CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 TTENNISENNIS | Page 3 Langer predicts Andy Murray hostile Ashes ‘quite close’ to reception for singles return, Bancroft maybe Cincy

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 28, 1440 AH Tuchel tells players to GULF TIMES ‘make sacrifi ces’ aft er Mbappe shines SPORT Page 8

HORSE RACING / QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL Stradivarius wins again on thrilling opening day Gosden’s ward wins third straight Qatar Goodwood Cup; top class entries for today’s Qatar International Stakes

By A Correspondent Goodwood, United Kingdom

he opening day of the Qatar Racing and Eques- trian Club (QREC)- sponsored Qatar Good- woodT Festival saw a spectacular third straight victory for Stradi- varius in the Qatar Goodwood Cup (Group 1), even as the focus will be on some top quality Ara- bian racing today in the Qatar In- ternational Stakes (Group 1 PA). The Arabian Racing Organisa- tion (ARO) announced a high- class fi eld of eight runners for the £400,000 Arabian feature, the most valuable race in the UK Arabian racing calendar.

Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (second from left) presents the owner’s trophy for the Qatar Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) after Stradivarius won the two-mile contest at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim & Zuzanna Lupa

for this race exceeds our expecta- tions. We are delighted that we have the fi rst four home from last year’s race which is always a very Jockey Frankie Dettori dismounts in his trademark fashion off Stradivarius to applause from the racegoers competitive event as you would after their Qatar Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) victory at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. expect with a such a valuable prize.” great run from the horse,” he said. Stakes (Group 2) with a smooth was back in second. Appleby- Lining up in the gates for Yesterday, ridden by Frankie “The fi rst and third have both success in the seven-furlong trained Setting Sail was third. the Qatar International Stakes Dettori and trained by John Gos- had a run and it always makes a contest. Ridden by Gerald Mosse, Trainer John Gallagher was (7:25pm Qatar time) will be fi ve den, the superstar stayer Stradi- diff erence. He has run really, re- the fi ve-year-old quickened “buzzing” with the success of individual Group 1 PA winners, varius extended his unbeaten ally well. You can’t take it away up smartly to win by a length Green Power in the £30,000 including His Highness Sheikh sequence to eight wins with a from him and he has gone down from the James Tate-trained Chelsea Barracks Handicap over Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani’s vintage display in the two-mile by a short head.” Hey Gaman in second. David fi ve furlongs. Ridden by PJ Mc- Tayf, the winner in 2017, and His contest. The fi ve-year-old trav- Jockey Moore added: “He has O’Meara-trained Suedois was Donald, the four-year-old son of Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin elled powerfully into contention run a good race for fi rst time out.” third. Kheleyf, ran on strongly to snatch Khalifa al-Thani’s Ebraz, who in the home straight and dis- The Charlie Appleby-trained Fayez captured the opening victory close home, defeating the was runner-up in the last two re- played his customary turn of foot Pinatubo raced to a spectacu- race of the Qatar Goodwood Fes- Ruth Carr-trained Poyle Vinnie newals. to win eased down by a neck from lar triumph in the Qatar Vintage tival with a dramatic victory in by a head. Also declared are Khalifa bin the Mark Johnston-trained Dee Stakes (Group 2). The son of the 10-furlong Unibet Handicap. Maid For Life provided New- Hamad bin Khalifa al-Attiyah’s Ex Bee in second. The Charlie Ryan Moore (right) rides HE Sherida al-Kaabi-owned Fuwayrit to second Shamardal, who won this race Second-last entering the home market trainer Charlie Fellowes Rodess Du Loup, who won both Appleby-trained Cross Counter place in the European Breeders Fund EBF Maiden Stakes yesterday. in 2004, was sent off by jockey straight, O’Meara’s ward had to with a victory in the fi nal race on the French and the English Der- was third. James Doyle to win by fi ve lengths wait for a gap to appear on the Day One of the Qatar Goodwood by’s last year, 2016 UK Derby Stradivarius’ illustrious win In the European Breeders Fund bi-owned and Mark Johnston- from the Clive Cox-trained Posi- rail, but managed to thread a pas- Festival, the mile-long Unibet winner Lightning Bolt and Mu- record now features three Qatar EBF Maiden Stakes, John Quinn- trained Fuwayrit, the mount of tive. The Aidan O’Brien-trained sage in the closing stages under a Fillies’ Handicap. Ridden by PJ raaqib, the winner of the last re- Goodwood Cups, two Gold Cups, trained Cobra Eye, a two-year- Ryan Moore. Lost In Time fi n- Lope Y Fernandez was third. superb ride by Danny Tudhope, McDonald, the three-year-old newal. two Yorkshire Cups, a Lonsdale old, emerged as the second win- ished third, a further one and a David Elsworth-trained Sir who is chasing his fi rst jockeys’ daughter of Nathaniel edged ARO Commercial and Finance Cup and a QIPCO British Cham- ner on the card for Dettori who half lengths back. Dancealot became the second championship success this sea- ahead closer home to score, de- Director Genny Haynes said: pions Long Distance Cup suc- nursed his mount to a short-head Johnston was pleased with Fu- horse to win back-to-back re- son, to score by a half-length. feating Johnston-trained Warn- “Every year the quality of entries cess. victory over HE Sherida al-Kaa- wayrit’s performance. “It was a newals of the Qatar Lennox The Jedd O’Keeff e-trained Jazeel ing Fire by a half-length.

ATHLETICS Semenya to miss Doha Worlds aft er Swiss court ruling

AFP ter me from continuing my fi ght that the judge had made a “pro- classifi ed, biologically, as men. It Paris for the human rights of all of the cedural decision” that has no im- is a position hotly contested by female athletes concerned,” said pact on the appeal itself. South African offi cials. the South African who is also a “We will continue to pursue The IAAF, seeking “to ensure aster Semenya will not two-time Olympic gold medal- Caster’s appeal and fi ght for her fair competition for all women”, defend her world 800m list. fundamental human rights. A argues that DSD athletes, like title in Doha in Septem- Semenya’s representatives race is always decided at the fi n- Semenya, born with the “46 XY” ber after a Swiss judge said in a statement that, on ish line.” chromosome rather than the XX Coverruled a temporary suspen- Monday, “a single judge of the Semenya is locked in a bitter chromosome most females have, sion on the IAAF’s controversial Swiss Federal Supreme Court dispute with the International would have an advantage in all testosterone-curbing rules, her reversed prior rulings that had Association of Athletics Fed- events based on their levels of representatives said yesterday. temporarily suspended the erations (IAAF), which should testosterone that are in the male The ruling means the 28-year- IAAF regulations pending the be settled by a fi nal ruling from range. old can no longer compete in outcome of Caster’s appeal Switzerland’s supreme court on “Caster Semenya remains events between the 400m and against the CAS award”. Semenya’s appeal against the steadfast in her defi ance of the mile, as she did in June and July. “In this latest decision, the regulations. highly controversial IAAF regu- The World Championships are Supreme Court emphasised the Semenya is classifi ed as a lations that require female ath- scheduled between September strict requirements and high woman, was raised as a woman letes with naturally elevated 28 and October 6 in the Qatari thresholds for the interim sus- and races as a woman. testosterone levels to undergo capital. pension of CAS awards and found But for the IAAF, women like hormonal drug intervention in “I am very disappointed to be that these were not fulfi lled.” Semenya, with certain mascu- order to compete in international kept from defending my hard- Dorothee Schramm, the lawyer line attributes due to diff erences competitions,” the athlete’s rep- earned title, but this will not de- leading Semenya’s appeal, added of sexual development (DSD), are resentatives said. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 31, 2019 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT India’s Shaw handed eight-month Sri Lanka coach suspension for doping violation given deadline

Reuters statement. “Mr. Shaw had inad- to taking the banned substance, medical ailments even if the to quit: minister Bengaluru vertently ingested a prohibited in line with BCCI ADR Article medicine is available over the substance, which can be com- 10.10.2, with the ban deemed to counter.” AFP tional candidates were asking for monly found in cough syrups. have started on March 16 and Shaw last played for India in Colombo, Sri Lanka lower salaries of between $17,500 ndia batsman Prithvi “Mr. Shaw had provided a ending on November 15. a Test match against West In- to $25,000 a month, but did not Shaw has been handed a urine sample as part of the BC- Shaw released a statement dies in October last year and has name them. back-dated eight-month CI’s anti-doping testing pro- later yesterday saying he ac- not been picked in the squad for ri Lanka was considering “For the price we are pay- suspension for a doping vi- gram during the Syed Mushtaq cepted the punishment and their tour of the Caribbean next applications from three ing now, we can get two foreign Iolation after ingesting a prohib- Ali Trophy match on Feb 22, hoped this example would deter month. “top international cricket coaches,” he said. ited substance Terbutaline, the 2019 in Indore. His sample was other athletes from neglecting However, Shaw will be al- coaches” to replace in- “We must renegotiate the high country’s cricket board (BCCI) subsequently tested and found protocol when it came to taking lowed to resume training with cumbentS Chandika Hathurus- fees we are paying at the mo- said yesterday. to contain Terbutaline. medicines. his state team after midnight on ingha, who has until mid-Au- ment. If they don’t agree, they The BCCI said Shaw, who “The BCCI is satisfi ed with “I accept my fate with all sin- Sept 15. gust to step down, the country’s can go.” made his Test debut last year, Mr. Shaw’s explanation that he cerity,” Shaw said on Twitter. The BCCI also said that two sports minister said yesterday. Meanwhile Hathurusingha has admitted to the Anti-Doping had taken Terbutaline inadvert- “I have to take this in my stride other domestic cricketers — Ak- Harin Fernando said Hathu- insisted he would stay to see out Rule Violation (ADRV) but the ently to treat a respiratory tract and hope it inspires others in our shay Dullarwar (Vidarbha) and rusingha would be given until the his contract. 19-year-old asserted that it “Prithvi Shaw, registered with infection and not as a perform- sports fraternity too in India. Divya Gajraj (Rajasthan) — were start of Sri Lanka’s home Test se- “I have another 16 months,” he was ‘inadvertent’, ingesting the Mumbai Cricket Association, ance-enhancing drug.” “We as athletes need to be suspended for eight and six ries against New Zealand, which told reporters earlier this month substance when he had used an has been suspended for doping The suspension has been back- extremely careful in taking any months, respectively, for similar begins on August 14, to quit and after returning to Colombo from over-the-counter cough syrup. violation,” the BCCI said in a dated because Shaw admitted medicine for the smallest of inadvertent doping off ences. make way for a new coach. the World Cup in England. “I “Before the New Zealand Test hope to remain until my contract series we will have a new coach,” runs out.” ASHES Fernando told reporters in Co- Hathurusingha also acknowl- lombo. edged that team management “If Hathurusingha does not had to “accept responsibility for leave, we may have to consider what happened”. legal action or off er him a diff er- Sri Lanka cricket was in crisis ent job at the board.” when Hathurusingha was ap- Following Sri Lanka’s disap- pointed in December 2017, after pointing World Cup, where they a successful three-year spell in fi nished in sixth-place, Hathu- charge of Bangladesh. Langer predicts rusingha and his assistants were They had just been ham- expected to be shown the door. mered in Tests by India at home Fernando said there were and away, and played poorly in three top international coaches one-day internationals. Un- willing to replace Hathurus- der Hathurusingha, Sri Lanka ingha, a former Sri Lankan Test notched up Test wins against player. England and Australia. Earlier yesterday Fernando The fi rst Test against New hostile reception said Hathurusingha’s remu- Zealand will be played in Galle neration — $40,000 a month — starting August 14, and the sec- was too high, adding: “If we are ond will begin on August 22 at ‘It would be a great story winning only 35 percent of the Colombo’s P. Sara stadium. games, no need to pay such high Three T20s will be played on if he comes back into fees to coaches.” August 31, September 2 and Sep- for Bancroft the team’ Fernando said the interna- tember 6. AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom Root returns to No 3 spot for ustralia coach Justin Ashes opener Langer says an Ashes return for Cameron Joe Denly confirmed yester- Bancroft would be “a day that he would drop to greatA story” but knows he will number four in the batting face a hostile reception from order for England’s opening England fans after his ball-tam- Ashes Test against Aus- pering ban. tralia, with captain Joe Root Bancroft, 26, is set to open the replacing him at number batting in tomorrow’s fi rst Test three. Root has previously at Edgbaston, with Australia’s made clear he prefers batting top order also likely to feature at four but the Yorkshire- David Warner and Steve Smith. man is understood to have If that is the case, it would approached England coach mean all three players who were Trevor Bayliss after last banned for their roles in the week’s Test win over Ireland ball-tampering scandal in South about returning to his old Africa last year would be in Aus- position when the Ashes tralia’s XI. opener starts at Edgbaston Smith and Warner have al- tomorrow. Root averages 48 ready experienced plenty of at number four in the order boos from English crowds dur- but a shade over 40 when ing the recent World Cup. batting at number three. Bancroft, not selected for the But with England open- ODDBALL one-day tournament, will al- ers Jason Roy and Rory most certainly experience more Burns having played just of the same given he was the one eight Tests between them, who actually applied sandpaper (From left) Australia’s David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft take part in a nets session at the logic in having 81-Test Transylvanian to the ball during a Test away to Edgbaston in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on Monday. (Reuters) veteran Root bat at number South Africa in a blatant fl outing three is clear. of cricket’s rulebook. cope) actually, but we’ll fi nd out. had been passed fi t and would 2016, lining up alongside Pat Denly, speaking at Edgbas- guard defends viral “It would be a great story if “He’s a good kid and as tough play in the opening match of the Cummins and one of Mitch- ton yesterday, said: “Joe he comes back into the team,” as anyone you could meet. To fi ve-Test series. ell Starc, Peter Siddle or Josh Root will bat at three and I’ll Langer said at Edgbaston yes- endure the scrutiny of the past “He’s a seasoned pro for us, he Hazlewood in Australia’s pace be batting at four. bowling technique terday. “His development after 14 months, especially the fi rst averages 40-odd in Test cricket, attack. “He rang me the other day what happened in Cape Town part of it, I think he’s had a pret- his hammy is good, he’s running “There’s probably three to be and told me he wanted to AFP has been extraordinary.” ty good dress rehearsal.” well, he’s passed all the fi tness fair — Starcy, Peter Siddle and bat three and for me to go Paris Langer, a former Australia Langer confi rmed batsman tests, so he’s ready to go,” Langer Josh Hazlewood — for one spot,” in at four. I think Rooty just opener, said: “We know what Usman Khawaja, who missed said. added Langer. wanted to get involved in the reception is going to be. Australia’s World Cup semi- Fast bowler James Pattinson is Australia hold the Ashes but the game, get up there and Transylvanian body- There’s nothing we can do about fi nal defeat by England at Edg- also set to feature in what would have not won a Test series away get out in the middle.” guard has become a it. We don’t know (how he will baston with a hamstring injury, be his fi rst Test since February to England since 2001. cricket Internet sensa- tion due to his bowling technique,A but stands by his un- BOTTOMLINE orthodox style. A video of Pavel Florin playing in the European Cricket League for Cluj Cricket Club against India’s ‘lame duck’ selectors under fi re over WI series France’s Dreux yesterday has been watched hundreds of thou- A screenshot of Pavel Florin, who AFP ‘BYPASSING PROCEDURE’ captain continues despite much sands of times on Twitter and plays in the European Cricket New Delhi Gavaskar launched his “lame below par expectations where garnered hundreds of comments. League. ducks” attack because Kohli’s the team did not even reach the “Maybe someone says my appointment as skipper for the fi nal.” bowling is not beautiful or not In an interview with the com- ndian cricketing greats West Indies did not go through Selectors’ chairman MSK eff ective but I don’t care, because petition’s website in May, the slammed the national se- the normal protocol. Prasad rejected the criticism, I love cricket,” he told the Euro- Romanian said his role model lectors for making too many He said the selection com- telling the Press Trust of India pean Cricket League. was South African AB de Villiers changes and accused them mittee did not meet to reappoint news agency that pundits’ jibes Reaction on the social media and revealed his top score was 36 Iof bowing down to skipper Virat Kohli as captain. only make the selectors “strong- platform varied from mickey- in a league match for Cluj. Kohli, with Sunil Gavaskar call- “That they selected the team er”. taking to support for Florin, a Asked if he had ever been a ing them “lame ducks” ahead of for West Indies without fi rst Prasad, who played just six fi tness fanatic who says he works hero for his team, Florin said: “I the West Indies series. having a meeting to select the Tests and 17 ODI between 1998 as a bodyguard. drove 500km during night time Pressure has mounted since captain brings up the question and 2000, said selecting a side One user replied to a post by for nine straight hours just to India lost their World Cup semi- of whether Virat Kohli is the is specialised job and experience broadcaster @FoxCricket saying: reach the match in the morning. fi nal against New Zealand, with captain of the team at his or the as a player alone does not guar- “If that’s the standard there may I stayed 14 overs on the ground former captains Gavaskar and selection committee’s pleasure,” antee success. be a chance for me in the euro and scored 34 runs not out. Sourav Ganguly leading the on- Former India captains Sourav Ganguly and Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar wrote in the Mid-Day “If international experience leagues.... #Pies.” “I would not call it a hero act, slaught. newspaper. is the case, then many ex-crick- Another account was in more but it is the match that gave me India have brought in a host of “I’m opposed to too many in the recent World Cup. Learn- “To the best of our knowl- eters, who have played a lot of of a positive mood: “Good on confi dence that I can be a good younger players for their three players being moved around. ing from 2015, they transformed edge his appointment was till fi rst-class matches can never em! Got 2 start somewhere!” cricket player.” Twenty20 internationals, three I’m for stability, not a stop-start themselves into world beaters.” the World Cup. After that, it was ever dream to become India se- Former Australia batsman Mark The Romanians lost their third one-day matches and two Tests type of an environment,” Gan- Ganguly said there had to be incumbent on the selectors to lectors,” said Prasad. Waugh responded: “I reckon that and fi nal pool stage fi xture to starting on Saturday. guly told The Print news web- “clear” communications be- meet even if it was for fi ve min- “We have utmost respect for would be very hard to hit.” Dreux, based to the west of Paris, Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar site. tween the selectors, team man- utes for his reappointment.” the legendary cricketers,” he in- The 40-year-old Florin, who by 95 runs, a result which means Dhawan, K L Rahul, Rishabh “We haven’t won a glo- agement and players. He added: “By bypassing the sisted. took up cricket at the age of 32, they must settle for a place in the Pant and Ravindra Jadeja are the bal tournament since the 2013 “We don’t need cameos only, procedure, the message that “In fact, more than getting is featuring in the fi rst edition second-tier ‘minor’ semi-fi nals only players selected in all three Champions Trophy. we need match-winning innings goes out is that while the play- hurt by this kind of comments, it of the 10-over eight-team Euro- held on Friday. Two ‘major’ semi- formats for the tour, while rising “We have to fi nd a way to or spells. Learn from Virat, Rohit ers like Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh only makes this selection com- pean tournament which includes fi nals also take place at the end of stars Manish Pandey and Shreyas move beyond the last-four (Sharma) and (Jasprit) Bumrah... Karthik get dropped after below mittee stronger, committed and sides from the Netherlands, the week, as well as the fi nal, in Iyer are in the limited-overs team. stage. Look at what England did Mohamed Shami too.” expectations performance, the united.” Spain and Italy. the Spanish town of La Manga. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 31, 2019 3 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Drug-tainted Andy Murray ‘quite Aussie swimmer facing four-year close’ to singles ban: report

AFP that,” he told reporters. Sydney The revelation has proved a huge embarrassment for Aus- tralian swimming, coming after ustralian swimmer Olympic champion Mack Hor- return, maybe Cincy Shayna Jack has been ton’s high-profi le protest against notifi ed that she faces Chinese rival Sun Yang at the a four-year suspension world championships. ‘I’m going to practice singles and play doubles to compete and each week I’ll see’ afterA testing positive to a banned Horton refused to share a po- drug, unless she can prove her dium with Sun, who was cleared AFP innocence, a report said yester- of wrongdoing after being ac- Washington day. cused of smashing vials of blood Jack, part of Australia’s following a test last year, a deci- 4x100m freestyle team that set sion that is the subject of a World hree-time Grand Slam a world record last year, tested Anti-Doping Agency appeal. champion Andy Mur- positive to the banned drug Lig- Australia’s newspapers have ray says he is “quite androl, which helps build muscle plastered the story across both close” to being able mass, out of competition late last their back and front pages, while Tto play singles matches and a month. the social media backlash has “best-case scenario” could see The Daily Telegraph said the been swift, with the swimmer it happen at Cincinnati in two Australian Sports Anti-Doping being inundated by trolls call- weeks. Authority had told Jack she will ing for her to be banned and de- The 32-year-old British star, receive a four-year suspension, nouncing her as a “hypocrite”. who feared he could be forced the standard penalty for athletes Her manager Phil Stone- into retirement before undergo- who test positive for anabolic man said on Monday that the ing right hip surgery in January, agents. The 20-year-old will be 20-year-old did not ingest the returned to the court in June but able to contest the sanction as drug via supplement tablets and has played only doubles while part of normal processes. was now examining her diet. rehabilitating and seeing how Jack returned home days be- “It could be meat, it could be his hip responds. fore the world championships mushrooms, it could be any- “In terms of moving and feel- in South Korea, citing “personal thing. It could be something in ing and waking up the next day, reasons”. On Sunday she strenu- a bottle,” he told national broad- I’m feeling good,” Murray said. ously denied intentionally taking caster ABC. “I’m quite close but there’s stuff the banned substance, which she “It’s a bit of jigsaw puzzle as to that would need to get better.” intimated could be found in con- how this has come into her sys- Murray, paired with brother taminated supplements. tem.” Jamie in men’s doubles at the Swimming Australia head coach The Australian team were only ATP Washington Open, said Jacco Verhaeren, who arrived told of her positive result on Sat- Monday he feels no hip pain and back in Brisbane from the meet urday, with Horton later calling will practice singles this week on Tuesday, said he believed Jack the revelations “disappointing”. while playing doubles and plans could “defi nitely” bounce back The controversy, which comes to do so against next week in from the doping scandal. on the heels of the “Sandpa- Canada. “There are cases where the pergate” cheating scandal that “I’ll play singles as soon as I athlete’s name is cleared and rocked the national cricket team feel ready,” Murray said. “I’m it was all a mistake or con- last year, risks doing further going to practice singles and tamination or whatever it was. damage to Australia’s sporting play doubles to compete and And sure they come back from reputation. each week I’ll see. I’ll keep on that path until I’m ready.” Murray, the former world RETORT number one who is now ranked 222nd, downplayed the idea he might compete in the US Open, which starts August 26, but Chinese media slam didn’t slam the door on the pos- sibility. “Best case scenario probably There isn’t one. It just takes fi ghting hip pain. his fl ight home due to hip pain. ally, really painful.” Australian ‘hypocrisy’ would be Cincinnati,” Murray time.” “The conditions here are “It was completely gone. I After trading harsh words said. “If I wasn’t in Cincinnati, Earlier this month at Wimble- tough and that’s the thing I’m wasn’t even certain after the with tournament offi cials then, I would probably wait until after don, Murray said it would be up needing. My conditioning isn’t operation if I’d ever be healthy both Murray and organisers have over doping case the US Open. to 18 months before he returned great. My time in the gym has again,” Murray said. “A few moved past the tough moment. “I wouldn’t want my fi rst to singles and the US Open was a been on strengthening the hip,” months later I’m feeling better “What happened last year tournament to be playing best- “pretty unlikely” prospect. Murray said. and feel like I can get back on the was a shame,” Murray said. “I of-fi ve (sets) either.” “I’m closer than what I may- “These last few months have singles court.” was going through a tough time But Murray, whose Grand be thought I was,” Murray said. been brilliant. Just not being in when it happened. I like it here. Slam singles titles include the “After Wimbledon I started do- pain, it’s amazing what that will MURRAY LEFT IN TEARS I’m happy to be back and have 2012 US Open and 2013 and 2016 ing a few singles drills. At one do to you.” Last year at Washington, Murray the opportunity to play with my Wimbledon crowns, warned he point brief practices. It felt Murray said if he had to play won a rain-delayed third-round brother again, which I haven’t has hopes of regaining his peak great.” singles next week, “I could do it, match at just after 3 a.m., weep- done for three years.” form. “This latest comeback I but to get where I would want to ing at the end of the match he Jamie Murray, 33, won the “I’m playing better than I didn’t have any particularly high be I’d have to get back in the gym was so overcome with emotion Washington doubles title last was last year. I can extend my hopes. I’ve had high hopes for and get my cardio better.” at gutting out a win through the year with former partner Bruno leg behind me. I can push off for most of them before.” Murray’s most recent singles pain. He withdrew later that day. Soares. The Murrays have not serves. It’s brilliant,” he said. Murray played a set Sunday match was a fi ve-set fi rst-round “Here last year I was just in a played together since the 2016 “The question I have now is and about eight games Mon- loss at the Australian Open in lot of pain,” Murray said. “I was Rio Olympics but did help Brit- why not? Why can’t I get back day in the US capital heat but is January to Spaniard Roberto struggling a lot. It was really ain’s 2015 Davis Cup victory. where I was? What’s the reason? missing match fi tness instead of Bautista Agut. Murray delayed bad. I was upset. My hip was re-

ROUND-UP Tsonga makes winning return to Citi Open

Agencies ond-round meeting with sec- New York ond-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. AFP Sun Yang,” the commentary said. Shanghai “Swimming Australia is not o-Wilfried Tsonga HIBI TOPS ERROR-RIDDEN interested in due process, nor is turned back the clock to BABOS IN SILICON VALLEY it interested in protecting clean defeat Canadian Brayden Japan’s Mayo Hibi battled back hinese state media hit sport,” it added. Schnur 6-4, 7-6 (2) at from 5-2 down in the third set out at Australia’s swim- Horton received an ovation theJ Citi Open in Washington on to secure a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3) win mers after Shayna Jack from fellow swimmers at the Monday in his fi rst match at the over Timea Babos in the fi rst failed a drugs test, ac- athletes’ dining hall for his pro- tournament in a decade. round of the Silicon Valley Clas- Ccusing the team of “utter hy- test, which was echoed by Brit- The 34-year-old Frenchman sic on Monday. pocrisy” following anti-doping ain’s Duncan Scott. Sun, who pumped his fi sts, leapt in the Hibi benefi ted from 52 un- protests targeting China’s Sun served a suspension in 2014, has air and did a series of twirls af- forced errors from the Hungar- Yang. always denied doping. ter Schnur sent a backhand long ian to claim one of the biggest Australia’s Mack Horton Xinhua accused Horton, 23, on match point to end the fi rst- wins of her career but will be the snubbed Sun on the podium of “selective outrage” and being round match on a scorching day underdog when she next faces at the world championships in an “opportunist”, intent only on in the nation’s capital. Maria Sakkari, who rolled to a South Korea, in protest at a drug- getting one over an opponent. Tsonga, who was once ranked 6-1 6-4 victory over Ekaterina testing incident involving the “He should stop pretending as high as world number fi ve but Alexandrova later in the day. triple Olympic champion where that protecting clean sport is his is now 70th, looked sharp but The seventh-seeded Greek, vials of blood were smashed with intention. Horton is fooling no- will have his work cut out for rupted for a while by rain. made a winning return to the up the victory with an ace on who reached the third round of a hammer. body,” Xinhua said. him in the second round when On the women’s side of the WTA tour on Monday, beating match point in one hour and 23 Wimbledon in July, fi red six aces Xinhua, the Chinese news Many similar opinions were he faces second-seeded Karen draw, Lauren Davis put a quick Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-4 in the minutes. and won 82% of her fi rst service agency, did not hold back in its voiced on Chinese social media. Khachanov. end to Canadian Eugenie Bou- fi rst round in San Jose. She hadn’t won a singles points to easily dispatch Alexan- criticism after it transpired that “Those who call others liars “Right now he’s a tough op- chard’s tournament with a con- It was her fi rst match in 10 match since June of 2018, and drova on a warm and breezy day Horton’s teammate Jack, 20, are in truth the liars themselves,” ponent. I beat him two times be- vincing 6-1, 6-2 win. months. in her extended absence has in Northern California. tested positive for Ligandrol, was one typical post on the fore but that was before,” he said Davis, a fi nalist at the tourna- Vandeweghe, once ranked dropped to 636th in the world. Other fi rst-round winners which helps build muscle mass. Twitter-like Weibo. of the Russian world number ment in 2016, ended the match as high as ninth in the world, “First and foremost, I was included sixth-seeded Spaniard A strongly worded English Sun was cleared by swim- eight. with an emphatic overhead and hadn’t played a WTA singles thinking of having fun,” she said Carla Suarez Navarro as well as commentary also accused Swim- ming’s governing body FINA to “I’m the outsider in this will face fellow American Sofi a match since falling in the fi rst of her mindset coming into the Americans CoCo Vandeweghe ming Australia of a “cover-up” compete in South Korea despite match on paper but in my head Kenin in the second round. round of the China Open last tournament, for which she re- and Kristie Ahn. after Jack returned home days the murky case last year of the I’m going out there to play my Other fi rst-round winners September, having been slowed ceived a wild card. The action picks up on Tues- before the championships in smashed vials. game and go through.” included Russia’s Anna Kalin- for much of 2018 by a nagging While she missed the fi rst day when former world number Gwangju, citing “personal rea- FINA agreed with Sun that Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, skaya, American Jessica Pegula ankle injury that was followed edition of the tournament in San one Victoria Azarenka faces sons”. testers had failed to produce ad- France’s Adrian Mannarino and and Poland’s Iga Swiatek. by a foot injury. Jose last year, Vandeweghe was a France’s Harmony Tan and sev- “By lying to the public regard- equate identifi cation or follow Americans Bjorn Fratangelo “To think that fi ve months two-time fi nalist in the event’s en-time major champion Venus ing the Jack case, Swimming correct protocol. However, the and Tim Smyczek were among VANDEWEGHE MAKES ago I wasn’t even walking, I’m previous incarnation in Stan- Williams is set to battle fellow Australia has lost every ounce of World Anti-Doping Agency has the other players to advance on WINNING RETURN TO TOUR just full of tons of emotions,” the ford. American Bethanie Mattek- credibility in its defence of Mack since taken the case to the Court Monday, when play was inter- American Coco Vandeweghe 27-year-old said after wrapping Vandeweghe earned a sec- Sands. Horton’s podium stunt aimed at of Arbitration for Sport. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 31, 2019 SPORT

ATHLETICS ‘I cheat because others cheat’: Kenya struggles against doping ‘I had to use it, in order to earn a living. You cannot compete with people already using and expect to earn something reasonable’

AFP Iten, Kenya

t fi rst Alex did not want to dope. The Ken- yan runner wanted to compete clean, earn an honestA living, and lift his family out of poverty through grit and determination. But his resolve crumbled as he realised he could not match his opponents, athletes he knew were doping and beating the sys- tem set up to catch drug cheats. Soon, Alex was boosting his performance with erythropoie- tin (EPO), a substance banned by the world doping watchdog but poorly regulated in Kenya. “I had to use it, in order to earn a living. You cannot compete with people already using and expect to earn something rea- sonable,” said Alex, who spoke with AFP on condition of ano- nymity and asked that his name be changed. “Sport today is not clean.” Kenyans are legendary mara- thoners, making up 38 of the world’s top 100 runners in 2019. But the country’s anti-doping authorities have struggled to stamp out a culture of drug use in its fabled athletic fraternity. Alex trains in Iten, hallowed ground for aspiring Kenyan run- ners who dream of following their idols from the high plateau above the Rift Valley to the Ol- ympic podium and record books. But most do not make the big league. Nearly a thousand Kenyans earn a living competing in mar- athons across the globe, ac- cording to the Athletics Integ- rity Unit, runners whose times - though unnoteworthy at home - would make them stars any- Marathon runners carry out a ‘speed-work’ along the back roads of Iten, known colloquially as the ‘world’s running capital’, legendary for producing some of Kenya’s most elite athletes and a training ground for other where else. international top distance runners on May 9, 2019. (AFP) They are not taking home the tens of thousands on off er at ma- almost saw the country black- in these races where scrutiny is ing substances have been ham- as the drugs of choice. But there jor marathons but pick up a few listed from the Olympic Games low or non-existent. If there is strung in Kenya by lax regulation can be serious consequences to hundred, maybe the odd thou- in Rio. testing in place, he avoids plac- and the absence of a scheme to doping. sand, in second and third-tier It scraped through, promising ing in the top three to evade sus- trace the drugs back to suppliers, The pharmacist said he was races. to stamp out cheating through picion, he said. hospitals and pharmacies. aware of the risks of misusing These prizes are fi ercely cov- tough new laws penalising us- Tony trains in a squad of 15 Spot inspections are also rare, EPO - heart attacks, stroke and eted by the enormous pool of ers and dealers and a newly- runners in Iten – at least a quar- if ever. high-blood pressure have been talented Kenyans. Placing any- established anti-doping agency ter of whom are doping, he esti- “There’s no one there. There associated with its misuse - but where high-up could support (ADAK). mated. is no controlling body. It’s pretty athletes did not care. whole families for months, in a Drug tests jumped ten-fold in “If people stop cheating, I’ll easy as long as you “They do it anyway, and they country where many live on little a matter of years. stop. I cheat because others have have a license,” said the phar- want it to exist,” he said. more than $1 a day. A blood testing laboratory ap- cheated,” said Tony, not his real macist in Eldoret, who declined “We do it for the money. In It is among this class of com- proved by the World Anti-Dop- name. to be named for fear of pros- Kenya, you can do anything for petitor - professional grade, but ing Authority (WADA) opened Alex, who started using EPO ecution. money.” not elite - that doping is most in Nairobi in 2018. For the fi rst in 2017, said he had never been He admitted to selling EPO to Tony said he knew there were rampant and unchecked, ath- time, Kenya was able to create tested. “In life, you have to take athletes, without prescription, dangers “and I could die any- letes say. biological passports for about 40 risks to win something reason- for years, legally importing the time”. “You don’t have to be an elite of its top athletes. Lab-technicians takes reagents from cold-storage at Lancet laboratories, able,” he said. hormone from India used to treat “But I take the risk, because I athlete, be on the national team, Big names - including Ol- the only World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) accredited facility for eastern Rugut said it was diffi cult to patients with anaemia. have to take care of myself and go to the big races, to make mon- ympic gold medallists Jemima Africa, in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, on June 7, 2019. (AFP) test “thousands and thousands” But his real customers are my brothers and sisters.” ey,” said a pharmacist in Eldoret, Sumgong and Asbel Kiprop - of athletes, so ADAK was focus- runners seeking to boost the Many athletes are convinced a city near Iten, who sells EPO to were among the Kenyan stars to These athletes are not sub- Rugut told AFP. ing on deterrence. “If people amount of oxygen being carried there is no point going clean, be- runners for $20 (17 euros) a dose. test positive in the years after the jected to regular testing by Many race organisers can- think they can compete, and by their blood. cause the system is rigged from Rio scare. ADAK, which does not have the not aff ord to run comprehensive there is nobody to test them, In a September 2018 report, the top down. ‘WE NEED MORE TESTING’ But a whole class of interna- funds or manpower to monitor drug tests for all competitors, so they may be tempted,” he said. WADA described doping in Ken- “In Kenya, most people are Kenya was forced to confront its tional-grade runners, one step such a huge pool of runners. eschew it altogether. ya as largely “opportunistic” and corrupt. To get rid of doping or doping problem in 2016 when a below the best, have gone virtu- “It is simple: we need to do Tony, another athlete who ad- EASY MONEY unsophisticated, listing EPO, cheating in athletics, you have to string of high-profi le scandals ally undetected. more tests,” ADAK head Japhter mits to doping, opts to compete Eff orts to curb the supply of dop- corticosteroids and nandrolone fi ght corruption fi rst,” said Tony.

RUGBY No compromise over style for World Cup: Russell AFP best shape I can be, and prepared as well Youngest Barrett re-signs with Edinburgh as I can for the World Cup. “I don’t want to look back and think if New Zealand to 2022 only I did this or that diff erently,” the 44- cotland’s dynamic fl y-half Finn time international added. Versatile back Jordie Barrett has extended his New Russell says he has no intention Russell, who plays for French Top 14 Zealand Rugby contract to 2022 but declined to of changing his style of play for the outfi t Racing 92, is perhaps the most join his older brother Beauden at Super Rugby side Rugby World Cup although he ad- inventive of the northern hemisphere Auckland Blues. The youngest of the three All Blacks mitsS he would like to be more consistent. fl y-halves with his no-look passes and brothers, 10-test Jordie will remain at the Wellington The 26-year-old playmaker - whose dummies. Hurricanes next season but his contract allows him half-time plea to change tactics engi- the option of switching Super Rugby teams after neered a remarkable comeback from the ‘EVERYONE ON THE SAME PAGE’ 2020, New Zealand Rugby said in a media release. Scots to draw against England in the Six However, Russell, whose talent was “Staying in New Zealand rugby is really important to Nations after trailing 31-0 - said he does spotted in 2012 by present Scotland head me,” the 22-year-old said. not want to come away from his second coach Townsend when he was at Glasgow “I’m enjoying playing alongside my mates, and I’ve World Cup regretting he had played dif- Warriors, says he is not going to single- got further aspirations and goals I want to reach ferently. handedly get the Scots to the knockout while I’m playing in New Zealand.” Gregor Townsend’s side, who were un- stages. All Blacks flyhalf and twice World Player of the Year fortunate to lose to Australia in the 2015 “No team can rely on one individual,” Beauden Barrett re-signed with NZR earlier this quarter-fi nals, are in a pool with 2018 he said. “I’ll try and take a lead on the at- month but was lured away from the Hurricanes on a Six Nations Grand Slam winners Ireland, tacking side, but I’m going to be going to bumper four-year deal. All Blacks lock Scott Barrett, Russia, Samoa and hosts Japan. my centres, my nines (scrum-halves), my the middle sibling, extended his NZR and Canterbury They begin the campaign with osten- full-backs, whatever, and asking them Crusaders contract in March until 2020. sibly their toughest match against the what they think, because they’re doing All three brothers are expected to be picked in Irish in Yokohama on September 22. their job as well. Hansen’s squad for the World Cup, although Scott “I need some consistency, but I’m still “I think when the team plays well it’s Barrett is currently sidelined with a broken thumb. going to keep playing the way I’m going easy for me, the 10, to be the guy that’s Hansen congratulated Jordie Barrett as “an outstand- to play,” said Russell at the squad’s tem- controlling the game. ing, talented young player who has soaked up every- porary training base in Scotland. “I don’t believe it’s one individual thing he can in the All Blacks environment.” “At the World Cup with four group that’s going to get us to the quarters or “He has a big future in the game and we look forward games, you need to be at the top of your semis or fi nal, wherever we get to. to seeing his career grow over the next few years,” game to get out of the group. “I think it’s going to have to be every- he said. “I’m just going to make sure I’m in the one on the same page.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 31, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NHL Goalie Vasilevskiy signs extension Rendon, Nationals with Tampa Bay slam 1st-place Braves ‘It’s really not just this season. It’s every year. Even when I was on the other side, just watching him play, you don’t see a whole lot of emotion from him’

Reuters Washington AFP selection in the 2012 NHL New York Draft and is 124-59-15 with nthony Rendon hit a grand slam a 2.55 goals against average to break a sixth-inning tie, and and 18 shutouts for his NFL Patrick Corbin allowed two runs ndrei Vasilevskiy, career, but is only 15-15 in the in six innings as the Washington last season’s Vezina playoff s. NationalsA beat the visiting Atlanta Braves Trophy winner as 6-3 on Monday. the National Hock- DEVILS ACQUIRE F GUSEV Rendon (2-for-5) lofted a shot to left off eyA League’s top goaltender, FROM GOLDEN KNIGHTS reliever Chad Sobotka for his 125th career signed an eight-year contract The New Jersey Devils ac- homer and the third grand slam of his ca- extension with the Tampa Bay quired forward Nikita Gusev reer. That gave him 500 RBIs in his career Lightning on Monday, the club in a trade with the Vegas Gold- with 23 homers and 80 RBIs this season. announced. en Knights on Monday. He leads major league third basemen with The deal, worth $76 million, The Golden Knights re- a 1.020 on-base-plus-slugging percent- keeps the 25-year-old with ceived a third-round pick in age. Tampa Bay when he could the 2020 NHL Draft and a Corbin (9-5) allowed fi ve hits and a have become a free agent next second-round pick in the 2021 walk while striking out eight. He has not July.“I’m very excited to sign draft. Gusev, 27, agreed to a lost since June 11. this extension,” the Russian two-year, $9 million contract Atlanta starter Dallas Keuchel (3-4) backstop said. with the Devils following the gave up four runs on six hits with four The contract matches one trade. The Russian was a re- walks and four strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. signed last July by Lightning stricted free agent. After the Braves tied the game 2-2 in forward Nikita Kucherov, a Gusev signed a one-year, the top of the sixth, Washington rallied in Russian who led the NHL this entry-level contract with Ve- the bottom of the inning. With one out, past season with 87 assists and gas in April in the midst of its Yan Gomez walked and Adrian Sanchez also produced 41 goals. fi rst-round series with San singled. Sobotka replaced Keuchel and The move comes after play- Jose. The Sharks would beat struck out Trea Turner before walking off disappointment for the the Golden Knights in seven Adam Eaton to load the bases. Lightning, who led the NHL games and Gusev would not Rendon then unloaded on a 2-0 fastball. with 62 wins and a club- play in the series. The Nationals took a 1-0 lead in the record 128 points but lost in Gusev played in the Konti- fi rst. Eaton was hit by a pitch with one the fi rst round of the postsa- nental Hockey League since out and took second on a passed ball. He son to Columbus. Tampa Bay the 2010-11 season. With SKA scored on a two-out single by Juan Soto. had reached the Stanley Cup St. Petersburg last season, he Washington doubled the lead in the Final in 2015 and the 2016 and led the league in scoring with second. Gomes led off with a walk and 2018 Eastern Conference fi nal. 82 points (17 goals, 65 assists), took second on a sacrifi ce bunt by Corbin Vasilevskiy went 39-10 earning KHL MVP honors. before Turner hit an RBI double. with four overtime losses last Gusev was also named the Talking about Rendon show Washing- season, leading the league in Best Forward at the 2018 Ol- ton manager Dave Martinez said: “It’s wins, with six shutouts, a 2.40 ympics, where he scored 12 really not just this season. It’s every year. goals against average and a points in Olympic Athletes “Even when I was on the other side, just .925 save percentage. from Russia’s run to the gold watching him play, you don’t see a whole The Russian was the 19th medal. lot of emotion from him. He just makes everything look rather easy.” The Braves trimmed the defi cit to 2-1 in the fourth when Freddie Freeman (three Coyotes fi nalise sale of team to hits) singled with one out and later scored businessman Meruelo on a throwing error by Washington’s Ren- don. Adam Duvall’s sacrifi ce fl y drove in The Arizona Coyotes finalised the sale of the team to business- Freeman in the sixth to tie the game at 2. Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon hits a grand slam during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals man Alex Meruelo on Monday. The drive by Duvall was caught up against Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports With the sale, Meruelo becomes the majority owner of the fran- the fence in left by Soto in front of the chise and the only Hispanic controlling owner in the NHL. Braves bullpen. Also in the sixth, Josh Paddack (7-5) gave up a run on three hits reaching the short porch down the line in “This is an incredible moment for me and my entire family,” Donaldson got his 1,000th career hit as and two walks, with fi ve strikeouts in 5 1/3 RESULTS right with a 359-foot line drive. Meruelo said in a statement. “The Arizona Coyotes team is his single sent Freeman to third. innings. Right-hander David Hess (1-10), Hosmer’s second homer of the game poised to do great things on and off the ice. I look forward to Wander Suero pitched a scoreless who was recalled from Triple-A to make Nats 6-3 Braves was a towering three-run shot in the sev- helping hockey continue to thrive in the desert, and I am com- seventh for Washington, and Fernando the start, gave up four of the fi ve Padres Padres 8-1 Orioles enth inning off right-hander Dillon Tate, mitted to providing our passionate fans, loyal partners and the Rodney did the same in the eighth. Sean home runs. Rockies 9-1 Dodgers who was making his major league debut. entire State of Arizona with a team they can be proud of for Doolittle pitched the ninth in a non-save He was charged with fi ve runs on six Tate began by plunking the fi rst hitter he years to come.” situation and gave up a solo homer to hits, with seven strikeouts in 4 2/3 in- Marlins 11-6 D’backs faced, pinch hitter Greg Garcia, on a high The sale to Meruelo - whose Meruelo Group is based in South- pinch hitter Charlie Culberson. nings. He did not allow a walk. Reds 11-6 Pirates tailing fastball that actually grazed his ern California - was approved by the NHL Board of Governors Tatis opened the game by driving Hess’ Blue Jays 7-3 Royals lips. in June. PADRES FEAST ON ORIOLES fi rst pitch 400 feet into the left fi eld Machado then singled in front of Hos- In August 2011, Meruelo agreed to buy a majority stake in the Tigers 7-2 Angels BEHIND 5 HOMERS stands for his 18th homer of the season. mer’s 15th homer. Atlanta Hawks, but the deal fell through in November 2011. Fernando Tatis Jr and Franmil Reyes hit Reyes hit the next Hess off ering 433 feet It was the fi fth multi-homer game of Former sole owner Andrew Barroway will retain some owner- back-to-back home runs on the fi rst two to left-centre for his 27th homer of the April 13, 1987. The Padres’ fi nal two hom- the fi rst baseman’s career. Jonathan Villar ship as a minority owner. Barroway joined the franchise in pitches of the game and Eric Hosmer later season. ers off Hess came in the three-run fourth. got the Orioles’ fi rst hit off Paddack with a 2014 after buying 51 percent of the team. He became the sole drove in fi ve runs with two homers as the It marked the fi rst time the Padres have Manny Machado opened the inning with two-out single in the third. shareholder in 2017. San Diego Padres defeated the visiting opened a game by going deep on their fi rst his fi rst triple of the season. He moved to second on a walk to Trey “It has been an honor and a privilege serving as the Chairman Baltimore Orioles 8-1 on Monday night. two pitches. It was the second time in club Hosmer then pulled his 14th homer of Mancini and scored on a single by Antho- and Governor of the Coyotes,” Barroway said in a statement. “I The Padres hit fi ve homers in the game, history that San Diego has opened a game the season 427 feet into the fi eld stands to ny Santander. am proud of the work we did to make this organization better, with Luis Urias also connecting for his with consecutive homers, as the Padres make it 4-1. The Padres are 3-0 against the Orioles and I am pleased to be passing the torch to someone who will fi rst of the season. socked back-to-back-to-back homers With two outs, rookie second base- in 2019, with the teams’ fi nal meeting of guide this franchise to great days ahead.” Padres rookie right-hander Chris to begin a game against San Francisco on man Urias ended an 0-for-22 drought by the season on Tuesday afternoon.

NFL Cowboys’ Elliott takes holdout to Cabo San Lucas Reuters make $3.85 million in the up- the Baltimore Ravens signed Joe Washington coming season, with a team op- Callahan on Monday, according tion in 2020 for $9.1 million. to multiple reports. The Ohio State product Griffi n, the former NFL Of- f there were any doubts rushed for an NFL-leading 1,434 fensive Rookie of the Year back about Ezekiel Elliott’s yards in 2018, and his 95.6 yards in 2012 with the Washington training camp status with per game also led the league. He Redskins, reportedly sustained the Dallas Cowboys, they had six rushing touchdowns and a hairline fracture to his right Iwere clarifi ed on Monday: The three receiving TDs. thumb after it accidentally holdout running back has left Elliott, 24, has started all 40 struck the helmet of linebacker the country. games he has played in over Tim Williams on Saturday. For the time being, Elliott will the past three seasons. He has Until adding Callahan, the be training in Cabo San Lucas, a rushed for 4,048 yards on 868 Ravens had only two other quar- resort town in Mexico, multiple carries with 28 touchdowns. He terbacks on the current ros- media outlets reported Monday. also has 135 receptions for 1,199 ter - starter Lamar Jackson and A team source at NFL Network yards and six more TDs. rookie sixth-round pick Trace off ered earlier in the day that He is expected to be seeking a McSorley. Several media outlets Elliott’s decision is “not a good deal similar to that given to Todd reported earlier in the day the look,” in the Cowboys’ eyes, but Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams, Ravens were turned down by that Elliott’s group and the team who is under contract for four journeyman Josh Johnson, who will keep working on negotiat- years and $57.5 million. started three games as a backup ing a contract extension while he On Friday, Cowboys head for Washington last season. stays away. coach Jason Garrett told report- Callahan, 26, has been em- During an interview with CBS ers: “We expect all our players ployed by fi ve other organisa- 11 in Dallas on Monday, Cow- to be here. Zeke has been a good tions - Green Bay, New Orleans, boys owner Jerry Jones showed player for us for the last three Cleveland, Philadelphia, Tampa his dismay when asked to make years. This is the business of the Bay - since entering the league a comparison between Hall of NFL that happens. Our focus is as an undrafted free agent in Fame running back Emmitt on the guys who are here.” 2016 out of Wesley College, a Smith and Elliott by saying, Division III school in Delaware. “You don’t have to have a rush- RAVENS ADD QB CALLAHAN Callahan has played in just ing champion to win a Super violating its personal conduct not much diff erent than the Friday, the Cowboys’ opening Melvin Gordon also was a no- WITH RG3 OUT one game in the NFL, a Week 17 Bowl. Emmitt was the fi rst one policy, he trained in Cabo. Cowboys’ training in Oxnard, day of camp. show. With backup quarterback Robert game in 2017 with the Packers to do it (in 1993).” According to the Fort Worth Calif. He was the second high-pro- Elliott, who was the fourth Griffi n III sidelined after injur- against Detroit. After Elliott was suspended by (Texas) Star-Telegram, sources Elliott missed the team physi- fi le running back to hold out. Los overall selection by the Cowboys ing his thumb during training Callahan went 5-for-7 for 11 the NFL for six games in 2017 for close to Elliott believe Cabo is cal and a conditioning run on Angeles Chargers running back in the 2016 NFL Draft, is due to camp practice over the weekend, yards in a reserve role. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 31, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT How Brazilian Edu can bring success to Arsenal again The technical director has a wealth of experience in Brazil As technical director, Edu had and has fulfilled the prophecy of his old teammate, Silva mixed results in his homeland but there is hope that he may By Thiago Rabelo Sylvinho, a former colleague of Edu’s at ing to pander to their star player, Ney- repeat the success he enjoyed The Guardian Arsenal, and Matheus Bachi, Tite’s son. mar. At the end of the World Cup Edu at Arsenal as a player. “Edu knows how to delegate roles,” said: “It isn’t easy to be Neymar. It’s says Bachi. “The fi rst time I worked very hard. He is a little boy. Sorry, he du was reading Robert Kiyo- with him he asked me to write a report. is an athlete. He is an athlete that de- saki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad when I did it very well and from then I earned serves my praise.” He added: “I feel Gilberto Silva said to him: “You his trust. We were a team. We had a pity for him in some moments, because will become a manager in the staff to analyse any potential talents for what this boy suff ers isn’t easy.” future.E You have the perfect profi le.” Corinthians. He read the reports, stud- Rogerio Caboclo, the CBF president, Almost two decades later his then- ied all the players and then gave a list lost confi dence in Edu and the switch Arsenal teammate’s prophecy has been to Tite to decide who to sign. Everyone to Arsenal was timely for both parties. proved right. had their input into the decision.” To many the challenge for Edu at the Edu has returned to the club as tech- Mauri Lima, a Corinthians goal- Emirates is harder than at Corinthians nical director tasked with restoring the keeper coach under Edu, was also im- and with Brazil, because of the state of success he enjoyed there as a player, pressed. “He was the best at organising the Premier League club. For the third including as a member of 2003-04’s everything in the background and cre- year in a row Arsenal have failed to Invincibles. ating a good atmosphere for our players qualify for the Champions League and Edu may not be a manager in the tra- to shine. When he won the Club World they conspicuously lack the fi nancial ditional English sense but his manage- Cup in 2012 with Corinthians I called power of rivals. ment and executive skills have earned him to congratulate him on his amaz- Yet in Edu’s native Brazil there are him three technical director roles since ing work. At Corinthians we worked key fi gures in the game who believe he he gave up playing. The midfi elder re- together for six years. He oversaw a can help create an environment to im- tired while with Corinthians in Decem- revolution. I’ve never seen a bad rela- prove Arsenal. ber 2010 and three months later re- tionship between him and any coach. The former Corinthians president ceived an unexpected invitation to take He has the confi dence of the president, Roberto de Andrade says: “Edu knows that position at the Brazilian club. players and all members of staff .” the business very well, the game and “He didn’t know what to do after he When Edu left Corinthians to take up everything around it. I think he can do stopped playing football,” says Duilio the role with Brazil, he was criticised by something diff erent. In Brazil it’s hard- Monteiro Alves, one of the directors Andres Sanchez, the club’s president. er than working in England. Like Arse- who invited Edu to work for the Sao Sanchez, when questioned about his nal we didn’t have so much money and Paulo side. “However, he had all the stance, says: “I don’t talk about him. he helped us to form a great team.” qualities to become a great director. He Let him be happy.” Gilberto agrees but calls for patience. is very diff erent: polite, speaks many The friendship ended when Edu’s “It’s worrying when you can’t compete languages and has great experience in new job was announced a few days after with other clubs for good players but Europe. It was the best choice.” he had denied he was negotiating a deal Arsenal need to sign around three or The fi rst months were testing, with the Brazilian football federation, four players,” he says. “A big diff erence though. Corinthians had great players the CBF. from the national team, he will now such as Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos but As a coordinator for the CBF, Edu face daily pressure. You play every week had been eliminated from the Copa Lib- was less successful. Brazil’s youth and you are tested every day. But little ertadores a month earlier after a painful teams under performed, eliminated by little he will adapt.” defeat by the Colombian club Tolima. early in the South American Under-17 Edu’s appointment has the approval One of his fi rst aims was to restore calm and Under-20 championships in 2019 of Arsene Wenger, and Gilberto sees to the dressing room and explain to the despite being full of talented prospects. similarities with his former manager. squad how he would operate. Two years ago the Under-20s failed to “Arsene doesn’t like to rush decisions. “When he took over he was very qualify for the World Cup. Before Edu He had his own style, he took care of clear,” recalls Chicao, the club’s former the youth teams could call on three everything. All was very measured, de- defender and captain. “He said that technical scouts, whereas now there is spite having so many things to consider. he was a director but he would remain one professional. For one year under his I see the same in Edu. He is very careful a friend to the players, that he would control the Under-20s did not have a and calculates every step. I think he will work hard to bring peace to our team. coach. have success at Arsenal.” We couldn’t bring these problems on to For the senior team the problems The job reunites Edu with Unai Em- the pitch. He promised this and did it.” started with the organisation for the ery, the pair having worked together at Edu formed a great partnership 2018 World Cup. Selecting Brazil’s Valencia in 2008-09. The club then had with the coach, Tite. Together they training base in Sochi created a problem David Villa, David Silva, Marchena and won the Copa Libertadores, Brazilian because of the long distances to each Raul Albiol but Edu was one of the most championship, Club World Cup, Pau- match. During the group stage Brazil important voices. “He is a real leader,” lista championship and the Recopa. It clocked up 7,000km, more than three says the former Valencia goalkeeper earned the pair promotion to the na- times that of Argentina. Renan. “Because of his history and dai- tional team in 2016, working alongside Edu was widely criticised for seem- ly attitude, he has that impact .”

FOCUS Ronaldo’s 90 minutes on the bench was another own goal in Asia By John Duerden social media post of the next day in The Guardian which he was on the treadmill saying it was good to be home did not help. The K-League has apologised for the he game between Juventus and situation and has been criticised for al- a South Korean K-League All lowing a small agency called The Fasta Star team last Friday in Seoul to organise and promote the game. This ended in a 3-3 draw but the Film Artist Sports and Tech Agency Twinners may be lawyers as thousands of made the event all about Ronaldo, al- Korean fans are calling for their money ways risky as well as possibly annoying back after Cristiano Ronaldo sat on the for the local players as well as for Juven- bench for the entire game – in breach, tus, and has responded by making the organisers claim, of contract. contract public. It seems to stipulate When local politicians are using a that Ronaldo would play 45 minutes club’s Asian tour as another example of and this would be voided only because their country being disrespected on the of injury during the warm-up or game. global stage then it is safe to say it did The penalty clause will cost the Serie A not go well. Juventus spent only around club around a quarter of the £2.5mn or nine hours in Seoul but the damage done so collected for their South Korea visit. to their reputation will last much longer. For The Fasta the consequences may It ends an interesting summer for be more serious. The legal fi rm My- European teams in Asia. Manchester ungan has warned that if there is no United fans booed Ashley Young in Sin- compensation agreed by next week, gapore and Manchester City found their lawsuits on behalf of 2,000 fans and China trip overshadowed by a blistering counting will follow. The agency’s chief attack made on their perceived attitude executive, Robin Jang, has promised to to local fans and media by the state-run come up with something. It may have outlet Xinhua News Agency. The article to be special if The Fasta is to avoid the talked of “utter disrespect shown by fate of the company that brought Bar- Manchester City to their hosts during celona to Seoul in 2010 and then went their tour of China … their appearance bust. The latest episode shows why in China was nothing more than a com- there has been a change in how these mercial obligation and their lack of en- tours usually operate in Asia. thusiasm and the indiff erent treatment Smaller promoters look now to be of their hosts stands in stark contrast to out of their depth when bringing over representatives of other clubs”. big clubs, which is refl ected in the The criticism moved Pep Guardiola growth of Euro giants playing Euro gi- to mount an impassioned defence of ants under the umbrella of the Interna- his players and the club’s behaviour. “I tional Champions Cup. Then there are should say I don’t agree and also that massive corporations such as Rakuten it’s false,” City’s manager said. It is easy of Japan, which can aff ord to bring over to regard everything in the world’s most a team it sponsors, Barcelona, to play populous country as happening as part a team it owns, Vissel Kobe. Or a City of a wider long-term strategic game Football Group that takes Manchester but the overall feeling in China seems City to Japan to meet Yokohama F. Ma- to be that City’s tour was not a disaster rinos, a club it part-owns. and that the commentary, written in Such arrangements reduce risks. English by a foreign reporter, was more South Korean fans turned up to watch Cristiano Ronaldo in Seoul but Juventus kept their star forward on the bench in a friendly match against Team K-League. (AFP) Fans in Asia do not appreciate the feel- refl ective of the annoyance of one in- ing they are being disrespected but Real dividual over a lack of access than any before the game. Grumbles over a can- £280 for tickets had to wait for what Ronaldo stayed on the bench and fans stadium. Maurizio Sarri said Ronaldo bounced back from their ill-fated tour offi cial position in Beijing. celled signing session with fans and a they thought would be a second-half started to leave before the fi nal whistle had muscle fatigue. Local reporters of China in 2005 when their galácticos Juventus survived their Chinese trip delayed kick-off of almost one hour appearance – after all, there were wide- when it became clear the former Real have pointed to the fact that Ronaldo looked as if they would rather be any- intact and Ronaldo played 90 minutes could probably have been assuaged by spread media reports that it had been Madrid forward would not play. It is – nominally a substitute – kept his ear- where else. Real were big and success- against Internazionale in Nanjing last a Ronaldo dribble, free-kick and iconic promised to the K-League and the or- safe to say Juventus did not envisage rings on as evidence he never intended ful enough to restore their reputation. Wednesday. A delayed fl ight meant the goal celebration or two, but more than ganisers, The Fasta, that Ronaldo would their Asian tour ending with chants to leave the bench. The player’s refusal It remains to be seen whether Juventus team arrived in South Korea fi ve hours 60,000 fans who paid between £20 to play at least 45 minutes. of “Messi, Messi” ringing around the to talk to media after the game and his can do the same. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 31, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Ronaldinho facing De Rossi eager to fi nancial troubles in Brazil: report Reuters Sao Paulo run out at Boca’s court in southern Brazil has forbidden ex-Barcelona striker Ronaldinho from sell- ingA 57 of his real estate properties due to an unpaid environmental fi ne and other debts, a Brazilian newspaper reported on Monday. iconic Bombonera The Folha de S.Paulo paper said the former World Player of the Year owes 9.5mn reais ($2.51mn) in unpaid environmental fi nes The 36-year-old midfielder has signed a one-year contract with the Argentine giants after illegally building a pier at his lake house in Porto Alegre. The 39-year-old striker re- AFP Creditors have also taken action tired from football in 2015 after Buenos Aires to recover 7.8mn reais in other spells with a host of clubs in Bra- debts. Authorities have confi s- zil and Europe. He was twice vot- cated Ronaldinho’s passport until ed FIFA player of the year while orld Cup winning Italian the cases are resolved, the news- playing for Barcelona and he also veteran Daniele De Rossi said paper added. The judge in Porto won the World Cup with Brazil in he cannot wait to play in the Alegre said the case fell under ju- 2002. The captain of that team, iconic Bombonera stadium dicial secrecy rules and would not Cafu, is similarly facing fi nan- Was he was unveiled by new club Boca Jun- confi rm or deny any details about cial problems, having had vari- iors on Monday. the newspaper report. ous apartments he owns in Brazil The 36-year-old midfi elder has signed Ronaldinho’s lawyer denied seized by the authorities. a one-year contract with the Argentine the player’s assets were un- Ronaldinho’s net worth is es- giants after bringing down the curtain on der restriction but told Folha de timated at £80-100mn and he his 18-year Roma career at the end of last S.Paulo he could not comment is reported to charge around season. He was cheered wildly when pre- on the details of the case because £150,000 for a single promoted sented to fans at the Bombonera stadium of the judicial secrecy ruling. Instagram post. and given the number 16 shirt — the same as he wore at Roma. “If you love football, if you like great stadiums full of passion, no-one should EVRA REVEALS ROW WITH MAN deny themselves an experience like this,” he said when asked if he had a message for UNITED CHIEF WOODWARD footballers in Europe. Boca are one of the most successful London: Patrice Evra has “Before the end of that season sides not just in Argentina but the whole revealed he threatened Man- Ed told me: ‘Patrice, you’re of South America. They have been Ar- chester United executive vice- going to stay for another year gentine champions 33 times, bettered chairman Ed Woodward during because we’ve got an option in only by historic rivals River Plate with a heated row over his future at your contract,’” Evra told Sky 36, and won the Copa Libertadores — the the club in 2014. Former France Sports yesterday. continental equivalent of the Champions defender Evra retired from “But I told him I needed League — six times, just once less than football on Monday after a glit- to leave because of family fellow-Argentines Independiente who tering career that included an reasons. He shook my hand lead with seven. eight-year spell with United. and said he understood. Then “My aim is the same as Boca’s... to win The left-back played for Unit- in May I was having dinner in the Libertadores, win the league. From ed from 2006 to 2014, winning Dubai on my birthday and had a what I’ve heard it’s to win everything,” five Premier League titles and text from my agent. said De Rossi, who helped Italy claim the one Champions League crown “He told me to go somewhere 2006 World Cup during a 117-cap career. among a host of honours. But quiet and sent me a message While many former Boca players — the 38-year-old, who had a with the statement from United such as Diego Maradona, Walter Samuel short-term deal with West Ham saying they were pleased to and Carlos Tevez — have gone on to en- last season, didn’t always enjoy renew my contract for another joy successful careers in Italy, De Rossi is a smooth ride at Old Traff ord. year. I went mad, I was really the fi rst major Italian star to play for the Evra had told Woodward he disappointed. Buenos Aires outfi t. De Rossi said he was intended to leave United when “I called Ed and swore on the looking forward to playing in “a stimu- Boca Juniors’ new signing Daniele De Rossi speak during the press conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Reuters) his contract expired at the end phone, even threatened him. He lating atmosphere, because that stimulus of the 2013-14 season, but after said I couldn’t talk to the direc- is the most important thing for me since It is likely De Rossi’s relationship with with the Argentinian league. He is a year Rossi. Some remain sceptical of the Ital- initially accepting his decision, tor of football like that and that I live football 24 hours a day. It’s like it Boca’s sporting director, Nicolas Burdis- older than Carlos Tevez, who left Juven- ian’s ability and will to perform at his Woodward announced he had he was going to fine me. After devours me, it eats me up: I don’t want so, helped the club seal the deal. Burdisso tus at his peak to join his boyhood club peak, recalling Dani Osvaldo’s overhyped triggered a one-year contract that Ryan Giggs called and said somewhere that will turn me off .” played at centre-back for Roma between in 2014 after playing in the Champions and underwhelming loan spell in 2015 extension against the player’s I couldn’t leave just because At 36, many suspected the midfi elder 2009 and 2014. Boca also signed winger League fi nal. Argentinian teams are al- from Southampton via Internazionale. wishes. of one man, but it gave me an would retire as a one-club man when Eduardo Salvio from Benfi ca last week. lowed only fi ve spots for international The Argentinian Superliga kicks off Evra went ballistic and threat- excuse to leave. I’d already said Roma did not renew his contract this The club’s manager, Gustavo Alfaro, players in each squad, but the prospec- over the coming weekend, with Boca fac- ened Woodward when he spoke to my wife we were going to summer. But rumours began to fl y in May lauded De Rossi and said: “He’ll add his tive exit of Uruguayan midfi elder Nahitan ing Huracan in their fi rst game. De Rossi to him about the deal. Two leave, but inside I didn’t ever when at a press conference he said: “I still experience and quality”. De Rossi will be Nández to Cagliari, and Colombia-born will get his fi rst taste of a superclasico on months later the defender, then really feel I could. That gave me want to play football, it would be unjust one of the older players in the side, but Frank Fabra being granted Argentinian September 1, when Boca travel to bitter 33, joined Juventus for £1.2mn. a little push.” to me if I decide to stop now.” despite his age, his gritty style will fi t in citizenship, have freed up room for De rivals River.

FRIENDLY BOTTOMLINE Schweinsteiger aims to show Sudan footballers hope for revolution boost AFP ‘best of MLS’ against Atletico Khartoum AFP Orlando, US e has no kit or support system but 17-year-old footballer Emad Salim astian Schweinsteiger hopes Atletico hopes Sudan’s uprising Madrid’s fi nal game of their US tour willH bring a boost to his beloved won’t descend into a fl urry of mayhem sport and help its players step and red cards when the MLS All-Stars onto the world stage. “There are takeB on Diego Simeone’s team today. Atletico’s no facilities or the equipment we 7-3 win over Real Madrid in New Jersey on Friday need,” said Salim, son of a farmer, saw both La Liga clubs reduced to 10 men in an before booting a ball across a dirt unusually highly charged pre-season encounter. pitch in a Khartoum neighbour- Atleti continue their preparations for the hood. “I need shoes, equipment forthcoming La Liga season when they take on and proper training, but there’s the best of Major League Soccer in Orlando, with nothing.” a near sell-out crowd of 25,000 expected at Ex- At sunset, friendly football ploria Stadium. matches are played on patches German World Cup winner Schweinsteiger, of open ground across the capi- who plays in MLS for Chicago Fire, believes tal, with teenagers like Salim Simeone’s side were fi red by the presence of Los kicking up clouds of dust. The Blancos and is adamant his teammates, coached Bastian Schweinsteiger trains on the eve of the pitches have no markings, are full by Orlando City’s James O’Connor, can prosper MLS All-Stars game against Atletico Madrid in of holes and the goal posts are al- without kicking lumps out of the opposition. Orlando, US. (USA TODAY Sports) most always without a net. “Intense games are always good but the other “There is nobody to moti- night I am sure the rivalry between the teams also show our quality we can defi nitely compete. Their vate me,” said Salim, a resident Sudanese youngsters play football on a dirt field in Khartoum. (AFP) played a part,” Schweinsteiger, the former Bayern approach is dictated by Simeone. He’s done an of Tuti Island, where the Blue Munich and Manchester United midfi elder, said. amazing job over the last fi ve years and they have Nile and White Nile meet in the any kind of training or manage- The last time Sudan qualifi ed skills,” he said, adding that every “I think this will be diff erent — we don’t want to become one the top teams in Europe. That’s why capital. “I hope the revolution ment, said the vice president of for the continent’s biennial tour- player dreams of playing for the hurt anyone, we just want to play our way and we it will be interesting.” changes this,” he said, referring the Sudanese Football Associa- nament was in 2012, even though two leading Sudanese clubs, Al- want to show what is the best of MLS.” Atletico, who take their tour to Mexico at the to the months-long mass protest tion, Al-Fatih Bani. it has been expanded to a 24-na- Hilal and Al-Merrikh. The All-Star game in MLS, like those in the weekend, remain angry with Barcelona over the movement that led to the ouster Local clubs avoid improving tion format. In 1989, Omdur- A Sudanese player has never NBA and Major League Baseball, is designed as sale of French star Antoine Griezmann, whose of longtime president Omar al- facilities because there are no man-based Al-Merrikh became been picked up by a European a mid-season exhibition respite. Although with 120mn euro ($135mn) transfer was contested by Bashir in April. competitive leagues for youths, the only Sudanese team to win an club, said Bani, but the country is Simeone preparing for a strong challenge in Atleti. Discussions between the two Spanish gi- Many say Bashir’s three dec- he said. While there are some African club trophy. a lucrative destination for foreign La Liga and the Champions League, the Span- ants are on-going, but Simeone refused to be ades of iron-fi sted rule sidelined 30 well-maintained pitches in Sudanese football fans are of- players as Sudanese clubs are iards — who have spent upwards of 219mn euros drawn into a war of words with his recently de- the sport — a national pastime. the country, they are privately ten seen sporting the shirts of in- hungry for professionals. “Ba- ($240mn) this summer following the departures parted striker. “I value the performance from There are no competitive youth owned and open only to the elite, ternational clubs instead of their shir’s regime hurt the sport im- of Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez and Ro- him,” the Argentine said. “He has answered eve- leagues in Sudan, meaning young Bani added. Sudan has never national team, the result of its mensely,” said Mohamed Harun, dri — will be very competitive. rything on the fi eld and wish him nothing but the players like Salim can only play qualifi ed for the World Cup, even poor record brought on by dec- an Al-Hilal board member. “His “I like this All-Star concept a lot, you play best at Barcelona. And that is it.” in friendly matches between lo- though the country was a pioneer ades of offi cial neglect, according regime considered football a with the best players in the league, have a diff er- With Griezmann gone, the focus now is on cal clubs. Their skills are further of the sport on the continent. to Bani. “Many talented players tribal activity that did not de- ent coach — this one is Irish — and we are playing Portuguese wonderkid Joao Felix who was signed cramped by poorly maintained Along with Egypt and Ethiopia, do not get the opportunity to im- serve support or investment.” against a top team from Europe so will be a good earlier this summer from Benfi ca for 126mn euros pitches, which cause regular in- it helped to found the African prove and advance,” said Monzer For those like Salim or Bani, test,” Schweinsteiger said. ($142mn). Compatriot Nani, who will play for the juries that often end many tal- Football Confederation, but has Hassan, a coach of a youth team. the revolution that ousted Bashir “They have invested a lot of money in new MLS All-Stars at his home ground today, predicts ented players’ careers before they only won the African Cup of Na- “A complete lack of football could herald a turnaround. “I hope players, they are very strong, very tough and they a bright future for the 19 year-old midfi elder who even take off . The matches are tions once in 1970 when it hosted academies deprives these tal- the revolution gives a strong push have a very good coach. It won’t be easy but if we impressed in the previous match against Real. “disorganised” and players lack the tournament. ented players from honing their to football in Sudan,” said Bani.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Gueye leaves Everton for PSG Paris: Senegal midfielder Tuchel tells PSG players Idrissa Gueye has completed his transfer from Everton to Paris Saint-Germain, the French champions confirmed yesterday. “Paris St Germain is thrilled to announce the signing of Idrissa Gueye!” the to ‘make sacrifi ces’ club tweeted with a picture of “Gana” holding up a shirt with squad number 27. The 29-year-old, who reached the semi-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Senegal, was aft er Mbappe shines courted previously by PSG during the January transfer window. He has also been linked with a move to Man- PSG play Rennes in the domestic Trophee des Champions on Saturday in Shenzhen chester United. Gueye has signed a deal AFP until 2023 but no transfer Suzhou, China fee has been disclosed. But reports in Britain said the fee was understood to be €32mn aris Saint-Germain coach Tho- (£29mn). This was after Ever- mas Tuchel warned his side ton rejected had £21.5mn off er that they must pull together from PSG in January. and “make sacrifi ces” after Marco Silva had hoped to Pthey eased to a 3-0 friendly win over keep Gueye at Goodison Park Sydney FC yesterday in China. this season but the player was The German spoke a day after mid- determined to join the French fi elder Julian Draxler said that the champions. “I’m immensely “egos” of Neymar and the French proud to sign for Paris Saint- champions’ other star forwards did not Germain,” he told the club always make it easy for the team. website. “After focusing on the Tuchel is under pressure to take PSG AFCON with Senegal, I wanted deep into the Champions League in the to give a new boost to my club forthcoming season, while successfully career by joining Paris Saint- defending their Ligue 1 title is almost Germain, one of the most a formality. Tuchel was not forthcom- structured and ambitious ing on the future of Neymar, saying he sports projects in Europe. I had “no news”, after the Brazilian made can’t wait to take in the amaz- it clear that he wants to return to his ing atmosphere of the Parc former club Barcelona. des Princes, which impressed “For me, he’s our player... it (his fu- me during my first seasons in ture) is a question between him and the France.” club,” was all Tuchel would say. Gueye played seven But he was forthright about what he seasons with Lille from 2008 wants from his star-studded squad, to 2015 before moving to Eng- which earlier in the day was embel- land to join Aston Villa in 2016, lished by the arrival of Everton mid- playing 108 matches in three fi elder Idrissa Gueye. With PSG playing seasons with the club. Rennes in the domestic Trophee des Everton have made a sub- Champions on Saturday in Shenzhen, stantial profit on the 29-year- Tuchel said: “We have to be ready, there old Gueye, who signed from are still a lot of things to improve. Aston Villa for £8m in 2016. “It’s a question of team eff ort, the The Senegal international intensity that we are willing to give, played in France for Lille from the closeness that we play all together 2008 to 2015. Yesterday, the against the ball, the sacrifi ces that we Merseyside club also agreed are willing to make. If we are willing to a deal to sign the 19-year-old make sacrifi ces, if we are willing to go Juventus forward Moise Kean over all obstacles, then for sure we are for an initial £29mn, with the ready. But if we have big spaces, if we player due to fly to England don’t all play together, for sure we will on Wednesday to finalise the not be ready.” Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (right) scores against Sydney FC during the International Super Cup friendly match in Suzhou, China, yesterday. (AFP) move, The Guardian reported. Kylian Mbappe was earlier the star Everton have signed Fabian of the show once more for PSG, scoring focus of attention. There was a buzz of minutes later it was 2-0, Cavani hook- is positive. I still feel like we’re a little PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp said Delph and Jonas Lossl this an eye-catching fi rst goal in sweltering anticipation each time the 20-year-old ing the ball in after Redmayne parried. tired; we lacked a little rhythm in the the humid conditions made it diffi cult summer and turned Andre Suzhou. Strike partner Edinson Cavani prodigy received the ball. The fl oppy-haired Uruguayan and fi rst half and we lacked a little speed. for him and his teammates to operate Gomes’s loan from Barcelona also scored in the fi rst half before sub- Moments after the Australians had a Mbappe were subbed at the break as And because of the intensity, we con- at the highest level. “It’s very compli- into a permanent transfer. stitute Metehan Guclu netted with a goal ruled out for off -side, World Cup coach Thomas Tuchel changed all his ceded a few too many chances. The cated, with these playing conditions. Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha clever fl ick a minute from time. winner Mbappe put his team on the outfi eld players. PSG play Rennes in the youngsters, with Jese and Kurzawa, It’s hot, so it’s not easy for the players. remains a target for the club In the absence of Neymar, who is way to a comfortable friendly win as domestic Trophee des Champions on had a very good second half. We played But we put into practice what the coach as they look to improve on working his way back to full fi tness af- he exchanged passes with Juan Bernat Saturday in Shenzhen. higher up the pitch, won more balls and wanted, we scored two goals in the fi rst their eighth-place finish in the ter injury and could feature on Satur- before fi ring beyond Sydney goalkeeper Tuchel was happy with his team’s pressed better. It was a really good sec- half, then the youngsters came in. We Premier League last season. day, the French starlet Mbappe was the Andrew Redmayne on 37 minutes. Six workout. “We won both halves. This ond half for us,” the German said. showed qualities,” he said.

FOCUS FRIENDLY United in talks to sign Dybala from Juventus Real’s pre-season struggles By Fabrizio Romano His preference since last season ended has group victory at Old Traff ord last October. The Guardian been to stay at Juventus but an attractive of- Lukaku has been a prime target for Antonio fer could change his mind and he knows his Conte but Intern Milan failed with a £54mn continue with loss to Spurs employers would like him to go if it clears bid and have said they cannot increase that. anchester United are holding the way for them to get Lukaku. Dybala is “We made a strong off er, one that is valid AFP talks that could lead to Paulo a creative attacking player who joined Ju- and suited to the transfer value of the player Munich, Germany Dybala signing from Juventus ventus from Palermo in 2015 for an initial and we were unable to conclude a deal,” the as part of a swap deal involving €32mn and was part of the Argentina squad Inter chief executive, Beppe Marotta, told MRomelu Lukaku. Dybala’s agent is in Eng- at last year’s World Cup and this year’s Copa Sky Sport Italia. That has led Juventus, who eal Madrid’s disastrous land for discussions with United and the America. The 25-year-old can play across are managed by Maurizio Sarri, to try to sign pre-season continued player will then decide whether he wants to a variety of attacking roles and scored the Lukaku. The forward is keen on a transfer yesterday as they lost join the Premier League club. only goal in Juventus’s Champions League after two seasons at United. 1-0 to Tottenham in Munich.R “Our defeat was well deserved,” Real midfi elder Tony QNB STARS LEAGUE Kroos told German TV after the match. “It’s true that we’re not quite in good shape.” Harry Kane scored the only Mexican defender Moreno joins Gharafa goal of the game with a deft fi n- ish after pouncing on a disas- exican central defender Hector top-fl ight outfi t Nacional de Madeira, for trous pass by Marcelo, who was Moreno has left Real Sociedad whom he appeared just seven times, scor- trying to prevent a throw in, after in Spain to sign for Al Gharafa ing three goals – all of which came in his 22 minutes. Humiliated 7-3 last Tottenham’s Harry Kane (right) scores past Real Madrid goalkeeper in the Qatari league, both clubs second match for the club against Feirense week by Atletico Madrid, Real Keylor Navas during the friendly match in Munich yesterday. (Reuters) Mannounced yesterday. The 31-year-old has in February. could thank goalkeeper Keylor played 100 times for Mexico. Rashidov has already linked up with his Navas, starting in place of injured tween Bayern and Fenerbahce. proposed transfer to Jiangsu He has played for Espanyol, PSV Eind- new teammates at Qatar SC’s pre-season Thibaut Courtois, for preventing Real will have the opportunity to Suning on Sunday in a dispute hoven and Roma. “Real Sociedad and Al camp in Madrid ahead of the resumption of a heavier defeat against an en- make amends tomorrow against over the fee and the Chinese club Gharafa SC have reached an initial agree- his career in the Gulf, where he has previ- terprising and more aggressive the loser. Zidane’s men then announced on Monday they had ment for the transfer of Hector Moreno,” ously appeared for clubs in both Qatar and Spurs team. travel to Austria to face Salzburg signed Croatian striker Ivan San- the San Sebastian club said. the United Arab Emirates. Madrid survived some goal- on August 6, then to Italy for a tini from Anderlecht instead. “The player is in Qatar, with the per- Qatar SC narrowly avoided relegation last mouth scares in the fi rst half. match against AS Rome, the last Bale, 30, has been at the centre mission of the club, to pass the medical season, needing to overcome Muaitheer SC After the break, Dele Alli went friendly before the starting the of transfer talk since Zidane re- examination.” Al Gharafa club then posted a in a play-off to retain their top-fl ight status close twice and 17-year-old Troy Spanish league away to Celta turned as coach of Real in March. picture of Moreno in Qatar. after fi nishing in 11th place. Parrott hit the inside of the post. Vigo on August 17. The Frenchman has made no se- Last week, Gharafa confi rmed the signing Zinedine Zidane’s team have Meanwhile, Bale’s future at cret of his desire to offl oad Bale of Algerian attacking midfi elder Sofi ane HERNANDEZ JOINS AL AHLI conceded 13 goals and lost three Real took another twist when who joined Real Madrid in a then Hanni from Russia’s Spartak Moscow. ON FREE TRANSFER of their four warm-up games. he was left out of the friendly world record £85mn move from Capped six times by his country, Hanni Uruguay international Abel Hernandez has “We started off very badly, matches. “Bale did not travel Tottenham in 2013. began his professional career in France with joined Al Ahli on a free transfer for a three- the opponent took advantage of in order to resolve his future,” The Spanish press has been Nantes before going on to play for clubs in year contract. He was released by his former our mistakes,” said Kroos. With Spanish sports daily Marca re- mooting a possible return to both Turkey and Belgium. He joined Spar- club CSKA Moscow. Gareth Bale, the source of tur- ported yesterday, adding that Champions League fi nalists tak in January 2018. The 28-year-old striker previously moil in recent weeks, left out of Real Madrid were still in talks Tottenham although Bale’s sal- Gharafa fi nished eighth in the Qatar Stars played for English side Hull City, breaking the squad for the trip to Munich with Chinese side Jiangsu Suning ary demands are likely to be far League standings last season. the club’s transfer record in 2014 when he and James Rodriguez yet to start who had off ered the Welshman beyond the pay structure at the signed for £10 million. after returning from Bayern, Real a three-year-deal worth £1mn north London club. Bale’s agent UZBEK STRIKER RASHIDOV Hernandez was heavily speculated to be rarely threatened. ($1.1mn) a week. Jonathan Barnett has already in- SIGNS FOR QATAR SC heading to Championship outfi t Notting- Star summer recruit Eden However the Chinese club ap- sisted that any deal which sees Uzbekistan international striker Sar- A three-time Uzbekistan Super League ham Forest in recent weeks but his move to Hazard was invisible. Both teams pear to have shut the door on Bale the Welshman leave the Berna- dor Rashidov has returned to Asian club winner who has been capped 49 times Al Ahli will bring a lift to the Brigadiers who will be in action again today. Tot- and sports daily AS says he could beu would have to be a perma- football, joining Qatar Sports Club ahead by his country, Rashidov joins the Doha have been struggling for goals in the last tenham play the winner of the be headed for a Premier League nent one and not one that sees of the 2019-20 Qatar Stars League season. club after a brief stint with Portuguese couple of seasons. last night’s second match, be- return. Real Madrid held up the him shipped out on loan.