian Open title success sealed with Hanfmann blasted long. “(I’ll be out for) two to three weeks, “Last few weeks I’ve just victory over old rival Djokovic, while his Djokovic laid down an early marker so I’ll do some fitness and everything that been battling and thinking too French Open win-loss record now reads in his bid to hold all four Grand Slam titles I can do to prepare my body for the much,” Trout said. 87-2. simultaneously for the second time, pow- tennis on the grass,” said the Czech. “Today I just went up there The 32-year-old Nadal raced into a ering past Polish youngster Hubert Dutch fourth seed Kiki Bertens looked and hit it and felt the best. It’s a 3-0 lead in the opening set before a Hurkacz. in fine fettle, though, beating home crazy game.... Just keeping it second break of serve in the eighth game The 15-time major champion player Pauline Parmentier 6-3, 6-4. simple.” sealed it after just 40 minutes. impressed in a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 triumph and Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Aus- Trout hit a solo homer in The second set was over in a will face Swiss lucky loser Henri Laak- tralian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty saw the first inning to give the flash as Nadal crushed nine sonen in round two. off American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-3. Angels an early lead. Later, he winners past his belea- “I was very solid. I’m happy with my In the men’s event, three-time Grand and Kole Calhoun scored on guered opponent. game today,” said the top seed. Slam champion Stan Wawrinka pro- wild pitches to cap a six-run The winning “It’s a long tournament... But I just gressed with a 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3 seventh. Shohei Ohtani tied it line honed want to concentrate on my next match.” win over Slovakian Jozef Kovalik. at 5 with a sacrifice fly off Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action into view Twelve months ago, Djokovic Australian Alex De Minaur, seeded reliever Jeffrey Springs (2-1). during his ﬁrst round match when dropped out of the world’s top 20 after 21st, beat the United States’ Bradley Trout and Calhoun then dashed against Germany’s Yannick a shock quarter-final loss to Marco Cecch- Klahn 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, although Georgian home in consecutive plate Hanfmann during the French inato and even pondered skipping Wim- 15th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili and Russian appearances, with Trout’s run Open match at Roland Garros, bledon, but he has instead reclaimed his 12th seed Daniil Medvedev both exited giving the Angels the lead and in Paris, France, yesterday. place at the top of the game. the tournament. Calhoun, diving headfirst, extending it to 7-5. Wolff expects Bottas to be Law goes crackers fired up by setback for first LPGA win REUTERS “I don’t really like to eat when it’s that REUTERS MIAMI hot. I managed to force some food down LONDON my throat and I was fine after that.” On course for her maiden LPGA Tour Law had been on the brink of her first Mercedes expect an angry victory on Sunday, Bronte Law’s final LPGA Tour title three weeks ago in San Valtteri Bottas to come back round at the Pure Silk Championship Francisco but lost out in a playoff at the strongly after losing ground to started to go pear-shaped at the turn as Mediheal Championship to Kim team-mate Lewis Hamilton in searing heat sapped her strength and her Sei-young. the Formula One championship swing started to fail her. Bouncing back from that disap- through no fault of his own in Thankfully, crackers saved the day. pointment so quickly, and holding it Monaco on Sunday. “I honestly don’t think that I ate enough together on Sunday when the heat was on, The Finn is now 17 points on the front nine,” said Law after sealing proved she had what it takes to compete behind the five-times world a two-stroke win in Williamsburg, on the elite women’s circuit, Law added. champion after finishing third Virginia. “So that’s something that I’m going to in Monaco following a pitlane “I would’ve kicked myself had that carry forward for the coming weeks. Obvi- collision with Red Bull’s Max been the issue, but I could feel myself ously have a big one next week. This was Kevin Na with his wife Jullianne and daughter Sophia kneel with the winners’ Verstappen early in the race. getting a little tired. When I get tired I swing kind of the perfect way to prepare, I guess.” trophy after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Verstappen was handed a a little under the plane and start losing The “big one” is the biggest of all -- the five-second penalty for the those shots out right.” US Women’s Open. She failed to make the Country Club on Sunday. unsafe release, a sanction that The 24-year-old had picked up four cut in 2017 and did not play last year but dropped the Dutchman from shots in her first eight holes on Sunday to hopes to be vying for the title at next week’s second to fourth. grab the outright lead but the first signs of tournament in South Carolina. Na claims third US PGA Hamilton won, his fourth trouble came at the ninth where she “I don’t think you have to change any- victory of the season, with Fer- pushed her drive right and ran up a bogey. thing just because the title of the event rari’s Sebastian Vettel promoted The next two holes saw her leak drives changes,” she said. “I’ll go out there and I’ll Tour title at Colonial to second after Verstappen’s to the right again, and while she managed prepare as I did this week.” drop. to save par the Englishwoman was in “Valtteri lost a second place, danger of letting the round get away from AFP three points, and Mercedes her. LOS ANGELES, US PGA Charles Schwab

(lost) a one-two,” said team “On hole 11 I think it was I told my Challenge principal Toto Wolff. caddie, I need some food. I was kind of Kevin Na fired a final-round 66 at Leading scores on Sunday in the “From Valtteri’s point of getting so caught up in the moment that I Colonial Country Club on Sunday to win ﬁnal round of the US PGA (par- view, he will be gutted. He had really didn’t eat enough. the US PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab 70, USA unless noted): the pace on the weekend, he “I think I had a crackers or Challenge by four strokes over fellow 267 - Kevin Na 70-62-69-66 could have been on pole in something. American Tony Finau. 271 - Tony Finau 64-68-71-68 terms of raw speed and today Na continued his mastery of the 272 - Andrew Putnam 69-70-67-66, P2 (second) was the minimum classic course in Fort Worth Texas, Pan Cheng-tsung (TPE) 68-67-68-69 LPGA Pure Silk Golf I think. And that P2 was taken starting the day with a two-shot 273 - Jonas Blixt (SWE) 67-64-74-68 Leading ﬁnal-round scores on Sunday away from him. advantage that was never really chal- 274 - Rory Sabbatini (SVK) 68-66- in the US LPGA Tour’s Pure Silk “The Valtteri of 2019 is lenged.Na’s six birdies included a 73-67, Ryan Palmer 68-69-68-69 tournament (Par 71, USA unless stated): going to get out of it stronger,” 33-footer at the fourth and a 20-footer 275 - Russell Knox (SCO) 71-68- 267 - Bronte Law (ENG) 65-68-67-67 added the Austrian. Bottas has at the eighth. He rolled in a 12-footer 71-65, Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 269 - Madelene Sagstrom (SWE) still finished on the podium in at the 72nd hole to cap his four-under 71-66-69-69, Nick Watney every race so far this season, 68-66-69-66, Brooke M. Henderson par round with a birdie for a 13-under 67-68-70-70, Jordan Spieth 65-70- with Mercedes taking five suc- (CAN) 66-71-64-68, Nasa Hataoka total of 267. 68-72, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) cessive one-twos until Monaco, (JPN) 68-67-65-69-69 “It feels great,” said Na, who cele- 68-70-65-72 and has been a different driver 270 - Hsu Wei-ling (TPE) 72-67-65-66 brated with his toddler daughter, to the man who failed to win 271 - Azahara Munoz (ESP) 71-69-67- Sophia, in his arms. record of 61 on the way to a fourth- anything in 2018. He has two 64, Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 69-65-68-69 Na, 35, boasts an impressive record place finish last year. Bronte Law of England holds the wins and three second places 272 - Jennifer Song 65-68-68-71 at Colonial, where he thrust himself into He said he eyed the club’s “wall of championship trophy after winning the as well as Sunday’s third, which 273 - Cristie Kerr 70-70-70-63, contention with a second-round 62. champions” on the first tee Sunday, was still his first Monaco Grand Katherine Perry 66-73-66-68 Pure Silk Championship at Kingsmill Resort That was his third score of 62 or better “and in my head I engraved my name Prix podium appearance. in Williamsburg, Virginia on Sunday. on the course, where he matched the on it. 22 SPORT TUESDAY 28 MAY 2019 No ‘panic’ for Tendulkar as Organisers happy with security amid India slump in warm-up tie ‘moderate’ threat

AFP “In an era where big bats batting style, this is not an easy AFP itself and they have come to NEW DELHI and big scores, with occasional contract to fulfil when the tour- LONDON us with a bespoke threat for monumental battering, have nament reaches the knockout the event which is ‘moderate’ India must not press the panic proliferated ODIs, there are stage. The team thathat consistently Britain may be dealing with a -- the second lowest on the button despite losing badly to I will not judge the sstilltill some serioseriouslyusly goodgood takestakes wicwicketskets -- particularly national threat level of scale of risk. New Zealand in their first team after each and bowlingbowling attacksattacks gearing up fforor throughthrough thethe middlemidd overs -- is “severe” but officials are “The threat in the UK is warm-up game for the World every game. It’s a 20192019 WorldWorld CCup,”up,” thethe one most llikelyike to lift the confident they have the always around crowded Cup, the country’s batting tournament and CChappellhappell wrote in trophy,”trophy,” he adadded.d security measures in place for places, they look for mass cas- legend Sachin Tendulkar said. hhisis column inin AccordingAccording to Chappell, a World Cup in England and ualties, but when you look at New Zealand thrashed things like these will ESPNcricinfo.ESPNcricinfo. India -- despitedes not pos- Wales rated a ‘moderate’ the security measures that we India, one of the World Cup happen: Tendulkar “Wicket-“ Wicket- sessingsessing theth “outright security risk. have around the venues, favourites, by six wickets at the takingtaking is going pace”pace” likeli that of Recent terror attacks in around the teams, and the Oval on Sunday with only to playplay a EnglandEngland aand Australia cricket playing nations have background work we do, that Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik ampton on June 5. crucialcrucial role in ---- do hhave great heightened safety concerns actually reduces threat,” he Pandya scoring more than 20 Tendulkar also said teamsams decidingdeciding thithiss varietyvariety anda a trio of regarding the World Cup, said. in India’s total of 179. used warm-up games to try didif-f- WWorldorld CuCup.p. fast bowlersbowler who can be which features 48 one-day Meanwhile the Interna- India’s batsmen were ferent players, which waswas DDespiteespite the exceptionalexceptio in international matches in 46 tional Cricket Council said “blown away” on the green another reason not to readd too mmodernodern favourable cconditions. days starting with tournament there had been 3.2 million wicket, the Hindustan Times much into the results. gunggung-ho-ho “If“If ththere’se any hosts England against South applications for tickets -- said, sounding the alarm for “Teams are trying differentrent moisture in thethe pitches then Africa on Thursday. some four times the actual their World Cup hopes. But Ten- combinations,” he said. JaspritJ asp rit Bumrah, In March, 51 worshippers availability -- with 110,000 dulkar called for calm. “Almost all teams are not MohamMohammedm Shami were shot dead in mosque women and 100,000 Under- “I will not judge the team sure about their front-lineline aandnd BBhuvneshwarh attacks in the New Zealand 16s expected to attend. after each and every game. It’s playing 11. Several bowlers and KKumarumar aare skilled city of Christchurch while Officials are keen to a tournament and things like batsmen are rested,” he said.id. eenoughnough ttoo take full more than 250 people died in attract family audiences to these will happen,” Tendulkar “All the teams are preparingaring aadvantage.dvantage. If, however, Sri Lanka as a result of suicide matches and players have was quoted as saying by the and trying different combina-ina- the pitches sstart to wear bombings on Easter Sunday. been reminded of the need to Press Trust of India news tions in those conditions whichhich andand thethe coconditionsn are “When those incidents set a good example while on agency. would work for them,” saidd the dry, then KKuldeepu Yadav happened so close to the tour- the field. “The main tournament has former opener, who playedd in and YuzvendraYuzve Chahal nament, quite understandably “The definition of sledging not even started yet. I think, we six World Cups. are a dangerous that did cause some nerv- (verbal abuse of an opponent) need to settle down, one or two Meanwhile, former Aus-us- wicket- ousness,” Jill McCracken, the is always difficult,” said ICC games may go here and there. tralia skipper Ian Chappellpell taking com- World Cup safety and security chief executive David “India should make the most believes the Virat Kohli-led-led bination,” director, told reporters at the Richardson. of the practice matches,” added India has variety in theirheir said the Oval yesterday. “But one point we’ve Tendulkar, the highest scorer in bowling department, makingking Virat Kohli 75-year- McCracken, explaining the emphasised in all team Test and one-day cricket. them a strong contender to win old. security position regarding the briefings is to uphold a good “They should understand the 2019 World Cup beginningning “Throw World Cup, added: “The UK standard of behaviour. what kind of surfaces they might May 30 in England and Wales.ales. in Hardik national threat level sits at “Any malicious or per- get. I won’t panic at all as of Chappell said the teameam Pandya as a ‘severe’, which means an sonal comments won’t be tol- now.” which has the ability to pickpick hhandy fast- attack is likely. erated. Over the last 12 New Zealand begin their wickets at regular intervals, papar-r- bowlingbow all- “But we also work with months it’s improved signifi- World Cup against Sri Lanka in ticularly in the middle overs,vers, rounrounderder and Virat security services to assess the cantly, generally teams are Cardiff on June 1, while India was likely to lift the covetedeted KKohliohli has plenty of impact of the tournament pretty well behaved.” face South Africa in South- Cup. options,”options,” hhee added. Wood cleared for Aussies down SL; England thrash Afghanistan World Cup opener against South Africa

AFP LONDON

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been passed fit for the World Cup opener against South Africa, a team spokesman announced yesterday. The Durham quick left the field early while running in to bowl during Saturday’s warm-up defeat by Aus- tralia in Southampton after suffering a foot injury. Wood’s injury-plagued career has been blighted by a history of repeated ankle problems but hospital scans saw the 29-year-old given the all clear for Thursday’s opening match of the World Cup, against South Africa. Wood was scheduled to bowl during the warm-up immediately Australia’s Usman Khawaja (left) in action during an ICC World Cup warm-up match against Sri Lanka in Southampton, yesterday. Khawaja, before Monday’s practice match against Afghanistan but stumped on 89, led Australia to chasing down Sri Lanka’s 239-8 with five wickets and five overs to spare. He gave Australia an injury scare when will not play any part in the fixture itself. Wood has been one of England’s quickest bowlers of recent years. he was struck on the left knee by the ball while fielding. He limped off the Rose Bowl and Australia later said it was only a contact injury and he But fears over his ability to stay fit for prolonged would bat. RIGHT: England’s Jason Roy hits a boundary against Afghanistan during their warm-up tie in London. Roy punished poor Afghanistan periods remain and he has bowled a mere 13.1 overs since bowling by plundering 89 not out off 46 balls, including 11 boundaries. Afghanistan was all out for 160 in 38.4 overs, and England reached 161-1 the start of the season in a bid to reduce his workload in the 18th over, thanks to Roy’s onslaught. prior to the World Cup. Pakistan can pull off upset like 1992, says Waqar

IANS with the man who reallyyp put the wickets to his name. “I think Waqar said the top four Mohammad Amir gets on.” LONDON rreverseeverse into swinswingg bowlibowling.ng. PPakistanakistan arrive as underdogsund looks sorted for Pakistan with “He is a match-winner, In 262262 ODIs,ODIs, aandnd theythey needneed to start well. If Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul- there is no doubt about that. If Former Pakistan captain andd WaqaWaqarr has ththeyey loselose a couplecouple ooff early If we can get off to Haq doing well. he gets some rhythm back, then bowling great Waqar Youniss ttakenaken 416 games,games, tthenhen it wiwillll bebe aann uphill “Fakhar Zaman and Imam- he could be the difference for feels Sarfraz Ahmed (pictured)) wwicketsi ckets task forfor themthem afterafter that. a strong start, then ul-Haq have also done well so Pakistan. and his boys can pull off ann whilwhilee in 87 “If they don’t start wwell then you never know this the top four looks really good. “On the flip side, Shaheen upset this World Cup, much likee TTests,ests, hhee hhasas thethe negativity fromfrom series team has a history That issue has been solved. Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain they did in 1992 by winning the retureturnedrned defeatsdefeats to EnglandEngland and AustraliaA of producing magic: “But the biggest issue for me are so talented and have long coveted trophy. with 373 couldcould seepseep backback in. TheyThe have is the fielding. The fielders futures ahead of them. I am “It is 27 years since Pakistann beenbeen losinglosing a fewfew games Waqar Younis looked out of sorts in the series excited to see what they can do.” won the World Cup for the firstt and need to win eearly so against England and that could Pakistan will take on West time and this year feels like itt settlesettle nnerves.”erves.” Despite that, Waqar feels if shake their confidence. Indies in their opener on May 31. did back then,” Waqar wass Since winwinningn the Sarfraz and Co. can get their “I am sure that will get a “That first game against the quoted as saying by ICC. ChampionsC h amp fielding right, they have talent bit better but if the fielders West Indies will be vital. It is will “No one gave us a chance TrophyTroph in in their arsenal to pull it off. don’t take their chances and be worth watching that! Both and we arrived as the underdog. 22017,0 “The positive for Pakistan is catch balls and stop the extra 15 are very exciting teams and very But the momentum came andd PPakistana k that they have started scoring or 20 runs then they could unpredictable, you never know we won the whole thing, that iss havhave won big totals. They have showed struggle.” what you are going to get. the beauty of Pakistan cricket. onlonly two they are capable of scoring 300 Waqar said he looks Trent Bridge is a flat pitch “I was not part of the teamm of the plus and we saw that in their forward to watching too so there will be runs and it because I was injured just before sseven series against England. Mohammad Amir in action, will be a fun game. the World Cup, but I rememberr sseries “The batsman have got used adding the overall bowling is Despite everything having the team coming home. The tthey to the surfaces very quickly and headed in the right direction gone on in the last couple of whole country was out on the hhave have piled on the runs. They are although they looked all over months, the country is behind streets, the lights were on andd plaplayed. all in good form, especially the place against the mighty the team. They all believe these we had a trophy parade. The ffirstirst of thesthese was Babar Azam and Haris Sohail,” English. guys can win the World Cup. “It was party-mode, it wass against a ddismalismal Sri LLankan he said. “The bowling is moving in a If we can get off to a strong a carnival. Hopefully, that willl sideside aandnd tthehe seconsecond was Pakistan lost the series to good direction, with Wahab Riaz start, then you never know this happen again, but there is workk against Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe Three England 0-4 but managed to put coming back into the side and team has a history of pro- to do,” said Waqar who coachedd of the seseriesries defeadefeats have up 300+ totals on three Mohammad Amir restored. I ducing magic,” the 47-year old Pakistan, besides being creditedd beenbeen whiwhitewashes.tewashes. occasions. am intrigued to see how said. TUESDAY 28 MAY 2019 SPORT 23 Barshim’s world record ambitions resume

IAAF.COM the world all-time list since Sep- that barrier. But in my last MUTAZ ESSA BARSHIM DOHA tember 2014 when he scaled jump, when I got 2.43m at the Diamond League injured, I think it was the Born: June 24, 1991 (age 27) One year ago, Mutaz Essa Barshim final in Brussels. He’s been opposite. Mentally I was Doha , Qatar was flying high. Very high. If you want to push chasing Sotomayor since and has way above that but Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) The 2017 World Athlete of yourself to a world never come as close as he did the physically I wasn’t there Weight: 70 kg (154 lb)[1] the Year set the tone - and the record, you have to last time he dressed in his com- yet because it was the Event: High jump bar - for the season early on, understand that there is petition gear. Did pushing his beginning of the season Coach: Stanislaw Szczyrba topping 2.40m to win at the Doha body to a near-absolute limit and - it was just June. So hope- Diamond League for the second only one human being in having it break along the way fully now I can combine both. this whole universe who PERSONAL BESTS straight year. That’s a height only leave him with a renewed respect I’m just hoping for my physical Outdoor: 2.43m (2014) a dozen others had ever topped, has done that. And there for the world record? to return because my mental is Indoor: 2.41m (2015) and Barshim, then 26, had sailed is definitely a reason. Not really. way up.” clear in his first major outdoor Me approaching a world “I’ll tell you two things,” he In the meantime, meet of the year. A pair of 2.36m record, I’m definitely said. “Definitely, if you want to recovery is key as he efforts in Eugene and Oslo fol- push yourself to a world record, sets out on a course lowed, then a 2.38m clearance in trying 120 percent. you have to understand that to defend his world At the Gyulai Memorial in mid-June for victory in Ostrava. there is only one human being in title at the IAAF Székesfehérvár, Hungary, He topped 2.40m again two “It’s been a rough six this whole universe who has done World Athletics on July 2, 2018, weeks later at the Gyulai months,” Barshim, who sits that. And there is definitely a Championships Doha Barshim attempted Memorial in Székesfehérvár, second on the world all-time list reason. Me approaching a world 2019 later this year to clear 2.46m, one Hungary, on July 2 and, feeling at 2.43m, said earlier this month record, I’m definitely trying 120 where he’ll share centre good, had the bar raised to a in Doha. “Not because of the percent. You can’t go for a world stage alongside 400m centimetre highter would-be world record of 2.46m. injuries but because I wasn’t able record thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to hurdles ace Abderrahman then the all-time He came tantalisingly close with to jump. I always want to be at be careful, I’m only going 80 Samba as one of the Champion- best. He came his first attempt, grazing the bar the stadium. So me not being able percent. That doesn’t work. It’s a ships’ poster boys. He said that tantalisingly slightly on his way up before it to be at a stadium is like some world record for a reason so you he and long-time coach Stanisław close with his fell, almost with hesitation, softly part of me is missing. So I’m really have to give everything you have. Szczyrba aren’t planning to make first attempt, to the ground. He would later happy I’m back now.” Despite what might happen later. any adjustments to the training characterise it as one of his best He began with some jogging “But in terms of having more regimen that has brought them grazing the jumps ever. and light running and hopes to respect for it, I think it’s the this far. bar slightly The Qatari star followed up begin jumping again in training opposite for me. That attempt “My training in the past five on his way up with a decent attempt on his by late May or early June. As such, gave me so much confidence, that or six years has been the same. before it fell, almost second try but landed clutching a season’s debut is not imminent. actually I lost respect for the My program has been working so with hesitation, his left ankle after his third. So “Now it’s really a matter of me record. I thought, ‘You know why would I change anything? I softly to the instead of a post-victory high, his getting back in shape and then what? I almost had it’. So it’s intend to keep doing the same latest assault on Javier build myself back up to the point actually given me that extra push. thing, but of course I’m going ground. He later Sotomayor’s 2.45m world record, where I can compete.” Next time I’ll have it. Now I know to listen to myself much characterised which has stood for a quarter of Barshim said there was how to deal with it.” more. If I definitely feel a it as one of his a century, left his body broken, plenty of frustration to work Was that near-miss his best- pain or something, I’m best jumps ever. sidelining him for the rest of the through in the ensuing months, ever jump? Barshim said: “One going to slow down season. but eventually was able to take of them, definitely not the best. or stop. Oth- He underwent surgery to it in stride. In high jump you have to be pre- erwise, 110 repair the ruptured ligaments “In sport these things pared physically and mentally. percent. eight days later, and was initially happen. At the time I chose to Physically, of course it’s really I’m expected to be out of action for become a professional athlete I hard work. But it’s easier than to going three to four months. Instead, he was very well aware of this. And be mentally prepared for it. I feel for only resumed light training just I dedicated myself to that.” in the past four years I was ready it.” over a month ago. Barshim has sat second on physically, but not mentally for Villa seal Premier League return

AFP Rams boss Frank Lampard, in his marker, to run in at the far post and LONDON first season as a manager, recalled score with a stooping header. former Chelsea and England team-mate Villa doubled their lead in the 59th An Aston Villa side managed by lifelong Ashley Cole and Tom Huddlestone into minute. fan Dean Smith ended their three-year his starting side. El Ghazi’s shot was deflected high exile from the Premier League yesterday Cole replaced suspended Scott into the air and Derby goalkeeper Kelle with a 2-1 win over Derby County in the Malone at left-back, while midfielder Roos, who waited for the ball to drop so Championship play-off final at Wembley. Huddlestone took over from Duane he could complete a catch instead of A year after losing in the playoff final Holmes, injured in the semi-final victory attempting a punch, was left floundering to Fulham, Villa were celebrating a over Leeds. as McGinn steered the ball into the net. return to English football’s lucrative top- Villa manager Smith, made one But at 2-0 down, a desperate Derby flight that will be worth at least £170m unenforced change by bringing in raised their game and pulled a goal back ($216m) and as much as £200m ($253m) winger Albert Adomah instead of Andre nine minutes from time. to the Birmingham club. Green, who dropped down to the bench. Florian Jozefzoon’s cross was Anwar El Ghazi put Villa ahead with Smith’s men, who had already put nodded back in by Jayden Bogle, and a header on the stroke of half-time seven goals past Derby without reply in substitute Marriott rolled a shot into the before John McGinn capitalised on a two regular season league meetings this far corner, although Martyn Waghorn goalkeeping error to score Villa’s second season, were much the better side for may have got the very last touch. just shy of the hour mark. the first half. Injuries and stoppages meant Villa, Derby substitute Jack Marriott And their dominance was duly the 1982 European champions, had to ensured a nervous finish for Villa with rewarded a minute before the interval come through seven minutes of addi- a goal nine minutes from time but it when a precise cross by Egypt’s Ahmed tional time. Aston Villa’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the English Championship could not prevent County losing in the Elmohamady evaded the Derby defence But they held their nerve to join Play-off Final against Derby County at the Wembley Stadium in London, yesterday. playoffs for the fourth time in six and allowed Netherlands Under-21 Norwich City and Sheffield United in seasons. international El Ghazi, who had lost his next season’s Premier League. Juventus extend Italian domination but fall short in Europe AFP Amid criticism of Allegri’s tactics, Ajax’s defenders MILAN Ronaldo, who has scored 124 goals in Matthijs de Ligt 160 Champions League appearances, Massimiliano Allegri oversaw his final (left) and Daley reportedly said: “I don’t work game as Juventus coach on Sunday, after Blind celebrate past miracles”. guiding the team to an eighth consec- Juventus’ forward Despite the financial fallout of failing utive Serie A title but paying the price Cristiano Ronaldo to advance in the Champions League, for yet another Champions League (right) after de Ligt Ronaldo’s signing has been a money- failure despite the sensational signing scored during the spinning one for Juventus. of Portuguese superstar Cristiano UEFA Champions The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is Ronaldo. League quarter-ﬁnal the most followed sports star on social Ronaldo was left out alongside a second leg match in media with a global reach of over 340 host of other starters as the Allegri era Turin, in this April 16 million followers. ended with the whimper of a 2-0 ﬁle photo. More fans ultimately means more defeat at Sampdoria, having played 31 money, and suddenly Ronaldo’s transfer of 38 matches and closing the season fee does not look so extortionate. as the team’s top scorer with 21 league The club’s value on the Milan stock goals. exchange has rocketed by 133 percent But helping the team to another since his arrival last July. Serie A title was not why the 34-year- Shares jumped by 30 per cent after old was signed last summer. his hat-trick catapulted the Italian Ronaldo had spent nine glittering football club into the quarter finals of seasons at Real Madrid, lifting a fourth the Champions League in March. Champions League trophy in five Next season there will be a new seasons before moving to Italy. coach on the bench with reports that His arrival in Turin on a €100m Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, former ($115m) deal, plus a reported €30m a coach of Napoli, Tottenham’s Mauricio year, was hailed as “the deal of the Pochettino and Lazio boss Simone century” by the Italian press. previous season, with their four-year Ronaldo single handedly lifted But his hopes of a fourth straight Inzaghi are among the candidates. But after a season in which they reign as Coppa Italia holders ended in Juventus into the Champions League European triumph were ended when On the pitch Welsh international were expected to sweep all before them a 3-0 quarter-final defeat by quarter-finals with a hat-trick against they crashed out to daring Dutch Ajax midfielder Aaron Ramsey arrives in Juventus have won less than the Atalanta. Atletico Madrid. in the last eight. Turin from Arsenal. SPORT Tuesday 28 May 2019 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Nadal, Djokovic No ‘panic’ for cruise through Tendulkar as as Wozniacki India slump in makes quick exit warm-up tie

Qatari players arrive in Rio de Janeiro ahead of Copa America Qatari football players arriving in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, ahead of their friendly match against Brazil, which will take place on June 5. The match serves as preparation ahead of the Copa America, which will commence in Brazil on June 14. The Asian champions, Qatar will make their Copa America debut against former World Cup champions Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay in Group B. Japan and Qatar will be the two guest teams in the 12-team tournament that also features Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile and Ecuador. Hosts Poland Popov takes Ukraine to knockout thrash Tahiti 5-0

FIFA.COM stage as Qatar go down fighting ŁÓDŹ, POLAND Ahead of his side’s second group outing THE PENINSULA against Tahiti, Poland coach Jacek Magiera TYCHY made several changes to the team that faced Colombia, and they clearly paid off. Qatar went down fighting The hosts unveiled three new musketeers against Ukraine as they fell to in their starting XI, who were instrumental a second successive defeat in in the 5-0 win that has the team still in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup contention for a place in the knockout Group D match at the Tychy phase at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland Stadium yesterday. 2019. The 1-0 win sealed Bednarczyk, who turned 20 on 2 Ukraine’s place in the knockout January this year, is the oldest member of phase, with the European side the squad. Indeed, if he had been born two having edged USA 2-1 in their days earlier, he would have been ineligible opening tie. for Poland 2019. For Qatar, who lost to Equally impressive were Nicola Zal- Nigeria 4-0 in their tournament ewski and Marcel Zylla, with the trio almost opener on Friday, defeat means certainly assured of keeping their place for their knockout stage hopes are the decisive match against Senegal on hanging by a thread. Wednesday. Denys Popov was the While Bednarczyk is the oldest member Ukraine hero, with the Qatar’s Andri Syahputra of the squad, Nicola Zalewski is the defender scoring his second (left) vies for the ball youngest. Like his older team-mate, the consecutive winning goal at the possession against Roma academy product did not appear to 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Ukraine’s Mykola Musolitin be a first choice for Magiera going into the Poland. during their second Group tournament. On Sunday, however, his After an evenly-contested D match of the 2019 FIFA coach entrusted him from the start. first half, Popov headed home U-20 World Cup, played “I decided to go with Nicola because we in the 59th minute on a second- at the Tychy Stadium in had problems with one-on-ones in wide chance opportunity from an Tychy, Poland, yesterday. midfield positions against Colombia. And initial corner for the it’s a job he can do,” explained Magiera. “The Ukrainians. Serhii Buletsa pro- fact that Nicola is the youngest member of vided the delivery for his face Mali in Group E today, outlast Honduras 2-0 at Lublin the right-hand side of the was immediately evident. Los the team doesn’t mean that he can’t play second assist of the while Korea Republic - edged Stadium on Monday during penalty area. The 19-year-old Catrachos were stingy in from the first minute. He’s never had a competition. 1-0 by Portugal in Group F - Group C action of the FIFA defender flicked the ball tan- defence and at times over- problem competing with his older team- Things went from bad to play South Africa. U-20 World Cup Poland 2019. talisingly across the face of whelmed Uruguay with their mates, which proves he is a strong player.” worse for Qatar as captain Japan, who defeated The result saw La Celeste goal, teeing up Acevedo’s right- attacking movement up the left Zalewski could not hide his satisfaction Nasir Peer was shown a Mexico 3-0 on Sunday after secure their place in the footed blast into the back of the flank. after the win, which came in front of a lively straight red card for a late having opened their Group B knockout stage. net. But Uruguay struck again crowd of 15,000-plus in Lodz. tackle on Maksym Chekh. Qatar campaign with a 1-1 draw with Uruguay’s first was the Coming off a thorough a minute into second-half The third musketeer, Bayern Munich’s play USA in their final group Ecuador, face Italy tomorrow product of a well-worked set defeat at the hands of New stoppage time. Nicolas Schiap- Marcel Zylla, also had much to be proud of match on Thursday. with a berth in the knockout piece in the 41st minute. Brian Zealand, Honduras coach pacasse barrelled into position from his performance. When a Polish player Reigning AFC U-19 cham- stage well within their sights. Rodriguez’s delivery from more Carlos Tabora made five to finish off an elegant coun- from the Bavarian club makes headlines, pions Saudi Arabia, who lost Elsewhere, Late goals in than 40 yards out reached the changes to his starting XI, and terattack, ensuring his side a it’s usually Robert Lewandowski. But last 2-0 to France on Saturday, will each half helped Uruguay head of Sebastian Caceres on the improvement spot in the last 16. night it was Zylla’s turn. French Open: Serena overcomes slow start to reach second round

REUTERS Japan’s Kurumi Nara or Slov- She produced a see-saw PARIS enian Dalila Jakupovic. display in an half-empty stadium “I’m just happy to win today,” yestrerday, struggling to adapt Serena Williams, chasing a the American said after her to windy conditions in chilly record-equalling 24th Grand 800th tour-level victory. weather. Slam singles title, overcame a The three-times Roland Diatchenko broke in the fifth wobbly start to reach the second Garros champion is looking to game with a crosscourt backhand round of the French Open with emulate Margaret Court, who winner to open a 3-2 lead, and a 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory against claimed 24 majors spread across won on her opponent’s serve Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko the amateur and professional again in the seventh game to yesterday. eras. secure the opening set. The 10th-seeded American Williams’s haul started at the Then Williams fired up the peppered Court Philippe Chatrier US Open 20 years ago but she has engine and raced to a 3-0 lead Serena Williams of the US in action against Russia’s with unforced errors in an ugly not won a major since she beat in the second set, losing only one Vitalia Diatchenko during their ﬁrst round match of opening set before finding her her older sister Venus in the Aus- more game as Diatchenko faded the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, range to set up a meeting with tralian Open final in 2017. away. yesterday.