GGOLFOLF | Page 4 NNBABA | Page 5 Lowry will Kawhi, George always be a seek more for national hero in Clippers than Ireland: McIlroy beating Lakers

Friday, July 26, 2019 CYCLING Dhul-Qa’da 23, 1440 AH Bernal soars as GULF TIMES Alaphilippe stages Alpine fi ghtback SPORT Page 3

CRICKET England collapse sets up Nightwatchman Leach and Roy take the score to 171 for 1 Ireland Test thriller before hosts lose 7 for 77

AFP London Scorecard ENGLAND 1st Innings 85 all out S. Broad not out 21 reland have the chance to IRELAND 1st Innings 207 all out O. Stone not out 0 pull off one of the biggest upsets in Test history after ENGLAND 2nd Innings (o/n 0-0) Extras (b1, lb7, nb4) 12 another England batting col- J. Leach c Adair b Murtagh 92 Total (9 wkts, 77.4 overs) 303 Ilapse yesterday set the scene for a R. Burns c Wilson b Rankin 6 thrilling fi nish at Lord’s. Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Burns), When lightning fl ashes and J. Roy b Thompson 72 2-171 (Roy), 3-182 (Leach), rain cut short the second day’s J. Denly run out (O’Brien/McBrine) 10 4-194 (Denly), 5-194 (Bairstow), play at 6:10pm local time (1710 J. Root c Wilson b Adair 31 6-219 (Ali), 7-239 (Root), 8-248 GMT) in a match scheduled for (Woakes), 9-293 (Curran) J. Bairstow lbw b Adair 0 four days rather than the usual Bowling: Murtagh 18-3-52-1; M. Ali c Wilson b Rankin 9 fi ve for a Test, England were 303- Adair 20-7-66-3 (1nb); Rankin 17-1- 9 in their second innings, a lead C. Woakes c Balbirnie b Adair 13 86-2 (1nb); Thompson 12.4-0-44-2 of 181 runs. S. Curran c McCollum b Thompson 37 That represented a colossal (2nb); McBrine 10-1-47-0 improvement on their humiliat- ing fi rst-innings 85 all out but once again their batsmen strug- gled ahead of next week’s fi rst Ashes Test. England had been well-placed at 171-1 second time around, a score built on a second-wicket stand of 145 between nightwatch- man Jack Leach, who made 92, and Test debutant Jason Roy (72). But England’s top-order let them down again, with seven wickets falling for 77 runs ei- ther side of tea as they slumped to 248-8 on a ground where just 11 days earlier they had won the World Cup. Sam Curran, not for the fi rst time in his short career, then Ireland’s Mark Adair added valuable lower order runs scalped three wickets with a brisk 37 featuring two six- yesterday. (Reuters) es before he holed out and Stuart England’s Jack Leach hits a four on his way to 92 on second day of the Test against Ireland at Lord’s in London yesterday. (Reuters) Broad was 21 not out at stumps. Ireland are playing in just their their overnight 0-0 after Ireland a simple catch to wicketkeeper Leach went to 47 with a was denied a century on debut batting greats Brian Lara, Ricky per was already two-thirds of the third Test, with the visitors los- had made 207, featuring Andrew Gary Wilson. straight-driven four off Stu- by a Thompson in-ducker that Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar way down the pitch. ing on debut to Pakistan last year Balbirnie’s 55. art Thompson before his edged bowled him. — a Test hundred at Lord’s — The impressive Adair (3-66) and against fellow newcomers Unexpected opener Leach, ROY ATTACKS boundary through third man off The bespectacled Leach, hav- walked slowly off to a stand- then had Jonny Bairstow lbw for Afghanistan in March. who survived a Murtagh maiden Roy, looking to make England’s the medium-pacer saw the Som- ing surpassed his previous fi rst- ing ovation after batting for 220 a duck. But that did not stop them on Wednesday, played watchfully problem position of Test opener erset left-arm spinner, playing class best of 66, was dropped minutes and facing 162 balls, hit- Root, whose 31 took 64 balls, routing England on Wednesday, but made the most of any loose his own after starring in their his fi rst Test at home, to his fi fty. twice until eventually a defensive ting 16 fours. tried to break the shackles by go- with seamer Tim Murtagh taking deliveries. World Cup triumph, off -drove a Roy cut Thompson for his sev- edge was held by Adair off the England suff ered a self-infl ict- ing down the pitch to Adair only a superb 5-13 on his Middlesex Left-hander Rory Burns fell four off paceman Mark Adair and enth four to complete a 47-ball bowling of Murtagh. ed wound when Joe Denly was to see an edged drive well caught home ground. for six when he pushed hard at a hoisted off -spinner Andy Mc- fi fty in just his second Test in- Leach, who had been in sight run out after being sent back by high to his right by the diving England resumed yesterday on Boyd Rankin delivery and edged Brine for six. nings but the attacking batsman of an achievement that eluded captain Joe Root when the skip- Wilson.

SWIMMING Dressel scorcher as King DQd at world championships AFP swimming’s blue riband event in held off Switzerland’s Jeremy had helped pep her up after she Gwangji, South Korea swashbuckling style. Desplanches to win by just un- went down with a fl u bug. Meanwhile, Australian Matt der half-a-second, with de- “He texted me and was kind Wilson tied the men’s 200m fending champion Chase Kalisz of just like, ‘What’s up, are you merican Caeleb Dres- breaststroke world record to un- taking bronze. okay?’ — That meant a lot,” she sel swam the second- derline his title credentials, be- Wilson won his 200m breast- said. “I got that text in the mid- fastest 100m freestyle fore Australia set a new world stroke semi-fi nal in 2:06.67 — dle of the night when I was hav- in history to retain his mark in the women’s 4x200m tying the world record held by ing one of those sleepless nights. Aworld title yesterday, even as free. Japan’s Ippei Watanabe, who also That gave me a little bit.” American Lilly King’s disqualifi - In the day’s highlight race, qualifi ed for today’s fi nal. But the Aussies clung on, as cation from the women’s 200m Dressel exploded from the blocks Emma McKeon anchored the breaststroke proved the latest to lead by a body-length at the ‘BEYOND MY WILDEST green and gold to a third relay ti- headache for governing body turn and fi nished strong as he BELIEFS’ tle of the week in a world-record FINA. bagged his third gold of the week. “It’s beyond my wildest beliefs,” 7:41.50 with the United States The Olympic 100m breast- “It hurt, it hurt really bad to said Wilson. “It’s given me a also ducking under China’s old stroke champion King was dis- be honest,” winced the tattooed world of confi dence.” mark. qualifi ed for a “non-simultane- American. “You don’t get that Boglarka Kapas made it a Hun- McKeon said: “I was hurting ous touch” at the fi rst turn of her magical feeling every night — garian double in the 200m fl y but when it comes to a relay you heat. you’ve just got to shut the brain as she stormed to women’s gold give it your all.” The result of USA Swimming’s off and go.” in 2:06.78 from American Hali World record holder Sarah appeal, which they lost, was only Dressel, who racked up seven Flickinger, 24 hours after coun- Sjostrom qualifi ed fastest for the made known minutes before world titles in Budapest two tryman Kristof Milak pulverised women’s 100m fi nal in 52.43 from the start of the evening session, years ago, high-fived his Aussie Michael Phelps’s 10-year-old Cate Campbell, whose blistering prompting fresh criticism. rival Chalmers before perching world record. anchor leg brought Australia a In King’s absence her great ri- himself on a lane rope to milk American great Katie Ledecky gold medal in the 4x100m mixed val Yuliya Efi mova, who served the crowd’s applause, raising returned to the pool after pull- medley relay on Wednesday. a 16-month doping ban in 2013, a fist to flag-waving American Caeleb Dressel of the US celebrates winning the men’s 100m freestyle final at the FINA World Swimming ing out of her 1,500m title de- “I was defi nitely up pinging posted the quickest time of the fans. Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, yesterday. (Reuters) fence and the 200m free heats a little bit last night,” Campbell semi-fi nals (2:21.20). Chalmers touched in 47.08 earlier in the week, producing a told AFP. Dressel, 22, clocked a jaw- with Russia’s Vladislav Grinev “I gave it my all tonight,” said Elsewhere, Daiya Seto cap- vidual medley in 1:56.14. strong second leg in the women’s “Tonight was all about con- dropping 46.96 seconds in the best of the rest in 47.82. The Chalmers. “But I saw Caeleb did tured Japan’s fi rst gold medal of Seto, twice a 400m med- 4x200m free. serving energy — I just knew I Gwangju, pipping Olympic world record of 46.91 was set by 46.9 — which is absolutely mind- the competition by sweeping to ley gold medallist, refused to Ledecky revealed a late-night had to stick with Sarah and if I did champion Kyle Chalmers to win Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009. blowing.” victory in the men’s 200m indi- buckle under pressure as he text from Olympic legend Phelps then I would qualify no worries.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 26, 2019 SPORT

SWIMMING SPOTLIGHT Phelps hails ‘incredible’ Milak aft er losing record China swim coach

AFP “(He) worked on his tech- slams ‘irrational’ Gwangju, South Korea nique until it was beautiful and put in the really, really hard work that it takes to do it — my hat’s Sun doping protests ichael Phelps paid off to him.” tribute to Hungar- Milak became the fi rst swim- AFP ian teenager Kristof mer to go under 1:51 minutes, Gwangju, South Korea Milak’s “beautiful while his winning margin was, Mtechnique” after he took down remarkably, more than three sec- the American legend’s long- onds as Japan’s Daiya Seto fi n- hina’s head swim coach standing 200 metres butterfl y ished a distant second and the has hit back at world record at the world champion- South African Chad le Clos third. championship pro- ships in South Korea. Le Clos, who famously beat tests against Sun Yang Phelps described Milak’s Phelps in the 2012 London Ol- overC fresh allegations of doping time of one minute, 50.73 sec- ympic fi nal, shrugged: “Kristof breaches, calling them “harm- onds in Gwangju as “incred- is in another league — he’s a hell ful” and “prejudiced”. ible”, although he admitted his of a lot faster than all of us.” Zhou Jihong defended China’s astonishment was tinged with Milak said he was “honoured” triple Olympic champion after sadness at losing a world record to break a world record held by a leaked FINA doping panel re- which had stood since 2009. Phelps, who he had worshipped port alleged Sun allowed vials of “As frustrated as I am to see growing up and watched videos blood to be smashed with a ham- called Horton a “clown”, while that record go down, I couldn’t Kristof Milak of Hungary competes in the men’s 200m butterfly final at 18th FINA World Swimming of to polish his technique. mer after being visited by testers trolls left death threats on his so- be happier to see how he did it,” Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, on Wednesday. (Reuters) “I wasn’t expecting to break last year. cial media accounts. Phelps told the New York Times. the record,” he admitted. “But if Australia’s Mack Horton and “That kid’s last 100 was in- a whopping 0.78 seconds off the record for much of the past who dreamed of doing it, who fi g- you put in the hard work, good Briton Duncan Scott both snubbed EXPLOSIVE SITUATION credible. He put together a great Phelps’s previous world best, season. ured out what it would take to do things happen and I was ready. I Sun on the medals podium in sep- An already explosive situation 200 fl y from start to fi nish.” which was achieved during the “It happened because there it,” said Phelps, who had a special just tried to block everything out arate protests over the past week looked like it could spiral out The 19-year-old Milak sliced bodysuit era, after fl irting with was a kid who wanted to do it, fondness for the 200m fl y. and fi nd a good rhythm.” in Gwangju, provoking a furious of control when Scott snubbed reaction from the hulking Chinese Sun’s off er of a handshake after star but winning support from the 200m fi nal on Tuesday and CRICKET several top swimmers. refused to join the podium for “It is unbelievable and unac- photos. ceptable that some people pub- Sun, who has been shunned by licly defi led the innocence of an his fellow competitors in Korea, elite athlete based on speculation remonstrated with the Briton, and hearsay,” Zhou told Chinese wagging a fi nger in his face and media on Wednesday. growling: “You loser, I win!” “It shows prejudice and irra- However, many swimmers — No distractions by tionality. It is of great harm to the including Olympic champions sport and the athlete.” Adam Peaty and Lilly King — Horton’s decision not to stand have backed the stand taken by on the podium after taking sil- Horton and Scott against Sun. ver behind Sun in last weekend’s The feuding trio subsequently 400m freestyle reignited their received a formal warning from war of words. swimming’s governing body At the 2016 Rio Olympics, the FINA, who are looking to intro- Malinga’s farewell: Australian had said he had “no duce a tough new code of conduct time for drug cheats” in refer- to prevent a repeat of this week’s ence to a three-month ban Sun protests at future competitions. had previously served for a stim- Sun was cleared to compete at ulant he claimed was prescribed the world championships after to treat a heart condition. escaping on a legal technicality As the barbs fl ew, China’s despite the contents of the FINA state-run media accused Aus- doping panel report. Bangladesh skipper tralia of being a “second-class But the World Anti-Doping citizen of the West” and “white Agency (WADA) took a dim view supremacy”. of that decision and fi led an ap- ‘This is an opportunity for new players to prove themselves, prepare for the next WC’ His silent protest after Sun peal to the Court of Arbitration retained his 400m world title at for Sport, who are set to hear the AFP tient with up-and-coming stars Gwangju annoyed Sun, who ac- case in September. Colombo and let them develop ahead of cused his Aussie rival of “disre- Zhou continued to protest the next ODI World Cup. specting China”. Sun’s innocence, insisting: “No “The young players need to It also brought further criti- one has the right to judge some- tand-in Bangladesh cap- believe that they can deliver. cism from Chinese media, who one by rumours.” tain Tamim Iqbal yes- They need to be dedicated and terday paid tribute to develop to a level that they can retiring Sri Lankan star decide for themselves when they FOCUS LasithS Malinga but said the fast go to the middle,” Malinga said. bowler’s farewell match would Malinga — who is leaving as not distract his team from win- Sri Lanka’s third-highest wick- ning. et-taker in ODI cricket — has Ponting says mature Malinga will play his fi nal said he was sidelined by selec- one-day international in Co- tors two years ago but was able lombo today in the fi rst of three to prove his value at the recent Stokes is England’s one-day internationals against World Cup, where he took four Bangladesh, although he hopes for 43 in Sri Lanka’s group-stage to continue playing in the short- win over eventual champions key Ashes threat er T20 format. England. “I think he is a great ambas- The match also holds spe- AFP sador of this game,” Tamim told cial meaning for Tamim, who Sydney reporters yesterday in Colombo, will make his debut as 14th ODI adding that Malinga’s achieve- captain for Bangladesh with ments were “extraordinary”. Mashrafe Mortaza out injured. he new maturity of “Tomorrow is a special game He will lead a new-look team World Cup hero Ben for him. But one thing is for that will also miss the services Stokes poses the big- sure — when we play against of star all-rounder Shakib Al gest threat to Australia’s him we will not keep it in our Hasan, wicketkeeper-batsman TAshes bid, said Ricky Ponting, head that it will be his last Liton Das and all-rounder Mo- who compared him to Andrew match and will try to play as hammad Saifuddin. Flintoff as the “real heartbeat” of hard as possible. Shakib, who made 606 runs the England team. “We will try to win the game and grabbed 11 wickets, has been Stokes played a crucial role in for Bangladesh.” rested alongside Liton while England’s World Cup triumph, Malinga said yesterday he Saifuddin was ruled out with a re-establishing himself as a key and I think as a younger person was “very happy” to make back injury. player after an off -fi eld incident probably everything was fl at out, way for younger players after “My captaincy was a last- that had threatened his career. one speed. calling time on his illustrious minute call because our regular The all-rounder was banned “To me, (during the World Cup) 15-year career in the 50-over captain got injured the night be- and fi ned by the England and it seems like he (was) able to un- format. fore we travelled. But whatever Wales Cricket Board for bringing derstand situations and play situ- “I am very happy to leave at the opportunity I get, I always the game into disrepute follow- ations accordingly. That’s a bit of this time. This is an opportu- try to make the best use of it,” ing a street brawl during a night maturity and understanding his nity for new players to prove Tamim said. out in Bristol in 2017. own game and understanding themselves and prepare for the “I already spoke to the players It saw him stripped of the Test what his team needs him to do.” next World Cup,” Malinga, 35, and explained them their role in vice-captaincy, and he missed the That could spell trouble for told reporters at the team’s fi nal the team and what we were ex- last Ashes tour to Australia before Australia next month when they training session. pecting from them... when we being cleared of criminal charges begin their quest to win their “We may have had some set- go to play we will try to execute in a high-profi le court case. fi rst Ashes series in England backs, but we have the capabil- the plan.” “It seems like he’s playing with since 2001. ity to win another World Cup,” The second and third matches a lot of maturity,” former Australia “He’s a key man and more a he added, pointing to Sri Lanka’s will be held at the same venue on captain Ponting told cricket.com. key man because I think he’s that success at the 1996 World Cup July 28 and 31. au late Wednesday. “He doesn’t real heartbeat for their team, a and 2014 T20 World Cup. seem like he’s in much of a rush bit like ‘Freddie’ Flintoff in Ashes Malinga — known for his Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga in now as he might have been. series gone by,” said Ponting. trademark blond-highlighted action during a practice session “The thing about his person- “Australia need to keep him mop and piercings — called on at R Premadasa Stadium in ality as well, he’s a big, strong, quiet if we’re going to win the cricket administrators to be pa- Colombo on Wednesday. (AFP) brash guy with a bit of an ego... series.”

COMMENT Byju’s replaces Oppo as of the BCCI, we would like to thank Oppo 56 regular season games, but they will India team sponsor for its partnership with Indian cricket,” be condensed into 42 days with more BCCI chief executive Rahul Johri said in double-headers. Five teams will now be Bengaluru-based education and learn- a statement. “I congratulate Byju’s on involved in the finals with a new system Vaughan slams England collapse vs Ireland ing app Byju’s will replace smartphone becoming the new Team India sponsor. that gives a double-chance for the regular AFP Ireland, in just their third Test, former Yorkshire batsman added. maker Oppo as the India cricket team’s BCCI and Byju’s share a common vision season’s top two teams. The fourth and London were dismissed for 207, with Eng- England have now lost all 10 jersey sponsor starting in September, the and together we will take Indian cricket fifth-placed teams will play in the newly land ending Wednesday’s opening wickets in a single session four Board of Control for Cricket in India said forward.” titled ‘The Eliminator’ with the winner fac- day on 0-0, a defi cit of 122 runs. times since 2016, having previ- yesterday. In March 2017, China’s Oppo ing the third-placed team in ‘The Knock- ormer captain Michael “When the ball does anything ously not done so since 1938. won the India team jersey rights for a Five-team fi nals revamp Out’. Teams finishing first and second play Vaughan labelled England you shut your eyes and hope Eng- “All out for 85 against Ireland five-year period in a deal worth 10.79bn ‘The Qualifier’, with the loser taking on the an “embarrassment” after land get through it,” Vaughan told is probably the lowest of the low rupees ($156.33mn). Local media reported for Big Bash season winner of ‘The Knock Out’ in ‘The Chal- they were dismissed for Test Match Special. out of those,” said Vaughan af- 85F before lunch on the fi rst day of “There were some good balls ter England came back down to that Byju’s has taken over the rest of the lenger’. It will culminate with ‘The Final’ contract period until March 2022 at the Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League between the Challenger and Qualifier win- their one-off Test against Ireland. but there was also some timid play earth with a bump following their same price. Byju’s logo will be on the unveiled a new-look finals series and a ners. Aaron Finch’s Melbourne Renegades England won the toss yet were and poor strokes.” World Cup triumph at Lord’s 10 shirts of India’s men and women players shorter season yesterday following fan won the 2018-19 title, beating city rivals unable to cope with the early “Let’s be honest, it’s an embar- days earlier. in all three formats of the game, starting feedback. The ninth year of the domestic the Stars in a tense final. Brisbane Heat movement as Tim Murtagh took rassment — you’re at ‘the home of The Ireland match is England’s with Virat Kohli’s side facing South Africa competition, starting on December 17, kick off this year’s event against Sydney 5-13 at Lord’s, where the seam- cricket’, in a Test against Ireland last Test before they attempt to in a home series in September. “On behalf will again see the eight franchises playing Thunder. er has long been a mainstay for and you’re all out for 85, there is regain the Ashes from Australia, county side Middlesex. no other word to describe it,” the starting on August 1 at Edgbaston. Gulf Times Friday, July 26, 2019 3 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT 2020 Olympics organisers test heat Bernal soars as countermeasures in sweltering Tokyo

Reuters of many factors to be considered, Tokyo in consultation with the sport’s Alaphilippe stages federation, while judging the safety of an event going ahead, ith temperatures the organisers said. rising to 35 degrees “It all depends on a situa- Celsius and humid- tion, but for the spectators, we ity of 75 percent will prepare cooling facilities Wyesterday, Tokyo 2020 organis- and goods for them,” said Ken ers had the perfect weather to try Wakabayashi, an environment Alpine fi ghtback out their heat countermeasures offi cial at TMG. and preparedness for next year’s “At the same time, we would Olympics at the beach volleyball like to encourage them to get in- ‘I’m here, second, and maybe I can win the Tour, but it’s going to be really very hard’ test event. formation on heat countermeas- Although it has been less hot ure and enjoy the event.” AFP times but I couldn’t remember this year, a record heatwave in Among other countermeasures Valloire, France a thing coming down. I was at July, 2018, killed over a dozen tested were water vapour sprays the very limit on most of those people in Tokyo with monthly for supporters arriving at the ven- corners.” average temperatures transcend- ue, shaded or air-conditioned rest ulian Alaphilippe kept The other fancied Frenchman ing 30 degrees for the fi rst time in areas within the venue, and the the Tour de France lead Pinot said after the race it had 20 years. distribution of water and ice packs yesterday as Colombians been a bad day for him. Tokyo 2020 organisers will to athletes and fans. dominated the Alpine “We couldn’t follow Bernal employ wet bulb globe tempera- With two people this week ascentsJ with Nairo Quintana and you have to be able to keep ture (WBGT) measuring devices needing medical treatment at the storming to the stage victory up with the best. Thomas also at all venues as a step in their beach volleyball, including a per- and Egan Bernal climbing from launched a big attack and we got readiness for high temperatures. son who suff ered a heatstroke, fi fth to second overall. him back so I suppose it was not The WBGT device factors in organisers also wanted to test The 22-year-old Bernal, so bad in the end,” said the emo- temperature, humidity, wind their readiness for people falling the youngest man in the race, tional Pinot. speed and solar radiation, pro- ill during the Games. launched an attack three kilo- It was also a day of redemp- ducing a rating based on the var- The TMG said their fi rst aid metres from the summit of the tion, of sorts, for French climb- iables and the Tokyo Metropoli- response worked well. 23-kilometre Col du Galibier. er Romain Bardet, who had tan Government (TMG) advise “As far as our First Aid Station He overtook Ineos teammate dropped to more than 25 min- citizens against exercising when is concerned, I think we managed Geraint Thomas, the defend- utes off the overall pace. the WBGT rating is over 31. to make a correct judgment and ing champion, in the stand- Even though he was dropped Yesterday, however, the WBGT provide an appropriate treat- ings to become Alaphilippe’s by Quintana in the battle for the rating at the beach volleyball ment,” said Tomoko Suemura, main challenger in the next two stage win, Bardet claimed the venue in central Tokyo was as who works within TMG’s Games daunting mountainous stages. polka dot ‘King of the moun- high as 31.7 but organisers said preparation department. Bernal is second at 1min tains’ jersey as well his smile, af- it did not mean that an Olympics “We feel it is necessary to 30 sec from Alaphilippe with ter spending two weeks looking event would be cancelled should discuss how to deal with vari- Welshman Thomas a further fi ve like a broken man. this happen during the Games. ous medical cases in coming seconds back in third. Steven Today’s stage from Saint- The WBGT reading will be one months.” Kruijswijk is fourth at 1min 47 Jean-de-Maurienne to Tignes and Thibaut Pinot fi fth at 1min also features two dreadful 50sec. mountain climbs with the fi rst After 18 stages Bernal, who Fans cheer Colombia’s Nairo Quintana as he leads the eighteenth stage of the 106th edition of the Tour one topping out at 2800 me- has been kept largely under de France cycling race in Valloire, France, yesterday. (AFP) tres while the race ends with a wraps by Ineos, unfurled his summit fi nish at the Alpine ski wings and set off to put 31 sec- resort. onds into the four men ahead There is no descent at Tignes of him in searing heat which for Alaphilippe to catch up if he reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 gets dropped again and when re- Fahrenheit). minded of this fact the man who “I’m here, second, and maybe has worn the yellow jersey with I can win the Tour, but it’s going style and bravery answered sim- to be really very hard to achieve ply, “I know” and smiled again. that, for now I’m second,” said a serene looking Bernal. STAGE 18 RESULTS (TOP 10) “There are fi ve other guys still 1. Nairo Quintana (MOV) 5:34:15 in there,” he said. 2. Romain Bardet (ALM) +1:35 For Quintana the stage win 3. Alexey Lutsenko (AST) +2:28 saved the 29-year-old’s Tour 4. Lennard Kämna (SUN) +2:58 de France. The Movistar captain 5. Damiano Caruso (BAH) +3:00 blew his lines in the Pyrenees, 6. Tiesj Benoot (LOT) +4:46 but gained almost six minutes 7. Michael Woods (EF1) +4:46 on the main contenders to fi nish 8. Egan Bernal (INE) +4:46 the fi rst full day in the Alps sev- 9. Serge Pauwels (CCC) +4:46 enth overall. 10. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +5:18

‘I’M STILL IN YELLOW’ OVERALL STANDINGS (TOP 10) Children experience a misting tower during a test of countermeasures Alaphilippe seems unstoppa- Team Ineos riders Egan Bernal (right) of Colombia and Geraint Thomas of Britain (second from right) in 1. Julian Alaphilippe (DEC) 75:18:49 for heat for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the ble. After he was dropped on action ahead of overall leader Julian Alaphilippe (left) during the 18th stage yesterday. (Reuters) 2. Egan Bernal (INE) +1:30 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour venue in Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) the climb, the Frenchman gal- 3. Geraint Thomas (INE) +1:35 vanised himself, limiting his Alaphilippe looked like a man said pointing to the overall lead- took great pleasure in that fi ght 4. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +1:47 losses before the crest, and then on fi re after the race. er’s jersey he will don for a 14th back,” said Alaphilppe. 5. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +1:50 FOCUS catching all his rivals, except “I knew how hard it was going time today. The former soldier and bike 6. Emanuel Buchmann (BOR) +2:14 Bernal, with a virtuoso descent, to be, they all wanted to attack “When Bernal attacked I just mechanic said he had been at the 7. Nairo Quintana (MOV) +3:54 frequently adopting his ‘su- me and they did,” he said laugh- hung on however I could and limit of his forces. 8. Mikel Landa (MOV) +4:54 pertuck’ aerodynamic downhill ing. then let it rip on the descent.” “I was running on instinct, I 9. Rigoberto Uran (EF1) +5:33 Tokyo 2020 medal crouch to stunning eff ect. “Look, I’m still in yellow,” he “I took a lot of risks and really have trained this descent many 10. Alejandro Valverde (MOV) +5:58 designer basks in BOTTOMLINE sudden fame

Reuters Tour champ Bahamontes laments Tokyo esigner Junichi Ka- wanishi was still com- ing to terms with his demise of 1950s-style racing sudden fame yester- day,D a day after his design for the Reuters he said, sitting inside his garage- medals to be awarded at the To- Toledo, Spain based fan club where he keeps his kyo 2020 Olympics was unveiled trophies and photographs. to the world. As a youngster, he never Kawanishi, a graphic designer ederico Bahamontes, the dreamed of winning a big race, from Osaka, won a nationwide fi rst Spaniard to win the his prime concern being fi nding competition to design the med- Tour de France in 1959 food and staying alive in the dif- als for the Olympics and Paral- and still considered to be fi cult years during and after the ympics next year. itsF best-ever climber, is looking Spanish Civil War, which led to a His design was unveiled on forward to watching the last day dictatorship that lasted for four Wednesday during an extrava- of this year’s enthralling race on decades. gant ceremony in the Japanese Sunday. That involved cycling cargoes capital with exactly one year to Invited by organisers to at- of bread and vegetables for black go until the Games, which starts when it is worn by an athlete. tend the fi nale on the Champs- market traders and fl eeing the on July 24. That is my intention.” Elysees in Paris, the 91-year-old police. The medals, which are 85 mil- Kawanishi said he received a did not feel like fl ying at his age But on July 18, 1959, Baha- limetre in diameter, feature the call last year which told him his so he will instead watch the end montes climbed atop the Tour Greek goddess of victory Nike proposal was selected from over of the race on TV. podium in Paris, to the delight of in their design along with the 200 applications. He had to keep While six decades have fl own his exiled Spanish fans. Olympic symbol and are made the medal design, and his iden- by since he topped the podium, “I think those who enjoyed from recycled metals, collected tity, a secret until Wednesday. the oldest living winner of the it the most were the Spaniards from 6.21mn electronic devices “As many people applied, I Tour is full of spirit when he ar- (more than me),” he said, re- donated across Japan. thought there is no way I would gues the cycling of yesteryear, fl ecting on winning the Tour and Kawanishi said he wanted the be selected,” he said. which he learned by peddling claiming the mountains classi- circular design on the front of “Experiencing the Olympic black market goods on a cargo fi cation, which he did six times. the medals to represent the globe Games is a once in a lifetime ex- bike, was more authentic than Known for a fi ery, eccentric and refl ect light. perience. I was not born when now. character that was not always “By receiving light from vari- they had the previous Games in “You know what I call today’s popular with rivals, Bahamon- ous angles... I thought about the 1964 so I was feeling happy al- cyclists? The Holy Week proces- Federico Bahamontes, the first Spaniard to win Tour de France in 1959, poses with his original bicycle at tes once famously stopped at the cheers from the public and those ready to experience home Olym- sion. They (only) lack the candle his fans club headquarters in Toledo, Spain, on Wednesday. (Reuters) top of the Col de Romeyere with thoughts are refl ected,” Kawani- pics. and the lighter to light the can- broken spokes and had an ice shi told reporters yesterday. “When I received a phone call, dle,” he told Reuters, referring Bahamontes got the nick- fi rst cyclist to complete a ‘career “It was the wheelbarrow bike, cream while waiting for his team “Refl ection of light reaches I was relaxing at home and had to the slow, solemn marches of name “The Eagle of Toledo” triple’ by winning the ‘King of going up the slopes of Toledo car- car and the main group of riders. various directions so, I hope a few drinks. I became sober in- penitents with candles before after his numerous victories in the Mountains’ classifi cation in rying 100 kilograms, where I got He retired at 37 after a win in that the refl ected light from the stantly but... I remember that my Catholic Easter. the mountain stages. He was the all three Grand Tours. the strength, the best training,” Montjuic, Spain. medal would reach all directions heart was beating fast.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 26, 2019 SPORT

FOCUS GOLF Creamer rises to the top Lowry will always at Evian

AFP Evian, France

ormer US Open champion Paula Creamer be a national hero in produced one of her best rounds ever as she carded a 64 on the opening day of the Evian Championship, one of the fi ve ma- Fjors in the women’s calendar. The 32-year-old showed considerable cool in Thursday’s French heatwave where temperatures were topping 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), shooting seven birdies in a bogey-free round to Ireland, says McIlroy move one shot clear at the top of the leaderboard. “The fi rst time I came here and saw all the pink ‘The scenes on Sunday, with Shane winning it was a fairytale ending’ I said this place is for me and then I won!” said Creamer who was just 18 when she clinched the Reuters Evian Masters title in 2005, before it was given its London status as a major. It is the fi rst time she has led a major since she won the 2010 US Open at Oakmont. An injured ory McIlroy congratulated wrist at the Evian two years ago led to a disrupted Shane Lowry and told him 2018 meaning Creamer now fi nds herself ranked that his life would never be 156 in the world. the same again after he was Breathing down her neck are fellow Ameri- catapultedR to national hero status can Brittany Altomare, who missed out to Anna in Ireland after winning the British Nordqvist in a play-off here two years ago, and Open on Sunday. the South Korean pair of Park Inbee and Ko Jin- Four-times major champion young. McIlroy missed the cut by a shot Seven-time major winner Park, 31, has won the at Royal Portrush, and was already other four majors but has yet to win the Evian. back in Florida moving into a new Ko is also in great form after winning the ANA house when Irishman Lowry com- Inspiration in California in May which elevated pleted a fairytale ending by lifting her to number one in the world rankings for 12 the Claret Jug in the fi rst Open held weeks. in Northern Ireland since 1951. There was a particularly warm welcome for “He texted me on Friday night 34-year-old Ahn Shi-hyun, playing her fi rst and gave me a couple of words of round at a major since 2011. encouragement,” McIlroy said on Ahn, who was runner-up at the 2004 LPGA Wednesday, on the eve of the World behind Annika Sorenstam, became a mother and Golf Championships-St. Jude Invi- then played on the domestic circuit. She carded a tational in Memphis. “He said ‘I’ll one under par 70. see you in Memphis’ and I said ‘I Concerns about the prospect of summer storms hope I don’t see you in Memphis be- mean that Friday’s tee times have been moved cause hopefully you’re still drinking forward by 30 minutes. out of the Claret Jug’, and that came to fruition, which is nice.” As predicted, Lowry pulled out of BADMINTON this week’s event at TPC Southwind to savour his victory at home. McIlroy instead is looking for- ward to buying Lowry dinner when Sindhu, Praneeth they fi nally catch up in a fortnight at the Northern Trust tournament at Liberty National, just across the march into Japan water from New York. “I texted him straight after (he won). I said ‘it’s going to change your life’. It is a Open quarters life-changer, and especially doing it there at Portrush. He’s going to be a IANS national hero for the rest of his life. Tokyo I’m just so happy for him.” Northern Irishman McIlroy also expressed satisfaction with the way ce Indian the Open was played without any shuttlers P V major hitches, and sees no reason Sindhu and B why it will not return to Portrush Sai Praneeth within the next decade. “I don’t enteredA the quarter- think they put a foot wrong,” he said. fi nals of the ongoing Ja- “The scenes on Sunday, with Shane pan Open after winning winning it was a fairytale ending. their respective second- “To see all the people running round matches of the down the fi nal fairway and the mar- $750,000 tournament India’s P V Sindhu. shals having to create a wall for a yesterday. barricade, it was unbelievable. In women’s singles, fi fth-seeded Sindhu had to “I think it was a great showcase fi ght it out against Ohori as she came back from a for our country and from what I’m game behind to register a 11-21, 21-10, 21-13 victo- hearing the Open will go back to ry against her Japanese opponent in a match that Portrush in maybe the next eight or Republic of Ireland’s Shane Lowry celebrates with the Claret Jug trophy after winning The Open Championship. (Reuters) lasted more than an hour. 10 years.” With the win, the Olympic silver medallist has Ireland’s Padraig Harrington said now extended the head-to-head record against on Wednesday that he felt pride in Ireland’s Adare Manor to host 2026 Ryder Cup Ohori to 8-0. the way that seemingly all of the In men’s singles event, Praneeth, who had country celebrated Lowry’s victory. The Ryder Cup will return to Ireland in 2026 when Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar and the sporting friendships forged. “It will be a fantastic recorded a comfortable win over World No. 11 “We take things very personally in Adare Manor hosts the biennial contest between Irish government who are in receipt of our grate- occasion for everyone on the island of Ireland, Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in the fi rst round, de- Ireland and Shane’s win was a win Europe and the United States for the first time, the ful and heartfelt thanks. and for the many visitors from both sides of the feated Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan 21-13, 21-16 in for the whole country,” said three- European Tour said yesterday. “Months of careful negotiation behind the scenes Atlantic who can look forward to another great just 45 minutes to progress to the next round. times major champion Harrington, A deal was struck between the Irish government have seen us arrive at this point and we could not Irish welcome.” It was an easy victory for the Indian who will be who will compete at the PGA Tour’s and European Tour organisers to stage the event be happier to be able to take golf’s greatest team After hosting the Irish Open twice, in 2007 and facing Tommy Sugiarto in the quarter-fi nals. Barracuda Championship in Nevada. in County Limerick. The event was last staged in contest back to Ireland.” 2008, Adare Manor underwent a revamp, with However, there was disappointment in other “We saw the success of the Open Ireland at the K Club near Dublin in 2006. The announcement comes four days after Tom Fazio redesigning the layout. men’s singles match as HS Prannoy, who had in Royal Portrush and Shane win- “We are delighted to announce the 2026 Ryder Irishman Shane Lowry’s emotional British Open Team Europe’s 2020 Ryder Cup captain Padraig knocked out Kidambi Srikanth in the opening ning as a success for everybody in Cup will be staged in Ireland at Adare Manor triumph at Royal Portrush. “Shane’s victory is Harrington, was consulted on the design of the round, lost to Rasmus Gemke of Denmark 9-21, our small little island. We like to which is a world class venue, both in terms of one of many great achievements by Irish golfers, course, which was reopened in April 2018. 15-21 to crash out of the tournament. punch above our weight in Ireland, the golf course and the wider resort facilities,” not just in major championships but also in the Harrington’s Europe team will defend their title at In men’s double event, the Indian duo of Sat- winning big things like that and do- European Ryder Cup director Guy Kinnings said Ryder Cup,” Varadkar said. “I am sure that when next year’s match at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, wiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat ing incredible stuff like that. We take in a statement. “Today’s announcement would the Ryder Cup comes to Adare, we will see many before it moves to Rome (2022) and Bethpage China’s Huang Kai Xiang and Liu Cheng 15-21, it to heart (and) the whole country not have been possible without the support of An more great sporting memories created, and great Black in New York (2024). 21-11,21-19 in a match that lasted for 53 minutes to gets behind it.” reach the last-eight stage.

SPOTLIGHT Rose plays WGC event, eyes defending PGA playoff title AFP “We’re kind of tunneling in on the playoff s. Kuchar with four-time major winner Rory Washington I think I’m in a decent position - 11th is a de- McIlroy of Northern Ireland third. cent defense so far.” Rose, 38, plays alongside Kuchar and Jor- The playoff format has changed this year dan Spieth in the fi rst two rounds at Mem- ritain’s Justin Rose enters this with major schedule changes and a revamp phis. week’s WGC St. Jude Invitational to make the Tour Championship winner the Justin Thomas, who won last season’s fi nal hoping to position himself well overall champion. WGC event at Firestone, is 17th in the points for next month’s US PGA playoff s, There are only three playoff events instead race despite being winless this year as he whereB he attempts to become the fi rst back- of four as in past years. At the Tour Cham- chases a second playoff crown in three years. to-back champion. pionship, the season points leader begins at He has made only 16 starts this season due Rose enters the 63-player event at TPC 10-under par, the second-ranked player is on to a wrist injury after nine wins in the three Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, coming 8-under and players start deeper under par prior campaigns. off a share of 20th at last week’s British Open the high they rank among the fi eld of 30 in “Every event is very important over the at Royal Portrush in the penultimate event the fi nale fi eld. course of the entire year, but it defi nitely is before the season-ending three-week playoff “We all know once the playoff s come now because you’re running out (of time),” showdown. around you have to play your best, especially Thomas said. “I really feel like I’m trending in Rose, the 2013 US Open winner, ranks 11th in with the changes to the format,” Rose said. the right direction... I feel like I’m very, very the FedEx Cup playoff standings. Last year he “You really have to position yourself go- close to winning again.” was high enough to share fourth at the season- ing into East Lake to not have too much of a While top players tee off in Memphis in an ending Tour Championship and still win the defi cit.” event that moved from Akron, Ohio, last sea- overall $10 million playoff prize, which jumps At his current 11th, Rose would start seven son, other players will compete in the PGA to $15 million this year. strokes behind the leader, who at the mo- Barracuda Championship at Reno, Nevada. “The next few weeks are really important, ment is reigning PGA Championship win- The event uses the Modifi ed Stableford scor- to be among the leaders and really make a ner and four-time major champion Brooks ing system which awards two points for bird- run,” Rose said. Koepka, just ahead of fellow American Matt ies and subtracts one for each bogey. Gulf Times Friday, July 26, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Love’s labour lost as ninth US NBA Kawhi, George seek player shuns World Cup

AFP more for Clippers New York leveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love has become the ninth NBA standout to say he won’t try to play for the United States at the upcoming Basketball World Cup in CChina, The Athletic website reported on Wednes- day. than beating Lakers Love, an NBA champion with Cleveland in 2016 and a champion with US squads at the 2012 London ‘We’re not looking at the Battle of LA. We’ve got bigger goals in mind’ Olympics and 2010 World Cup in Turkey, said he informed US coach Gregg Popovich of his decision AFP on Wednesday. Los Angeles The 30-year-old frontliner joins a growing list of NBA star players rejecting the US call that in- cludes two-time scoring champion and 2018 NBA awhi Leonard and Paul Most Valuable Player James Harden, new Los An- George made their debuts geles Lakers big man Anthony Davis, Portland on Wednesday as Los An- guard Damian Lillard, Tobias Harris, DeMar DeRo- geles Clippers teammates, zan, Eric Gordon, C.J. McCollum, Bradley Beal and Kvowing to turn their hometown rookie Zion Williamson. Players have opted out to club into an NBA champion and prepare for the upcoming NBA campaign or cited eclipse city rival Lakers. personal reasons. Among others who had said no “We’re not looking at the Bat- earlier in the process were LeBron James, Stephen tle of LA. We’ve got bigger goals Curry, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook while in mind,” George said. “We’re not Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are among sev- thinking about the Lakers shadow. eral injured players not able to take part. We want to be holding that trophy The American squad, seeking a third consecu- and we’ll build up Clipper Nation tive crown after taking the past two World Cup along the way.” titles in 2010 and 2014, still has a deep talent pool Leonard made the biggest free from which to pull a roster. They will play exhibi- agent signing in the NBA this tion games in Australia next month before going month by leaving the Toronto Rap- to China and opening World Cup play against the tors after leading them to the NBA Czech Republic in Shanghai on September 1. title while George was obtained in The event fi nal is September 15 with NBA team a blockbuster trade deal with the training camps starting soon after, pre-season Oklahoma City Thunder at Leon- games beginning October 4 and regular-season ard’s request. contests starting on October 22. The US roster is “I’m on my next journey,” Leon- expected to include guard Kyle Lowry of the reign- ard said. ing NBA champion Toronto Raptors after thumb “These guys have got a great surgery, Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker and future. Paul is a player I always Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton. wanted to play with. Both LA guys. Played down the street from each other. Now we’re on the Clippers. Zion’s shoe deal richest “We’ve got something special. I ever for rookie think we can make history.” Clippers owner Steve Ballmer’s New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson’s high-octane introduction video be- shoe deal with Jordan Brand is the largest ever came a quick social media sensation, for an NBA rookie in terms of annual pay, ESPN the 63-year-old former Microsoft reported. ESPN reported the deal, which Wil- chief executive screaming and yell- (Left to right) Head coach Doc Rivers, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer of the Los Angeles Clippers attend the Paul George and liamson announced on Tuesday on social media, ing his joy and excitement about Kawhi Leonard introductory press conference at Green Meadows Recreation Center in Los Angeles. (Getty Images/AFP) is for five years. The report added that several his club suddenly becoming a prime competitors made off ers with total values “well NBA contender for the fi rst time. CLIPPERS OUTSHINE fi nals since being formed in 1970 as force teams into trade deals, George maraderie, what they already had, into the nine-figure range,” and other off ers “I’m just fi red up to be here to- LAKERS LATELY the Buff alo Braves. said, “As long as there’s a mutual re- to sprinkle in what we have to off er, exceeding $10mn annually. day,” Ballmer yelled. The Clippers are second favourites But in each of the past seven sea- spect between both (club and play- that’s what made it such an attrac- The deal surpassed LeBron James’ as the previ- “It’s pretty cool. It’s pretty damn among Caesar’s Palace sportsbook sons, the Clippers won more games er), there’s nothing wrong with it.” tive spot,” George said. ously most lucrative. cool.” NBA championship oddsmakers at than the Lakers, a trend Leonard Leonard was happy the team The No 1 pick in June’s draft, Williamson is widely In a much more low-key manner, 7-2, trailing only the 3-1 odds for plans to continue. INSPIRING NEXT kept contract talks from leaking to regarded as the most coveted endorser to enter George and Leonard also showed the Los Angeles Lakers, who boast “The last few years, the Clippers GENERATION the public. “They were true to their the NBA in years, arguably since James in 2003. their excitement about what the LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been better,” Leonard said. George hopes that with both play- word. Nothing got out,” Leonard During his All-America freshman season at Duke future has in store for them and plus a host of solid support talent “They are going to get the attention ers being among the NBA’s top said. “I just felt like it was a good last year, Williamson suff ered a late-season right the Clippers as they accepted blue after being unable to add Leonard – the Lakers have been winning defenders, the Clippers will alter decision for me. knee sprain after his Nike sneaker ripped apart as Clippers jerseys, George number 13 to their own lineup. championships for a long time. dynamics to bring more attention “It’s a good pairing. They go he planted his left foot in a game against North and Leonard number 2. The Lakers have won 16 NBA ti- “Who knows how the Clippers to two-way work than simply scor- hard both ways. They want to win. Carolina. But that didn’t keep him from signing “I’m extremely happy and ex- tles but none since 2010 with re- will change things over? I’m not ing skills. “What me and Kawhi can That’s my competitive mindset with a subsidiary of the company. “I feel incred- tremely excited to be back home,” tired star guard Kobe Bryant as the focused on that. I just want to win. do is inspire the next generation, when I step on the fl oor. I’ll pass ibly blessed to be a part of the Jordan Brand fam- George said after thanking the NBAFinals Most Valuable Player. My goal is just to make us happy. If go out and play hard on both ends,” the ball to someone else. That’s the ily,” Williamson said in a statement. “Since I was Thunder for making the trade deal. Leonard instead chose a Clippers’ we’re winning and not getting no George said. The Clippers’ exist- culture here. a kid, I dreamed of making it to the league and “Ultimately they helped me fi nd squad that has never gone past the coverage, that’s fi ne with me.” ing core was attractive to Leonard “It’s going to be a team eff ort. It’s having the type of impact on the game Michael my way back to LA. I’m pretty ap- second round of the NBA playoff s, Asked about the growing power and George. “Everybody elevated going to take 15 guys to make this Jordan had and continues to have today.” preciative of that.” never reaching even a conference of NBA players under contract to their games. To be part of that ca- work.”

MLB DeJong belts three homers as Cards rout Pirates Reuters 10th inning as the Toronto Blue Jays came back Pittsburgh RESULTS to defeat the visiting Cleveland Indians 2-1 on Tuesday night. Cardinals 14-8 Pirates It was the fi rst win by the Blue Jays in six aul DeJong went 4-for-4 with three Indians 4-0 Blue Jays games this season against the Indians. homers, a double and fi ve RBIs, and Toronto’s Ken Giles (2-2) pitched around a Nationals 3-2 Rockies the St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the single and a walk in the top of the 10th to earn Pittsburgh Pirates 14-8 on Wednesday Nationals 2-0 Rockies the win. Pnight. Adam Cimber retired the fi rst two batters of Yankees 10-7 Twins DeJong, Andrew Knizner and Paul Gold- Angels 3-2 Dodgers the bottom of the 10th before Tyler Olson (1- schmidt all hit two-run homers in the Cardi- 1) took over and walked Eric Sogard, who took nals’ nine-run second inning, helping St. Louis Astros 4-2 Athletics second on a wild pitch and moved to third on an earn its fourth win in a row and its third straight Rays 3-2 Red Sox infi eld single by Freddy Galvis. Smoak delivered to start a four-game series that concludes Cubs 4-1 Giants the game-winning single to left. Thursday. Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer allowed no Starling Marte went 4-for-5 with three dou- Mariners 5-3 Rangers runs, three hits and three walks while striking bles and three RBIs for the Pirates, who have Royals 2-0 Braves out nine in 7 2/3 innings. lost four in a row. Phillies 4-0 Tigers He was deprived of the win when Smoak hit The Cardinals won for the 10th time in 12 his 17th homer of the season with one out in games to remain a half-game behind the fi rst- Brewers 5-4 Reds the bottom of the ninth to tie the score against place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. The last- D’backs 5-2 Orioles Cleveland closer Brad Hand. place Pirates lost for the 10th time in 12 games Padres 7-2 Mets Vladimir Guerrero Jr. then singled off the left to fall 8 1/2 games back. fi eld wall with two outs in the ninth. Cimber Marlins 2-0 White Sox Things got so bad for the Pirates that man- replaced Hand and allowed Randal Grichuk’s ager Clint Hurdle called on utility player Jose a run, and Knizner followed with his fi rst big single before striking out Teoscar Hernandez. Osuna to pitch the seventh and eighth innings league homer. Toronto starter Aaron Sanchez, who didn’t and catcher Jacob Stallings to pitch the ninth. With one out, Tommy Edman walked, Dexter fi gure in the decision Tuesday but has lost 13 It was the fi rst time since at least 1908 that Fowler hit an RBI double, then Melky Cabrera straight decisions after winning on April 27, al- the Pirates used two diff erent position players threw him out trying score on Jose Martinez’s lowed one run and fi ve hits while striking out six to pitch. Osuna gave up one run, on DeJong’s single to right. over fi ve innings. third homer, in the eighth, before Stallings Goldschmidt, though, followed with his third Sanchez retired his fi rst eight batters before tossed a 1-2-3 ninth. homer in as many games. That fi nished Pirates Greg Allen singled with two outs in the third, Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright starter Jordan Lyles (5-7). The right-hander al- stole second and scored on Francisco Lindor’s (7-7) struggled early on but lasted fi ve innings lowed eight runs (fi ve earned) on seven hits and single past second baseman Cavan Biggio. to get the victory. He allowed four runs on fi ve a walk while retiring just fi ve batters. He struck The Indians could not capitalise on a leadoff hits and four walks with fi ve strikeouts. out three. double by Carlos Santana in the fourth. Wainwright walked three batters in the fi rst Lyles has surrendered eight homers in 12 in- The Indians threatened again in the fi fth on inning and allowed Marte’s RBI single and Colin nings during his last four starts. He yielded sev- Lindor’s two-out single to second and Oscar St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong reacts after scoring a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates Moran’s sacrifi ce fl y. en or more runs in three of those outings. Mercado’s double. Santana took a third strike during the second inning at PNC Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports The Cardinals immediately erased that 2-0 DeJong hit another two-run homer, off Luis to end the threat. Guerrero led off the bottom of defi cit with a nine-run rally – tying a major Escobar, as part of a four-run fourth inning as the fi fth with Toronto’s fi rst hit, a double. Her- in order in the bottom of the sixth and seventh second on a wild pitch and was out trying to league record with eight extra-base hits in the the Cardinals built a 13-4 lead. nandez walked with one out, but Bauer ended innings. Daniel Hudson replaced Biagini and score on a single to right by pinch hitter Lour- inning. Smoak’s heroics give Jays walk-off win vs In- the inning with two strikeouts. tossed a perfect eighth. des Gurriel Jr. Oliver Perez replaced Bauer and Goldschmidt reached on an error, DeJong hit dians Joe Biagini replaced Sanchez and was per- Hernandez led off the bottom of the eighth fi nished the inning by striking out Sogard. To- his fi rst homer, and the onslaught began. Dou- Justin Smoak tied the score with a ninth-in- fect in the sixth and seventh innings and had with a single, Toronto’s second hit of the game. ronto’s David Phelps pitched around a walk in bles by Kolten Wong and Yairo Munoz produced ning homer and won it with an RBI single in the two strikeouts. Bauer set the Blue Jays down Billy McKinney struck out. Hernandez took the top of the ninth. Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 26, 2019 SPORT

F1 Home is where heartbreak is for struggling Vettel Vettel has endured a run of mistakes and disappointments that have thrown his future into doubt

AFP errors, albeit that he is still waiting for Hockenheim, Germany his maiden F1 victory. A special occasion for the ‘Scarlet Scuderia’ may not be expected, but pare a thought for Sebastian should not be ruled out on the weekend Vettel this weekend as he and that Mercedes will run in a special liv- Ferrari hope to push Lewis ery to make 125 years of motorsport at Hamilton and Mercedes out of their home race where they are also title theS spotlight and off the top of the po- sponsors. dium at their home German Grand Prix. Team boss Toto Wolff warned that Four-time champion Vettel will be Mercedes’ only defeat this year in 10 seeking to end a miserable “nightmare” outings came in sweltering heat at the year since he crashed out of the lead at Austrian Grand Prix where Verstappen last year’s German contest and, in the banged wheels in passing Leclerc to process, handed a remarkable victory seize victory while Bottas and Hamil- and the impetus in the title race to his ton struggled with cooling problems. British rival. “High temperatures are forecast so we Vettel has won only once, in Belgium must stay vigilant,” said Wolff . “We last year, since that embarrassment. must stay humble and work hard to Five-time world champion and current achieve the best possible result.” series leader Hamilton has not looked It is expected that Mercedes will in- back since and leads this year’s cham- troduce a new cooling system for their pionship by 39 points, ahead of Mer- cars and ensure an enthralling three- cedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. team scrap for success with Ferrari and Vettel, who was born at nearby Hep- Red Bull also likely to be competitive. penheim, has endured a run of mistakes After seven wins in 10 races, however, it and disappointments that have thrown is diffi cult to see beyond Hamilton. his future into doubt and left him lan- guishing in pursuit. On top of that, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Hamilton is seeking his fi fth German STANDINGS triumph this weekend as Mercedes cel- Drivers: 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 223 ebrate their 200th start as a constructor pts, 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 184, 3. Max and his fourth at Hockenheim, where Verstappen (NED) 136, 4. Sebastian Vet- the luckless Vettel has never won. His sole German victory came at the tel (GER) 123, 5. Charles Leclerc (MON) Nurburgring in 2013, a year after Fer- 120, 6. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 55, 7. Carlos rari’s last triumph on German soil when Sainz Jr (ESP) 38, 8. Kimi Räikkönen Fernando Alonso won at Hockenheim (FIN) 25, 9. Lando Norris (GBR) 22, in 2012 — statistics that Vettel, a keen 10. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 22, 11. Nico student of his sport, will not enjoy be- Hülkenberg (GER) 17, 12. Kevin Magnus- ing reminded of as he bids to claim Fer- sen (DEN) 14, 13. Sergio Perez (MEX) 13, rari’s fi rst win since last year’s United 14. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) 12, 15. Alexander States Grand Prix. Albon (THA) 7, 16. Lance Stroll (CAN) 6, “I know how it is and I know that we 17. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 2, 18. Anto- have to make up for last year,” conceded nio Giovinazzi (ITA) 1 Vettel. “I am looking forward to rac- Constructors: 1. Mercedes 407 pts, 2. ing at Hockenheim — the atmosphere Ferrari 243, 3. Red Bull-Honda 191, 4. is phenomenal there always and the crowd is great too. I hope we can do another mighty victory, the 80th of his er undistinguished afternoon. Charles Leclerc is pushed by the Italian The 21-year-old Monegasque already McLaren-Renault 60, 5. Renault 39, 6. something good for them.” career, at the British Grand Prix where But he needs more than sympathy sports media as being ready to replace has more poles, podiums and fastest Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 26, 7. Racing Vettel has received support in his dif- the Ferrari driver crashed into the rear now as the 21-race season reaches its him as the team’s outright number one laps than his senior partner this season Point-Mercedes 19, 8. Toro Rosso-Hon- fi culties from Hamilton who reeled off of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull on anoth- half-way point and Ferrari team-mate driver. and appears to have eradicated his own da 19, 9. Haas-Ferrari 16

RUGBY Argentina make fi ve changes Lealiifano, O’Connor return as Wallabies Sydney: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma has into the centres, and Joaquin Tuculet gets a run made five changes from the side that ran the at fullback with Emiliano Boff elli left out of the All Blacks close in their Rugby Championship squad. Experienced loose forward Juan Manuel try out options for Pumas clash opener for test against Australia in Brisbane. Leguizamon was included on a forward-heavy Stalwart hooker Agustin Creevy did not make bench along with Socini, who came through in the trip to Australia because of a shoulder injury English rugby but will join the Jaguares for next and will be replaced in the front row by Julian season. Montoya with uncapped rake Santiago Socini set to make his debut from the bench. ARGENTINA TEAM At number eight, Facundo Isa will get his 15-Joaquin Tuculet, 14-Santiago Cordero, first taste of test rugby since he moved back to 13-Matias Moroni, 12-Jeronimo De la Fuente, France in 2016 after replacing Javier Ortega De- 11-Ramiro Moyano, 10-Nicolas Sanchez, 9-To- sio at the back of the scrum. Ledesma is using mas Cubelli, 8-Facundo Isa, 7-Tomas Lezana, the Rugby Championship to try and work some of Argentina’s Europe-based talent back into the 6-Pablo Matera (captain), 5-Tomas Lavanini, squad heavily reliant on the Jaguares team. 4-Guido Petti, 3-Juan Figallo, 2-Julian Montoya, The other changes continued the policy of 1-Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro rotation that the Jaguares employed so suc- Replacements: 16-Santiago Socini, 17-Mayco cessfully on their run to this year’s Super Rugby Vivas, 18-Ramiro Herrera, 19-Matias Alemanno, final. Tomas Lezana replaced Marcos Kremer at 20-Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 21-Felipe Ezcurra, openside flanker, Santiago Cordero will start on 22-Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, 23-Matias Orlando the wing in place of Matias Moroni who moves

TENNIS Visa issues end Kuznetsova’s Washington title repeat bid ussia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova, twice a Grand Slam singles champion, will Australia (in yellow) lost to South Africa in the opening clash of the Rugby Championship in Johannesburg last weekend. (AFP) not defend her title at next week’s WTA Washington Open after problems “There’s that, there’s also child, while Beale is elevated to with the players,” Cheika said of obtainingR an entry visa to the United States. The AFP Brisbane, Australia making sure everyone’s getting the starting fi fteen, as fullback, O’Connor.”I think he’s merited 34-year-old Russian, ranked 108th in the world, rugby as well, as opposed to not after an impressive performance the opportunity to get a run.” won the 2014 and 2018 Washington titles and is getting rugby. off the bench against the Spring- Australia have lost just of one unbeaten in 11 career matches at the US Open hristian Lealiifano will But when it all boils down to boks. their last eight games against hardcourt tuneup event. start his fi rst Test in it, the view is to go out there and Big loosehead prop Scott Sio Argentina, although that defeat “Unfortunately I had to pull out of Washing- three years against Ar- perform Saturday night and win is the only change in the forward came on home soil last year on ton due to my problems with US visa. Wanted to gentina tomorrow while the Test match.” pack with the 55-Test veteran re- the Gold Coast. They exacted apologize to all my fans who were waiting for me badC boy James O’Connor was Leukaemia survivor Lealiifano covering from a hamstring injury some revenge in the return fi x- there,” Kuznetsova tweeted. “Never had issues recalled to the bench as Australia returns for the fi rst time since to replace James Slipper. Once- ture after recording a memorable like this in my life, hopefully one day I can fi nally coach Michael Cheika experi- 2016 after a stellar Super Rugby exiled utility back O’Connor is come-from-behind victory to get a visa and play at least some events of the US ments ahead of the World Cup. season with the ACT Brumbies. set to make a stunning return secure a 45-34 win in Salta. swing.” Five changes have been made He replaces Bernard Foley in a after signing for the Queensland Kuznetsova, the 2004 US Open and 2009 to the starting line-up and fi ve new-look backline alongside Reds this month. AUSTRALIA TEAM French Open champion, captured her 18th career among the replacements for Will Genia, Marika Koroibete Wayward O’Connor was only crown last year by rallying to defeat Croatia’s the Brisbane match after the and Kurtley Beale as Cheika tests 23 when the Wallabies tore up (15-1): Kurtley Beale; Reece Donna Vekic 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 in the cham- second round of the Atlanta Open on Wednesday. 35-17 defeat to South Africa in combinations, with Nic White, his contract in 2013 after he Hodge, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu pionship match. In 2014, Kuznetsova defeated The loss by the tournament’s top seed gave Isner the opening clash of the Rugby Tom Banks and Dane Haylett- was prevented from boarding a Kerevi, Marika Koroibete; Chris- Japan’s Kurumi Nara 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the Wash- his earliest exit at this event in 10 appearances. Championship in Johannesburg Petty missing out. fl ight from Perth to Bali for be- tian Lealiifano, Will Genia; Isi ington fi nal. The 21-year-old Opelka saved three break last weekend. The game will be poignant for ing drunk, and he has not played Naisarani, Michael Hooper (capt), Kuznetsova, ousted in this year’s fi rst round of points while serving at 4-5 in the third set, Cheika said the reshuffl e was 101-Test scrum-half Genia, who since. His chequered past also Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; Rory Ar- Wimbledon and the French Open, has won only including two consecutively from 15/40 as he about giving as many players will be playing in Brisbane for includes being arrested and fi ned nold, Izack Rodda; Sekope Kepu, one tournament three times in her career — the served his way out of trouble. The unseeded as possible a chance to impress the last time after announcing in Paris in 2017 during a cocaine Folau Fainga’a, Scott Sio Bali, Indonesia, event in 2002, 2004 and 2006. Opelka also defeated Isner at the Australian Open ahead of the World Cup in Japan his retirement from the inter- bust while playing for Toulon, and at the New York Open in February, where he Replacements: Tolu Latu, James later this year. “I think it’s only national scene after the World before a move to Sale later that OPELKA UPSETS TWO-TIME DEFENDING went on to win his fi rst ATP title. Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob logical that now we would use Cup. Fly-half Koroibete returns year where he again found form. CHAMPION ISNER IN ATLANTA Isner was the two-time defending champion this opportunity to give everyone after missing the South Africa “He’s come back, trained Simmons, Luke Jones, Nic White, American Reilly Opelka upset John Isner with and had reached the Atlanta fi nal in nine of his 10 a chance to play footy,” he said. match for the birth of his second hard, he’s integrated himself well Matt Toomua, James O’Connor a 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/5) victory in the appearances. Gulf Times Friday, July 26, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Lookman joins RB Leipzig with potential unfulfi lled at Everton The 21-year-old struggled to get games at Goodison Park and his RB Leipzig move could be good business for all parties

By Andy Hunter ting Lookman from match-day squads. The Guardian “I keep believing 100% in his quality as a football player,” the Everton man- ager said in March: “but what I want to oodison Park was a heady con- see is the same desire coming from him, coction of hysteria and disbe- each day, to achieve that, to reach that lief when Ademola Lookman level he wants and the level I believe he announced himself on the can play at.” GPremier League stage. The teenager Silva had earlier handed Lookman was four minutes into his Everton debut a run of four consecutive starts, com- when he sealed a 4-0 victory over Man- mencing with a goal and an impressive chester City and, as Pep Guardiola di- performance against Lincoln City in gested the heaviest league defeat of his the FA Cup third round, but lost faith managerial career, celebrated by sliding after Everton’s exit at Millwall in round on his knees towards the Gwladys Street four. In Lookman’s defence it must End. And that, unfortunately for all have been disheartening to see Theo concerned, was as good as it got for the Walcott keep him out of the team last gifted young winger’s Everton career. season despite a series of anonymous Lookman has joined RB Leipzig for displays from the former Arsenal for- around £22.5mn and a sense of regret ward. When Everton’s campaign be- on Everton’s part. Not regret that an latedly revived under Silva it was with England Under-20 World Cup winner Richarlison switched to the right and has joined the fl ow of young talent into Bernard the left. the Bundesliga but that the rich prom- Cold economics prompted Everton ise Lookman brought from Charlton to accept Leipzig’s off er as well as their Athletic in January 2017 has never been manager’s views on the player. Look- fulfi lled in their colours. The 21-year- man was one of the few signings made old can justifi ably argue he was not giv- by Koeman and former director of foot- en the opportunity at Goodison Park. ball Steve Walsh that the club could A succession of Everton managers will make a profi t from. Nikola Vlasic and contest he never made the most of the Idrissa Gana Gueye are others and, with chances they off ered, on a matchday the former sold to CSKA Moscow for or in training, and none more so than £14mn and the latter still keen to join Marco Silva. Paris Saint-Germain, all three could That debut goal in the 94th minute be gone before the close of this trans- against City, coming just 10 days after fer window. Lookman was signed for an his step up from League One, was the initial £7.5mn from Charlton with add- only time Lookman scored in the Pre- ons potentially taking the fee to £11m. mier League for Everton. Only seven Everton have more than doubled their Premier League starts followed. A total money on a player who never secured a of 14 starts and 34 substitute appear- regular fi rst-team place. ances in all competitions refl ects a lack It was the former Charlton manager of trust from the various managers he Karl Robinson who described the in- played under – Ronald Koeman, David telligent and determined Lookman as Unsworth, Sam Allardyce and fi nally a “maverick”. Robinson said: “He does Silva – plus the cause of the player’s Ademola Lookman (left) made only seven Premier League starts for Everton after joining in January 2017. (Reuters) stuff you don’t expect, his movement own frustration and determination to patterns are diff erent and he is an excit- return to Leipzig, where he fl ourished England manager’s theory that a for- turn to Everton, that contentment has fer saga in a pre-season friendly against and our future. Now he has to fi ght for ing, young English kid. He gets on the on loan two seasons ago. eign league and language could hinder not been replicated on Merseyside. Valencia but the new Everton manager his position.” ball and you think: ‘Something is going It was Lookman’s single-mindedness his development. Leipzig’s determina- Silva made a concerted eff ort to re- was reluctant to admonish Lookman in Over the course of the season, how- to happen here’.” That was true of his that drove his initial move to Germany tion to resign Lookman on a permanent kindle Lookman’s enthusiasm for Ever- public. “I told him and our board on the ever, the manager’s patience was fl eeting Everton appearances, and per- in January 2018. Ignoring the advice of basis that summer, and their increased ton when he succeeded Allardyce last fi rst day that I believe in his skills and stretched. Tactical indiscipline and a haps it is hypocritical to sign a maverick Allardyce, who wanted the winger to off ers 12 months later, is a measure summer and refused the youngster’s his profi le,” Silva responded. lack of defensive eff ort were contribu- and then demand tactical and defensive go to Derby on loan, his fi ve goals in 11 of the abilities they tapped into. That wish to rejoin Leipzig. There was a no- “I did my technical analysis on him tory factors but Silva also hinted at day- discipline. But Lookman’s departure is appearances disproved the one-time consistency and, certainly since his re- tably subdued display during the trans- and he is a good talent. He is our present to-day issues when asked about omit- one that benefi ts all parties.

FOCUS KLUIVERT JOINS BARCELONA AS HEAD OF YOUTH ACADEMY

Barcelona: Former Netherlands interna- Champions League final as an 18-year-old. the game. Brazil’s previous manager Vadao, Sane’s future out of City’s tional Patrick Kluivert rejoined Barcelona He played 79 times for the Netherlands, who also coached the team for two years yesterday as director of their youth system. scoring 40 goals. He has been an assistant from 2014, was removed just four weeks Kluivert, 43, signed a two-year contract, the coach for the Dutch national team and at after Brazil’s World Cup exit. Under him, club announced in a statement. Kluivert several clubs in his home country, including Brazil had reached the semi-finals of the hands, says Guardiola had been assistant coach of Cameroon un- a youth coach at Ajax. 2016 Olympic tournament in Rio and won der fellow Dutchman Clarence Seedorf, but He was also briefly director of football two Copas America and a Pan American the pair were fired earlier this month after at Paris Saint-Germain. His son Justin, 20, Games title. the defending champions were eliminated is a Netherlands international and plays “Brazil is a fantastic football nation full of in the round of 16 at the African Cup of Na- for Roma. “I grew up at the Ajax academy, talented players that I am looking forward tions in Egypt. which is very similar to La Masia, and I think to getting to know and work with,” the Kluivert played six seasons at the Camp I can do a lot for the development of young 59-year-old Swede Sundhage said. Nou, from 1998 to 2004, scoring 145 goals Barca players,” he said. “The national team is in an exciting in 308 appearances and winning one La phase at the moment — one needs, to a Liga title. “I am very happy to be back home SWEDE SUNDHAGE TO COACH certain extent, to undergo a generational and looking forward to this new era, with BRAZIL’S WOMEN’S TEAM change, and at the same time they have the challenge of keeping Barca among Pia Sundhage will take over as manager qualified for the Olympics,” the top teams in the world,” he told the of Brazil’s women’s team after quitting as Regarded as one of the pioneers of Catalans’ website after the announcement coach to several of Sweden’s under-age women’s soccer in Sweden and around the confirming he would be taking over at ‘La international teams, the Swedish FA (SvFF) world, Sundhage, who won Olympic gold Masia’, as the Barcelona youth academy is said. Brazil lost to hosts France in the last as coach of the US team in 2008 and 2012, known. 16 at this year’s World Cup, prompting an ended a five-year spell in charge of Sweden Kluivert started his career at Ajax impassioned plea from striker Marta to in 2017 before coaching the under-age where he became the youngest scorer in a young girls in the country to get involved in teams.

AFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS Draw reveals path to Finals for teams Reuters contract. It’s not in our hands or preparations rather than on the atar were placed in Group B along Hong Kong in my hands. He has to decide if energy-sapping conditions. with Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and he wants to stay and if our agree- “When I was a football player I Oman for the AFC Futsal Cham- ment is good. If he’s going to complained a bit more but when pionship 2020 Qualifi ers follow- anager Pep Guardi- leave we will be sad, but what can I became a manager I changed my ingQ the offi cial draw ceremony yesterday. ola admitted Leroy we do? Hopefully he stays.” mind about the situations I can- A total of 31 Member Associations (MAs) Sane’s future as a The game against the Hong not control, I adapt,” he said. were divided into four zones – East, ASEAN, Manchester City Kong Premier League side was “So we know we have to be West and the combined Central and South. Mplayer is beyond his control as City’s third in just over a week here, we do the training ses- Qatar are in Group B in the West Zone. speculation linking the Ger- since arriving in Asia. They will sions we can do and play as best Iraq – who fi nished fourth in 2018 – are many international with a re- conclude their tour in Japan to- as possible. We were delayed and teamed with Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, turn to his homeland continues morrow when they take on Yoko- we couldn’t travel before, which Palestine and Kuwait in Group A. to build. Sane, who joined City hama F Marinos, an outfi t part was a pity but at the same time For the combined Central and South from Schalke in 2016, has been owned by the club’s parent com- we could make training sessions Zones, 12-time champions Iran were drawn a transfer target for Bayern Mu- pany City Football Group. in Manchester, which was good in Group B alongside Kyrgyz Republic and nich throughout the summer, Guardiola’s team started the for everybody. Turkmenistan, the hosts for the AFC Futsal and Guardiola remains deter- tour in China last week, but ar- “That is what it is. I think Championship 2020. Four-time runners-up mined to keep the 23-year-old at rived two days later than sched- great athletes — and we learn Uzbekistan will face Tajikistan, Nepal, Af- the Etihad Stadium. uled before defeating West Ham from them many, many times ghanistan in Group A. “I like him a lot, I think he has United 4-1 in the semi-fi nals of in the great teams — they never In the East Zone, three-time champions an incredible chance to be better, the Premier League Asia Trophy. complain about what happened. Japan will have Korea Republic and Macau incredible in terms of being con- City subsequently lost on penal- When they lose you have to con- for company in Group B, while Chinese Tai- nected in the game,” Guardiola ties to Wolverhampton Wander- gratulate the opponent and say pei, China PR, Mongolia and Hong Kong are Qatar futsal team will take part in the AFC Futsal Championship 2020 Qualifiers. said after Sane scored twice in ers in the fi nal of the biennial you will come back stronger.” in Group A. City’s 6-1 win over Hong Kong event and have had to endure hot City, winners of all three tro- The ASEAN Zone was not drawn as the The tournament will be held in Ho Chi They will be joined by the respective side Kitchee late on Wednesday. and humid conditions as they phies in English domestic foot- AFF Futsal Championship 2019 will serve Minh City, Vietnam on October 21-27 with group runners-up from the Central and “I think I said two times or fi ne tune their preparations for ball last season, face Liverpool as the qualifying competition for the AFC the top three teams qualifying for the AFC South Zones. The third team from the East three times, we want to keep the coming season. at Wembley Stadium in the Futsal Championship Turkmenistan 2020. Futsal Championship Turkmenistan 2020. Zone will be decided through a playoff . him. We want him to stay, that’s Despite signifi cant challenges Community Shield next Sunday ASEAN powerhouse Thailand are in Group The six group winners – two each from The respective runners-up from the West the reason why for more than one with the schedule and climate, before kicking off the defence A with Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Cambo- West, East and the combined Central and zone will also qualify with the fi fth spot to year he has an off er waiting to Guardiola claimed his play- of their Premier League title at dia while Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and South zones – from the Qualifi ers will ad- be decided via a playoff between the third- talk with his agent to extend the ers have been focused on their West Ham United on August 10. Australia are in Group B. vance to the Finals. placed teams from the two groups.

Friday, July 26, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT TRANSFER Arsenal sign Real Solskjaer ‘hoping Madrid’s Ceballos on loan and St Etienne defender Saliba for best’ aft er Bailly By Sonny Cohen tant. He’s a very tactical coach The Guardian and I think that’s going to really help me to perfect my position- ing.” rsenal have confi rmed Arsenal’s Spanish right-back the arrival of the Real Hector Bellerín also had an im- Madrid midfi elder Dani pact on the midfi elder’s decision stretchered off Ceballos on a season- to join. “I get on really well with longA loan and bought William Hector away from football, on a Saliba from St Etienne for a fee personal level,” said Ceballos. “I rising to €30mn (£26.9mn) be- told him I was thinking of joining Manchester United starlet Gomes hits winner as tempers flare against Spurs fore loaning him back to the and he told me not to think twice French club. The pair become because this is a great city and a AFP the club’s second and third sum- great club and that I was going Shanghai mer signings, after the 18-year- to have a great time. I can’t wait old striker Gabriel Martinelli, to see him and say thanks for his although Saliba – another help in getting me here.” anchester United manager 18-year-old – will not join the Saliba has moved to Arsenal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was squad for a year. despite an attempt by Tottenham left “hoping for the best” af- Ceballos captained Spain’s to hijack the deal. Emery said: ter defender Eric Bailly was Under-21s to European cham- “Many teams wanted him but Mstretchered off in a 2-1 win over Totten- pionship glory in June and won he decided he wanted to come to ham Hotspur yesterday. The 25-year-old player of the tournament two us and be part of our future. He Ivorian appeared to get his foot stuck in years ago. “We’re excited to will stay in France next season the turf at Hongkou Stadium in Shanghai see Dani join us,” said Arsenal’s for more experience and then we and a concerned Solskjaer said the player manager, Unai Emery. “He is a look forward to him joining our had hurt his knee. talented player with big technical group.” Solskjaer, who has been linked with a ability, creativity and precision.” Saliba, who signed his fi rst move for Leicester City central defender The player has been given the contract at the age of 17, made Harry Maguire even before losing Bailly, No 8 shirt by Arsenal, who hope his professional debut with St said: “It’s never nice when you get an in- he can fi ll the void left by Aaron Etienne against Toulouse last jury. It’s not worth it when you lose one. Ramsey’s move to Juventus on a September and fi nished the cam- He’s done his knee but we are not sure free transfer. He could make his paign with 14 league starts under how bad it is. We need to get back to Man- debut against Lyon in the pre- his belt. “This is the biggest club chester and do the scan. Let’s hope for the season Emirates Cup on Sunday. in England for me, so it was an best.” “The coach was the turning easy decision,” Saliba said. “I Bailly, who had only come on as a sub- point in terms of me joining this didn’t think twice about signing stitute for Chris Smalling at half time, massive club,” Ceballos, who has here, so I’m really happy. was replaced in the 56th minute. It took six Spain caps for the senior side, “This is a big club, and when the gloss off a satisfactory evening for told the club’s website. “He’s a you come here, you need to be United, who have now won all four pre- Spanish coach and he knows me ready. So I’m going to try to have season friendlies. from my time at other clubs … I a great season with the club that Teenager Angel Gomes squeezed in the knew I had the confi dence of the developed me in order to be ready winner 10 minutes from time in what was coach, which was very impor- for arsenal.” an occasionally bad-tempered friendly against their Premier League top-four rivals. French striker Anthony Martial put United ahead in the fi rst half, before Spurs substitute Lucas Moura replied with a scrappy eff ort in the second. After wholesale changes from both sides — Solskjaer swapped out all 11 start- ers at the break — Spurs had looked the more dangerous, before the 18-year-old Londoner Gomes struck. The Norwegian Solskjaer, under pressure to prove that he Manchester United’s Scott McTominay (second right) clashes with Tottenham Hotspur players during the International Champions is the man to take United back into the Cup tournament at Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) Champions League, named a strong side that included want away midfi elder Paul perhaps frustrated after missing a golden United players also involved. Andreas season, said that Solskjaer’s side were not Pogba and new signings Daniel James and chance, was booked on 12 minutes after Pereira, a combative midfi eld presence blameless themselves. “In the second half Aaron Wan-Bissaka. a second late challenge in front of a full for United, was next to be booked after they did the same to us,” he said. “I was Counterpart Mauricio Pochettino house. He was booed off when subbed on he cut down Kane. Young Spurs defender worried. When something happens in fi elded a more experimental team, but an hour. Japhet Tanganga was yellow-carded too. pre-season (an injury), it’s tough.” started the England international duo of Martial, whose United career has Later, Pochettino apologised to Man- His Norwegian counterpart said he Dele Alli and Harry Kane, along with new threatened to peter out at times, made no chester United but said that he was also thought the International Champions man Tanguy Ndombele. United nearly mistake on 21 minutes when he rifl ed the annoyed and worried by some challenges. Cup match was a good test for the tough took the lead on just four minutes when ball under Gazzaniga from close range. “It’s true that I was a little bit annoyed season ahead. “No tippy-tappy football,” Martial fi red across stand-in goalkeeper United were incensed when Moussa Sis- about some situations and not happy — he said. “No qualms about some of the Paulo Gazzaniga, but his powerful eff ort soko left the sprightly winger James in it’s a friendly,” said Pochettino. “When tackles. You are worried (about injury), struck the post. a heap by the corner fl ag, suspecting a you are tired and hot, sometimes you are but no injuries. We also gave (it out), we Despite the fi erce humidity there was stamp by the Spurs midfi elder. not right and arrive late (to tackle). I apol- did not just receive.” an edge to the International Champions Tottenham captain Kane angrily waded ogise on behalf of our players to United.” United face Norwegian side Kristian- Cup game not always present in pre-sea- in and there was a scuffl e, with Gazzan- But the Argentine, who took Spurs to sund in their next friendly, on Wednes- Dani Ceballos poses with Arsenal jersey after joining the Premier son friendlies. Attacking midfi elder Alli, iga leaving his goal to join in and several the fi nal of the Champions League last day, while Spurs play Real Madrid. League side on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.

FOCUS Maradona FRIENDLY undergoes Bounedjah joins Al Sadd’s successful Liverpool fi nish US jaunt with knee surgery draw against Sporting Lisbon training camp in Spain Buenos Aires: Former Argentina World Cup winning AFP tests in iconic American sports venues. captain Diego Maradona Washington Jurgen Klopp’s side was missing several of their underwent a successful knee top players, including forwards Roberto Firmino, operation at a clinic in Buenos Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who were tak- Aires on Wednesday, his iverpool wrapped up their US tour with a ing a break after competing in COPA America and lawyer revealed. The former 2-2 draw on Wednesday against Sporting African Cup of Nations. Goalkeeper Alisson also coach of the Argentine CP as the English Premier side failed to decided not to make the trip. national team quit his job win a game in their fi rst trip abroad since Liverpool came into the contest wondering Lbeing crowned European champs. Liverpool fi n- how they managed to drop their fi rst two games. at Mexican second division outfit Dorados last month for ished with no victories to show from their three- They lost a 2-1 decision to Spanish club Sevilla on health reasons after just nine match stateside tour but did manage to salvage a Sunday at Boston’s Fenway Park, following a 3-2 months in charge. His lawyer, tie against the reigning Portuguese champions at defeat to Germany’s Borussia Dortmund at Notre Matias Morla revealed then Yankee Stadium in New York. Dame Stadium on Friday. that Maradona needed to Marcus Wendel tied the game at 2-2 in the 53rd Sporting’s Luciano Vietto had one of the best undergo surgery on his knee minute with a right footed shot from the centre of scoring chances of Wednesday’s game but was and shoulder. “Everything the box to the bottom right corner after being set stopped twice in a row from point-blank range by went perfectly,” said Morla up by midfi eld star Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes Mignolet just before the half. Teen sensation Sepp on his Twitter account, in and Wendel also combined on the fi rst goal of the van den Berg made his exhibition debut for Liv- reference to the operation on game in the fourth minute for the 18-time Portu- erpool in the Yankee Stadium showdown, as the Maradona’s right knee. guese champs. 17-year-old Dutch defender came on in the 89th Maradona’s appointment Fernandes right footed a seemingly harmless minute. Liverpool signed the teen over the sum- at Dorados in September had long shot that Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mig- mer from Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle. Liverpool been a surprise, despite his nolet mishandled before it went into the net. Di- will now head home to Merseyside before facing inglorious coaching history vock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum scored goals Napoli in Edinburgh this weekend and then de- since leaving the national for the Reds who played all three exhibition con- part for a training camp in Evian. team post following the 2010 World Cup. It caused much amusement too amongst Al Sadd players pose before their friendly match against Olot in Spain. sceptics as Dorados are based in the western state of Si- By Sports Reporter through Hashim Ali, before Olot replied with two naloa, which is best known for Doha goals in the 48th and 55th minute. Al Sadd got a its powerful drug cartel that number of opportunities to score in the second used to be run by notorious half but they weren’t able to make use of them. kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” rolifi c forward Baghdad Bounedjah joined Al Sadd began the game with the following Guzman, who was earlier this the Al Sadd squad at their training camp line-up: Saad al-Dosari, Tarek Salman, Jung month jailed for life in the in Olot, Spain, yesterday ahead of the Woo-young, Hamed Ismail, Abdelkarim Hassan, United States. 2019-20 season. Bounedjah returned fol- Gabi, Nam Tae-Hee, Hassan al-Haydos, Akram Maradona, 58, has had his Plowing his participation in Algeria’s triumphant Afi f, Abdulaziz al-Ansari, Hashim Ali. problems in the past with African Cup of Nations campaign. Bounedjah In the second half, head coach Xavi brought on substance abuse, including scored the lone goal in the fi nal as Algeria defeat- Jehad Mohamed, Bahaa al-Lethy, Hussain Bah- cocaine. He came tantalisingly ed Senegal to lift the title in Cairo. zad, Yasir Abubakar, Ahmed Sayyar, Khaled al- close to taking Dorados up to On Wednesday, Al Sadd lost their second Yazidi, Hamza al-Sanhaji and Ali Asad. This was the Mexican top flight before friendly of the pre-season camp against Olot the second friendly of Al Sadd’s pre-season, after resigning. Liverpool’s Joel Matip (centre) heads the ball during the pre-season friendly against Sporting CP at 1-2. The Wolves took the lead in the 31st minute a 1-1 draw with Palamos in the fi rst game. Yankee Stadium in New York on Wednesday night. (AFP)