CRICKET | Page 4 FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 7 Coach Arthur Briton issues ODI Hamilton To Advertise here warning to fastest in Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 Pakistan Monza

Saturday, September 3, 2016 TENNIS Dhul-Hijja 1 , 1437 AH Queen Serena GULF TIMES blasts past King in US Open SPORT Page 8

SPOTLIGHT/ SOUTH AMERICAN WORLD CUP QUALIFYING Messi makes scoring return, Jesus saves Brazil Messi had stunned the footballing world in June by announcing his retirement from international football following an agonising defeat to Chile in the final of the Copa America Centenario

“I know how painful it is to suff er a Rodriguez and Macnelly Torres secured groin injury — but Messi’s character the points for Colombia, who would meant he was always going to stay on have won by more had it not been for the pitch tonight.” two missed penalties in the fi nal 10 Argentina’s win came after a superb minutes. backs-to-the-wall defensive eff ort in The win leaves Colombia level with the second half when they had been re- Ecuador and Uruguay on 13 points, just duced to 10 men following the dismissal behind leaders Argentina. of young Juventus striker Paulo Dybala Paraguay meanwhile are level on 12 just before half-time. points with Brazil after scoring a stormy Dybala, 22, was escorted from the 2-1 win over South American champi- pitch in tears after the red card. ons Chile in Asuncion. A fan who jumped onto the field kneels Argentina’s win leaves them in fi rst Oscar Romero and Paulo da Silva to touch Argentina’s Lionel Messi while place in South America’s marathon fi red Paraguay 2-0 up after only nine Uruguay’s Gaston Silva (R) looks on. round-robin qualifying campaign with minutes before Arturo Vidal pulled a 14 points from seven games. goal back just before half-time. Elsewhere Thursday, there was an A fractious second half ended with impressive win for Brazil over Ecuador Chile defender Gary Medel being sent off in the thin air of Quito, which is situ- in the closing stages as Paraguay held on. ated a dizzying 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) In the day’s other game, Bolivia de- above sea level. feated Peru 2-0 in La Paz. Brazil had never won a qualifying game in the Ecuadoran capital before, but two goals from teenage prodigy Gabriel Jesus and a penalty from Ney- mar handed the fi ve-time world cham- pions a 3-0 victory. Jesus, the 19-year-old who signed for English side Manchester City from Palmeiras in August, was outstanding, underscoring his status as the brightest talent in Brazilian football. Jesus won the penalty for the fi rst goal after bursting into the area and drawing a foul from Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez. Neymar duly converted before Je- sus doubled Brazil’s lead three minutes from time with a sublime fl icked fi nish AFP for Argentina again following an ago- to deceive Uruguay goalkeeper Fern- defeat in a fi nal with Argentina in as from Marcelo’s low cross to make it 2-0. Montevideo nising defeat to Chile in the fi nal of the ando Muslera at the near post. many years. Jesus, who like Neymar had played in Copa America Centenario. Afterwards Messi paid tribute to “I wasn’t trying to cheat anyone, I Brazil’s gold medal-winning Olympic But that tearful farewell was a distant the rapturous applause he received said what I felt. (Now) I feel happy,” football campaign, then added a third ionel Messi scored the winning memory at Mendoza’s Estadio Malvinas throughout. Messi said. in stoppage time with a crisp fi nish into goal on his return from a short- on Thursday as the Barcelona superstar In the dying minutes one young fan Argentina’s new coach Edgardo Bau- the top corner. lived international retirement orchestrated a 1-0 victory over the two- sprinted onto the pitch and nearly fl at- za meanwhile saluted Messi’s commit- The win left Brazil in fi fth place over- on Thursday as Argentina de- time World Cup winners. tened the fi ve-time world footballer of ment in returning to play despite his all in the standings with 12 points from featedL Uruguay to take control of South Messi, showing no sign of the groin the year with a congratulatory hug. niggling groin problem. seven games. America’s 2018 World Cup qualifying injury which had placed a question “I am grateful to the people for the The coach hinted Messi may be rest- In another match on Thursday, Co- race. mark against his participation, lashed treatment, for the love,” Messi said, in- ed for Argentina’s next match, against lombia defeated Venezuela 2-0 in their Gabriel Jesus (L) of Brazil celebrates Messi had stunned the footballing home the winner on 42 minutes, with sisting his retirement announcement in Venezuela on Tuesday. “If he’s not right port city stronghold of Barranquilla. with teammate Neymar after scoring world in June after vowing to never play his low shot taking a wicked defl ection June was genuine as he digested a third we won’t risk him,” Bauza said. Goals from Real Madrid star James a goal against Ecuador.

BOTTOMLINE Carreno turns attention to Uzbekistan match

By Sports Reporter ceded a goal by making an individual “We want our fans to turn up in huge Japan lodge protest over disallowed goal Doha mistake.” numbers when we play against Uz- With the Uzbekistan match looming, bekistan,” he said. Carreno said that the Iran result should Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz was all AFP, Tokyo: Japan have lodged a body. Japan’s coach Vahid Halilhodzic atar coach Jose Daniel Car- not weigh down the team. praise for Qatar. formal protest over a controversially was left fuming about the Qatari ref, call- reno has turned his attention ‘’We have now closed the book on the “We had a very diffi cult game,” said disallowed goal which consigned them ing him “unacceptable”, while Keisuke to Tuesday’s home match Iran match, we must now focus on our Queiroz. “It was a tense and highly tacti- to a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Honda wondered why there was no against Uzbekistan after next game with Uzbekistan. Playing in cal match. It was obvious that Qatar was UAE, an off icial said yesterday. extra off icial watching the goal line. watchingQ his team lose 2-0 to Iran in the Doha will hopefully help us to perform to looking to take advantage of our weak- TV replays showed Takuma Asano’s “I was right at the side of the goal, so I fi nal phase of qualifi cation for the 2018 our standards, but in order to get there, nesses in the fi rst half, therefore we had shot crossed the line in mid-air before know it was in,” the AC Milan forward FIFA World Cup on Thursday. we have to give it our all and we have to be a diffi cult fi rst half. being clawed away by goalkeeper told journalists after the game. The Uruguayan was of the opinion fully prepared when game day comes.’’ “We tried to open up the game in the Khalid Eisa, but the goal was missed by “I question why they did not have an that Qatar deserved a better result, but Meanwhile, Qatar defender Pedro second half and put Qatar under more Qatari referee Abdulrahman al-Jassim. (extra) referee for the final round of was left ruing individual errors that Correia said Qatar had more chances pressure. We had better scoring chances It turned out to be pivotal for Japan, qualifying, in which the levels of compe- cost them three points in Tehran where to score against Iran, adding his team in the second half. who were trailing 2-1 at the time and tition are high,” he said. the hosts struggled for most part of the fought well in Tehran. “This Qatari side is a really good stood to escape with a draw rather than Competitions organised by European game before clinching victory with two “We played a good match,” Correia team because it is organised and they a damaging home defeat. body UEFA have extra referees watch- dramatic injury-time goals. said on Thursday. “We were close to have good players. To be able to win the “We filed a protest... immediately after ing the goal, and World Cups and “I can only say that I’m sorry for the winning since we had more chances to match, we had to fully focus and keep the game, with a claim that the shot European Championships also employ defeat, we will be better in our next score,” the Al Sadd defender said. our opponents under pressure until the should have been judged as a goal,” goal line technology. games,” said Carreno. “Clearly we were in control of the very last moment. We forced them to Japan Football Association spokesman Japanese internet-users slammed “We had a good match, the teams game for most parts of the game,” he retreat. Futoshi Nagamatsu said. referee al-Jassim on social media, while were aware of one another’s strengths said. “There’s no doubt that a loss is “I think the goal we scored revealed The Asian Football Confederation some also praised the calm reaction of and weaknesses. Both teams had lim- never pleasing. We will continue to work the truth about the game and if one of confirmed it had received a complaint Asano. Japan need to finish in the top ited space to play in as we knew each hard. the teams deserved a win it was defi nite- which was also sent to FIFA, which over- two of the six-team Group B, which con- other very well. They were seeking to “We have just launched our journey. ly Iran. The second goal came so natu- sees World Cup qualifiers. There was no cludes next year, to seal an automatic score from high crosses but we didn’t Now we turn our focus to the second rally since Qatar had nothing to lose and immediate comment from the global spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. allow them to do so. However we con- game.” they were looking for a draw.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BOOST Silva double blasts Italy coach Ventura Spain past Belgium begins reign with loss against France Spain’s David Silva (L) celebrates after scoring a goal. AFP change in just three days and this Brussels result has no real meaning. What Italy coach Giampiero Ventura hands teenaged AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi I do want to see, though, is pas- sion and pride in wearing the na- Donnarumma his debut but the friendly match ends in a 3-1 defeat to France pain earned a World Cup tional team jersey,” he said. qualifying boost by beating However, his side had pro- Belgium 2-0 in an interna- duced just one shot on tar- tional friendly on Thurs- get during the 90 minutes and dayS thanks to a David Silva double. looked a pale imitation of even Both sides were on the re- the team that fell to Wales in the bound from disappointing Euro quarter-fi nals. Euro 2016 campaigns with new “Spain were much better than coaches Roberto Martinez for us. We lacked concentration and Belgium and Basque Jolen Lopo- intensity,” moaned Belgium goal- tegui for Spain. keeper Thibaut Courtois, who Chelsea’s Diego Costa teed up plies his club trade for Chelsea. Silva to fi re home confi dently “We were starved of the ball from the left of the penalty area and played too many poor pass- on 34 minutes before the lively es. And when it comes to mental- Manchester City midfi elder con- ity, it wasn’t great. verted a penalty on the hour. “We need to play a lot better.” The Brussels crowd booed the For Spain, who played with- home side as Spain outpassed out injured playmaker Andres them and as Belgium resorted to Iniesta, Costa linked up well with defending deep, a section of the Sevilla left winger Vitolo, who crowd even chanted the name of played in the cross that set up former coach Marc Wilmots. Spain’s opener. On his fi rst outing in the Bel- And such was the domination gium hotseat, former Everton of the Spaniards that Belgium’s boss Martinez asked for patience own playmaker Eden Hazard was from the fans. pulled into his side’s deep defen- “You can’t expect major sive play.

Nani scores brace as Portugal thrash Gibraltar Nani scored a brace as Eu- Bernardo Silva (76) and Pepe ropean champions Portugal (78) added their names to the warmed up for the start of scoresheet. their World Cup qualifying Fernando Santos’s men start campaign by thumping min- their qualifying campaign on nows Gibraltar 5-0 in Porto on Tuesday away to Switzerland, Thursday. while Gibraltar host Greece In the absence of the injured the same day. Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani took Santos will have to do without centre stage, opening the Ronaldo, though, the star scoring on 27 minutes and striker still recovering from adding a second 10 minutes the knee injury that ended his into the second half. participation in July’s Euro France’s forward Anthony Martial celebrates after scoring a goal during the friendly match against Italy at the San Nicola stadium in Bari. But it wasn’t until the final 20 final against France in the first minutes that Gibraltar crum- half. Now to see how Portugal AFP near post to anticipate a Layvin Kurzawa past an Italy side that gives little away.” est Azzurri player since 1911 when he bled as Joao Cancelo (73), does in his absence. Milan drive across the Italian goalmouth, only for Italy, ousted at the quarter-fi nal stage replaced Buff on at half-time, and didn’t the Paris Saint-Germain left-back’s strike of Euro 2016, begin their 2018 World Cup have to wait long to be called into action. Brazil’s Lucio returns to Indian Super League to spin into the far corner of the net for his qualifying campaign on Monday away to Donnarumma was quickly down taly coach Giampiero Ventura hand- fi rst international goal. Israel in Haifa. to smother a Dimitri Payet eff ort that Former Internazionale and head coach. ed teenaged AC Milan goalkeeper Gi- Ventura admitted he was “fairly satis- They looked comfortable in the early bounced in front of him. Bayern Munich star Lucimar “I am very happy to sign for anluigi Donnarumma his debut but fi ed” with his side’s performance given stages but a defensive mix-up between Ventura then introduced Marco Ver- Ferreira da Silva has returned FC Goa once again. We had began his reign with a 3-1 defeat to he had spent “only three days working Juventus pair Andrea Barzagli and Gior- ratti, the PSG midfi eld star making his to the Indian Super League a good tournament last year IFrance in Bari on Thursday. with the squad”. gio Chiellini allowed Martial to pounce fi rst Azzurri appearance since qualifying (ISL) football tournament and I hope to make FC Goa Ventura replaced Antonio Conte last He also gave Donnarumma a gentle on the gift and beat Buff on one-on-one. for Euro 2016, which he missed through as a marquee player for the champions this year,” the Bra- month and pledged to carry on the good hint that he could be well on the way to Yet Italy hit back almost immediate- injury. troubled FC Goa. zilian said in a statement. work of the current Chelsea manager fol- replacing Buff on in the near future. ly, Inter Milan striker Eder fl ying past But his arrival failed to produce the de- The Brazilian, nicknamed “Consistency is the key for lowing the Azzurri’s impressive march to “He’s a player with huge potential. I N’Golo Kante down the right to deliver sired eff ect as Pelle nodded Antonio Can- Lucio, was a mainstay of his us and I am sure that we will the quarter-fi nals of Euro 2016. wasn’t going to bring him with us just to sit for Pelle to spin around Raphael Varane dreva’s cross over the bar. national team with 105 ap- do well once again this year But goals from Manchester United on the bench,” said the 68-year-old coach. and beat rooted keeper Steve Mandanda Ventura further underlined his aim to pearances, and scored four under Zico’s leadership.” striker Anthony Martial, his fi rst for his “He’s young, but full of talent and it’s on 21 minutes. inject fresh life into the Azzurri by re- goals as a part of the 2002 FC Goa was handed a $1.6 mil- country, and Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud ei- only right he gets to experience the Italy The goal, Pelle’s fourth in his last seven placing Eder with Torino striker Andrea World Cup winning team. lion fine earlier this year and ther side of Graziano Pelle’s 21st minute dressing room.” Azzurri appearances, must have calmed his Belotti for the fi nal quarter hour. Lucio, 38, first joined FC Goa its owners were banned for strike gave France a 2-1 half-time lead. fears that a recent move to the Chinese Su- But after Belotti failed to capitalise in 2015, to play under fellow multiple seasons for violating After Donnarumma replaced Juventus ‘CAN DO BETTER’ per League would harm his Italy chances. on Alessandro Florenzi’s volleyed cross, national star Zico, the team’s tournament regulations. legend Gianluigi Buff on for the second It was France’s fi rst outing since Les But France were soon back in front, France added a third. period, the 17-year-old made one im- Bleus lost the Euro 2016 fi nal on home Chiellini losing sight of Giroud on a cor- Manchester United midfi elder Paul pressive stop before making his fi rst ma- soil to Portugal. ner for the Gunners marksman to beat Pogba threaded a great ball through for jor error for the national side. And coach Didier Deschamps said: Buff on with a well-taken volley. Kurzawa, who beat the keeper with a IN SUPPORT Barely 10 minutes before the fi nal whis- “I’m happy, we can always do better but Donnarumma became the youngest curling shot after the teenager came too tle, Donnarumma came off his line at his it’s not too bad when you put three (goals) ever goalkeeper for Italy and the young- far off his line. Infantino impressed BOTTOMLINE by video replay tests IFA president Gianni In- Italy’s Daniele De Rossi. fantino yesterday hailed Kuipers said: “I hesitated be- video replays as “a new tween yellow and red. The VAR Ref says video technology page in history” a day was very useful it gave me infor- afterF the technology had its fi rst mation in nine or ten seconds. test in France’s 3-1 friendly win Yellow was enough... that set- over Italy in Bari. tled it.” “It was a fi rst at this level with “The experience was very spared France player early red national teams. We’re moving positive. We need to help the ref- forward. It was promising,” said erees without spoiling the game Reuters who are more relaxed and con- Tests are also being conducted Infantino. “On two occasions in but in 2016 it’s not acceptable Bari fi dent.” in several competitions in Brazil, particular we used video replays. that everyone sees something Kuipers said that the yellow the United States and Nether- It’s positive.” important and not the referee,” card shown to Djibril Sidibe after lands, the Australian A-League Infantino hopes “video assist- said Infantino at a press confer- he use of video technol- four minutes for a foul on Dan- and the Portuguese Cup, plus ant referees” will be used at the ence yesterday. ogy for the fi rst time in iele De Rossi could have been a the Club World Cup in Japan in 2018 World Cup in Russia. “If we don’t try, we can’t know an international spared red in other circumstances. December, IFAB said. “If it works then of course the if it works,” said Infantino who a France player an early When the system is fully up entire footballing world would be contrary to his former UEFA Tred card in their friendly against QUICK FEEDBACK and running, the VAR will be al- happy to have this system to help chief Michel Platini, has never Italy on Thursday and cut down “There was a doubt about a foul lowed to either review an inci- referees during the biggest tour- hidden that he was favourable to on arguing over decisions, the by a French player and the dam- dent on request from the match nament in the world,” he said. the technology. match referee said. age to De Rossi and the feedback referee or advise offi cials on the And the price tag would be no “Football is conservative, The game in Bari, that France I received in only 10 seconds fi eld about incidents they may obstacle. “A lot,” Infantino re- sometimes even mediaeval,” won 3-1, featured the use of convinced me to book rather have missed. plied concerning the cost. “But said former Croatian footballer video technology to help the of- than send off the player,” the Thursday’s match, however, it’s worth it. We need to do it and Zvonimir Boban, now deputy fi cials on the pitch, although it Dutch offi cial said. was a so-called ‘offl ine test’ we will do it.” secretary general of FIFA. was on an experimental basis IFAB, soccer’s law making in which decisions were made “If we can help the referee “It will never be perfect but and did not involve stopping the FIFA president Gianni Infantino (C) speaks, flanked by FIFA deputy body, is expected to decide in without stopping play. make fewer mistakes while pro- it will clarify many things. It is action to study replays. president Zvonimir Boban (L) and referee Bjorn Kuipers (R). 2018 whether to authorise the “Yesterday, a new page was tecting the game, that’s good,” he better to help the referee than Referee Bjorn Kuipers, how- use of video technology and in- written in the history of foot- continued. crucify him.” ever, was able to act on advice fantino said that the game had certainty for the referee in con- clude it in the laws of the game. ball,” Infantino told reporters. Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers But Massimo Busacca, head of given by a so-called Video As- “made history”. trolling the game”. It has allowed video technol- “We can no longer allow that was linked by earphone with refereeing for FIFA, warned: “the sistant Referee (VAR), who sat Kuipers told a media confer- “I noted that the players ac- ogy to be used on a trial basis to the whole world sees an incident those operating the technol- referee must keep his instinct. in the stands with access to re- ence in the stadium yesterday cept decisions in a calmer man- help referees with questionable and the only person who doesn’t ogy during the match, settling He mustn’t say ‘if I have a plays. that it was a “positive experi- ner,” he said. “It’s better for goals, penalties, red cards and see it, because he’s not allowed a doubt as early as four minutes doubt someone will decide for FIFA president Gianni In- ment to have an added level of everyone, including the referees cases of mistaken identity. to, is the referee.” following a Djibril Sidibe foul on me’. That’s the risk.” Gulf Times Saturday, September 3, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DON’T MATTER Bale unfazed by losing record tag Pogba’s fi nancial AFP London

eal Madrid star Gareth Bale claimed he doesn’t care about losing the tag of the world’s most ripple spreads expensiveR player to Manchester United midfi elder Paul Pogba. Bale’s three-year reign as the most costly player in the world ended when France international Pogba joined United from Juven- tus for £89 million ($118 million, 105 million euros) last month. across Europe That fee surpassed the £85.3 million Real Madrid paid Totten- Wales’ Gareth Bale. ham to sign Wales forward Bale ‘The EPL now is a product. They have created something. The grass is the greenest it in 2013. But Bale has no prob- The previous fi ve players to do lem with letting Pogba hold the so are Enrique Mateos (in Ma- can ever be, the stadia are always full, or nearly full, and the product is very attractive’ record tag. “I’m not fussed and drid with Real Madrid, 1957), I couldn’t care less,” he said on Miguel Munoz (in Madrid with Thursday. “None of the players Real Madrid, 1957), Alex Step- have pulled my leg on it.” ney (in London with Manchester Bale was speaking at a UEFA United, 1968), Angelo di Livio Champions League gala dinner (in Rome with Juventus, 1996) to launch the ‘Road to Cardiff ’, and Nicolas Anelka (in Paris with with the 2017 fi nal being held in Real Madrid, 2000). his home city at the Millennium “We know the fi nal is in Car- Stadium. diff and it would be amazing to The 27-year-old would be- get there,” Bale added. come only the sixth player to win “I haven’t been asked (about the European Cup or Champions Cardiff ) yet but the players have League in his home city should had experience of Wales and the Madrid successfully defend the weather from the Super Cup. I trophy they won for a record ex- am sure if we get closer they will tending 11th time in May. be asking.”

Yaya Toure left out of Man City’s Champions League squad Yaya Toure has been left out Guardiola was allowed to name of Manchester City’s Champi- 17 overseas players in his squad ons League squad by coach for the Champions League Pep Guardiola, further under- group stage where City will face mining the Ivorian’s position Borussia Moenchengladbach, at the club. Celtic and the coach’s former Toure, a mainstay of the City club Barcelona. midfield since joining from City have 18 overseas players Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2010, on their books and Toure has failed to start any of the failed to make the cut for the club’s opening three Premier squad that was published by League matches. the club yesterday. He has only played once this He could yet feature in the season, in the second leg of knockout stages of the com- the Champions League playoff petition should he manage to tie against Steaua Bucharest, change his manager’s mind as when they already had a 5-0 clubs can switch three players lead from the first encounter. after the group stage. Toure had been tipped by At 33, however, Toure’s days This file photo shows then Juventus’ midfielder from France Paul Pogba celebrating a goal during a UEFA Champions League group stage football match. many to leave the club fol- at City look numbered despite lowing Guardiola’s arrival his agent saying last month AFP About 190 million euros of the Premier Despite the presence of Real Madrid although other European leagues have from Bayern Munich in the that he plans to stay and fight Berlin League spree landed in the bank accounts and Barcelona in the Spanish top divi- not yet found a formula to rival the Pre- close season, with Inter Milan for his place. of German clubs. sion, its revenues from television and mier League. reported to be interested in Among the 17 overseas play- Another 176 million euros went to other sources are less than half that of the “If you watch the EPL now it is a prod- signing the midfielder. ers to make the squad are new remier League clubs hunting Spanish clubs and 161 million euros to Premier League. uct. They have created something. The The transfer window closed, signings Leroy Sane and Ilkay the likes of Paul Pogba spent ten Italian sides, according to the transfer- “We do not want the Premier League grass is the greenest it can ever be, the however, with Toure still at Gundogan, who are yet to times as much as French Ligue 1 markt.de website. as a leader one step ahead of the rest,” stadia are always full, or nearly full, and the Etihad Stadium and his play for City, as well as captain counterparts during the transfer Enriched by a £5.14 billion domestic TV Tebas said. the product is very attractive,” said the chances of regular first-team Vincent Kompany, who is still Pwindow, but envious rivals are nervously rights deal, 13 of the 20 Premier League Television revenues are the main cause analyst. football now look slim. recovering from the injury. laughing all the way to the bank. clubs broke their transfer records this year of the diff erence between England and La Liga has in recent months taken ac- The 20 English Premier League clubs and most of those mega fees went on for- France. At 726 million euros a year, Ligue tion to cut back on empty seats in stadiums. laid out 1.165 billion pounds (1.38 billion eign players like Algerian Islam Slimani, 1 domestic rights are less than half those “They are trying to create a product euros/$1.54 billion) in two months up to who joined English champions Leicester of the Premier League. that is more available and appropriate for IMPROVEMENT Wednesday, provoking delight and fright City for an estimated £29.7 million. But Spain is showing the way to catch a global audience which is what is driving in equal measures amongst Europe’s oth- Christian Heidel, sporting director for up, according to Tim Bridge, a senior man- the value alongside what is going on on er leagues. Germans Schalke, who sold Leroy Sane ager at Deloitte’s sports business division. the pitch,” said Bridge. In comparison, Italy’s Serie A clubs to Manchester City for 42 million euros, “The key for me is the development of The German league’s cheaper tickets, New captain Neuer spent about £590 million, the German said this week that prices rise as soon as the Spanish league,” Bridge told AFP. less than half the average price of English Bundesliga £460 million, Spain’s La Liga an English club comes knocking. “They have gone out to sell TV rights clubs, keeps Bundesliga crowds high. £400 million and France’s Ligue 1 just “If English managers are on the phone, centrally and seen an initial rise in how But Germany, like other champion- keen to raise £165 million, according to the Deloitte then the (transfer) sums are automati- much they can generate, which is sign- ships, worries about losing fans in the consultancy. cally higher,” he said. fi cant. fantastic sums now being paid for players The world record £89 million that Man- “In the future, we predict the Spanish who generate as much news as pop stars. Germany’s standards chester United paid Juventus caused a NBA EFFECT league will come second to the EPL and Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas “Pogba eff ect” that helped the Italian team But Javier Tebas, president of La Liga there is no reason why they can’t kick Tuchel said fans can no longer relate to erlin buy Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain for warned this year that there is a risk of the on and generate the same amount in TV the money being spent on players. an Italian record 90 million euros. Premier League becoming “the NBA of money.” “When it’s just about money and Germany’s Bundesliga reaped the most football, and that would not be good for Bridge insisted “there will be a closing transactions, we lose sight of the fact ew captain Manuel benefi t of the English raids. us, not for the sport”. of the gap” between England and Spain, we’re dealing with people,” he said. Neuer says Germany has room for improvement when the world cham- pionsN start their journey to the BOTTOMLINE 2018 World Cup tomorrow in their opening qualifi er against Norway. Germany’s path to the fi nals in Russia starts at Oslo’s Ull- evaal Stadium and they also face Czech Republic, Northern Ire- Germany’s Manuel Neuer takes Nice not taking a risk in signing land, Azerbaijan and minnows part at a training session. San Marino in Group C of their qualifying campaign. Schweinsteiger’s replacement But having won nine, and as Germany’s captain on Thurs- drawn just one, of their 10 qualify- day, Neuer says he is honoured to me, says struggling Balotelli ing games to qualify for the 2014 permanently replace the Man- World Cup, standards dropped in chester United star and Philipp AFP Ben Arfa returned to his home “The career that I have had, their Euro 2016 qualifi ers. Lahm, who led Germany to the Nice country after a diffi cult time in it’s diff erent to what has They suff ered uncharacteris- 2014 World Cup title. England and ended last season been written in the press. tic away defeats to Poland and “I am especially proud to be by being nominated for France’s To me I don’t represent a Ireland on the road to June’s captain. Philipp Lahm did a great ayward Italian player of the year award. risk. I have had fi tness prob- European championships in job, as did Bastian, and I hope striker Mario Ba- He was recalled to the nation- lems, but a risk? No!” France, but still fi nished top of I can follow in their footsteps,” lotelli has insisted al set-up and joined champions their group, and Neuer says ‘die said Neuer, after Schweinsteiger that French club Paris Saint-Germain over the Nice was “purely sporting”. Mannschaft’ can do better on the played his fi nal international in WNice have not taken a risk in summer. “My priority was to play. I road to Russia. Wednesday’s 2-0 friendly win signing him from Liverpool. Balotelli struggled on loan at spoke to the coach (Lucien Fa- “We don’t know Norway that over Finland. “The career that I have had, former club AC Milan last sea- vre) and he really wanted me. I well, as we haven’t played them Having made his interna- it’s diff erent to what has been son having made little impact at hope that this year will be very that much in recent years, but tional debut in 2009, in a 7-2 win written in the press,” Balotelli Liverpool in the previous cam- good. That’s all!” we have analysed them and want against the United Arab Emir- said at a press conference yes- paign. Balotelli could make his Nice to make sure we take the three ates in Dubai, Neuer has kept 25 terday as he and fellow new During his Manchester City debut in the Mediterranean der- points in Oslo,” said Bayern Mu- clean-sheets in his 71 Germany signing Younes Belhanda, the days he became better known by at home to Marseille on Sun- nich goalkeeper Neuer. appearances. French-born Moroccan interna- for his off -fi eld antics, and one day, September 11. “We didn’t have the best quali- Despite being made perma- tional playmaker, were unveiled. journalist asked Balotelli if Nice “He has enormous qualities. fying tournament for Euro 2016, nent skipper, the Oslo qualifi er “To me I don’t represent a Nice’s new signing Italian forward Mario Balotelli poses yesterday at supporters should be worried I have seen clips of his best mo- so there is room for improvement. will actually be the 15th inter- risk. I have had fi tness problems, the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, southeastern France. about the number of nightclubs ments and it was impressive, “We are very motivated. We national where Neuer has cap- but a risk? No!” on the Cote d’Azur given the but this is a long-term job,” said want to win the four games we tained his country. The 26-year-old signed a ing their new recruit an annual pleasure,” said Nice president Italian’s reputation as some- Swiss coach Favre. have until November,” he added, He was also skipper in fi ve of one-year deal at the Allianz salary of 4.5 million euros (3.8 Jean-Pierre Rivere, whose club thing of a party boy. “Everything will depend on with home games against Czech Germany’s six matches at June’s Riviera after being allowed to million pounds, $5 million). helped successfully relaunch the “I prefer not to hear that how willing he is. His fi tness is the Republic and Northern Ireland Euro 2016 which Schweinsteiger leave Anfi eld on a free transfer, “We know the risk we are career of France forward Hatem question,” replied the player, basis. Otherwise, I have no doubts then San Marino, also to come. had started on the bench after but Nice are reported to be pay- taking, but it’s one I take with Ben Arfa last season. who insisted his decision to join about his technical ability.” Having been named as Bastian recovering from a knee injury. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 3, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT RESTED Starc, Hazlewood Coach Arthur to miss SA ODIs issues one-day warning to Pak Pakistan have a tough schedule as they try to improve their ranking, with the ICC system also factoring into account the quality of a team’s opposition Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc (C) celebrates with teammates AFP after he dismissed Sri Lankan batsman Avishka Fernando (R) during Leeds the fourth one day international (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia at The Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla on August 31. akistan coach Mickey Arthur made it clear some members of his one-day side were on bor- AFP up-and-coming fast bowlers to Prowed time after another defeat Sydney push for selection. by England raised fears the team might Marsh said that with a number not qualify automatically for the 2019 of bowlers returning from injury, World Cup. ace pair Mitchell Starc it was important for the national England beat Pakistan by four wickets and Josh Hazlewood team to continue to build up a at Headingley on Thursday to go 4-0 up will be rested for this battery of quality fast-bowlers. in a fi ve-match one-day international month’s one-day inter- Earlier this week Australian series. Pnational series in South Africa, paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile Once England had restricted Pakistan Cricket Australia said yesterday. was ruled out for an indefi nite to a modest 247 for eight, with only skip- Starc and Hazlewood would be spell after returning home early per Azhar Ali (80) and Imad Wasim (57 stood down to allow them time from the Sri Lanka ODI series not out) getting beyond 24 for the tour- to refresh ahead of the Australian with a serious back injury. ists in this day/night fi xture, it was always summer season, CA said. CA said Hazlewood would re- going to take a remarkable display in the “Mitchell and Josh have had turn home immediately from the fi eld to prevent a home win. big tours of Sri Lanka and have tour of Sri Lanka and Starc would Mohamed Irfan rocked England with a heavy workload ahead of them remain with the side for the re- two early wickets but, much too Arthur’s with ten Tests to be played this maining ODI and two T20 Inter- annoyance, the giant paceman only (domestic) summer,” chief selec- nationals against Sri Lanka. bowled half of his allotted 10 overs be- tor Rod Marsh said. The squad for the tour of South cause of a calf problem. “As such, it is important they Africa will be named following Pakistan started this series ninth in are managed appropriately and the fi nal ODI against Sri Lanka. the International Cricket Council ODI we believe missing the tour of The tour consists of one ODI rankings, with only tournament hosts South Africa is the right time for against Ireland and fi ve against England and the top seven in the stand- them to take a break.” South Africa, with the fi rst ings come the end of September next year Pakistan’s Mohamed Irfan Marsh added that this would match to be played against Ire- qualifying automatically for the 2019 celebrates after dismissing serve as a good opportunity for land on September 27. World Cup. England’s Jason Roy (R) during The remaining places for the slimmed- the fourth one-day interna- down 10-team tournament will be de- tional (ODI) on Thursday. Irfan, MOVE cided at a 2018 qualifying event in Bang- however, failed to complete his ladesh. full quota of 10 overs. While a World Cup without 1992 champions Pakistan remains unlikely, it Bangladesh hire is by no means unthinkable. This is a scenario that will frighten both their legions of loyal fans and ICC Samaraweera as chiefs who could see their showpiece “We’ve got two series against West In- national academy and did his training.” the last four games,” said Arthur ahead of tournament deprived of a money-spin- dies that we have to play well in — West Arthur, now coaching his third Test Sunday’s series fi nale in Cardiff . ning match between Pakistan and arch- Indies are a decent one-day outfi t. side after spells in charge of his native He then made it clear how he envied batting consultant rivals India. “Between them we are sandwiched South Africa and Australia, added: “I’m an England side who, in an encouraging “It is what it is,” said Arthur, who only with an ODI series in Australia which is fi nding my way with the one-day team. sign for Pakistan, were a laughing stock took over as Pakistan coach in May. “I incredibly tough,” explained Arthur who, “I want to give guys opportunities and in 50-over cricket as recently as last year AFP of international cricket, includ- hate the phrase, but we are number nine in contrast to the team’s white-ball form, then we’ll know by the end of the tour following their fi rst-round exit from the Dhaka ing a tour to New Zealand in in the world and we can see why.” saw Pakistan rise to the top of the Test who we can and can’t take forward.” 2015 World Cup. December-January and maiden Pakistan have a tough schedule as they rankings following a 2-2 drawn series For the fi rst time this series, Pakistan “England are a phenomenal cricket Test in India in February. try to improve their ranking, with the ICC with England earlier in the tour. had a chance of victory when England team, power-hitters all the way down,” angladesh yester- “We have confi rmed the serv- system also factoring into account the As for late call-up Irfan’s fi tness prob- slumped to 72 for four at Headingley. said Arthur. day named former Sri ice of Samaraweera as our bat- quality of a team’s opposition. lems in his fi rst match of the tour, Arthur But a century stand featuring plenty “We haven’t been able to get quick Lankan cricketer Thilan ting consultant for England se- “When I saw the fi xture list, the games said: “It’s very frustrating. of power-hitting from all-rounder Ben starts and clear the ropes. We just don’t Samaraweera (pictured ries,” Hassan told reporters. aren’t easy,” said Arthur, whose side have “There were checks and balances in Stokes (69) and wicket-keeper Jonny have the players to do that within our Bbelow) as their batting consult- “Fielding coach Richard Hal- at least qualifi ed for next year’s Cham- place (regarding Irfan’s fi tness). Bairstow (61) took the match away from group of 15 at the moment. ant for next month’s home series sall will now work as the assist- pions Trophy, ‘the mini World Cup,’ in “He was put on standby when we se- Pakistan. “I look at the strikers England have at against England. ant coach. We are also looking England. lected our one-day squad, he went to the “It’s been an eye-opener for for me, their disposal — it’s unbelievable.” Samaraweera’s appointment for a spin bowling coach.” came a day after former West Bangladesh recently termi- Indies great Courtney Walsh nated the contract of the na- BOTTOMLINE agreed a three-year term to be- tional team’s Sri Lankan assist- come the specialist pace bowling ant coach Ruwan Kalpage after coach of the Bangladesh Cricket he failed to turn up for a training Board (BCB). camp. BCB president Nazmul Has- England will arrive in Dhaka san said the board was in the on September 30 to play two process of appointing more Tests and three one-day inter- Wicket-keeper Bairstow coaching staff ahead of a flurry nationals. wants one-day role for keeps

AFP make the most of any one-day chances Leeds he gets, however late they come. “It was about 32 minutes before the start,” Bairstow said after being asked onny Bairstow is determined to when he knew he was playing in front of nail down a place in England’s his adoring Yorkshire public on Thursday. one-day team after his latest ‘su- “Trev came over and just said, ‘You’re persub’ display helped condemn in’.” PakistanJ to a defeat on his Headingley However, with England on the up in home ground. one-day cricket, Bairstow wants to be First-choice Test wicket-keeper more than a white-ball ‘reserve’. Bairstow was only told he was playing by “It’s a special group of players and we England coach Trevor Bayliss just over believe we can go a long way in world half an hour before the start of Thurs- competitions and series,” he said. day’s match after regular one-day glove- “But naturally I’m frustrated not to be man Jos Buttler suff ered a hamstring in- in that XI week in week out. jury in the warm-up. “Every time I get an opportunity I want Bairstow responded with an assured to try to impress and that’s all I can do. display behind the stumps. “Whether that be keeping wicket, just He then made a brisk 61 and helped playing as a batter, batting at one or 11 — Former Australia batsman Maddocks dies Ben Stokes (69) add 103 for the fi fth every time you go out there you try to do wicket as England, who had stumbled to your best. Sydney: Australia’s oldest Test rian Cricket Association board 72 for four chasing a target of 248, even- “You’ve just got to take it on the chin, cricketer, Len Maddocks, has director. tually won by four wickets to go 4-0 up in crack on and hope you take the oppor- passed away aged 90, Cricket “Len made an outstanding this fi ve-match series. tunity when it does come along,” added Australia said yesterday. contribution to cricket in Last year Bairstow guided England to Bairstow ahead of Sunday’s series fi nale Maddocks, a batsman and his lifetime within state and a one-day series clinching win over New in Cardiff . wicket-keeper, played seven national ranks, both as a player Zealand — a key-staging post in their re- Bairstow, the son of late former York- Tests for Australia between and administrator,” Cricket covery from a dismal fi rst-round exit at shire and England wicket-keeper David 1954 and 1956, and managed Australia chief executive James the 2015 World Cup — with an unbeaten Bairstow, looked considerably younger the Australian cricket team on Sutherland said. 83 at Chester-le-Street after Buttler was England’s Jonny Bairstow (L) appeals as Pakistan’s Mohamed Rizwan is dismissed leg than his 26 years on Thursday, having its 1977 tour of England. “We were deeply saddened to ruled out with a hand injury. before wicket on Thursday. shaved off his beard after receiving a He played 112 first-class hear of Len’s passing this week There has been talk of England, the message from his mother, Janet, a Head- matches, representing Victoria and are truly appreciative of his hosts of both the 2017 Champions Bairstow in the same white-ball side, But in the meantime Bairstow, who ingley administrator. and Tasmania, and was also a dedication to assist in building Trophy and 2019 World Cup one-day with one of them featuring as a specialist has already scored nearly 1,000 runs “I got told off by my Mum,” said Jonny. national selector and a Victo- the game to what it is today.” tournaments, playing both Buttler and batsman. in Test cricket this year, is desperate to “My Grandma had been on the phone.” Gulf Times Saturday, September 3, 2016 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Seahawks rally past Raiders 23-21 Giants get no relief By Bob Condotta through the left side for 8 be- The Seattle Times fore he was tackled by former Seahawk Korey Toomer. Rawls came out on third eremy Lane sat before down in favor of C.J. Prosise_ the game and Thomas who is the team’s designated Rawls ran during it. third-down back. Otherwise, there was That was all Rawls played. in 5-4 loss to Cubs Jlittle memorable about Seat- But that was enough for tle’s preseason fi nale at Oak- Seattle to feel good about how land Thursday night, as the Rawls enters the regular season ‘It’s just frustrating because you want to get the result no matter what’ Seahawks rallied to beat the having made an on-time re- Raiders, 23-21 Seattle trailed covery from a devastating inju- most of the game but scored ry that ended a fabulous rookie By Andrew Baggarly three times in the fourth quar- season in which he rushed for The Mercury News ter to take control. 830 yards and 5.6 yards per The Seahawks grabbed the carry. lead when defensive end Ryan Christine Michael, who got ruce Bochy has 11 choic- Robinson returned an inter- the start, had two carries for no es in his bullpen now ception of a Connor Cook pass yards on the fi rst series before that rosters have ex- 42 yards for a touchdown to put also taking a seat for the rest panded. Seattle ahead 9-8 with 10:29. of the night, having long ago BHe’ll have an even dozen when The ball pretty much fell into earned a spot on the team and the Giants activate newly desig- Robinson’s hands after Cook likely to complement Rawls nated reliever Matt Cain. threw a hurried pass on a boot- once the regular season begins Bochy is not the type to let leg as he was hit by Seattle line- on September 11 against Mi- pantry items linger past their backer Eric Pinkins. ami. expiration date. But when you The Seahawks (3-1) went for But after the second series, it are trying to hold a one-run lead two and didn’t get it. was almost nothing but back- against the Chicago Cubs, some- The Seahawks added a 5-yard ups for each team, and the to- times it doesn’t matter how you touchdown run by Troymaine be-expected sloppy play en- try to bake the cake. Pope to make it 16-8 to cap a sued from there. It’ll end up getting sat upon. 63-yard drive propelled mostly There were 10 punts in the Cory Gearrin, the fourth re- by running from Pope and Alex fi rst half with the Seahawks liever in the seventh inning, gave Collins, who added the fi nal moving past midfi eld just once up a two-run, broken-bat hit to Seahawks TD on a 1-yard run. and never threatening to score. Addison Russell and the Giants Oakland’s George Atkinson The Raiders (1-3) scored in opened a challenging four-game returned the ensuing kickoff 81 fi tting fashion when Seattle series at Wrigley Field with a 5-4 yards for the fi nal touchdown. backup quarterback Trevone loss Thursday night. In what was Seattle’s fi rst Boykin was hurried while at- “It obviously felt like I had a game since San Francisco tempting to throw from his good game plan,” Gearrin said. quarterback Colin Kaepernick end zone and was called for “Made two good pitches and sat during the national anthem grounding, offi cially ruled a broke his bat and he just found a last Friday protesting the treat- safety and giving Oakland a hole. It’s just frustrating because ment of people of colour, Lane 2-0 lead. you want to get the result no followed suit, sitting through- That’s where it stood until matter what. At the same time out a performance of the song the third quarter, when each as a pitcher, you can only do so by saxophonist Mike Phillips. team got a fi eld goal. much.” Lane then took his usual spot The Raiders added another The Giants’ defi cit in the NL at cornerback during Oakland’s early in the fourth quarter to West is two games behind the fi rst series and then retreated make it 8-3. idle Los Angeles Dodgers; the to the sideline for the rest of Fourth preseason games are Giants continue to lead in the NL the game, as did most of the mostly a fi nal showcase for wild-card picture, in which they rest of the team’s starters, the players attempting to make the are 1{ games ahead of the Cardi- usual routine for a fi nal presea- team. nals and 3{ games in front of the son game. But highlight performances New York Mets. Taking the fi eld just after were especially hard to fi nd They were poised to im- Lane left it was Rawls, who had on off ense much of the night prove their standing against the not played since last Dec. as the Seahawks had just 138 league’s best team, even after the 13 when he suff ered a broken yards through three quarters, Cubs harassed Jeff Samardzija ankle as well as dislocated liga- and just 40 yards rushing on into a career-high 47-pitch fi rst ments in a game at Baltimore. 16 carries - 21 coming on two inning that virtually assured the Entering on a series that be- scrambles by Boykin. visiting bullpen would be lit- gan at Seattle’s 14, Rawls got Boykin, though, had trouble tered with spike marks. two carries. consistently moving the of- Hunter Pence hit a two-run On his fi rst carry, Rawls got fense early, completing 6 of home run in the fi rst inning and the ball out of I-formation 12 passes for 59 yards through the Giants led 4-3 after taking but the Raiders got good pen- three quarters. advantage of some wild pitching etration and Rawls was hit for a Jake Heaps played much of and erratic defense. 1-yard loss. the third quarter and was 4 of They carried the baton until On his second carry, Rawls 6 for 27 yards before Boykin the seventh, when fi ve Giants re- was able to peck his way returned in the fourth quarter. lievers pitched well but could not stanch a two-run rally. Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (right) celebrates with third baseman Kris Bryant their 5-4 win against the San Francisco Giants at Hunter Strickland absorbed a Wrigley Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports comebacker from Dexter Fowler Trailblazer Gomez retires from NHL and his scooping throw arrived a wards Jr. recorded a 1-2-3 ninth this ballpark. pitches before Samardzija re- three innings, when he retired Trailblazing Ottawa Senators Devils which saw him net 33 moment too late. to record the save. By the time Cubs No. 5 bat- corded a second out, which came nine of 10 batters. But the early center Scott Gomez, the first goals with 51 assists. Then Strickland pitched care- The Giants were 47-28 when ter Jason Heyward stepped to after Heyward hit a soft single damage to his pitch count – he Hispanic player in the NHL, Gomez played seven seasons fully to NL MVP front-runner they hit a home run, but it made the plate, the question wasn’t that tied the score. stood at 87 through four – pre- confirmed his retirement from with the Devils before switch- Kris Bryant while issuing a walk. no diff erence this time. The Gi- whether Samardzija would hold Then Chris Coghlan, whom vented him from taking the the sport on Thursday after 16 ing to the New York Rangers in Bochy tabbed left-hander ants (72-61) appeared ready to the lead but whether he would the Cubs called up perhaps mo- mound to try to qualify for a win. seasons. a $51.5mn (46mn euros) move Will Smith, who recorded a squander another fi rst-inning survive the inning. tivated in part by his beefy career The Giants led 4-3 after three “I have decided to stop roam- ahead of the 2007-08 season. strikeout and a pop-up on lefty opportunity after Denard Span The Cubs were relent- numbers against Samardzija, innings because of some sloppy ing aimlessly on the ice and He lasted two years with the hitters Anthony Rizzo and Jason hit a leadoff double and Buster less, starting with Fowler as he hocked a double over fi rst base to pitching and defense. call it a career,” Gomez, 36, Rangers before later stints Heyward, sandwiched around a Posey couldn’t score him from worked a 13-pitch walk to start put them ahead 3-2. They scored a run in the sec- wrote on Twitter. “I had a fun with the Montreal Canadiens, walk to Ben Zobrist. third base with one out. Samardzija’s evening. Samardzija intentionally ond inning on a hit batter, a wild and fulfilling NHL career.” San Jose Sharks, Florida Gearrin was next, and Russell But Pence followed Posey’s The right-hander had a long walked No. 8 batter David Ross pitch and a sacrifi ce fl y from Gomez played on two Stanley Panthers, St. Louis Blues and was strong enough to pull an in- soft grounder by taking a rip at way to go down a diffi cult road, and struck out Montgomery on Samardzija. They scored again Cup-winning teams with the Senators. side pitch into shallow left fi eld a belt-high fastball from Mike and Fowler put a rock in his shoe. his 47th pitch – one more than in the third when Posey walked, New Jersey Devils and won to score two runs. Although both Montgomery and sending it into Fowler advanced on a wild his career high for an inning. moved up on Pence’s single and the Calder Memorial Trophy starters only lasted through four the left fi eld bleachers. pitch and scored on Bryant’s The most remarkable part was scored on second baseman Zo- for rookie of the year in the innings, the Cubs’ Joe Maddon It was Pence’s ninth home run well-placed single. It took 23 that Samardzija did not appear brist’s throwing error. 1999-2000 season. needed to use just three relievers. of the season and just his second pitches before Samardzija re- to miss Posey’s glove too many He hangs up his skates with New acquisition Joe Smith in 101 at-bats since returning corded an out, when fi rst base- times. The Cubs merely did an Results 181 goals and 756 points from stymied the Giants in the sev- from hamstring tendon surgery. man Brandon Belt made a div- uncanny job of laying off com- Atlanta 9 San Diego 6 1,079 career games, with his enth and eighth, and with Samardzija inherited a 2-0 ing stop of Anthony Rizzo’s petitive balls and fouling off the Miami 6 NY Mets 4 best season remaining the Aroldis Chapman unavailable lead, which aff ords little margin grounder and threw for a force rest. Samardzija got results that Chicago Bulls 5 San Francisco 4 2005-06 campaign with the because of heavy use, Carl Ed- for error against this lineup in play at second base. It took 37 matched his stuff in the next Minnesota 8 White Sox 5

SPOTLIGHT Kaepernick defi ant aft er anthem protest booed

AFP Eric Reid, who also knelt — came everybody is coming from.” time on his protest, but said he controversy earlier Thursday af- San Diego on a night when the Chargers Kaepernick’s stance has won had been inspired by messages ter it emerged he had worn socks honoured US military personnel applause from veteran civil of support urging him to press during training that depicted in a “Salute to the Military.” rights campaigners and sport- ahead. cartoon pigs wearing police hats, an Francisco 49ers quar- After a pre-match ceremony ing icons including Tommie “As far as how long this goes, drawing condemnation from the terback Colin Kaepernick loaded with military pageantry Smith, the sprinter who was I’m not sure,” he said.”I want to head of the National Association vowed to maintain his — 240 sailors, Marines and sol- ostracised for his clenched fi st be able to eff ect change and I of Police Organizations. boycott of the US na- diers presented a US fl ag while salute alongside John Carlos at think there are a lot of other peo- However, Kaepernick said he tionalS anthem on Thursday after the anthem was sung by a Navy the 1968 Mexico City Olympic ple that want to do that as well. had no regrets about criticising being roundly booed for once petty offi cer — Kaepernick was Games. “I think there are conversa- police offi cers after a string of again refusing to stand during a booed relentlessly every time he Military veterans have also tions happening not only in NFL high-profi le cases involving the rendition of the song. took to the fi eld. rallied to his cause, with many locker rooms, but around the deaths of often unarmed black Kaepernick has triggered A banner in the crowd read: pledging support on Twitter un- country. I’ve had friends that men. “We have cops that are furious debate in the United “You’re an American. Act like Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers poses with fans after a der a #VeteransforKaepernick aren’t on football teams say ‘I re- murdering people. We have cops States for his protest of “The one.” 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers during a preseason game at hashtag. spect what you’re doing, I sup- in the (San Francisco Police De- Star Spangled Banner” which he However, the jeering did lit- Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (AFP) Citing the high rates of suicide port you.’” partment) that are blatantly rac- hopes will draw attention to the tle to deter Kaepernick, who amongst US military veterans, “I’ve had more conversations ist,” he said. “And those issues plight of blacks in America. impressed during two quarters, inee Donald Trump described charges of not being patriotic. Kaepernick added: “This coun- about human rights and oppres- need to be addressed. The 28-year-old crouched leading his team on a 16-play Kaepernick’s anthem boycott as “I’m not anti-American, I love try will let those vets go and fi ght sion and things that need to change I have uncles and friends that on one knee during the anthem opening drive for an early touch- a “terrible thing,” suggesting the America, I love people. That’s the war for them but when they in the past week than I’ve had in are cops and I have great respect on Thursday as the 49ers faced down to put the 49ers ahead. player should move to another why I’m doing this. I want to come back they won’t do any- my entire life,” he added.”The fact for them. They genuinely want the San Diego Chargers at the Kaepernick’s protest has di- country. help make things better,” he told thing to try to help them. that those conversations are hap- to help and protect people, but Qualcomm Stadium in Southern vided opinion, with many de- reporters. “That’s another issue. These pening is a start.” that’s not the case with all cops.” California. crying his actions as disrespect- ‘I love America’ “And I think having these con- issues need to be addressed.” “The cops that are racist and His latest protest — which ful or unpatriotic. Speaking after the game, versations helps everybody have Kaepernick meanwhile said he ‘Blatantly racist’ murdering people are putting drew support from teammate Republican presidential nom- Kaepernick brushed off the a better understanding of where was not sure when he may call Kaepernick had stoked fresh other cops in danger,” he added. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 3, 2016 SPORT

CYCLING RUGBY South Africa among four bids Italian Conti leaves for 2023 World Cup

AFP Dublin

espite government opposition, South Africa feature rivals trailing to win among the four candidates to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Rugby World announced yesterday. South Africa — who won the trophy when they previ- ouslyD hosted the global showpiece in 1995 — will contest the race with Ireland, Italy and France. France hosted the World Cup in 2007 — South Africa winning the title for the second time — whilst Ireland hosted games in the 1991 edition. Vuelta 13th stage South Africa Rugby are seeking to host the event despite a gov- ernment ban on them staging international events since early this year because they failed to meet two of 13 racial transformation ‘It’s my first victory in a Grand Tour and it’s a great feeling. This morning I felt perfect’ targets. SAR hope that when the next report on transformation is re- leased they will meet all targets and be eligible to host the World Reuters Cup. Barcelona “We are confi dent that the suspension will be lifted at the next reporting of the EPG (Eminent Persons’ Group which evaluates racial transformation in sport),” said SAR chief executive Jurie talian Valerio Conti eased to a com- Roux. manding victory in stage 13 of the Tour Rugby was not alone in being banned for bidding for events as of Spain, the longest of the race, fi nish- cricket, netball and athletics also failed their criteria. ing 55 seconds clear of his closest chal- Rugby World president Bill Beaumont said the four runner fi eld Ilengers and over half an hour ahead of the refl ected the increasing strength of appeal of the sport after a peloton yesterday. hugely successful hosting by England last year. Colombian Nairo Quintana retained Chief among the successes at the 2015 renewal were Japan who the red jersey, maintaining his 54-second beat South Africa in a stunning upset, a timely victory given they lead over Tour de France champion Chris host the 2019 World Cup. Froome and his 65-second advantage over “We are delighted by the strong level of serious interest from Alejandro Valverde after the trio fi nished unions and governments, which truly underscores the enor- together in the peloton. mous hosting appeal of Rugby World Cup as a low-investment, The 23-year-old Conte raced clear of the low-risk, high-return economic, social and sporting driver,” said fi ve-man chasing pack with 19km left in Beaumont. the 213km stage from Bilbao to Urdax-Dan- “Great events are built on strong partnerships and this proc- txarinea and never looked back, becoming ess represents a major milestone in the planning and preparation the youngest rider to win a stage on this phase for unions and supporting government agencies who in- edition of the Vuelta. tend to bid for Rugby World Cup 2023. Danilo Wyss, Sergey Lagutin, Michael “We welcome further dialogue with all parties as the process Gogl, Vegard Laengen and Yves Lampaert progresses to the candidate phase and we continue the process to fi nished together behind the Italian, Wyss confi rm our next host,” added the 64-year-old former England taking second and Lagutin third. captain, who succeeded Frenchman Bernard Lapasset earlier this “We knew that the breakaway would go year. to the end because we had a huge advan- The four candidates will be assessed to see if they meet the cri- tage. We knew it would be diffi cult because teria laid out by World Rugby and any who don’t will learn their the previous days have been taxing, but for fate on November 1. The winner will be named in November 2017. me, it was the perfect day,” Conti told re- porters. “I felt really good, it was the right stage GCC GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS for me, it was the right breakaway, and when I attacked it was because I felt I was able to give everything. It’s my fi rst victory in a Grand Tour and it’s a great feeling. This Qatar win U-17 title morning I felt perfect.” Today’s stage is a 196km ride from By Sports Reporter Urdax-Dantxarinea to Aubisque-Gourette Doha with a high-mountain summit fi nish.

Vuelta to start in French atar continued their good show on the third day, emerg- city of Nimes ing winners in the U-17 age-group with seven gold, The southern French city of Nimes will six silver and one bronze in the 12th GCC Gymnastics host the start of the 2017 Vuelta a Espana, Championships at the Al Khawla bint Al Azwar Indoor organisers confi rmed yesterday. HallQ yesterday. Race director Javier Guillen told a press For the hosts, the pack of the gold came from Ahmed Nabeel, conference ahead of the 13th stage of this who claimed six gold and one silver. year’s event in Bilbao that the idea came Lampre Merida’s Italian cyclist Valerio Conti celebrates winning as he crosses the finish line during the 13th stage of the 71st edition of “I’m really happy to win seven medals. It’s one of the best mo- to him when he attended a bullfi ght in the ‘La Vuelta’ Tour of Spain, a 212.8km route between Bilbao and Urdax, yesterday. (AFP) ments in my career,” said Nabeel. southern French city in 2012. It was an outstanding evening for the youngster, who brooked “I liked this city and I made contact with no challenge from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain opponents in the city offi cials in Nimes, with whom there Australian cyclist Gallagher receives doping ban rings, individual all-around, fl oor, vault and high bars while sil- was an instant rapport because they love ver came in pommel horse event, which was won by compatriot Spanish culture. Australia’s two-time Paralympic cycling poietin (EPO). The test was coordinated shortly before the Australian team left Abdullah al-Hareth. “We’ve been working on this project for gold medallist Michael Gallagher has by ASADA as part of a comprehensive for Rio. “The Australian Paralympic Com- “It was quite a determined show by Nabeel. We’re really happy several years now,” said Guillen, who was tested positive for the blood booster EPO pre-Rio anti-doping programme to mittee fiercely supports the fight against for him as well as for other gymnasts. We hope to do well in the accompanied by Tour de France director and been provisionally suspended by the ensure the integrity of the Australian doping in sport and this is a reminder seniors tomorrow,” said Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Christian Prudhomme. Australian Paralympic Committee, anti- Paralympic team. Gallagher, who is a to all athletes that they will be caught Ali Ahmed al-Hitmi. The 72nd edition of the Vuelta will get doping agency ASADA said yesterday. C5 classified athlete, won gold in the if they do not comply with the rules, re- The hosts won the team fi nal with 209.800 points while Sau- underway on August 19, 2017, and will have The Australian Sports Anti-Doping individual pursuit at the 2008 and 2012 gardless of intent,” team chef de mission di (182.950) bagged the silver and Bahrain (95.600) claimed the at least two stages on French soil. Authority said Gallagher, 37, was tested Paralympics. The provisional suspension Kate McLoughlin said in a statement. bronze. It will be just the third time that the race out-of-competition at a training camp is eff ective immediately and means Gal- ASADA said it has notified Gallagher of At the other end, Saudi failed keep up their momentum after has started outside of Spain – it started in held in Italy in July. lagher will not compete at this month’s his rights in this process and will con- winning the U-14 team title on Thursday. As the hosts mounted the Portuguese capital Lisbon in 1997 and His ‘A’ sample tested positive for erythro- Paralympics in Rio and was announced tinue its investigation of the matter. an increased pressure on them, they could manage seven bronze from Assen in the Netherlands in 2009. and a silver medal.

GOLF ATHLETICS Jamaica’s sprint queen Rookie Langasque sizzles Thompson trumps rivals again

Reuters by becoming the fi rst athlete to win the Diamond Zurich Race trophy for a seventh consecutive time. The Frenchman shared fi rst place with Ameri- at European Masters can Sam Kendricks after both cleared 5.90 metres amaica’s sprint queen Elaine Thompson with Olympic champion Thiago da Silva with- AFP fi nishing 39th at the Masters. again edged her rivals as she set a Dia- drawing after going over at 5.84. Crans-Montana, Switzerland Sweden’s Alex Noren, who mond League record in the women’s 200m Asafa Powell, 33, again ran under 10 seconds to won the Scottish Open in July, on Thursday to continue the form that win the men’s 100m in 9.94, while Kendra Harri- matched Langasque’s round of broughtJ her two gold medals at last month’s Rio son was the women’s 100m hurdles winner, hav- rench rookie Romain 63 with a fl awless display featur- Olympics. ing set a world record in London in July after fail- Langasque surged into ing seven birdies to leave himself Thompson came home in 21.85 seconds to beat ing to qualify for the United States Olympic team. a three-way tie for the one stroke off the pace alongside Dutch world champion Dafne Schippers and ev- halfway lead at the Eu- Australian Scott Hend and Rich- ergreen American Allyson Felix in hot conditions ropeanF Masters in Switzerland ard Lee of Canada. as the fi nal Diamond League places in 16 diff erent on Friday following a sizzling Andrew Johnston is another events were decided in the Swiss city. seven-under-par 63 in his sec- shot back, but Masters cham- Schippers ran her best time this season but was ond round. pion Danny Willett, who won still one hundredth of a second behind Thomp- The 21-year-old, winner this event a year ago, struggled son with Felix third in 22.02. of last year’s British Amateur with inconsistency as a triple- “I’ve not been home since Rio and I’m long- Championship, charged to the bogey on the 12th hole bumped ing to get back to Jamaica,” said Thompson, who top of the leaderboard after tak- him down to three-under overall will fi rst run in Brussels on Sept. 9 before heading ing advantage of ideal morning after a round of 72. home. conditions at the Crans-sur- Willett is level with fellow Kenyan-born teenager Ruth Jebet, who won Sierre course in the Swiss Alps. Ryder Cup rookie Chris Wood, Bahrain’s fi rst-ever Olympic gold medal, was far Langasque, playing in just his while Lee Westwood rebounded off the 3,000m steeplechase world record she set fi fth European Tour event, made from a disappointing opening in Paris on Saturday but still romped home in fi ve birdies and an eagle to climb round by shooting a 66 on Fri- 9.07.00 in front of a capacity crowd at the Letzi- to nine-under overall and sit day. grund. level with Englishman Richard Westwood, 43, will be mak- South Africa’s Caster Semenya continued her Bland and Australia’s Richard ing his 10th consecutive appear- dominance in the women’s 800m in 1.56.44 in a Green. ance in the Ryder Cup later this race that had every fi nalist from Rio in the fi eld “If I play good that’s cool and month as Europe seek to lift the and repeated the podium places with Francine if I play bad then it is no prob- told Sky Sports. “My hopes for the weekend? trophy for the seventh time in Niyonsaba (Burundi) and Margaret Wambui Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson celebrates with the lem. I have nothing to lose. I have “I’m quite sure I will be on the Win. I will try my best to win,” eight contests when they take on (Kenya) second and third. Jamaican flag after winning the women’s 200m no pressure and maybe that’s European Tour next year so I play added the Frenchman, who only the United States at Hazeltine in Renaud Lavillenie gained a measure of revenge race during the Diamond League meet at the why I can play good,” Langasque without pressure. turned professional in April after Minnesota. for defeat in the Olympic men’s pole vault fi nal Letziground stadium in Zurich. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, September 3, 2016 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 FOCUS Russian athletes Hamilton shades cannot compete as neutrals: IPC

Rosberg in Monza AFP ly, without interference, the IPC will be Rio de Janeiro glad to welcome Russian athletes back FIA race director Whiting has told to international competition.” The Paralympic chiefs had taken Verstappen he risks disqualification if ussian athletes seeking to the decision to impose a blanket ban take part individually in the on Russian competitors following the he continues with aggressive style Paralympic Games in order to release of a report commissioned by practice sidestep a blanket ban will not WADA detailing drug-cheating direct- beR allowed to compete under a neutral ed by Moscow government offi cials and AFP banner, the International Paralympic aff ecting dozens of sports. Monza, Italy Committee ruled on Thursday. An appeal against the ban was dis- A statement from the IPC said more missed by CAS in Switzerland on Au- than 175 Russian athletes who had ap- gust 23, drawing a furious response hampionship leader Lewis plied to compete individually would from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hamilton bounced back to remain barred from the games, which who decried the suspension as “out- top the times ahead of his open on September 7. side the law, morality, humanity.” Mercedes team-mate Nico The IPC on August 7 announced The Paralympics ban was the latest RosbergC in yesterday’s second free it was banning Russian competitors blow to Russian sport, which has been practice for this weekend’s Italian from the Paralympic Games following embroiled in a tidal wave of doping al- Grand Prix. a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) legations in recent months. The defending three-time world report which alleged a vast state-spon- The country narrowly escaped an champion, who leads Rosberg by nine sored doping program. outright International Olympic Com- points in the title race, was second be- The IPC said Thursday its position mittee ban from the just-concluded hind him in yesterday’s opening ses- had been backed by the Court of Arbi- Rio Games, but still saw dozens of its sion. tration for Sport (CAS), which had re- athletes barred, including the entire On a hot late summer’s after- jected a Russian request to require the track and fi eld team. noon at the old Autodromo Nazion- body to accept applications from ath- Russia continues to deny the fi nd- ale in Monza’s former royal park, the letes who could show they were “clean”. ings of the WADA report, including the 31-year-old Briton clocked a best lap “The IPC has considerable sympa- involvement of the sports ministry and in one minute and 22.801 seconds to thy for all of the Russian athletes who the Russian secret service in doping outpace German Rosberg by 0.193 are now unable to participate in the Rio fraud at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olym- seconds. 2016 Paralympic Games,” IPC chief ex- pics. Hamilton is seeking to complete a ecutive Xavier Gonzalez said in a state- However IPC chief Philip Craven ac- hat-trick of successive Italian wins ment. cused Russia of a “thirst for glory at all and to claim his 50th Formula One “The main goal of the IPC is to en- costs” which had “severely damaged victory in Sunday’s race. able Para athletes to achieve sporting the integrity and image of all sport.” Four-time former champion Se- excellence and inspire and excite the The Paralympics, held every four bastian Vettel was third fastest ahead world. Tragically, however, the Russian years for athletes with disabilities, has of his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raik- authorities have denied their athletes taken place in various forms since 1948 konen, the Italian team closing the gap this chance through their actions.” but has grown in importance over the behind the Mercedes to less than half a “Once the Russian Paralympic Com- past 20 years. second as they made use of their latest mittee demonstrates that it will be able Nearly 4,300 athletes from 164 upgraded power units. in the future to enforce the IPC Anti- countries took part in the 2012 London Under-scrutiny Dutch teenager Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton poses with fans as he arrives for free practice in Monza, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) Doping Code vigorously and eff ective- Paralympic Games. Max Verstappen, who was given a gen- tle warning about his aggressive style criticism (from other drivers) seems to of driving by the FIA’s Race Director Italian Grand Prix remains at Monza be going in one ear and out the other. Charlie Whiting earlier in the day, was He really doesn’t care.” fi fth ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Formula One’s veteran commercial ring-master Bernie Ecclestone announced He added: “We’re all here talking Daniel Ricciardo. Friday that Monza has agreed a new deal to retain the Italian Grand Prix. He about it and it’s that spirit that he’s got Former Ferrari driver Fernando said a new-three year deal was agreed, keeping the Italian race at the famous that is bringing fans trackside.” Alonso was seventh for McLaren old high-speed circuit from 2017 to 2019. “Regretfully, legally, we can’t sign it Hamilton had managed a clean ahead of Valtteri Bottas of Williams here,” said Ecclestone. “But, and more important, is that we have an agree- sweep last year by topping all the with Romain Grosjean of Haas and ment thanks to our lawyers — and we are getting all the small details sorted. practice sessions and taking pole po- Jenson Button, in the second McLaren, There is no problem in having the race here. The contract will be for three sition en route to victory, but his hopes completing the top ten. years, but I hope we are here for 100 years.” Briton Ecclestone, 85, and the of a repeat were ended by Rosberg in Both Ferrari drivers and both Mer- president of the International Motoring Federation (FIA) Frenchman Jean the fi rst session. cedes men topped the times at diff er- Todt sat either side of Italian motor sport chief Angelo Sticchi Damiani at Rosberg is seeking his fi rst victory at ent periods of the session before Ham- yesterday’s press conference. the Italian Grand Prix. ilton took control in a straightforward Brazilian Felipe Massa, who on session lacking in major incident. Thursday announced his impending Verstappen and the Red Bull team After the meeting Red Bull team ed criticism from both Ferrari drivers retirement from F1, was 11th in his manager Jonathan Wheatley met chief Christian Horner told reporters and others. Williams and Kevin Magnussen, who Whiting before the morning practice that Whiting had told Verstappen he He said: “Charlie was keen to show limped away from a high speed crash to discuss Verstappen’s performance risked disqualifi cation if continued him a video of Spa. It was a gentle in his Renault in Belgium last Sunday, at last Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. with the aggressive style that prompt- warning... Like any 18-year-old, the was 19th.

Paralympic archer Sandro Colaco (left) talks to children as the Brazilian Paralympic MOTOGP TENNIS team visits Placa Maua on Wednesday. (AFP) Iannone tops Zhang Shuai sorry for beating SPOTLIGHT practice times best friend Stosur at US Open Australia considers AFP Silverstone, United Kingdom British-style lottery ustrian GP winner Andrea Iannone of Italy topped the timesheets yesterday practice ahead of Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Sil- aft er Rio medal haul verstone. AIn cool and cloudy conditions, MotoGP world cham- nomic environment. AFP pionship leader Marc Marquez of Spain could manage Sydney Coates has withdrawn the AOC from only fi fth, one place behind his world champion com- an ASC review of the Canberra-based patriot Jorge Lorenzo. Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Maverick Vinales was second quickest around the ustralia may look to a national He has also said the ASC policy of 5.9km track with Briton Cal Crutchlow, winner of the lottery to provide extra Ol- appointing businesspeople to head up last race in the Czech Republic, third. ympic funding and make its major Olympic sports had been found Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi of Italy existing sports system more wanting. took sixth on a track where he has traditionally strug- effiA cient in the wake of below-par re- Wylie wants to establish a British- gled. sults at the Rio Games. style national lottery that would gen- Marquez actually came off hs bike in the morning Australia returned with their small- erate, according to ASC estimates, ad- session but was unhurt. est haul of Olympic medals since ditional funding of between Aus$50mn “The important thing is that I’m feeling good and Barcelona in 1992, a result which has and Aus$100mn (US$38-$76mn) a I have a good pace. I’m happy with how everything sparked recriminations among the year for high-performance sport pro- went,” said the Honda Repsol rider. country’s sports offi cials. grammes. Although rain could fall today, when qualifying will AFP “It’s a tough feeling playing her and I feel sad John Wylie, the chief of the govern- The proposed lottery would be simi- reach its climax, Rossi said he was hoping for better New York for Sam. She always tries her best, she loves the ment-backed Australian Sports Com- lar to the one which has helped Britain weather to improve his performance. game. I hope that next time we will meet later in mission (ASC), said the results in Rio emerge as an Olympic sporting su- “At the end, everybody was very fast and with the the tournament.” “came up short of expectations”, but perpower, fi nishing second on the Rio soft tyre at the end my lap time was not so bad,” he said. hina’s Zhang Shuai apologised for Zhang, now ranked 51st, had lost to Stosur in added that the ASC still backed its medals table. “I was there and now we wait for tomorrow and hope knocking her best friend Samantha Sto- the second round of the French Open in May. controversial ‘Winning Edge’ high- “It doesn’t have to be purely a sports for better conditions.” sur out of the US Open on Thursday, “I didn’t think I could beat her, it’s very hard to performance funding model. lottery, it can be a lottery that supports hailing the former champion for talking defeat a former champion,” said Zhang after see- Looking ahead to the 2018 Gold a range of community causes, like you Cher out of quitting the sport last year. ing off the 16th seeded Australian. Coast Commonwealth Games and the have in the UK,” Wylie said. Zhang eased to a 6-3, 6-3 second round win over Zhang is the only Chinese player left in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Wylie told re- “It’s not an overnight solution but the 2011 US Open winner but said she had wished singles draw in New York. She goes on to face porters Thursday: “There is no doubt we think it will be a very important fu- the two friends, who are also doubles partners, had Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan for a place in we can learn and improve from the ex- ture pillar for Australian sport.” faced each other later in the tournament. the last 16. perience of the past four years and from The ASC’s Winning Edge funding “Everyone knows we are good friends, we train Win or lose, she has achieved her best result the Rio Olympics. model, introduced after the 2012 London together a lot of the time. When we came to New already at the season’s last Grand Slam. “But the core principles of the strat- Olympics, is aimed at opening up sports York, we practiced together at the same time on She lost in the fi rst round in 2008, 2011 and egy remain sound, valid and in the to corporate sponsors and making them this same court,” said the 27-year-old after her 2014 and failed to get out of qualifying on six long-term interests of the Australian less reliant on government funds. 70-minute win on the new Grandstand. other occasions. sport sector. The model uses criteria to gauge how Zhang revealed that Stosur convinced her not “I am very excited. I love New York. Now I “Australia’s ‘Winning Edge’ is built government money is spent on sport, to quit tennis when they met for a meal in Beijing want to focus on my tennis and not on the fact on evidence-based funding decisions, based partly on medal prospects. last year. At the time, she was at 186 in the world that I am the last Chinese woman left in the high aspirations for achievement, Coates and the AOC were initially rankings. competition,” she said. sports taking responsibility for their supportive but now argue there must be a The chat seemed to work as just a few months Zhang’s win on Thursday was the fi rst time own high performance programmes greater spread of funding for all Olympic later Zhang reached the Australian Open quar- she had claimed back-to-back victories since and improved leadership and govern- sports, and not just for a select few. ter-fi nals, ending a sorry-looking 0-17 record at Indian Wells in March. ance in sports organisations.” Australia fi nished 10th on the Rio the majors. Meanwhile, Zhang and Stosur will be on the The reform plan is being pursued medals table — down from eighth in Ducati’s Italian rider Andrea Iannone rides around the Sil- “She helped me a lot last year when I thought same side of the net on Friday when they face amidst a bitter feud between Wylie and 2012 — with eight golds and 29 medals verstone circuit during a practice session for tomorrow’s about retiring. She told me to keep going and not Russia’s Elena Vesnina and Ekaterina Makarova Australian Olympic Committee presi- overall, the lowest total since they won British GP yesterday. (MotoGP) give up. She tried to help me by playing doubles. in the second round of the women’s doubles. dent John Coates and an austere eco- 27 at Barcelona 1992.

Saturday, September 3, 2016 GULF TIMES TENNIS

US OPEN FOCUS Noise under roof Serena, Stan storm a distraction for players: Murray

Reuters on the roof was almost deafening through on rainy day but Murray kept calm to clinch a New York convincing victory. “At fi rst we didn’t know if ‘I feel like I made a lot of errors... Hopefully I’ll just get better’ ndy Murray said on there was just more people come Thursday the noise cre- in at the change of ends, but then AFP ated by the US Open’s we quickly realised it was the New York new retractable roof rain,” Murray said. overA Arthur Ashe Stadium is a But the Scot, chasing his distraction to players and makes fourth grand slam title, said imbledon champion Ser- it diffi cult to react to opponents’ players will cope with the extra ena Williams raised the roof shots. noise. at the US Open on Thurs- But the British second seed “As an athlete, that’s what you day, powering into the third managed to shut out the noise do. We adjust to conditions, dif- Wround with a decisive straight-sets vic- and Spain’s Marcel Granollers ferent conditions every week,” tory. during a 6-4 6-1 6-4 second- said Murray. World number one Williams defeated round victory played while rain “I’m sure if the feedback is that fellow American Vania King 6-3, 6-3, her beat down on the closed roof and the TV or the spectators aren’t 306th Grand Slam singles match win ty- crowd noise reverberated inside. enjoying the match as much then ing her with Martina Navratilova for the The Wimbledon and Olympic they will look into it and try and most ever for a woman. champion ground down the world change it. “This one’s kind of cool,” she said of number 45 in a match involving “But if it’s fi ne on TV, which her latest milestone, “to win 306.” numerous lung-busting rallies from what I have heard it is, I There could be more history in store for and played under a cacophony of don’t know what the fans have Williams as she seeks a seventh US Open sound with the $150mn roof closed said about it yet, but the players title and a 23rd Grand Slam singles crown, from the start. will adjust.” both of which would be Open Era records. “It’s because we use our ears Murray led 5-2 in the fi rst set She fi red 13 aces, with a total of 38 win- when we play,” Murray said, ex- only for Granollers to hit back ners against 87th-ranked wild card King, plaining the diffi culty. “It’s not but the Scot won a game lasting and said the troublesome right shoulder just the eyes. It helps us pick up more than 10 minutes to break and that has hindered her since Wimbledon the speed of the ball, the spin clinch it on his seventh set point. wasn’t a problem. that’s on the ball, how hard After breaking for 3-1 in the “So far, so good,” said Williams, who someone’s hitting it. second set, Murray pulled away was cheered on by rap mogul Jay Z and his “If we played with our ears to double his lead and he broke pop superstar wife Beyonce as she booked covered or with headphones on, in the ninth game of the third to a meeting with 47th-ranked Swede Jo- it would be a big advantage if earn victory. hanna Larsson for a place in the last 16. your opponent wasn’t wearing Murray, the champion in 2012 Despite wrapping up the victory in them.” and chasing a fourth grand slam just 65 minutes, Williams said there was At times, the players could title, will now play either 30th plenty of room for improvement. Serena Williams of the USA hits a return against compatriot Vania King on day four of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National barely hear the ball off their seed Gilles Simon or unseeded “I feel like I made a lot of errors,” Wil- Tennis Center in New York yesterday. (USA TODAY Sports) strings and the rain hammering Italian Paolo Lorenzi. liams said. “What really matters is I got the win. Hopefully I’ll just get better.” Italian Alessandro Giannessi. By the time Williams opened the night Eighth-seeded Austrian Dominic session the rain that prompted organizers Thiem downed Lithuanian Ricardas Be- to close the new roof on Arthur Ashe sta- rankis 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 to line up a meeting dium had tailed off . with Spain’s Pablo Carreno-Busta, who Italian Paolo Lorenzi, a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, rallied from two sets down to beat Serbian 6-7 (1), 7-6 (3) winner over France’s Gilles Janko Tipsarevic 3-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. Simon, will face Andy Murray, who downed Australian Nick Kyrgios, the 14th seed, tenacious Spaniard Marcel Granollers 6-4, put on a serving clinic, fi ring 27 aces and 6-1, 6-4, in the next round. winning 45 of 48 fi rst-serve points in a Juan Martin del Potro, who has under- 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Argentina’s gone four wrist surgeries since lifting the Horacio Zeballos. US Open trophy in 2009, closed out the Women’s fourth seed Agnieszka Rad- action on Ashe with a 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-2 wanska of Poland survived an early on- victory over 19th seeded American Steve slaught from US Open debutant Naomi Johnson. Broady to beat the Briton 7-6 (9), 6-3. Del Potro, ranked 142nd in the world Fired-up fi fth seed Simona Halep also as he battles back from the injuries that advanced, downing Lucie Safarova 6-3, nearly cost him his career, is back in the 6-4 in a battle of former French Open fi - Open as a wildcard after a sparkling run to nalists. a silver medal in the Rio Olympics. Venus Williams, the sixth seed whose seven Grand Slam titles include two US WAWRINKA IN STRAIGHT SETS Opens, coasted to the 70th US Open As the showers lingered, a batch of dou- match win of her career 6-2, 6-3 win over bles matches scheduled for outside courts Stan Wawrinka advanced with a straight sets victory over Italian qualifier Alessandro Germany’s Julia Goerges. were cancelled. Giannessi on Thursday. (AFP) The elder Williams, bedevilled by 63 Among those who didn’t have the lux- unforced errors in a scrappy fi rst-round ury of the roof, 2014 fi nalist Kei Nishikori over 20-year-old Russian qualifi er Karen a two-time semi-fi nalist, was also up win over Ukrainian Kateryna Kozlova, cut of Japan waited out a third-set rain delay Khachanov. against a qualifi er, advancing with a 6-1, that to 17 in a crisp performance against en route to a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory Third-seeded Swiss Stan Wawrinka, 7-6 (4), 7-5 victory over 243rd-ranked the 64th-ranked German. Resurgent Wozniacki downs Niculescu to reach last 16

Former world number one Caroline and a half. it’s not pretty but I got a good workout in Wozniacki continued her resurgence at Niculescu, ranked 16 places above there. She made me run a lot.” the US Open with a commanding 6-3 6-1 Wozniacki in the rankings at 58th, made Wozniacki will face either eighth-seeded win over Romania’s Monica Niculescu life tough early on, particularly with her American Madison Keys or Japan’s yesterday to reach the fourth round. sliced forehand which is a rarity on the Naomi Osaka in the last 16 and said she The Dane, a US Open finalist in 2009 and WTA Tour. needed to continue to play aggressive 2014 but unseeded this year after being “I think it’s fun (to play her) but also a tennis. Andy Murray ground down Spain’s Marcel Granollers in a match in- sidelined for two months by an ankle little frustrating because she makes you “I just need to step in, hit the ball and just volving numerous lung-busting rallies and played under a cacophony injury, dominated from the start and feel like you can’t play tennis,” Wozniacki go for it,” she smiled. “Otherwise I have of sound with the $150mn roof closed from the start. (AFP) wrapped up victory in just under an hour said. “You have to be ready to grind and no chance.”

SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Tomic fi ned $10,000 Has Rafa found a secret weapon in title bid? for outburst at heckler

Reuters can better protect himself against the fl at “On fi rst serve, against Seppi, he actu- Reuters New York backhand crosscourt return, which No- ally served more into the body and fore- New York vak Djokovic and Andy Murray have used hand than out wide to the backhand,” to such devastating eff ect against him. he said. “Against Istomin, it was the op- n 2010, Rafael Nadal tweaked his “Yes, yes (that is true) a little, but at the posite. It’s almost a bit of a bluff and it’s ernard Tomic was sent service action to give him more pow- moment it’s not against Djokovic or Mur- working.” packing early at the US er and it helped him to US Open glory ray,” Toni Nadal said. “It’s against his next Standing so far to the left and then serv- Open and his minimal later that year. opponent (Nadal faces Andrey Kuznetsov ing out wide leaves a bigger-than-usual earnings were off set by ISix years on and despite the eff ects of of Russia later yesterday).” gap for the returner to hit down the line. Ba $10,000 fi ne levied on him for a wrist injury, it looks as though he may Nadal introduced the serving position But Nick Bollettieri, the famed coach a crude on-court outburst he have found another secret weapon as he change in Barcelona this April but his lin- who helped players such as Andre Agassi directed at a heckler during his bids to win a third US Open crown. gering wrist injury meant he was unable to and Monica Seles become world number fi rst-round loss. While in 2010 it was an adjustment to use it at the French Open, or at Wimbledon. one, said that fi nding that spot was far The Australian, angered by his grip that enabled him to hit 130mph from easy. a heckler in the stands during serves, this time the Spaniard has shift- HUGELY EFFECTIVE “He’s changed his serving position to his upset loss to world number ed his serving position on the ad-court, Craig O’Shannessy, a strategy expert for where (John) McEnroe used to be, which 72 Damir Dzumhur on Tuesday, standing far wider than usual. Wimbledon, the Australian Open, New leaves the whole court open,” Bollettieri was caught on camera directing a “We had to change something,” Toni York Times and the ATP Tour who runs a told Reuters. number of sexually explicit com- Nadal, the 14-times Grand Slam cham- strategy website called braingametennis. “But remember, if the slice serve takes ments toward someone in the pion’s coach and uncle, told Reuters. “We com, said the switch was already proving you 10 feet out of court, you have got to be crowd. needed to make something diff erent with hugely eff ective. pretty damned good to hit the ball down Tomic, who later apologised the serve (so) we open a little more for do- “It stops the crosscourt return,” he the line.” for his comments, was the 17th ing the slice and angle.” told Reuters. “I don’t mind saying it was Former world number one Mats Wi- seed at the year’s fi nal grand slam When serving in the ad-court — the in the game plan when I was with Dus- lander, who is working at the US Open for and will receive $43,313 for his side where the majority of key points are tin (Brown) at Wimbledon (when he beat Eurosport, was not sold on how eff ective fi rst-round appearance. played — Nadal is now standing about Nadal in 2015) to do it and to do it early. Nadal’s service strategy would be against His fi ne was the heaviest so far at halfway across to the tramlines, rather “That’s a really big benefi t (for Nadal). the very best players. the championships, where 15 infrac- than in the more traditional position next He’s also still able to run around every- “You fi nd your range on the return at tions were punished by tournament Proceeds from fi nes at the to the centre line. thing... the percentages are so much bet- some point,” Swede Wilander told Reu- offi cials with fi nes totalling $35,600 grand slams go to the Grand Slam That gives him a bigger angle to hit to ter for him.” ters. “It’s diffi cult in the beginning but through the fi rst three days of main- Development Fund, which helps the right-hander’s backhand, increasing O’Shannessy examined data from Nad- over fi ve sets, you’ll fi nd the down-the- draw competition. support the International Ten- his chances of starting the point with his al’s opening two matches, against Denis line (return) and the height you need to Nadal has shifted his serving position on Off enses ranged from racket nis Federation tournament pro- favoured forehand. Istomin and Andreas Seppi, and found get back to the middle. the ad-court, standing far wider than usu- abuse to audible obscenity to gramme. Crucially, because he is standing fur- that the Spaniard was also showing more “So I think it’s maybe just searching for al, gives him a bigger angle to hit to the coaching infractions and un- Last year, some $200,000 in ther to the left, this means the Spaniard variety. something slightly diff erent.” right-hander’s backhand (AFP) sportsmanlike conduct. fi nes were collected.