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Thursday, August 9, 2018 Dhul-Qa’da 27, 1439 AH Sri Lanka clinch GULF TIMES rain-marred thriller to end losing streak SPORT Page 2 CRICKET New-look England try to do without Stokes in 2nd Test All-rounder Woakes has been called up in Stokes’ place, with uncapped Surrey batsman Pope selected in place of Malan

AFP London Kohli just wants India to

ngland will be without ‘cross the line’ Ben Stokes while India AFP “It is unfortunate we haven’t could make changes too London been able to cross the (win- for the second Test at ning) line after coming so Lord’sE today. close, that is the only thing we Stokes played a starring role ndia has are looking to, how we cross in England’s 31-run win in the no qualms over who stars the line. fi rst Test of a fi ve-match series at Ifor his side so long as they “It doesn’t matter whether Edgbaston last week, including win. I get (over) the line or Jinks taking the wicket of India captain The tourists head into the (Ajinkya Rahane) does or (Mu- Virat Kohli, who had been an- second Test at Lord’s starting rali) Vijay does or KL (Rahul) choring the tourists’ run-chase. today 1-0 down in a five-match does or whoever does. But Stokes was omitted by series after England won the “As long as we cross the line, England because he is in court first Test at Edgbaston by 31 that is the only thing that mat- this week on a criminal charge of runs last week. ters,” Kohli insisted. aff ray. That was despite star batsman Fellow pace-bowling all- Kohli making exactly 200 ‘CLEAR PLAN’ rounder Chris Woakes has been runs in the game, including India were dismissed for called up in his place to the Eng- a superb first-innings 149 — under 300 in their first innings land squad, with uncapped Sur- his maiden Test century in at Edgbaston and then failed rey batsman Ollie Pope selected England. to chase down a target of 194 instead of Dawid Malan, dropped If only another member of In- second time around, being after a run of low scores. dia’s much-vaunted top-order bowled out for 162 after Kohli But in a dry English summer had made a sizeable contribu- made 51. that has seen pitches more recep- tion, the result may well have “There must be a clear plan tive to slow bowling than usual, been diff erent. on how to face the first 20-30 England could recall off -spinner “It hurts when you are not balls, and more often than not Moeen Ali to partner leg-break scoring runs (and) as well, the that plan does not involve ag- bowler Adil Rashid even though team is not doing well,” Kohli gression,” said Kohli, who was England captain Joe Root bowls told a pre-match press confer- extremely watchful against occasional off -breaks. ence at Lord’s yesterday. swing king James Anderson, Root confi rmed yesterday that “It is not like I feel bad that I England’s all-time leading Test Pope would bat at number four got runs and we couldn’t get wicket-taker, at Edgbaston. but that England would delay a across the line,” added Kohli, “Then we need some compo- decision on whether to play Ali now the world’s top-ranked sure,” he added. “As a or Woakes instead of Stokes until batsman in both Test and one- unit, we have discussed that. the morning of the match, with day international cricket. “From outside it looks very bad, the uncapped Jamie Porter re- “It is purely because we especially as it is leased from the 13-man squad. haven’t won the games. If I and we are playing in England “Ollie Pope will come in and hadn’t got the runs and we where it is anyway diff icult. bat at four,” said Root. had won, I would have got a “But we only need to bring That England won their (From left) England’s Ollie Pope, Joe Root and take part in the nets session yesterday ahead of the second Test against India at totally diff erent feeling — that’s down the margin of error and 1,000th Test owed much to the Lord’s cricket ground in London yesterday. (Reuters) a very natural aspect of play- beyond that we don’t need to Pope’s fellow 20-year-old Surrey ing team sport. worry too much.” rising star . chandran Ashwin’s off -spin. Edgbaston, said it was important Kuldeep Yadav, with all-rounder from their batsmen, Arun said: As well as taking fi ve wickets in In 17 Tests since Root became to put the side’s batting struggles Hardik Pandya the man most “If you look at the (Edgbaston) his main role as a left-arm swing captain in July 2017, England into perspective. likely to miss out if either slow scores, it’s only Virat Kohli and bowler, Curran’s sparkling sec- have managed just nine hundreds “I think it’s sometimes easy to bowler is selected. Joe Root who have been able to ond-innings 63, his maiden Test between them and, even more criticise the batting group but I “It’s a good choice, a tough one contend with the moving ball. fi fty, enabled England to set India concerningly for their fans, have thought the way both seaming too,” Bharat Arun, India’s bowl- “The conditions were trying. a tricky target of 194. been dismissed for under 300 in groups in particular bowled was ing coach, told reporters at Lord’s The challenge is there for us to It proved beyond the tourists, their fi rst innings seven times outstanding.” on Tuesday. adapt even better and we have despite Kohli making 51 to follow and for under 250 in the second “We really need to look at any our plans in place.” his fi rst-innings 149 — the star innings nine times. ‘TOUGH CHOICE’ change in strategy, depending on But he was wary of playing an batsman’s maiden Test century In Pope they have a batsman India too could make a top-order the wicket.” extra batsman at Lord’s. on English soil. who has been in superb form for change with the experienced But Arun said Jasprit Bum- “I would consider that as a Neither side made 300 in the County Championship leaders Cheteshwar Pujara waiting in rah was “out of contention”, the conservative move,” Arun added. match, England posting 287 be- Surrey so far this season with 684 the wings if struggling opener paceman still sidelined after “Everything depends on the fore India replied with 274 in the runs at a huge average of 85.50, Shikhar Dhawan is omitted. missing the fi rst Test with the conditions — and if the con- fi rst innings. including three centuries and a They also have the option of broken thumb he suff ered during ditions are not going to be as India struggled against the top score of 158 . playing a second-spinner, be it a international against friendly as in the fi rst Test, it India’s Ajinkya Rahane (left) and Virat Kohli during nets at Lord’s swinging ball, with England fi nd- Root, frustratingly run out for orthodox left-armer Ravindra Ireland in June. makes more sense to play fi ve yesterday. (Reuters) ing it diffi cult to combat Ravi- 80 in England’s fi rst innings at Jadeja or left-arm wrist-spinner As for India needing more runs bowlers.”

QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Rayyan hope to keep momentum against Umm Salal

By Sports Reporter margin. with his new teammates on and Adel Alawi — who missed Doha On the other hand, Umm Salal Tuesday. He replaced Moroccan their opener due to injuries, but suff ered the heartbreak of con- midfi elder Mohsine Moutaouli, were back in training. ceding a goal right at the death who switched to Al Ahli. Laurent Banide’s side also in- he QNB Stars League and losing their league opener to Al Rayyan also have Rodrigo cludes Yannick Sagbo, Ismail match between high- Al Sailiya 1-2. Tabata, Sebastian Soria, Koh Mahmoud, Mahmoud Mawas fl ying Al Rayyan and a Al Rayyan started their prepa- Myong-Jin, Abdulrahman al- and Adel Rhaili. motivated Umm Salal rations for the game on Tuesday Harazi, Daniel Goumou, Khalfan In the other match tomorrow, tomorrowT is expected to be under their new Argentinian Ibrahim and Gonzalo Vieira in Qatar SC, under Abdulla Mu- fought fi ercely. coach . their ranks. barak, will be highly motivated Al Rayyan have momentum on They have been without the Similarly, Umm Salal will miss as they brace for Al Ahli. their side going into the match, services of Moroccan striker Nigerian striker Christian Os- Qatar SC had scored an upset which will kick off at 5:30pm at Abderrazaq Hamdallah since aguona as he is nursing a liga- 3-1 victory over Al Gharafa. Al Sadd Stadium, having won the end of last season. However, ment injury he sustained during Qatar SC put up an outstand- the season-opening Sheikh Jas- Argentinian striker Jonathan the Al Sailiya match. ing performance and the play- sim Cup, defeating Al Duhail on Menendez joined The Lions for But they may get the services ers who shone the most were penalties, and also their Week 1 one season from Club Atletico of three of their players — Bilal Osama Omari, Hussein Ali and game against Al Ahli with a 2-0 Independiente and trained along Mohamed, Mohamed al-Sayed Ali Awad. Al Rayyan players celebrate a goal during their 2-0 win against Al Ahli on Sunday. PICTURE: Ram Chand Gulf Times 2 Thursday, August 9, 2018 CRICKET

FOCUS Let your heart guide the way: Tendulkar to Kohli

IANS loss at Edgbaston, with scores of 149 ue,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying England. London and 51, which also led him to topple by ESPNCricinfo. “I can tell you from my own expe- banned Australian batsman Steve “Don’t worry about what’s hap- rience, however many runs you score Smith from the No 1 Test spot in the pening around you, keep your focus they are never enough,” Tendulkar atting maestro Sachin International Cricket Council (ICC) on what you want to achieve, and let said. Tendulkar on Tuesday rankings. your heart guide the way. “You want more runs, and that urged skipper Virat Kohli In the midst of all the criticism “Along the way there will be plen- is the case with Virat. However Bto continue his brilliant from various quarters for failing to ty of things said and done, but even- many runs he scores, it will never be batting exploits and let his heart guide India to a win in the opener, tually, if you are passionate about enough for him. “guide the way”, as an under-pres- Kohli, however, attained the career- what you want in life, then the re- “The downfall starts when you sure Indian team prepares for the best No 1 Test ranking. sults will invariably follow,” the bat- are satisfi ed. It’s nice to be happy, second Test at the Lord’s, after los- It’s the fi rst time that any Indian ting icon added. but never be satisfi ed when you are ing the five-match series opener at batsman has achieved the feat since Tendulkar, however, warned a batsman. Bowlers can only get 10 Edgbaston. Tendulkar himself in 2011. the 29-year-old against any wickets, but batters can go on and Kohli emerged the lone batting “I would say, just continue, he’s complacency, now that he has go, so don’t be satisfi ed, just be hap- star for the visitors in the 31-run doing a fantastic job so just contin- scored his maiden Test hundred in py,” he said.

SL VS SA, 4TH ODI SPOTLIGHT Clamour grows for Pujara’s inclusion in Sri Lanka clinch second Test

Reuters the crease and just needs time New Delhi in the middle to rediscover his touch,” added the 69-Test vet- eran whose own gutsy batting rain-marred thriller heteshwar Pujara’s remains an inspiration for the ability to wear down likes of Pujara. bowlers with his ob- His former team mate Su- Cdurate defence should nil Gavaskar also sees sense in earn him a place in India’s play- bringing back Pujara for the ing XI for the second Test against Lord’s Test beginning today. England, according to several “I will play one more batsman to end losing streak former players. at Lord’s in the form of Pujara,” Skipper Virat Kohli’s sublime Gavaskar told India Today televi- display in the series opener failed sion channel. Lakmal’s tight final over ensures Sri Lankan win by three runs in fourth one-dayer to gloss over India’s top order “He has the technique and pa- frailties with the trio of Shikhar tience required for a Test match. Dhawan, Murali Vijay and KL Whose place he’ll take will de- Rahul making a combined 82 in pend on the pitch. If the wicket their 31-run loss in the Edgbas- isn’t that green then I will play ton Test. him in place of (pacer) Umesh Pujara may not have set alight Yadav and stay with (all-round- county cricket with his Yorkshire er) Hardik Pandya.” stint but many believe the time India’s bowling coach Bharat he spent in the country gives Arun appeared sceptic of the move him a distinct advantage over his to play an extra batsman in the teammates. second Test despite the poor bat- “When batsmen are struggling ting display in the series opener. with the moving ball, it might be “Playing an extra batsman a good idea to induct Cheteshwar here, I would consider that as a Pujara into the side,” former very conservative move,” Arun Test player told reporters at Lord’s. wrote in a column that appeared “Everything depends on the in yesterday’s Times of India conditions. And if the conditions newspaper. are not as friendly as it was dur- “I know he is not in great form ing the fi rst Test it would make but he has the ability to occupy more sense to play fi ve bowlers.”

Sri Lanka’s Suranga Lakmal celebrates their win in the fourth ODI against South Africa in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (Reuters)

Reuters Kandy, Sri Lanka Scorecard SRI LANKA (Mathews, 22.3), 5-183 (D. de Silva, 24.6), W. Mulder c de Silva b Lakmal 4 uranga Lakmal bowled a N. Dickwella c de Kock b Duminy 34 6-195 (K. Perera, 27.2), 7-304 (Shanaka, K. Maharaj b T. Perera 17 tight fi nal over to help Sri 38.3) U. Tharanga b Mulder 36 J. Dala not out 3 Lanka win the rain-hit Bowling: Ngidi 8-0-65-2, Dala 8-0-64-0, fourth one-dayer against K. Mendis lbw b Maharaj 14 Phehlukwayo 6-0-45-1, Duminy 6-0-35-2, L Ngidi not out 1 SouthS Africa by three runs under K. Perera c Miller b Duminy 51 Mulder 6-0-51-1, Maharaj 5-0-37-1 Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 6) 12 the Duckworth-Lewis method A. Mathews (c) c de Kock b Ngidi 22 Total (9 wickets, 21 overs) 187 yesterday and snap their losing SOUTH AFRICA streak. D. de Silva c Dala b Ngidi 10 Fall of wickets: 1-34 (de Kock), 2-51 Q. de Kock b Lakmal 23 Having lost the fi ve-match T. Perera not out 51 (Hendricks), 3-108 (Amla), 4-129 (Klaasen), H. Amla c Kumara d Dananjaya 40 5-130 (Duminy), 6-149 (Phehlukwayo), 7-155 series following three defeats, D. Shanaka c Mulder b Phehlukwayo 65 Sri Lanka batted with conspicu- R. Hendricks c de Silva b Shanaka 2(Mulder), 8-183 (Maharaj), 9-183 (Miller) A. Dananjaya not out 1 ous freedom to post 306-7 after J.P. Duminy run out (Shanaka) 38 Bowling: Lakmal 5-0-46-3, Dananjaya 3-0- rain had reduced the match to 39 Extras (lb 9, w 12, nb 1) 22 30-1, T. Perera 4-0-32-2, Shanaka 2-0-20-1, H. Klaasen c Mathews b de Silva 17 overs-a-side. Total (7 wkts, 39 overs) 306 Kumara 3-0-28-0, de Silva 4-0-26-1 More rain interruptions left D. Miller b Lakmal 21 Fall of wickets: 1-61 (Dickwella, 11.3), 2-92 RESULT: Sri Lanka win by 3 runs (D/L South Africa with a revised tar- (Tharanga, 14.3), 3-100 (Mendis, 15.5), 4-159 A. Phehlukwayo b T. Perera 9method) get of 191 from 21 overs but Lak- mal (3-46) conceded four runs in the fi nal over to seal a thrilling the foundation for a big total. in his 34-ball blitz as Sri Lanka needing 191 runs from 21 overs. Lakmal dismissed David Mill- victory in the stop-start game. Kusal Perera smashed 51 but it plundered 105 runs from the last made 40 and er (21) with the second ball to Put in to bat, Sri Lanka en- was the 109-run stand between 10 overs. JP Duminy contributed 38 but eff ectively clinch the match as joyed their fi rst 50-plus opening Thisara Perera (51 not out) and South Africa were initially set South Africa suff ered a middle- South Africa fi nished on 187-9. partnership of the series from Dasun Shanaka (65) that took Sri a target of 308 under the Duck- order collapse that left them The tourists will take a 3-1 Upul Tharanga (36) and Niro- Lanka past the 300-mark. worth-Lewis system but fur- needing eight runs from the fi nal lead into Sunday’s fi nal one- shan Dickwella (34) which laid Shanaka clobbered fi ve sixes ther rain interventions left them over with two wickets in hand. dayer in Colombo.

BOTTOMLINE MCC confi dent Hundred will look like ‘normal cricket’ AFP new tournament, set to launch cricket John Stephenson and “(But) what we heard this “But at the moment, as far as other countries. even talking about it not being London in 2020, has proved hugely con- Australia great Ricky Ponting, morning from Sanjay was quite I can make out, they’ll have 11 “A lot of the feedback they called overs, just 100 balls. troversial. that prospective playing condi- reassuring... they’re still develop- batsmen, they won’t have ‘overs’ heard from people that are not “It’s 20 lots of fi ve, the way Critics have bemoaned the tions would likely include 20 se- ing how the fi nal format will be.” per se but 100 balls, 20 balls per necessarily cricket lovers is that they’re looking at it.” arylebone Cricket ‘dumbing down’ of the game quences of fi ve balls rather than The former England inter- bowler. Apart from that, it’ll look they fi nd the game of cricket He added: “There’s all sorts Club (MCC) offi cials given plans to ditch traditional the traditional six-ball over. national added: “The current like a normal game of cricket.” boring, and not interesting. of things they need to get their gave a guarded wel- overs and questioned the need “Basically, they’re still devel- thinking is 20 fi ve-ball ‘overs’, “So they’re trying to fi nd a way heads around — it’s still at the come to plans for a for a new format given the global oping the concept,” Stephenson but I think today was part of ‘EMBRYONIC’ to attract the audiences and make very embryonic stage. Mnew 100-balls-per-side com- popularity of Twenty20. told reporters at Lord’s on Tues- their consultation. Ponting, who was alongside the game slightly diff erent.” “Time is going to come up on petition in the English domestic ECB chief commercial offi cer day. “I think at the maximum, Gatting and Stephenson, added: But further details from the them pretty quickly, and I guess game after being told it would Sanjay Patel told MCC’s world “As custodians of the Laws of they’re looking at having a sub- “The reasons they are looking ECB remain scarce and former the more focus groups and dis- still “look like a normal game of cricket committee, an advisory the game, what we’re concerned stitute fi elder. But I think what for something diff erent is that Australia captain Ponting said: cussions they can have with cricket”. group chaired by former England about is if you modify the game that’s about is performance — the T20 game probably hasn’t “I’m not sure they’ve totally committees and panels like us, The England and Wales captain Mike Gatting and whose of cricket too much it ceases to having the best fi elders out there reached a level (of popularity) got their head around how they the better off they’re going to be Cricket Board’s proposal for the members include MCC head of look like cricket. at the right time to fi eld. in England that it has in some want the game to look... they’re in the long run.” Gulf Times Thursday, August 9, 2018 3 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Tiger has ‘good case’ for Ryder Cup: US Tiger, McIlroy in vice captain Love

AFP make pairings, and everybody St. Louis on the team wants to play with Phil Mickelson or Tiger Woods,” Love said. “So I think he’s an iger Woods has made easy pick from that regard and ‘deep end’ early in a “good case” to be a the way he’s been playing, if I captain’s selection for was on the other side, I wouldn’t next month’s US Ryder want him picked, so that’s an- CupT team, US vice captain Davis other good reason. Love said on Tuesday at the PGA “When we get in the room Championship. and we start talking about it, I’m Love, who makes his 100th sure he’ll be defi nitely up on the major start on Thursday at Bel- list, if he doesn’t make it.” 100th PGA duel lerive Country Club, says 14- The only drawback Love could ‘You certainly get thrown at the deep end straight away in a group like that’ time major champion Woods has see from having Woods serve demonstrated solid reasons why as a playing assistant captain is he should be chosen in only eight losing his voice when it comes months back after spinal fusion time to make key decisions. surgery. “I think he’s got a good “We would have to kick him case,” Love said. “There’s a list out of some meetings, probably, of points per start, and he’s done (and) he has been so instru- really well in that. He’s got a lot mental in helping us with pair- of top-10s.” ings and ideas and game plan,” Woods, who missed all of Love said. “But if you’re talking last season while rivals scored about him, you need him out of points, has jumped to 20th on the room for picks or for making the Cup qualifying list with only pairings. So it would be a little the PGA remaining before the bit awkward. That would be the top eight players qualify. only negative. Woods, set to be an assist- “But he has added so much ant captain alongside Love in value off the golf course for us September’s showdown with the last two that, if we could Europe at France’s Le Golf Na- have him for both this time, it tional, must win the Wanamaker would be great.” trophy for a record-tying fi fth At the 100th PGA Champion- time to earn a berth on the US ship, Love becomes only the squad on points. 14th player to reach 100 major But US captain Jim Furyk appearances, the 54-year-old makes four captain’s picks next American having won his only month and Woods fi gures to be major title at the 1997 PGA a prime contender for one of Championship. them, according to Love, the US “It’s amazing to be in that captain in 2012 and 2016. group, to make it that far,” said “The way I looked at it, if I Love, whose fi rst major was the was a captain, I’m looking to 1986 PGA.

Johnson learns from hockey legend Gretzky

World number one Dustin Johnson has drawn on the knowledge of his father-in- law, ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, in shaping his rise to golf’s highest level. Now he could have some help from “The Great One” with drawing specta- tor support at this week’s 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club. Johnson will be competing for fans in a lineup that includes a playing group Johnson, whose only major title of the year’s three prior major came at the 2016 US Open, has winners – Francesco Molinari, won three US PGA titles for the Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed third season in a row, taking the Tiger Woods of the United States plays a shot during a practice round prior to the PGA Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a tee shot during a practice round prior to the – plus the trio of Tiger Woods, Tournament of Champions, the Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. (Getty Images/AFP) PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St Louis, Missouri. (Getty Images/AFP) Rory McIlroy and defending St. Jude Classic in June and the champion Justin Thomas. Canadian Open two weeks ago, AFP That trio and top-ranked at Carnoustie. “He had to learn laus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan nari (British Open) grouped Johnson and past Masters win- securing his place atop the rank- St. Louis Dustin Johnson are oddsmak- how to move again. He had to and Gene Sarazen in the feat together only a wet layout. ners Bubba Watson and Adam ings. “It’s definitely something ers favourites for the year’s last learn how to swing. I mean, 18 with a victory. Scott are grouped together but that’s a big accomplishment major event on a rain-softened months ago the guy couldn’t “It will always be circled TARGET GOLF AT BELLERIVE among the spectators will be and something I’m very proud iger Woods and Rory course where length will help walk,” McIlroy said. “To get to complete the career Grand “It’s going to be the quintessen- Gretzky, who briefly played for of,” Johnson said. “It shows the McIlroy, past major but second shots into tight to this point is a phenomenal Slam, which will ultimately tial target golf,” McIlroy said. the local St. Louis Blues during things I’m doing on and off the winners trying to rise landing areas will be critical. achievement already. achieve a life-long goal for me, “Where your ball lands is where his 20 NHL seasons, retiring course are working and it just once more from con- “It’s advantageous for the “If he could go ahead and win so certainly emphasis in my it’s going to really stay.” in 1999 as the all-time scor- gives me more confirmation to Ttenders to champions, tee off guys who hit the ball in the air another major with his fi fth golf head on it, but nothing over- That could reduce some edge ing leader. “Any time you can keep doing those things and side-by-side when the 100th and can carry it a long way. I swing, I mean, that’s unbeliev- powering,” Spieth said. for big hitters. spend time with someone who keep trying to get better. PGA Championship starts just need to be able to do that,” able.” Eighth-ranked Spieth could “Even though it’s going to be has kind of dominated their “But there’s so many good guys Thursday. Woods said. Fifth-ranked McIlroy has fi ve become the fi rst to fi nish the softer and wet, it’s got the po- sport and just kind of pick their that are right there behind me Woods, eight months into a “If you’re able to hit the ball top-10 showings in the past Career Slam at a PGA and do it tential for I think anybody to brain and see what they did to that I’ve got to continue to play comeback from spinal fusion well and put the ball in the right nine majors, sharing second at on the same course where South work their way up the board,” become so good, it definitely very well if I want to stay in that surgery, and McIlroy, seeking sections, you’ll see a bunch of last month’s British Open and Africa’s Player did by winning Spieth said. helps, absolutely,” Johnson said. position.” Taking his second ca- his fi rst major win since the birdies. If you don’t, you’ll see fi fth at the Masters. the 1965 US Open. Bumpy greens could be a Johnson, the husband of model reer major title would make this 2014 PGA, will be joined by de- the fi eld get separated pretty “The only thing I haven’t “It’s a great position to be concern, Woods said. and singer Paulina Gretzky, a “great year”, Johnson said. fending champion Justin Tho- quickly.” done is win enough,” McIlroy in,” said McIlroy, who needs the “I don’t think they’re going expects plenty of backers. “I feel like the course sets mas for the fi rst two days over Woods, a 14-time major said. “I’ve given myself a lot of Masters to complete his own to be the smoothest of greens “It will be great. Hopefully I’ve up well for me. I feel like the the 7,316-yard, par-70 Bellerive champion, has not won a ma- chances. I played in a lot of fi nal Career Slam. “He’s shown over we’ve played on, but everyone got a lot of fans with a lot of game’s in pretty good form,” he Country Club layout. jor since the 2008 US Open and groups and I haven’t played well the past few years he’s mentally has got to play them,” he said. support. I know I have a lot of said. “It would be a very great “You certainly get thrown at hasn’t won any event since the enough when it has counted.” very good, so I’m sure he won’t “We’re going to have some family here that’s going to be accomplishment. It’s definitely the deep end straight away in a 2013 Bridgestone Invitational. Three-time major winner have a problem.” putts and they’re going to kind out supporting me,” Johnson something I really want to do is group like that,” McIlroy said. But he fi red his lowest fi nal Jordan Spieth will make his sec- A fi eld with 98 of the world’s of wobble off line.” said. “I’m excited for this week. get that second major. “It would “I guess it focuses you straight round in fi ve years to take fourth ond try at completing a Career 100 top players sees reign- “The greens, they look a little I think Wayne will bring a lot of mean a great deal. I’ve had a away. It’s going to be a big at- in June at the PGA National Grand Slam after sharing 28th ing major champions Brooks worse than they actually putt,” fans out there for me, so that really good year so far. I think it mosphere out there and I’m and led in the British Open fi - last year at Quail Hollow. He Koepka (US Open), Patrick Reed McIlroy said. “They look slower will be nice.” would make it into a great year.” looking forward to that.” nal round before sharing sixth would join Woods, Jack Nick- (Masters) and Francesco Moli- than they are.”

CYCLING Sky’s Moscon handed 5-week ban aft er Tour fracas AFP will serve a period of suspen- truly regrets his actions and has Paris sion of 5 weeks starting from 8 learnt from this episode. Lotto replace Greipel with young August to 12 September 2018,” “Gianni is still a relatively Australian sprinter Ewan the International Cycling Union young rider at the start of his taly’s Gianni Moscon, who (UCI) said in a statement. career and we will continue to The Belgian Lotto team have signed Australian sprinter Caleb Ewan, was thrown off this year’s Race commissaires classed the give him the help and support he winner of a stage on last year’s Giro d’Italia with Mitchelton, to a two- Tour de France after an al- incident as a “particularly seri- needs to learn, develop and move year deal. tercation with another rider, ous aggression” and threw the forward from this.” Ewan, a 24-year-old from Sydney, will become the team’s number Iwas banned for fi ve weeks by 24-year-old Italian off the race It is not the fi rst time Moscon, one sprinter, replacing the German Andre Greipel who is moving to world cycling’s governing body shortly after the stage. now in his third year with Sky, French team Fortuneo-Samsic. yesterday. “I accept the suspension given has fallen foul of offi cials. Lotto posted the news on social media quoting Ewan saying the The Team Sky cyclist, a team- to me by the UCI. I reacted in Last year he was handed a team “has a great history concerning sprinters and classics”. mate of Tour champion Geraint the heat of the moment and it suspension by Sky after racially Ewan, who has two Grand Tour stage victories, said that it was Thomas and four-time winner was never my intention to hit abusing Frenchman Kevin Reza significant that Robbie McEwen, the sprinter who holds the record Chris Froome, was involved in a the rider. As the footage shows I at the Tour of Romandie. for most stage wins by an Australian on the Tour de France, spent fracas with Fortuneo’s Elie Ges- didn’t make contact, but I regret At the end of last season Mo- six seasons with Lotto. bert during the 15th stage of last my actions and I have already scon was also accused by Swiss “I spent many hours as a youngster marveling at Robbie McEwen’s month’s race. apologised to both Elie Gesbert rider Sebastien Reichenbach of victories.” Tour offi cials said the Ital- and Team Fortuneo Samsic for causing him to crash in an Italian Lotto manager Marc Sergeant said the team had opted to replace ian used heavy-handed tactics the incident,” said Moscon, in race, an incident for which he Greipel with a young sprinter rather than go for a rider who might when Gesbert tried to help his quotes posted on Team Sky’s escaped sanctions. contend in the general classification (GC) at multi-day races. team leader, Warren Barguil, website. “This incident obvi- Moscon fi nished an impres- “Once again, we opted for a sprinter with potential, just like we did join an early breakaway in the ously happened during one of sive fi fth at Paris-Roubaix with Andre in 2011,” Sargeant told his team’s website. 181.5km stage from Millau to the most challenging races the last year and third in the Tour “The choice for a sprinter over a GC rider, for example, is twofold. Carcassonne. team has ever faced,” said Team of Lombardy, before helping With a sprinter, you have chances for success all year long and the “Mr Moscon accepted his re- Sky boss Dave Brailsford. Froome to claim overall victory budget to attract and surround a GC rider is significantly higher.” sponsibility for the incident and “We are confi dent that Gianni in the 2017 Tour of Spain. Team Sky rider Gianni Moscon. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, August 9, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Campenaerts, Van Dijk win thrilling Djokovic ends time trial races

Reuters Glasgow

llen van Dijk and Victor lucky loser Basic’s Campenaerts retained their time trial titles at the European Champi- onshipsE by agonisingly narrow margins after the most dramatic of fi nishes yesterday. Van Dijk won her third con- secutive women’s title over the unexpected start demanding 32.3 kilometre course around the streets of Glasgow but only by two seconds after road race title at the weekend, ‘I’ve never played Basic... so definitely not easy to find a rhythm from the beginning’ the tightest of battles with her were in a diff erent class to their Dutch compatriot Anna van der opponents, with German bronze Reuters Breggen. medallist Trixi Worrack (42:48) Toronto Yet that seemed positively well over a minute behind. clear-cut in comparison to the In the afternoon, with further winning push in the 45.7km rain having made the course even ovak Djokovic did not men’s race of Belgian Campe- trickier, the men’s title looked set let a late switch in op- naerts, who sprinted furiously to to go to Spain’s Castroviejo who, ponent throw him off the line to pip the time of Spain’s continuing the form that saw his stride in his quest Jonathan Castroviejo by a mere him help Sky team mate Geraint Nfor a fi fth Rogers Cup title as 0.63 seconds. Thomas win the Tour de France, he subdued Bosnian lucky loser After two long, exhausting set the target with 53:39.41. Mirza Basic 6-3, 7-6 (3) in fi rst- solo battles against the clock Campenaerts, champion in round action on Tuesday. over undulating terrain, made Herning, Denmark last year, had Djokovic, the ninth seed, was more treacherous by intermit- other ideas, getting out of the originally scheduled to play tent rain, it felt almost cruel that saddle to power over the fi nal Australian Open semi-fi nalist gold could be decided in such a stretch at Glasgow Green and Chung Hyeon but the 22-year- close fashion. snatch victory in 53:38.78. Ger- old South Korean withdrew with Van Dijk originally thought she many’s Maximilian Schachmann a back injury about an hour be- had just missed the target time of took bronze in 54:06.16. fore the match was due to start. 41 minutes and 41 seconds earlier The Serb, competing in sin- set by Olympic road race cham- VAN ROUWENDAAL WINS gles for the fi rst time since pion Van der Breggen. 5KM OPEN SWIMMING his Wimbledon triumph last “I thought fi rst that Anna Dutch Olympic champion Sha- month, was never in real dan- had won by two seconds but ron van Rouwendaal won the fi rst ger during the fi rst-round clash, then I heard it was me,” said the Open Water swimming title at the but he still needed some time to 31-year-old Van Dijk, whose of- European Championships yester- fi gure out Basic before wrapping fi cial winning time was 41:39. day, leading from the start in Loch up the match in 90 minutes. “So it was super, super close Lomond to take the 5km gold. “I’ve never played Basic. I’ve especially after such a long time Van Rouwendaal fi nished 16.8 known him, I’ve practised with trial and I’m really happy to be on seconds clear of Germany’s Leo- him, but I’ve never played an of- the good side.” nie Beck (56:17.8) while Italy’s fi cial match so defi nitely not easy The Dutch pair, making amends Rachele Bruni won bronze in to fi nd a rhythm from the begin- for their team’s failure to win the 56:49.7. ning of the match,” said Djokovic. “There were frustrations at times but that means I care.” The Serbian world number 10 Kenya’s former world champion Bett was not as sharp as he will need to be if he hopes to triumph here dies in road accident for the fi rst time since 2016, but it was enough on a day when Kenya’s former 400m hurdles On behalf of the sporting Basic was misfi ring on both his Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a shot against Mirza Basic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (not shown) during their Rogers Cup match in Toronto, world champion Nicholas Bett fraternity and @moscakenya I forehand and serve. Canada, on Tuesday. (USA Today Sports) has died in a road accident convey my sincerest condo- Djokovic broke Basic in the aged 28, the country’s minis- lences to his family. Rest in sixth game of the fi rst set to go broke back in the eighth game to and booked his place in the sec- the Rogers Cup in Toronto with Haase but has been replaced try of sports and heritage said peace,” Kenya sports cabinet ahead 4-2 and then wrapped draw level 4-4, leaving Djokovic ond round, where he will face a left wrist injury, the Argentine by Russian lucky loser Mikhail yesterday. Bett died in Nandi secretary Rashid Echesa said up the opener three games later yelling at himself in frustration Canadian Peter Polansky. said yesterday ahead of his sec- Youzhny. county, north west Kenya after on Twitter. when he fi red an ace down the while swatting a ball out of the ond-round match. “Sorry to my fans in Toron- his car hit bumps and rolled Bett won the 400m hurdles at middle. court. DEL POTRO WITHDRAWS The former US Open cham- to, but I have to pull out of the into a ditch. He had returned the 2015 world championships The former world number one Basic did well to hold serve WITH WRIST INJURY pion, fresh off a runner-up n-fi tournament since my left wrist home from the Africa Champi- in Beijing to give Kenya their was up a break in the second set and pull ahead, but the more World number four Juan Martin ish in Los Cabos, Mexico, was needs some days of rest,” third onships in Nigeria on Tuesday. first gold medal at a distance and cruising along until Basic experienced Djokovic kept calm del Potro has withdrawn from due to face Dutchman Robert seed Del Potro said on Twitter. “Former 400m hurdles World shorter than 800m. His twin Champion Nicholas Bett has brother Haron Koech is also a died in a road accident... hurdler. Wimbledon champion Kerber falls at fi rst hurdle in Montreal

Agencies “I was hoping it would be noth- rivalry. Montreal ing serious, but sometimes Sharapova next faces another SPOTLIGHT when you’re in the moment and Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia, get a really bad spasm, there’s who is ranked sixth in the ngelique Kerber’s first nothing you can do. world. Garcia came from behind match since capturing “I didn’t really practice much to defeat Magdalena Ryba- India’s world champion Athe Wimbledon title after. I’ve only had one practice rikova in three sets 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 ended in defeat yesterday as session this week.” on Tuesday. the German lost 6-4, 6-1 to Azarenka, who needed a wild- weightlift er out of Asiad Alize Cornet of France at the card to get into the Montreal HOMETOWN FAVOURITE AFP jury as she prepares for the World Montreal WTA event. draw, moves on to the second BOUCHARD FALLS New Delhi Championships in Turkmenistan World number four Kerber round where she will face Brit- The vocal support of the home in November which will mark the committed 32 unforced errors ish No.1 Johanna Konta. crowd was not enough to carry start of the Olympic qualifying against the 34th-ranked Cornet Azarenka stormed through the Canadian Eugenie Bouchard ndia’s hopes of Asian Games period for Tokyo 2020. in her 85-minute second round first nine games of the match into the second round as she weightlifting gold were dealt Chanu, 23, won silver at the loss. before France’s Mladenovic got fell 6-2 6-4 to Belgian Elise a huge blow yesterday after Glasgow Commonwealth Games Cornet, 28, goes on to face on the board. Mertens. 48kg world champion Mira- in 2014 in the 48kg class, won Ibai Chanu pulled out injured. the world championship in 2017 Ashleigh Barty of Australia in The two-time Australian Open Mertens, the 14th seed, won the third round. champion Azarenka eventually five break points to dispatch The reigning world and Com- before securing Commonwealth It was her second successive rolled through the final three Bouchard, who has fallen to monwealth Games champion gold on the Gold Coast earlier victory against Kerber having games to get the victory in her 129th in the world after reach- withdrew from this month’s this year. also triumphed on hard court in first time since retiring in the nating 6-0, 6-1 victory in just 55 first Montreal appearance since ing a career-high of fifth in 2014 Asiad in Indonesia after failing to She qualifi ed for the Rio Ol- Beijing last year. San Jose quarter-finals, kicked minutes over the former world 2014. — the year she reached the recover from a lower back injury. ympics but failed to fi nish after off her Montreal campaign on number 10. Elsewhere, Maria Sharapova Wimbledon final. “It is a huge setback for us, she recording no clean lifts in three AZARENKA BREEZES INTO Tuesday by dismissing Kristina “I feel better,” she said. “It was made quick work of Bulgarian Home hopes now rest on was a top gold medal contender,” clean and jerk attempts. ROUND 2 Mladenovic in straight sets. definitely pretty bad in San Jose qualifier Sesil Karatantcheva, 21-year-old Francoise Abanda, the secretary of India’s Weightlift- It leaves India with a squad of Former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka punched her ticket to to have such a sudden thing easily winning 6-1, 6-2 in a who defeated qualifier Kirsten ing Federation Sahdev Yadav said. four lifters after sending six to the Azarenka, who was playing for the second round with a domi- with my back. renewal of their former teenage Flipkens of Belgium 6-3 6-2. Yadav said Chanu did not want Asian Games in Incheon four years to take any chances with her in- where they failed to win a medal.

ATHLETICS Norway’s brothers in arms advance at Euros AFP to Friday’s 12-man fi nal. “Of course I’m satisfi ed to get 34 degrees Centigrade (93F). idea.” car accident in Madrid, in which Berlin Henrik, the eldest of the trio into the fi nal,” he said. And Jakob discounted family Howe, who won the 2006 he was a passenger, that left him at 27, won bronze behind Filip in “It’s all about training. We’ve tactics, saying: “Initially we were European long jump title and at risk of a hand amputation. Amsterdam having previously been working really, really hard. thinking about racing tactics to- world silver in Osaka a year lat- After consulting Spanish sur- orway’s defending Eu- won the European crown in Hel- I’m really excited.” gether, but Filip will go for him- er, clocked 20.60sec in his heat geon Xavier Mir, the go-to spe- ropean champion Filip sinki in 2012 and a silver in 2014. In May this year, Jakob ran a self, so we decided that we all will to advance to semi-fi nals later cialist for ranks of battered Mo- Ingebrigtsen, along He also progressed after coming 3:52.28 mile, which included an do the same.” Wednesday. toGP riders, the amputation was with brothers Henrik in third (3:49.54) in his heat won incredible fi nal lap of 55.42sec, In pole for the 200m will be avoided and the Cornell Univer- Nand Jakob, moved smoothly into by Britain’s Chris O’Hare. showing how dangerous he could HOWE’S REINCARNATION Azeri-born Turk Ramil Guliyev, sity genetics graduate made his the fi nal of the men’s 1500m af- Jakob, who will be 18 next be should family tactics come to Italy’s US-born one-time long the reigning world champion return to the track. ter successfully negotiating their month, might be the one to watch the fore come Friday. jumper Andrew Howe admitted who was pushed back into silver He has since set Spanish heats at Berlin’s Olympic Sta- out for, however, posting 3:40.81 “If anyone wants to join the he was looking for an unlikely re- in Amsterdam by Spain’s Bruno records for both the 200 and dium yesterday. in winning the third and fi nal Ingebritsen party, please do so!” incarnation over 200m, 11 years Hortelano. 400m (20.04, 44.69). The 25-year-old Filip, the heat. said a buoyant Henrik, sporting a on from his last major champi- The Spaniard, born in Austral- “The 200m is my favoured dis- sixth fastest European of all The teenager, coached like mohawk and bushy moustache. onships podium. ia to Spanish parents who then tance and I have a lot less experi- time over 1500m who also won his siblings by father Gjert, has “I’m a championship runner “After I tore my achilles ten- relocated to Canada, insisted ence over 400m.” world bronze in London last year, a fl edgling career based on a and I haven’t done a fast time this don in 2011, I couldn’t continue he was focused initially on the clocked 3min 40.88sec in fi nish- solid all-rounder’s grounding in year, so I am confi dent.” with the long jump,” Howe said. 200m. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen ing third in his heat behind Po- cross-country, steeplechase and Filip admitted that “Henrik “I lacked that reactivity, so my “I feel stronger than ever,” said won the third 1500m heat at land’s Marcin Lewandowski and 5000m, as well as over 1500m has more experience” as tem- coach suggested I switch to the the 26-year-old, who missed all the European Championships in Briton Charlie Grice to progress and the mile. peratures in Berlin soared above 200m and it was a really good last season after a catastrophic Berlin yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, August 9, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB NHL Blackhawks legend Pivetta and Phillies Mikita dies at 78 AFP Chicago

n the back of his hock- ey card they listed his vital statistics, but there was no way to bounce back with measureO the passion of Stan Mikita, who was the heart and soul of the Chicago Blackhawks for two decades. The Slovak-born Mikita, a men, and fi nished it as a two- pioneer and innovator for the time Lady Byng winner as one of sport of ice hockey during his the game’s gentlemanly players. brilliant hall of fame NHL career, He was a good listener taking big win over D’backs died on Tuesday. He was 78. to heart teammate Ted Lindsay’s “I am saddened to learn of early advice about hitting them ‘I think the team really pulled together and made this happen today’ Stan Mikita’s passing,” said before they hit you. One of those former teammate and fellow that was on the receiving end Reuetrs Hall of Famer Bobby Hull. “I, of Mikita’s ire back in the early Phoenix alongside all who played with 1960s was Montreal Canadiens him, knew him not only as a forward Henri Richard. great player, but as an even bet- ick Williams homered, and ter friend, teammate, husband, ‘SMALL DEVIL’ Nick Pivetta pitched six shut- father and grandfather. The Canadiens were the Black- out innings as the Philadelphia “I take comfort in knowing we hawks’ biggest rivals and they Phillies recorded a 5-2 victory will be forever together in front had their own nickname for Nover the host Arizona Diamondbacks on of the United Center, and I’m Mikita calling him “Le Petite Di- Tuesday at Chase Field. honored to now play a part in able” - “The Small Devil”. Asdrubal Cabrera contributed a two- keeping his legacy alive.” Mikita represented Canada run double during a four-run eighth in- Mikita’s family announced during the 1972 Summit Series ning as Philadelphia won for the sixth his death in a statement released against the Soviet Union which time in the past seven games. Cabrera by the team. He had been in ill Canada won in eight games. and Williams each had two of the Phil- health after being diagnosed He had a hockey IQ that was lies’ six hits. with a brain disorder called Lewy off the charts. He could skate Pivetta (7-9) allowed fi ve hits while body dementia. through the other fi ve players outdueling Diamondbacks ace Zack “Stan Mikita lived a remark- on the opposing team and then Greinke. The Philadelphia right-hander able life and was a wonderful carry that concentration right to struck out six and walked one while win- man, respected and revered by so the net where he would have one ning for the fi rst time since July 12. many,” NHL commissioner Gary fi nal trick in store for the goalie “The guys really picked me up on de- Bettman said. “One of the great- before slamming home the puck. fense,” Pivetta said. “And we scored runs est players in NHL history and a Mikita played his entire 22- when we really needed them. I think the Chicago icon.” year career with the Blackhawks team really pulled together and made this Mikita is Chicago’s all-time and led the team to the 1961 happen today.” leading scorer and the fi rst Stanley Cup. A four-time Art Right-hander Pat Neshek worked a Blackhawk to have his number Ross Trophy winner (1964, 1965, perfect ninth for his second save. (21) retired. As an innovator 1967, 1968) as the league’s lead- Greinke (12-7) gave up one run and he was one of the fi rst to use a ing scorer, Mikita is the Black- three hits in seven innings while losing curved hockey blade and wear a hawks all-time franchise leader his second straight start after winning helmet full time after an errant in points, with 1,467, and games his previous seven decisions. The right- shot ripped a piece of his ear off . played with 1,394. hander struck out four and walked four. From his hardscrabble begin- Even before his retirement he Paul Goldschmidt and David Peralta nings in Czechoslovakia, Mikita surrounded himself in humani- each had two of Arizona’s nine hits. moved to Canada as a 12-year- tarian causes. Mikita became The Diamondbacks dropped into sec- old boy to escape the spread of deeply involved in the American ond place in the National League West, communism. Mikita was adopt- Hearing Impaired Hockey As- one-half game behind the Los Angeles ed by his aunt and uncle who sociation and the Special Olym- Dodgers, who defeated the Athletics in were living in Toronto and took pics. He also encouraged team- Oakland 4-2 later Tuesday night. their surname, Mikita. He didn’t mates to join him in giving back Williams deposited the fi rst pitch of speak English, but he made his to the community. the third inning – an 88 mph fastball – fi rst friends by playing street At the NHL’s 2017 Centen- over the right fi eld fence to put the Phil- hockey with the other kids the nial celebration in Los Angeles, lies on the board. The blast barely cleared neighbourhood. he was honoured as one of the the reach of Arizona right fi elder Steven He started his career in 1958- 100 greatest players ever. But he Souza Jr. while landing over the fence. Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Nick 59 as a feisty 18-year-old teen- couldn’t attend because of fail- The score was still 1-0 heading to the Pivetta pitches against the Arizona ager not afraid to take on older ing health. eighth inning before Philadelphia broke Diamondbacks during the fi rst inning at the game open against Diamondbacks Chase Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports left-hander Jake Diekman. Cesar Hernandez led off the inning LeBron-led Lakers vs Warriors with a bunt. Diekman fi elded the ball, and his low throw rolled down the right reportedly leads Christmas slate fi eld line. Hernandez easily reached sec- baseman Maikel Franco. Arano got out Adrian Beltre homered off Seattle right- RESULTS LeBron James is no stranger Harden, will host the Thunder, ond and was headed to third as Souza’s of the jam by getting Eduardo Escobar to hander Felix Hernandez (8-10). to NBA prime-time and holiday with stars Russell Westbrook throw sailed over everybody, allowing ground into a double play before Neshek Hernandez, the longtime Mariners ace Rangers 11-4 Mariners games, and Christmas will be and Paul George. Hernandez to score. sailed through the ninth on fi ve pitches. whose spot in the rotation is in jeopardy Red Sox 10-7 Blue Jays no exception this year. The Celtics and the Philadel- The Phillies followed by loading the as the team chases its fi rst postseason Twins 3-2 Indians James and his new team, the phia 76ers, combatants in last bases as Rhys Hoskins walked, Williams COLON BECOMES WINNINGEST berth since 2001, gave up 11 runs (seven Los Angeles Lakers, will face season’s Eastern Conference singled and Carlos Santana walked. Ca- LATIN-BORN PITCHER earned) on eight hits in six innings. He Phillies 5-2 D’backs the defending league champion semifinals, won in five games by brera fell behind 0-2 before slugging a Bartolo Colon became Major League walked four and struck out two. Yankees 4-3 White Sox Golden State Warriors on Dec Boston, reportedly will match double off the fence in right-center fi eld Baseball’s winningest pitcher from Latin Third baseman Kyle Seager made two Angels 11-5 Tigers 25, according to multiple media up on Christmas. to drive in Hoskins and Williams to make America as the Texas Rangers defeated fi elding errors to account for the un- reports. The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t Reds 6-1 Mets it 4-0. Jorge Alfaro delivered a two-out the visiting Seattle Mariners 11-4 Tues- earned runs against Hernandez, who has The game, among several played on Christmas since 1977, single to score Cabrera and make it a fi ve- day night. It was the 246th career victory lost four consecutive decisions spanning Padres 11-5 Brewers featuring marquee players but they reportedly will face the run margin. for the 45-year-old right-hander, break- his past fi ve starts. The Mariners took the Dodgers 4-2 A’s and teams, will be played in New York Knicks on the holiday Philadelphia right-hander Luis Garcia ing a tie with Nicaragua’s Dennis Mar- lead on solo homers by Nelson Cruz, his Oakland, Calif. Reports of the this season. It’s too soon to tell Astros 2-1 Giants pitched a scoreless seventh inning. tinez. Earlier this season, Colon passed 30th of the season, and Seager, his 19th, holiday lineup came from the whether Knicks All-Star Kristaps Left-hander Aaron Loup started the Juan Marichal (243 wins) for the most for in the second inning. Pirates 10-2 Rockies New York Times and ESPN. Porzingis will be back by then eighth and allowed a leadoff single to a native of the Dominican Republic. Seattle made it 3-0 in the top of the Cubs 5-0 Royals Also reportedly on the holiday from the torn ACL he sustained Jeff Mathis and a one-out single to Per- Colon (6-10), making his sixth at- third on a run-scoring triple by Denard Cardinals 3-2 Marlins menu: The Houston Rockets, in February against the Bucks. alta before being removed. Goldschmidt tempt at the record after going 0-5 since Span. But the Rangers rallied with four who appear on the verge of Another Christmas Day game broke the shutout with a run-scoring tying the mark on June 30, allowed four runs in the bottom of the inning, the key Rays 4-3 Orioles adding Carmelo Anthony, late reportedly will have the Utah double off right-hander Victor Arano, runs on eight hits in seven innings. He hit a two-run double by Odor. Nationals 8-3 Braves of Oklahoma City, to a cast that Jazz playing host to the Port- and a second run scored when A.J. Pol- didn’t walk a batter and struck out one. Texas made it 5-3 in the fourth on Wil- Braves 3-1 Nationals includes Chris Paul and James land Trail Blazers. lock reached on an error by Phillies third Jurickson Profar, Rougned Odor and lie Calhoun’s sacrifi ce fl y.

NFL Niners to honour franchise great Clark with statue, decal Reuters and three as an executive. earlier at Candlestick Park allowed San New York 49ers CEO Jed York addressed the Francisco to shock Dallas 28-27 in the tributes in a statement. NFC title game. Clark’s leaping catch “Almost four decades ago, Dwight of Montana’s high heave in the fi nal wight Clark - the San Fran- Clark’s miraculous catch launched the minute put the Niners in their fi rst cisco 49ers great made fa- San Francisco 49ers into an era of ex- Super Bowl, which they won over the mous by “The Catch” of a cellence. Since that time, he has served Cincinnati Bengals. pass from Joe Montana to as an inspirational fi gure to citizens of The two-time Pro Bowl wideout re- beatD the Dallas Cowboys in the 1981 the Bay Area and beyond. Dwight has corded a career-high 85 catches and NFC Championship Game - will be meant so much to so many and it is 1,105 yards in San Francisco’s fi rst honoured posthumously this season only fi tting that our organization con- Super Bowl season, following with with a helmet decal worn by the play- tinues to carry on his wonderful legacy. an NFL-high 60 receptions in the ers, the team announced yestserday. “The 2018 season provides us a tre- strike-shortened 1982 season. In the A more lasting tribute will come in mendous opportunity to celebrate fi ve-year span from 1980-84, Clark led the form of a statue depicting “The the life of a very special man, while the NFC with 349 receptions. Thanks Catch” outside of Levi’s Stadium. It’ll also raising awareness for the Golden to his years as one of Montana’s most be unveiled alongside a statue of QB Heart Fund, which was so dear to his reliable targets, Clark ranks among the legend Joe Montana that will be 23 heart. Dwight lived his life with great team’s all-time leaders in catches (506, yards away, the distance between the compassion for others, and we want to fourth), receiving yards (6,750, third) two when they pulled off the iconic honor that legacy by raising funds to and touchdown catches (48, tied for play. The statues will be 120 percent support his 49ers brothers.” sixth). of life size, making Clark’s statue sev- The helmet decals, featuring Clark’s While Clark is not a Pro Football Hall en feet tall and weighing around 350 No 87 and a silhouette depiction of The of Famer, he was in the 49ers’ inaugu- pounds. Catch, will be worn for every game. ral Hall of Fame class in 2009, and the The statues will be unveiled in an Clark’s last public appearance was team retired his No 87 in 1988, a year Oct. 21 ceremony. The Niners host the last October at “Dwight Clark Day” after he retired following nine seasons, Los Angeles Rams in a nationally tele- when he addressed 49ers fans at half- all in San Francisco. vised game that day. Clark died in June time of the team’s game against the Once retired from football, Clark at age 61 after an extended battle with Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. The oppo- spent nine seasons in the 49ers’ front amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He nent was an appropriate choice, since offi ce, including as the team’s general won two Super Bowls as a 49ers player Clark’s legendary reception decades manager in 1998. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, August 9, 2018 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Newcastle looking forward to Spurs clash aft er sorting Modric returns to Real off -fi eld issues London: Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles said the team is fully focused on Saturday’s opener against Tottenham Hotspur after saying that off -field issues had been put Madrid training amid to bed. Earlier in the week, British media reported that Newcastle players were unhappy with the bonus scheme for the new season proposed by the club. The Magpies squad did not speak to journalists after pre- doubts over future season defeats by Augsburg and Braga. They also declined to take part in filming duties for broadcasters including The midfielder who led Croatia to the World Cup final is subject to a big bid from Serie A side Inter Milan and BT Sport. While Lascelles refused the AFP ter.” Marca said “he would stay at Ma- discuss the issue, he said the Madrid drid” because “the club intended to team was looking forward to increase his salary.” delivering positive results on Meanwhile, Gareth Bale is serving the pitch. uka Modric returned to train- notice that he is ready to shine with- “We’ve managed to sort ing at Real Madrid yesterday out Cristiano Ronaldo, factoring in the off -field stuff ; now that’s along with fi ve other World Cup both goals as Real Madrid wrapped up out of the way, we don’t have players, against a background of their US tour with a 2-1 win over Roma any reason why we can’t go Lcontradictory rumours about his future. on Tuesday. Bale and out and put on a good per- One Spanish sports daily, AS, reported scored for Real Madrid who put on a formance,” he told the club’s that the midfi elder who led Croatia to strong performance especially in the website. the World Cup fi nal was subject to a big fi rst half of the International Champi- “I think the last game bid from Inter Milan, while a competing ons Cup friendly at MetLife Stadium in (against Augsburg), we newspaper, Marca said the 32-year old New Jersey. can definitely take a lot of was about to accept a pay rise from Real Real Madrid is hoping Bale is ready to positives from that — okay, and sign a contract extension. fully evolve into the player they signed we didn’t win but we got Modric, awarded the Golden Ball as for a world record fee in 2013. The everything we need out of best player at the World Cup, was given 33-year-old Ronaldo ended a nine-year the game. The majority of the a break rather than join Real’s pre-sea- spell at Real Madrid by recently sign- Luka Modric has been at team got through (pre-sea- son tour of the United States, as were ing with Italian champions Juventus. Real Madrid since 2012. son) injury free and everyone another Croatian World Cup fi nalist, “We’re scoring goals and we’re winning is really fit.” Mateo Kovacic, who was reported to matches, so we’re doing well,” Bale said. Lascelles was pleased with have travelled to London to join Chel- “We have to keep improving and we’re Newcastle’s close-season sea, French World Cup winner Raphael really looking forward to starting the transfer business and hailed Varane and Brazilian duo Marcelo and new season.” the arrival of striker Salomon . Asensio, with his third goal of the Rondon, who joined on a Yesterday, as the Real fi rst team fl ew preseason, opened the scoring just two season-long loan deal from back to Madrid after beating Roma minutes into the contest. former Premier League side in New Jersey on Tuesday night, the Bale delivered a brilliant pass to the West Bromwich Albion. club said the World Cup players were foot of Asensio and he found the back “Rondon’s a very good in training. “The Croatian midfi elder of the net. Real Madrid struck again signing — a very power- joined Marcelo, Varane, Casemiro and in the 15th minute as Bale would score ful player, fast, strong,” he Kovacic, who did individual work in the this time, taking an equally superb pass added. “I didn’t play against gym. The four players trained with nine from . West Brom away but when players from the under-18s,” Real Ma- Bale walked in and beat goalkeeper we played them at home, drid said on their web site. Robin Olsen to make it 2-0. in terms of physicality, he’s Among the confl icting reports, Real Madrid wasn’t nearly as domi- probably one of the toughest Marca said that Modric, who joined Real nant in the second half as most of their strikers I’ve played against. in 2012, “did not consider his current starting squad was subbed off . “We’ve made some good salary matched the level of his perform- Kevin Strootman made it interesting signings and I think it won’t ances” and that the player, who turns by scoring in the 83rd minute for Roma. take long for us to really gel 33 early in September, was about to sign Strootman was left wide open off a together and carry on with the best contract of his career. throw-in and headed pass and all he had the same team chemistry AS said Modric, who has not com- to do was hammer it past the startled that we had last year.” mented publicly, “foresaw joining In- Real Madrid goalkeeper.

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Arsenal’s American owner ‘silent Grealish denied Stan’ unfazed by unhappy fans Spurs transfer as AFP Villa reject bid London

By Ed Aarons merican businessman and en- The Guardian trepreneur Stan Kroenke is unlikely to be upset by the out- pouring of heated opposition ack Grealish appears un- fromA Arsenal fans following his takeo- likely to be allowed to leave ver of historic Premier League club. The Aston Villa this month af- hard-nosed multi-billionaire from Co- ter the club’s new owners lumbia, Missouri, who joined the Ameri- backedJ out of a deal to sell him can invasion of English football over a to Tottenham, with Mauricio Po- decade ago, has absorbed a steady volume chettino’s side having agreed to of abuse since he fi rst bought into the pay £25mn for the England Un- club in 2007. der-21 international. The level of opposition rose signifi - Tottenham have been track- cantly this week however as the 71-year- ing Grealish all summer after old, who collects sports franchises like his performances for Villa in trophies, bought out the club by purchas- the Championship last season ing the 30% holding of long-time rival but only fi rmed up their inter- minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov est this week. It is understood for £550mn ($712mn). that Spurs indicated they were Adding to his 67% stake, the gambit willing to meet Villa’s valuation took Kroenke well over the 90% mark of the midfi elder this week but that triggers a mandatory buyout of the were denied the opportunity to remainder of the shares, shutting out discuss personal terms with the die-hard fans. Usmanov bade farewell 22-year-old after new executive names to have been considered. to the club with a cryptic message say- chairman Nassef Sawiris in- Spurs are also willing to sell Toby ing Arsenal, without a league title since formed them he was no longer Alderweireld this summer, with 2004, “could be the best club in the for sale. a clause in the Belgian defender’s world,” but presumably not in the hands Grealish, who has two years contract stipulating that he can of the American, who has been the target left on his contract, is believed leave for just £25mn next sum- of his constant sniping. to be frustrated by the club’s mer. Yet despite interest from Eleven years earlier, Kroenke’s arrival Arsenal fans hold a banner showing their dislike of Arsenal’s US owner Stan Kroenke during a Premier League match.(AFP) stance, having been assured that United, they have yet to receive a at the north London club was greeted by he would be allowed to leave in fi rm bid for the 29-year-old, who a blunter message from then chairman uine concern among English football lov- successes in Leicester City winning the sure the club honoured its values, which this transfer window if a suitable made only 13 Premier League Peter Hill-Wood. “Call me old-fashioned ers about the bottom-line agenda of big 2016 title — Russians, Malaysians, Chi- they go on about all the time,” he said. “It bid was received. He was given a starts last season. but we don’t need Kroenke’s money and American groups. But the dollars kept nese, the and Ital- felt like the last bastion of transparency. standing ovation from Villa fans Villa, meanwhile, have been we don’t want his sort,” said the Old Eto- pouring in to the Premier League and ians, with just six of the 20 clubs wholly Emotionally, it felt as if we had some con- when he was substituted during told that Robert Snodgrass will nian dismissively after the entrepreneur aside from Arsenal and Manchester Unit- in English hands and Tottenham Hotspur trol over the old values at Arsenal. And the 3-1 win at Hull on Monday, be staying at West Ham this brought 11.24% of the club. “Our objec- ed — both listed on the stock exchange — the only one of the big six in that group. they hated it.” with Bruce admitting he was season despite Bruce’s desire to tive is to keep Arsenal English, albeit with Liverpool and Fulham are also in Ameri- The Americans bring to the Premier However, not all fans reacted with dis- hopeful of keeping a player who bring the Scotland forward back a lot of foreign players.” can hands while at Crystal Palace two League a wealth of experience with may. “A much-maligned owner, who by joined the club as a six-year-old. on loan after a successful stint Hill-Wood predicted at the time that Americans owning 36% of the club. Kroenke’s Sports and Entertainment choice is silent, buys up the remaining “We understand the human last season. There is interest American interest was all about profi t However, supporters insist that group running top basketball, ice hockey, shares of Arsenal,” wrote blogger Peter side,” he said. “He will want to from other Championship clubs and not about football. “We are all be- Kroenke, JJ Henry of Liverpool, and Ful- and American football franchises. Wood. “The fan frenzy is about feeling, play in the Premier League, Eu- in Albert Adomah, who has just ing seduced that the Americans will ride ham’s Shahid Khan — who has put in a But Kroenke’s purchase has been which is fi ne, but the fear is grounded in rope, Champions League. “The one year of his contract remain- into town with pots of cash for new play- £600mn bid for — are roundly condemned by many sports fans what-ifs.” owner has made it clear that he ing, while left-back Joe Bryan is ers,” said Hill-Wood, whose father Denis not fl y-by-night opportunists seeking a and the Arsenal Supporter’s Club (AST) Those what ifs Wood noted, included wants him to stay. To be fair to due to complete his move from had fi lled the same role. “It simply isn’t quick profi t. They join a multi-national called it “a dreadful day”, with David Ker- Kroenke borrowing to buy the shares. Jack, he has got on with it.” Bristol City for around £5mn. the case. They only see an opportunity roster of entrepreneurs hungry to invest shaw, an independent shareholder, saying “A move that locks fans out of legal dis- Tottenham are now expected West Ham are also expected to to make money. They know absolutely in the world’s highest-profi le football the days when fans could hold Kroenke to course and allows the owner to load the to move on to other targets hav- announce the signing of Lucas nothing about our football and we don’t league. account had disappeared. club with £600million of debt to pay for ing yet to add to their squad this Perez from Arsenal for £5mn af- want these types involved.” Premier League owners include Thais “Although only a tiny minority, we the shares — but that would be the worst- summer, with Manchester Unit- ter the Spanish forward agreed Hill-Wood’s suspicions refl ected gen- — who experienced one of the unlikelier played a signifi cant role in trying to en- case scenario.” ed’s Anthony Martial among the personal terms this week. Gulf Times Thursday, August 9, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Monaco’s Golovin could miss season opener

One week after starting training with the club, Monaco’s big summer signing Russian World Cup star Aleksandr returns hoping Golovin has twisted his right ankle, the club. The club announced that the 22-year old midfielder was hurt in training yesterday morning. Monaco did not estimate how long Golovin would be sidelined but it seems unlikely that he will make his Ligue 1 debut to capitalise on French in the club’s opening match, away to Nantes, tomorrow afternoon. Golovin was the star at the World Cup leading his country to quarter-finals.

Iceland name Swede World Cup success Hamren as new coach Former Sweden coach Erik Hamren was yesterday announced as Iceland’s new manager, replacing Heimir Hall- Eight players based in Ligue 1 were in grimsson who stepped down after lead- ing the island nation to its first World ’ squad in Russia, Cup in Russia. Selected ahead of 30 other candidates, although of that group only PSG’s the 61-year-old now faces the task of taking the team to Euro 2020, which teenage superstar Mbappe was a regular would be their third major champion- ship in a row after reaching the Euro AFP vestors want to watch what is happening in 2016 quarter-finals in France and the Paris France,” said Didier Quillot, the LFP’s director World Cup in Russia earlier this summer. general. Iceland’s former coach Hallgrimsson, 51, Foreign investors are showing more interest, stepped down in July. he dust has barely settled on France’s with an American group closing on a takeover triumphant World Cup campaign, at Bordeaux. Marseille, last season’s Europa but Ligue 1 returns this weekend with League runners-up, are already in American Gareca to remain French champions Paris Saint-Ger- hands, while Monaco have been reinvigorated as Peru’s coach Tmain under new management and with Kylian in recent years under Russian ownership. Mbappe and Neymar taking superstar billing. But it is PSG, with the vast wealth of their Coach Ricardo Gareca said he had Less than four weeks after France beat Qatari owners, who are favourites to win the signed a new three-year contract to Croatia 4-2 in Moscow to lift the World Cup title again. Thomas Tuchel has been appoint- lead Peru’s national team through the for the second time, sparking huge celebra- ed as coach to replace Unai Emery, who won qualifying matches of the 2022 World tions on the streets of Paris and around the the domestic treble last season but oversaw a Cup in Qatar. Gareca, who was born country, the trophy will be paraded at the Sta- disappointing Champions League exit against in Argentina, has been celebrated as de Velodrome when Marseille play Toulouse in Real Madrid. a national hero by many in Peru since the fi rst game of the season tomorrow. Improving in Europe is the big objective leading the team this year back to the Eight players based in Ligue 1 were in Didier for Tuchel, the svelte German formerly of World Cup for the first time since 1982. Deschamps’ squad in Russia, although of that Borussia Dortmund. But he must also deliver The new contract can be extended group only PSG’s teenage superstar Mbappe at home, with PSG looking for a sixth title in for an additional year if Peru qualifies was a regular. The 19-year-old took the tour- seven seasons. Under pressure to adhere to for the 2022 World Cup, Gareca said. nament by storm and won the award for the UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, there has Gareca, who is credited with building best young player after scoring four goals in been no big splurge in the transfer market yet, confidence in a team long seen as Russia, including one in the fi nal. but Gianluigi Buff on, now 40, has arrived on a an underdog, said he would work While Neymar’s long-term future remains free from Juventus. toward ensuring Peru plays in the the source of constant speculation, Mbappe’s Forever linked with Real Madrid, Neymar 2022 World Cup. World Cup performances suggested he can has insisted he is looking forward to working be the real poster boy for PSG going forward. with the new coach. “He’s a great coach and That applies for the league as well, which still we’re hoping for a great season,” the Brazilian Spurs star Kane celebrates boasts the two most expensive players in the said recently. arrival of second child world — the transfer window does not close PSG should be far too strong for their main until the end of the month — and will now challengers, who are likely to again be Mona- Tottenham forward be eager to capitalise on the national team’s co, Lyon and Marseille. Monaco have lost key Harry Kane celebrated success. Ligue 1 still lags behind its main players including Fabinho and Thomas Lemar. the arrival of his second European rivals fi nancially, but things are But a host of new signings have come in, most child yesterday. Kane’s changing for the better. TV rights for the four notably Aleksandr Golovin, a 30 million-euro fiancee Kate Goodland seasons from 2020 were sold in May to Chi- recruit from CSKA Moscow after starring for gave birth to Vivienne nese-owned group Mediapro for 1.15bn euros Russia at the World Cup. Jane Kane and the ($1.33bn) a year, a huge increase. Their coach is targeting England captain took to In an attempt to build on the impact of the another top-three fi nish, although he is antic- Twitter to reveal the news. World Cup, while also acknowledging Ligue ipating the toughest campaign since his arrival Kane, who won the Golden Boot as the 1’s status as a fertile breeding ground for bril- in 2014. “Our opponents will be stronger than leading scorer in the recent World Cup, liant youngsters, the LFP are promoting their in the last few years. That is why this could be already has one daughter, Ivy, who was competition internationally as “The League of our most diffi cult season,” Jardim told Nice born in 2017. The 25-year-old striker Talents”. Matin. Along the Cote d’Azur, Patrick Vieira only returned to pre-season training “Even if there are only eight members of is in as coach at Nice, while Ligue 1 is also with Spurs on Monday. the France team playing in Ligue 1, the word becoming the latest championship to adopt France is there as the common theme. It is an Video Assistant Referees after the system was PSG, who named Thomas Tuchel (right) as coach to replace Unai Emery, are favourites to win the title. (AFP) extra argument in our favour and makes in- used at the World Cup. Mee signs new three-year deal with Burnley CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIERS FOCUS Burnley defender Ben Mee has signed a new three-year contract at Turf Moor, with an option to extend for a further 12 months, the Premier League club said Ajax stumble at French glamour club PSG turns on Wednesday. The 28-year-old has made 248 appearances for the Clarets since joining from Manchester City, initially Liege, Benfi ca win to China for fans... and funds on loan in 2011 and then permanently the following year. Reuters AFP gapore. “With the growth the club has and the French Super Cup fi nal against Mee featured in 29 league matches last London Shenzhen, China enjoyed in recent years, along with the Monaco in Shenzhen, PSG hosted a season as the club finished seventh in arrival of our two superstars Neymar range of promotional events. The in- the standings and earned their slot in and Mbappe, we thought that now was a cluded a cooking class by the club’s Bra- the Europa League. His new contract tandard Liege fought fter three pre-season tours good time to do it, it was the right mo- zilian defender Marquinhos and a train- follows the close-season signings of Ben back from two goals in a row to the United States, ment,” said Sébastien Wasels, the club’s ing session for young players at China’s Gibson, Joe Hart and Matej Vydra ahead down to draw 2-2 with French glamour club Paris Asia Pacifi c director. “PSG Academy” by former star player of England’s transfer deadline today. Ajax Amsterdam, while Saint-Germain turned to Asia He said the Qatari-owned club with Maxwell, now part of the PSG manage- BenfiS ca edged Fenerbahce 1-0 in inA search of new fans and business deals ambitions to dominate Europe needs the ment team. Champions League third quali- ahead of the new season. It’s the market base to handle rising Asian growth op- PSG’s eSports section was also Wolves snap up Spanish fying round, fi rst-leg ties on “with the biggest growth potential,” ac- portunities. brought into play to woo the younger winger Traore Tuesday night. After going in 2-0 cording to a PSG offi cial discussing the PSG says that it has signed several generation, hosting a FIFA video tour- down at halftime, Medhi Carcela club’s two-week summer trip to Singa- commercial deals in the region including nament for 400,000 participants on lo- Spanish winger Adama Traore became pulled one back for Liege before pore and China. a multi-million euro partnership with cal platforms to boost the club’s active Premier League new boys Wolverhamp- Renaud Emond scored a 94th PSG’s Asian fan base has grown while marketing agency Desports for sponsor- gaming sector. ton Wanderers’ fifth signing of the close minute penalty to equalise after its social media presence has exploded ship and licensing rights in China and PSG’s social media footprint in Asia is season after joining from second-tier Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Hunte- along with the French club’s rising pro- Hong Kong. The club has also pinpoint- rapidly expanding, says the club. “When Middlesbrough. The 22-year-old, capped laar and Dusan Tadic put the fi le following the signings of world foot- ed three geographical growth areas in QSI (Qatar Sports Investments, the by Spain at various age groups up to four-time Dutch European Cup Benfica’s Franco Cervi ball’s most expensive player Neymar Asia and plans to hire a team of fi ve ex- club’s owners since 2011) took over, we Under-21 level, signed a five-year con- winners ahead. Visitors Ajax had celebrates after scoring against and French teenage sensation Kylian pert locals to focus on business develop- had a one million social media followers tract for a reported fee of £18mn. looked comfortable after former Fenerbahce. (Reuters) Mbappe. Riding the wave of rising pop- ment opportunities in China, South Ko- globally: 90% in France. Today we have Traore came through the Barcelona Southampton winger Tadic set ularity, the French club with the Eiff el rea/Japan, and Southeast Asia/Oceania. 60mn... 90% outside France. No other academy before signing for Aston Villa up the fi rst goal with a swerving Fenerbahce, with both teams en- Tower logo took advantage of the Asian During the club’s brief summer Asia sports entity has had that scale of digital in 2015 where he spent a season, but fell cross before drilling home the tering in this round of the quali- tour to open a permanent offi ce in Sin- stay that included matches in Singapore growth.” out of favour and decamped to Middles- second himself. fying process. brough. He enjoyed a successful season However Belgian side Liege When the teams played in the last term, despite Middlesbrough falling clawed their way back into European Cup fi rst round in 1975 short of a Premier League return. the game and Emond struck Benfi ca won 7-0 but this time the the woodwork before slotting Turkish side can hope to stage a home from the spot after Nous- second-leg comeback to secure a Liverpool beat Torino sair Mazraoui fouled substitute playoff against PAOK Athens or in last pre-season match Moussa Djenepo. The winners of Spartak Moscow, who were play- the tie in Amsterdam next week ing last night. Stanislav Dragun’s Roberto Firmino starred as Liverpool will face either Slavia Prague header earned Belarusians BATE rounded off an impressive pre-season or Dynamo Kiev in the playoff Borisov a 1-0 win at last season’s with a comfortable 3-1 win over Italians round for a place in the group Champions League group quali- Torino at Anfield on Tuesday. Despite stage of Europe’s elite club com- fi ers Qarabag, with the eventual opening their Premier League cam- petition. Those teams drew 1-1 in winners facing PSV Eindhoven. paign against West Ham on Sunday, the Czech capital after Josef Jus- Dinamo Zagreb won 2-0 at Jurgen Klopp named a strong team and bauer’s 95th minute penalty for Astana, who reached the group was rewarded by seeing key players get a dominant Slavia cancelled out stage in 2015, with goals from valuable game time. Benjamin Verbic’s 82nd minute Mario Budimir and the impres- Brazil forward Firmino played the first opener. sive Dani Olmo to put one foot half, putting Liverpool ahead before set- In Lisbon, Benfi ca earned a in the playoff s where Young Boys ting up midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum narrow victory in a match they await. Elsewhere, Malmo drew for the second goal. Italy international controlled as Franco Cervi’s de- 1-1 with Vidi and Red Star Bel- Andrea Belotti pulled one back for the fl ected strike after 69 minutes grade were held by Spartak Trna- visitors with a powerful header, but handed them the advantage over va with the same scoreline. Paris Saint-Germain’s Julian Draxler (left) signs autographs for Chinese fans in Shenzhen last week. (AFP) after Klopp made a raft of substitutions.

Thursday, August 9, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL Kepa set to join Chelsea aft er paying £71mn buyout clause

By Dominic Fifield to release the player. La Liga business in this window, though other The Guardian then pass the money onto the selling players could yet depart. Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa club. There is interest from Milan in Tie- Arrizabalaga is set to join The fee for Kepa, capped once by moue Bakayoko, while Danny Drink- Chelsea for £71.6mn making epa Arrizabalaga was ex- Spain but a regular through the coun- water and have at- the 23-year-old the most pected in London last night to try’s junior sides and considered one tracted inquiries from Premier League expensive goalkeeper in have a medical with Chelsea of the most promising goalkeepers in clubs seeking to bolster their ranks with history. (AFP) that will seal his world record Europe, will surpass the £66.9mn Liv- loanees before today’s 5pm deadline. Ktransfer from Athletic Bilbao after the erpool paid Roma for Brazil’s No 1, Alis- is expected to goalkeeper’s £71.6mn buyout clause son Becker last month. travel from Belgium to Spain to com- was triggered earlier in the morning. Kepa has played 53 times in La Liga plete his £35mn move to Real, signing The 23-year-old’s lawyers were in for Bilbao over the last two seasons, and a six-year contract, having been absent Madrid yesterday morning and, as per made his international debut in a 5-0 without leave all week. The Belgian Spanish law and having been provided friendly win over Costa Rica in Novem- international has entered the fi nal 12 with the funds by Chelsea, deposited ber 2017. He was also in the Spain squad months of his deal at Chelsea. the amount needed to secure his re- for the recent World Cup in Russia as Courtois, who spent three seasons lease at 9.22am local time. Athletic back-up to David De Gea, but did not at Atletico Madrid from 2011 to 2014, confi rmed the player, who has been on get any playing time. has repeatedly stated his desire to move their books since the age of 10, was set Kepa signed a new long-term con- closer to his two children in the Span- to leave. tract, which increased his release clause ish capital. However, Real coach Julen “Kepa Arrizabalaga has met the re- from 20 million euros, with Athletic in Lopetegui refused to comment on the quirements for the valid unilateral January to end speculation linking him speculation following his team’s 2-1 termination of the work contract that with a move to Real. victory over Roma in the fi nal game of linked him to Athletic Club,” read a “I saw Kepa one year ago (when I was) their US pre-season tour on Tuesday. statement on Bilbao’s website. “The at Naples and my fi rst impression was “I always say that I’m not talking amount of the compensation estab- he was a very good goalkeeper,” said about players who’re not at Real Ma- lished in the contract has been depos- Maurizio Sarri after Chelsea’s goal- drid,” said Lopetegui. “Keylor (Navas) ited. Athletic thanks the player for his less draw with Lyon on Tuesday. “Very is our goalkeeper and there are no other contribution during the time he has young but very, very good.” goalkeepers I can talk about except remained in our club.” Kepa will be joined at Stamford Keylor, Kiko (Casilla), Andriy (Lunin) In Spain, instead of the buying club Bridge by the Real Madrid midfi elder and Luca (Zidane). Keylor is phenom- paying the selling club the amount set Mateo Kovacic, who is expected to enal, he has our full confi dence and is by the contract, the player must buy complete a one-year loan move as he an extraordinary goalkeeper. He’s de- himself out. This is done by depositing seeks greater game-time. That could lighted to belong to Real Madrid and the amount of the buyout clause with conclude Chelsea’s incoming transfer we’re delighted with him.”

SPOTLIGHT QNB STARS LEAGUE Jonathan, Younis City set the standard join Rayyan ranks rgentinian striker went through their paces at Jonathan Menendez, the training session. Al Sadd who joined Al Rayyan are above holders Al Duhail on for one season, hit the goal diff erence in the QNB Stars strapsA immediately as he joined League standings. The Lions’ preparations for their Having started their for chasing pack in upcoming QNB Stars League 2018-campaign on a winning Week 2 match against Umm note, Al Arabi are leaving no Salal. The game will start at stone unturned as they pre- the Al Sadd Stadium at 5:30pm pared for the big clash. Arabi tomorrow. had defeated Al Khor in Week 1 Jonathan, who came to Al of the QNB Stars League, with Rayyan from Argentina’s Club Colombian striker Franco Ari- Premier League Atletico Independiente, trained zala scoring the all-important along with his new teammates goal. The win has boosted the on Tuesday. He is replacement confi dence of Luka Bonacic’s Manager Guardiola says Manchester City will aim to improve their performance rather for Moroccan midfi elder Moh- team that stands sixth in the sine Moutaouli, who moved to Al standings. And they are keen on than beat last season’s record-breaking Premier League tally of 100 points Ahli. Al Rayyan, who beat Al Ahli maintaining the momentum as 2-0 in the fi rst round, started the players underwent train- their preparations for Umm ing sessions in the morning and Salal game on Tuesday under evening yesterday. the watchful eyes of Argentin- ian coach Rodolfo Arruabar- COACH GOURCUFF PLOTS rena. The training session also GHARAFA’S REVIVAL saw goalkeeper Fahd Younis go Al Gharafa’s French coach through his paces after recover- Christian Gourcuff is preparing ing from an injury. his players for the QNB Stars League Week 2 fi xture against AL SADD, AL ARABI GEAR UP Al Sailiya, to be played at the FOR QATAR DERBY Khalifa International Stadium on QNB Stars League leaders Al Saturday. Sadd are gearing up for their Al Gharafa badly want to com- much-awaited Week 2 home pensate for their 1-3 loss to Qatar encounter with Al Arabi, dubbed SC, while Al Sailiya are on a high Qatar Derby, on Sunday. After after securing a last-gasp win their 6-0 win over Al Kharaitiyat over Umm Salal. Gourcuff and last Sunday, Al Sadd resumed his assistants are trying hard to their preparations for the Al correct the mistakes they made Arabi match on Tuesday. against Qatar SC. The Cheetahs The coaching staff under are seeking to build on their Portuguese Jesualdo Ferreira creditable fourth-place fi nish in gave enough recovery time to last season’s QNB Stars League those who started against Al that earned them a berth in the Kharaitiyat, while other players Qatar Cup.

Qatar win Asian Cup opener

Manchester City players celebrate after winning the English FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. (AFP)

Reuters depth with Fabinho and Naby Keita added Guardiola added. “It will be tough like it and Chelsea have changed managers with Manchester increased options in midfi eld. Liverpool’s has to be. It’s nice because every season Spaniard Unai Emery replacing Arsene weakness in the goalkeeper position has the Premier League is tougher and tough- Wenger at the Emirates and Italian Mau- been addressed with the purchase of Bra- er. Unai is a work ethic guy. He knows rizio Sarri taking over from compatriot he bar has been raised by Man- zilian Alisson from AS Roma and with everything about the opponents. He Antonio Conte. chester City and the Premier Virgil van Dijk having settled in following achieved something unique in European While neither side have made major League title hopefuls know they his move in January, Klopp’s side look a football in three Europa Leagues in a row splashes in the market, the new manag- will have little room for error much more complete package. and he handled himself well at PSG. He’s ers will be expected to improve on disap- Tif they are to challenge Pep Guardiola’s Guardiola said City will aim to improve a top, top manager and it will be tough.” pointing campaigns and at the very least side this season. But while City begin the their performance rather than beat last Jose Mourinho has spent much of the be pushing for the top four. campaign as fi rm favourites after their season’s record-breaking Premier League off -season moaning about Manchester The promoted clubs have been spend- record-breaking title campaign last sea- tally of 100 points, manager Defending United’s squad and the lack of new faces ing big with Fulham and Wolverhampton son, they will be well aware of the threat champions City became the fi rst side but there is still plenty of talent available Wanderers particularly active in the mar- posed by Juergen Klopp’s improving Liv- to reach 100 points in a Premier League to the former Chelsea and Real Madrid ket as they look to solidify their return to erpool and the rest of the big six. campaign and fi nished last season 19 boss. The key question for Mourinho is the top fl ight along with Cardiff City. City have been quiet in the transfer points above their closest rivals Man- whether he can fi nally get the best out of West Ham United with Chilean Manuel market, adding just Riyad Mahrez from chester United. “People ask ‘can you im- the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Pellegrini and Everton with Portugal’s Leicester, but their attacking potency and prove on 100 points’ and I say no because and Romelu Lukaku and fi nd a positive Marco Silva have new managers and have ability to dominate possession should be we are not here to do that.However, indi- style of play that the Old Traff ord faithful spent signifi cant money on new faces even stronger with the addition of the vidually the players can improve,” Guar- demand. as they look to make sure last season’s talented Algerian. diola said. “Of course we can improve. The pressure will be on in Mourinho’s struggles become top-half progress. Liverpool, however, beat City three If I felt we could not improve the team I third season at the club — it pains United City dominated last season by playing times last season — twice in the two-leg- would call my chairman and say: ‘I leave’. fans to see their club trailing City and the attacking possession-based football fea- ged Champions League quarter-fi nal, and But still, we believe we can do better and prospect of being overtaken by Liverpool turing a number of tactical innovations their moves in the transfer market should dominate more. Will it happen? I don’t would be arguably even more painful. and it will be fascinating to see to what make them serious contenders. Like City, know but we believe we can do it.” Tottenham have made no moves in extent their rivals seek to emulate the ap- Liverpool’s strength is in the fi nal third City begin the new season with a trip to the market but crucially they have kept proach of Guardiola. and the trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Arsenal on Sunday and Spaniard Guardi- hold of their key players and the attack- All the ingredients are there for a thrill- Qatar defeated Vietnam 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-23) in their Asian Firmino and Sadio Mane, will strike fear ola suggested the London side could pose ing combination of Harry Kane, Chris- ing season but it is hard to see any of the Volleyball Cup opening match in Chinese Taipei yesterday. into Premier League defences again. a serious challenge this season under new tian Eriksen and Dele Alli will relish the mid-table sides pushing into the top six Qatar will take on Thailand in the Group ‘C’ match today and The diff erence this season is that the manager Unai Emery. “Arsenal I think are chance to shine at the club’s new sta- and the main battle for many clubs will, then face Australia in their third encounter tomorrow. Merseysiders have greater strength in going to be more consistent as a team,” dium, due to open in September. Arsenal once again, be simply to survive.