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Sunday, July 29, 2018 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 16, 1439 AH Ozil shines on GULF TIMES return as Arsenal ease past PSG 5-1 SPORT Page 2 FORMULA 1 Hamilton dances in the rain to take pole in Mercedes lockout After winning the rain-hit German GP last Sunday, Briton claims fifth pole this year even as Ferraris line up third and fourth

AFP Budapest HUNGARIAN GP QUALIFYING RESULTS ewis Hamilton danced in the 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) rain on his way to a memora- 1:35.658 ble pole yesterday ahead of his 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 1:35.918 Lteammate Valtteri Bottas as 3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 1:36.186 Mercedes secured a front row lockout for the Hungarian Grand Prix. 4. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 1:36.210 The championship leading Briton, 5. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Renault) 1:36.743 who is battling with Ferrari’s Sebastian 6. Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) 1:37.591 Vettel for a fi fth drivers’ world title, delivered another master-class in wet- 7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) weather driving and perfect timing. 1:38.032 He chose to go for his fi nal fl ying lap 8. Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso) in the dying seconds of the session and 1:38.128 grabbed pole with a lap that produced 9. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) 1:39.858 his team’s fourth lockout of the season. 10. Romain Grosjean (Haas) 1:40.593 Six days after his epic drive from 14th on the grid to win the rain-hit German 11. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) Grand Prix last Sunday, he claimed his 1:35.214 sixth pole in Hungary, his fi fth this year 12. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) and the 77th of his career. 1:36.442 “Are we good?” Hamilton asked 13. Nico Hulkenberg (Renault) his team over the radio. “We’re good,” 1:36.506 came the reply. 14. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) 1:37.075 I crossed the line on pole and 15. Lance Stroll (Williams) No time then Lewis had a better lap... 16. Stoff el Vandoorne (McLaren) He was quicker, but a one-two 1:18.782 for the team — it could have ‘ 17. Charles Leclerc (Sauber) 1:18.817 been worse! We are free to fi ght so I’m looking forward 18. Esteban Ocon (Force India) to it. 1:19.142 — Valtteri Bottas, 19. Sergio Perez (Force India) after locking the front grid for Mercedes 1:19.200 20. Sergey Sirotkin (Williams) “It’s great for the team to have a 1:19.301 one-two,” added Hamilton. “Jeez. We couldn’t have expected this. The heav- ens opened and it was fair game...” Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg, Marcus Hamilton was nearly three-tenths Ericsson and Stroll missing the cut to quicker than Bottas who was second the top-ten shootout which began with ahead of fellow-Finn Kimi Raikkonen everyone on ‘full wet’ tyres. and his Ferrari teammate Vettel, Car- In succession, Verstappen, Bottas los Sainz of Renault and Pierre Gasly of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (also inset with teammate Valtteri Bottas) steers his car during the qualifying session for the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at the and then Hamilton topped the times Toro Rosso. Hungaroring circuit near Budapest yesterday. (AFP) on their fi rst runs with Vettel down in “When it was drier it was a bit like sixth, as a patch of blue sky appeared doing ballet and tip-toeing, trying to fi ght so I’m looking forward to it.” fi rst time in his Toro Rosso, Kevin Mag- a week earlier, and the use of ‘interme- dia teammate Esteban Ocon, and Wil- over the Turn 14 grandstand. fi nd a line,” added Hamilton. nussen and his Haas teammate Romain diate’ tyres as thunder crackled and liams’ Russian rookie Sergey Sirotkin With fi ve minutes remaining, Ham- “It was give and take all the way THUNDER CRACKLED Grosjean. black clouds swirled. were eliminated. ilton led Bottas before Raikkonen went around. We’ve got a great position so Raikkonen refl ected: “The weather was Ferrari had been clearly fastest in dry Ferrari and Mercedes were the last to When Q2 began, Vettel went out on top by four-tenths ahead of the two we’re going to do our best to keep the the most important thing today and the conditions, but after a sweltering morn- switch to the ultra-soft slicks, leaving intermediates while the rest remained Mercedes men. red guys behind us...” car was driveable and enjoyable. I was a ing with a track temperature touching 58 their drivers in danger of failing to clock on slicks. Within seconds, it was clear On new full wets, Vettel was un- Bottas said: “I crossed the line on pole bit unlucky with the tyres...” degrees Celsius, qualifying began in dra- a lap time before more rain fell. that his decision was a wise one as able to fi nd much extra pace as, with and then Lewis had a better lap... He was Max Verstappen was seventh for Red matically diff erent conditions. As Vettel led at the top, McLaren’s rain swept in and the pack returned to two minutes remaining, Hamilton and quicker, but a one-two for the team — it Bull ahead of New Zealander Brendon This created tricky conditions, simi- Stoff el Vandoorne, Charles Leclerc of change tyres. Raikkonen rejoined on new rubber for could have been worse! We are free to Hartley, who made the top ten for the lar to those during the race in Germany Sauber, Esteban Ocon and his Force In- This all resulted in Fernando Alonso, their fi nal — and dramatic — fl ying laps.

FOOTBALL New season will be diff erent, says Al Sadd’s Hamid Ismail

By Sports Reporter am delighted to renew my contract with the team’s best interests.” are capable of doing that and making Doha Al Sadd. This is the best place for me. I As for the competition from the the Qatari fans happy.” have played in the team since the mid- team’s rivals in the upcoming cam- Hamid has not played for the Qatar way point of last season, putting up a paign, Hamid said: Al Duhail will be national team of late, despite impress- l Sadd star Hamid Ismail can’t satisfactory performance and I was able very strong, having won all the titles ing with his club performances and wait for the new QNB Stars to be of benefi t to the team after miss- last season. The change of coach (Tu- he now wishes to return to the squad League season to start, say- ing the fi rst half of the season.” nisian Nabil Maaloul took over after again. Aing players are looking ahead Hamid also shared his thoughts on Algerian Djamel Belmadi left) won’t “In football, one doesn’t look at the with fresh optimism after being up- the new additions to the squad. “Jung be an issue. Our aim is to be better and age of a player but at his performances staged by Lekhwiya and Duhail over the Woo-young and Gabi Fernandez will stronger. We are capable of doing that on the pitch. The upcoming phase with past few years. both be great additions to the squad. and competing for the league title from the club will be crucial and obviously, I “This season will be completely dif- Everyone knows about their capabili- day one.” aim to be in the national team like the ferent from the last, especially we have ties. This is the fi rst time that we have He also spoke of Al Sadd’s chances in other players. a full squad this time,” said Hamid. had all their players with us at the pre- the AFC Champions League quarter- “Lately, I felt it was unfair that I “This helps the coaching staff to pre- season camp, except for Saad al-Dosa- fi nals. wasn’t called up but I respect the pare the team in a suitable manner.” ri, who we hope to have in Doha after “The AFC Champions League is a coach’s decision. I have full confi dence He added: “Inside the camp (in our return. All this leads to optimism special tournament for Al Sadd. We are in my ability to be in the squad for the Europe), everything is great and the with regards to the team’s targets for not new to it. There have been teams 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.” preparation is going well. Thank God the new season. at Al Sadd who have won the title in Finally, Hamid had a message for we haven’t had any injuries until now. “All the players are working on im- more diffi cult situations. We now have the Al Sadd’s fans: “Al-Sadd fans, you The coaches are working on improv- plementing the coaching staff ’s techni- an important game in Iran (against Es- make the diff erence in the league and ing our physical fi tness, using the two cal instructions. Any player who plays theglal on August 27) and we will try to are always a motivation for us in the friendlies as a rehearsal for the upcom- executes his role perfectly. There is be at our best in front of 100,000 fans. AFC Champions League. We await you ing league matches.” strong competition for all places and The Al Sadd players have enough ex- in the stadium. With you, we taste vic- Asked about his two-year contract this competitive spirit is in the minds perience to come away with a positive tory and achieve everything that you Al Sadd players Jung Woo-young (left), Hamid Ismail (centre) and Gabi Fernandez renewal with Al Sadd, Hamid said: “I of everyone. In the end, what matters is result and go far in the tournament. We want.” during the training camp in Austria recently. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 29, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Ozil aff air casts Osorio quits as Mexico coach shadow over

Reuters backroom staff , many thanks to eve- Germany’s bid to Mexico ryone for this unique and unparal- leled professional and life experience,” Osorio said in a statement on the FMF host 2024 European uan Carlos Osorio, the Colom- website. The Colombian-born coach bian coach who led Mexico to the was often treated with suspicion by last 16 of the World Cup, is to Mexican fans and pundits, and sup- Championships Jleave his post, he said yesterday. porters frequently chanted ‘Osorio Osorio, who took over El Tri in Oc- Out’ at Mexico matches, even when tober 2015, was expected to depart af- they were winning. The German Football Federation assumed ter the fi nals in Russia, having rejected However, that changed in Russia af- human rights would be an advantage previous off ers from the Mexican Foot- ter Mexico beat reigning world cham- in its bid to host the 2024 European ball Federation (FMF) to extend his pions Germany 1-0 in their opening contract. match. Championships — but the Mesut Ozil “In my own name and in that of my aff air has boosted rivals Turkey

DPA ment, repeated the word “unite” PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Berlin used by the DFB in its own slo- gan. Ozil’s three-part statement appeared only in English and n April, the world was still while the DFB and Grindel fi rst rosy for the German Foot- responded in German, English ball Federation (DFB) and its versions of their statements Ipresident Reinhard Grindel. were not far behind. The World Cup trophy was still This battle is being fought held in Frankfurt, hopes were on an international stage. Eu- Ozil shines on high for the coming tournament ropean football body UEFA will in Russia and Germany inter- closely monitor the behaviour national Mesut Ozil seemed the of the candidates and, above ideal face to promote the coun- all, their statements about each try’s bid for the 2024 European other in the last two months un- Championships alongside the til the tournament is awarded. slogan ‘UnitedbyFootball#’. In the UEFA regulations, the How quickly things change. rules of conduct say candidates return as Arsenal Ozil was pictured with Turk- “should not discredit the ap- ish President Recep Tayyip Er- plication procedure or European dogan in London in May, spark- football by their conduct.” Until ing a chain events which could the escalation of the Ozil aff air, have repercussions all the way Germany was favourite in the to the award of Euro 2024 on race to win the vote among the September 27. Germany subse- 18 eligible members of the UEFA quently crashed out of the World executive committee. However, ease past PSG 5-1 Cup in the group stage, Oezil has the Eastern European delegates quit the team in the fall-out of were already considered likely the picture and Grindel is under to back Turkey, which is making The German did not need long to stamp his authority on the contest pressure for his job. Euro 2024 its fi fth attempt for the compe- rivals Turkey, the only other tition. candidate, have also been gifted “This compassion factor from a chance to undermine the Ger- previous unsuccessful bids is man bid meaning Grindel and the certainly not completely wiped DFB have two months to rescue a from the minds of the mem- PR disaster. bers of the executive commit- Every public statement from tee,” former DFB President Theo the DFB in the Ozil case must Zwanziger told DPA. The photos therefore be considered against of Ozil and Ilkay Guendogan the background of striving to with the President Erdogan host the Euros — including the were “certainly not helpful,” initial silence which is now be- Zwanziger, the former German ing criticised. “The tournament representative on international can write a whole new story for committees, said. “This has football, bringing children into additionally challenged the po- clubs and bringing people closer litical level in Turkey, which is together, both with and without closely linked to football.” migrant backgrounds — united The patchy explanation of the by football,” Grindel said on scandal around the award of the Thursday. 2006 World Cup to Germany is Originally the DFB wanted not relevant, committee mem- to diff erentiate itself from Tur- bers have said. But it remains to key by scoring points on topics be seen whether they punish the such as press freedom and hu- DFB for mismanaging the Ozil man rights. Now those apparent case. strengths are at risk of turning For this reason, the imme- into a weakness. A communi- diate removal of Grindel, who cation, in English, sent by the is a UEFA vice-president for London PR offi ce for the Turkish governance issues, would po- bid, the country’s football asso- tentially make the crisis even ciation (TFF) expressed its “full worse. What international con- support for Mesut Ozil and his fi dence would then remain in the family. DFB if it lost a second president Whether a public fi gure or during the bid after Wolfgang not, every player has the right to Niersbach stepped down in Oc- be protected from “messages of tober 2013? humiliation, discrimination and If Germany does not win the hate,” a TFF offi cial was quoted right to host the tournament as saying. “All members of the “then we have all lost, not just international football commu- the president,” Zwanziger said. nity should unite in destroying But that loss would be most racism and intolerance — it must keenly felt by Grindel, who could continue to fi ght tirelessly.” pay the price for the political It hardly seems coincidence equivalent of losing 3-2 having that the Turkish press state- been two goals ahead.

Tuchel calls for later seasons aft er World Cups Reuters, Singapore: New players’ game and we have to Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates after scoring during their pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Singapore yesterday. Paris St Germain coach Thomas protect them.” Tuchel fielded a virtually “Right now, we are doing that Reuters Paris St Germain made a much stronger unrecognisable side in a 5-1 pre- but it can get complicated Singapore start to the second half and Nkunku soon season friendly defeat against during the season and have a tested replacement goalkeeper Emiliano Arsenal yesterday, forced to big impact. But we want them Martinez with a stinging free kick from the cope without a raft of players to be at the World Cup and to esut Ozil enjoyed a successful edge of the penalty area that the Argentine involved in the latter stages of play for their country, and they return to action at the end of a parried clear with a diving punch. the World Cup until next week. want that as well.” tumultuous week as the Ger- Nkunku was not to be denied from the Largely outclassed by an Paris St Germain play Atletico man midfi elder scored the penalty spot, however, sending Martinez almost full-strength Premier Madrid in their second match Mopening goal for Arsenal in a 5-1 victory the wrong way with a spot-kick awarded League side, Tuchel expressed of the Singapore tournament over a makeshift Paris St Germain side in on the advice of the assistant referee after concerns after the Singapore on Monday before a French a pre-season friendly in Singapore yes- Weah had tumbled spectacularly follow- match that the start of the new Super Cup meeting against terday. ing a clumsy Sead Kolasinac challenge. season may come too soon AS Monaco in Shenzhen next Ozil sensationally quit the national The 60th-minute strike was reward for recovering players such as week, ahead of a Ligue 1 open- side on Sunday citing “racism and dis- for Paris St Germain’s endeavour but Neymar, Edinson Cavani and er against Caen on Aug 12. respect” for his Turkish roots as he bore they were only level for seven minutes as Kylian Mbappe. Although they start the the brunt of criticism following Germa- substitute Alexandre Lacazette scooped “Everybody loves the World campaign against a side they ny’s disastrous World Cup, but he looked a sublime fi nish over Buff on from close Cup and we all want to watch are fully expected to beat, relaxed and focused against the French range to re-establish Arsenal’s advantage. it, but it has a big impact Tuchel added that those teams champions. The Frenchman needed just three more on the start of our season,” relished facing the bigger sides Arsenal fi elded a strong team with minutes to double his personal tally when Tuchel, who replaced Unai Em- soon after a World Cup. Ozil installed as captain and the Premier Buff on missed a punch as Paris St Germain ery at the helm of the French “When I was the coach at Mainz League side soon took control against scrambled to clear, leaving an unmarked treble winners in May, told in the Bundesliga, a small club weakened opposition, given the time and Lacazette to make it 3-1 with a free header reporters. in Germany, we always wanted space they will not be aff orded when the that bounced in off the post. “There must be a solution to to play the big teams every two domestic campaign kicks off in August. Defender Rob Holding and striker Ed- this in World Cup years, that years, right after a major tour- The German did not need long to stamp die Nketiah rounded out the scoring in the season must start later nament, whether it was a World his authority on the contest, side-footing the dying minutes as a rampant Arsenal than it does. There is no reason Cup or European Champion- past a stranded Gianluigi Buff on in the Paris Saint-Germain’s Christopher Nkunku exults after scoring against Arsenal. more than made up for a disappointing for the league to end in May. ships,” the 44-year-old said. 13th minute after Pierre-Emerick Aubam- penalty shootout defeat to Atletico Ma- We can play until June or July “We were prepared with a full eyang had raced clear down the right and taryan when they were all clean through Timothy Weah’s powerful shot in the drid in the tournament opener on Thurs- of the next year. squad, sometimes with six sent a pinpoint low cross into Ozil’s path. on goal. 34th minute. Christopher Nkunku pro- day. “Everyone loves the game and weeks behind us and a full The Gunners were utterly dominant and The French champions off ered little in duced Paris St Germain’s best moment of Paris St Germain, who will welcome we all want to see the best pre-season. We were ready to should have added to their tally, but Buf- a tepid fi rst-half display, midfi elder Azze- the half shortly before the break when the back a raft of World Cup players next players, but let them rest as go from the first minute, so fon showed the brilliance that earned him dine Toufi qui twice curling shots wide French midfi elder jinked past three Arse- week, take on the Spanish Europa League they are the guys that are the strange results can happen at 176 caps for Italy, saving well to deny Alex of Bernd Leno’s right-hand post before nal defenders before sending a rising shot winners in the fi nal match of the event show — not us coaches. It’s a this time of the year.” Iwobi, Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhi- the German keeper stood fi rm to block just over the Arsenal crossbar. tomorrow. Gulf Times Sunday, July 29, 2018 3 SPORT

CYCLINGSPECIAL FEATURE/ GIRO D’ITALIA ‘Ramos is ruthless and brutal... I hold him responsible’ KLOPP OPENS UP FOR FIRST TIME ON CHALLENGE THAT INJURED SALAH AHEAD OF THE WORLD CUP

By Dominic King Daily Mail

HE question takes him by sur- prise. Jurgen Klopp has settled down in a conference room at Liverpool’s team hotel and is Tpreparing to discuss the new season. Before he can start to look forward, though, Klopp is asked to revisit Liver- pool’s 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League fi nal. Or — more specifi cally — the incident in the 26th minute that led to Mohamed Salah leaving the fi eld in tears following Ser- gio Ramos’s challenge. Ramos, the totem of the modern Madrid, said plenty on the subject af- terwards, among other things claiming Salah was taken off too early and could have continued with the aid of a pain- killing injection. So what did Klopp make of it all? Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool. ‘We are opening that bottle again?’ he replies. days. Naby Keita and Fabinho, two mid- There is a puff of the cheeks and a fi elders who have cost almost £100mil- long pause. Once Klopp has gathered lion combined, have added depth and his thoughts, he proceeds to speak, un- class to the engine room. Xherdan Sha- broken, for 10 minutes. The words he qiri was a £13million buy from Stoke chooses are blunt and leave you in no that Klopp says made ‘total sense’. doubt that he holds Ramos responsible. But as Klopp knows, the huge invest- ‘I watched that back, of course,’ said ment brings huge expectation. Liver- Klopp. ‘Someone showed it to me im- pool’s rivals are watching their every mediately after the game. But if you move, applying pressure in any way watch it back and you are not with Real they can. Madrid then you think it is ruthless and Nobody has done it more than Man- brutal. You don’t think, “Wow! Good chester United manager Jose Mourinho, challenge”. It was ruthless. who says there is a ‘demand’ on Liver- ‘I don’t think Mo would have always pool to become champions. The sides got injured in that situation, this time face each other in ‘The Big House’ in it was unlucky. But it is an experience Ann Arbor tonight. we cannot have. I’m not sure if it is an ‘I heard he was smiling when he said experience we will have again. Go there it and he found it funny,’ says Klopp, and put an elbow to the goalkeeper, put his eyes twinkling with mischief. ‘So I their goalscorer down like a wrestler in File photo of Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos’ am really happy that Jose is smiling! It midfi eld and then you win. rough tackle on Liverpool’s Mohamed Saleh doesn’t happen a lot of times! Would ‘That was the story. Ramos said a in the Champions League final. I speak today about Jose Mourinho if lot of things I didn’t like. As a person, you didn’t ask me? Of course not. I’m I didn’t like his reactions. He was like, not sure but probably Jose wouldn’t “Whatever! What do they want? It’s ‘If you write this people will say I’m with concussion after being examined He said “I’ve come from (Bayern Mu- set about the £65million world record speak about me if nobody asked him. normal!” No. It isn’t normal. If VAR weak, a bad loser or a whiner,’ Klopp by Dr Ross Zafonte and Dr Lenore Her- nich doctor) Hanz Muller-Wolfhart and arrival of Alisson Becker from Roma. Jose tries everything to put pressure is coming this is a situation where you continues. ‘I’m not. I accept it. You have get at Boston’s Massachusetts General he said he knew immediately in the sit- Klopp and Karius have spoken in on people and improve his own situ- have to look again, not to give a red card, asked me about it. It’s not like I wake up Hospital. uation that Loris had concussion when recent days but the manager wants to ation. but to say, “What is that?” in the morning and think “RAMOS!” ‘What did you think in the moment Ramos hit him. stress this point about Brazil No 1 Alis- ‘If he goes for spending money — ‘If you put all of the situations of Ra- (he jumps out his chair for eff ect) I’m when (that story) came out?’ Klopp ‘People said we made the medical re- son, who will join the squad for a train- and I’m not the best at counting what mos together — and I’ve watched foot- fi ne with it. We were a competitor. But asks. ‘Come on. Be honest.’ port public because it’s policy. It’s not. ing camp in France next week. we have spent in the last few years — ball since I was fi ve years old — then you in a fi nal you need to have a bit of luck The honest answer is that many saw We didn’t use it one second as an ex- ‘If Alisson was on the market and but I would say since we are both in, will see a lot of situations with Ramos. and we didn’t have it. Then there was it as an excuse, a story designed to of- cuse. But how can we not put it out as an we’d won the fi nal, we would have gone still Manchester United probably has In the fi nal the year before, against Juve, the situation with Loris.’ fer protection for a goalkeeper whose explanation? The problem is that peo- for him,’ says Klopp. ‘He’s the goal- spent a little bit more — at least net. he was responsible for the red card for A situation which didn’t fully come errors led to Madrid’s fi rst and third ple still don’t believe it. Then we bring keeper we want. The other goalkeepers That is how it is. It’s not important.’ Juan Cuadrado. to light until three days after Liverpool goals. Klopp takes it all on board before in a new goalkeeper and people think we are really good, like all our other players. What is important is the task of ‘The world out there accepts that you had returned home from Kiev. Loris Ka- putting forward the reality of the situ- don’t believe it as well.’ But that doesn’t mean we don’t bring in moving Liverpool forward. use each weapon to win the game. Peo- rius, their goalkeeper, had been elbowed ation. Karius’s future at Liverpool is uncer- another one. We try to improve our own ‘It is not only about signings,’ he says ple probably expect that I am the same. in the head by Ramos. No foul was given ‘Franz Beckenbauer called me,’ Klopp tain. There have been more mistakes situation.’ before leaving. ‘We have a good team. I am not.’ and the German never asked for treat- explains. ‘He started with, “Your goal- in pre-season and the 25-year-old told And Liverpool certainly have im- We still have a good team but the others Now he has found his rhythm. ment. He was subsequently diagnosed keeper had concussion”. I said, “What?”. Sky Germany this week that he was up- proved their situation in the past 63 have good teams. They will not sleep.’

SUPER RUGBY Lions, Crusaders set up another showdown

AFP space to dictate play. In a match billed Johannesburg as the fi nal before the fi nal, with the conference format putting the top two teams from the regular season this year uper Rugby history will be cre- on the same side of the play-off draw, ated when Golden Lions and the Crusaders struck early and never Canterbury Crusaders contest fell behind. The eight times champi- Sthe 2018 fi nal next weekend, the ons enjoyed 54% of possession, forcing fi rst time the same sides have contested the Hurricanes to make 134 tackles and successive title deciders. miss 31 more. The New Zealanders won 25-17 in Their ability to launch a long-range South Africa last season and will be counter from turnover ball, and to score favoured to lift the trophy again, given either side of half-time, proved crucial their outstanding form, tradition and as they built a 18-7 lead by the break and having home advantage in Christch- immediately moved to 25-7 after the re- urch. sumption. Crusaders have won 16 of 18 league Captain Sam Whitelock said the and knockout matches this year, and Crusaders fed off the direction given by have never lost a play-off s match at Mo’unga and a passionate defence. home with the 30-12 semi-fi nal win “Richie’s done it all year. He’s pretty over Wellington Hurricanes Saturday quick over those fi rst couple of steps their 20th straight success. and is hard to keep up with. Lions also had an 18-point semi- “And defence reveals what the team fi nals winning margin, coming from 14 means to you and the boys worked hard points behind to defeat the NSW Wara- for each other.” tahs 44-26 in Johannesburg and reach a Hurricanes skipper Brad Shields, third consecutive fi nal. playing his last game before heading “We have a chance,” insisted Lions to England, said the turnover proved skipper Warren Whiteley as he looked costly. forward to what many will consider a “You’ve got to build phases down “mission impossible” — overcoming the right end of the fi eld and a couple the Crusaders in their fortress. of times we let them off the hook pretty “It is a massive opportunity for us,” easy and turned around and they scored said the back-row forward who missed pretty easy.” the fi nal losses away to the Hurricances Lions’ Malcolm Marx (second right) tackles The Waratahs’ Israel Folau (centre) during their Super Rugby semi-final at the Emirates Airline Park stadium in Johannesburg. Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said and at home to the Crusaders through before the match that the result would injuries. “It was tough being reduced to 14 points, stretching a narrow advantage minutes later off a cross-fi eld kick from Crusaders charged into their 13th fi - be determined by the forwards and “Christchurch is a great place to go men for 10 minutes during the second to a 34-22 lead. Elton Jantjies to wrap up victory for the nal with a comprehensive victory over that’s how it turned out with the Cru- for a rugby match and we will be up half,” he said, referring to the sin-bin- Jake Gordon off ered the Sydney outfi t Lions. the Hurricanes in Christchurch. saders turning on a merciless display. against a great Crusaders team.” ning of substitute hooker Damien Fitz- a glimmer of hope when he scored four Ned Hanigan and Israel Folau scored The platform was set by the All It gave Mo’unga, who fi nished with 15 Waratahs skipper Bernard Foley ac- patrick. minutes from time and Foley converted in a whirlwind start by the Waratahs, Blacks-laden pack who drove relent- points, the chance to outshine his more cepted that the better team won, calling While the Australian was off the to trim the defi cit to 11 points. who were level 19-19 at half-time be- lessly into the Hurricanes, allowing illustrious All Blacks opposite Beauden the Lions’ performance “exceptional. pitch, the Lions scored 12 unanswered But Courtall Skosan scored three fore gradually fading in the second half. fl y-half Richie Mo’unga the time and Barrett. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, July 29, 2018 CRICKET

WI VS BAN, 3RD ODI SPOTLIGHT Ton-up Tamim leads Bangladesh to record 301 Rashid can join AFP West Indies team as he replaced Jason took his second wicket in bowling Mush- Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis Mohamed in the middle-order while left- fi qur Rahim and immediately went into arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, drafted attack mode, his adventurous knock of 67 Durham: Botham into the squad due to Andre Russell’s knee not out occupying 49 deliveries and em- amim Iqbal’s second hundred of injury, came in for lanky pacer Alzarri bellished with fi ve fours and three sixes. By Will Kelleher the series and a quickfi re unbeat- Joseph. Tamim was prepared to play the sup- Daily Mail en half-century by Mahmudullah Bangladesh retained the same eleven porting role to Mahmudullah’s assault paced Bangladesh to a formidable from the two previous matches. and eventually reached his 11th ODI hun- T301 for six against the West Indies in the Anamul’s dismissal came with the dred in the 38th over but didn’t get much an Botham is ready to of- decisive third and fi nal one-day interna- score just on 35, but Tamim and Shakib further as a miscued sweep off Bishoo fer Adil Rashid a lifeline if tional at Warner Park in St Kitts yester- picked up the pace in the manner of their off ered a catch to Powell at backward he leaves Yorkshire after the day. previous second-wicket partnerships — a square-leg. row over his England Test It is Bangladesh’s highest total in an record 207 in the fi rst match in Guyana Big-hitting Mashrafe promoted him- Iselection — by signing him for ODI against the West Indies. followed by 97 in the second encounter at self up the order in a clear statement of Durham. With the series all-square following home in nine years. the same venue. intent, his frenetic 36 off 25 balls putting The England legend, 62, thinks the hosts’ thrilling three-run win in the His innings lifted his tally in the three Shakib eventually departed off the the West Indies under immense pressure the criticism of the leg-spinner’s second match under lights in Guyana on matches to 287 runs at an outstanding av- bowling off Ashley Nurse, who together during the fi nal ten overs until his oppo- selection for the India Test series Wednesday, the tourists have set the pace erage of 143.5. with fellow spinner Devendra Bishoo put site number, Holder, dismissed him. is ludicrous. And the Durham in this fi xture with their top-order bat- As in the fi rst two ODIs he found a reli- a brake on Bangladesh’s progress through But with Mahmudullah still blazing chairman will sound out Rashid ting justifying the decision by captain able partner in Shakib Al Hasan, the pair the middle of the innings. away Bangladesh were able to cross the over a move to the North East, if Mashrafe Mortaza to bat fi rst after he won putting on 81 runs for the second wicket However they were able to cut loose 300-run mark in the fi nal over of the in- his fi ery relationship with York- And after losing the likes of the toss for the third consecutive time. after West Indies captain Jason Holder over the fi nal 20 overs as 150 runs were nings and set the West Indies a daunting shire is irreparable. Mark Stoneman and Keaton Jen- Tamim’s confi dent 103 off 124 balls removed Anamul Haque to a catch by Ki- plundered in that period, thanks in the target in pursuit of Holder’s fi rst ODI se- “We will see what he does but nings to perceived bigger counties, with seven fours and two sixes again pro- eran Powell running back from mid-off in main to the unbridled aggression of Mah- ries win as West Indies captain since he we will defi nitely talk to him, of Botham does not pity Yorkshire. vided his team with a solid foundation in the tenth over. mudullah. was handed the job as an untried 23-year- course we will,” Botham said of “It is very hard to have much pursuit of their fi rst series win away from Powell was one of two changes to the He had come to the crease when Nurse old at the start of 2015. the 30-year-old’s future. “It is sympathy for Yorkshire,” Botham very competitive out there and added. “I have lost players — we everyone wants to get out of the have lost fi ve key players at Dur- FOCUS second division. We won’t do it ham — who have been poached this year but we’ll do it next year around the north. I say poached with the way we are going and and I stick by it. the way we are restructuring. “I have seen some pretty ri- “We need to make it a side that diculous stuff written over the people like Adil Rashid will look last couple of days and I am very at and say, ‘It is only up the road much on Adil’s side. I fi nd it and I can see where they are go- quite bizarre. Adil wanted to play England’s Buttler ing and I would happily go there’. white-ball cricket, he has bowled “We have got to make our- exceptionally well and in the selves attractive to guys like Adil last two series he played in Test Rashid. cricket he bowled very well. “I have very little sympathy “I hope he does really well — I for anyone who is having play- like the kid — he is very intense, ers poached because we have just always wanting to get better with looks to follow Kohli lost fi ve. I really couldn’t care and his bowling. His bowling has if I can get in on the act I will.” come on leaps and bounds so I Botham supports Rashid’s wish him all the very, very best. controversial England inclu- “It is the best conditions for sion, which was confi rmed on him. The pitches are going to be Wednesday but angered York- dry and I am pretty certain he shire because Rashid refused to will get purchase out of them and example vs India play red-ball cricket for them. Edgbaston does turn anyway.”

‘I just think, as you get a little older, you get a little more cautious in life... only natural’ New Zealand’s Guptill hits 102 off just 38 balls in T20 Blast AFP London New Zealand’s Martin Guptill South Africa’s Rory Kleinveldt struck 102 from just 38 balls replaced Gleeson and he too os Buttler aims to put the les- as Worcestershire thrashed gave up an over costing 22 as sons he learnt from watching Virat Northamptonshire by nine wick- Guptill went to fifty in 20 balls. Kohli while playing in the Indian ets in English county cricket’s Guptill swept left-arm spinner Premier League to good use dur- Twenty20 Blast on Friday. Graeme White to deep- ingJ England’s upcoming Test series with Set a target of 188, visitors backward square leg, only for India. Worcestershire won with Seekkuge Prasanna to step England face Kohli’s men in the fi rst nearly seven overs to spare, over the boundary before a Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, with with Joe Clarke making an second slog-sweep cleared Buttler keen to build on the encouraging unbeaten 61 off 33 balls. deep midwicket. return to the fi ve-day format he made Clarke and Guptill put on 162 Later, he drove Prasanna over during a recent 1-1 drawn home campaign in 10 overs. long-on for six and wide of with Pakistan. It did not take long for the long-off for four as Guptill The 27-year-old was recalled to the experienced Guptill, who hit 12 went to 90 before Kyle Co- Test line-up purely on the strength of fours and seven sixes, to get etzer was straight driven for some impressive batting displays in this into his stride. four and flicked over mid- season’s Twenty20 IPL, with new Eng- He got going in a Richard wicket for six to bring up the land selection chief Ed Smith convinced Gleeson over that cost 22 runs, batsman’s century. the dynamic form he showed in India a flick over midwicket for six, But trying to lift Gleeson over would transfer into the Test-match are- two hits down the ground for mid-on, he was well caught na. four and a flick wide of short- by Josh Cobb but by then the Smith selected Buttler, England’s fine leg. game was almost won. white-ball wicket-keeper, in the unu- sual role of a specialist number seven Test batsman and was rewarded with back- to-back fi fties. COMMENT But Buttler, speaking to reporters at The Oval, said there had been more to his personal IPL experience than the fi ve successive half-centuries he made for the one of the world’s leading batsmen in all His 32 subsequent innings, spread over but in this day and age India are not far Rajasthan Royals, culminating with two formats, made a particular impression on 20 matches, have still to see him better behind.” Gooch warns unbeaten 90s, in this year’s edition. Buttler. that fi rst attempt and now Buttler has set Prior to a tour where India have won “The biggest thing I have learnt from his sights on a maiden century, although the Twenty20 series and England tri- the IPL is that it’s obvious what the best ‘HUNGER’ even for someone of his ball-striking tal- umphed 2-1 in the one-day internation- hosts against Kohli players do and why they are the best play- “Someone like Virat Kohli is an immense- ent that may not be straightforward given als, Kohli said he thought relations be- ers and standouts,” said Buttler. ly talented guy but also watching him go number sevens can fi nd themselves bat- tween the teams would be cordial because IANS “They just have a diff erent mentality, a about it you see that mentality of getting ting with the tail. of the links forged in the IPL. London winning mentality in every game and the to the top,” he explained. “They seem to “It is the ultimate aim, I would love to But Buttler, while acknowledging play- consistency to do that. I feel like I have make the right decision a lot of the time. achieve that feat,” he said. ers got on well off the fi eld, insisted this learnt a hell of lot from watching guys That is a skill. Meanwhile Buttler added a Test series had not diminished either side’s desire ormer English skipper train and go about their practice, ways “The hunger to do it day in day out... with India was almost as important to for victory in a fi ve-Test series. Graham Gooch yester- they react to certain pressure moments that hunger really shines through in those England as the Ashes. “It will be highly competitive,” he said. day cautioned England in a game as well,” he added at an event top players.” “Absolutely, it is a huge series. India are “What you have to remember is people against India captain Vi- staged by Test series sponsors Specsav- Buttler’s highest Test score remains a fantastic team, in all conditions as well can get on well, but the reason guys have Frat Kohli, calling him as a “dan- ers. the 85 he made on debut, against India, at now. got to international sport is they want to gerous customer”, who wanted to The example of India captain Kohli, Southampton four years ago. “Australia is a huge series for England, win and are competitive.” improve his poor record against them in the upcoming fi ve-Test rubber, starting August 1 in Bir- BOTTOMLINE mingham. “Virat Kohli is the top-ranked player in the world right now. And I think he is a really danger- ous customer for England be- Injury-prone Sri Lanka skipper will not bowl against SA cause he has the motivation that he wants to improve his record in AFP ODIs, said he will not risk himself against this country,” Gooch told BCCI in Dambulla, Sri Lanka South Africa. “I won’t be bowling in this series. a video interview. Hope to start bowling in the nets and see how “Every player wants to be like to see that,” he added. I feel.” known to be able to play well all- Gooch also urged fans not to ri Lanka’s injury-prone skipper Angelo Asked if the six-match ban against opening round the world in all diff erent judge either of the two just on Mathews has ruled himself out of bowl- batsman Danushka Gunathilaka was a setback, conditions,” he added. the basis of how many runs they ing during the one-day internationals Mathews said it was disappointing, but the Commenting on the playing score, but the kind of impact against South Africa which start today. team put the priority on discipline. styles of Kohli and his English their scores have on the team’s SMathews has been troubled by recurring Gunathilaka, 27, was slapped with the ban counterpart Joe Root, Gooch said ultimate result. injuries since being brought back as one-day for breaching player rules during the 2nd Test both are world class and match- “People who watch, shouldn’t captain in January and had to sit out some as police investigated the alleged rape of a Nor- winning players. remember how many runs they matches before the current series against wegian woman in his hotel room. The batsman “I think they are both are score or what innings they South Africa. has not been accused of rape, but a friend has world class players in all formats played. What they should re- The 31-year-old all-rounder said he still ex- been charged. of the game. I think nowadays member is when Kohli or Root pected the team to show new signs of recovery “It is disappointing to rule out a player when every cricketer has to be very play an innings that help their after a disastrous 2017. They convincingly beat the team is doing well... they can be the best adaptable. You’ve got Tests, 50- teams win the match, because South Africa in a two-match Test series. player, but they have to deal with consequenc- over cricket and lots of T20s. that’s what counts,” he said. “We would like to play better cricket than es,” Mathews said. “It is diffi cult to judge erentdiff “Not the number of runs. It what we have been doing in limited overs,” All-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya, 26, is ex- players as I think they both are might be a fi fty in diffi cult con- Mathews said ahead of the fi rst ODI at Dambul- pected to replace Gunathilaka, while uncapped match-winning players. I love ditions or a 150 on a fl at wicket la. “We started very well in the Test series, and Prabath Jayasuriya was brought in to the squad. watching Kohli and Root bat as when your performance helps hope we can continue with the momentum in The fi ve-match ODI series ends on August they play all-round the wicket. your side win the match, that’s the ODIs.” 12 in Colombo. A one-off Twenty20 is to be “They both are very positive, what you should be proud of,” Mathews, who has taken 114 wickets in 196 played in Colombo on August 14. they both are very focused and I Gooch added. Gulf Times Sunday, July 29, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Rosters fi nalised Devers gets Red Sox for NBA Africa Game in Pretoria Reuters Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul- New York Jabbar, NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and BA players with direct others. even, Betts fi nishes ties to Africa will play a There are more than 80 cur- world team in the third rent and former NBA players NBA Africa Game next from Africa or with direct fam- Nmonth in Pretoria, South Africa, ily ties to the continent, the NBA the National Basketball Asso- said. ciation and National Basketball Players Association announced TEAM AFRICA on Friday. Al-Farouq Aminu (Portland off Twins in 10th Luol Deng (Los Angeles Lak- Trail Blazers, U.S., parents from ers, South Sudan), Bismack Biy- Nigeria), Bismack Biyombo ‘We may not do everything well in one particular day, but if we can find a way to win a game’ ombo (Charlotte Hornets, Dem- (Charlotte Hornets, Democratic ocratic Republic of the Congo), Republic of the Congo), Cheick Reuters Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers, Diallo (New Orleans Pelicans, Boston Cameroon) and Serge Ibaka (To- Mali), Joel Embiid (Philadel- ronto Raptors, Republic of the phia 76ers; Cameroon), Evan Congo) will be among the players Fournier (Orlando Magic; ookie Betts led off the bot- competing for Team Africa in the France; parent from Algeria), tom of the 10th inning with August 4 game at the Sun Arena, Serge Ibaka (Toronto Raptors, a home run as the Boston with Biyombo and Embiid the Republic of the Congo), Timothe Red Sox snapped a two-game co-captains. Luwawu-Cabarrot (Oklahoma Mlosing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Rudy Gay (San Antonio Spurs, City Thunder, France, parent visiting Minnesota Twins on Friday night U.S.) and Khris Middleton (Mil- from Democratic Republic of the at Fenway Park. waukee Bucks, U.S.) will serve Congo), Pascal Siakam (Rap- It was Betts’ 25th homer of the season as co-captains for a world team tors, Cameroon), Luol Deng (Los and his fi rst career walk-off homer. The that also features Harrison Angeles Lakers, South Sudan) blast over the Green Monster in left fi eld Barnes (Dallas Mavericks, US) and Ian Mahinmi (Washington came on the second pitch of the inning and Danilo Gallinari (LA Clip- Wizards, France; parent from from Matt Belisle (1-1). Rafael Devers pers, Italy). Benin) and Jackie Bradley Jr. also homered, and The game will take place fol- Eduardo Nunez had two hits for Boston, lowing the 16th edition of Bas- TEAM WORLD which moved fi ve games ahead of the ketball Without Borders Africa. Harrison Barnes (Dallas Mav- second-place New York Yankees in the In honour of the centenary of the ericks, US), Danilo Gallinari American League East. birth of Nelson Mandela, it will (LA Clippers, Italy), Rudy Gay “That’s the defi nition of a team,” said be played in support of the Nel- (San Antonio Spurs, US), Khris Betts. “We’ve just got to pick each other son Mandela Foundation. Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks, up. We may not do everything well in one Two previous games, in Jo- US), Hassan Whiteside (Miami particular day, but if we can fi nd a way to hannesburg in 2015 and 2017, Heat, US), John Collins (Atlanta win a game, I think that’s what makes us were sell-outs. Hawks, US), JaVale McGee (Los good.” Players Association Executive Angeles Lakers, US), Dennis Eddie Rosario had a two-run go-ahead Director Michele Roberts and Smith Jr. (Dallas Mavericks, US) double off Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Marvin Williams (Charlotte with two outs in the ninth, and Jorge Po- will attend the game along with Hornets, US) lanco also had two hits for Minnesota, which had a four-game winning streak snapped. The Twins also fell to 6-18 in NHL one-run games this season. The Red Sox, who got another brilliant start from Chris Sale, improved to 35- 14 at Fenway Park, where they have also Caps, Wilson reach won 11 of their last 13 games. Reliever Tyler Thornburg (1-0) picked up the win. Sale allowed three hits and two walks six-year, $31mn deal over six shutout innings while strik- ing out 10, breaking his own Ameri- Reuters goals (14), assists (21) and pen- can League record for the fastest to 200 Washington alty minutes (187) with the Capi- strikeouts in the process. Boston Red Sox players celebrate with Mookie Betts (No 50) after his walk off home run during the tenth inning against the Minnesota tals last season. The winger, a Sale struck out the side in the fi rst in- Twins at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports fi rst-round pick in the 2012 NHL ning to hit the 200-strikeout mark in 136 he Washington Capitals Draft, has 35 goals and 69 assists innings, which, according to Elias Sports Rosario then put the Twins ahead in before Freese lofted the ball to deep right- Asdrubal Cabrera was a late scratch re-signed forward Tom in 391 games across fi ve seasons Bureau, broke the record of 141 1/3 innings the ninth with a double off the Green RESULTS from the Mets’ lineup as he was traded to Wilson to a six-year with Washington. set by Sale last season. Sale has allowed just Monster in left-centre, driving in Polan- the Philadelphia Phillies for right-hand- contract worth $5.17 Wilson has earned a reputa- Red Sox 4-3 Twins one run on 21 hits over 39 innings in his last co and Grossman, who had both walked. ed prospect Franklyn Kilome. Pittsburgh Tmillion annually, the team an- tion as one of the league’s most six starts, an ERA of 0.23. He has struck out But Devers tied it leading off the bot- Pirates 5-4 Mets right-hander Ivan Nova gave up four runs nounced on Friday. physical players. 67 and walked six during that span. tom of the ninth against Fernando Rod- Orioles 15-5 Rays (three earned) and six hits in fi ve innings, Wilson was a restricted free He was suspended three ney when he lined his 15th homer of the games during the Capitals’ The Twins loaded the bases in the Indians 8-3 Tigers with one strikeout and three walks. agent this off season. He made fourth, sandwiching two-out walks to year just over the glove of Kepler into the Felipe Vazquez (4-2) pitched the ninth $2.25 million last season. march to their fi rst Stanley Cup Ehire Adrianza and Robbie Grossman bullpen in right. Lynn wasn’t involved Reds 6-4 Phillies for the win. Mets starter Jason Vargas, “Tom is an invaluable member title for breaking the jaw of around a Max Kepler hit by pitch. But in the decision, allowing two runs on six Nationals 9-1 Marlins who had not pitched since June 19 be- of our team and we are pleased Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sale buckled down and blew a 3-2 fast- hits in six innings. He walked one and Dodgers 4-1 Braves cause of a right calf injury, allowed three that he is committed to sign a Zach Aston-Reese with a hit in ball past rookie centre fi elder Jake Cave struck out three. runs and three hits in 4 1/3 innings, with long-term deal at this point in Game three of the Eastern Con- to end the 29-pitch inning. Blue Jays 10-5 White Sox three strikeouts and three walks. The his career,” said senior vice pres- ference semi-fi nals. The Red Sox then took a 2-0 lead in the FREESE’S 5TH RBI SENDS Rangers 11-2 Astros Mets took a 3-0 lead in the fi rst. Brandon ident and general manager Brian During the playoff s, Wilson bottom half of the fi fth on Bradley’s tow- PIRATES PAST METS IN 9TH Cardinals 5-2 Cubs Nimmo drew a one-out walk, and Wilm- MacLellan in a team release. also narrowly avoided suspen- ering one-out homer to left-centre off David Freese capped a big night with a er Flores doubled ahead of Conforto’s “Tom is a unique player in this sions for a hit to the head of Pen- Minnesota starter Lance Lynn, driving in walk-off single Friday as the Pittsburgh Rockies 3-1 Athletics three-run shot to right, his 14th homer. League, in that he plays a physi- guins defender Brian Dumoulin Nunez, who had opened the inning with Pirates broke a two-game losing streak Angels 4-3 Mariners Diaz led off the Pittsburgh second with cal game, leads by example and in Game 2 of their series and an a line double off the middle of the Green with a 5-4 win over the visiting New York Diamondbacks 6-2 Padres a single, and Freese followed with his contributes in every facet of the open-ice check to Vegas Gold- Monster in left. The Twins cut it to 2-1 Mets. Freese drove in all fi ve Pirates runs, seventh homer and second in two nights, game. en Knights forward Jonathan Brewers 3-1 Giants in the seventh when Kepler led off with including a two-run homer. In the ninth to left-centre, to close it to 3-2. “At 24 years of age, he is just Marchessault in Game 1 of the a double to left, advanced to third on a tied 4-4 against Tim Peterson (2-2), the After Freese’s homer, Josh Bell was entering his prime and we be- Stanley Cup Finals. groundout and then scored on a broken- Mets’ seventh pitcher, Josh Harrison had centre. Michael Conforto hit a three-run slow getting out of the batter’s box on a lieve that he will only continue Wilson had fi ve goals and 10 bat grounder by Cave that skipped past an infi eld single, Gregory Polanco singled homer for New York, which had its three- groundout and left the game because of to excel and improve as a player.” assists during the 2018 Stanley Nunez into right fi eld for an error. and Elias Diaz was walked intentionally game winning streak snapped. left side discomfort. Wilson posted career highs in Cup Playoff s.

NBA Heat willing to wait on Wade’s decision: Riley Reuters tax implications: the $5.3 million New York exception or the $2.4 million DWYANE WADE Off season rehab has Grizzlies’ veteran minimum. Conley hopeful for camp Riley referred to the luxury tax s Dwyane Wade interested in maneuvering as “the abyss that Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley says he playing for the Miami Heat we all deal with in the NBA.” “should be ready to go by training camp” after hav- next season? Team president ing this off season to recover from heel and Achilles Pat Riley doesn’t know the I want him back as a injuries suff ered last season, according to a report Ianswer, but he says he willing to competitor. I want him by ESPN late Friday. wait to fi nd out. back as a guy who wants Conley, 30, has not been cleared for 5-on-5 action, “I want him back as a player,” to have the greatest year but he says he’s “doing really well. I wish I could’ve Riley said. ‘ participated in contact stuff .” he ever had as a player.’ “I want him back as a com- Conley, who had heel surgery in January, has been petitor. I want him back as a guy — Pat Riley limited in his activities at the USA Training Camp who wants to have the great- this week in Las Vegas. He says he thinks he could est year he ever had as a play- have done more, but it was best not to rush things. er. I read more articles about Wade, 36, started only three “I think I could, but we’re being cautious and allow- ‘Dwyane being done, he’s lost of 67 games last season be- ing me to get a full summer of rehab. I should be a step, he’s not the same player, tween the Cavaliers and Heat. ready to go by training camp. I expect to be ready,” he might not have the same mo- He averaged 11.4 points, 3.8 re- he said. tivation.’ But I still see a player bounds and 3.4 assists in just The 11-year veteran and fourth-overall pick in the who can contribute heavily if he under 23 minutes per game. 2007 draft has spent his entire career with Mem- really wants to.” For his career, he has averaged phis. He played in only 12 games last season as A thorny issue is how much the 22.5 points per game, 4.7 re- Memphis missed the postseason for the first time Heat would be willing to pay Wade, bounds and 5.5 assists in just in eight seasons. who has won three NBA titles in over 34 minutes per game. Conley’s career numbers include 14.3 points and Miami in his 15-year career, which Wade indicated last season that 5.7 assists in 32.5 minutes per game. He has started saw him play for the Chicago Bulls he wasn’t certain about playing all but 30 games of his 718-game NBA career. two seasons ago and spend last this year, and he hasn’t divulged “With anything dealing with Achilles, it takes time, season divided between the Cleve- any plans since then. His recent and you got to be patient to deal with it,” Conley land Cavaliers and the Heat. on-court workouts included time said. “Right now, it’s all starting to come together. Riley, speaking with the me- with LeBron James, with whom I’m so used to making a move and I expect pain. dia Friday on a conference call, Wade won two of his three NBA I got used to pain with some of the moves. Now pointed to two likely contract titles, on Thursday in Las Vegas. I make the moves and there’s nothing there, so options for Wade, both of which ‘‘I think it’s best that we give him that’s exciting.” would impact Miami’s luxury some more time,’’ Riley said. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, July 29, 2018 SPORT

SWIMMING SPOTLIGHT Schmitt swimming fast and speaking out Dressel books Pan about mental health

AFP and teammate Michael Phelps Irvine, United States before she raced on Thursday, telling her that it didn’t matter whether she qualifi ed for Pan llison Schmitt, “ec- Pacs or not. Pacs berth with static” at punching “He reminded me that her ticket to the Pan swimming is such a small part Pacifi c Champion- of life, and yes, I love it and I’m ships,A will be taking her mes- so excited to be back and com- sage of mental health aware- peting again, but at the end ness with her as she returns to of the day, it is a sport, and it swimming’s biggest stages. doesn’t matter if you get fi rst Schmitt, whose four Ol- or last – you’re still loved by 100m fl y victory ympic gold medals include a the same people, and you’re 200m freestyle triumph at the still who you are,” said Sch- ‘I don’t know if nervous or anxious is the correct word to use, just excited’ 2012 Olympics, endured a ca- mitt, who arrived at the mixed reer let-down after that high zone to talk to reporters in a T- AFP point, notably failing to make shirt reading “Mental health is Irvine, United States the 2015 US world champion- just as important as physical ships team. health.” She opened up about her It’s a message that has al- aeleb Dressel fi nally struggle with depression in ready resonated in the swim- bagged his fi rst victory 2015, but after competing as ming world. Micah Sumrall, of the US Swimming a relay swimmer at the 2016 winner of the 200m breast- Championships on Fri- Rio Olympics thought she was stroke, called Schmitt an in- day,C powering home to win the done with swimming for good. spiration. 100m butterfl y in 50.50sec and Schmitt entered graduate Sumrall, who formerly punch his ticket to the Pan Pa- school at Arizona State Uni- competed under her maiden cifi c Championships. versity, pursuing a masters name of Lawrence, recalled Dressel, who joined Michael degree in social work. “feeling like my world was Phelps as the only swimmers to A casual return to the pool coming down on me” at the win seven titles at a single World last September “to get in 2015 world championships – Championships with a stunning shape and get tan” only grad- the start of a spiral down from campaign in Budapest last year, ually evolved into a full-scale her swimming peak that saw also set himself up for next year’s comeback swimming with her fail to make the Rio Olym- Worlds in South Korea, with the ASU team led by her old pics. this meet and Pan Pacs serving coach, Bob Bowman. It wasn’t until about a year as qualifi ers for the biggest in- “At fi rst, I was like, ‘I met ago, after she was drawn back ternational meeting before the my quota, two practices a to the sport through teach- 2020 Tokyo Olympics. week,’” Schmitt said. ing and coaching, that Sum- The 21-year-old, who signed “But when the ASU team rall decided “OK, I’ll try this his fi rst professional spon- started asking if I was coming again”. sorship deal with Speedo this more, I was like, ‘OK, I don’t Schmitt is delighted to month after departing the ama- have anything to do this after- think that her experience can teur US collegiate ranks, had en- noon. I’ll come for two hours help another. dured a frustrating start to the to swim.’ “My voice is being heard, championships in Irvine, south “It turned into that, and and that’s the biggest thing of Los Angeles. I was having so much fun I can say out of any of this,” Sixth in the 100m freestyle with it,” said Schmitt, who Schmitt said. on Wednesday, he scratched the returned to a full training “To know that saying some- 200m free and fi nished second schedule in January. Although thing about mental health, in the 50m butterfl y – not good she entered this week’s cham- that it’s OK to not be OK... I’m enough to send him to Pan Pacs pionships with “no expecta- happy that if I’m vulnerable or Worlds. tions” she was grateful for and I can speak out about it, “I don’t know if nervous or the reminders from old friend then I can help someone else.” anxious is the correct word to use, just excited,” he said of his ALLISON SCHMITT state of mind heading into the 100m fl y. After fi nishing in front of Jack Conger (51.11) and Michael An- drew (51.68), he was still excited: “Excited to make the team.” Dressel said the 100m free was “just a really bad swim” and even Caeleb Dressel in action during the men’s 100m butterfly final at the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California. (AFP) said it was “refreshing” after the non-stop winning of last year. after winning the 400m IM in home ahead of Jay Litherland, Melanie Margalis and Leah Smith with a 50m breaststroke victory All in all, Dressel said, there 4:08.25. Kalisz improved his who was second in 4:10.21. settled for third and fourth. Kelsi in 29.86sec – 42-hundredths of was no need to panic, or even own season-leading time, but Ally McHugh sprung an im- Dahlia added the women’s 100m a second off the world mark she worry. with a personal best of 4:05.90 pressive surprise in the women’s fl y title to the 50m fl y she won on set last year. “I did what I needed to do and he wasn’t impressed by that. 400m medley, surging to the Thursday, clocking 56.83. Andrew came back from the right now we’re on the team,” he “The time wasn’t so great, but front on the fi nal freestyle leg Katie McLaughlin, who won 100m fl y to win the men’s 50m said. “That’s what this meet is that’s not what it’s about,” Kalisz to win in 4:34.80 - third-fastest relay gold at the 2015 World breast in 26.84, but the 19-year- for. There’s a lot left in the tank.” said. “It’s about getting on the time in the world this year. Championships before a neck old was shut out of the podium team and setting yourself up for McHugh, 21, headed 19-year- injury disrupted her career, was in the 50m backstroke – won by KALISZ WINS 400M IM Tokyo.” old Brooke Forde, who was sec- second in 57.51. World record- double Olympic backstroke gold Double medley world cham- Kalisz seized control on the ond in 4:35.02 as world and holder Lilly King sprinted onto medallist Ryan Murphy in an pion Chase Kalisz said the same breaststroke leg and powered Olympic relay gold medallists the World Championships team American record of 24.24.

NBA FOCUS Magic, Jeff erson agree to 2-way deal New Knicks coach By Josh Robbins Fizdale visits Orlando Sentinel AMILE JEFFERSON Porzingis in Latvia he Orlando Magic and forward Amile Jeff erson Reuters “We wanna make sure that have agreed on a two- New York he comes back strong and way contract for the up- healthy and we don’t want to Tcoming season, league sources rush it. We’ve had some really said. ew New York Knicks good conversations.” The two-way contract will al- coach David Fizdale Fizdale and wife Natasha low Jeff erson to spend up to 45 went a long way to enjoyed walking the streets of days on the Magic’s active or in- meet with All-Star Porzingis’ hometown, Liepaja, active roster during the 2018-19 Nforward Kristaps Porzingis. located on the west coast of season. Fizdale travelled to Por- Latvia, with Porzingis and his But Jeff erson, who is 6-feet- zingis’ home country of Latvia older brothers, Janis and Mar- 9, will spend the bulk of the sea- to get to know the franchise tins. son playing for the Magic’s G- player and to see how his re- “That’s what’s been great League affi liate in Lakeland. hab from major knee surgery is about this trip,” Fizdale said. Jeff erson’s two-way contract progressing. “You can dive right into it will be for one year, a league Porzingis tore the anterior and really get to feel the culture source told the Orlando Sentinel. cruciate ligament in his left and see his basketball world. An NBA team may have no knee on February 6 and isn’t See how people treat him in the more than two players on two- expected back until December. city.” way deals, and Jeff erson will be- “The NBA is a small world Adding to the importance come Orlando’s second two-way and you kinda know people of the visit is that Porzingis player for the season, joining from afar,” Fizdale told Latvian skipped his exit meeting with guard Troy Caupain. television network LSM. the team after last season Not including Jeff erson and “But this trip is more about due to his frustration with Caupain, the Magic already have getting to know him intimate- the drama permeating the 15 players signed to either par- ly. Know his family, franchise. tially guaranteed or fully guar- know where he’s from, kin- The 7-foot-3 Porzingis, who anteed contracts who fi gure to da get to see what made him turns 23 on Thursday, also is make the team’s regular-season ‘Kristaps.’” eligible for a fi ve-year, $157 roster. In addition to establishing million contract extension. Since 15 players is the maxi- rapport, Fizdale was highly in- Talks haven’t progressed and mum for a regular season, it terested in hearing about the may not until after Porzingis appears that unsigned second- knee as well as describing his is recovered from the ACL round pick Justin Jackson will upcoming season with Lakeland. Iowa Wolves. contract. be converted into a standard preferred style of play for the tear. not make the team’s regular- Jeff erson, 25, went undrafted In 47 games with Iowa, Jef- Any days Jeff erson spends NBA contract with the affi liate’s team. Porzingis averaging 22.7 season roster. Jackson, who in 2017 out of Duke and was ferson averaged 17.8 points per with Orlando before the start parent team as long as the parent “We’ve talked about his re- points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 missed most of his 2017-18 col- waived by the Minnesota Tim- game and led the G League in re- of Lakeland’s training camp or team has an available roster spot. hab. We’ve talked about how blocks in 48 games prior to lege season at Maryland due to a berwolves at the end of the bounding, averaging 12.9 boards after Lakeland’s regular season During a two-way contract, a we want to play, our style of his injury.He has averages of shoulder injury and didn’t play preseason. Jeff erson spent the per game. will not count toward his 45-day two-way player is permitted to play. Talked a lot about the 17.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and for Orlando’s summer league 2017-18 season playing for Min- In mid-January, the Timber- NBA limit. sign an NBA contract only with culture that we’re building,” 2.0 blocks in three NBA cam- team, seems likely to spend the nesota’s G-League affi liate, the wolves signed him to a two-way A two-way contract also can his current team. Fizdale said. paigns. Gulf Times Sunday, July 29, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF OBITUARY Lietzke, 13-times PGA Tour winner, American Tway on dies aged 67

Reuters New York

exan Bruce Lietzke, a top in Canada, No 1 prolifi c winner on the PGA Tour despite rarely practising, died yester- Tday at the age of 67, PGA Tour reported. He died in his home outside of Dallas after having battled an US Senior Open winner Bruce aggressive form of brain cancer Lietzke of Dallas, Texas holds Johnson on charge called glioblastoma, the tour up the trophy after winning the said. “Our PGA Tour family lost championship, at the Inverness Father shows way for Tway, Johnson finishes with birdies, Bradley has round of day a treasured member with the Club in Toledo, Ohio, June 29, death of Bruce Lietzke,” Com- 2003. (Reuters) missioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. 1977 and 1994. Lietzke was re- “He touched on parts of fi ve nowned for his sparse com- decades as a player, competed in petitive schedule, never playing 700 tournaments as a member more than 20 tournaments in a of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour single season after 1988. Plac- Champions.” ing his family before his career, Hall of Fame golfer and friend he regularly took a long summer Curtis Strange praised Lietzke break, one of the reasons he nev- for the life he led on and off the er won a major championship. course. “Bruce fought the hor- He played the British Open rifi c cancer glioblastoma with only three times, and did not all he had. We hunted, we fi shed, play the US Open after 1985, but most importantly, we all upon becoming a father. laughed with ‘Lieky’. He was tru- Lietzke’s best major result was ly one of the good guys,” Strange a runner-up fi nish to then-little said on his Twitter account. known long hitter John Daly at Lietzke had been diagnosed the 1991 PGA Championship at with brain cancer in 2017 and Bill Crooked Stick in Indiana. Rogers, the 1981 British Open He was renowned for rarely champion and Lietzke’s college practising, though some did not roommate; Jerry Pate, Lietzke’s necessarily believe him. In one brother-in-law; and two-time famous story, he told his caddie Masters champion Ben Cren- at the end of the 1984 season to shaw accompanied Lietzke for remove everything from his golf some early hospital appoint- bag except his clubs, because ments more than a year ago, PGA he planned to put them away in Tour reported. “He did it the his garage until he resumed his way he wanted to do it,” Rogers schedule the following year. said of Lietzke’s lifestyle, “and The caddie stuck a banana in truth, he lived out his dream.” in the bag to test whether Li- The consistent Lietzke made etzke was telling the truth. Sev- a reputation for a reliable swing eral months later, Lietzke fi nally that invariably generated a big opened his bag at his fi rst tour- fade and rarely ended in the nament of the season to an over- rough. It was a swing that earned whelming stench, his caddie no him 13 PGA Tour titles between longer a disbeliever.

India’s Shiv moves to second at Royal Cup Indian golfer Shiv Kapur carded a three-under 67 in the third and peultimate round to move into the second spot in the $500,000 Kevin Tway plays his shot from the 16th tee during the second round at the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP) Royal Cup yesterday. Defending champion Shiv’s total after the three days was nine- Reuters special. It would put them Leading 2nd round scores from the early starters as winds consecutive Canadian Opens, under 201 – two shots behind South African overnight leader Justin Toronto among a select few, including Al picked up in the afternoon. looked poised to make a move Harding, who battled to a one-over 71 to stay atop the leaderboard. and Brent Geiberger (1976, 2004 131-Kevin Tway 66-65 But the tougher conditions until bogeys on two of his last The highlight of Shiv’s round was three birdies in four holes, starting Greensboro events) and Jay and 132-Kim Whee (KOR) 67-65, Keegan did not disturb the big-hitting three holes forced the Venezue- from 14th hole. Prior to that he had two birdies against two bogeys merican Kevin Tway Bill Haas (1988, 2010 Bob Hope Bradley 69-63, Johnson, who powered his way lan to settle for a two-under 70, at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. is halfway to complet- Classics), to have achieved it. 133-An Byeong-hun (KOR) 66-67, to a 66 that was highlighted by dropping him eight back of the “Nothing much was happening up till hole 14 when I made a good ing a rare PGA Tour “He did it in ‘03, actually, so Johnson Wagner 68-65 an eagle and four birdies, in- lead. putt to get some momentum going. Had a good chip on hole 16 to father-son double af- that was 15 years ago. It would 134-Zac Blair 67-67, Joaquin Niemann cluding one at the last. Sergio Garcia got his day off make birdie and on 17 I holed a 30-footer for birdie again,” Shiv said terA grabbing the second-round be great to match with that,” (CHI) 67-67, Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 68- After missing his fi rst cut of to promising start with a birdie in an Asian Tour release. lead at the Canadian Open on said Tway, who is still looking 66, Dustin Johnson 68-66, the year at the British Open, on his opening hole but the 2017 “Happy with the way I finished since all the action happened for me Friday, while world number one for his maiden PGA Tour vic- 135-Nick Taylor (CAN) 68-67, Robert Johnson had no such concerns Masters champion could not on the last five holes. It was just one of those days where you stay Dustin Johnson stormed into tory. “I talk to dad every day and Garrigus 63-72, Andrew Putnam 67-68, in Canada getting to 10-under get anything going, returning a patient when the conditions are tough and you get rewarded.” contention with an error-free he’s given me insight on this Ian Poulter (ENG) 66-69, Rory Sab- to sit just three off the pace. two-over 74 that had the Span- The 32-year-old Harding reeled in 17 straight pars before dropping six-under-par 66. course. batini (RSA) 68-67 “The golf course is in too good a iard missing the four-under cut his first bogey of the week on the 54th hole, reducing his overnight Tway, whose father Bob won “We talk about every round. shape not to have to go low,” said by a stroke. lead to two. American Jarin Todd posted a 69 to stay three shots off the event in 2003, carded eight He can probably tell you what Johnson, a two-time winner on Also missing the cut were US the pace. New Zealand’s Mark Brown and Japanese Naoto Nakanishi birdies with a single bogey for kind of shots I’m hitting just by gle fi nish. “It turned kind of an the PGA Tour this season. Open champion Brooks Koep- shared the fourth spot on seven-under 203 total. a seven-under 65 at Glen Ab- like watching on TV.” average day out here into some- “Today was fairly windy but ka, twice Masters and three After Shiv, next best Indian was Gaganjeet Bhullar, who scored a 69 bey, putting him top of the lea- Kim also enjoyed a bogey- thing really special,” said Brad- with the greens being receptive time winner this season Bubba to share the ninth spot with five others at five-under 205 total. derboard at 13-under and a shot free performance, signing for ley. “There’s not many courses you’re going to have to attack Watson, and Kevin Kisner, who Viraj Madappa was tied 24th on two-under 208 total (70-69-69). clear of South Korea’s Kim Whee a 65, but it was Bradley who you can do that on like you can the golf course and you’re going was unable to build on the mo- S Chikka scored 67 to take his total to one-under 209 – same as and American Keegan Bradley. produced the round of the day out here.” to have to shoot low.” mentum from his runner-up Honey Baisya as they tied for the 30th spot. One stroke behind the Tway said winning the same fi ring a nine-under 63 that fea- Most of the names at the Jhonattan Vegas, trying to fi nish at the British Open. pair were Khalin Joshi and Himmat Rai. event as his father would be tured a birdie, eagle, birdie, ea- top of the leaderboard came become the fi rst to win three

TENNIS FOCUS Athletics Integrity Mayer back in Hamburg fi nal Unit backs new IAAF Reuters back from a set down to take the Hamburg other semi-fi nal. Potapova, the 2016 Wimbledon girls’ singles anti-doping rules champion, struck 26 winners in efending champion an hard-hitting display before Reuters country’s track and fi eld team Leonardo Mayer saved her Slovenian opponent Tamara Monaco banned from the 2016 Rio Olym- a match point before Zidansek, who was struggling pics, has cast a long and endur- beating Slovakian with illness, retired, trailing 3-6 ing shadow over athletics. qualifiD er Jozef Kovalik 6-7(6) 6-4 5-2. he Athletics Integrity The AIU was set up a year ago 6-4 7-6(7) to reach his third Unit (AIU) has wel- as part of the IAAF’s eff ort to German Tennis Championships WANG STROLLS PAST comed new anti-doping separate itself from anti-dop- fi nal in fi ve years yesterday. LINETTE regulations in the sport ing and corruption and rebuild Mayer survived early on- China’s second seed Wang Tthat put greater responsibility on athlete and fan confi dence in slaught from Kovalik in a near Qiang produced a clinical dis- national federations. the sport. The AIU fi rst raised three-hour thriller, fi ring 42 play to reach her fi rst WTA fi nal Following an International the idea of the new rules with winners, including 28 off his with a 7-5 6-2 win over Poland’s Association of Athletics Fed- the IAAF council in Novem- forehand. Kovalik, ranked 113 in Magda Linette at the Jiangxi erations (IAAF) council meet- ber and after discussions with the world, snatched the open- Open yesterday. ing, national federations will all stakeholders recommended ing set in a tiebreak but Mayer The 26-year-old Wang broke be divided into three categories the amendments at this week’s responded with an immediate her Polish opponent’s serve with diff ering obligations based meeting in Buenos Aires. early break to force a decider. twice in each set and won the on their level of success and the The IAAF said four member Both players struggled to Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer returns the ball to Jozef Kovalik of Slovakia during their semi-final of the last fi ve games of the match to perceived risk of doping. federations – Kenya, Ethiopia, test the opponent’s serve in the ATP tennis tournament in Hamburg yesterday. (AFP) seal victory. Although Linette “For too long the strict re- Belarus, Ukraine – would con- third set, and it was Kovalik who struck more winners, 21 to quirements of the anti-doping stitute the current watchlist of looked likely to move into the fi - who overcame big-hitting Chil- Danilovic, who overcame world fi nal set to level at 5-5 but could Wang’s 17, she was undone by 35 rules have fallen largely onto Category A, which includes the nal after grabbing a match point ean Nicolas Jarry 7-5 0-6 6-1 in number 10 Julia Goerges in not seize the initiative, with unforced errors over the course athletes,” AIU chairman David members most at risk of doping. at 6-5 in the fi nal tiebreak. the other semi-fi nal. the quarter-fi nals, started the Danilovic dominating the rallies of the match. Howman said in a statement. Athletes from those coun- Mayer, whose two tour-level match on the front foot as she to set up a third chance to serve It was Wang’s fi rst victory “The IAAF Council should tries will have to undergo at titles have come on Hamburg DANILOVIC STUNS converted two break points to out the match. over Linette, having lost their be congratulated for adopting least three out-of-competition clay, fought back with deep SASNOVICH claim the opening set against A long forehand from Sas- previous three encounters. She innovative new rules that also doping tests in the 10 months return to force an error from Serbian lucky loser Olga Sasnovich. Danilovic continued novich gave Danilovic – who will face Zheng Saisai in today’s make all of its member fed- prior to a world championships Kovalik. Five points later, the Danilovic reached her fi rst WTA to be the aggressor in the sec- was granted a place despite all-Chinese fi nal. erations accountable on anti- or Olympics. The power to cat- 31-year-old Argentine put away fi nal with a stunning upset of ond set but a couple of miscues initially failing to qualify – vic- “I am very happy with the doping matters. This will help egorise members into one of a crisp volley to seal a remark- fi fth seed Aliaksandra Sasnov- allowed her Belarusian oppo- tory and a place in the fi nal result. I didn’t think too much ensure lasting and meaningful three groups will rest with the able win. Standing between ich, 6-2 5-7 7-5 at the Moscow nent to force a decider. on Moscow clay against fel- about (the head-to-head),” change in athletics.” AIU board and the new rules will him and a third Hamburg title is River Cup yesterday. Sasnovich fought back from low teenager, Russian wildcard Wang said on-court. “I just The doping scandal involving come into eff ect from 2019, a Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili, Seventeen-year-old two breaks of serve down in the Anastasia Potapova, who came tried to play one shot at a time.” Russian athletes, which saw the year before the Tokyo Olympics.

Sunday, July 29, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CYCLING / TOUR DE FRANCE FORMULA 1 Vettel sees hope in Thomas virtually Hungary despite qualifying woe

AFP “It was a tricky session and it Budapest could have been anything. I think in the dry, we were pretty much in control. Obviously, it wasn’t secures ‘incredible’ ebastian Vettel re- dry this afternoon, so it wasn’t mained hopeful, if not meant to be. confi dent, that he and “But we will see tomorrow. It’s Ferrari can bounce back not easy. It’s better if you start andS triumph at the Hungar- from fi rst, but we’re starting ian Grand Prix despite qualifying from fourth so we’re focussed on only fourth yesterday. winning from fourth.” The championship-chasing Vettel was out-qualifi ed by Fer- Tour de France title German looked to be sure of suc- rari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen cess until heavy rain aff ected for only the third time this year, qualifying and handed the initia- but the Finn was also not happy. Team Sky rider finishes third behind Dumoulin and Froome in individual time trial tive to Lewis Hamilton and Mer- “There was defi nitely a chance cedes who secured a front row I could have put it on pole in AFP lockout. these conditions,” said Raikko- Espelette, France “I don’t think there was an nen, who has had eight podium awful lot missing, but we weren’t fi nishes at the Hungaroring. quick enough,” he explained. “I was unlucky with the last ritain’s Geraint Thomas virtu- “It was diffi cult in the wet and run. We changed tyres and there ally secured his maiden Tour de diffi cult to squeeze everything was a lot of grip, but we got stuck France triumph after fi nishing out of the car. behind the Haas — there was a lot third in the penultimate stage “I think the laps that I had of spray and it was impossible to timeB trial in the Basque country yester- were fi ne, but just not quick see or improve.” day. enough. In the wet conditions, Hamilton leads Vettel by 17 “I don’t know what to say. It’s just we are not as confi dent as in the points in the drivers champion- overwhelming,” said Thomas, who fi n- dry, so there’s work to do. ship. ished 14sec behind stage winner Tom Du- moulin of Sunweb on the last real test of the race before today’s fi nal stage to Paris. “I didn’t think about winning the Tour de France for the whole race and sudden- ly... I’ve won the Tour, man! “I can’t speak. It’s just incredible.” “It was stressful. I believed I could beat the guys here,” he added. “It was the biggest stage of all over three weeks. It’s wonderful!” Thomas, of Team Sky, held a 2min 05sec overnight lead on Dutch rival Du- moulin (Sunweb) ahead of the 31km race against the clock from Saint-Pee-Sur- Nivelle to Espelette. Dumoulin is the world time trial cham- pion, and he stayed true to form by pow- ering over the technical course in a time of 40min 50sec to leave Thomas 14sec in arrears. But it was only enough to secure his virtual runner-up place in the race, Du- Team Sky’s British rider Geraint Thomas, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, rides during the 20th stage of the Tour de France, Schumacher’s son wins fi rst race in moulin’s second in a Grand Tour this a 31km individual time-trial between Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle and Espelette, France, yesterday. (AFP) F3 junior motorsport category year after he fi nished runner-up to Chris Froome at the Giro d’Italia in May, but his fi rst on the Tour. STAGE 20 RESULTS Germany’s Mick Schumacher, One titles. Schumacher Senior 1. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) 40:52 the son of Formula One great made his F1 debut at Spa in SKINSUIT DRAMA Michael Schumacher, won 1991 and won his first race He initially thought he had lost by a sec- 2. Christopher Froome (GBR/SKY) +0:01 his first Formula Three race there a year later. ond, before being told the contrary. 3. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) +0:14 yesterday on the famed Spa “It is a great feeling to win in “I fi rst heard that I was second by one 4. Michal Kwiatkowski (POL/SKY) +0:50 track. Spa,” Mick told reporters. second but it’s the other way round and The 19-year-old triumphed His father suff ered a serious 5. Soren K Andersen (DEN/SUN) +0:51 it’s crazy,” said Dumoulin, who suff ered in the junior category on a brain injury in a skiing acci- a mishap when he lost his aerodynamic 6. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) +0:52 circuit loved by his father, who dent in 2013 and has not been skinsuit. 7. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) +1:02 won a record seven Formula seen in public since. “I was so nervous this morning. We 8. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) +1:12 found out that we lost the skinsuit. Luckily our clothing sponsor is from the 9. Marc Soler (ESP/MOV) +1:22 Basque country on the Spanish side and 10. Michael Hepburn (AUS/MIT) +1:23 UPDATE they made a new one this morning so I could wear it for racing. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able OVERALL STANDINGS to ride in the rainbow colours (for the 1. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Sky) 80:30:37 Force India goes into world champion). “It’s hard to believe that I’ve won this 2. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) +1:51 time trial. But it’s fantastic to fi nish the 3. Christopher Froome (GBR/SKY) +2:24 administration, to Tour this way and make the fi nal podium 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) +3:22 for the fi rst time.” Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin celebrates on the podium after winning the 20th stage. Froome, the defending and four-time 5. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) +6:08 operate as ‘normal’ Tour de France champion, produced the failed to follow up his feat on the time into the arms of his wife. 6. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) +6:57 second best performance of the day, fi n- trial. He fi nished seventh at 1:12 behind “The last time I cried is when I got 7. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) +7:37 Reuters ishing just one second behind Dumoulin Dumoulin. married,” said Thomas. Force India feel no 8. Daniel Martin (IRL/EAU) +9:05 Budapest to move back up to third place overall. “It’s unbelievable,” said Froome. Barring catastrophe today, when the bitterness to Perez Froome had been pushed down to “After yesterday (Friday) I thought it peloton rides from Houilles to Paris in fes- 9. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) +12:37 in court move fourth, and off the podium, when Primoz wouldn’t be possible. To be on the podi- tive spirit before the sprinters take over for a 10. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 14:1845 dministrators for Force Roglic’s attack and consequent stage win um alongside Geraint is a dream.” battle on the Champs Elysees, Thomas will India said yesterday The Force India Formula One in the fi nal day in the mountains Friday Thomas, who has helped Froome win win Team Sky’s sixth yellow jersey from the the Formula One team team said yesterday that they left the Kenyan-born Briton struggling. several of his six Grand Tour titles, cel- last seven editions of the race. 2012, while Froome won the race in 2013 would continue to op- feel no animosity towards But Slovenian Roglic, of Lotto-Jumbo, ebrated at the end of the stage by jumping Bradley Wiggins won their fi rst, in and 2015-2017. erateA as normal while future op- leading driver Sergio Perez tions were assessed. for taking legal action that led The team, co-owned by In- to them going into adminis- BOTTOMLINE dian businessman Vijay Mallya, tration. went into administration on Fri- The team’s deputy principal day after a High Court hearing in Bob Fernley made this clear London. when drivers Esteban Ocon Even a rocket ship won’t help: Alonso airs frustration “We shall be engaging with key and Perez qualified 18th and stakeholders on an urgent basis 19th for today’s Hungarian AFP was so near-perfect given that “we’ve seen someone do a 28.7 to secure the best outcome for Grand Prix. Budapest he could, at the same time, ap- in the fi nal sector — so there is a creditors,” said the joint admin- “There can’t be any ani- pear to be locked in amusing ar- possibility.” istrator Geoff Rowley in a state- mosity,” Fernley told www. guments about the next choice “Yes and nine seconds lost in ment issued by FRP Advisory. autosport.com. ewis Hamilton apart, of tyres — intermediates or wets the second sector,” he respond- “In the meantime, the team “Whatever happens, like Fernando Alonso may — and watching the action on ed. “I saw the TV as well.” will continue to operate as nor- everybody else, ‘Checo’ be the man most worth giant screens around the circuit. Such an exchange has become mal, including racing in Hungary (Perez) is entitled to be paid. watching — and listening With only minutes remain- typical of his radio chats with this weekend. Unfortunately we were not in Lto — in today’s Hungarian Grand ing in Q2, it was of scant interest McLaren while racing at speeds “Our aim is for business as a position to be able to pay Prix. to Alonso even if the voice from of up to and beyond 250km/h. usual whilst we assess options to him, and patience runs out The two-time world champi- McLaren’s pit-wall was ada- Indeed, Alonso’s radio chan- secure the future of the team.” for everybody. So, that’s a on, who will start the race from mant that a choice was required. nel is one of the most popular Force India have fi nished process. 11th on the grid in his McLaren, McLaren: “Fernando — do — frequently chosen to be trans- fourth in the championship for “I don’t think we in any way will be celebrating his 37th you think we should do a new set mitted on the international tel- the last two years and are cur- look negatively at him. The birthday. of inters or wets? New inters or evision feed — much to his clear rently fi fth in a tight midfi eld responsibility for payment is Given that landmark, an ad- wets?” annoyance. battle. on the team, not on Checo. vanced age for a top sportsman Alonso: “I think we should go to “I don’t know what problem Their drivers are Mexican Ser- He’s been put in a diff icult and well-matured for a Formula the garage and see the conditions. they have — to put my radio al- gio Perez and Frenchman Este- position. I think we have to One driver, the absence of any With the wets we can go out, but if ways — and I don’t know what ban Ocon, who is backed by en- respect his position, and not clarity over his future and his we are 25 seconds slower then it is was not normal about the con- gine provider Mercedes. criticise it.” current waspish mood, both his just running for nothing. We need versation, when the track is get- Force India’s problems are Perez’s Mexican sponsorship racing and his radio messages to improve the P11.” ting worse,” he complained. well-documented, with team has been a mainstay of the should be entertaining. McLaren: “Ok, Fernando. If “You cannot improve any principal Mallya fi ghting an at- team’s operations since he This year’s winner with Toyo- we did that, we would just have more the times. You chat about tempt by India to extradite him joined in 2014 and helps to ta at the Le Mans 24-Hours race McLaren’s Fernando Alonso signs autographs for fans. (Reuters) time...it would be only for one which tyres to put and if it’s from Britain to face charges of ensure he is paid his salary. is widely regarded as one of the timed lap at the end. It would be worth doing another run or not. fraud, which he denies. greatest drivers of his era — a since 2012 and without a podi- humorous sideshow. one at the end.” It’s their favourite hobby! So, In a letter to Force India em- pole-sitter at 21 and a winner at um fi nish since 2014. During the rain-hit session Alonso: “I don’t know, mate. good luck to them.” ployees, seen by Reuters, Mallya said was owed 159mn pounds 22, in the same season, he was a The tag of “greatest of his at the Hungaroring, his skill in Put whatever tyre you want! The As to the actual driving, he confi rmed Perez had fi led the ($208.43mn) compared to the record-breaker. time” may not hang heavily, but the wet was clearly undimmed last sector is impossible so, even said he was happy. petition, with BWT stating that largest of the smaller creditors Yet having won 30 Grands as his radio conversation re- by the torrential rain as he per- if you put on a rocket-ship, we “I think it was a lucky Satur- their sponsorship amounts were being owed less than 10mn. Prix before his 30th birthday vealed yesterday he seems con- formed with elan in an uneasy will still be 11th.” day, a good qualifying, P11, close only loans. Mallya, who is currently un- and raced for two of the greatest tent to have become an enter- car. All of which came after he had to the points, so I am happy. But Mallya also identifi ed the able to leave Britain, said both he teams in the sport — Ferrari and tainer, not a winner. To those listening, it was re- already produced another one- we need something more on largest creditor as the team’s and his deputy Bob Fernley re- McLaren — he has been winless A frustrated, grumbling, but markable that his car control liner to remember when told Sunday.” own holding company which he mained in their positions.