CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 OOLYMPICSLYMPICS | Page 4 Rashid stars as USA women England win thumped series against while Dutch Pakistan score 10

Thursday, July 22, 2021 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijjah 12, 1442 AH ‘I’m hoping for a GULF TIMES Cameroon versus Qatar World Cup fi nal in 2022’ SP RT Page 2 FOOTBALL / GOLD CUP COMMENT Jubilant Sanchez applauds Qatar’s Qatar beat Honduras performance Agencies Houston, Texas

2-0 to enter quarters oach Felix Sanchez on Tuesday praised Qatar’s performance, saying the The Asian champions face El Salvador in the last eight on Saturday team deserved to reach theC Gold Cup’s quarter-fi nals. On Agencies Tuesday night, Qatar beat Hon- Houston, Texas duras 2-0 for their second suc- cessive Gold Cup win. The Asian champions now face El Salvador old Cup debutants Qatar de- in the quarter-fi nals on Saturday. feated Honduras 2-0 in a tightly “Firstly, I congratulate the contested match to enter the players for the excellent account learned a lot about them.” quarter-fi nals of the 2021 Con- of themselves they presented in He added: “El Salvador at the cacafG Gold Cup on Tuesday night at BBVA the match in which we were the current tournament have played Stadium in Houston. best from the start of the match,” good matches. Even in their last Felix Sanchez’s side fi nished top of Sanchez said. confrontation with Mexico, they Group D with seven points, one ahead of “In the fi rst half, we had many were good. For this match, they Honduras, who had already secured their chances to score. In the second will be strong, and we have to place in the quarters. In the quarter-fi - half also we played well. The prepare well for it.” nals, Qatar will take on El Salvador, while players have proven that they are Sanchez hinted that they Honduras face Mexico on Saturday. playing with great responsibility played the same way they ap- Honduras came into the tie on the back and with great professionalism in peared in the previous matches of consecutive victories. At the same such crucial matches. The focus by focusing and pressing the op- time, Qatar – playing in the competi- was there from our side, and this ponents with attacking play. He tion on an invitational basis, started their is the one key thing I can ask for concluded his press conference campaign with a 3-3 draw against Pana- as a coach,” he added. by saying he was pleased to see ma before collecting a 4-0 win over Gre- When asked about their up- the “solid showing” exhibited by nada. Honduras was on the attack early coming match against El Sal- young Homam al-Amin. and looked to be picking up where they vador in the quarters, Sanchez “We do not choose players left off against Panama, but then Romell said: “We had previously played according to their age. Homam Quioto picked up an injury in the 15th against them before the tourna- al-Amin played a great match, minute during the run of play and could ment during our camp in Croatia, and we are happy to have a player not continue. and it was a friendly match. So like him with us after a distin- After holding off pressure, Homam we know our opponents, and guished season in the league, Ahmed struck to give Qatar the lead in the they also know us. The friendly and it is very nice to have young 25th minute of the match. It marked the matches are just a test only, al- players who add to our strength,” third straight match in which the cham- though, through that contest, we Sanchez said. pions of Asia scored the opening goal. Qatar kept pressing forward, but Almoez Honduras’ Romell Quioto (left) and Qatar’s Bassam al-Rawi vie for the ball during the Concacaf Gold Cup group stage match at Ali was denied by Honduras goalkeeper BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday night. (USA TODAY Sports) Luis Lopez. Lopez provided another vital save after Qatar were awarded a penalty. fender Kevin Alvarez. Hatim eventually AFC Asian Cup 2027 hosts to The San Pedro Sula native denied another got his second of the competition to se- star for the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts, cure the victory fi ve minutes into second- be decided in 2022 Akram Afi f, from the spot to keep it a half stoppage time, polishing off the three Doha: The bidding process for Saudi Arabia and Iran being one-goal aff air. points with a strong fi nish. the hosting rights for the 2027 the others. “The AFC Executive Honduras would lose another vital Afi f, Ali and Hatem lead Qatar in scor- Asian Cup has been delayed Committee acknowledged the player to injury when team captain and ing in the Gold Cup with two goals each. due to the Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions in organis- all-time appearances leader Maynor Qatar also fi nished the group stage unde- and will be held in 2022 instead ing the inspection visits to the Figueroa had to be pulled just before the feated, with two wins and a draw in their of this year, the Asian Foot- Bidding Member Associations, half. Honduras remained on the hunt for fi rst Gold Cup participation. ball Confederation (AFC) said which forms an essential part of an equalizer into the second half, and Al- Meanwhile, Bryan Ruiz’s headed sec- yesterday. the bidding process...,” the AFC exander Lopez, who scored for Honduras ond-half goal was all Costa Rica would The selection of the host said. “Therefore, it was agreed in the previous game against Panama, need to beat Jamaica 1-0 and claim fi rst nation was initially due to be that the selection of the host tried his luck in the 67th minute but was place in Group C. done at the AFC Congress on for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will denied by defender Abdelkarim Hassan. Costa Rica, who survived a red card to Nov. 27, 2021. Qatar is among now take place in 2022, instead Abdelaziz Hatem was another player their goalkeeper , needed the four nations bidding to host of the 31st AFC Congress on looking to score in his second consecutive only a draw to win their group but got the the tournament, with India, November 27, 2021,” it added. match but was denied by Honduran de- win anyway. Qatar supporters cheer for their team in Houston.

SPOTLIGHT Sport under way at Tokyo Olympics as Brisbane gets 2032 Games AFP president Thomas Bach confi rmed Health Organisation chief Tedros give 2016 silver medallists Sweden Tokyo the widely expected result after Adhanom Ghebreyesus told IOC a dream start and infl ict the Ameri- delegates voted 72 to fi ve with three members yesterday that the Games cans’ fi rst defeat in 45 matches. abstentions at the IOC session in could never be “zero risk”. Despite the ban on spectators at he sports programme at the Tokyo. Brisbane’s victory looked a “There is no zero risk in life; there most of the Olympic venues, some Tokyo Olympics fi nally got certainty after it was unanimously is only more risk, or less risk. And fans were able to watch the fi rst under way yesterday, with- proposed as the single candidate for you have done your best,” he told events. out spectators and a year 2032 by the IOC’s 15-strong execu- the socially distanced, mask-wear- In Miyagi Prefecture, one of the lateT after the coronavirus pandemic tive board in June. ing delegates. “The mark of success fi rst areas to still allow spectators, forced the Games to be postponed. In Japan, the very fi rst event saw in the coming fortnight is not zero 59-year-old Hikari Nojiri and her As the action began in Japan two the host nation thrash Australia cases... The mark of success is mak- husband Kazuhiko, 61, saw Brazil days before tomorrow’s opening 8-1 in softball in disaster-hit Fuku- ing sure that any cases are identi- crush China 5-0 and Zambia play ceremony, Brisbane won a vote of shima, a venue chosen to underline fi ed, isolated, traced and cared for as the Netherlands in the women’s International Olympic Committee Tokyo’s original slogan as the “Re- quickly as possible,” he added. football tournament. members to host the 2032 Summer covery and Reconstruction Games” Four competitors, including Brit- “It was great. It was disappoint- Games, triggering celebrations and after the region was ravaged by the ish shooter Amber Hill, the number ing that there weren’t many fans fi reworks in the city. 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster. one in the world in the women’s there, but it was amazing to watch Brisbane, which will become the The game took place in an empty skeet, became the fi rst to be ruled these top-quality players show their third Australian city to organise the stadium as spectators are barred for out of the Games after testing posi- skills,” Hikari said at Miyagi Sta- Olympics after Melbourne and Syd- most of the events at the Olympics tive for coronavirus. dium. “This won’t happen again in ney, was chosen as the single candi- following a surge in coronavirus Great Britain and the USA both my lifetime, so it’s a really precious date earlier in the bidding process. cases in Tokyo and elsewhere in Ja- took the knee before their openers opportunity.” “We know what it takes to deliver pan. The sound of the ball hitting in women’s football, after a ban on In the fi rst drugs case of the To- a successful Games,” Australian the bat reverberated around the protests was eased to allow politi- kyo Games, Australian showjumper Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Azuma Stadium, with a backdrop of cal gestures pre-match. Britain beat Jamie Kermond was provisionally by live link from Canberra before the wooded hills. Chile 2-0 but four-time champions suspended after testing positive for vote. The Olympics are being staged USA, featuring former world player cocaine on June 26. Under Austral- The decision means the hosts in biosecure “bubble” conditions, of the year Megan Rapinoe, suf- ia’s anti-doping policy, he now has for the next three Summer Olym- with athletes tested daily and under fered the fi rst shock of the Games the opportunity to have his B-sam- Japan’s Minori Naito (right) slides into the home plate while Australia’s catcher Taylah pics are in place, with Paris holding orders to stay socially distanced and as they went down 3-0 to Sweden. ple analysed. Australian reports said Tsitsikronis attempts to tag during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games softball opening round the event in 2024 and Los Angeles wear masks when not competing, Stina Blackstenius scored twice and Kermond did not travel to Tokyo match at Fukushima Azuma Stadium in Fukushima, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) organising the 2028 Games. IOC training, eating or sleeping. World Lina Hurtig added a third goal to with the rest of the team. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 22, 2021

INTERVIEW ‘I’m hoping for a Cameroon versus Qatar World Cup fi nal in 2022’ atar Legacy Ambas- from Sydney? can perform well and do their to come to Qatar for this special sador Samuel Eto’o Yes, against Brazil, in the quarter- countries proud at the tourna- tournament. We have so much to looks forward to the fi nal when the match went into ment. off er here and I hope fans don’t Tokyo Olympics and extra time with the golden goal miss the chance to visit and theQ fi rst FIFA World Cup in the rule. Brazil had a great team with What are the similarities be- watch two matches a day in the Middle East and Arab world players such as Ronaldinho and tween the World Cup and the group stage. That is something were the favourites to win the Olympic Games? so unique that they can tell their You were part of the gold med- tournament. Not many people They are both huge competi- grandchildren – that’s if they al-winning team for Cam- fancied us to beat Brazil, but we tions. Both are the pinnacle of don’t bring their grandchildren eroon at the Sydney Olympics always believed, even when we sport. Every athlete dreams of with them! There are so many in 2000. How did it feel to had two players sent off , mean- winning gold at the Olympics, beautiful places to visit here in stand on top of the podium? ing we played extra time with just while every footballer dreams of Doha. Fans can have an amazing It was an incredible feeling, espe- nine players. In the second half scoring the winning goal at the holiday while also following their cially because we had some dif- of extra time, Modeste Mbami World Cup. In my opinion, the passion, football. The weather fi culties during the tournament. scored the winning goal that sent next World Cup in Qatar will be in December in Qatar is usually I want to take this opportunity us through to the next round and the greatest event. around 20 degrees, so it will be to say thank you again to all my kept our dream of creating history It will be a special tournament perfect conditions for the play- teammates, my ”fellow soldiers”, alive. and the first time it is hosted in ers, but also for the fans, who I’m during this tournament. Because I will always remember the the Middle East. Unfortunately, sure will have an amazing time it was really tough – but in the moment when Modeste scored. the pandemic is going to impact exploring Qatar during the tour- end we won the gold medal by We all began to run after him to the fans at this year’s Olympics nament. beating Spain despite trailing by celebrate. While eight or nine of in Japan, but hopefully next two goals to nil in the fi nal. us all chased after him, the Bra- year we will see full stadiums What’s an example of your I thought I had scored the win- zilians put the ball back in the in Qatar for the World Cup. The perfect day in Qatar? ning goal in the last few seconds centre circle, believing the match Olympics and the World Cup It’s a day like today. I wake up, I of extra-time but the fl ag went would continue. But the game are real celebrations of sport do some work, then later maybe up for off side. Thankfully, we was over and we had qualifi ed where millions of dreams can I will go to Old Souq Al Wakrah. won the penalty shootout 5-3 to with the golden goal. To win an come true. I go all the time for the amaz- win the fi rst ever Olympic gold Olympic gold medal was really ing competition and those who The football tournament at at a major international tourna- ing scents and sensations. When medal in any sport for Cameroon. special and is something I will al- love sport will not miss it. the Olympics will always have a ment. The Olympics has helped What are your hopes for the people recognise me they are To have the privilege to be part ways treasure. I will be watching the athlet- special place in my heart having create many stars of the future so World Cup in Qatar? like ‘What is he doing here?’ but of such a historic moment for ics, swimming…there are so many won the tournament with Cam- I will of course be watching in the I have no doubt that it will be the I love that place. Then I love to my country at an early stage in Will you be following the sports to follow. The Olympics is eroon in 2000. With the teams hope that we see some exciting most beautiful World Cup ever spend my evenings at Katara. I my career was really special and football tournament at the the pinnacle for sport in general. restricted to using mostly play- young players make a name for organised. And I have one wish – like the restaurants up high on something I will never forget. Olympics in Tokyo? For footballers we all want to be at ers that are under 23, it is a great themselves. I am looking forward to witness a fi nal featuring Cam- Katara Hills where you have an Anyone who is passionate about a World Cup, which is the biggest opportunity to develop younger to seeing Ivory Coast, South Af- eroon versus Qatar for a once-in- amazing, peaceful view and can Do any matches in particu- sport will naturally follow the Ol- event for us, but for other sports, players and give them an oppor- rica and Egypt, who will be rep- a-lifetime experience. enjoy the sunset. lar stand out in your memory ympic Games. It is a major sport- it’s all about the Olympic Games. tunity to represent their country resenting Africa. Hopefully they I would encourage everyone qatar2022.qa

SWIMMING SPOTLIGHT New September date for Qatar’s Ledecky not going to round of the FIM change her approach Bajas World Cup ‘I just tried to focus on my goal times and how I want to swim each of my races’

AFP ward and she’s defi nitely doing Los Angeles that for our sport.” Look for Ledecky to continue to do so, too. “She’s recreating atie Ledecky has what’s possible,” 23-time Ol- powered her way to fi ve ympic gold medallist Michael Olympic gold medals Phelps said. “She’s challenging with laser-like focus her imagination and that’s awe- Kon her goals, and an intensifying some to watch.” rivalry with Ariarne Titmus is Ledecky’s stunning victory not about to change the US free- over home favourite Rebecca Competitors will face three stages and 504.24 competitive kilometres style great’s approach. Adlington in the 800m in 2012 in a route of 872.44km. Ledecky heads to the pan- launched an era of dominance, demic-delayed Tokyo Games but Ledecky had long been at By Sports Reporter tially run separately or share a targeting an astonishing range ease among sports greatness. Doha motorcycle or a quad, provided of freestyle titles: 200m, 400m, In 2020 she tweeted a “fam- that both entrants possess the 800m and 1,500m, the last an ily video” of herself as a toddler, minimum of a ‘National’ status Olympic event for women for as NBA great Michael Jordan he Qatar Motor and licence. For teams using two ma- the fi rst time. It is not just the played peek-a-boo with her in Motorcycle Federation chines, each must be fi tted with scope that will be a challenge the owner’s box of the NHL’s (QMMF) has confi rmed a road book reader and a mount- Ledecky but also the rise of Aus- Washington Capitals, which her that the 2021 Qatar In- ing bracket to accept a Stella GPS tralia’s Titmus, who has thrown uncle Jon Ledecky co-owned Tternational Baja will take place unit. down top times in the world this until 2001. on the new dates of September One of the team riders will year in the 200m and 400m free “My family always laughs at 30th-October 2nd and will be tackle the super special stage to signal her readiness to take on the fact that I’ve always been a round of the 2021 FIM Bajas and then the concept follows the American. relaxed in those environments... World Cup. a relay-type format. Each day, As talk of Titmus’s times not fazed by anything,” Ledecky Originally scheduled in the one rider will tackle roughly half buzzed through the US Olympic said. FIM calendar for the start of of the desert selective section trials, Ledecky insisted she re- Coach Greg Meehan said April, Qatar’s inaugural FIM to the refuelling point, with the mained focused only on her own attention to detail is key for Bajas Cup counting round will other taking over for the second performances.It is the strat- had the chance for gold in the the demanding training it re- them, Ledecky and Titmus re- Ledecky as she strives to stay run over a compact route laid part to the fi nish. Where a two- egy she has used ever since she event which was previously only quires. main more than respectful, ahead of the chasing pack. on by the QMMF. Competitors rider team is entered, each com- sprang an upset 800m freestyle swum by men at the Games. “I just like the work that you Titmus saying she is “still the “We’re trying to fi nd the little will face three stages and 504.24 petitor will tackle around 125km victory as a 15-year-old at the “Hopefully we can do her have to put in to be good at that hunter” despite posting the sec- things that she can constantly competitive kilometres in a route per day. 2012 London Olympics. proud in Tokyo,” Ledecky said of race,” Ledecky said. “It requires ond-fastest 200m free in history get better at and use that as a of 872.44km. This year’s FIM Bajas World She added gold in the 200m, Evans, who held the 1,500m free really good pacing, probably at the Australian trials and a siz- good motivating tool,” Meehan Administration checks will Cup is running to a new format 400m, 800m and 4x200m free record from March 1988 through more so than the 800, just being zling 3min 56.90 in the 400m. said. And amid talk of rivalries take place at Losail Sports Arena with a series of qualifying events relay in Rio four years later along June 2007. cautious up front and knowing That was just outside and potential record gold medal on Wednesday, September 29th as well as a fi nal. Each event in with a 4x100m free relay sil- But the addition of how much you can push it.” Ledecky’s world record of hauls, Ledecky says the goals and competitors will then tackle the Qualifying Series has a scor- ver. Owner of the 23 fastest the 1,500m free pushes With so many plates in the 3:56.46, and more than two she has set herself remain para- a 6.7km super special stage at Si- ing coeffi cient of 1 and the fi nale 800m free times in history, Ledecky’s Olympic pro- air in Tokyo, Ledecky said she seconds faster than Ledecky’s mount. masmina on Thursday, Septem- in Portugal in October has a co- Ledecky remains a heavy gramme almost to breaking won’t be worrying about what best this season. Ledecky coolly “The most important ex- ber 30th. effi cient of 2. favourite in that event and point, with the 200m and her rivals might produce. “I noted that Olympic medals were pectations are the ones that I The result of the opening stage The fi nal is open to all com- in the 1,500m — in which she 1,500m free fi nals coming in can’t control if someone has not handed out at trials, but she have for myself,” she said. “I do will determine the starting order petitors, provided that they have owns the 10 fastest times ever. the same session. It’s the kind of some really fast swims and beats was generous in her assessment a pretty good job of sticking to for the opening leg of around completed and scored points Ledecky is acutely conscious challenge that has long fuelled me and things like that,” she of her Australian rival. those and not seeing what kinds 248.80 competitive kilometres in at least one of the rounds of of the place in history a 1,500m Ledecky, who recalls liking the said. “So I just tried to focus on “It was so awesome to see,” of medal counts or times that on Friday, October 1st. This se- the Qualifying Series. The fi nal free victory would bring, not- punishing 1,500m “right from my goal times and how I want to she said of Titmus’s blistering people are throwing out about lective section will starts at Al ranking of the FIM Bajas World ing that former distance greats the get-go” even though many swim each of my races.” trials. “It’s always great to see what I could accomplish if eve- Jumaliyah and runs through the Cup will be established on the including American Evans never young swimmers shy away from As the hype builds up around the sport continue to move for- rything goes perfectly.” north-central Qatar deserts and basis of the two best results of incorporates one refuelling point the Qualifying Series added to around the halfway mark. points awarded in the Final. This HORSE RACING A second selective section of will be valid across all three eli- a similar distance (248.74km) gible categories and in all three starts at Al Kharsaah, west of classes (Women’s, Junior and Doha, and will run through the Veteran). Creedmoor strikes again at Mont-de-Marsan central and southern deserts on The new Baja will be held un- Saturday, October 2nd. It also der the chairmanship of QMMF aintaining her 100% placed directly behind race lead- The Adélaïde Budka-trained features a refuelling point before President Abdulrahman al- strike-rate at the er Noelle (FR) (Penny’s Picnic x and Delphine Santiago-ridden fi nishing close to Sealine, south Mannai, QMMF’s Executive course, Creedmoor Noella) in the early stages. With Selket (IRE) (Danon Ballade x of Doha. Director Amro al-Hamad and (GB) (Invincible a strong pace being set, Creed- Bonne Nouvelle) fi nished third Motorcycles up to 450cc (sin- board member Abdulrazaq al- MSpirit x Vorda), owned by His moor settled well and always but was never nearer as she was gle or twin cylinder, 2T or 4T) Kuwari. Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin looked comfortable. further a length and three quar- will be eligible, in addition to For further entry information, Khalifa al-Thani, took the Prix Approaching the fi nal 600m, ters behind. quads and SSVs. Riders of mo- competitors and teams can con- Jean Larre in fi ne style at Mont- she ranged upsides long-time Bred by His Highness Sheikh torcycles over 450cc will be able tact Davy Patterson, the Com- de-Marsan yesterday. leader Noelle and began to pull Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s to compete but, as per the 2021 petitor Liaison Offi cer (CRO), Trained by Phillipe Sogorb clear from her rivals once asked Al Shahania Stud, Creedmoor FIM Bajas World Cup regula- e-mail: davypatterson777@ and ridden to success again by for an eff ort by Gutierrez-Val. is a daughter of top stallion tions, will not score points for googlemail.com. Additional Alejandro Gutierrez-Val, Creed- Creedmoor stuck on well in- Invincible Spirit (Green Desert), the Cup. information concerning Cov- moor scored for the second time side the fi nal 200m and held off who stands at the Irish National There will also be a National id-19 protocols is available from at the racecourse on her fourth a strong challenge from Azur Stud. category for motorcycles, quads, e-mail: covid-control@gmmf. start in France, having previous- As Well (FR) (Penny’s Picnic Her dam is none other than SSVs and other vehicles. The com.qa. ly been trained by Roger Charl- x Stormy Queen) to win by a the champion race mare Vorda QMMF has introduced an excit- Entries open on Wednesday, ton in the UK. length at the line. (Orpen), winner of the Group ing new team concept for riders August 1st and close at reduced A quick break from the stalls Azur As Well fi nished second One Cheveley Park Stakes at competing in the national event. rates on Thursday, September saw in the 1,400-metre Class 2 for trainer Charles Gourdain Newmarket for the same con- Creedmoor sprints to victory in the Prix Jean Larre in A team of two eligible riders 9th with a fi nal cut-off set for race for 3YOs, Creedmoor was and jockey Maxime Foulon. nections. Mont-de-Marsan, France, yesterday. (Robert Polin) will be able to enter and poten- Monday, September 20th. Gulf Times Thursday, July 22, 2021 3 SPORT

CRICKET/ FOCUS Australian pacers dominate Windies Rashid stars as in ODI series opener

AFP of the match, acknowledging the Bridgetown, Barbados fi rst appearances in ODI colours for Australia by Josh Philippe and Ben McDermott, who featured ustralia’s pacers de- in a 51-run opening partnership, England win series molished the West In- and fast-medium bowler Wes dies batting line-up to Agar. “We thought there was claim a comprehen- some variable bounce and dif- siveA 133-run victory on the DLS ferent pace from that pitch and it method in the rain-aff ected helped us a bit.” fi rst One-Day International of a That eff ort came after leg- three-match series at Kensing- spinner Hayden Walsh led the ton Oval in Barbados on Tuesday. West Indies bowling eff ort with against Pakistan After stand-in captain Alex fi gures of fi ve for 39, triggering Carey led from the front with a a late slide when he broke a 104- topscore of 67 to lift his side to run fi fth partnership be- ‘We have won on a wicket which is slow and spins so I am very proud’ 252 for nine batting fi rst, only his tween Carey and Ashton Turner Caribbean counterpart Kieron (49). AFP Pollard (56) stood fi rm against “I thought our bowlers did a Manchester, United Kingdom the tourists’ faster bowlers as the very good job to limit Australia home side were routed for 123 off given that the average score bat- 26.2 overs in reply. ting fi rst here is a round 260,” a dil Rashid took a ca- Set a revised target of 257 in a remorseful Pollard noted. “To reer-best haul be- match reduced to 49 overs per be brutally honest though, I felt fore England just did side, West Indies were reduced to we gave away 20-25 runs in the enough in a nervous 27 for six with opening bowlers fi eld. (On the batting side) I just chaseA to seal a thrilling and se- Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazle- want our guys to put up a fi ght. ries-clinching three-wicket win wood sharing the . It Just because the ball is swinging over Pakistan in a Twenty20 de- took Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s or moving, don’t just give it away cider at Old Traff ord on Tuesday. lone consistent performer in the with soft dismissals.” Victory gave England the preceding 4-1 T20 International Having made the decision to three-match contest 2-1 in their series loss in St Lucia, to end a bat fi rst on winnings the toss, last white-ball fi xture of the 67-run stand between Pollard it was Carey who also featured 2021 home season. and Alzarri Joseph. in the winning moment, taking Leg-spinner Rashid took 4-35 That breakthrough opened the the catch at the second attempt as Pakistan were restricted to 154- door for Starc to fi nish the job behind the stumps to dismiss 6 after winning the toss, with Mo- with a haul of fi ve for 48 which Walsh of leg-spinner Adam hamed Rizwan batting through earned him the “Man of the Zampa, who was earlier belted the innings for 76 . Eng- Match” award. Hazlewood had out of the attack by Pollard. land opener Jason Roy, the player the impressive returns of three It remains to be seen now if of the match, got the chase off to a for 11 in his opening burst and appointed captain Aaron Finch brisk start with a dashing 64. But was not required to return for a recovers in time for the second the hosts kept losing wickets be- second spell. match on Thursday at the same fore returning captain Eoin Mor- “This was a really special ef- venue or would Carey be called gan made a useful 21. fort for us with three debutants upon to build on his excellent Liam Livingstone, the player in the side,” said Starc at the end captaincy debut. of the series after scoring Eng- land’s fastest T20 hundred in the opener at Trent Bridge, struck Scorecard one six and then holed out before AUSTRALIA West Indies (target 257) Chris Jordan hit the winning runs England’s Captain Eoin Morgan raises the winner’s trophy as (right) looks on following their win in the third T20I against Pakistan J. Philippe b Hosein 39 E. Lewis c and b Starc 0 with two balls to spare. “This win at Old Traff ord Cricket Ground in Manchester, England. (AFP) means a huge amount,” Morgan B. McDermott c Holder b Joseph S. Hetmyer c and b Hazlewood 11 28 told Sky Sports. “This was the bar Azam, whose side also lost boundaries off Shaheen Shah with spin, recalled paceman three wickets to fall, a haul that J. Mohamed b Starc 2 worst possible pitch for the way the preceding one-day interna- Afridi’s fi rst over and swept Hasan Ali into the attack only included having Azam M. Marsh c Pooran b Joseph 20 D. Bravo c Marsh b Hazlewood 2 we play, and we have won on a tional series against England, spinner Imad Wasim for six dur- for left-hander Morgan to hoist for just 11 by wicketkeeper Jos M. Henriques c Joseph b Hosein 7 N. Pooran lbw Starc 0 wicket which is slow and spins was left lamenting a lack of runs. ing a 30-ball fi fty but on 64 he him for two sixes. When Ha- Buttler when the star batsman A. Carey b Walsh 67 so I am very proud.” “We were 10 to 15 runs short skied a catch off leg-spinner Us- feez bowled for 31, misread a googly. K. Pollard c Turner b Starc 56 Pitches in the United Arab today,” he said. “The partnership man Qadir, the son of Pakistan England still needed 12 to win off Rashid took a wicket with his A. Turner c Lewis b Walsh 49 J. Holder c Zampa b Hazlewood 0 Emirates, the venue for Octo- between myself and Mohamed great Abdul Qadir. eight balls. last delivery when Shadab Khan M. Wade c Hetmyer b Walsh 3 A. Joseph b Marsh 17 ber’s T20 World Cup, are re- Rizwan, if it had developed a bit holed out Livingstone and Morgan then holed out, with Rizwan not see- M. Starc c Hosein b Walsh 8 nowned for taking turn but better, maybe we would have the cheaply off Wasim and wghen got out in quick succession be- ing enough of the strike after H. Walsh c wkpr Carey b Zampa 20 Morgan said: “I genuinely don’t extra 10 or 15 runs. Moeen Ali was bowled by off - fore a pair of twos from Jordan completing a 38-ball fi fty fea- A. Zampa not out 12 A. Hosein lbw Starc 0 think the ball will spin like that “We need to do better against spinner Mohamed Hafeez for ended the match. turing two sixes. W. Agar st Pooran b Walsh 9 S. Cottrell not out 4 in UAE having played a full sea- spinners, we haven’t struggled just one, England were 112-4 off Spin proved Pakistan’s un- J. Hazlewood not out 1 son in the IPL (Indian Premier as much but haven’t batted as 15 overs. But with Morgan hit- doing for the second match in BRIEF SCORES Extras (lb-3, w-7, nb-1) 11 League) there last year, but we well as we could. Some days we ting a couple of fours off Hafeez, a row, with off -spinner Moeen England 155 for 7 (Roy 64) beat Extras (b-4, w-5) 9 Total (26.2 overs, all out) 123 are ready for any surfaces that have good days and some days England were back on tracck. taking 1-19 in addition to Rash- Pakistan 154 for 6 (Rizwan 76*, Total (49 overs, 9 wkts) 252 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Lewis), 2-4 do spin.” Pakistan captain Ba- we have bad days.” Roy took four Azam, rather than continue id’s haul. Rashid took the fi rst Rashid 4-35) by three wickets. Fall of wickets: 1-51 (Philippe), (Mohammed), 3-18 (Hetmyer), 2-80 (Marsh), 3-99 (Henriques), 4-19 (Pooran), 5-23 (Bravo), 6-27 4-114 (McDermott), 5-218 (Carey), (Holder), 7-95 (Joseph), 8-98 6-219 (Turner), 7-229 (Starc), (Pollard), 9-98 (Hosein), 10-123 England’s Robinson recalled against India aft er social media racism row 8-229 (Wade), 9-247 (Agar) (Walsh) Ollie Robinson was recalled to the haul of 4-75 - and making a useful 42 in a lie Robinson after his seven-wicket Test Left-armer Sam Curran’s inclusion gives Bowling: S. Cottrell 8-0-45-0 Bowling: M. Starc 8-1-48-5 (2w), England squad on Wednesday for next drawn series opener at Lord’s. debut against New Zealand. England Test captain an ad- (1w), J. Holder 8-0-49-0 (1w), A. J. Hazlewood 6-1-11-3, A. Zampa month’s first two Tests against India But the Twitter storm meant is first day “Ollie proved in that Test that he has the ditional all-round option. Hosein 10-1-50-2, J. Mohamed 3.2-0-39-1, W. Agar 6-1-15-0 (1w, following a Twitter racism row that over- as an England cricketer ended with a ability to replicate his outstanding form Fast bowler Jofra Archer (elbow) and 3-0-25-0, A. Joseph 10-0-40-2 1nb), M. Marsh 3-0-7-1 (3w) shadowed his international debut. public apology. in the County Championship at interna- pace bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes (2w), H. Walsh 10-0-39-5 (1w) Robinson received an eight-game ban, He was then suspended from interna- tional level and we will continue to work (heel) have both been ruled out through RESULTS: Australia won by 133 runs with five deferred, for racist and sexist tional duty and missed an eight-wicket with him to develop his England career.” injury. tweets he posted in 2012 and 2013 that defeat in the second and final Test - Stokes returns to Test duty -Meanwhile, Wicketkeeper-batsmen and came to light again during the 27-year- against New Zealand at Edgbaston, a Ben Stokes returned to the Test squad Jonny Bairstow, both controversially old’s Test bow against New Zealand at reverse that saw England lose their first after missing a New Zealand series rested from the New Zealand series fol- Lord’s in June. Test series at home in seven years. where England’s batsmen faltered. lowing their stints in the lucrative Indian Rashford defends charity But a disciplinary hearing paved the way He is now back, however, in the squad Stokes hurried back from a finger injury , return after James partnerships over profi t claims for the seamer to feature against India for the opening two matches of a five- to lead a makeshift one-day team in a Bracey struggled against the Black Caps. after deeming Robinson had already Test campaign against India at Trent series win against Pakistan after all the and Dom Bess have been Marcus Rashford has defended Macmillan 80,000 children now served a three-game ban, having been Bridge (starting on August 4) and Lord’s 16 England players originally selected selected as the specialist spinners. his off -field partnerships and have a book to call their own. suspended from the second Test against (August 12). were ruled out by a Covid-19 outbreak All England players will be available for questioned why footballers “Do I have a larger commercial New Zealand and then dropping out of England head coach Chris Silverwood within the squad that meant they had to the first two rounds of the Hundred, “can’t just do the right thing” for appeal following the U-turns? two Twenty20 matches for county side made no reference to the furore when self-isolate. English domestic cricket’s new 100 balls charity after learning of claims I’m sure. But I’m also a Man- Sussex. speaking about Robinson’s returning But star all-rounder Stokes was rested per side competition, before linking up that he has profited from his chester United and England Robinson performed well on his England in an England and Wales Cricket Board from a subsequent 2-1 T20 series win at Loughborough for a training camp campaigning. international footballer. Why debut, taking seven wickets - including a statement, saying: “We have selected Ol- over Pakistan. ahead of the first Test. (AFP) The Manchester United and has there always got to be a England forward, 23, said on motive? Why can’t we just do Twitter that British political the right thing?” magazine The Spectator was Rashford, who received free BASKETBALL set to run a story suggesting he school meals himself, was has “benefited commercially” honoured in the delayed 2020 from his work. queen’s birthday honours list. Rashford has backed a number However, he was the target of Bucks win NBA Finals to snap 50-year title drought of child food poverty initiatives, online racist abuse after his forcing government U-turns penalty miss in the Euro 2020 AFP questionable for the opener with a over free school meals during final against Italy and off ensive Milwaukee hyperextended knee. the coronavirus pandemic. graff iti was also left on a mural But the 26-year-old Greek for- He became the youngest of his face in Manchester. ward matched Michael Jordan and person to top the Sunday Times iannis Antetokounmpo Hakeem Olajuwon as the only play- Giving List by helping raise £20 Thai Motogp cancelled again scored 50 points in an as- ers to take NBA Finals MVP and NBA million ($27 million) for groups Motogp announced yesterday tounding all-around per- Defensive Player of the Year awards tackling the issue. that this year’s Thai Grand Prix formance and the Milwau- in the same season. “Just heard @spectator are has been cancelled, for a sec- Gkee Bucks captured their fi rst NBA “He’s a special human being. I’ve planning to run a story on me ond straight season, because of title since 1971 by defeating the learned so much from him. He’s a tomorrow about how I have the coronavirus pandemic. Phoenix Suns 105-98 on Tuesday. special leader,” said Bucks coach benefited commercially in the The race was scheduled for The Bucks won the best-of-seven Mike Budenholzer. “These players last 18 months,” he tweeted on October 17 at the Buriram In- NBA Finals by four games to two, be- are champions every day. They’ve Tuesday. ternational Circuit. On Tuesday, coming only the fi fth team to claim embraced getting better every day.” “To clarify, I don’t need to Thailand placed more than 12 the crown after dropping the fi rst An expanded “Deer District” party partner with brands. I partner million people under a partial, two contests. zone outside the sold-out 20,000- because I want to progress two-week lockdown after an Antetokounmpo, only the sev- seat arena welcomed 65,000 people the work I do off the pitch and increase in cases of the Delta enth player in fi nals history with a watching on videoscreens and they most of any fee I would receive variant, first detected in India. 50-point game, added 14 rebounds had the celebration they had hoped contributes to that. “Despite the best eff orts of all and fi ve blocked shots as the Bucks to enjoy. “Last summer, 1.3m children parties involved, the ongoing went a NBA-best 10-1 at home in “I’m happy I was able to do it with had access to food support, Covid-19 pandemic and result- the playoff s to end their 50-year title this team for Milwaukee,” said An- through my relationship with ing restrictions have obliged drought. tetokounmpo. “And Coach Bud says Burberry children have a safe the cancellation of the event,” “I want to thank Milwaukee for we have to do it again.” place to be after school where Motogp said on its website. “A believing in me. I want to thank my The Suns were foiled in their bid they will be fed, following the replacement event is currently teammates for playing hard with for the fi rst crown in their 53-year November investment vulner- under consideration and any me,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m history. Phoenix guard Chris Paul, able children have safe places updates regarding a possible thankful I was able to get it done.” playing in the fi rst NBA Finals of his Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates winning the NBA Finals MVP Award to go this summer holiday, and substitute will be published as Two-time NBA Most Valuable 16-year at age 36, led the Suns with after defeating the Phoenix Suns in Game Six to win the 2021 NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. due to my relationship with soon as available,” it added. Player Antetokounmpo had been 26 points. (Getty Images/AFP) Thursday, July 22, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

Qatar stars continue training in Tokyo

Above: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan pose with their coaches and off icials after their practice session yesterday.

Right: Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary- General HE Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain watches Qatar beach volleyball team’s training in Tokyo yesterday. Tala Abu Jubara, the first Qatari female athlete to represent Qatar in rowing at the Olympic Games, trains in Tokyo yesterday.

FOOTBALL Coronavirus forces four athletes out of Olympics

Four competitors including a shooting world number one saw their Tokyo Ol- ympic dreams dashed yesterday after testing positive for the coronavirus. British shooter Amber Hill, top-ranked USA women thumped in the women’s skeet, was forced to pull out before she departed for Japan after testing positive. “After five years of training and preparation, I’m abso- lutely devastated,” she said in a team statement. Table tennis player Pavel Sirucek became the third member of the Czech while Dutch score 10 delegation to test positive for Covid-19 in the Athletes’ Village, the team said. The Tokyo Olympics are being staged ‘They’re (Sweden) one of the best teams in the world. We’ve got another game in three days’ in biosecure “bubble” conditions, with athletes tested daily and under orders AFP Japan rescued a 1-1 draw with Canada to stay socially distanced and wear Tokyo as Aston Villa’s Mana Iwabuchi scored masks when not competing, training, an 84th-minute equaliser. Christine eating or sleeping. Sinclair had put the Canadians in But the latest cases show that competi- old medal favourites the front, marking her 300th appearance tors are treading a fine line. Chilean United States began their bid for her country with a record-extend- taekwondo competitor Fernanda for a fi fth women’s Olympic ing 187th international goal. Australia Aguirre was “devastated and very sad”, football title with an em- sit second in the early Group D table she said on social media, after test- Gbarrassing 3-0 loss to Sweden, while behind Sweden after Sam Kerr found ing positive on arrival in Japan from Team GB kicked off their campaign the net in a 2-1 victory over New Zea- a training camp in Uzbekistan. The at the Tokyo Games by beating Chile land. 21-year-old, who won a bronze medal yesterday and the Netherlands put 10 Players from the US, Sweden, Team at the 2019 Pan American Games, has past fellow debutants Zambia. GB and Chile all took a knee before been moved to an isolation facility, as The US have won four of six Olym- kick-off to highlight racial injustice. has her coach. pic titles since women’s football was “As players in Great Britain we’ve Meanwhile Dutch skateboarder Candy introduced to the programme in 1996, been taking the knee in club and Jacobs described herself as “heart- but suff ered a heavy defeat by the international matches and we felt broken” after she too was forced out. same team that knocked them out on strongly as a group that we wanted Jacobs said on Instagram she had penalties in the quarter-fi nals in Rio. to show support for those aff ected “done everything in my power to Stina Blackstenius scored twice by discrimination and equality,” said prevent this scenario and took all the before substitute Lina Hurtig added a Houghton. “It was a proud moment precautions”. third for 2016 silver medallists Swe- because the Chile players took the Sirucek was the just latest member of den at a game played in an empty To- knee too to show how united we are the Czech contingent to test positive, kyo Stadium due to strict Covid-19 as sport.” after beach volleyball player Ondrej restrictions. The loss end- New Zealand did the same ahead of Perusic and beach volleyball coach ed a 44-match unbeaten their game against Australia, whose Simon Nausch, an Austrian native. A run for the Americans players stood arm in arm facing their Czech staff member also failed a test dating back to the start opponents. The International Olym- upon landing in Tokyo. of 2019. It was also only Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius (second right) scores against USA during the women’s Group G first round match at the pic Committee has relaxed some of the second time they had Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) the rules for protests at the Games, Bird and Alvarez named lost a game in 90 minutes at t h e softening a long-standing ban on po- Olympics. “They’re (Sweden) one of Sanden, Jill Roord, Lineth Beeren- In Sapporo, Great Britain won their to improve on but three points on the litical protests at the global sporting Team USA fl ag bearers the best teams in the world,” said US steyn and Victoria Pevlova also got on Group E opener 2-0, with Manchester board, we’re really pleased.” event. Athletes will now be allowed to Basketball player Sue Bird and baseball forward Megan Rapinoe. “There’s re- the scoresheet. City striker Ellen White scoring twice Brazil star Marta bagged two goals take a knee before play begins to high- player Eddy Alvarez will be Team USA’s ally no time to dwell or think about if It was the highest-scoring game and having a goal disallowed by VAR in a 5-0 rout of China in Group F, light racial injustice, speak to the me- flag bearers at this week’s opening cer- Sweden is living in our heads or not. in women’s Olympic history and the for off side. Hege Riise’s side are bid- meaning she has now scored in fi ve dia and post online about their views, emony for the Tokyo Olympics, the US We’ve got another game in three days.” most scored by one team in a match, ding to become the fi rst British team straight Olympics. Debinha scored in or wear clothing with a protest slogan Olympic & Paralympic Committee said. The Dutch made history in Miyagi but Zambia avoided a record mar- to win an Olympic football medal. between Marta’s brace before a late at a press conference. Bird, a four-times Olympic champion, as Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedama gin of defeat as Barbra Banda scored “When you get into a competition, Andressa penalty and Beatriz strike But political statements during and Alvarez, who won a silver in speed scored four times in a remarkable 10-3 twice late on to secure a hat-trick. it’s really important you win that fi rst completed a comprehensive victory events, victory ceremonies and at the skating at the 2014 Sochi Games, were thumping of Zambia. Lieke Martens The largest win remains Germany’s game,” said Team GB captain Steph in Rifu. Olympic Village are still off the cards, chosen by fellow Team USA athletes netted twice, while Shanice van de 8-0 thrashing of China in 2004. Houghton. “There’s still a lot of stuff In the other Group E game, hosts the IOC said. and are the first duo to share the hon- our of leading the delegation into the opening ceremony. SPOTLIGHT Bird, 40, is the first basketball player to beIN Sports to be named flag bearer since Dawn Sta- ley, coach of the current team, in 2004. telecast Tokyo Alvarez, a first-generation Cuban-Amer- ‘India’s hockey heroes inspire Olympic dream’ ican, also brings Olympic experience Olympic Games to Tokyo having won silver as part of AFP stuck in the training centre and were the 5,000-meter four-man short track Doha: beIN Media Group, the New Delhi in a bio-bubble,” he said. “But now, speed skating team in Sochi. global sports and entertainment heading into the Olympics, I feel that The United States will send a team broadcaster and its flagship the whole sacrifi ce we made during of 613 athletes to the Tokyo Summer sports channel beIN Sports is ndia’s hockey team will be in- the last one-and-a-half years is go- Games, its second largest delegation set to exclusively broadcast the spired in their bid for Olympic ing to help us because life taught us ever for an Olympics, trailing only the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 from glory by the heroes of the sport how to drive this.” 648 who were named to the team for 23 July to 8 August 2021 across who lost their lives in the coro- Sreejesh said the team is aiming for the 1996 Atlanta Games. the 24 countries in the Middle Inavirus pandemic, says goalkeeper a medal but will take “one game at a East and North Africa (Mena), P R Sreejesh. India once dominated time” in Tokyo. “When the Olympics Australian showjumper with 3,000 hours of planned cov- men’s fi eld hockey, winning eight are near then there is just one dream, out aft er positive erage - the biggest worldwide. Olympic golds between 1928 and to be part of history, so in the future, beIN Sports will broadcast 1980, but have since failed to win a the kids, the people talk about that cocaine test more than 97% of the Tokyo single medal of any colour. there was one hockey team in 2021 Showjumper Jamie Kermond was Games across 15 channels in both India are still Asia’s top team but who played the Tokyo Olympics and kicked off the Australian Olympic team Arabic and English - rebrand- are now ranked fourth in the world there was a goalkeeper whose name yesterday after testing positive for ing its beIN XTRA 1 and 2 to behind Australia, Belgium and the was Sreejesh. “I just want to hear cocaine, with the remorseful rider say- dedicated beIN Olympics 1 and Netherlands. The team feels the member their hard work, their con- Manpreet Singh, added inspiration. that so my kids and parents will be ing the result was likely from taking the beIN Olympics 2 channels - in weight of history. Two members of tribution to Indian hockey. And they “That history gives you courage,” proud and say that’s my dad standing drug at a social event. addition to over 14 hours of daily India’s last Olympic gold medal- created history for us, they brought a said the 33-year-old. “We should at the podium.” The 36-year-old returned a positive A- news bulletins and programmes winning team, Ravindra Pal Singh lot of glory for us. So this is the least believe in that, look at our history, Hockey remains India’s national sample on June 26 following a test by on the beIN Sports news channel and Maharaj Krishan we can do, to play better hockey in take inspiration from that and just go game but has slipped in the popu- Sport Integrity Australia, with the result and a free to air obligation of Kaushik, died from Covid the Tokyo Olympics.” and play our best in Tokyo.” larity stakes behind cricket, which only made public yesterday. 400 hours. The coverage will on the same day in May. Hockey greats Dhyan Chand and K The Sreejesh-led Indian team can boast glamour and riches. But According to Australian reports, include a dedicated daily studio Keshav Datt, who was D Singh Babu were the stars as India crashed out in the quarter-fi nals at Sreejesh believes competition from Kermond did not travel with the rest from 6am to 6pm Qatar Time, a part of winning teams in won six straight Olympic tourna- the 2016 Rio Olympics, but the vet- cricket will only drive hockey play- of the team when they flew to Tokyo daily roundup at 5pm, and a daily 1948 and 1952, died last ments between 1928 and 1956. Five eran goalkeeper believes the team is ers as they attempt to make their way on Tuesday. Equestrian Australia said highlights show at 10pm. The week but his death was due to age- of their eight triumphs came after better prepared now. “The experi- back into fans’ hearts with some help Kermond had been provisionally sus- specially curated studio will give related illness. India’s independence from British ence gives you more confi dence and from TV. “I sometimes feel the fans pended from all competition, includ- fans an inside scoop with 41 com- “Those heroes were always there rule in 1947. the preparation gives you the energy are not able to watch hockey enough ing the Olympics, and the Australian mentators and 10+ world-class in our heart and they will be there,” Sreejesh, who will be appearing to face any Olympic event,” he said. as there is less telecast on TV,” said Olympic Committee later issued a international and Arab sports Sreejesh said. “It’s a tribute to them at a third Olympics, said India’s rich Sreejesh said the time lost to pan- Sreejesh. “But if somebody is there statement confirming he would take no analysts and guests. when we are heading to the Tokyo hockey history gives the team, un- demic lockdowns had also made the in front of you then there is extra en- part in Tokyo. Olympics. This is the time to re- der coach Graham Reid and captain players’ resolve stronger. “We were ergy to fi ght with them.”