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Friday, August 19, 2016 Dhul-Qa’da 16, 1437 AH OLYMPICS Six boxing judges sent home aft er outrage over results Page 4

ATHLETICS Thompson with the double

Elaine Thompson of Jamaica (3rd L) runs to win the gold, ahead of silver medallist Dafne Schippers of Netherlands (3rd R) and bronze medallist Tori Bowie of USA (C) during the women’s 200 metres final. Elaine Thompson maintained Jamaica’s incredible hold on Olympic sprinting with her 200 metres gold STAR OF THE DAY

Reuters from securing a third Olympic sprint “He was supposed to slow down,” Elaine Thompson of Jamaica Rio de Janeiro double, he had to give top billing on said Bolt, who chastised himself Wednesday to compatriot Thompson, for being lazy. “I said ‘What are Jamaica’s Elaine Thomson tonight,” Thompson told reporters. who delivered gold in the 200 despite you doing, it’s a semi-fi nal?’ But I overcame a niggling hamstring “It’s a big surprise to me because laine Thompson maintained nursing a tight hamstring. think he wanted to push me” injury to obliterate her rivals in I have had a hamstring injury. You Jamaica’s incredible strangle- Thompson faced stiff opposition, the women’s 200 metres final on must overcome these things and hold on Olympic sprinting on particularly in the shape of Dafne by Dutchman Churandy Martina and Wednesday and become the first tonight I am standing here with a Wednesday when she added Schippers, but after running a terrifi c Panama’s Alonso Edward. women since 1988 to secure the gold. To beat Dafne is a hard run.” theE 200 metres gold to the 100m title bend she maintained her form to hold While Bolt remains on course for a Olympics sprint double. Thompson said she was shocked she collected earlier at the Rio Games, off the Dutchwoman and crossed the triple-triple, Briton Mo Farah is ready Thompson’s dominant victory by her Rio success and revealed while Usain Bolt remains on course for line in a season-leading 21.78. to have a tilt at the distance double- emulated American Florence Grif- she had watched on the internet a track ‘triple-triple’. Thompson become the fi rst woman to double, though he had a scare when fith Joyner, the last woman to win Joyner’s races from 1988. After winning nine of the 12 sprint win both the 100 and 200 since Ameri- stumbling 200 metres from the end of both 100 and 200 gold medals at Thompson, who won a 200m events in 2008 and 2012 combined, can Florence Griffi th Joyner in 1988. his 5,000m semi-fi nal. the same Games. silver in the 2015 world champion- Jamaica have now won the fi rst three Schippers took silver and American Farah recovered from a fall to win Thompson’s victory over pre-race ship, also credited her stunning in Rio and, with Bolt impressively ad- Tori Bowie added a bronze to her silver the 10,000 earlier this week. favourite Dafne Schippers of the performance to being able to vancing to the 200m fi nal and their from the 100. His main rivals from East African Netherlands ensured Jamaica overcome the hamstring injury relay teams oozing talent, they could countries also made it through to to- maintained its grip on the Games’ sustained during the Jamaican take all six. LAZY BOLT? morrow’s fi nal. most prestigious sprinting titles. Olympic trials. “I had rough days While the days of the United States Bolt and Canadian Andre de Grasse Kenya’s iron grip on the men’s “My school motto was ‘let the training but I did not let that over- dominating sprinting are long gone, set up a 200m showdown after cross- 3,000m steeplechase continued as light shine’ and I let my light shine come me. I’m a warrior,” she said. they can at least take some consola- ing the line laughing together in their 21-year-old Conseslus Kipruto tri- tion from their own special sweep on semi-fi nal but 100m silver medallist umphed in an Olympic record eight Wednesday. Justin Gatlin missed out. minutes 3.28 seconds. Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Bolt clocked 19.78 seconds with De The East African nation has won Castlin completed an unprecedented Grasse claiming a Canadian record every edition of the race since 1968 bar 1-2-3 in the 100m hurdles – the fi rst 19.80. “He was supposed to slow the two it missed due to political boy- gold on the track at the Rio Games for down,” said Bolt, who chastised him- cotts in 1976 and 1980. the United States. self for being lazy. “I said ‘What are Evan Jager took silver for the United The United States also took gold you doing, it’s a semi-fi nal?’ But I while double Olympic champion Ezekiel and silver in a fantastic long jump fi nal think he wanted to push me.” Kemboi fi nished third but was disquali- through Tianna Bartoletta and Brit- Gatlin, who said he was hampered fi ed for stepping out of his lane. tney Reese. by an ankle injury, looked well placed The bronze went instead to France’s While Bolt is now one step away before easing up and being overhauled Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (C) jokes with Canada’s Andre De Grasse (L) after they crossed the finish line in the Men’s 200 metres semi-final at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Gulf Times 2 Friday, August 19, 2016

SPOTLIGHT DELIGHT Bartoletta lands ‘Black girl magic’ long jump gold gives USA clean sweep in hurdles Tianna Bartoletta of USA celebrates after winning the gold medal. ‘It feels good to definitely be history-makers, trend-setters, moms, daughters, really Reuters after suff ering a knee injury in Rio de Janeiro 2006 but also took a break from just overcoming and just doing a great job and representing our country well’ the track after winning sprint gold at the 2012 Games, instead ianna Bartoletta trying her hand at bobsleigh. shrugged off 100 me- She returned to athletics in tre disappointment to 2013 and landed her second land the women’s long world championship long jump Tjump gold medal on Wednesday, title in Beijing last year, a decade edging out defending Olym- after her fi rst in Helsinki. pic champion and United States Also competing in Rio on team mate Brittney Reese with a Wednesday was her former personal best leap of 7.17m. training partner, Darya Klishina, Bartoletta, 30, the reigning Russia’s only track and fi eld ath- world champion, produced her lete in Rio, who fi nished ninth af- top mark in the fi fth and penulti- ter failing to make a mark beyond mate round after the slow-start- 6.63 metres. ing Reese, who fouled with three Klishina had been carrying of her fi rst four jumps, had taken the medal hopes of her team- the lead with a 7.09m leap in the mates who were excluded from same round. the Games following revelations Reese, who has won more glo- of state-backed doping in the bal long jump titles than any oth- country. er woman, had one last chance to Klishina only won an appeal snatch gold but her fi nal round against her own ban on Monday. jump of 7.15 was just shy of her “I’m sure that I can jump fur- compatriot’s mark and she had to ther, just last week I didn’t do settle for a silver. good at practice... because it was “I couldn’t really celebrate. I really hard mentally,” she told re- kept thinking that at any mo- porters. ment (that) someone can jump Russian Olympic offi cials told something huge,” Bartoletta told Reuters on Tuesday they were reporters. worried Klishina’s performance It was the fi rst time the US had would suff er due to the last- won gold and silver in the event. minute fl ip-fl opping over her “For Tianna to go out and throw eligibility. up a big jump is really good and “Ten, fi fteen years ago I it just shows how dominant the couldn’t imagine that my fi rst USA is in jumps,” Reese said. Olympic Games would be like “Tianna just out-jumped me this. Because of the irregular this time. She deserves it and situation, it was tough,” Klishina I’m just glad to be on the podium said, adding she hoped the blan- again.” ket ban would be lifted on Rus- Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic took sian athletics soon. USA’s Brianna Rollins celebrates winning the 100 metres hurdles gold medal with compatriots silver medallist Nia Ali and bronze medallist Kristi Castlin. bronze with a national record of “It’s really hard for everyone,” 7.08m. she added.”It was hard here for Reuters “I think that it’s just very good to be Bartoletta had given up long me without them and even hard- Rio de Janeiro a part of this whole black girl magic jump to concentrate on sprinting er for them at home.” movement,” she said. “We actually came into this not as individuals ike many black American women, but as a team. We work together, we DOMINANCE Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi pray together and that is how we Castlin have faced a good few got this job done” hurdles of the metaphorical kind Lin their lives. “I feel, when I was young, I defi nitely Eaton in decathlon On Wednesday at the Rio Olympics, had a lot of good guidance but sometimes though, they successfully traversed 10 I didn’t have someone of my age that I re- very physical barriers – 33 inches of ally could talk too.” pole position aft er polycarbonate and metal – to give the Her fellow medallists have also had to United States gold, silver and bronze in deal with major challenges in their early the 100 metres hurdles. lives – Ali when her father killed himself fi rst day’s action It was the fi rst ever sweep of the po- in a murder-suicide and Rollins when her dium in the Olympic high hurdles by father was sent to prison. women of one nation and illustrated the Ali’s most recent challenge, though, depth the United States have in an event was one faced by female athletes all over where just making it through the national the world, getting back into world class trials is an achievement in itself. condition after having a child. With world record holder Kendra Har- The American trio celebrate as they cross the finish line in the 100 metres hurdles. Fifteen-month-old Titus now has two rison and 2008 Olympic champion Dawn Olympic silver medallist parents as his Harper failing to make the cut, the trio ment,” she said. Castlin dedicated her bronze medal to father Michael Tinsley fi nished second who did get their tickets to Rio decided to “We actually came into this not as in- victims of gun crime, a cause very close in the 400 metres hurdles at the London work together. dividuals but as a team. We work togeth- to her heart after her father was mur- Olympics. Gold medallist Rollins described it a er, we pray together and that is how we dered in a botched attempt to rob a hotel “I knew it was going to be a diffi cult “sisterhood”, while Castlin added very got this job done. where he was the manager. road back. I see mothers struggle to get much a 2016 twist in a phrase more of- “It feels good to defi nitely be history- “Losing my father at the age of 12 to their body back,” said Ali. ten seen on social media with a hashtag makers, trend-setters, moms, daughters, gun violence, I’ve overcome so much,” “I’m happy that I was able to come in front of it. really just overcoming and just doing a said the 28-year-old. “I want to connect back and come back so quickly. “I think that it’s just very good to be a great job and representing our country more with young people that have been “I have my son here with me and he part of this whole black girl magic move- well.” victims of gun violence. plays a major role.”

USA’s Ashton Eaton reacts in the men’s decathlon discus throw. BOTTOMLINE AFP to throw 14.70. Rio de Janeiro “I think maybe one of my fur- thest in this series.” Kazmirek leapfrogged Warn- S star Ashton Eaton er into second after clocking Clement grabs 400m hurdles title will head into the sec- 46.75sec in the 400m. ond day of the Olym- But Warner insisted nothing AFP London Olympics four years ago 2012,” added Clement, who un- pic decathlon with a was over going into the second as he struggled to regain his peak. derwent hernia and adductor U121-point lead over Germany’s day of the gruelling 10-discipline Rio de Janeiro However he had signalled his muscle operations before the Kai Kazmirek. event. “It wasn’t terrible, but readiness to take advantage of a London Games. Canadian Damian Warner, I know that there was so much erron Clement of the wide open fi eld in Rio, qualify- “Coming out here in 2016 for reigning world silver medallist, more that I could have gained,” United States stormed ing for the fi nal with the fastest me was a redemption year. I’m sat in third, 132pts adrift of Ea- Warner said. to victory in the men’s semi-fi nal time on Tuesday. just honoured to get a gold medal.” ton, the reigning Olympic and “It’s up to me now tomorrow. 400m hurdles yester- Yesterday Clement set off at a Clement is also an outspoken world champion. Eaton amassed I was expecting to come out here Kday, holding off a furious late quick pace and built up a healthy anti-doping advocate, wear- 4,621 points from Wednesday’s and score a lot of points on day challenge from Kenya’s Boniface lead heading into the home ing a wrist bracelet which reads opening day of action. one and that didn’t happen. Tumuti to take gold. straight, digging deep to hold “Test Me, I’m Clean” when he The 28-year-old American “Day two is something that I Clement powered over in a off the fast-approaching Tumuti competes. He reiterated his call timed 10.46sec over the 100m, always look forward to because world leading time of 47.73sec, over the closing metres before for life bans for dopers yesterday went out to 7.84m in the long I know that I am very strong in just ahead of Tumuti in 47.78. being congratulated by US de- following his win. jump, managed bests of 14.74m a lot of those events. I’m looking Turkey’s Cuban-born Yas- cathlon star Ashton Eaton as he “Anyone who tests positive in the shot put and 2.01m in the forward to tomorrow.” mani Copello claimed bronze in crossed the line. should be banned for life. It high jump, before rounding off Eaton, however, remains the 47.92sec. Ireland’s Thomas Barr Clement said he had been has no place in track and fi eld,” a gruelling fi rst day in scorching overwhelming favourite, un- narrowly missed out on a po- determined to make the po- Clement said. temperatures with 46.07sec in beaten in combined events com- dium fi nish, just behind Copello dium in Rio, targeting 2016 “My bracelet says ‘Test me I’m the 400m. petition since the 2011 world in 47.97sec. as a redemption year after his clean’, and I hope everyone I run “I feel OK about day one,” said championships in Daegu. The win comes eight years af- problems in 2012. against is clean as well,” he said. Eaton. “It’s just going through Since his triumph in London ter the Trinidad-born Clement “I had one goal in mind and my Clement has achieved a meas- the motions, nice and smooth. in 2012, Eaton has won four more won a silver medal in the 2008 mindset was to come here and get ure of fame off the track, fea- “The whole thing is going world titles — two indoors and Beijing Games and a gold medal a medal,” Clement told reporters. turing in a music video for pop smooth, I guess, nothing really two outdoors — and has upped in the 4x400 relay. “In 2008 I fell short and got diva Beyonce’s hit Run the World outstanding.” his decathlon world record to Injuries disrupted his career a silver. In 2012 I was battling after being invited to attend Eaton added: “I did actu- 9,045 points with his scintillat- in the intervening period and he injuries and surgeries. I was the fi lming in Los Angeles by a ally like my shot put. In the fi rst ing victory at last year’s Beijing fi nished outside the medals at the Kerron Clement (USA) celebrates after wining the race. just happy to make the fi nals in dancer friend. throw, that was awesome for me world championships. Gulf Times Friday, August 19, 2016 3 OLYMPICS

Silver medallist Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar with gold medal winner Derek Drouin of Canada and bronze medallist Bohdan Bondarenko of Ukraine pose with their medals on the victory ceremony of men’s High Jump competition at the Rio Olympic Games yesterday. Barshim won a historic first-ever Olympic silver for his country with a leap of 2.36m in the High Jump competition held on Wednesday. (Reuters)

BEACH VOLLEYBALL BRIEF TAKES Hungarian kayaker an incident of theft involving a Danuta wins 2nd gold Team GB athlete returning to their accommodation,” a BOA Hungarian kayaker Danuta spokesman said. “All members Kozak fought off a fearsome of our delegation, including the pack of competitors to defend individual concerned, are ac- German women her Olympic title in the women’s counted for, and are safe and well.” K-1 500 metres final on Thurs- The incident comes after US gold day. Kozak, 29, claimed the fifth medallist Ryan Lochte and three Olympic medal of her career and teammates said they were robbed her second gold of the Rio Games by armed men carrying police in one minute 52.49 seconds, 1.82 badges while travelling in a taxi seconds faster than silver medal- in the early hours of the morning list Emma Jorgensen of Denmark. after a party. grind Brazil’s gold New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington, who won gold in the women’s Icho grabs historic kayak single 200 metres on Tues- fourth wrestling gold day, uncharacteristically struggled throughout the race. Carrington, Kaori Icho grabbed a slice of who languished behind much of Olympic history as Japan swept the pack at halfway, battled back all three women’s wrestling gold to claim bronze in the final stretch. medals on off er. Icho becomes hopes into sand Kozak, who also took gold in Tues- the first woman in any sport to day’s women’s K-2 500 metres, will win four gold medals in individual seek a rare triple gold in the sport, events across four Games with ‘We had some tools, some routines in our heads which we worked through with our team returning today for the K-4 500 her victory over Russian Valeriia metres heat. Koblova Zholobova in the wom- before. And then we were just in a tunnel and we could play really well. We were just in our en’s freestyle 58kg final. Icho joins Spain win double five men to have won gold medals kayak 200m gold in individual events at four straight own court and we were just hearing our own German crowd. Not really, but in our heads’ Olympics. Swimmer Michael Spain’s Saul Craviotto and Cristian Phelps and athletes Carl Lewis Toro won the men’s double kayak and Al Oerter all claimed the same 200m Olympic gold medal at Rio individual event at four Games in de Janeiro on Thursday. The two a row. Sailors Ben Ainslie and Paul crossed the line ahead of silver Elvstrom also won four individual medallists Liam Heath and Jon golds on the trot but in diff erent Schofield of Great Britain with classes. Icho, 32, won her previous Lithuania’s Aurimas Lankas and three golds in 2004, 2008 and Edvinas Ramanauskas capturing 2012 in the 63kg category. bronze. Elsewhere, Brazil’s Isaquias Queiroz dos Santos’ bid to win Married teammates three medals at his home Games eye hockey gold stays on course in a dramatic finish to the men’s C-1 200-metre Married couple Kate and Helen race, when he fell overboard at Richardson-Walsh aim to cap their the finish and claimed bronze. personal journey with sporting Ukraine’s Iurii Cheban took gold in glory at the Olympics by helping 39.279 seconds with Valentin De- Britain to a first women’s hockey myanenko of Azerbaijan clinching gold medal. The pair—Kate is 36 silver just 0.214 seconds behind. and Helen, 34—tied the knot in 2013 and are believed to be the first Team Britain member married gay couple to compete at held up at gunpoint an Olympics. Helen was instrumen- tal in getting her team to the gold A British Olympic team athlete medal match against two-time was involved in an incident of champions Netherlands by scoring theft in Rio while returning to their one of the goals in a 3-0 semi-final accommodation, the British Ol- win over New Zealand on Wednes- ympic Association said yesterday. day. Kate and Helen have been The team member was held at international teammates since gunpoint while returning from a 2000 but they have made a point night out. The incident occurred of making sure their private and early on Tuesday. “There has been professional lives don’t overlap.

BASKETBALL US meet Spain in SF Reuters with four straight wins, includ- Rio de Janeiro ing a 92-67 victory over old foes France to ease into the last four. Basketball fans can now savour he United States and the prospect of a mouth-watering Germany’s Laura Ludwig (left) and Kira Walkenhorst celebrate on the podium after taking the women’s beach volleyball gold. They beat Brazil 21-18, 21-14 in the final. (AFP) Spain fi nally lived up to semi-fi nal between the US and expectations, posting Spain that could double as an NBA AFP one-set lead. showed they would not be cowered by the port was theirs. blowout wins to reach All-Star game as both teams are It only got worse for Brazil in the second odds or the hostile crowd. “It was defi nitely tough. We knew that it Tthe semi-fi nals of the Olympic stacked with NBA champions, All- Rio de Janeiro set as Germany raced to an 11-5 lead and “We worked on how to be self-confi - was going to be really loud,” she said. “Be- men’s basketball tournament as Stars and most valuable players. then set up match points when the impos- dent even with this crowd,” Ludwig said fore (the fi nal) we were talking about it, how France and Argentina lost much Ranked 11th, Australia may be ermany’s Laura Ludwig and Kira ing Walkenhorst successfully jousted at after the match. “The Brazilians were re- it could be a bit distracting. We had some more than a game. underdogs but they have been Walkenhorst crushed Brazil’s gold- the net. And their challenge was quickly ally loud, even I had goosebumps, it was tools, some routines in our heads which we While the United States and one of the top teams in Rio and medal hopes with an emphatic vic- over when Seixa, under severe pressure, really special.” worked through with our team before. And Spain have struggled to reach their punched above their weight with tory in the Olympic women’s beach put her serve straight out, prompting a The wind picked up just before the fi nal, then we were just in a tunnel and we could full potential at times on the Rio a 90-64 upset win over third- Gvolleyball fi nal, silencing a raucous crowd at scream of delight from the celebrating swirling around the temporary 12,000- play really well from the beginning to the hardwood, Australia and Serbia ranked Lithuania to close in on Rio’s famed Copacabana beach. German pair. seat arena and making playing conditions end. We were just in our own court and we have delivered much more than ex- what would be a fi rst ever Olym- World champions Agatha Bednarczuk Earlier, America’s Walsh Jennings add- diffi cult. But the Germans dealt much were just hearing our own German crowd. pected in also reaching the last four. pic basketball medal. and Barbara Seixas had sent home hopes ed Rio Olympics bronze to her collection better with the wind, serving three aces Not really, but in our heads.” Even though the United States The next step for the close- rocketing when they ousted American of gold medals after a stirring third-place while the Brazilians faulted fi ve times. Earlier, Walsh Jennings and Ross came were the only team to fi nish group knit Boomers is a semi-fi nal legend Kerri Walsh Jennings in the semis, play-off win against Brazil’s Talita Rocha “There was a storm coming and I from a set down to clinch the bronze. Walsh play without a loss, questions about meeting with Serbia, who came but they couldn’t cope with the Germans and Larissa Franca. thought let’s take this storm and make our Jennings, the sport’s most successful play- their ability to claim a third straight out on top after a hard-fought who won 21-18, 21-14. The three-time defending Olympic own storm,” Ludwig said. er with three gold medals, dominated at the gold swirled after three unimpres- Balkan derby as they held off The result torpedoed Brazilian hopes of champion and her new partner, Ross, The Brazilians were crestfallen not to net during the second and third sets as the sive narrow wins to close out the Croatia 86-83. a fourth gold medal at their home Olym- came off the ropes to win 17-21, 21-17, 15-9 win the country’s fi rst female beach vol- Americans dominated the match. preliminary round. Those ques- As France and Argentina made pics, and ended a tough night for the hosts in front of the partisan crowd. leyball gold since 1996, but admitted the For Walsh Jennings, it was not the tions were answered in the form their quarter-fi nal exits, they not after they also lost the bronze-medal The Germans used the wind and their Germans had been the better team. fourth gold medal she had cherished, but of a 105-78 rout against Argentina only said goodbye to Rio but also play-off to Walsh Jennings and April Ross. height advantage, with Walkenhorst’s “It was not good for us when the wind she leaves Rio having lost only one Ol- as the US extended their Olympic bade farewell to standout players At a packed temporary stadium, com- dominance at the net proving too much started,” Bednarczuk said, explaining ympic beach volleyball match during her winning streak to 23 games. who put their respective coun- plete with dancers, samba band and swirl- for Brazil’s Bednarczuk and Seixas. They that they had struggled to adapt to the career, Tuesday’s semi-fi nal against Bed- “We got our swagger back, of- tries on the basketball map. ing wind, German destroyer Walkenhorst were the second Brazilian team to lose on gusty conditions. “They deserved the gold narczuk and Seixas. fensively and defensively,” Team Tony Parker, 34, confi rmed after was devastating with the spike as the visi- a night of heartbreak for the home crowd medal today.” Walsh Jennings made six blocks dur- USA guard Paul George, a three- the loss that he had played his fi nal tors took control of the fi rst set. after the loss of Franca and Antunes in the Afterwards, Ludwig revealed they had ing the match, four of them coming in the time NBA All-Star, declared. game for France. Just a few hours Walkenhorst smashed yet another into bronze medal match. practised mind-control techniques and fi nal set, as the American showed her ex- Second-ranked Spain made later, his 39-year-old San Antonio the sand to set up four set points, with Bednarczuk and Seixas, world cham- imagined that instead of playing on Bra- perience to keep cool in front of the parti- a poor start to the tournament Spurs teammate Manu Ginobili fol- Ludwig deftly converting on the fi rst at- pions and playing on home sand, started zil’s most famous beach, they were at san crowd that booed every US serve and with losses to Brazil and Croatia lowed suit by calling an end to his tempt as the Germans took it 21-18 for a out as favourites but the Germans quickly home in Germany and the deafening sup- cheered the early Brazilian lead. before shifting into top gear international career with Argentina. Gulf Times 4 Friday, August 19, 2016 OLYMPICS

TAEKWONDO South Korean Kim, Chinese Zhao win gold DPA In the second round of the fi nal fi ght, up and locked in the Chinese fi ghter’s chance as he made it through the re- Rio de Janeiro she delivered a three-point kick to helmet with both of his feet. However, pechage round and went on to earn Bogdanovic’s head that was recorded Zhao prevailed as he was able to land bronze. by the new electronic sensors that have a higher number of attacks for a fi nal The second men’s bronze went to Lu- orld taekwondo offi cials been built into the helmets. “Now you score of 6-4. isito Pie from the Dominican Republic, have been trying to make can see a lot of head-kick techniques,” “It means so much not only for my one of the most active attackers among their sport a more spec- Bogdanovic’s team leader Dragan Jovic family but for my friends as well. We the male fi ghters. He delivered some tacular and less defensive said after the fi rst day of taekwondo will have a better future,” said Zhao, of the very rare kicks to the torso that Wmartial art by introducing new rules bouts at the Games. who had previously never ranked high- could be seen in many later bouts. and equipment, with mixed results. Thai world champion Panipak Won- er than a third place in World and Asian The World Taekwondo Federation The changes were put to their fi rst Ol- gpattanakit and Azerbaijan’s Patimat championships. has said that it had upgraded the score ympic test on Wednesday as the Sum- Abakarova won the women’s bronze In the 58kg class, all the favourites for such kicks from two to three, “to en- mer Games’ taekwondo tournament medals. All other top contenders got fell by the wayside in the fi rst round, courage the use of the spectacular spin- started with victories by South Korean beaten in the quarter-fi nals, including including world champion Farzan Ash- ning back kick, spinning roundhouse champion fi ghter Kim So Hui in the double Olympic champion Wu Jingyu, ourzadeh Falleh. The ‘Tsunami’ from kick and spinning wheel kick.” women’s 49kg class and by Chinese who lost to her admirer Bogdanovic. Iran was shattered after losing to Zhao However, many of the fi ghts re- outsider Zhao Shuai in the men’s 58kg. “Wu Jingyu is a really big fi ghter and in the very last seconds of their bout. mained less exciting in Rio, as athletes Kim, also known as the ‘Oxygen a legend for me. I watched her fi ghts on “I’m very sorry for my country and my delivered most of their kicks from a Tank’ for her strength, dominated the YouTube and she was my idol. I learned supporters. This is probably the worst standing position. European champion throughout for how to fi ght her style,” Bogdanovic said. I have ever done. This is all like a bad The most spectacular performanc- a 7-6 score. “The gold medal to me is In the men’s fi nal, Zhao’s Thai op- dream,” he said. es came not from the Olympic com- everything,” the Korean double world ponent Tawin Hanprab scored one of South Korean Kim Tae Hun, who has petitors, but from a group of young champion said. “I really concentrated the most spectacular three points of a world title in a higher weight class, taekwondo fi ghters who jumped high on the match to be the Olympic cham- the day when he high-kicked the back was another favourite who got beaten through the air and split apart wooden pion of the Rio Olympics.” of Zhao’s head, brought his second leg early. However, Kim earned another boards during a show break.

CONTROVERSY FOOTBALL ‘Sensational’ Germany target double gold Six judges sent AFP else,” admitted Hrubesch. Rio de Janeiro “What could be better than playing at the Maracana for the gold? And then against Brazil. orld Cup winners There is not much more you can Germany want to achieve than that (in football).” make more his- Gold would be a deserv- tory by securing ing send-off for Neid, 52, who home aft er outrage Wthe Olympic double as their steps down after Rio having men’s and women’s teams bat- coached Germany to the 2007 tle for football gold. This is the Women’s World Cup title, fi rst time teams from the same plus 2009 and 2013 European country will contest both the Championship victories. men’s and women’s fi nals at an “Gold is within reach,” said Olympic Games. Germany captain Saskia Bar- Two years ago, Joachim tusiak, who is hoping the 2014 over decisions Loew’s Germany humiliated triumph of their male coun- Brazil 7-1 in the semi-fi nal on terparts at the Maracana will the way to winning the 2014 inspire her team. ‘It doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t change the decision. It means nothing World Cup fi nal at the Maraca- “They achieved something na. The women’s team, coached huge there two years ago and to us. Here’s the thing, so many people have been putting in their input (on by Silvia Neid, face Sweden to- we are really looking forward day at the iconic Rio stadium in to the chance that we could AIBA) but it won’t change anything because they’re still working the same way’ the Olympic gold medal match also achieve something crazy,” at 23:30 Qatar time. added the defender. The men’s team for the Olym- Max Meyer, who will captain pics—eff ectively Germany’s Un- Germany’s men’s team in front der-23 team coached by Horst of 80,000 spectators, most of Hrubesch—play hosts Brazil 24 whom will be passionate Sele- hours later with the Selecao eye- cao fans, says the pressure is on ing revenge for their semi-fi nal the hosts. thrashing two years ago. Star forward Neymar scored “Both teams have made his- twice in Brazil’s 6-0 semi-fi nal tory. That’s sensational,” Hansi win over Honduras—netting Flick, the German FA’s director after just 15 seconds for the of sport, said. “We have been fastest goal in olympics history. worthy of representing Ger- Germany, who beat Nigeria man football at the olympics. 2-0 in their semi-fi nal, know We have already partially ful- the locals want revenge for the fi lled our mission.” traumatic World Cup thrash- Neid and Hrubesch had joked ing. “Of course, we are sure of before arriving in Brazil that silver, but we want gold,” said they would see each other on Meyer, who plays for Schalke the plane home with Olympic 04. “Why not go for it? Every- gold medals around their necks. one has the 7-1 at the back of “The belief was there when their minds, this could be our we made the pact, but it was chance as the whole country is more of a dream than anything expecting that Brazil will win.”

VOLLEYBALL US men make semis seeking revenge

Reuters The increasingly confi dent Rio de Janeiro Americans came into the game Ireland boxer Michael John Conlan (right) fights Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin during their Bantam (56kg) Quarter-final bout on Tuesday. Among the many contentious judging decisions, one against Poland more aggres- was the unanimous points verdict given to Nikitin, sparking a furious, expletive-filled rant from Conlan, who in the eyes of most boxing experts had appeared to have been a clear winner. sively than ever and appear to less experienced US be reaching their best form as By Owen Gibson & Kevin Mitchell in Rio to strongly restate that unless tangible proof men’s volleyball team they enter the medal-winning The Guardian Russian boxer in judging furore out of Rio is put forward, not rumours, we will continue demolished Poland phase. “We are aggressive, our to use any means, including legal or disci- Ain straight sets and blocks are in very good spots and he Russian boxer controversially ad- “Further examination showed that the plinary actions to protect our sport and its moved up to the semi-fi nals defensively we are good too,” he International Boxing Asso- Tjudged to have beaten world champion injury suff ered by our boxer Vladimir Nikitin community whose integrity is constantly put looking to avenge early upsets Sander said after the game. ciation (AIBA) has sent home a Michael Conlan at the Rio Olympics is out of is too serious. Unfortunately, he won’t be into question,” AIBA said in its statement. that almost knocked the Amer- US coach John Speraw said his number of judges and referees fol- the Games because of injuries he suff ered able to compete,” said Igor Kazikov, head of “The organisation will not be deterred by icans out of the Rio Games. team were on a fast learning curve lowing outrage over a string of con- at the hands of the Irishman. Vladimir Niki- the Russian delegation at the Games. subjective judgments made by discontent- Brazil ousted arch-rivals Ar- and responded immediately to Ttentious decisions, amid ongoing claims of ed parties. We welcome all parties to come gentina in a four-set battle in some “deep” talks on their game tin’s withdrawal from his semi-final on Thurs- Nikitin will carry home bronze and Ste- wider corruption at the Rio Games boxing day will ramp up the pressure on the AIBA, venson is now guaranteed at least the silver. forward and provide evidence in order to front of an ecstatic and boister- that had given them new direc- tournament. which has faced criticism from boxers and “I’m in the final baby,” the 19-year-old talent take appropriate and immediate action.” ous home crowd of 10,000 at tion and “incredible” energy. Less than 24 hours after the Guardian re- coaches in Rio after many deeply conten- said in a short video clip posted on Twitter The International Olympic Commit- Rio’s Maracanazinho stadium. “We are all so new. With a ported the fears of a high-level source that tious judging decisions. One of those was by USA Boxing. tee took a similar line, saying judging was With eight of their 12 players team as young as they are, I had corruption was a factor in some of the deci- the unanimous points verdict given to the The bantamweight final is scheduled for a matter for the international federation competing in the Olympics for a hunch that, if we were going to sions and Irish boxer Michael Conlan railed bantamweight Nikitin on Tuesday, sparking tomorrow and Stevenson will face either but that it would take action against cor- the fi rst time, the United States reach our very best, it was going against the judges after losing against a furious, expletive-filled rant from Conlan, Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez, the 2012 gold med- ruption if it was proved. “Of course we take outplayed Poland 25-23, 25-22, to take some adversity in this Vladimir Nikitin of Russia, six AIBA judges who in the eyes of most boxing experts had allist, or Uzbek Murodjon Akhmadaliev. all allegations very seriously. When there 25-20, ousting a team that won tournament,” he said. “We have and referees are believed to have been sent appeared to have been a clear winner. Though the AIBA has sent home an is evidence it is treated very seriously,” a the 2014 World Championship. made signifi cant strides in our home after the governing body reviewed And now it transpires that the injuries to undisclosed number of off icials after what it spokesman said. The US team, formed from game and we are playing really the footage from contentious bouts. the Russian — his face was a bloodied mess, called “less than a handful of decisions not The Irish and American camps have a crop of barely graduated col- hard,” Speraw told a news con- AIBA said it took “immediate and appro- although Conlan too took some punish- at the level expected”, at least two of the been the most vociferous in their public lege players, got off to a shaky ference. Our best is ahead of us.” priate actions” after carrying out a thor- ment — will mean he cannot face American three judges involved in the Conlan verdict criticism of the judging but other coun- start in Rio, losing their fi rst Iran lost four set points in an ough examination by the relevant com- hot prospect Shakur Stevenson. are not among those removed. tries have also raised concerns privately. two games to Canada and Italy. exciting fi rst set and went down mission. The world body said it would not The parents of Gary Antuanne Russell, But they learnt fast from their to Italy 31-29, 25-19, 25-17. name them or confi rm how many offi cials who controversially lost his light- mid- mistakes and came back with a Current Olympic champi- it had taken action against for fear of em- never box in an AIBA event again, tweeted: As of Wednesday morning it had con- dleweight quarter-fi nal to Uzbekistan’s stunning win over hosts Brazil ons Russia eliminated Canada barrassing the families of those concerned. “Wow! this says a lot about AIBA, Sending ducted 239 Olympic bouts and remained Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, said the decision to and then overpowered France 3-0 and go on to face Brazil However, they did not include Colom- judges home who ruin dreams, what hap- “committed to fair and transparent sport”. send some judges home meant nothing. to stay in Rio. who overpowered Argentina bia’s Armando Carbonell, who offi ciated pens 2 the ppl whose dreams were ruined?” The Guardian reported before the Olym- “It doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t The United States will get 25-22, 17-25, 25-19, 25-23. in the now-notorious Evgeny Tishchenko AIBA also continued to defend the wider pics of deep-seated fears of senior offi cials change the decision. It means nothing to a second crack at Italy in the Brazilian fans booed at every gold medal bout on Monday and gave all standard of refereeing at these Games and that a large number of signifi cant bouts at us,” his mother Lawan said, after a bout semi-fi nals today after the Argentine serve and erupted four rounds against the Hartlepool mid- said it would defend itself against allega- the Games would be fi xed, explaining in de- that drew vociferous criticism from the Italians defeated a strong Ira- in cheers when the home team dleweight Savannah Marshall in her losing tions of corruption. tail the extent of a problem that is said to go US head coach, Billy Walsh. She added: nian team in three sets. scored. Borrowing a chant from quarter-fi nal against Nouchka Fontijn. It has blamed a lack of understanding of right to the heart of the governing body. On “Here’s the thing, so many people have “I want them bad. We want a their bitter soccer rivalry with Ar- AIBA, however, said that all of the results the new scoring system introduced after Tuesday, the same source said he believed been putting in their input (on AIBA) but it little revenge,” said wing spiker gentina, they sang “1,000 goals, so far would stand. London 2012 for the backlash against some the results so far had borne out his fears. won’t change anything because they’re still Taylor Sander, among the top only Pele scored 1,000 goals! Ma- Conlan, who said after his fi ght he would results. “With regard to corruption, we would like working the same way.” three US scorers. radona is a cocaine snorter”. Gulf Times Friday, August 19, 2016 5

ROUND-UP FOCUS ‘Fight’ puts new twist in US Olympic Sindhu storms into swimmers scandal

AFP week of South America’s fi rst Ol- Rio de Janeiro ympics, coming simultaneously with the arrest in Rio of IOC member Patrick Hickey on alle- fi nal; Sakshi wins eports emerged yes- gations of taking part in a black terday that Ryan Lo- market ticket ring. chte and three other Hickey, who fell ill during his US Olympic swimmers arrest Wednesday, was expected claimingR to have been mugged in to face interrogation once he is Rio in fact got into a fi ght with an released from hospital. armed gas station security guard. Conger and Bentz were de- The unconfi rmed reports on tained on the order of a Brazilian wrestling bronze ABC News and Brazilian news judge who cited inconsistencies sites said an altercation occurred in their stories. when the swimming stars had The two swimmers removed Sindhu beats Japan’s Okuhara to become first Indian shuttler in Olympic final been out partying and that the from the airplane were later re- incident was caught on security leased “with the understanding camera footage. that they would continue their Brazil’s G1 site quoted Rio po- discussions about the incident lice saying that the athletes had on Thursday,” said Patrick San- stopped at the gas station in a dusky, spokesman for the US Ol- taxi to use the bathroom. Globo ympic Committee. website quoted the station man- Rio police said that agents ager saying the Americans uri- were now “analysing content of nated on the station wall. the testimony already gathered They broke the bathroom door in the investigation and putting and tried to leave without pay- it together with results of other ing for the damage, but a secu- ongoing actions.” rity guard pulled out his weapon and made them stay until police MUGGING MADE UP? arrived, prompting a confronta- Lochte, one of the best known tion, G1 reported. faces of the US Olympic squad, ABC quoted an unidentifi ed says the four were held up by Brazilian police source saying muggers posing as police as they CCTV footage shows a swimmer left a late night party in central “breaking down the door to the Rio. bathroom at the gas station and His harrowing story got fi ghting with a security guard.” worldwide attention. Lochte originally said that he He said he had a gun put to his and Jack Conger, Gunnar Bentz forehead after the swimmers’ and James Feigen were robbed by taxi was pulled over by crimi- someone claiming to be a police- nals who forced them to lie on man early on Sunday. the ground and stole money and The report caused the Olym- other items. pic authorities huge embarrass- “The guy pulled out his gun, ment, highlighting security wor- he cocked it, put it to my fore- ries at an Olympics where Brazil head and he said, ‘Get down,’” has deployed 85,000 police and Lochte said afterwards. “He took India’s bronze medallist Sakshi Malik stands on the podium for the women’s 58kg free- soldiers – double the number our money, he took my wallet – style wrestling event at the Carioca Arena 2 in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. (AFP) used in the 2012 London Games. he left my cell phone, he left my However, police soon raised credentials.” END TO LONG WAIT Sakshi, who trailed 0-1 after the fi rst doubts over the veracity of the The apparently high-profi le On Wednesday, Malik brought an end period, made a comeback in the initial allegation and the swimmers crime touched a nerve in Rio. In to India’s long wait for a medal at Rio, minutes of the second period to go 2-1 up. could face charges of fi ling a false addition to multiple incidents clinching bronze in the women’s Free- She, however, failed to maintain the claim. of thefts from Olympic athletes style 58kg category. lead as the Russian overpowered her with Lochte is in the United States. and media, a Portuguese govern- The 23-year-old from Rohtak, in Har- some incredible moves to take an unas- Conger and Bentz were detained ment minister was mugged in the yana, overturned a 0-5 defi cit in a hectic sailable 9-2 lead in the dying minutes. by Brazilian police late Wednes- swish Leblon district. second round to script an 8-5 victory over But with Valeria later making it to the day just as they were about to Yesterday, British Olympic of- Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan in the fi nal, Sakshi qualifi ed for the repechage take off from the international fi cials said that an athlete had bronze medal bout at the Carioca Arena 2 round for a shot at the bronze medal. airport for home. been robbed while returning to here. She started her bid for the bronze in su- The whereabouts of Feigen re- the Olympic Village, but was It was a rousing display of fi ghting perb fashion by defeating Orkhon Purev- mained unclear. “safe and well.” spirit and never-say-die attitude from dorj of Mongolia 12-3 in the Repechage The Guardian newspaper re- the Indian. Round 2 to move within striking distance INTERNATIONAL SCANDAL ported that British athletes had Aisuluu was clearly the superior wres- of a medal. The scandal overshadowed now been warned not to leave the India’s PV Sindhu celebrates after beating Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara in their women’s tler in the totally one-sided opening In the women’s golf event, India’s Aditi sporting action in the second Village premises for their safety. semi-final badminton at the Riocentro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (AFP) round, displaying impressive strength Ashok carded an impressive three-under and technique to take fi ve points and 68 to fi nish tied seventh after the opening IANS In the fi nal, she will face two-time open up a formidable lead. round. Rio de Janeiro reigning world champion Carolina Marin But Sakshi — who has previously The 18-year-old got off to a fl ying start of Spain, who beat defending champion shown a knack of staging strong come- after getting a birdie on the par-four sec- Li Xuerui of China 21-14, 21-16. backs — was a totally transformed grap- ond hole before getting two more birdies ndia’s PV Sindhu thumped Nozomi Irrespective of the colour of the medal pler in the second round, taking eight on the par-fi ve 10th and par-three 14th Okuhara of Japan to enter the fi nal in the fi nal today, it will be India’s second consecutive points to send the sizable holes to get a 68 in a fl awless round. of the women’s singles event of bad- medal in the Rio Games after wrestler number of Indian fans in the stands into The Bengaluru golfer shared the spot minton competitions, assuring the Sakshi Malik bagged a bronze medal in wild delirium. with Lexi Thomson of the United States, Icountry at least a silver medal at the Ol- the women’s 58kg category. Sakshi, who had also fi nished on the Britain’s Charley Hull and the Spaniard ympic Games here yesterday. For Sindhu, who was on a giant-killing podium at the 2015 Asian Champion- Azahara Munoz. World No.10 Sindhu registered a 21- spree after dismissing two higher-ranked ships, created history by becoming the Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand set the 19, 21-10 triumph in the semi-fi nals over opponents — Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu fi rst Indian female wrestler to clinch an pace with a six-under 65 as she enjoyed a world No.6 Okuhara to become the fi rst Ying and World No. 2 Wang Yihan of Chi- Olympic medal. one-stroke lead at the top over the South Indian shuttler to enter the fi nal of the na in the pre-quarter-fi nal and the quar- Kaori Icho of Japan won the gold medal Korean duo of Inbee Park and Seiyoung Olympics. ter-fi nal respectively — yesterday’s win in the category while Russia’s Valeria Kim. With this win, double World Cham- was also an extension of her good form. Koblova — who had defeated Sakshi in the It was an eventful round for Ariya, who pionship bronze medallist Sindhu im- Sindhu’s height and long reach gave quarter-fi nals — took the silver. got an eagle on the par-fi ve fi fth, along- proved her head-to-head record against her a lot of advantage against the pint- Earlier, Sakshi had crashed out of con- side seven birdies against a double bogey reigning All England Open champion sized Okuhara, who also had her right tention for the gold medal after a one-sided on the par-three fourth and a bogey on Okuhara to 2-3. thigh strapped. 2-9 loss to Valeria in the quarter-fi nals. the par-four 11th.

BOTTOMLINE American swimmers Gunnar Bentz (centre) and Jack Conger (left) leave the police station at the Rio de Janeiro International Airport af- Olympic spirit under question — is taking part enough? ter they were taken off a flight leaving Rio de Janeiro by authorities investigating doubts over their claim to have been mugged. (AFP)

DPA gether as twins? After all, the Olympic ideal letes in their home country, thanks to an Rio de Janeiro celebrates the achievement of taking part in elaborate public relations strategy that IOC not yet informed about sport rather than just the winning. comes complete with a website on which “We had hoped to be a bit faster, but Lisa and Anna share healthy recipes and charges in Hickey ticket case erman running twins Anna and the time became less important as the fi tness tips. Lisa Hahner crossed the Rio race progressed,” Anna said afterwards. They have published a runner’s book The International Olympic Committee (IOC) women’s marathon fi nish line Anna hit back at criticism, her response ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Games, they is unclear about the exact accusations hand-in-hand but their sponta- coming the same day she was awarded a have their own running and fi tness app, against Irish Olympic executive Patrick Gneous move has not been universally seen belated victory from Hanover. and they invite their fans to join their Hickey, an IOC spokesman said yesterday, as a celebration of the Olympic ideal. “It is a special coincidence that I’m Hahnertwins Club for special events and more than 24 hours after Hickey’s arrest in The media-savvy pair are feeling the getting that news now, the week after individual athletics tips. a ticket scalping scandal. wrath of their sports federation for their the Olympic marathon,” Anna posted on Contrary to other German track and fi eld Hickey, an IOC executive board member, double fi nish down the fi eld in 81st and the website she shares with twin Lisa. “A athletes, the two young women have decid- was detained by police early Wednesday in 82nd, and their slow times. marathon that was one of my toughest ed to fi nance their place in this less than lu- his Rio de Janeiro hotel. Brazilian authori- However, they only ran together for 3 physical experiences.” crative sport with the help of sponsors and ties suspect that he was involved in illegally passing on Olympic or 4 kilometres of the marathon and just Anna Hahner was promoted to the self-promotion, rather than through Ger- tickets to scalpers who sold them at inflated prices. rejoined in the fi nal few hundred metres winner of the Hanover marathon from many’s national sponsoring programme. “As far as we know we haven’t had any details what the charges of the race. April this year after fi rst-place fi nisher The DLV has complained that the sis- [are],” IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters. The harsh criticism highlights how Edinah Jerotich Kwambai was deemed by ters spend too much attention on promo- Adams clarified that 700 tickets earmarked for the Olympic hard it is for athletes to fi nance them- the IAAF governing athletics body to have tion and not enough on their sport. Council of Ireland (OCI) were at issue, less than the 1,000 he had selves with self-promotion while main- German twins Anna (left) and Lisa Hahner had an excessive amount of salbutamol in It is worth noting that Germany’s other mentioned on Wednesday. taining the image of being serious about finish the Marathon final. (Reuters) her system. women’s marathon entrant, the 44th- The IOC has not been in contact with Hickey since his arrest and their sport. “The critics don’t accept that we fi n- placed Anja Scherl, makes a living with a subsequent transfer into medical care. “You go for a walk hand-in-hand, but Jemima Sumgong and both well outside ished side by side after 42.1 kilometres full-time career as a software developer “He’s in hospital and very diff icult to get hold of,” Adams said, add- not in an Olympic marathon,” said Tho- of their personal bests. of tough racing against ourselves and in addition to running. ing that the OCI, of which Hickey was president, also found it hard mas Kurschilgen, the sports director of But the blistering heat of Rio meant the conditions here in Rio,” Anna Hah- The Hahners were not the only twins in to reach him. the German Athletics Association (DLV). personal bests were set by only a hand- ner said. “To make sure that we wouldn’t the race and in the limelight in Rio. Pending the investigation, Hickey has temporarily stepped down Their behaviour was “disrespectful ful of athletes while others required more have lost a single tenth of a second we North Korea’s Kim Hye Song and Kim from all his off ices. He had also served as head of the European and a slap into the face of all other Ger- than 3 hours to fi nish and around two held each other’s hands instead of ex- Hye Gyong fi nished 10th and 11th with Olympic Committees (EOC) and as deputy chief of the Association man Olympic athletes,” he added. dozen quit mid-race. tending our elbows. We sprinted hand in the exact same time of 2 hours 28 minutes of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). Anna Hahner completed the 26.2-mile And even if the Hahners had found an hand. We didn’t think but acted how we and 36 seconds. And then there were the Adams said he did not know whether Hickey would continue to course in 2 hours 45 minutes and 32 sec- optimal performance on the day, they were felt in this moment.” Estonian triplets Leila, Liina und Lily Luik. receive the 900-dollar daily expense payments that IOC execu- onds, with Lisa timed in one second later never going to challenge for medals — so The 26-year-old sisters are two of the While Liina had to give up during the run, tives receive while attending the Games in Rio. — more than 20 minutes behind winner why not enjoy the moment of a lifetime to- best known German track and fi eld ath- Leila fi nished 114th and Lily 97th. Gulf Times 6 Friday, August 19, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS MOTOR SPORT QMMF backs Amro for 24hrs of Murray reaches Zolder debut third round with win over Monaco ‘I’ve played a lot of tennis, the balls are also diff erent here. It’s a quick turnaround and not really much time to adjust from Rio’

QMMF driver Amro al-Hamad

By a Correspondent multiple endurance races under Heusden-Zolder, Belgium his belt in Zolder and Sven van Laere, a Zolder circuit expert for the past 10 years. At least 54 oth- atar endurance spe- er teams join in the fi ght along- cialist Amro al-Ha- side them to the fl ag. mad returns to Zolder “I met the team during the Qcircuit this weekend to SuperLights round when I par- contest one of the most historic ticipated with Bas Koeten in long distance races, the 24hrs of the #704 sister car, fi nishing Zolder. with two podium trophies even Carrying the banner of the though it was my fi rst time rac- Qatar Motor and Motor Cycle ing at Zolder my lap times were Federation, Amro is fully spon- quiet competitive. For this 24hrs sored to contest this round. Ab- race they required a 4th driver dul-Rahman al-Mannai, QMMF who is accustomed to the car so President expressed his delight at they invited me to join the team Amro’s achievements in the pre- and as I had endurance racing ex- vious SuperLights race at Zolder. perience and also fi nished the 12 For this important dou- hours of Abu Dhabi on the same ble points round of the Belcar car, it seemed a good challenge to Championship, Amro joins one compete in the 24hrs with them,” of the leading teams, Bas Koeten commented Amro. Racing, currently lying 3rd over- Amro started making a big all in the championship points impression in the motorsport table, and looking to strengthen world after winning the Middle their grip on the title in their East Radical Championship in WOLF GB08 car. the 2013/2014 season, and now Amro only last month contest- in International racing he has ed a national SuperLights round six endurance races under his in the Belcar Championship in belt, resulting in four podiums Andy Murray of Scotland hits a return in his the same car but as a solo driver, including, a 2nd in class at Du- second round match against Juan Monaco where he achieved a highly cred- bai 24 hours, 1st in Class at 12hrs during day 5 of the Western & Southern ible 3rd overall in race 1 and 2nd of Zandvoort, 1st in Class at the Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in place in race two in tricky wet Abu Dhabi 12 hours as well as the Mason, Ohio. conditions, a testament to his ex- 2 podiums recently in the Super- perience in this specialised pro- Lights championship in Zolder in totype car and ability to adapt to July. new circuits quickly. “It will be a gruelling race, no AFP RESULTS CHECK mas Berdych eliminated Spain’s Marcel In this gruelling 24hr long dis- doubt about that. As a team we Cincinnati Granollers 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). tance race, Amro will be joined by understand it well and victory Men (2nd rd): Stan Wawrinka (SUI x2) bt Jared Zverev (GER) 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, seeded seventh, experienced co-drivers Stienes will only come to us with a good Donaldson (USA) 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 Kei Nishikori (JPN Women 2nd rd: Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt ousted American teenager Reilly Opelka Longin, who will be under pres- strategy and team work, I have ndy Murray picked up where x5) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 6-3, 6-2 Dominic Annika Beck (GER) 6-3, 6-1 Roberta Vinci (ITA 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3). Eighth seed Dominic sure as his father Bert Longin will good faith in the team, we com- he left off at the Rio Olympics Thiem (AUT x8) bt John Millman (AUS) 7-5, 6-1 x6) bt Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 7-5, 6-3 Timea Thiem won his fi rst match since late June be competing in an exact same plement each other and we are with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of Juan Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x7) bt Reilly Opelka Babos (HUN) bt Belinda Bencic (SUI x13) 7-5, 6-2 at Wimbledon, defeating Australian John WOLF GB08 for a diff erent team. at a level of professionalism to AMonaco in the second round (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) Milos Raonic (CAN x4) bt Misaki Doi (JPN) bt Christina McHale (USA) 2-6, Millman 7-5, 6-1. Thomas Piessens, is the enable us to snatch the victory,” of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters on John Isner (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 Daria Gavrilova (AUS) bt Elina Svitolina A furious Nick Kyrgios erupted after youngest team member but with said Amro. Wednesday. (ESP x3) bt Pablo Cuevas (URU) 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) Gael (UKR x17) 6-2, 6-2 Garbine Muguruza (ESP x4) bt losing the opening set to Borna Coric, The top seed and world number-two Monfils (FRA x9) bt Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 7-5, CoCo Vandeweghe (USA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 Angelique smashing three racquets in quick succes- was back on the court Wednesday just 72 6-0 Bernard Tomic (AUS) bt David Goff in (BEL Kerber (GER x2) bt Mladenovic (FRA) 6-0, 7-5 sion on his way to a 7-6 (7/2), 4-6, 7-6 hours after winning the gold medal in the x11) 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 Marin Cilic (CRO x12) bt Fernando Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x9) bt Alize Cornet (8/6) loss to the Croatian. Player depth question men’s tennis tournament at the Summer Verdasco (ESP) 6-3, 6-1 Borna Coric (CRO) bt Nick (FRA) 6-2, 1-0, retired Johanna Konta (GBR x10) In the women’s draw, Olympic silver Games.At one point during the match Kyrgios (AUS x14) 7-6 (7/2), 4-6, 7-6 (8/6) Grigor bt Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-2, 6-3 Timea Bascinszky medalist Angelique Kerber started with hangs over NZ-Aussie tie Murray was treated by the trainer for a Dimitrov (BUL) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP x16) 5-7, (SUI x12) bt Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) 6-3, 6-0 Barbora a defeat of Kristina Mladenovic 6-0, 7-5. right shoulder problem. 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) Steve Johnson (USA) bt Julien Ben- Strycova (CZE) bt Samanthat Stosur (AUS x14) 7-6 “It’s good to have a match like this to Reuters, Sydney: The gulf in just seven of their World Cup He next plays South African Kevin An- neteau (FRA) 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) Andy Murray (GBR (13/11), 6-3 Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x7) bt Alison start the tournament. I know that I have depth of rugby playing stock final first 15 starting on Saturday derson, who beat French 13th seed Rich- x1) bt Juan Monaco (ARG) 6-3, 6-2 Kevin Ander- Riske (USA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 Anastasia Pavlyuchenk- to play better and better in every single between Australia and New Zea- and 11 of their 23-man squad ard Gasquet 6-2, 6-4. son (RSA) bt Richard Gasquet (FRA x13) 6-2, 6-4 ova (RUS x16) bt Kurumi Nara (JPN) 7-6 (7/5), round,” she said. land was never more evident appearing after six stalwarts “I’ve played a lot of tennis, the balls Yuichi Sugita (JPN) bt Nicolas Mahut (FRA) 6-3, 6-1 Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x5) bt Andrea “The next one will not be easier but the than in the respective starting retired following the final. are also diff erent here,” Murray said. “It’s 7-5 Tomas Berdych (CZE x6) bt Marcel Granollers Petkovic (GER) 6-0, 6-1 1st rd Kristina Mladenovic fi rst few rounds are always tough to get sides for the first match in this That turnover, however, does a quick turnaround and not really much (ESP) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) 1st rd Nicolas Mahut (FRA) bt (FRA) bt Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 the rhythm.” Third seed and 2015 fi nalist year’s Rugby Championship. not equate to inexperience, with time to adjust from Rio.” Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x15) 7-6 (7/2), 2-6, 6-3 Andrea Petkovic (GER) bt Lucie Safarova (CZE) Simona Halep started with a 6-3, 6-1 de- The Wallabies, who host the All many of the players named for Second seed Stan Wawrinka polished Juan Monaco (ARG) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 Johanna Larsson (SWE) bt Irina- feat of Annika Beck. Blacks in Sydney today (kickoff the match, which also doubles off a two-day victory as he takes aim at 6-4 Marcel Granollers (ESP) bt Jiri Vesely (CZE) Camelia Begu (ROM) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 Kurumi Nara “I played pretty well today. I felt the 1000 GMT), were humiliated 3-0 as the first game in the struggle a return to the year-end season fi nals in 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 Yuichi Sugita (JPN) bt Alexander (JPN) bt Victorija Golubic (SUI) 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 game and the balls were a little bit heavier by England in June and have for the trans-Tasman Bledisloe London.The Swiss tennis player — the because of the rain and the humidity. But brought back three veteran Cup, having spent considerable second seed at the last major tune-up it was good for me,” Halep said. players in Will Genia, Matt Giteau time in the All Blacks set-up. prior to the US Open — defeated 122nd- Feliciano Lopez 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6). opponent in the fi rst round for sure,” Spanish fourth seed Garbine Muguruza and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who Players like openside flanker ranked American teenager Jared Don- Olympic doubles gold medallist Rafael Nadal said. Raonic hammered a dozen won her fi rst Cincinnati match with a de- ply their trade off shore. Their Sam Cane and flyhalf Beauden aldson 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. The match began Nadal defeated Pablo Cuevas, 6-1, 7-6 aces, compared to 20 for losing oppo- feat of Coco Vandeweghe 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. experience should help settle Barrett have accumulated Tuesday night but was held up several (7/4) while there were also victories for nent John Isner, as the Canadian beat US Open fi nalist Roberta Vinci stopped the backline down, though their more than 30 caps each, while times due to rain before being postponed number four Milos Raonic and Japanese the American for the fi rst time, 7-6 (7/5), Tsvetana Pironkova 7-5, 6-3; seventh inclusion is also a sign of deeper loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett late in the evening. Wawrinka now plays number fi ve Kei Nishikori. 7-6 (7/5). Nishikori stopped Russian seed Svetlana Kuznetsova rolled past Ali- symptomatic problems regard- is nearing 50. Replacement Grigor Dimitrov, a winner over 16th seed “I played a good match against a tough Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-2. Sixth seed To- son Riske in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 comeback. ing the playing stocks within tighthead prop Charlie Fau- Australian rugby. muina has more than 30 test The Australian Rugby Union had appearances. MOTORCYCLING to relax its selection policy last One major area of concern for year, introducing an exemption All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, that allowed for the selection since Conrad Smith and Ma’a of overseas based players who Nonu were amongst the six Injured Marquez looking to bounce back at Brno met certain eligibility require- who retired, has been in the ments. midfield. That exemption has allowed Malakai Fekitoa and Ryan Crotty AFP standings on 181 points, 43 ahead of Lorenzo and Rossi good feelings there again this time round.” His Yamaha coach Michael Cheika to bolster start on Saturday and the pair Brno, Czech Republic with 124. teammate Rossi will want to extend his collection of fi ve his Rugby Championship squad, have rarely let Hansen down in “It was a little bit painful but when you’re there on the top-class wins at Brno, with the last one coming in 2009. though he is still focused on their short test careers so far. bike, it was not a big problem,” the 23-year-old Marquez, Brno was the circuit on which the 37-year-old Italian developing greater depth as he However, with the season- week after dislocating his shoulder in a crash, whose only Brno victory in the MotoGP class dates back won his fi rst-ever Grand Prix exactly 20 years ago, in the builds towards the 2019 World ending Achilles injury to Sonny Marc Marquez will seek to extend his overall to his rookie season in 2013, told the MotoGP website af- 125cc class. “Brno is a great track where I won for the fi rst Cup in Japan. Bill Williams at the Olympics, a world championship lead as the MotoGP heads ter Spielberg. “Now we’ll try to work with the physio to time, but the last few years I wasn’t strong enough so Despite that desire to blood as knee injury to George Moala Ato Brno, one of his least favourite tracks. be 100 percent but it will not be a problem.” I’m very curious to understand if this year I can be more many players as possible within and ongoing concussion issues The Spanish Honda rider crashed in practice last “Brno isn’t one of my favourite tracks but we’ve been competitive,” said the nine-time world champion. the next two years, the Wal- for Charlie Ngatai, Cheika’s weekend as the MotoGP resumed with the Austrian able to get some good results there in the past,” Marquez “Last year Jorge was much faster than me and I’m cu- labies have 13 starting members stocks in this area are severely Grand Prix after a three-week summer break. added ahead of the Czech GP. “We must be really focused rious to see if this year I will do better.” of the side who lost 34-17 to the depleted. Regular fullback Ben With the injury, the 2013 and 2014 MotoGP champion and work well in order to be able to fi ght for the podium Rossi added everyone should beware of the powerful All Blacks in last year’s World Smith, named on the wing for came in fi fth at the Red Bull Ring circuit, following four again.” Winner at Brno last year, defending world cham- Ducati duo that took the Austrian GP by storm after a Cup final set to run out on Saturday, and winger Waisake straight podium fi nishes topped up with a win in Ger- pion Lorenzo will be his top rival after taking the third spot lacklustre fi rst half of the season, with Iannone claiming Saturday. Naholo ended up in the centres many.The Austrian honours went to Italy’s Andrea Ian- in Austria to put an end to a three-race podium drought. the Italian outfi t’s fi rst win since 2010. In fact, 20 of Cheika’s 23-strong in the final match of their series none ahead of Ducati teammate and compatriot Andrea “I like the Brno circuit a lot because it has plenty of “I think they will also be very strong in Brno be- matchday squad appeared at against Wales in June and could Dovizioso, followed by the Yamaha duo of Jorge Lorenzo high-speed corners and I have good memories there,” cause they are always fast and the track also has a lot of Twickenham last October. end up there again today if and Valentino Rossi. the 29-year-old, who will join Ducati next season, said. straights and it’s so fast, so I think we have to keep an eye In contrast, the All Blacks have needed. After ten of the season’s 18 races, Marquez leads the “Last year we dominated the race and I hope to have on them.” Gulf Times Friday, August 19, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Pogba to make Wenger adamant second United he’s ready to spend

AFP debut: Mourinho London

He has not played competitively since France’s defeat by Portugal in the final of rsenal manager Arsene Wenger hit back at Euro 2016 on July 10, but Mourinho says he is ready to return to action today suggestions he is afraid to spend in the transfer Amarket amid concerns the Gun- ners are losing ground to other leading Premier League clubs. The north London club, who were last crowned Premier League champions back in 2004, are estimated to have cash re- serves in the region of £200mn. But their only signing this summer has been that of Swit- zerland midfi elder Granit Xha- ka for a reported £30mn from Borussia Moenchengladbach. That is in stark contrast to the transfer activity elsewhere, including Manchester United’s world-record £89mn move to bring the French midfi elder Paul Pogba back to Old Traff ord from in charge of Arsenal since 1996, Juventus amid several signings. added. With centre-backs Gabriel “What I fi ght against is to and Per Mertesacker injured, think that the only way in foot- veteran French manager Wenger ball to deal, is to buy. decided against recalling de- “It is right when you need fender Laurent Koscielny, as the players and you identify the well as Olivier Giroud and Mesut players and we are not scared to Ozil, for Sunday’s Premier spend money, but to buy in itself League opener against Liverpool is not a quality but to buy the after they were all involved at good players is a quality, and I Euro 2016. think this club has been built on As a result, the fl edgling part- that. nership of Calum Chambers and “We had great success in the Rob Holding started in a 4-3 de- last 20 years in improving our feat — a result that raised fresh structures and the main thing is questions about the strength of based on a transfer policy.” Arsenal’s defence and the scope Wenger did try to sign striker of their ambition amid accusa- Jamie Vardy from Leicester, only Paul Pogba of Manchester United. tions they’ve ‘settled’ for fi nish- for the England forward to de- ing in the top four and a place in cide to sign a new contract with AFP “Paul is training for more than a week, tion for a further year and Mourinho fully United have lost 12 home league games the Champions League the Midlands club. Manchester around 10, 11 days. The adaptation is re- expects him to see out a two-year deal. since Alex Ferguson retired as manager in But Wenger, speaking ahead “You have to respect the deci- ally easy because he’s a boy from here. “I see him happy. Because I know how 2013, having taken eight years to lose the of Arsenal’s trip to champions sions of people and that’s part of “He knows the club, he knows every- important it is for a family guy like he is, previous 12. Leicester City on Saturday, said: it and I think on every transfer anchester United manager body — (there is) no need of time to adapt. I ask every day about his wife, kids, inte- But in a clear challenge to United’s “You (the media) are absolutely market you have one or two who Jose Mourinho confi rmed He needs time to build his condition and gration, house. Everything is fi ne. Every- fans, Mourinho said that his side could convinced that I do not want to have decisions to make and you yesterday that record signing his understanding of the way the team body’s happy,” Mourinho said. not hope to turn their ground back into spend the money, but I reassure have to respect them,” he said. Paul Pogba will make his sec- plays or tries to play.” “His motivation is really high. So yes, a fortress without boisterous home sup- you we are ready to spend the “I don’t think he has some- Mond debut for the club in today’s Premier Pogba thrived in a three-man midfi eld I see him here for the next two years no port. money. thing special against us, I don’t League home game with Southampton. at Juventus, but United have started the doubt.” Asked if he alone could restore the Old “Buying calms the fans, of see why he would.” Pogba, 23, returned to United from Ju- season playing a 4-2-3-1 formation and United have been linked with a move Traff ord fear factor, he replied: “Not me. course, but we have to make Arsenal beat Leicester home ventus in a world-record 89mn pounds Mourinho said he would not alter his ap- for Southampton’s Portuguese centre- The team yes, and the fans too. sure...it is important to spend and away last season but still fi n- transfer last week, four years after leaving proach just to accommodate the French- back Jose Fonte. “I think everything starts there. The money but we have to spend it ished 10 points behind the shock the club. man. Southampton manager Claude Puel relation between the team and the fans. If the right way,” the 66-year-old, champions. He has not played competitively since “If you are expecting us to change dra- suggested this week that United were at Old Traff ord a couple of thousand away France’s defeat by Portugal in the fi nal of matically the system to fi t the player, we seeking to unsettle the defender, but supporters can be more supportive and Euro 2016 on July 10, but Mourinho says are not going to do that,” he said. Mourinho refused to be drawn on the noisy than 70,000, then we are in trouble. DEVELOPMENT he is ready to return to action at Old Traf- As well as Pogba’s second debut, to- Frenchman’s comments. “It means there is no connection be- ford. day’s game will also see Zlatan Ibrahi- “I don’t comment, I don’t care,” he tween the team and the supporters. If “Yes, he is ready to play,” Mourinho movic make his fi rst competitive home said. “I’m very happy with the players I there is connection, I think that factor told journalists at United’s Aon Training appearance for the club. have and I don’t speak about players from of being really strong at home has to be Riise, Forlan Complex in Carrington, west of Man- The Swedish striker, 34, scored in last other clubs.” back. chester. weekend’s 3-1 win at Bournemouth and Southampton have won 1-0 on both of “But everything starts with that rela- “Ninety minutes, I don’t believe. Super afterwards suggested that he could stay their most recent visits to Old Traff ord, tion between the team and the fans. If the sign up for Indian performance, I don’t believe. But in con- at United for three years or longer. which in the past three seasons has not fans feel that connection, they want also ditions to accelerate his process of inte- The former Paris Saint-Germain strik- seemed to intimidate opposing teams as to play and if the fans play, no chance for gration in the team, that’s for sure. er signed a one-year contract with an op- it once did. the opponent.” Super League

AFP Delhi Dynamos in 2015. BOTTOMLINE New Delhi His move to Chennaiyin comes days after another Indian Super League team, Mumbai City, an- he Indian Super nounced that they had signed League’s reigning Uruguay legend Diego Forlan. champions Chennaiyin Forlan has previously rep- Tyesterday announced resented Premier League giant Enrique hails squad as Messi the signing of Norwegian de- Manchester United and Spanish fender John Arne Riise for the clubs Atletico Madrid and Vil- tournament’s upcoming edition. lareal. Riise, 35, a Liverpool veteran Forlan, 37, will likely be one of and Norway’s most capped in- the biggest draws for the compe- leads Spanish Super Cup romp ternational, most recently played tition’s third edition. for Norwegian club Aalesund. He scored 36 goals in his 112 AFP Gomes was one of Barcelona’s four Two months ago he was widely appearances for the country and Barcelona summer signings and the other three, reported to be retiring from pro- won the Golden Ball award at the Samuel Umtiti, Denis Suarez and Lucas fessional football, but said yes- 2010 FIFA World Cup. Digne, all also started the match. terday he had always considered The 10-week ISL is modelled uis Enrique wanted his players French centre-back Umtiti was having a return. on the lines of cricket’s cash- to take the plaudits as Barce- a good game until shortly after the half- “Back in June I decided to take rich Indian Premier League, lona crushed Sevilla 3-0 to win hour mark, when he blocked Mariano a break from football but I always with ageing former international their 12th Spanish Super Cup on Ferreira’s shot with his arm and the ref- kept the door open for a return,” greats fronting many teams. LWednesday, 5-0 on aggregate. eree pointed to the penalty spot. his new club Chennaiyin quoted Cricketing stars including Arda Turan and Lionel Messi blew However, Bravo dived low to his right to him as saying on Twitter. Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood away the Andalusians at the Camp Nou, deny Sevilla captain Vicente Iborra. Riise is no stranger to the ISL, A-listers are among the teams’ with victory meaning the coach has won Reports in Spanish media suggest Bra- having played 15 games for the owners. eight of the 10 competitions he has con- vo could be moving to Manchester City tested while in charge of Barcelona. and he put in a fl awless display. With the hosts already leading by two Sevilla should have equalised on the Club owner banned for for punching referee goals from the fi rst leg, Sevilla — bar an stroke of half-time when Vidal allowed early fl urry of chances — were on the re- Gabriel Mercado space, but his header Bogota: The owner of Colom- Pimentel, who co-founded the ceiving end of a Barcelona football master clipped the top of the crossbar and fl ew bian top flight club Boyaca Chico club in 2002 and has a history class. over. has been banned for one year for of confronting referees, will not Turan put in his best display yet for the It proved a costly miss straight after the punching a referee after disagree- be allowed to enter any football Catalans after a disappointing debut sea- break when Turan put the game beyond ing with the off icial’s decisions stadium during the ban. son, scoring once in each half. them as he lashed home a superb strike during a game. The disciplinary committee But it was Messi who masterminded Lionel Messi holds the Spanish Supercup trophy after Barcelona’s win over Sevilla at from distance. Eduardo Pimentel, who doubles quoted referee Luis Sanchez as a relentless slew of assaults on Sevilla’s the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Wednesday night. Messi soon made it 3-0, heading as the club’s assistant coach, was saying in his report that Pimentel goal. home after an inch-perfect cross from also fined 34,472,700 Colombian “grabbed near my neck and then, “I am very fortunate to have a group of siasm and will try and copy what those Barcelona withstood the early pressure Digne, who in turn had been fed neatly by pesos ($11,847) following the with his fists, punched me in unique players, who don’t stop surpris- who have been here for years have been and it took just 10 minutes for them to Gomes. incident in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with the stomach. This situation was ing me,” Enriquw said in his post-match doing. It’s a true honour and a pleasure.” open the scoring. A good move between “I’m very happy and satisfi ed with South American champions confirmed by the members of the press conference. Sevilla started brightly with Ben Yed- Andre Gomes and Messi led to the latter what I saw on the pitch,” added Enrique. Atletico Nacional, the league’s committee when they observed “They are diff erent and the good thing der forcing a smart save from Claudio putting Turan through and the Turk fi red “Apart from [Javier] Mascherano’s in- disciplinary committee said. the off icial video of the match.” is that the new players have a lot of enthu- Bravo. home to break the deadlock. jury.”

Friday, August 19, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

IRE VS PAK, 1ST ODI WI VS IND, DAY 1, 4TH TEST Rain intervenes Sharjeel ton sets aft er India land double blow

AFP Port of Spain up Pakistan rout ndia made two early strikes before threatening weath- er closed in to force early Visitors win by a mammoth 255 stumps, with the West Indies Iat 62 for two on the opening day runs as Imad Wasim scalps five to of the fourth and fi nal Test at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday. wrap up Ireland innings for paltry 82 The hosts’ captain Jason of Ireland Holder won the toss and chose to bat fi rst in Trinidad. Fast bowler Ishant Sharma re- moved Leon Johnson via a catch at forward short-leg by Rohit Sharma,while all-rounder Ravi- chandran Ashwin breached the India’s Ishant Sharma (centre) defence of Darren Bravo to bowl celebrates the dismissal of Leon the left-hander. Johnson of West Indies on Day 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, who was of the fourth Test in Port of Spain, missed at second slip by Indian Trinidad, yesterday. (AFP) captain Virat Kohli off Bhuv- neshwar Kumar when on fi ve, West Indies made one change has nevertheless looked the most from the previous match in St capable of the Caribbean bats- Lucia with specialist leg-spinner men on show so far, reaching an Devendra Bishoo recalled to the unbeaten 32 off 78 balls with vefi side at the expense of tall fast fours when the showers arrived. bowler Alzarri Joseph, who made He will resume in partnership his debut in the third Test. with Marlon Samuels, who is un- Needing victory to confi rm beaten on four. their status as the top-ranked Holder looked to have made a nation in Test cricket, India’s se- bold decision in choosing to bat lectors made an interesting deci- fi rst given the heavy, overcast con- sion in opting for an extra bats- ditions, the quality of the Indian man instead of a fi fth bowler for seam bowling and the vulnerabil- the fi rst time in the series. ity of the home side’s top-order, which had already been exposed BRIEF SCORES: West Indies 62 during the fi rst three Test matches. for 2 in 22 overs (K Brathwaite 32 Seeking to avoid the visitors not out; I Sharma 1-7, R Ashwin completing a 3-0 triumph, the 1-22) vs India

Pakistan’s Sharjeel Khan (left) plays a shot on the way to scoring a century during the first ODI against Ireland in Dublin yesterday; (below) Imad Wasim picked five wickets. (AFP) England security in Bangladesh to decide tour AFP Malahide, Ireland Scorecard England cricket off icials Concerns mounted at home inspected Bangladesh’s main over the safety of the squad PAKISTAN E Joyce c H Ali b U Gul 9 stadium yesterday as part of following an attack by Islamist harjeel Khan’s blistering 152 laid A Ali c N O’Brien b McCarthy 1 W Porterfield b U Gul 13 a security probe to determine militants on a Dhaka cafe last the platform for Pakistan’s 255- S Khan c N O’Brien b McCarthy 152 N O’Brien st S Ahmed b I Wasim 10 whether to go ahead with a month that left 22 people, run thrashing of Ireland in the M Hafeez c Porterfield b Chase 37 K O’Brien c S Ahmed b U Gul 4 tour in the country next month. mostly foreigners, dead. fi rst one-day international at B Azam c N O’Brien b McCarthy 29 G Wilson st S Ahmed b M Nawaz 21 The off icials, who include Eng- England cricketers will be MalahideS yesterday. S Ahmed c N O’Brien b Murtagh 2 S Poynter lbw b I Wasim 4 land and Wales Cricket Board given the option of missing Sharjeel’s maiden century in the for- S Malik not out 57 A McBrine not out 14 (ECB) security director Reg the Bangladesh leg of the tour mat became the third quickest 150 ever M Nawaz c Stirling b McCarthy 53 B McCarthy b I Wasim 1 Dickason, will tour facilities that also includes India should seen in ODI history as Pakistan piled up I Wasim not out 0 T Murtagh b I Wasim 0 in the capital Dhaka and the the trip be given the green 337 for six in a rain-reduced 47 overs, Extras (lb3, w3) 6 P Chase b I Wasim 0 southern port city Chittagong light, according to media with Shoaib Malik (57 not out) and debu- Total (6 wkts, 47 overs) 337 Extras (lb2, w4) 6 over three days. reports in Britain. tant Mohamed Nawaz (53) also in the runs Fall of wickets: 1-17 (A Ali), 2-107 (M Total (all out, 23.4 overs) 82 The England squad are await- Australia cancelled their tour in the fi rst of a two-match series which Hafeez), 3-203 (B Azam), 4-226 (S Khan), Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Stirling), 2-22 (Por- ing the outcome of the probe of Bangladesh last October concludes at Malahide tomorrow. 5-227 (S Ahmed), 6-332 (M Nawaz) terfield) 3-28 (Joyce), 4-32 (K O’Brien), before deciding whether to fly for security reasons and then Ireland were then skittled out for Bowling: Murtagh 10-0-38-1; McCarthy 5-51 (N O’Brien), 6-55 (Poynter), 7-81 to Bangladesh on September withdrew their side from the just 82, with Imad Wasim taking an 10-1-62-4; Chase 7-0-70-1 (1w); McBrine (Wilson), 8-82 (McCarthy), 9-82 (Mur- 30 for three one-day interna- Under-19 World Cup in the ODI best five for 14 and Umar Gul, on 5-0-49-0, K O’Brien 8-0-57-0; Stirling tagh), 10-82 (Chase); tionals and two Test matches. country at the start of the year. his return to the side after an absence 7-0-58-0 (2w) Bowling: Amir 4-1-7-1 (1w); Malik of 16 months, three for 23 as Pakistan 1-0-1-0; Gul 5-0-23-3 (2w); Hasan completed their biggest win by runs in IRELAND 5-0-21-0 (1w); Wasim 5.4-0-14-5; Nawaz the format, while the hosts posted their P Stirling b M Amir 0 3-0-14-1 second lowest total. FOCUS On a green pitch, which played well Largest wins by runs in ODIs after a delayed start, Ireland conceded 300 for the second successive game at 1. 290 NZL v IRL, Aberdeen. 2008 5= 257 RSA v WIS, Sydney, 2015 (WC) Steyn, Philander Malahide, after Sri Lanka amassed 377 for 2. 275 AUS v AFG Perth, 2015 (WC) 6= 256 AUS v NAM, Potchefstroom, eight in June. 3. 272 RSA v ZIM, Benoni, 2010 2003 (WC) Pulling majestically, the 27-year-old two sixes and Nawaz, with seven fours, 4. 258 RSA v SRI, Paarl, 2012 6= 256 IND v HKG, Karachi, 2008 seek South African Sharjeel passed his best ODI score — from then put on 105 for the sixth wicket from 5= 257 IND v BER, Port-of-Spain, 7. 255 PAK v IRL, Malahide, 2016 11 previous innings — of 61 with three just 83 deliveries. 2007 (WC) 8. 245 SRI v IND, Sharjah, 2000 successive fours off Peter Chase and Only Tim Murtagh and McCarthy resurgence brought up his hundred from just 61 balls stood up to the onslaught, with Durham Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim struck hamed Hafeez (37) helped and Babar with his 12th four to go with fi ve sixes. professional McCarthy fi nishing with with his seventh delivery, having Niall Azam (29) proved able allies for Sharjeel When he brought up his 150, just 24 his second four-wicket haul in only his O’Brien stumped for 10, one of only four to help their side recover. AFP August, at least two months ear- balls later, he had added another nine seventh ODI, while wicket-keeper Niall Ireland batsmen to reach double fi gures. The only time Pakistan were troubled Durban lier than usual, and the pitches in boundaries, four of them sixes, and only O’Brien held four catches. Nawaz completed an excellent debut was when Sarfraz Ahmed followed Shar- Durban, and Centurion next week, South Africa’s AB de Villiers and Austral- The Ireland innings got off to a disas- with the wicket of Ireland top-scorer jeel back to the pavilion just three balls could be slower than normal. ia’s Shane Watson had reached the land- trous start with Paul Stirling, returning to Gary Wilson, stumped for 21 as he came later to leave Pakistan 227 for fi ve, but ast bowling pair Dale While South Africa have mark quicker in an ODI. the opener’s slot, bowled second ball by down the pitch. Malik and Nawaz continued to take apart Steyn and Vernon Phi- slipped backwards with series Sharjeel was out next ball, caught be- Mohamed Amir and when Gul was intro- Pakistan had also lost an early wicket Irish spinners Andy McBrine and Stirling, lander will reunite as losses against India and England, hind off Barry McCarthy but Malik, who duced, he took three wickets in 10 balls to when captain Azhar Ali was caught be- who conceded 107 runs in their combined South Africa seek to start New Zealand have surged ahead. hit 57 off just 37 balls with six fours and reduce Ireland to 32 for four. hind to McCarthy’s ninth ball, but Mo- 12 overs. theF long climb back up the rank- It was four seasons ago when ings in the fi rst Test against New the Black Caps were bowled out Zealand in Durban today. for 45 on the fi rst day of their pre- When Steyn and Philander last vious series in South Africa, going shared the new ball, in the fi rst on to lose both Tests by an innings. Soria’s hat-trick helps Qatar beat Jordan Test against India in Mohali last Then-captain Brendon Mc- November, South Africa were the Cullum identifi ed that low as a top-ranked side. Now they are a turning point, with the players lowly seventh, two places behind getting together and appraising New Zealand. honestly their attitude to cricket Steyn strained a groin in the fi rst and why they played it. innings of the Mohali match and Out of the depths of despair did not bowl in the second innings. came a positive attitude and im- Since then he has played only proved performances, as well as one Test, against England in Dur- an obvious enjoyment of the game ban last December, when he suf- which has made them one of the fered a shoulder injury which ruled most popular sides in cricket. him out of the second innings. After the mauling by South Philander had an ankle injury Africa, they lost a series in Eng- before the second Test in India land later in 2013 but since then and has missed South Africa’s have only lost two series out of last seven Tests. 11, both against Australia, who At Kingsmead, Steyn and Phi- also beat them in the 2015 World lander are set to team up for the Cup fi nal. fi rst time with Kagiso Rabada, McCullum has retired, with South Africa’s 21-year-old fast the captaincy passing to Kane bowling phenomenon, who was Williamson, 26, one of cricket’s named the country’s cricketer of most talented young batsmen. the year last month. His fi rst venture in charge was With the tall Morne Morkel the recent series in Zimbabwe, ruled out of the two-match se- where New Zealand won both ries because of a back injury, the Tests comfortably. selectors have been spared hav- It will be a battle of inexperi- ing to decide which one of four enced captains, with Faf du Ples- fi ne fast bowlers to omit. sis standing in for the injured AB Pitch conditions for the bowl- de Villiers, who himself has only ers, however, are an unknown captained South Africa twice Qatar’s Sebastian Soria (second from right) celebrates after scoring the winner against Jordan during the friendly in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday. Soria scored a hat-trick factor. since being appointed midway as Qatar beat Jordan 3-2. PICTURE: Fadi al-Assaad It is the fi rst time a Test series through the series against Eng- has been played in South Africa in land last season.