AATHLETICSTHLETICS | Page 3 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Felix misses Bale’s China team in 400, move off aft er Kendricks soars Real board in pole vault block deal
Monday, July 29, 2019 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 26, 1440 AH Sri Lanka seal series GULF TIMES against Bangladesh with easy win SPORT Page 2
CYCLING ‘My greatest victory’: Bernal hails Tour de France triumph Ineos rider becomes first Colombian winner of cycling’s greatest prize and its youngest in more than a century
AFP Paris CLASS WINNERS Overall yellow jersey: Egan Bernal (COL/Ineos) Green sprint points jersey: Peter Sagan (SVK/ gan Bernal clinched Bora) victory in the Tour de Polka dot ‘King of the Mountain’ points jer- France yesterday, pa- sey: Romain Bardet (FRA/AG2R La Mondiale) rading into Paris safe- White under-25 jersey: Egan Bernal lyE in the overall leader’s yellow Team: Movistar jersey, becoming the fi rst Co- Combativity: Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/Deceun- lombian winner of cycling’s inck) greatest prize and its youngest in more than a century. BERNAL FILES With the sun setting be- Name: Egan Bernal hind the Arc de Triomphe, the Date of birth: January 13, 1997 (22 years old) 22-year-old Ineos rider com- Place of birth: Zipaquira, Colombia pleted the 21 stage, 3,409km Nationality: Colombian (2,118 miles) marathon around Height: 1.75m France 1min 10sec ahead of Teams: Androni (2016-17), Sky/Ineos (since 2018 champion and teammate 2018) Geraint Thomas. MAJOR WINS Colombian spectators Grand Tours: thronged the Champs Elysees Tour de France overall (2019) to witness the traditional Tour de France best rider under 25 (2019) eight-lap fi nale, where Aus- National championships: tralia’s Caleb Ewan, also 22, Colombian time-trial championship (2018) won his third stage of the 2019 Stage races: edition on the culminating Paris-Nice (2019) mass bunch sprint. Tour de Suisse (2019) The champion was wel- Tour of Colombia (2018) comed by his younger brother Tour of California (2018) Ronald, his parents and girl- Tour de l’Avenir (2017) friend, before embracing his Other Grand Tour participations: teammates. 2018 Tour de France: 15th “I thank France for organis- ing the best race in the world, LAST 10 TOUR DE FRANCE WINNERS and for organising my greatest 2019: Egan Bernal (COL) victory,” Bernal said in French. Team Ineos riders Jonathan Castroviejo (left) of Spain and Geraint Thomas (right) of Britain congratulate Egan Bernal of Colombia as he celebrates his victory on the 2018: Geraint Thomas (GBR) “This is the Tour, this is the finish line of the 21st and last stage of the Tour de France at Champs-Elysees, in Paris, yesterday. (AFP) 2017: Chris Froome (GBR) Tour, there is nothing more 2016: Chris Froome (GBR) important than the Tour de and who thrived on a course ble in Pau and was warned by thrilling tone of this Tour with a He fi nally lost his lead af- contested procession to Paris, 2015: Chris Froome (GBR) France and I want to take this featuring seven mountain a speeding motorbike when dashing 14 day tenure in yellow. ter two of three Alpine stages the Ineos team were all wear- 2014: Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) jersey back to Colombia,” he stages and fi ve summit fi nish- racing downhill at 100kph “It was an honour, it was where the fi nal real action ing a yellow trim to their clar- 2013: Chris Froome (GBR) said, switching back to Span- es, scampering away from his when a freak hail storm my duty, it was unforget- played out, before Bernal de- et and black outfi ts, with even 2012: Bradley Wiggins (GBR) ish. closest rivals in the rarefi ed caused a mudslide ahead. table,” Alaphilippe said on fended it Saturday on a long the team car sporting a yellow 2011: Cadel Evans (AUS) The highest Tour in histo- oxygen that only suits some. That was Friday when he Sunday after missing out on 33km climb to the Val Torrens stripe to honour the eight- 2010: Andy Schleck (LUX) * ry, as it was billed, suited the He had to weather a sear- clinched the overall lead from becoming France’s fi rst win- ski-resort, itself shortened be- man team who had sacrifi cing * Schleck awarded victory after Alberto 2019 champion Bernal, who ing four-day heatwave that French hero, the daring Julian ner of the Tour since Bernard cause of storms and mudslides. personal gain for the Colom- Contador stripped of win for doping grew up at 2600m altitude saw runner up Thomas wob- Alaphilippe who had set the Hinault in 1985. On the traditional non- bian’s title.
SWIMMING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Incredible Scott split helps Britain to medley relay gold Reuters winning the men’s 400m indi- Gwangju, South Korea vidual medley for a third time, while Hungary’s ‘Iron Lady’ Katinka Hosszu became the fi rst uncan Scott swam the woman to win fi ve world titles in second-fastest relay the same event. split of all time in the The 30-year-old won her fi rst anchor leg of the men’s world gold in Rome and 10 years 4x100mD medley yesterday, over- later she is still setting the stand- hauling his US and Russian rivals ard, coming home 1.68 seconds to secure gold for Britain and ahead of China’s Ye Shiwen, with deny Caeleb Dressel a seventh Japan’s Yui Ohashi taking bronze. world title in Gwangju. Britain’s come-from-behind SOUR NOTE victory came in the penultimate While governing body FINA said event of a pulsating last night in it was delighted the way Gwangju the pool. It came just before the had staged the event, the one sad US women set a world record to note for South Korea was that win the medley relay, with Regan Regan Smith competes in the women’s 4x100m medley relay final at it became the fourth host after Smith breaking the backstroke the World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, yesterday. (AFP) Colombia (1975), Ecuador (1982) record in the lead-off leg. and Spain (1986) not to win a Scott plunged into the pool with to the wall fi rst in 29.84, while in freestyle double, the American swimming medal. ground to make up on the United the next lane 14-year-old Italian getting her fi ngertips to the wall But Lee Yong-sup, head of the States after Dressel opened up a (From left to right) Britain’s Adam Peaty, James Guy, Luke Greenbank and Duncan Scott celebrate their gold Benedetta Pilato burst into tears ahead of Sweden’s Sarah Sjos- championships organising com- lead for Nathan Adrian with a typ- medals on the podium for men’s 4x100m medley relay at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South after seeing her name in the silver trom and Australian Cate Camp- mittee, told a news conference ically blistering butterfl y leg, with Korea, yesterday. (AFP) medal position ahead of Russia’s bell. yesterday he hoped the city, some Russia also breathing down the Yuliya Efemova. Florian Wellbrock also got his 330km southwest of the capital American’s neck. “I can’t say I thought I had that as people,” said the Olympic and (24.43) grabbed a surprise gold in “We got to the wall and she was name in the record books after Seoul, could one day become a However, the Glasgow-born split in me,” said Scott, still rub- world breaststroke champion of a blanket fi nish to the men’s 50m crying immediately,” said King. the German added the 1,500m hot-bed for Korean swimming. 22-year-old swam an incredible bing his head in disbelief. “I’m the team, which also included backstroke, ahead of Russians “I didn’t know if it was happy freestyle crown to his 10km open “I will review the hosting of 46.14 seconds, the fastest since just sort of speechless I’ve been James Guy and Luke Greenbank. Evgeny Rylov and Kliment Koles- tears or sad tears, she’s 14. But water gold in Gwangju, becom- a Korea Swimming Promotion American Jason Lezak’s 46.06 able to put that race together.” “We just showed that the Brit- nikov, the world record holder. I think they were happy tears, I ing the fi rst athlete to win titles Center in co-operation with at the Beijing Olympics, to run An elated Peaty said he was so ish are always up for a race.” Only 0.08 seconds separated the hope they were.” in two diff erent sports at a single the government,” he said, add- down Adrian and give Britain the pumped he would not sleep for top three. The third of the water-churn- world championships. ing that he would look to set up gold and their fi rst win over the three days. “That’s testament to HAPPY TEARS? In the women’s 50m breast- ing one-lap dashes saw Simone Daiya Seto brought some cheer competitions to unearth young US in the event. who we are as racers, who we are South African Zane Waddell stroke America’s Lilly King got Manuel complete the 50/100m to 2020 Olympics hosts Japan by swimming talent. Gulf Times 2 Monday, July 29, 2019 SPORT
CRICKET Qatar second in T20 WC Asia Final Qatar’s roller-coaster cam- while second-placed Qatar had paign in the ICC T20 World four points from four matches. Cup Asia Regional Final On Saturday, Qatar scripted fetched them a second place their second victory as they behind hosts Singapore. got the better Malaysia by four Singapore will figure in the wickets. Mohamed Nadeem Sri Lanka seal series Qualifier later this year for the and Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry 2020 ICC T20 World Cup to be shared six scalps to restrict the held in Australia. rivals at 144. The victory against Nepal Nouman Sarwar blasted 47 yesterday was third for not out in 37 balls to anchor Singapore, while their match Qatar to the victory. Kamran against Kuwait was washed out, Khan and Tamoor Sajjad add- against Bangladesh helping them share the points. ed 27 and 26, while Qalandar They had a tally of seven points, Khan chipped in with 25. STANDINGS Chasing 239-run target, Team P W L Pts NRR Fernando and Mathews Singapore 4 3 0 7 2.969 Qatar 4 2 2 4 -0.378 with easy win hit half centuries Nepal 4 2 2 4 -0.682 Kuwait 4 1 2 3 -1.179 AFP Malaysia 4 1 3 2 -0.39 Colombo, Sri Lanka Scorecard BANGLADESH vishka Fernando hit a T. Iqbal b Udana 19 COMMENT quick-fi re half-centu- ry as Sri Lanka eased S. Sarkar lbw b Pradeep 11 to a seven-wicket win M. Mithun c Mendis b Dananjaya overA Bangladesh in the second 12 Bayliss admits ‘stern’ one-day international to seal the M. Rahim not out 98 three-match series in Colombo yesterday. Mahmudullah b Dananjaya 6 chat with England Opener Fernando made 82 off S. Rahman run out 11 75 balls, helping Sri Lanka reach M. Hossain c K. Perera b Udana 242-3 in 44.4 overs after Bang- 13 Test players ladesh were restricted to 238-8, M. Hasan c Karunaratne b despite wicketkeeper-batsman Pradeep 43 AFP Mushfi qur Rahim making an London unbeaten 98 runs. T. Islam run out 3 Fernando and skipper Dimuth M. Rahman not out 2 Karunaratne set the tone for Sri Extras (b3 lb4, w12, nb1) 20 oach Trevor Bayliss Lanka’s run chase with 71-run admitted yesterday he stand before Bangladesh had Total (8 wickets; 50 overs) 238 had a “stern chat” with their fi rst success through off - Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Sarkar), England’s players after spinner Mehidy Hasan. Cthey rallied to avoid an embar- 2-31 (Iqbal), 3-52 (Mithun), Mehidy bowled Karunaratne 4-68 (Mahmudullah), 5-88 (S. rassing Test defeat to Ireland. for 15 but Fernando and Kusal Rahman) 6-117 (Hossain), 7-201 England were bundled out for Perera continued the hosts’ on- (Hassan), 8-231(T. Islam) 85 in the fi rst session of their in- slaught to put Sri Lanka, who Bowling: De Silva 10-0-39-0 augural Test against Ireland at won Friday’s opening game by (1w), Pradeep 10-0-53-2 (1w, Lord’s but eventually won by 143 91 runs, fi rmly in control. 1nb), Udana 10-0-58-2 (1w) runs after dismissing the visitors Mustafi zur Rahman dis- Kumara 10-0-42-0 (3w), Danan- for just 38 in their second in- missed Fernando and Perera, jaya 10-0-39-2 (2w) nings. who made 30 off 34 balls, in Nightwatchman Jack Leach quick succession to revive Bang- was England’s top-scorer in the ladesh’s hopes but Kusal Mendis SRI LANKA match with 92 and although he and Angelo Mathews denied A. Fernando c Iqbal b M. Rahman was left out of the 14-man Ashes them further success. 82 squad, Bayliss praised the left- training session on Monday at Mathews struck occasional arm spinner’s approach. Edgbaston, where the fi tness of leg-spinner Sabbir Rahman for D. Karunaratne b Hasan 15 “We had a fairly stern chat after paceman Jofra Archer will be as- a four to complete Sri Lanka’s K. Perera c Sarkar b M. Rahman the game,” Bayliss told BBC Ra- sessed following the side strain win. He was unbeaten on 52 runs 30 dio. “It’s good to be able to deliver he suff ered during the victorious facing 57 balls. K. Mendis not out 41 those messages when you have ac- World Cup campaign. He was well supported by tually won a game,” he said. “We don’t want to necessarily A. Mathews not out 52 Mendis, 41 not out, in an unbro- “I thought the example Jack risk him,” Bayliss said. ken 96-run fourth wicket stand. Extras (b4 lb 5, w12, nb1) 22 Leach showed was the example “He played for Sussex in a T20 “I am disappointed to not Total (3 wickets; 44.4 overs) 242 a lot of the other batters need to match and came through that well. get to the three-fi gure mark learn from. He was very focused Test match cricket, fi ve days, long- Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Karu- and hopefully I can convert my on what he wanted to do and was er spells, is a little bit of a diff erent naratne), 2-129 (Fernando), starts into bigger knocks in the very clear in his own mind how beast so we’ll have to see where 3-146 (Perera) future,” said man-of-the-match he was going to go about it. he’s at and take a little bit from the Fernando. Bowling: Hasan 10-0-51-1, S. “We speak about that a lot, medical people as well. “The track was a bit slow and Islam 5-0-29-2 (2w), T. Islam having a plan for any situation “We have to weigh up, do you also spun a bit. I am glad that I 10-2-35-0 (2w), M. Rahman 8-0- you fi nd yourself in and be- pick him for the fi rst one, it’s a bit was able to make a contribu- 50-2 (3w, 1nb), Hossain 7-0-32-0 ing clear with your thoughts — early, he gets injured and then is tion,” he added. (1w), S. Rahman 2.4-0-20-0, don’t try and just bluff your way unavailable for selection? Mustafi zur fi nished with 2-50 Sarkar 2-0-16-0 through it.” “We’ve got a good strong for Bangladesh. Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando plays a shot during the second ODI against Bangladesh at R. Premadasa RESULT: Sri Lanka won by England begin their Ashes Test group of bowlers who we think Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (AFP) seven wickets preparations with an optional can do the job over the fi ve Tests.” MUSHFIQUR FALLS SHORT Bangladesh had Mushfi qur to Mehidy shared 84 runs, a sev- Pradeep, fellow pace bowler fore Tamim dragged an Udana thank for providing them some- enth-wicket record for Bang- Isuru Udana and leg-spinner delivery onto his stump after had Mosaddek Hossain caught SWIMMING thing to fi ght with after their ladesh against Sri Lanka to give Akila Dananjaya claimed two making 19. by Kusal Perera for 13. top-order crumbled for the sec- the visitors’ innings some re- wickets each for Sri Lanka. Dananjaya removed Mohamed Mushfi qur went off the strike ond time in the series. spectability. Bangladesh were in trouble Mithun for 12 and bowled Mah- in the fi fth ball of the fi nal over Mushfi qur slammed six fours Mehidy made 43 off 46 balls soon after skipper Tamim Iqbal mudullah Riyad for six before to miss out on his eighth ODI ‘Embarrassed’ and a six in a 110-ball innings to with six boundaries before he won the toss and elected to bat Sabbir Rahman’s run out for 11 hundred by just two runs. bail out Bangladesh who lost their was caught by Sri Lankan skip- at the R. Premadasa Stadium. compounded Bangladesh’s woes. The third and fi nal match fi rst six wickets for 117 runs. per Dimuth Karunaratne at Pradeep trapped opener Sou- Mushfi qur began his fi ght of the series will be held at the Australia defend Mushfi qur and number eight mid-off off Nuwan Pradeep. mya Sarkar leg-before for 11 be- back with Mehidy after Udana same venue on Wednesday. concealing Jack’s test CYCLING Reuters barrassing to our team, our sport Melbourne and our country,” Russell told re- porters in Melbourne yesterday. “The ASADA agreement re- Internationelles strike a blow for women’s Tour wimming Australia yes- quires Swimming Australia to terday defended their maintain confi dentiality until Reuters company, said she had asked to enough. There are great role concealment of Shayna such time as either ASADA or the London join the French women’s group models in women’s cycling but Jack’s positive doping individual athlete release details Donnons des Elles au Velo who without a Tour equivalent, peo- testS while one of her teammates of an adverse result. have been riding the Tour de ple don’t know them. So many was conducting a public cam- “I accept this is a frustrating olombian Egan Ber- France route since 2015. other sports, the women are as paign against China’s Sun Yang position but I also accept that nal will win the Tour Instead, the Internationelles well known as the men. Look at at the world championships. Shayna has a right to a fair proc- de France in Paris yes- joined their French counter- Paula Radcliff e in marathon.” Jack was withdrawn from the ess.” terday but 10 intrepid parts on the road and the mes- Australia squad ahead of the Former ASADA chief Richard amateurC women riders can claim sage appears to be getting across HIGHLIGHTS championships in Gwangju with Ings had said earlier that rules did bragging rights after going fur- with Amaury Sport Organisa- Dixon said one of the highlights the swimmer and Swimming allowed sports to identify athletes ther, higher and completing the tion (ASO), the owners of the was meeting the Team Ineos rid- Australia (SA) initially saying it who had adverse test results. three-week trek 24 hours earlier. Tour, saying they were looking ers including 2018 winner Ge- was for personal reasons. “When an athlete is provi- The Internationelles, a group to launch a major women’s race. raint Thomas and staring in dis- The 20-year-old freestyle sionally suspended, the rules do of women fi ghting for equality, “The fact we are so inter- belief at the team bus equipped swimmer, however, revealed on allow the sport to make a public formed their own mini-peloton national has maybe spread the with eight washing machines. Saturday that she had tested announcement,” he told the Aus- for the 3,480km route to high- message wider,” said Dixon, who “They could not believe what positive for a banned substance tralian Broadcasting Corp. light the lack of a women’s Tour has ridden in the world amateur we were doing,” she said. in an out-of-competition test on “Ultimately, what was said de France. championships. “It’s a scandal Asked what had stood out June 26. by Shayna Jack and Swimming Riding each of the 21 stages that women don’t have the same over the three weeks on the road, Jack, who denies wittingly Australia weeks ago about vague the day before men, the Interna- opportunities as men in this day Dixon said the infamous 23km taking a banned substance, yes- personal reasons become trans- tionelles survived boiling heat, and age. Galibier climb was the toughest, terday said her ‘B’ sample had parent weeks later as a lie.” freezing cold and 30 mountain “Hopefully we have helped especially having fallen off ear- confi rmed the presence in her ASADA later released a state- climbs across the Vosges, Pyr- force their hand.” lier in the day. sample of Ligandrol, an anabolic ment backing Russell’s stance. enees and the Alps. Since 2014 the world’s top fe- “I could not stop crying,” she agent. She faces a four-year ban. Russell said Jack should enjoy What is more, because of male riders have had La Course said. Accusations of hypocrisy were presumption of innocence until freak weather, the Interna- by Le Tour to showcase their She also said the heat was so immediately levelled at Australia the process was completed but tionelles dismounted on the skills. Initially it was a mountain intense in the Pyrenees that the with the non-disclosure of the if she was found guilty SA would Champs-Elysees on Saturday In this July 12, 2019, picture taken from social media, members of stage and a TT. This year it was entire team went to a car wash to positive test set against Mack “enforce any sanction imposed”. with the full distance in their Internationelles, a team of female cyclists, are seen during Stage 8 of a single stage, four laps of the cool down. Horton’s condemnation of Sun, Jack, who won two silvers and legs, 100km or so more than the the Donnons des Elles au Velo J-1 event in France. (Reuters) men’s individual TT course in Everything worked out in the who served a drug ban in 2014 two bronzes in relays at the last men who skipped Friday’s sum- Pau won by Dutch great Mari- end though. and is embroiled in another dop- world championships, yesterday mit fi nish in Tignes because of treme challenges. ise Gibson, Lucy Ritchie, Pippa anne Vos — a “slap in the face” “We’re just relieved, the last ing controversy. posted a lengthy explanation of landslides and one of Saturday’s “I don’t know about tougher Lyon, Sara Beck and Sarah Anne agreed Dixon. three days in the mountains Chief executive Leigh Russell the whole aff air on social media two ascents. (than the men),” Louise Dixon, Evans. “We’re not suggesting a com- were just unbelievable. I can’t said yesterday, however, that SA and vowed to clear her name. As a way of banging the mes- a 41-year-old mum of two who “We didn’t have the option plete Tour de France although we believe we ended up doing more had been bound by confi dentiality “Deep down, I feel I shouldn’t sage home, it could hardly have only took up cycling fi ve years of quitting or cutting it short. have shown that if amateurs can distance and more elevation while an investigation was con- have to defend my reputation as worked out any more perfectly ago, told Reuters as she prepared We rode all the way up to Tignes do it, then of course women pro- than the guys,” she said. ducted by the Australian Sports I know that I didn’t do this,” she for the plucky women — fi ve for ‘glory ride’ into Paris along and it was absolutely chucking fessionals can do it,” Dixon said. “We’re all amateurs, all have Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA). wrote. “Why would I put myself British, three Australian, one with Alex Chart, Carmen Acam- it down, it was really dangerous, “We just want women to have a jobs, a couple of are mums. “An Australian swimmer re- through this anguish and risk American and one Dutch — who po, Helen Bridgman, Helen but we rode through it.” proper stage race, in France. We’ve been hurting since day turning a positive result is both jeopardising my career and my survived one of sport’s most ex- Sharp, Julie-Anne Hazlett, Lou- Dixon, who works for a tech “La Course is just not good one. But it was worth it.” bitterly disappointing and em- character?” Gulf Times Monday, July 29, 2019 3 SPORT
ATHLETICS / US TRIALS TENNIS / ATLANTA OPEN De Minaur topples Felix misses team Opelka to reach fi nal Reuters Atlanta, United States
lex de Minaur out- lasted big-serving Reilly Opelka 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-3 on Saturday in 400, Kendricks toA reach the fi nal of the Atlanta Open, where he will face Taylor Fritz after the American defeated Cameron Norrie 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the evening match. Despite the towering Opelka pounding down 28 aces it was De Minaur who had the better soars in pole vault serving in their semi-fi nal on a hot and humid day in Georgia’s Fred Kerley became the all time seventh fastest in the event in men’s 400m capital city. The Australian won 96 per- Reuters cent of his fi rst-service points match as the 21-year-old Ameri- Des Moines, United States and never gave Opelka a break can continued his bid for a sec- point opportunity. ond career title after capturing The turning point came in the his fi rst at last month’s East- llyson Felix missed out third set when De Minaur fi nally bourne International. on an individual na- broke Opelka’s serve to go up 3-2. It initially looked like it would tional team spot for the The 20-year-old broke again a short contest as Fritz’s pinpoint fi rst time as a profes- on match point when Opelka serving befuddled Norrie but the sionalA and Sam Kendricks became sent a backhand into the net for Briton bounced back in the sec- the third highest pole vaulter of his 38th unforced error. ond to force a decider. all-time at the US national cham- “Reilly is an incredible com- Fritz seized the momentum pionships on Saturday. petitor, a super tough guy to play in the third when he hammered Only French world record and a great friend,” De Minaur a crosscourt forehand winner to holder Renaud Lavillenie and said in a courtside interview. give himself a break point op- former holder Sergey Bubka “It’s a bit of a lottery out here. portunity and converted it when have ever jumped higher than I just had to guess the right way Norrie sent a forehand long to fall the 6.06 metres Kendricks man- (when returning) on a couple (of) behind 4-2. aged at an event that is doubling big points and I was fortunate to The best rally of the match as the US trials for the world get the win today.” came on match point when the championships. De Minaur will play in his fi fth players exchanged volleys at the The selection meeting also career ATP fi nal with his lone net before Fritz’s fi nal eff ort fl ew produced a surprising result in title coming earlier this year on past Norrie and caught the back the men’s 400 metres as Fred home soil at the Sydney Interna- line to seal the win. Kerley became the all time tional. “I was really happy with my seventh fastest in the event, Despite the loss, Opelka will ability to turn it around after los- clocking 43.64 seconds to up- enter the top 50 for the fi rst time ing the second set,” Fritz said. set indoor world record holder in his career when the new rank- “I tried to make a couple ad- Michael Norman (43.79). ings are released today. justments in the third, I won a Felix, America’s most deco- Fritz also needed three sets to lot of important points and was rated female track athlete, fi n- get past Norrie in the evening mentally able to turn it around.” ished sixth in 51.94 seconds in the women’s 400, missing auto- matic selection for September’s SPOTLIGHT world championships. She could still go to Doha as a member of the 4x400 metres relay. Shakima Wimbley won the Basilashvili outlasts event in 50.21 seconds ahead of Kendall Ellis (50.38) and collegian Wadeline Jonathas (50.44), who Rublev to defend also made the US team for Doha. KENDRICKS MOBBED Hamburg title World champion Kendricks cleared the winning height on his second attempt to break the Sam Kendricks competes in the pole vault final during the 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, United States, on Saturday. (AFP) US record and show he was ready for another world title run. Kerley, the 2017 US cham- Karsten Warholm and Ben- metres hurdles semi-final in of his fi rst race of the champion- He was mobbed by his com- pion, came on strong over the jamin have run faster this year 54.22 seconds. The teenage ships. “We knew it was going to petitors after he landed in the last 40 metres for the victory Runner-up TJ Holmes was more McLaughlin, the year’s fastest, be a lot of wind so we wanted to pole vault pit. over Norman, who has been than a second behind Benjamin was 0.02 seconds adrift. focus on that fi rst 100... and the “As I was falling I was think- considered the favourite for in 48.58 with Amere Lattin tak- In 200 metres qualifying, conserve as much energy as pos- ing, ‘They’re going to come tackle world championship gold in ing third in 48.66. speedy Noah Lyles and US 100 sible.” me,’” said Kendricks “They were the event. The United States will have metres champion Christian Cole- Coleman fi nished second in lined up on the edge of the run- “In track and fi eld, you’ve another strong world team in man eased through their heats. his heat in 20.70, running a solid way, clapping for me. We’re a just got to understand, anything the women’s 100 metres hur- Lyles, the year’s fastest at 19.50 curve before easing up. pretty tight-knit group all around can happen at any given point dles as world record holder seconds, won his race in 20.65. “I knew I had to get out on top the world in the pole vault.” in track and fi eld, today was my Keni Harrison (12.44), Nia Ali His hair now speckled in silver of the fi eld,” said the 23-year- The Americans will send four day,” Kerley said. (12.55) and Olympic cham- as a tribute to Goku, the main old world championship silver vaulters to Doha since Kendricks Meanwhile, Rai Benjamin pion Brianna McNeal (12.61) protagonist of the Dragon Ball medallist. is the world champion. celebrated his 22nd birthday by all qualified. Olympic cham- manga series, the 22-year-old Collegian Keitavious Walter Cole Walsh (5.76), KC Light- winning the men’s 400 metres pion Dalilah Mohamed eased drew more questions about his had the fastest time, 20.59, with foot (5.76) and Zach Bradford hurdles by 10 metres in a quick past top US rival Sydney new look than his racing. Lyles third best in the warm-up (5.71) also earned berths. 47.23 seconds. Only Norway’s McLaughlin to claim their 400 “It was pretty easy,” Lyles said for fi nal two rounds. Reuters fi nal set and maintained the ad- Hamburg, Germany vantage to seal victory in just over two hours. With the win, Basilashvili be- The big goal for Felix remains next year and the Olympics eorgia’s Nikoloz Basi- came the fi rst player since Roger lashvili won the Ham- Federer in 2005 to claim back- Reuters burg European Open for to-back Hamburg crowns. Des Moines, United States a second consecutive Russian youngster Rublev failed Gyear, beating Andrey Rublev 7-5, to add to his maiden title triumph 4-6, 6-3 in the fi nal yesterday. in 2017 in Umag but was pleased he fire is still there for Fourth seed Basilashvili won 81 with his impressive run this week, Allyson Felix and so is percent of his fi rst-serve points which included a straight sets win Tthe dream. and struck 26 forehand winners over top seed Dominic Thiem in America’s most decorated to record his 12th straight win on the semi-fi nals. track and field athlete may Hamburg clay, which includes 10 “It was a good week for me. For have missed out on a medal main draw victories. the moment, my best week,” said at this week’s US national The 27-year-old has now lifted Rublev. championships as she returned three tour-level titles, with his “Of course, it is always dis- to competition for the first time other triumph coming in Beijing appointing to lose in a fi nal, but in 13 months after having a last year. Nikoloz was playing really well daughter in November, but the World number 16 Basilashvili, and he deserves it. To win two quest goes on for the six-time who saved two match points in years in a row here is amazing. Olympic champion. his semi-fi nal win over world It is really hard. It is really tough “This is a stepping stone,” the number fi ve Alexander Zverev, mentally and he did it. It is unbe- 33-year-old mentioned several broke Rublev twice early in the lievable.” times at the meeting at Drake University that doubled as the US world championships trials. Wimbledon teen star Coco wins in “I want to be back in the Olym- pics,” said Felix. “I want them Washington qualifying more than anything. I want to AFP berths in the main draw. She go out on my terms.” Washington, United States will face either Japan’s Hiroko Her best time in the champi- Kuwata or American Maria onships, 51.45 seconds in the Sanchez. 400 metres semi-finals, was oco Gauff , the 15-year- Gauff electrified Wimbledon af- two seconds slower than her old American who ter her qualifying run there by personal best of 49.26 seconds Cbreezed into the defeating idol Venus Williams in 2015 and she finished sixth Wimbledon last 16 earlier this in her opening match and in Saturday’s final in 51.94. month, returned Saturday with rolled into the fourth round Yet Felix said she found a new a qualifying victory at the WTA before losing to eventual spark. Washington Open. champion Simona Halep. “Being in this environment Gauff defeated compatriot Gauff , who made her WTA and being back in a final, it Maegan Manasse 6-4, 6-2 in 68 main draw debut in March at kind of got the juices flowing,” minutes to advance within one the Miami Open, ousted 44th- she said. “It’s going to be a lot training for me,” said Felix of little bit more.” good form to be able to help the called the “big goal” — the match of making the main draw ranked Williams in round one easier going into next year and longtime coach Bob Kersee. There is also a potential spot team, yes,” Felix said when asked 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. of next week’s US Open hard- at Wimbledon, then dispatched getting a full year of training.” “I don’t think he is done with on the US 4x400 metres relay if she would accept a spot. “If I’m “This gave me a taste,” she said court tuneup in the US capital. Slovakia’s Magdalena Ryba- Not that the 2019 work year me yet. team for late September’s not, I’ll be a cheerleader.” of the US championships. “The Next up for 143rd-ranked Gauff rikova and saved two match is over. “I think we want to get in a world championships in Doha. But with or without the relay, fire is there. I will be back next will be a match to decide one points in defeating Slovenia’s “I think Bobby still has some position to train. I might race a “If I feel like I’m in, you know, this year is about what Felix year.” of four available qualifier 60th-ranked Polona Hercog. Gulf Times 4 Monday, July 29, 2019 SPORT
RUGBY FOCUS All Blacks’ Sonny Bill to miss Test Pumas scrum a major against Australia
Reuters injury that had kept him out Wellington of last week’s test against Ar- gentina. “The key thing we asked onny Bill Williams him to do was stay there concern as World Cup will not travel with the and stay injury free. He did All Blacks for their fi - that,” Hansen said after the nal Rugby Champion- match. ‘We have to continue practising shipS match against Australia in “He hasn’t played a lot of Perth on Aug. 10, coach Steve rugby and was rusty so we our set pieces and have a look at Hansen said yesterday. won’t get too judgmental The 33-year-old Williams about his rugby performance, where our tactics broke down’ will instead play for provincial the fact was his body held to- approaches side Counties Manukau and gether that was encouraging.” be brought back into the All Hansen is due to reduce his Blacks squad for their Bledis- 39-man squad to 34 players on loe Cup encounter with the Wednesday for the two clashes Wallabies in Auckland the fol- with Australia. lowing week. The absence of twice World “He’s going to play a couple Cup winner Williams could of games over the next couple give Ngani Laumape a fi nal of weeks, which will be good,” opportunity to press his World Hansen told reporters. Cup credentials, with Ryan “He’ll be available for Perth, Crotty due to have scan on a but we’re not going to take broken thumb today. him. We’re going to get him to play two, or three... as many games as we can get in be- tween there and Auckland.” The inside centre has suf- fered a string of injury over the last two years and his place in Hansen’s World Cup squad was in jeopardy if he could not prove his match fi tness dur- ing the southern hemisphere competition. He played 59 minutes of the All Blacks 16-16 draw with South Africa in Welling- ton on Saturday before being replaced by Anton Lienert- Brown. While he did not make a characteristic line break or of- fl oad in the tackle he often drew three defenders, which created mismatches outside him. Most importantly for Hansen, he came through the game unscathed without any recurrence of his hamstring
India fi rms up Birmingham boycott threats over shooting exclusion
India’s threat to boycott his letter to the minister seen the 2022 Commonwealth by Reuters. “We have been Games in Birmingham over noticing over a period of time shooting’s absence in the that wherever India seems to programme has intensified be getting grip on the game after the country’s Olympic and performing well... either association sought approval the goal posts are shifted or from the sports ministry for rules are changed.” such a move. Media reports “We feel it is time for us in have cited a lack of suitable IOA/India to start asking Argentina’s Ramiro Moyano beats a diving tackle by Australia’s Isi Naisarani during their Rugby Championship match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday. (AFP) facilities as the reason behind tough questions and start tak- Birmingham’s decision to axe ing tough positions,” added Reuters ers Scott Sio and Sekope Kepu conceded three tries from the ing prowess has dropped away, southern hemisphere champi- shooting which has fea- Batra, also the president of Brisbane before James Slipper and Taniela scrum against Ireland last the side have developed an all- onship, in Salta in two weeks. tured at every Games since the International Hockey Tupou came on in the second November. around game and as the Jaguares Most of Ledesma’s squad, bar 1966, with the exception of Federation (FIH). half and kept the pressure on to The former Pumas hooker has the players form arguably the a handful who play overseas, Edinburgh in 1970. After the Indian shooters accounted rgentina coach Mario earn a spate of scrum penalties. launched a centralised talent best ball-handling side in Super are coming off a tough Super decision was announced last for 16 of their 66 medals, Ledesma has precious Australia’s scrum also provid- development programme under Rugby. Rugby season with Argentin- year, the country’s shoot- including seven golds, at last little time to fi x his ed them with the foundation for Eduardo Fernandez Gill, similar Their hands, however, let ian franchise the Jaguares, who ing federation suggested year’s Gold Coast Games side’s backpedalling Reece Hodge’s fi rst-half try. to that utilised by the All Blacks them down against a stinging made the fi nal this year for the boycotting the Games which where they finished third in scrumA if they are to have an im- “My concern was much more under Mike Cron, although that Wallabies defence and Ledesma fi rst time. would not feature what has the medals table. In shoot- pact at the Rugby World Cup in the set-piece,” Ledesma said of will not fi x their immediate said he felt they needed to take He admitted some players been a high-yielding disci- ing’s absence, India would slip two months’ time. the scrum’s woes. problems. better control of the ball, espe- were tired. pline for India. to anywhere between fifth to The Pumas were unable to “We have to continue practis- They face Six Nations heavy- cially in contact. “We’re trying to integrate the Indian Olympic Association eighth place in 2022, Batra compete with a Wallabies scrum ing our set pieces and have a look weights England and France in “It was a very sloppy game, guys that haven’t played for two (IOA) president Narinder wrote. IOA have decided to that Ledesma himself had rebuilt at where our tactics broke down. Pool C at the World Cup, while where we had very quality ball,” months (from overseas clubs), Batra has written a letter to boycott the General Assem- when he was the team’s forwards “We ran out of options quite the United States have also de- he said. “I think we had 18 or 19 other guys played lots of minutes sports minister Kiren Rijiju bly of the Commonwealth coach under Michael Cheika in quickly.” veloped strong set piece in re- knock-ons, some in scoring po- in Super Rugby, so they’re pretty seeking a meeting to explain Games Federation (CGF) in their 16-10 Rugby Champion- Ledesma, who was appointed cent years. sitions. We were sloppy.” tired,” he said. the “proposed boycott”. Rwanda, also withdrawing ship loss in Brisbane. to the role last year, had rec- At the last World Cup they The Pumas have now lost “It’s challenging and good “We want to express our pro- candidatures of two of its Ledesma, however, was be- ognised that the Pumas scrum won 100 percent of their own seven successive Tests – and 12 timing to get this week off , re- test by not taking part in 2022 off icials from the September moaning his side’s inability to was nowhere near as strong as it scrum feeds. of their last 14 – and face a buoy- cover a bit and go hard again CWG Games...” Batra wrote in elections there. match it with Wallabies start- once was, especially when they While the Pumas’ scrummag- ant South Africa, who lead the against South Africa.”
SPOTLIGHT Boks prove diffi cult to break down ahead of WC Reuters includes Ireland and Scotland, in been decided by no more than Wellington the quarter-fi nals. two points and the Springboks Erasmus admitted the Spring- ambushed the All Blacks last boks were “lucky” to leave Wel- year in Wellington with an upset assie Erasmus will take lington with a draw but felt it 36-34 victory. positives from Satur- might provide his side with a On Saturday, the Springboks day’s 16-16 draw with little more self-belief ahead of were more controlled than the the All Blacks in the their mouthwatering World Cup All Blacks in fi rst half, but then RugbyR Championship but the opener. “When the World Cup had to rely on scrambling de- Springboks coach thinks the re- comes this game will be irrel- fence in the second to stay in sult will be irrelevant when the evant,” he said. touch with the world champions. teams next meet in the Rugby “When you go over there They never really threatened World Cup on September 21. it will be diff erent, a neutral the All Blacks tryline until the A last gasp try from Herschel ground and diff erent conditions. very end of the match, though, Jantjies allowed the Springboks “But we certainly take a lot of and their big ball-running for- to remain top of the southern positives out of this. They are the wards found it diffi cult to carve hemisphere championship on world’s number one team, they out too much territory in the face seven points, one ahead of the are the benchmark and that’s of a tight defence. “That is the All Blacks, with one match left where we want to be.” nature of test rugby,” Erasmus for all four sides. The Springboks are ranked added. “I guess that’s the way of South Africa travel to Salta to fi fth in the world and have lacked playoff rugby, things are tight. face the Pumas on Aug. 10 before consistency in recent years, but “We are not trying to do things facing Argentina again in Preto- against their traditional rivals too clever (and) we did look a lit- ria and then a clash with World they have proved mighty dif- tle one dimensional on attack. Cup hosts Japan on September. fi cult to beat. In their fi rst three “But we are building nicely to- 6. That is all preparation for the encounters after the 2015 World wards the World Cup.” Pool B opener against the world Cup, New Zealand beat the champion All Blacks in Yoko- Springboks 41-13, 57-15 and then hama – a match that is likely to by a record 57-0 at North Har- South Africa’s Herschel Jantjies have a signifi cant impact on the bour Stadium in 2017. kicks the ball during the Rugby playoff pathways for both sides. That humiliation proved to be Championship match against The winner of Pool B will face a turning point. New Zealand in Wellington on the runners-up of Pool A, which The next four matches have Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, July 29, 2019 5 SPORT
MLB NFL Bengals wild receiver Green leaves Hiura’s walkoff practice with injury
Reuters ceived $1mn in additional base New York salary for 2019 and a guar- anteed roster bonus of $2mn in 2020. No new years were incinnati Bengals star added to the deal, which runs homer in 10th lift s wide receiver A.J. through 2021. Green was carted off Woods, 27, has outper- the practice fi eld Sat- formed the fi ve-year, $34mn urdayC after suff ering an injury contract he signed as a free to his lower left leg. agent in March of 2017, rack- Green came down awk- ing up 142 catches for 2,000 wardly during a 7-on-7 drill, yards and 11 touchdowns in with his left foot appearing 28 games over the last two Brewers past Cubs to get trapped underneath seasons. That includes a 2018 cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, campaign in which he caught ‘This team is capable of putting that pressure on late in games and come up big’ who fell after leaping to knock 86 passes for 1,219 yards away a pass. Medical staff at- and six scores while playing Reuters tended to Green on a sideline in every game. The catches, Milwaukee bench, checking his left foot, yards and touchdowns were all before he walked on his own career highs. power to the cart that took him His previous annual average eston Hiura hit a two-run off the field. of $6.8mn ranked 37th among walkoff homer to cap a three-run According to multiple re- all NFL wideouts. Woods will 10th inning and the Milwaukee ports, the injury is believed to now make $6.5mn this season Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs be an ankle sprain. and $8mn in 2020, with an- K5-3 on Saturday night. Coach Zac Taylor didn’t other $8mn on the books for Albert Almora, Jr. homered leading off speculate on the nature of the 2021. A 2013 second-round the 10th to give the Cubs a 3-2 lead but injury after practice, but told pick out of USC, Woods spent Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich answered reporters, “You don’t want to his fi rst four seasons with the with a homer off Cubs closer Craig Kim- assume anything, but I think Buff alo Bills, totalling 203 brel (0-2) leading off the bottom of the we’re going to be OK.” catches for 2,451 yards and 12 inning. Green, who turns 31 on scores. Tyler Saladino followed with a walk and Wednesday, was selected to Huira lined a 1-2 pitch to right for his 11th the Pro Bowl in each of his fi rst GIANTS SIGN TWO WRs homer of the season. seven seasons in the NFL be- AFTER TRYOUTS The Cubs bullpen surrendered two late fore missing seven games be- The New York Giants signed leads Saturday after also giving up a late cause of a toe injury last year, a pair of wide receivers yes- lead in Friday’s loss. when he caught 46 passes terday to bolster a position Yelich had three hits and Ben Gamel hit for 694 yards and six touch- that’s been depleted early on a pinch-hit homer for Milwaukee. downs. Green has 602 career in training camp. “This team is capable of putting that catches for 8,907 yards and T.J. Jones and Amba Etta- pressure on late in games and come up 63 TDs, all with the Bengals. Tawo were signed after several big,” Hiura said. He has posted six seasons wideouts participated in try- Freddie Peralta (5-3) got the win despite with 1,000-plus yards, nar- outs on Saturday morning. allowing Almora’s home run. Anthony rowly missing that benchmark The Giants were forced to Rizzo also homered for Chicago. in 2016 (964 yards) when he hold the tryouts due to a bevy Chicago’s Jon Lester, scratched from played in just 10 games. of injuries at the position. Co- Wednesday’s scheduled start in San Fran- rey Coleman will miss the sea- cisco due to a fever, showed no lingering RAMS GIVE WR WOODS son with a torn ACL, and Ster- eff ects on Saturday. $3MN RAISE ling Shepard has a fractured He turned in seven scoreless innings, The Los Angeles Rams have thumb. Darius Slayton and allowing four hits and three walks while given wideout Robert Woods Brittan Golden are working striking out fi ve. a $3mn raise, according to an through hamstring and groin Chase Anderson went fi ve innings, al- ESPN report on Saturday. injuries, respectively, and are lowing two runs on four hits for Milwau- Per the report, Woods re- listed as day to day. kee. The Cubs took a 2-0 lead in the third when Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch and with two outs, Rizzo fouled off three Former Chargers RB Lincoln dies at 80 2-2 fastballs before sending the fourth one over the fence in right centre for his 21st Chargers great Keith Lincoln died on Saturday at the age of 80. home run. Lincoln was a star running back for the Chargers and carried Gamel homered leading off the bottom Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Keston Hiura reacts after hitting a 2-run homer in the tenth inning against the Chicago Cubs at the team to the AFL championship in 1963. of the eighth against Steve Cishek. Miller Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports In 1961, Lincoln was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL Lorenzo Cain followed with a double and the AFL’s Chargers. He elected to sign with the Chargers and Derek Holland, making his Cubs de- earning American League Pitcher of the right-hander Daniel Ponce de Leon (1-1) and spent his first six seasons in San Diego. but, came on to face Christian Yelich, who Month honours in June - when he fi nished with three consecutive one-out walks in RESULTS He made the Pro Bowl in his second season, but truly came into fl ied out to centre with Cain moving to 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA over six starts - Cole the third. his own the next season. In 1963, he racked up 826 yards rush- third. completed July 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA over Correa, who had an RBI single in the top Brewers 5-3 Cubs ing at 6.5 yards per carry, 325 receiving yards and eight total Tyler Chatwood replaced Holland and fi ve starts. of the fi rst to extend the Houston lead to Astros 8-2 Cardinals touchdowns. In the championship game against the Boston got Ryan Braun to pop to fi rst but Hiura Cole is 8-0 with a 1.96 ERA over his last 2-0, greeted Cardinals reliever Michael Dodgers 9-3 Nationals Patriots, he had 329 yards on 20 total touches as the Chargers doubled to right fi eld, scoring Cain with 12 starts, with his last loss coming on May Wacha with a grand slam the opposite way rolled to a 51-10 rout. the tying run. 22 to the White Sox. to right for a 6-0 advantage. Red Sox 9-5 Yankees The following season, the Chargers made it back to the champi- Mike Moustakas was intentionally The lone run recorded against Cole The homer, his 12th this season and fi rst Mets 3-0 Pirates onship game, this time against the Buff alo Bills. Lincoln had 58 walked and Rowan Wick, the fourth came in the fourth, when Cardinals fi rst career grand slam, came a night after Blue Jays 10-9 Rays yards on the opening drive, but on the Chargers’ second posses- pitcher of the inning, fanned Eric Thames. baseman Paul Goldschmidt homered for Correa struck out with the bases loaded sion he had his ribs broken on a hit by linebacker Mike Stratton the sixth consecutive game, matching the and two outs, failing to extend a 3-2 lead, a Orioles 8-7 Angels and did not return. COLE, CORREA HELP ASTROS franchise record set by Mark McGwire in half-inning before Goldschmidt smacked Indians 9-1 Royals The Chargers lost 20-7 and Lincoln’s production dwindled in the SNAP CARDS’ STREAK 1997. a game-winning three-run homer. A’s 5-4 Rangers following years. Gerrit Cole completed his second consec- McGwire matched his mark the follow- Correa was in his second game since For his career, Lincoln played in 99 games and finished with utive unbeaten month, and Carlos Correa ing season, and Matt Carpenter did the missing 50 games with a fractured rib. Padres 5-1 Giants 5,633 total yards and 38 touchdowns. recorded fi ve RBIs in his second game back same last season. For Goldschmidt, the The Astros extended their club record Reds 3-1 Rockies He made five AFL All-Star teams and was inducted into the from a 50-game injury absence, as the 421-foot blast to centre fi eld was his 24th with their 10th grand slam of 2019. Braves 15-7 Phillies Chargers’ Hall of Fame in 1980. visiting Houston Astros beat the St. Louis this season. George Springer added a two-run triple After his playing career ended in 1968, Lincoln went on to be an White Sox 5-1 Twins Cardinals 8-2 on Saturday. Houston held a comfortable six-run in the eighth inning for the Astros, who assistant coach at Idaho and Washington State, where he played Cole (12-5) allowed one run, four hits lead when Goldschmidt went deep. have won 8 of 10 games. D’backs 9-2 Marlins his college ball. He then spent many years as the director of and three walks while recording sev- The Astros scratched across two runs in The Cardinals had their six-game win- Mariners 8-1 Tigers alumni relations at Washington State. en strikeouts over seven innings. After the fi rst inning and then chased Cardinals ning streak snapped.
NBA Don’t be lulled into sense of Heat complacency By Ira Winderman could lead to further inspec- in the recalculated NBA. If not, Sun Sentinel tion of the balance of the power then the search for an alpha is rotation, especially with Oly- renewed. It is out of those deci- nyk having the right to return to sions by Spoelstra that the next he whirlwind made it free agency next summer (which chapter of the Heat’s makeover seem as if there would be could further complicate the will be written. Because there more. long-term salary-cap math). must be a next chapter. One moment Jimmy Re-emergence of Dion Wait- While, at the moment, argu- TButler was on the phone from ers and emergence of Tyler Her- ment could be made about the South Florida talking about what ro could turn upgrade focus from 2019-20 Heat at least challeng- might follow for the Miami Heat. the perimeter rotation to else- ing for a top-four seed, with lit- “Whenever we start to talk where on the roster (which could tle East clarity beyond the Mil- about that and move forward on further mute any Paul specula- waukee Bucks and Philadelphia that type of stuff , that’s the next tion). 76ers at the top of the confer- step,” he said of potential ensuing Then there is the matter of ence, the Brooklyn Nets eventu- Heat moves. whether there can be/will be a ally will move into Kevin Durant The next moment the Heat resurrection of James Johnson. mode, the Boston Celtics will fi rst were asking the Oklahoma Installed two years ago as a cap- recalibrate with Kemba Walker, City Thunder what it would take tain almost by acclimation, John- the Indiana Pacers will have Vic- to land Russell Westbrook and son’s infl uence and impact have tor Oladipo back to speed, the then being asked by the Thun- been muted by injury. With a con- Toronto Raptors potentially will der what it would require to have tract that expires in 2021 (there evolve into something diff erent, them take Chris Paul. also is a player option for next and the Atlanta Hawks assuredly Since then? Crickets... with summer that assuredly will be by- will emerge from lottery to legit. the accompanying notion that passed in favour of $16 million for That leaves three or four the Miami Heat are done. 2020-21), how far will Spoelstra (or more) teams in the confer- They are not. play to Johnson’s unique skill set ence trending at an acceleration For the moment? Perhaps. as opposed to potentially accept- ahead of the Heat. Making Butler Through August and into Sep- Miami Heat president Pat Riley. PICTURE: Miami Herald/TNS ing the ageing reality of a player appear from a void of cap space tember? A reasonable assump- who turns 33 at midseason? was a power move at the start of tion. But as the calendar turns start ticking on what could be Mavericks - until the Mavericks tive as anticipated in the wake low at point guard would further Foremost will be the consist- free agency that made it seem from July to August, too much the fi rst of a mere three seasons realized that Dragic’s expiring of the Butler signing, the sea- cast question about Dragic last- ent casting of Butler as a leading as if there would be something has transpired to assume that with Butler (the fourth season on $19.3 million salary was too cap son still could be. In many ways, ing beyond the February trading man. Should he prove capable equally dynamic to follow. Pat Riley envisions this as his his freshly minted deal is a player clogging. this is where the handoff to Erik deadline. of handling such a role, then it Don’t allow the current lull fi nished product. option). Not after Goran Dragic If the Heat’s off season has not Spoelstra takes the process to the Continued success of the Bam eases the Part B of the 1-2 equa- to create a sense of anything Not with the clock about to was all but traded to the Dallas turned out to be as transforma- next level. More of Justise Wins- Adebayo-Kelly Olynyk pairing tion that has become so essential diff erent. Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 29, 2019 SPORT
GOLF McIlroy leads aft er sizzling 62 at WGC St. Jude event ‘To birdie the last three holes and take the lead puts me in a really great position going into the final round’
AFP son-ending playoff s. Fitzpatrick sank Los Angeles an 18-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th to seize a one-stroke lead, but sent his next shot off the 12th tee into the wa- ory McIlroy birdied the last ter on the way to a double bogey that three holes, closing with a dropped him behind Koepka and McIl- dramatic 27-foot putt, to seize roy. He followed with bogeys at 13 and a one-stroke lead over top- 15 but answered with birdies at 16 and rankedR Brooks Koepka after Saturday’s 17 to stay on the leaders’ heels. third round of the WGC St. Jude Invi- Leishman fi red a 63 with an eagle and tational. The four-time major winner three birdies over the last fi ve holes. from Northern Ireland fi red an eight- The Aussie sank a 12-foot birdie putt under par 62 to stand on 12-under 198 at 14, holed out from 43 feet from the after 54 holes at par-70 TPC Southwind rough at the par-5 16th and closed with in Memphis, Tennessee. back-to-back birdie putts from just “To birdie the last three holes and over three feet. take the lead puts me in a really great position going into the fi nal round,” LEADING THIRD-ROUND SCORES McIlroy said. “I’ve holed a lot of putts (USA unless noted, par-70): this week, which is nice.” Third-ranked McIlroy’s second- 198 — Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69-67-62 lowest round of the season, eclipsed 199 — Brooks Koepka 68-67-64 only by a 61 in the fi nal round of his 200 — Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) Canadian Open triumph last month, comes a week after a disappointing 67-64-69 missed cut at the British Open at Royal 201 — Marc Leishman (AUS) 69-69-63, Portrush in Northern Ireland. It also Alex Noren (SWE) 66-69-66, Jon Rahm booked the 30-year-old a fi rst-ever (ESP) 62-71-68 Sunday pairing with four-time major 202 — Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 66-71- winner Koepka in the last group for 65, Ian Poulter (ENG) 66-69-67, Billy the fi nal round of the elite World Golf Horschel 67-66-69 Championship event. “Rory is playing with some heat,” Koepka said. “I’m just 203 — Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 68-70- going to have to take it deep.” 65, Justin Thomas 68-69-66, Bubba England’s Matthew Fitzgerald fi red Watson 65-70-68, Webb Simpson a 69 to stand third on 200, one stroke 69-66-68 ahead of Spain’s Jon Rahm, Sweden’s 204 — Matt Wallace (ENG) 70-69-65 Alex Noren and Australian Marc Leish- man. McIlroy birdied the last three 205 — Li Haotong (CHN) 69-69-67, Jus- holes on both the front and back nine. tin Rose (ENG) 67-68-70, Shugo Imahira “I had a lot of good numbers where (JPN) 65-69-71 I could make a full committed swing,” Norther Ireland’s Rory McIlroy lines up a birdie putt on the 17th hole during the third round of the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational in Memphis. (AFP) 206 — Justin Harding (RSA) 72-70-64, McIlroy said. “One of my goals was to Jordan Spieth 70-70-66, Patrick Reed hit it pin high and I did that for most of After fi nding water off the 12th tee little outside right and it went in, which nice,” Koepka said. “The holes seemed it lasts.” 73-66-67, Chez Reavie 68-70-68, Tyrrell the day.” and taking his lone bogey of the day, is nice,” McIlroy said of his fi nal putt. to open up for me today.” Overnight leader Fitzpatrick had Hatton (ENG) 66-71-69, Kevin Na 70- McIlroy sank a six-foot birdie putt on McIlroy answered by dropping his tee Koepka, who defended a major title Koepka, who has never won a WGC six birdies, three bogeys and a double 66-70, Cameron Smith (AUS) 65-68-73, the opening hole and dropped one that shot to fi ve feet at the par-3 14th and at this year’s PGA Championship, saw title, could become only the fourth bogey in a roller-coaster round as the Patrick Cantlay 65-68-73 was half as long at the third, then reeled sinking the birdie putt. McIlroy then his ball cling to a slope on the rough player to win WGC and major events in fi ve-time European Tour winner chas- off a 23-foot birdie putt at seven and closed with a six-foot birdie at the par- over greenside water at 18 but got up the same year. “Every time I tee it up I es his fi rst US PGA triumph. A victory 207 — Matthew Wolff 72-70-65, Aaron back-to-back seven-footers for birdies 5 16th, a 16-footer at 17 and his dramat- and down for par to close on 64. “I feel like I have a chance to make some would see the 24-year-old Englishman Rai (ENG) 72-69-66, Dustin Johnson at the par-3 eighth and par-4 ninth. ic long birdie eff ort at 18. “I just put it a saw some putts go in and that’s always history,” he said. “I’m enjoying it while book a place in the US PGA Tour’s sea- 69-69-69, Nate Lashley 66-70-71
BADMINTON SPOTLIGHT Yamaguchi and Momota clinch Ko wins Evian for second major title of the year Reuters ber Judy Rankin said. The same Evian, France said could not be said of over- Japan Open singles titles night leader Kim, who butch- ered the 14th after fi nding her BWF was patient, and whenever there o Jin-young won the ball almost buried in a bunker. Tokyo was a chance to make a decisive Evian Champion- She took a hack at the ball, shot, I was able to make the sharp ship by two strokes which almost made it on the shots,” said Yamaguchi. “I wish I in France yesterday, green, only to roll back down kane Yamaguchi cel- could’ve played this well in the cementingK her reputation as a into the bunker, and into one ebrated her imminent Sudirman Cup fi nal. The loss player for big occasions with of her large footprints. It was ascension to World No.1 in the fi nal made me learn and her second major victory of the a happier day for Kupcho, who status with her second helped me improve.” year. South Korean Ko seized turned pro in May after winning top-tierA World Tour title in two Meanwhile, there was a breezy control with a 15-foot birdie at the inaugural Augusta National weeks, recapturing the Japan quality to Momota’s victory over the penultimate hole, where she Women’s Amateur Champion- Open that she won six years ago. Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie. perfectly read a sharply-break- ship. “I came into the day not Yamaguchi, soon to be confi rmed Nothing that Christie did trou- ing putt at the Evian Resort in expecting to win so to play the No.1, had too many weapons for bled him; Momota comfortably Evian-les-Bains. way I did, especially on a Sun- compatriot Nozomi Okuhara; the returned his hardest smashes She parred the last, before South Korea’s Ko Jin-young holds the trophy after winning the Evian day, as new as I am out here, it’s 21-13, 21-15 result reversing the Kento Momota of Japan poses and eased the shuttle into spots letting out a big smile, rais- Championships at the French Alps town of Evian-les-Bains. (AFP) pretty exciting,” Kupcho said. verdict of the 2015 fi nal. with the trophy after winning that Christie scampered towards ing her arms in celebration and Yesterday’s round was delayed And with Kento Momota de- the men’s singles title at the but couldn’t quite reach. hurling her ball into the gallery. 14th, where her ball plugged in 24, is projected to reclaim her by heavy rain, and the fi nal fending his men’s singles title, it Japan Open in Tokyo. (AFP) Christie was expected to lever- Ko fi nished at 15-under 269, less a greenside bunker. “Last night world number one ranking. group did not fi nish until af- was a day that showcased Japan’s age his explosive game, but in fact than four months after claim- I thought if I play a really good There is no secret to Ko’s ter 7.30pm local time. The fi nal singles supremacy. That would her own terms. Yamaguchi was it was Momota who surprised the ing her maiden major title at the (fi nal round) I can win,” Ko said success other than a fl awless group crawled around the back be a good omen for Japanese unhesistant in staying the course Indonesians with sudden bursts, ANA Inspiration in the Califor- before being presented with swing and a consistency others nine in two hours and 47 min- fans, with Tokyo 2020 Olympics while exchanging deep clears; leaving Christie at a loss for ideas nia desert. There are fi ve offi cial the trophy by American skier can only dream of. Apart from utes, but at least they fi nished, just a year away. Okuhara has had but she also mixed it up with at- as he went down 21-16, 21-13. majors in women’s golf. Lindsey Vonn. Kim (73), China’s her three LPGA wins this year, saving the tournament from the better of Yamaguchi in career tacking shots, maintaining pin- “Everyone has studied my Ko came from four strokes Shanshan Feng (68) and Ameri- Ko has also fi nished runner-up spilling into tomorrow. The Evi- meetings, leading 11-7 – includ- point precision. The quality of game, and sometimes even when behind the overnight leader, can Jennifer Kupcho (66) tied three times, and has never been an was the fi rst of back-to-back ing two Japan Open victories. But her retrievals even when she was I play well, things don’t work fellow Korean Kim Hyo-joo, for second on 13-under. outside the top 30. majors, ahead of the Women’s Yamaguchi has been on a roll, in trouble was what eventually out. That’s the diffi culty I faced whose hopes disappeared with With her fi fth LPGA Tour vic- “She plays a mistake-proof British Open that will start at and it was this version that Oku- got to Okuhara, who was unable this year. I wasn’t in form, and a triple-bogey at the par-three tory in less than two years, Ko, game,” said Hall of Fame mem- Woburn on Thursday. hara was up against yesterday – a to create many openings at the that made me nervous. Winning tad sharper and more forceful net either. under these conditions is some- than she has had to contend with It was a match full of intense thing diff erent from last year. Af- BOXING in recent times. rallies, but Yamaguchi gradu- ter my loss in Indonesia, I came Following her semi-fi nal win ally pulled ahead; she had made with the mindset to win in Japan. on Saturday, Yamaguchi had fewer errors than Okuhara, and I haven’t done well at other tour- talked about Okuhara’s strengths the judiciousness of her shot- naments, but I was determined in the rallying game. Yesterday, making was close to perfect. not to lose at my home event,” Hometown hero Davis dismantles she stood up well to the challenge, “I was worried I wouldn’t be said the champion, after winning unafraid to take on Okuhara on able to win the long rallies, but I his fi fth title of the year. Nunez with a second round TKO AFP round and he did so at the fi rst sign Nunez and didn’t get caught up in the hoopla of a Washington was unable to defend himself. Dock’s quick boxing star fi ghting at home. All it took was halt to the slaughter was a sign that boxing one opening — where Nunez seemed to look is still reeling from two very recent deaths away in the direction of the crowd — and ervonta Davis remained unbeaten involving fi ghters in the ring. Davis was ready to pounce. with a second round technical Argentinian junior welterweight Hugo “This is not only a win for me but for all knockout on Saturday night over Alfredo Santillan died on Thursday from of Baltimore,” said Davis. This is the sec- Ricardo Nunez in a super feath- injuries suff ered last Saturday in Buenos ond time Davis defended the crown he Gerweight homecoming bout. The 24-year- Aires, and Russia’s Maxim Dadashev suc- won by stopping Argentina’s Jesus Cuellar old from Baltimore surprised Nunez with a cumbed to injuries four days earlier in a fi ght in the third round in April 2018. Davis also devastating left hook midway through the in Maryland. “I saw him defenceless and so knocked out Mexico’s Hugo Ruiz in the fi rst second round before fi nishing him off with a it was time to stop the fi ght. He got hit by round last February. series of left and rights on the ropes. some serious shots,” said Dock. The only bump in the road was a six- “I am ready all the time and he wasn’t Davis, who improved to 22-0 with 21 round decision over German Meraz on Oc- alert,” said Davis of the left hook that proved knockouts said, “I want to send my condo- tober 8, 2014. The bout was Meraz’s 80th to be the beginning of the end for his Pana- lences to the two fi ghters we lost last week.” pro fi ght while Davis entered it with an 8-0 manian opponent. Hometown hero Davis bided his time in the record. Davis said he hopes his next fi ght is “I took advantage and got a clear shot. As fi rst round feeling out Nunez before un- against IBF champion Tevin Farmer. a fi ghter the fi rst thing you learn is to protect leashing the fi rst power shots of the fi ght Nunez, who turned 26 yesterday, had his yourself at all times.” in the second in front of a sold out crowd of string of 10 straight wins stopped. He was Akane Yamaguchi of Japan hits a return during his women’s singles final match against compatriot Referee Harvey Dock stepped in to stop 14,600. seeking his fi rst world title and was fi ghting Nozomi Okuhara at the Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) the fi ght with just over a minute to go in the He seemed focussed on the task at hand in the US for the fi rst time. Gulf Times Monday, July 29, 2019 7 FOOTBALL
SPOTLIGHT BELGIAN LEAGUE Kompany’s Anderlecht Bale’s China move player-manager debut ends in defeat AFP Brussels off aft er Real Madrid incent Kompany’s de- but as player-coach of Anderlecht ended in a shock 2-1 home de- Vfeat at the hands of Oostende in the Belgian league yesterday, emphasising the tough task the board block deal former Manchester City captain faces in his new managerial role. The 33-year-old international Bale’s representatives are understood to be disappointed with Real’s stance defender was welcomed back to his fi rst club by two massive By Paul MacInnes and Ed Aarons banners and a chorus of ador- The Guardian ing chanting as he put himself in the starting line-up. Yet after a bright start in his fi rst competi- areth Bale looks set to remain tive match for his boyhood club at Real Madrid, a club that does in 13 years, Kompany’s youth- not want him, after the board ful side spent most of the game Anderlecht’s captain Vincent blocked his lucrative transfer to looking like the visiting team and Kompany runs with the ball GChina. The Wales winger had been ex- were met by a chorus of jeers at during the Pro League Belgian pected to join the Chinese Super League the end of the match. match against Oostende in side Jiangsu Suning on a three-year deal New Dutch signing Michel Brussels yesterday. (AFP) this week with a contract worth more Vlap handed Kompany the ideal than £1mn a week. start with a 13th minute goal and cleared by the Oostende de- That move is now off after the Madrid soon after had a second eff ort fence. Kompany brought on his board reportedly decided they want a ruled out by VAR. former Manchester City team- transfer fee for the player who joined Ma- Yet Oostende equalised mate Sami Nasri as a 61st minute drid from Tottenham in 2013 for a then through Ronald Vargas, who then substitute but the former France world-record fee of £85mn. could have put the hosts ahead international made little impact President Florentino Perez is believed before halftime had it not been in his fi rst appearance in Belgian to have requested an extra payment to for a save by Anderlecht goal- football. After a magnifi cent 11- sign the 30-year-old, who still has three keeper Thomas Didillon. year spell with Manchester City years remaining on the contract he signed Oostende substitute Fashion ended with Kompany captain- in 2016 which is worth around £600,000 Sakala netted the 75th minute ing them to a domestic treble, he a week. With the Chinese transfer win- winner. A powerful header from has signed a three-year deal as dow to shut on Wednesday, Bale’s hopes Kompany himself at a set piece he seeks to revitalise Belgium’s of sealing a move away from the Santiago near the end of the game saw most successful club who fi n- Bernabeu this summer could now rest on Anderlecht came close to an ished last of six in the champion- him fi nding another club in Europe, with equaliser but the danger was ship playoff s last season. Real said to be prepared to join a Champi- ons League rival for the right price. The English transfer window shuts on August 8 – the day before the start of the CAF ANNOUNCES QUALIFIERS 2019/20 season – but so far no Premier League clubs have expressed an interest DATES FOR QATAR 2022 in signing one of the world’s best-paid players. Yet despite coming off the bench Cairo: African Football Con- The draw for the preliminary for the second successive match as Real federation (CAF) yesterday round will take place today at were thrashed 7-3 by Atletico Madrid announced the dates for the the CAF Headquarters in Cairo. in New Jersey over the weekend and an preliminary round of the FIFA The 14 winning teams from Marco Asensio’s extended absence due World Cup Qatar 2022 quali- the Preliminary Round will join to a knee injury, Bale’s prospects of being fiers. The 26 highest ranked the 26 exempted teams for the reintegrated into Zinedine Zidane’s fi rst teams, according to the off icial Group Stage, which will have 10 team still appear slim after the French- Gareth Bale still has three years remaining on his Real Madrid contract worth £600,000 a week, which he signed in 2016. (Reuters) FIFA ranking will be exempted groups of 4 teams each. man’s sustained and very public cam- from the preliminary round The draw for the groups will paign to move him out of the club. but has been sidelined by Zidane since close to £300mn on new recruits this season but was booed by the home sup- leaving 28 participating teams. be based on the seeding of the After leaving Bale out of a pre-season he returned to Madrid this spring for a summer but must balance the books with porters at times during the campaign. Of these 28 teams, the 14 40 teams into 4 Pots accord- game against Bayern Munich last week, second spell as the manager – a decision player sales if they are to fi nance a move Real suff ered a nightmare campaign highest ranked teams accord- ing to the off icial ranking of which Madrid lost, Zidane said he hoped described as “bad news” by Bale’s agent for the France midfi elder that cost in ex- last season, fi nishing third in the table ing to the FIFA ranking will FIFA. Each group will contain a the player would be sold. Jonathan Barnett. cess of £100mn. and 19 points behind champions and play against the 14 least ranked team from each of the pot. The “We hope he leaves soon,” he said. “It Yet according to Spanish newspa- Bale has won four Champions Leagues, bitter rivals Barcelona. They were also teams. winners of the 10 groups will be would be best for everyone. We are work- per Marca, often a mouthpiece for the one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, three knocked out of the Champions League by The 28 teams are Zimbabwe, divided into 2 Pots based on the ing on his transfer to a new team. I have Real board and Perez in particular, the Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Ajax in the last 16 stage. Sierra Leone, Mozambique, off icial ranking of FIFA. nothing personal against him but there breakdown in negotiations with Jiangsu Cups. Bale scored three goals, plus a pen- The Bale transfer saga is just the latest Namibia, Angola, Guinea Bissau, The five (5) highest ranked comes a time where things are done be- – whose owners Suning also own Inter- alty in a shootout, in four Champions grim development for Real and Zidane. Malawi, Togo, Sudan, Rwanda, teams according to the off icial cause they must be done.” nazionale – was caused by a request from League fi nals for Real as they won the Serbian starlet Luka Jovic hobbled off in Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, FIFA ranking will play against Bale’s representatives are understood Bale’s own family, who would reportedly competition in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. the fi rst half of the defeat to Atletico. Eswatini, Lesotho, Comoros, the 5 least ranked teams (the to be disappointed with Real’s stance prefer to stay in Europe. Bale has made just 79 La Liga starts Zidane can only hope the news on his Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, 1st leg will be played at home having negotiated the deal with Jiangsu Zidane remains keen to have the situa- in the last four years because of injury injury will be better than that of Asen- Liberia, Mauritius, Gambia, of the lower ranked teams). The over the last fortnight, with time run- tion resolved as quickly as possible, with problems but with Barnett having ruled sio, who could miss most if not all of the South Sudan, Chad, Sao Tomé five winners will qualify to rep- ning out to secure an alternative desti- a potential move for Manchester United’s out a loan move this summer, he could La Liga season after rupturing a knee e Principe, Seychelles, Djibouti, resent Africa at the FIFA World nation for next season. He has won four Paul Pogba potentially hinging on fi nding fi nd himself left in limbo this season. He ligament against Arsenal in a pre-season Somalia and Eritrea. Cup Qatar 2022. (QNA) Champions League titles with the club a buyer for Bale. Real have already spent played 42 matches for Real Madrid last friendly on Tuesday.
FOCUS ROUND-UP Algeria’s captain Mahrez Dembele fi res Lyon to victory over Arsenal ubstitute Moussa Dem- daily L’Equipe reported, Neymar, bele scored twice as Lyon who missed Brazil’s victorious faces ban from Egypt came from behind to beat Copa America campaign with an Arsenal 2-1 in a pre-sea- ankle injury, and defender Pres- sonS friendly in London yester- nel Kimpembe will stay behind By Anthony Harwood London day. Gunners boss Unai Emery in Shenzhen to work on their had opted against including Sead fi tness. The world’s most expen- Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil in his sive player sat out the defeat on aptain of the victorious Algerian team squad after they were involved in penalties to Inter Milan in Macao Riyad Mahrez faces being banned from an attempted car-jacking during on Saturday. Egypt after snubbing the country’s Prime the week. He will also miss the French Minister and Sports Minister at the pres- He also named new sign- Champions Trophy against entationC ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations. ings Dani Ceballos and Gabriel Rennes in Shenzhen next Satur- Mahrez shook hands with FIFA boss Gianni Martinelli on the bench, with day as he completes a six-match Infantino and was due to be greeted by Mostafa the pair coming on as the Ligue 1 domestic ban for an incident Madbouly and Ashraf Sobhy, who were next in the side overturned Pierre-Emerick involving a fan the last time line-up to meet him, after the fi nal against Sen- Aubameyang’s opener to win the the teams met, in the French egal in Cairo last Friday. pre-season trophy. Cup fi nal. If Neymar, who has But instead the Manchester City winger turned Alexandre Lacazette limped made clear he wants to return to his back on the men and walked away to be hand- off injured early as Arsenal Barcelona, is still at the Parc des ed the trophy by the Confederation of African dominated the opening half, Au- Princes he could feature in the Football (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad. The bameyang smartly tucking home club’s Ligue 1 opener on August 28-year-old player then joined his players for the Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross 10 11 against Nimes. celebrations after the team had beaten Senegal minutes before half-time. Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi (left) and Lyon’s Moussa Dembele vie for 1-0 in the fi nal. But after the break, with the ball during the Emirates Cup match in London. (Reuters) LIVERPOOL SIGN TEEN Sports website, Scenes!, posted a clip of the changes taking place for much RECORD-BREAKER ELLIOTT snub on its Twitter feed saying: ‘When receiv- of the half, Lyon battled back The Ivory Coast striker, who But the prospect of playing in the Liverpool have completed the ing the AFCON trophy for Algeria, captain Riyad and Dembele struck either side featured on fi ve occasions for Champions League with Napoli signing of 16-year-old winger Mahrez avoids Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa of Martinelli having a debut his country at the African Cup and coach Carlo Ancelotti could Harvey Elliott from Fulham, Madbouly, who is well known to be a part of a demned government attempts to silence politi- Emirates Stadium goal ruled out of Nations, scored 22 goals last still turn the balance to Italy.” the European champions an- cruel and corrupt Egyptian regime’. cal opposition. Many Algerian fans were angry at for handball. Before kick-off season as Lille fi nished in a The second source said PSG nounced. The teenager made his Now Mahrez faces being banned from entering having to hand over personal information when the fans observed a period of surprising second place in Ligue were also interested in the debut in the 3-1 League Cup win Egypt – which hosted the tournament – after the applying for Fan ID to get a ticket. applause in memory of Jose An- 1. British media reported the Paris-born forward but their over Millwall in September at the Attorney General, Nabil Ahmed Sadiq, received a During the country’s opening match against tonio Reyes. The former Arsenal Gunners had scheduled a medi- approach may have come too late age of 15 before going on to be- complaint from lawyer Sami Sambri. If Sadiq au- Kenya three of them were arrested after a sign was forward died in a car accident on cal for Pepe. One source said it and could also be hampered by come the youngest debutant in thorises the ban, Mahrez will join Egyptian foot- held up saying: ‘They should all resign’. The chair- June 1. was not certain he would end up their need to trim costs to satisfy Premier League history when he baller Mohamed Aboutrika on the no entry list. man of an Egyptian league team also attacked the in North London. “The club have UEFA’s fi nancial fair play rules. played against Wolves in May at The 40-year-old was targeted by the Egyptian Algerian presenter of the Qatari sports channel, NAPOLI COULD HIJACK received three written off ers for Lille president Gerard Lopez the age of 16 years and 30 days. authorities after a video was circulated in which beIN Sports, who were covering the tournament. ARSENAL’S PEPE DEAL 80mn euros and the player will refused to comment. He also featured against he proclaimed his support for Mohammed Mursi He described Hafi d Derradji as a terrorist af- Arsenal target Nicolas Pepe probably choose either Arsenal Newcastle for Fulham. El- in the 2012 presidential elections. ter he visited Aboutrika’s family. Algerian coach is also weighing an off er from or Napoli,” the source said. “This NEYMAR TO MISS PSG’S liott also reportedly attracted Following the discovery Aboutrika had his as- Jamel Belmadi came in for criticism after saying Napoli and will decide his future should be settled by Tuesday,” FINAL ASIAN MATCHES attention from Real Madrid, sets seized, was accused of tax evasion and placed of the Mahrez insult: “I need to consult with my at the start of the coming week, a the source added. Neymar will not feature in Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal on a terror list for allegedly fi nancing the Muslim eye doctor in France because I didn’t see that.” source close to the deal told AFP. “Both clubs are off ering him Paris Saint-Germain’s last two and Manchester City. Liverpool Brotherhood, the party Mursi led to victory at the The two northern African nations share the A second source said French a net salary of 8mn euros a year. games of their pre-season tour earlier this month completed polls before being overthrown in an army coup. same language and religion but there has been in- champions Paris-Saint Germain Pepe’s preference would be for of Asia, French media reported the signing of 17-year-old Dutch Following Algeria’s semi-fi nal win hundreds tense rivalry between them on and off the pitch in had also entered the race to sign Arsenal, who will be competing yesterday. PSG play Sydney FC defender Sepp van den Berg from of fans chanted the name of Aboutrika and con- recent years. the 24-year-old. in the Europa League this season. in Suzhou tomorrow but, sports PEC Zwolle.
Monday, July 29, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT
F1 Red Bull’s Verstappen wins chaotic German Grand Prix Dutchman secures his second win of the season and seventh of his career, finishing ahead of Vettel
AFP for space and grip, Sergio Perez spin- Hockenheim, Germany ning backwards into the stadium entry wall and damaging his Racing Force. That required a Safety Car intervention ax Verstappen took full for three laps, during which the leaders advantage of his rivals’ ca- pitted for intermediates, before racing lamities yesterday to win resumed. an epic, rain-lashed and After 25, Verstappen pitted for me- Mwildly-spectacular German Grand Prix dium compound slicks, a gamble by for Red Bull ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull. The Dutchman complained Ferrari. The 21-year-old Dutchman se- vigorously about his tyres before spin- cured his second win of the season and ning at the fi nal corner and recovering. seventh of his career, fi nishing ahead of Another Virtual Safety Car was then four-time world champion Vettel, who deployed briefl y, as Hamilton pitted for had started 20th and last on the grid. softs from the lead, before Leclerc went New dad Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso off at Sachs Curve. The Monegasque was third as he secured only his third screamed aloud as Vettel pitted, re- Formula One podium. The race was a turning to ‘inters’, before Hamilton disaster for champions Mercedes who went off , snapping his front wing. The were celebrating their 200th Formula Englishman recovered, cutting across One start of the modern era and 125 the circuit into the pit lane. He was years of motorsport, both defending repaired and fi tted with ‘inters’ before fi ve-time champion Lewis Hamil- re-joining fi fth behind Verstappen, ton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas Hulkenberg, Bottas and Albon. crashed and failed to score any points. Hamilton was given a fi ve-second Hamilton eventually fi nished 11th penalty for missing a bollard at the after making six pit-stops as he missed pits entry, but he was soon back to out on a points fi nish for the fi rst time third behind the Dutchman and Bottas. in 23 races while Verstappen continued Hulkenberg slid off at the fi nal corner his rich streak of consistency. Lance to instigate another Safety Car outing Stroll of Racing Point came home that heralded Verstappen, and Vettel, in fourth to deliver his team’s best fi nish 10th, pitting for fresh inters. ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Alex Racing resumed on lap 46, Verstap- Albon of Toro Rosso and Kimi Raikko- pen pulling clear before pitting for nen of Alfa Romeo. slicks, followed by Bottas, Sainz, Gasly Romain Grosjean was eighth for Haas and Albon. Hamilton led before he pit- ahead of Antionio Giovinazzi of Alfa ted on lap 47, leaving Stroll, who pitted Romeo and Kevin Magnussen who was for slicks under the Safety Car, to lead 10th for Haas. “It was amazing, but re- before Verstappen passed him. Hamil- ally tricky out there,” said Verstappen, ton fell to 12th, having taken his pen- who made four pit-stops and survived alty. “How’s this gone so bad?” asked a complete 360-degrees spin. “To make Hamilton. Mercedes’ nightmare was the right calls, you had to be focussed. not over and their anniversary week- Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crosses the line to win the German Grand Prix as the team members celebrate in Hockenheim, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters) We put on the slick tyres and we had a end ended with Bottas spinning at 360! But it was alright.” Turn One. Out came the Safety Car for McLaren-Renault), Charles Leclerc Vettel, for whom the result brought a fourth time as Hamilton pitted again (MON/Ferrari), Nico Hülkenberg redemption after he had crashed out — leaving him to make a failed bid for a (GER/Renault), Valtteri Bottas (FIN/ while leading in heavy rain last year, top ten fi nish. Mercedes), Pierre Gasly (FRA/Red Bull- said: “It was a long race and at some Honda) stages if felt like it was never-ending. I GERMAN GRAND PRIX RESULTS am just very happy.” 1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull- Kvyat confi rmed that he became WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Honda) 1 h 44:31.275, 2. Sebastian a father on Saturday night when his Drivers: 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 223 Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at 7.333, 3. Daniil partner Kelly gave birth to a daughter. pts, 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 184, 3. Max Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso-Honda) 8.305, He said: “It is amazing to be back on the Verstappen (NED) 162, 4. Sebastian 4. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mer- podium and incredible for Toro Rosso, Vettel (GER) 141, 5. Charles Leclerc after so many years.” cedes) 8.966, 5. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/ McLaren-Renault) 9.583, 6. Alexander (MON) 120, 6. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 55, 7. After the record-breaking heat, the Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 48, 8. Kimi race began in steady rain with the fi eld Albon (THA/Toro Rosso-Honda) 10.052, Raikkonen (FIN) 31, 9. Daniil Kvyat on full wet tyres behind a Safety Car 7. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Alfa Romeo through four formation laps before Racing-Ferrari) 12.214, 8. Antonio Gio- (RUS) 27, 10. Lando Norris (GBR) 22, 11. a standing start. The conditions did vinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari) Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 22, 12. Lance nothing to deter Hamilton who made 13.849, 9. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas- Stroll (CAN) 18, 13. Nico Hulkenberg a near-perfect start from his 87th pole Ferrari) 16.838, 10. Kevin Magnussen (GER) 17, 14. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 15, position. The race distance was re- (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) 18.765, 11. Lewis 15. Alexander Albon (THA) 15, 16. Sergio duced to 64 laps as the spray rose high Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 19.667, 12. Pérez (MEX) 13, 17. Antonio Giovinazzi in plumes throughout the pack, Vettel Robert Kubica (POL/Williams-Mer- (ITA) 5, 18. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 4 romping forward from 20th to pass six cedes) 24.987, 13. George Russell (GBR/ Constructors: 1. Mercedes 407 pts, 2. cars in the fi rst fi ve corners. Leclerc, Williams-Mercedes) 26.404, 14. Pierre Ferrari 261, 3. Red Bull-Honda 217, 4. in the other Ferrari, rose to sixth from Gasly (FRA/Red Bull-Honda). McLaren-Renault 70, 5. Toro Rosso- 10th on the opening lap. Honda 42, 6. Renault 39, 7. Alfa Romeo Hamilton led by two seconds from Did not finish: Sergio Pérez (MEX/Rac- Bottas after lap one, Verstappen having ing Point-Mercedes), Daniel Ricciardo Racing-Ferrari 36, 8. Racing Point- made a poor start, as the fi eld jostled (AUS/Renault), Lando Norris (GBR/ Mercedes 31, 9. Haas-Ferrari 19 Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium. (AFP)
SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Mercedes boss rages aft er German GP opfl Angry Leclerc blasts ‘unacceptable’ Hockenheim track
AFP Hockenheim, Germany
frustrated Charles Leclerc said that the low-grip asphalt used on the outside of the fiA nal corners, where he crashed out of German Grand Prix, is “unacceptable” in Formula One. The Monegasque driver, who had dangerous. But overall that does started 10th and climbed into the not forgive my mistake. I’m top six, admitted he was “com- completely at fault today and it’s pletely at fault” for his accident a huge shame. I’m very sorry for Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (left) comes off the track as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc hits the wall during the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim, southern Germany. (AFP) as he prepared to take the lead of the fans and the team.” the chaotic rain-hit race. Many other top drivers skid- AFP tracted from their jobs by a need to dress “Overall, for us, it was a bad day and, Hamilton fi nished outside the points “I’m disappointed with my- ded off the track in a similar Hockenheim, Germany in old overalls and fl at caps. Max Verstap- for the drivers, it was a bad day, it can- for the fi rst time in 23 outings for Mer- self,” he said. “It wasn’t a huge fashion in the same part of the pen claimed his second victory of the not go much worse. This shows that you cedes. He said: “It was my worst day in mistake. It’s a small mistake and circuit, including championship season for Red Bull, making fi ve pit-stops shouldn’t fool around with the staff . You the offi ce for a long, long time. You live I’ve done a lot bigger mistakes leader Lewis Hamilton of Mer- ercedes team chief Toto Wolff on the way, to fi nish ahead of Sebastian should concentrate on the job. We are not and you learn. I don’t know what hap- during the season. It doesn’t cedes and his teammate Valtteri was critical of his team’s Vettel of Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat of Toro superstitious, but we believe in karma pened today, but I’m glad its over and make anything better for my Bottas and Nico Hulkenberg of preparations and reactions Rosso. and it’s a day to learn. I think we had a de- there are more races ahead so we can mistake, but, fi rst of all, I think Renault. Teammate Sebastian yesterday after both driv- Defending fi ve-time champion Ham- cent start with good pace. Then you had focus on regrouping and coming back the asphalt in the last two cor- Vettel fi nished a delighted sec- Mers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas ilton, who had been feeling poorly with incidents, crashing out in tricky condi- strong.” ners — it’s just unacceptable that ond after starting from 20th and crashed out of contention in a chaotic a sore throat, fi nished 11th after two tions, the wrong calls.” He accepted his share of the blame for we have that on a Formula One last on the grid. “It took a while rain-hit German Grand Prix. Wolff , wear- mistakes and six pit-stops while Bot- Asked about Hamilton’s crash and pit- the team’s worst result since Hamilton track when it’s wet. We can’t — I don’t think there was a prob- ing braces and ‘baggies’ as part of cham- tas crashed out in the closing laps. It was stop, he said: “It was unfortunate, crash- and Nico Rosberg collided on the fi rst have so much low-grip. We’ve lem, but at the beginning, with pions Mercedes’ decision to revert to the team’s 200th Formula One race start ing right at the entry of the pit lane. You lap of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, when seen other drivers too, maybe I the intermediates, I couldn’t get ‘retro’ 1950s outfi ts in celebration of 125 as a constructor, another cause for their are not prepared. We made the wrong Verstappen won on his debut with Red was the only one on slicks, but I the hang of it,” he said. years of motorsport, said the team was celebrations in advance at their home calls afterwards — it was all coming to- Bull. was at 60kph and had absolutely “But, eventually I got going, not prepared and made the “wrong calls”. race where their parent company was the gether. Many others made the same mis- “Me hitting the wall not helpful and no grip. There’s something there. so it’s good the afternoon took so The Austrian team boss seemed frus- event’s main sponsor. take. Leclerc crashed and many others them putting on the slick tyres not help- It’s like a dragster track and once long. I stayed tidy for most of the trated and angry that the team were dis- “Many drivers crashed,” said Wolff . crashed.” ful either,” he said. you go on it, it’s just very, very race. It was a long one!”