CRICKET | Page 2 GOLF | Page 5 Lewis shines Thai teen is as Windies youngest rout India in ever to win Kingston T20 pro event

Monday, July 10, 2017 FOOTBALL Shawwal 16, 1438 AH Rooney back with GULF TIMES Everton in bid to revive career SPORT Page 4 CRICKET FORMULA ONE Bottas beats Vettel in Austria, Hamilton Ali sends S Africa fi nishes fourth spinning to defeat Ali, the man-of-the-match, finished with Test-best figures of six for 53 in 15 overs — including a burst of five for 20 in 25 balls — on a pitch off ering sharp turn

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas celebrates after winning the Formula One Austria Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, yesterday.

AFP tors title race Mercedes lead with Spielberg, Austria 287 ahead of Ferrari on 254. Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 champion, came home fi fth in the altteri Bottas roared to second Ferrari ahead of Romain the second victory of his Grosjean of Haas, the two Force career yesterday when he Indias of Sergio Perez and Esteban won the Austrian Grand Ocon. VPrix for Mercedes ahead of cham- On a warm afternoon in the pionship leader Sebastian Vettel of Styrian Alps more than 12,000 Ferrari. The Finn, in his fi rst sea- Dutch fans had descended on the son with Mercedes after replac- Red Bull Ring to add a festive at- ing 2016 champion Nico Rosberg, mosphere. came home 0.658 seconds clear As the lights went out, Bot- of Vettel who increased his lead tas made a perfect start — so over Lewis Hamilton in the drivers perfect that his rivals were soon championship to 20 points. protesting and suggesting he had Hamilton, in the second Mer- ‘jumped’ — and pulled clear, while cedes, did his utmost to grab a behind him, in a cloud of carnage podium fi nish after starting from and debris, the ‘orange army’ eighth on the grid, but had to set- sighed as their teenage hero Max tle for fourth behind Australian Verstappen was forced into retire- Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull. ment under their grandstand at “I had a bit of déjà vu in the end the fi rst corner. to what happened in Russia when The luckless Red Bull driver he was right behind me,” said Bot- had struggled at the start, due to tas, who is now 19 points behind a clutch problem, and was then Hamilton in third. caught when Russian Daniil Kv- “In the last stint, I had a mas- yat drove his Toro Rosso into the sive blister on the rear left tyre, McLaren of Fernando Alonso. so that made it quite tricky. And I Alonso’s car suff ered serious think it was the start of my life! I rear damage and he was helpless was just really on it today.” as he rammed into Verstappen’s Vettel said: “I was struggling a car. He was also forced to retire, bit in the fi rst part and much hap- again, with an extravagant shrug. pier in the second stint. The last It was Verstappen’s fi fth retire- laps were very close — I think I ment in seven races. England’s Moeen Ali celebrates taking the wicket of South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (not pictured) at Lord’s yesterday. needed one more lap because he Amid this mayhem, the voice was struggling to get up the hill.” of Sebastian Vettel was heard on Wood and Ali held a good catch at mid- For Ricciardo, on his team’s Ferrari team radio. Given his es- AFP FINAL LORD’S SCORECARD London wicket to leave South Africa 25 for three ‘home’ Red Bull Ring circuit, it cape from further Baku ‘road rage’ on the stroke of tea. was a fi fth consecutive podium punishment in Paris last Monday, England 1st Innings 458 (J Root 190, M Ali 87, H. Kuhn c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 9 If the Proteas were to now pull off an fi nish and the 22nd of his career. it was ironic to hear him call for oeen Ali took six wickets as S Broad 57 no, B Stokes 56; M Morkel 4-115, V D. Elgar c and b Ali ...... 2 improbable win they needed a major in- The Australian smiled: “It was the stewards to penalise the Finn, England beat South Africa by Philander 3-67, K Rabada 3-123) H. Amla lbw b Dawson ...... 11 nings from Hashim Amla. a fun race with some decisive mo- who made the most of his second 211 runs to win the fi rst Test at South Africa 1st Innings 361 (T Bavuma 59, JP Duminy c Ali b Wood ...... 2 But the star batsman fell for his inter- ments at the start and then de- pole. Lord’s with more than a day to D Elgar 54, V Philander 52, Q de Kock 51; M Ali Q. de Kock b Ali ...... 18 val score of 11 when, beaten on the outside fending Lewis in the last laps. It A stewards’ investigation fol- spareM yesterday. 4-59) edged by an excellent delivery from left- got pretty close!” lowed during the race and found T. Bavuma b Ali ...... 21 The Proteas, set 331 to win, collapsed to England 2nd Innings (overnight 119-1) T. de Bruyn c Stokes b Ali ...... 1 arm spinner Liam Dawson he was lbw. Vettel now leads the drivers there was no evidence against 119 all out inside 37 overs. A. Cook c Bavuma b Morkel ...... 69 V. Philander not out ...... 19 There was a brief pause before Ali championship with 171 points Bottas, who had settled into a The result meant Joe Root, who made K. Jennings c de Kock b Morkel ...... 33 K. Maharaj b Ali 10 transformed South Africa’s 61 for four ahead of Hamilton on 151 and Bot- strong rhythm at the head of the 190 in the hosts’ fi rst innings 458, enjoyed G. Ballance c de Kock b Morkel ...... 34 K. Rabada c Bairstow b Ali ...... 4 into 82 for eight. tas on 136, while in the construc- fi eld. a resounding victory in his fi rst Test as J. Root b Maharaj ...... 5 M. Morkel c Jennings b Dawson ...... 14 De Kock (18) and Bavuma were both England captain, with his side now 1-0 up J. Bairstow st de Kock b Maharaj...... 51 Extras (b7, lb1) ...... 8 bowled aiming across the line, with in this four-match series. B. Stokes lbw b Rabada 1 Total (all out, 36.4 overs, 151 mins) ...... 119 Theunis de Bruyn, Keshav Maharaj and RESULTS AND STANDINGS Off -spinner Ali, the man-of-the- M. Ali b Maharaj ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Kuhn), 2-12 (Elgar), 3-25 Kagiso Rabada also falling to Worcester- match, fi nished with Test-best fi gures of L. Dawson b Rabada ...... 0 (Duminy), 4-28 (Amla), 5-64 (De Kock), 6-67 shire’s Ali. Race Drivers standings six for 53 in 15 overs — including a burst of S. Broad c de Bruyn b Maharaj ...... 0 (Bavuma), 7-72 (De Bruyn), 8-82 (Maharaj), Maharaj’s exit gave Ali a 10th wicket of 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mer- 1. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 171 pts, fi ve for 20 in 25 balls — on a pitch off ering M. Wood b Rabada ...... 28 9-94 (Rabada), 10-119 (Morkel) a match where he had earlier completed cedes) 1hr 21min 48.527sec, 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 151, 3. sharp turn. J. Anderson not out ...... 0 Bowling: Anderson 6-2-16-1; Broad 3-1-5-0; the all-rounder’s Test double of 2,000 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/ Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 136, 4. Dan- Extras (lb4, nb1) ...... 5 Ali 15-4-53-6; Wood 1-0-3-1; Dawson 11.4-4- runs and 100 wickets and made 87 in Eng- Ferrari) at 0.658sec, 3. Daniel iel Ricciardo (AUS) 107, 5. Kimi De Kock (18) and Bavuma Total (all out, 87.1 overs, 359 mins) ...... 233 34-2 land’s fi rst innings. Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) Räikkönen (FIN) 83, 6. Sergio were both bowled aiming across the Fall of wickets: 1-80 (Jennings), 2-139 (Cook), Result: England won by 211 runs Dawson ended the match when Morne 6.012, 4. Lewis Hamilton Pérez (MEX) 50, 7. Max Verstap- line, with Theunis de Bruyn, Keshav 3-142 (Ballance), 4-146 (Root), 5-149 (Stokes), Man-of-the-match: Moeen Ali (ENG) Morkel holed out to South Africa-born (GBR/Mercedes) 7.430, 5. pen (NED) 45, 8. Esteban Ocon Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada also 6-180 (Ali), 7-181 (Dawson), 8-182 (Broad), 9-227 Series: England lead four-match series 1-0 Keaton Jennings in the deep. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) (FRA) 39, 9. Carlos Sainz Jr falling to Worcestershire’s Ali (Wood), 10-233 (Bairstow) Toss: England Former England captain Alastair Cook 20.370, 6. Romain Grosjean (ESP) 29, 10. Felipe Massa (BRA) Bowling: Morkel 21-6-64-3; Rabada 20-5-50-3 Remaining Fixtures was 59 not out overnight and Gary Bal- (FRA/Haas) 1:13.160, 7. Sergio 22, 11. Lance Stroll (CAN) 18, 12. No South Africa batsman made more in (1nb); Maharaj 32.1-8-85-4; Duminy 9-2-21-0; Jul 14-18: 2nd Test, Trent Bridge lance unbeaten on 34. Pérez (MEX/Force India) 1 lap, Nico Hülkenberg (GER) 18, 13. the innings than Temba Bavuma’s 21. Philander 5-1-9-0 Jul 27-31: 3rd Test, The Oval The pair found runs hard to come by 8. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force Romain Grosjean (FRA) 18, 14. The day started well for South Africa as South Africa 2nd Innings (target: 331) Aug 04-08: 4th Test, Old Traff ord against a South Africa attack now back India) 1 lap, 9. Felipe Massa Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 11, 15. England, who resumed on 119 for one in to full strength with Philander returning (BRA/Williams) 1 lap, 10. Lance Pascal Wehrlein (GER) 5, 16. Da- their second innings, lost seven wickets having been unable to bowl Saturday hav- Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1 lap, 11. niil Kvyat (RUS) 4, 17. Fernando before lunch in a dramatic collapse. ing been hit on the hand while batting. Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) Alonso (ESP) 2 But in the midst of the clatter of wick- The scale of South Africa’s task could his glovework. But he held a brilliant When Rabada had Ben Stokes plumb 1 lap, 12. Stoffel Vandoorne ets, Vernon Philander dropped a routine be seen from the fact that only once, one-handed catch, diving low down the lbw he jokingly put a fi nger to his lips — a (BEL/McLaren) 1 lap, 13. Nico Constructors standings catch at long-off when Jonny Bairstow, when the West Indies posted 344 for one legside, to give England their fi rst wicket reference to his ban from Friday’s second Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) 1 1. Mercedes 287 pts, 2. Ferrari mistiming a drive off left-arm spinner against England in 1984, had a side made Sunday when Test debutant Heino Kuhn Test at Trent Bridge for swearing at the lap, 14. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/ 254, 3. Red Bull 152 Keshav Maharaj, was on seven. more than 300 in the fourth innings to (one) glanced James Anderson. all-rounder after dismissing him in Eng- Sauber) 1 lap, 15. Marcus Erics- 4. Force India 89, 5. Williams Bairstow punished the Proteas by mak- win a Lord’s Test. South Africa’s 12 for one became 12 for land’s fi rst innings. son (SWE/Sauber) 2 laps, 16. 40, 6. Toro Rosso 33 ing 51 before he was last man out in a to- Bairstow, the son of late former Eng- two when stand-in skipper Dean Elgar But it was England who had the last Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 7. Haas 29, 8. Renault 18, 9. tal of 233, stumped by opposing wicket- land wicket-keeper David Bairstow, has (two) drilled a return catch to Ali. laugh on a remarkable day at Lord’s that 3 laps Sauber 5, 10. McLaren 2 keeper Quinton de Kock off Maharaj. often been criticised for the quality of JP Duminy then hammered a pull off saw 19 wickets fall in total. Gulf Times 2 Monday, July 10, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET/T20 Australia captain Smith says no the players and CA failed to backing down reach agreement on a new pay deal, leaving 230 cricket- ers unemployed since the end AFP, Sydney: Australian cap- of June when their contracts tain Steve Smith said yesterday expired. In an escalation of that players would not back the protracted pay dispute, the Lewis ton carries down in their bitter pay dispute players, through their union the with Cricket Australia. ACA, last Thursday decided to Days after the players boycott- boycott the Australia A tour of ed an Australia A tour to South South Africa, which was due to Africa, Smith said the nation’s start on July 12. cricketers were resolute in There are fears now that the wanting to keep the longstand- pay row could scupper next ing revenue-sharing pay deal, month’s Test tour to Bangla- West Indies to big linked to the game’s overall desh, the one-day international financial fortunes. series in India in September “I’ll say what we as players and even the Ashes against have been saying for some England. time now: we are not giving up The Ashes are due to begin the revenue-sharing model for with the first of five Tests in all players,” Smith said in an Brisbane in late November. Instagram post. Smith said players were victory over India “But, through the ACA (Austral- resisting CA attempts to adopt ian Cricketers’ Association) we changes to the revenue-sharing are willing to make important model which was introduced changes to modernise the 20 years ago. Karthick was highest scorer for the visitors with 48 runs off 29 balls existing model for the good of “We are determined to keep the game. revenue sharing for all because “We are and have always been we must take care of domestic willing to make those changes. players in Australia,” Smith said. Changes for how the model can “As leaders that’s what David be adapted for the even greater (Warner), Meg (Lanning), Alex benefit of grassroots cricket, (Blackwell) and I have been which is after all where we all fighting for: a fair share for state started.” players who are also partners After months of negotiations, in cricket.”

SPOTLIGHT England record rare Women’s World Cup win over Australia

Agencies at mid-off with Beaumont and London Danielle Wyatt adding 54 before the opener fi nally fell one short of a half-century. ngland recorded their But it was bowlers Brunt and fi rst Women’s World Cup Gunn who added impetus at win over Australia in 24 the end with Brunt’s 45 coming years when they beat off just 43 balls and Gunn mak- themE by three runs in a thrilling ing 39 before being stumped off match in Bristol yesterday. Elyse Villani to help their side to Katherine Brunt was the star 259 for eight from 50 overs. of England’s victory with an un- Villani led the way for Aus- beaten 45 and fi gures of 2/42 as tralia with a return of three for Australia, chasing 260 for a win, 42 from fi ve overs. were restricted to 256/8. Brunt Her side’s reply started in con- also held on to a crucial catch fi dent fashion as openers Beth in the fi nal over to help England Mooney and Nicole Bolton made it edge home by just three runs. to 56 before the former fell to Alex Having lost opener Lauren Hartley for 31, and Bolton soon fol- Winfi eld for one with the score lowed for 26 with the score on 72. on just six and then wicket- keeper Sarah Taylor and skipper Brief scores West Indies’ Evin Lewis celebrates reaching his century against India during their T20 international match at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground in Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. Heather Knight having added 50 England: 259-8 (50/50 overs. more, England found themselves Beaumont 49, Brunt 45 not out, rebuilding early on. IANS SCORECARD Gunn 39, Taylor 35; Villani 3-42, Kingston Tammy Beaumont and Natalie Beams 2-44) Sciver put together a partnership Australia: 256-8 (50/50 overs. India Innings of 46 before the latter picked out Perry 70, Lanning 40, Mooney 31; iding on Evin Lewis unbeaten V. Kohli c Narine b Williams ...... 39 West Indies Innings Australia captain Meg Lanning Hartley 2-31, Brunt 2-42, Gunn 2-54) century, West Indies thrashed S. Dhawan run out ...... 23 C. Gayle c Doni b Yadav ...... 18 India by nine wickets in the R. Pant c Walton b Taylor ...... 38 E. Lewis not out ...... 125 one-off Twenty20 International D. Karthik b Samuels ...... 48 M. Samuels not out ...... 36 matchR at the Sabina Park here yesterday. Extras MS Dhoni c Samuels b Taylor ...... 2 (b-5, lb-2, w-8) ...... 15 Rohit, Shami named in Indian Lewis slammed 125 runs in just 62 balls K. Jadhav c Narine b Williams ...... 4 Total (1 wkts, 18.3 overs) ...... 194 to guide his team to a comfortable victory R. Jadeja not out ...... 13 Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Gayle) Test squad for Sri Lanka tour over the visitors. Lewis innings was laced R. Ashwin not out ...... 11 Did not bat: C. Walton, K. Pollard, R. with six boundaries and 12 sixes. Extras (lb-6, w-6) ...... 12 Powell, C. Brathwaite, S. Narine, J. Taylor, IANS, Mumbai: Star batsman International during the Chasing a mammoth 191, West Indies Total (6 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 190 S. Badree, K. Williams Rohit Sharma and pacer Mo- series. got off to a perfect start as openers Lewis Fall of wickets: 1-64 (Kohli), 2-65 (Dha- Bowling: B. Kumar 4-0-27-0, R. Ashwin hamed Shami were yesterday The three Test matches will and Chris Gayle (18) forged 82-run part- wan), 3-151 (Karthik), 4-156 (Dhoni), 5-156 4-0-39-0 (w-2), M. Shami 3-0-46-0 (1w), Virat Kohli departs for 39. re-called to the 16-member be played in Galle, Colombo nership in the 8.2 overs before Gayle was (Pant), 6-164 (Jadhav) K. Yadav 4-0-34-1 (3w), R. Jadeja 3.3-0- Indian Test squad for the Sri and Kandy. dismissed by left arm wrist spinner Kul- Did not bat: K. Yadav, M. Shami, B. 41-0 (2w) balls later when there was a horrible Lanka tour scheduled to be deep Yadav. Kumar Result: West Indies won by nine wickets piece of miscommunication between him held from July 26 to Septem- Squad: Incoming batsman Marlon Samu- Bowling: S. Badree 4-0-31-0 (1w), J. Toss: West Indies and Rishabh Pant and Williams caught ber 6. Virat Kohli (captain), els (36) then joined the in-form Lewis Taylor 4-0-31-2 (1w), K. Williams 4-0-42-2, Umpires: Joel Wilson (WIS), Leslie Reifer the former short of his crease with an ex- Rohit and Shami, who were Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, and the duo thrashed Indian bowlers all C. Brathwaite 2-0-26-0 (3w), S. Narine (WIS) cellent throw. dropped from the four match Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya around the park to hand West Indies a 3-0-22-0, M. Samuels 3-0-32-1 Match Referee: David Boon (AUS) However, Pant and Karthick brought Test rubber against Australia Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit victory with nine balls remaining. the innings back on track with an 86-run in February, replaced middle- Sharma, Ravichandran Ash- For India, Kuldeep was the lone wicket partnership in 59 balls. order batsman Karun Nair win, Ravindra Jadeja, Wrid- taker. Earlier, put in to bat, India posted a liams were the most successful among Kohli, who smashed Williams for a six The hosts struck back when Taylor and all-rounder Jayant Yadav dhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), challenging total of 190/6. the West Indies bowlers with fi gures of and a four off the fi rst two balls of the removed Pant and Mahendra Singh with for the Sri Lanka tour. Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Dinesh Karthick was highest scorer 2/31 and 2/36 respectively. sixth over, mistimed the very next de- consecutive balls in the 17th over. The Virat Kohli-led side is set Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar for the visitors with 48 runs off 29 balls Asked to bat fi rst, India were off to a livery when the pacer delivered a slower But Ravindra Jadeja (13 not out) and to play three Test matches, Kumar, Mohammad Shami, which included fi ve boundaries and three good start with skipper Virat Kohli and ball for an easy catch to Sunil Narine at Ravichandran Ashwin (11 not out) deliv- five One-Day Internationals Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav sixes. Shikhar Dhawan producing an opening mid-on. ered a strong fi nish to help India to a big (ODI) and a one-off Twenty20 Mukund. Pacers Jerome Taylor and Kesrick Wil- stand of 64 runs in 33 balls. Dhawan was also dismissed just two total.

BOTTOMLINE Vettel claims Bottas start was ‘un-human’ AFP into contention for the drivers’ championship, Bottas said it was the best start of his life and Spielberg in which he is 15 points behind Hamilton, who most paddock observers, while conceding that it trails Vettel by 20. was close to a ‘jump’ start, said it looked like a Vettel said he accepted that the race stewards perfect start. headstrong Sebastian Vettel continued are the offi cials who have authority to judge the “I think that was the start of my life, I was to fl irt with controversy yesterday by legality of a start, but was unconvinced when really on it today,” he said. “When the car was accusing the victorious Valtteri Bot- told that on-screen graphics from offi cial tel- moving, the lights were off ... That is the main tas of jumping the start at the Austrian evision coverage showed Bottas’ reaction time, thing.” GrandA Prix. when the lights went out, was 0.201 seconds. The Finn admitted his start involved some The German, who fi nished second, rejected “From my point of view, he jumped the start guessing and anticipation. the evidence of offi cial data and described the — I was sure that he did,” said Vettel after the “There are diff erent variations, since the Finnish driver as ‘un-human’. race. “It looked like it from inside the car, but it’s lights are on and go off , but the variation for a The championship leader, who escaped any not for me to judge at the end of the day. long time has not been massive,” he said. sanction last Monday following his ‘road rage’ “It was quite tricky for me to keep standing “So, you know, more or less, the zone when it attack on Lewis Hamilton in last month’s Az- still. It was ok, but with a bit of wheel-spin, is going off . erbaijan Grand Prix, was evidently frustrated at early on...” Asked to clarify his views, he add- “So, gambling with your reaction and guess- being beaten again. ed: “When I say I don’t believe, I don’t believe. ing sometimes you get a mega one or sometimes He called for an investigation into Bottas’ Normally, the reactions are 0.2 for everyone so I you are a bit late. start immediately after his Ferrari was beaten off don’t believe everyone was slower today. “Today was my best reaction for the lights. As the grid by the triumphant Mercedes driver, and “So, that is why I don’t believe Valtteri was long as it is positive, it is fi ne.” moaned after the race that he needed one more so much quicker. I was a strong believer that he Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who fi nished lap to catch and pass him. jumped the start, but it turns out he didn’t — third for Red Bull and who started the race be- He fi nished six-tenths of a second behind the Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates on the podium after placing second during the that is why I don’t believe it. hind Bottas, said he also felt that he jumped the Finn, whose second career victory moved him Formula One Austria Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg yesterday. “His start was un-human.” start. Gulf Times Monday, July 10, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT EXPECTATIONS United-bound Lukaku says joining ‘Qatar’s youth ‘biggest club in world’ football moving in the right direction’ For Spain and Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, the visit to Qatar showcased a country moving in the right direction in terms of youth development ahead of the 2022 World Cup This file photo shows Everton’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.

Reuters portunity. I always said I wanted London to play for a team that’s challeng- ing for every trophy that there is.” United manager Jose Mour- omelu Lukaku said he inho was in charge at Chelsea was delighted to be when Lukaku was sold to Everton moving to “the biggest in July 2014. club in the world” after Lukaku, however, will arrive at ManchesterR United agreed a fee Old Traff ord looking for a fresh to sign the Belgium striker from start and is keen to learn more Premier League rivals Everton. from the Portuguese coach. United said on Saturday they “(Mourinho is) a guy who I had agreed a fee for Lukaku with wanted to play for since I was the Merseyside club, which was 10 years old, so now to have the reported by British media to be opportunity to work under him an initial 75 million pounds. again is great,” Lukaku added. British media said yesterday “We’ve been in contact. He that Lukaku had completed his explained to me what the club United medical in Los Angeles. was like, what he expects from The Belgian is set to become me. He sees the maturity that the Old Traff ord club’s most ex- has grown throughout the years, pensive signing since last year’s so I’m really thankful for the op- world record deal for France portunity he gave me again.” midfi elder Paul Pogba, who re- Lukaku was the second-top Jordi Alba was full of praise for the facilities at Qatar’s Aspire Academy. joined the 20-times English scorer in the Premier League last champions for 89 million pounds season with 25 goals for Ever- By Sports Reporter emy with his teammates Sergio Busquets “They have great coaches, to side would be aiming for a clean sweep of from Juventus. ton, attracting interest from Doha and Gerard Piqué, the UEFA EURO 2012 prepare the youngsters. It is a trophies this season. “Who would say no to the big- both United and Antonio Con- winner highlighted Qatar’s commitment great experience, because they “The renewal of Messi is very impor- gest club in the world?”, Lukaku te’s English champions Chelsea, to developing a talented team for 2022. will learn a lot, not only in terms of tant for us,” he continued. “He is the best told ESPN in an interview. who British media reported had or Spain and Barcelona defender “They have great coaches, to prepare football but also in personal terms. player in the world and in history. If I can “When (Manchester United) matched United’s off er. Jordi Alba, the recent visit to Qa- the youngsters. It is a great experience, be- Qatar is improving a lot in football, be there playing with him, all the better. came calling, I didn’t have to He is one of three players to tar showcased a country moving cause they will learn a lot, not only in terms my colleague Xavi talks to me “We want to win all the titles possible think twice. So I’m really de- have scored more than 10 goals in the ‘right direction’ in terms of football but also in personal terms. Qatar about the fantastic development of this season, and I want to try and play as lighted to hopefully be part of in each of the past fi ve English ofF youth development ahead of the 2022 is improving a lot in football, my colleague much as possible under the new coach. their history. top-fl ight seasons alongside Ar- football here” FIFA World Cup. Xavi talks to me about the fantastic devel- Everyone will start from zero, so I am ex- “Best stadium in England. The senal’s Olivier Giroud and Man- “We came a few years ago to Qatar and a opment of football here.” said. “I have great memories of him and cited about the new challenge.” best fans. This is the perfect op- chester City’s Sergio Aguero. lot has changed, I’m very happy with how “Qatar is a country which likes football his brother, they helped me and my fam- Meanwhile, his Barcelona teammate they are doing things here,” Alba told www. a lot. The stadiums will be full, and host- ily a lot. I wish him well for the new job. Gerard Piqué added that Qatari players sc.qa at the Aspire Academy in Doha. ing the World Cup will bring a lot of hap- “He is capable and learned a lot in Bar- gathering experience at European teams Fan killed aft er violent Rio de Janeiro derby game “All of the facilities here are great, and piness to the people here.” celona, and also here in Doha. He has a such as Cultural Leonesa would be bene- they help all the kids who want to fulfi l Having worked with Qatar’s new na- winning character, and is a fi ghter. He is fi cial for the home side in fi ve years’ time. A Brazilian football fan was The violence erupted after their dreams. I hope they can compete at tional team coach Felix Sanchez at the a very intelligent coach, and will do very “It is good for the club because they shot dead after violence home side Vasco da Gama lost the highest level. Qatar is a country which Barcelona youth academy La Masia, the well here.” have greater potential for the second erupted in Rio de Janeiro 1-0 to bitter rivals Flamengo. likes football a lot. The stadiums will be 28-year-old pointed out that the new With Barcelona having appointed a division, and it is also good for Aspire following a derby match Supporters threw home-made full, and hosting the World Cup will bring a generation of Qatari players would ben- new coach in Ernesto Valverde, as well Academy because they can put some between Flamengo and Vasco rockets and fireworks inside lot of happiness to the people here.” efi t greatly from the new coach. as renewing the contract of Lionel Messi players there, thinking ahead to 2022,” da Gama, news reports said the ground and players were After going on a tour of Aspire Acad- “Felix coached me at Barcelona,” he until 2021, the left-back said the Catalan Piqué added. yesterday. forced to sprint from the pitch The unidentified man was to avoid being hit. shot in the throat and three Fans battled on the terraces BOTTOMLINE others were hit by bullets in and then continued to fight the gunfight that followed the outside the ground. game. The incident is the latest in a The three were reportedly string of violence related to released from hospital but Brazilian football. police could not be reached to Scores of people have been USA held to 1-1 draw by confirm details. killed in recent years. Panama in Gold Cup opener TRANSFER NEWS AFP it in England. Both teams had opportunities New York Rowe easily got past Michael in the scoreless fi rst half. Chelsea sign German Murillo and moved deep down The hosts’ best chance came the left fl ank before sending a in the 26th as Kellyn Acosta put he United States gave up low cross into the penalty area a ball through to Rowe — whose defender Rudiger an equaliser to draw 1-1 where Dwyer turned and fi red a shot went straight to Panama- with Panama on Sat- left-footed shot into the right- nian keeper Jose Calderon. AFP urday to open Group B hand corner of the net. Camargo then tested Guzan London Taction in the CONCACAF Gold The US goal galvanised Pan- with a curling shot from the edge Cup in Nashville, Tennessee. ama, who saw Camargo’s blast of the area and both teams came English-born striker Dom from 20 yards out go over the close in fi rst-half stoppage time. erman international de- Dwyer scored for the United bar two minutes later, then saw The US, fi ve-time winners of fender Antonio Rudiger States — his second goal in as a brilliant chance go begging the regional championship, will joined Chelsea from Ital- many matches for his adopted when Ismael Diaz somehow be aiming to sharpen up defen- ian club Roma for a re- country putting the US up 1-0 in fi red over the bar from a couple sively when they face Marti- Gported fee of £29 million ($37.3mn, the 50th minute. of yards out after a header by nique on Wednesday in Tampa, 32.7mn euros), the buying club But Bruce Arena’s men Gabriel Torres had been saved by Florida, where Nicaragua and announced yesterday. couldn’t make the lead stand up a diving Brad Guzan. Panama will also clash. The 24-year-old — whose as Miguel Camargo answered Edgar Barcenas also narrowly “There’s positives to take from fee with add-ons could rise to for Panama to insure the two missed before the determined the game,” Dwyer said. “We’re £33.3mn — signed a fi ve-year strongest teams in the group Panamanians pulled level. defi nitely disappointed not to contract a week after helping his shared the points. Barcenas’ cross set up Torres, get three points. But there’s a lot country win the Confederations That opened the door for who forced Guzan into another to build on.” Cup. Martinique to fi nish the day atop save, but New York City FC’s In the second match of the Rudiger, who had been with the group B standings after a 2-0 Camargo was there to bury the double-header, Kevin Parse- Roma since joining from Stutt- This file photo shows Roma’s victory over Nicaragua. rebound. main opened the scoring when gart in 2015, provides a boost German defender Antonio Rüdi- Excellent work from Ke- Few quality chances fol- he headed in a cross from Johan for Chelsea a day after they suf- ger in action. lyn Rowe on the left side set up lowed, although the USA Audel in the 35th minute. fered the bitter disappointment Sporting Kansas City forward thought a penalty should have Martinique extended their of seeing striker Romelu Lukaku, ity who adds to our defensive op- Dwyer, who became a US citizen been awarded in the 82nd when lead in the 66th when, moments their main transfer target of the tions,” added Emenalo. just three months ago, pursuing captain Alejandro Bedoya came after coming on, Steeven Langil close season, agree to join Man- “Antonio is still young but is his football dream Stateside af- Panama’s Michael Amir Murillo (R) celebrates with goal scorer down after tangling with de- launched a solo run from midfi eld chester United instead. experienced at club and interna- ter he was told he wouldn’t make Miguel Camargo against the US. fender Luis Ovalle. and fi nished from close range. “It’s a great feeling because tional level and possesses all the not every player has the oppor- requisite attributes to thrive in tunity to join a huge club like the Premier League. this,” Rudiger told the club’s “We have been aware of him Banned Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio, “I off er my most sincere apologies The biennial tournament kicks off July 16. website. for some time and we are con- who was slapped with a six-game to all those that felt off ended or this weekend in the United States “The hardest part is that I can’t be “I am looking forward to fi dent he will fi t in well with the Mexico ban by FIFA, has apologised for an hurt by my behaviour in the game and features North America, Central on the bench, helping our team meeting up with my new team- squad.” coach outburst directed at off icials during against Portugal,” said Osorio. America and Caribbean nations. win,” said Osorio, who is 20-4-5 as mates and I’m very proud to of- Rudiger, who has scored 12 the recent Confederations Cup Osorio was ejected late in the 2-1 Mexico — record seven-time Mexico’s coach. “I think that’s prob- fi cially become a Chelsea player.” goals in his professional career Osorio match in Russia. loss to Portugal after he confront- champions — is missing many of ably the worst situation for every Chelsea technical director but also picked up six red cards, apologises Speaking on Saturday night for the ed an off icial on the sideline. their top players as they begin manager.” Michael Emenalo said Rudiger is Chelsea’s second signing of first time about the incident, which The suspension means Osorio will their Gold Cup campaign against El If Mexico is eliminated before the — who has been capped 17 times the close season though the fi rst for his took place during a game against not be behind the bench for de- Salvador in San Diego. Gold Cup final, Osorio would serve since making his debut in 2014 — to cost any money. outburst at Portugal, the 56-year old Colombian fending champion Mexico’s open- Their other group opponents are his suspension in Mexico’s Septem- possessed the qualities to blos- Veteran Argentinian goalkeep- said he would do “everything” to ing game at the 2017 CONCACAF Jamaica in Denver on Thursday ber World Cup qualifiers against som in the Premier League. er Willy Caballero joined on a off icials make sure it doesn’t happen again. Gold Cup. and Curacao in San Antonio on Panama and Costa Rica. “We are pleased to be able to free transfer following his release bring in a player of proven qual- from rivals Manchester City. Gulf Times 4 Monday, July 10, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Five things on Wayne Rooney Five things on Manchester the man who made him United and England record the world’s most expensive scorer Wayne Rooney after he teenager when he bought returned to his previous club him from Everton to United Everton yesterday: for around £30 million ($37.5 million, 35 million euros) in Rooney bids to TEENAGE SENSATION 2003, believes will stand for Rooney was a child prodigy of ever. “His achievement is English football, bursting onto outstanding,” Ferguson told the scene aged 16 for Everton MUTV. “It’s amazing, he’s 200- in 2002 and two years later odd games short of Bobby’s was the outstanding talent for playing record and that makes England at Euro 2004 scor- it even more amazing. I don’t ing four goals in their group think (anyone can overtake revive career with matches as they progressed Wayne).” to the quarter-finals. However, his and his country’s SENSITIVE SOUL chances of further progress Rooney may show poor judge- disappeared when he broke a ment on and off the pitch at bone in his foot in the quarter- times but there is no doubting final and having lost their his heart is in the right place. cutting edge up front England This he showed through Everton return went on to lose on penalties. his sizeable donation from his Wayne Rooney Founda- ‘It is some time since I said that the only Premier League club I would play for other ‘ENGLISH THROUGH AND tion — which seeks to help THROUGH’ disadvantaged and vulnerable than Manchester United was Everton, so I am delighted that the move has happened’ Much was made of Rooney’s children — to the victims and staying up late and getting their families of the suicide drunk in the England team bombing after an Ariana hotel the night after the World Grande concert at the Man- Cup qualifier with Scotland chester Arena on May 22nd last November but there have which left 22 dead and scores never been any doubts about injured, the great majority of his passion for his country. them youngsters. “There are This was illustrated early on moments in life that instantly when aged 16 he refused aff ect you and stop you in the Republic of Ireland’s your tracks,” he said. “Monday advances as he qualified for night (the night of the attack) them through a grandmother. was one of those occasions. “When I was at Everton (in Like so many others, I have 2001) Lee Carsley asked me enjoyed great nights at the about it on behalf of Mick arena, often with my family. As McCarthy but it never crossed a father, I am horrified that a my mind,” he revealed in 2015. night out for so many young “I have Irish grandparents, so people could end so tragi- if they wanted to play for Ire- cally.” land I’m sure they could have, but it was never something I BOOM AND BUST? thought about. I am English The drinking incident at the through and through.” England camp — when he and other members of the RECORD MAN England backroom staff joined His powers may be on the a wedding party staying at the wane but everything is rela- hotel — last November which tive for a player who has had he apologised for was mild in a habit of breaking records comparison to the revelations throughout his career. over his gambling losses. He has the rare distinction of Rooney has spoken about his being both his now former fears over his gambling and club Manchester United and they appear well-founded his country’s record goalscorer as in March in one two hour — indeed he also remains Eng- session he lost £500,000 in a land’s youngest ever goalscorer casino. when he netted aged just 17 One person it will have not years and 317 days old against impressed is Coleen, his Macedonia in a Euro 2004 childhood sweetheart now qualifier in September 2003. wife and mother of their three His breaking of Bobby boys, whom he revealed in Charlton’s 44-year-old United his autobiography hit the roof goalscoring record last season when he lost £50,000 in the This file photo shows Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney controlling the ball during an EPL game. is one that Alex Ferguson, early years of his career.

AFP “Thirteen years ago I went to United really happy he’s decided to come home,” ter) City and the countless match-win- London with the intention of winning trophies said Koeman. ning performances in his time here? and I have been fortunate to be a part of “He loves Everton and he was desper- “But after much discussion, the club Nouri ‘out of danger’ aft er collapse — Ajax one of the most successful periods in the ate to come back. He is still only 31 and I has decided to accept his request to rejoin ngland and Manchester United’s club’s history. don’t have any doubts about his qualities. his boyhood team. Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nou- The young player — one of record goalscorer Wayne Rooney “I have come back to Everton be- It’s fantastic he’s here.” “He goes having created some of the ri was “out of life-threatening Ajax’s up-and-coming pros- declared himself ‘ecstatic’ after cause I believe (Everton manager) Ron- most magical moments in some of the danger” but still in intensive pects, was flown by helicopter completing a move back to Ever- ald Koeman is building a team that can ‘MOST MAGICAL MOMENTS’ most successful years in the club’s his- care after collapsing during to a hospital in Innsbruck. ton,E the club where he fi rst starred as a win something and I look forward to Mourinho for his part said he admired tory.” a training match in Austria, Ajax communications chief teenager, yesterday. playing my part in making that a real- Rooney but understood both his desire Rooney, who had at one point been as relatives flew in to support Miel Brinkhuis told AFP that five The 31-year-old — who became a pe- ity for the club I have supported since a for playing more football and to return to linked with a move to China before inter- him, the club said yesterday. of Nouri’s relatives were flown ripheral fi gure under Jose Mourinho last boy,” added Rooney, who was five times the club that nurtured his talent. est cooled, largely had a season to forget Ajax called off an open to Austria to be by his side. season — signed a two-year contract on United’s leading scorer and on another “It is never easy to see a great player last year. training today following the Meanwhile Ajax said training a free transfer, according to the BBC, occasion shared the honours with Cris- playing less football than he would like He made just 15 Premier League starts sudden collapse of Nouri over on Monday — the first of the bringing the curtain down on 13 trophy- tiano Ronaldo. and I could not stand in his way when he — and came on in another 10 — and was the weekend, which the top season which would have been laden years at Old Traff ord. Indeed Rooney said once he met with asked to go back to Everton,” said Mour- a non-used substitute in the League Cup Amsterdam club said was open to fans – had been can- Rooney — whose move comes the day Koeman he knew there should be no oth- inho. win over Southampton and was sent on heart-related. celled as a result of the incident. after United announced they had agreed er destination for his talents. United vice-chairman Ed Woodward in the 90th minute of the 2-0 victory over “Nouri is currently being kept “Ajax finds that the open train- terms with Everton over buying striker “I saw it in his eyes that he wanted me paid a handsome valedictory tribute to Ajax in the Europa League fi nal. asleep in intensive care, but ing... which always has a bit Romelu Lukaku — will hope the switch to be part of his team,” said Rooney. Rooney. He fi rst burst onto the scene aged just he is out of danger,” Ajax said of a party atmosphere, at this revives his international career which Koeman said in Rooney — who in his “Wayne has been a fantastic servant 16 at Everton and went on to score 17 in a statement. point would not be appropri- also stalled last season. time at United won among other trophies to United since the moment he signed goals in 77 appearances for the ‘Toff ees’, Nouri, 20, suddenly collapsed ate.” “It is some time since I said that the fi ve Premier League titles and a Champi- for us as a prodigiously talented, explo- sparking then United manager Alex Fer- during a match against Wer- Saturday’s match — which was only Premier League club I would play for ons League — he was buying a player with sive teenager some 13 seasons ago,” said guson’s interest. der Bremen. Ajax yesterday also cancelled — was the last other than Manchester United was Ever- a surefi re winner’s mentality. Woodward. Ferguson managed to persuade the confirmed he suff ered “car- at a training camp organised ton, so I am delighted that the move has “Wayne has shown me that ambition “Who can forget his storybook debut board to splash out £27 million (30.7mn diac arrhythmia after which under Ajax’s new coach Mar- happened,” he said in a statement to the that we need and that winning mental- hat-trick against Fenerbahce, the spec- euros, $35mn) and the club was not to re- he was reanimated.” cel Keizer. Press Association. ity — he knows how to win titles and I’m tacular overhead kick against (Manches- gret their investment.

BOTTOMLINE Raiola, ‘genius’ and a ‘big mouth’ best friend AFP of Haarlem. He fi rst honed his skills on pranos” TV series when they fi rst met. then coach Pep Guardiola over his dete- Haarlem, Netherlands football and the art of negotiating while “In the beginning they all under- riorating relationship with Ibrahimovic. waiting tables at the Ristorante Napoli. estimated him because of the way he He crossed the line for many in the “The board of the (now defunct) local dressed,” said Vissers, who has inter- Netherlands when he called late na- ressed in a T-shirt and jeans football club Haarlem FC used to come viewed the elusive agent and been a tional football icon Johan Cruyff a “de- or tracksuit and trainers, it is and dine there at least once a week,” keen follower of his career. mented dickhead” for allegedly sug- easy to mistake Mino Raiola said Edwin Struis, a freelance football These days, nobody dismisses Raio- gesting that ex-footballers should be for just another chubby beer- writer who worked at a Haarlem paper la, one of the most powerful people in given top football industry jobs. lovingD football fan rather than the in the early 1990s. football. Raiola later apologised to Cruyff , but razor-sharp mind who dominates the “Warranted or unwarranted, Mino His fi rst big break came with the said he stood by his viewpoints on jobs world transfer market. would chirp in, giving his opinions on signing of Czech midfi eld star Pavel for pals. Raiola, whose Italian roots and love the state of the club and football in gen- Nedved, a former Ballon d’Or winner, of pasta is highlighted by his family’s eral,” Struis has told AFP. in 1992. ‘DONALD TRUMP OF FOOTBALL’ pizza restaurant, is said to have been “It got to a point where they simply After that, other greats like Ibrahi- “He has a sharp tongue — some instrumental in orchestrating Belgian said, ‘Since you know so much, why don’t movic and Pogba — and now Lukaku — would even say he’s a bit of a loudmouth striker Romelu Lukaku’s latest signing you just join the board?’” said Struis. followed. that uses lots of words but doesn’t say at Manchester United for a reported Raiola briefl y worked as technical di- It is not all plain-sailing for Raiola much,” said Struis. £75million over the weekend. rector at Haarlem FC, but he had much however. Gael Mahe, a former Pogba repre- The 24-year-old’s transfer from grander ideas: setting up a partnership to The Football Leaks media consortium sentative, calls Raiola a “genius” for his Everton — for a record fee between transfer players from Italian club Napoli. alleged late last year that the agent had deal making. British clubs — was reportedly sup- Naples is close to the southern Ital- transferred Pogba’s multi-million image “He is the Donald Trump of football, ported by another of Raiola’s proteges ian city of Nocera Inferiore, from where rights to the off shore haven of Jersey. a big mouth who knows how to sell and and Lukaku’s close friend, Paul Pogba. This file photo shows Italian-born Dutch football agent Mino Raiola. Raiola moved with his parents when he The agent has dismissed the reports who has built his own skyscrapers. It was Raiola who mastermind- was one in 1968. as imaginary. Each of his players has virtually the ed Pogba’s own record-smashing United last year making an estimated the best deals for his players,” Willem Raiola’s own income and tendency value of a Manhattan building,” Mahe 105-million-euro return to the ‘Red £40m from Pogba’s transfer from Ju- Vissers, a Dutch football writer for the re- ‘SOPRANOS LOOKALIKE’ to shoot from the hip has earned him told AFP. Devils’ a year ago. ventus alone while stablemates Mkhi- spected daily De Volkskrant has told AFP. Many in football mistakenly brushed the admiration — and ire — of many in And Ibrahimovic has only good He has looked after Swedish great taryan and Ibrahimovic also joined at aside Raiola because of his jeans-and- football. things to say in his autobiography. Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the last 15 years Old Traff ord. HUMBLE ROOTS T-shirt uniform. “Unfortunately, he’s made it a bit of a “Shall I spell it out here? Mino is a and also manages Mario Balotelli, Blaise Raiola’s “a man that always thinks Raiola was born into humble roots. His Even Ibrahimovic in his autobiog- habit to insult people,” said Struis. genius,” said the world’s third-highest Matuidi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. ahead and he’s a perfectionist who’s al- family owns a cosy, traditional pizza raphy “I am Zlatan” said he thought Five years ago Barcelona threatened to earning footballer in 2016 after Cris- Raiola did extremely well out of ways working unbelievably hard to get restaurant in the Dutch medieval city Raiola was a character from “The So- break ties with Raiola after he criticised tiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Gulf Times Monday, July 10, 2017 5 SPORT

GOLF Thai teen breaks record for youngest professional win AFP and Country Club in Pattaya. She burst into the Bangkok fi rst day with a two under 70, struck a 71 on day two and another 70 on day three. She began the fi nal day one shot behind Thai teenager became the youngest Menendez, 25, facing the daunting task of keep- known winner of a professional golf ing the fi nish line in sight. The fi rst nine she shot tournament yesterday, overcoming two bogeys and a birdie but was helped by a poor huge pressure to secure a two-shot start from Menendez who fi red four bogeys, giv- victoryA at the Ladies European Thailand Cham- ing the rising Thai star a cushion as the two went pionship in Pattaya. into the back nine. There were gasps from the crowd as Atthaya If Atthaya felt pressure, she did not show it, Thitikul — aged just 14 years and four months fi ring another birdie on the back nine and calmly — calmly slotted home a must-win fi nal putt on slotting home the fi nal par putt. “I’m so proud the 18th to see off Ana Menendez of Mexico. Her and so happy for my score and win this week,” victory smashes the current record set by Can- she said. “I’m so excited, thank you so much.” ada’s Brooke Henderson who won the Canadian As an amateur she does not take home any Women’s Tour in June 2012 aged 14 years, nine prize winnings. That means the top 45,000 months and three days. euro ($51,000) prize went to runner up Menen- She also beats the Ladies European Tour dez while 27,500 euros went to third placed pro record held by former number one Lydia Ko Whitney Hillier. who took the 2013 New Zealand Open aged 15 Thailand's Atthaya years, nine months and 17 days. Atthaya, who FINAL TOP SCORES Thitikul, 14, won hails from Thailand’s western province of Rach- 283 — Atthaya Tithikul (THA) 70-71-70-72 285 — Ana at the Ladies aburi, turned 14 on 20 February. Local media Menedez (MEX) 68-72-70-75 286 — Whitney Hillier European Thailand said she fi rst picked up a golf club aged six. The (AUS) 74-72-69-71 287 — Leticia Ras-Anderica (GER) Championship in shy but seemingly always smiling teenager had 73-73-74-67; Parinda Phokan (THA) 75-73-71-68; Amy Pattaya. (AFP) a dream week at the 72-par Phoenix Gold Golf Boulden (WAL) 73-74-67-73.

RUGBY RAHM ROMPS TO IRISH OPEN TITLE Portstewart, United Kingdom: tournament record and three All Blacks coach Hansen Jon Rahm fired a stunning strokes less than the previous seven-under-par final round of mark that stood for 42 years. 65 to cruise to a six-shot victory Rahm was met by a rules in the Irish Open at Portstewart off icial after an incident on the yesterday. The Spaniard avoided sixth green, but under new rules a two-stroke penalty early in his introduced after the contro- welcomes ‘road bumps’ round on his way to joining the versy following the much-pub- greats of Spanish golf, including licised Lexi Thompson penalty the late Seve Ballesteros, in win- at the women’s ANA Inspiration 'From a long-term perspective it put us under pressure and some adversity' ning the tournament. in April, was aff orded a new The 22-year-old Rahm was benefit of the doubt. Reuters in a class of his own with two Scotland’s Richie Ramsay (65) Auckland eagles and five birdies on the and England’s Matthew South- day as he finished on 24 under gate (66) shared second place par overall. His eff ort is a new on 18 under. ll Blacks coach Steve Hansen has welcomed the “road bumps” his side encountered in the drawn Spain’s Jon Rahm test series against the British celebrates his win andA Irish Lions and believes the experi- with the trophy. (Reuters) ence would help them as they build to- wards the next World Cup. The series was locked at 1-1 after the third test ended in a 15-15 draw at Eden Park on Saturday, following a dramatic overturning of an All Blacks penalty by referee Romain Poite in the fi nal two min- utes. The world champions, however, had plenty of opportunities to seal the series, particularly during the 24-21 second test loss in Wellington when they played al- most 60 minutes with a man down and again on Saturday in the series decider. The Lions, however, had put them un- der immense pressure for sustained pe- riods of the series, something they had not really experienced in the last fi ve years. “We have got some good (lessons) from that,” Hansen said yesterday. “From a long-term perspective it put us un- der pressure and some adversity and we had to deal with that mentally. There are plenty of positives to come out of that.” Some pundits in the rugby-mad coun- try have been quick to condemn the New Zealand’s coach Steve Hansen (left) speaks with British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland after the third rugby union Test drawn series with the New Zealand match at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. (AFP) Herald’s Chris Rattue saying Hansen’s team had gone backwards during the Li- reality. There are other teams out there named by his British and Irish Lions away to receive this award from my peers,” ons series. “We have witnessed an epic who can play rugby,” he said. “It’s pretty teammates as their player of the tour of Davies said. “I have loved every minute of series and an epic failure for Hansen, not disrespectful to think just because we’ve New Zealand, the Lions said yesterday. this amazing tour, with an amazing group because he lost — which he kind of did drawn a series we’ve gone backwards. Davies played every minute of the of players and to receive this from them through a series draw — but for the way People have just got to stay calm and trust three-test series against the All Blacks, is very special. To come to somewhere SPOTLIGHT the All Blacks played,” Rattue wrote. “The we know what we’re doing. We had a which ended with a 15-15 draw on Satur- like New Zealand, the home of the dou- All Blacks have been so bad in some areas bump in the road against a well-coached day to ensure the series fi nished tied 1-1. ble world champions, after such a short that a World Cup re-think is inevitable, team full of quality athletes, but you want The All Blacks won the fi rst game 30-15 at time together and to run them as close as which may be no bad thing.” a few road bumps, because somewhere Eden Park while the Lions won the sec- we did is a huge achievement. Both teams Munoz carries two-shot Hansen, however, said that people they’re going to hit you and you need to ond 24-21 in Wellington. have put in a huge eff ort and we have to needed to take a step back and realise how know how to deal with them.” Tour captain Sam Warburton distrib- be very proud of what we have achieved good the Lions team had been. uted voting cards to the players after the on this tour. It’s been very special for lead into fi nal round “We’re used to winning everything. DAVIES NAMED LIONS’ PLAYER third test and Davies was selected as the me.” The Lions left New Zealand yester- AFP But that’s one of the reasons this has been OF NEW ZEALAND TOUR player who had made the biggest contri- day having won fi ve games, lost three and Washington a great series. People get a wee sense of Wales centre Jonathan Davies has been bution to the 10-match tour. “I’m blown drawn two matches.

GA Tour rookie Sebas- FOCUS tian Munoz (right) fi red a two-under 68 on Saturday to maintain his leadP at the Greenbrier Classic as he seeks to become the fi rst wire- Kirk seizes four-shot lead in LPGA event to-wire winner of the event. Munoz reached 14-under 196 AFP second-round 63 before the storms hit on and had a two-shot lead over Los Angeles Katherine Kirk of Australia Friday, rolled in nine birdies in her round, Robert Streb, of the US, who shot lines up a putt during the including fi ve on the back nine. a fi ve-under 65 and was alone in Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic She strung together four-straight second place at the Old White atherine Kirk drained a 12-foot in Oneida, Wisconsin. (AFP) birdies beginning at the par-three eighth, TPC course in White Sulphur putt to save par on her closing where she rolled in an 18-foot putt to get Springs, West Virginia. hole as she fi red a 65 on Sat- to 14-under. A couple of nice approach “I think I had a good round to- the lowest fi rst round score in urday to grab a four-shot lead shots on No. 10 and No. 11 allowed her to day by the way I just hit the ball tournament history. But he will Kafter the third round of the Thornberry make it four consecutive birdies. from the tee again,” he said. “A have to battle tournament past Creek LPGA Classic. She made a long 20 foot putt on 17 for lot of missed fairways in the fi rst to claim his fi rst victory as the The 35-year-old Australian sits at birdie and then another long putt on 18 nine. Then we kind of managed Greenbrier Classic has never 20-under 196 as she aims for her third to save par and preserve her four-stroke to settle in with a couple clutch had a fi rst, second or third round career LPGA title in the fi nal test before lead. In the last round, Kirk will have a putts, save par, and good chips.” leader go on to win. next week’s US Women’s Open. chance to break the LPGA Tour’s 72-hole Americans Xander Schauff ele Munoz rolled in four birdies on “I know I can putt well, but I think I’m record of 27 under by Annika Sorens- and Jamie Love, who both shot Saturday to raise his three round like pushing the limits right now,” said tam at the 2001 and equalled by Kim 66, were tied for third place at birdie total to a tournament- Kirk, who hasn’t won on the Tour since Sei-Young in 2016. Both players did it in 11-under 199, just three shots leading 19. He began his Satur- 2010. “It’s fun. I mean, I made, I think, a Phoenix. back of Munoz. Kelly Kraft (67), day round with a birdie on the 19-footer on 17 and a 19-footer there for Buhai made four birdies in a fi ve-hole Russell Henley (68) and 53-year- par-four opening hole but then par. It’s unexpected, but you certainly stretch to begin her back nine on Satur- old Davis Love (68) were tied for ran into trouble on the front nine take them when you can.” day. The two-time South African Wom- fi fth at 10-under 200. with bogeys on No. 2 and No. 5. Kirk, of Brisbane, holds a solid lead over en’s Open champion is seeking her fi rst The 24-year-old Munoz is He made birdie on the par- South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai, who also win on the USLPGA Tour. “I felt I made hoping to join compatriot Cami- four sixth and then added two shot a seven-under 65 in the third round. as many birdies as I could,” said Buhai of lo Villegas as the only Colombi- more birdies (13th and 15th) on Japan’s Ayako Uehara and Jodi Ewart Johannesburg. ans to win on the USPGA Tour. the back nine. Shadoff of England are tied for third after “I have never been in the fi nal group Villegas has won four times on Munoz will be paired with the shooting 65 and 66 respectively. but it will be fun. I welcome the chal- the Tour, including the 2008 30-year-old Streb in the fi nal Suzann Pettersen (66) and Cristie Kerr play on the Thornberry Creek course Sat- berry Creek tournament as it features a lenge. I got my foot in the door and I have Tour Championship and the 2014 round. This is Streb’s fourth start (67) headline a group seven golfers at urday morning after storms disrupted $300,000 top prize and is sandwiched been in the mix in the past.” Kerr, a 19- Wyndham Championship. at the Greenbrier Classic with his 12-under 204, eight shots back of Kirk. play on Friday. between two major championships. Kirk, time LPGA winner, had eight birdies and Munoz’s opened his week with best fi nish coming in 2015 when Several golfers had to fi nish second round This marks the inaugural Thorn- who was safely in the clubhouse with a three bogeys en route to her 67. a record setting 61 that marked he tied for second. Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 10, 2017 SPORT

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Frazier saves Yankees from another loss with a homer Yankees won for only the seventh time in 24 games since June 12 when Frazier drove a 97-mph fastball from Knebel

Reuters fastball several times during his fourth career New York start. He struck out eight and allowed three hits and one walk. Five of the Reds’ seven hits went for extra bases. Scooter Gennett and Tucker lint Frazier hit a three-run homer with Barnhart also homered, and Barnhart doubled one out in the bottom of the ninth in- and scored on Billy Hamilton’s single in the ning as the New York Yankees rallied for fourth inning. a 5-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brew- ersC in the Major League Baseball on Saturday. MARLINS 5, GIANTS 4 The Yankees won for only the seventh time Marcell Ozuna drove in two runs with a pair of in 24 games since June 12 when Frazier drove a hits, helping left-hander Chris O’Grady win his 97-mph fastball from Corey Knebel (0-2) over major league debut as Miami defeated San Fran- the left-fi eld wall on a 1-0 count. Frazier quickly cisco. Justin Bour hit his 20th home run of the rounded the bases and was mobbed by his team- season, a solo shot in the fourth inning, as the mates at home plate. Marlins built a 4-1 lead and held on for a win that clinches a series victory over the Giants. Miami DODGERS 5, ROYALS 4 (10 INNINGS) was winless in 10 straight road series (0-5-5). Cody Bellinger walked with the bases loaded in the 10th inning as Los Angeles continued its ATHLETICS 4, MARINERS 3 amazing and often odd triumphant ways, scor- Ryon Healy’s ground-rule double snapped a tie ing the winning run without the benefi t of a hit in the ninth inning as Oakland defeated Seattle. in defeating Kansas City. Scott Alexander (1-3) Chris Smith’s fi rst career start was a quality walked Chase Utley, Corey Seager and Justin one, but the Athletics’ 36-year-old right-hand- Turner — all on 3-2 pitches — to load the bases er didn’t receive a decision. Smith, who had with no outs, and closer Kelvin Herrera walked made 63 relief appearances since breaking in Bellinger on a 3-2 pitch to score Utley. with the Boston Red Sox in 2008, allowed three It was the Dodgers’ 25th win in their last 29 runs in six innings. games, and they’re 17-1 in their last 18 home games and 38-11 on the season. The win gives ORIOLES 5, TWINS 1 them 60 in the fi rst half. The Royals, 18-8 in Jonathan Schoop hit a two-run homer, Manny their last 26 games, dropped their second con- Machado reached base three times and Wade test after coming to town with six wins in their Miley bounced back with a strong eff ort in Bal- last seven games. timore’s victory over Minnesota. Mark Trumbo added a solo homer for the RAYS 1, RED SOX 0 Orioles. Machado had two hits, a walk, two Alex Cobb held Boston to two hits and Tampa runs scored and an RBI a day after his four-hit, Bay held on to edge the Red Sox. Cobb (7-6) gave two-homer performance Friday as Baltimore up only two singles while striking out three, snapped a fi ve-game losing streak and beat outduelling defending Cy Young Award winner Minnesota for the fi rst time in six games this Rick Porcello. The Rays are assured of a winning New York Yankees left fielder Clint Frazier (centre) celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. season. record at the All-Star break while the Red Sox lost to their division rival for the second time in Marwin Gonzalez homered for Houston. The 1-2 fastball over the wall in center for his ninth ning consecutive games for the fi rst time since CARDINALS 4, METS 1 three days, with the series fi nale. Astros’ Mike Fiers (5-4) allowed fi ve hits, four home run and only the second off Holland (1-1) June 18-20. Rookie Paul DeJong homered and slugged three walks and three runs in six innings and struck this season. doubles in a 4-for-4 outing as St. Louis de- BRAVES 13, NATIONALS 0 out six. White Sox closer David Robertson threw a RANGERS 5, ANGELS 2 feated New York. DeJong opened the scoring in Starter Julio Teheran was 2-for-2 with three called third strike past Charlie Blackmon for the Adrian Beltre and Drew Robinson each hit two- the third with his eighth homer, a solo shot to RBIs and pitched seven shutout innings and INDIANS 4, TIGERS 0 second out of the ninth inning. An irate Black- run homers as Texas topped Los Angeles. Bel- left-center that led off the inning against Zack Nick Markakis was 3-for-5 with a homer and Three pitchers combined on a four-hit shutout mon argued with home plate umpire Sam Hol- tre’s two-run homer snapped a 1-1 tie in the Wheeler (3-6). After doubling in the fi fth, De- two RBIs as Atlanta crushed fi rst-place Wash- as Cleveland beat Detroit. Indians starter Mike brook and was ejected as was Rockies manager third inning and Robinson’s two-run shot to Jong led off the seventh with a double and scored ington with a 15-hit outburst. The Nation- Clevinger (5-3) pitched six innings and allowed Bud Black. Robertson then struck out pinch hit- right-center in the sixth inning put Texas up 5-1. on an RBI single to right by Stephen Piscotty. als’ Stephen Strasburg (9-3), who was hit by a three hits and two walks with four strikeouts. ter Carlos Gonzalez to end the game and earn his The two homers were enough off ense for comebacker in the third, had his shortest outing Andrew Miller pitched two innings and re- 13th save. Rangers starter Tyson Ross (2-1), who gave PADRES 2, PHILLIES 1 of the year as he allowed seven hits and six runs tired all six batters he faced, and Cody Allen up one run in 5 2/3 innings. Los Angeles’ Jesse San Diego was stymied by starter Aaron Nola (three earned) in three innings while not record- worked the ninth. PIRATES 4, CUBS 2 Chavez (5-10) has lost each of his last three for much the game but scored two runs in the ing a strikeout for the fi rst time in 2017. The Tigers’ Justin Verlander (5-6) pitched 6 Gregory Polanco hit a go-ahead home run in the starts and hasn’t won a game since June 6. The seventh inning in its victory over Philadelphia. 2/3 innings, allowing one run and six hits with sixth inning and Ivan Nova allowed only three Angels have lost fi ve of their last six games and Nola (6-6) was staked to a 1-0 lead thanks to a BLUE JAYS 7, ASTROS 2 six strikeouts and four walks. After Verlander hits as Pittsburgh defeated Chicago. Nova (9-6) are three games below.500 for the fi rst time fi fth-inning solo homer by Maikel Franco. Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki hit three- struck out the fi rst two batters of the inning, held the Cubs to two runs in 6 2/3 innings, strik- since May 13. The right-hander was cruising through six run homers and Marcus Stroman pitched seven Francisco Lindor singled and scored on a double ing out six and walking one. innings, having thrown only 74 pitches through strong innings as Toronto defeated Houston. by Michael Brantley into the gap in right-center Josh Bell went 3-for-4 with two doubles on REDS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 0 the shutout frames with six strikeouts and one Stroman (9-5) allowed six hits, three walks and fi eld, giving Cleveland a 1-0 lead. the one-year anniversary of his major-league Luis Castillo was overpowering at times while hit allowed. Hunter Renfroe doubled down the one run, and struck out six to earn his second debut. Felipe Rivero earned his sixth save. Kyle pitching 6 2/3 shutout innings for his fi rst ca- right-fi eld line to start the seventh for the Pa- win in his past fi ve starts. WHITE SOX 5, ROCKIES 4 Schwarber and Ian Happ homered for Chi- reer victory as Cincinnati defeated Arizona. Joey dres. Carlos Asuaje laced a two-out double off The Blue Jays assured themselves of at least Tim Anderson led off the ninth inning with cago. Schwarber hit his fi rst home run since he Votto hit a three-run homer in the fi rst inning the wall in right-center fi eld to tie the game at a split in the four-game series with the victory a home run that gave Chicago a victory over returned to the Cubs following a demotion to to support Castillo (1-1), who was in command 1-1. Austin Hedges singled home Asuaje for the over the American League West-leading Astros. Colorado. Anderson drove closer Greg Holland’s Triple-A Iowa, as Chicago was denied in win- throughout while touching 100 mph with his eventual winning run.

NBA ROUND-UP Qatar team train for FIBA Asia Cup

Doha: Qatar basketball team preparations for the swimmers, who are Noah al-Khulaifi, Yaqoub Harden’s Rockets extension worth 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, which will take place in Beirut al-Khulaifi, Omar Hisham, Nasser Yasser, Abdullah from August 8-20, are in full swing. Abu Ghazala, Abdulrahman Hisham, Abdul Aziz The national team has been training at the Qa- al-Obaidli and Yousef Hisham. tar Basketball Federation (QBF) Hall in Al Gharafa The camp is part of the Qatar team’s prepara- $228mn reportedly richest ever under the supervision of its Iraqi coach Qusay tions for the upcoming international events. Hatem. Abdulrahman Saad, Omar Abdulqadir, Al-Khulaifi and Abu Ghazala are scheduled to take AFP Raslan al-Abdullah, Mohamed Abdul Aziz, Omar part in the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Los Angeles al-Khunji, Mohamed Abdulmatti, Abdul Rahman Budapest from July 14 to 30, while Abu-Ghazaleh Yahya, Arfan Saeed, Mohamed Yousif, Mansour al- will participate in the first round of the Swimming Hadary, Ahmed al-Darwish, Abdullah Shaher and World Cup 2017 in Moscow on August 2 and 3. he Houston Rockets inked James Abdul Rahim Abu Issa Nasser al-Rayes, Faisal Abu Hisham and al-Obaidli will participate in the Harden (right) to a contract ex- Issa, Saleh al-Haj, Yunis Diop and Abdul Rahman second round in Berlin on August 6 and 7 and the tension worth a reported $228mn on al-Muftah are the selected players. third round in the Eindhoven on August 11 to 12. Saturday. The Houston Chronicle re- Qatar is also scheduled to play two friendly Qatari diving team is also heading to Belarus Tported the exact value of the deal, which will tournaments in China as part of its ongoing to take part in a camp until July 22nd. Abdulaziz keep Harden under contract for six years, preparations for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup. Belghith, Shadi Salah, Mohamed al-Malki, Abdul will depend on future league-wide salary The group stage of the Asia Cup will be played Aziz al-Malki, Abdullah Khalifa, Mohamed al- cap fi gures. Harden had two years, worth in a round robin format, with the sixteen teams Kuwari, Jaber Almas, Abdullah al-Yaqoub, Ahmed $59mn, left on his previous contract. divided into four groups of four teams. Qatar is in al-Ali, Issa al-Ali and Khalifa al-Abdullah are the He benefi ted from a provision in the new Group B with Iraq, China and the Philippines. The members of the diving team. collective bargaining agreement covering top three teams from each group will advance extensions for superstars. He was eligible to the second phase where they will be they be QATAR MEN’S TENNIS TEAM for the Designated Player Veteran Exten- divided into two groups (E and F). TO PARTICIPATE IN DAVIS CUP sion, which for him was worth an additional Qatar Men’s Tennis team delegation will leave $169mn over four seasons. QATAR SWIMMERS TRAIN IN ARMENIA Doha to Sri Lanka today to participate in 2017 “Since he arrived in Houston, James has Qatar swimming team left for Armenia for a Davis Cup to be staged in Sri Lanka on 17-23 July. exhibited the incredible work ethic, desire training camp that will continue until July 21. The delegation of the Qatari team includes Mousa to win, and passion to be the best that has The Al Annabi’s delegation includes two coaches Shanan, Mubarak Shanan, Jabor al-Motawa in made him one of the most unique and tal- Christos Paparodopoulos and Yuri Vlasov and addition to the team manager Mohammad Khangi ented superstars in the history of the game,” masseur Dimitri Sverski Medlaka along with eight and the coach Younis al-Aynoui. Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement announcing the signing. For the second time in three seasons, Harden was second in NBA Most Valuable OLYMPICS Player voting, with the award going to Rus- sell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thun- der. Harden led the NBA in assists, averag- Financial terms of Fultz’s deal were not aged team highs of 23.2 points and 5.9 as- ing 11.2 per game. He was second in scoring, disclosed by the team, which pulled off a sists to go along with 5.7 rebounds during IOC faces ‘important’ decisions: Bach averaging 29.1 points. He had career bests in blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics his one season with the Huskies. He was Lausanne: Olympic chief Tho- by a vote at their Swiss head- Paris, whose delegation is be- points, assists and rebounds (8.1) for a third prior to the draft to allow Philadelphia to just the second NCAA freshman to average mas Bach said yesterday the IOC quarters tomorrow. Bach opened ing led by French President Em- straight campaign. He became the only move up two spots to own the top pick for 23 points, fi ve rebounds and fi ve assists per faced “very important decisions” a ground-breaking week for the manuel Macron, and Los Angeles player in NBA history to get at least 2,000 the second straight year. “Markelle Fultz game since 1992-93. as the vote on awarding the 2024 Olympic movement telling IOC will present their bids to the IOC points, 900 assists and 600 rebounds in the possesses elite basketball skills, instincts He joins a young squad that features and 2028 Games simultaneously top brass: “We ll have some in- tomorrow. Last week the IOC same season. and talent which prompted us to move up Australian forward Ben Simmons, who was loomed in Lausanne. Paris is teresting days in Lausanne. Evaluation Commission report to No. 1 and add him to our talented young taken with the top pick by the 76ers last year battling with Los Angeles for the Some very important deci- lavished praise on both bidding 76ERS INK TOP DRAFT PICK FULTZ core of players,” Philadelphia president of but missed all of last season with a foot in- right to succeed 2020 hosts To- sions will be taken. More deci- cities, stating there was “very lit- Markelle Fultz, the number one selection in basketball operations Bryan Colangelo said. jury. Just hours after announcing the deal, kyo and stage the Games in seven sions will be made in Lima.” tle to separate” the two bids. last month’s NBA draft, signed a contract “At only 19 years of age, the sky is the limit Fultz twisted his ankle and had to be helped years time. The Peruvian capital Lima Macron is accompanying the with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team said for Markelle and we could not be happier to off the court during Saturday night’s exhibi- But last month IOC bosses hosts the 130th IOC Congress Paris 2024 bid team when it briefs on Saturday. The 76ers also confi rmed the have him join our Sixers family.” tion summer league contest against Golden backed a plan to award both on September 13 where the vote IOC tomorrow at its headquar- signings of free-agent guard JJ Redick and Philadelphia selected Fultz out of the State. The team said he suff ered a sprained Games together, with the recom- to decide the 2024 and likely ters. He also intends to address forward Amir Johnson. University of Washington. The guard aver- left ankle. mendation expected to be backed 2028 hosts will be made. Both the IOC extraordinary session. Gulf Times Monday, July 10, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Qatar’s Bedeir and Hairane claim silver, Konta swinging freely Ogunode wins bronze

Agencies 83.70m on his fourth attempt Bhubaneswar and all set to take gold home from under Chopra and Dav- inder Singh Kang’s noses. atar’s Ahmed Bedeir Neeraj Chopra delivered towards title: Coach and Jamal Hairane when it mattered the most on a claimed silver med- night when 11 throws went past ‘Garcia will be a tough match, but Johanna can use the energy of the crowd’ als as Femi Seun 80m mark. Kang’s fi nished OnugodeQ fi nished third in the third by clearing a distance of Reuters men’s 200m fi nal at the Asian 83.29m. London Athletics Championships yes- In the 800m fi nal, the 2014 terday. Asian Games bronze medal- Badeir bagged the silver in list Hairane was the favourite ritain’s Wimbledon ti- javelin throw, while Hairane in the event, but Kuwait’s Eb- tle hope Johanna Konta secured second spot in 800m rahim al-Zofairi, who quali- is often parodied for her fi nal for his second silver of the fi ed as the fastest loser from mantra of “sticking to competition. the heats, put up a stunning Bthe process” but, far from being a display to win the race. India’s Qatar fi nished the four- tennis robot, coach Wim Fissette day championship with six Jinson Johnson took bronze. says when his player goes out on silver and one bronze. Asian Qatar’s Mohamed Nasser Ab- court she can think on her feet. record holder Ogunode tasted bas fi nished fourth. Sydney-born Konta is four a shock defeat for the second India won fi ve gold medals wins away from becoming the time in four days. Qatari ace on the fi nal day of the cham- fi rst British player to win the Ogunode’s below par time of pionships to fi nish at the top of Wimbledon women’s title since 20.79sec only managed to fetch the standings with a dozen gold Virginia Wade in 1977. Just to him a bronze as Yan Chun-Han in total. ramp up the pressure she will from Chinese Taipei (20.66s) This is the best performance also enter the second week took the gold. by Indian athletes at the Asian wearing the favourites’ tag. Park Bong-Go of South Ko- Championships so far. Their Belgian Fissette, however, rea won silver in 20.76s. Ogu- previous best fi nish was in the says Konta’s ability to play with node came second in the 100m last edition in 2013 at Wuhan, intuition and not hit the panic fi nal also on the second day of China, where they fi nished button when things go wrong the event. third with 4 gold, 5 silver and 4 gives her a great chance of win- In a high-voltage javelin fi - bronze. ning a fi rst major. nal, Indian teenager Neeraj Continental powerhouse “I give her lots of messages the Chopra, the under-20 world China lagged far behind in sec- day before a match and she goes champion, won the gold with ond place with eight gold, sev- over them with me again before Great Britain’s Johanna his last throw of over 85.23m, en silver and fi ve bronze. she goes on court, just to make Konta walks to the court a meet record. Earlier Qatar’s Kazakhstan were third with sure it’s all clear,” Fissette, who ahead of a practice session 20-year-old Magour led the four gold, two silver and two has worked with Kim Clijsters, yesterday. (Reuters) competition with a throw of bronze. Simona Halep and Victoria Aza- renka, told Reuters. “But I don’t give her too much information. I’ve had players who are extreme- Time to take Ostapenko seriously for Wimbledon title: Wilander ly rational and open for statistics. Ahmed Bedeir “Johanna goes more on the Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko about it now,” Swede Wilan- ally gathered momentum. “They’ll be hitting the crap out feeling. I provide tactics and key is one of the best “finish- der, working as an analyst for “We’re not talking about it of the ball,” Wilander said. “They points about the match but she ers” in tennis and should be Eurosport, told Reuters. “She is because I guess people think are two of the best young play- follows her intuition a lot and considered a favourite for the improving with every match. ‘Who is going to win the French ers out there. plays freely, which is good be- Wimbledon title, according to “At the French she played better and Wimbledon in the first year “Svitolina moves a little bit cause it’s only her on court. former world number one Mats the bigger the matches were, they win a title of any descrip- better than Ostapenko but “I remember Kim (Clijsters) Wilander. the tougher the scoreline was, tion,” Wilander, who won three Ostapenko goes for it a little was very much a player like that. The 20-year-old was unseeded she seemed to thrive on the French titles but never went earlier in the rallies. The way She didn’t do better with more when she turned the women’s pressure. The way she finished beyond the quarter-finals at the she plays she can take you out info. Actually the more free she game upside down with her in- the matches at the French All England Club, said. of the equation. I’m not saying was to make decisions the better credible run to the French Open Open was unbelievable. She is “The likelihood is very small Ostapenko will win Wimbledon. she did,” he added of the former title — thumping 54 winners and fearless.” statistically but you have to But she is no one-slam wonder. world number one and four- taking the last five games of a Ostapenko’s progress has been consider it now seriously. She She has no fear and will not go time grand slam winner. rivetting three-set final to stun relatively low-key at Wim- knows how to win. I would put away.” Romanian Simona Halep. bledon, where she is seeded her in there as one of the big Jamal Hairane NEXT HURDLE She has brought her fearless 13th, and she has yet to play favourites. Konta has been impressive brand of tennis to the Wimble- on Centre Court or Court One. “The way women’s tennis is now so far and came through an in- don lawns and is now in sight of On Monday the Latvian faces most women play like they are tense and high-quality battle becoming only the third player Ukraine’s number four seed waiting for the other girl to run with Donna Vekic in the second in the last 21 years to complete Elina Svitolina out on Court 12. out of bullets. But Ostapenko round. Dangerous Frenchwoman the monumental challenge of AMONG FAVOURITES never seems to be short of Caroline Garcia is the next hur- winning the French Open and A lack of air time means that firepower.” dle in the last 16, a player with Wimbledon back-to-back — the talk of a possible French/ The fearless Ostapenko’s must a fi ne grasscourt pedigree, but others being all-time greats Wimbledon double, something next overcome Svitolina — an- Fissette believes his opposite Steff i Graf and Serena Williams. Martina Navratilova and Chris other big-hitter — for a place in number, Garcia’s father and “You should definitely be talking Evert also achieved, has not re- the quarter-finals. coach Louis, will have a tough time fi guring out a way to stop Konta. “I remember when I was fi nals will be either Azarenka or ball. She trusts herself fully.” rently winning 78 % of her fi rst to have a fi rst serve as good as Jo- with Vika (Azarenka) and she Halep — so inside information Konta, 26, took the day off on serve points, behind only Ameri- hanna’s second serve. She trusts played Johanna in Wuhan and I will not be in short supply. Saturday to get away from the cans Venus Williams and Coco it.” Konta’s rise has given British was trying to analyse Johanna’s “It would be an advantage Wimbledon bubble, Fissette said. Vandeweghe of the last 16 sur- tennis a two-pronged attack at game before the match and I sure,” said 37-year-old Fissette, “That was her idea, not mine,” he vivors. Wimbledon this year, rather than found it diffi cult,” he said. who guided Konta to the Miami said. “She is dealing with the ex- “Her serve is massive weap- just relying on Andy Murray, and “She doesn’t really have a title this year — her biggest yet. pectation very well. She is taking on,” Fissette said. “You don’t see Fissette says Konta is thriving in weakness and can score from “But to be honest I know when it all in her stride. She is calm and many girls with a serve like that. the spotlight. both sides. It was diffi cult to fi nd Johanna is playing well she is just focusing on the next day.” For sure it’s in the top three in the “Garcia will be a tough match, a good game plan to beat her.” very tough to beat. “The good Fissette believes Konta’s serve servers for women. but Johanna can use the energy Should sixth seed Konta beat thing is she is very clear about could be the key to her chances “It’s not just her fi rst serve. I of the crowd. She has defi nitely a Garcia, waiting in the quarter- what she needs to do on every of emulating Wade. She is cur- think a lot of players would like big chance to win a grand slam.”

DIAMOND LEAGUE Farah eases to victory, Thompson edges Schippers

AFP track swansong in London in “I knew I was in good shape. “I have just kept the faith and London three weeks’ time, there were This is far out! I am really excited worked hard and now I hope to others too who made statements I’ve been able to prove myself.” see the fruits realised in August,” of intent. said Amos, who has battled back ritish Athletics great Jamaica’s 100m and 200m Merritt returns to form from injuries. Mo Farah eased to vic- women’s champion Elaine Aries Merritt suggested he There was an emotional send- tory in the 3,000 metres Thompson won the 100m, com- could well be a title contender off for Paralympian legend David at the Diamond League ing from behind to edge out her in the men’s 110m hurdles at the Weir, who won his fi nal track meetB in the London Stadium on great rival Dafne Schippers de- worlds, just two years after un- race – the 800m – in the stadi- Sunday and insisted off the track spite wearing shoes which re- dergoing a kidney transplant as um where he won three titles in matters didn’t concern him. sembled trainers. the 2012 Olympic champion won the 2012 Paralympics. The 34-year-old - a four- “I do have on spikes but they in his season’s best of 13.09sec. “That is defi nitely the last time Olympic gold medallist are very petite. They are built es- “I won Olympic gold here and time on the track,” said Weir. and fi ve-time world champion pecially for me and made light- I couldn’t be more thrilled to be “This is the fi nale that I want- having achieved the 5,000m and er,” said Thompson. running into form at the right ed – it is amazing to have my 10,000m double twice in both “I’m really looking forward to time,” said Merritt. family here with me, especially sporting showpieces -said he the worlds. A lot of Jamaicans American great Allyson Felix my kids who don’t come to many could have done little about his are in London and it’s like our ran an eye-catching 400m to races.” medical records being hacked by home town.” time 49.65sec, the fastest time There was a world record in Fancy Bears and then leaked to There was a cracking race in in the world this year on what the rarely competed one-kilo- the press last week. the women’s 100m hurdles, with was her fi rst appearance of the metre walk on its fi rst outing in “Other things don’t distract world record holder Kendra Har- season in the Diamond League. the Diamond League – Tom Bos- me. I’m only in control of my rison pushed the whole way by “I’m running into shape,” said worth recording a time of 5min legs. Never will I fail a test,” said Australia’s Sally Pearson, who the 31-year-old, who has six Ol- 31.08sec. Farah. “I run year after year with experienced her greatest mo- ympic gold medals but just one The British national anthem joy and there’s not much more ment on the same track in 2012 in an individual event. also rang out - an oddity in it- you can do. by taking Olympic gold. “I just so love the sport and I self at a Diamond League meet- “I love being on the podium, “She (Pearson) really pushed am going to keep fi ghting hard.” ing – as the men’s 4x400m relay hearing the anthem and making me and I hit a few hurdles as I felt Nijel Amos threw down the quartet from the 2008 Beijing people proud to be British. I love her next to me,” said Harrison, gauntlet to the 800m title con- Olympics received bronze what I do and I’m good at what I who made it 21 successive wins. tenders when the Botswana ath- medals. do – you can’t worry about other For Pearson it was a wel- lete ran the fastest time in the The quartet received their stuff .” come return to form after injury world this year in 1min 43.18sec medals, with IAAF president Se- Whilst Farah posted an im- blighted the past two years. on the track where he won Ol- bastian Coe attending the cere- pressive warm-up run for the “My goodness I can’t believe ympic silver behind David Rudi- mony, because the Russians had Britain’s Mo Farah does the ‘Mo Bot’ as he poses with volunteers and IAAF president Seb Coe after the world championships and his it!” beamed the 30-year-old. sha in 2012. been disqualifi ed for doping. IAAF Diamond League Anniversary Games athletics meeting in Stratford, London, yesterday. (AFP)

Monday, July 10, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS Wimbledon takes time to chill before fi zz of Manic Monday ‘I think if anybody asked me for a day that they want to go to the tennis, I would say the second Monday of the Wimbledon’

Reuters Ostapenko taking on fourth-seed London Elina Svitolina on Court 12. Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov has prime billing on Centre Court against he All England Club was seven-times Wimbledon champion strangely silent on Sunday as Roger Federer and while he is relish- Wimbledon took a pause for ing that prospect he savoured the si- breath before the most in- lence of Sunday. Ttense day of the tournament — Manic “Everything is so calm. It’s just us, Monday. the players. All you can hear is the While it seems odd for one of the hitting of the ball. You can just hear world’s biggest sports events to take how the ball sits on the strings. You a day off in the middle of competi- just hear that. tion, there is a good rationale for the “Honestly, it’s a pretty special feel- schedule and a reward for the re- ing. It puts a huge smile on my face.” straint. Just as a fi ne bottle of wine benefi ts from being given time to breathe, the TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY Wimbledon vintage is just that lit- tle more special after a day off . To- Centre Court (1:00pm/1200 day every player, men and women, GMT) remaining in the tournament, takes Ana Konjuh (CRO x27) v Venus to the court to fi ght for a place in the Williams (USA x10) quarter-fi nals. Andy Murray (GBR x1) v Benoit It’s the business end of the tourna- Paire (FRA) ment and instead of the early stages Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x13) v messily merging into the last 16 Roger Federer (SUI x3) match-ups, the tournament presses the re-set button and the pause am- Court One (1:00pm/1200 GMT) plifi es the sense of drama to come. Johanna Konta (GBR x6) v Caro- “It’s unlike other grand slams. line Garcia (FRA x21) Wimbledon is very unique because Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) v Gilles it’s not played on middle Sunday. So Muller (LUX x16) Monday is a big day for all the play- Adrian Mannarino (FRA) v Novak ers, both men and women,” said No- Djokovic (SRB x2) vak Djokovic who takes on France’s Adrian Mannarino. Court Two (11:30am/1030 “It is even more so for the tourna- GMT) ment and fans. It’s one of the days Angelique Kerber (GER x1) v where you can get probably the most Garbine Muguruza (ESP x14) Spain’s Rafael Nadal during a practice quality matches, both singles and Victoria Azarenka (BLR) v session yesterday. (Reuters) doubles, men and women, that you Simona Halep (ROM x2) can have throughout the entire tour- Milos Raonic (CAN x6) v Alexan- nament,” said the Serb, a three-times der Zverev (GER x10) Wimbledon winner. Nadal must beware Luxembourg lefty Muller Eleventh seed Tomas Berdych, Court Three (11:30am/1030 Rafael Nadal needs no reminder of the the more surprising considering there first of his 10 French Open titles, in the player,” Muller, who has reached the beaten fi nalist in 2010, has an intrigu- GMT) dangers posed by left-handers from is not a single grass court in Luxem- second round of Wimbledon — giving last 16 at Wimbledon for the first time, ing match against Austria’s rising star Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x9) Luxembourg — after all his first taste bourg and 16th seed Muller admits the young Mallorcan a four-set school- said. Beating Nadal would go off the Dominic Thiem on Court Three and v Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x7) of defeat on Wimbledon’s lawns was he had not a clue how to play on the ing. “I’ve got good memories facing scale back home and, while victory the Czech believes fans with tickets Coco Vandeweghe (USA x24) v against one such player. surface when he first encountered it. Rafa here,” Muller, who met Nadal again would be a huge shock, Muller will walk for Monday have chosen wisely. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x5) Twelve years on and that same man, “I remember when I first played on in 2011, losing in straight sets, added. on Court One feeling confident — espe- “I would say it’s the best day of ten- Dominic Thiem (AUT x8) v Gilles Muller, could ambush Nadal’s grass, it was at a junior invitational “The first time I played him here I beat cially as the surface on that showcourt nis that you can see,” says Berdych. Tomas Berdych (CZE x11) attempt to land a third title. tournament at (London’s) Queen’s him, Second time I lost in three sets, plays quicker than the outside courts. “I think if anybody asked me for a As Wimbledon swings into its second Club,” Muller told Reuters. but I had a set point in the first set and “Of course, the quicker the better for day that they want to go to the tennis, Court 12 (11:30am/1030 GMT) week Nadal is looking supreme, but “It wasn’t love at first sight! I got killed was up a mini-break in the second set me,” Muller, bumped up from his ATP I would say the second Monday of the Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x13) v 34-year-old grasscourt specialist Muller in my first match by a Mexican called (tiebreak). “It’s true I beat him in 2005 ranking of 26 to 16th seed at Wimble- Wimbledon, because you see men’s, Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) represents an altogether diff erent Santiago Gonzales. but he’s improved a little bit on grass don after a superb run in the European women’s, you see last 16. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x18) challenge with his old-school serve- “In the beginning I had no clue what to since then! He’s won the title twice.” grasscourt season, said. “So you see a lot of matches so you v Marin Cilic (CRO x7) and-volley style that so bamboozled do but after that I got to the junior final Muller is only the second man from “I played on Court 18 and 12 here this can also go to the ground courts and the Spaniard 12 years ago. Of the 16 sur- (at Wimbledon). I fell in love with grass Luxembourg to appear in a grand slam week and they were the slowest grass you’re still going to see a great match Court 18 (11:30am/1030 GMT) vivors in the men’s draw, Muller is most pretty quickly. Not love at first sight, tournament, the other being Gaston courts I’ve ever played on. up. I think it’s the best day in tennis,” Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) v likely to be seen following his serve into but pretty fast.” Wampach who played in the 1946 and “Of course I feel that I can beat Rafa. he said. Petra Martic (CRO) the net — a tactic he has employed on a Muller used those lawn skills to his ad- 1947 French Open tournaments. He is looking good and injury free. But Indeed, away from big stadium Sam Querrey (USA x24) v Kevin quarter of his deliveries so far, racking vantage in 2005 when he faced Nadal, “Every time I step on court it seems like if I didn’t think I could win I would not courts, fans can see title contenders Anderson (RSA) up an impressive 82 % success rate. All who a few weeks earlier had won the some kind of first for a Luxembourg bother going out on the court.” such as French Open winner Jelena

CYCLING/TOUR DE RANCE Uran wins crash-fi lled stage, Froome keeps yellow

AFP Chambéry, France RESULTS Stage nine olombian Rigoberto 1. Rigoberto Uran (COL/CAN) 5hrs 07min 22sec Uran won a drama-fi lled 2. Warren Barguil (FRA/SUN) at 0:00. ninth stage of the Tour 3. Christopher Froome (GBR/SKY) 0:00. de France yesterday as 4. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:00. AustralianC Richie Porte and Brit- 5. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) 0:00. on Geraint Thomas crashed out. 6. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 0:00. Champion Chris Froome re- 7. George Bennett (NZL/LNL) 1:15. tained the yellow jersey after 8. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) 1:15. fi nishing the stage third, be- 9. Daniel Martin (EIR/QST) 1:15. hind Frenchman Warren Barguil 10. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 1:15. who missed out on victory in a photo-fi nish. Briton Froome’s Overall standings four bonus seconds on the line 1. Christopher Froome (GBR/Sky) 38hr 26min 28sec helped him increase his lead to 2. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) at 0:18. 18sec over Italian Fabio Aru, who 3. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:51. moved up a place to second with 4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/CAN) 0:55. Thomas having quit the race. 5. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 1:37. Bardet is now third at 51sec 6. Daniel Martin (EIR/QST) 1:44. with Uran, who took the win- 7. Simon Yates (GBR/ORI) 2:02. ner’s 10sec bonus, fourth at 8. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 2:13. 55sec. But other contenders in- 9. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) 3:06. cluding twice former runner-up 10. George Bennett (NZL/LNL) 3:53. Nairo Quintana of Colombia lost more than a minute, as did Dan Martin, who courageously bat- tled on despite being taken down by Porte’s spectacular crash, and even coming off his bike a sec- ond time on that same perilous descent. A handout picture released by A.S.O shows Colombia’s Rigoberto Uran (bottom) crossing the finish line ahead of France’s Warren Barguil (top) Porte’s crash was the most at the end of the 181.5km ninth stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Nantua and Chambery yesterday. (AFP) dramatic as he clipped the grass verge on the inside of a bend on will be taken to hospital for ex- day, suff ering a suspected bro- stage from Nantua to Chambery. the mountain,” he said with the lightning quick descent down amination,” said Porte’s BMC ken collarbone. The Spanish veteran cracked a smile. “After I caught Nairo the fearsome Mont du Chat less team on Twitter. It meant it was a bitter-sweet on the fi nal of seven categorised (Quintana) at the bottom, eve- than 25km from the fi nish. He He lay motionless on the road day for Froome who, despite in- climbs and lost several minutes by ryone was committed and it was came off his bike and skidded for some time being attended creasing his lead and seeing sev- the fi nish. just a case of getting to the fi nish. across the tarmac into Martin, to by medics before being taken eral top rivals lose time, lost his Martin, though, produced a “Job done!” clattering both into the rock face to hospital, although organis- chief Team Sky lieutenant Tho- remarkable ride despite his two Like Quintana he came home on the other side of the road. ers said he was conscious and mas and good friend Porte. crashes to limit his losses. 1min 15sec behind Uran and now Great Britain’s Christopher Froome thumbs up as he celebrates his “Devastating images of @ speaking. Thomas had crashed Twice former winner Alberto “I managed to catch the group sits sixth at 1:44, with Quintana overall leader yellow jersey on the podium at the end of the ninth richie_porte coming from the on another descent, made Contador was one of the big los- in front of me after I crashed the remaining eighth but now out to stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de France in Chambery. (AFP) road after a nasty crash. Richie treacherous by rain, earlier in the ers on the day from the 181.5km second time - I was fl ying down 2:13 behind Froome.