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Wednesday, July 17, 2019 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 14, 1440 AH Belmadi ends years GULF TIMES of turbulence to lead Algeria into fi nal SPORT Page 7

SILK WAY RALLY 2019 Al-Attiyah makes a sweep for emphatic Silk Way win ‘I am so happy... This means that Matthieu and I have now won every rally in which we have taken part this year’

Agencies Dunhuang, China

atar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and French navigator Matthieu Baumel completed aQ clean sweep of stage wins to secure an emphatic maiden vic- tory in the gruelling 2019 Silk Way Rally after the fi nal stage between Jiayuguan and Dun- huang in China yesterday. The Overdrive Racing driver secured a winning margin of 1hr 25min 04sec with a ninth suc- cessive stage win that also gave Toyota a fi rst ever victory at the Central Asian event that was be- ing observed for future inclusion in the FIA World Cup for Cross- Country Rallies. The Qatari was in a class of his own and survived the last of Al-Attiyah (right) and Baumel with their trophies. three demanding stages through the Gobi Desert to earn a stage The Qatari said: “The fi rst Hilux Overdrive 24hrs 25min time of 2hrs 27min 30sec and two stages in the Gobi desert 29sec beat teammate Erik Van Loon by were not easy. There were a lot 2. Wei Han (CHN)/Liao Min (CHN) 2min 25sec on the day. of dunes, camel grass and the Geely SMG Buggy 25hrs 50min China’s Wei Han fi nished average speed was really slow. 33sec second overall and Frenchman We took more than four hours 3. Jerome Pelichet (FRA)/Pascal Jerome Pelichet rounded off the to cover the fi rst one and nearly Larroque (FRA) Optimus 26hrs podium places. four hours for the second one. 09min 08sec The Qatari said: “I am so I think the organisation had 4. Ping Sun (CHN)/Li Ma (CHN) happy. This was one event that I kept these tough stages up their Hanwei SMG Buggy 26hrs 19min really wanted to win and I have sleeves until the end.” 48sec now managed that. It was a Van Loon was third quickest, 5. Ming Zhang (CHN)/Xu Qin long demanding rally with sev- 9min 24sec behind his Toyota (CHN) Hanwei SMG Buggy 27hrs eral diffi cult stages towards the teammate, and moved up to 08min 28sec end in the dunes in China. This 10th in the overall rankings, but 6. Rong Zi (CHN)Xinjian Xing win is also a fi rst for Toyota and Matthieu Serradori damaged his (CHN) Hanwei SMG Buggy 27hrs means that Matthieu and I have car’s suspension on a big rock 58min 33sec now won every rally in which we and lost sixth position to Rus- 7. Feng Chen (CHN)/Cheng Wang have taken part this year.” sia’s Denis Krotov. Yi (CHN) LXTX 28hrs 14min 29sec A delighted Baumel added: Overdrive Racing now 8. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Dmytro “Nine stage wins out of nine. Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah (right) and French co-driver Mathieu Baumel celebrate their Silk Way Rally victory in Dunhuang, China, yesterday. switches its attention to the Baja Tsyro (RUS) MINI John Cooper This is an historic record in a Spain Aragón, round four of the Works Rally 28hrs 23min 33sec major rally…” ond stage in Russia. But the in the second of the Overdrive treacherous dunes of the Gobi That enabled the Qatari to 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross- 9. Jean-Remy Bergounhe (FRA)/ Dutchman Van Loon and Dutchman fought back strong- Toyotas. Desert. Around 290km were extend his overall lead to 1hr Country Bajas, at the end of July. Jean Brucy (FRA) MCM Original Frenchman Sebastien Delau- ly with several second fastest Al-Attiyah had taken a lead timed against the clock between 10min 46sec over Han heading 28hrs 24min 27sec nay ruined their chance of stage times and moved up from of 59min 58sec into the penul- Alashan and Jiayuguan, and al- into the fi nal stage after Peli- POSITIONS AFTER SS10 10. Erik Van Loon (NLD)/Sebast- challenging for the title after the foot of the general classi- timate special stage and the sec- Attiyah stopped the clocks in a chet dropped 39 minutes on the 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ ien Delaunay (FRA) Toyota Hilux transmission woes on the sec- fication to finish 10th overall ond of the passes through the time of 3hrs 52min 17sec. tricky special. Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Overdrive 29hrs 01min 50sec

Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel cross the Gobi Desert. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT Follow-up major proving elusive for Rose

Reuters possible. When you’re a quarter of the Portrush, Northern Ireland way there, looking at it, it’s quite an up- hill climb. “When you’re halfway you’re kind of hen Justin Rose tied for at the tipping point.” fourth at the 1998 Open as Rose said even if he ends up with just a 17-year-old amateur he the one he would be grateful but admits was immediately dubbed there have been disappointments, no- Wthe next big thing. He then missed the tably the 2017 Masters when he lost a cut in his fi rst 21 events as a profes- playoff to Sergio Garcia having held the sional. lead late in his fourth round. When Englishman Rose won the US “They are hard to win, and you’ve Open at Merion in 2013, a long overdue seen great players not win one,” he said. fi rst major triumph, many felt it would “Certainly I’ve had three second-place open the gates to many more in the fi nishes in majors since (the US Open years to come. win). He is still waiting. “I’ve had a couple of opportunities, Rose won the Olympic gold medal for sure. Augusta, that was a one arm- in Rio in 2016 as golf returned to the in-the-jacket type situation. Games for the fi rst time since 1904 and “But you never skip through a career has been a key man in several European England’s Justin Rose (also left) takes without a little bit of heartache along Ryder Cup triumphs. selfies with fans at Royal Portrush Golf the way. I’ve defi nitely given myself But adding to his solitary major has Club yesterday. (Reuters) some looks. If I keep doing that I know been a frustrating business. He tied the door will open again.” second at the Masters in 2015 and was Rose will tee off tomorrow as one of Even if he does lift the Claret Jug on second on his own in 2017 while at the the favourites, still fuelled by the belief the Antrim coast this week, however, 2015 PGA Championship he fi nished he can win all four majors. Rose says it might not cut it with his son fourth. “I think if you won both Opens, es- Leo, who has gone cricket-mad after Last year Rose almost pulled off one sentially, that’s a lovely pair, no doubt,” watching England win the World Cup. of the most amazing Open triumphs Rose, 38, said at Portrush yesterday. Asked if his son might pick up a golf when he only made the cut by sinking “That would be halfway towards a club rather than a cricket bat, he said: a 15-foot putt on the fi nal hole of his Grand Slam. If I was able to do that then “That would be nice for sure, although second round but was in the thick of a I would immediately shift to I’m 50 % of it’s proved quite diffi cult, to be honest. thrilling fi nal day battle before fi nish- the way there. “He’s in the garden until the sun goes ing joint runner-up behind Francesco “The next one is really important for down. He says, Dad, can you bowl a few Molinari. me, because it makes the next two feel at me? That kind of thing.”

FOCUS COMMENT Woods draws McIlroy looks to end inspiration from Watson, Norman’s drought on Open’s Open near-misses

AFP Portrush, United Kingdom

iger Woods said yester- return to N Ireland day he is confi dent his body can hold up under the rigours of links golf ‘Just getting my hands on that Claret Jug again would be a huge accomplishment’ Tthis week as he bids for a 16th major title at the British Open. AFP ago through injury but his Brit- The 43-year-old, who capped Portrush, United Kingdom Rory McIlroy takes part in a practice ish Open record has been good, one of sport’s greatest-ever session at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in with two top-10s from fi ve ap- comebacks with victory at the Northern Ireland yesterday. (Reuters) pearances and a best of tied Masters in April, will be play- he British Open returns sixth in 2017. ing in just his fourth tournament to Northern Ireland for Woods will play profession- since winning the green jacket. the fi rst time in 68 years ally in Northern Ireland for the With cold, wet weather pre- this week at Royal Por- fi rst time as he seeks a 16th ma- dicted for all four days as the Ttrush, giving Rory McIlroy the jor to close on Jack Nicklaus’s British Open returns to Northern fort needed to get over that major opportunity on home soil to end record of 18. Ireland and Royal Portrush for hurdle again had taken its toll. his fi ve-year major drought. The 43-year-old American the fi rst time since 1951, Woods’ “Getting myself into position The four-time major cham- capped one of sport’s greatest troublesome back could come to win the Masters was – it took pion has not lifted one of golf’s comebacks by winning the Mas- under extra strain. a lot out of me. That golf course big four trophies since winning ters in April, despite previously But he was keen to point out puts so much stress on the sys- the 2014 US PGA Champion- slipping out of the top 1,000 in tricky conditions may also play tem,” he said. ship, but is the bookmakers’ fa- the world rankings after years into his hands, as they did for “Seeing my kids there, they vourite to get his hands on the of struggling with back injuries Tom Watson when he lost in a got a chance to experience The Claret Jug after fi nishing tied for and poor form. playoff to Stewart Cink at the age Open Championship last year second a year ago at Carnoustie, Woods’ reimposed threat of 59 at Turnberry in 2009, and after their dad took the lead, and two strokes behind Francesco at the top of the game was Greg Norman when he fi nished then made a few mistakes. And Molinari. confi rmed 12 months ago at third at Birkdale in 2008 aged 53. this time they got to see me win McIlroy has continued his con- Carnoustie when he seized the “It’s just part of, unfortunate- a major championship. So it was sistent form this season, claiming lead on the back nine in the fi nal ly, dealing with the procedures a very emotional week and one two titles including the prestig- round, only to fi nish in a tie for I’ve had, and being a little bit that I keep reliving.” ious Players’ Championship while sixth, three shots behind winner older,” said Woods, who returned Woods is now ranked fi fth in recording 11 top-10 fi nishes. Molinari. to elite golf in December 2017 af- the world, but has not threatened He admitted that it would be The Italian says he has kept ter spinal fusion surgery. at either of the last two majors, a dream come true to triumph in good care of the Claret Jug since “It just doesn’t move quite as won by Brooks Koepka and Gary the 148th Open Championship his triumph 12 months ago. fast when it’s a little bit cooler. Woodland. at a club where as a 16-year-old “We’ve had a couple of drinks “But the great thing is play- But he does still feel the Open he fi red a course record 61. out of it. Nothing out of the or- ing in an Open Championship, and links golf gives him the best “If I’m being honest, it would dinary,” he said. “I’ve got small you can do it. Look what Tom did chance of closing in on Nicklaus’ obviously mean the world to me,” kids at home so I had to keep it at Turnberry, what Greg did at haul of victories. said the Northern Irishman, who another Open Championship,” a top prize of just £300 ($375). morrow at his home course — he out of reach most of the time to Birkdale. The golf course is fast “It does (off er the best chance won the 2014 Open at Hoylake. said the 30-year-old after a sol- The champion this year will re- lives in the town of Portrush. avoid disaster.” enough, even if you don’t have of more majors). It allows the “But just like winning Hoy- id showing at last week’s Scot- ceive $1,935,000 (£1.5mn). “It’s going to be amazing,” the speed to carry the ball. players that don’t hit the ball lake meant the world to me as tish Open. said Clarke. LAST 10 BRITISH OPEN “You just have to navigate the very far or carry the ball as far to well. Just getting my hands on “I’ve played in a few of them ‘I JUST HOPE I HIT THE “Thursday morning is going CHAMPIONS bunkers and navigate around run the golf ball out there. that Claret Jug again would be a now. I know what to expect. FAIRWAY’ to be exciting. And I just hope I 2018: Francesco Molinari (ITA) the golf course. And that’s true, “Being able to control it as best huge accomplishment.” Might be a little louder. Among the favourites is red-hot manage to get one going straight 2017: Jordan Spieth (USA) that’s understanding how to play you possibly can in the air to con- World number three McIlroy, “Atmosphere might be a bit world number one Brooks Koep- down the fairway.” 2016: Henrik Stenson (SWE) an Open Championship.” trol it on the ground allows the who won the 2016 Irish Open at diff erent but the objective is the ka and a resurgent Tiger Woods. Koepka’s recent major record 2015: Zach Johnson (USA) Woods’ fi fth Masters triumph older players to have a chance to do the K Club just outside Dublin, same, to go there and play good But the fans will roar loudest remarkable — he has won four 2014: Rory McIlroy (NIR) was his fi rst major victory since well in The Open Championship.” was keen to play down the pres- golf and hopefully give myself a for McIlroy and his compatriots, in his last nine appearances and 2013: Phil Mickelson (USA) the 2008 US Open, but the suc- Woods opens his campaign sure of playing in front of his chance to win the Claret Jug.” including 2011 Open champion fi nished fi rst twice and second 2012: Ernie Els (RSA) cess relaunched his bid to chase at 1410 GMT tomorrow, playing home fans. Englishman Max Faulkner Darren Clarke, who will have the twice in the last four he has 2011: Darren Clarke (NIR) down Jack Nicklaus’ record tally alongside England’s Matt Wal- “I think it’s going to feel nor- won the last Open to be played honour of hitting the fi rst tee played. 2010: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) of 18 titles. lace and 2018 Masters champion mal. It’s going to feel like just at Portrush, in 1951, taking home shot of the tournament early to- He missed Carnoustie a year 2009: Stewart Cink (USA) The American admitted the ef- Patrick Reed.

Koepka banks on caddie’s local knowledge Reuters Elliott was a promising young years after the only other occa- Portrush, said he had tried to set have been more focused on his Portrush, United Kingdom amateur player, winning the sion the Northern Ireland venue up a practice round with Brooks hired help. It would be even more Ulster Boys’ and Ulster Youths’ held the major. but got nowhere. special if he happened to pick up Championships but struggled That means few players have the “I texted Brooksie, congratula- the bonus for Koepka’s first Open. merican Brooks Koepka when he turned professional and intimate knowledge of the links tions on another great finish. “There would be nothing cooler. believes he has a “big switched to caddying in the US. course that Elliott possesses. What he’s done in the last four Put it this way, I don’t think when Aadvantage” in this week’s But he remains a well-known “Luckily my caddie has played major championships has been he grew up that he ever thought British Open in the form of his figure in Portrush and while he this golf course I can’t tell you just unbelievable. To be so con- there would be an Open Champi- local-born caddie who grew up has spent the past six years trav- how many times, so that’s a big sistent, so solid,” Woods said. onship here. And to top it off , I playing on Royal Portrush. elling the world on Koepka’s bag, advantage,” Koepka told a news “And I said, Hey, dude, do you don’t think he ever thought he’d Such is four-times major winner his parents Pat and Martha still conference yesterday. mind if I tag along and play a be a part of it,” Koepka said. Koepka’s belief that caddie Ricky live in the town and his brother “Every hole I just step up on, practice round? I’ve heard noth- “And to be caddying and to be Elliott can give him valuable “in- Peter is the owner of a golf shop (I say) ‘You tell me what to do, ing,” he said with a grin. able to win one here would be side info” on the course that he in nearby Coleraine. you’ve played it more than any- Koepka may have won four ma- — he’d be a legend, wouldn’t he? Brooks Koepka (left) listens to his caddie Ricky Elliott during practice even ignored a practice round The Open is being held at Por- body.’ So just let him figure it out.” jors in the last two years, but he He already is. But it would be at Royal Portrush Club on Monday. (Reuters) invitation from Tiger Woods. trush for the second time — 68 Woods, who has never played said the large crowds at practice cool to see him win.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 3 CRICKET

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT NZ coach says Strauss urges Stokes umpires are ‘human’ amid rule debate

Reuters Wellington to stay grounded ew Zealand coach Gary Stead has shrugged off the debate as to wheth- er an umpiring error Ncost the Black Caps dearly in the World Cup fi nal against England, saying umpires are “human” and aft er World Cup the result could not be changed anyway. England beat New Zealand ‘What we’ve seen is some of those rough edges just smoothed a little bit over the last on boundaries after a tied Su- per Over, but former Australian 12 or 18 months without him losing that incredible desire and hunger to win’ umpire Simon Taufel suggested that the umpires had incorrectly New Zealand coach Mike Hesson AFP awarded an extra over-throw run was unhappy that the Super Over London to Ben Stokes in the 50th over was used as a tiebreaker, followed when the ball defl ected off his bat by total boundaries scored. on the way to the boundary. “Using a Super Over to decide ndrew Strauss has While Taufel said it was an it was farcical and the Interna- urged Ben Stokes to “error of judgment” by the um- tional Cricket Council needs to keep his feet on the pires, he added that it was “un- give itself an uppercut for even ground after the Eng- fair” to say the extra run had de- entertaining it as a tiebreaker,” landA all-rounder earned hero cided the outcome. he wrote in a column for Fairfax status with his role in their in- Stead was also sympathetic media. credible World Cup fi nal tri- with the umpires and said he had Stead said he expected the ICC umph. accepted his team’s heart-break- to review the way future fi nals Stokes scored 84 not out ing defeat at Lord’s. were decided but added there against New Zealand at Lord’s “At the end of the day the um- was nothing New Zealand could on Sunday to force a Super pires are there to rule and they’re do now. Over in which he and Jos Buttler human as well and like players “I’m sure there’s going to be pushed England towards their sometimes errors are made,” he many things they will look at over fi rst World Cup crown. told New Zealand media. the whole tournament,” he said. Former England captain “That’s just the human aspect “I’m sure when they’re writ- Strauss believes Stokes will be of sport and probably why we ing the rules they never expect deluged with demands on his care so much as well.” the world cup fi nal to happen like time and he warned the star not The manner of England’s win that so I’m sure it’ll be reviewed, to be distracted by his sudden has sparked fi erce debate around absolutely. spike in popularity. the world and some level of angst “It’s a very, very hollow feeling “What will be hard for Ben in New Zealand, where disap- that you can play 100 overs and going forward is the levels of pointed fans vented their fury on score the same amount of runs and adulation he’ll receive,” Strauss social media. still lose the game. But that’s the said on Tuesday. The extra run aside, former technicalities of sport sometimes.” “That was a burden for Fred- die Flintoff . He often lived up to it and that was great, but in- FOCUS creasingly you are under more and more pressure to be the man every time you play and that is a big burden. England hero Archer Stokes’ man-of-the-match display went some way towards England’s Ben Stokes signs autographs during a World Cup victory event at The Oval in London on Monday. (AFP) making up for the 2016 T20 World grieved cousin’s death Cup fi nal when Carlos Brathwaite land cricket at the time and was fl ourish despite the controversy. what I’ve done here’. “What we’ve seen is some of hit him for four sixes in the fi nal present when Stokes was re- “You know what, I just re- “From that moment on, I those rough edges just smoothed during World Cup over to grab an unlikely victory for leased from his police cell before member going down to the po- thought this was going to be a a little bit over the last 12 or 18 the West Indies. helping guide him through the lice station with Ben. I spent a good thing for him. It was very months without him losing that a win over South Africa in May. It also came less than a year aftermath. long time with Clare, his wife, hard to know which way it was incredible desire and hunger to Despite the shocking news, after Stokes was found not Strauss, who yesterday an- waiting for him to come out of going to go. People can go two win. Barbados-born Archer fi nished guilty of aff ray following a late- nounced that Lord’s will be the jail,” he said. ways after something like that “It’s an easy story to say what as England’s leading wicket-tak- night brawl in Bristol, an inci- turning red for day two of the “What struck me as soon as happens to them. happened in the World Cup fi - er with 20 wickets in 11 innings dent that forced him to miss an second Ashes Test on August 15 he came out was actually his “Anyone who knows Ben and nal is redemption for him, but I during the World Cup. Ashes series and placed his fu- in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foun- character. Because he stood up who has played with him knows just think it was one of English He also bowled the Super Over ture in doubt. dation, sensed early on that and said, ‘I’ve got this horribly what an incredible person he is cricket’s talents showing what in which Eoin Morgan’s side Strauss was director of Eng- the 28-year-old would go on to wrong. I apologise sincerely for to have on your team. he can do on the greatest stage.” clinched their victory against New Zealand in Sunday’s dra- matic fi nal at Lord’s. MORALE BOOST Archer’s father Frank told the Times newspaper: “(His cousin) is the same age as Jofra and they were AFP really close, he even messaged him London in the days before he died. “Jofra was really aff ected by his death but had to carry on.” World Cup success can spur ngland star Jofra Arch- Archer qualifi ed for a British er was grieving over passport thanks to his father and the death of his cousin only became eligible to play for in Barbados during his England in March. team’sE incredible success at the “People have been question- England to Ashes glory: Root Cricket World Cup. ing his Britishness, but him play- Ashantio Blackman, 24, was ing for England has shown he will Reuters shot dead outside his home in inspire everyone to play cricket, London St Philip the day after England’s because it’s usually seen as an World Cup campaign started with elitist sport,” his father said.

ngland’s Cricket World Cup triumph can be the perfect launch pad to Bangladesh rest Shakib, retain complete a memorable doubleE by winning the Ashes Mashrafe for Sri Lanka ODIs series against Australia this year, Bangladesh are resting all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan but have re- Test skipper Joe Root has said. tained skipper Mashrafe Mortaza for the three-match one-day in- Hosts England ended a 44- ternational series against Sri Lanka later this month, off icials said year wait to win the World Cup yesterday. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and top-order batsman as they beat New Zealand side Anamul Haque were also recalled to replace Shakib and batsman on boundary count after a tied Liton Das, who has been rested for personal reasons. Medium Super Over in a dramatic fi nal pace Abu Jayed, who was part of World Cup squad but did not on Sunday. play any games, was the other player to miss out. Bangladesh Shifting focus to the fi ve- finished eighth in the World Cup after just three wins — against match Ashes series, which be- struggling South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan. The Bang- gins on Aug. 1, the 28-year-old ladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sacked coach Steve Rhodes after the said England were full of confi - team returned home last week and announced it will not renew dence as they bid to reclaim the the contract of bowling coach Courtney Walsh. Bangladesh will urn having already achieved one become the first team to tour Sri Lanka since the deadly Easter of their targets. attacks in which 258 people were killed. The teams will play three “It’s what we set out to do two one-day internationals on July 26, 28 and 31 at the Premadasa or three years ago and we’re half- International Stadium in Colombo. way there,” Root told reporters. “This will give the guys con- fi dence and we’ve talked about India board invites applications for taking that forward into a series men’s head coach like that.” England beat Australia in the India’s cricket board (BCCI) yesterday invited applications for the World Cup semi-fi nals at Edg- position of head coach and support staff for the men’s side, with baston, the venue for the fi rst incumbent Ravi Shastri and his team given automatic entry in Ashes Test, and Root said they the recruitment process. The contract of the current coaching were looking forward to getting staff is set to expire after the tour of the West Indies starting Aug. back there. 3, where India play three T20 internationals, three ODIs and two “The way we played against Tests. In a statement, the BCCI said it was inviting applications for Australia in that semi-fi nal... the positions of head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding the guys who were involved rel- coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach as well as ished it and will want a bit more: an administrative manager. Former India all-rounder Shastri was the feeling of euphoria we felt at Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May lifts the World Cup trophy with England captain Eoin Morgan in the presence of rest of the team for a appointed in 2017 and succeeded former captain Anil Kumble, that ground,” Root added. photograph outside 10 Downing Street in London on Monday. (AFP) who stepped down after falling out with skipper Virat Kohli de- “To potentially be able to ex- spite a successful run while in charge of the team. Under Shastri’s perience all that again is very builds up and the way the guys aff ect preparations, all-rounder comes to the Ashes it’s going to the slate clean.” guidance, India won a maiden Test series in Australia earlier this exciting. Ashes cricket always get excited about it, it’s like no Ben Stokes said. be heads on again because it has England warm up for the se- year and are ranked number one in the world in the format. They has a diff erent edge to it so that other series in Test cricket.” “Everyone here deserves to to be,” Stokes said. ries with their fi rst ever Test also reached the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup where they in itself will get everyone going. However, England must en- feel like a champion because “Whether you’re winning or against Ireland, a four-day con- were beaten by eventual runners-up New Zealand. “The atmosphere, the way it sure their ODI success does not we’ve just won it, but when it losing, you’ve just got to wipe test, starting on July 24. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 SPORT

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SPOTLIGHT As Olympics near, Sun set to shine in swimmers look to Gwangju despite make their mark CAS cloud A total of 42 swimming gold medals will be up for grabs at the biennial event Reuters Sydney

he Sword of Damo- cles might be dangling over the career of Sun TYang but the triple Olympic champion’s bid for a fourth successive 400 metres freestyle crown will still be one of the highlights of the swim- ming world championships in Gwangju. The fi rst male Chinese swim- mer to win an Olympic gold, the fi rst man to win world and Olym- pic titles at all freestyle distances from 200 to 1,500, and a world record holder, the 27-year-old’s place in his country’s sporting pantheon is secure. A three-month ban for the use of a banned stimulant in 2014 was always going to sully his leg- acy but more serious allegations are currently under considera- tion at the Court of Arbitration ympic title away from him in Rio. for Sport. Horton, who publicly dubbed Sun strongly denied a report Sun a “drug cheat” and was that he disrupted an out-of- runner-up behind him at the competition test last September last worlds, has struggled this but he could still face a life ban year and missed out on qualifi ca- when CAS hear the World Anti- tion at the Australian trials, only Doping Agency (WADA)’s ap- making the team as a discretion- peal against swimming govern- ary pick. ing body FINA’s decision to clear The biggest threat to Sun’s su- him. premacy might therefore come While that far-from-opaque from Gabriele Detti, the Italian process rumbles along in the who was third behind Sun and background, Sun is free to lead Horton in the last two global fi - China’s 43-strong team at his nals and recovered from a shoul- seventh world championships, der injury to swim a personal Katie Ledecky of the US is expected to be one of the stars of the World Championships. looking to add to his collection of best time in April. nine individual world titles. Horton’s compatriot Jack Reuters add to her haul of 14 gold med- also swam faster than Ledecky ed that record feat in Budapest the 27-year-old will be racing Sun will defend the gold in the McLoughlin and Lithuania’s Seoul als, is the world record holder in in the 200 this year. and the American heads into under a cloud as the Court of 200 and also swim in the 800 and Danas Rapsys, who shares the the 400, 800 and 1,500 and will Sjostrom has won her pre- the worlds in solid form for the Arbitration for Sport considers the 1,500 freestyle, but there can second fastest time of the year compete in all three events, plus ferred event, the 100 butterfl y, 50 and 100 freestyle and but- a case against him. be little doubt that retaining the with Detti (3:43.36), will also he slogan for this the 200. at four previous world champi- terfl y. Should it not go his way, 400 title he has held since 2013 is look to benefi t if Sun is at any- month’s world aquat- How the fi ve-times Olympic onships and victory next week The Florida native will not Sun’s days in the pool might be by far his best chance of snaring thing but his best in South Korea. ics championships in champion handles that pun- would make her the fi rst female have it all his own way, though, numbered. that 10th gold. Sun will also be in with a shout TSouth Korea is “Dive ishing schedule will be a good swimmer to win the same event with Australia’s Kyle Chalmers International sporting events Victory would give him mem- of a medal in his 200 title defence into Peace” but geopolitics will indicator of her chances of fi ve times. leading the way in the 100 free staged on the peninsula typi- bership of an exclusive club with and although he could also join be the last thing on swimmers sweeping all four at next year’s Hungarian Katinka Hosszu this year while Brazil’s Nicho- cally come with some form of Michael Phelps (200 Butterfl y), the “four gold club” in the 800 minds as they plunge into the Tokyo Games, which has added could also collect her fi fth win las Santos has been setting the inter-Korean baggage but with Aaron Peirsol (200 backstroke), freestyle, his competitiveness in Gwangju pool looking to lay the 1,500 to the programme. in the 400 individual medley on times to beat in the 50 fl y. the North giving Gwangju the Ryan Lochte (200 medley) and the longer events at the very top down a marker ahead of the Even if the 22-year-old the fi nal day of the champion- Santos was originally left off cold shoulder there is little in Grant Hackett (1,500 freestyle) level has declined over his career. 2020 Olympics. struggles to peak in all four it is ships. Brazil’s roster as his event is the way of diplomatic distrac- as a winner of four or more world That career may yet end with A total of 42 swimming gold highly unlikely she will drop the For 2020 Olympics hosts not on the Olympic programme tions at the meet. titles in one men’s event. a ban that rules him out of next medals will be up for grabs at 1,500 since she holds nine of Japan, gold medals may be in but organisers FINA issued the Local ticket sales have been Sun owns the best time of the year’s Olympics but while Sun the biennial championships, the 10 fastest times ever swam short supply. 39-year-old with a special invi- strong, despite the absence of year (3 minutes, 42.75 seconds) continues to shine in global a platform which catapulted in the event. Rikako Ikee, who became the tation to compete in Korea. Park and the attention North and his only loss in a major fi nal competition, China — sure to be future Olympic great Michael If she is to be beaten in fi rst swimmer to win six gold South Korean swim fans will Korean athletes usually draw in at the distance in the last eight well represented in the Gwangju Phelps onto the global stage as Gwangju, however, the 200 is medals at an Asian Games last be denied the chance to see the South, with organisers say- years came when Australian bleachers — will continue to fete a 15-year-old in 2001. where it might happen. August, will be absent as the their own superstar with an ing earlier this month they had Mack Horton snatched the Ol- their greatest male swimmer. While Phelps has long since Australian Ariarne Titmus 19-year-old battles leukaemia, undercooked Park Tae-hwan reached almost 90% of their hung up his goggles, American has emerged as a real threat while Rio Olympics 400 indi- not competing at the champi- target. swimming looks no less domi- with the fastest time of the vidual medley gold medallist onships, though his freestyle Action at the Nambu Univer- nant with freestyle queen Katie year (1:54.30) with compatriot Kosuke Hagino is taking time arch-rival Sun Yang will be sity Municipal Aquatics Center ‘Terminator’ Titmus gunning for Ledecky Ledecky and sprint powerhouse Emma McKeon close to that off to get in the right physical there looking to add to his nine begins on July 21, while other Caeleb Dressel spearheading mark at last month’s Australian and mental shape for 2020. world titles. disciplines such as diving, wa- Melbourne: Ariarne Titmus Coast last year and the 200 and the US roster for the July 21-28 trials. A decade after Phelps won But while the Chinese pow- ter polo and artistic swimming earned the nickname “Termina- 400 short course world titles meet. Swede Sarah Sjostrom and seven gold medals at the 2007 erhouse guns for a fourth suc- kicked off earlier this week at tor” after blitzing her rivals as in Hangzhou in December — all Ledecky, who is looking to Italian Federica Pellegrini have championships, Dressel repeat- cessive world title in the 400 venues around the city. a schoolgirl sensation and now without Ledecky competing — the Australian teenager has the Australian felt the Pan Pacs her sights locked on American 400 showdown was the high BOTTOMLINE powerhouse Katie Ledecky at point of her year. the world championships in “The Commonwealth Games Gwangju. was probably at the time the The 18-year-old from the island biggest thing but for me the state of Tasmania clocked the elation of breaking four minutes year’s best time of 1:54.30 in the in the 400 probably had the 200 metres freestyle at national biggest eff ect for me,” she said Relentless Ineos already in trials in April and is only 0.07 in an interview with local broad- seconds adrift of Ledecky’s caster Seven Network. year-best mark of 3:59.28 in the “I still think about the fact that 400. only two other women in the Five-times Olympic champion world have done that.” pole position for Tour glory Ledecky has set the benchmark Ledecky is unlikely to take the in middle and long distance challenge lying down as she Reuters He is now 11th, 1:21 behind Thomas, blocks of racing in recent Tour history in swimming since she stunned bids to extend her record world Castres, France and it was a sobering moment for the the fi nal week. the world as a 15-year-old to title haul in South Korea, and Tit- French fans hoping for a fi rst home- But Thomas and Bernal are ahead of claim the 800 gold at the 2012 mus welcomed the prospect of grown champion since Bernard Hinault the pack and they only have to do what London Games. having to raise her level again. eam Ineos are already poised for in 1985. they excel at — defend their advantage But Titmus has provided some- “If you don’t have something to a Tour de France triumph before It also means that with Pinot and oth- with the best team of the peloton. thing the American has not chase, you probably don’t want the race even enters the high er top contender Jakob Fuglsang now far “We don’t have to (attack). We might been used to — competition. it as bad. mountains after a brutal display behind, the race might be less exciting. want to but we don’t have to,” said In a battle royale at last year’s Without (Ledecky) I definitely Tof strength on the eve of the fi rst rest Ineos team manager Dave Brailsford Brailsford. Pan Pacific Championships, wouldn’t be swimming as fast as day. was not apologising, however. Ineos have also enjoyed a quieter Titmus pushed the 14-times I am,” she said. It had looked like being a tight battle “I live and breathe and think all day Tour than in previous years when they world champion to the limits in “I know exactly what I have to between defending champion Geraint about sticking the knife and when you were called Team Sky and doping al- the 400, finishing a body length do.I hope she keeps getting bet- Thomas, his teammate Egan Bernal and get the chance twisting it,” he told re- legations against their riders triggered behind Ledecky and clocking ter so that I can get better.” in-form Thibaut Pinot, but the French- porters yesterday. angry reaction from the fans along the a time of 3:59.66 to become Titmus anchored Australia to man was thrown off course by a gust of “To be at this point of the race at the route. only the third female swimmer bronze in the 4x200 relay at crosswind in Monday’s 10th stage. fi rst rest day, second and third overall on “It’s true that if you think about the to break four minutes in the the last world championships in Although the hardest part of the race GC (general classifi cation) is probably crowds… everything has been fi ne, and distance. Budapest in 2017 and finished has yet to come, the Ineos duo are sec- the best it could be for us,” Brailsford, not just on the Tour but considering what Ledecky’s 3:58.50 was some fourth in the 400 in her maiden ond and third overall with yellow jersey who led the British outfi t to six of the happened on the Tour last year it was not way off her world record of international meet. holder Julian Alaphilippe of France not last seven Tour titles, added. fl attering from our compatriots — some 3:56.46 at the 2016 Rio Games She has more recently become considered a threat for the title. Thomas was also in upbeat mood. of them — but can’t draw any conclu- but the American had never a force in the 800 and has the Thomas leads Bernal by for four sec- “It’s been excellent,” he said. “Things sion,” said Frenchman Nicolas Portal, the been so tested before. year’s fifth best swim over the onds and Pinot, who was 19 seconds ahead are really starting to heat up.” team’s sports director. Although Titmus claimed three distance after leader Ledecky, on Monday morning, is spending the rest There are still one individual time- “The fact is that we’re not being in- titles at her home Common- China’s Wang Jianjiahe and day refl ecting on a positioning error that trial and two stages in the Pyrenees this sulted. It’s the opposite from last year. It’s wealth Games on the Gold American Leah Smith’s times. Geraint Thomas, the defending champion. caught him on the wrong end of a split. week before one of the hardest Alpine quiet and it almost seems weird.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NBA Simmons agrees Dismal fourth inning fi ve-year, $170mn contract extension with Sixers punctuates Phillies’ By Keith Pompey double in each of their fi rst two The Philadelphia Inquirer seasons. Simmons also joined Robertson and another Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson, as the en Simmons is about only players to record at least to get paid. The 76ers 200 points, 100 rebounds and point guard and the 100 assists through their fi rst 13 16-2 loss to Dodgers team agreed to a fi ve- playoff games. He has recorded Byear, $170mn contract extension 221 points, 115 rebounds and 101 on Monday, according to a league assists in 13 playoff appearances. source. This comes as no surprise Robertson compiled 381 points, The rampant Dodgers scored six runs against Eflin in the fourth inning as the team and Simmons’ agent, 167 rebounds, and 122 assists in Rich Paul, have been working out his fi rst 13 playoff games. John- details since July 2. The max ex- son had 209 points, 129 rebounds tension was originally believed to and 125 assists. be $168.2mn. However, it’s actu- On June 23, 2016, Simmons ally higher than $170mn due to became the fi rst No 1 pick taken the new salary cap projections. by the Sixers since 1996, when The extension, which begins they took Allen Iverson out of during the 2020-21 season, is re- Georgetown. Previously they se- portedly the richest contract for lected Doug Collins fi rst overall an Australian athlete. Simmons in 1973 and afterward took Mar- could receive over $200mn if he kelle Fultz No 1 in 2017. makes the All-NBA team this The 6-foot-10, 220-pounder season. played point-forward during his Simmons is a triple-double lone season at LSU in 2015-16. machine and one of the NBA’s But the Sixers converted him into young superstars, so extending a point guard. his contract was an easy deci- After missing the entire 2016- sion for the ownership group and 17 season, he was named 2018 front offi ce. The 22-year-old av- rookie of the year and garnered eraged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds his fi rst All-Star appearance this and 7.7 assists this past season. past season. He had 10 triple-doubles this Simmons was the third player past season and 22 for his career. born in Melbourne, Australia, to He joins Hall of Famer Os- be taken fi rst overall in the last 15 car Robertson as the only NBA years, joining Kyrie Irving (2011) players with at least 10 triple- and Andrew Bogut (2005).

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons. (USA TODAY Sports) Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner (right) slides safely into home as Philadelphia Phillies’ JT Realmuto looks on during the MLB game. (USA TODAY Sports)

By Scott Lauber an excuse-me, check-swing tapper that decided to leave it. It was humiliating, early in the game, loading the bases in The Philadelphia Inquirer rolled 50 feet down the third-base line even for a team that has been stuck in a the fi rst and third innings. But they came Penguins re-sign Blueger and eluded Maikel Franco’s barehanded 15-24 downward spiral since May 29 and away with only one run and left the bases attempt to stop it. Second baseman Cesar plunged from 3 { games ahead of the sec- fi lled both times. here are rough innings and night- Hernandez didn’t cover fi rst on a squeeze ond-place Atlanta Braves to nine games The fi rst missed opportunity came in to two-year contract marish innings and innings that play in which Corey Seager scored from behind them. And it made the pro-Dodg- the fi rst inning. Kershaw gave up a two- Pittsburgh: Forward Teddy sense, he loves to compete and test a manager’s intestinal forti- third and Austin Barnes reached base on ers chants and chorus of “Overrated!” out single to Harper, then walked Rhys Blueger re-signed with the he’s a true professional.” tude while simultaneously gray- a bunt that was fi elded by pitcher Zach that was directed at Bryce Harper in his Hoskins and Realmuto, the latter on four Pittsburgh Penguins, agree- In 28 games with Pittsburgh Ting his hair. And then there was whatever Efl in. Barnes, the Dodgers’ backup catch- own ballpark seem benign by comparison. pitches. But Jay Bruce swung at the fi rst ing to a two-year deal worth last season, Blueger, 24, scored the heck happened to the Phillies in the er, was safe at home on the front end of After the dismantling came the anni- pitch and fl ew out to right fi eld. $1.5mn. The contract runs 10 points (six goals, four as- fourth inning on Monday night. a double steal. He took off for the plate hilation. The Dodgers, who played until Scott Kingery took Kershaw deep to through the 2021-21 season. sists) and had one game-win- It ranked somewhere between a full- when catcher JT Realmuto threw from his almost 1 am on Monday morning in Bos- open the third inning. But after the Phil- “Teddy is a perfect role model ning goal. Blueger, a native of scale meltdown and a raging dumpster knees in an attempt to cut down Joc Ped- ton before travelling here to open a four- lies loaded the bases again, Bruce struck for younger players coming Latvia, made his NHL debut on fi re, and everything that occurred before erson at second base. game series, kept on coming with one run out and Franco grounded to third. And into the league,” assistant gen- Jan. 30. The Penguins selected and after in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 16-2 When Efl in struck out Alex Verdugo to in the fi fth inning, two in the seventh, fi ve then the nightmare began. It might take a eral manager Bill Guerin said. Blueger in the second round obliteration of the Sons of Gabe Kapler – mercifully end the inning, several Phil- in the eighth and two in the ninth against while to wake up from this one, too. “When you watch a guy of the 2012 NHL Draft, and from the “Let’s Go Dodgers!” chants in lies players appeared to be unaware that it Phillies centre fi elder Roman Quinn. with his work ethic, determi- he joined the franchise after the fi rst inning, to reliever Yacksel Rios was the third out, lingering on the fi eld for Cody Bellinger swatted two home runs MLB RESULTS nation and ability to trust the playing four years at Minnesota getting ejected for hitting a batter with a few beats as though they were expecting and fi nished with four hits, including a Tampa Bay Rays 5 New York Yankees 4; process of going through the State. a fi rst-pitch slider after giving up a two- another batter to come to the plate. hustle infi eld single in the ninth inning. proper steps to get to the NHL, Before being called up to Cardinals 7, Pirates 0; Dodgers 16, Phillies run shot in the eighth, to a position player In all, the Dodgers scored six runs Verdugo fi nished with three hits. The you have a great example for Pittsburgh, Blueger scored 39 being asked to record the fi nal four outs against Efl in in that fourth inning. But Phillies allowed 19 hits, tied for the most 2; Braves 4, Brewers 2; Reds 6, Cubs 3; younger players. Teddy came points (21 goals, 18 assists) for –somehow paled in comparison. they didn’t break open the game so much they’d given up in a game this season. Red Sox 10, Blue Jays 8; Giants 19, to us with great expectations, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pen- Consider the list of aff ronts committed as they systematically broke down the It didn’t have to be that way, though. Rockies 2; Giants 2, Rockies 1; Indians 8, and he’s worked hard to meet guins of the American Hockey by and foisted upon the Phillies in that Phillies, who were booed off the field Believe it or not, the Phillies actually had Tigers 6; Royals 5, White Sox 2; Angels 9, each one. He has great hockey League. inning: The Dodgers scored one run on at Citizens Bank Park once they fi nally the great Clayton Kershaw on the ropes Astros 6

NFL Oakland Raiders sign former fi rst-round pick Cooper he Oakland Raiders signed free optimistic about the process. I believe stalemate between the Denver Broncos Speaking recently on a podcast hosted agent guard Jonathan that all that has happened is mak- and second-round quarterback Drew by former Duke pitcher Mike Seander, Cooper, who could provide ing me physically and emotionally Lock. The Missouri product reportedly Conner said he sought medical atten- valuable depth at the position. stronger, and is necessary for me to insisted through his agent on being tion when he was having trouble sleep- TCooper, 29, a North Carolina product, succeed in life.” paid a “quarterback premium” and ing as he recovered from a torn MCL in was the No 7 overall selection of the Seattle drafted Collins in the fi fth getting a higher-value contract than his junior season. Arizona Cardinals in the 2013 NFL round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he left guard Dalton Risner, who was the “I’m rehabbing for that, trying to Draft. Cooper’s career has been injury appeared in 11 games for the Seahawks 41st pick by Denver, one slot ahead of make a comeback before the season plagued, limiting him to just 46 career that year, carrying the ball 31 times. He Lock. According to reports, negotia- ends,” Conner, 24, said. “And then I’m games (31 starts) in six seasons. joined the Ravens a year later, leading tions stalled and a holdout from one rehabbing and [stuff and I get] night He missed his entire rookie season the team in rushing yards (973) and or both second-rounders could be in sweats, bro. I’m getting like 15 minutes with a broken leg, and injuries limited yards from scrimmage (1,160). He the offi ng. Risner has not signed as his of sleep at night, going through it. him to a combined nine games in 2016 shared the duties with Gus Edwards agent resists having a player on the Sleep, who [doesn’t] love sleep? That’s and 2018. and Kenneth Dixon in 2018, and scored same roster, taken one spot later in the worst in the world... And so I get He played two seasons with Arizona eight touchdowns and gained 411 rush- the draft, take home more money or a some tests done, and I got tumours (2014-15), followed by single seasons ing yards before ending the season on greater guarantees. surrounding my heart... I got tumours with the Cleveland Browns, Dallas injured reserve with a foot injury. The NFL slotting system dictates the growing all around it, and it’s pressing.” Cowboys and Washington Redskins. The Ravens waived Collins in March outlay of money for all players in any Doctors diagnosed Conner with The Raiders will be without guard after he was arrested following a car slot in the draft. Based on that system, stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Richie Incognito, who was suspended accident near the team’s headquar- Risner would get a four-year contract found tumors in his neck and chest. for the fi rst two games of the season for ters. He was charged with possession worth $7.1mn, including a signing “The doctor told me I had a week violating the NFL’s personal conduct of more than 10 grams of marijuana, bonus of $3.214mn. Lock would get left,” Conner said. “He said, ‘You got policy. intent to distribute it and possession of a four-year deal worth $7mn and a about a week. If you [don’t] get this In a corresponding move, the FREE AGENT RB COLLINS two weeks ago but it’s unknown how a handgun in a vehicle. With Collins’ $3.119mn bonus. treated, you about a week at the rate Raiders waived wide receiver Mon- UNDERGOES LEG SURGERY the injury occurred. legal case close to settled, teams had it’s growing.’” After sending cancer tay Crockett. The team signed the Free agent running back Alex Collins In an Instagram post on Monday expressed interest and he was expected CONNER: DOCTORS GAVE ME into remission and rehabbing his knee, 25-year-old in June. He has never ap- is recovering from surgery for a broken night, Collins said he isn’t giving up to play in 2019. ‘ABOUT A WEEK’ TO LIVE IN ’15 Conner returned to the Panthers in peared in an NFL game, despite spend- leg, delaying his opportunity to catch on resuming his NFL career. “I refuse Pittsburgh Steelers running back James 2016, gaining 1,394 all-purpose yards ing time in the Cardinals, Redskins, on with a team before the start of the to be discouraged,” wrote Collins, who BRONCOS IN STALEMATE WITH Conner revealed he was told he was and scoring 20 touchdowns. The Steel- Jacksonville and Green Bay organisa- NFL season. NFL Network’s Ian Rap- most recently played for the Baltimore SECOND-ROUND QB LOCK close to death when diagnosed with ers selected Conner in the third round tions. oport said the injury took place about Ravens. “Instead, I have faith and am Contract staredown could become cancer as a student at Pitt in 2015. of the 2017 NFL Draft. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY All Blacks favourites but others can spring a surprise Champions New Zealand and South Africa have already torpedoed the notion that they will go all-out to claim the trophy Bad boy O’Connor back in the frame for Wallabies Reuters during the British and Irish Melbourne Lions tour of Australia in 2013, causing a minor media storm that distracted the Wallabies ormer Wallabies bad camp. boy James O’Connor is After a two-year stint playing in line for his first Test in Europe, O’Connor returned Fin six years after sign- to Australia in 2015 in a bid to ing a contract that makes him make Cheika’s squad for the eligible for selection just days World Cup in England that year before their Rugby Champi- but was left out after an injury- onship opener against South blighted season with the Reds. Africa. He returned to French side Tou- The utility back, awarded the lon but was soon in the head- last of his 44 Test caps against lines again, arrested by French Argentina in 2013, will return to police for cocaine possession Brisbane to his former Super while on a night out with former Rugby club Queensland Reds in All Blacks Ali Williams. 2020 as part of a two-and-half O’Connor has kept out of year deal with Rugby Australia. trouble in two seasons with the The inside centre, who has been Sharks and also kept his Insta- released by Sale Sharks, had gram feed busy with pictures of already linked up with Michael himself meditating. Cheika’s squad in Johannesburg “I have a bigger ‘why’ now and while waiting for the deal to that is what fuels me. In saying be finalised and was grateful that, I’m excited to be back for the chance to reignite his here,” said O’Connor. international career. “The last time I returned, I “There’s been a lot of work put thought I was ready to repair in behind the scenes and a lot of some of the mistakes I made guys have shown faith in me so but also reach my rugby poten- all I’m focusing on right now is tial, but it was too rushed. A 2017 file photo of the New Zealand All Blacks performing the Hakka. putting my best foot forward,” “I didn’t recognise how much the 29-year-old said in a media pain I was still in mentally, in He may also hope to see im- geting the country’s fi rst south- Reuters FIXTURES were a feature of a woeful 2018. release yesterday. saying that, I wouldn’t change Melbourne The All Blacks, as ever, are fa- provement in the side’s ability to ern hemisphere title since 2009, O’Connor’s return to the Wal- it because I was guided to the vourites to claim a fourth suc- cope with the rush defence that his decision to “split resources” labies frame has been met with correct mentors. July 20 — South Africa v cessive title but with the tour- led to defeats by the Springboks has been seen as a slap in the face a mix of wonder and alarm in “I’ve been on a journey ever ith the Rugby Australia, Johannesburg nament reduced to three rounds and Ireland last year, and a big by Australia. Australia, with fans and media since to understanding my Championship be- July 20 — Argentina v New due to the global showpiece in scare against Eddie Jones’s Eng- South Africa are as good as having been convinced they true self and how I’m meant to ing seen as little Zealand, Buenos Aires Japan, the winner could easily land. any side in the world on their day had seen the last of him in a use my privileged position in more than a World July 27 — New Zealand v spring from any of the four na- The Canterbury Crusaders and the return of utility back and gold jersey after a litany of off - rugby.” WCup warmup for the southern tions. players that celebrated their third 2007 World Cup winner Frans South Africa, Wellington field problems. O’Connor made his Wallabies hemisphere’s top four nations July 27 — Australia v Argen- New Zealand have not brought successive Super Rugby crown Steyn to the squad for the fi rst O’Connor’s last Wallabies con- debut in 2008 against Italy as a the abridged tournament could tina, Brisbane their best rugby to the tourna- have been rested for the Argen- time in two years is a boost for tract was torn up after media hugely talented 18-year-old out- produce a surprise or two amid Aug. 10 — Australia v New ment in the leadup to the last two tina opener in Buenos Aires on their depth. reports that he was intoxicated side back and was later starting the tinkering with tactics and Zealand, Perth World Cups, allowing Australia Saturday. Michael Cheika’s Wallabies, and abusive toward airport flyhalf against the Lions. selections. Aug. 10 — Argentina v South to claim the Championship in So the All Blacks’ real poten- who have not won at Ellis Park staff following a test against the He now feels his preferred posi- Champions New Zealand and Africa, Salta 2011 and 2015. tial may not become apparent since 1963, have been keeping Pumas in Perth in 2013. tion is inside centre, a spot that South Africa have already torpe- Given the All Blacks went until their second match against a low profi le in South Africa as His rap-sheet up to that point might open up for him if regular doed the notion that they will go on to win rugby’s biggest prize the Springboks in Wellington, a they look to put a nightmare 2018 was already long, including number 12 Beale shifts to full- all-out to claim the trophy, con- fi rst Super Rugby fi nal less than both those years, fans back home preview of the sides’ World Cup season of four wins and nine sleeping through a Wallabies back following the sacking of fi rming that players will be rest- two weeks ago. will hardly be alarmed if Steve opener in Yokohama on Sept 21. losses behind them. photoshoot before the 2011 Israel Folau. ed for their respective openers While Australia will be looking Hansen’s side miss out in this South Africa coach Rassie Er- Cheika’s squad were in a simi- World Cup, engaging in a food “I’m now a bit of a nugget so I fit against Argentina and Australia. at candidates to address a lack Rugby Championship. asmus has also made that World lar funk in the leadup to the 2015 fight and scuff ling with team in there quite nicely,” he said. The Pumas have signalled a of depth in key positions they Hansen will pan for gold in an Cup clash his main focus, resting tournament but ended up win- mates in Paris. “But of course, I will cover any- greater intent, selecting over- can also be expected to compete extended squad of 39, hoping half his squad for the Champion- ning all three matches to claim He was also photographed at a where in the backline — what- seas-based players in a squad desperately for the silverware in that a blindside fl anker might ship opener against Australia at the Championship before riding fast food restaurant late at night ever the team needs... I would laden with much of the buoyant the hope of avoiding the kind of emerge as a replacement for the Ellis Park. that momentum all the way to with fellow back Kurtley Beale play prop if I had to.” Jaguares side that reached their confi dence-denting losses that injury-prone Liam Squire. For all Erasmus’s claims of tar- the World Cup fi nal in England.

OBITUARY Pernell Whitaker: Former world champion boxer who won gold at the 1984 Olympics

By John Rawling WBC welterweight title in At- would go on to become profes- world title on points in another The Guardian lantic City in August 1995. sional world champions. disputed decision to Oscar De La Jacobs had reigned as a Brit- Whitaker turned pro under the Hoya in 1997, he was banned from ish, Commonwealth and Euro- promotion and management of the sport after testing positive for uring debates about pean champion but, like so many the Duva family, and was trained cocaine, and lost again on points who is the best boxer others, found Whitaker’s south- by the extrovert patriarch Lou. in 1999 to the Puerto Rican Félix of all time, the former paw style and brilliant defensive After a run of 15 straight wins, Trinidad in his comeback for a fi - four-weight world skills almost impossible to fath- he lost on a dubious points deci- nal world title contest. championD Pernell “Sweet Pea” om and he lost widely on points. sion in a world lightweight title In all, Whitaker won 40 pro Whitaker is sometimes over- After learning of his old adver- challenge in France in 1988, but fi ghts, lost four and drew one looked. sary’s death, Jacobs said: “If you scored a convincing points vic- with one no contest. After retir- He was not a fearsome punch- want to learn boxing, watch his tory over Greg Haugen to be- ing, he worked sporadically as a er, nor was he a braggart who fi ghts. come the IBF lightweight cham- coach. commanded headlines in the era His ringcraft was just incred- pion the following year. He was sent to prison in 2003 before social media when news- ible. He was so clever. He was The win marked the beginning for violating the terms of a pro- paper reporters treasured outra- almost impossible to hit cleanly. of Whitaker’s era of glory. bation order imposed for cocaine geous quotes to sell a fi ght. His skills were truly remarkable. By the time he fought Chavez possession. But his peers always rated him People talk about great fi ght- in 1993, in front of a 60,000 As the fortune he earned in among the sport’s elite. ers, particularly at lightweight crowd at the Alamodome in San boxing was frittered away, he Whitaker, who has died aged with men like Roberto Duran and Antonio, Texas, he had record- once more was in the headlines 55 after being hit by a car while Floyd Mayweather, but I think ed 17 straight victories and had in 2014 when he won a court or- crossing a road in his hometown that he was the best of the lot.” been a world champion at three der to have his mother and two of of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was The former world heavy- weights — lightweight, super his siblings evicted from a house an Olympic gold medallist for weight champion George Fore- lightweight and welterweight. he had bought 30 years earlier so the US at the Los Angeles games man said: “It was like watching a Defending the WBC welter- that he could sell the property to of 1984, after which he turned cat with boxing gloves. The best weight title against a man who cope with his mounting debts. professional, fi rst becoming a balance I ever saw in a boxer.” was undefeated in 87 professional His marriage, to his childhood world champion as a lightweight Born in the tough Virginia contests, Whitaker was awarded sweetheart, Rovanda Anthony, in 1989. coastal city of Norfolk, best a majority draw in an outrageous whom he wed in a boxing ring He eventually quit boxing in known for its military bases, judging decision when virtually in Virginia Beach in 1985, ended 2001, having fought in a total of Pernell was one of seven chil- every ringside expert believed in divorce. He is survived by his 23 world title contests, of which dren. Whitaker had won clearly. mother, and by three sons, Do- he lost only three and drew one, His parents, Raymond and Whitaker’s verdict was un- minique, Dantavious and Devon, in hugely controversial circum- Novella, encouraged their son to equivocal: “I whipped him.” and a daughter, Tiara. stances against the Mexican pursue sports and he fi rst went to Pete, after one of his uncles, and newspaper as “Sweet Pea”. Olympic success. In 1984 he was In 1995 he took the WBA super Another son, Pernell Jr, prede- fi ghter Julio César Chavez. a boxing gym aged eight, when it at an early boxing show, Whitak- Ever thereafter, it seems, the captain of a US team that in- welterweight title, but alcohol ceased him. One of his beaten opponents was quickly apparent that young er’s mother had been calling name stuck. Whitaker claimed cluded Evander Holyfi eld, Mark and drug problems blighted the * Pernell Whitaker, boxer, was the Scot Gary Jacobs, who Pernell had an aptitude for it. out the name “Sweet Pete” only to have had more than 500 con- Breland, Meldrick Taylor and later stages of his career. born 2 January 1964; died 14 challenged Whitaker for the He was known to his family as to see it misreported in a local tests as an amateur before his Frank Tate, all medallists who After losing his welterweight July 2019 Gulf Times Wednesday, July 17, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS ROUND-UP Seedorf sacked as Belmadi ends years Cameroon coach he Cameroon Football Tierney leave on the cheap after Federation sacked coach rejecting a second bid for the de- Clarence Seedorf and fender. Lennon is believed to rate assistant Patrick Kluiv- Tierney at £25mn ($31mn) but Tert yesterday, the pair paying the Arsenal’s latest bid is reported price for the defending champi- to have fallen short of that price of turbulence to lead ons’ last 16 exit at the Africa Cup tag. of Nations. Celtic plan to stand fi rm in Cameroon crashed out 3-2 to their valuation of the Scotland Nigeria last Saturday, an exit the international and Lennon said: federation described as “prema- “I don’t know what Arsenal’s fi - ture” in its statement. Former nancial state is, I know what ours Dutch international Seedorf is and we are quite comfortable Algeria into fi nal won just three of nine competi- with the situation at the mo- tive games after taking over the ment. There has been a second Indomitable Lions alongside bid, the bid has been rejected, Kluivert last August. and it’s as you were. Whether Belmadi has managed to bring out the best in a talented squad The federation are now hunt- they come in again or not, I can’t ing for a manager to prepare answer that. It doesn’t surprise Reuters the national side for the 2021 me there are potential suitors Cairo Algeria coach Djamel Africa Cup of Nations which out there for a player of his qual- Belmadi. (Reuters) they are hosting. With a haul of ity but he’s our player, he’s on a four Champions League wins, long-term contract and we don’t fter a turbulent period which fi ve national titles and a host want him to go.” saw Algeria employ seven of individuals awards, Seedorf, Lennon was asked if Arsenal’s coaches in three years, it has a former AC Milan and Real bid was disrespectful given taken Djamel Belmadi less than Madrid midfi elder enjoyed a Manchester United recently paid oneA year to restore order and turn a dis- decorated career on the pitch. Crystal Palace £50mn for young pirited squad into fi nalists at the Africa But his transition into man- right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Cup of Nations (AFCON). agement has come with a steep “Disrespectful is strong but I do Although he had only coached in Qatar learning curve. Failures with feel our valuation of Kieran is before taking the job, Belmadi has lifted Milan and Chinese club Shen- correct,” Lennon said. “We can’t the “Desert Foxes” out of their rut and zhen, relegation with Deportivo do anything about what clubs turned them into the most impressive side La Coruna and early elimination do in England. 50mn for Wan- at the tournament with fi ve wins and a with Cameroon have clouded his Bissaka is a lot of money. We feel draw, 12 goals scored and two conceded, on reputation. Kieran is a far more experienced their way to Friday’s fi nal against Senegal. and more rounded full-back at Belmadi has managed to bring out the best ATLETICO TO SIGN this juncture of his career. So in a talented squad and maintain a ruthless TRIPPIER FROM he’s an asset for us and we rate streak, although there are still occasional TOTTENHAM the player very, very highly.” excesses such as Ramy Bensebaini’s ex- England defender Kieran Trip- traordinary self-slapping incident in the pier is on the verge of moving PSG SIGN DEFENDER quarter-fi nal against Ivory Coast. from Tottenham Hotspur to DIALLO FROM DORTMUND Bensebaini grabbed the arm of Wil- Atletico Madrid, reports in the Paris Saint-Germain have signed fried Zaha, then slapped himself in the Spanish and British media said. France under-21 international face with the Ivorian’s hand before falling English newspaper the Daily defender Abdou Diallo from theatrically to the ground, clutching his Telegraph said Trippier, 28, has Borussia Dortmund on a fi ve- face in a failed attempt to get his oppo- travelled to the Spanish capital year deal, the French champions nent sent off . ahead of a move worth 20mn announced. German magazine Belmadi, 43, has also succeeded in lift- pounds ($24.83mn). Kicker reported PSG had paid ing the pressure on their top player Riyad Spanish daily Marca said 32mn euros ($35.9mn) plus a Mahrez, allowing him to be a pivotal fi g- Atletico, who fi nished runners- further 2mn euros in bonuses for ure but without expecting him to run the up in La Liga last season, have the 23-year-old centre-back. show. “I do not like highlighting players. turned to Trippier after failing to Diallo, who would have We need to put a little less focus on Mah- sign Portugal right back Nelson played for France at last month’s rez if we want to make this a big tourna- Semedo from Barcelona. under-21 European Champion- ment for us,” he said at the start. Trippier helped Spurs reach ship but for an injury, has spent Belmadi himself was a gifted midfi eld- the Champions League fi nal for the last two seasons in Germany, er, who could unlock defences with his ed to Milovan Rajevac who lasted for two a well-known former player, but he quit very physical and they have progressed a the fi rst time in their history last joining Dortmund after a year at passing, in a playing career which took games, quitting after a 1-1 draw at home after a run of four successive friendly de- lot.” season, where they were beaten Mainz. Prior to that he started him to 10 clubs in France, England and to Cameroon in a World Cup qualifi er. feats. Algeria’s only previous AFCON title 2-0 by Liverpool. Trippier was his career at Monaco and played Qatar, including Olympique Marseille Belgian Georges Leekens was next After considering Carlos Queiroz for was in 1990 on home soil and Belmadi part of the England side which fi ve times in the principality and Manchester City. He also played 20 and he lasted fi ve matches, including a the role, the Algeria federation turned has told his players they have a chance to reached the semi-fi nals of the club’s run to the Ligue 1 title in times for Algeria, scoring fi ve goals. 3-1 loss to Nigeria in another World Cup to French-born Belmadi. Nigeria coach do something that not even Lakhdar Bel- 2018 World Cup, scoring from 2017. Diallo is PSG’s fi fth sum- Algeria’s troubles of recent years be- qualifi er. Then came Spaniard Lucas Al- Gernot Rohr, who faced the old Algeria loumi and Salah Assad, who helped put a free kick in their 2-1 loss by mer signing, with Spanish duo gan after a quarter-fi nal exit at the AF- varez who resigned following home-and- during the World Cup qualifi ers and Bel- Algerian football on the map in the 1980s, Croatia in the last four. Pablo Sarabia and Ander Herrera CON in 2015 which led to criticism of away World Cup qualifying defeats to madi’s new-look side in Sunday’s semi- managed. having joined from Sevilla and coach Christian Gourcuff . The French- Zambia which meant Algeria missed out fi nal, made an honest comparison. “Those players are great players, they LENNON WARNS ARSENAL Manchester United respectively. man clung on for another year, eventu- on Russia. “They were fragile (two years ago). made history for our football, but even NOT TO EXPECT TIERNEY They have also signed ally quitting following a 3-3 draw against By this point, the team was in such dis- There were lots of individual mistakes, those players didn’t win it in 1990,” he BARGAIN 19-year-old goalkeeper Marcin Ethiopia. array that Mahrez was allowed to skip the they made it easy for us,” he said. “Now said. “This is our target, we want to write Celtic manager Neil Lennon has Bulka on a free from Chelsea and Nabil Neghiz stepped in for one game Zambia match to negotiate a transfer. The they are solid, they have a good balance our history and the players want to write warned Arsenal that the Scot- Dutch defender Mitchel Bakker, as caretaker before the reigns were hand- federation then turned to Rabah Madjer, between attack and defence, they are still their history as well.” tish champions won’t let Kieran also 19, from Ajax.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Chelsea do not require new players MG Motor becomes the global to be successful, says Lampard partner of Liverpool FC n Monday, at Liverpool Football Club’s Anfi eld Stadium, MG Motor signed a contract with LiverpoolO FC that sees the Brit- ish-born automotive brand be- come the world-famous football club’s offi cial global partner. MG Motor will further extend its status as an international brand through its collaboration with 2019 Champions League winners, Liverpool. As a brand that appeals to young, sporty and passionate individuals, this high-profi le partnership will Billy Hogan, MD and CCO at Liverpool FC, and Michael Yang, MD of further boost MG’s popularity in SAIC Motor International Business pose at Anfield Stadium. the global market. MG’s relationship with Liver- of the sport of football, with its have expanded their global co- pool FC started in 2016, when the squad of fast-paced, skilful stars. operation and will off er a range brand became its offi cial partner Liverpool is one of the most of benefi ts to fans of both brands, in China. After more than three successful football clubs in the including LFC VIP experiences Frank Lampard (left), head coach of Chelsea, shares a laugh with midfielder Mateo Kovacic during a press conference in Yokohama. (AFP) years of co-operation, MG has world, and in June this year won to watch the team training, LFC engaged with huge audiences of the 2019 Champions League, the signed merchandise, match Reuters player of recent times, Eden Hazard, to Real However, Lampard, who made 648 ap- fans across the world. sixth time the club has lifted Eu- viewing parties and much more. Tokyo Madrid last month. “We can’t bring in any pearances for Chelsea and scored a club For more than 130 years, Liv- rope’s premier trophy. MG is popular amongst a large new players, we know that this year. But I record 211 goals between 2001-2014, warned erpool has been at the forefront MG Motor and Liverpool FC audience of young consumers. don’t need new players. I am very happy his young players that the hard work has just helsea are facing a transfer ban but with the squad and determined for us to be started. “Now we have a batch of them that new manager Frank Lampard is successful. I have my own way that I want are fi ghting to get into the fi rst team,” Lam- confi dent the Premier League club to work with the players and I have to say, in pard said of his young players. Asian Qualifi ers draw to provide pathway to Qatar 2022 and China 2023 do not need to bring in new players the one week we have been training, I have “But, to be clear, they now have to make toC taste success. Lampard, who is the club’s been very happy with the attitude and the the diff erence. It is a road, a pathway, that is Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Quali- into eight groups of five teams FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Aus- record goalscorer from his time as a player, qualities of the players,” he said. given to them and now they have to be the fiers draw for the FIFA World and compete in a double round tralia, Islamic Republic of Iran, was appointed Chelsea’s new manager this Friday’s clash with Kawasaki will be the ones that play well enough to get into the Cup Qatar 2022 Preliminary robin format, with matches to be Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi month. With Chelsea unable to add new third game of Lampard’s tenure, with Chel- team. I don’t care about age, I just care about Competition and AFC Asian Cup held from September 5, 2019 to Arabia as well as AFC Asian Cup players to their squad following a FIFA ban, sea having secured a win and a draw dur- performance and how people train and play. China 2023 will be held today at June 9, 2020. Following the June reigning champions Qatar have Lampard has been tasked with improving ing two pre-season matches in Ireland last Now it is up to those young players to show the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, 14, 2019 FIFA World Ranking, all confirmed their spots in Pot 1 the players he inherited from predecessor week. Lampard will be assisted at Stamford what they can do.” providing Asia’s top 40 nations the group winners and four best after sealing their places among Mauricio Sarri and promoting young players Bridge by former academy coach Jody Mor- Lampard will also rely on midfi elder with their pathway to glory. runners-up (total 12 teams) will Asia’s top eight in the world from the club’s academy. ris and the pair are expected to utilise many N’Golo Kante to bring energy and experi- The seedings for the draw advance to the AFC Asian Cup ranking. Speaking shortly after arriving in Yoko- of the players who have fl ourished in Chel- ence to his Chelsea side. Kante picked up will be based on the latest FIFA China 2023 finals and the final In the last edition of the Asian hama yesterday for the Japan leg of the sea’s youth teams and are on loan to other an injury towards the end of last season but Rankings issued on June 14, round of qualifying for the FIFA Qualifiers, Asia’s emerging sides club’s pre-season tour, Lampard said he clubs. Lampard worked with midfi elder Lampard was confi dent the 28-year-old will 2019 and following the conclu- World Cup Qatar 2022. — India and Yemen — progressed was impressed with the attitude of his new Mason Mount while he was on loan at Der- be fi t for Chelsea’s league opener against sion of the Preliminary Joint The next best 24 teams from from the first round to the charges. “I think I have inherited very good by County last season and the 20-year-old Manchester United on Aug. 11. Chelsea’s Qualification Round 1 where the preliminary stage of the Continents ultimate stage in the players,” Lampard said ahead of Chelsea’s signed a new fi ve-year contract on Monday. new $72mn signing, Christian Pulisic, is Bangladesh, Cambodia, Guam, joint qualifiers will compete in UAE earlier this year. Hoping to pre-season friendly against Japanese cham- Mount, along with striker Tammy Abraham listed as one of the team members visit- Malaysia and Mongolia — ad- a separate competition for the emulate their success in this edi- pions Kawasaki Frontale on Friday. and midfi elders Ruben Loftus-Cheek and ing Japan, but it was not year clear when he vanced to Round 2, according to remaining slots in the 24-team tion are Mongolia who qualified Lampard acknowledged taking on lead- Callum Hudson-Odoi, have Chelsea fans will arrive. Lampard declined to reveal the the AFC. AFC Asian Cup China 2023. for the second round for the first ership of the Blues will be a major under- salivating at the prospect of a young, Eng- line-up for the two friendlies, which include The 40 nations will be drawn Asia’s five representatives at the time in their history. taking, with Chelsea having lost their best lish core prospering under Lampard. face-off against Barcelona on July 23.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS Barshim returns to Diamond League action on Sunday By Sports Reporter tember’s IAAF World Athletics Cham- Doha pionships, at Doha’s Khalifa Interna- tional Stadium. He had told Gulf Times then, “I re- atari high jumper Mutaz Essa ally wanted to do it because the (Asian) Barshim will make his return championships were being held at to the IAAF Diamond League home. Luckily I have bigger champi- after a little more than year in onships at home coming soon, so I said LondonQ on Sunday. to myself, ‘You know what, sometimes Barshim will be up against Asian that’s how sport is’. champion Syria’s Majd Eddin Ghazal, “I have just come back from an in- who won the gold at this year’s Asian jury, and I don’t want to do something Athletics Championships in Doha in that will cost me the World Champion- the local boy’s absence, Asian Games ships later. So I want to make sure that I gold medallist Yu Wang of China and am a 100 percent fi t.” European champion Mateusz Przybylko Barshim then made a winning re- of Germany among others at the Lon- turn to competitive action in Sopot last don Stadium. month, clearing 2.27m for a victory. The world champion had been out of “I just want to give thanks to God, my action post suff ering an ankle injury at family and friends, everyone who be- the Gyulai Memorial in Hungary July lieved in me ,” Barshim had posted on last year, while he attempted a world his Instagram account after the win in record 2.46m after having already won Poland. the event with a 2.40m eff ort. “Been to really diffi cult times and to He only returned to training in April be honest I was not sure if I was ever this year, ahead of the Asian Athletics going to be able to jump again but I be- Championships, a test event for Sep- lieve everything happens for a reason.”

SPOTLIGHT NEW SIGNING Al Duhail confi rm Coach Xavi oversees Mohanad Ali arrival l Duhail SC have con- in my professional journey, one fi rmed the signing of during which I hope to achieve Iraq international Mo- success and titles with a team hanad Ali from Iraqi that includes a special group of clubA Al Shorta. Qatari football stars and which Last season’s Qatar Stars competes in the AFC Champions Sadd’s fi rst training League runners-up announced League. the 19-year-old’s arrival via their “I promise everyone that I will social media channels on Mon- do my best to live up to the re- day following protracted negoti- sponsibility the club have given ations between the Doha-based me. I know that I have a big task club and their Iraqi counterparts. ahead of me, especially given Ali, who starred for his coun- that Iraqi football fans will follow session in Spain try at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, my journey.” reportedly rejected interest from The forward’s move comes as European heavyweights Man- Al Duhail continue to prepare Qatari international players join the team for the training session after a break chester City and Juventus to join for a new top-fl ight campaign in Al Duhail, who saw Japanese ace Qatar and their AFC Champions Shoya Nakajima leave to join FC League Round of 16 clash with Porto earlier this month. domestic rivals Al Sadd SC. “I am delighted to have signed Al Duhail will host the fi rst leg for one of the most important of the encounter on August 6, sides in Asia,” Ali told his new before facing the reigning Qatari team’s offi cial website. “Join- champions in the return fi xture a ing Al Duhail is a new challenge week later.

Mohanad Ali poses with Al Duhail’s jersey. Al Sadd’s new head coach Xavi Hernandez (third left) talks to his players during a pre-season training camp in Olot, Spain.

By Sports Reporter gruelling new season. The Qatari inter- now manager at Al Arabi, Heimir Hall- from where the team will return to Doha Doha national players joined the team for the grimsson is heading the training sessions after playing four friendly matches. Last Qatar Cup to be held in January training session after a break, in addition during the camp. The team arrived at the season, Al Shahania delivered brave per- to the trio of Gabi, Nam Tae-hee and Jung camp on yesterday afternoon and will formances and, in the coming months, Doha: The Qatar Stars League considering the busy schedule l Sadd kicked off their overseas Woo-young. Fitness coach Ivan Torres play fi ve friendly matches in preparation the young side will be aiming for consist- has decided to hold the Qatar of the national team and that of camp with the fi rst training ses- focused on helping the players recover for the new season. Al Arabi’s fi rst en- ency in their results. 2020 Cup in January with the the clubs who will also feature sion in Olot, Spain on Monday. from fatigue and jet lag, before moving on counter will be against Girona today. The club management is aware of the participation of top four clubs in the 2020 AFC Champions The camp is set to last until the to movement exercises. Later, the players challenges in the new season and has from the 2018-19 season. The League. 29thA of July. trained with the ball, working on quick AL SHAHANIA SEEK STABILITY made adequate preparations to allow the top four sides are Al Sadd, Al The selection of the January The squad had earlier reached Barce- two-touch play. Al Sadd are now sched- AHEAD OF NEW SEASON side to gel well. Al Shahania have retained Duhail, Al Sailiya and Al Rayyan. date has been finalised to give lona on Sunday evening before travelling uled to intensify their training starting Al Shahania have stepped up their pre- the services of Rebin Sulaka of Iraq, Al- The decision to stage the the tournament more space in to the Hotel Vall de Bas in Olot. The team from today, when they will hold two ses- season training under coach Jose Murcia varo Perez of Spain and Kesse Amangoua event in January was an- terms of marketing and promo- trained on Monday under the watchful sions per day. as the QNB Stars League outfi t continue of Ivory Coast. However, they are yet to nounced after co-ordination of tion and to ensure coverage eyes of new head coach Xavi Hernandez, to get match fi t ahead of the new season. fi nd a replacement for Luciano Vazquez the concerned authorities to from the media in a distinctive who took charge for the fi rst time. AL ARABI START PRE-SEASON The squad is undergoing daily training of Argentina. choose a suitable time for the manner. The format of the tour- The allocated training pitch is situated TRAINING IN SPAIN sessions which kicked off at the start of It is worth mentioning that Al Shaha- tournament and after studying nament remains the same. The just fi ve minutes away from the team ho- Al Arabi have kicked off their pre-season this month. nia fi nished last season in seventh place the calendar of the new season. four sides play the semi-finals tel. The team worked on physical train- training in Spain, the base of their two- Murcia and his squad are set to leave with 27 points after posting seven wins The decision has been made and then the final. ing, looking to get in shape ahead of a week camp. Former Iceland coach and for a pre-season training camp in Turkey and six draws against nine defeats.

FOCUS Qatar to host 24th edition of Gulf Cup from November 27 to December 9

By Sports Reporter the new representative of the Ku- nations of the members of the ju- Doha wait Football Federation, Dr Jassem dicial committees, which includes al-Shakieli (Oman), Tarek Ahmed discipline and appeal in prepara- (Iraq), Dr Hameed al-Sheibani tion for submission to the General he 24th edition of the Gulf (Yemen) and Dr Ibrahim al-Ansari Assembly for adoption. The last Cup will be held from No- (Kuwait) attended the meeting in Gulf Cup was held in Kuwait where vember 27 to December 9 addition to Jassim al-Rumaihi Gen- Oman won the title. in Qatar. The decision was eral Secretary and Ahmed al-Nuai- Qatar hosted the prestigious Ttaken during a meeting of the Ex- mi Assistant General Secretary. event in 1976, 1992 and 2004 and ecutive Committee of the Arab Gulf A number of important topics was emerged champions on three oc- Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) discussed in the meeting, includ- casions. In the 1992 Gulf Cup, the yesterday. ing the suitable dates for the Gulf 11th edition of the tournament, saw The meeting was chaired by the Cup. The amendments submitted hosts Qatar winning the tourna- President of Qatar Football Asso- by the Regulations Committee were ment for the fi rst time. They won as ciation (QFA) and AGCFF Sheikh also discussed and approved with hosts in 2004. Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al- further study to be approved in the Kuwait hold the most number of Thani. Members of the Executive near future. titles in the regional event, having The Executive Committee of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation was chaired by the President of Qatar Football Association (QFA) Committee Dr Ibrahim al-Ansari, The meeting discussed the nomi- won the championship 10 times. and AGCFF Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (centre).