SPORT 16 SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2017 Real, Juventus in Cardiff showdown

Cardiff IANS (centre) and Marcelo Juve must be 'fiendish': Allegri (right) of Real Madrid panish football giants arrive at Cardiff Airport Real Madrid will hope ahead of the UEFA Cardiff and deserved it but perhaps we to become the first Champions League Reuters didn’t feel confident enough team in history to win final against Juventus. because we had come out of a the Champions League uventus coach Massimiliano of years of struggling in Sin successive seasons while Allegri (pictured) says his the Champions League. We Juventus will expect their water- Jteam need to be "fiendish" to didn’t expect to win but now it tight defence to stand tall against beat Real Madrid in today's is different," Allegri added. their vaunted rivals when the Champions League final. Allegri declined to give any two sides meet in the final here Allegri, whose side are play- information on his team selec- at the Millennium Stadium ing in their second final in three tion, saying he had yet to make today. seasons after losing to Barcelona up his mind but would factor in The feted sides who have in 2015, admitted that Real start the risk of the game going to won their respective domestic as favourites but believes Juve strike when Real offer us an extra-time. leagues - the Spanish La Liga are capable of pulling off a opening," he added. Juventus have appeared in (Real Madrid) and Italian Serie surprise. Allegri said his team had eight European Cup/Champions A (Juventus) - have been in ram- "We have worked hard all matured since that loss to Bar- League finals but have only paging form going into the final year and the wins this season celona and now had greater twice emerged victorious. and on Saturday it will be a bat- have been all about reaching this self-confidence. "Tomorrow (today) stats tle between Real's attack and game. But on Saturday we need "Two finals in three years is don’t count, its a one game final, Juve's defence. to win and we need to under- an important step but it is not we need belief in our ability and As far as Real's record is stand when will be the moments enough," he said. play better than Real," Allegri concerned, Arrigo Sacchi's AC to attack and when to defend," "We have to win and we said. side were the last to be Allegri told a news conference must be tough, technically and "Yes, Juve have played eight crowned European champions yesterday. tactically. We aren't here to visit finals and lost six but that just for a second year running in "We have to have the belief Cardiff - we came here to win shows that in a final anything 1990, but since the competition that we can bring that Cup home and take that trophy back home. can happen," added the former morphed into the Champions and we have to be fiendish to "In 2015 we got to the final AC Milan coach. League that feat has proved beyond even the most expen- sively assembled teams. EUFA Champions HOW THEY REACHED It will also be homecoming League Final for Real's Welsh winger Gareth Buffon eyes THE FINAL Bale who, if deemed fit to play, Real Madrid hoping to will strut his stuff in front of his become the first team JUVENTUS (ITA) own people. in history to win the final 'fairytale' Centre stage, as he so often Champions League in GROUP H is, will be Cristiano Ronaldo, successive seasons. Juventus (Qualified) whose lust for goals has taken Sevilla (Qualified) Real to within touching distance Legendary Juventus Cardiff of a 12th European title after goalkeeper and AFP ROUND OF 16 they took their 11th a year ago Porto 0 Juventus 2 skipper Gianluigi by beating Atletico Madrid. eteran Juventus goalkeeper Juventus 1 Porto 0 Buffon takes his last Crowned La Liga champi- Gianluigi Buffon says today's Juventus won 3-0 on aggregate ons for the first time since 2012 shot at a Champions Champions League final League medal to add V last week, Real are the favour- against Real Madrid will have "spe- QUARTER-FINALS ites after banging in 32 goals in to his glittering array cial" personal significance as he Juventus 3 Barcelona 0 12 games in the competition this of silverware. approaches the end of his storied Barcelona 0 Juventus 0 season.Ronaldo has scored 10 career. Juventus won 3-0 on aggregate of them, and two more in the This will perhaps be Juve A world champion with Italy in final would see him move above legendary goalkeeper and skip- 2006 and eight-time win- SEMI-FINALS Barcelona's to top per Gianluigi Buffon's last shot ner with Juventus, Buffon finished Monaco 0 Juventus 2 this season's Champions League at a Champions League medal on the losing side in his two previ- Juventus 2 Monaco 1 scoring chart. to add to his glittering array of ous Champions League finals in Juventus won 4-1 on aggregate "Too much humility isn't silverware after twice suffering 2003 and 2015. good. We have to prove our char- heartache in the final. Now 39, he may never get a bet- acter and who is the best," At the age of 39 Buffon, a ter opportunity to claim Europe's REAL MADRID (ESP) Ronaldo was quoted as saying as 2006 World Cup winner with biggest prize and he concedes it is a GROUP F he eyed a third Champions Italy for whom he still is the source of extra motivation. Borussia (Qualified) League crown with Real. He has first-choice keeper, will want to "Probably the emotions I might Real Madrid (Qualified) previously won the Champions end his club's 21-year wait for feel might be different to any other League with Man United in 2008. the elusive title. guy who's younger, like Dani (Alves)," ROUND OF 16 Coming to Juve, the Serie A Real coach , said Buffon, gesturing to his team- Real Madrid 3 Napoli 1 title winners have been once a Champions League run- mate, who was sitting beside him at Napoli 1 Real Madrid 3 unbeaten in Europe this season ner-up with Juve, contriving to Friday's pre-game press conference Real Madrid won 6-2 on and are going to their second break the hearts of those who in Cardiff. aggregate final in three years having con- once idolised him, will have to "Dani has already won this com- ceded only three goals. take a call whether Bale or petition and he has four or five years QUARTER-FINALS While the Italian outfit have would play but the latter looks ahead in his career. I have to rule out Bayern Munich 1 Real Madrid 2 the likes of , Mario to be ahead as Bale is yet to fully this possibility, so yes, it will be much Real Madrid 4 Bayern Munich 2 Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain recover from the ankle ligament more special for me. (after extra time) in attack, it is their backline that injury he incurred in "I still feel like a young boy, even Real Madrid won 6-3 on Juventus' Italian goalkeeper has caused a lot of trouble to top November. though I'm 39 years old. Tomorrow's aggregate Gianluigi Buffon takes part teams, most recently FC Barce- Overall, a mouthwatering match is very important to me. lona to whom they lost in the contest awaits football fans as in a training session at The "People think about my very long SEMI-FINALS 2015 Champions League final. two in-form teams who have Principality Stadium in Cardiff career. I've played for Juventus for Real Madrid 3 Atletico Madrid 0 Barcelona defender Gerard been consistent throughout the yesterday, on the eve of the many, many years. I've got back Atletico Madrid 2 Real Madrid 1 Pique described their defence season lock horns for the most UEFA Champions League final more than I gave. It would be the Real Madrid won 4-2 on as a "mountain" after their quar- wanted crown in European club against Real Madrid. perfect finale and people like aggregate ter-final loss. football. fairytales." Champions Trophy: Pride and prejudice as India, Pakistan clash

New Delhi "Don't win the Champions played a bilateral series since excited. It is something like in a tough group also includ- there's no surprise because of AFP Trophy, but just beat Pakistan 2012-2013. England-Australia. Nobody ing Sri Lanka and South Africa. videos and all, but yes playing and we will give you a grand The turbulent history wants to lose to the other," But Pakistan have won two (against) new bowlers you ndia have far more at stake welcome back home," Indian places great pressure on Kohli Chauhan, now sports minister of their three Champions Tro- don't know what magic deliv- in tomorrow's Champions fan Aman Sood said yesterday, in Sunday's clash. A victory is in India's northern Uttar phy showdowns against India, ery they have," Gavaskar said ITrophy match against arch- summing up the high-stakes vital not just for diplomatic Pradesh state, said. ratcheting up the pressure on at the Aaj Tak Salaam cricket rivals Pakistan than launching contest. -scoring but potentially "Every player wants to do the tournament's defending convention in London. their title defence -- even if Their few encounters are securing a berth in the semi his best against Pakistan and champions. The two sides last met in skipper Virat Kohli insists it is frequently poisoned by the finals. vice versa because that (per- The element of surprise, Kolkata during the World T20 "just another game". political rivalry of the day. Kohli "is right in calling it formance) has value and is once a given between the two last year, when hosts India out- The cricket-mad neigh- For almost 18 years, wars just another game, because he remembered for a long time. It sides, has been eroded by tech- played Pakistan in a group bouring countries rarely square prevented either side from vis- does not want to put more is a highly charged match." nology, which allows the rivals match. off and hundreds of millions of iting the other until the ice was pressure on him and the play- India have never lost a to study each other even with- Perhaps their most mem- fans are expected to tune in broken in 1978, but even today ers", said former India opener 50-over World Cup or out meeting on the pitch, said orable clash of modern times and watch the teams fight for matches are few and far Chetan Chauhan. Twenty20 showdown against Indian batting great Sunil was the gripping 2007 World national pride at Edgbaston in between. "It's the rivalry between the Pakistan, and a win on Sunday Gavaskar. Twenty20 final, which India Birmingham. The two sides have not two countries that gets people would put them in good stead "Even without bilateral ties, won by five runs. SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2017 SPORT 17

Crutchlow tops practice as Ruthless Nadal breezes into Rossi suffers

Luco di Mugello, Italy fourth round of French Open AFP al Crutchlow, riding a Honda, clocked the Djokovic toils FRENCH OPEN RESULTS Cfastest time in the French Open results yesterday, the sixth day opening two practice sessions Defending champion of the 2017 tournament at Roland Garros (x for the Italian MotoGP at Djokovic escapes denotes seeding): Mugello yesterday. Schwartzman's Men The Briton timed 1min clutches in five sets to Third Round 47.365sec to finish ahead of move into last 16. Milos Raonic (CAN x5) bt Guillermo García- Italian Andrea Dovizioso López (ESP) 6-1, 1-0 -- retired (Ducati), who was fastest in Pablo Carreño-Busta (ESP x20) bt Grigor the morning, with Germany's Dimitrov (BUL x11) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 Yamaha Tech3 rider Jonas AFP Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x17) bt Jirí Folger in third. Veselý (CZE) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 "I don't feel fantastic with ine-time champion Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) bt Nikoloz Basilashvili the bike, I've not been feeling Rafael Nadal lost (GEO) 6-0, 6-1, 6-0 great over the past couple of just one game in a Dominic Thiem (AUT x6) bt Steve Johnson days, but the overall perform- ruthless display to (USA x25) 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 ance today I was quite happy reach the French Horacio Zeballos (ARG) bt David Goffin (BEL with," said Crutchlow. NOpen last 16 yesterday, but title- x10) 4-5 -- retired Dovizioso was satisfied holder Novak Djokovic needed Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) bt Diego with his showing but warned five sets to survive. Schwartzman (ARG) 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 there was work still to be done. Nadal demonstrated why he Women "I'm really happy about is once more considered the Third Round the feeling today, but it will overwhelming favourite at Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) bt Lesya Tsurenko not be enough because Roland Garros with a brutal (UKR) 6-1, 6-4 tomorrow others will be able demolition of Georgia's Nikoloz Samantha Stosur (AUS x23) bt Bethanie to improve and we have to Basilashvili. Mattek-Sands (USA) 6-2, 6-2 improve our speed in the The Spaniard romped to a Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP x4) bt Yulia middle of the corner," the

6-0, 6-1, 6-0 win, narrowly Putintseva (KAZ x27) 7-5, 6-2 Ducati man said.

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili during their match of Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x13) bt Shelby missing out on becoming just the The Spanish trio of Jorge Rogers (USA) 7-5, 4-6, 8-6 sixth man in the Open era to the 2017 French Open in Paris, yesterday. Lorenzo (Ducati), champion- record a "triple bagel". ship leader Maverick Vinales "Perfection? I don't know one down to prevail 5-7, 6-3, well." Canadian fifth seed Milos when he got caught up in court out victory with an ace in a (Yamaha) and Marc Marquez about that," said Nadal, who 6-3, 6-1, 6-1. The 12-time major Raonic advanced to the last 16 covers, forcing him to abandon match that featured 11 breaks of (Honda) could only finish plans to celebrate his 31st birth- winner was embroiled in a bit- when Guillermo Garcia-Lopez his third-round tie with Horacio serve in 20 games played. 10th, 11th and 13th. day on Saturday by watching ter spat with umpire Carlos retired with a thigh injury in the Zeballos of Argentina. "I think the more matches I Vinales suffered a heavy Real Madrid take on Juventus in Ramos in the fourth set as Djok- second set. Goffin was leading 5-4 when play and the toughest victories I fall, which seemed to leave the Champions League final. ovic was warned for Raonic, a quarter-finalist in he chased down the ball towards think gives you self-confidence, him struggling to breathe "I think I played very well unsportsmanlike conduct after Paris in 2014, led 6-1, 1-0 before the back of the Suzanne Leng- successful feeling out there," said before he found his way back today. The most important thing an earlier time violation. the veteran Spaniard, ranked len court. Muguruza. onto the saddle. Home is to be through and I played my But Djokovic eventually 153, quit after just 28 minutes. However, his right foot got "I think it's important with favourite , the best match in a while. proved too strong for Schwartz- He will play Spanish 20th horribly jammed beneath the all the three matches that I seven-time world MotoGP "Tomorrow at 8.45 I'm going man, playing in the last 32 of a seed Pablo Carreno Busta, who rolled-up tarpaulin before he played that are not easy at all." champion, struggled with to be in front of the TV for sure Slam for the first time, and goes dumped out Bulgaria's Grigor tumbled into the wall and a Muguruza plays French 13th chest pains after a motocross supporting my team, hoping that on to face Frenchman Lucas Dimitrov in straight sets, 7-5, linesman's chair. seed Kristina Mladenovic, who training accident that saw Real Madrid will win another Pouille or Spain's Albert Ramos- 6-3, 6-4. The 26-year-old was helped rallied from 5-2 down in the him hospitalised last week. time," he added. Vinolas in round four. Dominic Thiem, a semi- from the court by two officials third set to beat American Shelby But he was eventually cleared Nadal will meet compatriot "I expected a tough match, finalist last year and the only and retired in the locker room. Rogers, for a place in the last to race and was 14th fastest. Roberto Bautista Agut for a spot there were lots of exchanges player to beat Nadal on clay this Reigning women's champion eight. Australian 23rd Saman- "Today's sessions were in the quarter-finals. from the baseline and the con- season, brushed past American Garbine Muguruza gained fur- tha Stosur, the 2010 French Open very important to get an Reigning champion Djoko- ditions were heavy," said 25th seed Steve Johnson 6-1, 7-6 ther momentum in the defence runner-up, breezed into the understanding of my condi- vic escaped trouble against Djokovic. (7/4), 6-3. of her title with a 7-5, 6-2 win fourth round with a 6-2, 6-2 rout tion," the MotoGP known Diego Schwartzman, the second "I congratulate Diego on a Belgian 10th seed David Gof- over Kazakh 27th seed Yulia of American qualifier Bethanie as 'the Doctor' told the sport's seed rallying from two sets to great battle. He played very, very fin suffered a nasty ankle injury Putintseva. The Spaniard closed Mattek-Sands. official website. Rain rescues Australia against NZ

Birmingham, UK rivals England, who launched a But further rain during the Pattinson the man who missed AFP tournament featuring the world's mid-innings break left Australia out yesterday. Pat Cummins, top eight one-day international with a tough new target under however, proved expensive, with ew Zealand captain Kane sides with an eight-wicket win the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern New Zealand opener Luke Ron- Williamson made exactly over Bangladesh at the Oval on method for weather affected chi severe on the paceman N100 before rain saw his Thursday. limited overs matches. during a dashing 65. side's Champions Trophy opener Only the top two sides from Australia, trying to force the Williamson showed touch against Australia at Edgbaston each of the two groups of four pace against accurate new-ball play could be effective too when yesterday end in a no-result qualify for the semi-finals. bowling, were soon 35 for two he swept off-spinner Travis washout. New Zealand were on course after big-hitting openers David Head for a four between two leg- This was an identical out- for a score well above 300 while Warner (18) and Aaron Finch side fielders. come to when the teams met at Williamson was at the crease in (eight) fell cheaply. Alongside Ross Taylor (46), the Birmingham ground in the an innings reduced from the ODI Warner, advancing down the he put on 99 for the third wicket. last edition four years ago. standard 50 to 46 because of pitch to cut left-armer Trent Williamson hoisted John Australia, who were left rain. Boult was caught behind before Hastings for a legside six to go needing a revised target of 235 But his run out sparked a Finch clipped Adam Milne to into the 90s before a flicked four to win in 33 overs, were 53 for slump that saw the Blackcaps mid-wicket. and single off the same bowler three off nine when the players dismissed for 291 after losing And when Moises Hen- saw him to a 96-ball century, his left the field for the final time. their last seven wickets for 37 riques (18) was caught and ninth at this level, with eight A minimum of 20 overs had runs in 35 balls. bowled by Milne via an inside fours and three sixes. to be bowled in Australia's Josh Hazlewood was the edge off his pad, Australia were But he was then run out by innings for a result to be declared chief beneficiary as several bats- three down. Henriques's throw to New Zealand Adam Milne (right) celebrates but the last downpour was so men carelessly holed out, with But no sooner had Henriques Cummins. Brief Scores (Match aban- after taking a wicket during the ICC severe there was no chance of the fast bowler returning ODI been dismissed then fresh rain the match resuming in time. best figures of six for 52. took the players off the field. doned due to rain) Champions Trophy match at Edgbaston The teams took a point Hazlewood took three wick- Australia had opted against New Zealand 291 (William- in Birmingham, central England, yesterday. apiece -- a result that was argu- ets in four balls to wrap up the fielding all four of their out-and- son 100, Ronchi 65, Hazlewood ably of most benefit to Group A innings with an over to spare. out fast bowlers, with James 6-52) vs Australia 53 for 3. Sri Lanka sweat on Mathews as Proteas duo get all clear

London But Sri Lanka are set to delay World Cup' bolstered by the "He's our number one spin team sheet." South Africa white- tomorrow's game." South Africa AFP any final decision on Mathews knowing both leg-spinner Imran bowler," said de Villiers. washed Sri Lanka 5-0 in a home rounded off their recent series until the morning of the match Tahir and batsman David Miller "Keshav understands his role ODI series earlier this year but against England with a morale- ri Lanka face a nervous wait at Oval. are fully fit for the Group B when it comes to that. de Villiers said: "They always boosting seven-wicket win at to discover if captain Angelo "We're going to look at him fixture. "There might be a time in the play well in these tournaments. Lord's on Monday, having SMathews will be fit for their tomorrow morning as well, so Left-arm spinner Keshav tournament where we might use "We're well aware of that, ensured all the members of their Champions Trophy one-day the final decision will be then," Maharaj proved an effective dep- a different strategy, if we play and they deserve our respect. Champions Trophy squad fea- international opener against Sri Lanka vice-captain Upul Tha- uty when called upon by the against a certain opposition or "They have a lot of match tured at some stage. South Africa today. ranga told reporters at the Oval Proteas during their recent 2-1 on a certain field. winners on their team. "As difficult as it is for me to The all-rounder has been yesterday. ODI series defeat by England but "But for tomorrow, Imran is "So it's so much more impor- say ... that was definitely a warm- struggling with a calf problem By contrast South Africa, the skipper AB de Villiers was glad the number one pick. tant for us to make sure we don't up for us," said de Villiers. and was due to have a fitness test world's top-ranked ODI side, to have Tahir available follow- "He is fit and ready to go, so think about what happened in "I hate to say that -- because yesterday. begin their quest to win the 'mini ing a hamstring tweak. you should see his name on the the last series and we focus on I hate losing games of cricket." 18 SPORT SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2017 Sampaoli named Argentina manager

Tough task ahead The 57-year-old, who is ful- filling a long-time dream of Argentina's hopes of coaching his national team, said Messi to build qualifying for World he had signed a deal with the Cup in Russia are on AFA until the 2022 World Cup a knife edge in the in Qatar. 10-nation South "The liaison will go through brand in China American group from to the 2022 World Cup. Let's hope we can generate something which the top four important for Argentine foot- Beijing qualify for Russia. ball," said Sampaoli, who leaves Reuters for Australia with his squad for The 57-year-old has a two-match friendly tour. hinese fans will be able to celebrate the achievements signed a deal with Sampaoli's long-term deal of Barcelona soccer great Lionel Messi at a new theme the AFA until the should bring some stability after Cpark to be built in Beijing. 2022 FIFA World nearly two years of turmoil at The Messi Experience Park, which is being launched by the Argentine FA (AFA). the five times world player of the year in collaboration with Cup in Qatar Gerardo Martino quit as Chinese broadcaster Phoenix Group and Spanish media com- national team manager last July pany Mediapro, is set to open in 2019 in the Chinese over the AFA's poor organisa- capital. Buenos Aires tion and six months of salary The Argentine football association (AFA) president Claudio The theme park will have 20 indoor and outdoor attrac- Reuters arrears with Edgardo Bauza Tapia (left) presents the Argentine football team's new coach tions in a 42,000 square metre space which will "immerse employed as a stop-gap Jorge Sampaoli during a press conference in Ezeiza, Buenos visitors in Messi's universe," a statement from the player's rgentina coach Jorge manager. Aires, Argentina, on Thursday. Leo Messi Management group said Sampaoli said his Sampaoli took fourth-placed Messi, who earned the European Golden Shoe last sea- greatest challenge Sevilla to their highest finish in Bauza was sacked in April 31. Then they have home son by finishing top scorer in Europe's top five leagues, was to get the best La Liga since 2010 during his with Argentina in fifth place in matches against Venezuela and attended a launch event in Beijing this week. out of Lionel Messi only season in European soccer the qualifying group, which Peru and finish with a visit to "I hope to provide them with an experience they have andA reach next year's World Cup after a long career in South would put them in an intercon- Ecuador, who are sixth with 20 never had before and encourage people to play football from finals in Russia as he was offi- America. tinental playoff against a team points. an early age," Messi told reporters. cially unveiled on Thursday with He is thrilled to have from Oceania. Sampaoli will make his David Xirau, director of Mediapro Exhibitions said the a contract through to the 2022 29-year-old Barcelona forward There are four rounds of debut in charge of Argentina theme park will "use the most advanced technology" to com- tournament in Qatar. Messi on his team having faced matches to go with Argentina against their arch-rivals Brazil bine attractions with spaces to play the world's most popular Sampaoli, identified as him in the 2015 Copa America on 22 points from 14 matches, in Melbourne on June 9 before sport. Argentina's choice in April but final when his Chile side upset behind already-qualified his side move on to face Singa- Companies from China have invested heavily in foreign tied to Spanish club Sevilla until Argentina on penalties. leaders Brazil (33), Colombia pore in another friendly on June clubs in recent years as President Xi Jinping has called for the end of the Liga season 11 days Sampaoli replaced the (24), Uruguay and Chile (both 13. the country to develop a world-class soccer industry. ago, said his first contact with sacked Bauza to ensure Argen- 23). "Playing a World Cup is Chinese ambitions for soccer have also extended to spic- captain Messi was positive. tina's form improves and they "The South American qual- complicated," said Sampaoli, ing up the domestic league with a clutch of high-profile "I spoke with Leo yesterday reach the 2018 World Cup. ifiers are very complicated. whose Chile team reached the signings. and we are both excited about But their hopes are on a There are some very good teams second round before losing to Messi is Barcelona's highest paid player, earning an esti- this project. It's a boost for us to knife edge in the 10-nation trying to do the same thing as hosts Brazil at the 2014 finals. mated 40m euros per year, which is set to increase this see how excited he is with this South American group from us," added Sampaoli. "It's a tournament that has summer as he is expected to sign a bumper new long-term new stage (for Argentina)," Sam- which the top four qualify for Argentina face Uruguay to find you consolidated. I dream contract with Barca, where his current deal runs until 2018. paoli told reporters. Russia. next in Montevideo on August of building a strong squad."

Guardiola says Record pay-out for Man City can close gap on champions Chelsea London rivals London from its central commercial AFP deals and overseas broadcast London rights on an equal basis, which Reuters means all 20 clubs got nearly nglish champions Chel- £5m each for the former and anchester City will sea received a record £39 million for the latter. close the gap on EPremier League pay-out Even the three clubs who Mrivals Chelsea and of more than £150m this sea- were relegated leave with large Tottenham Hotspur next sea- son, nearly £60 million more payments, including bottom- son, manager than their predecessors Leices- placed Sunderland who has said after the side secured ter, after new TV deals came received just over £93m. a third-placed Premier into force. The Premier League also League finish in his debut Supporters of the Iraqi national teal wave their national flag during the international friendly The broadcast deals, paid out nearly £220m in "par- campaign. including a bumper domestic achute payments" to eight football match against Jordan at Basra Sports City in Basra on Thursday. City endured an incon- contract, ensured generous teams relegated in recent sea- sistent season, finishing 13 end-of-season payments for all sons: Aston Villa, Cardiff, points behind champions 20 Premier League clubs who Fulham, Newcastle, Norwich, Chelsea and eight behind Tot- shared a total of £2.4bn. QPR, Reading and Wigan. Iraq win first post-ban tenham as the Spaniard failed Figures on the league's Villa, Newcastle and Nor- to secure a trophy for the first website showed Leicester, who wich, who were relegated last time in his managerial career. earned £93m after their stun- year, got almost £41m each, "Always the leagues are ning title success last year, QPR £31m and the other four complicated to win," Guardi- received £116 million this sea- more than £16m. Overall, the Jordan friendly at home ola said during a Q&A with son, when they finished 12th. ratio between the highest and fans on Thursday. Second-placed Tottenham the lowest earning clubs in the "But of course we are Hotspur earned about £145 mil- Premier League was 1.61 to 1, Basra, Iraq Aboud said. "What makes me causes, including inter-tribal going to close the gap lion -- slightly less than the lowest among Europe's top AFP prouder is the feeling of respon- conflict. between especially Chelsea Manchester City and Liverpool leagues. The Premier League's sibility. Everyone wants to make Jabbar al-Saadi, the head of and Tottenham, trying to be owing to the difference in their appeal to broadcasters at home raq faced Jordan in the south- this event a success." the province's security commit- close for the next season." "facility fees", awarded for and abroad has also permitted ern city of Basra on Thursday That is key for Iraq, cur- tee, said that more than 5,000 Guardiola also said that appearances on TV. it to increase the money it dis- Iin their first match at home rently under a three-month members of the security forces his first season in England did Domestic rights to broad- tributes to grassroots facilities since football's governing body FIFA-imposed probation period were involved in the security not call for too much adjust- cast the Premier League were and projects. FIFA lifted a multi-year ban on during which their ability to host plan for the match. ment compared to his time sold for £5.1bn over three sea- In the last financial year, the international friendlies. matches will be assessed. Like their supporters, with Barcelona and Bayern sons, dwarfing the previous league spent £200m in this Iraqis' passion for football If it goes well, official inter- Iraqi players were glad to be Munich. "It's not too much, deal. area, about seven percent of its cuts across the deep religious national matches as well as home. the principles are the same so The league shares money total broadcast income. and political divisions that have friendlies may return to the "It is very important that we the way you want to play is fuelled horrific violence in the country. return to playing in front of our the same, so of course I country for years, but that same FIFA banned Iraq from host- fans," Ali Adnan told adjust," the Spaniard said. violence has led to periodic bans ing friendlies in 2013 after a journalists. "When I adjust it's on matches being held in the coach was killed by security "We hope that the Iraqi because of the quality of the country. forces, only lifting it last month. team's official matches will players not because here the Now the national team is Violence was rising in 2013, return to our stadiums." Premier League is different finally back on the field in Iraq, part of a multi-year crescendo Iraq already hosted one from the other ones. But the and fans are both happy and of bloodshed that culminated in recent international match -- fundamental principles are proud about the homecoming. the Islamic State group's take- albeit between two Iraqi the same." "Now we truly feel the over of large areas north and teams -- that was part of the City have already atmosphere of football, and we west of Baghdad the following Asian Football Confederation splashed out big money on embrace our national team after summer. Cup. striker Bernardo Silva and it was far from us over the past Among the targets of fre- "We have to invest well in goalkeeper Ederson Moares years," said Hazem Mousa, a quent jihadist attacks in 2013 the 90-day period specified by to strengthen their squad for 46-year-old teacher. were football pitches where the international federation," Ali next season. Iraq returned the embrace Iraqi children played and cafes Jabbar, the deputy head of the Meanwhile, ManCity will with a 1-0 victory thanks to Alaa broadcasting matches. Iraqi Football Association told a face a hearing at the Court of Abdul-Zahra's 14th On Thursday, security was news conference. Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on strike. tight in Basra, which is far from "We consider the match July 3 over the English club's , former Brazil international, has his picture taken with "I feel proud and I see the the battlefields of Iraq's war with Jordan today the first step signing of teenager Benjamin fans during the all-stars game in the fanzone at Cardiff fans return to support the team," against jihadists, but still suffers in lifting the ban Garre from Argentine side Wales, yesterday. 32-year-old engineer Haidar from violence due to other (completely)." Velez Sarsfield. SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2017 SPORT 19 South Africa's Van Niekerk jostling for Bolt's crown

Boston Olympic career in Rioo llastast year "I don'tdon't thinkthink that'sthat's a rolerole possibilitypossibility ooff trying to bbreakreak Reuters with a 'triple-triple' sweepeep of gold tthat'shat's going to be filled by any Bolt's records in the 100 and 200. medals in the 100, 200 and oonene person, but Wayde van But observers say the South resh off a record-break- 4x100 relay for threeee straight NiekerkNiekerk is going to be one of the African has not yet shown the ing performance in the games. peoplepeople who can hold the ppublic'sublic's sspeedpeed to achieve that. Van 400 metres at the Rio He also holds worldrld recordsrecords attention,"attention," said Ato Boldon, a Niekerk's 100 and 200 personal Olympics, South Afri- for the 100 and 200 as well as ffour-timeour-time Olympic medallist bests — 9.98 and 19.90 — are can sprinter Wayde van helping Jamaica set tthehe 4x100 fromfrom Trinidad and Tobago and well off Bolt’s world records FNiekerk finds himself among a mark at the 2012 Londondon Games.Games. NBCNBC sportssports analyst.analyst. from 2009 of 9.58 and 19.19.19.19. crowd of athletes jostling for the "I have the utmost resrespectpect for Jamaica'sJamaica's Yohan Blake, who "He hasn't shown thatthat mantle of the retiring Usain Bolt, Usain Bolt and what he's done wonwon silver at the London Games he has that top-end speed who has long outshone all his for the sport," van Niekerkekerk said inin the 100 and 200, sees himselfhimself over the 100 metres," rivals. in an interview in Boston,ton, where asas Bolt's "heir apparent" and said Maurice Greene,Greene, a The 24-year-old smashed he is preparing to competepete in this ttrainedrained with the South African four-time American American Michael Johnson's weekend's Adidas Boostost Boston lastlast year, said he was impressed Olympic medallist and 17-year-old record in the 400 at street meet. by van Niekerk's abilities.abilities. former 100 world record the Rio Games with a time of "I'm not using himm as some-some- "A lot of peoplepeople want to take holder. "But I don't pputut aany-ny- 43.03 seconds, and is the only one whose records I want to overover but I think he's in a ggoodood thingthing past an athlete.athlete."" man to break 44 seconds in the break, I'm using him ass someone position,"position," Blake said. "Listen, he VanVan Niekerk's coach Botha, 400m, 20 seconds in the 200m who inspires me," addedadded the rranan 43 zero. That’s almost inhu- agreedagreed that the risinrisingg star's and 10 seconds in the 100m. South African, whosee coach is man.man. He has the platform, he has strength is likely to lie in disdis-- But even those performances 75-year-old great-grandmotherandmother thethe body. And he can do itit."." tances beyond the 100. pale beside the achievements of of five Ans Botha. Van Niekerk,Niekerk, who admits to "When yyou'veou've reached a ggoaloal the Jamaican great, whose reign Long-time track observers wearingwearing his fame uneasily, is or a dream, you always have to at the top will end when he and van Niekerk's felloww compet-compet- aaimingiming for double ggoldsolds in the strive for better,"better," Botha said. "I retires after the world champi- itors, say that no athletee mmayay have 200200 and 400 in London, and in thinkthink he will be a much better onships in London in August. the speed and charismama to dom-dom- anan April interview with The 200 metresmetres,, 400 metres South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk reacts after winning the Bolt wrapped up his inate public perceptionn like Bolt. TTimesimes of London mulled the athlete." 400m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in this file photo.

France, Durant powers Warriors rout Ireland and SA bid for over Cavs in Finals opener World Cup Oakland AFP Cape Town AP olden State's scored 38 points and sparked Golf: Ko's world rance, Ireland and Ga smothering defense that South Africa say powered the unbeaten Warriors over Fthey have submitted defending champion 113- number one formal bids to host the 91 in Thursday's opening game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. NBA Finals. Final bid papers had The Warriors juggernaut matched to be delivered to World the longest playoff win streak in NBA reign set to end Rugby by Thursday and history at 13-0 and seized a 1-0 lead the winning bid will be in the best-of-seven championship New Jersey announced on November series with game two Sunday at Reuters 15. Oakland. France hosted in Durant, seeking his first NBA ydia Ko (pictured) will relinquish her world 2007 and put on games crown after leaving Oklahoma City number one ranking tomorrow, ending an at the 1991 and 1999 for Golden State last July, hit 14-of- L84-week reign at the top of women's golf. tournaments. 26 from the floor and added eight The South Korea-born New Zealander is not South Africa last rebounds and eight assists, his early playing this week's ShopRite LPGA Classic in New hosted in 1995. domination including six first-half Jersey, which means she is certain to be overtaken Ireland has never dunks, more than in any prior full by either Ariya Jutanugarn or Ryu So-yeon, the been the sole host but playoff game. LPGA announced. also staged games in 1991 "If I see a lane, I just try to attack," With Thai Ariya also skipping the event, South and 1999. said Durant. "Just tried to be aggres- Korea's Ryu can pinch the top ranking if she wins French bidders said sive to the rim and loosen them up a in New Jersey, finishes in a two or three-way tie they will utilize nine bit. But it all starts from getting stops. for second or comes outright third. Otherwise, "ultra-modern" stadiums We worry about defense first and Ariya will be number one. built or renovated for last offensively we can move the ball Either way, it will mark the 10th different year's European soccer around, drive and kick and try to find number one since the rankings were created in championship. shots. I was more focused on defense." 2006, after Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Shin Ireland aims to hold Durant's defensive work helped Ji-yai, Ai Miyazato, Cristie Kerr, Yani Tseng, Stacy games in the Irish repub- frustrate Cleveland star LeBron James, Lewis, Park In-bee and Ko. forward Kevin Durant dunks against the lic and Northern Ireland. who finished with 28 points on 9-of- "Since I dreamed about the LPGA Tour, I also The Irish bid team said it 20 shooting with 15 rebounds and during game one of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle dreamed about becoming the number one player secured government eight assists in the first game of his Arena on Thursday. Golden State Warriors took the Finals lead with in the world," Ryu told reporters at Stockton Seav- commitments required seventh consecutive finals. a 113-91 win. iew Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway on the eve by rugby's governing But James also made eight of 20 of the tournament on Thursday. body amid reports that Cleveland turnovers that led to 21 second half that produced a 73-52 's 3-pointer to end "I definitely want to become number one at legislation would need to Warriors points, seven of them com- lead. The Cavaliers never seriously the first quarter gave the Warriors a some point, and I'm working really hard for that, be rushed through the ing in the first half, the second most threatened again. 35-30 lead and Golden State stretched as well, but I think the more important thing is Irish parliament to guar- in any half of his epic career. Golden State, trying to become the it to 60-52 at half-time. enjoy this moment and enjoy playing golf. I believe antee financial backing. "We were victims of ourselves," first unbeaten playoff champion, Curry's surge to open the second that will get me to number one." South Africa, which James said. "There's no way you're matched the record 13-game post- half pulled the Warriors away to stay. Ryu leads the LPGA money list after a stellar failed in three successive going to win a game with 20 turno- season win streak set by the Los After another 3-pointer later in the start to the season, highlighted by a victory at the bids to host the 2011, 2015 vers against this team and on the road. Angeles Lakers in 1988 and 1989 and third, Curry turned from the basket and year's first major, the ANA Inspiration, where her and 2019 World Cups, I pride myself on not turning the ball matched by the Cavaliers this year. kicked his feet into the air, celebrat- playoff win over Lexi Thompson was overshad- would stage the 2023 over and I did it too much." "They're the best I ever seen," ing his ability to seemingly score at will owed by the American's penalty for replacing her final at Soccer City in The Warriors matched an NBA Cavaliers coach said. against the struggling Cavaliers. ball in the wrong spot on a putting green during Johannesburg, the show- Finals record low with only four turn- The Cavaliers saw their nine- Late in the fourth quarter, a the third round. piece venue for the 2010 overs and struck for 56 points in the game playoff road win streak from James by set up a no- soccer World Cup. paint. Golden State had 11 first-half snapped. It was the second-best in look pass from Curry to Durant, who All three countries dunks in all, the most of any team in NBA history after the Los Angeles Lak- sank a 3-pointer and shook his head Women's golf Rankings have promised profitable any Finals half in 20 years, Durant ers took 12 in a row in 2001-02. in awe of his hot hand. tournaments in an era leading the way. added 24 points for Durant joined , 1: Lydia Ko (NZL) 428.47 where the financial "He was amazing and I expect Cleveland while had 15 Shaquille O'Neal and in 2: Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 483.02 repercussions of hosting nothing less in the rest of the games," points and 21 rebounds for the Cavs, scoring 25 or more points in his first 3: So Yeon Ryu (KOR) 50 410.56 major sports events have said Warriors forward Draymond who outrebounded the Warriors six NBA Finals games, the prior five 4: Lexi Thompson (USA) 339.73 come under scrutiny. Green. "He came out ready to go and 59-50. led Golden with Oklahoma City in a 2012 loss to 5: In Gee Chun (KOR) 368.25 France said its tour- it was huge for us." State with 11 rebounds. the James-led . 6: Shanshan Feng (CHN) 356.51 nament would provide Golden State's , who James had 19 points and 11 The Warriors beat Cleveland for the 7: Inbee Park (KOR) 226.13 $350m in revenue for had 28 points and 10 assists, sparkled rebounds in the first half, the first time 2015 crown but squandered a 3-1 lead 8: Sung Hyun Park (KOR ) 316.82 World Rugby. in the third quarter, his two 3-point- in his career he managed a playoff last year as the Cavs made the greatest 9: Sei Young Kim (KOR) 293.01 ers capping a 13-0 run to start the double-double before halftime. comeback in NBA Finals history. 10: Amy Yang (KOR) 239.55