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FOOTBALL | Page 3 MOTOGP | Page 7 Giroud Recovering hat-trick lift s Rossi on front France past row for Italian Paraguay Grand Prix

Sunday, June 4, 2017 NBA Ramadan 9, 1438 AH Cavs vow more GULF TIMES aggressive, decisive play against Warriors SPORT Page 5 CHAMPIONS TROPHY Kumble-Kohli row clouds India-Pakistan opener The build-up to what is arguably cricket’s most anticipated fixture has been dominated by reports of a Five great India-Pakistan ODI clashes falling out between India captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble Title-holders India begin their quest to retain the Champions Trophy AFP about all the time.” when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in Birmingham The India captain leads a powerful their tournament opener at Edgbas- batting line-up, with former Pakistan ton today. skipper Shahid Afridi, in a column for Ahead of their latest one-day interna- itle-holders India will look to www.icc-cricket.com, writing: “While tional encounter, we look back at five put an off -fi eld row behind Kohli is the backbone, India pos- memorable limited overs matches them when they face arch-ri- sesses considerable fi repower around between these two Asian cricket vals Pakistan in their Champi- him. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, giants and arch-rivals. onsT Trophy opener at Edgbaston today. Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh and MS The build-up to what is arguably Dhoni are all match-winners.” April 18, 1986 cricket’s most anticipated fi xture has Afridi also noted the “balance” in Sharjah been dominated by reports of a falling a bowling attack which is set to in- Pakistan won by one wicket out between India captain Virat Kohli clude seamers by Bhuvneshwar Kumar A match no fan on either side of the and coach Anil Kumble. and Mohammad Shami as well as the border will forget. Former India leg-spinner Kumble spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Pakistan, needing four runs off the has overseen fi ve Test series wins since Ravindra Jadeja. last ball to lift the Australasia Cup, his appointment in June last year. sailed through as Javed Miandad His contract expires after the end ‘NOTHING TO LOSE’ pulled a full toss from seamer Chetan of the Champions Trophy but many But Pakistan are not without hope and Sharma for six. have questioned the wisdom of the boast proven performers in the likes of Instantly, Miandad became a national Board of Control for Cricket in India’s skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, an excellent hero and Sharma was reduced to decision to advertise Kumble’s job a wicket-keeper/batsman, was well as a facing barbs and insults on his return week before the one-day internation- big-hitting rookie in Faheem Ashraf. home al tournament starts. “We have nothing to lose, we just Ramachandra Guha, who quit a Su- want to play our natural game,” Sarfraz preme Court-appointed four-member said last week. March 1, 2003 committee overseeing the BCCI in pro- “We are very hopeful of playing well in Centurion test, said in his letter of resignation: “If this tournament and we want to win it.” India won by six wickets indeed the captain and the head coach Yet for all that players on both sides The World Cup match featured a clas- were not getting along, why was this have tried to label today’s clash as “just sic cricket confrontation between two not attended to as soon as the Australia another game”, the fact is someone al- global stars in India batsman Sachin series was over in late March?. ways has something to lose in an India- Tendulkar and Pakistan fast bowler “Why was it left until the last minute, Pakistan match, a fi xture that com- Shoaib Akhtar. when a major international tournament mands the attention of billions round Tendulkar smashed a 75-ball 98 was imminent?” the world let alone in the two cricket to help his team achieve a 274-run There were fears India may not even crazy sub-continent. target. get the chance to defend the title they Political rivalry means the two sides Akhtar bagged just one wicket, that won at Edgbaston four years by beat- have not played a bilateral series since of Tendulkar, while conceding 72 runs ing hosts England in a thrilling fi nal 2012-2013, and India have refused to in his 10 overs. reduced by rain to 20 overs per side, consider the idea without an end to Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar (101) after the BCCI hinted at a boycott of “cross border terrorism” — code for was the only batsman to score a the 50-over tournament as a result of militant incursions along the disputed century in the match. a revenue-sharing dispute with the In- Kashmir border. ternational Cricket Council (ICC). India have never lost a 50-over World But Kohli, one of the most driven Cup or Twenty20 showdown against Pa- September 19, 2004 players now in world cricket, said as his kistan, and a win today would put them Edgbaston squad left for England: “The hunger to in good stead in a tough group also in- Pakistan won by three wickets win and ruthlessness is what we speak India’s Virat Kohl during the press conference ahead of his team’s clash against Pakistan today. cluding Sri Lanka and South Africa. Pakistan would be delighted if history repeated itself today, having won this previous Champions Trophy BOTTOMLINE encounter in Birmingham with four balls to spare. Rana Naved and Akhtar took four wickets apiece to restrict India, with- out Tendulkar because of a ‘tennis elbow’ injury to 200. Pakistan slumped to 27 for three but Pakistan completely calm: Arthur Yousuf Youhana (later known as Mo- AFP be honest, I got sacked just before the “It’s the outside noise that there hammad Yousuf) saw them to victory Birmingham Ashes. So I never ever experienced that. is. Within the dressing room, it is with an unbeaten 81. “But I think this rivalry is certainly unbelievably calm, unbelievably bigger than most and I’m just so excited focused and very, very excited for akistan coach Mickey Arthur to be part of it.” the challenge that presents itself March 30, 2011 insisted his side were “com- Arthur, however, insisted Pakistan tomorrow (Sunday)” Mohali pletely calm” ahead of their would ignore the “little bit of hype” India won by 29 runs Champions Trophy opener surrounding their latest fi xture against “I think the team that’s going to win A World Cup semi-final match that Pagainst arch-rivals India — the latest India, the Champions Trophy title- this competition is the team that can Pakistan ‘lost’ as much as India, on edition of world cricket’s highest pro- holders. strike,” he said.”Gone are the days of home soil, won with the visitors fi le fi xture. just containing through the middle, dropping Tendulkar four times during A sell-out crowd is expected at the ‘EVERY GAME MASSIVE’ gone are the days of just soaking up an 85 that also saw him survive two Edgbaston ground in Birmingham — a In a tournament featuring the world’s pressure. close lbw calls. city with one of the largest Asian popu- top eight one-day international teams, “You’ve got to be able to take wickets. Pakistan’s chase slowed to a halt in lations in Britain — while the world- and with just three group games a side, “We always say you pick an attack to the face of a tight fielding eff ort, with wide television audience for today’s Arthur emphasised how every match take wickets, and that’s what we’re try- Misbah-ul-Haq criticised for taking 76 match could run into the billions. counted. ing to do tomorrow (Sunday). balls to make 56. But Arthur, after seeing Pakistan “We know for us to progress in this “If you look, we’ve got a left-arm train yesterday, told reporters at Edg- tournament, we’ve got to hit the ground swinger (Mohammad Amir), could have baston: “They have topped their skills running,” he said. left-arm pace (Wahab Riaz). March 2, 2014 up, and they’re ready for a big game. “Every game for us in this competi- “We’ve got the swing and hustle and Dhaka “Our changing room was completely tion is massive. end swing of Hasan (Ali) Pakistan won by one wicket calm. It’s amazing. “We can’t take our foot off the pedal “We’ve got a left-arm spinner (Imad Pakistan appeared to be cruising “It’s the outside noise that there is. in any game, and we can’t think, ‘ah, Wasim). We could have a leg-spinner to victory, chasing 245, during this “Within the dressing room, it is unbe- Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur (R) and captain Sarfraz Ahmed share a light it’s India, we have to just lift ourselves’, (Azhar Ali). We’ve got an off -spinner Asia Cup clash in Bangladesh when lievably calm, unbelievably focused and moment during a press conference at Edgbaston cricket ground yesterday. because that would be very unprofes- (Shoaib Malik).” they needed 11 off the last 10 balls very, very excited for the challenge that sional.” He added: “We’ve got everything with four wickets in hand. But three presents itself tomorrow (Sunday).” sharp. People got exactly what they Africa and Australia, has been involved Pakistan, captained by Sarfraz at our disposal tomorrow to allow Saf wickets fell quickly and it came down Arthur, appointed Pakistan coach in wanted out of the training nets. directly in a match between cricket’s Ahmed, one of the world’s leading (Sarfraz) to pull the strings to make sure to nine runs off the last four deliveries May last year added: “When we started “They’re ready for a big game. Our fi ercest rivals. wicket-keeper/batsmen, have plenty we can try to bowl India out, because from Ravichandran Ashwin. this, the players would go and hit balls changing room was completely calm. Asked how it compared to the Ashes, of variety in their attack. that’s got to be priority number one.” But Shahid Afridi, living up to his big- and hit balls and wouldn’t really know It’s amazing.” Arthur who was dismissed by Austral- Arthur was convinced that would be “We can’t just sit back and let them hitting reputation, smashed the next when to stop. This will be the fi rst time Arthur, a ia shortly before the 2013 Test series key to their chances against a powerful score. We’ve got to attack them and two balls for sixes to seal victory. “Today, we were short, we were former coach of both his native South against England, said, with a smile: “To India top order. we’ve got to look to bowl them out.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, June 4, 2017 CRICKET

ALL IS WELL Kohli insists ‘no problems’ with Kumble AFP Board of Control for Cricket in India. “It’s just happening after 12 months. journey has been good.” Birmingham Kumble has helped India win all fi ve And there are no issues whatsoever. The Test series since his appointment in team is totally focused on the Champi- ‘THAT’S INDIA’S PROBLEM’ June last year. ons Trophy.” Meanwhile Pakistan’s Mickey Arthur ndia captain Virat Kohli was ada- The BCCI insisted it had merely fol- The star batsman insisted: “I don’t compared the relationship between a mant he had “no problems” with lowed routine procedure by inviting even want to know anything of this sort. coach and captain to that of a marriage. coach Anil Kumble amid reports of a applications for the former India leg- “In a tournament that is in focus so “We don’t know what’s going on,” damaging rift on the eve of the team’s spinner’s job. much, and it’s such a big stage, a lot of Pakistan coach Arthur, also speaking at IChampions Trophy title defence. This was a view endorsed by Kohli people like to fi nd a lot of rumours fl y- Edgbaston, told reporters. An extra layer of intrigue has been during his pre-match press conference ing around, especially before the start “That’s India’s problem, to be hon- added to India’s opening match against at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground of the tournament. est.” Pakistan — already the most high- yesterday. “They’re doing their job, they’re try- Arthur, a former coach of both his profi le fi xture in world cricket — in “There have been a lot of specula- ing to create a nice livelihood. That’s all native South Africa and Australia, Birmingham today by Indian media re- tions and a lot of things being written we can say. added: “All I know is that the captain/ ports of diff erences between Kohli and by people without actually being a part “We’re focused on our livelihood, coach relationship is almost like a mar- Kumble over tactics and training. of the changing room, which is very which is on the fi eld and that’s all that riage. You’ve got to be on the same page Kumble’s contract ends this month strange,” he said. we’re going to focus on.” all the time. but the decision to advertise his job “There are no problems whatsoever. Nevertheless, Kohli added: “Un- “If you’re on the same page you get ahead of the Champions Trophy, a If something is put in place as a proc- less someone is part of something, I correct decisions and you give clarity to tournament featuring the world’s top ess, I don’t see why people are creating don’t think they should sit at a distance your team. eight one-day international sides, led so many speculations about it. It’s been and speculate and give judgements on “That’s certainly where Saf (Pakistan historian Ramachnadra Guha to resign followed last time as well, and I didn’t what’s happening.” captain Sarfraz Ahmed) and myself in protest from a a Supreme Court- see any issues being created last time. Asked how he had enjoyed working fi nd ourselves, very much on the same appointed committee overseeing the India coach Anil Kumble (L) and skipper Virat Kohli during nets yesterday. It’s the same process. with Kumble, Kohli said: “The whole page,” he insisted.

CHAMPIONS TROPHY: REPORT STEP UP Smith wants more from Australia attack Tahir spins South AFP Birmingham

ustralia captain Steven Smith looked forward to a better perform- ance from his attack in Africa to big win theA remainder of the Champi- ons Trophy after an “ordinary” display in their no result opener against New Zealand. Rain came to Australia’s res- cue when, after several interrup- tions, Friday’s match was fi nally abandoned with Smith’s men 53 over Sri Lanka for three off nine overs in pursuit of a revised victory target of 235 in 33. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir took four wickets as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 96 runs But what most annoyed Smith was a profl igate eff ort by his pace to begin their Champions Trophy campaign in style bowlers which allowed New Zea- Australia’s Mitchell Starc. land to get off to a yer.fl The Blackcaps, for whom cap- tain Kane Williamson led the “Kane timed his innings way with exactly 100, were 254 beautifully, played really well for three in the 40th over and on throughout the middle but we course for a total well in excess of did not bowl well at all.” 300 following a dashing 65 from opener Luke Ronchi. ‘GOT AWAY WITH ONE’ But Williamson’s run out Smith accepted the weather sparked a slump that saw seven had probably spared his side a wickets lost for 37 runs in under damaging defeat, saying: “We six overs as New Zealand fi nished still had a lot of work to do and on 291 all out. they’ve got a quality bowling at- Josh Hazlewood did the bulk of tack as well, so we perhaps got the damage with six for 52 but his away with one there. fi gures could not disguise poor “We certainly would have pre- returns for fellow quicks Mitch- ferred to be in New Zealand’s posi- ell Starc (none for 52) and Pat tion when we came off at the end.” Cummins (one for 67). Tournament hosts England “I thought it was probably one were the main benefi ciaries after of the worst bowling displays launching the competition with that we’ve put on for a very long an eight-wicket win over Bang- time,” Smith said. ladesh at the Oval on Thursday. “We bowled both sides of Now one win against either of wicket. We gave them a lot of the trans-Tasman duo will see freebies. And it was pretty ordi- Group A leaders England into the nary, to be honest with you.” semi-fi nals. This was left-armer Starc’s Australia and New Zealand fi rst match since the second Test collected a point apiece for the against India in March and Smith washout, although both teams backed his spearhead to come knew before the tournament good in their second match of the started they’d likely have to win one-day international tourna- at least two of their three group ment against Bangladesh. matches to reach the semi-fi nals. “Let’s hope it’s rust and let’s “It’s obviously not ideal for hope it’s gone,” said Smith. “Be- both sides to have a washout,” cause that was pretty ordinary. said Smith. “For us now it’s just “Credit to them they came out about making sure that we’re quite hard and played quite well up playing each game like a fi nal and top and got their innings going. winning the next two.”

WEST INDIES VS AFGHANISTAN, T20I

South Africa’s Imran Tahir celebrates taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Chamara Kapugedera for a duck during the ICC Champions Trophy match at The Oval yesterday. Narine shines in

AFP 8.3 overs remaining. Amla was run out by a direct hit from South African innings smashing 38 off 20 London There could be more trouble for the Sri Tharanga for a fi ne 103 that came off 115 deliveries with fi ve fours and a six. West Indies six Lankans after they took four hours and deliveries with fi ve fours and two sixes. Duminy added 45 runs for the sixth seven minutes to fi nish their overs during J.P. Duminy gave some impetus to the wicket with Chris Morris (20). eg-spinner Imran Tahir took four the South African innings. wicket win wickets as South Africa beat Sri ICC rules stipulate that teams should South Africa v Sri Lanka Champions Trophy scoreboard Lanka by 96 runs to begin their fi nish their 50 overs within three-and-a- AFP an enjoyable thing,” said Nar- Champions Trophy campaign in half hours. SOUTH AFRICA U. Tharanga c Miller b Tahir 57 Basseterre ine after receiving the “Man of Lstyle in London yesterday. Sri Lankan players face heavy fi nes and the Match” award. “I am always Hashim Amla run out (Mendis) 103 K. Mendis c De Villiers b Morris 11 Tahir fi nished with four for 27 in 8.3 a possible suspension for Tharanga for Q. De Kock c Dickwella b Pradeep 23 D. Chandimal run out (De Villiers) 12 trying diff erent things with my overs after former captain Hashim Amla the next two games of the tournament. F. Du Plessis c Chandimal b Pradeep 75 C. Kapugedara lbw b Tahir 0 unil Narine snared three bowling and tonight they came scored his 25th ODI century to set Sri Opener Niroshan Dickwella had given A.B. de Villiers c K’gedera b Prasanna 4 K. Perera not out 44 wickets and mesmerised off pretty well.” Lanka a target of 300 runs. them a blistering start smashing 41 off D. Miller c Prasanna b Lakmal 18 A. Gunaratne c Parnell b Tahir 4 Afghanistan to set up a “It’s always important to start Sri Lanka were cruising along at 116 33 balls. The openers added 69 runs in J.P. Duminy not out 38 S. Prasanna lbw b Morris 13 six-wicket win for the with a win and we did what was for two when Tahir was introduced to the 50 deliveries and they were 87 for one at WestS Indies in the fi rst fi xture of required,” said West Indies captain C. Morris run out (Tharanga) 20 S. Lakmal run out (Tahir) 0 attack in the 18th over and South Africa the end of ten overs whereas South Africa W. Parnell not out 7 L. Malinga b Rabada 1 a three-match T20 International Carlos Brathwaite. “Their tail held immediately got a fi rm grip on the game. were 32 for none at the same stage. Extras: (1lb, 10w) 11 N. Pradeep c Duminy b Tahir 5 series at Warner Park in St Kitts us up a bit and I thought we lost Dinesh Chandimal took on one of The middle order failed to capitalise Total: (for six wickets in 50 overs) 299 Extras: (lb 6, w 8, nb 1) 15 on Friday. too many wickets, but generally it South Africa’s best fi elders — A.B. de Vil- after a good start and they have to win Did not bat: K. Rabada, M. Morkel, Imran Total: (all out, 41.3 overs) 203 Having missed out on the meet- was a satisfying eff ort.” liers — on a misfi eld and was run out by a their remaining two games against India Tahir. Fall of wickets: 1-69 (Dickwella), 2-94 ing with the Afghans at last year’s Afghanistan are hoping to direct hit. and Pakistan to have any hopes of a semi- Fall of wickets: 1-44 (De Kock), 2-189 (Mendis), 3-116 (Chandimal), 4-117 World T20 due to issues with his come back stronger. “We needed Three deliveries later, Chamara Ka- fi nal berth. (Du Plessis), 3-194 (De Villiers), (Kapugedera), 5-146 (Tharanga), 6-155 bowling action, the off -spinner to get at least 30-40 more runs pugedera was foxed by a Tahir googly and Sri Lanka were excellent against South 4-226 (Miller), 5-232 (Amla), 6-277 (Mor- (Gunaratne), 7-191 (Prasanna), 8-191 was at his unplayable best in tak- to be competitive,” said a disap- was out leg before wicket without scoring. Africa’s seamers, but the introduction of ris) (Prasanna), ing three for 11 off his four-over pointed Stanikzai. “We know Upul Tharanga — captain for the day Tahir derailed their innings. Bowling: Malinga 10-0-57-0 (5w), Bowling: Rabada 8-1-46-1 (3 w) (1 nb), allotment as the visitors were dis- what we have to do to improve after Angelo Mathews failed a late fi tness After being put into bat in overcast Lakmal 10-0-51-1 (2w), Pradeep 10-0-54-2 Parnell 10-0-54-0 (1 w), Morkel 6-0-31-0 missed for 110 batting fi rst. and I expect us to come back test on a calf muscle injury — too fell for conditions, Amla consolidated for South (1w), Gunaratne 10-0-64-0 (1w), Pras- (2 w), Morris 7-0-32-2 (1 w), Tahir 8.3-0- Marlon Samuels then struck a stronger for the second match.” the googly when he hit one straight to the Africa with his 25th ODI hundred and the anna 10-0-72-1 (1w). 27-4, Duminy 2-0-7-0 (1 w). fl uent 35 to lead the home side’s deep cover fi elder. fi fth against Sri Lanka. romp to victory with almost four Brief Scores: West Indies 114/4 He top scored with 57 runs. He added 145 runs with Francois du SRI LANKA Result: South Africa won by 96 runs overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead. (Samuels 35; Shapoor 2-30) beat Sri Lanka never recovered after that Plessis, who contributed with 75 runs off N. Dickwella c Parnell b Morkel 41 Man-of-the-Match: Imran Tahir (RSA) “Getting back into action in Afghanistan 110 (Rashid 33; and were shot out for 203 runs with still 70 deliveries with six fours. West Indies colours is always Narine 3-11) by six wickets. Gulf Times Sunday, June 4, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES FOCUS Kante ‘special’ but Giroud hat-trick not successor yet, says Makelele

Reuters will be diff erent. Addis Ababa “This season he did not play in the lift s France past Champions League. Every four days there will be games. With the national helsea midfi elder N’Golo team there will be games. There will be ‘He’s our best scorer, continues Kante’s displays this season a lot of games. He needs to get that ex- have spurred comparisons perience,” he said. to get goals and when he’s not with ex-Blues star Claude “When he is at that level, he will not Makelele.C run 90 minutes all the time. He will scoring himself he helps others’ But Makelele — Kante’s French com- need to listen to the rhythm, the way he Paraguay patriot — is reluctant to anoint him as plays. This will be key for him. I hope his successor just yet, saying Kante has this will be the situation. I hope he does AFP not faced enough trials and tribula- better than I did in my career.” Rennes, France tions in his career so far. Kante, 26, was a vital part of Antonio ‘50-50’ Conte’s Chelsea side as they marched In addition to Chelsea, Makelele had n Olivier Giroud hat-trick towards the Premier League title this spells with French sides Nantes and helped France brush aside year. It was Kante’s second champion- Olympique Marseille, as well as Spain’s Paraguay 5-0 in an interna- ship in a row, having helped Leicester Celta Vigo, Real Madrid and Paris St tional friendly at Rennes on City to one of the most improbable tri- Germain, making over 600 appear- Friday.A umphs in European football in 2016. ances altogether. The Arsenal striker became the fi rst Kante’s performances earned him He was part of the Champions France international to score a treble the Football Writers Association’s League-winning Real side in 2002 and since David Trezeguet achieved the Player of the Year gong in May, adding his former team will lock horns with feat in 2000. to a list of accolades. Italian giants Juventus on Saturday in a He opened the scoring for Didier But Makelele, 44, equally diminu- bid to claim a 12th European Cup title. Deschamps’s team in the sixth minute, tive, combative and a two-time Premier Makelele expected an even contest doubling up in the 13th and getting his League winner with Chelsea before re- between the star-studded sides, but hat-trick and his 16th international tiring in 2010, is cautious about saying he said the diff erence would come from goal in as many games in the 69th has passed the baton — for now. key tactical decisions. minute. “At the moment Kante is special and “I think Juventus have made a lot of The scoring was completed by Tot- one of the best midfi elders. The prob- progress. For the last three years, they tenham’s Moussa Sissoko and Atletico lem is, I played 25 years in football at have been fi ghting for this trophy. Now Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann to give this level and comparisons are being I think they are ready to fi ght. Real won France the perfect confi dence booster made in a bad way,” he told Reuters in La Liga and before they have won the ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifi er an interview in the Ethiopian capital Champions League. They are comfort- against Sweden in Stockholm on June 9. Addis Ababa during a publicity tour for able and know how to play a fi nal. It is In Group A the Euro 2016 fi nalists his sponsor Heineken. normal for them,” he said. France head Group A by three points With Chelsea relieved of Europe- “It is 50-50. But I think the manag- from Sweden. The win put France back an duty this season, having failed to ers (Zinedine Zidane of Real or Massi- on track after their 2-0 loss to Spain in qualify, Makelele said the absence of a miliano Allegri of Juventus) will make a friendly in March. tougher schedule had benefi ted Kante’s the diff erence, and also the big players. Giroud’s fi rst goal was a volley af- energetic displays and that next season This will be the key in the match.” ter an assist from Ousmane Dembele, his second a header with Dmitri Payet providing the pass, completing his hat-trick after a clever assist from second half substitute Lucas Digne. “That’s good, I had great support from my teammates, I helped fi nish France’s Olivier Giroud (foreground) scores a goal during a friendly against Paraguay in Rennes, France, on Friday. (AFP) the team’s work and I’m happy be- cause that rewards all the squad who With both Conor Washington and work and live together well,” Giroud Jamie Ward out of contention for the told French television TMC. match Boyce did his chances of start- Deschamps too was more than sat- ing instead of the experienced Kyle isfi ed with his side’s showing. “Our Laff erty — who played the second- forwards scored, that’s good. Now I half — no harm at all. know that we have an altogether dif- “I’m delighted for Liam, I thought ferent game coming up against Swe- he played excellent, his link-up play den.” was really good and it’s a great goal,” On Giroud’s bold display Des- said O’Neill, who has seen Boyce rise champs said: “He’s our best scorer, he to the challenge since being omitted continues to get goals and when he’s from the Euro 2016 squad. not scoring himself he helps others “This season he’s been consistent around him score. And he produces in not just his goal-scoring but his all- this sort of display even when he’s had round play. You’ve got to remember a diffi cult season with his club.” Liam has had only three seasons as a Assessing the challenge lying ahead full-time professional. next week in Stockholm Deschamps “I’m delighted for him because he’s added: “As we are facing a team just a genuinely good lad. I’ve got fam- behind us in the table a good or very ily members who are huge Cliftonville good result over there will place us in Northern Ireland’s Liam Boyce (left) celebrates scoring a goal with teammate fans who have been telling me for years an even better situation to qualify for Josh Magennis in the friendly against New Zealand in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I should have him in the squad. Finally the World Cup.” on Friday. (Reuters) I relented!” After fi ve qualifi ers for the 2018 World Northern Ireland are presently Cup in Russia, France top Group A on 13 gave Northern Ireland a 1-0 win over experienced central defender Jonny second in Group C, fi ve points be- points, three ahead of Sweden in second New Zealand on Friday and an ideal Evans holding the line superbly — hind world champions Germany, at with Bulgaria on nine in third and the boost ahead of a pivotal 2018 World with their only strike of note from the halfway stage having played fi ve Netherlands on seven in fourth. Cup qualifi er with Azerbaijan. substitute Kosta Barbarouses which matches. After Sweden, France are scheduled The 26-year-old Ross County came back off the woodwork. However, both the Czech Repub- to face England in a friendly in Paris on striker — who fi nished top scorer Northern Ireland manager Michael lic and Azerbaijan are just two and June 13. in the Scottish Premiership with 23 O’Neill rang the changes through the three points adrift respectively of the goals — struck in the sixth minute of second-half with an eye on watching Northern Irish. BOYCE THE DIFFERENCE AS the friendly for his maiden goal in his others perform before he decides on New Zealand travel on to play light- NORTHERN IRISH BEAT KIWIS ninth appearance for his country. his starting line-up against the Azeris ly-regarded Belarus in a friendly on France’s N’Golo Kante (right) in action during the friendly against Paraguay in Liam Boyce’s fi rst international goal The visitors rarely threatened — in Baku next Saturday. June 12th. Rennes, France, on Friday. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT World Cup dream kept Kompany Guatemalan pleads guilty in FIFA scandal

AFP positive in darkest times New York

Reuters The 31-year-old, who was only Brussels 17 when he debuted for the national 63-year-old former offi cial in team, has been unable to play for Bel- Guatemala’s Football Federa- gium since October 2015 because of a tion broke down in tears as he incent Kompany says the string of injuries. pleaded guilty in New York prospect of Belgium qualify- “I understand that people have been FridayA to wire fraud and conspiracy in ing for next year’s World Cup concerned and doubted whether I the massive corruption scandal that in Russia proved motivation would come back but, honestly-speak- has rocked world soccer. Vin his “darkest moments” as he re- ing, it never bothered me,” he said. Hector Trujillo, who served as marketing rights to Guatemala’s World turns to his national team after an al- “I know my level. If I can train with general secretary of the Guatemalan Cup qualifi er matches. most two year absence. top players, then I know I can also play federation from 2009 to 2015 and also Trujillo agreed to forfeit $175,000 as The Manchester City defender is set with them in matches. I’ve always was a judge on the country’s constitu- part of his plea. to play for his country against the Czech been full of self confi dence.” tional court, admitted to one count of In January 2016, he posted a $4mn Republic in a warm-up friendly in Brus- Despite being regarded as one wire fraud and one count of wire fraud bond, surrendering his passport and sels tomorrow and then against Estonia of the best defenders in the world, conspiracy. submitting to electronic monitoring. on Friday as the Belgians seek to consol- Kompany felt the injuries meant he He was arrested on December 4, 2015 He currently lives in Florida. idate their lead in qualifying Group H. had to persuade Pep Guardiola that while on a family cruise in Florida and The US investigation, fi rst unveiled “In my darkest moments it was my could fit into the Manchester City initially pleaded not guilty to eight in May 2015, has seen federal pros- biggest motivation,” he told report- boss’s plans in his first season in charges against him. ecutors in New York indict around 40 ers as the squad prepared for the two charge at the club. Friday’s plea means there are still football and sports marketing execu- internationals. “If I don’t get to the “I think the game against Chelsea three defendants due to stand trial in tives with allegedly receiving tens of World Cup, I’m not suddenly going to (in April) was decisive. It was my fi rst November — those who have contin- millions of bribes and kickbacks. burst into tears but it was important game in a long time,” he said. ued to plead not guilty in connection The scandal precipitated the down- for me to look ahead to the tourna- “I hadn’t played at all, not even with the largest corruption scandal in fall of longtime FIFA president Sepp ment and keep myself sharp. a friendly game and, in a matter of the history of soccer. Blatter and his former heir apparent, “It is not yet sure but the chances speaking, I went from zero to 100. But US prosecutors say Trujillo and other Michel Platini. are good that next season is my last he saw there that he could rely on me federation offi cials accepted hundreds Many of those indicted have pleaded with the national team. So my hope and since it has gone a lot smoother.” of thousands of dollars in kickbacks guilty and agreed to cooperate with is to experience a tremendous World Belgium have a two-point lead at Belgium’s Thomas Foket (left) and Vincent Kompany take part in a training from a Miami-based sports marketing prosecutors in exchange for possible Cup in 2018.” the top of Group H. session in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. (Reuters) company in exchange for media and leniency. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, June 4, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS Williams still hitting balls, baby bump and all

Reuters time coach Patrick Mouratoglou said in had accidentally posted the shot online. tralia’s Margaret Court, who won 24 Paris an interview at the tennis stadium yes- Although Williams turns 36 in Sep- grand slam singles titles between 1960 terday. “She said to me she didn’t want to tember, and achieved a long-time goal and 1973. lose her touch. Of course she went slow, when she won an Open era-record 23rd Although Kim Clijsters, Evonne t six months pregnant, Serena but she wanted to hit the ball.” grand slam title in Australia, she has Goolagong and Court all won grand Williams is refusing to let her The American former world number every intention of coming back, ac- slam singles titles after having a child, baby bump get in the way of one, who announced her engagement cording to Mouratoglou. none of them did so after the age of 31. forehands or backhands — she to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian “When she called me to tell me she Victoria Azarenka, a two-time grand isA still working out and playing tennis to in December, posted a picture on Snap- was pregnant, in the same sentence, she slam winner and former world No. 1, retain her touch, her long-time coach chat on April 20 with the words “20 said: ‘I’m pregnant but I will be back, had a baby boy last year when she was told Reuters yesterday. weeks”. That means Williams would will you wait for me?’” the Frenchman 27 and will return to competition next Although the 23-times grand slam currently be 26 weeks pregnant. said. “She is really planning on coming month during the grass-court season. champion has not played competitively Although the three-times French back, and she said to me ‘I am not done, But for Serena, age is just a number. since winning the Australian Open in Open winner deleted the 20-week I cannot fi nish like this.’” “Since she still feels she can win January, she has been soaking up the photo afterwards, her pregnancy was Since Mouratoglou started coach- grand slams, she doesn’t want to stop,” Roland Garros atmosphere in Paris this confi rmed later that day by her publi- ing Williams at Wimbledon in 2012, Mouratoglou said. week, watching sister Venus play and cist, Kelly Bush Novak. the pair have won 10 grand slam singles “The day she will think, I am too old, or catching up with friends. Speaking at a TED conference a week championships together and rewrit- for any reason, I don’t have the motiva- “She’s working out and she even later, Williams said she had been keep- ten the tennis history books. The only tion, I cannot win any more grand slams, US player Serena Williams (left) leaves after attending her sister Venus Williams’ played tennis the other day,” her long- ing a weekly diary of her pregnancy and big record left to break is that of Aus- of course she will stop straight away.” French Open match against Japan’s Kurumi Nara in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Europe deserves to What the English might host 2030 World Cup: need for greater success UEFA boss in Champions League English clubs have struggled because Premier League is seen as an obstacle to success

By Paul Wilson forward Álvaro Morata, though the The Guardian Spain international reportedly fa- LIVERPOOL vours a move back to Italy. Like Tottenham, Liverpool might be more tempted to put most of their en- ext season, assuming Liver- TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR ergy into a title challenge rather than pool can negotiate the play- Spurs were great at home last season an extended run in Europe, though off round, there will be vefi but out of Europe by Christmas, extended runs in Europe will never be English clubs in the Cham- partly down to playing their Champi- disdained at Anfi eld. Most feel Liver- Npions League. That is a large number, ons League games at Wembley. They pool need a reliable goalscorer, having though it does not necessarily follow will be playing all their games there failed to end up with anyone in the that a greater representation will lead this season so they had better get Premier League’s top 10 last season, to a better chance of English success. used to it, though it is still reasonable though Jurgen Klopp may continue Premier League sides have been to pose the question of what Mauricio to trust Philippe Coutinho, Roberto struggling to impose themselves in Pochettino considers his priority. Firmino and Sadio Mane to contrib- Europe in recent years. From a posi- Spurs would not mind a good run in ute enough between them. Apart tion a decade ago when fi nals were Europe but they probably do not see from that a commanding goalkeeper being reached on a regular basis and themselves as potential fi nalists just and centre-half would not go amiss, UEFA had genuine concerns when yet whereas, with a favourable wind and perhaps a driving presence in two English clubs faced each other in and a couple of tweaks to the team, midfi eld. Klopp also needs to evaluate Moscow in 2008, the strength of the they ought to have a very good chance his tactics. Even without European Premier League now seems to be an of winning the Premier League. involvement last season, Liverpool obstacle to progress in Europe rather Tottenham have not won the title looked tired at the end. This does not than the money and attention grabber since 1961 but fi rst things fi rst. Some yet look like a side capable of terroris- that once threatened domination. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte (right) with Diego Costa. (Reuters) of the Spurs players are already at- ing Europe as of old. Chelsea were the last English team tracting interest from other clubs, so to appear in a fi nal, when they won Premier League is too diffi cult and quick look at what each of the Cham- a concerted eff ort to fi nish on top in MANCHESTER UNITED the event on penalties in Munich in unforgiving, leaving little spare energy pions League contenders might need England next year would be a logical United could do with UEFA relax- 2012, though the reality of the past for extra commitments in midweek. to boost their chances. and desirable next step. ing Atlético Madrid’s transfer ban, AFP fi ve years has been that English clubs Others believe the English competition if that is what is preventing Antoine Cardiff , United Kingdom have rarely been around to contest the is vastly overrated and its crash-bang- CHELSEA MANCHESTER CITY Griezmann coming to Old Traff ord. later stages of the knockout rounds. wallop players are quickly found out By far the most robust team in England A defensive rethink is needed at the The Frenchman has the class and Leicester City did surprisingly well when confronted by continental levels last season, with a simple system that Etihad, beginning with the goal- imagination to be a crowd-pleaser urope should host the 2030 World to reach the quarter-fi nals this year, of technique and organisation. not only works but suits all the players keeper. News that City are signing at United and, if his long-predicted Cup, not the country who is the which was better than more expe- Leaving that argument for another at Antonio Conte’s disposal, there were Benfi ca’s Ederson at least means Pep move must wait to January at the ear- highest bidder, UEFA president rienced teams such as Arsenal and day, the fact is that English clubs have nevertheless signs towards the end Guardiola has recognised the mistake liest, it could be too late to galvanise Aleksander Ceferin has told the Manchester City managed. ground to make up on their European that the champions could be stopped. he made with Claudio Bravo, after the European campaign. United must BBC.E City had reached the semi-fi nal stage counterparts, particularly Barcelona, Though N’Golo Kanté and Nemanja being in denial for most of the season. keep hold of David de Gea, whatever The 49-year-old Slovenian, who re- a year earlier, though in Manuel Pel- Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Matic are good at the destructive duties City are fi ne at the front, they boast the cost, and bring in a striker to take placed disgraced Frenchman Michel Platini legrini’s fi nal season there was no real Short of signing up three-quarters required of defensive midfi elders there the Brazil and Argentina No.9s in over from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. at the top of European football last Sep- expectation that they could summon of the Monaco team, a good idea but could be a little more creativity in that Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero and Even before the Swede’s injury tember, added he didn’t want to single out the self-belief or strength of character probably not a practical one, what can area, otherwise too much of the burden have plenty of quality in the sup- United were not scoring enough goals China with regard to the money factor. to see off Real Madrid and they duly English clubs do to put themselves falls on Eden Hazard. port positions but they need a couple and, working on the theory that José This week, smartphone maker Vivo be- went out without scoring a goal over back into contention for Champions Chelsea will also have to resolve of full-backs and, as ever, cover at Mourinho likes a big chap up front – came the latest World Cup sponsor from two legs. The year before that, none League fi nals? Is there any hope of the Diego Costa situation, either by centre-half for Vincent Kompany. Didier Drogba, Costa, Ibrahimovic, etc China following conglomerate Wanda of the four English teams managed to signifi cant improvement next season, keeping him or by bringing in a striker Keeping both Aguero and Jesus – Lukaku has been mentioned. It has and electronics company Hisense. That reach the last eight, and Liverpool did or will we simply end up with fi ve of similar quality. There are not too happy might be a problem but City yet to be established whether Mour- has lent more ammunition to those who not even survive the group stage. disappointing campaigns instead of many of those and even Romelu Lu- mostly need to tighten their defence inho rates the Belgian any higher than believe they will bid for the 2030 edition. Various theories have been advanced four? Everyone is promising a busy kaku would strike some as an inferior to stop conceding stupid goals, an ob- he did when letting him leave Stamford China’s President Xi Jinping is a de- as to why English clubs have fallen summer, even Arsenal, who are only replacement. Chelsea have been servation made by Pellegrini at least Bridge, and United may end up trying voted football fan and is eager to host the off the pace in Europe. Some say the in the Europa League, but here is a linked with the unsettled Real Madrid three years ago. to outbid Chelsea for Morata. tournament with his ultimate desire for the country to win the trophy itself. “I didn’t want to speak just about Chi- na, but the most important thing is that the World Cup should go to the coun- Qatar suffer first loss in FIVB World League volleyball try that has the best bid,” Ceferin told the BBC ahead of Saturday’s Champions League fi nal in Cardiff between holders Real Madrid and Italian giants Juventus. “Rules cannot change just because we have some big sponsors.” However, Ceferin is adamant that Eu- rope should host the 2030 showpiece and believes that based on FIFA’s rotational policy it is their turn. Russia will host 2018 and Qatar — who fall under the auspices of the Asian Foot- ball Confederation — will host 2022, with 2026 yet to be allocated though likely to go to North America, who have a historic joint United States, Canada and Mexico bid in the ring. “It’s simply time for us (Europe) to host the World Cup in 2030,” said Ceferin. “I cannot say which country will place a bid from Europe, but we cannot just sell the World Cup to the ones who want to pay the most.” The Slovenian added that if England or a joint British bid were to declare an in- terest in 2030 they would receive his full backing. “It just has to be a decision not just of the (English) FA, probably also the gov- Qatar’s Ilija Ivoic (left) spikes during the FIVB World League volleyball match against Spain in Barcelona yesterday. Teammate Renan Ribeiro scored 12 points but Spain, powered by a match-high ernment and others too,” said Ceferin. 19-point eff ort by Sergio Noda Blanco, won the match 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-15, 25-13). (Right) Head coach of Qatar Massimiliano Giaccardi speaks to his team. Qatar next take on Mexico today. (FIVB) “But they deserve to have a World Cup in the near future.” Gulf Times Sunday, June 4, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Penguins stress need for fast start Cavs vow aggressive, to pivotal Game 3

Reuters “Our desperation level has Pittsburgh got to be there from the start,” said Crosby. “We’re focused on just making sure that we can decisive play against he Pittsburgh Penguins set the tone as best we can and are in control of the that has been our focus on the Stanley Cup Final but road for a long time, especially are aware of the chal- in the playoff s, and we’ll have Tlenge that awaits when the se- to approach it the same way ries shifts to Nashville where the going there.” Predators have been near perfect While Pittsburgh, who have during the NHL playoff s. fi ve road wins in nine playoff Golden State Warriors The Predators’ Bridgestone games, are two wins shy of re- Arena is one of the NHL’s peating as Stanley Cup cham- ‘We have to just do a better job of being direct with what we want to do’ loudest venues and Penguins pions, they have been largely captain Sidney Crosby said his outplayed in the Final but have AFP team fully expects a raucous managed to take advantage of Oakland, United States crowd to help Nashville get off some brief defensive lapses by to a fl ying start in Saturday’s the Predators. pivotal Game Three. The Penguins scored three eBron James and his “This time of year you are goals in a four-minute fl urry Cleveland teammates going to get that in any build- late in the fi rst period of Game will need quicker deci- ing but they have played re- One for a 3-0 lead before sions and more aggres- ally well there and fed off their hanging on for a 5-3 victory. Lsive play in today’s second game crowd so our start is going to Two nights later they used a of the NBA Finals after the Cava- be important,” Crosby told re- three-minute stretch early in liers were routed by Golden State porters on Friday. the third to blow open a tight in the opener. Pittsburgh lead the NHL’s game. The Warriors ripped defend- best-of-seven championship Crosby said the Predators, ing NBA champion Cleveland 2-0 but will be put the test in who entered the playoff s as 113-91 on Thursday behind 38 the Music City on Saturday the lowest seed in the Western points from star forward Kevin where the Predators have lost Conference, are everything the Durant, many of them on slam just once in eight postseason Penguins expected. dunks, and 28 by guard Stephen games this year. “They’re fast, their (defense) Curry, who sank six 3-pointers Crosby, the second-leading are really good at joining the as the best-of-seven champion- scorer in the 2017 postsea- play, creating off ense and I ship series began. son with 22 points, said even think their speed kind of al- “I know we’ll play better come though his Penguins are hold- lows them to check and be on Sunday,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue ing a comfortable series lead pucks quick so that’s what we said. “But we have to take away they cannot get complacent. expected to see,” said Crosby. the easy baskets. We did a poor job of taking care of the basketball and they were able to get out in transition and get easy baskets.” Lue won’t make any chang- es in the starting lineup after watching a horror show game fi lm, but he does want to see quicker decision making, saying hesitation led to turnovers, and more assertive moves. “We have to just do a better job of being direct with what we want to do,” Lue said. “We can’t be caught in between. That’s when turnovers happen. We have to be aggressive getting to the basket or making the right passes and right play. We can’t play in between.” The Cavaliers committed 20 turnovers, eight of them by play- maker James on a night where he had 28 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Golden State had only four giveaways, matching a fi nals record low. “Take away those easy baskets Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (No 0) battles for the ball with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (No 23) during game one and them having 20 more shots of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports than we did, it’s a diff erent ball game,” Lue said. three of the playoff s with compli- says execution, not eff ort, is Assertive and aggressive more turnovers. Warriors acting coach Mike cations after 2015 back surgery, what must improve. Cleveland’s renewed focus on “Just make them feel us. At Brown expects a better showing could return Sunday. But Brown “Defensively our schemes stopping Durant should open certain points we did that, but Sunday from the Cavaliers. is calling the shots for now. were there. We just need to ex- opportunities for Curry and Klay we have to do that throughout,” “Defi nitely somebody will “They’re a good team. They’re ecute them,” Love said. “That’s Thompson. “We’re going to have Love said. “The onus is defi nitely have to do a better job at stop- going to make adjustments,” ultimately what showed up on to help him out as far as knock- on us. That’s a mindset. We need ping the dribble drive,” Warriors Brown said. “We expect them to the tape and what Ty continues ing shots down from the perim- to be super assertive, super ag- acting coach Mike Brown said. play better. They’re going to be to preach to us. eter,” Thompson said. “We have gressive on the defensive end.” “We all knew and saw that more focused in terms of what “Guys just need to settle in. to have the mindset of a must And they can’t commit 20 they were very concerned with they want to accomplish on both Now that certain guys have win, because (Thursday’s) great turnovers. “We can’t turn the the three-point shooters, and ends of the fl oor. “Having fi lm gotten a taste of it, I think you’ll game almost means nothing if ball over,” Lue said. Kevin Durant (was) able to drive to go back and watch, make ad- see a lot better showing in game we lose on Sunday.” “We have to take good shots. to the rim with uncontested justments from, get used to the two. It’s not for lack of eff ort. Thompson said he expects We have to get the matchups we dunks.” tempo and so on, will allow them Guys are competing very hard. a more physical game from like and take advantage. It’s just Warriors expect better Cavs to come in feeling better about It’s just us focusing that much Cleveland on Sunday and Love a lot of things that we can correct Jake Guentzel (No 59) of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against There is a chance Warriors their game plan.” more on the game plan and said the Cavs will try to be more and we will correct them going Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators during the third period in coach Steve Kerr, out since game Cavaliers forward Kevin Love knowing how we have to play.” forceful in hopes of creating into game two.” Game Two of Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Keuchel goes to 9-0, Astros top Rangers 7-1

By Stefan Stevenson charged with four unearned runs ing two runs on four hits and two Fort Worth Star-Telegram on two hits and a walk. walks. The left-hander struck Keuchel baffl ed Rangers’ out fi ve. hitters for much of the night. Seth Smith and Manny Mach- ouston Astros’ ace Adrian Beltre’s bloop double in ado each hit solo home runs in Dallas Keuchel out- the fourth was their fi rst hit but the fi rst inning, and starter Alec shined Rangers’ ace Rougned Odor struck out swing- Asher threw 6 1/3 solid innings Yu Darvish as Houston ing to end the inning. as Baltimore defeated Boston. dominatedH the series opener 7-1 In the sixth, Elvis Andrus and Smith homered to lead off the at Globe Life Park Friday night. Jonathan Lucroy singled with fi rst, and Machado added a 465- For the second consecutive two outs and Beltre walked to foot blast, No. 11 of the season, start Darvish let one mistake mar load the bases for Odor, but he two batters later which gave an otherwise solid outing. grounded out to fi rst to end the Asher and the Orioles an early Carlos Correa jumped on a inning. 2-0 lead. hanging slider for a two-out, Keuchel struck out seven That proved to be enough for three-run homer in the fi fth to through six innings. Beltre hit the right-hander, who is trying give the Astros a 3-0 lead. a solo homer in the ninth to to earn the No. 5 spot in the ro- Darvish surrendered a three- give the Rangers their lone run. tation. run homer in the fi fth to the Blue Keuchel improved to 9-0 af- Jays’ Jose Bautista in his last ter holding the Rangers to three RESULTS start. Darvish left after fi ve in- hits and two walks over six in- Astros ...... 7 Rangers ...... 1 nings with his pitch count at 104. nings. Blue Jays...... 7 Yankees ...... 5 He allowed seven hits, walked Meanwhile Josh Donaldson Orioles ...... 3 Red Sox ...... 2 one and struck out eight. hit two solo home runs, Justin Dodgers ...... 2 Brewers ...... 1 The Astros added four un- Smoak added a two-run blast Cubs ...... 3 Cardinals ...... 2 earned runs in the eighth after a and a sacrifi ce fl y and the Toron- Royals...... 4 Indians ...... 0 throwing error by fi rst baseman to Blue Jays held on to beat the Pirates ...... 12 Mets ...... 7 Mike Napoli to Dillon Gee cover- New York Yankees 7-5 on Friday Marlins ...... 7 Diamondbacks 5 ing the bag put the lead-off man night. Tigers ...... 15 White Sox...... 5 on. Yuli Gurriel’s double made The Blue Jays have won six Reds ...... 3 Braves ...... 2 it 4-0 and after a hit-by-pitch, of the fi rst eight games of their Giants ...... 10 Phillies ...... 0 George Springer’s two-out, 10-game homestand. Toronto Padres ...... 8 Rockies ...... 5 three-run homer pushed the starter Francisco Liriano (3-2) Nationals ...... 13 Athletics ...... 3 Astros’ lead to 7-0. Gee pitched returned from the disabled list Mariners ...... 12 Rays...... 4 four innings of relief and was to pitch fi ve-plus innings, allow- Twins ...... 11 Angels ...... 5 Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during their MLB game in Arlington. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Sunday, June 4, 2017 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Nordqvist leads in search of LPGA Dufner leads by fi ve three-peat

AFP New York

weden’s Anna Nor- at Memorial with dqvist got off to a hot start in her bid for a third straight LPGA ShopRiteS Classic crown on Fri- day with a seven-under par 64. Nordqvist birdied her fi rst three holes at Stockton Seav- iew Hotel and golf Club in Gal- 36-hole record loway, New Jersey and fi nished the day with a one-stroke lead over South Koreans Lee Jeong- ‘It makes sure I’m consistently the same. That’s really given me a lot of confidence’ Eun and Jenny Shin, Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn and Ameri- can Jennifer Song. Anna Nordqvist of Sweden hits Reuters “Starting with birdie, birdie, her second shot on the third Washington birdie obviously was a great hole during the first round of feeling this morning. I hit some the ShopRite LPGA Classic in really good shots, so I was just New Jersey. (AFP) ason Dufner threatened to happy to get it going early and run away with the Memo- make the turn a couple un- According to LPGA projec- rial tournament, carding a der and then just keep it going tions, Ko’s reign will end this second successive seven- from there,” said Nordqvist. week with either Ryu or Thai- under-parJ 65 to surge to a fi ve- “I hit the ball really well to- land’s Ariya Jutanugarn taking shot lead after the second round day and got a few putts going over. Neither Ko nor Ariya are in Dublin, Ohio on Friday. early, and then kept hitting my playing this week. Buoyed by an eagle at the par- wedges really well,” added the World number three Ryu, four 18th, his ninth hole, where 29-year-old said after a round who needs to fi nish at least his six-iron from 176 yards rolled that included nine birdies and third to have a chance to reach to the back fringe before revers- two bogeys. “Lowest round number one, opened with a ing direction back down the hill I’ve had in a while, so defi nitely three-over 74. into the cup, Dufner posted a makes for a sweet afternoon.” tournament record-low 36-hole But Nordqvist is enjoying a Leading first-round scores total of 14-under 130 under sun- solid season, with one victory 64 - Anna Nordqvist (SWE) ny skies at Muirfi eld Village. already. 65 - Lee Jeong-Eun (KOR), Fellow American Daniel Sum- “The biggest diff erence this Jenny Shin (KOR), Moriya Jut- merhays (69) bogeyed the last year is I’ve been happy on and anugarn (THA), Jennifer Song but still fi nished the day in sec- off the course,” Nordqvist said. 66 - Pornanong Phatlum ond place on nine-under, with “I have fewer people around (THA), Kim In-Kyung (KOR), compatriot Rickie Fowler (66) me and so I am just trying to do Paula Creamer another shot behind. my own thing a little bit more.” 67 - Laura Gonzalez Escallon World number one Dustin With a change at the top of (BEL), Perrine Delacour (FRA), Johnson followed up his open- the world rankings looming Stacy Lewis, Morgan Pressel, ing 78 with a 74 and missed the on Sunday, South Korea’s Ryu Feng Simin (CHN) cut, two weeks before defending So-Yeon made little headway 68 - Mo Martin, Allison Lee, his US Open title at Erin Hills in in making sure she’s the one Brooke Henderson (CAN), Park Wisconsin. to supplant world number one In-Bee (KOR), Gerina Piller, “Did everything pretty well,” Lydia Ko at the end of the tour- Sandra Gal (GER), Ji Eun-Hee Dufner told Golf Channel. “I nament. (KOR) would have like to have hit a couple more fairways but hit my irons when I was in the fairways Winless Froome confi dent for Dauphine pretty good. I made some nice pars and rolled in some putts.” Chris Froome heads into the to win, but I’m fully conscious Dufner, whose four PGA Tour start of the week-long Crite- that I’m going up against victories include a major at the rium du Dauphine yesterday some very strong competition 2013 PGA Championship, has with uncertainty surround- — probably stronger competi- long enjoyed a reputation as ing his form and fitness. The tion than I’ve had at previous a premier ball-striker whose 32-year-old Briton is aiming editions of the Dauphine — so putting does not always match for a record fourth Dauphine I’m certainly not taking any- his long game. victory and third in a row after thing for granted.” And well he But he has not yet missed a also succeeding in 2013, 2015 shouldn’t. In 2013 he arrived at putt from inside 10 feet, a feat and 2016. And each time he the Dauphine having already he credits to recent work with a has previously won the main won the tours of Romandie putting training device that has warm-up race for the Tour and Oman, the Criterium helped his consistency. de France, he has gone on International and finished sec- “It not only helps me with to be crowned at the Grand ond at Tirreno-Adriatico. His my stroke but also helps with Boucle too a month later. Yet best result so far this year was my set-up,” he said. “It makes contrary to his recent years sixth at the lightly-regarded sure I’m consistently the same. of successes, Froome comes Herald Sun Tour, won by the That’s really given me a lot of into this year’s Dauphine unheralded Australian Damien confi dence.” without a single win in 2017. Howson. Froome was also Second-placed Summerhays Jason Dufner hits his tee shot on the 14th hole during the second round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. But the Team Sky leader knocked off his bike by a car faced a big defi cit before even (Getty Images/AFP) seems relaxed. “I’m happy while training in France last starting his afternoon round. with where my form is right month, although he emerged “Coming into the day I was jump up into third place: “Fairly ond time since turning pro last 139 - Martin Laird -71-68, Matt Knox (SCO) 71-70, Charl Schwart- now. Everything is looking unscathed. And he seems one shot back and before I teed simple. A lot of fairways, a lot of year. Rahm, who struggled on Kuchar 69-70, Emiliano Grillo zel (RSA) 70-71, Brett Coletta good and I’m looking forward unconcerned by his lack of off I was eight back,” he said. greens and threw in a few birdies the lightning-fast greens, added (ARG) 71-68, David Lingmerth 72-69 to putting all the training into results. “This time of the year it “I’m not going to lie, I watched and tried not to fall too far be- a 77 to his opening 73. (SWE) 65-74, Bubba Watson 71- 142 - Kevin Streelman 73-69, practice,” he said. always feels like it’s really get- a few of Duf’s highlights, the hind Duf,” Fowler said. 68, Kevin Kisner 70-69 Padraig Harrington (IRL) 71-71, “I think the line-up of riders at ting towards the business part hole-out on 18 and everything. I “Maybe I’d be a little closer Leading second-round scores 140 - Graham DeLaet (CAN) Brooks Koepka 69-73, Bill Haas the Dauphine is particularly of my season. I’m coming off went ‘whoa, I’m this far behind, if I hadn’t made a triple (bogey) 130 - Jason Dufner 65-65 73-67, Lucas Glover 67-73, Shane 73-69, Adam Scott (AUS) 76-66, impressive this year in terms the back of two great blocks let’s go and make some birdies.’ yesterday.” 135 - Daniel Summerhays 66-69 Lowry (IRL) 72-68, An Byeong- Bud Cauley 75-67, Sam Saunders of GC (overall) contenders and of training with the guys up in Overall I’m really pleased with Johnson was the biggest name 136 - Rickie Fowler 70-66 Hun (KOR) 68-72, Jason Kokrak 68-74, Ross Fisher (ENG) 73-69, other Tour rivals, so it should Tenerife, which has got me in the round.” to miss the cut, joined by rising 138 - Jamie Lovemark 69-69, 73-67, Marc Leishman (AUS) Camilo Villegas (COL) 74-68, be a big test and a real chal- great shape and ready for the Fowler birdied three in a row Spanish talent Jon Rahm, who Jordan Spieth 66-72, Justin 70-70, Phil Mickelson 70-70 Steve Stricker 74-68, Pat Perez lenge. “I’m going there hoping challenges ahead.” through his penultimate hole to bowed out early for just the sec- Thomas 67-71 141 - Kyle Stanley 74-67, Russell 70-72.

HORSE RACING/ EPSOM DERBY Wings of Eagles fl ies home under rookie Beggy

AFP made it happen. racing of £931,000 (1m euros, Epsom, United Kingdom “It’s happy days.” $1.2m) by three quarters of a O’Brien, who has won fi ve of length. “I couldn’t be happier,” the six classics run so far in the said 49-year-old O’Brien. adraig Beggy won the British Isles this season, couldn’t “I thought he was a very good Epsom Derby with his praise Beggy high enough. “Pa- horse last year when he ran a fi rst ride in the race de- draig is a brilliant rider, a world good race in France. livering a blistering fi n- class rider,” eulogised O’Brien. “Cliff s of Moher is a bit of a Pish on outsider Wings of Eagles baby still and his next run should to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his Eminent ran on well for be very interesting.” sixth win yesterday. fourth to give businessman Cracksman had done ex- Beggy - tasting victory for turned trainer Martyn Meade tremely well to be even involved just the fi fth time since 2015 a memorable experience in the denouement as Dettori, -brought Wings of Eagles from while there was bitter disap- who had teamed up with trainer the clouds to win at 40/1 to deny pintment again for the John Gosden to win the Oaks on the most fancied of O’Brien’s Godolphin Operation Friday, was hard at work on him six runners Cliff s of Moher (5-1) three times round the demand- with 7-2 favourite Cracksman, “He is strong and has a great ing undulating camber track. ridden by Frankie Dettori, third. mind and tactically astute.” Eminent ran on well for fourth “My fi rst ride, but you al- Cliff s of Moher had looked to give businessman turned ways have a chance, don’t worry certain to deliver jockey Ryan trainer Martyn Meade a memo- about the price with an Aidan Moore’s third winner in the blue rable experience while there was O’Brien runner,” said Beggy on riband of the fl at after he col- bitter disappintment again for his way back to the winner’s en- lared Dettori on Cracksman en- the Godolphin Operation. closure. “I had a bit of bad luck tering the fi nal furlong. Benbatl fared best of their trio in running but I got there at the However, Beggy who had had like the winner coming from way right time. “Still my best furlong only two of the 18 runners be- off the pace to fi nish fi fth but was the last furlong and that is hind him with three furlongs to still leaving Godolphin supremo the one that counts. race, came with an unstoppa- Sheikh Mohammed bin al-Mak- “I’d nearly given up on the ble burst of accleration to take toum awaiting a Derby winner in big days, but Aidan O’Brien has the richest ever prize in English their royal blue silks. Padraig Beggy on Wings Of Eagles (foreground) wins the Epsom Derby yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, June 4, 2017 7 SPORT

MOTOGP Triumph to replace Honda as Moto2 supplier in 2019 British manufacturer Triumph Triumph Street Triple bike. will replace Honda as Moto2’s Honda have powered the cat- exclusive engine supplier from egory since it began in 2010 2019 on a three-year deal, as a replacement for the old series organisers announced 250cc two-stroke class. Recovering Rossi yesterday. “This is a significant moment Moto2 is the feeder series to for Triumph that brings an the top MotoGP category. exciting new chapter to our Commercial rights holder 110-year racing history and Dorna said in a statement that builds on our celebrated TT and Triumph would supply a race- Supersport race winning triple tuned 765cc engine based engines,” said Triumph’s chief on the front row on the powerplant from the commercial off icer Paul Stroud.

Diriba wins 3,000m at Boston event Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba won the 8:58.88. women’s 3,000 metres at the Ethiopian long distance run- for Italian GP Boost Boston Games track and ner Muktar Edris also put on field meeting on Friday night an incredible performance in ‘Until Tuesday I thought it would be impossible for me to race. For me it’s a gift to be with a winning time of eight the men’s 5000m. minutes, 45.44 seconds. He won in a time of 13:01.04 just here and to give the maximum for the race and the fans’ Diriba, who placed fifth in the off Mo Farah’s world best so 5,000m at the 2013 Moscow far in 2017 of 13:00.70 set last World Championship, shat- weekend in Eugene, Oregon. tered Rosemary Wanjiru’s Farah won the 5,000m and previous fastest time of 2017 10,000m at both the 2012 and by six seconds. 2016 Olympics. Wanjiru set her time of 8:51.61 Edris crossed the finish line in Tokyo in April. ahead of Kenyan Cyrus Rutto Diriba edged runner-up (13:03.44) and the Ethiopian Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui who Dejen Gebremeskel (13:25.95). finished in 8:45.94. The Boston Games end today Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslase with the sprint events, long was well back in third at jump and pole vault.

RUGBY / INJURY All Black Crotty hurts rib, concussion concern for Smith

Reuters in the All Blacks’ midfi eld for the Wellington Lions series. The 28-year-old was likely to partner Sonny Bill Williams or ll Blacks centre Ryan Anton Leinert-Brown, depend- Crotty and fullback Ben ing on what kind of game Hansen Smith are in danger of wanted to play. missing the upcom- Smith did not want to leave ingA British and Irish Lions test the fi eld after he fell heavily in a series after they were injured in tackle but was forced off by ref- the Canterbury Crusaders’ 25- eree Glen Jackson and did not re- 22 victory over the Otago High- turn to the game. landers yesterday. It would mark his second con- Crusaders’ Crotty suff ered a cussion of the season and High- rib cartilage injury, while High- landers coach Tony Brown said it Movistar Yamaha’s Italian rider Valentino Rossi competes during the Moto GP qualifying session of the Italian Grand Prix at the Mugello racetrack yesterday. landers’ Smith was forced off for was too early to determine if he a concussion check and did not would miss the Lions series, with AFP mate after the French MotoGP which Italy GP grid (top 10) 10th world title this season — and sit- return during the Super Rugby the fi rst test on June 24. Luco di Mugello, Italy Vinales won two weeks ago. ting third overall behind Vinales and clash in Christchurch. “It’s hard to say at this stage. “I had a very diffi cult week since my 1. Maverick Vinales (Spain) Yamaha Honda’s Dani Pedrosa. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen I haven’t caught up with him or accident,” said 38-year-old Rossi, who 2. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha “Valentino gave a seriously impressive names his squad on June 8, with the doctor,” Brown said. “But alentino Rossi brushed aside a was treated in hospital for chest and 3. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Ducati performance, starting with the free prac- the Crusaders due to play the Li- he was walking around after the training accident to take a front stomach injuries suff ered during moto- 4. Michele Pirro (Italy) Ducati tice session this morning and he again de- ons in Christchurch next Saturday. game, so he should be all good. row spot for the Italian MotoGP cross training. 5. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda livered in the afternoon,” said Meregalli. Crusaders coach Scott Rob- “Everyone wants to stay on the behind pole-sitting Yamaha “Until Tuesday I thought it would be 6. Marc Marquez (Spain) Honda “Despite his injury he has been show- ertson cast a gloomy prognosis fi eld in games like that. But, pre- Vteammate Maverick Vinales yesterday. impossible for me to race. For me it’s a ing superb form. We still have some for Crotty shortly after the game. cautionary, he needs to go off and 7. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Ducati Vinales, 22, grabbed his third career gift to be here and to give the maximum 8. Alvaro Bautista (Spain) Ducati doubts concerning the set-up that we “He’s done a rib cartilage, so I get checked and he didn’t pass.” pole in 1min 46.575sec after the season- for the race and the fans. 9. Danilo Petrucci (Italy) Ducati have to look into, so tomorrow’s warm up think that Steve Hansen will be The loss of Smith, arguably opener in Qatar and in France last month. “My condition improved and we also 10. Tito Rabat (Spain) Honda is going to be decisive.” tucking into his notebook and the world’s best fullback, would But Rossi proved he was well on the improved the setting of the bike.” Sixth-placed Marquez took the blame thinking who’s next,” Robertson be a setback for the All Blacks comeback trail as he targets a fi rst win for his modest qualifying performance. said. but with Israel Dagg returning since 2008 on his favourite circuit by RECORD HOLDER the greatest moments in his career, with “Honestly, I didn’t have my best quali- The former All Blacks loose to action for the Crusaders as a leading free practice and then placing Rossi holds the record for victories on the his fi rst win on the circuit outside Flor- fying today,” said the Honda star. forward later rowed back on his second-half substitute yesterday just 0.260sec off the Spaniard in qualify- Mugello circuit in Tuscany with seven ence a 125cc success in 1997. “I made a few mistakes and then I initial assessment and said the Hansen has another option at the ing. in a row between 2002 and 2008 and six “I think the race will be very tough calculated the slipstream wrong when extent of the injury would not be position. Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati pole starts. from every angle, because it looks like I caught (Johann) Zarco too early on my known until at least Sunday but Dagg, who is returning after will complete the front row Sunday with “Today we did great work, carrying on there are six other bikes with the same last fl ying lap. that Crotty would probably miss knee surgery, could slot com- world champion Marc Marquez starting from yesterday,” continued Rossi, who pace, so to start from the front row is very “Anyway, we’re not far off with the “a couple of weeks”. fortably back into the number 15 sixth. was buoyed by the enthusiastic support important.” setup, so tomorrow we must make the Crotty was the leading con- jersey after spending time on the The veteran Rossi looks set for another of the rowdy home crowd. Yamaha team director Massimo right choice with the front and then I tender for one of the positions right wing last year. captivating duel with his young team- Mugello has been the scene of some of Meregalli praised Rossi — bidding for a think we may fi ght for the podium.”

RESTED RUGBY Lopez drops out of Travel, lack of preparation a France squad for South Africa tour

AFP “We have had a discussion, factor, but we’ll get better: Lions with the France team Paris Reuters they were expected to beat by sive ball handling but, while he staff and that of Clermont. Wellington more than 30 points, but captain was solid in the scrum, probably I am going to use this Sam Warburton said that he was should have caused more prob- lermont fl y-half Camille opportunity to have happy just to get the win. lems for the 21-year old Aidan Lopez will not join up an operation” ritish and Irish Lions “It was the fi rst building Ross. with the France squad coach Warren Gatland block,” Warburton said. “That New Zealand-born England for their upcoming tour ture of the operation, saying it blamed a lack of prepara- was great for us we have plenty centre Ben Te’o also provided ofC South Africa, instead being would “remain personal”. tion time for an uncon- of footage for us to (use to) work the side with some momentum rested after a long season, his The coach had already cho- vincingB 13-7 victory over the Pro- on some defensive things, im- with his straight running, which coach Guy Noves said yesterday. sen not to call up two of Lopez’s vincial Barbarians in their New prove our attack organisation did not escape the notice of the The 28-year-old Lopez, who Clermont colleagues in cen- Zealand tour opener yesterday. but for a fi rst hit out I am pretty former All Blacks hooker. has won 16 caps for his country, tre Remi Lamerat and back row The squad, joined at the last pleased. “I thought Ben Te’o had a re- will feature for Clermont in Sun- Damien Chouly. moment by some players who “Each time we play it’s a dress ally strong performance in car- day’s French Top 14 fi nale against Lopez has become a fi rst- had club commitments, ar- rehearsal for the test series, rying and created a lot of chanc- Toulon. choice for his country since rived for the 10-match tour on we’re treating every game like a es for us,” Gatland added. He was due to join up with Les François Trinh-Duc picked up Wednesday and had only two test match.” “He was accurate, carried well Bleus in South Africa next week, an injury playing against Samoa training sessions on Thurs- Gatland had been at pains to and caused them a lot of prob- but will now not travel and will in November, but Sunday’s fi nal day before they travelled to point out that every one of his 41 lems.” undergo an operation. will be his 32nd match of the sea- Whangarei for yesterday’s game. players would get the chance to The head coach, however, And Noves will not call up a son. “We would have preferred to put themselves in the picture for would be concerned that Ire- replacement, for now anyway. Seven of those matches have have had a week in the UK with selection for the fi rst test against land fl yhalf Johnny Sexton was “For the moment, I prefer to been for France. the full squad and a week in New the All Blacks on June 24. comprehensively outplayed by wait,” Noves told AFP, confi rm- France play three test matches Zealand before the fi rst game,” The Welsh loose forward trio his opposite number, Gatland’s ing an earlier report by sports against the Springboks on June Gatland told reporters. of Warburton, who had not son Bryn, before Owen Farrell daily L’Equipe. 10 in Pretoria, June 17 in Durban “We arrived on Wednesday played for almost two months replaced Sexton. Speaking to press before Sun- and June 24 in Johannesburg. and we are still recovering from British and Irish Lions’ coach Warren Gatland gestures before the due to a knee injury, Ross Mo- “It was special,” Gatland add- day’s fi nal, Lopez added: “We The Toulon trio of Xavier Chi- the travel and the guys haven’t match between New Zealand’s Provinial Barbarians and the British riarty and Taulupe Faletau all ed of his son’s contribution. “I have had a discussion, with the iocci, Guilhem Guirado and Ro- got into regular sleep patterns. and Irish Lions at Toll Stadium in Whangarei yesterday. enhanced their test credentials thought he played pretty well. France team staff and that of main Taofi fenua and Clermont’s “Perhaps the schedulers need yesterday, as did lock Alun Wyn “He caused us a few problems, Clermont. I am going to use this Arthur Iturria, Damian Penaud to look at that for future tours. help them sleep. You have just The jet-lag may have been a Jones. especially with his kicking game. opportunity to have an opera- and Scott Spedding will join up “Some players are still seeing got to try and recover as quickly contributory factor to a lacklus- England tighthead prop Kyle It was a special day for us as a tion.” with the France squad in South the doctor for sleeping pills to as possible.” tre performance against a side Sinckler showed some impres- family.” Lopez did not explain the na- Africa after the Top 14 fi nal.

Sunday, June 4, 2017 GULF TIMES TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT French women thrive under home slam pressure

Reuters ed, screamed or yelled her nick- this is helping me,” said Garcia. The third-seeded Romanian - two close sets on the hard courts Paris name ‘Caro’ throughout in a Fed “At the beginning of the a beaten fi nalist in Paris in 2014 - of Miami in 2016. Cup atmosphere. match today I was a bit stressed is being tipped as a title favourite Here she won nine of the fi rst Garcia prevailed 6-4 4-6 9-7 but then I just thought about after a stellar run-up on clay to 10 games. ome advantage played after the unpredictable Hsieh, my game. If we play on Chatrier this year’s tournament. Then the 26th-seeded Rus- fully as Caroline Gar- whose sliced shots unsettled the with Alize, I’m ready. If you want She romped through the fi rst sian, the highest-ranked teen- cia rode the Mexican local favourite, had served for to win a grand slam, you have to set of Saturday’s third round ager in the world before turning waves on Court One, the match at 5-4. be able to play on the big courts.” match in 30 minutes, with an 20 in May, sparked into life. Hbreaking the resilience of Tai- Four of the six longest match- Whether Garcia will be sup- ankle injury she sustained in She won the next four games wan’s Hsoeh Su-Wei to join es in the women’s draw involved ported by the crowd against mid-May giving her no more and held three set points in the Kristina Mladenovic and Alize a French player - Cornet, Garcia Cornet is another matter after than a single twinge. 10th game, dominating an op- Cornet in the fourth round of the and Mladenovic twice - showing she said she would snub a Fed “I felt it a little bit at one ponent who had won in Madrid French Open yesterday. that when pushed to the limit, Cup call-up earlier this season, backhand, because I turned too - one of the two main warm-up It will be the fi rst time since the home support can be key. triggering the anger of her team- much...But doesn’t bother me tournament for Paris - and fi n- 1994 - and only the third since Expectations have been so mates. much, so I’m not thinking about ished runner-up in the other in Tennis turned professional in high on players to succeed to “I think that the relationship it. I can run, I can slide,” she told Rome. 1968 - that three Frenchwomen Mary Pierce, the 2000 cham- is not very good,” said Cornet a news conference. But Halep edged through 6-0 will play the last 16 at Roland Gar- pion, that many of them, most after what she called an ‘unex- Kasatkina, who in April won 7-5, closing out the match with ros, with the extra guarantee that notably Amelie Mauresmo, pected’ 6-2 6-1 third-round win her fi rst WTA title in Charles- a backhand that stuck the net one will be in the quarter-fi nals as crumbled under pressure at Ro- against ninth seed Agnieszka ton, initially found the big-game chord and that Kasatkina failed Cornet will take on Garcia. land Garros. Radwanska. atmosphere on Court Suzanne to return. In 1994, Mary Pierce reached Garcia was one of them. A Lenglen more of a hindrance “I played really well at the the fi nal after knocking out Steffi 17-year-old hot prospect in 2011, Halep holds firm to than a help. beginning,” a relieved and smil- Graf in the last four, eventually she was leading Maria Sharapova make last 16 Her groundstrokes tentative ing Halep said courtside. “She losing to Arantxa Sanchez. 6-3 4-1 when she weakened, Title contender Simona Halep and her movements jerky, she was coming back really strongly After ‘Kiki’ Mladenovic fed losing 11 games in a row, and the pulled through against young fell back on slices and dropshots and I think my energy went a bit off the Court Suzanne Lenglen second-round match. This year, pretender Daria Kasatkina in a as her opponent hit powerfully down... She’s a really tough op- crowd to down Shelby Rogers in however, she and the others have French Open rollercoaster on into both corners from the back ponent.” an epic three-setter on Friday, appeared to thrive. Saturday, winning 6-0 7-5 after of the court. Halep will play Spain’s Carla Garcia was pumped up by the “I have experienced a lot of at fi rst threatening to dismantle In their only previous tour Suarez Navarro in the fourth France’s Caroline Garcia celebrates after winning against Taiwan’s crowd on Court One who chant- things at the French Open and the 20-year-old Russian. match, Halep had triumphed in round. Su-Wei Hsieh during their French Open match in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

FRENCH OPEN FOCUS Sated Serb a kindred spirit, says former ‘Smart’ Murray downs champion Wilander

AFP Paris

riple French Open champion Mats Wilander identifi ed a Del Potro, steady Stan kindred spirit at Roland Garros on Friday, as Novak Djok- ovic laboured his way into the last 16. Djokovic looked neither convincing nor happy and TWilander, who scaled the heights of celebrity and tennis supers- tardom 35 years ago, spotted an all-too familiar malady gnawing at the man on centre court. “It is hard,” Wilander told Reuters in an interview in the Ro- land Garros stadium. “It is hard when you have won so much so marches on in Paris young, or so unexpectedly. Hard to keep the appetite. With No- vak, there seems to be something missing. I think I can see it... I know it happened to me.” ‘Andy proved he is a real No. 1. He is one of the smartest guys on the circuit’ Wilander was cast into the blinding spotlight of celebrity in 1982 when, as a blond 17-year-old Swede, he won the French Open to captivate a tennis-watching public still mourning the AFP premature retirement of tennis icon Bjorn Borg. Paris Little more than six months later Wilander won the second of his seven grand slam titles, in Melbourne, and that was when cracks began to appear. “You lose your hunger. It fi rst happened ndy Murray downed to me after winning the Australian Open in 1983. It happened af- longtime rival Juan ter I won the 1985 French Open - well, because I met a woman Martin del Potro to - who I am now married to - so some things are more important.” reach the Roland Gar- On Friday, 12-times grand slam winner Djokovic stumbled rosA last 16 yesterday while unconvincingly into the fourth round with a 5-7 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-1 French hopes were overshad- win over world number 41 Diego Schwartzman of Argentina. His owed by a bitter feud between play was up and down, and Wilander suspects he knows the rea- two of their top stars. son. “I think he has no problem winning... when he is winning, World number one Murray it is black and white... he knows how to win - he’s better than triumphed 7-6 (10/8), 7-5, 6-0 you. And when he is losing, that’s what seems to spark him. “But for his seventh win in 10 meet- when it is zero-zero, he seems he fi nds it hard to have the appe- ings with Del Potro whose chal- tite. I understand that, I recognise it. lenge fi zzled out after squan- “You can’t just make it happen, it has to be solved in your dering four set points in the heart. It’s like an animalistic feeling... it’s like a sense. It’s some- 87-minute opener. thing you either have or not. Murray, the runner-up to No- Djokovic has recently hired American eight-times grand slam vak Djokovic in 2016, will next champion Andre Agassi as his coach. face either John Isner of the “That is the best thing about Novak having Andre Agassi with United States or Russia’s Karen him. This struggle for appetite, it happened to Bjorn Borg, it hap- Khachanov. That match was one pened to Boris Becker, it happened to me, it happened to Andre,” of six third round ties to be com- Wilander said. “And Andre came back and played like a crazy pleted today after rain caused an person. He knows how to deal with this. He knows how to fi x it.” early cancellation. “Whoever won that fi rst set would have the momentum as it would have been very diffi cult to come back in these heavy, slow conditions,” said Murray. “He was playing much better than me in the fi rst set. He had chances in the fi rst set, he double faulted on set point.” In a titanic fi rst set, Del Po- tro wasted four set points then saved two before Murray pounced when the Argentine Great Britain’s Andy Murray celebrates after winning his French Open match against Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro yesterday. (Reuters) star narrowly miscued. The 28-year-old slumped Former US Open cham- two of his three matches against Triple French Open champion Mats Wilander at Roland Garros in over the net and stayed that way pion Marin Cilic continued his top-fi ve opponents this year, Paris. (AFP) during most of the changeover to smooth progress seeing off Feli- beating then fourth-ranked Kei catch his breath. Del Potro, play- ciano Lopez, who was limited by Nishikori in Miami and number ing in Paris for the fi rst time in a neck injury, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3. one Andy Murray in Rome. fi ve years after a series of wrist Croatian seventh seed Cilic But on a murky Court Su- Inspirational Djokovic key to my injuries, was quickly a break will next meet South Africa’s zanne Lenglen where the weath- tennis return, says Agassi down in the second set. Kevin Anderson who matched er matched his own darkening He retrieved it when Mur- his best run with a fi ve-set win mood, the Italian lost the sec- Andre Agassi would not have come back to tennis if it weren’t ray served for the set in the 10th over Britain’s Kyle Edmund. ond set without taking a game, for Novak Djokovic, a player he believes still has many other game before handing the advan- Anderson twice recovered punctuating wild forehands with grand slam titles to win, the American said. tage straight back. Murray seized from a set down to advance 6-7 a clutch of double faults before The 47-year-old agreed to coach Djokovic, who has been his lifeline, a fourth ace giving (6/8), 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in getting treatment on his left through a crisis of confidence since winning his 12th major title him a two-set lead. just under four hours in a duel knee. at the French Open last year, last month. between two players born in Jo- At 5-2 down in the third set, Asked by French sports daily L’Equipe on Saturday if any other Weary Del Potro hannesburg. Fognini saved two match points player could have drawn him back to a sport he once hated, Weary Del Potro, who beat The rain suspension was before the 32-year-old Swiss Agassi said: “I don’t know. Novak inspired me, he gave me the Murray in the Davis Cup semi- good news for Japanese eighth fi red down an unreturnable serve desire to make that eff ort. fi nals last year to avenge his de- seed Kei Nishikori who was two on the third. “Many other players have approached me before, I cannot say feat in the Olympics fi nal, man- sets to one up on South Korea’s “It was a very good fi rst set who. Novak is 30, he won 12 grand slam titles and I know he has aged just 11 points in the third Hyeon Chung but a double break and I was a bit hesitant, but af- the capacity to win many others.” set. down in the fourth set at 0-3. ter that I relaxed,” Wawrinka said Agassi, who won eight grand slam titles himself, retired in “Andy proved he is a real No. Wawrinka, the 2015 champion courtside. 2006. 1,” said Del Potro. “He is one of in Paris, has yet to drop a set in “I am playing very well at the The former world number one is in Paris where Djokovic is the smartest guys on the circuit.” the 2017 tournament, but this moment but we all know how defending his title, but will leave on holidays with his family Third seed Stan Wawrinka time he came close to conced- that can go in a grand slam... next week. saved four set points in the ing the fi rst, which the unpre- Each game gets more diffi cult.” “Novak is a good guy, and he’s a chance for this sport. And I can opener before running away dictable Italian failed to serve Wawrinka will play the winner help him. I think he will get better every day,” he said. with 16 of the last 19 games to out before losing in a one-sided of the all-French clash between “It’s inspiring to be with him. Sometimes you follow your heart beat Italy’s Fabio Fognini 7-6 tiebreak. Gael Monfi ls and Richard Gas- Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka celebrates after winning his third round and I think it’s the time for me to take care of this guy.” (7/2), 6-0, 6-2. Fognini, seeded 28, had won quet in the fourth round. match against Italy’s Fabio Fognini yesterday. (Reuters)