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Saturday, July 13, 2019 ATHLETICS Dhul-Qa’da 10, 1440 AH Samba takes GULF TIMES second spot in 400m in Monaco SPORT Page 2

TENNIS/WIMBLEDON Federer downs Nadal to set up Djokovic duel in fi nal “I’m exhausted, it was tough at the end. Rafa played some unbelievable shots to stay in the match, it was a very high level’

AFP fi rst time in the fourth game of London the third set. He then fought off three break points for a key 4-1 lead, coming out on top in a 23- oger Federer reached shot rally and then a 25-stroke his 12th Wimbledon fi - exchange. nal yesterday, defeating There was no respite for old rival Rafael Nadal, Nadal, an 18-time Slam winner, R11 years after the Spaniard tri- who slipped a break down at 2-1 umphed in their epic 2008 title in the fourth.Nadal saved two showdown at the All England match points in the ninth game Club, a match widely regarded and two more in the 10th but a as the greatest ever played. loose return sealed his fate. The 37-year-old eight-time Federer fi nished with 14 aces champion won 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, and 51 winners. 6-3, 6-4 in the pair’s 40th career Djokovic, meanwhile, will be meeting to move into his 31st looking to add another Wim- Grand Slam fi nal where he will bledon title to the Australian face defending champion Novak and US Open crowns he already Djokovic. holds. Top seed and four-time win- “This has been a remarkable ner Djokovic reached his sixth tournament for me and to be in Wimbledon fi nal, and 25th at the another fi nal is a dream come majors, with a nervy 6-2, 4-6, true,” said the top seed. 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Spain’s Djokovic swept through the 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut. fi rst set with breaks in the sec- “I’m exhausted, it was tough ond and eighth games. It seemed at the end. Rafa played some certain that Djokovic was going unbelievable shots to stay in the to spend a lot less time on court match, it was a very high level,” in this semi-fi nal compared to 12 said Federer. months ago when he needed fi ve “The battles with Rafa are al- sets and fi ve hours and 15 min- ways special. The biggest points utes to beat Nadal. went my way, there were some However, Bautista Agut, who tight ones in the long rallies.” Switzerland’s Roger Federer had already defeated the Serb Federer is the third oldest man reacts after winning his semi-final twice this year, eventually set- ever to play in a Grand Slam fi nal match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal tled and broke for 2-1 in the sec- after 39-year-old Ken Rosewall yesterday at Wimbledon. ond set. Djokovic fought off two featured in the 1974 Wimbledon break points, via a 23-shot rally, and US Open fi nals. loss at a Slam in 11 years in the in the fi fth game. However, he will have his work Roland Garros semi-fi nals. In a But the 31-year-old Bautista cut out on Sunday if he is to se- tight 51-minute opener, Nadal Agut held his nerve to eventually cure a 21st major title as he trails managed to save the only break level the semi-fi nal at 6-4 off a 15-time Slam winner Djokovic point in the eighth game before fortuitous net cord. 25-22 in career meetings. surrendering the advantage of Djokovic, increasingly irritat- “Novak is the defending an early mini-break in the tie- ed by a restless crowd, broke for champion and he has shown that breaker which Federer claimed 4-2 in the third set and held for this week,” added Federer. thanks to fi ve points in a row. 5-2 off the back of a lung-bust- “He has been really solid. I will The Spaniard fi nally carved ing 45-shot rally. The set was se- try and push him to the brink but out the fi rst break of the semi- cured, ironically off another net it will be diffi cult as it’s not for fi nal in the fourth game of the cord which fell this time in the nothing that he is number one. second set, backing it up with a Serb’s favour. “But I am very very excited to hold for 4-1. Bautista Agut, who had say the least.” Nadal then broke again for 5-1 planned to be in Ibiza this week Yesterday’s semi-fi nal was as Federer suff ered a sudden and for his stag party, fought off never likely to match the knife- severe power outage with the break points in the opening edge theatrics of the 2008 fi nal two-time champion comfort- game of the fourth set. although Federer needed fi ve able levelling the contest. But Djokovic was relentless match points to secure victory. Federer, the oldest semi-fi - and tightened his grip, breaking Federer will not mind with nalist in a Grand Slam semi-fi nal twice for a 4-1 lead, and even- his win coming just a month af- Robert Federer, father of Roger Federer, with Roger’s wife Mirka at Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Spain’s Roberto since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 tually claimed victory on a fi fth ter Nadal handed him his worst Wimbledon yesterday. Bautista Agut. US Open, broke Nadal for the match point. Al-Attiyah powers to sixth straight stage win

By Sports Reporter before him, al-Attiyah and co- we hesitated, but in the end Dalanzadgad, Mongolia driver Mathieu Baumel went off everything worked out OK,” said course by about three kilometres al-Attiyah. on the stage from Mandalgovi to “It is the sixth victory on the here’s no such thing as a Dalanzadgad. trot for us. Tomorrow is relaxed ‘sure thing’ in rally-raid, But what saved al-Attiyah’s stage- – just 550 kilometres of liaison as Qatar’s Nasser al-At- winning streak was the fact that to go into China, where we will Ttiyah found out during Russian Denis Krotov, who had discover the dunes of the Gobi the Silk Way Rally yesterday. gotten way ahead in his Mini Desert,” he added. On the finish line of the sixth JCW, got stuck with a puncture The second place went to Eric stage, a couple of kilometres and gearbox problems. Van Loon, allowing the Overdrive from the bivouac, the blue sky That allowed al-Attiyah to get Team to score another double. gave way to clouds and some ahead despite having to do a The Dutchman finally beat Math- light rain. Getting out of his Toyo- course correction as the Qatari ieu Serradori (Buggy CR6 SRT) by ta, al-Attiyah (Toyota Gazoo Rac- ace, aiming to win his first Silk just 10 seconds. Overall al-Attiyah ing Overdrive) wasn’t wearing his Way Rally crown, stayed on track is now 40 minutes ahead of the usual sunny smile. He knew he with his sixth straight stage win. Chinese driver Liu Kun (Hanwei had just put at risk his run of five “The special was diff icult to SMG) and 15 minutes up on consecutive stage wins. navigate. You had to really pay Jérôme Pélichet (Optimus Raid Like some of the best bike riders attention. At certain points Lynx), eighth on today’s stage. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, July 13, 2019 SPORT

ATHLETICS Samba powers to second in 400m, Gatlin tops 100m By Sports Reporter my rhythm back,” added the opened his Diamond League pic gold medallist and current Monte Carlo 400m hurdles Asian Games season in Shanghai with a world champion who served a gold medallist and the Asian 47.27 second eff ort to win the doping ban between 2006-10, champion. 400m hurdles gold before in- was having none of it, rush- atar’s Abderrah- The World Championships jury forced a break. ing to take a selfi e with a fan at man Samba made a will be held at Doha’s Khalifa Meanwhile, veteran Ameri- the Stade Louis II as he blasted roaring return from International Stadium come can sprinter Justin Gatlin through the line in full knowl- injury, fi nishing sec- September. scored one for the older gener- edge he had won. Qond in the men’s 400m at the Samba won the 400m fl at in ation by outsprinting up-and- The result confi rmed Gat- Diamond League event in Mo- Pretoria, before unsurprisingly coming compatriot Noah Lyles lin’s good form on the Monaco naco yesterday. running away with 400m hur- to victory in the 100m. track having run 19.6sec over Samba, who had set a per- dles gold at the Asian Champi- In balmy conditions, the 200m from lane seven in 2014 sonal best of 44.60 seconds in onships in April, an event that 37-year-old Gatlin kept both and a meet record of 9.78sec in the discipline in South Africa served as a test event for the his nerve and form after an the 100m in 2015. to kick-start his build-up to IAAF World Athletics Cham- average start to streak through Sifan Hassan of the Neth- the World Championships, ran pionships Doha 2019. the fi nish line in 9.91 seconds, erlands broke the 23-year-old a 45-second lap at the Stade Last year, Samba was un- just one-hundredth of a sec- women’s mile world record Louis II to fi nish behind Ste- beaten in six Diamond League ond ahead of Lyles, 21. when she clocked four min- ven Gardiner of the Bahamas, events even becoming only the Lyles had been much vaunt- utes 12.33 seconds, beating the who won the event in 44.51 second man after the world ed coming into the race, hav- 4:12.56 set by Russia’s Svet- seconds. record holder Kevin Young of ing timed a breath-taking lana Masterkova in Zurich in “I’m so happy with that,” the US to dip under 47 seconds 19.50sec over 200m last week 1996. 23-year-old Samba said. in the 400m hurdles event, in Lausanne, making him the Hassan looked to be off the “I’m just back from injury. winning in Paris in a time of fourth-fastest sprinter ever pace in the rarely-run event I missed a few weeks but it’s 46.98 seconds. over that distance. but fi nished strongly to set the all good now. I felt like I got In ominous fashion, he But Gatlin, the 2004 Olym- new mark.

TENNIS Calm before the storm? Halep aims to stop Serena Williams will hope for a happier ending than being out-played by Angelique Kerber in last year’s Wimbledon final

AFP something of a rollercoaster. London Sublime against Strycova — who had ousted four seeds on Serena Williams’s seven Wimbledon titles her way to the semi-fi nals — she erena Williams’s place wobbled badly against compa- among the legends of triot Alison Riske in the previous tennis is assured but her round. mission will not be ac- Calmness was not the adjective complishedS unless she at least to describe her emotions dur- equals Margaret Court’s record ing the Riske match and even she haul of 24 Grand Slam singles ti- admits her serenity on Thursday tles. could be replaced by a contrast- The 37-year-old American ing demeanour come today. gets a third chance in a year to go “It’s a day-to-day basis with level with the controversial Aus- me,” she said. We all know that. tralian when she plays another I’m far from perfect.” former world number one Simo- Halep, the fi rst Romanian na Halep in the Wimbledon fi nal woman to play in the Wimbledon on Saturday. fi nal, has the weaponry to upset Aside from the one-on-one Williams. rivalry on court, both women However, she will want her have a member of the royal fam- serve to be more reliable than it ily rooting for them — Williams’s was in the early stages of her ul- friend Meghan, Duchess of Sus- timately easy semi-fi nal win over sex, and Halep favouring Kate, Elina Svitolina. Duchess of Cambridge. The 27-year-old has won just Williams will hope for a hap- one of the four Grand Slam fi nals pier ending than being out- in which she has appeared — last played both by Angelique Ker- year’s French Open. ber in last year’s Wimbledon But she has shown already she final and Naomi Osaka in the US can deal with a partisan crowd Open final where a spectacular having beaten 15-year-old Coco meltdown torpedoed her cause, Gauff on Monday. leading her to eventually con- The size of the challenge con- sult a therapist. fronting her is refl ected in hav- Williams claimed after her ing won just one of her 10 pre- semi-fi nal romp over unseeded vious meetings with Williams, Czech Barbora Strycova that the although she has regularly taken Court landmark is not on her her to three sets. mind. “I believe that I have my “I thought about it this morn- Romania’s Simona Halep takes part in a practice session at The All chance to win against her,” said ing,” she said. England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon yesterday. Halep. A combination of photographs created on July 12, 2019 shows US player Serena Williams posing with “I actually didn’t think about it “Of course, I respect a lot what the Venus Rosewater Dish trophy on each of her seven women’s singles Wimbledon Championships since because it’s really not about felt when she beat sister Venus “That’s why she came back to she has done and what she’s do- victories at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon. (L-R top) in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010 and 24 or 23 or 25. in 2002 for her fi rst Wimbledon playing tennis after having a baby ing. But now I feel stronger men- (L-R bottom) 2012, 2015, 2016. On July 13, 2019, Serena Williams will try to win an eighth Wimbledon “It’s really just about going out title — will reassure her coach and so many medical complica- tally facing her. title and record-equalling 24th Grand Slam. there and giving my best eff ort no Patrick Mouratoglou. tions,” he said. “We will see what is going to matter what. The 49-year-old Frenchman “The eff ort she’s put in, I’ve happen. It’s just a big challenge 2002 bt Venus Williams (USA) coming the oldest winner since “No matter what I do, I will is more forthright over the rea- never seen something like this. for me.” 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 — Serena defeats Martina Navratilova in 1990. always have a great career. I just son why Williams has returned to “You have no idea how hard However, for Halep it is not two-time defending champion The younger Williams sister kind of let it go this morning. I the tour after giving birth to her she worked to come back to that about being the latest player to and sister Venus to win her first draws level with Venus on five feel really calm about it.” daughter Olympia. level, and she came back for that, deny Williams equalling Court’s Wimbledon singles title. Serena titles at the tournament. Her claiming to be calm — she It is chasing down 76-year-old so it will probably mean a lot if landmark. also claims the world number Radwanska is the first Polish attributes this to digging into her Court’s landmark set between she makes it.” “I’m desperate to win Wim- one ranking for the first time, woman in a Grand Slam final memory and recalling how she 1960 and 1973. Williams’s campaign has been bledon more than to stop her.” adding the All England Club since 1939. crown to her win the previous month at the French Open. 2015 bt Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 6-4, 6-4 — A 21st major for Long road back to singles competition, says Murray 2003 bt Venus Williams (USA) Serena as she adds Wimbledon 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 — Serena clinches to her Australian and French Reuters can go on a singles court and 2017 in connection to a debt her second straight Wimbledon Open titles in 2015, completing London try to play best of five sets, to private bankers Arbuthnot crown with victory coming in Elder sister Venus was the ‘Serena Slam’ having also otherwise I could do damage if Latham & Co, and the company the wake of her defeat to Justine beaten thrice by Serena won the US Open in the previous the strength isn’t there.” dealing with his bankruptcy Henin in the Roland Garros in the Wimbledon final. year. ormer world number The three-times Grand Slam decided to auction 82 items semi-finals. “There was definitely pressure one Andy Murray has winner said he would focus from his collection. Venus struggled with an ab- against Elena Dementieva in the towards the end. Garbine started said it could take up to on physical conditioning to They included a replica of the dominal and thigh injury which semi-finals. Venus was attempt- playing really well and I just had Fa year for him to regain improve the strength in his hip Davis Cup winners trophy, aff ected her serve and move- ing to become the first player to to think to stay out there and the strength in his hip needed over the next four to six weeks. which fetched 52,100 pounds, ment as the final went on. win the women’s singles title for work really hard.” for a return to singles action. “I’m happy to be pain free and an international tennis hall of “She’s tougher than I ever three consecutive years since Serena was unable to complete The 32-year-old claimed the want to get my hip as good as it fame ring as well as watches thought she was,” said Serena. Steff i Graf from 1991-1993. the calendar Grand Slam when doubles title with Feliciano can be. Once it is strong again and playing clothes. “I knew she was tough but she’s she went on to lose in the semi- Lopez at Queen’s Club on his re- I can get back to competing,” The auction was to be held gone on to a whole diff erent 2010 bt Vera Zvonareva (RUS) finals in New York to Roberta turn to competitive tennis late Murray added. last year but was delayed after level. To play today knowing she 6-3, 6-2 — World number one Vinci. last month after undergoing are severed and stitched back Becker claimed diplomatic was injured, she’s definitely up Serena powers past Vera Zvon- career-saving hip resurfacing up so it takes a lot of time and Becker’s trophy auction immunity from bankruptcy there with the real fighters and areva in just 66 minutes to win 2016 bt Angelique Kerber surgery in January. needs hard physical work to re- raises 680,000 pounds proceedings by taking up a role champions.” a fourth Wimbledon, preserv- (GER) 7-5, 6-3 — A seventh Wim- The Scot lost in the second cover properly,” Murray wrote An online auction of German with Central African Republic as ing her record of not having bledon for the American and round of the men’s doubles at in his column https://www.bbc. tennis great Boris Becker’s a sports envoy. 2009 bt Venus Williams 7-6 dropped a set in the process. 22nd Grand Slam title, equalling Wimbledon with Pierre-Hugues com/sport/tennis/48941585 for trophies and memorabilia has “The highest bid in 2018 for (7/3), 6-2 — Serena again defeats It is her 13th Grand Slam singles Steff i Graf’s Open era record of Herbert and in the third round the BBC raised more than 680,000 the US Open Trophy was her sister, the two-time defend- title. major titles. of mixed doubles with Serena “That strength is not going to pounds ($852,652), with his 36,000 pounds and this year ing champion. It is her third “It makes the victory even Williams, but said there was still come back in just three or four 1989 US Open trophy attract- it is 150,250 pounds, which is Wimbledon singles title and 2012 bt Agnieszka Radwanska sweeter to know how hard I a long way to go before a return months, it could take nine or 12 ing the highest bid of 150,250 fantastic,” Smith and William- 11th Grand Slam singles trophy (POL) 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 — The 30-year- worked hard for it. This court to singles competition. months. pounds. son’s Mark Ford, lead trustee overall. She takes victory after old American wins a fifth definitely feels like home,” she “During a hip resurfacing “I need to get those muscles The 51-year-old was declared to Becker’s bankruptcy estate, having saved a match point Wimbledon and 14th major, be- said. operation... a lot of muscles back to a certain level before I bankrupt by a British court in told the BBC. Gulf Times Saturday, July 13, 2019 3 SPORT

Retractable roof system installed at Al Bayt Stadium

The Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy (SC), which is responsible for organising the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has released latest pictures of Al Bayt Stadium located in Al Khor City. The SC said in a tweet that the retractable roof system installation for the Al Bayt Stadium has been completed and the external facade and roof membrane installation was continuing at rapid pace. The venue is scheduled to open at the end of this year. Al Bayt is one of the eight stadiums that will host World Cup matches, two of which are already finished, namely Al Janoub and Khalifa International. The stadium, which will host matches right through to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, is designed in the style of a traditional Bedouin tent. Al Bayt will off er commercial and recreational facilities. After 2022, the capacity of the stadium will be reduced to 30,000 instead of the 60,000 for the tournament.

F1 RUGBY Cane to captain Bottas fastest in All Blacks against Pumas in opener Reuters fore the team left for Argentina. Wellington “As much as we want him to play and he needs game time, if he’s British GP practice not 100 per cent, there’s no point am Cane will lead the putting him out there and him All Blacks in their open- reinjuring it. “We’ll make that Crowd favourite Hamilton was 0.069 slower with Ferrari’s Leclerc third in 1:26.929 ing Rugby Championship decision next week.” match against Argentina Anton Lienert-Brown and nextS week in Buenos Aires, con- Ngani Laumape are likely to start tinuing the forward’s remarkable against the Pumas, with Ennor return from a broken neck. to provide cover for the midfi eld. Regular captain Kieran Read Hansen added the Pumas would and his deputy Sam Whitelock be confi dent they could beat the are both staying back in New All Blacks for the fi rst time, with Zealand to prepare for the July the side mostly made up of play- 27 clash with the Springboks in ers from Super Rugby fi nalists Wellington after they helped the Jaguares. “They’re a big pack, Canterbury Crusaders to a 10th they’ve got a lot of confi dence, Super Rugby title last week. and they’ve just had a little bit The uncapped Sevu Reece of adversity so will be somewhat and Braydon Ennor and George more determined,” he said. Bridge, who played against Japan “It would be a great way to get last year, are the only Crusad- rid of the pain of losing the fi nal if ers players travelling to Argen- they beat us.” tina for the July 20 clash. The The All Blacks also tend to be 27-year-old Cane, who broke a slow starters in their interna- bone in his neck last October in tional season and with the side South Africa, only returned to playing just fi ve tests before the the fi eld towards the end of the Rugby World Cup starts in Japan Super Rugby season. in two months, Hansen was keen He has led the team on two pre- they hit the ground running. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in action during the practice session for the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit in Silverstone, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) vious occasions — against Na- “We’re always a bit rusty in the mibia during the last World Cup fi rst two or three games of the Reuters think there’s still room for improvement.” beat. There’s more we can do defi nitely.” plan on how I can improve things,” said and Italy in 2016. Injury-prone season,” Hansen said. Silverstone, England Hamilton said the wind, with gusty Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly was quicker Gasly after his best Friday of the season so midfi eld back Sonny Bill Wil- “But we’re excited about what spells, had been tricky. “We were up there than team mate Max Verstappen in both far. “It will be important not to make any liams will travel with the squad we’re doing, we’re excited about nonetheless, and it looks like we’ll be in sessions, fastest overall on an overcast mistakes and perform tomorrow when but coach Steve Hansen said he the people we’ve got doing it and altteri Bottas kept Mercedes the fi ght. It’s always diffi cult to say after and changeable morning and then fi fth in it’s important, but the feeling I have today would not risk the 33-year-old’s the team is going to be pretty dif- teammate Lewis Hamilton off the fi rst day though and the Ferraris are the afternoon. is a lot better.” sore hamstring unless required. ferent because the big guns from the top of the timesheets in prac- usually a little bit slower on a Friday and Bottas had been top for most of that Renault raised their hopes with Nico “He is a shot to play but we’re the Crusaders are staying home. tice for the Formula One leader’s then pick up the pace on Saturday,” he fi rst session, however, until Gasly went Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo sev- not going to risk him,” Hansen It’s giving people an opportunity Vhome British Grand Prix yesterday, with added. Hamilton has won four of the last quicker right at the end when conditions enth and eighth in the morning but they told reporters in Auckland be- to express themselves.” Ferrari emerging as best of the rest. fi ve British Grands Prix and is chasing a improved and a light drizzle ended. dropped down to 14th and 15th after The Finn, 31 points behind the fi ve- fi fth successive pole position in front of Verstappen, winner of the previous lunch, with the Australian ahead of his times world champion after nine races, what is likely to be a record crowd and race in Austria to end Mercedes’ run of German teammate. lapped the former airfi eld in one minute well in excess of 140,000 tomorrow. 10 successive wins, was third fastest in McLaren’s Lando Norris was sixth in 26.732 seconds on soft tyres. Crowd fa- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, winner at the morning. Red Bull team boss Chris- the second session, another impressive vourite Hamilton was 0.069 slower with Silverstone last year but yet to triumph tian Horner had suggested earlier in the performance from a 19-year-old fast Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third in 1:26.929. in 2019, was fourth but had an off -track week that the pressure of trying to match becoming a fan favourite. Spanish team- “The track is less bumpy than last excursion at Becketts. Verstappen was getting to Gasly and he mate Carlos Sainz was eighth. year which is nice; they did a good job on “I’m not entirely happy,” said the four- should just focus on his driving and ig- Romain Grosjean provided a talking the asphalt and it was very enjoyable to times champion. “I think it was a tricky nore social media. point of the morning when he crashed his drive,” said Bottas. “The new surface is afternoon. We tried a couple of things and The Frenchman was lapped by his team Haas in the pit lane, smashing the car’s quite grippy, but sometimes you can lose maybe some of them will go back. I think mate in Austria and his seat has been un- front wing and leaving debris on track af- the grip very suddenly on new Tarmac. the bigger picture today, it was OK... still der increasing scrutiny. “We made some ter exiting. Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen The car seems quite well-balanced, but I Mercedes look very fast and the ones to changes after Austria and we have a good stopped on track, bringing out a red fl ag.

FOCUS Williams say Kubica safe for 2019, will fi ght to retain rookie Russell Reuters Mercedes to Renault engines. “We champion, has a contract with For- Russell usually racing only against at all during this season. Absolutely Silverstone, England haven’t had any conversations about mula One champions Mercedes, who each other. “We are almost getting not.” George potentially leaving the team in supply Williams with engines as well the mickey taken out of us with our Williams said the team hoped to the short term because he’s on a long- as their own factory team and Rac- performance, but it’s a longer-term conclude a new partnership with illiams are determined term contract with us,” she said. ing Point. Both Mercedes, the team project for the team,” Russell said. Mercedes for 2021 and beyond. to keep British Formula “Personally I feel he is world cham- of fi ve times champion Lewis Ham- Williams said there would be She would not be drawn on re- One rookie George Rus- pion material and why would I want ilton, and Racing Point could poten- no decision about the 2020 driver ports that former McLaren and Fer- sell for the long term to lose George from our team? I would tially have vacancies at the end of the lineup until much later in the year. rari head of engineering Pat Fry was Wand have no plans to replace Polish do everything in my power to keep year. “Our relationship with Robert is as in line to replace the now-departed driver Robert Kubica this season, George Russell at Williams. My ambi- Williams, winners of nine con- strong as it was... he’s doing what he Paddy Lowe at Williams. deputy principal Claire Williams tion is that one day we would be able structors’ titles between 1980 and needs to do,” she said. “As far as I’m “We are in a position to look at our said at the British Grand Prix. to provide George with a car where he 1997, are the only team yet to score a concerned there are no frustrations, structure on the engineering side Addressing rumours swirling can start competing at the top of the point in nine races this season. Their certainly from our side. I’m sure he and decide what’s the best option,” around the former champions who midfi eld and then hopefully for po- car lacks downforce and is routinely has a level of frustration because he she said.”If that means bringing in have fallen far from their glorious diums,” added Williams. “George is a lapped in races, with Kubica, mak- doesn’t have the equipment that he a new TD (technical director), then past, Williams also dismissed specu- big part of Williams’ future.” ing a comeback this season after a would like at the moment. There is we will do so but we are still in the lation the team could switch from Russell, last year’s Formula Two near-fatal rally crash in 2011, and no thought about replacing Robert evaluation process.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, July 13, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Barcelona get Griezmann but Atletico contest €120mn fee French striker will have a buyout clause of €800mn at Barcelona and a contract that runs until 30 June 2024

AFP thing of a sure bet, so much so that Madrid fi nishing top of the table is no longer a barometer for success. Instead, their Champions League arcelona announced the sign- humiliation by Liverpool might have ing of Antoine Griezmann been persuasive in going again for a yesterday for 120mn euros player who not only rejected them last ($135mn), sparking a furious year but embarrassed them, his deci- reactionB from Atletico Madrid over the sion revealed at the end of a television amount the La Liga champions paid for documentary. “My fans, my team, my the World Cup winner. home: Atletico Madrid,” Griezmann In a statement, Barca revealed that said then. Bartomeu, Barcelona’s presi- they had paid the 120mn euros to ac- dent, might have been able to forgive tivate the Frenchman’s release clause, but the last few months would suggest adding that he would sign a fi ve-year others will need convincing. deal that included a “buyout clause of When Atletico played at the Camp 800mn euros”. However, within min- Nou in April, Griezmann was whis- utes Atletico said they believed “the tled by some Barcelona fans. When he amount paid is insuffi cient to meet went to take a corner, the chant came: the release clause as it is obvious that “Griezmann, get out of the Camp Nou.” the agreement between the player and The players were asked too, their re- Barcelona had been concluded before sponses coming back curt and irritable. the release clause dropped from 200mn “I have no opinion,” said Lionel Messi. euros to 120mn euros” at the start of Gerard Pique, who was involved in the the month. production of Griezmann’s documen- They said that Griezmann had gone tary, was asked if he would take part in to the headquarters of Spanish Football another this summer. “No, I won’t,” he League (LFP) to “unilaterally” break said. “One was enough.” his contract after Barca met the release Grudges can be quickly forgotten in clause, and added that they had already football, by teammates particularly, “begun appropriate procedures” to de- and when performances are good, by fend their “rights and legitimate inter- supporters too. But it could also swing ests”. The announcement was the latest the other way if he suff ers a slow start. episode in a spat between the two clubs The risk for Barcelona is small. and Griezmann after the 28-year-old Coach Ernesto Valverde needs to failed to show up for Atletico’s pre-sea- reduce his reliance on Messi and Luis son gathering on Sunday following his Suarez for goals, particularly in the announcement in May that he would be Champions League, where Suarez re- leaving for an unnamed destination — mains inexplicably ineffi cient. Griez- long-suspected to be Barcelona. mann scored 94 in 180 league games for Last week Atletico accused Barcelo- Atletico after joining from Real Socie- na and Griezmann of a “lack of respect” dad in 2014 and could expect his num- after Barca president Josep Maria Bar- bers to soar in a team where chances tomeu revealed the two clubs had held Antoine Griezmann leaves Atletico Madrid after five prolific seasons in the capital in which he scored 133 goals as well as helping the club win the Europa League, are more frequent and defensive du- talks about the former Real Sociedad UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Supercopa. (AFP) ties less demanding. He is hungry too, forward. Atletico then claimed that not just for silverware but recognition, Griezmann had told the club that he had and has scored 133 goals in 257 ap- Atletico stumped up a whopping 126mn huge transfer for a young player. Saponjic. The 20-year-old Serbian for- his coveting of the Ballon d’Or overly struck a deal with Barcelona in March, pearances, lifting the Europa League in euros to sign rising star Joao Felix from Felix burst onto the scene last season, ward has signed a three-year deal with brazen for some, who believe Griez- just days before the second leg of their 2018. He won the Golden Boot at Euro Benfi ca last week, making the 19-year- scoring 20 times and making 11 assists the Spanish club. mann’s words are yet to be matched by Champions League last-16 tie with Ju- 2016 when France were beaten in the old one of the fi ve most expensive play- in all competitions for Benfi ca as they At 28, Griezmann now faces the big- achievement. “Ignorance can be bold,” ventus, which saw them dumped out fi nal on home soil by Portugal before ers in history. The fee was a record paid won the Primeira Liga and reached the gest challenge of his career, having still said Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after helping to guide his country to World by the capital club and the highest ever quarter-fi nals of the Europa League. not a single league title. In that way, “He should look to Diego Simeone or winning the fi rst leg 2-0 in Madrid. Cup glory in Russia last year. received by a Portuguese outfi t, and the Yesterday, Atletico also unveiled Barcelona, who have won La Liga eight Diego Godin. Those are the values that Griezmann joined Atletico in 2014 The sale of Griezmann comes after sale of Griezmann helps fi nance such a Felix’s former Benfi ca teammate Ivan times in the last 11 seasons, are some- would suit him.”

FOCUS AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS England striker Madagascar fairytale ended by Tunisia Crouch announces AFP Ghailene Chaalali forced Adrien to Cairo push an awkward low shot behind while Mouez Hassen, apologetic after his angry retirement reaction to being substituted ahead of the unisia ended Madagascar’s fairy- shootout in the last round, was largely AFP Crouch played for a total of tale Africa Cup of Nations run in untested except from a long-range Ibra- London 11 clubs, winning the FA Cup the quarter-fi nals on Thursday him Amada eff ort. with Liverpool and helping night with a 3-0 win over the Madagascar were trying to become the them reach the 2007 Champions Ttournament debutants in Cairo. fi rst newcomers since South Africa in ormer England striker League fi nal. He scored 108 Pre- Ferjani Sassi’s heavily defl ected strike 1996 to reach the semi-fi nals, but their Peter Crouch yesterday mier League goals in 468 appear- gave Tunisia the lead early in the second hopes were eff ectively extinguished by announced his retire- ances. “My ambition was to play half at Al Salam Stadium and Youssef the hour. Khazri had a goal disallowed for ment from football at the until I was 40, so it is scary say- Msakni squeezed home a second on 60 off side straight after half-time, but Sassi ageF of 38 after two decades as a ing the word ‘retirement’,” he said minutes. Naim Sliti added a third in inju- struck minutes later when his tame shot professional. The much-trav- in a column for the Daily Mail. ry time to send Tunisia through to a semi- from the edge of the area hit Thomas Fon- elled Crouch, who spent the sec- “It has left me emotional and fi nal showdown with Sadio Mane’s Sen- taine and spun past a helpless Adrien. ond half of last season at Burnley, it feels weird not to be prepar- egal, with the Carthage Eagles into the Msakni promptly doubled Tunisia’s made his English league debut in ing for a new campaign, but cir- last four for the fi rst time since clinch- advantage, jumping on a rebound to slip 2000 at QPR and also played for cumstances over the last couple ing their only title when they hosted the the ball low beyond Adrien moments af- Liverpool, Tottenham and Stoke. of seasons have made me realise 2004 edition. ter he parried a shot from Khazri. Charles He made his England debut that this is the right thing to do. “We’re the fi rst to beat Madagascar. Andriamahitsinoro, who scored twice for against Colombia in May 2005 To go from being a regular starter We had to do it to qualify and that proves Madagascar in the group stage, looked to and went on to play 42 times for to someone whose role is limited the quality of this team,” said Tunisia Tunisia’s Naim Sliti (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the be through on goal after a long punt for- the Three Lions, scoring 22 goals. to 10 or 15 minutes off the bench coach Alain Giresse. “When you get to Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Madagascar in Cairo. (AFP) ward but failed to muster a shot. The forward, who is a towering has been hard to accept.” this stage, for which Tunisia was waiting Amada was unable to reproduce his 2.01 metres (six feet, seven inch- Former England striker Alan for several years... We want to go as far as too high. As for my future, it doesn’t ond-ranked side at 25th in the world, had wonder strike from the DR Congo tie as es) tall, confi rmed his retirement Shearer wrote on Twitter: “Con- possible. We haven’t stolen it from any- matter much. I’m someone loyal and my reached the quarter-fi nals here without he sliced wide from distance. on Twitter, writing: “After a lot grats big man, a brilliant career one, we deserve it.” priority is Madagascar.” winning a single game following four suc- This was the fi rst competitive meeting of deliberation this summer I and good luck going forward.” Madagascar coach Nicolas Dupuis, Giresse recalled Wahbi Khazri to Tuni- cessive draws. After matches in Suez and between the countries in almost two dec- have decided to retire from foot- Current England players Har- whose contract was set to expire at the sia’s attack as the lone change to the side Ismailia, this was a fi rst Cairo outing for ades, and while Dupuis has transformed ball! Our wonderful game has ry Maguire and Jack Butland, a end of the competition, admitted Tunisia that overcame Ghana in a last-16 penalty the north Africans, who controlled pos- Madagascar from a team once ranked given me everything. teammate of Crouch’s during his were simply too strong. “I’m very proud shootout, while Marco Ilaimaharitra re- session early on, but didn’t truly threaten 190th, Sliti’s injury-time goal, created by “I’m so thankful to everyone time at Stoke, also paid tribute to of what the players have done since the turned from suspension as Madagascar until a sweetly struck Khazri free-kick was a long Khazri run on the counter, ensured who helped me get there and stay the striker. start of the tournament. I tip my hat to fi elded the same team used throughout the superbly fl icked onto the bar by Madagas- it was the end of a remarkable adventure there for so long. If you told me Maguire wrote: “Incredible them,” said Dupuis. “Today the step was group phase. Tunisia, the continent’s sec- car goalkeeper Melvin Adrien. for the ‘Barea’. at 17 I’d play in World Cups, get career. Enjoy retirement.” to a Champions League fi nal, Butland added: “Been an hon- win the FA Cup and get 100 @ our to play and share a dressing ROUND-UP premierleague goals I would have room with you big man @peter- avoided you at all costs. It’s been crouch best of luck in the next an absolute dream come true.” stage of your career.” Spanish football chief slams La Liga Monday games he president of the Spanish Tebas of ruining a meeting between the to pay Sampdoria an initial 24mn euros As well as Andersen and Mendes, Lyon Football Federation (RFEF) parties and the National Sports Council for the 23-year-old, with a further 6mn have signed Malian left-back Youssouf blasted La Liga’s decision to set for July 17 by announcing the sched- euros in potential bonuses. That means Kone from Lille for nine mn euros, young continue to schedule games on ule for the ties. the 1.90m tall centre-back becomes the Brazilian midfi elder Jean Lucas from Fla- TMondays for the coming season despite Games played at the beginning of the club’s most expensive player ahead of mengo, and giant Romanian goalkeeper being barred from doing so. week caused widespread protests by fans Brazilian midfi elder Thiago Mendes, who Ciprian Tatarusanu from Nantes. Rubiales had promised in March last season with the matches taking place signed from Lille for 26.5mn euros earlier The spending spree has been funded to stop league games being played on in part-empty stadiums. this month. by the big-money sales of French inter- Mondays as well as planning discus- Formerly with Twente Enschede in national duo Ferland Mendy and Tanguy sions about Friday matches. However LYON BREAK TRANSFER RECORD the Netherlands, Andersen moved to Ndombele. the fi xture list for the upcoming season FOR DANISH DEFENDER ANDERSEN Italy in 2017. He has yet to be capped by Left-back Mendy moved to Real released this week included a match Lyon have completed the signing of Denmark at full international level. He is Madrid for a fee reportedly reaching scheduled for Monday August 19 and Danish defender Joachim Andersen from Lyon’s fi fth major signing of the summer 53mn euros, while powerful midfi elder another seven days later. Serie A side Sampdoria on a fi ve-year following the arrival of a new Brazilian Ndombele has signed for Tottenham Champions Barcelona open the new deal for a fee rising to a club record 30mn management team, with club legend Hotspur for up to 70mn euros. campaign with a trip to Athletic Bilbao euros ($33.7mn), the French outfi t an- Juninho Pernambucano returning as Lyon will be in the Champions League Peter Crouch made his England debut against Colombia in May 2005 on Friday August 16. Rubiales accused nounced. sporting director and Sylvinho appointed again next season after fi nishing third in and went on to play 42 times for the Three Lions, scoring 22 goals. Spanish football league (LFP) boss Javier OL said in a statement they had agreed coach. Ligue 1. Gulf Times Saturday, July 13, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Astros outfi elder Thunder trade Marisnick banned for two games ouston Astros out- ORTIZ UNDERGOES fi elder Jake Marisnick THIRD SURGERY was suspended for two Former Boston Red Sox star games and fi ned an David Ortiz underwent addi- Westbrook to Hundisclosed amount by Major tional surgery as he continues to League Baseball on Thursday recover from a gunshot wound after colliding with Los Angeles sustained more than a month Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy. ago. “Earlier this week, David Marisnick appealed the pun- underwent a third surgery for ishment for the home-plate play complications resulting from his in a game on Sunday and was gunshot wound,” his wife, Tif- thus active for Houston’s game fany, said in a statement issued Houston for Paul on Thursday against the Texas on Thursday by the team. Rangers. On the key play, Maris- Ortiz, 43, was shot in the back nick was ruled out for violating on June 9 as he sat at a club in Eight-time All-Star will reunite with James Harden in Houston a rule preventing runners from the Dominican Republic. Local deviating from the base path offi cials have said Ortiz was shot AFP to make contact with a fi elder. in a case of mistaken identity New York “After thoroughly reviewing the and have an least 14 people in play from all angles, I’ve con- custody in connection with the cluded that Jake’s actions war- shooting. ussell Westbrook has been rant discipline,” said Joe Torre, traded from the Oklahoma City MLB’s chief baseball offi cer. CARDINALS ACTIVATE Thunder to the Houston Rock- “While I do not believe that CARPENTER ets for Chris Paul and two fi rst- Jake intended to injure Jonathan, The St. Louis Cardinals activat- roundR NBA draft picks, according to mul- the contact he initiated in his ed third baseman Matt Carpen- tiple reports Thursday. attempt to score violated rule ter from the 10-day injured list The Houston Chronicle and ESPN, each 6.01(i), which is designed to and sent catcher Yadier Molina citing unnamed sources, reported the protect catchers from precisely to the IL with a strained tendon agreement, the latest blockbuster move this type of collision.” in his right thumb. in an NBA off -season of major relocations The crucial play came in the Carpenter, 33, has not played for NBA stars and huge lineup changes for eighth inning of Houston’s 11-10 since June 28 due a lower back many clubs. home victory over the Angels strain. He is batting.216 with Eight-time All-Star Westbrook, the when George Springer lofted 10 homers and 28 RBIs in 77 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player, will a fl y ball to Angels rightfi elder games this season. Molina, who be reunited with 2018 NBA MVP James Kole Calhoun. turns 37 today, has not started Harden, his former Thunder teammate Calhoun threw the ball to a game since July 3 and was last who was traded to the Rockets in 2012. home plate to try and prevent used as a pinch hitter on July Harden and Westbrook had wanted to re- Marisnick from scoring, but the 6. His move to the 10-day IL is unite the backcourt tandem they enjoyed angle of the toss brought Lucroy retroactive to Monday. Molina for three seasons with the Thunder. in front of home plate while is hitting.261 with four homers “It’ll be very interesting and fun,” Marisnick took a line inside the and 36 RBIs in 71 games. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta told Hou- baseline path to the plate. ston’s Fox 26 TV. Marisnick slammed into BREWERS TO SIGN MILLER “James and Russell wanted to play to- Lucroy, resulting in a concussion TO MINOR LEAGUE DEAL gether. I said at the end of the year we’re and broken nose for the Angels The Milwaukee Brewers will sign never going to stand pat. We’re always go- catcher. Even though the ball got right-hander Shelby Miller to a ing to try to get better. I think this makes away, Marisnick was ruled out minor league contract. us a better team. I hate to lose Chris Paul, for not taking an indirect route The 28-year-old was released but we felt like we did what we had to do home. by the Texas Rangers on July to become a better team.” An Astros challenge on the 4 after allowing 46 runs (42 Paul, who at age 34 could be looking at play was denied. Angels man- earned) in 44 innings this yet another trade deal, according to re- ager Brad Ausmus, a former season. ports, joins a rebuilding Thunder squad catcher, called for a suspension. Miller was 1-3 with an 8.59 along with Houston’s fi rst-round NBA Marisnick denied deliberately ERA in 19 appearances (eight Draft selections in 2024 and 2026 as well running at Lucroy, saying after starts) for Texas, striking out as the right for the Thunder to swap fi rst- the game he made “a split- 30 and walking 29 batters. The round picks with the Rockets in 2021 and second decision at full speed to Rangers signed him to a one- 2025. Harden has led the NBA in scor- slide headfi rst on the inside part year, $2 million deal as a free ing the past two seasons, averaging 36.1 of the plate.” “That decision got agent in January. He is 38-56 points a game this past campaign. another player hurt and I feel with a 4.11 ERA in 150 career Westbrook has averaged triple doubles awful,” Marisnick tweeted. games (132 starts). for the past three seasons, this past cam- paign producing 22.9 points and career highs of 11.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists. Together, Harden, 29, and Westbrook, 30, form a super pairing as potent as any in the Western Conference, which now includes last month’s NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and ex-Thunder star Paul Russell Westbrook is heading to the Houston Rockets after 11 seasons in Oklahoma City. George with the Los Angeles Clippers, plus LeBron James and Anthony Davis two players to Oklahoma City for George, the West in 2010, fourth in 2011 and sec- the Spurs. I have respect for them.” with the Los Angeles Lakers. which enabled them to win a three-team ond in 2012, when Oklahoma City lost to Lyles became an unrestricted free Add improved teams in Denver, Utah pursuit for Leonard, who departed To- James-led Miami in the NBA Finals. agent earlier this week when the Denver and Portland and Stephen Curry-led ronto after leading the Raptors to an NBA Nuggets rescinded their qualifying of- Golden State — NBA fi nalists the past crown. SPURS AGREE TO DEAL fer. Lyles averaged 8.5 points and 3.8 re- fi ve years — and the Western Conference Oklahoma City has added eight fi rst- WITH FORWARD LYLES bounds in 64 games (two starts) for the next season fi gures to be up for grabs after round draft picks and four pick swaps Free agent forward Trey Lyles has agreed Nuggets last season. years of dominance by the Warriors. through 2026 in the haul from the Rock- on a two-year contract with the San An- Overall, he has career averages of 7.6 Caesars Sportsbook in Las Vegas im- ets and Clippers. Combined with its own tonio Spurs, according to multiple re- points and 3.9 rebounds in 288 games (41 proved the odds of the Rockets winning selections this will enable the Thunder ports. San Antonio had an opening for the starts). Lyles played his fi rst two seasons next year’s NBA title from 10-1 to 7-1, to quickly rebuild, plus use some picks in 23-year-old after forward Marcus Morris with the Utah Jazz and his last two with putting Houston fourth behind the Lak- deals to land veteran talent with plenty to backed out on a commitment to join the the Nuggets. ers (7-2), Clippers (4-1) and Milwaukee spare. Spurs on a two-year, $20mn contact. Morris spent the past two seasons Bucks (9-2). The fi rst major off -season Westbrook has four years at $171mn Morris instead agreed to a deal with the with the Boston Celtics and averaged move came June 30 when Golden State’s remaining on his contract. Paul has three New York Knicks. The Athletic reported it 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in 75 games Kevin Durant and Boston’s Kyrie Irving years at $124mn remaining on his deal. was a one-year, $15mn agreement. “I had (53 starts) in the 2018-19 season. The both signed with Brooklyn. The Thunder reached the playoff s in all to make this decision based on the best 29-year-old Morris has career averages of Houston Astros’ Jake Marisnick (right) collides with Los Angeles The next blockbuster came when the three seasons with Harden and West- situation for me and my family,” Morris 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 545 games Angels’ Jonathan Lucroy as he attempts to score in the eighth inning Clippers sent fi ve fi rst-round picks and brook in the backcourt, taking eighth in told The Athletic. “This is no knock on (292 starts) over eight NBA seasons. during the MLB game last week in Houston, Texas. (AFP)

NHL Pavelski refl ects on decision to leave San Jose Sharks By Cam Inman the most is probably the bond I have with (free agency) the fi rst time.” The Mercury News the fans there,” Pavelski said. “You don’t Pavelski’s fi nal postseason in San Jose go somewhere for 13 years and not have produced compelling drama. Yes, there strong relationships around the commu- was that teeth-rattling fi rst goal against oe Pavelski is still missing a couple nity. We’ve got life-long friends now out- the Vegas Golden Knights. Then came the lower teeth. A couple others are side of hockey. scary, Game 7 concussion and his team- damaged. The replacement proc- “I’m also going to miss obviously skat- mates’ improbable comeback. ess is still at least a few months ing out of that Sharks’ head (in pregame Pavelski produced a goal and an assist outJ to repair the damage from using his introductions) and the playoff games in in his return to spark a series-opening mouth to score the San Jose Sharks’ fi rst The Tank.” win over Colorado. “I still look at that goal in the fi nal playoff push of his 13-year Pavelski, a Wisconsin native, fondly goal, and coming back, it was emotion- tenure. refl ected on all the various homes he had ally,” he recalled. “The adrenaline I had “It’s just part of it,” Pavelski said non- while calling San Jose, well, home. skating out in warmups was real, and chalantly about the price he’s paid trying “The fi rst year was in a hotel, the sec- scoring that goal is one I will cherish. It to bring San Jose its fi rst Stanley Cup. ond year in an apartment, then we fi g- was special.” With free agency recently vaulting him ured, ‘Let’s try buying a house,’” Pavelski The Sharks’ championship hopes even- to the Dallas Stars, Pavelski does have said. “We lived in the fi rst house on Hicks tually were extinguished in the Western one more chance to experience relative- Avenue for fi ve years, then the kid came Conference fi nals, and so was Pavelski’s ly local love this weekend and vie for a and we just moved a mile down the street. tenure. “It’s tough to leave a team when championship – at the American Century The house was awesome, and so were the you believe they have a chance to win as Championship celebrity golf tournament neighbours.” well, but we found a great home in Dallas,” at Edgewood Tahoe. His 4,400-square-foot home in San Pavelski said. His mangled mouth from He tied for third last year as Tony Romo Jose’s Willow Glen neighbourhood is on that playoff -opening goal serves as a re- dethroned three-time reigning champion the market for $3.6 million. He’s leaving minder of his grit as the Sharks’ captain. Mark Mulder. “At 15-to-1 (odds), I like my it in his wake after signing a three-year, “I lost three (teeth), a fourth was sawed chances, if I can hit the ball the way I did $21 million to relocate to Dallas. “It was a off at the gum, one cracked and one was last year,” Pavelski said. decision that was extremely diffi cult, for loose. There were a good six aff ected,” He and the Sharks liked each other so all of us, myself and our family,” Pavelski Pavelski said. Did he save those teeth? much for so many years that they had an said. “I did for a day or two,” he responded. amicable parting. The Sharks recently “Our heart defi nitely was with San Jose. “Some people said, ‘You should have took out a full-page ad in this newspaper But when certain things didn’t match up, saved them.’ “If anything, they would The 35-year-old Joe Pavelski signed a three-year, $21mn deal with the Dallas Stars on July 1 after playing the last to thank Pavelski, and he’s relayed his ap- we started the process, and what an inter- have made for a heck of a ball marker on 13 campaigns with the San Jose Sharks. preciation, too. “What I’m going to miss esting process it was for me going through the Edgewood greens this weekend. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, July 13, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING / TOUR DE FRANCE GOLF / JOHN DEERE CLASSIC Mexico’s Diaz Groenewegen edges fi res bogey-free 62 to seize lead

AFP Diaz holed out for eagle from stage seven to ease 100 yards at the par-5 10th, then Washington, United States sank 12-foot birdie putts at the 14th and par-3 16th holes to seize exico’s Roberto Diaz the solo led at eight-under. birdied four of the At the par-5 17th, Diaz stopped fi rst fi ve holes on his his approach inches from the cup way to a nine-under for a tap-in birdie and closed Brussels agony Mpar 62 for a two-stroke lead after with a par. Thursday’s fi rst round of the US Long and Henley were two PGA John Deere Classic. back with Scotland’s Martin Dutch sprinter beats Australia’s Ewan in photo-finish; Ciccone holds on to yellow Diaz, ranked 430th in the Laird and Americans Andrew world, was among the last play- Landry, Vaughn Taylor, Ryan ers on the course at TPC Deere Palmer, Zach Sucher and Ryan Run but completed a bogey-free Blaum another stroke adrift. round to overtake Americans Henley, a back-nine starter, Adam Long and Russell Henley, made eight birdies, most after who shared second on 64. putting his approach inside four The 32-year-old from Ver- feet and the last a 48-footer at acruz fi red the low round of his the par-3 seventh. PGA career, one stroke under his But 200th-ranked Henley, opening round at New Orleans in whose best fi nish this year has April. been a share of 15th at Phoenix, Diaz seeks his fi rst PGA title. found the rough on his fi rst two His best fi nish in a tour event was shots at nine, which played as a share of eighth three weeks ago the second-toughest hole of the at the Travelers Championship. day, and closed with a bogey to The week’s best top-fi ve fi n- fall level with Long. isher not already qualifi ed for “This has been a weird year for the British Open will receive a me,” Henley said. “I haven’t felt berth in next week’s fi nal major myself playing golf but I put a lot tournament of the year at Royal of work in my game. Portrush. “I don’t think I’ve ever lost the For Diaz, that could mean only belief I can have a nice tourna- his second career major start af- ment and a nice round. I’m just ter he missed the cut in the 2017 trying to keep my head down and US Open. keep working hard.” Diaz opened with back-to- Long, this year’s Desert Clas- back birdies after dropping his sic winner, made his lone bogey approaches inside six feet, then against eight birdies at 11, but the connected on 20-foot birdie world number 114 sank his long- putts at the fourth and fi fth est birdie putt from 24 feet at the holes. diffi cult ninth.

Netherlands’ Dylan Groenewegen (centre) celebrates as he wins the seventh stage of Tour de France ahead of Slovakia’s Peter Sagan (second from left) and Australia’s Caleb Ewan (left) in Chalon-sur-Saone, France, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Groenewegen was asked if he man’s performance as “morale ramas as the peloton, led by a “Tomorrow will be a very hard Chalon-sur-Saône, France was the best pure sprinter in the boosting”. beaming overall leader Ciccone, stage, I’ll need to have a very world, but he refused to be drawn. “Yesterday was a kind of weird wound slowly out of the rolling good day to keep the yellow jer- The 26-year-old is being mountain stage and I’m just glad hills of the Alsace, leaving be- sey,” the 24-year-old Ciccone utch speed king Dylan compared to the great British to be in front of everyone (the ti- hind its storks and quaint vil- said. Groenewegen edged sprinter Mark Cavendish, who tle contenders),” Thomas said at lages of half-wooden houses. an ultra-tight bunch won 30 stages of the Tour de the start of yesterday’s stage in But with an escape group STAGE 7 RESULTS (TOP 10) sprint on stage seven France in his prime. the fortifi ed town of Belfort. zooming fi ve minutes ahead 1. Dylan Groenewegen (JUM) ofD the Tour de France yesterday Slovakia’s Peter Sagan re- On the longest stage of the after 80km, sprinter Viviani’s 6:02:44 as Italy’s Giulio Ciccone re- tained the sprinters’ points Tour at 230km, the riders in- Deceuninck-Quick-Step team 2. Caleb Ewan (LOT) same time tained the overall race lead. green jersey after fi nishing third. volved in the summit showdown cranked up the tempo on the fl at 3. Peter Sagan (BOR) Groenewegen beat Australia’s “I stayed on Groenewegen’s the day before were mainly in plains of Burgundy, renowned 4. Sonny Colbrelli (BAH) Caleb Ewan in a photo-fi nish to wheel, but then I switched to relaxed mood. for its wines and cuisine. 5. Jasper Philipsen (UAE) make up for the pain of falling on Elia Viviani’s, wrong move, they “I’m looking forwards to Stephane Rossetto of Cofi dis 6. Elia Viviani (DEC) stage one on the Brussels home shot past us,” said Sagan. a quiet couple of stages now, and Yoann Off redo of Wanty- 7. Giacomo Nizzolo (DDT) straight. “These two guys (Groenewe- we’re all really calm after a good Gobert led from the start to 5km 8. Jasper Stuyven (TRE) Mexico’s Roberto Diaz in action during the first round of the John Pure sprinter Groenewegen gen and Ewan) are much faster day yesterday,” said 22-year-old from home, before the peloton 9. Michael Matthews (SUN) Deere Classic in Silvis, United States, on Thursday. (AFP) was left sat on his backside in than me.” Bernal. caught them to set up a sprint 10. Alexander Kristoff (UAE) Brussels when he had been red- One man who was far from fi nish. hot favourite to win. THOMAS JUST HAPPY TO BE relaxed yesterday was the previ- Today’s stage features seven OVERALL STANDINGS (TOP 10) SPOTLIGHT He was also left to wonder AHEAD ous day’s main loser on the chal- categorised climbs where home 1. Giulio Ciccone (TRE) 29:17:39 what might have been as his Defending champion Geraint lenging seven-mountain slog. fans will be baying for French- 2. Julian Alaphilippe (DEC) +00:06 teammate Mike Teunissen won Thomas, who beat all his key ri- Romain Bardet said yesterday man Julian Alaphilippe to try 3. Dylan Teuns (BAH) +00:32 the opening stage and pulled on vals the day before, and his Ineos he felt ashamed of his perform- and regain the overall lead. 4. George Bennett (JUM) +00:47 Korean teen Chun, the overall leader’s yellow jersey. co-captain Egan Bernal fi nished ance on the staggeringly steep La Alaphilippe was cheered for 5. Geraint Thomas (INE) +00:49 “The fi rst day wasn’t what I ex- safely in the pack. Planche des Belles Filles climb two days after taking the lead 6. Egan Bernal (INE) +00:53 pected but now I’m back on top,” “It was reassuring to see Ge- Thursday where he lost over a at Epernay, but agonisingly lost 7. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +00:58 Canada’s Sharp said the Jumbo-Visma man on raint Thomas at this level,” said minute in only 800 metres. it by six seconds to Ciccone at 8. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +01:04 the fi nish line on the banks of the Ineos sports director Nicolas Television viewers were given La Planche des Belles Filles on 9. Michael Woods (EF1) +01:13 Soane river on a baking afternoon. Portal, describing the Welsh- a series of spectacular pano- Thursday. 10. Rigoberto Uran (EF1) +01:15 share LPGA lead

AFP “First year on LPGA, kind of GOLF / SCOTTISH OPEN Washington tough year; but my shots are getting better and better,” Chun said. “When I make a mistake, outh Korean teen rookie ball go left, but this week I’m try- Chun Youngin and Can- ing to start right side of the pin.” Wiesberger surges into three-way lead in Scotland ada’s Alena Sharp each Chun hit only seven of 24 fi red a seven-under par fairways but recovered well on a fi nishing second twice this sea- the fi fth to tie it up again. 64S to share the lead after Thurs- course she had played only once, European Tour Edinburgh, Scotland son, while Slattery has made just Slattery then took advan- day’s opening round of the LPGA in a Monday pro-am. fi ve of 15 cuts on the 2019 Race to tage of the par fi ve 16th and Van Marathon Classic. “My driver wasn’t that good. Dubai but has two career Euro- Rooyen holed an eight footer on Chun, a 19-year-old who has but iron was so good,” Chun ernd Wiesberger fi red pean Tour titles to his name. the eighth as both men made it a missed eight cuts in 11 starts this said. “Narrow fairway but small the lowest round of his Bradley Dredge won a BMW 64-64 start. year, fi red the low round of her green. I’m just focused on trying European Tour career to G07 X7 xDrive40i M Sport with After an opening 67, Wies- LPGA career, a bogey-free eff ort to make birdies. sit in a three way tie for a hole-in-one on the 17th, while berger followed Van Rooyen in to stun herself by topping the “The green is so small here, if theB lead heading into the week- fellow Welshman Stuart Manley making birdies on the tenth, leaderboard at Highland Mead- you put it on the green you’re go- end at the Aberdeen Standard took the ace total to four for the 12th, 14th and 16th with a bogey ows in Sylvania, Ohio. ing to birdie chances. My putter Investments Scottish Open. week and 20 for the season at the on the 13th, but he added a gain “I didn’t know I shot 64,” was good.” The Austrian fi nished in a tie 15th. on the 18th to turn in 32. Chun said. “The funniest thing. Chun had back-to-back bird- for second at last week’s Irish Slattery started the day one He was still well back when he I fi nished par on 18 and then I ies at the third and fourth holes Open and continued his brilliant shot off the lead but became picked up another shot on the saw the leaderboard and there’s and again at the par-5 seventh Rolex Series form with a 61 to sit the fi rst man into double fi gures fi rst but he fi nished his round a 7-under and I was like, ‘Who and par-3 eighth. She also ran off at 14-under alongside England’s when he followed birdies at the with fi ve consecutive birdies. is that?’ I asked my dad. ‘I think three birdies in a row starting at Lee Slattery and South African fi rst and fourth with another After a nice tee shot at the I shot 6, right?’ He said, ‘No, the 13th. Erik van Rooyen. Wiesberger returned to ac- take it not as seriously as I’ve from eight feet at the seventh. fi fth, he left himself a tap-in at you’re 7.’ So it was me. Sharp birdied three of the Major Champion Henrik Sten- tion this season after being out done before and let it go and that Van Rooyen joined him as he the sixth and took advantage of “There are three more rounds, fi rst four holes but took her lone son was bogey-free through 36 for seven months with a wrist really helped me, just feeding off sandwiched a bogey on the 13th the par fi ve seventh before a fi ve but I’m just happy that my name bogey at the par-3 second. She holes to sit just two shots off the injury but has not missed a beat, rounds like this today. with gains on the tenth, 12th, foot putt on the eighth and a tee is up there.” birdied the eighth as well as lead alongside Italian Nino Berta- claiming a fi fth European Tour “I hadn’t shot ten under in a 14th and 16th but Slattery made shot to six feet on the ninth put Sharing second on 65 were back-to-back back nine birdies sio, as kind conditions resulted in title in Denmark. professional event yet, so that back to back birdies after the him in a share of the lead. Germany’s Caroline Masson, at 11-12 and 15-16. another day of very low scoring at “It’s been tough the last year,” was a nice bonus. It’s just going turn to lead by two. Reigning champion Brandon Sweden’s Jenny Haglund, Amer- “I played really well right The Renaissance Club. he said. “Coming off injury, it’s with the fl ow and things worked Van Rooyen trimmed the lead Stone and Ryder Cup stars Mat- ican Stacy Lewis and Spain’s from the first tee shot. I felt Italian duo Lorenzo Gagli and been hard but winning in Den- out very well today. I’m not at the fi rst before Slattery made thew Fitzpatrick, Edoardo Mo- Azahara Munoz. really calm,” Sharp said. “I’m Guido Migliozzi, Spaniard Adri- mark a couple of weeks ago is a thinking too much and just keep it a hat-trick from the fringe on linari, Thomas Pieters and Ian Chun’s best LPGA result came hitting it really well, so I think an Otaegui, Finn Kalle Samooja big boost to me. doing what I’m doing.” the 12th, but Van Rooyen left Poulter were in a group of nine in her 2017 debut when she I took advantage of a little bit and former world number one “I really enjoy my time out Van Rooyen is looking for a himself a three footer on the players at ten-under, as the cut shared 43rd at the New Zealand softer greens. I hit a lot of good Justin Thomas were at 11-under. on the golf course again, maybe fi rst European Tour victory after fourth and holed a long putt on fell at fi ve-under. Women’s Open. wedges.” Gulf Times Saturday, July 13, 2019 7 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT De Villiers defends We enjoy being off er to play for South Africa at World Cup underdogs: Taylor issues fi nal warning ‘We know we’ll be up against it. Like the India game, we’ll put our best foot forward’

By Chris Stocks The Guardian

oss Taylor has warned Reuters They are wrong. England that New Cape Town “In truth, I have turned down Zealand will use their many lucrative off ers to play underdog status as mo- around the world, and have cut tivationR to pull off a shock in to- B de Villiers said he the time spent away from home morrow’s World Cup fi nal. did not expect to be in- each year from eight months to England are huge favourites cluded in South Africa’s just over three months.” to win the tournament for the squad for the Cricket De Villiers said that immedi- fi rst time after they booked their WorldA Cup after telling captain ately after his retirement he was place in the Lord’s showpiece Faf du Plessis that he was avail- asked if the door was open for a with an eight-wicket demo- able, as he clarifi ed his role in a return to the team, and he con- lition of holders Australia at selection drama that blew up in fi rmed he would consider it. Edgbaston on Thursday. Eoin England. In a phone-call to long-time Morgan’s team also thrashed the South Africa endured a mis- friend Du Plessis during this Black Caps by 119 runs in their erable tournament, exiting with year’s Indian Premier League, he fi nal group match at Chester- only three wins from their nine repeated the door was open “if I Le-Street this month. pool matches. was needed”. However, Taylor insists New Their cause was not helped “I had been in decent form Zealand’s perennial tag as dark when it was reported that De Vil- during the Indian Premier horses can work in their favour liers, who had retired from inter- League and casually repeated this weekend – just as it did national cricket in May 2018, had what I had said when asked a year when beating India in their own spoken to Du Plessis about mak- earlier, that I was available if re- semi-fi nal at Old Traff ord this ing himself available on the eve quired... but only if required. week. of the team’s squad announce- “I made absolutely no de- “We will be the underdogs but ment. mands at all. I certainly did not that is something we enjoy – to That led to accusations that De try to force my way into the just scrap, put up a bit of a fi ght,” Villiers, one of the best limited World Cup squad on the eve of he said. “We still haven’t played overs batsmen in the world, had the tournament, and did not ex- the perfect game in this tourna- been selfi sh in trying to force his pect to be included.” ment. But if we can keep those way back into the squad. De Villiers said the story was traits that we know we have we He said, however, he was only leaked to the media after South will give England a run for their reiterating what he had told an Africa’s loss to India, their third money. unnamed Cricket South Africa in a row at the World Cup, as a “Apart from the All Blacks New Zealand’s Ross Taylor takes part in a training session at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London yesterday. (Reuters) offi cial a year earlier upon his re- way of defl ecting attention away [rugby union team], most New tirement. from the team’s troubles. Zealand sides are the underdogs, it. But we are there for a reason. experience of reaching the fi - “It was strange,” Taylor said. know the pressures that comes “Now the Proteas’ World Cup “Elements of our private con- regardless of what sport they We are a proud team and hope- nal in 2015 could prove telling. “We played so well throughout with the occasion, we’ve been campaign is over, and the team versation were disclosed to the play. It’s something we have em- fully we have done our nation New Zealand were co-hosts but then jumped on a plane and there before.” cannot be distracted, I would like media, and distorted to cast me in braced. It doesn’t sit well when proud. We know we will be up with Australia four years ago played in a country we hadn’t New Zealand are optimis- to respond to unjustifi ed criti- the worst possible light,” he says. we are the favourites. We try and against it. But just like the India and after playing all their previ- played in for the whole tour- tic Henry Nicholls will recover cism of me during the tourna- “The story was not leaked by talk it down as much as possible. game, we will put our best foot ous matches at home they trav- nament. I’d be lying if I didn’t from a hamstring injury for the ment,” De Villiers said in a state- me, or anybody associated with “If you talk to a lot of people forward and hopefully that is elled to Melbourne to play their think we were a little bit over- fi nal after the opener batted for ment yesterday. me, or by Faf. Maybe someone back home, they probably didn’t good enough.” neighbours in the fi nal, which awed by the change of scenery. two hours in the Lord’s nets yes- “I announced my retirement wanted to defl ect criticism. I think we would be able to make Taylor, 35, also believes the they lost by seven wickets. But we know what to expect, we terday. from international cricket in don’t know. May 2018 because I wanted to “As a result, I was unfairly de- reduce my workload and spend scribed as arrogant, selfi sh and BOTTOMLINE more time with my wife and indecisive but, with all humility, young sons. Some have insisted I my conscience is clear. I am not was motivated purely by money. angry with anybody.”

Roy leads the way for fearless England CHANGE

AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom England must Twenty20 sensation block out oin Morgan has often ‘noise’ ahead Rashid Khan named spoken of the “fearless” cricket that has pro- of fi nal: Bayliss pelled England to the top Afghan captain ofE the one-day game and Jason Agencies Roy is the embodiment of that London spirit at the World Cup. The opening batsman has been a key fi gure in taking Eng- ngland head coach land, who have yet to win the Trevor Bayliss knows 50-over trophy, to their fi rst fi - Ehis side must shut out nal for 27 years. the noise of an expectant na- Roy was missed badly when tion as they prepare for a first he was out for three games with World Cup final in 27 years. a torn hamstring earlier in the The host nation produced an tournament as England stum- inspired display to complete bled, suff ering group-stage de- an eight-wicket victory over feats to Sri Lanka and Australia Australia at Edgbaston on in that period. Thursday and will meet New On both occasions the pres- Zealand at Lord’s tomorrow. sure of a run-chase appeared to Australian Bayliss has called overwhelm them, with James for calm as England look to Vince, Roy’s replacement at the go one better than they did top of the order, making scores in their last World Cup final of 14 and nought. appearance in 1992, when AFP hopes for the team’s future. It was little wonder that Eng- they lost against Imran Khan’s Kabul “We all play as one team and land, who have set such store by Pakistan in Melbourne. play only for the country. What- aggressive batting since their England’s Jason Roy (right) poses for a photograph with a fan after the semi-final victory over Australia “We had a chat in the chang- ever I am today, is because of this miserable fi rst-round exit at the in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at Edgbaston in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on Thursday. (Reuters) ing room (at Edgbaston) he Afghan Cricket Board country and this team,” Khan 2015 World Cup, were so des- afterwards and realised we (ACB) named leg spin- said, according to the ACB. perate to get 28-year-old Surrey mentally orthodox if powerful arm quick for six over deep fi ne time as well.” have not won anything yet,” ner Rashid Khan cap- Gulbadin Naib, who skippered star Roy back into their side. strokeplayer, bats is about more leg with a late fl ick of the wrists. Greenidge and Haynes, in ad- Bayliss told BBC radio. tain across all the ma- Afghanistan for the World Cup, And the powerful batsman than statistics. He was even more cavalier dition to their ODI exploits that Tjor formats yesterday, despite a defended his premier spinner af- “There is going to be a lot of has not disappointed, hitting when Nathan Lyon came on to included featuring in the West noise around ‘you guys are disappointing World Cup for the ter their fi nal loss to West Indies, three consecutive fi fties in vic- CAVALIER bowl, smashing the off -spin- Indies’ 1979 World Cup fi nal win now the favourites’, and all Twenty20 sensation. saying “he gives 100 percent”. tories against India, New Zea- There is also the galvanising ef- ner’s fi rst delivery for a huge six over England, also formed one of this type of thing — we can’t Asghar Afghan was also ap- The 20-year-old Rashid, who land and Australia. fect he has, when going well, on over long-off . Test cricket’s best opening part- listen to any of that. pointed vice-captain, the ACB is number one in the T20 rank- The fi rst-wicket partner- his teammates — and the de- He went on to make 85 off 65 nerships. “We have just got to concen- said in a statement announcing ings, set the cricket world abuzz ship Roy has formed with Jonny moralising impact he can have balls, including nine fours and Roy has yet to play Test trate on the way we have the decision. when he became the fastest Bairstow has been pivotal in on the opposition. fi ve sixes. cricket but, with an Ashes se- gone about our cricket over Khan came into the World Cup bowler to take 100 ODI wickets, England’s progress to the fi nal Thursday’s semi-fi nal against By the time he was controver- ries starting next month, some the past four years and what as cricket’s hottest property af- in 44 matches. against New Zealand at Lord’s Australia at Edgbaston provid- sially given out caught behind pundits believe he could be the has got us to this point and ter catching the eye with his leg Afghanistan is one of the fair- tomorrow. ed a brilliant example of Roy’s down the legside when replays solution to England’s ongoing go through our process.” spinners for minnows Afghani- ytale stories of modern sport, They average nearly 70 as an worth to England. suggested he had not made con- problems at the top of the order The 56-year-old is set to step stan. with cricket introduced to the opening pair in one-day inter- The host nation were faced tact, England were well on their in the fi ve-day game. down at the end of his current But the Twenty20 star, who war-torn country by returning nationals. with a potentially awkward way to a dominant eight-wicket Roy has scored nine fi rst- deal in September, no matter played a leading role for many refugees who had learnt about To put that into context, the chase of 224 to win against win. class centuries and Finch added: what the summer brings. sides in franchise cricket across the game in camps in neighbour- next-best fi rst-wicket duo in a world-class attack and the Australia captain Aaron “He’s got some really good hun- “I have always been a believer the globe, claimed only six wick- ing Pakistan. ODI cricket, taking 30 innings temptation might have been Finch, a county colleague of dreds in county cricket, proba- that four or five years is long ets in nine games as the Afghans But their second ever World together as a minimum quali- to treat Australia spearhead Roy’s, said: “He defi nitely goes bly more so in the middle-order. enough, whether you are returned home without notching Cup was chastening, and while fi cation, is the celebrated West Mitchell Starc with caution at hard, having played with him for “If he gets going on his day, he doing well or not,” he said. “It up a single win. they headed home with more ex- Indies pairing of Gordon Green- the start of the innings. a few years now for Surrey. can be brutal and he can score so is time for a new voice for the At a news conference an- perience under their belts, there idge and Desmond Haynes, with Yet Roy’s response to a full leg- “He’s a player that when he’s quickly in all forms of the game. boys, to hopefully take them nouncing his new role, Khan are also major questions over an average of 52.55. stump ball from Starc in just the on he can be so damaging to an He is a very dangerous threat, no to another level.” acknowledged the responsibility their batting strength and lack of But the way Roy, a funda- sixth over was to hoist the left- opposition and in such quick doubt.” on his shoulders and expressed quality seam bowlers.

Saturday, July 13, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Captain Morgan behind England’s renaissance ‘I’ve found myself getting emotional... all we wanted four years ago was for England to play a diff erent brand of cricket’

England’s Eoin Morgan walks off the field after their win over Australia in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on Thursday. (Reuters)

Reuters of three wickets for 20 runs, and ended unbeaten on 45, was Manchester, United Kingdom helped bowl out Australia for Stead says New Zealand ready for ‘long night’ of World Cup fi nal quick to acknowledge the role that 223, agrees that the 32-year-old’s his backroom staff had played. leadership has been central to the AFP time of 9:30pm local time (0930 “Yes, it’s been a process for ngland’s run to their fi rst way England have coped with the London GMT). the last four years. In 2015 we World Cup fi nal in 27 pressure and expectation of be- “My understanding is it’s on free were way off the mark, we strug- years owes much to the ing a host nation. to air back home also, which is gled against the top teams, and leadership of Eoin Mor- “Eoin is cool as ice with every- ew Zealand coach Gary awesome,” Stead told reporters the teams that sat below that, so gan,E the quietly-spoken Irish- thing he does,” Woakes said. there was quite a drastic change Stead believes sports at Lord’s yesterday. man who could achieve tomor- “He is great to have as a cap- Nfans across the rugby- “Many people will stay up late in the way we played and the way row what no England skipper has tain — he just keeps everything mad country will be pulling and I know a lot of them will be we looked at playing our 50-over ever managed. simple and doesn’t change his an all-nighter in front of their spending some late hours. Mon- cricket. England completed a stunning emotions too much, which in the television sets when his side day might be a public holiday “That has worked out ex- victory over Australia on Thurs- heat of the battle, (helps) to keep face tournament hosts England back home because most of tremely well for us and given the day to set up a decider against your mind clear,” he added. in the Cricket World Cup final. New Zealand will be staying up support that we’ve had through- 2015 runners-up New Zealand at “He has led from the front in Neither side have won the World watching the game.” out, the ECB (England and Wales Lord’s. terms of the way the batsmen Cup before, although tomor- “We’ve had a lot of supportive Cricket Board), the backroom A fi rst World Cup triumph for have played. They take the at- row’s showpiece match at Lord’s New Zealand’s Kane Williamson (left) speaks to and head coach messages and we’re really staff , as players we have taken England, just four years after tack to the bowlers, they never will be New Zealand’s second Gary Stead during nets at Lord’s in London yesterday. (Reuters) excited about what’s ahead,” that as far as we can so far.” one of their worst displays in the sit off. He has decided that was successive appearance in the added Stead. Now comes the biggest test, competition, would be one of the the way this team should play. final after they finished runners- in the hope that millions of new Stead believes it will be a similar England thrashed New Zealand against a New Zealand team that most remarkable turnarounds in Everyone speaks about Morgs in up to Australia four years ago. followers will tune in to watch story back home as his team by 119 runs in the teams’ final were so impressive in their semi- English sport. the same fashion. He is a great In Britain, an agreement be- an England side captained by look to emulate New Zealand’s group match but the Black Caps fi nal win over India. Former England captain bloke off the field and the same tween rights-holders Sky and Eoin Morgan go one better than rugby union All Blacks by being put that disappointment behind The key to victory, says Mor- Michael Vaughan has no doubt on it.” Channel 4 will see the match their predecessors of 1979, 1987 crowned world champions. them with an upset 18-run semi- gan, is for England to maintain about Morgan’s role in trans- In the 2015 World Cup in Aus- screened on free to air television and 1992 by winning the final. That is despite a scheduled start final win over India. the same positive approach and forming the team from a laughing tralia and New Zealand, England not let the occasion at Lord’s im- stock into one that could deliver did not reach the knockouts, pact on their decision-making. such a complete performance winning only two of their six David Young. based on attacking cricket. emotional watching it because all it was England’s best chance of “Sunday is not a day to shy in the eight-wicket thrashing of group games and losing to Bang- Along with the England man- Then England team director we wanted four years ago was for winning a World Cup and they’ve away from, it’s a day to look for- Australia. “The reason why Eng- ladesh. agement he took a year to gath- Andrew Strauss backed Morgan England to go out and play in a dif- proved us right so far.” ward to, much like today,” he said. land’s one-day cricket has been Morgan consulted with lead- er ideas and concentrate his and his plan and could not hide ferent style, a diff erent brand of It was noticeable that in the im- “It will be a matter of the same revolutionised is down to Mor- ership experts at the beginning thoughts into a plan for the team, his delight as he watched the win cricket,” he told Sky Sports. mediate aftermath of the win over again trying to produce every- gan,” the Yorkshireman said. of the four-year cycle, including with clear demands for the play- over Australia. “We didn’t know where it was Australia at Edgbaston, Morgan, thing that we can performance- Chris Woakes, whose fi ne spell England’s own team psychologist ers and an approach to the game “I’ve found myself getting quite going to lead us but we thought who had struck the winning runs wise but — enjoy the day.”

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Dharmasena to Australia back to drawing board stand in tomorrow’s with next World Cup on radar fi nal despite Roy row Roy requested a review but Reuters bly to rest senior players for Test England had already used their London matches. lone review of the innings. Of the 27 players given ODI Nevertheless, Dharmasena in- debuts since the last World Cup correctly signalled for a review, ustralia’s eight-wicket in 2015, just fi ve made the initial with Australia pointing out his mauling by England in 15-man squad for the tourna- mistake. Roy, his arms spread the Cricket World Cup ment with only wicketkeeper wide, clearly believed Dharmasena semi-fi nal could see Alex Carey making a signifi cant should have signalled a wide deliv- anA overhaul of the squad, tactics contribution in England. ery instead and the audibly furious and selection policy for the fi ve- It is also debatable how much batsman had to be ushered away times champions as they plan for of the current squad will be from the crease by square-leg um- the 2023 tournament in India. around in four years’ time, with pire Marais Erasmus. The comprehensive loss to a most, likely to be approaching, Replays suggested he did not rampant England side was the or in their mid 30s in 2023. touch the ball. fi rst time Australia had made the Finch added that Australia, AFP The England star, 28, was fi ned last four of the competition and like other countries, would un- London 30 percent of his match fee for not advanced to the fi nal. dergo a debrief as they plan for showing dissent and received England now face New Zea- India but it was too early if they two demerit points from match land in the fi nal at Lord’s tomor- would follow England’s blue- ri Lankan umpire Kumar referee Ranjan Madugalle. row. print of starting from scratch Dharmasena has been That took his tally for the World Despite a mixed buildup after and building over four years. appointed to stand in the Cup to three but match bans only they won just three of 18 matches “I think that after a World World Cup fi nal between kick in when a player collects four in last 14 months until March this Cup you always start looking EnglandS and New Zealand at demerit points in total. year, Aaron Finch’s team entered and you have one eye towards Lord’s tomorrow despite fi nding Erasmus and Madugalle too the tournament as one of the fa- Aaron Finch’s Australia entered the tournament as one of the favourites having beaten India and Pakistan the next one,” he said. himself involved in a controver- return for the fi nal in their re- vourites having beaten India and in away series, but were beaten by England in the semi-final on Thursday. (Reuters) “I think that as a management, sial incident with home batsman spective capacities. Pakistan in away series. senior players, I’m sure over the Jason Roy. But Australia’s Rod Tucker They stretched their winning ford in their last game before the conditions expertly to score over ting Twenty20 players like D’Arcy next couple of months or so we The Surrey opener had made 85 will be the third umpire instead streak to 10 matches until their semi-fi nal. 500 runs in the tournament. Short and Chris Lynn at the top. will sit down and start talking to set England on their way to an of New Zealand’s Chris Gaf- 36-run loss to India at The Oval in Much of their success at the It was a far cry from the tac- Short and Lynn, however, about that and start planning how eventual eight-wicket win against faney, who was ruled out of of- the pool phase of the tournament. tournament was built on a pa- tics favoured until earlier this were victims of a rotational se- we think that we can best plan and Australia in Thursday’s semi-fi nal fi ciating in the showpiece match Finch’s men then won anoth- tient approach from their opening year when they tried to emulate lection policy with numerous prepare and improve over the next at Edgbaston, when he was given once the Black Caps beat India in er fi ve in succession before they batsmen with the pair of David England’s all-out attacking ap- changes to the team personnel four years to get us to go, well two out caught behind down the leg- Wednesday’s fi rst semi-fi nal at lost to South Africa at Old Traf- Warner and Finch both assessing proach by selecting power-hit- over the last four years, ostensi- steps further.” side by Dharmasena. Old Traff ord.