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Sunday, July 10, 2016 FOOTBALL Shawwal 5, 1437 AH France count on GULF TIMES lucky seven to spoil Ronaldo show SPORT Page 2 Supreme Serena Williams had been stuck on 21 Grand Slams since winning last year’s Wimbledon, but the American star ended that frustrating barren spell to retain the title and draw level with Steff i Graf’s Open era record

Serena Williams celebrates beating Germany’s Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon final yesterday. At bottom, Williams and Kerber smile as they hold their trophies

AFP In a testament to her remarkable longevity recent rise after advising her compatriot. London as the sport’s preeminent force, Serena is once Showing she has heeded Graf’s words of again Wimbledon’s queen 14 years after her fi rst wisdom, Kerber had sprinted to the fi nal with- success at the All England Club. out dropping a set in her six matches and she erena Williams powered to her sev- Equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record matched Serena blow for blow in a tense fi rst enth Wimbledon crown as the world of 24 Grand Slam titles will be Serena’s next set. number one finally claimed a record- goal. Kerber, in her fi rst Wimbledon fi nal and sec- equalling 22nd major title with a 7-5, The 71st singles title of Williams’ astonish- ond major title match, was moving Williams 6-3S victory over Angelique Kerber in yester- ing career also moved her within two of Martina into awkward positions with her left-handed day’s final. Navratilova’s all-time record of nine Wimble- ground-strokes. Williams had been stuck on 21 Grand Slams don triumphs. But Serena kept slugging away and the since winning last year’s Wimbledon, but the Showing signs of cracking under the pres- barrage eventually proved too much for the American star ended that frustrating barren sure of her bid for tennis immortality, Williams 28-year-old to resist. spell to retain the title and draw level with Steffi had cut a grumpy fi gure for much of the tourna- A sequence of blistering ground-strokes Graf’s Open era record. ment, earning a fi ne for racquet smashing and rocked the German deep behind the baseline on Serena was pushed hard by Kerber in a high- threatening to sue Wimbledon offi cials if she set point, forcing a fatal error that Serena cel- quality clash lasting 81 minutes on Centre was injured on a wet court. ebrated with a defi ant shriek and a prolonged Court, but the German fourth seed eventually But a serene focus came over Williams double-fi st pump. crumbled under a barrage of 39 winners and 13 with the trophy in sight and she delivered a Kerber was still competing gamely in the aces from the defending champion. 48-minute masterclass against Elena Vesnina second set, but when she fi nally earned a fi rst “It’s a great feeling to be here. Angelique in the quickest semi-fi nal in Wimbledon his- break point in the seventh game, Williams got brings out great tennis in me,” said Serena. tory. out of trouble with a pair of imperious aces. “Number 22 is awesome. Centre Court feels With pop royalty Beyonce and Jay-Z among The German’s look of resignation suggested like home.” Serena’s entourage in the players’ box, Williams the end was in sight and so it proved as Serena Kerber said the American was a great cham- fi nally hit the right notes after so many recent broke in the next game. pion. “Serena you deserve it, you are a great disappointments. Serena’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou says she champion and great person. We played a great In her ninth Wimbledon fi nal and 28th at enjoys her major triumphs for little more than match,” said Kerber. the majors, Williams had a golden opportunity fi ve minutes before switching her attention to “It’s an honour to play on Centre Court and to seize the initiative in Kerber’s fi rst service the next target. a great feeling.” game, but the German showed her mettle as she But judging by the joyous way Williams Having avenged her shock loss against Ker- after collecting a cheque for £2 mn ($2.5mn, acy at a time when doubters were beginning nervelessly saved three break points. slumped fl at on her back on Centre Court when ber in the Australian Open fi nal in January, Wil- 2.3mn euros). to question the 34-year-old’s hunger for more Given Williams’ pursuit of Graf’s historic Kerber miscued on match point, the sweet taste liams was wreathed in smiles as she paraded But the far more signifi cant reward is the silverware after consecutive Slam fi nal defeats landmark, it was a delicious twist that the of this historic success might linger a little the Venus Rosewater Dish around Centre Court knowledge she has reestablished her suprem- this year. 47-year-old had played a role in Kerber’s longer. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 10, 2016 EURO 2016

PORTUGAL VS FRANCE 10PM Hosts France count on lucky seven to spoil Ronaldo show Portuguese No 7 takes on a diff erent challenger in France’s Antoine Griezmann, this time for European supremacy

Reuters in the fi nal of a major event Paris only once before, when they lost 1-0 to Greece in the title match of the 2004 European he fate of today’s in- Championship on home soil, triguing European with a 19-year-old Ronaldo Championship fi nal in their team. between France and “Twelve years on and I’m TPortugal weighs largely on in another fi nal,” said the Real two men wearing the number Madrid forward. “This makes seven shirt, one already at the me proud, I always dreamed top of the game and the other about winning something for one getting there fast. Portugal and I hope it will be Cristiano Ronaldo, accus- this time.” tomed to fi ghting with Lionel Portugal, who have won Messi for the right to be called only one match over 90 min- the best player in the world, utes in this tournament, have takes on a diff erent challeng- yet to sparkle, although there er in France’s Antoine Griez- was some improvement in mann, this time for European their semi-fi nal, notably supremacy. from Ronaldo, who scored a The pair know each other majestic headed goal. well, having faced each other “I’m certain that the whole six weeks ago in the Cham- group will think of it as the pions League fi nal in which game of their lives because Griezmann missed a penalty Portugal have never won a for Atletico Madrid in regular title,” midfi elder Joao Mario time before Ronaldo sealed told reporters. city rivals Real’s victory by Their down-to-earth converting the decisive spot coach, Fernando Santos, said kick in the shootout. the tournament was not a Since the start of Euro style contest and only victory 2016, Griezmann has bounced mattered. back from that disappoint- “I judge my team by ment, scoring six goals, a feat whether we play well or no player had achieved at one badly, not by whether we are tournament since France great pretty or ugly,” he said at one Michel Platini hit a record nine point during Euro 2016. at the 1984 fi nals. France will start as slight Ronaldo, by contrast, had favourites, having won their to soak up a lot of criticism last 10 meetings with Portu- after lacklustre showings gal dating back to 1975, and by his high standards before having scored seven goals in playing a decisive role by their last two games in the scoring a goal and setting up competition. another in a 2-0 semi-fi nal Les Bleus can also rely win over Wales. on passionate support from Griezmann was even more home fans desperate for impressive in France’s semi- something to celebrate af- fi nal win over world cham- ter going through strikes and pions Germany, scoring both violent protests against a la- goals in a 2-0 victory to give bour law, as well as a state of the host nation their fi rst win emergency still in force since over the Germans in a com- last November’s Islamist at- petitive match in 58 years. tacks killed 130 people in The two now hold the keys Paris at several sites including to today’s fi nal, in which the Stade de France, venue for France will chase a third Eu- today’s fi nal. ropean title after 1984 and “It was our duty to win 2000 and a third triumph on matches to give the French home soil after Euro 1984 and joy and reach the end,” said the 1998 World Cup. Griezmann. “I hope we will Portugal have featured make it a beautiful end.”

Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis SUMMARY Cup campaign in the semi-finals. de France; they previously lost 4-0 (April us under pressure.” Euro 2016 capacity: 80,000 Two-time winners and hosts France take That winning streak stretches back over 2001) and 2-1 (October 2014) to Les Bleus at — Portugal coach Fernando Santos on Portugal in the 2016 final 40 years to a 2-0 friendly success for Portugal the home of the French national team. FORM GUIDE (LATEST FIRST) France have won the last ten games at the Parc des Princes in April 1975, Nene and “We haven’t had a chance to work on tactics Portugal: WWWDD between the two sides, most recently a Marinho scoring the goals. COACHES SPEAK since the semi-final. It’s all been about re- France: WWWDW friendly in Lisbon in September 2015 in which In their only previous major final, Portugal “France showed their quality against Ger- covering from the match. Of course I would Mathieu Valbuena scored the only goal. Their lost 1-0 to Greece in the UEFA EURO 2004 de- many; they respected their opponent and have liked 24 hours more to prepare for the HEAD-TO-HEAD last competitive encounter also ended 1-0 cider – a defeat made all the more agonising won in their style. I don’t think France will final. It’s all been about getting the bodies Portugal Draw France in France’s favour, a Zinedine Zidane penalty by the fact that they were tournament hosts. have the same game plan against us; I think and minds ready for tomorrow.” 5 1 18 enough to end Portugal’s 2006 FIFA World This is Portugal’s third game at the Stade — France coach Didier Deschamps

Match guide Match they’ll come out strong and then try to put

BOOST Five previous Portugal vs France clashes Portugal’s Pepe fi t November 1959 winner by a French poster boy. Seeking to FRANCE 5 PORTUGAL 3 (friendly) complete a world and European double, The most high-scoring encounter Roger Lemerre’s France fell behind to between the teams saw France prevail Portugal in Brussels when Nuno Gomes’s for Euro 2016 fi nal courtesy of a hat-trick from Reims striker snapshot earned Portugal a 19th-minute Just Fontaine, 13-goal top scorer at the lead. But Nicolas Anelka set up Thierry previous year’s World Cup in Sweden. In Henry for an equaliser in the 51st minute, front of 48,111 fans at Stade de Colombes sending the game to extra time. With in Paris, goals from Fontaine, Pierre Gril- penalties beckoning, Portugal right- let and Lucien Muller put France 3-0 up back Abel Xavier blocked a goal-bound inside 22 minutes. Belenenses forward shot from Sylvain Wiltord with his hand Matateu and Domiciano Cavem trimmed and after lengthy Portuguese protests, the deficit later in the first half. But Zinedine Zidane swept in a golden goal Fontaine’s quick-fire second-half double penalty. There was more late drama in completed his hat-trick and gave France the final, and another golden goal, as victory, rendering Matateu’s 76th-minute David Trezeguet’s 103rd-minute strike eff ort immaterial. sank Italy.

April 1975 July 2006 FRANCE 0 PORTUGAL 2 (friendly) FRANCE 1 PORTUGAL 0 France left Stade de Colombes for the (World Cup semi-final) Parc des Princes in 1972, but they re- Zidane was on target again six years later turned to their former home three years as France emerged victorious from the Portugal’s defender Pepe (right) jokes with teammates as he arrives later for a friendly against Portugal. Nei- most prestigious game between the two for a training session in Marcoussis, outskirts of Paris, yesterday. (AFP) ther side had graced a major tournament sides prior to Euro 2016. Having reversed since the 1966 World Cup and a low-qual- In this July 5, 2006, picture, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) vies for the ball with his decision to retire from international AFP But he played a full part in ity contest was decided by two errors. France’s William Gallas (left) and Franck Ribery during the 2006 World Cup semi-final football before the tournament, Zidane Saint-Denis, France training with his teammates at Benfica great Nene put Portugal ahead in in Munich, Germany. France won the match 1-0. had already inspired France to knockout- Portugal’s Marcoussis base yes- the 21st minute after France goalkeeper round wins over Spain and Brazil by the terday and said that he was ready Rene Charrier failed to gather a low cross. between the teams, hosts and favourites before Jean Tigana’s jinking run teed up time he came up against his former Real ortugal centre-back to take to the fi eld against Didier Shortly after the hour, Marinho capital- France progressed after a dizzyingly French talisman Michel Platini to slam Madrid teammate Luis Figo in Munich. Pepe declared himself fi t Deschamps’s side. ised on a loose touch by Jean-Francois dramatic contest at Marseille’s Stade home a 119th-minute winner. Platini As in 2000, he decided the game from for today’s Euro 2016 fi - “I feel great. I’m fully fi t and Jodar and finished with a deft lob to seal Velodrome. Jean-Francois Domergue would be on target again in the final as the penalty spot, beating Ricardo from 12 nal against hosts France can be chosen to play tomorrow,” what remains Portugal’s last victory over gave France a 25th-minute lead with a France defeated Spain 2-0 to claim their yards in the 33rd minute after Henry had Pat Stade de France. he told a press conference at Sta- France. blistering free-kick, only for Rui Jordao’s first major trophy. been tripped by Ricardo Carvalho. Zidane The wily Real Madrid defender, de de France yesterday. looping 74th-minute header to send the netted again from the spot in the final — 33, missed Portugal’s 2-0 semi-fi - Portugal are appearing in June 1984 game to extra time. The Angola-born June 2000 on his last professional appearance — but nal win over Wales on Wednesday only their second major fi nal FRANCE 3 PORTUGAL 2 striker struck again in the ninth minute of FRANCE 2 PORTUGAL 1 was later sent off for headbutting Marco due to a thigh injury, with Bruno after Euro 2004, when as hosts (European Championship semi-final) the extra period with a deflected volley, (European Championship semi-final) Materazzi as France lost on penalties to Alves taking his place, and trained they suff ered a shock 1-0 loss to In the first competitive encounter but Domergue stabbed in an equaliser Another last-four clash, another last-gasp Italy in Berlin. separately on Friday. Greece. Gulf Times Sunday, July 10, 2016 3 EURO 2016

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Ronaldo lethal by France want to make land and air, says France coach ‘history’ aft er team Deschamps

AFP Deschamps is wary of his aerial Saint-Denis prowess. “He’s a really great player with athletic quality, particularly in strife: skipper Lloris rance coach Didier Des- the air,” said the former France champs urged his players captain, who has a fully fi t squad to be constantly mindful at his disposal. ‘We have climbed back up the slope, we have done it step by step’ of Cristiano Ronaldo in “He really hangs in the air today’sF Euro 2016 fi nal and in- — those chocolate squares (ab- AFP sisted that the Ballon d’Or will dominal muscles) don’t count Paris be a battle between the Portugal for nothing. captain and Lionel Messi. “In football, the most diffi cult Deschamps said he wanted things to fi ght against are pace rance want to write football “history” France’s rising star Antoine and aerial ability. It will be im- by winning the Euro 2016 fi nal at home Griezmann to be on the world portant to remain attentive and six years after a damaging player revolt player of the year list but he restrict his infl uence.” and as the country recovers from the would have to wait to get the Deschamps, 47, is bidding to ParisF attacks, captain Hugo Lloris said yester- honour. win his fi rst trophy as France day. “Antoine is still a young play- manager, having previously led With Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal also rid- er, even if he has had a very great the country to glory as a player ing a wave of national fervour ahead of today’s season. Ronaldo has been at the in the 1998 World Cup and the fi nal at the Stade France, the home team are summit for seven or eight years. 2000 European Championship. suddenly national heroes after several years of There are two men in for the Bal- Asked how he transmitted his scandal and disappointment. lon d’Or — its between him and winning mentality to his players, Lloris told of the enormous eff ort made to Messi,” said the coach. he said: “It’s the quality of the lift the French team out of “crisis” and into Deschamps accepts that Ron- players, above all, and the team contention for a potential title and also the aldo is often unstoppable. spirit. It’s my work with my staff . impact of the November 13 attacks which left “If there’s an anti-Ronaldo “We’ve had two years of 130 dead. plan, no-one’s found it,” Des- friendly matches (because “We have come through a crisis in French champs told a press conference France, as hosts, did not have to football,” the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper at Stade de France yesterday. qualify). We didn’t win them all, told a press conference. Ronaldo, 31, carries his coun- but we did our best to preserve “We have climbed back up the slope, we try’s hopes of victory into the that team spirit. have done it step by step. fi nal, where Fernando Santos “There’s nothing greater than “But building a great team takes a lot of hopes to become the fi rst coach winning and you have to do eve- time. With the Germans and the Spanish, suc- to lead Portugal to a major title. rything to get there. Football is cess was not created overnight. You cannot The Real Madrid megas- not an exact science and it often buy experience. tar provided an illustration of comes down to the little things. “Tomorrow we have the chance to go into his gifts with a majestic, soar- “But when you feel like you’ve French football history, it is a unique time in a ing header in Portugal’s 2-0 given everything, you have no re- player’s career,” said Lloris. semi-fi nal win over Wales and grets.” France won the World Cup on home terri- tory in 1998, when coach Didier Deschamps captained the side. Deschamps was called upon to recreate the side in 2012 after the na- tional team hit rock bottom with a player strike at the 2010 World Cup.

BACK FROM A ‘LOW’ The suspension of star striker Karim Benzema this year over his link to an attempted sextape blackmail added to the troubles. Defender Bacary Sagna said the 2010 revolt over a dispute between striker Nicolas Anelka and then-coach Raymond Domenech “was clearly a mistake” that had scarred the na- tional side. “We took French football to an all-time low, we showed a very bad image. It has taken a lot of eff ort, a lot of work to improve our reputation. Six years on, we are getting closer,” said Sagna. Lloris told how France’s run to the fi nal had given the country “an escape” after the trauma of the November 13 attacks, which included suicide bombers trying to get into the national stadium as France played Germany. “Of course we’ve had some very diffi cult times this year, both with those tragic events, but also with events that have gone on off the fi eld,” he said. “The French people really needed to es- cape via this competition, and sport has this strength: to unite people.” When asked about the groundswell of sup- port for the French team, midfi elder Joao Mario said: “They can believe that but 100 percent of the Portuguese people believe in a Portugal win. He added: “We believe in ourselves, we have always believed. The coach has given us this confi dence, this spirit.” A Portugal win would help banish the heart- ache of losing the 2004 Euro fi nal at home to Greece. Photos of Ronaldo crying after the game have become enduring images. The star striker declared this week that he France’s skipper and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (#1) celebrates the team’s win over Germany in the Euro 2016 semi-final with his wants to be “crying with joy” today. teammates at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Thursday. (AFP) Didier Deschamps is bidding to win his first trophy as France manager.

BOTTOMLINE Euro fi nal extra special for Portugal’s ‘French’ trio

AFP 2016, including their 2-0 semi-fi nal victory France which the French won 2-1. Paris over Wales. He did not appear on the fi eld but he heard The son of a Portuguese fan of Benfi ca, the national anthems from his place on the Guerreiro was 12 years old when he integrat- bench. alented left-back Raphael Guerreiro ed the French national academy at Claire- “I sang the Portuguese anthem, but when is one of three members of the Por- fontaine, where he was with current France the French anthem played the words of ‘La tuguese squad who will be facing the star Paul Pogba. Marseillaise’ also came into my head,” he country of his birth in today’s Euro said. T2016 fi nal against France. VALBUENA’S NEIGHBOUR The third ‘Frenchman’ in the Portuguese Guerreiro and goalkeeper Anthony Lopes Sporting Lisbon midfi elder Silva, 27, did not squad has not featured at the Euros but is the were born and brought up in France, which is feature as Portugal laboured through the most familiar to football fans in France. home to a huge Portuguese migrant popula- group stage but has started all three games in Lopes, 25, has come through the ranks at tion. the knockout phase. Lyon and is now one of the best goalkeepers Midfi elder Adrien Silva lived in France un- He was born in Angouleme in central in Ligue 1. til the age of 12, when he moved to Portugal France and grew up near Bordeaux alongside Spurred on by his father, a Portuguese mi- with his family. Mathieu Valbuena — the playmaker who was grant, and by his idol, the goalkeeping great “I chose Portugal. It was exclusively my left out of the French squad for the fi nals. Vitor Baia, Lopes was just fi ve when he de- decision. Neither my family nor my agent “Our fathers played in the same team and cided to pick up the gloves himself. tried to get me to change my mind,” said my big brother Jeremy, Mathieu and I were From Givors, near Lyon, he was picked up Guerreiro, 22, who last month agreed a all in the youth system at Bordeaux,” said by Lyon at the age of just nine and seized his transfer to German giants Borussia Dort- Silva, who moved to Portugal before joining chance in the fi rst team following the depar- mund from French Ligue 1 club Lorient. Sporting at the age of 13. ture of France number one Hugo Lloris to Guerreiro was born in Le Blanc Mesnil in “France has an important place in my Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. the Paris suburbs, a short distance from the heart, but I have lived in Lisbon since I was The Portuguese federation moved to make Stade de France where today’s fi nal will be 12, my wife is Portuguese and so is my son. him one of theirs in 2007, when he made his played. Today I feel more Portuguese,” added Silva, bow for the under-17 side. He is one of the most talented young play- who like Guerreiro has a Portuguese father He has worked his way up since then, but ers in his position in Europe and France’s and a French mother. has been understudy to Sporting’s Rui Patri- loss has been Portugal’s gain. Guerreiro has In October 2014, Silva was part of the cio since then and will watch today’s game Left-back Raphael Guerreiro (bottom row, second from left) was born in France and midfielder Adrien Silva started four of the Selecao’s games at Euro Portugal squad for a friendly at the Stade de from the bench. (bottom row, third from left) lived in France until the age of 12. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, July 10, 2016 EURO 2016

FOCUS Ronaldo is like The Revenant: self-belief that just won’t die Love him or – as most seem to – loathe him, the Portugal primadonna’s claims to being the greatest player of his generation will be enhanced only if he leads them to unlikely Euro 2016 glory in today’s final with France

By Rob Smyth tioning whether Ronaldo was past his a mushroom and with about as much in the group and meant their run to taining Team award for 2006, espe- cause they play in the same era. You The Guardian best; when a sportsman reaches 30, it cutting edge most of the time. They the final was Croatia, Poland and cially as they scored one goal in three can make a legitimate argument ei- is human nature to look for signs that have been dependent on moments of Wales rather than England, France knockout games). That they have ther way, but the case for Ronaldo is he has lost his nip. But the sneering, brilliance from Ronaldo, most nota- and Germany. been one of the less exciting teams that he has outlasted Messi, who has n the autumn of 2002, when some celebratory tone of much of the criti- bly against Wales and Hungary. And If Portugal win their fi rst ma- to reach a European Championship been in relative decline since 2013; unwise people suggested Sir Alex cism, as well as lacking empathy, felt while he certainly hasn’t lorded over jor trophy today, and particularly if fi nal may bother the increasingly gar- that he has overcome far greater ad- Ferguson was over the hill, the ill-advised. A lot of people could be the tournament like Diego Maradona Ronaldo plays a signifi cant part, it rulous football snobs, but it probably versity and ill-will; and that he has great Hugh McIlvanney sounded foaming with impotent rage today. during Mexico 86, he has still scored will strengthen the argument that won’t have much historical signifi - achieved as much despite playing in Ia note of caution. “The most crazily Schadenfreude can be a boomerang, three and made three. he, rather than Lionel Messi or cance. If they win, Ronaldo’s medal relatively inferior teams. virulent of his denouncers have been especially when it involves sportsmen Amusingly enough, Zinedine Zidane, is the great- will say “UEFA Euro 2016, France”, It is harder to compare Ronaldo telling him he is lucky to be hold- with the mental strength and relent- Ronaldo’s chance of est player since Maradona, not “UEFA Euro 2016, France, where and Messi to the all-time greats of ing on to his job,” wrote McIlvanney lessness of Ronaldo. He has redefi ned completing his CV and that he is the greatest Portugal were a sedative and Ronaldo the past. Cruyff , Maradona and Pele in the Sunday Times. “Maybe they WE Hickson’s old proverb: if at 42nd by winning Euro European footballer of all upset Iceland a bit”. played a diff erent sport. The two should make sure he is properly bur- you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. 2016 is in no small time. It is true that inter- The timing of a victory would main reasons – smooth pitches and ied before devoting themselves too Ronaldo’s belief is perhaps his part down to Ice- national football does not barely be sweeter, given Messi’s re- the fact GBH is no longer punish- gleefully to dancing on his grave. He greatest quality. Yet even he must land demonstrat- ache with quite the same cent personal and professional prob- able with only a yellow card – make could be a pretty awkward revenant.” have wondered whether he would ing more than a importance of old, but to lems. The debate over who is the best it hard to know what contemporary That last phrase has regularly have another chance to win a major small mentality. many eyes it is still the has become almost tediously emo- achievements are worth in old mon- sprung to mind in recent weeks, and tournament with Portugal. At the age When they were ultimate. Mario Gotze tive. The endless capacity for geeky ey. Instinct suggests Maradona is the not only because of the omnipresent of 19 he played in the defeat to Greece hanging on at 1-1 will never be a Pointless discussions and lists of this nature, greatest because of what he did with DVD of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar- in the fi nal of Euro 2004, missing in their final group answer. a happy place for post-Hornby men Argentina and Napoli, but you would winning portrayal of a Brian Kilcline a decent late chance and breaking game, knowing a goal It is hard to overestimate everywhere, is one of the billions of do well to create an unanswerable lookalike. The main reason is that down in tears after the game. Since for Austria would put what it would mean for Por- things that has been compromised case. Cristiano Ronaldo has become the then there have been two semi-fi nals, them out, they still had tugal to win their fi rst inter- by inescapable internet cranks whose We can say two things with reason- awkward revenant of Euro 2016. In in the 2006 World Cup and at Euro enough positive intent national trophy (no, we’re disposition makes Livia Soprano able certainty, however. The wide- the group stages, when he absurdly 2012, but Portugal’s miserable World to counterattack and not counting the FIFA seem happy-go-lucky by compari- spread dislike of Ronaldo means he denounced Iceland’s “small men- Cup campaign two years ago suggest- score a winner. That World Cup Most son. Sitting on the fence is becoming does not always get the credit he de- tality” and missed a penalty against ed a team in decline. They came to bumped Portu- Enter- a virtue. serves for his astonishing career; and Austria, his critics did a lot more to this tournament with a 38-year-old gal down to I’d be more comfortable putting if Portugal win Euro 2016 today, he his grave than just dance on it. geriatrico in defence and a strikerless, third Ronaldo above Messi than above the is going to be one seriously awkward There was little wrong with ques- wingerless formation that looks like late Johan Cruyff , simply be- revenant.

DILEMMA REVIEW Portugal’s ‘second city’ Paris weighs football loyalties UEFA praises AFP Portuguese people fl ocked to France Paris during the 1960s and 1970s, partly to escape the dictatorship of Antonio de Ol- expanded iveira Salazar, who was deposed in 1974. aria Martins’ Paris bar is Men got jobs mainly in building con- Euros more festive than usual as struction, while many women became punters knock back Portu- domestic workers — especially con- DPA guese Super Bock beers. cierges. Paris MLooking forward to today’s big show- “Most of them were looking for work, down between Portugal and France in but some were also fl eeing Salazar’s the Euro 2016 football fi nal, opinions dictatorship,” said historian Marie- EFA has again backed are divided at Le Galvani in northwest- Christine Volovitch-Tavares. the 24-team format for ern Paris. the European Champi- “I’m Portugal, Portugal, Portugal,” ‘FULL TO THE RAFTERS’ onship at a meeting of said Antonio Zineira, who worked as For the immigrants and their descend- Uits executive committee in Paris a concierge in the French capital for ants, the Portuguese football team is “a yesterday. 20 years before becoming a personal matter of national identity”, she said. The committee “praised the chauff eur. After Salazar’s overthrow, Portugal competitiveness of the cham- But taxi driver Helder Potencio said “is no longer ashamed of its emigres,” pionship in its new 24-team he was “a bit of two minds” over which Volovitch-Tavares added. format,” said a statement which team to support today. “I’m sure Portu- At a supermarket in the Paris suburb also thanked all those involved in gal will win, but I’ll also be happy if it’s of Champigny, home to many Portu- the organisation of the tourna- France,” said Potencio. guese immigrants, 41-year-old David ment. The Paris area has more than 600,000 Dos Santos said Sunday’s match-up Tournament director Giorgio people of Portuguese origin, making it was “what everyone wanted”. Marchetti had said Friday Euro- the world’s second-largest ‘Portuguese Whoever wins, “there will be a party pean football’s organising body city’ after Lisbon. on the Champs Elysees,” he said. was pleased with the expansion Zineira matches the stereotype of the But many spoke of revenge. from 16 to 24 teams. hard-working Portuguese concierge France have won their last 10 meet- However he identifi ed the pe- that was the theme of 2013 hit comedy ings with the Portuguese since going riod at the end of the group stage ‘The Gilded Cage’, the people’s choice at down 2-0 in a friendly back in 1975, as one problem, when four of six the European Film Awards that year. and their head-to-head record includes third-placed teams have to be The fi lm by French-Portuguese di- victories in all three clashes at major slotted into the last 16, giving rector Ruben Alves depicts a Portuguese competitions. some teams a long break while concierge couple as so indispensable “This time, we’ll turn the page,” Zi- leaving others uncertain. that they are afraid to tell their employ- neira said. The executive committee ers they want to return to Portugal after Either way, Martins was sanguine meanwhile set up a compensa- inheriting a property. about today’s result. tion committee to oversee pay- Though their numbers are dwindling, “Whether it’s Portugal or France ment of UEFA’s senior manage- especially in smaller apartment blocks who wins, we’ll be full to the rafters all ment including the president, since the introduction of electronic night,” she said, setting out a plate of and said detailed information door codes, the Portuguese concierge Portuguese olives and dried sausages would be disclosed in UEFA’s fi - remains a fi xture of Parisian life. for the regulars around the zinc bar. nancial report. Gulf Times Sunday, July 10, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Griezmann show may hit Pogba’s market value AFP world over, pledging to “become a stars. “When somebody gets paid Marseille legend” and “revolutionise midfi eld” to give their opinion, that doesn’t when France seek to repeat their tri- Paul Pogba (left) was expected mean they know what they are talking umph of winning the 1998 World Cup to be France’s big star at the about,” Raiola said. “This is what has uro 2016 was meant to be Paul on home soil. European Championship, but it happened with Lineker.” Pogba’s tournament, putting With the transfer saga being played is Antoine Griezmann who has But few could disgree that over the seal on what could be a out in the background, France swept stolen the show. (AFP) France’s opening games, Pogba was in- world record setting trans- Romania and Albania aside then drew eff ective. Worse, only two minutes into ferE away from Juventus. But Antoine with Switzerland on their way to win- the knockout phase, a clumsy Pogba Griezmann’s match-winning per- ning their group. But Pogba seemed tackle in the area handed the Irish a formances against Germany and Ice- absent. Coach Didier Deschamps pun- penalty. Robbie Brady converted for a land have made him the darling of the ished Pogba for a mediocre display and second-minute lead, before Les Bleus host nation. some unnecessary showboating in the restored order with Griezmann’s sec- Pogba was expected to light up his 2-1 defeat of Romania by leaving him ond-half double. maiden European Championship with on the bench for their second group France breathed a sigh of relief as the silky skills and long-range goals game against Albania. they went through to the quarter-fi nals that have become his trademark at In Marseille, Pogba replaced An- and, fi nally, Pogba came to the fore. the Italian champions. But he has not thony Martial for the second half when When his bullet header from Griez- produced the goods even though talk France were rescued by last-gasp goals mann’s corner fl ew into the Iceland net of a big money transfer to Manchester from Griezmann and Dmitri Payet on to give France a 2-0 lead in an even- United or Real Madrid is mounting. their way to a 2-0 win. tual 5-2 victory that sealed their semi- The world’s most highly-rated mid- Pogba made an arm gesture toward fi nal clash with Germany, Pogba was fi elder was mediocre in France’s fi rst the media tribune celebrating a goal mobbed by teammates. four games. Pogba nevertheless re- that some speculated was an irrever- And although Griezmann stole the mains one of the most exciting play- ent gesture. Pundits and fans debated show again with a brace of goals in Thurs- ers around and former France striker whether Pogba had told his detractors, day’s 2-0 win over World Cup holders Thierry Henry believes the best is yet in no uncertain terms, where to go. Germany, it took some fancy footwork to come. “Forget about France, I think Deschamps gave him the benefi t of from Pogba, and for Manuel Neuer to he can be one of the best midfi elders in the doubt. But former England striker push his cross into the path of Griez- history. He has the quality to do that,” Gary Lineker weighed in on Twit- mann, for the little forward to score. Henry told Sky Sports last week. ter asking: “Is Pogba the world’s most Before the match Henry added: “He Pogba has shown only glimpses of overrated player?” needs to make sure he concentrates on the brilliant skills Juventus fans see It brought a thorny response the what he can do well.” each week. Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola, whose Ahead of tonight’s fi nal at the Stade Ahead of Euro 2016, Pogba featured portfolio includes Zlatan Ibrahimovic de France, Les Bleus’ fans will be hop- on the front covers of magazines the and Mario Balotelli among other top ing the same.

WELL PLAYED UEFA drops dope charges against Liverpool’s Sakho

AFP Welsh get rapturous Paris

EFA has dropped a doping case against Liverpool and France interna- Utional defender Mamadou Sakho, leaving him free to resume his ca- reer just two days before the Euro 2016 final. welcome aft er return The defender, who moved to Anfield for £18 mn ($25 mn) in 2013, has 28 caps ‘To get a welcome like this was incredible. It shows how amazing our fans are. The for France and had been earmarked for a starting place at the championships before support we’ve had has given us that extra confidence to move on to the next level’ the case threw his career into jeopardy. “Following a hearing with the lawyers of the player and experts of the WADA- accredited laboratories on this case, the CEDB has decided to dismiss the case,” UEFA said in a statement, referring to its independent Control, Ethics and Discipli- nary Body. Sakho, 26, who was left out of the French squad for the ongoing European Championships on home soil, tested positive after a Europa League tie against Manchester United in March after taking a product to reduce body fat. The centre-back is said not to have known the composition of the weight-loss supplement and informed UEFA that he had acted in good faith. He served an initial 30-day suspen- sion that was not extended as UEFA launched an investigation into whether the substance Sakho took should be on the banned list. “I am happy that this is finally over. It’s been a diff icult time for me but I knew I had done nothing wrong,” Sakho told the Liverpool website. “I am looking forward to getting back in the team and playing again.” The player was technically available for international duty at Euro 2016, but despite playing a key role for France these last two seasons, Didier Deschamps left him out of the finals squad. He also missed the Europa League final. Normally a starter for France, in his ab- sence they have powered through to the Euro 2016 final, where they play Portugal tonight. “We are pleased for Mamadou that he can now resume his playing ca- reer,” Liverpool said in a statement. Gary Lineker, the former England inter- national forward and now respected televi- sion presenter, tweeted in reaction: “Sakho cleared of doping. Tough to think he missed a Europa League final and Euros.” Wales players applaud fans at Cardiff Stadium after their return from Euro Championships on Friday. Wales lost to Portugal in the semi-finals. (Reuters) “The independent UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) met in Paris and has reached a decision relating to the phrase ‘Diolch (Thank you). Togeth- fans are,” said the 26-year-old, who world rankings, in the knock-out ment, but he dismissed that happen- AFP proceedings instigated against Liverpool Cardiff , United Kingdom er We Are Stronger’. scored three goals in the fi nals. stages before losing to Portugal. ing any time soon. “That will be six The Welsh squad—who had al- “The support we’ve had has given or seven years in the job, which is a FC player Mamadou Sakho, following the ready been feted for reaching the us that extra confi dence to move on Coleman to call time on Wales long time. So I think this will be my UEFA Europa League round of 16 second- elsh star Gareth Bale and Principality’s fi rst major fi nals since to the next level. Everything we’ve job after 2018 World Cup last hit at it so I will give it my best leg match between Manchester United FC his teammates paraded the 1958 World Cup—had earlier achieved we could haven’t done it shot, but I would not consider go- and Liverpool FC (1-1), played on 17 March through the streets of landed at the Cardiff Bale Airport, without everyone here. hris Coleman, basking in the ing anywhere else,” he said. “I want 2016,” said UEFA. Cardiff packed with an named in the Real Madrid forward’s “We fought hard to qualify, all Csuccess of Wales’s run to the to see this through. There’s success “The proceedings against Mr. Sakho Westimated 200,000 fans raucously honour for the day. The stadium was through the games we kept progress- Euro 2016 semi-fi nals, said the up- in this team, I think, because they’re related to a violation of the UEFA cheering them as they returned from packed to the brim with 30,000 fans ing and getting better as a team. We coming 2018 World Cup campaign at a good age. But I’ll certainly give Anti-Doping Regulations after the player their Euro 2016 heroics. who also had the bonus of Welsh knew what we were capable of after will be his last as manager. everything I’ve got in this next cam- failed a doping test at the above-men- Having exceeded even the wildest band Manic Street Preachers, who getting to France, we said we didn’t The 46-year-old, who took paign. I’ll make sure they do.” tioned match.” dreams of the Welsh—more used to wrote and sang the offi cial Wales want to make the numbers up.” Wales to their fi rst fi nals since the Coleman, whose club managerial seeing their rugby team triumph— Euro 2016 anthem. Bale couldn’t resist a fi nal dig at 1958 World Cup and then oversaw experience had taken him from Eng- and exposed England’s manifest fail- Wales will become the top-ranked England, whose come from behind a superb campaign only ended on land to Spain and Greece yielding ings at not even reaching the quar- home nation on the back of their win over the Welsh in the group Wednesday by a Cristiano Ronaldo- little in the way of results, only took ter-fi nals, the semi-fi nalists were success at the Euros. They are seem- stage was a false dawn for them as inspired Portugal, said he would up the role in January 2012 after the expecting a good turnout. ingly set to climb into the top six less they went out in the last 16 to unh- have been in the job long enough. tragic suicide of his childhood friend However, the squad—minus than fi ve years after being down in eralded Iceland 2-1. “We wanted to “I am sure this will be my last Gary Speed, who was Wales’s man- midfi elder Joe Ledley, who had the 117th position. give it a real go—and we got ahead of campaign whether we qualify or not ager at the time of his death. weightier matter of his wedding this Bale, who eventually had to come the English!” said Bale. (for Russia),” said Coleman, whose Five months earlier, Wales had weekend—were taken aback at the second best to Real Madrid team- They started the competition as contract runs to the end of the next fallen to their lowest world ranking of massive turnout which saw their bus mate Cristiano Ronaldo and his Por- big outsiders, but ended up winning World Cup, with his team play- 117th and, despite making the worst top parade take far longer than ex- tugal side in the semi-fi nals, said the a group which contained England, ing their fi rst qualifi er at home to start of any Wales manager with four pected from Cardiff Castle to Cardiff fans had been like an extra man. Slovakia and Russia. Moldova on September 5. defeats from his fi rst four games, City Stadium. “To get a welcome like this was in- Wales then beat Northern Ireland Wales’s success has seen Coleman Coleman is now guiding his country The bus was emblazoned with the credible. It shows how amazing our and Belgium, second in the FIFA linked with a return to club manage- through its most successful era. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, July 10, 2016 FOOTBALL

TRANSFER ROUND-UP BLAME GAME Bielsa blames Lazio for shock exit, says Nigerian star Musa the club failed to sign a single player

AFP Bielsa, touted for the coach- Rome ing role left open by Gerardo joins Leicester City Martino at the Argentina na- tional team, stressed in the let- arcelo Bielsa, ter that he had “no other work ‘It’s one of the best clubs and I feel very happy. They are like a family. I’m very excited’ who pulled out of off er in hand”. coaching Lazio in Struggling Lazio fi nished a shock move just eighth last season, far behind 48M hours after his appointment arch-rivals AS Roma. was announced, has blamed the The club had released a press club for his exit saying it had statement on Wednesday an- failed to sign a single player. nouncing to much fanfare that The intense Argentine, it had snapped up the former known as ‘El Loco’ (the Mad- Argentina and Chile coach. On man), called Lazio boss Clau- Friday it promised legal ac- dio Lotito overnight on Thurs- tion after revealing Bielsa had day to say he had decided not pulled out of the deal. to come to Rome after all, trig- Club lawyer Gian Michele gering threats of legal action Gentile rubbished the Argen- from the Italian club and deni- tine’s explanation, telling a als it had broken any promises. press conference “there was In a curt letter to the Se- no reference in the contract to rie A club dated July 7—which conditions linked to signing appeared in Argentine media players” and that “he wanted yesterday—Bielsa said: “It had to create a pretext to get out of been decided and made clear... the contract”. that reinforcements were nec- While the club has not decid- essary, taking into account the ed how much it would be going departure of 18 players from after in damages, Gentile said it last season. would be “an important sum”. “It was agreed, as an es- Sporting director Igli Tare sential condition to the im- said Lazio had “tried to get the plementation of the work pro- four players he wanted” but gramme, that we would sign were thwarted by “external at least four footballers before pressures”. “Having had some- July 5, with the aim that they thing to do up close with Bielsa would participate in pre-sea- I think I understand now why son training. they gave him that nickname El “To this date, not one player Loco,” he said. has been signed. For my meth- With pre-season training od of working we needed to about to begin, Simone Inzaghi have these players arrive in a will step in, having taken tem- timely manner to train.” porary charge in the second Bielsa also complained that half of last season. Lazio announced he was to “Inzaghi is not a second- join the club knowing full well best choice, but a decision de- that the conditions he had de- termined by the failure of an- manded had not been met. other coach,” Lotito said.

2018 WC QUALIFIERS Mexico could play USA in fi nal qualifying round AFP Sunday for £13mn, will bolster the Foxes He is unlikely to be the last—leading in the January transfer window—and it is Leicester squad for a tilt at the Champions League. Chinese sports event organiser Eric Gao another blow to controversial Leeds owner AFP only team eliminated. Their other two captures are Ger- said on a recent visit to London that Bei- Massimo Cellino, who had held talks with Miami The top two from each of man goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, who jing Guoan have a wish list of several un- Cook’s agent about a new contract. three semi-fi nal groups ad- igerian international winger was part of the 2014 World Cup-winning specifi ed Manchester City players and “We’re pleased to be bringing one of the vance to fi nal qualifying that Ahmed Musa yesterday be- squad and signed from Bundesliga outfi t money was no barrier to the clubs. country’s brightest prospects to the club,” exico could open the opens in November. From came Premier League cham- Hannover 96, and Spanish defender Luis “In terms of the Premier League, there Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake fi nal round of quali- those six, the top three will Npions Leicester City’s second Hernandez, who arrived on a free transfer are no limits. Chinese clubs will pay play- told the club website. fying for the 2018 advance next year to the 2018 acquisition in a week for what is believed from Sporting Gijon. ers two or three times more than they are “Lewis has impressed since earning his Russia World Cup at World Cup while the fourth- to be a club record fee of £16.6mn ($22mn, at present,” said Gao, whose company is spot in the Leeds United fi rst team and we arch-rivalM United States as a re- place fi nisher plays an Asian 20mn euros). The 23-year-old, who an- organizing a forthcoming tournament in feel that he can continue his rapid progress sult of yesterday’s draw for the team for the last spot in Russia. nounced his talent globally in scoring a Cisse quits Newcastle China which will see Pep Guardiola and under the tutelage of Eddie (Howe) and six-team, round-robin sched- Mexico are 4-0 and have brace against Lionel Messi’s Argentina at United for Chinese club Jose Mourinho pit their wits against each Jason (Tindall). He’s represented England ule. The Confederation of North, clinched the Group 1 title with the 2014 World Cup, signed a four-year other for the fi rst time as Manchester City at youth level and won plenty of individual Central America and Caribbean Honduras and Canada each 1-2 contract in England, ending a successful enegalese international striker Papiss and Manchester United managers. awards last season, we’re excited to see Association Football (CON- with a draw and El Salvador 0-2 spell at CSKA Moscow. SCisse became the latest high-profi le him fl ourish further at Vitality Stadium CACAF) conducted the draw for with two drawn while Trinidad “I feel very happy joining Leicester City, player to quit Europe for China yesterday, over the next four years.” the “hexagonal” ahead of Sep- and Tobago tops Group 3 at 3-1 for me it’s one of the best clubs and I feel signing for Shandong Luneng from Cham- Cook joins Bournemouth Cook, who was a member of the tember’s concluding semi-fi nal for 10 points with the United very happy,” Musa said. pionship side Newcastle United. from fallen Leeds United England Under-17 side that won the round qualifying matches. States second on 2-1-1 and “I joined because it’s one of the best The 31-year-old, who scored 44 goals European Championship in 2014, played Mexico learned it will open Guatemala third at 2-2. clubs in the Premier League and they are in 131 appearances for the Magpies in four- alented teenage midfi elder Lewis Cook 85 times for Leeds in his fi rst two seasons on the road for both matches in If the Americans can over- like a family. I’m very excited,” added and-a-half years, signed for the Chinese Twill get a chance to shine in the Pre- as a professional. November to kick off the nalfi take Trinidad and Tobago for Musa, who scored 13 goals in 34 appear- Super League side for an undisclosed fee, mier League after Bournemouth signed Cook is Bournemouth’s third signing of leg of their qualifying campaign. the top Group 3 spot, they ances for CSKA last season. the clubs said. Cisse, whose 22 goals for him from fallen English giants Leeds Unit- the close season as they seek to retain their Qualifying for ‘El Tri’ would would play host to Mexico in Musa, who CSKA asked too much for Bundesliga side Freiburg in the 2010/11 ed yesterday. The 19-year-old—the Foot- Premier League status, which they did then resume in late March 2017 early November in the CON- when Leicester asked about him in the campaign is a record for an African player ball League Young Player of the Year last comfortably last term having been marked with a home match against the CACAF fi nal qualifying opener transfer window in January, is the Foxes’ in the German elite league, joins Brazil- season after impressing for the struggling down as favourites to be relegated. Group 2 winners. The Mexicans for both. The rematch in Mexi- fourth signing of the close season. ian duo Hulk and Ramires, as well as Co- second-tier outfi t—signed a four-year Cook joins Emerson Hyndman and Lys are the lone team among the 12 co would come next June. Musa and former France Under-21 mid- lombian marksman Jackson Martinez, in contract for an undisclosed fee. Mousset, while the club have also had a semi-fi nalists to have clinched Mexico’s second match in fi elder Nampalys Mendy, who joined from swapping European top-level football for His signing is due reward for the Cher- £15mn (17.5mn euros, $19mn) bid accepted a spot in the last six with St. fi nal qualifying would be at the Ligue 1 side Nice on a four-year deal last the cash-rich Chinese league. ries’ persistence—they failed with a bid by Liverpool for winger Jordan Ibe. Vincent and the Grenadines the runner-up in Group 2.

BOTTOMLINE Dentist breaks ground for Egyptian women

AFP mentary is more in spite of the return Wales, jotting down statistics on Cairo being lower,” she says. passing and the players’ movements. A profi table profession, dentistry is Nearby lies an old copy of Britain’s respected by Egyptians. It was not easy World Soccer magazine, with the cover anar Sarhan disinfects to enter the sports commentary world, featuring Zinedine Zidane, who she her hands after fi lling a especially as a woman. said inspired her love for Real Madrid. patient’s tooth, ready- “The fi eld is already diffi cult for “I would watch a match twice before ing to catch the Euro 2016 male youths, so what about a girl?” writing any comprehensive technical Mmatch and analyse it for a newspaper says Sarhan, who decorates her bed- analysis,” she says. as Egypt’s fi rst woman in mainstream room with posters of Egyptian and Eu- Her passion for football inspired football punditry. ropean football players. “I was mocked Sarhan to learn Spanish so she could Sarhan, 27, appears weekly on the in the beginning. They would tell me track La Liga and the club she supports private CBC television channel to com- ‘Girls belong in kitchens’,” she says. from original sources. She plans to also ment on matches in the competition, Her large following on Twitter sug- learn Italian and Portuguese to expand a rare sight in a fi eld monopolised by gests otherwise. the sphere of European football that former football players, all of them men. Top European clubs and their games she can follow. “I chose dentistry as a career with are popular viewing in Egypt, and Sarhan also follows Spanish youth my mind, but football is my passion Sarhan has proven to be an expert in matches and teams that are less well- and love,” Sarhan tells AFP in a private the fi eld. Ibrahim Fayek, an anchor at known to be able to keep abreast of up- clinic where she freelances as a dentist. CBC, says hosting Sarhan was “very and-coming talents. “I tried to play football in the begin- strange” in the beginning because she In one corner of her house rests a ning but I didn’t fi nd a good opportu- is “a lady and a dentist”. ball which her mother says Sarhan still nity in Egypt and I think specialising in Now, he says, he is doing his best to kicks around in the hallway. analysing football makes up a lot for it,” keep her on his show as competitors try “Manar has loved football since she she adds, after examining a patient. to poach her. “Manar has an expansive was a child. I wanted her to continue her Sarhan began working in journal- and deep understanding of football and studies in her profession, but she is hap- ism as a volunteer in 2002, using a ba- she presents a diff erent type of football py commentating,” her mother Magda sic camera to capture footage for the analysis. Her explanation of the diff er- al-Hawary says with evident pride. website of her favourite Egyptian club: website before she was picked up by clinic owned by one of her friends. At “I’m a dentist by day, and a football ent teams’ plans and tactics surprised Sarhan’s dream goes beyond Egypt’s Zamalek. Sarhan began writing for satellite sports programmes. night, she clears her schedule to fol- commentator by night,” Sarhan says, me,” Fayek tells AFP. borders. “My dream is to work in the the independent Al-Masry Al-Youm By day, Sarhan works in a govern- low games and to read the latest in the laughing as she packs her medical in- At home, Sarhan sits close to a large fi eld of European football in Spain itself, newspaper and the popular Fil Goal ment medical centre and chips in at a world of football. struments. The eff ort put into com- screen broadcasting Belgium against to become international,” she signs off . Gulf Times Sunday, July 10, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB Anthony says athletes must ‘demand change’ after shootings

AFP Kluber, Indians roll New York BA star Carmelo Anthony on Fri- day urged athletes to “step up” and “demand change,” following the shooting deaths of two black men Nat the hands of police and the slayings of fi ve law enforcement offi cers in Dallas. Anthony, a New York Knicks forward who past Yankees 10-2 could win an unprecedented third men’s Ol- ympic basketball gold medal in Rio, posted a message on social media calling for athletes ‘That’s the luxury we have with him in the leadoff spot. He’s done a great job to date’ to help change a system that he described as “Broken. Point blank period.” “I’m calling for all my fellow ATHLETES to step up and take charge. Go to your local offi cials, leaders, congressman, assembly- men/assemblywoman and demand change. There’s NO more sitting back and being afraid of tackling and addressing political is- sues anymore.” Five offi cers were killed, and seven police and two civilians were wounded in Dallas on Thursday night in a sniper-style attack dur- ing a peaceful protest against police brutal- ity following the deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minne- sota. Anthony, 32, said advocating social justice was more important than doing nothing over fears a sponsor might walk away. “We can’t worry about what endorse- ments we gonna lose or (who’s) going to look at us crazy. I need your voices to be heard,” Anthony pleaded. Anthony, a 14-year NBA veteran, said he would be willing to lead the way but noted that nothing people have done so far has made a diff erence. “I’m all about rallying, protesting, fi ght- ing for OUR people. Look I’ll even lead the charge, By Any Means Necessary,” he posted. “We have to be smart about what we are do- ing though. We need to steer our anger in the right direction.” “Our anger should be towards the sys- tem... We have to put the pressure on the people in charge in order to get this thing we call JUSTICE right.”

Stunned athletes The NBA issued a statement saying the league was “deeply troubled and concerned by the needless violence and loss of life, and we recognise that positive change starts with all of us standing up for the values we cher- ish — diversity, inclusiveness and respect for others.” Other NBA players used social media to express sadness and frustration over the es- calating violence. “Another black man killed. Another young black kid without a dad. Think about that for a second,” tweeted Kevin Durant, a Rio Ol- ympian who signed a $54.3mn deal Thursday with the Golden State Warriors. Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki of Germany Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports tweeted he was “Still in shock. Saddened to hear about the tragic events in Dallas... By Ryan Lewis With Green still on the mound, Napoli crushed 3.61 ERA) allowed one run on fi ve hits in eight fi rst time since mid-May, while the Rays have #StoptheViolence.” Akron Beacon Journal a two-run home run to the top of the bleacher innings to go with eight strikeouts. Yankees lost 19 of 22, the worst stretch by any team in NFL Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony seats in left fi eld. It bounced once and hit the (42-44) catcher Brian McCann hit a solo home baseball this season and matching the worst 22- Romo posted, “Our community is stunned bottom of the scoreboard and nearly hit John run for Kluber’s only blemish. In the ninth, Joe game stretch in franchise history. Tampa Bay’s this morning. My thoughts and prayers go hree home runs in the fi rst inning and Adams, the famous Indians drummer, who sits Colon made his major league debut, allowing Blake Snell and Santiago were locked in a score- out to the fallen police offi cers and their fi ve total. A prodigious blast that nearly atop the bleachers in the middle section. one run and striking out one. less tie for fi ve innings, each giving up two hits loved ones.” hit the scoreboard. An ace perform- Per Statcast, it measured 460 feet and is Meanwhile Adam Wainwright spoiled the entering the sixth. Third-ranked golfer Jordan Spieth, a Dal- ance. Friday night had just about eve- the longest home run by an Indians hitter this major-league debut of highly-touted pitcher Los Angeles fi nally got to Snell in the sixth, las native, tweeted: “Sad day for our city.. Trything for the home sellout crowd in the Indi- season. Tyler Glasnow in a 5-1 St. Louis Cardinals vic- as Yunel Escobar led off with a single, advanced Prayers for the families and strength to be- ans’ 10-2 rout of the New York Yankees. Along with Jim Thome’s 511-foot home run tory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Sta- on an infi eld out and scored on an RBI single lieve this violence will stop on all fronts.” It was the third sellout at Progressive Field to Eagle Avenue in 1999 and Mark McGwire’s dium. by Albert Pujols for a 1-0 lead. C.J. Cron hit a Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish of baseball’s this season and the second this week. Fans awe-inspiring shot off the scoreboard in 1997, Wainwright allowed fi ve hits and Pittsburgh’s grounder up the middle for what looked to be an Texas Rangers tweeted: “Pray for my home- among the 34,045 who wanted to see some Napoli’s homer Friday night is one of the most only run, walking one while tying a season high inning-ending double play, but second base- town.” power got their money’s worth and then some. impressive in park history. with nine strikeouts. He retired 10 batters in a man Logan Forsythe’s throw sailed high over The Indians led off the bottom of the fi rst Lindor missed a home run in the fi fth by a row after Matt Joyce’s lead-off double in the fi rst base, allowing a second run to score. inning with back-to-back home runs against few feet but settled for an RBI-double, and Na- second inning. RESULTS Yankees starter Chad Green (1-2, 7.04 ERA). poli added an RBI-single to make it 8-0. In the Glasnow, who was called up from Triple-A Pittsburgh ...... 8 Chicago Cubs ...... 4 Carlos Santana belted his 20th home run of the sixth, Yan Gomes grounded out to score Juan Indianapolis after posting a 1.78 ERA and a 7-2 LA Angels ...... 9 Baltimore ...... 5 season to right fi eld, which already bests his Uribe, who doubled. record in 17 starts, matched Wainwright pitch- Toronto ...... 6 Detroit ...... 0 2015 season total, and Jason Kipnis followed In the seventh inning, a fi nal home run, as for-pitch before St. Louis managed to gain Miami ...... 3 Cincinnati ...... 1 with his 13th of the year to centre fi eld. Kipnis added his second of the night, this one some traction in its second and third passes Cleveland ...... 10 NY Yankees...... 2 It marked the fi rst time the Indians began a to right fi eld. The fi ve home runs as a team mark through the order. Boston ...... 6 Tampa Bay ...... 5 game with back-to-back home runs since Ko- the most for the Indians (52-34) in a game this The Pirates, whose season-high seven-game Washington ...... 3 NY Mets ...... 1 suke Fukudome and Kipnis did so on September season. winning streak came to an end, scored fi rst in Texas ...... 6 Minnesota ...... 5 22, 2011. “We’ve got a leadoff hitter with 20 home runs the second on an infi eld out by Jordy Mercer Atlanta ...... 11 Chicago White Sox .8 The Indians weren’t done in the fi rst. With at the break,” said Kipnis. “Not many teams can that plated Joyce. Houston ...... 10 Oakland ...... 9 two outs and Francisco Lindor on fi rst base, say that. They know they better locate from the Hector Santiago threw seven innings of Philadelphia ...... 5 Colorado ...... 3 Lonnie Chisenhall drove a two-run shot to fi rst batter on. That’s the luxury we have with three-hit shutout baseball as Los Angeles won Milwaukee ...... 4 St. Louis ...... 3 right fi eld to put the Indians on top, 4-0. him in the leadoff spot. He’s done a great job to its third straight over reeling Tampa Bay, clos- Seattle ...... 3 Kansas City ...... 2 In the third, Mike Napoli hit one of the long- date.” ing the series with a win at Tropicana Field. LA Dodgers ...... 10 San Diego ...... 6 est home runs in Progressive Field history. Recent All-Star selection Corey Kluber (9-8, The Angels won three straight games for the San Francisco ...... 6 Arizona ...... 2

NBA Russia’s Mozgov joins epic list of Lakers big men

Reuters (2.16 metres) Mozgov, who will marijuana by leaving school for Nicholas, a 50-year-old Jamai- Los Angeles celebrate his 30th birthday on the NBA, took a leave of absence can-born US citizen who lives in July 16, averaged 6.3 points and from the team for a few weeks for New York, was arrested by New 4.4 rebounds for Cleveland last what the club dubbed “personal York police at about 3 a.m. in ussian center Timofey season in a support role. reasons.” connection with the fatal crash Mozgov, who played In six NBA seasons with the He scored four points in six last June 25, authorities said. for the NBA champion Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets minutes last March in a 111-97 Police said 21-year-old Zach- Cleveland Cavaliers last and New York Knicks, the Rus- victory over Philadelphia in his ary Simmons was struck by a season,R was signed by the Los sian has averaged 6.9 points and fi nal appearance of the season. utility vehicle in Hoboken, New Angeles Lakers on Friday to help 5.0 rebounds with a career fi eld McGary. the 21st overall pick of Jersey, as he was walking home beef up one of the worst defens- goal percentage of 53.7. the 2014 NBA Draft, has aver- from a friend’s birthday party es in the league. The struggling Lakers fi nished aged 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds and the vehicle fl ed the scene. Though terms of the deal were the 2015-16 season at the bot- in two seasons with the Thunder. Simmons, selected by the not disclosed by the team, local tom of the Western Conference McGary will miss the fi rst Philadelphia 76ers with the top media estimate Mozgov’s con- standings with a 17-65 record, fi ve Thunder games of next sea- pick in last month’s draft with tract to be worth $64 mn over the worst in franchise history. son for which he is eligible and his cousin in attendance, posted four years. healthy enough to play. a photo of himself with his cous- “Timofey is a player who has Thunder forward McGary in on Twitter with the caption: shown the ability to change the handed five-game drug ban Arrest made in hit-and-run “I’m glad I could share this mo- game at the defensive end, and Oklahoma City Thunder for- serve center, was hampered by and for that I apologize to the need make sure that as a person killing of Simmons’ cousin ment in my life with you. Rest in fi lls an area of need for us at the ward Mitch McGary was issued several injuries and played only organization, my teammates, and as a player I take account- An arrest was made Friday in peace Cuzzo. Much love Zachary center position,” Lakers general a fi ve-game NBA suspension on 20 games last season, averaging and our fans,” McGary said in ability and ensure that this does the hit-and-run incident that Simmons.” Simmons averaged manager Mitch Kupchak said Friday for violating the league’s only 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds a statement published by the not happen again.” The failed took the life of Zachary Sim- 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds in a statement. “We are very drug policy, a ban set to begin in in limited playing time in his Oklahoman newspaper. “I real- drug test comes after McGary, mons, the cousin of NBA Draft in his lone season at Louisiana pleased to add him to our team.” the 2016-17 campaign. second NBA campaign. ize there are only so many op- who escaped a one-year college number one overall selection State University before being se- The seven-foot one-inch McGary, a 24-year-old re- “I clearly made a mistake portunities given to you and I ban after testing positive for Ben Simmons of Australia. Mark lected by Philadelphia. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, July 10, 2016 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Korean Park surges ahead at US World No. 2 Johnson Women’s Open pulls out of Olympics over Zika concerns ‘I believe I am making the right decision for me and most importantly, my family’

AFP Los Angeles Park Sung Hyun of South Korea watches her tee shot on the 12th orld number two Dustin hole during the second round of the US Women’s Open at the Johnson, who won his fi rst CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, California. (Getty Images/AFP) major title at the US Open Golf Championship in June, Reuters to narrowly make the cut. Wwon’t play in the Rio Olympics because of Lee had vaulted to a three- San Francisco concerns over the Zika virus. stroke advantage after a 64 In a statement released to the Golf Thursday morning, but on Fri- Channel on Friday by his agent, David outh Korea’s Park day she got the tougher after- Winkle of Hambric Sports Management, Sung-Hyun charged to noon draw, as the course fi rmed Johnson said his hopes of expanding a two-shot lead after and the wind picked up, and his family with fi ancee Paulina Gretzky the second round of endured a roller-coaster round meant it would be “irresponsible” to risk theS US Women’s Open on Fri- that featured four birdies, four contracting the mosquito-borne virus day with the ominous fi gure of bogeys and a double bogey. that has been linked to birth defects. world number one Lydia Ko in Korean Park, who made “As an athlete, I can think of no greater hot pursuit. her LPGA Tour debut at the honor than representing the United States Park, who has three wins on Founders Cup in March, said in the Olympic Games,” Johnson’s state- the Korean Tour and is playing she had benefi ted from a strat- ment said. her fi rst season on the LPGA egy of simply enjoying herself “However, after much careful con- circuit, birdied seven of her on the course. sideration and discussion with both my fi rst 16 holes on the way to a “Coming to the tournament, family and my team, I have made the deci- sparkling six-under-par 66 at I didn’t even think about win- sion to withdraw from the 2016 Olympic CordeValle Golf Club in San ning because this is the fi rst Games. Martin, California. time for me,” she said of her “This was not an easy decision for me, Though she bogeyed her pe- maiden US Women’s Open. but my concerns about the Zika Virus nultimate hole, the par-four “I’m trying to enjoy this cannot be ignored,” added Johnson, who 17th, her eight-under total of tournament. That’s why I am has a one-year-old son, Tatum, with 136 put her two strokes clear comfortable, don’t even think Gretzky. of fellow Koreans Amy Yang about the winning.” “Paulina and I plan to have more chil- (71) and fi rst-round leader Lee Leading second-round dren in the near future, and I feel it would Mirim who fell with a two- scores be irresponsible to put myself, her or our over-par 74. 136-Park Sung-Hyun (KOR) family at risk. I believe I am making the New Zealander Ko, seeking 70-66 right decision for me and most impor- her third major title at the age of 138-Amy Yang (KOR) 67-71, Lee tantly, my family.” 19, followed her opening 73 with Mi-Rim (KOR) 64-74 Johnson joined an exodus of top golf- a seven-birdie 66 to surge up 139-Lydia Ko (NZL) 73-66, Haru ers from the Games which has taken the the leaderboard, fi nishing the Nomura (JPN) 70-69 sheen off the sport’s return to the Olym- day just three shots off the pace. 140-Danielle Kang 71-69, Ji pics after a 112-year absence. “I didn’t start off very well, Eun-Hee (KOR) 69-71, Jessica World number one Jason Day, Northern missing the fairway on one,” Korda 70-70, Kelly Tan 68-72 Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Australian Adam Ko, who began her round with 141-Maude Leblanc (CAN) Scott and Japan’s 17th-ranked Hideki a bogey and ended it with a 72-69, Sydnee Michaels 69-72, Matsuyma have all mentioned Zika as a four-foot putt for birdie at the Angela Stanford 71-70, Mo consideration in opting out of Rio. last, told reporters. Martin 71-70, Jodi Ewart Johnson, who indicated last week that “But my birdie on three kind Shadoff (ENG) 70-71 he expected to play in Rio, is the fi rst eligi- of turned the round around 142-Alena Sharp (CAN) 70-72, ble US golfer to pull out, but he might not and making the string of (four Gerina Piller 70-72, Anna Nor- be the last. consecutive) birdies defi nitely dqvist (SWE) 68-74, Minjee Lee Former world number one Jordan Spi- helped. (AUS) 67-75, Cristie Kerr 67-75 eth has also voiced interest in playing but “I’m playing on the Tour that 143-Kris Tamulis 71-72, Kim Sei- has yet to confi rm that he will. I’ve always dreamt of playing, Young (KOR) 75-68, Brittany Of the top four Americans, only two- and this is the biggest cham- Lang 68-75, Pernilla Lindberg time Masters champion Bubba Watson pionship in the U.S.” said Ko, (SWE) 70-73, Choi Hye-Jin said he is going. who won her fi rst major title at (KOR) 72-71, Gaby Lopez (MEX) Golf was last an Olympic sport in 1904 last year’s Evian Championship 71-72 in St. Louis. before adding a second at the 144-Chella Choi (KOR) 75-69, ANA Inspiration in April. Ryann O’Toole 71-73, Jang Ha- List of golfers who have said they will “There’s a lot of golf to be Na (KOR) 73-71 not compete at the Olympics played, so I don’t really want to 145-Ayaka Watanabe (JPN) 74- (Golfer, country they would have repre- get ahead of myself.” 71, Lee Lopez 73-72, Catriona sented, reason) Ko’s two playing competitors Matthew (SCO) 73-72, Kim Men Marc Leishman (AUS) Zika Shane Lowry (IRL) Zika Dustin Johnson (USA) Zika in a marquee group, Canadian Kaufman 75-70, Park Hee- Vijay Singh (FIJ) Zika virus Tim Wilkinson (NZL) Family, schedule Jason Day (AUS) Zika Miguel-Angel Jiminez (ESP) Schedule world number two Brooke Hend- Young (KOR) 70-75, Gwladys Adam Scott (AUS) Schedule Rory McIlroy (IRL) Zika Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) Zika erson (71) and fourth-ranked Nocera (FRA) 72-73, Christina Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) Schedule Graeme McDowell (IRL) Family Brendon de Jonge (ZIM) Schedule Women American Lexi Thompson (73), Kim 70-75, Ariya Jutanugarn Charl Schwartzel (RSA) Zika Branden Grace (RSA) Zika Camilo Villegas (COL) Zika Lee-Anne Pace (RSA) Zika. each ended the day at three-over (THA) 70-75, Stacy Lewis 71-74.

SCOTTISH OPEN Noren keeps his nose in front with 2-shot lead

Agencies Grace soon found himself there as he Inverness drove the green on the third and rolled in Sweden’s Alexander Noren during the third a 25-foot putt for eagle. round yesterday. (Reuters) Neither of the fi nal duo could take ad- lex Noren will take a two-shot vantage of the fi rst but they both birdied lead into the fi nal round of the the second before a Manassero eagle af- Aberdeen Asset Management ter a brilliant second shot into the sixth Scottish Open after a dramatic made him the fi rst man to get to ten un- dayA at Castle Stuart Golf Links yesterday. der this week. Conditions had been at their most A bogey followed on the next to move helpful early in the day with birdies and Noren back into a share of the lead but eagles the order of the day and at one the Swede also bogeyed the seventh be- point fi ve players shared the lead as the fore he got back to the summit with a leaderboard closed up. gain on the ninth to turn in 35. Heavy rain arrived in the afternoon, Sulllivan had eagles on the third and however, and it was Noren who came sixth with a birdie on the second but out on top at 12 under after a 68 which also two dropped shots on the fi fth and put him two shots clear of England’s seventh. He made a second birdie of the Tyrrell Hatton and Italian Matteo Ma- day on the 11th to sit a shot off the lead. nassero. A late birdie burst saw Walters surge Earlier favourable conditions allowed through the fi eld with one to play as for some low scoring and that allowed three gains in four holes from the 13th the fi eld to close up with 23 players added to earlier red numbers on the fi rst, within four shots of the lead as the rain fourth and sixth. began to fall in Inverness. Romain Wattel was at seven under Manassero and Noren were top of the and he had set the clubhouse target with pile at nine under but Danny Lee, Tyrrell a low round of the week 65 containing Hatton, Andy Sullivan and Justin Wal- an eagle and fi ve birdies. Richard Bland, ters were just a shot behind. Hatton was Alejandro Cañizares and Eddie Pepperell the fi rst player to make a big move as he were also two off the lead with Grace a made a birdie-eagle-birdie start to join further shot back after a double-bogey Noren at the top of the leaderboard. on the tenth. Nicolas Colsaerts, Padraig Manassero birdied the fi rst two holes Harrington and Ricardo Gouveia were to join the group in second and Branden also at six under. Gulf Times Sunday, July 10, 2016 9 SPORT

CYCLING/TOUR DE FRANCE Dutch delight as Schippers scorches to gold

Amsterdam: Dafne Schippers fired out an Olympic warning by blasting to the European 100m title on Friday, but Dutch team- mate Churandy Martina missed out on a sprint double after Froome takes stage being disqualified. In a dramatic session at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam featuring 11 finals, there was disaster for French world record pole vault holder Renaud Lavillenie while Turkey bagged its second and third gold medals thanks to its foreign legion. The evening, however, belonged to Dutch starlet Schippers, 24, who defended her title in style clocking 10.90sec in a race she completely dominated after hitting her stride at 50 metres and 8 and yellow jersey turning on the afterburners. “It was quite windy so it was dif- ficult to set a good time, but I am shaping up well for Rio,” said Schippers, with the Games just four weeks away. ‘I thought I’d give it a try in the downhill as the few tries on the climb didn’t work out’ There was drama for Martina, however, who crossed the line of the 200m with what he thought was a winning time of 20.37sec, just a day after sealing the 100m title. But he was later shown to have strayed into another lane and Great Britain’s Christopher Froome celebrates his overall was disqualified, Spain’s Bruno Hortelano, in 20.45sec, handed leader yellow jersey on the podium at the end of the 184km gold. Surprise package Turkey moved into provisional top place eighth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France of the medals table thanks to two gold and three silver medals cycling race between Pau and Bagneres-de-Luchon. (AFP) on the night, all won by foreign-born athletes. First up was Cuban-born Yasmani Copello Escobar, who won the men’s 400m hurdles in 48.98sec. Next came Polat Kemboi Arikan, formely known as Paul Kip- kosgei Kemboi, who beat Turkish teammate Ali Kaya — once Kenyan Stanley Kiprotich Mukche — to the men’s 10,000m title. There was also two more silvers for Turkey, in the men’s 200m thanks to Azerbaijan-born sprinter Ramil Guliyev and the men’s 3000m steeplechase with Kenyan-born Aras Kaya, formerly Amos Kibitok and only cleared to represent his new country four days ago. The tone was set for Turkey’s foreign legion when Kenyan-born teenager Yasemin Can, aka Vivian Jemutai, strode to victory in the championships’ opening event, the women’s 10,000m. Lavillenie, chasing a fourth European title, had a shocker in the pole vault, the Olympic champion only entering the competi- tion after the 10 other vaulters had finished, at 5.75m. But in blustery conditions, Lavillenie failed at each of his three attempts, leaving Poland’s Robert Sobera with a shock gold, his best of 5.60m beating Czech Jan Kudlicka into silver on countback. It was, however, a good night for Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic, who won her fourth successive European title with a best of 69.97m in the discus. And two-time world hammer champion Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland also won her event for a third successive European title with a best of 78.14m from six fine eff orts. Briton Martyn Rooney and Cuban-born Italian Libania Grenot both defended their 400m titles, the former clocking 45.29sec to hold off Czech Pavel Maslak and the latter timing 50.73 to edge out Frenchwoman Floria Guei. Mahiedine Mekhissi-Ben- abbad went one better than teammate Guei when he coasted to victory in the 3000m steeplechase in 8:25.63 for a third European title.

AFP enough and Froome opened up a ered in the fi rst hour of racing it penultimate climb as Movis- ish has a hat-trick of sprint stage Bagnères-de-Luchon, France 13 second gap by the fi nish. was impossible for a breakaway tar and Sky took turns setting victories. Netherland’s Dafne Schippers celebrates after winning 100m Ireland’s Dan Martin won the to form. But once the climb of a fi erce tempo at the front of title. (Reuters) sprint for second from Joaquim the monstrous Tourmalet began, the peloton. When the Sky-led RESULTS eigning champion Chris Rodriguez of Spain. Froome Frenchman Thibaut Pinot and peloton reached the fi nal climb, STAGE 8 Froome gave a demon- now leads by 16sec overall from Rafal Majka of Poland fi nally got there were only 30 riders left in 1. Chris Froome (Britain/Team stration of his versatil- young Briton Adam Yates and away before German time-trial- the lead group. Sky) 4:57:33” ity in riding away on Rodriguez, while previous yel- ler Tony Martin breached up to Finally with 17km left, less 2. Daniel Martin (Ireland/Etixx- Russian swimmer Simonova gets 4-year doping ban aR fast descent to take the yel- low jersey holder Greg Van Aver- the two climbers. than 2km from the climb’s sum- Quick-Step) +13” Russian breaststroke swimmer Vitalina Simonova has been low jersey at the Tour de France maet had long been distanced. Froome’s Sky were setting the mit, Froome put in a dig, fol- 3. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spain/ suspended for four years after testing positive for a banned yesterday. “It wasn’t really planned. I pace at the front of the peloton lowed by Ireland’s Martin as the Katusha) substance, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has Renowned for his blister- thought I’d give it a try in the and Van Avermaet quickly found peloton broke up with few riders 4. Romain Bardet (France/AG2R) announced. The test result related to an out of competition sample ing attacks on steep climbs, the downhill as the few tries on the himself in a group of stragglers able to hang on. 5. Roman Kreuziger (Czech the 23-year-old gave on June 29, 2015 during a training camp in Briton stunned his Tour rivals by climb didn’t work out,” said going rapidly backwards and Frenchman Romain Bardet Republic/Tinkoff ) Naoussa, Greece, where testosterone was found. The ban is back- going clear on a speedy descent Froome. seeing the yellow jersey slipping and Quintana both accelerated dated and runs until June 28, 2019, FINA said in a statement on its to the fi nish of the 184km eighth “They (his rivals) were stick- off his shoulders. but neither showed any great GENERAL CLASSIFICATION off icial website (www.fina.org). The Russian won bronze at the 2014 stage from Pau to Bagneres de ing to us so I decided to give it The Tourmalet took its toll commitment to attack. AFTER STAGE 8 European Championships in the medley relay and claimed silver at Luchon in the Pyrenees. a go in the descent. It was cool. with 2014 champion Vincenzo A group of just 14 riders went 1. Chris Froome (Britain/Team the 2013 European short course championships in the 200 metres He caught everyone by sur- Bike racing is just fun, but maybe Nibali also dropped and Dane over the top together with 16km Sky) 39:13:04” breaststroke. Simonova, who was not selected to compete at this prise, commentators and fans I spent a little bit too much en- Michael Morkov, who’d been to ride and Froome immediately 2. Adam Yates (Britain/Orica) year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, intends to appeal to the Court included, with a curious tech- ergy - tomorrow is a hard stage struggling ever since crashing on attacked on the descent. +16” of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the suspension. The banned nique where he slipped off his but I take every second I can.” the opening stage, being forced The chasers seemed to look to 3. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spain/ substance was in a dietary supplement, but it was not indicated saddle and onto the bike’s cen- Froome’s main rival Nairo to abandon, the fi rst rider to quit each other for direction and the Katusha) on the packaging,” Simonova told the R-Sport news agency. “I am tral bar to gain aerodynamic Quintana fi nished the stage in the Tour this year at an unprec- Briton was away to win a fi fth 4. Daniel Martin (Ireland/Etixx- upset that our arguments have not been listened to, but I intend to benefi ts, yet still managing to 13th place and is now sixth over- edentedly late stage. stage in eight for his nation. Quick-Step) +17” carry on and will look to defend myself at the Court of Arbitration pedal furiously. all at 23-seconds. The leading trio were brought Stephen Cummings won Fri- 5. Alejandro Valverde (Spain/ for Sport. I have no intention of retiring,” she added. No-one reacted quickly With an incredible 51km cov- back 43km from the end on the day’s stage while Mark Cavend- Movistar) +19”

ATHLETICS Merritt clocks fastest 200m time of the year

AFP champion Rollins scored a superb vic- It was the fi rst time the reigning Eugene, United States tory in 12.34sec. Olympic 200m champion has run the Kristi Castlin fi nished second with distance this year and the 30-year-old Nia Ali third. was pleased to coast home in 22.93sec. aShawn Merritt clocked the “I knew I was ready, I just wanted “It felt good, it felt comfortable,” fastest 200m time of the year to come out here and do the best race said Felix, who won the 400m last as Brianna Rollins scored a I can, and I managed to execute that,” Sunday. “It’s been a long time.” stunning victory in the 100m Rollins said. Felix, the reigning world 400m Lhurdles at the US Olympic track and Keni Harrison, the fastest woman champion, is bidding to become only fi eld trials here Friday. in the world this year in the event, fi n- the third woman to win both the 400m Merritt, the 2008 Olympics 400m ished in sixth spot and missed out on a and 200m at the same Olympics. champion, roared into Saturday’s place in Rio. Felix now races in the semi-fi nals of 200m fi nal with a blistering time of Harrison’s fi nish outside the quali- the 200m with the fi nal scheduled for 19.74 seconds, more than two-tenths fying spots refl ects the ferocious depth Sunday. of a second quicker than his nearest of competition in the event amongst Elsewhere Friday, Aries Merritt ad- rival, Ameer Webb. US hurdlers, who have monopolised vanced in the 110m hurdles as he aims It was a devastating display of all of this season’s top 10 times. to qualify for Rio less than a year after sprinting from Merritt, who insists undergoing a kidney transplant. he remains undecided about whether Harper-Nelson stunned Merritt, the reigning Olympic to pursue a 400-200 double at next Former Olympic champion Dawn champion and world record holder, month’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Harper-Nelson joined Harrison fi nished his heat in third place in “I’m not sure yet, I’m just trying among the casualties after failing to 13.64sec but is confi dent he can im- to take it a race at time. I don’t like to reach the fi nal. The 32-year-old 2008 prove as the competition progresses. think too far ahead,” said Merritt when Beijing Olympics gold medallist and “The jitters are out. I’m just looking asked about his Olympic plans. London silver medallist was left in forward to advancing round by round,” “I’m just going to try and win to- shock by her elimination. he said. morrow.” “Honestly right now I’m in com- “There’s always jitters. If you’re not Merritt will be joined in the fi nal by plete disbelief,” she told reporters. nervous there’s something wrong.” both Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay. “Tears are gonna come but right now Merritt, 30, was watched by his sis- Gatlin fi nished his semi-fi nal in I’m in shock. I’m going to go through ter Latoya, who helped save her broth- second place with a time of 20.23sec, anger, more disbelief, frustration, er’s life by supplying a kidney for last trailing teenager Michael Norman in confusion. I just don’t believe it.” year’s transplant. 20.21sec. Elsewhere Friday, Allyson Felix “I’m lucky to be running, to be out The drama on a rainswept day at launched her bid for the 200m with here is a blessing. I’m hoping to do Hayward Field came in the women’s a comfortable victory in her opening special things tomorrow,” Merritt LaShawn Merritt competes in the 20m semi-finals during the 2016 US Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field in 100m hurdles, where 2013 world heat. said. Eugene, Oregon. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 10 Sunday, July 10, 2016 FORMULA ONE

FOCUS Wehrlein, the ‘Little Prince’ who would be king Reuters rive with the Red Bull on the podium is special boy’. Silverstone, England quite big.” He would jump at the chance but Renault, with an engine that has knows he has a lot to learn. already powered 18-year-old Verstap- The youngest champion in the DTM ormula One’s ‘Little Prince’ pen to victory in Spain, are fi ve points (German Touring Car championship) Pascal Wehrlein may one day ahead of Manor in the championship has never raced at Silverstone before rule the world but just scoring and Wehrlein would love to take the and Austria was the fi rst circuit of Fa point is a big enough deal at fi ght to them. the season that he knew from his the moment. The driver whose boyhood F1 idol previous series. The German rookie helped Manor, was McLaren’s Mika Hakkinen, with In Austria, he showed he has a cool the smallest team on the grid, to move his ‘Maximum Attack’ approach, is al- head on young shoulders. With the off the bottom and ahead of struggling ready ahead of Renault’s Jolyon Palmer Williams of Brazilian Felipe Massa Sauber in Austria last weekend with as the highest-placed rookie. having to start from the pit lane, a their fi rst point of the season. “In Austria we benefi ted from a few space opened up on the grid ahead of His 10th place, from 12th on the problems from other people and were him and Wehrlein drove straight into grid, might have been more of a talking much more competitive than in previ- it. The error almost cost him dear but point had dominant Mercedes drivers ous races,” said the German. “We need he hurriedly managed to avoid a penal- Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to make sure we are competitive again ty by engaging reverse moments before not collided on the last lap and in the next races. We also need luck the start lights came on. grabbed all the attention. to be in the position to score a point “There were many thoughts in my The 21-year-old Mercedes reserve again. But why not? head, like the team will be very upset might also have had a good claim to the “If we can hold this position, or and of course everyone will be angry. Driver of the Day award that went to maybe fi ght with the Renaults, it could And I will be the most angry guy if I get Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who give us so much more money for next a penalty,” he said. fi nished second. year which helps us for development “I needed to reverse, stop my pro- “To arrive with a Manor in P10 is and improving the car.” cedure for the start. I was pushing so maybe a better result than to arrive Wehrlein is seen as an heir apparent many buttons at the same time and with a Red Bull in P2,” Wehrlein said for the day when either Hamilton or then pulling the reverse gear and go- of that decision. “There’s Mercedes Rosberg depart from Mercedes, and is ing backwards. But everything I did and Ferrari and Red Bull who are the a driver described by that team’s boss needed to happen within fi ve seconds. fi rst three teams and the chance to ar- Toto Wolff as ‘our little prince’ and ‘a I was like a DJ.”

BRITISH GRAND PRIX SPOTLIGHT McLaren’s Button needs competitive Sensational late lap car to stay on in F1 Reuters into this season, we will see Silverstone where we are and hopefully it will be a good place to be, or somewhere else is a good place ritain’s Jenson Button, to be, and I can challenge for po- puts Hamilton on pole the most experienced diums or victories and I will stay. driver on the Formula “I only want to be in F1 next One starting grid, says year if I feel it is going to be ‘It was not the cleanest qualifying session. I touched the kerb and it just pulled Bhe needs a competitive car if competitive and enjoyable. It is he is to stay in the sport for an my decision whether I want to me further... the car bottomed and kind of bounced just outside of the line. 18th season. stay in F1 or do something else. The 2009 world champion’s I won’t walk away if I’m com- So a lot of pressure on that last lap. I knew that I couldn’t let the guys down’ future at Honda-powered petitive,” he added. McLaren, who have not won Button said any decision a race since his last victory in would not be about money and 2012, is up in the air beyond this he would not drive half-heart- Lewis Hamilton (left) celebrates year but he has been linked with edly. He fi nished sixth in last his pole position with Mercedes a possible return to Williams. weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix teammate Nico Rosberg, who will “If I am racing next year, I after starting in third place fol- start second in today's British GP will only be racing if I am in a lowing grid penalties to Mer- at Silverstone. (Reuters) car that is competitive,” the cedes’ championship leader 36-year-old told British re- Nico Rosberg and Ferrari’s Se- porters at his home grand prix. bastian Vettel. Button, whose place at Williams, who have Mer- McLaren looks likely to be cedes engines, have had a po- taken by Belgian Stoff el Van- dium fi nish this season with doorne, has never fi nished on Finland’s Valtteri Bottas in the podium at Silverstone in 16 Canada but have slipped down attempts and does not expect the championship standings to be a contender. from third to fourth. McLaren are on a long road Brazilian Felipe Massa is back after a diffi cult switch their other driver and the one from Mercedes to Honda whose future at the team is power units. “I have enjoyed uncertain. the journey the last year and a The top three teams— half, but there is a point where Mercedes, Ferrari and Red you feel you have done enough Bull—look certain to retain their and you can’t give any more to current lineups for 2017 with the project to help it move for- the latter two already confi rm- ward,” said Button. ing their drivers and only Ros- “Hopefully, a little further berg yet to agree an extension.

Reuters “Lewis in Silverstone with the crowd be- ing the same fate and dropping to eighth may face a grid penalty, a reprimand or a Silverstone, England hind him, it gives him an extra one tenth,” behind Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz. fi ne. Motorsport’s ruling body, the Inter- said the team’s non-executive chairman McLaren’s Fernando Alonso will start national Motoring Federation (FIA), said Niki Lauda. ninth but his 2009 world champion team Rosberg exceeded the permitted maximum ewis Hamilton put in a sensational Rosberg, who has an 11 point advantage mate Jenson Button failed to get through time between two safety car lines at the late lap under intense pressure to over Hamilton after nine of 21 races, was the fi rst phase and starts 17th for what start of Q1. FIA race director Charlie Whit- seize pole position for his home due to line up in second place but was sum- could be his fi nal home appearance. ing sent the teams a note on Friday stating British Formula One Grand Prix moned to see stewards for an alleged rules The team said a rear-wing endplate that the permitted maximum time was one Lfrom Mercedes teammate and title rival breach at the start of qualifying. on Button’s car became detached from minute and 45 seconds. The rule is to help Nico Rosberg yesterday. If the front row is confi rmed, Mercedes the fl oor during the lap, causing a loss of reduce the risk of accidents caused by slow The triple world champion had just one team bosses are sure to be watching nerv- downforce. Mechanics tried to fi x it but ran drivers interfering with others on fast laps. chance to secure the top slot after an initial ously after collisions between their drivers out of time. eff ort in the fi nal top 10 shootout was de- in three of the last fi ve races. There was confusion after the fi rst phase leted because he exceeded the track limits Hamilton and Rosberg have been told with Button hurriedly getting back in the Starting Grid at Copse corner. they are on a fi nal warning, with new rules car in readiness for the second session 1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes With championship leader Rosberg on of engagement and the threat of tough when it looked like Renault’s Kevin Mag- 2. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes provisional pole, and Hamilton 10th as sanctions if they make contact again to the nussen was going to have his time deleted. 3. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull the clock ticked away and fans held their detriment of the dominant team. Sauber’s Swedish driver Marcus Erics- 4. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull breath, the home hero made sure of his “I will try not to be in that position son did not take part in qualifying after be- 5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 56th career pole and fourth at Silverstone. again,” said Hamilton, while Rosberg told ing taken to hospital for checks following 6. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams “It was not the cleanest qualifying ses- reporters the rules were now “very clear”. a big crash in fi nal practice. The team said 7. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force India sion,” said Hamilton who set a time of one Dutch teenager Max Verstappen out- he had been given the all-clear and was re- 8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso minute 29.287 seconds. qualifi ed his Red Bull teammate Daniel Ric- turning to the track. 9. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren “I touched the kerb and it just pulled ciardo for the fi rst time since his promotion 10. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India me further... the car bottomed and kind of to the senior team from Toro Rosso, with Rosberg in hot water over slow lap 11. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari bounced just outside of the line. the pair fi lling the second row with Ferrari’s Nico Rosberg was called to see the stew- 12. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams “So a lot of pressure on that last lap. I Kimi Raikkonen fi fth. ards at the British Grand Prix and could be 13. Romain Grosjean (France) Haas was just sitting in the garage and I knew Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel qualifi ed sixth hit with a grid penalty for taking an unduly 14. Esteban Gutierrez (Mexico) Haas that I couldn’t let the guys down... The but will have a fi ve-place grid penalty for slow lap during yesterday’s qualifying. 15. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso second lap wasn’t as good but I was making the second race in a row due to a gearbox The world championship-leading Mer- 16. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Renault sure I got that lap in. I’m grateful that I did.” change. That will move the Williams of Fin- cedes driver is alleged to have breached 17. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren Huge cheers went up around the cir- land’s Valtteri Bottas alongside compatriot the sporting regulations for lapping in a 18. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault cuit as Hamilton lit up the screens, with Raikkonen on the third row in sixth place. leisurely two minutes and 26.444 seconds 19. Rio Haryanto (Indonesia) Manor a 140,000 crowd expecting to witness his Hamilton was not the only driver to have during the fi rst qualifying session. 20. Pascal Wehrlein (Germany) Manor third successive British Grand Prix win to- a lap deleted for exceeding the track limits, The German, who went on to qualify 21. Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber day and fourth in total. with Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg suff er- second behind teammate Lewis Hamilton, 22. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber Gulf Times Sunday, July 10, 2016 11 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Serena doubles up with Venus for 14th Serena won’t be Grand Slam title distracted by latest history bid Since winning Wimbledon 12 months ago, Serena had been stuck on 21 Slams after losing in the US Open semi-finals and this year’s Australian and French Open finals

USA’s Serena Williams and Venus Williams pose with their trophies after winning the doubles against Hungary’s Timea Babos and Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova.

AFP doubles court.” London Serena and Venus hadn’t played together for two years be- fore this year but reunited as part erena Williams followed of their build-up for the Olympic up her seventh Wim- Games next month. bledon singles title and Earlier Saturday, Serena had record-equalling 22nd defeated Angelique Kerber 7-5, GrandS Slam crown with victory 6-3 in the women’s singles fi nal. in the women’s doubles along- Earlier, Nicolas Mahut and side sister Venus yesterday. Pierre-Hughes Herbert won the The unseeded Americans de- Wimbledon men’s doubles title feated fi fth seeds Timea Babos of after a straight sets win over fel- Hungary and Yaroslava Shvedova low French duo Julien Benneteau of Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-4 to claim and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. their sixth Wimbledon doubles They were comfortable winners title. in the end, winning 6-4 7-6(1) It was also their 14th doubles 6-3, adding the title to the US triumph as a team at the majors Open doubles crown they also and their 22nd in 23 fi nals overall. won together last year. The sisters last lost a doubles Mahut is forever associated fi nal in 1999 in San Diego. with the longest match in tennis “It’s awesome to win another history, at Wimbledon in 2010 doubles at Wimbledon,” said when he lost an 11-hour mara- Serena. thon to American John Isner. Venus said: “I never want to He also fi nished runner-up at make a mistake. I don’t want to the 2015 Australian Open in his let Serena down. She brought the fi rst tournament in tandem with energy from the singles on to the Herbert.

Champ ‘saddened’

Serena Williams gives a press conference after winning the women’s singles final at Wimbledon yesterday. by US shootings,

AFP After suff ering a dip in form earlier London I was helpless, admits Kerber this year, Williams’ coach Patrick Moura- fears for family toglou told her she was back to her best at the French Open and the message fi nally AFP, London: She added: “I don’t think that the imbledon champion Ser- AFP, London: Defeated Wimbledon said Kerber, who had defeated Williams sunk in at Wimbledon. answer is to continue to shoot ena Williams insists she finalist Angelique Kerber admitted she for her first Grand Slam title at the Aus- “I think sometime after the French erena Williams said she our young black people. won’t let her chase for the was helpless to prevent the Serena tralian Open in January. Open, we were talking and strategising. was saddened by the “Violence is not the answer. The all-time record of 24 Grand Williams onslaught which powered the “I was trying to be tough, to stay in the He just said, ‘You’re back’. I guess he was gun violence and dete- shootings in Dallas were very WSlam titles become a damaging distrac- right,” she said. American to a seventh Wimbledon and match, trying to fight until the last point. riorating race relations sad. No one deserves to lose tion. “I had to start looking at positives, not S record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title. “But Serena was the one who won the in the US, admitting she fears their life, doesn’t matter what Williams ended one of the most frus- The fourth seed, bidding to become match. I played my best, did what I could. focusing on that one loss per tournament for the safety of her own family colour they are, where they’re trating periods of her career yesterday the first German to win the Wimbledon At the end, she deserved it.” which anyone else on this tour would be in the current volatile climate. from. We’re all human.” when she equalled Steffi Graf’s Open crown since Steff i Graf in 1996, slipped to Williams finished on 39 winners and 13 completely happy about. The 34-year-old tennis star lifted Gun violence has personally era record of 22 major titles with a 7-5, a battling 7-5, 6-3 loss in one of the better aces which absorbed the 21 unforced “Once I started focusing more on the a seventh Wimbledon title and touched Williams and her family 6-3 victory over Angelique Kerber in the All England Club finals in recent years. errors she had committed. positives, I realised that I’m pretty good. record-equalling 22nd major in the past. Wimbledon fi nal. Kerber carved out just one break point in She ended the tournament with 74 aces, Then I started playing a little better.” yesterday, before addressing her In September 2003, her elder Since winning Wimbledon 12 months the 81-minute final in the seventh game more than twice as many as second- Asked to refl ect on her incredible suc- country’s turbulent week. half-sister Yetunde Price was ago, Serena had been stuck on 21 Slams of the second set. placed Elena Vesnina who managed a cess at the majors, which started with a Five police off icers were shot gunned down in a drive-by after losing in the US Open semi-fi nals But in a flash, it was gone as the 34-year- comparatively meagre 31. US Open title as a trailblazing teenager in dead by a black extremist in shooting in Compton, the crime- and this year’s Australian and French old American fired a 117 mph ace and Kerber hit just 12 winners on Saturday 1999, Serena admitted it was becoming Dallas, Texas, during a march to plagued suburb of Los Angeles Open fi nals. then another at 124 mph to restore order. and was unable to fire one ace past her hard to keep track of all her triumphs. protest against police brutality. where Serena grew up. The long wait to see her name along- “This is how Serena is playing. I had one opponent. “There’s defi nitely some blurs between The peaceful Dallas demon- The 31-year-old worked as a side Graf was a stressful time for the break point, and I couldn’t do nothing,” “I think I played what I could today. eight, nine and ten,” she said. “I remem- stration was one of several personal assistant to Serena and 34-year-old American. ber one through four. Gets really blurry nationwide over the deaths of tennis-playing sister Venus. Having fi nally tied Graf’s landmark after that.” Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Price was sitting in a car with with a seventh Wimbledon triumph that not being able to quite get there. fi nally end her quest. Serena will have a chance to win a sec- Philando Castile in Minnesota her boyfriend at the time of the took her within two of Margaret Court’s “I’ve just felt a lot of pressure. I put a “Defi nitely so excited to win Wim- ond singles gold medal at the Olympics earlier in the week. shooting. all-time record of 24 majors, Serena was lot of that pressure on myself. Obviously bledon, that’s always a great feeling. But in Rio next month before attempting to “I have nephews that I’m think- He escaped uninjured in the inci- asked if she was now focused on surpass- had some really tough losses. maybe even more so is the excitement of close in on Court with a 23rd major at the ing, Do I have to call them and dent in which a neighbour said a ing that tally to establish herself as the “One thing I learned about last year is getting 22, trying so hard to get there, fi - US Open a few weeks later. tell them, Don’t go outside. If you dozen shots were fired. best ever. to enjoy the moment. I’m defi nitely going nally being able to match history, which is But even the ferociously competitive get in your car, it might be the “We have to learn that we have But the world number one is adamant to enjoy this.” pretty awesome,” she said. Williams seems happy to rest on her lau- last time I see you,” said Williams to love one another,” added she won’t be making a point of targeting Embarrassed by her stunning loss to “Even though I didn’t win those tour- rels, for a while at least. in an emotional press confer- Serena.“It’s going to take a lot any more major milestones. Roberta Vinci at the US Open last year naments, I was fi ghting and I was in the “I love gold. Not to knock the Olym- ence at the All England Club. of education and a lot of work, I “Oh, God, no. I’ve learned a lot about — a defeat that cost her a rare calen- fi nal again. pics, but right now I am probably focused “That is something that I think think, to get to that point. 22. I learned not to get involved in those dar Grand Slam — and humbled by her “I think, if anything, I was able to show a little more on the slams, or at least I was is of great concern because it “But I think, in general, the entire debates and conversations,” Serena said. further failures this year, Williams had resilience that, no, that’s not going to with getting to 22,” she said. will be devastating. They’re very situation is extremely sad, espe- “I defi nitely had some sleepless nights, vowed to come back stronger than ever shake me, you’re not going to break me, “Now I feel like, you know, everything good kids. cially for someone like me.” if I’m honest. Coming so close. Feeling it, and she conceded it was a huge relief to it’s going to make me stronger.” else will be pretty good.”

CRICKET AUSSIES IN SRI LANKA

Australian cricketers Peter Nevill (C) and team- mates arrive at a hotel in Colombo yesterday. Ali boosts Pakistan Australia will play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and Two T20 series matches in Sri AFP Younis Khan and Misbah- sive fi gures of four for 49. Lanka between July 26 and September 9. London ul-Haq made half centuries Indeed the 21-year-old West with Sussex thankful that Indian had the Pakistanis in debutant pace bowler trouble early on with a two- zhar Ali’s fi ne form Jofra Archer didn’t suff er wicket blast that saw them re- with the bat gave Pa- from nerves as he returned duced to 49-2. kistan the perfect impressive fi gures of four But a third wicket stand of boost ahead of the fi rst for 49. 125 between Ali and Younis TestA with England next week as turned the match back in Paki- he stroked his second succes- county side attack — as the stan’s favour until Younis fell on sive century in their tour match tourists fi nished the fi rst day on 59 to a catch by Ajmal Shahzad with Sussex yesterday. 363 for fi ve. off the bowling of Danny Briggs. Ali, who made an unbeaten Veterans Younis Khan and Misbah quickly replaced his 101 in the second innings of Misbah-ul-Haq made half team-mate and kept Pakistan their game with Somerset ear- centuries with Sussex thank- on track, reaching 221 for three lier this week, hit a fi ne 145 ful that debutant pace bowler at tea, before he became an- — admittedly against an un- Jofra Archer didn’t suff er from other victim of Archer when he der-strength second-division nerves as he returned impres- trapped him lbw on 68.

Sunday, July 10, 2016 GULF TIMES TENNIS

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Murray ready to ‘Missile’ man Milos dodge Raonic proves he’s the real deal

AFP From Ontario, Raonic moved bullets in fi nal London to Montreal as part of the na- tional tennis programme when he was 16. In the era of super-coaches, Raonic has the luxury of relying on not one, but two hen Milos Raonic His breakthrough as a pro- burst onto the scene fessional came in 2011 when former grand slam champions in the shape of Carlos Moya and John McEnroe in 2011, the super- he made the Australian Open latives came thick fourth round as a qualifi er. andW fast, appropriately enough Three weeks later he won his for a man who once fi red a serve fi rst career title at San Jose and nudging the 250km/h mark. within the space of a month his “Bigger than big”, said Pete ranking shot up from 152 to 37. Sampras, Raonic’s childhood He went on to be named ATP idol, after facing the giant Ca- Newcomer of the Year while, in nadian in an exhibition match. 2014, he made his fi rst semi-fi - “The real deal”, enthused nal at a major, losing to Federer former US Davis Cup captain at Wimbledon. Patrick McEnroe while Martina Raonic was back in the last- Navratilova confi dently pre- four of a major again in Australia dicted he was a “new star”. in January, giving up a two sets Raonic has become accus- to one lead against Murray. tomed to the plaudits and to Since then he has employed hearing the words “the fi rst” three-time champion John when his name is mentioned. McEnroe as coach for the grass Becoming the fi rst Wimble- court season, a relationship don champion from Canada to- which appears to be working de- day, however, will be the sweet- spite McEnroe splitting his time est sound of all. between the practice courts and The Montenegro-born world his media commitments. number seven was the fi rst man “Milos has been waiting for born in the 1990s to win an ATP this for a long time,” said the Tour title and fi rst to book a three-time Wimbledon cham- place in the elite season-ending pion. World Tour Finals. “He is one of the few guys He was the fi rst Canadian who says I want to be the best man to break into the top 10 and in the world and win majors. the fi rst to go all the way to a He has the game where he can Slam semi-fi nal at the All Eng- take the racquet out of anyone’s land Club in 2014. hands.” He bettered that feat on Fri- But it’s not all been smooth day with his stunning defeat of sailing for Raonic. Roger Federer to reach Sunday’s At the 2013 Canadian Open, Wimbledon fi nal against Andy he was at the centre of a row Murray. over bad sportsmanship when Raonic was born in Podgorica he won a point despite his foot in Montenegro on December 27, touching the net in a match 1990, but his family, concerned against Juan Martin del Potro. over the political unrest in the He didn’t acknowledge the Balkans, moved to Canada when slip and there were many who he was three. weren’t sorry to see him lose the “Where my family came from, fi nal in just 98 minutes to Rafael the situation we were in sort of Nadal. gave us no option,” said Raonic “I’m disappointed with my- when asked to recount his fam- self — I made a mistake in the ily’s big life-changing decision. spur of the moment,” he ex- Settling in Ontario, Raonic plained. Andy Murray poses for a selfie with fans after a practice session yesterday. started playing tennis when he As a mark of his success, was eight, training in the morn- Raonic now lives in Monte Carlo Reuters ing and evenings after school and has a supermodel girlfriend, London while his father Dusan fed the Danielle Knudson. ball machine. He also briefl y became a cult “Me and my father started on fi gure on social media when he ince Andy Murray’s the ball machine every morn- adopted the bizarre fashion of memory is as razor sharp ing at 6 in the morning and 9 at wearing a compression sleeve on as his service returns, night, because that’s when court his serving arm. he will not have forgot- fees were aff ordable enough for The sleeve even had its own tenS the parting shot he received us,” he recalled. Twitter account @milosright- from Milos Raonic when they “I remember that ball ma- arm. last played. chine pretty well.” That was probably a fi rst, too. “Next time I’m going to try to serve through him!” the Cana- dian sharp shooter warned. GUIDE TO THE FINAL Three weeks after losing a three-set tussle to Murray at ANDY MURRAY (GBR) PATHS TO FINAL Queen’s Club, Raonic will get a World ranking: 2 Murray (Time spent on court: 13 Age: 29 (15/05/1987) hours 07 minutes) chance to execute his plan as the Career titles in total: 37 1st rd: bt Liam Broady (GBR) 6-2, two clash in today’s Wimbledon Career Grand Slam titles: 2 — 6-3, 6-4 fi nal. Wimbledon: 2013; US Open: 2012 2nd rd: bt Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE) 6-3, Over the past fortnight, any- Career prize money: 6-2, 6-1 one brave enough to stand in $46,740,897 (before start of 3rd rd: bt John Millman (AUS) 6-3, Raonic’s fi ring line has been fl at- Wimbledon) 7-5, 6-2 ted by a series of 140 mph mis- Personal: Wife, Kim Sears (mar- 4th rd: bt Nick Kyrgios (AUS x15) siles. ried April 11, 2015); daughter, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 Sophia Olivia, born on February QF: bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA The man with the golden arm 7, 2016 x12) 7-6 (12/10), 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 6-1 tops the list for aces (137) and Coaches: Jamie Delgado and Ivan SF: bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x10) fastest serve (144 mph) at this Lendl 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 year’s tournament after he pole- Fun fact: His 2013 Wimbledon win axed Roger Federer for the fi rst was watched by 17.3 mn British Raonic (Time spent on court: 15 time in a major to became the TV viewers hours 04 minutes) fi rst Canadian man to reach a Twitter: @andy_murray 1st rd: bt Pablo Carreno Busta grand slam fi nal. (ESP) 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-4 MILOS RAONIC (CAN) 2nd rd: bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 7-6 Now the sixth seed wants to World ranking: 7 (7/5), 6-4, 6-2 make sure all his hard work does Age: 25 (27/12/1990) 3rd rd: bt Jack Sock (USA x27) 7-6 not unravel in the fi nal as he fac- Career titles in total: 8 (7/2), 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) es a rival who he called tennis’s Career Grand Slam titles: 0 4th rd: bt David Goff in (BEL x11) “premier workaholic”. Career prize money: $10,710,488 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 “The biggest challenge for (before start of Wimbledon) QF: bt Sam Querrey (USA x28) me, (is not to get) sucked into Personal: Girlfriend is Canadian 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 his game,” said the 25-year-old, model Danielle Knudson SF: bt Roger Federer (SUI x3) 6-3, who trails Murray 3-6 in head- Coaches: Carlos Moya and John 6-7 (3/7), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 A combination of pictures shows Canada’s Milos Raonic (L) and Britain’s Andy Murray. McEnroe to-head meetings. Fun fact: Raonic is friends with HEAD TO HEAD (year, tournament, “Andy will try to throw you what he did against Federer,” vak Djokovic, Roger Federer and ray, who was runner-up to Djok- nership with Ivan Lendl, who former supermodel Heidi Klum, round, surface, result) off , give you some slower balls, said McEnroe. Rafael Nadal have snared 43 slams ovic in this year’s Australian and guided Murray to his two pre- who was in his player’s box when Murray leads 6-3 some harder balls, all these kinds “You can see how badly Milos between them, Murray has had to French Open fi nals. vious major triumphs, has also he beat Roger Federer in the 2016 London/Queen’s Club Grass F of things. I guess my goal is to wants it and how deep he is will- make do with winning just two ti- “Milos is a very tough op- added an extra dimension to his semi-finals. Murray 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-3 keep him away from that, play it ing to go. Against Murray he will tles — at the US Open in 2012 and ponent. He’s played very well game. Twitter: @milosraonic 2016 Monte Carlo Clay QF Murray on my terms, be aggressive, not have to serve big and go for it.” the All England Club in 2013. on the grass this year and has “From the beginning of the 6-2, 6-0 hesitate.” While the Canadian’s work With such a poor success rate earned his right to (be in) the fi - tournament Murray’s been KEY WIMBLEDON STATS 2016 Australian Open Hard SF Mur- MURRAY ray 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 In the era of super-coaches, ethic has come a long way since in the fi nals, Murray will be ea- nal by beating one of the best, if playing better than anyone else. Aces: 51 2015 Madrid Clay QF Murray 6-4, 7-5 Raonic has the luxury of rely- his childhood days, when he said ger to capitalise on the chance to not the best, player ever at this He has been playing better than Fastest serve: 134 mph/215.6 2014 London/World Tour Finals ing on not one, but two former he would “hit tennis balls from face someone other than Djoko- event. he ever has, he’s got more con- km/h Hard RR Murray 6-3, 7-5 grand slam champions in the the standing position for two vic, who surprisingly perished in “But I’d love to win it again. fi dence and adding Lendl has Double faults: 6 2014 Indian Wells Hard R16 Raonic shape of Carlos Moya and hours” as he was “too lazy” to the third round, or Federer in a These tournaments are why I’m added that touch more belief,” Break points saved: 19/27 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 three-times Wimbledon cham- move, Murray likes nothing bet- title showdown. still playing and why I’m train- said McEnroe. 2012 Tokyo Hard SF Raonic 6-3, 6-7 pion John McEnroe. Adding the ter than to put in the hard work At the same time, the number ing hard and trying to win these At 29, Murray knows that RAONIC (5/7), 6-4 American to his team for the in training. two seed is aware of the threat events. That’s what really mo- these opportunities will eventu- Aces: 137 2012 US Open Hard R16 Murray 6-4, Fastest serve: 144 mph/231.7 6-4, 6-2 grasscourt season has proved to Those behind-the-scenes posed by Raonic. tivates me,” added Murray, who ally run out and he will be eager km/h 2012 Toronto Hard R16 Raonic W/O be a masterstroke. sweat sessions propelled the “Obviously, fi rst time I’ll play has a 2-0 record over Raonic in to make it count, especially since Double faults: 28 2012 Barcelona Clay QF Raonic 6-4, “Milos has got the type of Briton into a third Wimbledon a slam fi nal against someone grand slams and has won their he can rely on an army of 15,000 Break points saved: 22/27 7-6 (7/3) game when he can take the rack- fi nal and his 11th overall. that isn’t Roger or Novak. So, last fi ve meetings. Centre Court fans to cheer him 2012 Miami Hard R32 Murray W/O et out of anyone’s hand. That’s But playing in an era when No- yeah, that’s diff erent,” said Mur- Rekindling his coaching part- all the way to the fi nishing line.