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Thursday, May 31, 2018 FOOTBALL Ramadan 15, 1439 AH Messi hat-trick leads GULF TIMES Argentina to easy win over Haiti SPORT Page 2 TENNIS / FRENCH OPEN Djokovic reaches round 3 in Paris, Zverev survives World No 1 Halep fights back from a set down to beat Riske; Wozniacki thrashes Spanish qualifier in under an hour

AFP Paris

ormer champion Novak Djoko- vic reached the French Open third round for the 13th consecutive year by beating Spanish qualifiF er Jaume Munar 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-4 yesterday, while second seed Alexander Zverev staged a fi ghtback to win a fi ve- setter with Dusan Lajovic. Djokovic, the 2016 Roland Garros champion and former world number one, is seeded 20 this year after struggling to rediscover his best form after returning from a right elbow injury. He wasn’t at his best on Court Su- zanne Lenglen, but goes on to face Spain’s 13th seed Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the last 16. The Serbian 12-time Grand Slam champion fi red 39 winners but 33 un- Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates her victory over Alison Riske of the US at the forced errors and was broken three French Open in Paris yesterday. (AFP) times by Munar, the world 155. “I am very happy to be here on Su- zanne Lenglen and see so many people and see the support,” said Djokovic. Serena favourite if she survives “Jaume is a great player, he has lots of quality and good concentration. I con- three rounds: Courier gratulate him on a great match today.” German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajo- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic plays a backhand return to Spain’s Jaume Munar during their second round match on day four of the vic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it French Open at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (AFP) fi nished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. The 21-year-old, a winner of three comeback to edge out Frenchman Be- Townsend of the United States. and Madrid, and will face Estonia’s 25th Masters titles, is yet to reach a Grand noit Paire on Philippe Chatrier court, “It’s always diffi cult in the fi rst round seed Anett Kontaveit for a place in the Slam quarter-fi nal and was knocked winning 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in his of a Grand Slam, you are always nerv- last 16. out in the fi rst round at Roland Garros fi rst Grand Slam event since Wimble- ous,” said 26-year-old Halep after Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svi- last year. don last year after recovering from a a match that was pushed back from tolina reached the last 32 for the fourth But Zverev moved into round three wrist injury. Tuesday due to rain. straight year by brushing aside Viktoria for the second time, where he will play Halep needs to reach the semi-fi nals Kuzmova in straight sets. Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as HALEP FIGHTS BACK or better if she is to retain the world top The 23-year-old, who arrived in Paris he looks to become the fi rst German World number one Halep fought back spot. having won her second straight Italian man to win the title since 1937. after a disastrous opening set to beat Her main rival for the top ranking, Open title, saw off her Slovakian oppo- Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov went the American Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in second seed Caroline Wozniacki, joined nent 6-3, 6-4 and will next take on Ro- distance, too, eventually coming through their delayed fi rst-round match. her in the last 32 by thrashing Spanish manian 31st seed Mihaela Buzarnescu. a marathon with American Jared Don- Halep, the runner-up in Paris in 2014 qualifi er Georgina Garcia Perez 6-1, Elsewhere, charismatic Japanese 21st aldson 6-7 (2), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8. and 2017, slumped 0-5 down in the 6-0 in only 51 minutes. seed Naomi Osaka came through a tight The Bulgarian was pushed all the opening set to world number 83 Riske Eighth seed Petra Kvitova eased into match with Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas way by world number 57 Donaldson in a whose only win at the tournament the third round with a 6-0, 6-4 vic- 6-4, 7-5. match that lasted four hours and 19 min- came in 2014. tory over Spain’s Lara Arruabarrena on Serena Williams, who made her utes, but grabbed the crucial break in the The Romanian committed 16 un- Court One. Grand Slam return with a singles win 17th game of the deciding set as his oppo- forced errors in the set but stepped The two-time Wimbledon champion on Tuesday, partnered sister Venus in nent started to struggle with cramp. up a gear from that point on to book a has now won 13 consecutive matches a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 doubles victory over Japan’s Kei Nishikori also staged a second-round match against Taylor on clay after claiming titles in Prague Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato.

ODDBALL Do you speak Yorkshire? Second seed Reuters develops a little bit of confidence Paris then she is probably the favourite, because she is Serena.” Zverev stumped by reporter’s accent Williams is 451st on the WTA rankings erena Williams will be favour- and while playing under a protected AFP Zverev who is becoming increasingly I know if I’m doing the right things and ite for a fourth French Open ranking she was not seeded for Paris impatient of being asked when he will if I do the right work I’ll win those long Stitle if she survives into the sec- the French. Which means she is up make a breakthrough at the majors to matches, and the success will come it- ond week, former men’s champion against Australian 17th seed Ashleigh match his impressive eff orts on the ATP self.” Jim Courier believes. Barty in the second round. erman second seed Alexan- Tour. He also recalled a morale-boosting The 36-year-old is playing her first “She will not want to leave early der Zverev came back from He has a year-leading 32 wins and conversation with Roger Federer at the Grand Slam tournament since giving because she loves Paris,” Courier, two sets to one down to reach arrived in Paris with clay-court titles in Australian Open after he lost to Chung. birth to daughter Alexis Olympia last winner in 1991 and 1992, said. the French Open third round Munich and Madrid and a runners-up Federer, the record 20-time major September and has played only a “It’s hard to say where she is. But she Gyesterday — only to be defeated by a fi nish to Rafael Nadal in Rome. winner, reminded him that it took him handful of matches this year. will be ready to fight for it. The draw broad Yorkshire accent. But the Slams is a diff erent story. until he was into his 20s to get past the But the 23-times major champion is tricky but that can play a positive Zverev beat Dusan Lajovic of Serbia His best is a run to the last 16 at quarter-fi nals of a Slam. looked reasonably assured in her role for Serena because she can’t 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 to continue his Wimbledon in 2017, just a few weeks Up to that point, an under-achieving opening win against Czech Kristina necessarily just work her way into bid to become the fi rst German man to after he was dumped out of Roland Federer faced the same barrage of ques- Pliskova and fellow American Courier the tournament the way she could if take the title in Paris since 1937. Garros in the fi rst round. tions that Zverev is batting back now. thinks she can only get better. she had an easy draw.” But the 21-year-old, who also speaks He was defeated in the third round “Hearing that from the greatest play- “Look, you would be hard-pressed to If she beats Barty, 11th seed Julia fl uent English and Russian, was mysti- at the Australian Open in January by er of all time is, you know, comforting, find anyone betting against Serena Goerges could be next, and then fi ed when a reporter from the northern South Korea’s Chung Hyeon. because you always think, Oh, if I’m not doing the unexpected because there is the possibility of a fourth- English county of Yorkshire wanted to “Everybody tries to make a bigger going to win this one, I’m never going to she’s done it so often in her career,” round clash with twice former cham- know what it would take for him to fi - story out of it than it is,” said Zverev win one. And he’s the greatest player of Courier, commentating for British pion Maria Sharapova. nally win a Grand Slam. ment there I’m coming just because of who has now equalled his best run in all time,” he said. broadcaster ITV, told Reuters. “Barty is a tough Aussie and there are “Where you from buddy?,” asked that accent. Paris by making the third round. Next up for the tall German in Paris “She needs match play for sure but a lot of landmines on her road but Zverev to the stunned journalist. “Love it. I didn’t understand a word “I have had great success on the ATP is a third-round clash against Bosnia’s if she gets through the first three none of the others will want to come “Yorkshire,” replied his inquisitor. you’re saying.” Tour, won three Masters, made two Damir Dzumhur, the 26th seed, for a rounds and feels good physically and up against her,” Courier said. “Nice. If they ever make a tourna- The exchange lightened the mood for other fi nals this year. I’m not worried. place in the last 16. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 31, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FIFA won’t replace banned Messi hat-trick leads Saudi World Cup referee Zurich: The World Cup referee given a life ban in his homeland Saudi Arabia this month for a match-fixing attempt will not be replaced at Argentina to easy win next month’s tournament in Russia, world soccer’s ruling body FIFA said yesterday. The Saudi Arabia Football Mascherano makes his 143rd appearance to become Argentina’s most capped player Federation (SAFF) said two weeks ago that it had barred Reuters Sampaoli has complained that his referee Fahad al-Mirdasi after Buenos Aires side have to play their fi nal World Cup he confessed to off ering to fix warm-up match in Israel. The squad the final of his country’s do- will fl y to Barcelona today to continue mestic cup competition. FIFA rgentina showed once again their preparations. confirmed in a statement that how reliant they are on Li- The match in Jerusalem against Is- al-Mirdasi’s World Cup selec- onel Messi as the Barcelona rael will be their last before travelling tion had been withdrawn forward scored a hat-trick to Russia. “I’m not the one who de- with immediate eff ect. inA their 4-0 World Cup warm-up win cides when we play and who we play,” “The FIFA Referees Com- over Haiti on Tuesday night. Sampaoli said after the victory against mittee has taken the decision With Javier Mascherano making Haiti at La Bombonera. All 20,000 not to directly replace al- his 143rd appearance to put him one tickets for the friendly in Jerusalem Mirdasi,” it said, adding that ahead of Javier Zanetti as Argen- sold out in 20 minutes, the company the two assistant referees in tina’s most capped player, Messi got handling the sales said. his team, Mohamed al-Abakry the opener from the penalty spot af- In another warm-up match, Peru and Abdulah Alshalwai, had ter 17 minutes. He doubled their lead overcame Scotland 2-0 in Lima. Peru also been dropped. 12 minutes into the second half with out-thought, outplayed and out- The SAFF said that al- a simple tap-in after the goalkeeper muscled an understrength Scotland, Mirdasi off ered to fix the could only parry a header, scored Ar- who rarely threatened at the Estadio King’s Cup final, played on gentina’s third after 65 minutes, and Nacional in a rematch of a famous May 12, on behalf of the Al then set up Sergio Aguero to make it 1978 World Cup encounter between Ittihad club. The 32-year-old four just two minutes later. the sides that the South Americans referee made the approach Argentina failed to add to their tally won 3-1. to Al Ittihad chief Hamad but should have been further ahead Christian Cueva put Peru 1-0 ahead al-Senaie, who immediately against Haiti, whose sole appearance after 36 minutes from the penalty spot handed over the WhatsApp at the World Cup fi nals came in 1974 before Jeff erson Farfan took advantage messages to SAFF off icials and are ranked 108th in the world, 103 of slack defending just seconds after and they alerted the relevant places below them in the world rank- the break to complete the scoring. government authorities, the ings. “More than the result we were The victory was Peru’s third in a SAFF said. able to say goodbye to our fans and row against European opposition fol- Al-Mirdasi was taken into show that we are going to Russia with lowing friendly wins over Croatia and police custody where he hope,” Messi said. “We’re not going as Iceland, and fi lls them with optimism confessed to soliciting the favourites because we had a compli- as they head to their fi rst World Cup corrupt payment, the SAFF cated time in the qualifi ers, but we are since 1982. “Peru is ready to face any Ethics Committee said. Al training well and we will give it our all.” team in the world,” Peru coach Ricar- Ittihad beat Al Faisaly in the Aguero was fi t again after a knee in- do Gareca told reporters. “This team King’s Cup final, winning after jury but began the game on the bench, is prepared to resolve problems that extra-time a game refereed with Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di come our way.” by former Premier League Maria starting up front alongside Peru are now unbeaten in 13 games off icial Mark Clattenburg. Messi. However, both men failed to but have been drawn in one of the most Clattenburg, who was ap- shine and instead it was Aguero and diffi cult pools in Russia, alongside pointed Head of Refereeing Boca Juniors’ Christian Pavon who France, Denmark and Australia in Group at the SAFF last year, stepped staked their claim for a World Cup C. In another game in Panama City, the in to replace al-Mirdasi on place when they came on after an hosts prepared for their fi rst ever World the eve of the game. Al- hour. Argentina now fl y to Barcelona Cup with a 0-0 draw against Northern Mirdasi has been on the FIFA to prepare for World Cup matches Ireland. Panama, who are in Group G referees’ list since 2011 and against Iceland on June 16, Croatia on with England, Belgium and Tunisia, off iciated at last year’s Con- June 21 and Nigeria on June 26. have one fi nal friendly against Norway Argentina superstar Lionel Messi (right) gets past Haiti’s Ricardo Ade (left) and Bria Nalceus during the international friendly federations Cup in Russia. Meanwhile,Argentina coach Jorge in Oslo scheduled for next week. football match at Boca Juniors’ stadium La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, on Tuesday night. (AFP)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Neuer shines for Germany juniors AFP Berlin in World Cup warm-up match anuel Neuer took to the World Cup as his fi rst- completed a transfer to Japanese ayern Munich’s star striker Rob- another step towards choice providing he proves his club Sagan Tosu. But the leaked ert Lewandowski wants to leave the World Cup, fi tness ahead of their opening post, which was dated May 31 the Bundesliga club this summer after eight months game against Mexico in Moscow but hastily removed from the to seek “a new challenge”, his agent Msidelined with injury, by im- on June 17. Loew has taken 27 J-League’s offi cial website, could toldB Sport Bild yesterday. “Robert feels that pressing in a training match for players with him for their train- still signal Torres’s arrival in he needs a change and a new challenge in his Germany’s Under-20 against the ing camp, including four ‘keep- Japan after speculation linking career,” Pini Zahavi told the weekly. “The senior team yesterday. Ger- ers, with four to be cut before the the former Liverpool striker with managers of Bayern know about it.” many’s captain and goalkeeper, list of the offi cial 23-man squad a move. Before being deleted, Lewandowski, 29, whose Bayern contract who suff ered a fractured foot last is delivered to FIFA on Monday. the news was widely shared on runs until 2021, has been linked with Real September, impressed for the social media, triggering rumours Madrid while Paris Saint-Germain and Pre- junior team in a 2-0 defeat by the REAL SIGN BRAZILIAN of a formal announcement from mier League giants Chelsea and Manchester senior Germany team. YOUNGSTER RODRIGO Kyushu-based Sagan. Japan’s United are also understood to be interested. He was only beaten by a Tho- Real Madrid have signed professional football league, “I want to focus on preparing for the mas Mueller penalty and a goal 18-year-old Brazilian forward which was launched in 1993, World Cup, I’m not thinking about club from Julian Draxler in the short- Rodrigo Rodrigues from Gremio welcomed Barcelona icon Andres matters, I have a manager for that,” Lewand- ened training match, which was Novorizontino, according to the Iniesta to rival club Vissel Kobe owski said in the mountain resort of Arlam- 35 minutes per half. “He faced player’s representatives. Rodrigo last week. ow, where the Polish team is preparing for some shots on goal and made a is expected to join up with Real’s On its offi cial Twitter feed the World Cup. He was the Bundesliga’s top few very good saves. Castilla youth team next season the J-League apologised for the scorer in the just-completed season with 29 It is another step in the right after agreeing a reported six- gaff e. Ex-Chelsea striker Torres, goals, the third time he has won the trophy direction,” said Germany’s as- year contract with the Spanish who scored the winner for Spain after success in 2015/16, also with Bayern, sistant coach Thomas Schneider. club. Rodrigo made his debut for in Euro 2008 fi nal and also won and 2013/14 while at ex-club Borussia Dort- On Monday, Neuer played his Gremio aged 16 and joined Pal- the 2010 World Cup and another mund. fi rst game back in a 7-1 win over meiras on loan last season. One European title in 2012, is leav- In late February, the Poland international the Under-20 team at Germany’s of his agents, Edu Schimidt, de- ing his boyhood club Atletico parted ways with his previous agent of 10 “Everyone in the Bayern club leadership has good one.” World Cup training camp in scribed him as “one of the most Madrid. years, Cezary Kucharski, and signed up with their own great career to look back on. They “We know what we have in him and north Italy, but his presence in talented players of his generation The 34-year-old has also been Zahavi, one of the most powerful agents in should understand his situation,” he told I’m very happy that we still have such a the junior goal made for a much in world football”. linked with a move to the Major world football. Zahavi said that “Robert’s Sport Bild. long-term contract,” added Rummenigge. closer scoreline on Wednesday. League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. motivations are not money or a specifi c However, Bayern’s bosses have made it “There’s no need to worry, he’ll play here in On Saturday, Neuer will play his TORRES LINKED TO JAPAN But Sagan, who are languish- club, because almost all top clubs would like clear that Lewandowski will play for them Munich again next year.” fi rst full match after injury in AFTER DELETED J-LEAGUE POST ing second from bottom of the to sign up the world’s best striker.” next season. Rummenigge said earlier this Magazine Kicker also pointed out that Germany’s friendly away game Embarrassed J-League offi cials J-League fi rst division, have He said he hoped Bayern president Uli month that Bayern fans “do not have to Bayern’s senior bosses have repeatedly in- against Austria in Klagenfurt. issued an apology yesterday after emerged as a candidate to sign Hoeness and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge worry about Robert Lewandowski and the formed Lewandowski that there is no possi- Germany head coach Joachim announcing that Spanish World Torres as they look to ease their would understand the player’s position. relationship with Bayern... We have a very bility of leaving before his contract expires. Loew has said Neuer will travel Cup winner Fernando Torres had relegation fears.

WORLD CUP We are fed up of underachieving, says Croatia defender Corluka

Reuters “We are tired of being billed as a The 32-year-old Corluka, who has the Champions League fi nal.” Zagreb talented generation which keeps fl at- made 97 international appearances, Croatia will play warm-up games tering to deceive,” Corluka said at the is one of fi ve centre backs in coach against Brazil at Anfi eld on June 3 and team’s training camp in the coastal Zlatko Dalic’s provisional 24-man against Senegal on home soil in Osi- roatia are determined to resort of Rovinj. “We let ourselves squad and is aware that he faces a jek fi ve days later. Corluka assessed reach the World Cup knock- and our fans down in every World battle to make the fi nal cut as one of the Brazil match as a good barometer out rounds for the fi rst time Cup since the 1998 tournament, es- them is most likely to be axed. of Croatia’s potential to make an im- since the 1998 tournament pecially the last one. We have to fo- “We all have diff erent qualities,” he pact in Russia. whenC they sent shock waves by ad- cus on our strengths and use the good said. “Some of us are quicker while “We will leave nothing in the tank vancing to the semi-fi nals, stalwart atmosphere in the dressing room as a others are stronger, but either way when we face Brazil because there is defender Vedran Corluka said yes- platform.” the coach will make the right decision no other way against an opponent terday. Croatia open their Group D cam- no matter who he picks for the Rus- of their calibre,” he said. “Then we The Croatians made group stage paign against Nigeria, followed by sia-bound squad. The most frequent can start thinking about Nigeria and exits in 2002, 2006 and 2014, after games against Argentina and Iceland. partnership I’ve had was with Doma- Argentina, our opening rivals. I am a talent-packed generation fi nished Four years ago, they made an early goj Vida, but I’d be just as comfort- looking forward to locking horns third in France 20 years ago, and Cor- exit as defeats by host nation Brazil able with Dejan Lovren who proved with the phenomenal Lionel Messi, luka was confi dent the present crop and Mexico cancelled out a 4-0 win his worth after an excellent season at but we are now focused on the warm- would fi nally live up to expectations. over Cameroon. Liverpool capped by playing well in up clash with Brazil.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 31, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP ROUND-UP French football England are already ‘needs’ Neymar: federation chief practising penalties, rench football “needs” three-year contract as a reward Neymar, according to for keeping his club in the the country’s federation Premier League. Wagner had 12 president Noel Le Graet, months left on his previous deal, whoF said the Brazilian star “must but Huddersfi eld have moved to stay” at Paris Saint-Germain. secure his future amid reported “We need this image, he’s a fan- interest in the German from says Pickford tastic footballer,” Le Graet said. several European teams. “He’s on a fi ve-year contract. He Wagner, 46, has become one must stay. PSG shows that it can of the most highly-respected attract the big stars.” coaches in England since arriv- Everton’s Pickford in duel with Butland and Nick Pope for goalkeeper slot Neymar became the world’s ing as an unknown in Novem- most expensive footballer after ber 2015. The former Borussia By Martha Kelner his transfer to PSG last August Dortmund reserve-team coach The Guardian from Barcelona for a whopping steered Huddersfi eld away from England’s Jordan Pickford fee of 222mn euros. He won the relegation trouble before enjoy- speaks during a press French player of the year prize ing a remarkable fi rst full season ordan Pickford has confi rmed conference. (Reuters) despite a foot injury meaning he in charge. Huddersfi eld weren’t England are preparing for the has not featured for the Parisian intimidated by the English elite, possibility of facing penalties in club since the end of February. beating Manchester United 2-1 Russia, even practising the nerve- There has been constant spec- and drawing with champions janglingJ walk from the halfway line that ulation that the 26-year-old’s Manchester City and Chelsea to has been the undoing of many players. stay in the French capital could earn a 16th place fi nish. The squad are alive to the possibility of be a short one, with Real Madrid a shootout in the knockout stages which linked to a move for the Brazil- BOLT TRAINS AT has ended in heartbreak, almost without ian. PSG president Nasser al- NORWEGIAN CLUB exception, at recent major tournaments. Khelaifi has insisted, however, Multiple Olympic sprint Gareth Southgate will always be haunted that he was “2,000 percent” sure champion Usain Bolt is training by his penalty miss against Germany that Neymar would play at PSG next with Norwegian top-fl ight side led to England’s elimination in the Euro season, something the player Stromsgodset as he pursues his 96 semi-fi nals. himself has yet to confi rm. dream of becoming a profes- But Pickford, one of three goalkeepers sional footballer, newspaper in the squad, said they have been rehears- FORMER ENGLAND SKIPPER Verdens Gang reported. ing. “We’ve been doing the walk from the TERRY LEAVES ASTON VILLA The 31-year-old Jamaican, halfway line,” he said. “We’re not looking Former England captain John who retired from athletics after too far ahead but behind the scenes we’re Terry has left Aston Villa after winning eight Olympic gold doing a lot of work to be prepared for how the club failed to gain promotion medals, is a football fanatic and we’d want to go about it. It’s pot luck to the Premier League. Villa lost trained with the club in Dram- sometimes. Sometimes you’ve just got the Championship playoff fi nal men, some 40km south-west of to pick a side [to dive to], wait and attack 1-0 to Fulham at Wembley on Oslo, yesterday. He also hopes that side. If you get there you get there Sunday. The 37-year-old Terry to play some part in a friendly and if you don’t, get the next one. It’s like joined Villa from Chelsea in against the club’s Under-19 a lottery. If you save a couple you can be a July 2017 on a one-year deal. He side. “I want to try to get better, hero but there’s no pressure on you.” made 36 appearances for Villa to work as hard as I can, play Despite Pickford’s belief that there is in all competitions last season, as much as I can. Maybe a club an element of good fortune involved in scoring one goal. will see something and decide winning shootouts, Southgate is using to give me a chance,” said Bolt, the training camp at St George’s Park to WAGNER SIGNS NEW DEAL who hung up his spikes after last address penalties. The manager is keen to WITH HUDDERSFIELD year’s world championships in emphasise it does not mean England have Huddersfi eld manager David London. Bolt also trained with become complacent about progressing Wagner has been given a new Borussia Dortmund in March. from a group containing Panama, Tunisia and Belgium. But the 47-year-old knows England have one of the worst shootout records in international football. They have lost six of seven competitive tournament shootouts beginning with Peter Shilton’s failure to get close but I’m always practising in training. mier League,” he said. “I have played 38 ford was publicly warned by David Moyes to any of West Germany’s four eff orts at “I remember the Under-17s World games this season and numerous matches about his refuelling habits. In 2016 Moyes Italia 90. Of the 36 penalties faced by fi ve Cup, I was down as third to take one. But in cups and the Europa League. That is predicted Pickford would eventually be England goalkeepers at major tourna- the manager, John Peacock, changed it so where you get your experience from. England’s No 1 but said he must sort out ments, only David Seaman and Paul Rob- I dropped to seventh and the lad who took That’s why I have been to six or seven loan his eating habits, a criticism that still ran- inson have saved one, with an additional the third penalty smashed it over the bar.” clubs from when I was 17 onwards, to be- kles. four misses. Pickford was only 10 when He has already experienced winning come the best keeper I can.” “He never said it to me, he just said it England lost a shootout against Portugal under Southgate, triumphing with the Pickford has escaped the level of scru- to the papers. It would have been nice if at Euro 2004. David James did not get under-21s in the Toulon Tournament tiny his team-mate Raheem Sterling has he’d come and said it to me,” Pickford close to saving any of Portugal’s seven at- during 2016. The Everton goalkeeper is in been subjected to for his recent tattoo but said. “Sometimes off the fi eld you learn tempts, with the home side’s goalkeeper a battle with Jack Butland and Nick Pope the goalkeeper’s left arm is covered in art- the most, becoming a better person, and Ricardo stopping Darius Vassell’s eff ort to be fi rst choice after Southgate over- work. He has “mam” and “dad” encased nutritionally, I’ve worked a lot on it. I’m before scoring a penalty himself to send looked Joe Hart, despite him playing in in love hearts surrounded by sketches of fl ying and feel much lighter and [am] get- the hosts through. nine of the 10 qualifying matches. compasses and butterfl ies. ting across the goal even quicker. Pickford is also open to the idea of The trio have only nine caps between His dad, a builder, used to drive him to “I think it was just portion sizes. I taking a penalty if the situation arises. them but Pickford insisted he is not con- training sessions as a child. In the back wasn’t going to McDonald’s every week “If I need to step up, I’ll take one,” the cerned by the scale of the challenge or seat he would eat chicken and pasta, from but a nice pizza after three points isn’t a 24-year-old said. “I’ve got no issue with the uncertainty about who will be cho- a plastic container, prepared by his mum bad way to have it. We’d be having more Brazil’s Neymar (right) celebrates with teammate Willian during a that. I’ve never taken one in a shootout sen. “Look at our experience in the Pre- but during his time at Sunderland Pick- than a pizza if we win the World Cup.” training session in London yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Guardiola dismisses Isco move, Egypt hopeful Salah will be fi t in three weeks

Reuters I’ll be in Russia to make you all proud. Your praises spectacular Real Cairo love and support will give me the strength I need.” Egypt reached the tournament af- AFP ter Salah scored a 95th- minute penalty to Madrid gypt are hopeful that forward help them beat Congo 2-1 in October. Earlier Mohamed Salah will have recov- yesterday, Liverpool physiotherapist Ruben ered from his shoulder injury in Pons was quoted as saying that Salah would ep Guardiola has ruled three weeks which would allow him be out for up to four weeks. out Manchester City toE play in their fi nal group game at the World “He is sad about what happened but is signing Real Madrid’s Cup in Russia. The 25-year-old suff ered a totally focused on recovery, seeing when Isco this summer and heavy fall in a challenge with Real Madrid he can be ready,” he said. “In principle it Pdescribed the European cham- defender Sergio Ramos while playing for will be between three and four weeks but pions as a “spectacular team”. Liverpool in the Champions League fi nal World Cup, God willing, and won’t be ab- we will try to reduce those dates, that’s the Guardiola, speaking at a Jo- against Real Madrid on Saturday. sent for more than three weeks,” it said on big goal,” Pons added. Salah, who scored 44 han Cruyff Foundation event in He left the fi eld in tears amid serious Twitter without giving further details. goals in a sensational fi rst season for Liver- Barcelona yesterday, also made doubts about his chances of playing for Egypt begin their World Cup campaign pool after joining from AS Roma, was voted another staunch defence of his Egypt at their fi rst World Cup since 1990. against Uruguay on June 15, before facing Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ decision to wear a yellow ribbon But the Egyptian FA was more optimistic hosts Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on Association this month, completing a sweep last season in support of impris- after Salah met the national team doctor in June 25. On Sunday, Salah posted a message of England’s individual prizes and becoming oned Catalan campaigners. Spain. “The (Egyptian) football association saying: “It was a very tough night, but I’m a the fi rst African player to win the prestig- Isco extended his contract confi rms once again... Salah will be in the fi ghter. Despite the odds, I’m confi dent that ious award. until 2022 in September but has not been an automatic pick for Real under Zinedine Zidane this season. After scoring a hat-trick for Spain against Argentina in FIFA holds meeting with 2026 World Cup bidders March, the 26-year-old said he went on to clinch their third con- imprisoned for backing Catalan Zurich: FIFA held a last-minute meeting very positive meeting,” Hicham El Amrani, commodation is calculated on a combined no longer felt the confi dence of secutive European crown, and independence. He was charged yesterday with the two candidates bid- the CEO of the Morocco bid, said.”We gave basis. the Frenchman and that playing fourth in fi ve years. in February by England’s Football ding to host the 2026 World Cup ahead them the extra information they were look- The system was introduced after criti- for the national team “gives him “I congratulate Madrid,” Association, who ruled that the of the publication of a report which could ing for and we look forward to the publica- cism during previous World Cup hosting life”. Isco started the Champions Guardiola said. “When a team political message was in breach disqualify a bid rated not up to scratch. A tion of the report.” campaigns that voters overlooked the League fi nal against Liverpool, gets three Champions Leagues of kit regulations. joint United States, Canada and Mexico bid World football’s governing body FIFA technical qualities of respective bids and however, and enjoyed a strong in a row, four in fi ve years, it is a “I would have worn it (in is being challenged by underdogs Morocco and the North American bid did not com- based their choices on an exchange of end to the campaign in La Liga. spectacular team. The Cham- Spain) as well, why can I wear for the right to stage the 48-team tournament on the meeting. The task force will political and personal favours. Guardiola says Isco will not be at pions League is a very tough it in England and not here?” ment with the hosts to be decided by the award each bid a score ranging from zero For the same reason, the franchise was City next term. “No, Manchester competition, very complicated, Guardiola said. “People stand FIFA Congress in Moscow on June 13. to five on six diff erent aspects of their bid: extended to the FIFA Congress — where City are not going to sign Isco,” where going through or going out up against AIDS, against gender A five-man FIFA task force has inspected stadiums, team facilities, accommodation, each of FIFA’s member associations each he said. depends on many things. And if discrimination. It is not a politi- both bids and its key evaluation report is transport, telecommunications and loca- hold one vote — instead of being restricted Guardiola won six La Liga titles all these things are with you for cal claim, it is in support of peo- expected to be published any time from tions for events and fan festivals. to the now extinct executive committee. with Barcelona as a player before three years in a row, it means you ple who are in jail for expressing a Friday onwards. Under new bidding rules, A bid must achieve a score of at least Even so, outside influences continue to leading the team to three more are in control of them.” political option, which can hap- the task force has the power to disqualify a two out of five in the categories for stadi- aff ect the process, as seen when US Presi- league successes and two Cham- Guardiola´s status in Barcelo- pen to anyone. People who are bid if it does not meet minimum techni- ums, team facilities and transport/accom- dent Donald Trump made clear in a Tweet pions League triumphs as coach. na means his political views carry in jail for asking that people can cal standards, especially with regard to modation to qualify for the Congress vote, that he expected countries that receive His City side were knocked out weight too, with the Spaniard vote. The situation is not easy, stadiums. as well as an overall score of at least two. American economic and other forms of by Liverpool, however, in the regularly wearing a yellow ribbon but it will not be fi xed until the “It was a very constructive meeting, a FIFA says the score for transport and ac- support to deliver votes for his nation’s bid. quarter-fi nals in April as Real last season in support of those prisoners are with their families.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 31, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Tiger can still beat my record, says Nicklaus AFP Monday at Shinnecock Hills, the Nicklaus does believe Woods when you have a guy as good as Dublin, United States venue for the 2018 US Open. needs to learn how to win again. Tiger is and as competitive as he “While Tiger has not had that “Tiger does need to learn how is, he’ll break through that bar- much fun the last 10-years, and to win again, absolutely”, said rier and I would not be surprised ack Nicklaus said Monday I would hate to go through what Nicklaus. to see Tiger win this week. he believes Tiger Woods he’s has been through as he’s “I recall in the ’86 Masters I “He loves this golf course and can still overhaul his been through a lot, but he’s a hard hadn’t won for a couple of years he’s played well here in the past, record of 18 Major Cham- worker, he’s a tough competitor and I got to the last round, and and his remembrance of what pionshipJ victories. and he’s still driven, so that’s why I got into the back nine after he’s done here will come back Woods last won a major al- I would never count him out,” said struggling on the front nine but into his head. That will help him most exactly 10 years ago, when the 79-year-old Nicklaus. then I made a putt on nine and I play better.” he battled to a memorable play- “Nobody ever said ‘how’s your fi nally remembered how to play. The 42-year old Woods has off win at the 2008 US Open at record, Jack?’ as I’ve always said “So, in holing a couple of returned to the Nicklaus hosted Torrey Pines in Southern Cali- that if Tiger comes back and putts suddenly you remember Memorial for a fi rst occasion fornia. plays then I’ve said he’s still got a particularly if you have been a since 2015 to tee-up in what will That victory left him four shy shot at breaking my record. champion at one time as you will be his ninth event of 2018, and of Nicklaus’s tally of 18 majors, “Whether he does or he remember and you will have that for a fi rst occasion since sharing a target that has looked increas- doesn’t, and even with now to draw on. 11th place earlier this month in ingly beyond Woods in recent 10-years passing it doesn’t make “That’s what I had to draw on the Players Championship. years during long injury layoff s. any diff erence he’s still a great and Tiger has that also to draw Woods fi rst won the Memorial Nicklaus however, who will athlete and a great golfer.” on but he’s got to through the in 1999 and then successfully host this week’s Memorial tour- But while Woods has not tast- barrier of not having done it for defended his title in both 2000 nament in Ohio, said he is con- ed success since 2013 in captur- a while. When you haven’t won and 2001 before winning for a vinced Woods can win Majors ing a remarkable eighth WGC for a while that always happens. fourth occasion in 2009 and a Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the second hole during the Pro-Am of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield again after playing with him on – Bridgestone Invitational title, That’s just human nature but fi fth title in 2012. Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP)

GOLF FOCUS Park eyes US Thompson calls Open, 20 years on from Pak for preferred lies “Obviously, winning in front AFP Miami of a lot of fans in Korea was a big thing,” she said. “It was a match play, so I played seven rounds in orld number one fi ve days. So that was very tough. Park In-bee will take I was proud of myself that I have a low-key approach done it in the match play.” to the women’s US Park believes she has benefi ted at soggy US Open WOpen today as she aims to cement from a rest after that win, but re- the legacy of compatriot Pak Se-ri mains mindful of a crowded fi eld ‘I would think that they would have to play the ball up. I played it yesterday and it was with her eighth major title. of contenders. Twenty years ago, Pak blazed a The last 12 majors have been pretty wet in some spots and some of the fairways are a little bare in some spots’ trail for Korean golfers when she won by 12 diff erent players, high- stormed to victory in the 1998 US lighting the depth of the women’s Reuters Open, a spectacular triumph that game and the LPGA Tour. Shoal Creek, Alabama encouraged many of her compa- “Coming into the major, there is triots to take up the sport. a lot of notable players that haven’t “Back in ‘98, I was really just a won this year and they are looking here will be little choice but kid,” Park said Tuesday. “My dad to win,” Park said. to allow the players preferred was really a big fan of golf. He was “(On the LPGA Tour) You don’t lies at this week’s US Women’s watching golf and watching Se- see the same players every week up Open, world number three Lexi ri play. I remember my dad get- on the leaderboard. You see some TThompson said on Tuesday as offi cials ting really excited very early in the kind of diff erent levels of players, reiterated their desire not to resort to morning. a variety of players on the leader- the measure. “After that there was a big golf board.” The Shoal Creek course was closed boom in Korea and a lot of the girls Park has travelled to the United for play on Tuesday after receiving my age were starting to play golf. I States accompanied only by her more than two inches of rain (50 mm) was one of them.” husband. She said she had wel- from subtropical storm Alberto over- In 1998, Pak was the sole South comed the opportunity to “do night and into Tuesday, turning parts of Korean golfer plying her trade on nothing” on a rare day off on Mon- it into a sloppy bog. the LPGA Tour. There are now day. Players were allowed onto the driv- more than 50 Korean players on “I kind of needed some time to ing range and practice areas during the the LPGA, and last year Korean rest and do nothing,” she said. “I afternoon, but the prospect of playing women picked up three of the fi ve don’t have to worry about any- the biggest championship in women’s majors on off er. thing and do anything.” golf without being able to wipe mud off Unsurprisingly, world number One of the biggest challenges to the ball did not sit well with Thompson. one Park will start as the player Park’s hopes could come from Lexi The US Golf Association (USGA) is to beat at Shoal Creek Gold and Thompson. The world number famously reluctant to allow preferred Country Club in Alabama today. three’s long game could give her a lies, a rule under which players can The 29-year-old Olympic crucial edge this week on a course lift, clean and place their balls except champion, a US Open winner in which has been drenched with when in the rough. The measure is of- 2008 and 2013, has prepared for rain. ten used in wet conditions at regular this week’s challenge by playing “I would say defi nitely it’s an tournaments in the interests of fairness, in Korea. She warmed up for the advantage to be longer,” Thomp- so that players can wipe mud from the Open with victory in the Doosan son acknowledged. balls. It also often allows for a speedy Match Play Championship on May “The course is playing very resumption after a rain delay. 20. long.” “I would think that they would have to play the ball up,” American Thomp- son said, meaning preferred lies. “I played it yesterday and it was pretty wet in some spots and some of the fairways are a little bare in some spots. “The rain has not helped that situation... so I think it will be a little unfair if they don’t.” USGA senior managing director John Bodenhamer did not rule out preferred lies, but made clear his philosophy. “It is our intention to play 72 holes to identify our champion, and to play the ball as it lies,” he said. “We’ve played 72 of these US Opens playing the ball as it lies... We believe we will be able to do it again, absolutely. “Not every US Open has been played on pristine perfect fairways. That’s part of the charm of our game, that there is a randomness.” USA’S LEXI THOMPSON

PRACTICE ROUND Of less concern to some players was the prospect of having to tee off on Thursday without the beneﬁ t of a practice round. While many managed a full 18 holes on Monday, late arrivals among that could change depending on con- the ball with mud or try to play with clean and place.” the 156-woman ﬁ eld did not get that ditions overnight. Amid the debate wet ground conditions because we’ve South Korean Park Sung-hyun is the WORLD NUMBER opportunity to familiarise themselves over preferred lies, world number one never played lift, clean and place,” said defending champion at Shoal Creek, ONE PARK IN-BEE with the par-72 layout. Park In-bee sounded prepared for ei- the South Korean, twice a winner of the which last hosted a men’s major in Offi cials plan to open the course for ther eventuality. “Coming into the US event. 1990, when Australian Wayne Grady practice rounds on Wednesday, though Women’s Open, I always try to play “I’ll be surprised if they play lift, won the PGA Championship. Swedish golfer breaks first trophy won at airport Sarajevo interested in hosting Formula E race Did she have a problem with her grip? Swedish Golfer Jenny Haglund, who turned pro in 2016, broke her first trophy won in the US in an Sarajevo is hoping to host a Formula E race next year round of the 2018-19 season will be held in the Saudi Nearly 500,000 international and local visitors came airport accident, she told Swedish Radio on Tuesday. after a proposal by the Bosnian capital’s mayor was Arabian city of Riyadh, and is in discussions with a to the Sarajevo region last year, up 22 percent from “I had the glass trophy in my hand luggage but I knocked it over ac- backed unanimously by the city council yesterday. number of undisclosed locations. 2016, according to city authorities. Despite boasting cidentally at the security control at the airport,” the 24-year-old said. The council now needs to approve 100,000 euros A full calendar is due to be published in June. some of the largest green areas in the region, Sarajevo “It wasn’t a big fall, but it still broke. They said it was considered a ($116,040) of funding for a feasibility study with organ- Mayor Abdulah Skaka said bringing a race to Sarajevo, lies in a valley surrounded by high mountains and is weapon and confiscated it,” she said. isers of the all-electric city-based series. whose plight became synonymous with a 44-month notoriously prone to fog. Heavy traff ic, poor spatial Swedish Radio published a photo of the splintered trophy, which There was no immediate comment from Formula E. siege by Bosnian Serb forces during the Bosnian war in planning and solid-fuel based heating are mostly to Haglund won in mid-May in North Carolina at the Symetra Classic. Formula E has already announced that the opening the 1990s, would boost tourism and the economy. blame for the poor air quality. Organisers have promised to send her a new trophy. Gulf Times Thursday, May 31, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA FINALS Magic hire Cliff ord as head coach Former Orlando assistant Ste- ve Cliff ord rejoined the Magic as their new head coach. Cliff ord received a four-year deal from Orlando, and will be introduced later Wednesday, LeBron leads longshot the team announced. Cliff ord was fired by the Charlotte Hornets in April after a second consecutive 36-46 season, capping a five- year run. Cliff ord, 56, helped revive the franchise by taking the Hornets to the playoff s Cavs against Warriors in 2014 and 2016 and leaves with a 196-214 record. ‘No matter what the storyline is going to be, no matter if we’re picked to win or not, let’s just go out and play’ He was an assistant to former Magic coach Stan Van Gundy AFP for five seasons. Oakland, United States The Magic fired head coach Frank Vogel after he went 25-57 in 2017-18 and 54-110 in eBron James will at- two seasons with the team. tempt the most amaz- Vogel previously coached the ing achievement of his LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the Indiana Pacers. historic career by lead- game seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Orlando finished the season Ling the twice-rebuilt Cleveland against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in outside of the playoff s for the Cavaliers against heavily fancied Boston, Massachusetts. (Getty Images/AFP) sixth consecutive season. defending champion Golden Injuries played a significant State in the 72nd NBA Finals. role in the product Orlando The 33-year-old superstar put on the floor in 2017-18. reached his eighth consecutive A total of 227 games were fi nals seemingly by sheer force missed due to injuries or of will, lifting the Cavs on his illness. shoulders throughout the NBA Rumors persisted around the playoff s to book their fourth fi - time of Vogel’s firing that the nals meeting in a row against the Magic wanted former NBA Warriors, with the best-of-seven guard Jerry Stackhouse to championship series opening take the reins. Stackhouse is Thursday at Golden State. considered a top coaching This marks the fi rst time in candidate after he guided North American pro sports his- Toronto’s G-League team to a tory that two clubs will meet in championship last year. He is the fi nal for a fourth consecu- also connected to Jeff Welt- tive season. A title would cap man, the Magic’s president the superlatives of an epic ca- of basketball operations reer because never has a James- and former Toronto Raptors led fi nals club been so huge an executive. Weltman’s hiring underdog as the Cavs are now. process was kept very quiet, Las Vegas oddsmakers have the and no interview with Stack- Warriors as the biggest NBA Fi- house was ever acknowl- nals favorites since 2002. edged. Weltman did interview “We have an opportunity to University of Houston coach play for a championship. That’s Kelvin Sampson, San Antonio all that matters,” James said. assistant Ime Udoka and Port- “We’ve been counted out for a land assistant David Vanter- long time this season. It’s a heck pool in the nearly two months of an accomplishment for our since firing Vogel. The Magic ball club. hold the No. 6 overall pick in “No matter what the storyline the 2018 NBA Draft, which is is going to be, no matter if we’re just three weeks away. picked to win or not, let’s just go out and play.” Sixers launch investigation Rebuilding after the off -sea- into Colangelo claims son trade of star guard Kyrie Cleveland in 2007, winning two nating inside, Stephen Curry The Philadelphia 76ers are Irving, the Cavs struggled and of four with Miami from 2010- and Klay Thompson as 3-point investigating reports that were retooled again at the trade 2014 and taking the 2016 title in sharpshooters and Draymond Golden State Warriors v Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball opera- deadline, leaving James and for- seven games over Golden State Green inside contributing re- tions Bryan Colangelo used ward Kevin Love alongside role between 2015 and 2017 losses to bounds and assists, the Warriors History of the NBA Finals the title without any prior NBA injury in game five and missed secret Twitter accounts after players such as outside shooters the Warriors. Only three play- have been nearly as formidable rivalry between the Golden Finals experience on the squad. the rest of the series. James a Tuesday night report kicked J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver and ers in NBA history have reached as they were in last year’s title State Warriors and Cleveland LeBron James became the first was a unanimous NBA Finals off a social media uproar. inside man Tristan Thompson. more consecutive fi nals than run. Cavaliers. The clubs meet player to lead the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and “An online media outlet filed “I switched my mindset at James, with Sam Jones and Tom “Somebody asked, it’s four in their fourth consecutive in points, assists and rebounds became the first player to lead a story linking multiple social the trade deadline to ‘Let’s get Heinsohn managing nine and years in a row getting to the fi - edition of the best-of-seven with 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds an NBA Finals in average points media accounts to 76ers pres- the most out of this season I Bill Russell a record 10 in a row. nals, do you appreciate it? Yes, championship series starting and 8.8 assists a game in the (29.7), rebounds (11.3), assists ident of basketball operations can,’” James said. “I’m trying to All three played on a 1960s Bos- because it’s really hard,” Curry today: series. (8.9), steals (2.6) and blocked Bryan Colangelo. The allega- squeeze the most out of this or- ton Celtics dynasty. said. “All the smiles and em- 2015: The Warriors won their 2016: The Cavaliers brought shots (2.3). tions are serious and we have ange to where there’s no more Four-time NBA Most Valu- braces you have with your team- first title in 40 years by beating their home city its first major 2017: The Warriors recruited commenced an independent juice left.” able Player James has averaged mates, your coaches, it’s well Cleveland 4-2. For the first time sport championship since 1964 free agent Kevin Durant in the investigation into the matter. Skeptics wonder how much 34.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and deserved.” in NBA Finals history the first by winning the NBA crown for off -season and roared through We will report the results of juice James has left. He has seen 8.8 assists in the playoff s, taking Curry is also wary of dismiss- two games went to overtime. the first time 4-3 over the War- the playoff s, sweeping the first that investigation as soon as 164 playoff games - the equal command in game-seven playoff ing James’s supporting cast. Kyrie Irving suff ered a fractured riors, who had set an NBA wins three series and taking a 3-0 it is concluded,” a statement of two full extra seasons - from wins over Boston and Indiana to “They are NBA players and left kneecap in overtime of the record in the regular season lead over Cleveland before from the team on Wednesday his fi rst fi nals run with Miami keep the title dream alive. yeah they are new and what not opener and missed the remain- with a 73-9 campaign. The suff ering their lone defeat, read. TheRinger.com reported to now. And this year, in his 15th “After all these years, we al- and ‘Bron is amazing. He played der of the series. After splitting Cavaliers made the greatest missing out on the first perfect on Tuesday that a source NBA campaign, James played most expect him to do that,” an unbelievable playoff run to the first two games in Oakland, comeback in NBA Finals history 16-game playoff run in NBA pointed the website to five all 82 regular season games, a Smith said. “We expect him to date and has willed his team to Cleveland won at home 96-91 by rallying from a 3-1 deficit, history but still managing the anonymous Twitter accounts career fi rst, as he adjusted to get over the hump and take us his eighth straight fi nals and all but in defeat the Warriors becoming the first road team best win percentage of any from which Colangelo alleg- ever-changing rosters. “This has with him. It’s a crazy feeling.” that,” Curry said. discovered how eff ective Andre since 1978 to win a seventh NBA champion with the 4-1 edly criticized his team’s play- been one of the most challeng- “It was an amazing perform- Iguodala could be against the game. In game four, LeBron victory. Durant won his first ers and coaches plus former ing seasons I’ve had,” James said. Beware ‘other guys’ ance, but don’t disrespect the Cavs. He scored 22 points in James stepped over Golden NBA crown and was named the Sixers general manager Sam “It has been six seasons in one. It The Warriors seek their third other guys out there. They game four as the Warriors won State’s Draymond Green and NBA Finals MVP. LeBron James Hinkie. One of the accounts has been a whirlwind. It has been crown in four seasons and sixth fought hard, too.” 103-82 and earned NBA Finals was struck in the groin. Green became the first player in NBA also reportedly passed along a roller coaster. There has been overall, which would match the Injuries could play a role, with Most Valuable Player honors as was issued a flagrant foul Finals history to average a private medical information everything that you can ask for.” Michael Jordan-led Chicago Love uncertain for the opener Golden State won the next two and suspended for game five, triple double in the top statisti- about then-Sixers center Bulls for third on the all-time list while in the NBA concussion games and the series. The War- which the Warriors lost at cal categories with 33.6 points, Jahlil Okafor plus gossip ‘A crazy feeling’ behind Boston and the Los An- protocol and Golden State’s An- riors were the first team since home. Warriors center Andrew 12.0 rebounds and 10.0 assists about other players, including James is 3-5 in career NBA geles Lakers. dre Iguodala questionable with a the 1991 Chicago Bulls to win Bogut suff ered a left knee a game. star big man Joel Embiid. Finals after losing his fi rst with With Kevin Durant domi- sore left knee.

MLB Torres sends Yankees past Astros in 10th Reuters base, where he was met by team- tis in the fi fth off CC Sabathia. giving Blake Snell and four Tam- New York mates to celebrate New York’s Gattis also homered in the sec- pa Bay relievers most of the run fi fth walk-off win. The Yan- ond off Sabathia. support they would need for a kees were in position to win in Gardner opened the game with victory at Oakland. rett Gardner hit the the ninth after Gardner lifted a homer and Torres had an RBI Daniel Robertson added a game-tying home run Devenski’s 0-1 pitch just over single in the second before Judge fourth solo shot for Tampa Bay with one out in the bot- the right fi eld wall. A double by hit his 15th homer of the season in the ninth inning. Sergio Romo tom of the ninth, and Aaron Judge and an infi eld hit by off Charlie Morton in the fi fth. allowed two runs in the bot- rookieB Gleyber Torres singled in Giancarlo Stanton put runners Morton was in line to improve to tom of the ninth but earned his a run with two outs in the 10th, at the corners with two outs, 8-0 and win his 11th straight defi rst save of the year, helping the lifting the New York Yankees to but Gary Sanchez struck out on cision before Devenski implod- Rays win their second straight in a 6-5 victory over the Houston three pitches to end the threat. ed. Morton allowed three runs the four-game series and their Astros on Tuesday night at Yan- The comeback occurred on on a season-high eight hits and fourth straight overall. kee Stadium. a night when the Yankees were struck out 10 while walking one Jed Lowrie had a double and a After the Yankees stranded charged with fi ve errors for the in six innings. Sabathia allowed single for the A’s, who fell to 3-5 two in the ninth against Chris fi rst time since July 21, 2014, fi ve runs (three earned) on eight on their 10-game homestand. Devenski, rookie Miguel An- against the Texas Rangers and hits in fi ve innings. dujar ripped a double down the for only the second time in the Rookie Franmil Reyes hit a RESULTS left fi eld line to start the winning last decade. two-run, two-out home run off Yankees 6 Astros 5 rally.Six pitches later, Torres Aroldis Chapman (2-0) sur- Dan Straily in the sixth inning to Royals 2 Twins 1 (14 innings) won it by lining Brad Peacock’s vived some control issues in the erase a one-run defi cit and lead Padres 9 Marlins 5 2-2 pitch in front of right fi eld- 10th and was credited with the San Diego to a victory over visit- Rays 4 A’s 3 er George Springer. Springer’s win. The top of the 10th inning ing Miami. Eric Hosmer had three Diamondbacks 5 Reds 2 throw was up the line, and An- ended with the catcher Sanchez hits, and Raff y Lopez and Chris- Phillies 6 Dodgers 1 dujar easily scored. throwing out Tony Kemp at third tian Villanueva each drove in two Rangers 9 Mariners 5 It was the second career walk- after he tried to advance when a runs for the Padres. JT Riddle hit Rockies 11 Giants 4 off hit for Torres. His other walk- pitch went off Sanchez’s glove. an inside-the-park homer for Braves 7 Mets 6 off hit occurred when he slugged Before the late-inning drama, the Marlins in the ninth. Miami’s Cubs 8 Pirates 6 a three-run homer against the the Astros built a 5-2 lead by Justin Bour and Brian Anderson Red Sox 8 Blue Jays 3 Cleveland Indians on May 6. getting a two-run double from both collected two hits. Angels 9 Tigers 2 After seeing Andujar score, Marwin Gonzalez in the fourth C.J. Cron, Joey Wendle and Cardinals 6 Brewers 1 Torres raised his arms and fl ung and an RBI single from Yuli Gur- Wilson Ramos hit consecutive Nationals 3 Orioles 2 New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres hits an RBI single against the Houston Astros during his helmet after rounding fi rst riel and sacrifi ce fl y by Evan Gat- home runs in the third inning, Indians 7 White Sox 3 the second inning at Yankee Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 31, 2018 CRICKET

ODI SERIES SPOTLIGHT Cricket corruption England’s Morgan ‘goes right to the top’, says Sri Lanka great

AFP vestigates accusations made Colombo in Al-Jazeera’s undercover report. Sri Lankan police have also ready for ‘young and started an inquiry. Asked if the orld Cup-winning Galle groundsman was in a po- skipper Arjuna sition to tamper with the pitch, Ranatunga yester- Ranatunga said: “There is a top day said corrup- guy involved. He should be held Wtion “goes right to the top” in responsible. He should be sus- Sri Lanka and accused the Inter- pended, not only the person who hungry’ Australia national Cricket Council of un- got (directly) involved.” dermining the game by failing to Ranatunga said the global au- tackle match-fi xing. dience for cricket was declining England ODI captain included for both the Ranatunga, now a government because of corruption allega- England’s Eoin Morgan. (Reuters) minister, said cricket corrup- tions. He blamed the ICC. “The Scotland match and the Australia series tion in Sri Lanka went far beyond ACU has been very poor. They the claims made in an Al Jazeera have not used some of their pow- documentary which aired on ers and I think that is one reason despite suff ering a finger injury Sunday. Ranatunga said the al- why cricket has gone down very AFP Indies at Lord’s today which is being held legations must be investigated, badly in the world in the last so London to raise funds for stadiums in Dominica “but this must have been hap- many years. They (the ICC) need and Anguilla damaged by hurricanes that pening for a long time. This is to take a big step and take a lot swept through the Caribbean last year. something that goes right to the of hard decisions,” Ranatunga ngland limited-overs captain But while he won’t be able to play in top (in Sri Lanka). What they will added. Eoin Morgan expects a “young that match, Morgan will take charge in catch is the small fi sh. As usual Ranatunga said last year, he and hungry” Australia will be Scotland and then in fi ve matches against the bigger fi sh will get away,” he raised suspicions that the 2011 “galvanised” by the ball-tam- Australia starting at The Oval on June 13. said. World Cup fi nal was tainted. peringE scandal that rocked world cricket “I have a small fracture in the ring fi nger The documentary alleged that “The ICC did not investigate, Sri when the old rivals meet in a one-day in- of my right hand,” Morgan explained. a Sri Lankan player and grounds- Lanka Cricket did not investigate ternational series next month. “I got hit in a game on Sunday at Som- man were involved a pitch- and we allowed things to con- England, currently involved in a Test erset. It’s disappointing, but it’s not tampering plot and that there tinue,” he said, adding that he campaign with Pakistan, resume their in- the worst news that could have come was spot-fi xing during Tests was still distressed by Sri Lanka’s volvement in 50-over cricket with a one- through. It’s a week-to-10 days to get the between India and England, and six-wicket defeat in the Mumbai off match against Scotland in Edinburgh swelling down in the fi nger and then pro- India against Australia. fi nal. on June 10 before returning home for a tect it as we go on.” “I am so disappointed with Sri Lanka, batting fi rst, scored fi ve-match ODI series with Australia. Morgan was disappointed, however, to the ICC anti-corruption unit,” 274-6 off 50 overs and appeared The England fi xtures will be Australia’s be sidelined from today’s match at Lord’s. Ranatunga said, referring to in a commanding position when fi rst international matches since a ball- “It was my fi rst time being selected in a previous complaints against Sri Indian superstar Sachin Ten- tampering scandal during a Test match charitable but also World XI game, it’s Lanka Cricket, which is headed dulkar was caught for 18. But against South Africa in Cape Town in very special to be selected,” he said. “It’s by politician and businessman India turned the game dramati- March led to the ongoing suspensions of at my (Middlesex) home ground, I’ll defi - Thilanga Sumathipala. cally, thanks partly to poor fi eld- then captain Steve Smith, his deputy David nitely be there to watch and support, but The 54-year-old, who led Sri ing and bowling by Sri Lanka. Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft. it’s a shame to miss out.” Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-win- Local media raised suspi- Australia will also be without all three ning team, has in the past ac- cions of Sri Lankans throw- members of their Ashes-winning fast- England’s squad for the ODI against Scot- cused Sumathipala of involve- ing the match, but there was no bowling attack — Mitchell Starc, Pat land in Edinburgh on June 10: ment in gambling in violation of formal call for an investigation Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. But Mor- Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, capt), Moeen Ali ICC rules. Sumathipala has de- until Ranatunga’s outburst last gan, who led an England team currently (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (York- nied the charge. year. Ranatunga said Sri Lanka’s number one in the ODI world rankings to shire), Sam Billings (Kent), Alex Hales (Not- “If they can’t see what is humiliating 3-2 loss to bottom- a 4-1 win over Australia in a fi ve-match tinghamshire), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), happening in Sri Lanka... they ranked Zimbabwe in fi ve one-day series held ‘Down Under’ in January, re- Adil Rashid(Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), should not sit on this anti-cor- matches on home soil last year mained wary of the threat posed by the Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), ruption unit,” Ranatunga told re- should also be investigated. World Cup-holders. David Willey (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (War- porters. He said the Sri Lankans In 2016, the ICC imposed a “I think they will, with one eye on the wickshire), Mark Wood (Durham) implicated in the Al Jazeera doc- three-year ban on a Sri Lankan World Cup, they will come with a strong England’s 14-man squad for the five- umentary could not change the offi cial, Jayananda Warnaweera, performance,” Morgan told reporters at match ODI series against Australia: outcome of a Test match unless for failing to co-operate with an an event in London yesterday to mark a Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, capt), Moeen Ali they had backing from superiors. anti-corruption investigation. year until the start of the 2019 World Cup (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (York- “They are small fi sh,” Rana- The former Test player, who in England and Wales. “What’s happened shire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Tom Curran tunga said referring to the was facing a two-year domestic to them in the last six months has the po- (Surrey), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire), Liam groundsman of the Galle sta- ban over allegations of involve- tential to galvanise a young, hungry side.” Plunkett (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid(Yorkshire), dium, Tharanga Indika, and a ment in match-fi xing, failed to Morgan added: “So we’re going to have Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben district coach, Tharindu Mendis. attend interviews with ICC in- bring our ‘A game’ to this series. It’s go- Stokes (Durham), David Willey (Yorkshire), “They can’t do it unless they vestigators. Sri Lankan players ing to be a good challenge for us moving Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood have agreement with those right and umpires have been accused forward.” The former Ireland batsman (Durham) at the top.” of match-fi xing in the past, but was included in England squads for both FIXTURES Indika and Mendis have been Warnaweera is the highest rank- the Scotland match and the Australia se- Jun 13: 1st ODI, The Oval (1200 GMT) suspended while the ICC in- ing offi cial to be sanctioned. ries announced yesterday despite suff er- Jun 16: 2nd ODI, Cardiff (1000 GMT) ing a fi nger injury fi elding for county side Jun 19: 3rd ODI, Trent Bridge (1300 GMT) Middlesex during a One-Day Cup match Jun 21: 4th ODI, Chester-le-Street (1300 GMT) against Somerset on Sunday. Jun 25: 5th ODI, Old Traff ord, (1000 GMT) Morgan was set to captain the World Note: Matches starting at 1000 GMT day XI in a charity match against the West games, others day/night

Court halts Sri Lanka cricket vote as crisis deepens

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal “The court issued a stay order on the that his family is involved in gambling, cricket board came as four Sri Lankans yesterday suspended elections for elections till June 14,” a court off icial said. but says he has nothing to do with the were implicated in an alleged match- the crisis-ridden cricket board, whose Sumathipala is pitted against Ranatunga, business and has not violated the ICC fixing scandal exposed in an Al Jazeera president Thilanga Sumathipala is being a younger brother of Sri Lanka’s 1996 code of conduct. documentary broadcast on Sunday. challenged for the top job. The Court World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Rana- In 2016 Arjuna Ranatunga stood for Arjuna Ranatunga said that cricket cor- of Appeal suspended for two weeks a tunga, in the election. The Ranatunga vice president but lost by 22 votes to ruption in Sri Lanka was far more serious vote due to be held today pending the brothers accuse Sumathipala of violating businessman Jayantha Dharmadasa, than alleged in the report and blamed hearing of a petition by Nishantha Rana- International Cricket Council regulations while Nishantha Ranatunga who stood the ICC for not acting swiftly. Sri Lankan tunga, who argued that Sumathipala is by holding off ice despite alleged links to for president lost by 32 votes to Sumath- police as well as the ICC have begun unsuitable for re-election. gambling. Sumathipala acknowledges ipala. The latest court intervention in the investigations into the allegations. Sri Lanka’s former cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga speaks during a press conference in Colombo yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Amir eyes golden memory as Toss to stay in Tests, confi rms ICC ricket’s world body on Tuesday alter the ball. allowed to serve in a leadership position Pakistan look to fi nish off England decided against scrapping the After a wave of public anger, Cricket again. toss in Test cricket, describing Australia later banned Smith and his “It is an extreme penalty for what AFP “Winning games at Lord’s — the it an integral part of the game. deputy David Warner for 12 months. they did compared to the bans that have home of cricket — it is very hard CThe International Cricket Council was Bancroft was given a nine-month sus- happened and the reprimands that have London to win (in England). We did well mulling doing away with the fl ip of the pension. “The group felt that excessive happened in the past,” Watson said at a at Lord’s, but it’s passed now,” he coin during the World Test Champion- personal abuse and ball tampering were news conference in Dubai. “They’ve paid ohamed Amir said. “Everybody knows England ship scheduled to start from July 2019 serious off ences in the game and that a heavy price, there is no question, and claims bowling Pa- are a very good side — I think one as part of measures to boost the fl agging should be refl ected in the way in which when they come back they will be doing kistan to a Test se- of the best sides in Test cricket fortunes of the long format. they are dealt with,” Kumble was quoted everything they can to try and repay ries win in England — and they will come harder at The ICC cricket committee chaired by as saying in the release. people for the mistakes they made.” Mwould be “the best memory” of us here. But we are ready for that Indian spin legend Anil Kumble debated “There was also strong support for Watson said there was no question his life. Fired-up Amir was a key challenge.” the toss among other issues such as giving the match offi cials more authority that the players “made a huge error of fi gure in Pakistan’s nine-wicket Mohamed Abbas was Paki- player behaviour during their two-day and subsequently greater support around judgment” and backed new Australia win over England in the fi rst stan’s most potent seamer at meeting in Mumbai. “The committee their decision making,” the former leg- coach Justin Langer as the “right-man” Test at Lord’s. The 26-year-old Lord’s, with eight wickets, while discussed whether the toss should be au- spinner added. The committee has made to rebuild the team. pace bowler took fi ve wickets in Hasan Ali took four in the fi rst tomatically awarded to the visiting team a series of recommendations to be shared Watson ruled out a return to interna- a triumph that put Pakistan on innings. Amir believes they all but felt that it was an integral part of Test with the chief executives’ committee in tional cricket and said that new players course for a series victory. The have Pakistan bowling coach cricket which forms part of the narrative June before fi nal ratifi cation by the ICC should be given the opportunity. second Test of the two-match Azhar Mahmood to thank for the of the game,” the ICC said in a statement. board. He added that he was open to a series begins at Headingley to- damage they caused to England’s However the committee, which mentoring role with the Australia team morrow and Amir has his sights creaky batting line-up. includes cricketing greats like Mike AUSTRALIA BALL-TAMPERING but was not interested in going on tour. set on completing a success “Credit goes to all the bowlers, Gatting, Mahela Jayawardene and David PENALTIES EXTREME: WATSON Cricket Australia this month appointed that would ranked as the fi nest especially Abbas. He’s bowling Boon, urged members to deliver quality The punishments slapped on Australian Watson to a panel tasked with drafting a achievement of his career. “It’s a very well — and Hasan Ali,” Amir pitches that provide a better balance cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner charter of behaviour in the wake of the big achievement winning in Test said. “But credit goes to Azhar between bat and ball. and Cameron Bancroft for their roles in scandal in South Africa. All-rounder cricket in England against Eng- Mahmood as well. He’s working It also focused on improving player a ball-tampering scandal were extreme, Watson signed a contract on Tuesday to land at home,” he said yesterday. hard with us and keeps telling us, behaviour and upholding the spirit of the former Australia international Shane play for Karachians in a 10-over format “If we win the series I think it will ‘Pitch the ball up, pitch the ball game which has been hit by a recent ball- Watson said. Smith and Warner are league in the United Arab Emirates be the best memory of my life.” up’. I think that was the main dif- tampering scandal. serving year-long bans for their part in (UAE) later this year, days after hitting a Amir was delighted with Paki- ference at Lord’s. We are looking The ICC was criticised after it banned the Cape Town scandal in March, while Man-of-the-Match winning century for stan’s dominant display at Lord’s for the same here, and I always Australia skipper Steve Smith for only Bancroft got a nine-month suspension. the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian but he expects England’s wound- give the credit to Mahmood be- one Test over his role in the scandal in Smith has also been banned from taking Premier League (IPL) fi nal. ed pride will ensure the hosts cause he is working so hard — South Africa in March in which batsman on any leadership position for an addi- Watson said he will play grade cricket push them much harder in Leeds. and he is the man behind this.” Cameron Bancroft was caught trying to tional 12 months and Warner will not be in Australia in September. Gulf Times Thursday, May 31, 2018 7 SPORT

FOCUS SELECTION Qatar’s al-Kazim to head planning and Cheika picks fi ve uncapped players development panel of Asian wrestling in Wallabies squad By Sports Reporter name, on both the administrative level tion has chosen two members at the new Doha with Qatari offi cials occupying some of committee, one from Kyrgyzstan and Reuters the highest positions in world sport, and the other from Nepal, while leaving the Melbourne athletes winning titles and medals at var- choice of two other members to the head he Asian Wrestling Confedera- ious international events. of the committee. tion has chosen Dr Yousef Ali Dr al-Kazim had made the suggestion Dr al-Kazim pointed out that: “One ustralia coach Michael al-Kazim as the head of its to create the committee at the meeting member was chosen from Nepal as an Cheika has included newly introduced committee for of the executive offi ce of the Asian Wres- emerging country in wrestling, where the fi ve uncapped players PlanningT and Development. tling Confederation held in Kyrgyzstan’s various development plans could be im- in his 32-man squad for The committee was established follow- capital, Bishkek, on the sidelines of Sen- plemented while Kyrgyzstan, as a pioneer theA Ireland series but loose for- ing a presentation by Dr al-Kazim, who is ior Asian Wrestling Championship dur- country in the game, will help the com- ward Pete Samu remains in limbo the president of the Qatar Boxing Federa- ing February 27- March 4. mittee implement its plans. We would put pending a release from New Zea- tion and Qatar Wrestling Federation. Daulet Turlykhanov, president of Unit- training courses and workshops to devel- land Rugby. His appointment to head the new comed World Wrestling-Asia, invited Dr al- op the game without any confl icts with With former captain Stephen mittee is considered an achievement for Kazim to present a comprehensive work the international and regional calendar.” Moore retired and Tatafu Polota- Qatari sport, which has various regional plan for the upcoming period. Dr al-Kazim tenure as head of the newly- Nau rested, the Wallabies will and international achievements to its The executive offi ce of the associa- established committee goes on until 2021. fi eld a rookie hooker, with Bran- don Paenga-Amosa and Folau Fainga’a seeking Test debuts be- RUGBY hind the twice-capped Jordan Uelese. Melbourne-born Samu, who plays for Super Rugby champions Canterbury Crusaders, was to prepare for the June 9 opener excluded from the squad named in Brisbane against the Six Na- yesterday but Cheika said the tions champions, who are riding untried 26-year-old could be a a 12-match winning streak and All Black Carter bids late addition if released from his bidding for their fi rst Test and New Zealand Rugby contract. series victory in Australia since “I’ve been told at this point 1979. we can’t select him but there is Complicating matters, the a spot for him,” Cheika told re- Canberra-based Brumbies have porters on a conference call. refused a request from Cheika “At this point, it’s in others’ and Rugby Australia to rest three hands... I’m not really involved of their Wallabies — Pocock, adieu, eyes fi nal in that part of it but I’m hoping and props Allan Alaalatoa and there will be some more clarity Scott Sio — from Sunday’s home on that tomorrow.” match against the Sunwolves. In Samu’s absence, Caleb “Common sense will tell you Timu is in line for a maiden Test that a six-day preparation for a appearance, slotting into a back Test match is not ideal,” Cheika row alongside David Pocock and said. “I’m hoping we can work it chapter in Japan captain Michael Hooper. out together.” Blindside fl anker Ned Hanigan Meanwhile, scrumhalf Will has been named but will miss at Genia has been named in the ‘All good things come to an end. I’ll just make sure I’ll make the most of it’ least the fi rst Test as he recovers squad despite missing a month of from a knee injury, and Cheika Super Rugby with a knee injury. AFP was cagey about his favoured Paris back row combination. WALLABIES SQUAD “Whether (Pocock) wears sev- Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory en, six or eight, he will have his Arnold, Adam Coleman, Folau ll Black legend Dan Carter yes- standard fl oating role,” he said of Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Michael terday expressed his sadness the veteran ball-poacher. Hooper (captain), Sekope Kepu, at leaving Racing 92 after three “So he can do exactly what he Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David seasons as he prepares to head to does best... He’s always straight Pocock, Tom Robertson, Rob JapanA for what he said was “probably” the into his strong points.” Simmons, Scott Sio, Izack Rodda, fi nal chapter of his glittering career. Pocock’s speedy ACT Brum- Caleb Timu, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Carter amassed a world record 1,598 bies teammate Tom Banks has Tupou, Jordan Uelese. points in 112 Tests for New Zealand and a chance to make his Test debut Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, was a member of the All Blacks team that in the outside backs, along with Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will won both the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. uncapped Melbourne Rebel Jack Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Three times a Super Rugby champi- Maddocks. Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika on with the Crusaders, Carter also won With Super Rugby sched- Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Jack France’s Top 14 twice, in 2016 with Rac- uled on the weekend, the Wal- Maddocks, Sefanaia Naivalu, Nick ing and 2009 with Perpignan, although labies will have less than a week Phipps, Joe Powell, Curtis Rona. he only played four times in an injury- plagued season for the Catalan club. “Last day, yeah, it’s a little bit sad. My French journey has come to an end,” Concussed Hartley refuses to Carter said at a fi nal press conference in Racing colours. give up on England career “I was very excited about coming to France after the 2015 World Cup and it’s England captain Dylan Hartley told Sky Sports. been an amazing experience. has backed himself to over- “The last time we played was “Over the last two to three days after come the eff ects of concussion here (Twickenham) against the the result on the weekend (when Racing “I’m obviously getting to the end of my time back in New Zealand with my family. ended in a 23-all draw) and they beat and return stronger for both Irish and it didn’t go well for us. lost to Castres in the Top 14 semi-fi nals), career and it’s been an amazing career,” “I’ve signed for two years there and to South Africa in the last World Cup. the national team and club side And you want to be part of the I’ve had a chance to refl ect and only good the fl y-half mused. be honest I can’t see myself playing after “It’s a competition I’m looking forward Northampton. resurgence and what will be a memories come to mind.” “I’ve achieved so much and I’m looking my contract fi nishes in Japan. to experiencing.” The 32-year-old hooker has not successful tour for the team.” Carter added: “I didn’t really know forward to a new challenge. When you’ve “All good things come to an end. I’ll Turning to his future after Japan, Cart- played since suff ering a head Hartley was sidelined for a what to expect when I arrived here, but played for as long as I have, you often just make sure I’ll make the most of it er said he defi nitely saw himself “using injury in the Six Nations defeat significant spell two years ago to play three seasons, two-and-a-half need new experiences, new challenges to over the next two years.” rugby to give back to make people happy”. by Ireland in March. He missed due to head injuries and feared years, to bring my family to France, it’s re-energise yourself. “I have this amazing life that I live, the end of the Premiership sea- for his career. He had said that come to an end and there are some great “I’m obviously not getting any young- RUGBY GROWING IN JAPAN and it’s through hard work that I’ve done son and pulled out of England’s he would consider retirement memories.” er, but inside my head I still want to keep Carter dismissed claims that the Japanese that’s given me that life, but rugby has upcoming three-test tour of if he suff ered another concus- The 36-year-old said he was now leav- playing. I still have this love for the game.” Top League was a huge step down, with given me everything. South Africa to fully recover. sion. ing for three weeks of holidays in Europe, Carter said extending his contract to Australian veteran back Adam Ashley- “When I decide to fi nally retire and “Selfishly, I could have lied to “Being here at Twickenham to- “away from rugby”, with his family before keep playing in France was never on the Cooper a future teammate at the Kobelco fi nish playing, I want to use rugby to give myself and everyone else and day actually makes you think: moving to Japan in mid-July on a two- table, with his family now moving back Steelers. back to people, whether it’s to under- said ‘I’ll tour’, and I could have ‘I’m not ready to finish playing year deal with Kobelco Steelers — perfect to their New Zealand home while he plied “In Japan, rugby is growing at a dra- privileged people, to children, to rugby- got on with it but I had to make yet’, the feeling of being here timing as the country prepares to host his trade in the Japanese domestic league. matic rate,” he argued. developing countries... in exactly what a hard decision not to,” Hartley, and of knowing what the guys next year’s World Cup. “I put the family fi rst: send the family “You just have to look at the success context I’m not sure. who was replaced by Owen are about to go and do still Carter said it was “probably” the fi nal back and I play in a competition that is the Japan team have had — they should “It’s almost my duty to use rugby to Farrell as captain for the tour, excites me,” Hartley added. chapter in his career. much shorter and I get to spend a lot more have beaten France in November (which give back.”

SPOTLIGHT New skipper Kolisi wants to inspire all South Africans Reuters “I can’t control what other people think cans of all races,” he said. Johannesburg of me, I can only control what I can do on “I know how much of a big deal this thing the fi eld‚“ Kolisi said. “I think it is a genuine is for the country and it will take a while to appointment by coach Rassie because he is register. But what is important now is to ew Springboks captain Siya not that kind of a person. make everybody and my coach who select- Kolisi wants to be an inspiration “I have known him since I was 18 years ed me proud.” to all South Africans and not just old. We sat down and he was straightfor- Kolisi has been the target of social media those in the black communities ward with me and that is how it is. You al- trolls in the past as his wife Rachel is white, Nwhere his appointment has been widely ways know where you stand with him. with the pair now likely to draw even more celebrated this week. “The most important thing is that we attention. The 26-year-old loose forward was play and win rugby matches, and to work “When I told my wife‚ she put the phone named as the fi rst black test captain of hard on my game so that I can help my down on me. But she called me back and the Boks for their home three-test series country and the coach who has showed so asked me to repeat what I was saying,” against England next month. much faith in me.” Kolisi said. “Obviously it was before it was He told reporters yesterday some people Kolisi added that even 24 years after announced but she was so happy that she had cynically suggested his appointment South Africa’s fi rst democratic elections wanted to tell people. was an attempt by South African Rugby that offi cially signalled the end of Apart- “I have spoken to my family back home to attain transformation targets set by the heid, it was still a “big deal” to have a black (in the Eastern Cape) and everybody is government but he felt it was his form and captain of the national rugby side. happy for me. But my father says people leadership of the Stormers in Super Rugby “Coach Rassie is not a politician and nei- have been calling him and trying to get in- that won him favour with coach Rassie Er- ther am I. I’m a rugby player and all I want terviews every day. It’s getting too much for asmus. to do is to play well and inspire South Afri- him.”

Thursday, May 31, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Olympic Committee celebrates World Qatar’s story is a Challenge Day sporting dream turned into reality: Evaristo ‘It is incredible to see how the stadium where we played so many important games looks today’

ore than 37 years after ahead of hosting the world’s football QNA his Qatar team famously fans. Doha reached the fi nal of the 1981 “It’s very nice to witness this mo- FIFA World Youth Cham- ment because I got to know Qatar when Mpionship in Australia, legendary coach it was starting out as a country. They he Qatar Olympic Evaristo de Macedo returned to Doha started to build a great country, and Committee (QOC) to attend the Amir Cup fi nal and learn through football we have been able to Tcelebrated the World about the country’s rapidly advancing help a little. People love football here Challenge Day, which falls on preparations for 2022. and we achieved great results – many May 30 each year, under the After taking a tour of the Supreme young people took up the game. Now, auspices of the Association Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) almost everything has changed in Doha. For International Sport for All Legacy Pavilion and receiving informa- This is a new city, but always maintain- (TAFISA) which aims to raise tion about the progress Qatar is making ing its traditions.” awareness of the importance towards 2022, the former Flamengo, Evaristo was also reunited on live of sport. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Brazil strik- television with a number of his former Supervisor of the activities er was presented with a special com- players, who he coached to a string of of the World Challenge Day, memorative portrait to mark his return successes. As well as reaching the fi nal Refaa al-Dosari, said that this to Doha. in 1981, the team qualifi ed for the 1984 day falls within the frame- “I feel very happy when I am here in Olympics in Los Angeles and reached work of TAFISA, the world’s Qatar, because I have made very good the quarter-fi nals of the 1992 Olympics leading sports association for friends – the people have recognised in Barcelona. all the world. all that we achieved with the national “We were able to use the result in 1981 The QOC focuses on the team,” Evaristo said. as a springboard to build new football younger age groups of “When they called me to come back stadiums and clubs,” said Evaristo. “To- students on the World here, they made me very happy because day you can see that while we started to Challenge Day which aims I was able to be with my friends, and put Qatar on the map, today this coun- to raise awareness of sport those who helped me here in my work.” try has arrived on the world stage. Al- and physical health, she said, Evaristo continued: “In over ten years most every day someone in Brazil asks adding that there is also the with the national team we were able to do about Qatar: how are the people, what is World Walking Day for other things which no one imagined we would the country like, how can we go to visit? groups. be able to do. But we did it, and that is im- I believe the new stadiums for 2022 will The World Challenge Day portant. I always have Qatar in my mem- give another push to the development of includes various sports com- ory – I try to fi nd out what is happening the country and the sport, and it will be petitions and competitive here, how my friends are, how the coun- Evaristo de Macedo (right), who coached the Qatar team for 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia, with Nasser an extraordinary tournament.” contests among participants try is. I am very happy to see that Doha is al-Khater, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) Assistant Secretary General for Tournament Aff airs, at the SC’s Concluding with a look back at his as well as awareness lectures more beautiful every day.” Legacy Pavilion in Doha. own exploits with the surprise U20 side on the importance of sport Nasser al-Khater, the SC’s Assistant from Qatar, Evaristo smiled wistfully to improve public health, Secretary General for Tournament Af- en era. You helped the country’s football Evaristo said: “It is incredible to see my mind, and in the mind of Qatar fans, as he said, “1981 is a date which a lot of Refaa al-Dosari said, pointing fairs, accompanied Evaristo on his tour and sports teams dream big and achieve how the stadium where we played so will always be Khalifa International people here remember. Sport has grown out that the selection of the of the Legacy Pavilion. the seemingly impossible.” many important games looks today, Stadium.” as a result, and football in the end is a activities are co-ordinated by “It gives us great happiness to wel- The former Qatar coach also attended with the cooling technology they have Having made the journey to Doha means of friendship, which unites peo- the sports aff airs depart- come you back to Qatar, your home,” the recent Amir Cup fi nal between Al added working so well. It was the fi rst from Rio de Janeiro with his son and ple and cultures. Football has grown a ment at QOC and the schools said al-Khater. “We all remember very Duhail and Al Rayyan at Khalifa Inter- time in my life I was in a cooled stadium. grandson, the 84-year-old was de- lot here. Today Qatar is known around where events are held an- fondly the many great things achieved national Stadium, the fi rst 2022 FIFA They are building new stadiums here for lighted to see that traditions were being the world. This is a dream which has nually. by the Qatari national team in the gold- World Cup stadium to be completed. 2022, but I believe the great stadium in maintained even as the city transforms been transformed into reality.” (SC.qa)

MOTORSPORT BOTTOMLINE Qatar’s Adel Abdulla has it all Sandeep and Rasmy shine in to do aft er three demanding Ramadan cricket By Sports Reporter In a B and C Divisions match, Doha Rasmy produced a rampaging knock to lift Redco to a fi ve- days of Rally Kazakhstan wicket romp against Al Khor andeep of United Chal- Community. Agencies lengers bowled an amaz- Chasing a 132-run target, Kenderly, Kazakhstan ing spell and his impres- opener Rasmy hammered six sive six-wicket haul sent sixes and 11 fours to compile a TuskerS Club crashing to a fi ve- blazing 85 off 30 balls. He led atar’s Adel Abdulla has not wicket defeat in the Ramadan Cup two half-century stands for the found the going easy over the Twenty20 Cricket Tournament at first and third wickets to see his fi rst three days of Rally Kaza- the Asian Town Cricket Stadium. team home in 12.3 overs. Rawid khstan, round fi ve of the FIA The Premier and A Divisions got 15 in 12 balls. Fauzer had two WorldQ Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. match began sensationally when wickets for 25. He currently holds fourth place in the T2 Sandeep claimed fi rst three of his Batting fi rst, Al Khor Commu- category. victims within four balls to leave nity were restricted by Inam and Driving a rented Toyota Land Cruiser them reeling at three for two. All Rasmy. While Inam snapped four in a bid to close the 56-point gap on se- the three failed to open their ac- wickets, Rasmy secured two. It ries leader Ahmed al-Shegawi in the six- counts. was only Fawaz who could resist day event through the western Kazakh He added three more later to the rival attack. He hit two sixes deserts, Abdulla and fellow Qatari navi- have the rivals slumping to 96 all and as many fours to get 52 in 54 gator Nasser al-Kuwari were classifi ed in out in 15.3 overs. Rajvendra and balls. third place through the opening 280km Navaneeth also picked a wicket special that was won by local driver Kirill apiece to maintain the pressure BRIEF SCORES Chernenkov from Russian rival Konstan- on Tusker Club. Premier and A Divisions: tin Ivanov. Kazakh Marat Abykayev was Akash survived the longest Tusker Club 96 all out in 15.3 fourth. as he hit a six and two fours in overs (Akash 34; Sandeep 6 for Chernenkov extended his lead over his 38-ball 34. He also troubled 16) lost to United Challengers Ivanov to 9min 15sec in the second and United Challengers when they 97 for five in 13.3 overs (Niksy longest selective section of the entire launched the chase. However his 37; Akash 3 for 25) by five wick- event, but Abykayev and Adel Abdulla three-wicket haul could not im- ets. Man of the match: Sandeep lost over one and a half hours, and 2hrs pact much as the target was too (United Challengers) 45min respectively. The Qatar slipped to small to defend. B and C Divisions: Al Khor Com- fourth position and trailed the leader by Opener Niksy anchored his munity 131 for nine (Fawaz 52, 2hrs 45min 19sec. team with 37. His 28-ball innings Inam 4 for 18, Rasmy 2 for 24) lost Adel said: “We had a small accident included three brilliant sixes and to Redco 133 for five in 12.3 overs and broke the front screen in the dunes three fours. Sunil added 17 not (Rasmy 85; Fauzer 2 for 25) by and it was not easy to cross because I out off 10 balls to help them wrap five wickets. Man of the match: could not see clearly. In the last 50km, I up the win in 13.3 overs. Rasmy (Redco) had a mechanical problem, so I decided to Qatar’s Adel Abdulla watches his car getting worked on the third day of Rally Kazakhstan yesterday. slow down to the fi nish.” With the car repaired for the start of “We did a good time in the stage but I will try and give the maximum.” the ceremonial fi nish on June 2. third timed section of 327.47km, Adel we had a problem with the clutch before Adel Abdulla’s campaign to win back needed to try and make in-roads into the start. We could not climb the dunes. the FIA T2 Championship comes with OVERALL POSITIONS Abykayev’s third place. There was something wrong in the fi rst valuable support from the Qatar Mo- 1. Kirill Chernenkov (KAZ)/Alekey Mun The Qatari was rewarded with the fast- 200 metres. We had a choice, either we tor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), (KAZ) Nissan Patrol 13hrs 39min 03sec est time on the day’s special, although stop or fi nd a solution to drive around Ooredoo Qatar and Nissan Qatar. 2. K Ivanov (RUS) / Alexandr Gorkov (RUS) Chernenkov was able to increase his the dunes. We decided to drive around Today crews tackle a stage of 398.57km Toyota Land Cruiser 13hrs 54min 15sec outright lead over Ivanov to 15min 12sec. them and missed some waypoints. I start between Kenderly and Aktau City before 3. Marat Abykayev (KAZ)/Nursultan Time penalties of 1hr 45min for missing to smell the clutch more and we did not returning to rally headquarters adjacent Abykayev (KAZ) Toyota Land Cruiser waypoints further hampered Adel Ab- push hard. Nasser did a good job to catch to the Caspian Sea. The last two stages of 15hrs 39min 08sec dulla’s chances of regaining third and he up the stage and fi nd the waypoint. Still 298.04km and 148.52km head north out 4. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Nasser al-Kuwari Sandeep of United Challengers scalped six Tusker Club wickets for his held fourth position at the Kenderly biv- we have three days to go. This race is very of the city, with the last one passing along (QAT) Toyota Land Cruiser 17hrs 22min Man of the Match award, while Rasmy (right) of Redco scored 85 runs ouac. tough for everybody and I will not give up. the shoreline of the Caspian Sea before 21sec and took two wickets against Al Khor Community for his award.