FRIDAY 24 MAY 2019 SPORT 17 Former captain I see Pakistan as one of the Shahid Afridi says FOOTBALL teams in the semi-finals and, FOOTBALL he is confident that Women’s International God willing, I’m confident Ligue 1: Nice vs Monaco; Pakistan will do well Friendly: Spain vs Canada they’ll play the final too. Nimes vs at the ICC World Cup. ACTION

Lyon TODAY’S Thurman ready for Pacquiao fight AFP conference in Beverly Hills on changes. We’ll see who’s BEVERLY HILLS, US Wednesday, Thurman vowed young in the ring on July 20. to make the age difference “I don’t like trash-talking Keith Thurman vowed to count. before a fight. I’m going to let retire Philippine boxing legend “Pacquiao’s last fight, Pac- my fists do the talking.” Manny Pacquiao on quiao’s last fight,” Thurman Pacquiao plans to split his Wednesday as the two fighters said, while pledging to “dis- training camp between the traded verbal jabs ahead of the mantle” the 40-year-old Fil- Philippines and Los Angeles, World Boxing Association ipino icon. wrapping up his preparations battle for welterweight “I’m destroying the legend under the watchful eye of supremacy. of Manny Pacquiao,” Thurman long-time trainer Freddie The undefeated Thurman, said. Roach, who is back in his 30, takes on Pacquiao in Las “His legacy ends on July corner. Vegas on July 20 in a contest 20. He’s had a wonderful “Manny Pacquiao is the that pits the WBA’s “super career, and been an inspi- best fighter in the world to world champion” against the ration. We all love him and work with,” Roach said body’s secondary “world” respect him. And I’m respect- Wednesday. champion. fully going to kick the shit out “His work ethic is unbe- Thurman (29-0, with 22 of him. lievable. We’ve studied knockouts) returned from a “This is a big fight as far Thurman and come up with a near two-year lay-off to retain as the stage. But it’s a big fight game plan. And we’re going to his title with a 12-round against a little guy. I’ve dis- destroy him.” majority decision over Josesito mantled veterans in the past, Pacquiao meanwhile Lopez on January 26. and throughout my career. I Trainer Freddie Roach (left) shares a light moment with Manny insisted that his advancing Eight-division champion would have destroyed him five Pacquiao during a press conference on Wednesday. years had not diminished his Pacquiao, who last fought in years ago. enthusiasm or energy for a one-sided demolition of “He’s never fought a Pacquiao, who mixes a “All I can say is that most boxing. Keith Thurman Adrien Broner in January, is fighter like me with the lateral political career as a senator in of my opponents say things “At age 40, I feel like I’m poses during a 10 years older than his movement, speed, power. He’s the Philippines with profes- before a fight,” Pacquiao said. 29,” he said. “This is fun. I’m press conference American opponent. never fought anyone this sional boxing, laughed off “That’s what I hear from enjoying it. I’m excited to go on Wednesday. And as the two men came young, strong and hungry and Thurman’s threats of them - ‘I’m easy to beat’. But back to the Philippines and go face to face at a press I’m coming for him.” annihilation. when we get into the ring it straight back to the gym.”

Tokyo 2020 IOC recommends suspending organisers welcome AIBA from next year’s Games IOC decision AFP replaced by the controversial LAUSANNE Boxing to stay at 2020 Olympics Uzbek businessman Gafur REUTERS Rakhimov, who the US TOKYO The International Olympic Treasury Department has Committee recommended that linked to “transnational Tokyo 2020 organisers amateur boxing’s governing criminal organisations”. welcomed yesterday the Inter- body be stripped of its right to Rakhimov, who stepped national Olympic Committee’s organise the event at Tokyo aside in March, vehemently recommendation to include 2020, but said the sport should rejects such charges and insists boxing at next year’s Games. still feature at the Games. the allegations against him are The IOC executive board rec- The guidance from the “politically motivated lies”. ommended on Wednesday that IOC’s executive board -- almost Bach said that because boxing should keep its place at certain to be rubber-stamped Rakhimov has been sanctioned the Tokyo Games but recognition by the full IOC membership by the US Treasury of AIBA, the governing body of next month -- followed a Department, dealing with AIBA the sport’s amateur version, months-long investigation into posed a “high risk... (for) should be suspended. alleged serious misman- anybody who is subject to US “Of course it is the most agement at the crisis-riddled jurisprudence.” important thing for the athletes International Boxing Associ- IOC President Thomas Bach attends Complications sur- who have been training and pre- ation (AIBA). a press conference on Wednesday rounding Rakhimov’s desig- paring for this,” said John Coates, The probe “speaks for in Pully, near Lausanne. nation by the US government the man entrusted by the IOC to itself,” IOC President Thomas “played a major role in the oversee the smooth running of Bach told reporters in deliberations of the inquiry the Games, following meetings Lausanne. commission,” Bach said. in Tokyo. He said the evidence details satisfactory progress,” in In ousting AIBA from tarnished in recent years as it Rakhimov was replaced as “(There is) obviously much “extremely serious issues” resolving its issues, the IOC said. the Tokyo Games but careened from crisis to crisis. interim president by Moroccan work to be done by Mr. Watan- within AIBA ranging from “defi- In a statement, AIBA said Relations between AIBA and doctor Mohamed Moustahsane abe’s committee but we have got ciencies” in governance, to lack that it had “taken note of the creating a new path the IOC took a sharp downward -- the fourth head of AIBA in 18 no doubt that with the cooper- of due diligence and conflicts announcement made by the for boxers to compete, turn following the 2016 Rio months. ation of the organising com- of interest. IOC” but refused to be drawn the IOC seeks to Games, when 36 officials and ref- Before the announcement, mittee we can meet the expec- In ousting AIBA from the on what it’s next move would ensure that athletes erees were suspended amid alle- AIBA’s leadership had insisted tations and dreams of all Tokyo Games but creating a be. “can live their dream gations of bout fixing. that the organisation had met athletes.” new path for boxers to compete, “AIBA is currently and participate in the An internal investigation by all the requirements stipulated The IOC has made gender the IOC was seeking to ensure reviewing the report from the AIBA raised deeper questions by the IOC. equality a priority leading into that athletes “can live their IOC and will not make any Olympic Games” while about the judging in Rio, with The governing body’s chief Tokyo 2020 yet at the last two dream and participate in the comments until further clarifi- making sure AIBA particular suspicion falling on executive Tom Virgets said Olympics there have been three Olympic Games” while making cation is made, however AIBA faces “the necessary a French official. earlier this month that the boxing medal events for women sure AIBA faced “the necessary does look forward to working consequences.” Then in 2017, AIBA execu- organisation had “done every- and 10 for men. consequences,” Bach said in a with the IOC in the future,” it tives forced out the body’s pres- thing that has been asked by the The 60-year-old Watanabe statement. said. ident C.K. Wu, amid claims of IOC”. said yesterday he understood the The IOC probe was led by Matthieu Reeb, Secretary decide to file one. Formed in multi-million dollar accounting “Every single document importance of gender equality audit firm Deloitte, and centred General of the Court of Arbi- 1946, AIBA has overseen fraud. asked, we produced, every but is still getting to grips with on subjects ranging from tration for Sport (CAS), said that decades of signature Olympic Wu, a Taiwanese national, single requirement we have the world of boxing. finances, governance and ethics “no appeal would be possible moments, notably the 1960 gold denied wrongdoing and met,” he said. “Gender equality is common to anti-doping, refereeing and until a final decision has been medal win in Rome by remains a member of the IOC, Addressing boxers hoping sense,” said Watanabe. “Sport is judging. made” but that the Olympic Muhammad Ali, then known as an indication that he retains the to compete in 2020, Bach just an element within that The probe determined that Charter enables the CAS to rule Cassius Clay. support of senior Olympic offi- vowed that “there will be an common sense.” AIBA has made “a lack of on an appeal should AIBA But its reputation has been cials. Wu was ultimately Olympic tournament in Tokyo.” Warriors’ owner ‘confident’ of keeping Thompson, Durant

REUTERS NEW YORK midst of a nine-day break “We are not finished. I have Draymond Green to a contract number of other teams. His is playing chess years out. before the NBA Finals as they no new ideas or data for you. extension - likely are the team’s agent, Rich Kleiman said that “But when somebody gets Golden State Warriors owner await the winner of the Toronto We love Klay and KD and intend top priorities as they prepare to Durant is focused on returning to the level of basketball that Joe Lacob intends to re-sign Raptors-Milwaukee Bucks to attempt to re-sign them. move into Chase Center in San from a strained right calf injury he’s at, you can’t juggle focus Klay Thompson and Kevin series, Lacob answered ques- Period. I am confident about Francisco next season. and helping the Warriors to their like that. There’s so many things Durant when they become tions about the futures of both of them. It still isn’t a certainty third straight title. he’s juggling too. He’s not unrestricted free agents this Thompson, 29, and Durant, 30, “But it is their choice to do Durant will move across the bay “I’m waiting on Kevin. That’s scripting his future while he’s summer, even though Durant’s from The Athletic. what is best for them.” with the Warriors. His name the truth,” Kleiman said. “I think playing the way he plays and agent said the superstar is unde- “The season is still ongoing,” Keeping Thompson and often has been linked with the there’s a feeling that this thing practicing the way he’s cided. With the Warriors in the Lacob responded. Durant - and signing forward New York Knicks, as well as a is like war games and everybody practising.” 18 SPORT FRIDAY 24 MAY 2019 Leading teams eye ICC World Cup glory England dream of long-awaited title win

REUTERS From hosting the first Kohli and his team-mates out to LONDON three tournaments and win India’s third ODI World Cup. reaching the final in It is especially so after their England’s relationship with the 1979, 1987 and 1992, performance in the last two Cricket World Cup has been one England slid downwards global events on English soil of frustration, disappointment where India won the 2013 Cham- and reached its nadir and even embarrassment but pions Trophy against the hosts they host this year’s tournament four years ago when they and finished runners-up to arch- as the top-ranked 50-over team unceremoniously exited rivals Pakistan in the next edition and favourites to lift the trophy at the group stage in four years later. for the first time. Australia, the last straw A modern batting great From hosting the first three being a humbling by an himself, Kohli headlines a for- tournaments and reaching the midable top order, while India upstart Bangladesh. final in 1979, 1987 and 1992, have also acquired a potent pace England slid downwards and attack spearheaded by death- reached its nadir four years ago winning the World Cup and overs exponent Jasprit Bumrah. when they unceremoniously regaining the Ashes. Emotions will run high exited at the group stage in Aus- “I am going (to pick the) during their June 16 match tralia, the last straw being a World Cup because it’s been so against Pakistan following a humbling by an upstart long since we’ve had an oppor- further souring of relations Bangladesh. tunity to win one,” said Bairstow. between the nuclear-armed Since then, however, the lim- “I think that the amount of neighbours in recent times. ited-overs caterpillars have work that has gone into this Pakistan skipper Sarfraz transformed themselves into group of players over the last Ahmed, however, cannot afford white-ball butterflies, acquiring couple of years, building and to get distracted by the hype an enviable assortment of big- building, I firmly believe we’ve around the Manchester match- hitters who routinely post 300- put an amount of effort in that up as he seeks consistency from plus scores. gives us the best chance.” a notoriously fickle side. The single group, round- With home advantage comes “It’s annoying for us to keep robin format of this year’s tour- home expectation as Eoin being unpredictable, but it’s nament also substantially Morgan leads arguably the true,” former ODI captain Azhar reduces the risk of an exit and strongest England side in the Ali told the ICC website recently. should ensure the strongest history of the tournament which “We have done well in World teams reach the last four - good has seen a co-host triumph in the Cups, even though no one rates news for the game’s powerhouse last two editions. us that highly in the build-up. We India. No burden of expectation, always produce good perform- ThoseThose twotwo looklook nailednailed on to however,however, can be heavier than the acessoances so hopefullyhopeuly thist s will w be a rreacheach thethe lastlast fourfour butbut any fromfrom one restinrestingg on thethe shouldersshoulders sspecialpecial one.”one.” SouthSouth Africa,Africa, Australia,Australia, New ofof ViratVirat HoldersHolders Australia face their Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and oownwn struggles as theythey trytry to put even a revitalised West Indies a ball-tampering scandal behind could easily join them. themthem for a successful title WithWith all 10 teams plaplayingying defence.defence. eacheach otherother onceonce to CCaptainaptain Aaron Finch’s own determinedetermine the four semi- battlebattle with poorpoor form providedprovided finalists, the bigbig teams willwill thethe microcosmmicrocosm of the turmoilturmoil have plenty of opportuopportu-- Australian cricket endured nitiesnities to recover from anyany beforebefore series victories giant-killinggiant-killing act they maymay againstagainst India and Pakistan.Pakistan. bebe subjectedsubjected to bbyy outsioutsidersders FFormerormer cacaptainptain SSteveteve Bangladesh and SmitSmithh anandd oopenerpener DaviDavidd Afghanistan.Afghanistan. WarnerWarner returned from their England’sEngland’s spectacular year-longyear-long bans over the rise is duedue to a cchangehange in ball-tampering incident to theirtheir approachapproach to one-dayone-day bolsterbolster a side who endured cricketcricket andand JonnyJonny Bairstow theirtheir lonlongestgest sequence ooff reflected that when the consecutiveconsecutive ODI defeats in openeropener was recentlyrecentlyy 2018.2018. askedasked to cchoosehoose fromfrom their scoringscoring duties, the Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill, with Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, betweenb etween duo,duo, who made a successful and paceman Tim Southee will Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje all return from elbowelbow surgeries at help the 2015 finalists secure a nursing niggles. the Indian Premier League, will semi-final spot. Once-invincible West Indies alsoalso assist Finch inin leading the South Africa under Faf du had to come through the quali- side.side. Plessis are desperate to shed fiers but could be a surprise New Zealand willw hope the their “chokers” tag but find element with the return of Eoin Morgan collectivecollective experienexperiencec of skipper themselves already grappling opener Chris Gayle and all- AparApaAApartt Kane Williamson,WilWillliamiamson, batting pair with injuries to their pacemen rounder Andre Russell. Afridi backs ‘well-balanced’ Pakistan to reach Cup final

REUTERS but our batsmen are now in good “Our bowling struggled LAHORE form,” the former all-rounder before the World Cup I think said. because they lacked experience Former captain Shahid Afridi Pakistan posted 340-plus there. (pictured) has said Pakistan scores in three of the four com- “Now Wahab Riaz, (leg- have injected the right amount pleted matches in this month’s spinner) Shadab Khan and of experience into their World ODI series in England, even Mohammad Amir are back and Cup squad with the late inclu- though the hosts prevailed 4-0. it’s a well-balanced team. We sions of pacemen Wahab Riaz In March they had been should not have any excuse and Mohammed Amir, and have thrashed 5-0 by Australia in the now.” no excuse for poor performance United Arab Emirates. Consistency has never been now. “We did quite a few experi- the strong point of an otherwise FROM LEFT: England’s Eoin Morgan, India’s Virat Kohli, Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Ahmed, West Indies’ Riaz’s hostile spell to Aus- ments with the side. We rested talented team, but Afridi Jason Holder and Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib, attend a press conference of ICC World Cup teams tralian Shane Watson was one the seniors in the series against reckoned a good start could take captains in London, yesterday. INSET: ICC World Cup trophy on display during the press conference. of thee highlights of the 2015 Australia, giving chance the 1992 champions all the waway Worldd Cup, but the 33-33-year-oldyear-old to yyoung-oung- toto tthehe JuneJune 14 final at the LorLord’s.d has notot playedplayed a one-dayone-day inter-inter- sterssters,”, ” “It’s very important to winw nationalnal since June 20172017.. AfAfridirid i thethe first couple of matches to Khawaja given all clear after injury Fellowellow lleft-armeft-arm quickquick said.said. buildbuild a momentum... Our young-youn bowlerer Amir wwasas also ini-ini- sterssters are capablecapable ofof beatingbeating anyan REUTERS win the match by seven Smith hit seven fours and tially oomittedmitted from PakPaki-i- team in thethe world.”world.” LONDON wickets. two sixes in his 76 and Marsh stan’s WorldWorld CupCup squadsquad “I see PakistanPakistan as one ooff ttheh “It was very scary,” Aus- said it was good to see him and beforee beingbeing pencilled inin teamsteams in the semi-finals and,an Australia opener Usman tralia batsman Shaun Marsh, former vice captain David on Monday.onday. GodGod wiwilling,lling, I’m confidentconfident they’llthey Khawaja was cleared of serious who scored 55 not out batting Warner, who scored 12, back “I thinkthink ththisis teteamam hashas playplay thethe finalfinal too...too... injury after taking a nasty blow at number five, told reporters. in the groove after the end of the rightght combination,” “Pressure“Pressure iiss ininevitableevitable in to the head and being forced “It copped him on the side their one-year bans for the Afridii saisaidd in a vivideodeo internationalinternational cricket.cricket. ItIt teststests a to retire hurt from a World Cup of the cheekbone, I think. The Newlands ball-tampering postedd on the PakistPakistanan playerplayer and his mental strength.strengt warm-up against West Indies main thing is he is okay and scandal. Cricketet Board’sBoard’s TwitterTwitter feedfeed ButBut WorldWorld Cup is alsoalso a grgreate in Southampton on Wednesday. can bounce back pretty “(Smith) has just come back yesterday.rday. oopportunitypportunity to becomebecome a heroher Khawaja underwent scans quickly.” and just done what he’s usually “TheThe best thinthingg withwith the whole world loolookingking at on his jaw after being struck Marsh and returning does and scored runs,” Marsh is (that)at) batting you.”you.” by an Andre Russell bouncer former captain Steve Smith put added. used to be a in the second over of Aus- on 109 for the third wicket as “It’s just fantastic to have constanttant tralia’s innings and escorted Australia chased down West them both back in the team. worryr y from the Rose Bowl’s Nursery Indies’ tally of 229 inside 39 They are both really valuable for us Ground. Australia went on to overs. players for us.” FRIDAY 24 MAY 2019 SPORT 19

Benedetti wins Giro d’Italia Hamilton on song in Monaco 12th stage;

AP five-time F1 champion hugged “It’s a dream for every driver Polanc takes MONACO five-time Ballon d’Or winner to come to Monaco and have a Cristiano Ronaldo - who shares car that you can exploit and pink jersey A quick hug from another the record for winning soccer’s utilize your abilities with,” said sporting great and then it was prestigious award with Lionel Hamilton, who has won Monaco AFP back to business for Formula Messi. This season, Hamilton has twice before. PINEROLO One champion Lewis Hamilton a good chance to move one “I’m really proud of the team. at the Monaco Grand Prix. behind Michael Schumacher’s We made some small tweaks Italy’s Cesare Benedetti won Hamilton looked every bit record of seven F1 titles. (between) the two sessions and yesterday’s 12th stage of the the championship leader as he In session two, Hamilton during the sessions as well, but Giro d’Italia at Pinerolo in the topped both practice sessions on was.081 seconds faster than his I’ve been quite happy with the Italian Alps ahead of compa- Thursday. Mercedes team-mate Valtteri set-up.” The only blip for Ham- triot Damiano Caruso. Slov- Before going out for the Bottas and.763 clear of Ferrari’s ilton was a fine of 400 euros enian Jan Polanc took the second run in the afternoon, the Sebastian Vettel. ($446) for exceeding the pit lane overall lead. speed limit of 60 kph (37 mph) It was the first win for during P2. In the first practice, Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton get into his car in the pits 31-year-old Bora rider Bene- Monaco Grand Prix he was.059 seconds quicker than before the second practice session at the Monaco Street Circuit detti who led a long break- Practice times yesterday Red Bull driver Max Verstappen yesterday in Monaco, ahead of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. away group in the first Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:11.118 (41 laps), Valtteri Bottas on the sinewy 3.3-kilometer mountain stage after the 158km (FIN/Mercedes) 1:11.199 (48), Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) (2-mile) street circuit. Bottas was run from Cuneo. 1:11.881 (42), Pierre Gasly (FRA/Red Bull-Honda) 1:11.938 (39), third quickest in that outing and manufacturer has not won a race behind the wheel, and the Polanc, also among the Alexander Albon (THA/Toro Rosso-Honda) 1:12.031 (51), Max finished.072 behind Hamilton, since Kimi Raikkonen, who is winding nature of the track is leading group, took the leader’s Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1:12.052 (17), Kevin Magnussen who is chasing a sixth world title. now with Sauber, took the well suited to its car because it pink jersey from UAE Emirates (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) 1:12.174 (54), Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Ferrari had looked off the checkered flag at the United negates the greater speed of team-mate Valerio Conti of Romeo Racing-Ferrari) 1:12.239 (51), Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Alfa pace in P1 with Charles Leclerc States GP last October. Vettel has Mercedes and Ferrari. Italy. Benedetti crossed just Romeo Racing-Ferrari) 1:12.342 (51), Charles Leclerc (MON/ fourth ahead of Vettel, and they not won in 13 races since victory Verstappen thinks taking ahead of Bahrain-Merida’s Ferrari) 1:12.350 (42), Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) were both fined for pit lane at the Belgian GP on August 26. pole position on Saturday is Caruso with Ireland’s Edward 1:12.392 (51), Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Renault) 1:12.393 speeding. Monaco is the only race on unlikely this time, given the great Dunbar of Team INEOS third. (27), Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren-Renault) 1:12.419 (47), Daniil Mercedes has placed 1-2 in the F1 calendar where practice consistency Mercedes has shown “I’ve worked a lot for the Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso-Honda) 1:12.577 (39), Sergio Pérez (MEX/ all five races so far, with Bottas starts on Thursday instead of on this season. others in the past but today I Racing Point-Mercedes) 1:12.752 (44), Nico Hülkenberg (GER/ second in the championship Friday, when there is no racing “I don’t think we can fight got my opportunity,” said Renault) 1:12.872 (49), Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) 1:12.888 standings. Verstappen is third held at the Principality. There is them for pole,” the Dutch driver Benedetti. (53), Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mercedes) 1:14.558 (40), overall, with Vettel fourth and a third and final practice Sat- said. “But there is a big gap “I’m not a talent, I’m not George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 1:15.052 (37), Robert Leclerc fifth. urday ahead of qualifying. between second and third which (usually) a winner, but the way Kubica (POL/Williams-Mercedes) 1:15.146 (45) Ferrari is under pressure to Red Bull won the race last we should be able to fill in I finished it off is exactly what get a win in Monaco. The Italian year with Daniel Ricciardo qualifying.” I wanted to do.” It was the third stage win for Benedetti’s Bora team after Germany’s Pascal Ackermann’s two sprint wins. The first 15 finishers had all Federer and Nadal threaten been part of a large early breakaway that built up a sizeable advantage. Polanc finished 25 seconds behind Benedetti but more than Djokovic bid for historic Slam nine minutes ahead of Conti and more than seven minutes AFP Federer saving match points to beat Gael ahead of fellow Slovene Primoz PARIS Monfils in Madrid and in Rome against Roglic, who climbed to second Borna Coric as he found his feet again on Behind the breakaway, the Novak Djokovic can become only the European red clay. opening skirmishes between second man in history to have twice held “It’s been interesting and fun, but not the favourites occurred in the all four Grand Slam titles at the same time so challenging, to be honest,” said Federer main climb of the day, Montoso, with victory at the French Open. despite his Rome campaign being cut short the first ranked in the top cat- However, a returning Roger Federer by a leg injury. egory of this Giro. and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once Nadal, whose record at Roland Garros Colombian Miguel Angel again stand in his way. stands at a staggering 11 titles and a win- Lopez, third in 2018 Giro, and World number one Djokovic com- loss record of 86-2, claimed a ninth Italian Spaniard Mikel Landa went on pleted his first private stranglehold of all Open title and a record 34th Masters on the attack, 37km from the four Slams with victory at Roland Garros Sunday. finish, taking about 30 seconds in 2016. His three-set win over Djokovic was on their direct rivals in the Having clinched the 2018 Wimbledon timely as it was his first title of 2019 and standings. and US Open titles and then a seventh Rafael Nadal (right) of Spain holds his trophy after winning had followed three successive semi-final Polanc -- a 27-year-old Australian Open crown in January this the men’s singles final match against Novak Djokovic of losses at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Slovenian who has won two year, the Serb is tantalisingly close to Serbia during the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy on May 19. Madrid. Giro stages, each time in the another ‘Djoko Slam’. The last two of those were against mountains -- pulled on the pink Federer and Nadal, with 20 and 17 Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas, jersey for the first time. career Grand Slam titles each respectively, halfway to a 2019 calendar Slam of his which was such a crushing bodyblow that both of whom play with a one-handed “It was a team tactic that I’d may be ahead of 15-time major winner own. he even contemplated skipping backhand, just like Federer. go in the breakaway so we Djokovic in total hauls and have also com- After losing to Nadal in the Italian Wimbledon. Thiem, the 2018 runner-up to Nadal could have a better control over pleted career Slams. Open final last weekend, the Serb was in Federer is returning to Roland Garros at Roland Garros, has defeated the the race,” said Polanc. However, not even Federer or Nadal no doubt that it was the Spaniard who for the first time since 2015 having turned Spaniard four times on clay. “It was also a way to keep have managed to hold all four of the would likely be celebrating a 12th Roland his back on clay court tennis to focus on “There is a new wave coming through the Maglia Rosa (pink jersey) in sport’s greatest prizes at the same time. Garros title in a little over two weeks’ time. Wimbledon. with the one-handed backhand that can the team. It is such a rare feat that only Don “Nadal, number one favourite, without This year marks the 10th anniversary counter some of Rafa’s spins and lefty “We were lucky to be able Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and a doubt -- then everyone else,” he said. of his one and only Paris triumph and play,” said Federer, a four-time runner- to play these cards and I’m very 1969) -- all calendar Grand Slams -- have Djokovic, who will be top seed, could should the 37-year-old defy the odds up in Paris. happy to have the jersey. pulled off the sweep in the sport’s history. be forgiven his caution. and clinch the 2019 title he would Outside of Djokovic and Federer, “I was thinking about the Djokovic, who turned 32 on At Roland Garros in 2018, he was become the oldest Grand Slam champion world number four Thiem and sixth- stage win as well but being the Wednesday, is playing down his potential shocked by Italian journeyman Marco of all time. ranked Tsitsipas are the most likely can- virtual leader I had to pull a lot date with destiny even if it would put him Cecchinato in the quarter-finals, a defeat Age hasn’t dimmed his ability with didates to dethrone Nadal. more than others.” Barcelona want to redeem Ronaldo heads Portugal itself with Copa del Rey title squad for Nations League REUTERS to replace friendly internationals that LISBON were unpopular with clubs, players and AP BARCELONA Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde seasons.” fans as they interrupted league action. could have a lot riding on the outcome Barcelona will play without striker Hosts Portugal named their squad for UEFA has divided the competition of the game against Valencia, which Luis Suárez, who underwent arthro- next month’s inaugural Nations League into four divisions, or leagues, with Although Barcelona is still smarting will be played on neutral turf in scopic surgery to repair a meniscus finals yesterday with Cristiano Ronaldo each league itself sub-divided into from its collapse at Liverpool two Seville. injury in his right knee following the heading the bill and an inclusion for groups. Despite initial scepticism over weeks ago, the team has another cup While Valverde has had an almost loss to Liverpool. Benfica teenager Joao Felix. the format, it was given a generally final to play in this weekend. impeccable record in the Spanish Suarez scored 25 goals for Bar- Portugal will kick off the new com- warm reception. The Spanish champions can com- league and the Copa del Rey since celona this season, second only to petition with a semi-final against Swit- European champions Portugal plete a second straight domestic double taking charge two years ago, many Bar- Lionel Messi and his 50 goals. zerland in Porto on June 5, with the topped their three-team group ahead when it faces Valencia on Saturday in celona fans now doubt he can win it all Forward Ousmane Dembele is winners playing either England or the of Italy and Poland to qualify for the the Copa del Rey final. in Europe. also out with a muscle injury, while Netherlands in the final at the same semi-finals in the top division. “It’s the last game of the season and So while another cup is almost goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen will most venue four days later. The tournament offers Portugal a we need to win so we can go on expected by Barcelona’s supporters, a certainly keep his starting job after Ronaldo, Portugal’s leading scorer chance to make amends, albeit small, vacation with a better feeling than the loss to Valencia would increase the the club said Marc-Andre ter Stegen with 156 goals and most capped player for Euro 2004 when they were also one we had after the match against pressure on the club to consider a has pain in his right knee and won’t with 85 appearances, was included as hosts but lost in the final to Greece. Liverpool,” coaching change. be available. expected, the 34-year-old having There was no place in the squad Barcelona defender Clement Knowing his coach is under Valencia has had a very strong returned to the squad after missing six for Sevilla striker Andre Silva, who Lenglet said. “That’s why we want to scrutiny, Barcelona president Josep second half of the season. It surged up matches last year following an has been troubled by a knee injury win this final.” Bartomeu said yesterday that the club the league standings to finish fourth and agreement with coach Fernando in the last two months of the season, Barcelona has won a record 30 “completely backs Valverde.” earn a Champions League berth, and it Santos. or midfielder Joao Mario, who has Copa del Rey titles, including the last “We cannot knock this Copa,” Bar- reached the Europa League semifinals Joao Felix has had an outstanding had an indifferent season with Inter four, but it was eliminated from the tomeu said. “After the Copa we will able before losing to Arsenal. debut season for Benfica, attracting the Milan. Champions League by Liverpool after to draw conclusions on how to improve It will be seeking its eighth Copa del interest of clubs from around Europe, Santos acknowledged that such a blowing a 3-0 lead from the first leg. and aspire to win it all in the coming Rey title and first since 2008. but is still uncapped by Portugal. short tournament would be a different The Nations League was created experience for his squad. SPORT Friday 24 May 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 England dream Federer and Nadal of long-awaited threaten Djokovic title win bid for historic Slam Qatar ready to face Nigeria in Poland

THE PENINSULA DOHA FIFA U-20 World Cup Alminhali believes Asian Cup Qatar begin their quest for glory at the 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup 24-team tournament. Qatar are After seeing him excel at the against Nigeria today. set to make their fourth FIFA 2018 AFC U-19 Championship, win will inspire U-20 team For the Asians, Poland 2019 U-20 World Cup appearance and Qatar will be looking for a repeat will be their fourth appearance they book their ticket with a performance from striker Abdul- THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Ahmed and they will be hoping to better gallant display in the continental rasheed Umaru. The Al Ahli DOHA their second-place finish championship. forward found the net seven Alminhali achieved in Australia 1981. After losing their opening times in Indonesia to land the And to achieve this, first, they 2018 AFC U-19 Championship Top Scorer award, two ahead of Qatar’s Ahmed Alminhali believes the Asian Cup must navigate past Paul Aigbo- game to the United Arab team-mate Hashim Ali who is win will inspire their U-20s in the ongoing FIFA gun’s men before taking on Emirates, successive wins over also set to appear in Poland. U-20 World Cup in Poland. Ukraine and the United States in host nation Indonesia and Highly regarded defender Qatar kick off their bid against Nigeria today, Group D. Chinese Taipei saw Qatar finish Nasir Baksh is once again and their youngsters do not have to look far for Qatar will be aiming to on top of Group A by the nar- expected to lead his country inspiration. They will have their senior colleagues deliver a better performance rowest of margins. A 7-3 extra- having captained Qatar in at the forefront of their minds, as left-back Ahmed than they did four years ago at time defeat of Thailand duly fol- Indonesia. Alminhali explained. the FIFA U-20 World Cup that lowed in the quarter-finals, Poland 2019 will be Qatar’s “Thanks to the achievements of our first team, begins in Poland today. before Qatar succumbed 3-1 to fourth FIFA U-20 World Cup we’re more convinced than ever that nothing is The Flying Eagles will be eventual runners-up Korea appearance after making their impossible in football,” he said. making their 12th appearance on Republic in the last four. tournament debut in 1981 when “Nobody was betting on them, but they won the global scene thanks to their they lost 4-0 in the final to West the trophy by putting in great performances in fourth-place finish at the Africa FIFA U-20 World Cup Germany. They went on to host every match. They never wilted under the U20 Cup of Nations staged in the competition’s 1996 edition pressure, which has obviously been more intense “We worked hard to get to Poland,” said Niger Republic in February. Qatar’s Match Schedule but subsequently failed to reach since our country was chosen to host the 2022 Alminhali. Coached by Portuguese (all in Tychy) the knockout phase – a fate World Cup.” “Over the last two years, we’ve increased our manager Bruno Miguel, Qatar vs Nigeria (today) which also befell the West Asians Qatar other Group D rivals are Ukraine and number of training camps, getting together two vs Ukraine May 27 have arrived in Poland to face when they finished bottom of USA and the defender believes preparation will or three times a month. But all our efforts have vs USA May 30 Nigeria, Ukraine and the US in Group C at New Zealand 2015. be key. paid off, and that’s the most important thing. their Group D clashes at the Qatar pulled off an unprecedented triumph “Our qualification came down to the match at the AFC Asian Cup 2019. Felix Sanchez’s side against Thailand, and the pressure on us was A Qatari team official and a player on the eve of the FIFA U-20 World Cup match against Nigeria were more than a match for the traditional big something a lot of the players had never experi- in Poland yesterday. guns in the United Arab Emirates, and they got enced. We started well and went in 2-0 up at half- their reward by lifting the trophy for the first time. time, but our opponents were able to come back That remarkable success did not come out of and take the lead in the second half. Luckily for the blue. us, we managed to equalise before the end and For the last few years, Qatari football officials take the game into extra-time. Our superior fitness have overseen an in-depth effort to raise levels took care of the rest.” standards, most notably through the Aspire The company of two-time finalists Nigeria, Academy, which has already produced several Ukraine and USA means Qatar won’t have it easy players for the country’s international teams – in Group D. including the squad now in Poland for the FIFA “We did two training camps in Slovakia and U-20 World Cup. France, each lasting ten days each, and we were Alminhali and Co have already caught the all together for 25 days overall,” Alminhali eye themselves, booking their ticket to Poland explained. “Every national team here in Poland through the AFC U-19 Championship in 2018. has to be taken seriously – there are no more There, Qatar topped their group thanks to wins small teams, everyone has genuine ambitions. over Indonesia and Chinese Taipei, having lost “Nigeria have played in finals and even won their opener to United Arab Emirates. The best trophies. Ukraine are serious customers. All our was yet to come as they then defeated Thailand opponents have their own style of play. We will 7-3 after extra-time to secure their U-20 World try to capitalise upon our opponents’ weak points Cup spot. to achieve our goals.” Nadal and Federer on French Reduced Brazil squad begins preparations Open collision course for Copa America AFP Spain’s played just one clay court match PARIS Rafael Nadal this year. She could face Osaka celebrates in the quarter-finals in a AFP Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer winning his rematch of their stormy 2018 TERESÓPOLIS were placed in the same half of quarter final US Open final where the Jap- the draw for the French Open match against anese star triumphed while the Copa America hosts Brazil began yesterday meaning the two Switzerland’s American suffered a spectacular preparations for the tournament at longtime rivals could meet in Stan Wawrinka meltdown. their training centre in Teresopolis the semi-finals. at the Madrid Defending champion on Wednesday, despite missing most Second seed Nadal is Open in this May Simona Halep, seeded three, of their team. chasing a 12th title in Paris while 10 file picture. plays Australia’s Ajla Toml- Only seven players are expected 2009 champion Federer, janovic in her first round match. at the Granja Comary football seeded three, is playing in the Venus Williams, unseeded complex near Rio de Janeiro for the tournament for the first time this year, begins against ninth first week of training. since 2015. seed Elina Svitolina of the Neymar (pictured), the world’s Nadal starts against quali- Ukraine. most expensive player, is due to fiers in the first two rounds the feat. If the seedings work out last-eight. In the women’s draw, Williams, 38, down at 52 in appear on May 28 along with PSG while 37-year-old Federer, for the quarter-finals, then top seed Naomi Osaka, bidding the world rankings, was runner- team-mates Daniel Alves, Thiago bidding to become the oldest 15-time major winner Djokovic for a third successive Grand up to Serena in 2002. Silva and . Grand Slam title winner of all would face Germany’s Alex- Slam title, opens against world Second seed Karolina Everton winger was time, faces Italy’s Lorenzo ander Zverev who has still to get 92 Anna Karolina Schmiedlova Pliskova, the champion in Rome the first to arrive Wednesday. Sonego, ranked at 73. past the last eight at a Slam. of Slovakia. last weekend, starts against “I want to get on the field very Top seed and world number Fourth seed Dominic Thiem, However, either 2017 Madison Brengle of the United quickly to train, I’m very happy to one Novak Djokovic starts his the 2018 runner-up to Nadal, champion Jelena Ostapenko or States. If the seedings prove an be here with the squad, it’s a unique who will play the Champions League campaign against Poland’s would face Argentine eighth two-time major winner and ex- accurate indicator, Osaka would moment,” said Richarlison in a final on June 1 with Liverpool, will Hubert Hurkacz, the world seed Juan Martin del Potro world number one Victoria Aza- face Australia’s Ashleigh Barty statement issued by the Brazilian be the last to arrive. number 43. while Federer would meet Ste- renka await in a tricky second in the quarter-finals, Halep football federation. Coach made a brief Djokovic, the 2016 fanos Tsitsipas, the Greek who round for the 21-year-old Jap- would meet two-time Wim- Richarlison was joined by Ajax appearance near the field where champion, is bidding to become stunned him at the Australian anese star. bledon champion Petra Kvitova, Amsterdam’s David Neres, another workers were still painting the only the second man in history Open in January. Three-time champion 2018 runner-up Sloane 22-year-old striker. lines. to hold all four Slams at the Nadal, who won his first Serena Williams, chasing a Stephens would tackle Madrid Fernandinho, and Eight-time winners Brazil face same time. title of 2019 in Rome last record-equalling 24th major, champion Kiki Bertens while were expected to arrive Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru in the Only Rod Laver, who swept weekend against a weary begins against Vitalia Dia- Angelique Kerber of Germany later Wednesday, while Ederson and group stage, which start on June 14, to calendar Slams in 1962 and Djokovic, is seeded to face tchenko of Russia. would be Pliskova’s last-eight Filipe Luis were due Thursday. after two friendlies against Qatar 1969, has previously achieved Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the Williams, seeded 10, has rival. and , and Honduras.