SPORT

Monday 5 June 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Dovizioso edges Champions League Smith urges Vinales in hero Ronaldo still Aussies to step on Mugello epic hungry for more the gas Kohli, Yuvraj star as India thrash Pakistan

Birmingham UK dismissed reports of a rift with of 136. Mohammad Amir was the AFP India coach Anil Kumble, was pick of Pakistan's attack with equally contemptuous of Paki- none for 32 in 8.1 overs. ndia Virat Kohli and stan's attack during a blistering But fellow left-arm fast Yuvraj Singh made Pakistan innings of 81 not out off just 68 bowler Wahab was hugely pay for fluffing catches with balls that included six fours and expensive, his wicketless 8.4 quickfire fifties as the hold- three sixes. overs costing 87 runs. ers launched their Left-hander Yuvraj, named Wahab's day was summed up IChampions Trophy title-defence man-of-the-match for his game- when he was unable to complete with a rain-affected 124 run changing innings, smashed a his ninth over after falling awk- thrashing of their arch-rivals at rapid 53 while helping Kohli add wardly in his stride. Edgbaston yesterday. 93 for the third in just 59 Before the match, players, After India made 319 for balls. officials and a crowd of 24,156 -- three in 48 overs, the third rain That was not the end of the a record for a one-day stoppage of the match left Paki- run spree, with Hardik Pandya international at Edgbaston -- stan with a revised target of 289 hitting sixes off the first three observed a minute's silence for in 41 overs when play resumed balls of left-arm spinner Imad the victims of Saturday's London in bright sunshine. Wasim's last over of the innings. terror attack that killed seven But Pakistan, rarely up with India smashed 72 off their people. the stiff run-rate, finished on 164 final four overs as Pakistan's Pakistan captain Sarfraz for nine, with injured last man attack wilted. Ahmed won the toss in what was Wahab Riaz unable to bat as Rohit Sharma (91) and the opening Group B match for India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar (second left) celebrates the wicket of Pakistan's Ahmed Shehzad India won with 44 balls to spare. Shikhar Dhawan (68) laid the both the Asian giants in a tour- Kohli, who on Saturday had platform with an opening stand nament featuring the world's top with India's captain Virat Kohli during the ICC Champions trophy match at Edgbaston in eight ODI teams. Birmingham, yesterday. SCOREBOARD Sharma was fortunate when, INDIA Mohammad Hafeez c Kumar b Jadeja ...... 33 on 21, he edged Amir just beyond been his 11th ODI hundred, Rohit Kohli had made 43 when he attack leaked runs in the way R Sharma (run out) ...... 91 Shoaib Malik (run out) ...... 15 a diving Azhar Ali at slip for four. was run out when he just failed was missed by substitute Fakhar Wahab had done. Azhar was S Dhawan c Azhar Ali b Shadab Khan ...... 68 Sarfraz Ahmed c Dhoni b Pandya ...... 15 Pakistan were donated a to beat Babar Azam's throw to Zaman, who could not hold a caught at deep square leg by V Kohli (not out)...... 81 Imad Wasim c Jadhav b Pandya ...... 0 wicket, however, when Dhawan wicket-keeper Sarfraz after Koh- top-edged hook off Wahab. Hardik Pandya, trying to hit left- Yuvraj Singh lbw ...... 53 Shadab Khan (not out) ...... 14 H Pandya (not out) ...... 20 Mohammad Amir c Jadhav b Yadav ...... 9 hoisted a full toss from teenage li's call for a tight single. A blizzard of boundaries fol- arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja for Extras (LB-2, W-2, NB-2) ...... 6 Hasan Ali c Dhawan b Yadav ...... 0 leg-spinner Shadab Khan It was the end of a 119-ball lowed, with Kohli flat- six. New batsman Shoaib Malik Total (for 3 wkts in 48 overs) ...... 319 Wahab Riaz (absent hurt) straight to Azhar at deep innings featuring two sixes and Hasan down the ground for six did loft Jadeja for a straight six. Fall of : 1-136, 2-192, 3-285. Extras (LB-2, W-6) ...... 8 midwicket. seven fours. to complete his fifty. But Jadeja had his revenge by Bowling: Amir 8.1-1-32-0; Wasim 9.1-0-66-0 (1w); Total (all out in 33.4 overs) ...... 164 Sharma went 43 balls with- Yuvraj should have been out Pakistan, who only just qual- running Shoaib out with a direct Ali 10-0-70-1 (1nb); Riaz 8.4-0-87-0 (1nb, 1w); Shadab Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-61, 3-91, 4-114, 5-131, 6-135, out a boundary in the face of for eight but Hasan Ali, sliding ified for the Champions Trophy hit from backward point to leave 10-0-52-1; Shoaib 2-0-10-0. 7-151, 8-164, 9-164. tight Pakistan bowling before round at long-on, dropped the when eighth in the International Pakistan all but out of the game PAKISTAN Bowling: Kumar 5-1-23-1 (2w); Yadav 7.4-1-30-3 Azhar Ali c Pandya b Jadedja ...... 50 (1w); Bumrah 5-0-23-0; Pandya 8-0-43-2 (3w); Jadeja cover-driving and pulling Wahab two-handed catch off Shadab. Cricket Council's ODI rankings, at 114 for four in the 24th over.

Ahmed Shehzad lbw Kumar ...... 12 8-0-43-2. for a four and a six off successive Hasan eventually had Yuvraj saw Azhar Ali make exactly 50 Umesh Yadav (three for 30) Babar Azam c Jadeja b Yadav ...... 8 Result: India won by 124 runs (DLS method). deliveries. lbw on review but by then the in 65 balls with six fours. ended the match when Hasan fell But eyeing what would have damage had been done. But no member of India's for a duck. Nadal, Djokovic enter quarter-finals

Paris Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas. going on to play Fernando Ver- AFP Japan's Kei Nishikori fought dasco for a place in the off a fierce five-set challenge quarter-finals. ine-time champion Rafael from rising South Korean talent Karen Khachanov will play Nadal surged into the Hyeon Chung to clinch a place Andy Murray in the fourth round NFrench Open quarter- in the last 16. Eighth seed after the giant Russian beat finals for a record-equalling 11th Nishikori led two sets to one but American 21st seed John Isner time yesterday, while reigning trailed by a double break at 3-0 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3). women's title-holder Garbine down in the fourth set when rain Kristina Mladenovic (pic- Muguruza crashed out in the last halted play on Saturday. Chung tured) ensured France will have 16. forced the contest into a deciding women in the quarter-finals for FRENCH OPEN Nadal continued his ruthless set as play resumed yesterday, but the first time since 1994 after form at Roland Garros by dis- the world number 67 double dumping out fourth seed Mugu- French Open results yesterday, the eighth patching Spanish 17th seed faulted on match point to gift ruza 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. The French day of the 2017 tournament at Roland Gar- Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, Nishikori a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 13th seed is through to just her ros (x denotes seeding): 6-2 to match Roger Federer's 6-4 victory. second Slam quarter-final -- Men mark of last-eight appearances "I think the rain helps me a after the 2015 US Open -- and Fourth Round in Paris. The 14-time major win- Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning his match lot, because I was really down in will face Venus Williams or Swit- Pablo Carreño-Busta (ESP x20) bt Milos ner is yet to drop a set, conceding against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut at the French Open in the fourth set and mentally I zerland's Timea Bacsinszky for Raonic (CAN x5) 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), just six games in the last two Paris, yesterday. wasn't ready," admitted a spot in the last four. Danish 11th 6-4, 8-6 rounds as he strives to become Nishikori. seed Caroline Wozniacki Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) bt Roberto Bautista the first man to win 10 titles at a well as I did the other day, but I needed seven match points to "I knew I had to change knocked off 2009 champion Agut (ESP x17) 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 single Grand Slam. still played well." clinch a thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), something to beat him today, so Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, Dominic Thiem (AUT x6) bt Horacio Zeballos "I'm happy because Roberto The fourth seed will meet 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 win over the I think I made some adjustments 6-2 to reach the last eight for just (ARG) 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 is a very good player. It's very compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, fifth-seeded Raonic in four hours to make little better than the second time. Switzerland's Third Round Karen Khachanov (RUS) bt John Isner (USA important for me to be in the through to his first Slam quar- and 17 minutes. Defending yesterday." Timea Bacsinszky qualified for x21) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3) quarter-finals one more time," ter-final, for spot in the last four champion Novak Djokovic It was the first third-round her third successive French Open Kei Nishikori (JPN x8) bt Hyeon Chung (KOR) said Nadal, who turned 31 on after the latter stunned Canada's reached a record-equalling 11th meeting between two Asian quarter-final with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 6-4 Saturday. Milos Raonic. French Open quarter-final on players at Roland Garros, with win over 2002 runner-up Venus Gael Monfils (FRA x15) bt Richard Gasquet "Probably I didn't play as Carreno Busta, seeded 20th, with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-3 win over 2014 US Open finalist Nishikori Williams. (FRA x24) 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-3 -- retired Women Fourth Round Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) bt Samantha Stosur (AUS x23) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 Al Shaqab Racing's Brametot wins Group 1 race in Chantilly Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x11) bt Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x8) 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x13) bt Garbiñe The Peninsula lengths to make up over the first we beat an André Fabre trained Muguruza (ESP x4) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 ones in the home straight. He colt, who is a reference in our Timea Bacsinszky (SUI x30) bt Venus Wil- hree weeks after his suc- came on from the outside and job. I nearly did not run this liams (USA x10) 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 cess in the Abu Dhabi passed by his rivals one by one race, but Churchill scared me Third Round TPoule d’Essai des Poulains, to finally win by a short head in in the St James’s Palace Stakes. Elina Svitolina (UKR x5) bt Magda Linette Al Shaqab Racing's Brametot front of Waldgeist and Pierre- So we tried, but between try- (POL) 6-4, 7-5 won the QIPCO Prix du Jockey Charles Boudot on the post. ing and succeeding, there is a Petra Martic (CRO) bt Anastasija Sevastova Club (Group 1), at Chantilly, on Recoletos and Olivier Peslier difference! And it is even more (LAT x17) 6-1, 6-1 Sunday. completed the podium. wonderful after the virus that Verónica Cepede (PAR) bt Mariana Duque Associated with the Italian "This is amazing, amazing!”, affected my barns. We were (COL) 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3

Karolína Plísková (CZE x2) bt Carina Wit-

jockey, Cristian Demuro, exclaimed Jean-Claude Rouget, lucky that neither Brametot Action from the QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club (Group 1), at thoeft (GER) 7-5, 6-1 Brametot started slowly like he trainer of Brametot. nor Mekhtaal were in this Chantilly, on Sunday. is used to. He still had a lot of “Like in the Poule d'Essai, barn." SPORT MONDAY 5 JUNE 2017 21 Dovizioso edges Vinales in Mugello epic

Rome MOTOGP RESULTS whose arm was still painful after Reuters Results and standings from the Italian a crash on Friday. Grand Prix at Mugello yesterday: "Dovi was so strong today. ndrea Dovizioso MotoGP So difficult to catch and all the overcame pre-race 1. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 41min time he was really pushing me a sickness to win his 32.126sec, 2. Maverick Viñales (ESP/Yama- lot." home Italian Grand ha) at 1.281sec, 3. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/ Honda's reigning champion Prix for Ducati yes- Ducati) 2.334, 4. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ Marc Marquez finished sixth and terdayA while Spaniard Maverick Yamaha) 3.685, 5. Alvaro Bautista (ESP/ is fourth overall with 68 points Vinales finished second on a Ducati) 5.802, 6. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) but team mate Dani Pedrosa Yamaha to increase his MotoGP 5.885, 7. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha) slipped down the order after tan- lead to 26 points. 13.205, 8. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) gling with Britain's Cal Crutchlow Dovizioso became the fourth 14.393, 9. Michele Pirro (ITA/Ducati) 14.880, and crashing out. different winner in six races and 10. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 15.502 Dovizioso was suffering moved up to second place over- Leading world championship riders' from a stomach bug before the all, ahead of 38-year-old standings race and dropped back at the compatriot Valentino Rossi who MotoGP start while Rossi led before finished fourth for Yamaha. 1. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 105 points, Ducati's Jorge Lorenzo took Italian Danilo Petrucci 2. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 79, 3. Val- over briefly and then Vinales came third, after starting ninth, entino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 75, 4. Marc Mar- hit the front. quez (ESP/Honda) 68, 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/ on a non-works Ducati to make With the top four running Honda) 68, 6. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha) it two Italians on the podium at close together, Vinales seemed 64, 7. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) 46, 8. the Mugello circuit in the roll- headed for a fourth win of the Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 42, 9. Jonas ing countryside north of season until Dovizioso passed on Folger (GER/Yamaha) 41, 10. Cal Crutchlow

Florence. (GBR/Honda) 40 pts lap 14 and pulled away. "A lot of emotion during the Ducati's rider Italian Andrea Dovizioso celebrates on the podium after winning the Moto GP A 69-second silence was held race and before the race my Grand Prix at the Mugello race track, yesterday. before the race for 2006 MotoGP energy wasn't so good," said champion Nicky Hayden, the Dovizioso, who had plenty of every Italian rider." The victory won the 500cc class on an MV Vinales now has 105 points "I didn't want to risk so much American who raced with the fans in a crowd mainly cheering was his career third and the first Agusta at Imola in 1974.It was to Dovizioso's 79, with Rossi -- because I saw Valentino and number 69 and died last month for Rossi. in the top category by an Italian also Ducati's first at Mugello who spent a night in hospital last Marc were quite far away, so I after being hit by a car while "I really wanted this victory rider on an Italian bike on home since Australian Casey Stoner in week after a crash while riding decided to stay at least in the sec- training on a bicycle in eastern and it's a dream come true for soil since Gianfranco Bonera 2009. a motocross bike -- on 75. ond position," said Vinales, Italy.

Volquez pitches LPGA SHOPRITE Leading second-round scores on Saturday in Summerhays grabs the LPGA ShopRite Classic in Galloway, New first no-hitter Jersey (USA unless noted, par-71): 133 - Paul Creamer 66-67, Kim In-Kyung of season (KOR) 66-67 Memorial lead 135 - Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) 65-70, Lee Miami Jeong-Eun (KOR) 65-70, Anna Nordqvist Washington Two-time Masters cham- Reuters (SWE) 64-71 AFP pion Bubba Watson signed for 136 - Jacqui Concolino 70-66, Jennifer Song a 68 and headed a group on 207 hree pitches into Satur- 65-71 aniel Summerhays that also included Justin Tho- day's game, Edinson 137 - Pernilla Lindberg (SWE) 71-66, Azahara seized a three-shot lead mas and Dufner -- whose Volquez sustained a Munoz (ESP) 70-67, Bronte Law (ENG) 69-68, at the US PGA'S Memo- dismal round included a dou- T Brooke Henderson (CAN) 68-69, Sandra Gal D collision that nearly ended his rial tournament on Saturday as ble bogey seven at the par-five day. (GER) 68-69, Jenny Shin (KOR) 65-72 overnight leader Jason Dufner 11th and a bogey at the 18th, Volquez stayed in the 138 - Karrie Webb (AUS) 70-68, Park In-Bee ballooned to five-over par 77 where the 2013 PGA Champi- (KOR) 68-70, Mo Martin 68-70, Morgan game ... and made history. in the third round. onship winner was in the water Pressel 67-71, Feng Simin (CHN) 67-71 Pitching on what would Dufner had started the day off the tee. 139 - Haru Nomura (JPN) 72-67, Brittany have been the 26th birthday with a commanding five-shot Summerhays has held at Lang 70-69, Vicky Hurst 70-69, Gerina Piller of his friend and former lead over Summerhays at Muir- least a share of the 54-hole lead Italy's Renato Paratore poses for photographers with the 68-71, Perrine Delacour (FRA) 67-72, Stacy teammate, the late Yordano filed Village in Dublin, Ohio. three times on the PGA Tour,

trophy after winning the Golf Masters 2017 at Barseback Lewis 67-72, Pornanong Phatlum (THA) Ventura, Volquez pitched his 66-73 But Summerhays, in search but has never gone on to win. first career no-hitter and the Golf Club, yesterday. of a first US PGA Tour title, was "There will definitely be first of the Major League sea- tied for the lead after five holes nerves," he said of the final son, defeating the Arizona thanks to four quick bogeys for round. "I'll probably hit a few Diamondbacks 3-0. Dufner and his own birdie at putts with the hands shaking Volquez (2-7) walked just Ariya is world number one the fifth. and everything like that. But it's two batters and struck out 10. Summerhays carded a four- nothing I haven't experienced He struck out the side in the under par 68 for a 13-under par before." ninth inning, including the New York But she fired back-to-back Both Kim and Creamer total of 203. He said he'll call on mem- last batter, pinch hitter Chris AFP rounds of three-over 74 to miss signed for four-under par 67s. He was three shots clear of ories of two major Owings. the second-round cut in the Kim, seeking a fifth LPGA Matt Kuchar, who carded a 67 championship performances Volquez, who was helped hailand's Ariya Jutanugarn 54-hole tournament, where title and her first since a win in for 206. last year -- his tie for eighth at by two double-play has seized the number one South Korea's Kim In-Kyung China in October had six bird- Kuchar, the 2014 Memorial the US Open and his solo third grounders, needed just 98 Tworld ranking from New and American Paula Creamer ies and two bogeys. champion, is seeking an eighth place finish at the PGA pitches to complete the Zealand's Lydia Ko with neither shared the 36-hole lead. She closed out her round career PGA Tour win and his Championship. no-hitter. lifting a club in the LPGA Sho- Ko will slip from the sum- with back-to-back birdies and first since the Heritage in 2014. "Last summer was a big Before the game, Volquez pRite Classic -- where Ryu mit after 84 straight weeks at the said she's feeling "even stronger" "I drove it really well," Sum- deal for me," Summerhays had posted a picture of him- So-Yeon missed the cut Satur- top. She's been ranked number after a winter spent rehabbing merhays said. "I had so many said. "Playing in the last two self and Ventura, his former day to cement the shift. one for 103 weeks overall. injuries suffered in a freak fall good looks at birdie. So many or three groups at the US Kansas City Royals teammate Ryu, ranked third in the Ariya becomes the 10th down some stairs. putts were just so close. I really Open, that was probably the who was killed in a car crash world, had a chance to leapfrog player to reach number one She's played just half a wasn't out of position too much most nervous I've ever felt. last year. Ariya by finishing third or bet- since the women's rankings dozen tournaments in 2017, all day. That and trying to keep my job "I was pretty close to him ter in the tournament in were introduced in 2006 and but says she has recovered "Performing under the gun back in 2011 after my rookie in Kansas City for two years. Galloway, New Jersey. the first from Thailand. well. -- it was really fun." year at Q-School." He passed away, and it really hurt," Volquez said. "It was special for me to dedicate the game to him." Things did not start out great for Volquez. Lions under no illusions after opener Arizona leadoff batter Rey Fuentes hit a grounder to first baseman Justin Bour, who Wellington had been playing the margin of Ben Te'o outside him, with some flipped the ball to Volquez for Reuters victory would have been closer suggesting his opposite number, the out. to 100 points. Gatland's son Bryn, comprehen- But Fuentes bumped f the British and Irish Lions Gatland has already said all sively outplayed him. Volquez from behind, and the were under any illusions as 41 members of the squad will get One factor in Sexton's favour pitcher tumbled. Ito how difficult their tour of a chance to play in the opening could be his partnership with Volquez twisted his right New Zealand would be, a three games but on Saturday Ireland team mate Connor Mur- ankle on the play. One of the scratchy performance in their several players failed to make ray, who has the inside running day's biggest plays came to opener removed them. the most of their opportunity, to start at scrumhalf during the lead off the fourth, when Mar- Warren Gatland selected a notably Ireland flyhalf Johnny tests after both he and Sexton lins second baseman Dee strong side to face the New Zea- Sexton. were twice outstanding against Gordon made a diving stop on land Provincial Barbarians, an Sexton, first choice in Aus- the All Blacks late last year. a sharp Fuentes grounder. invitational side made up of tralia four years ago, did little to The Irish duo's innate "He saved the no-hitter semi-professionals who were suggest he could hold off the understanding of each other's right there," Volquez said. supposed to present by far the challenge of England's Owen game would no doubt cut down The next play Volquez easiest opposition of the Farrell, who replaced him on on the time needed for Gatland made a brilliant grab on a 10-match tour. British and Lions rugby head coach Warren Gatland (centre) Saturday, or Welshman Dan Big- to gel the all-important com- comebacker hit by David Per- The Barbarians, though, put sings with the rest of the team in the meeting house during gar, who is expected to start bination before the first test on alta that was tracked at 108 them under pressure, refused to a Maori welcoming at Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Waitangi, against the Blues on June 24. mph. buckle in the set piece -- where yesterday. Wednesday. Murray, who is expected to By the seventh inning, the Lions are expected to have The 31-year-old showed lit- partner Biggar on Wednesday, Volquez said he had con- an advantage -- showed more tle vision or running or kicking said nothing was being taken vinced himself he was going enterprise and were only beaten Local pundits tore into the "pathetic" and "incompetent" threat and did not link well with for granted by any of the 'to go for it." 13-7. Lions on Sunday, labelling them and suggesting if the All Blacks the hard-running players. 22 SPORT MONDAY 5 JUNE 2017

We were powerless to Zidane back resist: Allegri among Cardiff Reuters immortals

uventus manager Massi- Cardiff miliano Allegri said even AFP Jhis side's rock-like defence was powerless to eted as one of the finest tal- resist Real Madrid's fire- ents of his generation, power as the Italian club's Real Madrid FZinedine Zidane has made hopes of a first Champions players lift the transition to management so League triumph in 21 years the trophy smoothly that he has already ended in heartache on eclipsed some of the game's most after winning Saturday. hallowed names just 17 months The Italian champions' the UEFA into his spell as Real Madrid boss. defensive wall had been Champions When Zidane's majestic strike almost impregnable all sea- League flashed into the net to give Madrid son in Europe but was final against victory in the 2002 Champions reduced to rubble as Real Juventus at League final against Bayer roared to victory with three the Principality Leverkusen, the French star must goals after the break. Stadium in have believed he would never "In the first half we Cardiff, south surpass that golden moment in played beautifully but they Wales on Europe's top-tier tournament. pushed the accelerator in the Saturday. Yet at Cardiff's Principality second half and we could not Stadium on Saturday, he joined resist," Allegri, whose side the managerial immortals as had been bidding to become Madrid's 4-1 rout of Juventus the eighth club to land the made him the first coach to win "treble" having won Serie A successive European Cups since and the Copa Italia this year, Insatiable' Real Madrid the great Arrigo Sacchi of AC told reporters. Milan in 1989 and 1990. Juventus leaked three goals Not even Alex Ferguson, Jose in 12 games en route to the Mourinho or Pep Guardiola has final, twice shutting out Barce- achieved that epic feat. lona's feared attack in the hailed masters of Europe "All the coaches you men- quarter-finals before blunting tioned, they're great coaches. I a free-scoring Monaco strike don't want to say I'm very good force in the semis. because before I was scandal- But the granite-like trio Madrid ously bad and now I'm supposed of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea AFP to be the best," Zidane said Barzagli and Leonardo modestly. Bonucci cracked after Juven- eal Madrid were "I have the chance to be with tus had been the better side labelled "insatia- this great squad. In the long run, in a first half that ended 1-1. ble" and "masters everyone's been very important. "The two goals in quick of the universe" by For me that's the success." succession hurt us and we an adoring Spanish Madrid's impressive win were not able to react," Rpress on Sunday after writing rightly sparked praise for Cris- Allegri said. more Champions League his- tiano Ronaldo's predatory brace. "The only criticism I tory by thrashing Juventus 4-1 But it was Zidane who pro- could make is that after the to win the trophy for the 12th vided the inspiration for Madrid's second goal we should have time. first La Liga and Champions stayed in the game mentally Led by two goals from League double since 1958. to make sure we still had Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid After taking the lead through chances." became the first side in the Ronaldo, Madrid were rocked In a sizzling first half, Champions League era to back on their heels by Mario Man- Cristiano Ronaldo put Real retain the trophy and claimed dzukic's stunning overhead kick ahead before Mario Mand- a third Champions League in equaliser before the interval. zukic's incredible overhead just four years. However, Zidane turned the kick, one of the great Euro- "The twelfth for the insa- tide in the space of a few words pean Cup final goals, tiable," ran the front cover of when he faced his uncertain play- deservedly drew Juventus Madrid sports daily AS. Real Madrid's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo is carried by his team-mates ers in the dressing room. level under the Principality Ronaldo's double saw him after they won the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday. Imploring his stars to believe Stadium roof. become the first man to score in themselves as much as he did Juventus retreated after in three Champions League in them, Zidane struck the right the break, though, and Casem- finals. He finishes the season of Juve to win the twelfth," con- "The 12th of a Madrid for Pais invoked memories of that tone and eased their fears that iro's deflected strike restored for the fifth straight year as the tinued it's front page. the ages," said El Mundo to hail side as they led with "Real the trophy may slip from their Real's lead on the hour before competition's top scorer with Pictures of captain Sergio Madrid's dominance of Madrid enter into a new grasp. Ronaldo struck the killer blow 12 goals and the Portuguese Ramos lifting the famous big- Europe's premier club compe- golden age." Throughout an incredible three minutes later. moves closer to matching eared trophy and a smiling tition in recent seasons. Madrid's victory at Car- playing career that brought him After substitute Juan Lionel Messi's record of win- Ronaldo dominated across the Real extend their lead as diff's Principality Stadium was fame and fortune, Zidane Cuadrado was sent off, ning the Ballon d'Or five times. front pages and online the most successful side in the so resounding that is was even remained a reluctant hero, even Marco Asensio rubbed salt "Cristiano MVP of the final editions. history of the competition with applauded over in Catalonia when he became the idol of a into Juve's wounds as they and a step away from his fifth "Real Madrid without lim- AC Milan's seven titles a long -- home of Real's bitter rivals nation by starring in France's fell to their fifth successive Ballon d'Or," added AS. its," declared Spain's oldest way back as second best. Barcelona. Barcelona-based 1998 World Cup triumph. defeat in a Champions Madrid's other sports daily newspaper ABC, whilst La A huge part of that success newspapers Sport and Mundo But it was that calm demean- League final. Marca declared Real "masters Razon described Zinedine is due to winning the first five Deportivo had published front our that appealed to Madrid chief of the universe." Zidane's men as "12 times editions of the competition pages on Saturday morning Florentino Perez when he made "A thrashing by Real Madrid kings." between 1955 and 1960 and El openly supporting Juventus. the surprise decision to appoint Zidane as boss in January 2016. With only brief spells as Madrid's assistant coach and 'B' team boss on his CV, critics won- dered how he would cope with Ronaldo still hungry for more a squad of fragile egos at a club rife with political power Cardiff country, including 105 in the Cham- achieve the feat since the competi- struggles. AFP pions League, and has finished as tion relaunched as the Champions Here was a manager who the top scorer in the competition for League in 1992. could match them medal for ristiano Ronaldo (pic- the last five seasons. "There's no doubt whatsoever, medal and they quickly tured) said he had no "I think people don't have words today is a truly historic day for responded to his leadership. Cintention of slowing to criticise, because the numbers Madrid's fans, myself and our big A Champions League final down after spearheading a 4-1 don't lie," he told reporters after family," said coach Zinedine Zidane, victory over Atletico Madrid last victory over Juventus that made receiving the man-of-the-match who has now won four Champions season might have been seen in Real Madrid the first team to award from his former Manchester Leagues as a player and coach. some quarters as beginner's luck. retain the UEFA Champions United mentor Alex Ferguson. "Having said that, you know But Zidane had all the right League. "I'm very happy. It was an how things are. Next year it's going answers this season. Ronaldo's double in Satur- amazing season again. We won tro- to be even more difficult. We're Aware that Ronaldo had been day's final at Cardiff's Principality phies. It's one of the best moments going to have to work very hard to below his best in two Champions Stadium, allied to goals by Casem- in my career. I have the opportu- win once again. League finals after feeling over- iro and Marco Asensio, earned him nity to say that every year. But it's "But today we can say that we worked earlier in those a fourth Champions League win and true. are a very good team and that we campaigns, he rested the forward gave Madrid their third in four years "This year was amazing again, deserved to win the league and the nine times this season and was and 12th in total. last year was amazing too. Now I Champions League. It was not easy." rewarded with 16 goals in his last Ronaldo, 32, has have two or three days off to rest Zidane, 44, led Madrid to glory 10 appearances. now scored 600 and after we have a (World Cup) in last season's Champions League Even the difficult decision of career goals qualifying game for Portugal and less than five months after succeed- whether to recall Wales forward for club we have the Confederations Cup. ing Rafael Benitez to take up his first Gareth Bale for the final in his and "It's a long season, but I'm moti- managerial role. hometown was no problem for vated, I'm happy. I'm in a good The former France playmaker's Zidane, who kept faith with Isco moment. My age is just a number. I contract expires in a year, but he and watched his playmaker pull feel like a young boy." said he was not thinking about the strings impressively. Madrid became the first team leaving. Blessed with the Midas touch, to defend the European Cup suc- "I'm not going to confirm I'll stay Zidane's success is no fluke and cessfully since Arrigo Sacchi's AC here all my life. That's impossible there's no end in sight. Milan in 1990 and the first to to say," he said. MONDAY 5 JUNE 2017 SPORT 23

Umar Akmal: Pakistan's bright talent struggling to cement place

Fawad Hussain Pakistani The Peninsula cricketer Umar Akmal tosses ndia’s Virat Kohli, Steve a ball during a Smith of Australia and Paki- practice session stan’s Umar Akmal I at the Zayed launched their international Australian captain Steve cricket careers more or less at International Smith (right)during nets at the same time. Cricket Stadium the Oval in London yesterday. The batting trio was highly in Abu Dhabi, in rated because of their natural this file photo. talent they showcased as they enjoyed successful starts at the top level. Fast forward to today – nearly reaching the mid of their careers – at least one of Smith urges Aussies the three has not built on his fine start to international cricket - Akmal. While Kohli and Smith to step on the gas have become superstars of the game and are leading their respective national teams – London side shouldn't underestimate Akmal – touted as one of the AFP their unheralded opponents. few naturally gifted batsmen Australia were the victims - is struggling to cement his teve Smith admits Aus- of one of the all-time great place in the team. tralia have no margin It's obviously not upsets when Bangladesh beat The 27-year-old made a for error as they take ideal for both them by five wickets in a one- remarkable Test debut in Dun- on Bangladesh today, day international in Cardiff in edin during Pakistan’s tour of considered as one of the fittest comeback by bringing a seeking their first sides to have a 2005. New Zealand for 2009 series players in Pakistan team even change in attitude. He needs SChampions Trophy win. For Australia to avoid in which he scored over 200 at the time of his retirement, to set his priorities and grow washout. So for us Australia's bid to open the another epic embarrassment, runs in difficult conditions, said there was no excuse for as a cricketer," the former Champions Trophy group stage now it's just about Smith needs far more accurate including 129 in his first Test Akmal’s shortcoming saying ‘fit- Pakistan Test skipper said. with a victory was thwarted by making sure that and penetrating spells from his innings. ness comes first in modern day “When you gain experi- heavy rain against New Zealand bowlers. But the middle-order bats- cricket’. ence in cricket your on Friday. we're playing each took six man since then has been on a “Umar (Akmal) failed the responsibilities increase and Smith's side needed a game like a final wickets against New Zealand, roller coaster ride, having test twice which means he was he needs to understand that. revised target of 235 to win in but fellow quicks Mitchell Starc being involved in several con- not working on it, despite the Firstly, Umar Akmal needs to 33 overs after Kane Williamson and winning the and Pat Cummins were much troversies often resulting in standards already informed by admit his mistakes and work hit a century in New Zealand's next two: Steve less impressive, managing just punishment or fines. the team management," Mis- to rectify himself to come as 291 all out. one wicket between them. Two weeks ago Akmal was bah pointed out. fit and a disciplined player,” Australia were 53 for three Smith Smith was frustrated with axed from Pakistan’s Champi- "Fitness is more important Misbah added. off nine when the players left the the sloppy bowling, but he ons Trophy squad after being nowadays than scoring runs Misbah advised Akmal to field for the final time due to the refused to reveal whether he selected and was sent back or being sharp on the field. learn from India’s Kohli who bad weather in Birmingham. would make changes to the line- home from England where he Every player should keep that remain focused on bringing The teams took a point up to face Bangladesh. failed two fitness tests in as in mind. Even if I am the cap- improvement in his fitness and apiece, a result that most bene- "I thought it was probably many days. tain and not passing the fitness game, despite already being a fits Group A rivals England. for us now it's just about mak- one of the worst bowling dis- “Umar (Akmal) should test, I don’t deserve a place in highly successful cricketer. England launched the tour- ing sure that we're playing each plays that we've put on for a blame himself for what he is team,” he said. “Everybody knows the nament, which features the game like a final and winning very long time," he said. going through,” Misbah Ul Haq Misbah, who handpicked sacrifices Kohli makes every world's top eight one-day teams, the next two," Smith said. "We're going to be trying to win who retired as Pakistan Test Akmal for his domestic side day to keep him fit and in form. with an eight-wicket win over "It's a pretty quick tourna- the game. So whatever team we see captain last month said while SNGPL, said the batsman can How he manages his diet and Bangladesh at The Oval on ment. So you can't really afford fit for the next match against Bang- giving his views on the bats- still make a comeback and training is in front of every- Thursday. a washout or a loss. ladesh at The Oval, we'll look at the man on a television show contribute a lot for the national body. It’s all about discipline. Smith acknowledged his "You've got to turn it around conditions there and see what sort broadcast yesterday. team. Umar Akmal can still come team now have to win their quickly now and control what of wicket we get. “It’s very disappointing for “Umar is highly talented. back but he will have to show remaining group matches if they you can control." "Obviously we've got to win me because he is a capable He scored runs after runs in determination to make that are to advance to the While Australia will be the next game and probably player and can contribute a lot domestic cricket and it really possible. He needs to be reso- semi-finals. expected to take maximum quite well as well. So we'll look for Pakistan,” he said. hurts to see him in this posi- lute as only this way he can "It's obviously not ideal for points against Bangladesh at The at that when we get there," he Misbah, 43, who was tion. But he can still make a make a return to top level.” both sides to have a washout. So Oval, history suggests Smith's added.

England's Steven England call up Finn as Woakes replacement Finn during nets at Sophia Gardens yesterday. London join the England squad ahead of Woakes was being rested with a considered for a contract exten- Agencies their second match of the tour- thigh problem that healed in time sion after the team recorded just nament, against New Zealand in for the Champions Trophy. one defeat in 17 tests since he took teven Finn will replace Cardiff on Tuesday. Middlesex fast bowler Finn over in June last year. injured fellow paceman "The ICC has confirmed that was left out of England's original McDermott, who played 71 SChris Woakes in England's the event technical committee of squad for the tournament but tests for Australia between 1984 Champions Trophy squad, the the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 could go straight into the XI to and 1996 and was his country's International Cricket Council has approved as a play New Zealand, if as happened full-time bowling coach from the confirmed yesterday. replacement player for Chris at the Oval, they pick just the one 2013-14 Ashes series to last year's Woakes was ruled out of the Woakes in the England squad for specialist spinner. World T20, said he had submit- rest of the 50-over tournament, the tournament," said a brief Meanwhile, fFormer Australia ted an application. which features the world's top statement from cricket's global fast bowler Craig McDermott has "I have had aspirations for a eight one-day international governing body. applied for the post of India head while to be a head coach," he told teams, with a side strain suffered Finn, a veteran of 69 ODIs, coach, which will become vacant www.sportstarlive.com. while bowling just two overs at last played for England as recently after the ongoing Champions Tro- "I was away from cricket the start of England's opening as Monday when, on his Lord's phy campaign. The Indian cricket coaching for a year, and now, I Group A win over Bangladesh at home ground, he featured in the board (BCCI) advertised the post want to come back to it. It would the Oval on Thursday. final match of a one-day series last month, while maintaining that be nice to serve Indian cricket," The experienced Finn, 28, will against South Africa while incumbent Anil Kumble would be he said. AZF Ramadan Sports Festival: Blasters clinch cricket title

The Peninsula was held on the warm-up track after overcoming their oppo- at Aspire Zone. nents, Team Aspire and Team eam Blasters were crowned Al Khater praised the tour- Brothers respectively. champions at the Aspire nament saying: “The popularity Meanwhile, Aspire Zone TZone Foundation (AZF) of the cricket tournament last kicked off the sixth annual ladies’ Ramadan Sports Festival cricket year made it an obvious choice volleyball tournament, organised tournament, after they defeated for inclusion in this year’s Ram- in collaboration with the Qatar Mosanada in the final on adan Sports Festival. We have Women's Sports Committee, on Saturday. once again seen a tremendous Saturday at the Ladies Sports The three-day event drew to turnout from members of the Hall. Running until June 7, a total a close amidst great enthusiasm Asian communities, with the of seven teams are taking part in from the spectators. Abdullah number of participants and spec- this year’s tournament. Aman Al Khater, Events Manager tators growing year on year.” Team Aktor and Team at AZF, Ms. Al Anoud Al Misnad, This year’s tournament saw Hyperspikers quickly emerged a member of the RSF organising six teams comprising members as winners of the first round of Team Blasters celebrate after winning the Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) Ramadan Sports committee and Ali Al Motawa, a of the South Asian community in the group-stage competitions, Festival cricket tournament on Saturday at Aspire Zone. representative from the events Qatar battle it out for glory. taking on Team Volley Pearls and department at Ooredoo, attended Team Blasters and Team Team Godspeed. against opponents Al Rayyan, on as both refused to concede in the overturned the tables in the third the awarding ceremony, which Mosanada reached the finals Team Lady Eagles’ match the other hand, was quite tough first two sets, until the former set, resulting in a 2-1 win.