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Monday, July 2, 2018 FOOTBALL Shawwal 18, 1439 AH Mexico show GULF TIMES no fear as they target end to fi ft h-game hex SPORT Page 3

REPORT ESP (3) 1-1 (4) RUS Akinfeev stars as Russia stun Spain on penalties Goalkeeper saves eff orts from Koke and Aspas during shootout to send former world champs out of the World Cup

Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saves the penalty shootout shot by Iago Aspas (not in picture) to hand the hosts a victory over Spain during their FIFA World Cup round of 16 match at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Moscow Iniesta retires from international football

DPA ussia captain Igor Akinfeev saved Moscow two penalties in a dramatic shootout as the World Cup hosts dumped title contenders Spain out in the last 16 ndres Iniesta confirmed followingR a 1-1 draw. his retirement from Veteran Russia centre-back Sergei Igna- Ainternational football shevich gifted Spain the opening goal on 12 yesterday. minutes in Moscow when he unwittingly “It’s true that this is my last turned into his own net after grappling with game,” Iniesta said, speaking Sergio Ramos. after Spain’s elimination from Russia hit back just before the interval as the World Cup at the hands of Artem Dzyuba nervelessly converted a pen- Russia. “A wonderful period has alty awarded for a handball by Gerard Pique. come to an end.” Spain controlled the game as expected but Iniesta had been a second half struggled to create genuine chances, with substitute as Spain crashed out Akinfeev sharp on the few occasions they did to Russia despite the former before saving from Koke and Iago Aspas to Barcelona player scoring his seal a 4-3 win on penalties. Russia’s players celebrate their victory over Spain in their round of 16 match yesterday. (AFP) penalty in the shoot-out that “We are having a fantastic World Cup,” said decided the match. Akinfeev. “Not just our fans, but the fans of appearances in the group stage, whipped in Akinfeev snuff ed out an opening for Diego Iniesta won the World Cup in 2010 other countries got a sense of this atmosphere dangerously to the far post where the ball Costa on the stroke of half-time as the Spain scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 and understood that Russians really know how looped in off an unsighted Ignashevich as he striker tried to latch onto a through ball. victory over The Netherlands in to play football and want to play football.” tussled with Ramos. The Russia goalkeeper was again involved South Africa. The 34-year-old also Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov, who Spain dominated the fi rst 30 minutes, early in the second half, fl ying to his left to won the European Championship Spain’s Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos console had received a phone call from President pressing Russia heavily as the hosts struggled pluck a spinning Jordi Alba eff ort from the air. in 2008 and 2012. each other after yesterday’s loss. (Reuters) Vladimir Putin a few hours before the game, to advance beyond the halfway line in humid Cherchesov introduced Cheryshev for Al- said, “Players will not do things just because conditions. exander Samedov on the hour, a move greeted the coach says so. They have to feel it and Aleksandr Golovin carved out their fi rst by a deafening roar from the home support. a clever dummy only for Akinfeev to claw his tonight they did it. To be a strong team is chance of note, starting a move with a jink- Iniesta replaced David Silva, while Costa shot away before the rebound from Koke was Penalty shootout one thing, but you have to be the best on the ing run before bending just wide of David de was withdrawn for Aspas, and the two sub- blocked. 1-1 (after extra time) pitch. Tonight, we were that team at the right Gea’s left-hand post. stitutes went close to winning it late in regu- Russia endured a tense wait when Kuipers Spain Score Russia place at the right time.” Isco produced a series of regal touches lation time. was in communication with the video assist- 3 A. Iniesta 1-0 Fernando Hierro made the bold decision to with Spain’s King Felipe VI among those in A low 20-yard drive heading towards was ant referee following a late tug on Pique in drop Andres Iniesta for Koke in central mid- the crowd at the Luzhniki Stadium, but Rus- palmed away by at Akinfeev at full stretch, the box, before Akinfeev’s shootout heroics 1-1 F. Smolov 3 fi eld, with Marco Asensio handed his fi rst sia equalised shortly before half-time. with the angled follow-up from Aspas also clinched an unforgettable triumph. 3 G. Pique 2-1 start of the competition. pushed to safety. “There is a lot of pain in the delegation, the 2-2 S. Ignashevich 3 Cherchesov left out leading scorer Denis PIQUE PENALISED Aspas nearly picked out Carvajal with a players, the coaching staff ,”, Hierro told re- Cheryshev, opting for three central defenders A deep corner was met by Dzyuba, whose cut-back seconds into the start of extra time, porters. “We had great hopes for this World 2 Koke 2-2 in a conservative 5-3-2 formation. header struck the outstretched arm of Pique, which saw Aleksandr Erokhin come on as Cup and it was not to be. There are 15 players 2-3 A. Golovin 3 It was Nacho, in for Dani Carvajal at right- with referee Bjorn Kuipers contemplating his Russia’s fourth sub — the fi rst time the rule who have given everything, I have absolutely 3 S. Ramos 3-3 back, who won the free-kick that led to Spain decision before pointing to the spot. has been applied at the World Cup. no complaint. This is football. We had more 3-4 D. Cheryshev taking the lead as he was caught by Yury Dzyuba calmly sent De Gea the wrong with Spain followed suit as Rodrigo replaced possession, got to their area much more. We 3 Zhirkov to the right of the penalty area. his penalty to join Cheryshev on a team- Asensio, and the former went closest to end- understand that in these moments you have 2 I. Aspas 3-4 Asensio, who made two brief substitute leading three goals. ing the impasse, sprinting towards goal after to be eff ective.” Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo will be nearly 38 by the time the next World Cup comes around in Qatar in 2022 2 Gulf Times Monday, July 2, 2018

MATCH REPORT CRO (3) 1-1 (2) DEN Croatia advance to quarters aft er penalty shootout win Croatia could have wrapped up the result five minutes from the end of extra time but Modric had his penalty saved by Denmark goalkeeper Schmeichel

Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic (left) wheels away in celebration after scoring the winning penalty as Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel walks away dejected during the Round of 16 match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, yesterday. (Reuters)

Reuters Denmark’s eff orts to set up a quarter- Jorgensen took all of 57 seconds to net from close range. Nizhny Novgorod fi nal meeting with Russia on Saturday. breach the Croatia defence at the end The anticipated infl uence of Chris- It was Modric’s sublime pass that of a long throw-in by Jonas Knudsen, tian Eriksen for the Danes and Croatia’s put Ante Rebic through on goal, before stabbing at the ball with his left foot as Modric held out hopes of more mouth- roatia came back after conced- being brought down by Mathias Jor- he took it off team mate Thomas Dela- watering action but their craft was ing in the opening minute to gensen, and off ered Croatia a chance to ney. Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Suba- only evident in patches. Eriksen did earn a World Cup quarter-fi nal win just before the lottery of the shoot- sic got a hand to Jorgensen’s toe-poke shave the top of the woodwork just be- berth after edging Denmark out. But Schmeichel made a smart save but eff ectively defl ected the ball across fore halftime with a speculative eff ort C3-2 in a penalty shootout after the two to keep the 1-1 stalemate intact through his own line. There was an element of while, at the other end, Ivan Rakitic sides drew 1-1 in the round of 16 match two hours of at times pedestrian foot- comedy to the fourth-minute equal- forced a smart save from Schmeichel. on last night. ball. Two chaotic goals in the open- iser for Mario Mandzukic as Denmark’s After the interval, the chances were They could have wrapped up the re- ing four minutes made for a rollicking early advantage quickly disappeared. even more sparse although Croatia did sult fi ve minutes from the end of extra start at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. A kick across the Danish defence was up the tempo towards the end of regu- time but Luka Modric had his penalty However, it proved a false dawn as the fi rmly hit away by Henrik Dalsgaard lation time only to run into a resolute saved by Kasper Schmeichel. However, spectacle faded with both sides choos- but straight into the face of team mate Denmark defence. In extra time, Knud- the Croatia captain returned to bravely ing caution as their priority given the Andreas Christensen, creating a pinball sen’s long throws proved the most dan- Croatia’s goalkeeper Danijel Subasic (right) celebrates with captain Luka Modric take one of the post-match kicks as rare chance to reach the last eight at a eff ect that saw the ball fall for Mandzu- gerous attacking weapon but eventually after winning the penalty shootout. (Reuters) goalkeeper Danijel Subasic save three of World Cup. kic, who then expertly turned it into the it was penalties that delivered a winner.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Ronaldo tight-lipped on Argentina defeat marks end of an era for two-time champs future aft er World Cup KO Reuters Gonzalo Higuain, Ever Banega, looked anything like contenders Sochi, Russia Nicolas Otamendi, Gabriel Mer- this time around. AFP cado, Enzo Perez, Angel Di Maria They labored to a 1-1 draw with Sochi, Russia and even Messi himself. Iceland in their opener, were rgentinian headlines Mascherano announced his crushed 3-0 by Croatia in their may have been domi- retirement after the game, and next game, and needed a late ristiano Ronaldo saw nated by the enigma there must be questions marks winner from full-back Marcos his World Cup dreams that is Lionel Messi, over his teammates’ desire to Rojo to secure a place in the last slip away once again on tacticalA turmoil in the team and continue with the transatlan- 16. Messi, as so often happens, Saturday but gave no the Messianic Maradona in the tic fl ights and massive pressure turned it on when he really had hintC as to whether he plans to background — but all that is from home fans. One of the big- to, in that fi nal group win over continue playing for Portugal. history now as elimination by gest questions surrounds Messi. Nigeria. But he looked subdued The reigning European cham- France spells the end of an era for The Barcelona player retired against France and could not fi nd pions were undone by two Edin- the two-time champions. from international football in a way past the packed defences of son Cavani goals for Uruguay in Argentina have not won a ma- 2016 but quickly reversed his de- Iceland and Croatia. their last-16 tie in Sochi, despite jor international title since lifting cision. It would be no surprise if His inability to score in the Pepe bringing them level at one the Copa America in 1993. They he fi nally called it a day. Messi is knock-out phase of any World point early in the second half. came closest with this squad in one of the greatest players of the Cup is a telling statistic. It was not to be Ronaldo’s 2014, when they lost in the fi nal 21st century but he has yet to win Sampaoli is a successful coach, night, as he exited the World of the last World Cup, and in the a title with Argentina, losing all having won the Copa America Cup on the same day as Lionel Copas America in 2015 and 2016. four of the fi nals he has played with Chile in 2015, and he has Messi’s Argentina were elimi- Their elimination by France in, dating back to the 2007 Copa vowed to continue in charge. nated following a 4-3 defeat at on Saturday in a thrilling 4-3 re- America in Venezuela. He is aware of the age issue but the hands of France. Ronaldo verse — beaten by pace and youth That should not be a refl ection convinced the future is in good will be nearly 38 by the time the as much as by skill or talent — on his outstanding skill, but Ar- hands. “I am convinced that Ar- next World Cup comes around will now surely lead to a chang- gentina’s repeated failure at the gentine football has a crop of in Qatar in 2022. ing of the guard. Many of the fi nal hurdle is self-evident. Los- players coming through,” Sam- “Now is not the time to talk Argentines who played in Russia ing one fi nal is unfortunate, los- paoli said, “and we need to back about the future, either of the are in their 30s, including Javier ing three in four years is careless. them up if we are to return to be coach or the players,” the Portu- Mascherano, Sergio Aguero, The Argentines, however, never one of the top sides.” gal skipper said after the game. The 33-year-old did however say that the European cham- pions could look to the future with confi dence. “I am sure that Portugal will continue to be one Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo walks towards a check-in counter before the departure from of the best teams in the world. Zhukovsky International Airport in Moscow yesterday. (Reuters) We have a young and ambitious squad,” he said. stage. His tally is one behind the Madrid man will continue to Italy in September. By that time, Remarkably, neither Ronaldo tournament’s current leading represent his country for some Ronaldo’s situation at club level nor Messi have managed to score scorer Harry Kane, with Ronal- time yet, with Portugal’s next will be clearer after he raised a single goal in a knockout tie do also missing a penalty in the challenge to defend the Euro- doubts about his future with in four World Cups going back 1-1 draw with Iran. pean Championship title they Real Madrid in the wake of their to 2006. Ronaldo reached the “He is an exceptional player,” won in France two years ago. “I Champions League fi nal win semi-fi nals with Portugal in his said Uruguay’s veteran coach am sure he will. Cristiano still against Liverpool in May. “There fi rst World Cup in Germany, but Oscar Tabarez. “He is their has a lot to give to the game,” is another tournament starting has never made it past the last leader, their captain. You need Santos said when asked if he felt in September and of course we 16 since then. This has been his to really concentrate to make his captain would carry on rep- hope Cristiano will be with us to best World Cup in terms of goals sure he is not successful against resenting his country. help the younger players grow,” scored, as he leaves with four in you, but that is very diffi cult.” Portugal will take part in the Santos said. “We have many total, including a hat-trick in a Portugal coach Fernando inaugural UEFA Nations League young players and it is important 3-3 draw with Spain in the group Santos was hopeful that the Real later this year, beginning against to have our captain there.” Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are dejected after losing to France on Saturday. (Reuters) For seventh straight World Cup, Mexico have made it to the last 16, but have failed to go further on six previous occasions 3 Gulf Times Monday, July 2, 2018

PREVIEW BRA vs MEX SAMARA, 5PM SPOTLIGHT Marcelo won’t start as Mexico show no fear Brazil take on Mexico as they target end to ‘...no greater memory than making history fi ft h-game hex with a fifth match’

AFP Saint Petersburg, Russia Key facts

exico do not have history on Brazil have not lost in their last 15 their side in their bid to dump competitive matches. Brazil out of the World Cup Mexico have won seven of Brazil’s Neymar (left), Filipe Luis and Fred (right) take part in a training but the 2018 version of El Tri their last 15 matches against Brazil session in Samara, Russia, yesterday. (Reuters) Mhave already demonstrated a capability to stretching back to 1999, losing just surprise in Russia. five times. world champions on the other Neymar has attempted more DPA For a seventh straight World Cup Mex- Samara, Russia side of the pitch. ico have made it to the last 16, but, ago- dribbles than anyone else in Russia “We’re motivated at this op- nisingly, they have failed to go any further with 42, 14 more than nearest rival portunity to play against one of on the six previous occasions, turning the Lionel Messi. arcelo won’t start at the best teams on the planet,” he desire just to make the “quinto partido” Neymar has had 18 ‘goal oppor- left-back when Bra- told reporters yesterday. (fi fth match) an obsession. tunities’, more than anyone else at zil look to continue “I have great faith in my team- “There’s no greater memory than the tournament. their World Cup mates and I think tomorrow we’ll making history with a fi fth match,” said Brazil have had 56 shots in their Mdomination against Mexico to- be ready to play a great game.” Mexico captain Andres Guardado. “We’re three games, the highest of the day. Brazil defender Thiago Silva diff erent players in terms of the mental teams left in the tournament. Mexico The Real Madrid defender said the favourites have basically aspect, but we know we’ll be judged by have had 44 shots. came off after just nine minutes been playing do-or-die matches whether we get through or not. Brazil have attempted 1,884 of Brazil’s fi nal group match last since their opening game against “What greater motivation could you passes at the tournament, 631 more Wednesday with back spasms Switzerland. need when we face off against the ve-fi than Mexico. and was replaced by Filipe Luis “Since we drew in the fi rst time champions? It’s the perfect scene. In terms of distance covered, He took part in training the match it’s been a knockout match It’s the biggest game of our lives.” only Panama have run less than past two days but coach Tite has [each time], that’s how we see it,” Mexico’s last-16 misfortunes have of- Mexico (297.66km) at the tourna- decided to stick with Filipe Luis he said. ten come down to the fi nest of margins. ment. Brazil have collectively run for the last-16 clash in Samara. “This is the fourth match and Defeat on penalties to surprise package 313.04km. “We have confi rmed the I think the team is very well pre- Bulgaria in 1994 started an inauspicious Mexico’s Hector Moreno is team, the team that fi nished the pared. Our fi rst goal is to play run. They blew a lead against Germany suspended after picking up two match,” Tite told his pre-match well because when you play well, four years later and against Argentina in bookings in the group stage. news conference yesterday. “So, you are closer to victory. 2006. Three Brazil players (Philippe Filipe Luis.” “That’s what we’re aiming for Conceding twice to the Netherlands in Coutinho, Casemiro, Neymar) and With temperatures expected tomorrow.” the fi nal minutes four years ago hurt more three Mexico players (Hector Her- to reach 34 degrees Celsius (93 Mexico will be battling past than most defeats, with a controversial rera, Miguel Layun, Jesus Gallardo) degrees Fahrenheit), and the history on two front as they have penalty awarded for a theatrical Arjen are one booking away from a one- possibility of having to play never beaten Brazil in four World Robben tumble deep into stoppage time match ban 120 minutes with extra-time, Cup meetings and have also gone sending the Dutch into the last eight. the Brazil staff felt it best that out at this stage the past six tour- VAR (the video assistant referee) HEAD-TO-HEAD Marcelo start on the bench. naments. should prevent a repeat of that injustice, Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo and Andres Guardado take part in a training session in Samara, Brazil Draw Mexico “Tomorrow the temperature is But coach Juan Carlos Osorio but Guardado has warned Italian referee Russia, yesterday. (Reuters) 23 7 10 going to be high... with high hu- isn’t bogged down by the past. Gianluca Rocchi not to be fooled by any midity too which makes it more “Football is as a game that always playacting from the world’s most expen- after a slow start are arguably the tough- rassed or playing not to lose,” said Osorio Last meeting: Brazil 2 Mexico 0 challenging for all athletes, not gives you an opportunity to win,” sive player, Neymar. est challenge Mexico could have asked for ahead of the tournament. (2015, friendly) just him,” Fabio Mahseredjian, he said. “It gives the team with “We all know who Neymar is, but it as they were punished for failing to back He was true to his word by going for Brazil’s fi tness coach, told the less history a chance to win the isn’t up to me or my team to judge him, up victories over Germany and South Ko- Germany’s jugular in an opening game news conference. game. but the referees and FIFA,” he said. rea with defeat to Sweden to fi nish second shock the world champions failed to re- “Why can’t we be Greece in the Euros? “Since he’s been fi ve days “With football you just need to “Now there’s VAR they need to watch in Group F. cover from, failing to get beyond the fi rst Why can’t we be Leicester in the Premier without physical activity, this score one goal and many, many his style and know how to manage it. Under Colombian coach Juan Carlos round of a World Cup for the fi rst time in League?” said striker Javier Hernandez, makes us highly aware.” times you just defend and with “We know he likes to exaggerate fouls, Osorio, though, Mexico approach every 80 years. Mexico’s all-time top scorer with 50 in- Mexico will be trying to shake that one goal you win the game. throw himself on the ground a lot, but game seeking to impose themselves rath- Hirving Lozano scored the only goal ternational goals. off a 3-0 thumping at the hands “Hopefully well have a great that’s his style of play and the person who er than in fear of the opposition. in Moscow but Mexico could and should “We want to be world champions and of Sweden in their last group game tomorrow and that my needs to stop that is the referee, not us.” “We will try to be more off ensive- have had many more with cooler heads. that’s what we’re aiming for. We don’t match. players will shoulder the bur- minded and more driven towards win- Despite landing in what is widely per- want to put any limits on ourselves.” Midfi elder Hector Herrera den and compete with one of the TOUGH TASK ning games rather than just being happy ceived as the tougher half of the draw, the To be champions, they need to get to feels there’s not better way to do best, if not the best, team in the A Brazil side fi nding their stride in Russia to be there and trying to not get embar- team do not want for ambition. the fi fth game fi rst. that than seeing the fi ve-time world.”

PREVIEW BEL vs JPN ROSTOV-ON-DON, 9PM With Messi and Ronaldo gone, Hazard can now shine

Reuters Belgium wary of complacency Rostov-on-Don, Russia

ionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the Lleading attractions at as Japan chase history the World Cup, but now that AFP they have been sent packing, Rostov-on-Don, Russia Belgian Eden Hazard believes Key facts it might be his time to shine on the biggest stage. ries Mertens has warned Belgium Belgium were the highest-scor- Both players have won the against the perils of complacency ing team in the group stage and also Ballon d’Or, football’s biggest as they prepare to face Japan here had more shots on goal, 22, than any individual prize, every year today with one eye on a possible other team between themselves since quarter-fiD nal showdown with Brazil. Belgium have also made the 2008 — five each. However, The Belgians have emerged as dark hors- tied-fewest tackles of any team at Messi’s Argentina lost 4-3 to es at this World Cup, with their “Golden this World Cup. They have only made France and Ronaldo’s Portugal Generation” of players tipped to mount a 17 tackles, tied with Group G rival were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay in deep run into the knockout rounds. England and Senegal the last 16 on Saturday. Cup anymore so now it’s time Roberto Martinez’s side defeated Eng- Japan, who progressed to the It leaves room for others to to shine,” Hazard told a news land 1-0 in their last outing to top Group G, last 16 on fair play rules, have only grab some of the limelight, conference on Sunday ahead earning what on paper should be a straight- committed 28 fouls during the group which France’s Kylian Mbappe of their last 16 tie against Ja- forward last 16 assignment against Japan. stage, fewer than any other team did in style in Kazan by out- pan at the Rostov Arena today. But Mertens says the Red Devils are Kevin de Bruyne and Jan shining Messi. “I just want to go through to wary of a possible repeat of their Euro Vertonghen are among five Belgian Four years ago, Hazard’s then the quarters and the semis.” 2016 quarter-fi nal, when they crashed players one yellow card away from a manager at Chelsea Jose Belgium are now more expe- to a 3-1 defeat to Wales despite being fa- Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (centre) takes part in a training session in Dedovsk, outside suspension, whilst Japan have four Mourinho said: “Ronaldo and rienced and his partnership voured to progress. Moscow, ahead of the match against Japan. (AFP) players, including captain Makoto Messi are Ronaldo and Messi. with Romelu Lukaku and Dries “I remember the Wales game,” Mertens Hasebe, one booking away from a Eden Hazard is probably the Mertens has proved eff icient, said. “Everyone thought we were going to gium hope to improve their best perform- group game, when they ran the clock ban best young player in the world with the Red Devils scoring go through, no problem. And then sud- ance at a World Cup fi nals, 32 years after down in a 1-0 defeat to Poland, squeez- Belgium have gone past the last with legs to go there, but give nine goals in their first three denly, we’re out of the tournament. We’re reaching the semi-fi nals of Mexico 1986. ing into the knockout rounds to advance 16 on two previous occasions, reach- him time.” matches. not going to under-estimate Japan because Barcelona defender Thomas Vermae- at Senegal’s expense by virtue of having ing the quarter-finals four years ago Hazard, 27, has so far, however, “All three of us have reached they have a strong team. If they have got len, 32, who played for 76 minutes against picked up fewer yellow cards. in Brazil and the semi-finals in 1986 disappointed in major tourna- their best level since we this far, it means they’re a good side.” England, has proven he is over the thigh Ex-England international Phil Neville when they were beaten by a Diego ments. started playing football,” said After making nine changes for last injury he suff ered last month. described Japan and Poland’s approach Maradona-inspired Argentina At the 2014 World Cup, Hazard, who only has one Thursday’s win over England, Martinez Manchester City centre-back Vincent as ‘disgraceful’, but coach Akira Nishino’s Japan have progressed to last 16 Belgium reached the quarter- concern. is expected to revert to the line-up which Kompany, also 32, who replaced Vermae- senior players defended the tactic. on three occasions but have never finals, losing to eventual Should they go through impressed in one-sided wins over Pana- len late on against the Three Lions, could “Of course, it didn’t look too good in reached the quarter finals of the runners-up Argentina, but against Japan, Belgium will ma and Tunisia. force his way into the starting side after the end, when the fans whistled, but for World Cup Hazard was a pale shadow of have to wait four days before With nine goals so far in Russia, Bel- shaking off a groin injury. us the most important thing is that we his brilliant club self. their quarter-final match, and gium are the World Cup’s top-scoring Japan meanwhile will be aiming to progressed,” said defender Gotoku Sakai. HEAD-TO-HEAD Two years later, they pro- they also had four days before team. Striker Romelu Lukaku has claimed make history by reaching the World Cup Japan’s captain Makoto Hasebe admit- Belgium Draw Japan gressed to the Euro 2016 their last 16 encounter. four with two against both Tunisia and quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time. ted, “that was a weird feeling, but I think 1 2 2 quarter-finals but were surpris- “I don’t like to have too many Panama in the group stages. The Blue Samurai have reached the last we did everything right.” ingly knocked out by Wales days off between games,” he The Manchester United star is set to 16 twice before, in 2002 and 2010, but on Nishino, 63, has done brilliantly to get Last meeting: Belgium 1 Japan 0 with Hazard unable to run riot. said. face Japan after missing the win over each occasion fell at the fi rst hurdle. the Blue Samurai into the knock-out stages (2017, friendly) “I hope (I can shine). Ronaldo “When I cut for too long, then England with an ankle knock. The Japanese have endured stinging having only stepped in when predecessor and Messi are not in the World I’m less match-ready.” Martinez has all his players fi t as Bel- criticism in the aftermath of their fi nal Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked in April. Kane’s odds of winning the prize for the World Cup’s top goalscorer were slashed when Ronaldo’s Portugal were eliminated. 4 Gulf Times Monday, July 2, 2018

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Kane says he can Mbappe has it all – score in every World Cup game

AFP ping in for you and things are go- Repino, Russia ing for you. You can’t wait to get even at £166mn he out there.” Kane dismissed suggestions he ngland captain Harry had put pressure on Southgate to Kane believes he can play against Belgium to further score every time he sets his chances of winning the Gold- foot on the pitch in Rus- en Boot. The Tottenham striker’s siaE after netting fi ve goals in his odds of winning the prize for the could be a bargain fi rst two World Cup appear- World Cup’s top goalscorer were ances. Kane leads the race for slashed when Cristiano Ronal- the Golden Boot but was kept in do’s Portugal were eliminated by reserve by Gareth Southgate for a Uruguay on Saturday, leaving the Teenage forward’s awe-inspiring display for France against Argentina evoked 1-0 defeat to Belgium that meant world player of the year one short the Three Lions fi nished second of Kane’s tally. memories of a young Owen and anything seems possible for him at the World Cup in Group G, to keep him fresh for But Kane insists it is lifting the England’s last-16 clash with Co- World Cup rather than individual lombia tomorrow. honours than remains his prior- However, Kane is sure he will ity. “The Golden Boot would be pick up where he left off in Mos- great but I’m still there — and if cow after scoring a hat-trick we’re in the tournament longer it against Panama in his last out- gives me a greater opportunity,” ing. “Maybe if I’d played against he added. Belgium and didn’t score, I’d be “My target isn’t the Golden thinking, ‘I didn’t score in the Boot. The target is to win the last game’. But I’m coming off the tournament. That’s always been back of a hat-trick and I’m ready the target. If the Golden Boot to go in a very important game comes along with that then per- for us against Colombia,” Kane fect, but the target is to help the said. team. If my goals help the team, “At the moment I think I can brilliant. If not I’ll be running score every time we play. Espe- round, working hard, trying to get cially when balls are just drop- assists. And that’s all I can do.”

England captain Harry Kane prepares to throw a dart during a players versus press darts competition in Repino, Russia, yesterday ahead of the team’s round of 16 match against Colombia. (AFP)

RELIEF France’s forward Kylian Mbappe (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Argentina in the last 16 match in Kazan on Saturday. (AFP)

By Jonathan Wilson in Kazan a £166mn transfer this summer. The running styles are diff erent as well: supposed to defend, he still did attacks, Colombia boost as The Guardian For a player so untested that fi gure Owen a blur of roadrunner legs, Mbappé and very good ones.” That criticism was seemed extraordinary when it was agreed an astonishingly smooth and graceful ac- presumably, at least in part, a joke – they but it is increasingly coming to look like celeration, broad chest cruising through seem not to come naturally, but he did Rodriguez injury not t’s important to be clear about one a bargain. There is still a question of the open space of midfi eld as Éver Banega seem to signal he wasn’t being entirely thing: other sides will not give Kylian where he fi ts in a team dominated by the and Javier Mascherano gave hopeless serious by bearing his teeth for a moment Mbappé as much space as Argentina look-at-me self-indulgence of the Bra- pursuit before the surge right past a as he waited for the next question – but gave him. He may never again fi nd zilian but, even in classes dominated by panicked Marcos Rojo, who denied him the point of the system he has instilled is as serious as feared Ihimself in a major game romping through the greatest attention-seeking show-off , his Owen fi nish by pulling him down. In that it is necessary for Mbappé to play on Federation gave no indication of Reuters such vacant pastures. the other kids can still learn. Getting to truth, by then Mbappé may have overrun the front foot. St Petersburg whether he would be fi t to face There will be cones in training sessions France, and playing alongside somebody it, but it didn’t matter; he had induced With Blaise Matuidi a more defensive Gareth Southgate’s side in Mos- who give him more of a race than Argen- as comparatively selfl ess as Olivier Gi- suffi cient fear to draw the mistake. presence operating on the left, if Mbappé cow. Colombia striker Miguel tina’s defence did on Saturday, although roud, who laid on his second goal with a His goals, though, would come. His does not get forward France’s shape, as olombia playmaker Borja also missed the practice they probably won’t kick him quite so deftly weighted pass, must seem a tre- fi rst showed remarkable awareness to it often did in the group stage, becomes James Rodriguez is session after he felt discomfort in hard or spend quite so much time grab- mendous relief. know where the space was in the box and a narrow 4-4-1-1. Mbappé breaking for- not as badly injured as his knee during Friday’s training. bing at his shoulders. This was the per- Although Didier Deschamps, putting technical ability to move across a thicket ward, going beyond Giroud, is as essential feared, raising the pos- fect game for Mbappé. But he took full aside for a moment the grumpiness that of players to fi nd it. Franco Armani, per- to their balance as Matuidi tucking in on sibilityC he could feature in to- and ruthless advantage. has characterised his World Cup, was haps, might have done a little better, the other side is. Matuidi will miss the morrow’s World Cup round of Much was made of the fact that, at moved to indulge a comparison to the seemingly caught between trying to save quarter-fi nal against Uruguay through 16 clash against England. The 19, Mbappé became the fi rst teenager to Brazilian striker Ronaldo, it was another with foot or body, but credit is due Mbap- suspension; Deschamps’s task is to retain Colombian Football Federation score two goals in a World Cup knockout star of the 1998 World Cup Mbappé more pé for striking the shot early enough that a balance that allows Mbappé his free- (FCF) issued a statement in the match since Pelé in 1958, but one 19 is obviously evoked. Twenty years to the the keeper could not get himself set into a dom without compromising the stability early hours of yesterday giving not the same as another 19. By 19, Wayne day after Michael Owen’s goal against more balanced position. The second was of the midfi eld. an update on Rodriguez. Rooney was a fully developed player (and, Argentina, Mbappé produced a remark- perhaps easier, a low shot past an exposed Uruguay would have provided a very “James Rodríguez underwent given Euro 2004 was his peak, arguably able tribute to win the penalty that gave keeper, but it followed the sort of breaka- diff erent threat anyway. Deschamps sug- a scan today which showed that already past his best as an England play- France their 13th-minute lead. It would way that should over the years becomes a gested that Mbappé needs more space he is suff ering from minor edema er). Mbappé, physically imposing as he is, be another fi ve and a half months before trademark. than Ronaldo, and Óscar Tabárez’s team (swelling caused by an accumu- has started only 44 league games. Mbappé was born. There was, perhaps, That’s three goals now for Mbappé at will not give him anywhere near as much lation of fl uid) in his right leg, His career consists of half a season at less technical ability required for him this World Cup (Owen was the last teen- of that as Argentina did. The quarter- but that there has been no mus- Monaco when he seemed suddenly to than Owen – there was no feather touch ager to score two at a tournament) but fi nal will be a diff erent test and a diff er- cle tear,” the FCF said. emerge, fully formed, as a terrifyingly ef- with the heel to pull the ball into his just as important is the sense of balance ent magnitude of test, but Mbappé is on Rodriguez, who was substi- fective forward in the Champions League, stride, no sudden cut outside to go past he has given France. “In such an impor- the sort of upward trajectory that, within tuted in the fi nal group game followed by a season on loan in Neymar’s the fi nal defenders – but the sense of awe tant match, he’s shown all his talent,” the confi nes of a tournament, makes any- against Senegal, did not take part shadow at Paris Saint-Germain pending at the sheer pace of it felt familiar. said Deschamps. “And even if he was thing seem possible. in training on Saturday and the

BOTTOMLINE Uruguay’s dedication and commitment key to victory: Tabarez

Reuters in Russia. “The distinctive feature session and four times as many main striker, who limped off in Sochi of the game was the dedication the shots at goal as the Uruguyans but the 74th minute, would be ready players showed on the pitch, and Tabarez dismissed possession as a for next Friday’s quarter-fi nal that is the way that we see foot- mere statistic and said what mat- against France. “Cavani sustained ruguay coach Oscar ball,” Tabarez said. tered was creating and converting an injury tonight and we will have Tabarez lauded his side’s “It was diffi cult. Portugal had chances. “I think there is often a to see how that evolves as it’s not dedication and com- more possession and were often in mistaken assumption that pos- clear at this stage how serious it mitment on Saturday our half of the pitch, and it would session leads to goal-scoring op- is,” he said.”But as always, we will Unight after a hard-fought 2-1 win have been better for us to have portunities,” said the former coach bank on the strength of our team over Portugal took them into the more of the ball and play the game of Cagliari and AC Milan. “I learnt as a collective. That is our best quarter-fi nals of the World Cup. closer to their goal. Today we com- that in Italy when I worked there. chance against any adversary, and Edinson Cavani, who failed to fi n- mitted a mistake that led to the In Italy ball possession isn’t sanc- we know that France will be very ish the match after suff ering a late equaliser but we have a very strong tifi ed as it is elsewhere. Even if you tough indeed.” injury, scored a superb goal in each team in terms of mindset,” Taba- don’t have a lot of possession you Uruguay, world champions in half, and although Pepe scored in- rez added, citing the value of his can infl ict pain on your opponent.” 1930 and 1950, will play France, between, it was not enough to halt team’s “intensity, focus and tacti- Tabarez saluted man-of-the- who beat Argentina 4-3 earlier in the Uruguayans, who have now cal intuition”. match Cavani but said he was not the day, in Nizhny Novgorod on Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez gives instructions to midfielder Lucas Torreira. (Reuters) won all four of their matches so far Portugal had 61% of the pos- sure whether the Paris St Ger- July 6. Gulf Times Monday, July 2, 2018 5 SPORT

CYCLING MLB Smoak’s walk-off blast extends Tigers’ Tour formally block skid to 11 games

Reuters in the fi fth. Kevin Pillar led Toronto off with a double, Toronto’s fi rst hit of the game. Aledmys Diaz singled with one out and ustin Smoak led off the Pillar scored on a groundout Froome from riding bottom of the ninth in- by Devon Travis. Grichuk fol- ning with his 11th homer lowed with his 10th homer of Cyclist’s appeal against drugs test still unresolved, organisers want to ‘protect image of race’ of the season to give the the season on a 1-2 slider. TorontoJ Blue Jays a 4-3 victory Toronto’s Joe Biagini AFP Reputation damage over the visiting Detroit Tigers pitched around two singles in Paris According to Tour statutes, on Saturday afternoon. the top of the eighth. organisers may ban a rider or a Randal Grichuk hit a two- Alex Wilson, who replaced team if their presence is seen as run homer for the Blue Jays, Boyd and pitched a perfect our de France organisers liable to damage the image or who have won the fi rst two seventh, allowed a leadoff in- have formally blocked reputation of the organisers or games of the four-game series fi eld single to Travis in the four-time champion the event. UCI president David to extend the Tigers’ losing bottom of the eighth. Travis Chris Froome from Lappartient reacted to the story streak to 11 games. took second when Grichuk Tcompeting in this year’s race, on the sidelines of the French Nicholas Castellanos hit a grounded out to third. Teo- French newspaper Le Monde national championships. two-run homer for the Tigers scar Hernandez followed with reported yesterday, but his team “For the moment we have here and John Hicks had a solo shot. a walk. promptly vowed he would be at a leak in Le Monde. I have always Smoak’s second career With a 2-0 count on the start line. said we would make known the walkoff homer came against Yangervis Solarte, Wilson Cyclingnews.com quoted general position of the UCI be- Detroit reliever Joe Jimenez left the game with left calf Team Sky as responding to yes- fore the Tour and that will be (3-1). Seunghwan Oh (4-2) tightness and was replaced terday’s report that they are the case. It begins next Saturday pitched around a single in the by Jimenez. Solarte singled “confi dent that Chris will be so we shall explain our position top of the ninth to earn the to centre and Leonys Mar- riding the Tour as we know he during the coming week,” Lap- win. Detroit starter Matt Boyd tin threw out Travis at home. has done nothing wrong.” partient said. allowed three runs, four hits Kendrys Morales struck out to The Team Sky star has been Tour de France race director and two walks while striking end the threat. under a cloud since he was found Christian Prudhomme said Fri- out seven in six innings. to have twice the permissible day that in the absence of a rul- Toronto starter Sam Gav- RESULTS amount of asthma drug Salbuta- ing against the rider the organ- iglio allowed three runs, four Jays ...... 4 Tigers ...... 3 mol in his system during Sep- isers “evidently expects to see hits and three walks and struck Reds ...... 12 Brewers ...... 3 tember’s Vuelta a Espana, which Chris Froome at the start line on out fi ve in seven innings. Red Sox ...... 11 Yankees...... 0 he won. July 7,” adding that, “legally, he Hicks hit his seventh homer A’s ...... 7 Indians ...... 2 Five-time Tour winner Ber- can.” of the season on a 3-2 hanging Cubs ...... 14 Twins ...... 9 nard Hinault, who worked for Team Sky have yet to unveil slider with two out in the sec- Angels ...... 6 Orioles ...... 2 the Tour organisation for many their eight-strong team. ond inning to open the scor- Rays ...... 5 Astros ...... 2 years, last month called for the Froome, who denies wrong- ing. Marlins ...... 5 Mets ...... 2 peloton to strike if the British doing in the wake of his “adverse Castellanos hit his 12th Phillies ...... 3 Nationals ...... 2 rider lines up at the start of this analytical fi nding” on Septem- homer of the season on a fi rst- Rockies ...... 3 Dodgers ...... 1 year’s event next Saturday. ber 20 last year, is out to emu- pitch sinker with two out in Braves ...... 11 Cardinals...... 4 Froome responded on late fi ve-time winners Hinault, the third to give the Tigers a Rangers ...... 13 White Sox ...... 4 Wednesday that he will compete Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx 3-0 lead. Jose Iglesias started Mariners ...... 6 Royals ...... 4 in this year’s race despite the and Miguel Indurain. the inning with a single. Padres ...... 4 Pirates ...... 3 shadow cast by the case hanging A win this year would make The Blue Jays tied the game Giants ...... 7 Diamondbacks ...0 over him and his team confi rmed Froome the second racer after as much yesterday with their Merckx to win four straight Tours. statement. American Lance Armstrong fi n- Cavs GM called LeBron; Sixers in LA to meet his agent ished fi rst seven straight times, Last-ditch bid but those results were retrospec- Free agency is here and the rush is on to pitch LeBron James The decision on the organ- tively scrubbed out because of - or at least his representatives. James’ agent, Rich Paul, is isers’ attempt to prevent the drug use. meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers brass on Sunday in Los Kenyan-born Briton from tak- Hinault, whose 1985 win gave Angeles, according to ESPN. James is not expected to attend ing part is expected to be made the host nation its last title, sees the meeting, even though he was said to have arrived at nearby by the French National Olympic Froome as a “cheat”, a stance Van Nuys airport on Saturday evening. 76ers coach Brett Brown and Sports Committee, which Team Sky decried. was said to be on hand with owners to lead the meeting, likely is to make a ruling tomorrow, Le Froome’s Giro win in May pointing to the assemblage of young stars like Ben Simmons Monde said after the last-ditch made him the fi rst man to hold and Joel Embiid they could surround James with. Cleveland bid to exclude him. all three Grand Tours at once Cavaliers GM Koby Altman also spoke to both James and Paul in Technically, while Froome since Hinault himself in 1983. a phone call right after free agency opened at 12:01am, accord- awaits the result of an ongoing But Le Monde commented ing to the network. investigation into his Salbuta- that “the Tour de France wants James, 33, would have made $35.6 million in the 2018-19 season mol case, he can still ride on the to avoid at all costs fi nding it- had he exercised his option with the Cavs. According to ESPN, Tour. self in the same situation as at James could still fetch as much as $207 million over five years Amaury Sports Organisa- the recent Tour of Italy where from the Cavaliers, while other teams can off er a max of $152 tion (ASO), the organisers of the Froome’s fi nal win is now marked million over four years. James has been linked to multiple teams iconic Tour, refused to comment with an asterisk.” in free agency, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers and 76ers. on the report although AFP has Spanish rider Alberto Con- James is reportedly unlikely to visit other teams or take an had confi rmation of information tador, stripped of his 2010 Tour audience with suitors - even the Cavaliers - as he did in past they say backs their view that de France and the 2011 Giro after free agent circuits. In fact, James might not even speak with the defending champion should testing positive for clenbuterol top team off icials before making a decision on his destination not be allowed to race. at the former to earn a 2012 ban for next season. He could still re-sign with Cleveland, although According to the letter of the - he blamed the result on con- the strong current from national media is James appears rules, Froome is authorised to taminated steak - has lamented ready to move again. In 2014, he returned to the Cavaliers ride until a fi nal decision from Team Sky’s Chris Froome celebrates with the trophy after winning the Giro d’Italia in Rome on May 27, 2018. the slowness of the case. after an in-person meeting with team owner Dan Gilbert. Their the anti-doping tribunal of the “It would have been better for relationship was never a great one, but has splintered in recent International Cycling Union re- row’s meeting by the French ish sports lawyer Mike Morgan, ympic Committee will each everyone if the Froome aff air had years. In 2010, James bolted Cleveland in a nationally televised garding his ongoing case. committee with their ruling due a French speaker, before the UCI choose an arbiter to decide been resolved much more quick- announcement “The Decision,” infamously declaring he was Le Monde says Froome will Wednesday. tribunal. whether Froome should be al- ly,” he told French sports daily taking his “talents to South Beach” and joining the Miami Heat. not necessarily attend tomor- He is to be defended by Brit- Sky, ASO and the French Ol- lowed to start the Tour. l’Equipe on Friday.

HOCKEY Australia beat India to win Champions Trophy IANS While India could not capital- of fans watching in the stadium. Breda, The Netherlands ise on the penalty corner oppor- The 5-6 classifi cation match tunities, they missed a golden between Belgium and Pakistan chance to score a fi eld goal to- was won by the Red Lions, who ndia suff ered a penalty wards the end of the fi rst quarter overcame their stubborn oppo- shootout heartbreak in the when Surender Kumar made a nents in a shoot-out. Pakistan Hockey Champions Trophy beautiful pass to Dilpreet Singh opened the scoring through Ali fi nal for the second consec- who then crossed it over to S V Shan before goals either side of Iutive time as they lost 1-3 (1-1) to Sunil. But the latter pulled the half-time from Tom Boon and defending champions Australia ball onto his own feet, thus could Florent van Aubel gave the Rio yesterday. not score. 2016 Olympic silver medallists a Blake Govers put Australia Australia, on the other hand, 2-1 advantage. ahead in the 24th minute. India were extremely quick on their It was a lead that they held equalised through Vivek Sa- counters and waited for their until the dying seconds, with gar Prasad’s strike in the 43rd chances. An infringement in the Pakistan’s Toosiq Arshad fi ring minute to end 1-1 at the regula- circle saw India concede the fi rst between the legs of goalkeeper tion 60 minutes of play. penalty corner of the match and Loic van Doren to level the scores In the penalty shootout, Aus- the chance was brilliantly capi- at 2-2 and take the match into a tralia prevailed thanks to the talised by Govers as he powered shoot-out. brilliance of goalkeeper Tyler it through. However, Van Doren - young- Lovell, who blocked attempts Though Sreejesh got his left er brother of reigning FIH hock- from Harmanpreet Singh, Sard- glove on the ball, it bounced ey stars player of the year Arthur ar Singh and Lalit Upadhyay. off into the net giving Australia van Doren - made a string of Aran Zalewski, Daniel Beale a critical 1-0 lead in the 24th crucial blocks to give Belgium a and Jeremy Edwards scored for minute. 2-1 shoot-out success. Australia, who got their record Though India had dominated In terms of the individual 15th title, while Manpreet Singh major part of the fi rst and sec- awards, Australia’s Aran Zelews- tucked one past Lovell for India, ond quarters, they had nothing ki was named best player while who had lost to Australia in the to show on the scoreboard. Australian players celebrate their victory in Champions Trophy in Breda, the Netherlands, yesterday. (FIH) India’s P R Sreejesh took the 2016 fi nal via the penalty shoot- Looking for the equaliser, best goalkeeper prize. The Best out in London. in the 38th minute, India ap- iser had fi nally come after 17 cir- deep Singh, yet three more shots winners. European champions penalty corner drag-fl ick from rising player went to Jake Har- During the 60 minutes of play, pealed for a dangerous ball in- cle entries. This was India’s sev- on goals went amiss. the Netherlands claimed the Jeroen Hertzberger ratted the vie of Australia, with Argentina’s both Australia and India had side the striking circle but their enth attempt on the goal. While the team’s defence bronze medal thanks to a 2-0 backboard in the 47th minute. Gonzalo Peillat’s six goals earn- plenty chances to score in a fast- fifth penalty corner was not Soon after, Mandeep Singh stood out, another great chance victory over Rio 2016 Olympic The scoring was completed by ing him the Hero top scorer title. paced match. only denied, they also ended had a fabulous shot on goal with was missed with Sunil making a gold medallists Argentina. The Mirco Pruijser, who produced an Although the defending Cham- up losing the video referral at seconds remaining for the third strong foray into the circle but match was evenly contested outstanding fi nish to fl ick into RESULTS pions made a good start, India a very crucial juncture of the hooter, but Lovell was excep- Manpreet Singh on the far post throughout, with both teams the roof of the Argentina net fol- Final: Australia 1 India 1 (3-1 after quickly took control with better match. tional in his save to keep India could not make this one count. outstanding in defence to keep lowing a blocked penalty corner shootout) ball possession (over 60 percent) But their moment of reckon- from taking a lead. Seconds ticking away, neither each other off the score-board eff ort. It proved to be an excel- For fifth-sixth place: Belgium 2 coupled with eight circle entries, ing came in the 42nd minute, With the scores reading 1-1, teams could manage a lead thus until the fourth quarter. lent ending to the campaign of Pakistan 2 (2-1 after shootout) two shots on goal and two penalty Vivek hammered a cross by India pushed up front with for- resulting in yet another shoot- The deadlock was fi nally bro- the host nation, and was cer- For third-fourth place: corners in the fi rst quarter. Chinglensana Singh. The equal- wards Lalit Upadhyay and Man- out where Australia walked away ken when a perfectly executed tainly enjoyed by the thousands Netherlands 2, Argentina 0 Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 2, 2018 SPORT

CRICKET BADMINTON Lee nets historic win in Malaysia Zaman career-best 61 Open over Momota

AFP the opening game 21-17 in 30 Kuala Lumpur minutes backed by a raucous home crowd. At times during the game alaysian vet- Momota was left bewildered. underpins Pakistan eran Lee Chong But in the second game, Wei beat young Momota recovered admirably ‘We’ll go in with the same mindset tomorrow and play our best cricket’ Japanese shuttler with similar powerful over- MKento Momota 21-17, 23-21 head smashes and some bril- yesterday to grab the Malay- liant defence work. sia Open title for a historic Momota was full of praise twelfth time. for Lee. The home favourite Lee “Even though he is 12 to executed a sensational attack 13-years older, he is a strong strategy that left the rising player and still dominates star Momota confused and fl at men’s badminton.” footed. In the women’s singles fi nal, top seed Tai Tzu Ying RESULTS from Taiwan saw off China’s Men’s singles He Bingjiao 22-20, 21-11. Lee Chong Wei (MASx7) bt Lee, 35, triumphed in Kento Momota (JPN) 21-17, 71-minutes to avenge his de- 23-21 feat to Momota, 23, in the Women’s singles semi-fi nals of the Asian Tai Tzu Ying (TPEx1) bt He Championships in April. Bingjiao (CHNx8) 22-20, 21-11 The defeat brought an Mixed Doubles abrupt end to Momota’s Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong 21-match winning streak. (CHNx4) bt Wang Yilyu-Huang “There was some pressure Dongping (CHNx2) 21-19, 21-18 for me to win this tourna- Women’s Doubles ment,” Lee told reporters. Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka “Now I have won the Ma- Takahashi (JPNx5) bt Chen laysia Open for the 12th time. Qingchen-Jia Yifan (CHNx1) I hope this will encourage me 21-12, 21-12 to do well at the world cham- Men’s Doubles pionships and Asian Games.” Takeshi Kamura-Keigo The world number six Lee Sonoda (JPNx6) bt Hiroyuki left Momota hapless with his Endo-Yuta Watanabe (JPN) sharp overhead drives to take 21-8, 21-10.

Winner Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia (right) poses with runner-up Pakistan players celebrate after defeating Zimbabwe in the first match of the T20 tri-series at Harare Sports Club in Harare yesterday. (AFP) Kento Momota of Japan during the awards ceremony following the men’s singles final at the Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur AFP sain Talat, and captain Sarfraz “For the last couple of seasons SCOREBOARD yesterday. (AFP) Harare Ahmed all falling cheaply, Paki- I’ve been opening the bowling in stan were helped by Zaman’s fl u- T20 cricket,” explained Nawaz. Pakistan ent scoring at the other end, and “I was varying the pace and M. Hafeez c Masakadza b Jarvis ...... 7 Bumrah, Sundar ruled out of England T20 series akistan cruised to a 74- he brought up his second T20 getting a little help from the F. Zaman B Chisoro...... 61 run win yesterday over international half century from track. The slower deliveries H. Talat c Moor b Chibhabha ...... 10 Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batsman Washington their hosts in the open- 33 deliveries with a fl ick through were turning a bit, though with S. Ahmed c Musakanda b Chisoro ...... 16 Sundar have been ruled out of the three-match Twenty20 ing match of the Zimba- square leg in the 13th over. the new ball there wasn’t that S. Malik not out ...... 37 international series against England that starts tomorrow due Pbwe Twenty20 Tri-Series. Zaman appeared settled at much.” A. Ali not out ...... 41 to injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has A career-best 61 from open- the crease, but two overs later Opener Solomon Mire fi red Extras (lb1, w9) ...... 10 said. ing batsman Fakhar Zaman, and he missed a heave at Chisoro and in fi ts and starts to record a 29- Total (4 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 182 Bumrah sustained a fractured thumb on his left hand during a late fl urry of boundaries from had his leg stump pegged back. ball 27, while Tarisai Musakanda Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Hafeez), 2-44 (Talat), 3-78 (Ahmed), 4-120 India’s opening T20 match against Ireland last Wednesday Asif Ali and veteran batsman By then, however, Pakistan cracked a busy 43 in his debut (Zaman) and missed the following match. He will be replaced by Shoaib Malik set up Pakistan’s were 121 for 4, and with just over Twenty20 International innings. Bowling: Nyumbu 3-0-32-0; Jarvis 2-0-9-1; Muzarabani 4-0-46-0; Deepak Chahar for the England series. imposing 182 for 4. In reply, fi ve overs still to be bowled had But there was little support Chibhabha 3-0-29-1 (1w); Chisoro 4-0-28-1 (1w); Mire 3-0-29-0 (2w); Chahar impressed for India A in the tri-series against West In- Zimbabwe mustered just 108 set a considerable platform. from the rest of the top order, Burl 1-0-8-0 dies A and England Lions and was also eff ective for this year’s all out, with the wickets shared Ali and Malik combined to with Elton Chigumbura the only Zimbabwe Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings, around Pakistan’s bowling at- plunder 61 from the last fi ve, in- other batsman to reach double S. Mire c Ali b Nawaz ...... 27 with the 25-year-old collecting 10 wickets in 12 matches. tack. Mohamed Nawaz, Usman cluding fi ve sixes, as Zimbabwe’s fi gures. The Zimbabwean tail C. Chibhabha lbw b Nawaz ...... 0 Bumrah is expected to be fit for the three-match one-day Khan, Mohamed Hafeez and bowlers struggled to contain collapsed completely, the last H. Masakadza c Ahmed b Ali ...... 7 international series against England starting on July 12. Hasan Ali picked up two apiece. them. The hosts were further four wickets falling for the addi- T. Musakanda c S. Khan b U. Khan ...... 43 The BCCI said that Sundar, who last played for India in their “We decided that whether we hampered by the loss of senior tion of just six runs, with Hafeez P. Moor b Khan ...... 2 T20 win over Bangladesh in March, sustained a right ankle in- batted or bowled fi rst didn’t re- seamer Kyle Jarvis, who injured taking 2 for 3 in his fi rst over in E. Chigumbura b Ali ...... 14 jury in training before the first Ireland match and is expected ally matter,” said left-arm spinner his right hand attempting to take international cricket since his R. Burl c Malik b Hafeez ...... 9 to miss both the upcoming limited-overs series. Nawaz. “But with the start Fakhar a catch in the 13th over, and im- bowling action was cleared as le- T. Chisoro c Ahmed b Khan ...... 1 All-rounder Krunal Pandya has been named as Sundar’s Zaman gave us, and with Asif Ali mediately left the fi eld with a gal last month. B. Muzarabani b Hafeez ...... 0 replacement in the T20 squad, while Axar Patel will take the and Shoaib Malik fi nishing it off , suspected dislocation and frac- Pakistan will face Australia in J. Nyumbu not out ...... 1 18-year-old’s place in the ODI team. we felt we had enough runs.” ture to his right thumb. today’s, and Nawaz suggested K. Jarvis absent hurt Meanwhile England have called up left-handed batsman Zaman’s eff orts were vital to Zimbabwe’s response with there was no need to tinker with Extras (lb1, w3) ...... 4 Dawid Malan as cover for injured seamer Tom Curran for Pakistan’s total. He kept Paki- the bat never got going. Opening their gameplan. Total (all out, 17.5 overs) ...... 108 their opening tie. Seamer Curran, who last played for England stan steady through the fi rst half the bowling, Nawaz removed “We’ll go in with the same Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Chibhabha), 2-22 (Masakadza), 3-57 (Mire), 4-64 in the one-day international win over New Zealand in March, of their innings while Zimba- Chamu Chibhabha with his mindset tomorrow and play our (Moor), 5-88 (Chigumbura), 6-102 (Musakanda), 7-105 (Chisoro), is on the mend after a side strain but is expected to be fit bwe, having opted to bowl fi rst, sixth delivery. He conceded just best cricket,” he said. 8-107 (Burl), 9-108 (Muzarabani),) for the rest of the series. “Dawid Malan has been added to chipped away at the other end three runs in his opening spell, “We’ll keep the same strategy Bowling: Nawaz 4-0-11-2; Khan 3-0-11-2; Ashraf 3-0-23-0 (1w); Ali 2-0- our IT20 squad for the match at Emirates Old Traff ord,” the with regular strikes. and Zimbabwe were immedi- we had today, and probably the 19-2 (2w); Khan 4-0-29-1; Talat 1-0-11-0; Hafeez 0.5-0-3-2. national team said on their off icial Twitter account. With Mohamed Hafeez, Hus- ately behind the asking rate. same gameplan too.”

GOLF Tiger charges but fades as Ancer, Molinari lead AFP Woods said. “I fi gured I had to get to career $947,637 US PGA prize money. ond and third, praising his new mallet Noren wins as rivals falter late in fi nal round Potomac, United States 10-under and wasn’t able to do it. World number 203 Ancer struggled in putter. “It turned everything around Those four bogeys kind of ruined it.” his 2016 rookie PGA season and lost making that par at three,” Woods said. Swede Alex Noren did not think he was bogeyed the 17th, missing a six-foot putt. Tournament host Woods, who his tour spot, but regained it for this “I just got rolling after that. I felt good going to win the RNA French Open, even Noren dodged a final bullet when Wood iger Woods, chasing his fi rst hadn’t played in the event since 2015 season and shared eighth at Houston all week with my putter.” after he had completed 72 holes, but he could not birdie the last. victory since 2013, charged due to back pain, is still contending for his top PGA fi nish. Woods began his birdie barrage clinched his 10th European Tour victory The result all but clinches Noren a spot early but faded late Saturday for the fi rst time since sharing sec- “It feels great. I played awesome,” with seven-footers at the fourth and in unlikely fashion, emerging as the last in the European team for September’s at the Quicken Loans Nation- ond at Innisbrook and fi fth at Bay Hill Ancer said. fi fth, sank a 12-footer at six and made man standing in a wild finish in Paris Ryder Cup, which will be played on the Tal, fi nishing six strokes behind co- in March. “I’m going to have to shoot “I didn’t really make any mistakes, an eight-foot putt at seven to reach yesterday. same Le National course. leaders Abraham Ancer and Francesco a low round to try to give myself a made some putts, kept the ball in front 8-under, one off the lead. Another “It’s unbelievable,” Noren said. “I never Suri (69), Wood (73) and Scotsman Molinari. chance,” said Woods. “I would hope of me. I tried to make as many birdies stumble came at the par-4 eighth thought I was going to win.” Russell Knox (65) tied for second on six Woods, playing his 11th US PGA that it would be drier because it gives as I could without making any mis- as Woods found deep left rough and Not after starting the day seven strokes under. Kinhult, who had a triple-bogey event in a comeback from spinal fusion me a little better chance.” takes.” blasted beyond a cart path behind behind overnight leader Marcus Kinhult, and a double-bogey, carded 76 to finish surgery, made four birdies in a row and Everyone could face lightning-fast Molinari closed with back-to-back the green on the way to bogey. Woods and not even after making his move late two shots behind with Spaniard Jon sank a 25-foot birdie putt at the ninth. greens on Sunday as sweltering heat birdies to shoot 65 and share the lead, responded, however, with a dramatic with birdies at the 16th and 17th holes at Rahm (72) and Englishman Matthew But Ancer matched the course record is expected to continue. “I don’t have two strokes ahead of Americans Ryan 25-foot birdie putt at the par-3 ninth, Le Golf National. Southgate (65). with a bogey-free eight-under par 62, a problem with my strength and my Armour and Zac Blair on 199 with An- giving a double fi st pump of satisfac- Even after parring the demanding final his US PGA career-low score, to fi nish endurance,” Woods said. “It’s just a drew Landry on 200 and Kevin Streel- tion as the crowd erupted in cheers. hole to card a four-under-par 67, it on 13-under 197, level with Italy’s Mo- matter of keeping focus out here in man, who set the course record Friday, At 13, Woods went beyond a right- seemed Noren would at best get into a linari after 54 holes at TPC Potomac. this heat.” sixth on 201. Woods, 42, is compet- side cart path, then over the green playoff . He finished at seven-under 277 A group after Ancer closed with a Woods, whose 79 career US PGA ing at Potomac for the fi rst time. He before chipping to the far greenside and went to the practice range in hope- nine-foot birdie putt, 14-time ma- victories are three shy of Sam Snead’s won the National in 2009 and 2012 at edge and two-putting for bogey. ful anticipation of extra holes. He need jor winner Woods found a bunker at all-time record, has not won a title nearby Congressional Country Club. Woods answered by sinking a fi ve- not have worried. American Julian Suri 18 and missed an eight-foot par putt, since the 2013 WGC Bridgestone In- foot birdie putt at 16, but stumbled arrived at the par-four 18th in the lead taking his fourth bogey to shoot 68 vitational – a drought of 1,791 days in Birdies fly after key par again at the fi nish. Ancer birdied four but failed to clear the water hazard with Swedish golfer Alex Noren poses with and share 10th on 203. which 114 diff erent rivals have taken Woods opened with a bogey, fi nding of the fi rst seven holes and made his his approach shot and made a double- the trophy after winning the French “It was frustrating because I played victories. If Ancer can make it 115, the deep rough on his fi rst two shots, then longest birdie putt of 16 feet at the bogey. Englishman Chris Wood then Open in Guyancourt yesterday. (AFP) better than what my score indicates,” $1.2 million top prize will eclipse his rescued par from bunkers at the sec- 16th. Gulf Times Monday, July 2, 2018 7 TENNIS

WIMBELDON FOCUS No toxic ‘We’re the Messi and thoughts for reigning champion Ronaldo of tennis’ Federer Muguruza

Reuters London relishes Nadal rivalry eigning champion Gar- bine Muguruza says she has removed ‘toxic’ Federer will start his bid for a ninth Wimbledon title against Serbia’s Lajovic on Centre Court today thoughts from her head inR the build-up to Wimbledon. AFP The Spaniard suff ered a slump London in form after winning the French Open in 2016 with the added ex- pectation levels stifl ing her usual oger Federer marked the 10th free-fl owing attacking style. anniversary of his epic Wim- A year after beating American bledon fi nal loss to Rafael Nad- veteran Venus Williams to claim al by claiming his rivalry with the Wimbledon title on Centre theR Spaniard is the equal of the bat- Court, the Spaniard says she has tle between football superstars Lionel learned to cope with the pres- Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. sure. “I feel always under pres- Federer will start his bid for a ninth sure in every tournament. Of Wimbledon title against Serbia’s Du- course, here it adds some extra. san Lajovic on Centre Court today. How do you deal with that? You But, on the eve of the Swiss star’s 20th just try to do your thing,” Mugu- Wimbledon, the defending champion’s ruza, who will begin on Centre mind drifted back to the evening he was Court against Britain’s Naomi dethroned by Nadal in a classic fi nal Broady tomorrow, told reporters widely regarded as the greatest match at the All England Club. ever played. “You try not to give too much Federer had beaten Nadal in two importance to ‘what if?’ what’s previous Wimbledon fi nals before the going to happen. You just train Spaniard knocked him off his perch in and get ready. This is something 2008 with a fi ve-set thriller lasting al- that you just start to eliminate most fi ve hours and late into the evening thoughts in your mind, especial- in front of an enthralled global audience ly toxic thoughts.” of millions. Muguruza’s coach Sam Sumyk It was the match that cemented Fe- said they had kept talk of Wim- derer and Nadal as the giants of their bledon to a minimum in the generation and accelerated the sport’s weeks leading up to the tour- resurgence as a multi-million pound nament in which the Spaniard industry. Nadal’s triumph — his fi rst at played only two matches on Wimbledon — fuelled an epic rivalry grass, losing to Barbora Strycova that reminds Federer of the way Barce- the second round in Birming- lona striker Messi and Real Madrid for- ham. “Sometimes, if you think ward Ronaldo have slugged it out for the too much too early about a Grand top prizes in football. Slam, you can have bad energy. “Sure, yeah. They have a long-stand- So it’s about making sure you ing rivalry. I have the same with Rafa,” don’t use too much emotional Federer said when asked if he could Switzerland’s Roger Federer (left) laughs during a press conference on the eve of the Wimbledon Championships, even as his fierce rival, Spain’s Rafael Nadal practices energy too soon,” Sumyk told the see similarities between the rivalries. at The All England Tennis Club yesterday. (AFP) WTA website. “They’re very diff erent from one an- “During the Birmingham other. I guess there’s some similarities recent French Open. potentially, the loss under the circum- wracking, in all honesty. It’s a big deal,” prefix number denotes seeding tournament, we didn’t speak there as well. As similar as we are, Rafa Nadal arrives at Wimbledon as world stances. said Federer, who won the Wimbledon Centre Court about Wimbledon. Obviously at and myself, we’re still very diff erent on number one, with defending champion “We go back in time with Rafa. I’m warm-up at Stuttgart, but lost in the 1-Roger Federer (Switzerland) v Dusan Wimbledon, we are thinking a many levels. I think it’s pretty much the Federer one place behind him. And, sure that we’ll talk about it when we’re Halle fi nal to Borna Coric last weekend. Lajovic (Serbia); Varvara Lepchenko (US) lot about it and seeing how are same for them. while Messi and Ronaldo have fl opped older in the rocking chair. We’ll talk “I mean, besides the history and v 2-Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark); Stan we are going to do it. But when “Obviously in football, it’s diff er- out of the World Cup in Russia, with about how it all was. I’m sure I took the mythical place that it is, you can- Wawrinka (Switzerland) v 6-Grigor Dim- she was playing in Birmingham, ent because you’re only as good as your Argentina and Portugal both eliminated something away from it, but mostly not also practice on it. When you come itrov (Bulgaria) she was concentrating on her team. The pitch is huge, with 11 of them on Saturday, Federer and Nadal could positive, even though the moment was out, there’s a bit of uncertainty for both Court One grass game, but not specifi cally running around. With us, we’re a little easily clash in 10th anniversary fi nal re- pretty hard naturally.” players, from a very quiet week and Donna Vekic(Croatia) v 4-Sloane Stephens on Wimbledon.” more in control, let’s be honest. I hope union later this month. Before he can contemplate aveng- site that we’ve seen this week, it’s just (US); Liam Broady (Britain) v 13-Milos The tall Muguruza is a unusual I can control it a bit better than they For Federer, that would bring back ing that loss, Federer’s immediate aim packed everywhere. The entire atmos- Raonic (Canada); Arantxa Rus (Nether- in that she appears equally at could.” painful memories of one of the most is to avoid a fi rst round wobble against phere changes at Wimbledon, and you lands) v 25-Serena Williams (US) home on claycourts and grass- Like Messi and Ronaldo, both Fed- diffi cult defeats of his glittering career. world number 57 Lajovic. Despite all his realise the eyes are on you. It’s a massive Court Two (play starts at 1030 GMT) courts — her booming ground- erer and Nadal have showed astonishing “I think it was one of the hardest losses experience, playing the fi rst match on honour.” 3-Marin Cilic (Croatia) v Yoshihito Nishioka strokes having proved too good longevity, splitting the last six Grand I ever had, no doubt about it. I was so Centre Court is still an anxious moment (Japan); Johanna Larsson (Sweden) v 9-Ve- for both Serena and Venus Wil- Slam titles with three each. Federer now close to making it six in a row,” Federer for Federer, who skipped the clay-court TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY ON nus Williams (US); Gael Monfils (France) v liams in Grand Slam fi nals. has 20 major titles to his name, while said. “It was a great match for many season to stay fresh for Wimbledon. MAIN SHOW COURTS 23-Richard Gasquet (France); 5-Elina Svi- Muguruza believes this year’s Nadal clinched his 17th by winning the reasons. It also made me more human “I think it remains a little bit nerve- Play starts at 1200 GMT unless stated, tolina (Ukraine) v Tatjana Maria (Germany) tournament is wide open.

SPOTLIGHT SETBACK Williams slams ‘shocking’ ‘With heavy heart’ Murray treatment over doping tests pulls out of Wimbledon AFP playing after so long out.” AFP London Murray’s place in the draw London goes to Jason Jung of Taiwan, the world number 154 who has ndy Murray has sen- just one win on the main tour erena Williams demanded fair treat- sationally withdrawn in 2018. The American-born ment from US doping chiefs after the from Wimbledon on 29-year-old has never played a former Wimbledon champion was the eve of the tour- main draw match at the Slams. shocked to be subjected to a series of namentA after the two-time Murray’s hip problems played testsS in June. Williams arrived at Wimbledon champion decided he wasn’t a huge role in his Wimbledon this week on the heels of a report that she was fi t enough to compete at the All quarter-fi nal defeat against unhappy at excessive targeting from US Anti- England Club. Murray has only Sam Querrey 12 months ago. Doping Agency drug testers. just returned to action after 11 Since then, he has made late A Deadspin article revealed Williams’ an- months on the sidelines due to withdrawals from the US and ger about an unannounced test in June where a hip injury that needed surgery Australian Opens, while also the tester refused to leave her Florida house. in January. skipping the recent French The tester visited outside Williams’ speci- “It’s with regret I’m with- Open. fi ed “whereabouts window” and found her drawing from Wimbledon,” Now he will miss his home not at home. No athlete is obliged to comply Murray said in a statement Grand Slam for the fi rst time with a testing visit if it is not made during yesterday. “I’ve made signifi - since a wrist injury kept him the 60-minute window for which the athlete cant progress in practice and away in 2007. Murray’s ranking identifi es their whereabouts in advance each matches over the last 10 days will plummet to outside the top day. “I guess they decided it was a missed but, after lengthy discussions 800 as a result of his absence test, which really doesn’t make sense. Anyone with my team and with a heavy Eastbourne on Monday, but the from Wimbledon. would logically think that I would have to be US player Serena Williams gesture during a press conference in London yesterday. (AFP) heart, we’ve decided that play- former world number on lost to While he insisted over the home 24 hours a day, or I get a missed test,” ing best-of-fi ve-set matches Kyle Edmund on Wednesday. weekend that he still loved ten- Williams told a press conference yesterday. ing. I didn’t know I was tested so much more think he was mentioned, as well. How is it might be a bit too soon in the After pushing his body in nis too much to walk away yet, “You only get three missed tests. For me it’s than everyone else. I do know I’m always get- I’m getting tested fi ve times in June? It’s only recovery process.” practice sessions at the All Eng- it remains to seen if he can ever a little frustrating. How can I have a missed ting tested all the time, no matter where I’m June, I’ve been tested fi ve times. I’m okay Murray was due to play land Club over the last few days, recapture the form that made test when it’s nowhere near the time I should ranked. I didn’t realise it was such a discrep- with that. France’s Benoit Paire in the fi rst Murray has opted against risk- him Britain’s fi nest male player be there? It’s really disappointing, shocking. ancy, at least with the American players. It “Literally verbatim, I said, I’m going with round tomorrow, but he had ad- ing a further injury setback with since Fred Perry. I was just like: ‘That’s just weird’.” would be impossible for me not to feel some that, as long as everyone is being treated mitted yesterday morning that a view to playing the American Speaking earlier on Sunday The incident was made public after WTA sort of way about that.” equally. That’s all I care about. I despise hav- there was a chance he could hard-court swing that culmi- before deciding not to take his chief Steve Simon was overheard leaving a Concerned at being tested more than ing people in our sport that aren’t being hon- pull out if his body didn’t feel nates in the US Open. practice session at Wimbledon, message on Williams’ answerphone at an her fellow American players, Williams re- est. I’m totally okay with testing and I en- right. Just hours later, Murray He is next scheduled to play Murray had outlined his prob- airport. Williams, preparing for the start of vealed she had spoken to USADA chiefs. The courage it. What I want to know is everyone dropped his bombshell, end- in Washington beginning on lems on the road to recovery. Wimbledon today, admitted she was disap- 36-year-old said she was tested fi ve times on is getting tested, that we are really working to ing his hopes of adding another July 30. “We did everything we “I am taking it literally each pointed the story had gone public. June, compared to one or none from some of keep this sport clean. Wimbledon crown to those he could to try to be ready in time. I day. Some days I feel better than But the seven-time Wimbledon champion her compatriots. Athletes returning from a “Tennis has given me so much. It’s such an collected in 2013 and 2016. will start practising on the hard others,” he said. “Some days I also made it clear she didn’t expect to have long absence are often the subject of repeated amazing sport. I feel like equality, that’s all The 31-year-old Scot, whose courts from tomorrow and con- wake up and don’t feel quite as been tested so often this year. “It’s unfor- drug tests, as they are seen as part of a high- I’ve been reaching, it’s all about equality. If ranking is down to 156, had tinuing with my rehab and re- good as others. It is a bit of stiff - tunate but I guess when you’re in my posi- er-risk category than athletes in the fl ow of that’s testing everyone fi ve times, let’s do it. played just three matches since covery and I’m looking forward ness, a bit of soreness, which is tion, you mention my name, people overhear regular competition. Let’s be a part of it. It’s just about being equal making his comeback last to the US hard-court season,” kind of normal based on the in- things and they want to tell the press,” she But, calling for equal treatment, the 23- and not centring one person out. Just due to week. Murray was beaten by Murray added. “Thanks for all tensity I am practising at, com- said. time Grand Slam winner said: “I had a con- the numbers, it looks like I’m being pushed Nick Kyrgios at Queen’s Club the messages of support and pared to where I was even three “I actually thought the article was interest- versation with the lead guy with USADA. I out. Just test everyone equally.” then saw off Stan Wawrinka at I’m excited to fi nally be back or four weeks ago.”

Monday, July 2 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT Dutch delight as Max Verstappen wins Austrian GP

AFP drivers championship ahead of Hamilton by a cedes. “My gearbox is gone,” he told the team. Spielberg, Austria single point. This left Hamilton 7.7 seconds ahead of Verstap- Romain Grosjean was fourth ahead of his Ferrari- pen when a Virtual Safety Car was deployed to powered Haas teammate Kevin Magnussen, allow for Bottas’ car to be removed. ax Verstappen made the most of a Esteban Ocon and his Force India teammate Immediately, both Ferrari and Red Bull responded rare Mercedes double retirement Sergio Perez. with double pit-stops for their drivers while Mer- yesterday by claiming his first win Two-time champion Fernando Alonso came cedes left Hamilton out — a tactical oversight that Mthis year, and Red Bull’s first at home eighth for McLaren ahead of Monegasque was to prove costly. “home”, in an incident-packed Austrian Grand rising star Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari-pow- “I’ve got no time left in the tyres,” said Hamilton, Prix. ered Sauber teammate Marcus Ericsson. aware that a straightforward race win was in peril. The Dutch tyro grabbed victory after both Lewis Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Australian “It’s my mistake. Do what you can,” replied Mer- Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas pulled up with Daniel Ricciardo was also forced to retire on his cedes strategist James Vowles. power and gearbox failures respectively as their 29th birthday. Hamilton then, somewhat unexpectedly, pitted team’s run of four straight Austrian wins came Vettel leads the title race with 146 points ahead of after 25 laps and emerged fourth, ahead of his di- to an abrupt end at the Red Bull Ring where the Hamilton on 145, Raikkonen on 101 and Ricciardo rect title rival Vettel, but the defending champion track temperature was 48 celsius degrees (118 on 96. was unhappy. Fahrenheit). “I told Max he had a very good race,” said Vettel. At the front, Verstappen led his Red Bull team- “It’s amazing to win in a Red Bull at the Red Bull “Very consistent. No mistakes. It was damage mate Ricciardo by 4.9 seconds with Raikkonen Ring,” said Verstappen, who was supported by an limitation for me and a positive day.” third, a second down, and Hamilton a further “Orange army” of more than 20,000 fans. Raikkonen said: “I had to back off at turn one six-tenths adrift. “Very hard to manage the tyres, lot of blistering, because the cars were squeezed together. After “I don’t get it guys. I’m not going to be able to but we managed to hang on,” he said. “It was that, the car came good, but we just ran out of pass these guys. We’ve just thrown away a win,” amazing to win here with so many Dutch fans.” laps.” At the start, Raikkonen made a rapid depar- said Hamilton. The double-retirement was a first for McLaren ture from third to dive between the two Mercedes It was clear that tyre wear was emerging as a since the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, which Verstap- as Bottas struggled uphill and Hamilton took the critical factor. Verstappen had slight blistering, pen won on his Red Bull debut after Hamilton initiative. but Hamilton’s left rear was a mass of blistered collided with teammate Nico Rosberg on the Raikkonen grabbed second, but then ran off at rubber. opening lap. Turn Two giving fellow-Finn Bottas a chance to re- On lap 53, he pitted again for super-softs, drop- Hamilton was unhappy before his late retirement cover second on the straight in a frantic opening ping a place to fifth behind Ricciardo, who almost complaining to his team that “we’ve just thrown lap. Hamilton then opened up a 2.4 seconds lead immediately slowed and stopped. away a win,” by bungling the timing of a tyre as the field was stretched on the tight, short track. Hamilton reeled off two fastest laps, but it was change.It was also Verstappen’s fourth career On lap 12, Nico Hulkenberg retired, his Renault asking too much as Mercedes’ unbeaten four- victory as he came home 1.504 seconds ahead engine spurting flames. year run in Austria, and his own race, came to of Kimi Raikkonen and his Ferrari teammate Three laps later, the luckless Bottas was also an end when he pulled up on lap 64 after losing Sebastian Vettel, who regained the lead in the forced to abandon, pulling off to park his Mer- power. Red Bull driver makes most of Hamilton and Bottas’ retirements to claim fi rst win of the year

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crosses the finish line to take the chequered flag and win the Austrian Grand Prix yesterday. At right, he celebrates on the podium.

MOTORCYCLING QNB STARS LEAGUE Marquez Coaches in the spotlight as QNB Stars League readies for kickoff

By Sports Reporter hail romped to three trophies in one extends Doha season: QNB Stars League, Qatar Cup Tournament to begin on August 4 and the Amir Cup. The ambitions of the coaches doesn’t title lead ith the start of the 2018- The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has announced the dates of tives of the AFC Champions League, the Ministry of Culture survive on intense battles alone. The 19 QNB Stars League just the first phase of the 2018-19 QNB Stars League. and Sports, the Stadium Security Department and the QFA’s story of a team winning and not making AFP a few weeks away, the fo- The first phase of the QNB Stars League will kick off on Au- Referees Committee — before finalising the dates of the new it big also depends on season budgets Assen Wcus of the team manage- gust 4 and ends in November this year. football season. and signings of top overseas players. Al ments and fans in the coming days will The QNB Stars League is starting ahead of schedule this year The QSL also confirmed Al Sadd Stadium (Jassim Bin Hamad Sadd coach Ferreira will be clearly look- shift to the coaches who are busy pre- due to Qatar national team’s busy international calendar. Stadium) and the Khalifa International Stadium will host the ing to get his team the head-start as paniard Marc Marquez paring their outfi ts for the new football Qatar national team will feature in the 2019 Asian Cup to be first four rounds of the QNB Stars League. This has been they eye wins against top sides like Al (Honda) edged compa- season. held in the UAE from 5 January – 1 February. done to host the matches in venues with state-of-the-art Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa. triots Alex Rins (Suzuki) The coaches who desire to win the Also, top QNB Stars League teams Al Duhail and Al Sadd are cooling technology. With spotlight on Belmadi and Fer- and Maverick Vinales QNB Stars League title know it is a bat- featuring in the quarter-finals stages of the 2018 AFC Cham- The kick-off times have been scheduled for 45 minutes reira a routine matter — since they (Yamaha)S to win the Dutch tle that involves complete readiness for coach top sides like Al Duhail and Al pions League. before sunset. The matches from round 5 and beyond will be Grand Prix in Assen yesterday. the rigours of the long football season. The AFC Champions League matches involving Al Duhail played at the regular football venues across the country on Sadd — there will be other names who After eight GP Marquez However, there will be familiar faces and Al Sadd matches will be played on August 27 and 28, home and away basis. will have fans’ expectations to deal has now won four and enjoys with coaches like Djamel Belmadi of Al September 18 and 19. If Al Duhail and Al Sadd advance in the It has been confirmed that Qatar SC will not be able to use with. Gourcuff has been brought back a 41-point lead in the stand- Duhail, Jesualdo Ferreira of Al Sadd, AFC Champions League, their QNB Stars League matches will its host venue — Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium — which will be by Al Gharafa to regain lost glory of the ings over Italian Valentino Rossi Abdullak Mubaraq of Qatar SC, Sami be rescheduled for dates that are suitable to the two sides. closed for maintenance work in October. Abdullah Bin Khalifa past. Banide too will have pressure to (Yamaha) who was fi fth on the Trabelsi of Al Sailiya, Luka Bonacic of The QSL met with all stakeholders — team managements, Stadium will be the temporary ‘home venue’ for Qatar SC tackle when he guides Umm Salal in the day. Al Arabi and Jose Mauricio of Al Sha- off icials of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), representa- during this period. new season. “Second place is not some- haniya. All these six coaches are set to For his part, Macala will try to strike thing I usually feel good about continue in their roles in the new season a balance at Al Ahli after a diffi cult last but I’ll take that for now,” said also. will have their pre-season training last few rounds of the QNB Stars League man Gourcuff who was with Al Gharafa season. Croatian Bonacic will have to the veteran Rossi, who has yet to Other clubs like Al Gharafa and Umm camp in the Netherlands July 2 until July last season. in the 2002-2003 season. do a careful job of lifting Al Arabi while win a single GP this season. Salal have signed new coaches. Former 26. Al-Sulaimi headed the team in the Al Kharaitiyat, looking for a positive For the coaches, the battles will be fought Trabelsi will be attempting to break into The race was tightly bunched League champions Al Gharafa have start in the new season, will be coached off the pitch when they manage their re- the top four of the QNB Stars League almost throughout with over brought in Frenchman Christian Gour- Al Ahli have brought in their by Tunisian Nassif al-Bayawi. spective teams in the pre-season training with Al Sailiya. There will be high frequent changes of position in cuff while Umm Salal roped in Laurent former head coach Milan Macala Qatar football giants Al Rayyan, how- camps. The new football season in Qatar is hopes associated with Al Kharaitiyat’s front of 105,000 fans in attend- Banide who will head a pre-season of the Czech Republic while Al ever, have not announced a replacement expected to be another nine-month phase al-Bayawi, Qatar SC’s Mubarak and Al ance at the Assen circuit known training camp in Slovenia from July 10 Khor will be eyeing wins under for Michael Laudrup who guided the of intense battles and rivalry. Khor’s al-Sulaimi as ‘the Cathedral’. to 25. the guidance of new coach Adel team to the Amir Cup fi nal last May. The It was a similar script last season Al Shahaniya — however may stick to “I knew it would be diffi cult to Al Ahli have brought in their former al-Sulaimi from Tunisia. Al Khor club has entered serious negotiations when Algerian tactician Belmadi han- one plan — how to stay away from the get away in the race,” Marquez head coach Milan Macala of the Czech will have their pre-season with Matias Almeyda who has been in dled the reigns at Al Duhail against relegation zone. Spanish coach Mauri- said. “It was a crazy race espe- Republic while Al Khor will be eyeing training camp in the Netherlands Doha for the talks. The Argentine is the arch-rivals Al Sadd who have the ex- cio has promised to keep. cially in the straight with lots of wins under the guidance of new coach July 2 until July 26 only one who has never worked with a perience of veteran coach Ferreira. Last The new QNB Stars League season wind.” Adel al-Sulaimi from Tunisia. Al Khor QNB Stars League club, unlike French- season, it was one way traffi c as Al Du- begins in August.