SPORT Thursday 17 August 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Tharanga pleads Del Potro makes Ronaldo’s appeal for patience winning return to against five-game ahead of ODIs Cincinnati Open ban rejected Qatari players train in UK ahead of World Cup qualifiers QSL Clubs play pre-season friendlies on foreign soil Doha QNA

atari teams continue to play friendlies in their training camps abroad as they warm Qup for the new Qatar Stars League (QSL) sea- son, which kicks off in mid-September. Al Gharafa beat Turkish side Sapanca 4-0 on Tuesday during their camp. Moayad Hassan, Jonathan Balotelli, Amr Seraj and Thamer Jamal scored for the Qatari side. In Slovenia, Al Arabi drew 1-1 with Slovenian side Ankaran in their second friendly match of the camp. Al Arabi opened the score from the spot through Brazilian midfielder Diego Jardel in the first half but the local side drew level in the sec- Qatari national football team members take part in a training session under the watchful eyes of coach Felix Sanchez at St George’s Park in ond half. Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. Qatar played their third pre-season friendly match against Andorra yesterday. Earlier, Meanwhile, Qatar SC overcame Slovenian side they lost to Nottingham Forest 1-2 on Sunday, but managed to defeat Leeds United 2-0. The final friendly match will see Al Annabi take Rogatec 3-2 in their second friendly of the current on Turkmenistan on August 23 as they prepare for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Syria and China. Sanchez and his boys training camp in the European country. Ibrahim will return to Doha on September 1. Jamal scored a brace while Nigerian midfielder Michael Babatunde chipped in with the third.

Gulf Challenge WI vow tough fight as England rally series postponed brace for first ‘pink ball’ Test until next year

London lunch and 20 minutes for tea. The Peninsula AP The intervals were called tea and dinner during the day- he Gulf Challenge rally efore this week, Stu- nighters in Australia. series, which was art Broad only had Broad spoke of players’ Tannounced back in May one experience of needing to get the levels of food and was scheduled to start in bowling with a pink intake just right so they can September 2017, has been post- ball — and that was have the energy to last through poned until next year. Bsending down a in a the evening, with play due to The decision was announced demonstration for a British TV finish at 9 p.m. local time. by Abdullah Bakhashab, the channel in June. England beat South Africa former FIA Middle East rally Today, the England pace- 3-1 in its first series of the sum- champion and promoter of the man will be playing an mer and starts as favourite Gulf Challenge, after consulta- international match with them, against the West Indies, who are tion with the respective one of a raft of new challenges England Joe No. 8 in the Test rankings and automobile federations and facing him and his teammates Root (left) and West have lost six straight Test series. motor sport clubs in the region. in Birmingham in their first- They are also without a number Bakhashab cited unfavoura- Indies captain Jason ever day-night Test. of key players, such as Chris ble economic conditions, which Holder pose for a picture “It’s stepping into the Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Dar- had prompted many companies unknown completely,” Broad with the series trophy ren Sammy, because of a interested in supporting the Chal- said ahead of the first of three on the eve of the first previous dispute with the West lenge to change their stances in Tests against the West Indies. day of their first Test Indies Board. recent weeks and this had neg- The unknown includes the match at Edgbaston in The teams drew 1-1 in a Test atively affected the preparations pink ball, changing sleep pat- Birmingham yesterday. series in the Caribbean in 2015. for the exciting new rally series. terns, and different mealtimes The visitors promised to give Bakhashab said: “I regret to — with the subsequent impact hosts a ‘tough’ fight in the series. announce the postponement of on energy levels. involved in three of them — first work, and see more coverage Some of England’s players “I think people are writing the Gulf Challenge, which was There’s a sense that England against New Zealand in 2015 on TV in the evenings. played with a pink ball as a trial the West Indies off too early,” scheduled to start next month, to is treating the match at Edgbas- and then against South Africa Pink balls are used instead in a day-night round of County team manager Joel Garner said, the 2018-2019 season. There is ton as a learning experience as and Pakistan. Pakistan beat of red ones so that there can be Championship matches in late “and it could be at their own a positive side to this decision in much as a Test. It’s unusual for West Indies in Dubai in Octo- better visibility for batsmen and June. They are scheduled to play peril.” that it gives us more time to a top international sports team ber 2016. fielders under the lights. Eng- a day-night Test at Adelaide England captain organise, promote and prepare to feel so underprepared for a The International Cricket land will be using a pink Dukes during the upcoming Ashes said yesterday that Mark Stone- in the way that we want to and game. Council introduced the option ball, rather than the Kookaburra series against Australia, and also man will make his debut, it will also help those eager to “We’re going to have to be of countries playing day-night used in Australia. one on the tour of New Zealand replacing to participate to better prepare so adaptable and figure out Tests in a bid to “enhance the England’s players have said in March. become the latest batsman to themselves, so that we can attract what’s going on,” Broad said. public appeal of cricket’s oldest the Dukes ball goes soft quickly, The terms “lunch” and “tea” partner at the top as many competitors as possible “The exciting thing is we are format” and so that is hard to shine, and doesn’t turn will still be used for the inter- of the innings. Allrounder Chris next season.” going in with a clear mind and “remains relevant in the mod- as much for spinners. Chris vals at Edgbaston, even though Woakes and 20-year-old leg- The Gulf Challenge will be learning on the job, almost.” ern age.” It means, for example, Woakes said the ball moved the lunch break will come at 4 spinner Mason Crane, both decided over rounds in Qatar, This will be the fifth day- that some spectators can drop around more in the “twilight p.m. local time, and will be the named in a 13-man squad, will Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain. night Test match, with Australia in to the ground after school or period.” same length — 40 minutes for be left out of the team. Kuwait and Oman.

Serena eyes ‘outrageous’ Nishikori to miss rest of return season with wrist injury

ReutersReu AFP

erena Williams (pictured) aims to defend her Austral- orld number nine Kei Nishikorii (pictured) ian Open title next year, the American saying the rapid will miss the remainder of the 201717 ATP sea- Sreturn to action would only give her around three Wson after suffering a torn tendon in his right monthsm to prepare after giving birth to her first child. wrist, his management team announced yesterday.yesterday. The 23-times winner announced her The 27-year-old Asian number one willl miss tthehe pregnancy in April and will be on maternity leave for upcoming US Open, on the New York hardcourtsdcourts the rest of the year. where he has produced his best Grand SlamSlam Williams is one grand slam shy of Australian Mar- results - a 2014 runner-up finish and a semi-semi- garetg Court’s long-standing record of 24 major titles. final run last year. SPORT THURSDAY 17 AUGUST 2017 25 Stoneman set for debut in Windies series opener

Birmingham game, he’s a bit more experi- AFP enced having played a lot of county cricket and I’m excited ark Stoneman will to see him hopefully take his be the lone opportunity.” change to Eng- But with an Ashes tour on the land’s side for the horizon, Root refused to say how Los Angeles Dodgers centre fielder Joc Pederson (right) start of the first long Stoneman would have to and catcher Austin Barnes (centre) are greeted by third MTest against the West Indies at make his mark. baseman Justin Turner after both scored runs in the eighth Edgbaston today, captain Joe “Who knows. Ideally you inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodgers Stadium Root announced. want someone to come in and in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Surrey opener Stoneman, 30, set the world alight and their was all set for a Test debut the career move forward from there. moment a 13-man squad was “I’d like to think he would get MLB: Dodgers down unveiled after England dropped a very good opportunity and his struggling former Durham some good game time with team-mate Keaton Jennings fol- England. White Sox to move 50 lowing a recent 3-1 home Test “Of course you want it (the series win over South Africa. top order) to be settled. You Stoneman apart, the team is never want to go into any series the same that beat South Africa with the guys out of form or games above .500 by 177 runs in the fourth Test at under pressure but that’s one of Old Trafford earlier this month. the challenges of Test cricket and Los Angeles 1-all in the sixth on Logan For- Warwickshire all-rounder generally as a side we’ve AP/Agencies sythe’s sacrifice fly. Chris Woakes, only recently fit responded quite well to that in Chicago led 1-0 after Tim following a side injury, misses the past. oc Pederson got hit by a pitch Anderson hit his 14th homer on out on the chance to play in the “This is a great opportunity with the bases loaded to the first pitch of the game from first day/night Test in England, for him (Stoneman) to go out and Jforce in the go-ahead run in Alex Wood. The left-hander despite the match being played show everyone how good a a five-run eighth inning, help- retired 14 of 15 batters after giv- on his home ground. player he is.” ing the Los Angeles Dodgers ing up a single in the second, And there was no place England’s Mark Stoneman attends a training session on Most England players’ expe- rally for a 6-1 victory over the but didn’t figure in the decision either for uncapped Hampshire the eve of the first day of the first Test against the West rience of playing under lights Chicago White Sox on Tuesday while failing to join sidelined leg-spinner Mason Crane. Indies at Edgbaston in Birmingham, yesterday. with a pink ball extends to a sin- night. teammate Clayton Kershaw as The in-form Toby Roland- gle round of County The victory pushed the a 15-game winner. Jones kept his place as third Championship matches earlier Dodgers (84-34) to a whopping The White Sox, who came seamer ahead of Woakes, with partner Alastair Cook at the top wanted to play here but with the this season. 50 games above .500. in having won four of six, have Stoneman the 12th man to of the order since former cap- lack of game time he’s had, it felt “There are obviously differ- Pederson was hit in the lost six straight road games and tain Andrew Strauss retired five like another week of loading up ent challenges it brings, different upper right thigh by a pitch 10 of their last 11. Before their ENGLAND VS WI (TEAMS) years ago. on overs making sure he’s abso- times of the day to what you from Jake Petricka that forced recent surge at home, the last- “Chris Woakes and Mason lutely ready coming back from would normally expect with Test in Yasmani Grandal with two place White Sox were 3-19 in England: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Crane are the two guys who will a serious injury is important,” cricket,” the 26-year-old Root outs, opening the floodgates for their previous 22 games. Tom Westley, Joe Root (capt), , miss out,” Root told Sky Sports star batsman Root said. said. a Dodgers offense that had been Wood allowed one run and Ben Stokes, (wkt), Moeen Ali, at Edgbaston yesterday. “That’s where we’re at at the “It’s ultimately still the same stifled most of the game. six hits in seven innings. He Toby Roland-Jones, Stuart Broad, James An- “I think it’s a great opportu- minute and I think Toby fundamentals of cricket and you By the end of the inning, Los struck out six and walked one. derson nity for the rest of the guys to deserves his opportunity.” just need to make sure when Angeles had batted around in Chicago starter Miguel West Indies (probable): Kraigg Brathwaite, experience a pink ball Test Turning his attentions to those difficult periods crop up taking a 6-1 lead. Pinch-hitter Gonzalez gave up one run and Kieran Powell, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Roston match for the first time and Stoneman, Root added: “He’s we respond well and we respond Austin Barnes and Corey Seager five hits over six innings, strik- Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich we’re really excited.” obviously got a huge amount of quickly. each added a two-run single. ing out four and walking three. (wkt), Jason Holder (capt), Kemar Roach, Al- Root said Woakes needed runs under his belt, this season “It will be interesting to see

Petricka reliever Aaron Red Sox 10, Cardinals 4 more time to regain full match in particular, and in previous how the week pans out.”

zarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel Bummer with the bases loaded. Hanley Ramirez and Sandy fitness. seasons as well. The Edgbaston Test is the Cody Bellinger grounded into Leon drove in two runs apiece “He will have definitely “He’s got a well-rounded first of a three-match series. a fielder’s choice and stole sec- in an eight-run fifth inning that ond before Bummer issued carried Boston past St. Louis. consecutive walks to Grandal Ten consecutive Red Sox and Yasiel Puig. batters reached base, and 13 Tharanga pleads for patience ahead of ODIs Brandon Morrow (5-0) got came to the plate while chas- the win with an inning of score- ing Mike Leake (7-11) and less relief. Juan Minaya (1-1) propelling Boston to its 11th win Colombo down. next play five three formats for a good 18 years took the loss. in 13 games. Rick Porcello Reuters ODIs and a against the – don’t forget this now when we The Dodgers tied the game (7-14), helped by a fourth- Virat Kohli-led India, starting on are going through a rough inning triple play turned on a day after Sri Lanka’s Test Sunday, which will be Tha- patch.” BASEBALL RESULTS Yadier Molina grounder, captain Dinesh Chandi- ranga’s first as full-time The 32-year-old said the allowed three runs in seven mal (pictured right) captain. 1996 World Cup winners had Seattle 3 Baltimore 1 A innings. apologised for a 3-0 series “Every team goes through a already identified areas for LA Dodgers 6 Chicago White Sox 1 Indians 8, Twins 1 whitewash against India, lim- rough patch,” Tharanga said in improvement. San Diego 8 Philadelphia 4 Carlos Santana hit two ited-overs captain Upul a statement from Sri Lanka “These areas are being taken Oakland 10 Kansas City 8 home runs and Austin Jackson Tharanga has asked fans for Cricket. care of, and we are seeing the Atlanta 4 Colorado 3 added a three-run blast as patience ahead of their upcom- “This is something that hap- results behind the scenes – how- Cleveland 8 Minnesota 1 Cleveland went deep five times ing ODIs and Twenty20 matches. pens in cycles to every team and ever it will take a little more time Cincinnati 2 CHICAGO CUBS 1 en route to its fifth straight Sri Lanka failed to challenge every nation no matter how great for it to be seen externally, so Tharanga said. Sri Lanka have Texas 10 Detroit 4 victory. the world’s top-ranked Test side a cricketing nation they are. please have patience, and most recalled all-rounders Thisara Milwaukee 3 Pittsburgh 1 Jason Kipnis and Edwin during the three-match series “Sri Lanka dominated in all importantly have faith,” Perera and San Francisco 9 Miami 4 Encarnacion added solo home and the gulf in quality between to their limited-overs squad and Boston 10 St. Louis 4 runs as the Indians opened up the two sides was clearly SRI LANKA SQUAD FOR INDIA ODIS Tharanga was confident of a six-game lead on Minnesota visible. defeating India. Tampa Bay 6 Toronto 4 (captain), , Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Dhanushka Gunathi- Washington 3 LA Angels 1 in the American League Cen- They also suffered their “Sri Lanka have always been tral. Santana socked one home maiden one-day international laka, , Chamara Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana, Malinda Pushpakumara, Akila Danan- stronger in our white-ball for- NY Yankees 5 NY Mets 4

run from each side of the plate, series loss to Zimbabwe last jaya, , , Wanindu Hasaranga, , Dushmantha Cha- mat, and I am confident that we

Houston 9 Arizona 4

the fifth time he has done so month, prompting long-serving meera, Vishwa Fernando will come out strong and beat during his career. captain Angelo Mathews to step India,” he said. Rugby: All Blacks battle hardened and ready to prove point

Wellington weaknesses in their game. The back of it?” Hansen said in Syd- While Hansen has made the more experience than that Reuters Lions calculated that if the All ney this week. occasional left-field calls in his which finished the Lions series. Blacks were placed under sus- “Yeah, it does, because selections since taking over in Hansen was forced to make ew Zealand’s failure to tained pressure they would we’re disappointed with how 2012, he also sticks with what a few changes with prop Char- overcome the British and crack eventually and duly things went and we wanted he knows and the squad for the lie Faumuina and flyhalf Aaron NIrish Lions may end up reduced their time on the ball more. next World Cup will probably Cruden heading to France and being very bad news for their and shut down the space to “So it will make the Rugby start to take shape from this he also sent a message to his Rugby Championship rivals as restrict their counter-attacking Championship a little bit more year’s Rugby Championship. players that by dropping winger the world champions look to ability. of a stronger feeling for us and The settled pack maintains Julian Savea no one is wash away the bitter aftertaste Coach Steve Hansen (pic- one where we really want to a grizzled and athletic balance indispensible. of the drawn series over the next tured), however, is determined show how good we can play. We and the forwards will be look- The 27-year-old, who has seven weeks. to use the series as a learning didn’t do that in the Lions ing to shore up some scored a remarkable 46 tries in The All Blacks were not only experience for the All Blacks and series.” That potency, allied to a deficiencies in contact and the 54 tests, was dumped after two unhappy at being denied the believes his team will go into the It is hard to exaggerate the sense of grievance, could make breakdown exposed by the years of inconsistent perform- opportunity to clinch the series southern hemisphere champi- extent to which the All Blacks life very uncomfortable for Aus- Lions. Ryan Crotty, Ben Smith ances though Hansen has in the third test thanks to a con- onship with a point to prove. dominated last year’s Rugby tralia, South Africa and and Nehe Milner-Skudder offered him the prospect of a troversial refereeing decision, “Does coming off a draw put Championship, when they won Argentina if they are unable to return from injury and with return in time for the 2019 their pride took a few blows at peoples bums a bit closer to the all six matches and averaged match the intensity of the All Sonny Bill Williams back from World Cup if he can show the way the tourists exposed front of the seat rather than the more than six tries a game. Blacks. suspension, the backline has improvement. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 17 AUGUST 2017 Del Potro makes winning return to Cincinnati Open

Cincinnati J uan Martin Del Potro of Argentina returns a shot Reuters against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during the Western and Southern Cincinnati Open on Tuesday uan Martin del Potro made in Mason, Ohio. EG Marc VDS Kalex rider Tito Rabat of Spain a winning return to the powering through a corner during the practice Cincinnati Open on Tues- session for the Moto2 Australian Grand Prix at day when the Argentine Phillip Island in this October 16, 2015 file photo. Jground out a 3-6, 7-6(1), The Kalex Moto2, ridden by Rabat when he won the 6-0 victory over 10th-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych to reach world championship in 2014 was stolen at the EG the second round. Marc VDS team’s site in Gosselies, near Charleroi, The 28-year-old, back in southern Belgium, reports said yesterday. Cincinnati after a four-year absence from the US Open warm-up event, powered down 17 aces to rally past Ber- Rabat’s dych after he surrendered the opening set following a listless start. Berdych found his rhythm title-winning early in the match and broke Del Potro for a 3-1 lead and did not lose a point on his powerful serve until the 10th bike stolen game. But as Del Potro, a semi- Muguruza Brussels finalist at the tournament in AFP 2012 and 2013, worked his way back into the match, Berdych powers into he Kalex bike with which Spain’s Tito Rabat won slowly began to lose confidence the 2014 world Moto2 title has been stolen in Bel- and failed to win a single game Tgium, his Marc VDS team revealed yesterday. in the deciding set. The bike was taken from the team’s headquarters in “During the second set, in round of 16 Gosselies, near Charleroi in southern Belgium, in the early the end, I played my best ten- hours of Wednesday morning, according to CCTV nis,” 2009 US Open champion Cincinnati footage. Del Potro told reporters. Reuters “The bike, which was the pride of the boss, was on “I hit so sure with my fore- display in the entrance hall of the workshop, where we hand. I made good serves and arbine Muguruza got her final let people come in and have their photo taken with it,” I took all my chances to win. US Open tune-up event off to Sarah Colson of the Marc VDS team said. “Mentally, I was strong Ga flying start as the Wimble- The CCTV footage shows four “hooded and gloved” enough to keep fighting and I don champion stormed by Brazilian men entering the workshop and taking the Kalex, putting think he got down after losing qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, it in the back of a white van and breaking a window pane that second set. Then, when I 6-0 to reach the pre-quarter-final of the vehicle in the process, Colson added. broke his serve early in the round of the Cincinnati Open on She said that the van had also been stolen. third (set), my game started Tuesday. Rabat took to Twitter to write: “Help us to get back a improving and I played much Second seed over- bike that is of special importance for both the team and better than him.” came an early deficit to beat me. If someone can provide any information please con- Del Potro advances to meet American qualifier Taylor Townsend tact with the team. Thanks!” American qualifier Mitchell 6-4, 6-1 and also reach the third Now 28, the Spanish rider stepped up to MotoGP in Krueger in the second round. round, while beat Ali- 2016. Australian Nick Kyrgios also son Riske 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the opened his campaign with a second. welcome victory as the world champion Jelena number 23 beat Belgian ninth Ostapenko was upset 6-4, 6-2 in the seed David Goffin 6-2, 6-3 in first round by unseeded Serbian Ale- the afternoon heat to reach the ksandra Krunic and Agnieszka second round. Radwanska, seeded 10th, was another Other than in the first game to suffer an early exit, losing 6-4, 6-4 when he had to climb out of a to German Julia Gorges. 0-40 hole, Kyrgios experienced Spanish fourth seed Muguruza, Garbine Muguruza of Spain returns a shot to Beatriz Haddad few problems on serve and fresh off a quarter-finals loss to even- even secured three breaks Maia of Brazil during the Western and Southern Cincinnati tual winner Elina Svitolina at Toronto against Goffin, who had to take Open in Mason, Ohio on Tuesday. Muguruza defeated Brazilian last week, needed only 65 minutes to a medical time out for a knee qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 6-0 to reach the third round. earn the straight sets win over injury during the match. Haddad Maia and book her spot in “He obviously wasn’t at 100 think as long as I can keep beat fellow American Tommy the round of 16. percent today but you know I’m putting in performances like Paul 6-3, 6-3 to reach the round After trading breaks with Haddad not at 100 percent either, so it these and being able to com- of 16. Maia over the course of the first four was a bit of a battle,” said Kyr- pete I think I’m okay.” Earlier in the day, big-serv- games, Muguruza found another gear gios, who has struggled with an In other action, third seed ing Canadian Milos Raonic, the and went on to win the final 10 games array of injuries throughout the Dominic Thiem of Austria was sixth seed, announced his with- of the match. Four-time major winner, season. barely tested in his 6-3, 6-2 sec- drawal from the tournament “I felt like a lot of games were Great Britain’s Laura Davies “But I served well at crucial ond-round win over Italy’s due to a lingering left wrist super tight. She’s super tall, big serve moments. I’m feeling okay. I Fabio Fognini, while Jack Sock injury. with big shots. It was a strange result, because the match was pretty good,” said world number six Muguruza. Davies to “I feel like yesterday I was play- Isner leaps into Zverev’s path at ing on the grass, and now I’m here. I’m happy to be in the third round here.” make history Muguruza now awaits the win- injury-hit US Open warm-up event ner of Wednesday’s clash between American 16th seed Madison Keys on Senior tour Cincinnati Spanish top seed Rafael and Russian Daria Kasatkina. AFP Nadal, the 15-time Grand Slam Romanian Halep, the 2015 champion who returns to Cincinnati runner-up, fell behind London n a week where most ATP world number one next week early but reeled off four consecutive AFP stars are idled by injuries, the after a three-year absence, games, including two love service Itwo men with multiple titles faces France’s Richard Gasquet holds, to clinch the opening set and aura Davies is set to make history as the first woman since Wimbledon -- John Isner in his opener Wednesday after remained in control the rest of the to play on the European Senior Tour in next year’s (pictured) and Alexander Zverev a bye. way. LShipco Masters in Denmark. -- are on a collision course. World number 10 Milos Halep will next face Latvia’s Four-time major winner Davies will play from the Isner fired 16 aces and Raonic of Canada withdrew on Anastasija Sevastova, who earlier ral- same tees as male opponents including former Masters needed only 56 minutes Tues- Tuesday with a left wrist injury, lied to beat China’s Peng Shuai 3-6, champion Ian Woosnam. day to dispatch fellow American leaving only three of the top 10 6-4, 6-2. The tournament will be held in June 2018 and Dav- Tommy Paul 6-3, 6-3 and reach in the men’s field. Williams was aggressive from the ies, 53, said: “My golfing career has been played in parallel the third round at the ATP and Also among the missing are start and only got better as the match with a number of players who are currently on the Sen- WTA Cincinnati Open. Roger Federer (back), British went on, stepping in and finishing ior Tour, so I’m really looking forward to testing my wits “I played a good match and Washington, although the world number one Andy Murray rallies at the net. against them. I’m happy to get off the court in 20-year-old German must get (hip), Novak Djokovic (elbow), Fashion-conscious Williams’ “It is a privilege to have been invited back to Simon’s under an hour,” Isner said. past US teen Frances Tiafoe. Stan Wawrinka (knee), Kei biggest struggle on the court may Golf Club by Arne (Simonsen) and his team, and I’m look- “When I had break point, I got “If I do play him, it will be a Nishikori (right wrist) and Marin have been with her jewellery after ing forward to making history on the Senior Tour.” after it, put good returns on the huge challenge. For me, he’s def- Cilic (adductor). her hoop earring fell off at one point David MacLaren, head of the European Senior Tour, court and played aggressively.” initely the guy to beat right now That offers an enticing and later got tangled with her added: “Dame Laura’s participation in this event is an World number 19 Isner, who on tour,” Isner said. “If I do play chance for those who have never necklace. honour for the European Senior Tour. won titles last month at Newport him, I’ll be very much looking won so large a title, even with The win set up a second round “She has been one of my golfing heroes since 1996 and Atlanta, could next face forward to that and definitely Zverev and Nadal still in. match-up against Australian Ashleigh and this is another example of the European Tour and Zverev, who has taken titles the think I can give him a good “It’s an opportunity for a lot Barty, who beat American Varvara European Senior Tour being prepared to innovate and past two weeks at Montreal and tussle.” of players,” Isner said. Lepchenko earlier on Tuesday. look to attract a wider audience to the game of golf.” THURSDAY 17 AUGUST 2017 SPORT 27 US, Canada and Mexico 2026 bid inviting venue submissions

Los Angeles official World Cup bid which cities. The 2026 World Cup will to make a positive contribution would be staged in the United AT&T Stadium in Arlington, AFP will be submitted to FIFA by be the first tournament using to our communities and the States, with Canada and Mexico Texas, home of the Dallas March 16, 2018. FIFA’s expanded 48-team world,” said United Bid Com- hosting 10 games each. Cowboys. he United States, Mexico The joint North American format. mittee Executive Director John The United States will host Seven cities in Canada are and Canada’s bid for the bid is seen as the favourite for “The Host Cities included in Kristick. all knockout games from the under consideration, including T2026 World Cup on Tues- the 2026 World Cup, with only our bid will be critical to its suc- “We have had a great quarter-finals onwards. Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, day invited 44 cities across the one other bid -- Morocco -- so cess - not only because of their response so far and we’re Stadiums under consid- Ottawa, Regina, Toronto and three nations to declare an far in the running for the facilities and ability to stage looking forward to working eration in the United States Vancouver. interest in staging games at the tournament. major events, but because they closely with each city and include several venues used Mexico’s proposed venues football extravaganza, a state- The US-Mexico-Canada are committed to further devel- determining the best venues in the 1994 World Cup, are limited to three stadiums, ment said. World Cup bid will submit oping the sport of soccer by for our official bid that we’ll including the Pasadena Rose most notably Mexico City’ A total of 49 stadiums in the between 20-25 venues in its harnessing the impact of host- submit next year.” Bowl. Other venues include Estadio Azteca, the stage for candidate cities have been con- final bid to FIFA, with 12 loca- ing a FIFA World Cup - and Bid officials have said 60 of the new Los Angeles Stadium, the 1970 and 1986 World Cup sidered for inclusion in the tions likely to be chosen as host looking beyond the game itself the tournament’s matches and the 105,000-capacity finals. Ronaldo appeal against five-game ban rejected Bundesliga: Bayern tipped

Madrid de Burgos Bengoetxea AFP adjudged he had dived trying to claim sixth straight title to win a penalty eight minutes ristiano Ronaldo missed from time. Real Madrid’s Spanish After being shown the 10th Berlin CSuper Cup, second leg red card of his career, Ronaldo AFP against Barcelona last evening then lightly pushed the after his appeal against a five- referee. ayern Munich kick off game ban was dismissed. On Monday the RFEF issued the new Bundesliga The Spanish football feder- Ronaldo with an automatic season tomorrow ation’s (RFEF) appeals one-game ban for the red card with the coaches of 13 committee “dismissed the plus an extra four-match sus- of their 17 rivals appeal presented by Real pension for the push. Bexpecting them to dominate Madrid”, the RFEF said in a Madrid boss Zinedine again – although Usain Bolt’s statement yesterday. Zidane expressed his anger at recent shock defeat is being used Ronaldo will also be absent what he believes is an exces- as inspiration. when Madrid begin their sive punishment. “When you Bayern host Bayer defence of La Liga on Sunday look at everything that hap- Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena at Deportivo la Coruna as well pened, to think Cristiano won’t in the season opener, with the as home games against Valen- play five games with us... it is Bavarians the overwhelming cia and Levante and a trip to infuriating,” Zidane said on favourites to win the title. Real Sociedad. Tuesday. In a survey, the 18 coaches The World Player of the The Portugal captain will, in Germany’s top flight, the over- Year was controversially sent though, be free to play when whelming consensus is that off in Madrid’s 3-1 first-leg win Madrid begin their Champions Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern will on Sunday for a second yel- League campaign on Septem- claim a sixth straight league low card when referee Ricardo ber 12 or 13. crown. “I’m tipping Bayern, but Bayern Munich’s players celebrate their first goal against VfL Wolfsburg during their Bundesliga nothing is set in stone,” said match at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, in this December 2016 file photo. Bayern are Cologne’s coach Peter Stoeger. tipped to claim sixth straight title as Bundesliga begins tomorrow. “If Usain Bolt can lose a 100 metres race, perhaps someone else can be champions in Dortmund, the last team to break “From everyone else, Borus- are fortunate to play Bayern first. Germany.” Bayern’s stranglehold in 2011/12, sia Dortmund will be our “This is an advantage for Jamaica’s Bolt could only to be champions. challengers.” Leverkusen, because when Bay- settle for bronze over 100m But his was a lone voice. Ancelotti expects Leipzig to ern Munich get on a roll, then behind Justin Gatlin at the IAAF Bayern have strengthened struggle to come to terms with you don’t walk off the pitch there World Championships in his their squad by signing midfield- their first season in the Cham- as winners,” he said. final individual race before retir- ers Corentin Tolisso from Lyon pions League group stages. “In the first game, it’s a bit ing in London. and James Rodriguez from Real “We’ll have to see how different. If you’re lucky, then In the last decade, Bayern Madrid. Leipzig fare, they have a stress- anything is possible.” have won the Bundesliga title However, Bayern will be ful season ahead of them with seven times -- five of which have without the steadying influence the new experience of the BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES been on the spin since 2012. of ex-captain Philipp Lahm and Champions League,” added They finished 15 points Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, Ancelotti. All times in GMT ahead of second-placed RB Leip- who both retired in May. Ex-Germany international Tomorrow zig last term. “If everything goes normally, and Bayern captain Stefan Effen- FC Bayern Munich vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen “Our required standard is to FC Bayern will be the champi- berg expects a two-horse race (1830) win the Bundesliga title,” said ons again,” said Leipzig coach in Germany with Dortmund Saturday, August 19 Bayern President Uli Hoeness Ralph Hasenhuettl. challenging for the title. Mainz vs Hanover 96 (1330) bluntly. “We want to surprise again, “I think Borussia Dortmund Hamburg SV vs FC Augsburg (1330) According to the SID survey, even if this season will be a lot are in a position to annoy Bay- Hertha Berlin vs VfB Stuttgart (1330) only Borussia Dortmund’s new harder.” ern Munich this year,” the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs Werder Bremen (1330) boss Peter Bosz, Hoffenheim’s Bayern boss Ancelotti sees 49-year-old told SID. VfL Wolfsburg vs Borussia Dortmund (1330) Julian Nagelsmann and Stutt- Dortmund, who are battling to “Of course, for that to hap- FC Schalke 04 vs RB Leipzig (1630) gart’s Hannes Wolf opted not to keep hold of wantaway teenage pen, things will have to go well. Sunday, August 20 say which name they think will winger Ousmane Dembele, as “I don’t see three or four Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt (1330) be engraved on the trophy for their main rivals. teams challenging, but everyone Cristiano Ronaldo will be free to play when Real Madrid Borussia Moenchengladbach v Cologne

2017/18. “Of course, we want to be will be closer together,” he

begin their Champions League campaign on September 12 (1600) Leverkusen’s Heiko Herrlich champions again and I think we added. or 13, after serving a five-match ban. was the only coach who tipped can do it,” said the Italian. Effenberg thinks Leverkusen Matuidi set for Juve Own goal seals Liverpool win at Hoffenheim medical: Report s Berlin to score late on to give the ex-Leicester City striker Milan AFP Germans hope. Andrej Kramaric stepped up AFP “I am happy with the per- for the spot kick. urgen Klopp insists Liver- formance, we’d have liked to The Hoffenheim forward idfielder Blaise Matuidi is on the pool are far from certain of have won 2-0 and the goal squandered the golden verge of signing for Juventus, who Ja Champions League group they scored just before the chance, weakly firing his 11th Mhave agreed to pay Paris Saint-Ger- stage berth despite their 2-1 end isn’t so favourable for us,” minute spot-kick at main 20m euros plus bonuses, according to win at Hoffenheim on Tues- said Klopp. Mignolet. reports yesterday. day in their play-off, Liverpool’s want-away At the other end, Liver- French international Matuidi, who won first-leg. attacking midfielder Philippe pool’s Egypt striker Mohamed four consecutive league titles with PSG, was The result in south-west Coutinho sat out the play-off Salah fired just wide of the expected at Torino’s Caselle airport later Germany leaves Klopp’s Liv- with a back injury. post on 15 minutes after yesterday to undergo a medical and sign a erpool in pole position ahead The Brazilian is desperate sprinting clear and beating deal that would see the 30-year-old earn of the return at Anfield on to leave Anfield for Barcelona Hoffenheim goalkeeper 3.5m euros ($4.1m) per season, according to August 23. after handing in a transfer Oliver Baumann. Gazzetta dello Sport’s website. After goalkeeper Simon request, but Liverpool insist Alexander-Arnold gave The box-to-box midfielder, known for Mignolet had saved a first- he is not for sale. Liverpool the lead when his his strength on the ball and his ability to win half penalty, 18-year-old Liverpool’s players celebrate their second goal against Belgium goalkeeper Mig- floated free-kick beat Bau- back possession, has been a Juventus tar- defender Trent Alexander- Hoffenheim during their Champions League Qualifying nolet saved an early first-half mann on 35 minutes. get for some time. If confirmed, Matuidi Arnold curled in a free-kick Play-Off first leg in Sinsheim, Germany on Tuesday. penalty to deny hosts Hoffen- However, Hoffenheim would become Juve’s ninth signing of the to give Liverpool the lead. heim an early lead in could have gone into the season alongside the likes of Douglas Costa Ex-England forward inside the far post on 75 min- However, Hoffenheim Sinsheim. When Liverpool’s break level when striker San- (Bayern Munich), Mattia Di Sciglio (AC James Milner made sure of utes after deflecting off pulled a goal back when Dejan Lovren brought down dro Wagner hit the post after Milan), Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina) victory by curling in a cross- Havard Nordtveit for an own replacement Mark Uth man- Germany winger Serge Gna- Mignolet blocked a Gnabry and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (Roma). cum-shot, which dropped goal. aged to beat the offside trap bry, Hoffenheim’s shot.