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Home , Asela Gunaratne, Dilruwan Perera, Graeme Cremer, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Romelu Lukaku

SPORT WEDNESDAY 19 JULY 2017 21

Roger Federer of Switzerland Campbell Federer in celebrates with the winner’s trophy after announces ATP Finals beating Marin Cilic of retirement for record Croatia in the men’s final Chicago of the 2017 AP 15th time Wimbledon Championships efenseman Brian on Sunday. Campbell is retiring at Reuters Dage 38 after playing 17 NHL seasons and winning the oger Federer has Stanley Cup with the Chicago secured his place Blackhawks in 2010. Rin the ATP Finals Campbell announced his for a record 15th time retirement on Monday. The after the Swiss world Blackhawks say he’ll join their number three won a business operations depart- record eighth Wimble- Federer ‘can’t think too ment, assisting with don title on Sunday, the community and youth hockey Association of Tennis initiatives and marketing. Professionals confirmed “I’m excited to transition on Monday. into the next step in both my The 35-year-old six- professional career and life,” time champion joins far ahead’ nowadays Campbell said in a statement. French Open winner “I’m grateful to the countless Rafa Nadal in the sea- number of teammates, son-ending tournament London Things are different these on to the hard courts, including coaches, team staff and fans at the O2 Arena in Lon- AP days. the US Open, which starts August that I have crossed paths with don, having played in “At 25, when you win, you’re 28. throughout my playing career the event for a record 14 oger Federer has like, ‘All right, I’ll see you next Yes, of course I hope “I have a hard time thinking in Chicago, Buffalo, Florida consecutive years from learned not to take year!’ because it’s normal. You’re I could win three Slams in one and San Jose. The Blackhawks 2002-15 before missing anything for going to be playing, for sure. The to defend my title year. It just sounds totally sur- organization has allowed me out last year through granted. body’s going to be fine, most and, of course, I real to me,” said Federer, who to take on this challenge, and injury. That’s why he likely. And if not next year, well, wish to be back here did collect trios of major titles in I’m thankful for this new “I look forward to Rsaid what he did during the tro- then the year after that, you 2004, 2006 and 2007. “But I’ll opportunity.” returning to London in phy presentation after his know?” Federer said. next year. But we prepare myself the best way Campbell had 87 goals November,” Federer record-breaking eighth Wim- “But I can’t really think two just don’t know if possible, so that I will have the and 417 assists for 504 points said. “I was sad not to be bledon championship: “I hope years ahead now. Let’s be best chance to really excel therz in 1,082 regular-season games able to compete last this wasn’t my last match. And honest.” it’s really going to in New York.” with the Sabres, Sharks, Black- year as I love playing I hope I can come back next First of all, there’s the no- actually happen, His voice sounded deeper hawks and Panthers. Buffalo there and had not year and try to defend the title.” way-around-it matter of his age: says Federer. than usual, a bit of after-effect drafted the Strathroy, Ontario, missed the event since Some wondered whether Federer turns 36 on August 8; he from celebrations into the wee native in the sixth round in 2002.” that meant Federer was consid- is the oldest man to win Wim- hours that included the Wim- 1997, and Campbell appeared The 19-times grand ering retirement. bledon in the Open era, which bledon champions’ dinner and in four All-Star Games. slam winner has won Hardly. What he meant, Fed- began in 1968. drinks with a group of more The smooth-skating, left- five tournaments this erer explained on Monday, was And then there’s what hap- than 30 friends at a bar. Fed- shooting, offensive-minded year, including the Aus- simply: “I can’t think too far pened about 18 months ago: A “I’ve seen how quickly things erer said he didn’t get to sleep defenseman played in 423 tralian Open, and is on ahead.” father of four, he was preparing can change,” Federer said. “Fill- until 5 a.m. consecutive games from 2011- target to return to the “I didn’t think about what I a bath for his twin daughters ing a bathtub for my girls Here he was, about six and 2016. His ironman streak top of the world rank- was going to say. It just came out when he turned and felt a “click” changed the whole next one and half hours later, returning to the ended in December not ings for the first time that way, to show the people in his left knee. In February half years of my tennis life, arena to pose for group photos because of injury but when since 2012 if he main- that, yes, of course I hope to 2016, he had the first operation really.” with 200 members of the tour- coach Joel Quenneville made tains the form that has defend my title and, of course, I of his career, arthroscopic sur- These past six months turned nament’s staff — groundskeepers Campbell a healthy scratch. earned him a 31-2 wish to be back here next year. gery to repair torn cartilage. out OK, though. and others who sat in a corner The Blackhawks signed record. But we just don’t know if it’s He returned to the tour that He is 31-2 with a tour-lead- of the stands while he took a spot Campbell to a $57.14m, eight- Federer and Nadal really going to actually happen,” March, then missed the French ing five titles in 2017. That on a courtside ledge, Wimble- year contract in 2008, and he will be joined at the Nov. he told The Associated Press at Open because of lingering back includes his 18th Grand Slam don’s gold trophy beside him. played almost 20 minutes a 12-19 event by the the All England Club the morn- problems, ending his record trophy at the Australian Open — Then he posed on the court game during their Cup run remainder of the top ing after beating Marin Cilic 6-3, streak of 65 consecutive Grand ending a four and a half-year for a few last pictures, steps from before a salary- crunch led eight players in the Race 6-1, 6-4 in the final. “We have to Slam tournament appearances. drought without a major title, a small green sign with white let- to a trade to the Florida Pan- to London standings fol- wait and see.” After a semifinal loss at Wimble- followed by his 19th at Wimble- ters instructing, “Keep off the thers in 2011. He finished his lowing the Paris He didn’t always take that don a year ago, he took the rest of don, where he became the first grass.” So, yes, expect him back career in Chicago and will con- Masters. approach, back when he was in the season off to let his body heal, man since Bjorn Borg in 1976 to on that turf in 2018. Just remem- tinue to live in the area with his his 20s and reached a record 10 missing the U.S. Open, Rio Olym- win the tournament without ber not to take his excellence for family after taking a job in the Grand Slam finals in a row. pics and every other event. dropping a set. Now he moves granted. He won’t. Blackhawks’ front office. NBA: Houston Rockets up for sale NFL: Panthers fire

Houston AP Houston GM Gettleman he Houston Rockets are Rockets Los Angeles going up for sale. Forbes has AFP T Rockets CEO Tad named Houston Brown made the announcement the eighth-most he Carolina Panthers on Monday, hours after owner sacked general manager valuable Leslie Alexander made the Dave Gettleman (pic- franchise, worth T decision. tured) on Monday in a surprise “It’s been my great joy and an estimated move just nine days before honor to own the Houston Rock- $1.65bn, in its training camp for the new sea- ets for the past 24 years,” annual valuation son gets under way. Alexander said in a statement. of NBA teams in The Panthers slumped from “I’ve had the incredible opportu- February. being Super Bowl finalists in nity to witness true greatness The value of the 2015-2016 to finishing last in through the players and coaches sale is still not the NFC South last season with who have won championships a 6-10 record. manager but several of moves discosed. for the city, been named to All- Houston Rockets owner Gettleman, 66, had been the angered Panthers fans, notably Star and All-NBA teams, Leslie Alexander. general manager of the outfit letting wide receiver Steve enshrined in the Basketball Hall since 2013. Smith leave in 2014. The deci- of Fame, and done so much for “After much thought and a sion to release Josh Norman last our franchise and our fans.” he’s tired. There are passions in “Well-respected around the its annual valuation of NBA teams long evaluation of our football year also raised eyebrows. Alexander took over as his life now that are becoming league, he has been an active and in February. operations, I have decided to Smith couldn’t resist a jab owner on July 30, 1993, and the more and more clear. His family, influential owner whose vision Brown said he had spoken to relieve Dave Gettleman of his at the axed Gettleman in a post- Rockets went on to win back-to- certainly, and his philanthropic helped to grow the game globally, James Harden, Chris Paul and duties as general manager,” ing on Twitter on Monday: “It’s back titles in 1994-95 behind the efforts, what he’ll be able to do especially in China.” Trevor Ariza before the team owner Jerry Richardson okay Dave, I know how you likes of Hakeem Olajuwon and with his additional time and his Brown will be working with announcement and that he said in a statement. feel...” Clyde Drexler. In 24 seasons resources on a global scale is the league office while the Rock- planned to call the rest of the “I want to thank Dave for Former running back under Alexander, the Rockets something that he’s very much ets look for a new owner and players. the role he played in our suc- DeAngelo Williams, who was have won 56.9 percent of their looking forward to.” there were no plans to hire an Included in the sale will be cess over the past four seasons. also let go by Gettleman and is games, fifth-highest in the league. Brown emphasised that Alex- outside firm to help. There is no Clutch City Sports and Entertain- While the timing of this deci- now a free agent, added: “I Brown said the 74-year-old ander is healthy and his health set timetable for the sale, but ment, which puts on sion is not ideal, a change is want to publicly say @Panthers Alexander had been approached was not an issue in this decision. Brown said they want to find the non-basketball shows and con- needed.” is off my list of teams I won’t over the years by potential buy- NBA Commissioner Adam right buyer and won’t rush certs at the Toyota Center. The Charlotte Observer said play for due to the firing of that ers, but never considered it until Silver raved about Alexander. things. During his time as owner of Gettleman’s dismissal had come snake Dave gettleman!” very recently. “Leslie Alexander is a true Brown would not say how the Rockets Alexander has been as a surprise to employees, The Panthers were 40-23-1 “I think it’s been something competitor who always searched much they expect to get in the active in the community and including the team’s scouting under Gettleman, who had he’s been thinking about a little for the right move to make his sale. Forbes named Houston the through his Clutch City Founda- organisation. spent nearly 30 years in the bit,” Brown said. “It can wear on teams better,” Silver said in a eighth-most valuable franchise, tion he has given more than $35m Gettleman forged a reputa- NFL scouting before joining you after so many decades and statement. worth an estimated $1.65bn, in to charities throughout the city. tion as an uncompromising Carolina. 22 SPORT WEDNESDAY 19 JULY 2017 Dickwella and Gunaratne guide to record run chase Colombo AFP

iroshan Dickwella and guided Sri Lanka to a record 388 target to beat Justin Rose NZimbabwe by four yes- terday in a pulsating end to their one-off Test. A crucial 121-run sixth- Rose looks stand between Gunaratne (80 ) and Dickwella (81) to recreate secured Sri Lanka’s best-ever run chase. magic of ‘98 Their previous best was against South Africa in 2006, when they reached 352. Yester- at Birkdale day’s chase was also the highest in Asia and fifth best in all Tests. Southport, UK Man-of-the-match AFP Gunaratne anchored the pursuit to perfection after Dickwella’s fter Justin Rose finished departure, putting on an fourth in the British unbeaten 67-run partnership Open at Royal Birkdale Sri Lankan cricketers Asela Gunaratne (right) and (centre) run between the wickets as A with (29) to as a 17-year-old amateur in take the hosts to victory. Graeme Cremer looks on during the final day of their one-off Test in Colombo yesterday. Right: Sri Lankan captain Dinesh 1998, it seemed inevitable The win was a boost for new Chandimal poses with the trophy after victory. that he would soon go on to Test captain win the Claret Jug. and eased Sri Lanka’s pain after “It’s always challenging as a R. Premadasa Stadium. But crease -- a case in which the on the last day chasing But he returns to the a shock defeat in the one-day captain but it’s about doing the Gunaratne, an all-rounder who batsman can be given out. 388. We tried hard,” said Southport links for this series against the minnows. right things on and off the field,” played most of the Test only as “From what I saw, I honestly Cremer. week’s championship having “It’s always tough when you’re said Chandimal, who took over a batsman after injuring his didn’t see any doubt why it “To win the ODI series and never subsequently managed batting in the fourth innings but I after quit hamstring in the first innings, should be not out, but it’s just one to push them in the Test match, to match that performance as told the team that they should play because of the ODI loss. tackled the Zimbabwe spinners of those things,” Cremer said of taking it to the last day, was a a professional. their normal game and they Zimbabwe skipper Graeme with ease during his 151-ball stay. the decision by Indian umpire very good effort from the boys,” It is little wonder that played some outstanding innings, Cremer claimed four wickets Wicketkeeper-batsman Chettithody Shamshuddin. he added. Rose, now 36, spoke of especially Dickwella and Asela,” with his leg-spin to return over- Dickwella rode his luck to reach “I suppose you have technol- Sri Lanka’s veteran left-arm “unfinished business” on Chandimal said. all figures of 9-275 at Colombo’s 81 before being caught behind ogy and it clearly shows... it’s tough spinner took Tuesday as he prepared for off left-arm spinner Sean Wil- when those things go against you the man of the series award for Thursday’s first round, when SCOREBOARD liams while attemping an when you are trying to win a Test his overall match figures of he will go out in a group with audacious reverse sweep. match on the last day.” 11-249. former Open champion Louis Zimbabwe (I innings): ...... 356 D Perera (not out) ...... 29 Sri Lanka (I innings): ...... 346 Extras (B9, LB8, W2) ...... 19 When he was on 37 he sur- Earlier, Cremer sent over- Zimbabwe batsman Craig Oosthuizen of South Africa Zimbabwe (II innings): ...... 377 Total (6 wkts) ...... 391 vived a stumping chance off night batsman Ervine’s 160 in the first innings and Justin Thomas. Sri Lanka (II innings): Still to bat: R Herath, S Lakmal, L Kumara ’s off-spin, and trudging back to the pavilion for and all-rounder Raza’s 127 in the “It surprises me after all D Karunaratne b Williams ...... 49 Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-108, 3-133, 4-178, 5-203, 6-324 was dropped by wicketkeeper 66 after Sri Lanka resumed on second were among the notable these years that is still the best U Tharanga c Moor b Cremer ...... 27 : Raza 13-1-58-0; Williams 43.5-2-146-2 on 63. 170-3. Cremer struck again to performances for the tourists. finish,” he said of his per- K Mendis c Williams b Cremer ...... 66 (w2); Cremer 48-6-150-4; Waller 4-0-10-0; C Mpofu The stumping reprieve cost have Mathews caught and Sri Lanka host the number- formance in miserable D Chandimal c Masakadza b Cremer ...... 15 6-3-10-0 Zimbabwe dearly. It was referred bowled for 25. The visitors one ranked India for three Tests, weather in 1998, when Mark A Mathews c & b Cremer ...... 25 Result: Sri Lanka won by four wickets

N Dickwella c Chakabva b Williams ...... 81 Man-of-the-match: Asela Gunaratne to the third umpire, who ruled scented victory but it was not to five one-day internationals and O’Meara eventually won the A Gunaratne (not out) ...... 80 Man-of-the-series: Rangana Herath him not out despite replays be for the 10th-ranked side. “We a single starting this title in a play-off against Brian showing his toe was on the knew Sri Lanka had to play well month. Watts. Rose equalled the record low score for an amateur at The Open with a second- Root rues Vaughan round 66, and there was a Trent Bridge win: Du Plessis huge roar when he holed a pitch from the rough at the criticism after loss 18th on the Sunday for a birdie to secure a tie for hails ‘new Kallis’ Philander fourth place. Nottingham England’s second innings “I don’t want to say that if AFP was even worse, with Root’s I don’t win this it’s going to be men bowled out for just 133 in Nottingham South Africa’s a huge sort of hole in my (pictured) AFP oe Root was pursuit of a world-record tar- Vernon career, but it was the one stunned by former England get of 474 with more than a day Philander tournament that even before Jcaptain Michael Vaughan’s to spare on Monday as South outh Africa captain Faf du I finished fourth here as an bats on the assertion that his side had failed Africa levelled the four-match Plessis said Vernon Phi- amateur, I got to final quali- third day of to respect Test during series at 1-1. lander was on the way to fying at the age of 14 and S the second their thumping 340-run defeat This was England’s sixth becoming the “new Jacques created a bit of a story then. by South Africa at Trent Bridge. defeat in their last eight Tests Kallis” after his man-of-the- Test against “It’s definitely been a Ashes-winning skipper and Root, in charge for just the match winning display in a England championship that I’ve had Vaughan, now a commentator most recent two, was taken crushing 340-run win over at Trent great moments in. And to win with BBC Radio’s Test Match aback by mentor Vaughan’s England in the second Test at Bridge in it would kind of close the Special, made his stinging com- comments. Trent Bridge. Nottingham, book in a way on my Open ments as England lost seven “I think that’s very unfair -- Philander was in fine form on Sunday. Championship story.” first-innings wickets for 62 runs I can’t believe he’s actually said with both bat and ball as South Rose -- who warmed up to be bowled that. Africa won with more than a for Birkdale by attending out in little more “We pride day to spare. Roger Federer’s victory over than 50 overs ourselves on He made valuable scores Marin Cilic in the Wimbledon for 205 in reply winning series of 54 and 42 at number seven final on Sunday -- has had to the Proteas’ like this, and before taking three wickets for mixed results since winning 335. unfortunately 24 in 10 overs as England, Olympic gold in Rio last year. Root’s 78 we’ve played chasing a huge 474 for victory, He was runner-up to Ser- was the only poorly this collapsed to 133 all out in what gio Garcia at the Masters in fifty in a meagre week,” the Eng- was their heaviest Test defeat, April but missed the cut at the total that left land captain in terms of runs, at Trent recent US Open. England well added. Bridge. Having only ever won one behind in the But the Now retired South Africa major, at the US Open in 2013, game. Yorkshireman great Kallis was an outstand- Rose admits he still uses his “The Eng- accepted his ing all-rounder, scoring 45 1998 display as a model. land batting has side ought to be Test hundreds and averaging “The freedom I had that been appalling,” said Vaughan, able to bat in different styles more than 55. particular week, the confi- who played alongside Root’s according to the match situa- The lively paceman also dence I had in my short game, father Matt at the Sheffield Col- tion, whatever the individual took 292 wickets at 32.65, and Philander after the Proteas returning skipper was the innocence in which I legiate Club in Yorkshire and preferences of particular held 200 catches as well. levelled this four-match series delighted by how Philander played the game, I think, is has been a friend of the family players. Philander, primarily a fast- at 1-1. had embraced his enhanced kind of still a model. since Joe was a boy. “We need to make sure we medium bowler with a “He’s a fantastic cricketer. role in Nottingham. “But, yeah, when I do look “Maybe it’s a lack of respect learn quickly ... (so that) if we priceless ability to move the When there’s something there “We left a batsman out to back I do marvel at how I was about what the game is,” said are in a similar situation (in the ball late, is some way off (in the pitch), he’s probably the play two all-rounders, with able to compete so closely Vaughan, one of the leading third Test) at The Oval, for matching those figures -- his best in the world at doing that comes extra responsibil- down the stretch, and finished Test batsmen of his era. example, we play it slightly highest score in 45 Tests is 74. something with it.” ity,” said the captain. within two shots of winning “They look like they are smarter,” said Root. But 169 wickets at an aver- South Africa altered the “With the promotion to an Open Championship at the playing a Twenty20 game. They “Part of is try- age of 22.21 are proof of his balance of their team after a number seven, I backed his age of 17. have this approach of attack, ing to find a balance of both potency as a bowler. 211-run defeat in the first Test technique and he responded “I guess for me it was a attack, attack. There is no (attack and defence) -- and “He’s becoming the new at Lord’s, a match du Plessis by getting crucial runs in this glimpse into what my poten- thought or feeling of seeing off even if it’s not your strength, Jacques Kallis the way he’s missed following the birth of game. He stepped up to the tial is. And hard work will a bowler or wearing a team you build it into your natural batting,” said du Plessis of his first child, and the plate.” create another chance here down.” game,” he added. and there.” WEDNESDAY 19 JULY 2017 SPORT 23 Qatar paralympic star Abdulqader bags gold in London

London Mohsen Kidi, who won the silver medal head of the delegation, Mohammed QNA scoring 10.89 meters, Ecuadorian Mau- Dahim Al Dosari as the team manager, rice Valencia for his part, won the bronze Mohammed Suhail as Technical Man- atar’s Abdulrahman Abdulqader medal with 10.63m. ager, Al Hassan Abu Thalja, Walid won the gold medal of men’s shot Abdulqader was the first Qatari Maghmoul, Nabil Al mousalmani as Qput (F34) at the Para-Athletics medalist in the history of the Paralym- coaches, Anis Bougmoura as specialist Championships in London, which will pic Games when he won the silver physiotherapy, and players: Abdulrah- continue until July 23, with the partic- medal in Men’s Shot Put (F34) at Par- man Abdulqader, Nasser Al Sahoti, Qatar’s ipation of more than 1,100 athletes from alympic Games (Rio 2016) last year. Mohammed Al-Kubaisi, Khaled Al Hajri Abdulrahman 95 countries. The Qatari delegation participat- and Mohammed Khallas, in addition to Abdulqader Abdulqader won the first place and ing in the Para-athletics Championships Sarah Masoud. celebrates his the gold medal after scoring 11.38 meters in London consists of Dr. Hassan Al The team held their outdoor camp gold medal in in a new achievement for the sport of Ansari, Secretary General of the Qatar in Poland from June 12 to July 3 in prep- London. special needs, where he surpassed Iran Sports Federation for Special Needs, as aration for the World Championship.

QSL: Al Gharafa Lukaku strikes as secure 3-year Muftah deal United win friendly The Peninsula atar Stars League (QSL) London side Al Gharafa have Reuters Qcontinued their busy summer transfer window, ew signing Romelu securing the signature of Lukaku got off the Qatari player Yusef Muftah on mark with the win- a three-year contract. ning goal in his first Muftah, who had previ- start for Manches- ously represented El Jaish, Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Nter United on Monday as the was presented to the media attempts a shot past AC Milan’s Gabriel Paletta during English club on Monday evening, in the their International Champions Cup match in Guangzhou, came from behind to beat Real presence of club officials and Guangdong, China yesterday. Salt Lake 2-1 in a pre-season Cheetahs head coach Jean friendly in Utah. Fernandez. Lukaku lashed home a left- The dependable left back Aubameyang nets two as footed shot in the 38th minute has signed a three-year deal after taking three touches to with the side, and has been round a defender and the Salt handed the number eight Dortmund beat AC Milan Lake keeper, providing the first shirt for Gharafa. returns on a transfer fee media Talking on his ambitions Guangzhou unleashed a low shot from dis- reports put at just under $100m. with the club, the 29 year old AFP tance with the outside of his “I’m delighted with the win defender noted that he is right boot which curled just for the team,” the inter- hoping for trophies with the orussia Dortmund insisted inside the Dortmund post. national striker, who moved side. that Chelsea target But the Germans effectively from Everton last week, told BPierre-Emerick Aubam- killed off the game in the 64th MUTV. eyang was going nowhere after minute when Pulisic teed up “I’m here to score goals and the Chelsea target scored twice Aubameyang to fire his second to be sort of the focal point for in a 3-1 preseason win over AC of the night as both teams con- the team but at Manchester Milan in China yesterda. tinued to make a raft of United we play to win, and that’s I came to Al The coveted Gabon hitman second-half substitutions in the my mentality when I get on the Gharafa because showed just why Dortmund are hot and humid conditions. pitch and everything else comes so reluctant to part company Meanwhile, Arsenal goal- with it.” I believe that we with their star striker with two keeper Wojciech Szczesny is set Henrikh Mkhitaryan had can challenge confidently taken goals in rain- to seal a move to Juventus after scored United’s first goal of the lashed Guangzhou. the Italian champions revealed match just before the half hour for titles this “We have decided that the Poland international had mark to cancel out Luis Silva’s season. We have Auba will stay with BVB,” said arrived in Turin yesterday for 20th minute opener for the a good squad, Dortmund’s sporting director a medical. home side. Michael Zorc. Juve confirmed on the club’s United manager Jose Mour- with strong local “The transfer window is Twitter account that Szczesny, inho was furious after another players and closed for him.” who will likely serve as back-up of his forwards, Antonio Valen- Nuri Sahlin opened the to , was in Italy cia, was shown a straight red professionals scoring for Dortmund after 16 ahead of a move worth up to 15 card in the second half for a foul and should be minutes following a period of million euros ($17.4m). on Sebastian Saucedo and sustained pressure, finding the The 27-year-old has spent refused the referee’s request to able to compete Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku in action during the net with a tidy side-footed shot the past two seasons on loan at in the QSL, says after good work from Ameri- fellow Italian side Roma, and How Lukaku opened preseason friendly against Real Salt Lake in Sandy, USA on can teen prodigy Christian last played for the Gunners in account for United Monday. star Muftah Pulisic. their 4-0 FA Cup final victory Aubameyang got on the over Aston Villa in May 2015. Lukaku lashed home a left-footed substitute the Ecuadorian after a Saucedo challenge and scoresheet against his former Szczesny was a regular for winger. Italian defender club two minutes later when he Roma during his loan spell and shot in the 38th minute after taking “I didn’t because I don’t was also injured during the slammed a penalty into the top played 38 games last three touches to round a defender agree with the card,” the Portu- match. left corner to double Dort- season as the capital club fin- and the Salt Lake keeper, providing guese said. “Because Saucedo, I “Mata has a (swollen) ankle mund’s advantage after Pulisic ished second behind Juventus. the first returns on a transfer fee think is the name of the boy, he but I hope it is nothing impor- Mahmoud extends had been tripped in the box. He made his Arsenal debut in a media reports put at just under was really aggressive during all tant,” Mourinho told reporters. AC Milan pulled one back League Cup clash in September $100m. of the second-half.” “A few days, a week, prob- Umm Salal stay at on 23 minutes when Columbian 2009 -- the first of his 132 Spanish Juan ably. Darmian’s problem is not forward appearances for the Gunners. Mata was forced off the pitch an important one.” ‘Orange Fortress’

The Peninsula

atar Stars League (QSL) Totti appointed Roma director, ends playing career side Umm Salal have Qfurther strengthened their side ahead of the Rome His team-mates lined up to congrat- player, and now begins another impor- 2017/2018 QSL campaign, Reuters ulate him before he addressed the stadium tant assignment as a director, where confirming that midfielder and on Monday he reflected on that game. hopefully I can have a similar impact as Ismail Mahmoud has signed S Roma talisman “I will start with the last day of my play- I did on the pitch,” he said. a contract extension with the (pictured) has taken a role as a ing career, on 28 May 2017. For me it was “It was beautiful to play the game, but club. Adirector at the Serie A club, con- an historic day, an important one, a day that everything has to end... It’s been 25 years The ‘Orange Fortress’ firming the end of his playing career after for me was extremely emotional,” Totti said. and more of a beautiful relationship with officials informed that Mah- a remarkable 25 years at his only profes- “The reception I got will always be Roma.” moud has signed a one year sional team. with me. It is difficult to explain to the fans Totti made his debut as a 16-year-old deal with the club with an The 40-year-old former Italy forward the sensations and the emotions that I had in a 2-0 win against Brescia in 1993 and extension option. played his last game for Roma as a sec- on that day,” he added on the Roma web- played under 16 different coaches during Mahmoud has been one ond-half substitute against Genoa at the site (www.asroma.com). his 25 seasons at the club in the city where of Umm Salal’s most consist- end of the season in May but had left the The club said Totti was now “looking he was born. ent players in recent years, door open to playing elsewhere. forward to bringing the same passion and In all he made 786 appearances, scor- and despite missing a large However, news from the club that he determination he had as a player to his ing 307 goals including 250 in Serie A chunk of last season with an will start work as a director means Totti new role... as he begins work as a direc- -- the second-highest total by a single injury has been rewarded has hung up his boots for good. tor for his boyhood club”. player after between 1929 and with a new deal. After his last match he walked around Totti, who will work with sporting 1954. A World Cup winner with Italy in The 30-year-old mid- the stadium and stood before the Curva director Monchi and coach Eusebio Di 2006, his trophy haul with Roma was sur- fielder retuned to training on Sud, tears welling in his eyes, for several Francesco, acknowledged the end of his prisingly modest -- a single Serie A title Monday, to rejoin his team for minutes before kicking an autographed playing days. in 2001 and two winners’ medals from preseason training ahead of ball high into the stands. “...The first part is over, that of a the largely unloved . the new season SPORT

Wednesday 199Ju Julyy 20170

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Champion Federerr Dickwella, Gunaratnene Lukaku strikes as ‘can’t think too far guide Sri Lanka to Manchester United ahead’ nowadays record chase win friendly Confident Qatar eye China berth

Rizwan Rehmat QATAR SQUAD AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP Constatine’s side lost one game The Peninsula QUALIFIERS and drew the other. Mohammad Bakri, Meshal Issa The Indian coach lamented that atar Barshim, Mohamed Said, Tamim TODAY’S FIXTURES the U-23 game was not accorded coach Almuhaize, Bassam Hisham Al Rawi, SYRIA vs INDIA the respect it deserves. Felix Tariq Salman, Abdul Rahman Venue: Al Sadd Stadium “We have too many U-23 play- Sanchez Mohammed, Abdulrahman stub- Kick-off: 5:00pm ers in the league. We have players Qhas said bornness, Salem Al Hajri, Ahmed who don’t have teams. We have his team will be Ameen, Adel Alawi, Omar Ahmed QATAR vs TURKMENISTAN some players who have played just taking one match at Al Emadi, Khaled Mounir Mazeed, Venue: Al Sadd Stadium five or six games the whole sea- a time at this week’s son. You have to understand that Salah Alawi Yahri, Abdelhamid Kick-off: 8:00pm AFC U-23 Asian Cup Anad, Abdullah Alohrq, Asim if you don’t give attention to this qualifiers though the Madibo, Sultan Al Barik, Ahmed Al age group, then you don’t qualify overall team objective is Saadi, Nasser Ibrahim Al Nasr, “It’s a good number (8 friend- for the next level,” the outspoken to reach the finals of the top Moaaz Ali, Akram Afif and Mishal Al lies in last 6 weeks). We had a big Indian coach said. football tournament to be held in Shammari. number of players - we started the “This year we separated the China next January. Coach: Felix Sanchez camp with 28 players. Finally you boys only three weeks ago. They Sanchez saw his team show have to have 23 and you need to are players I have not worked with positive results over a series of eight give every player minutes on the before. It will be a very difficult friendlies in the last six weeks, predict the outcome of matches pitch,” Sanchez said. task for us against all the three allowing the long-serving Spanish based on rankings, saying teams “We rotate a lot to give chance teams. I expect one or two play- coach to complete his preparations hit the pitch with proper to everybody so that they show ers to join the senior team and that with a 3-0 win over Bangladesh last planning. their worth and their level of play. would be the objective,” he added. week. “Football is played over 90 It was good to play these many Turkmenistan coach Aga- Qatar will be joined by Turk- minutes. Anything can happen. games. It was a good preparation myradov Ahmet said: “We hope menistan, India and Syria for the Nowadays it is really competitive with right number of games,” he we can do well since my main Group C qualifiers. and well organised,” Sanchez added. players are not here because of “Hopefully we will get the explained. India coach Stephen Constan- injuries. We have studied Qatar, our results to qualify for China finals,” “We have to be aware in the tine said: “These three games will first opponents. I know they have Sanchez said yesterday. “We will best way and need to try and play be very difficult for us. But these a Spanish coach and maybe they try to achieve our objective and that games keeping in mind that it is a are the games you want to play will adopt the Spanish way of is to reach China finals by being short competition. One bad day can and qualify for the next stage. We tactics.” competitive,” he said. put pressure and that can make it have done everything we could “I don’t have much info on “These boys have been playing difficult to reach your target. So we and we hope we get positive Qatar. I did some research on the together for a few years now. I have have to be in very good concentra- results.” Internet,” Ahmet said with a smile. been with them for a long time. I tion for all the games,” he added. India have arrived in Doha “I know some of their players. have a good group with a good Sanchez said Qatar team is well having played two friendlies Their top player Afif is here. So it atmosphere which is important. prepared. against Singapore last week. will be tough,” he added. They want to do well so that we have the possibility of playing in China,” Sanchez added. Qatar’s coach said his team has set about a plan to focus on one match at a time at the July 19-23 tournament to be played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Hosts Qatar open their cam- paign with a game against Turkmenistan today, followed by a clash against India on July 21 before closing the tournament with a match against Syria on July 23. “Today, our toughest oppo- nents are Turkmenistan because we play them first. It will be wrong to think about just one team. That would mean you are not focused on your game,” Sanchez said. “As I said before, one bad result or one bad game can put a lot of pressure. Then you feel a lot of pressure when you play your next opponent. Now we are only focus- ing on Turkmenistan. After that it Qatar Under-23 will be India - they are a good team FROM LEFT: Head coaches of under-23 teams, Agamyradov Ahmet of Turkmenistan, Felix Sanchez football coach - and after that we will think of of Qatar, Hussein Afash of Syria and Stephen Constantine of India pose for a photograph following Felix Sanchez. Syria,” he added. a press conference held in Doha ahead of the of AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers yesterday. Sanchez said it is difficult Picture: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula Barcelona ‘200%’ sure Neymar will stay

Barcelona Dani Alves on a free transfer. and would offer hhimim a fivefive-- French sports daily AFP “PSG want to finalise the sign- year deal worthth 30-plus30-plus ing of Neymar this summer”, L’Equipe yesterday million euros a season.ason. arcelona vice-president wrote Catalan daily Sport, while quoted a PSG club However, a report in Jordi Mestre insisted yester- the Madrid-based AS newspaper source as saying: “We’re French sports dailyy L’Equipe Bday that Brazilian star led with the headline “Neymar not going to repeat the yesterday quoted a PSG club Neymar will be staying in Spain flirts with PSG”. Neymar show. There is a source as saying: “We’reWe’re not despite rumours linking him with PSG are reportedly attempt- going to repeat thehe Ney-Ney- huge release clause and a move to Paris Saint-Germain. ing to take advantage of Neymar’s mar show. Therere is a Asked during a press confer- desire to step out of Lionel Mes- you have to be realistic.” huge release clausese anandd ence if he could confirm Neymar si’s shadow, with the French club you have to be would remain at Barca ahead of prepared to build a team around there are no shortcuts to leader- realistic.” the 2017-18 season, Mestre the Brazil forward. ship and it is something that is PSG have previ-vi- replied: “200 percent”. “In the background of Ney- earned slowly, naturally and pro- ously been linkeded Reports in Spain have sug- mar’s annoyance there’s always gressively,” it added. with Neymar onlyy gested PSG are looking to lure the a concern, which has to do with According to Marca, PSG for the striker too 25-year-old to the Parc des his role in the team and his wish would be willing to stump up the pen a new five-yearar Princes after snapping up Ney- to become a leader,” wrote Sport. €222m ($256.8m) required to deal with Barca lastast mar’s international teammate “But you have to be aware that trigger Neymar’s release clause October. Neymar