MMLBLB | Page 5 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 6 Angels win USA into fi nal fi rst game aft er as Houghton death of pitcher penalty miss Skaggs costs England

Thursday, July 4, 2019 TENNIS Dhul-Qa’da 1, 1440 AH Wawrinka falls GULF TIMES for tall tale at Wimbledon SPORT Page 3

HORSE RACING Sheikh Mohamed’s Ebraz wins Group 3 in France Agencies pure Arabians, and he confi rmed the last strides and stayed on purebred Arabian race, after such La Teste, France that he was the class act of the to win, under P-C Boudot, by a a start, it is over... But Ebraz is black type event and that he was nose in front of the Antoine de not like any other horse and he fi t and ready to land the spoils af- Watrigant-saddled Taymour, was ridden by a cracking jockey! is Highness Sheikh ter a long break. who was seen as a winner for a He did his job. Now he has three Mohamed bin Kha- However, before scoring this while under FX Bertras. options: Newbury, Goodwood lifa al-Thani’s Ebraz victory in spectacular fashion, Al Shaqab Racing’s Melabi or Deauville. Then, it will be the proved his superiority his fans broke out in a cold sweat completed the frame further Qatar Arabian World Cup.” Hagain when he landed the Group when he fell on his knees while three quarters of a length behind. 3 Shadwell — Coupe Du Sud- jumping out of the gate and was Thomas Fourcy’s charge was rid- Trainer Julian Smart (centre) and Ouest Des Pur-Sang Arabes in La far from the front when things den by Jerome Cabre. jockey P-C Boudot (right) with His Teste, France, on Tuesday. became serious. Yet, Ebraz man- Winning trainer Julian Smart Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin The grey six-year-old son of aged to bounce from the back of was delighted with Ebraz’s per- Khalifa al-Thani’s Ebraz after the Amer had already been the fa- the pack and was clearly above all formance. “I was scared when I win in the Shadwell — Coupe Du vourite of the 1,900-metre con- of his rivals. saw him trip when they jumped Sud-Ouest Des Pur-Sang Arabes test for three-year-old and older He surged to take the lead in out,” he said. “Normally in a (Group 3) on Tuesday. (JDG)

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Bairstow ton as England crush NZ to storm into semis England will face either holders Australia or twice champions India in the semi-finals at Edgbaston

Scorecard

ENGLAND H. Nicholls lbw b Woakes 0 J. Roy c Santner b Neesham 60 K. Williamson run out (Wood) 27 J. Bairstow b Henry 106 R. Taylor run out (Rashid/Buttler) 28 J. Root c Latham b Boult 24 T. Latham c Buttler b Plunkett 57 J. Buttler c Williamson b Boult 11 J. Neesham b Wood 19 E. Morgan c Santner b Henry 42 C. de Grandhomme c Root b Stokes B. Stokes c Henry b Santner 11 3 C. Woakes c Williamson b Neesham 4 M. Santner lbw b Wood 12 L. Plunkett not out 15 T. Southee not out 7 A. Rashid b Southee 16 M. Henry b Wood 7 J. Archer not out 1T. Boult st Buttler b Rashid 4 Extras (b4, lb4, w7) 15 Extras (b2, lb6, w6) 14 Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 305 Total (all out, 45 overs) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-123 (Roy), 2-194 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Nicholls), (Root), 3-206 (Bairstow), 4-214 2-14 (Guptill), 3-61 (Williamson), (Buttler), 5-248 (Stokes), 6-259 4-69 (Taylor), 5-123 (Neesham), (Woakes), 7-272 (Morgan), 8-301 6-128 (De Grandhomme), 7-164 (Rashid) (Latham), 8-166 (Santner), 9-181 (Henry), 10-186 (Boult) Bowling: Santner 10-0-65-1 (w2); Boult 10-0-56-2 (w1); Southee Bowling: Woakes 8-0-44-1 (1w); 9-0-70-1; Henry 10-0-54-2 (w2); Archer 7-1-17-1 (1w); Plunkett 8-0- De Grandhomme 1-0-11-0; Nee- 28-1 (1w); Wood 9-0-34-3 (2w); sham 10-1-41-2 (w2) Root 3-0-15-0; Rashid 5-0-30-1, Stokes 5-0-10-1 (1w) NEW ZEALAND RESULT: England won by 119 M. Guptill c Buttler b Archer 8runs

Points table Team P W L NR Pts Team P W L NR Pts 1. Australia (Q) 8 7 1 0 14 6. Sri Lanka 8 3 3 2 8 2. India (Q) 8 6 1 1 13 7. Bangladesh 8 3 4 1 7 3. England (Q) 9 6 3 0 12 8. South Africa 8 2 5 1 5 4. New Zealand 9 5 3 1 11 9. West Indies 8 1 6 1 3 5. Pakistan 8 4 3 1 9 10. Afghanistan 8 0 8 0 0 Note: Top four teams qualify for semi-finals. (Q) qualified England’s Jonny Bairstow celebrates after reaching his century during the ICC Cricket World Cup match against New Zealand in Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters)

Reuters easily have been bigger but for a “We knew the performances in and Jason Roy threatened to rep- Bairstow needed 95 balls to 27 balls. Morgan made 42 before Wood’s fi ngers before hitting Durham, United Kingdom middle-order collapse. the last couple of games weren’t licate their Edgbaston heroics bring up his 100 as he and Joe Root Mitchell Santner took a stunning the stumps at the non-striker’s New Zealand wobbled early in up to scratch. To play the way we where the openers added 160 to kept the scoreboard ticking over. catch off Henry to dismiss the end with Williamson out of his their chase, losing both openers have and hopefully keep it going set up a campaign-reviving vic- England captain. ground and Taylor ran himself ngland stormed into the cheaply, before a couple of run- into the semis is pleasing. tory over India. PITCH SLOWING New Zealand were rocked early out going for a risky second. Cricket World Cup semi- outs eff ectively derailed them and “We have got a couple days Against a New Zealand at- Trent Boult returned to dismiss in their chase, losing both open- Tom Latham made a fi ghting fi nals for the fi rst time they were all out for 186 in 45 overs. off ...People will be sore after two tack missing Lockie Ferguson, Root for 24 and England sudden- ers by the sixth over with a mea- 57 but it was too late to eff ect the since 1992 after Jonny England will face either holders gruelling games. Then we meet who is nursing a tight hamstring, ly began losing wickets regularly gre 14 runs on the board. result. Bairstow’sE second consecutive Australia or twice champions India up and go again.” Bairstow and Roy looked unstop- with the pitch showing signs of The onus was on Williamson “Not ideal to have three de- century helped secure a com- in the semi-fi nals at Edgbaston. New Zealand could not qualify pable, scoring freely to bring up slowing down. (27) and Ross Taylor (28) to put feats, the recipe is simple but not prehensive 119-run victory over “We knew these two games yesterday but, given their superior England’s 100 in the 15th over. Bairstow chopped a Matt Hen- the chase back on track but two easy,” Williamson said. New Zealand yesterday. were must win to give ourselves run rate, Pakistan would need a Jimmy Neesham ended the ry delivery onto his stumps and run-ours, one fortuitous and “The margins on the score- Bairstow smashed 106 to lift the best opportunity of reach- freak result against Bangladesh to- 123-run partnership in the 19th Jos Buttler miscued Boult to Kane another ill-judged, led to the board have looked big but for us England to 305-8 in their fi - ing the semi-fi nal,” Bairstow said morrow to leapfrog the Black Caps. over when Roy, having made a Williamson at mid-off . dismissals of New Zealand’s two it is important we look at it for nal group game at the Riverside after collecting the man-of-the- After England captain Eoin run-a-ball 60, was caught at Ben Stokes struggled to get senior batsmen. what it is. We defi nitely need to Ground, though the total could match award. Morgan won the toss, Bairstow short cover. going and managed only 11 off Taylor’s drive brushed Mark be better moving forward.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 4, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS PRAISE Bangladesh coach Rhodes proud Inspired Sharma of team’s fi ght is India’s World Cup heartbeat He is the second player after Sangakkara to register four hundreds in a single World Cup Sharma presents

injured fan with AFP limit India to 314 for nine in Bir- Birmingham mingham on Tuesday after Ro- autographed hat hit Sharma’s 104 but they could only manage 286 all out despite angladesh head coach 66 from star batsman Shakib Al Steve Rhodes said he Hasan. was “proud” of the way “You know, it could well have his team had fought been 370, 380, even 400 at one Bagainst top sides at the World stage,” said Rhodes. “So we were Cup even though they had ulti- delighted that we showed a lot of mately fallen short. spirit and a lot of fi ght to come Mashrafe Mortaza’s side lost back. It was pleasing to see some to India by 28 runs at Edgbaston fi ght. I think it’s a refl ection of on Tuesday to end their hopes of the team. We’ve only picked up a place in semi-fi nals. the three victories. Bangladesh impressed during “I’m very proud of the way wins over South Africa and the we’ve played against a lot of the West Indies and put in a spirited big teams, and I think that maybe eff ort against defending champi- we’ll be the people’s team for ons Australia. the amount of fi ght that we’ve The Tigers fought back to shown.”

TRANSFORMATION

Birmingham, United King- unfortunate Indian fan in the dom: India’s Rohit Sharma crowd. Pandya now the presented a young fan with Sharma met the girl, identified India’s Rohit Sharma (R) an autographed hat after she as Meena, after the match to hits a shot as Bangladesh’s was hit by one of the opener’s present a yellow autographed fab fi ft h bowler wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim sixes during his century on hat. watches the ball at Edgbaston Tuesday. She was hit in the face by the on Tuesday. Sharma’s 104 — his fourth ball when the supporter in in India attack century of the World Cup front of her failed to catch it. — helped India clinch a Sharma set the tone for India’s Reuters for the team, that’s really helping AFP gakkara to register four hun- score. He gives everyone confi - semi-final spot after they domination, putting on 180 Leeds his cricket.” Birmingham dreds in a single World Cup. dence to go out and bat.” defended their total of 314 for runs with opening partner KL Pandya claimed 3-60 on “Fifth century in 15 World Kohli has admitted more than nine, beating Bangladesh by Rahul, who made 77. Tuesday and his victims includ- Cup innings for Rohit Sharma. once that he does not have the 28 runs. Virat Kohli’s India, who have or someone as fl amboy- ed Bangladesh talisman Shakib ohit Sharma is re- Amazing hunger and consist- repertoire of strokes of Sharma, The attacking opener won six of their eight match- ant off the pitch as on it, Al Hasan, who top-scored for his nowned for his hunger ency,” former India opener whose elegance combined with smashed seven fours and five es, play their final group game it is fi tting that Hardik side with 66, and Liton Das, who for big hundreds and Virender Sehwag wrote on his hunger for runs makes him sixes during his 92-ball blitz against Sri Lanka in Leeds on Pandya’s transformation he dismissed with a trademark his soaring self-belief Twitter. such a compelling batsman to Finto India’s reliable fi fth bowler short ball. and one of his hits found the Saturday. isR driving India forward as they The attacking opener, who led watch. has been nothing less than spec- The all-rounder has fi ne- seek a third World Cup triumph. his Indian Premier League side Sharma, who started his long as possible and get the 213 ODI matches since making tacular at this year’s Cricket tuned his bowling and appears to The opener is in the form of Mumbai Indians to their fourth World Cup campaign strongly team in a good position, things his debut in 2007. World Cup. have returned wiser from a brief his life, hitting his fourth centu- title in May, is now the tourna- against South Africa with a bat- like that,” he said. He has a strike-rate of over 88 The 25-year-old, known for suspension earlier this year for ry of the tournament in the win ment’s leading run-scorer with tling 122 not out on a tough bat- Former India batsman San- and has hit 26 centuries and 42 his fl ash clothes and love for his comments about women on a against Bangladesh on Tuesday 544 runs in seven matches at an ting wicket, says he has learned jay Manjrekar says Sharma is fi fties in his glittering career. bling, arrived in England with television show in January. that took India through to the eye-watering average of more to curb his instincts and fi nish- showing great maturity in his The batsman, who gives the many wondering if he was good Kohli suggested that under- semi-fi nals. than 90. ing off a game gives him “im- ability to convert fi fties to cen- impression of having a devil- enough for the fi fth bowler’s job neath Pandya’s casual exte- With an attacking 104 at Edg- “I have been watching Rohit mense satisfaction”. turies. may-care attitude, recently in his maiden World Cup. rior lies a cerebral cricketer who baston, Sharma took his overall for years now, he is the best ODI The India vice-captain ex- The 32-year-old is the only credited his run of form to a The seam-bowling all-round- draws from his experience as an tally of World Cup hundreds to player around,” India captain plained his approach after scor- batsman to score three double happy family life, saying his er has since eff ortlessly dispelled all-rounder to outwit batsmen. fi ve, second only behind batting Virat Kohli said after the win ing a century in a losing cause centuries in the 50-over for- baby daughter had put him in a any shred of doubt with a string “When he comes to bowl, he great Sachin Tendulkar, who hit against Bangladesh. against England on Sunday. mat, with his highest score of “good space”. of stellar performances with the thinks like a batsman,” Kohli six centuries in as many tourna- “He is a joy to watch and is “Every game for me is a new 264 coming against Sri Lanka in That good space could turn ball. said. “He actually wants the ball ments. having the tournament of his game, and I try and do the same, 2014. into a great space if he can in- He bowled his full 10 overs under pressure because he thinks He is also the second player life. When he plays well we try and see if I have the por- Sharma has amassed 8,554 spire the team to World Cup against Australia, Afghanistan, like a batter, so he can check their after Sri Lanka’s Kumar San- know we are heading for a big tion to fi nish the game or bat as runs at an average of nearly 49 in glory at Lord’s on July 14. England and Bangladesh. India’s body language and know what to opening fi xture against South bowl and when. He’s bowling re- Africa was the only match where ally well for us.” SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE the opposition lasted 50 overs Bowling coach Bharat Arun and Pandya did not complete his had earlier explained how much quota. Pandya had evolved to fi t the fi fth He now inspires so much con- bowler’s role. Imam-ul-Haq India batsman Rayudu retires fi dence in Virat Kohli that the “It was a big challenge for him India captain went with only to bowl those 10 overs, and he Reuters “I would like to bring to your fi ve bowlers in Tuesday’s vic- realised that to be able to bowl vows no let-up Mumbai kind notice that I have come to tory against Bangladesh which those 10 overs ‘I need to develop (a) decision to step away from the secured their place in the semi- a certain armoury in my bowl- sport and retire from all forms fi nals. ing’,” Arun said in Manchester from Pakistan ndia batsman Ambati Ray- and levels of the game,” Rayudu “We experienced that Hardik, last month. udu has announced his re- said in an email to the country’s when put under pressure has, “And that’s what he’s worked AFP tirement from all forms of governing body (BCCI). come back really well in this on. He’s worked on his slow balls, London cricket after being over- “I would like to take this op- tournament...” Kohli said of what his slow bouncers, and he’s also Ilooked by the selectors for the portunity to thank the BCCI and prompted his “gamble” with the worked on perfecting his bounc- Cricket World Cup squad, Indian all the state associations that I bowling attack. ers. mam-ul-Haq says media reported yesterday. have represented which include “He fi nds a way to contain the “All these put together have Pakistan will go all out Rayudu, who last played a one- Hyderabad, Baroda, Andhra and runs and get you wickets. He’s given him the confi dence to go against Bangladesh to- day international (ODI) in March, Vidharbha.” really looking forward to do stuff through those 10 overs.” morrow even if they was not picked in the 15-man Rayudu, who played over 200 Ihave no realistic chance of World Cup squad. Twenty20 matches, scored over reaching the World Cup “I think the Australia de- The 33-year-old was not con- 4,500 runs including one century semi-fi nals. feat hurts me a lot. I was set sidered as a replacement when and 24 fi fties. He played 55 ODIs, Imam said there was no and playing well. I should India lost opener Shikhar Dha- ries, with Rishabh Pant and May- amassing 1,694 runs with three despondency in the Pakistan have won that match for Pa- wan and Vijay Shankar to inju- ank Agarwal called up instead. centuries at an average of 47. camp despite the diffi cult kistan,” said Imam. situation. “We lost four quick wick- “We are not thinking on ets and I think I should have the lines of not reaching won that game and we would semi-fi nals,” said Imam. have beaten a big team in the Police probe crowd trouble at Headingley “Our plan is to play the World Cup.” London: Police have launched Police said mobile phone match,” he said. semi-fi nal with an all-out Imam, who scored his an investigation after “unprec- footage showed people being “While we did not receive any eff ort and at the end if that only fi fty of the tournament edented” crowd trouble at the assaulted, and appealed for direct reports of people being doesn’t happen then we have in that match, said he was World Cup match between anyone who was a victim or injured, the footage that is out to play positive cricket and disappointed with his bat- Pakistan and Afghanistan at witness of an attack, or who there clearly shows people end on a high.” ting during the tournament. Headingley, during which a has original footage of the being assaulted during these Pakistan won just one of “I think what expecta- number of arrests were made. incidents, to contact them. incidents,” he added. their fi rst fi ve World Cup tions I had from myself I West Yorkshire Police said they Superintendent Chris Bowen Bowen said crowd trouble at matches but bounced back could not do like that,” said received reports of people said police in Leeds recognised cricket was “relatively unheard strongly with victories Imam, who has so far scored climbing over a wall, assaulting the need for a “full and com- of” and the match had been against South Africa, New 205 in seven innings. “I had staff on a gate and a fan going prehensive criminal investiga- assessed as low risk, with no Zealand and Afghanistan starts but couldn’t score big. on to the pitch at Saturday’s tion”. need for a police presence. to give themselves a shot at “I am very young so I have game in Leeds. “While these were isolated He said policing arrangements reaching the semi-fi nals. learned a lot in this World Videos shared on social media incidents, involving a relative had now been reviewed and Imam said the 41-run Cup. What mistakes I have show a fight between fans out- minority of people attending there would be an enhanced defeat against defending committed, I have learned side the ground, with a metal the event, the scenes that were police presence and steward- champions Australia ear- from them and I am sure barrier being brandished and witnessed were completely ing for matches at Headingley lier in the competition was that will help me,” said the kicks, punches and shouting. unprecedented at a cricket this week. India’s Hardik Pandya delivers a ball against England at Edgbaston on painful. 23-year-old. June 30. Gulf Times Thursday, July 4, 2019 3 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Djokovic eases Impressive Azarenka into third round, back in mix Wawrinka upset ‘I was serving mostly well. I’m really glad to overcome the challenge’

Reuters be better than the fi rst. London “I still believe I have my best tennis ahead of me,” she told Reuters in the build-up to Wim- ictoria Azarenka bledon at the Mallorca Open. once was a fi xture in “I know that I’ll get to the the business end of point where everything that I’m VGrand Slams and but putting in, will be rewarded. It’s for great rival Serena Williams a new step in my career and an would have more than two Aus- exciting one.” tralian Opens in her collection. The journey back from moth- From the 2011 French Open erhood for a tennis player is until the 2014 Australian Open tough enough, but Azarenka has the Belarussian reached the also had to deal with a drawn- quarter-fi nal stage at least in 10 out custody battle for her son Grand Slam tournaments, win- with her former partner. ning in Australia in 2012 and Azarenka, twice a Wimble- 2013. don semi-fi nalist, is on the rise During that period she was again, though, and while ap- a natural adversary for Serena proaching 30, she feels she is Williams, going toe-to-toe with playing as well as ever. the American in two classic US “I feel that the average level on Open fi nals, and fi nished 2012 as Tour has gone up dramatically world number one. especially with a lot of young Since returning to the game players coming up,” she said. “I two years ago having taken a ma- don’t compare myself from be- ternity break following the birth fore because that’s based on re- of son Leo, it has been a struggle sults that people see. for the 29-year-old, on and off “Even in my best years I the court. wasn’t developing as a player She arrived at Wimbledon but now I am. I’m learning. For having risen back to 40 in the sure, I feel much more happy rankings, however, and on the now than before even though the evidence of her fi rst two matches results aren’t the same.” on the London lawns looks des- It is only the third time since tined to go higher. returning to the Tour in June Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates beating US player Denis Kudla on the third day of Wimbledon yesterday. On Wednesday she powered 2017 that she has reached a past Australian Ajla Tomljanovic Grand Slam third round and AFP in her career, was forced to quit. 6-2 6-0 in little more than hour, while Halep is a formidable London “I was a little bit shocked, having disposed of Alize Cornet obstacle, Azarenka is relish- Gauff , 15, reaches Wimbledon third round it’s never nice to get this when in straight sets in the opening ing a scrap with the player who London: Cori Gauff, the 15-year-old someone is injured like that,” round. stopped her in the 2017 fourth our-time champion No- schoolgirl who stunned five-time said Svitolina who goes on to The real test of where her round. vak Djokovic reached the champion Venus Williams in the face Greece’s Maria Sakkari for a game is at will come in the next “She’s very consistent. I don’t Wimbledon third round first round, continued her dream place in the last 16. round when she faces Romanian think that she has developed too for the 11th successive Wimbledon debut yesterday when “It’s really unfortunate for seventh seed Simona Halep. many diff erent areas. She’s just yearF while three-time major her.” Whatever happens on Friday, very solid. We had quite a few she eased into the last 32. winner Stan Wawrinka fell in Gauff , ranked 313, defeated 2017 Spanish veteran Fernando however, Azarenka thinks the entertaining matches. It’s going fi ve sets to 6ft 11in (2.1m) Reilly semi-finalist Magdalena Rybarikova Verdasco staged the comeback second chapter of her career can to be exciting.” Opelka. of Slovakia 6-3, 6-3 under the new of the day when he recovered Top seed Djokovic hit 13 aces Court One roof. from two sets and 3-0 down to and 37 winners as he eased The American teenager, already the defeat British number one Kyle CRICKET past Denis Kudla of the United youngest player since 1991 to win Edmund 4-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), States, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. a main draw match at Wimbledon, 6-3, 6-4. “I’m pleased with my game goes on to face Polona Hercog of Czech third seed Karolina overall. There were some mo- Slovenia for a place in the last 16. Pliskova reached the last 32 Qatar to host T20 ments in the match where may- with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Puerto be I could have done better,” said Rico’s Olympic champion Mon- the defending champion. 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 to make the third winners and goes on to face pain and was not happy, so I gave ica Puig. series against Kuwait “But overall, a solid perform- round of a Slam for the fi rst 2016 runner-up Milos Raonic of her a little hug,” said the genial Pliskova, one of four play- ance. I was returning well, I was time. Canada. Swiss. ers who could end Wimbledon Doha: Qatar will host Kuwait Manzoor Ahmad said that the serving mostly well. I’m really Last year’s beaten fi nalist Opelka will be appearing in Also feeling the pain was Rus- as world number one, will face for a series of three Twenty20 Kuwait team would arrive in Qa- glad to overcome the challenge.” Kevin Anderson, the South Afri- the third round at a Slam for the sia’s Margarita Gasparyan who Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan for a International matches at the tar today morning and stay here Djokovic goes on to face Hu- can fourth seed, also progressed fi rst time having never won a was forced to retire when just spot in the fourth round. Asian Town Cricket Stadium in for four days. bert Hurkacz for a place in the with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-4 grass court match in his career two points from victory against In a match which opened Industrial Area from today. “Kuwait are a strong team and last 16 having defeated the Pole victory over Janko Tipsarevic of prior to coming to Wimbledon. Ukraine eighth seed Elina Svi- proceedings on Centre Court, The series is being organised we expect a close series as our in straight sets in the fi rst round Serbia. Wawrinka won heartfelt ap- tolina. 52nd-ranked Puig was clearly at the initiative of Qatar Cricket team is also good. An opening at Roland Garros in May. Two-time quarter-fi nalist plause for giving a line judge a World number 62 Gasparyan over-awed, winning just nine Association President Yousuf ceremony has been planned at Victory in that match could Wawrinka, 34, was beaten 7-5, warm embrace after accidentally was 7-5, 5-4 ahead when she points in a 20-minute fi rst set. Jeham al-Kuwari and the as- 6pm at the stadium, while the see him face 18-year-old Cana- 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 by his Amer- colliding with her as he sprinted collapsed to the ground on Court Former world number one and sociation has completed all the match will start at 7pm. dian Felix Auger-Aliassime, the ican opponent, the tallest man to hit a backhand. Three, suff ering with cramping. double Australian Open winner arrangements for the exciting “The remaining matches will youngest man in the draw. in the sport and 13 years his jun- “I was a bit too far to return Although she bravely tried to Victoria Azarenka swept past matches between the two strong be played on Friday and Satur- The 19th seed saw off French ior. a serve. I think I went against continue, the Russian, who has Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic teams of the Gulf region. day, with the start scheduled at qualifi er Corentin Moutet 6-3, Opelka fi red 23 aces and 59 her, so I was sure she had some undergone three knee surgeries 6-2, 6-0. QCA Operations Manager 6pm,” he added.

BOTTOMLINE Reece goes from disgrace to All Blacks jersey

Reuters facial injuries and bruises to her from New Zealand Herald col- yesterday. NZR conducted its own inves- Wellington knee and waist. umnist Chris Rattue, who noted “I am really sick of this, it is an tigation and said the allegations Playing provincial rugby for a “surprising” lack of outrage in ongoing issue that the rugby un- could not be substantiated. Waikato at the time, Reece was New Zealand. ion need to get a grip on.” NZR was also embarrassed he selection of winger due to head to Europe to join “On one hand, you could argue Reece’s inclusion comes days in 2013 when All Blacks winger Sevu Reece in Steve Connacht but the Irish side can- that the All Blacks have selected after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Julian Savea was charged with Hansen’s All Blacks celled his contract. Sevu Reece with indecent haste, cleared Crusaders players of an assault of his partner, having Tsquad capped a remark- Four of New Zealand’s fi ve Su- given what emerged in a court wrongdoing after one was ac- been the face of an anti-domestic able turnaround for a player em- per Rugby franchises would not case just last year,” Rattue wrote. cused of making homophobic violence campaign the previous broiled in a domestic violence touch Reece but the Canterbury “On the other hand... well, remarks at a fast food outlet in year. case last year but his rapid reha- Crusaders threw the 22-year-old there isn’t another hand to my Cape Town and another was al- Despite pending court pro- bilitation has not been welcomed a lifeline, with coach Scott Rob- mind.” leged to have spat beer on a wom- ceedings, Savea was retained in all quarters in New Zealand. ertson describing him as a “qual- A prominent anti-domestic an at a nightclub. in Hansen’s All Blacks squad The Fiji-born fl yer was fi ned ity young kid” and deserving of a violence campaigner was scath- NZR has previously been con- months later and he escaped NZ$750 ($500) and discharged second chance. ing of Reece’s selection, saying demned by women’s groups for conviction after complying with without conviction for an assault Reece has since topped the the “optics” alone should have its handling of off -fi eld incidents a police demand to complete an on his girlfriend last July. competition with 15 tries for the ruled out the winger. involving local players. anger management course and The Hamilton District Court season and underlined his talent “There are just so many things Super Rugby’s Waikato Chiefs publicly apologise. heard evidence Reece had with a brace against the Wel- “He just plays like he enjoys his nounced on Tuesday. wrong here that the rugby union lost sponsors in 2016 after a Jury said NZR should have dragged his girlfriend to the lington Hurricanes that helped rugby doesn’t he? He’s a pocket Reece’s troubled history bare- really need to look at their selec- hired stripper accused players updated their selection policies ground during a drunken argu- the Crusaders book their place in rocket and I’m excited about ly generated a mention in New tion processes,” Ang Jury, chief of touching her without consent years ago to take a harder line on ment on a night out in the North Saturday’s fi nal against the Jag- working with him,” Hansen told Zealand’s mainstream media on executive of New Zealand NGO and pouring beer on her during a players involved in domestic vio- Island city, causing her to suff er uares. reporters after the squad was an- Wednesday, barring criticism Women’s Refuge, told Reuters post-season party. lence. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 4, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS Gauff the ideal new poster girl, says Serena Williams ‘Soon she’ll be on other girls’ walls. It’s nice, because it will keep it going from the next generation to next generation’ Murray, Serena form Wimbledon dream team

AFP champion’s partnership with up about women’s issues no was for the reason that they London seven-time winner Williams matter what. You can tell he has had some years where they’ve will make them instant favour- a really strong woman in his life. been backed up. Sometimes the ites for the title. I think above all that is just fan- mixed is not the priority to get ndy Murray and Ser- “We’re a lot alike on the tastic.” on the court.” ena Williams will court. I’ve always liked that Murray had been searching Murray played mixed doubles form a mixed doubles about him,” Williams said of her for a mixed doubles partner at Wimbledon in 2006 where he dream team at Wim- fellow former world number but had complained that he had teamed with Belgium’s Kirsten bledon,A his management an- one. been turned down by a number Flipkens and reached the sec- nounced yesterday as he gradu- “His work ethic is just hon- of players. ond round. ally returns to tennis following estly off the charts. That’s “I do want to play,” the He was also a silver medal- career-saving surgery. something I’ve always respect- 32-year-old said on Saturday at list with Laura Robson in the Murray, who is easing his way ed about him. His fi tness, eve- a pre-Wimbledon media day. London 2012 Olympics which back into the sport following a rything. “We’ve had a number of con- were played at the All England radical hip resurfacing, will join “To do what he’s done in versations with a few players. Club. forces with Williams in an all- an era where there’s so many Yeah, the plan’s defi nitely to Serena is a two-time mixed star partnership when the draw other great male tennis players, play. doubles champion at the Slams. is announced on Wednesday. so much competition, to rise “Conditions look like it’s In 1998, she partnered with The Scot is already entered above it, not many people have supposed to be good for the Max Mirnyi to win Wimbledon into the men’s doubles at Wim- done it. He’s actually one of the fortnight, which is a positive and the US Open. bledon where he is playing few. There’s so many things to thing. Some 64 pairings compete alongside France’s Pierre-Hu- be admired.” “I was speaking to some of in the mixed doubles, which is Cori Gauff of the US celebrates winning her first round match against Venus Williams. At bottom, Serena gues Herbert. She added: “Above all, he re- the doubles guys, asking them disputed over the best of three Williams. The two-time Wimbledon ally stands out, he really speaks why they don’t play mixed. It sets.

tre Court. It’s like such a big mo- ment for me. “Like I said, every match counts like several matches to just learn from each point.” Williams, who will play another qualifi er Kaja Juvan of Slovenia in the next round, said she had not felt this good for a while. “It is the best I have felt since February,” she said. “I am better now, I feel happy now that I get to play with my baby (Olympia).” Williams recently appeared on the cover of a famous Ameri- can cereal box following in the footsteps of her idol Althea Gib- son who was the fi rst black ten- AFP I was on her wall at some point in nis player to be honoured in that London her life,” said Williams. fashion. “Soon she’ll be on other girls’ “Obviously Althea Gibson was walls. It’s nice, because it will somebody I really looked up to,” even-time Wimbledon keep it going from the next gen- she said. champion Serena Wil- eration to next generation.” “I had an opportunity to speak liams said it was an hon- Williams, who if she wins to her on the phone at one point in our a poster of her had Wimbledon will share the record my life. Sbeen on Cori Gauff ’s wall and that with Margaret Court of 24 Grand “It’s something I’ll never for- soon pictures of the new 15-year- Slam titles, may be happy about a get. It was always my goal to fol- old sensation would be adorning new idol being on the horizon for a low her as a tennis player on that other young girls’ walls as a role younger generation. box.” model for a new generation. However, she is not ready to She may not be leaving the Gauff said the Williams sisters walk off centre stage yet. scene quite yet but Serena still felt are the reason she took up a rac- Although she had a tough bat- in the mood to pinpoint what was quet although she put her idolisa- tle in the second set — the Italian the turning point in her extraordi- tion of them aside when she beat broke her serve when she served nary career — seizing on a Martina Venus Williams in straight sets on for the match — she welcomed Hingis serve in the 1999 US Open Monday. it as she returns after a knee in- fi nal in the tie break that led to her Serena, speaking after she had jury that has aff ected the 37-year- winning the title. reached the second round with a old’s season. “It was the biggest decision of 6-2, 7-5 win over Italian qualifi er “I haven’t played a ton of my career,” she said. Giulia Gatto-Monticone, said it matches,” she said. “I just went for it. From that was great there would be a new “I think this is the 13th match moment forward, I knew I just tennis poster girl for a younger for the whole year for me. It felt need to go for it. generation. really good to get there. “It was a huge breakthough for Britain’s Andy Murray with his mother Judy Murray after practice yesterday. “Honestly, I feel honoured that “It’s also Wimbledon. It’s Cen- me.”

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Tokyo Olympic Real hawk-eye Rufus winging stadium to open in December from Wimbledon to Lord’s 21. “The work for this stadium has Reuters AFP as the new Court One retractable Tokyo been going on for three years and London roof comes into operation. we have fi ve months to go,” said “It’s like a new playground for National Stadium Development him to fi nd new hiding places ith the start of the Director Takeo Takahashi. awk-Eye technol- that the pigeons will be in,” said Tokyo 2020 Ol- “About 90 percent of the con- ogy has long been Davis. ympics a little over struction work has been completed a feature in cricket “It makes him a little bit more Wa year away, the and, as you can see, almost all the Hand tennis but now a playful, mischievous and keen to National Stadium, set to be the buildings have been completed. genuine hawk, Rufus, is ruling work out what’s going on. centrepiece of the Games, is 90 “We are now working on the in- the roost over both Wimbledon “He used to sit on the crane percent completed and will open terior and facility equipment inside and Lord’s. while they were building it, sur- its doors for the fi rst time in De- the stadium. Rufus the Hawk has been veilling his territory.” cember. “The grass and track have yet making pigeons’ lives hell for The new retractable roof on Media were shown inside the to be laid but this is expected to be more than a decade at the Wim- the 12,000-seater Court Once $1.25bn stadium yesterday, 387 completed in the next month. bledon tennis championships. was deployed for the fi rst time days before the opening ceremony The Olympic Stadium is one But once his early morning on Tuesday due to fading light. will be held at the same venue. of eight new venues to be used at shift is done at the All England A Harris hawk with a one- The 60,000 capacity stadium, Tokyo 2020, all of which are on Club, Rufus heads across Lon- metre wingspan, Rufus is now which will also host the athlet- schedule for completion. don to Lord’s — having been on his 11th Wimbledon champi- ics and soccer events during the The Musashino Forest Sports called in to do a special hit-job onships and has met top players Games, was designed by Japanese Plaza, a venue to be used at Tokyo on pesky pigeons during the Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. architect Kengo Kuma and aims to 2020 but not built specifi cally for Cricket World Cup. But if there are no pigeons to embody Japan’s connection with the Games, was opened in No- “It is new territory for him,” put in their place, Rufus has his nature. vember 2017 while the newly-built his handler Imogen Davis told own ideas, often fl ying off across Wood collected from all of Ja- archery and rowing venues have reporters at Wimbledon yester- the road hunting for prey. pan’s 47 prefectures has been recently opened. day. “This morning I had to run used to build the stadium’s iconic The canoe slalom venue is set “It’s new stimulation, a new dential area of north London. “I see him go straight into a hosts the group stage match be- around the golf course,” said slated roof, and the seats, 45,000 to be unveiled on Saturday whilst area to go pigeon hunting. “There’s quite a few pigeons in tree, full force, and they scatter tween Bangladesh and Pakistan Davis, 32. of which have been installed, are a construction continues at the “It’s a smaller area in Lord’s. the trees and that’s his favourite out.” tomorrow and then the World “He went off over there be- mix of green, brown and white to Aquatics Centre, which is 75 per- Here we’ve got so much ground, way to fi nd them. You see him Rufus, who weighs one pound, Cup fi nal on July 14. cause there were no pigeons refl ect trees growing. cent complete, the Gymnastics whereas there, there’s lots of dive into a tree. He can see 10 six ounces (625 grammes), has a Rufus has had his work cut out around here. So then I have to The fi nal preparations are being Centre and Ariake Arena, which streets,” she said of the home of times more clearly, and further bit more work to do yet at Lord’s. keeping pigeons down the peck- run around looking like a crazy completed before an inauguration will host volleyball and wheelchair cricket, wedged in a plush resi- than we can. The 28,500-capacity ground ing order at Wimbledon this year lady whistling up into the trees.” event in front of the public on Dec basketball next July. Gulf Times Thursday, July 4, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB Angels win fi rst game aft er death of pitcher Skaggs The cause of the pitcher’s death remains a mystery and authorities have said there were no signs of suicide or foul play

Reuters Los Angeles

day after teammate Tyler Sk- aggs was found dead in his team hotel room from un- determined causes, the Los AngelesA Angels returned to the fi eld on Tuesday and earned a 9-4 win over the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas. The shellshocked Angels had post- poned their game against the Rang- ers in Arlington, Texas on Monday just hours after the popular 27-year-old Sk- aggs was found unconscious in his hotel room. The cause of the pitcher’s death remains a mystery although authorities have said there were no obvious signs of suicide or foul play. Los Angeles pitchers Andrew Heaney and Cam Bedrosian carried Skaggs’ jersey out before the game and hung it in the dugout. The Angels then sent rookie Jose Suarez to the mound against All-Star Mike Minor of the Rangers, and Texas built a 3-1 lead through four innings. But the Angels tied the game with two runs in the fi fth, then added four more in the sixth. Justin Bour de- livered the big blow with a two-run single to make it 6-3 while picking up for All-Star second baseman Tommy La Stella in the middle of an at-bat. La Stella had to be helped off the eldfi after fouling a pitch from Jose Leclerc Los Angeles Angels players hold a moment of silence in memory of Tyler Skaggs before their game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) off his right knee area with the count full and the bases loaded with one out. one walk in 2 2/3 innings. He had one jciechowski made his Orioles debut and Roberto Osuna pitched a scoreless strikeout. and became the 14th diff erent starting ninth for his 18th save. METS 4, YANKEES 2 pitcher for the club this season. Wo- Houston trailed by three entering the Stuck in a 1-for-24 slump, Michael PHILLIES 2, BRAVES 0 jciechowski (0-1) gave up fi ve hits and seventh inning but rallied to take the Conforto laced a tiebreaking, two-run Aaron Nola produced his second con- four runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked lead. Springer, Altuve and Alex Breg- double in the eighth inning to lead the secutive scoreless start, fi ring eight two and struck out six. man began the uprising with doubles New York Mets past the visiting New shutout innings and extending his off reliever Bryan Shaw to make it 8-7. York Yankees. Not only did the Yan- scores streak to 17 innings as Philadel- NATIONALS 3, MARLINS 2 Jake McGee (0-1) came on and got one kees see their fi ve-game winning streak phia won in Atlanta. Nola (7-2) gave up Trea Turner hit an RBI double with out before Gurriel hit his second homer halted, but their major-league-record four hits and three walks while striking two outs in the last of the ninth off Jose of the night to make it 9-8 in favour of 31-game homer streak also came to an out eight. Quijada as host Washington overcame Houston. end. The Mets can win the season series He was lifted after throwing 117 a blown lead in the eighth to down from the Yankees with a win Wednes- pitches and earned his fi rst victory since Miami. Sean Doolittle (5-2) pitched a INDIANS 9, ROYALS 5 day night, something they have done May 29. It was also just the second time scoreless top of the ninth to get the win. Jake Bauers had four hits and three RBIs, only three times vs. the Yankees. the Braves were shut out this season. Quijada fell to 0-2 as the Nationals and he highlighted a fi ve-run third in- With the Mets trailing 2-1, Pete Dallas Keuchel (1-2) had his best outing won for the sixth time in seven games. ning with a two-run double as Cleve- Alonso led off the bottom of the eighth since signing with the Braves as a free Yan Gomes reached on an error by third land won at Kansas City to improve to by reaching on a throwing error by agent last month (two runs on fi ve hits baseman Neil Walker with one out in an AL-best 18-9 since the beginning of All-Star DJ LeMahieu. Davis followed with two walks and three strikeouts in the ninth then scored from fi rst one out June. Trevor Bauer (7-6) picked up the with a game-tying double off Adam seven innings), but he took his fi rst ca- later when Turner laced a full-count win, but it wasn’t easy. He gave up fi ve Ottavino (3-3).With one out, Robin- reer loss to the Phillies. pitch into the gap in right-centre. runs on 11 hits in six-plus innings. He son Cano was intentionally walked, Washington starter Patrick Corbin, left with the bases loaded and no outs and Wilson Ramos singled to load the PIRATES 5, CUBS 1 Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in his hotel pitching one day after the death of in the seventh, and two of those run- bases. Conforto then hit Zach Britton’s Adam Frazier went 4-for-4 with a room in the Dallas suburb of Southlake, Texas, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) good friend and former teammate ners scored. Bauer struck out six and fi rst pitch to deep left to drive in the fi - three-run homer and three runs for his Tyler Skaggs, stayed in the game after a walked one. Jakob Junis (4-8) lasted nal two runs. second straight monster night to once REDS 5, BREWERS 4 Braun sustained an apparent leg injury 76-minute rain delay in the third inning just 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs again help Pittsburgh top visiting Chi- Yasiel Puig scored from third base in the in the sixth inning after sliding into and allowed just one run in seven in- (six earned) on six hits. He walked two RED SOX 10, BLUE JAYS 6 cago. Frazier picked up where he left 11th inning after Milwaukee right fi eld- the wall in foul territory while making nings. Corbin wore No 45 instead of his and struck out four. The Royals’ Jorge Rafael Devers hit two home runs and off Monday, when he had four doubles er Christian Yelich’s throw eluded fi rst a catch. normal No 46 to honour his late friend. Soler hit a solo home run 451 feet into had a season-best six RBIs in a four-hit among his fi ve hits. baseman Eric Thames, allowing host the second deck of the fountains in left game, David Price struck out seven in Starling Marte was 2-for-4 with an Cincinnati to walk off with a win. Puig, RAYS 6, ORIOLES 3 ASTROS 9, ROCKIES 8 centre in the second inning, briefl y ty- six innings, and Boston won the opener RBI double on Tuesday for Pittsburgh, who belted a solo homer in the seventh All-Star pitcher Charlie Morton struck Yuli Gurriel had two home runs among ing the game at 1-1. of a three-game series in Toronto. De- which has won the fi rst two games of inning, muscled a two-out single up out a season-high 12 in seven innings his three hits, and Jose Altuve went vers extended his hitting streak to six the four-game series by a combined the middle in the 11th inning against to improve to 9-2 and lower his ERA 4-for-5 as Houston rallied for a one- DODGERS 5, DIAMONDBACKS 4 games, during which he is batting.556 23-6. Chicago has lost three straight Corbin Burnes (1-4) before Jose Iglesias to 2.36 as Tampa Bay doubled-up Bal- run win over Colorado in Denver. Gur- Cody Bellinger worked a bases-loaded (15-for-27), and had his fourth career and eight of 12. slapped a single to right fi eld. timore. Brandon Lowe went 3-for-3 riel drove in four runs, and George walk in the ninth inning as Los An- multi-homer game. Both starters, Pittsburgh’s Joe Mus- Yelich’s throw bounced past Thames, with a solo homer, two RBIs and a sto- Springer added three hits and three geles continued its string of walk-off He has 14 home runs this season. grove and Chicago’s Kyle Hendricks, allowing Puig to aggressively bolt for len base, and Avisail Garcia and Tommy runs for the Astros. victories with a ninth-inning come- Price (6-2) allowed two runs, four hits had to come out after three innings home with the winning run. Pham each drove in two runs for the Houston starter Jose Urquidy al- back against Arizona. The last time the and four walks in winning his fi fth because of a rain delay. Clay Holmes (1- Raisel Iglesias (2-7) retired the side Rays, who won their fourth straight lowed two runs and struck out four in Dodgers were at home, they got three straight decision over his past nine 0), the Pirates’ fourth pitcher, worked a on six pitches in the 11th inning to game. 3 2/3 innings during his major league consecutive game-ending home runs starts. Toronto starter Trent Thornton scoreless sixth and seventh, including secure the victory. Former National Acquired from the Cleveland Indi- debut. Will Harris (3-1) got the win de- from rookies Matt Beaty, Alex Verdugo (2-6) allowed seven runs, 11 hits and striking out the side in the sixth. League Most Valuable Player Ryan ans for cash on Monday, Asher Wo- spite allowing one run in one inning, and Will Smith against the Colorado.

FOCUS CYCLING Qatar Handball Bernal tipped for Tour greatness in Froome’s absence Association AFP only with the burlier riders in a roll- Brussels Egan Bernal joined Sky, ing section in a cross-wind, but also participates in IHF now Ineos, in 2018 and on in a time-trial, and seems to be able the back of a win at the Tour to preserve energy to close out key ast-emerging Colombian of California. stages. A coach at his former team General Assembly all-rounder Egan Bernal Androni Giocattoli, where he turned QNA can take centre stage at the professional at 19, said of the Co- Gothenburg, Sweden 2019 Tour de France in the lombian: “An Egan Bernal comes absenceF of his injured Team Ineos along every twenty years”. leader Chris Froome with even the When Sky signed and raced him he Qatar Handball Association (QHA) is race organisers backing the 22-year- on the 2018 Tour he was asked what participating in the General Assembly of old for a tilt at the title. he expected from it. “I’m going to the International Handball Federation Bernal joined Sky, now Ineos, in learn a lot,” he said of joining the (IHF) which began yesterday in Gothen- 2018 and on the back of an imme- lineup that included Froome and Tburg, Sweden, with the participation of 168 mem- diate win at the Tour of California Geraint Thomas. ber associations. was drafted into last year’s Tour de “I’m here with a good team, I’m QHA is represented by the association’s presi- France, where he vowed to learn with guys with a lot of experience. dent Ahmed Mohamed al-Shaabi, as well as the everything he could from four-time I’m really attached to Froomey and I Secretary-General Mohamed Jaber al-Mulla. The winner Froome. Impressed with his want to help him, make him proud. meetings began by voting on the recognition of the astonishing progress, Ineos made One day, when he’s fi nished, maybe newly founded North America and the Caribbean Bernal team leader for May’s Giro he’ll see that I learned from him Handball Confederation (NACHC) and the South d’Italia but a fall ruled him out, and and he will feel proud,” Bernal said. and Central America Handball Confederation (SC- when Froome himself suff ered a “That’s what I want.” AHC), with the two unions formally recognised by dreadful fall in June, Bernal’s stock On Saturday, Bernal starts on his 145 votes. took a sharp rise. second major tour where he can be- The agenda of the two-day meetings includes “They’ve been talking about him come the youngest post-war winner the presentation of the IHF Audit Report, authen- since he won the Tour de L’Avenir of the Tour, 100 years after the in- tication of IHF activities, and changes in rules and two years ago,” Tour de France chief future, and now the future is com- polite he is,” Prudhomme said of the yellow jersey on your back. I’m not troduction of the yellow jersey and regulations for the award of championships and Christian Prudhomme said. ing, it’s this July.” 22-year-old. sure how he might feel. But I can tell 50 years after Eddy Merckx won his competition regulations, reviews of the reports “Then at Paris-Nice in March, Prudhomme pointed out that it “Of course he’s brilliantly tal- you that last year, in the fi nal week fi rst Tour. of IHF partners and working groups, as well as a Bernal took the yellow jersey and was 50 years since Merckx won his ented too, there’s no doubt about he was still there, at just 21 years old, He will also be just one of 176 rid- number of motions to vote on. was presented with it by (all time fi rst Tour, and that he felt maybe it. There is the question of how will helping Chris Froome at altitudes ers from 22 eight-men teams on a The awards will be presented at the end of the great) Eddy Merckx! It was a hugely Bernal could take up the baton the he do over three long weeks with over 2,000m.” fascinating journey that promises meetings following the selection of the city to host signifi ant moment, and made one great Belgian once carried so brave- the colossal pressure that you can’t Once considered a pure climber, to stretch well beyond three weeks the next edition of the IHF General Assembly. think about what might come in the ly. “I also noted how marvellously imagine until you actually have the Bernal has proved he can cut it not around France. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 4, 2019 FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Tunisia, South USA into fi nal as Africa complete last-16 line-up

AFP Madagascar stay in Alexandria, Cairo where they stunned three-time Houghton penalty former champions Nigeria to win Group B, for a showdown with unisia and South Af- DR Congo. Boosted by a Sadio rica fi lled the fi nal two Mane brace against Kenya, Sen- places in the Africa Cup egal will face another east Afri- of Nations last-16 draw can nation, Uganda, for a quar- TTuesday night after a tense fi n- ter-fi nals place. ish to the group stage in Egypt. In Ismailia, Mali made eight miss costs England Already-qualifi ed Mali defeated changes from the team that drew Angola 1-0 in Ismailia through against Tunisia with captain an Amadou Haidara thunderbolt Abdoulay Diaby and ace striker England had another White goal disallowed for the tightest of off side calls to win Group E and eliminate the Moussa Marega among those on losers from the competition. the bench. Angola started with AFP Tunisia, ranked second in Af- star winger Hermenegildo Ger- Lyon rica behind Senegal, could only aldo after bringing him on as a draw 0-0 with debutants Mau- second-half substitute in draws ritania in Suez but the point se- against Tunisia and Mauritania. lex Morgan scored what proved cured second place behind Mali. The countries were involved to be the winner but hailed Mali won the group with seven in the greatest Cup of Nations goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher after points followed by Tunisia with comeback with Mali wiping out her late penalty save from Steph three and Angola and Mauritania a four-goal defi cit on 77 minutes HoughtonA allowed holders the United with two each. to draw 4-4 with 2010 hosts An- States to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory over Angola losing meant South gola in Luanda. There was only England in their women’s World Cup Africa sneaked into the knock- one goal during the fi rst half in semi-fi nal on Tuesday night. out phase, joining Guinea, the Ismailia with Haidara putting On her 30th birthday, USA co-captain Democratic Republic of Congo the Malian Eagles ahead on 37 Morgan headed home her sixth goal of and Benin as the best four third- minutes. the World Cup just after the half-hour place teams. Mali will face the After a patient build-up just mark in this last-four showdown to put Ivory Coast in the round of 16 outside the Angolan box, Haid- her team back in front after Ellen White while Tunisia meet Ghana, who ara unleashed an unstoppable had cancelled out Christen Press’s early are chasing a seventh consecu- shot that fl ew wide of goalkeeper opener. tive top-four fi nish in the Cup of Tony Cabaca and into the cor- But after an open fi rst 45 minutes, the Nations. Highlight of the round ner of the net. Mali should have second half was dominated by more VAR is the clash of defending champi- been more than one goal ahead controversy, with England having anoth- ons Cameroon and Nigeria, who by half-time as unmarked Ka- er White goal disallowed for the tightest have won the competition eight lifa Coulibaly headed wide from of off side calls following a review by the times between them. close range. Brazilian referee. Hosts Egypt, Algeria and Mo- Strangely lethargic during the Phil Neville’s team later benefi ted from rocco, the three countries who opening half, Angola were more Edina Alves Batista’s decision to award fi nished fi rst in groups with per- assertive after half-time and them a spot-kick when Becky Sauerb- fect three-win records, all face troubled the Mali defence regu- runn made the slightest of contact with opponents who came third. larly without making the crucial White in the box, yet Houghton’s 84th- Mohamed Salah-inspired breakthrough. After suff ering minute kick was stopped by Naeher div- Egypt meet South Africa in a a 4-1 hiding from Mali in their ing low to her right. fi xture sure to fi ll the 75,000-ca- opening match, Mauritania kept England fi nished with 10 players after pacity Cairo International Sta- a second successive clean sheet Millie Bright was sent off for a second dium this Saturday. Morocco to contain Tunisia and bow out yellow card late on, and the USA held out face Benin in Cairo tomorrow in with heads held high. Tunisia to reach the fi nal, despite being without the fi rst of the eight last-16 fi x- have been a major disappoint- the injured Megan Rapinoe. tures and Algeria tackle Guinea ment so far under French coach “Alyssa Naeher, she should be the play- on Sunday, also in the Egyp- Alain Giresse, failing to win any er of the match today. She saved our butts tian capital. Fairytale qualifi ers of three group matches. today,” said Morgan. They will now go on to face Sweden or the Netherlands in Sunday’s fi nal, as they aim to win the trophy for the fourth time in eight editions. It is their third straight fi nal, and they will hope to have Rapinoe back in time. “Megan’s got a slight strain to her hamstring so wasn’t available to- day,” said US coach Jill Ellis. “I feel we United States’ forward Alex Morgan (centre) is jubilant after scoring against England during the Women’s World Cup semi-final have a really good deep bench, so I called match at the Lyon Satdium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France on Tuesday night. (AFP) upon other players and I think they did a fantastic job.” earlier in the competition? Ellis’s side will fi nding Kelley O’Hara whose cross from celebrated by miming sipping on a cup It is another bitterly disappointing not be too worried about that, as fortune the right was headed in by Press at the far of tea. As the USA tried to soak up pres- way for England to lose, as they go out favoured them. That England could not post. Replacing the injured Karen Bards- sure in the second half, England thought of a third consecutive major tournament take advantage of Rapinoe’s absence said ley in goal, Carly Telford could do noth- they were level in the 68th minute when in the semi-fi nals. Their players cut de- much about the strength in depth avail- ing to stop it, and England were stunned. Jill Scott’s fl ick picked out White to score, jected fi gures on the pitch at full-time. able to the USA, with the excellent Press However, they were back level on 19 min- but VAR denied them the equaliser and “Football can be cruel. We have had a taking her place. utes as Beth Mead’s pinpoint delivery her a seventh goal of the tournament. fantastic ride. When we got the penalty I Unperturbed by the change, the Amer- picked out White and she steered the ball Yet even when VAR came to their res- turned to my bench and said ‘we were go- icans came fl ying out of the blocks like in off the frame of the goal for her sixth of cue, England failed to capitalise, and ing to win it,’ but it wasn’t to be,” Neville they have in every match at this tourna- the tournament. Bright’s late sending-off for a second said. ment. They had scored no later than the Yet it was the holders who went back yellow card as she scythed down Morgan Perhaps Nikita Parris should have been 12th minute in all of their previous fi ve in front just after the half-hour, Morgan summed up their frustration. They must Mauritania’s defender Diadie Diarra (left) confronts Tunisia’s forward given the chance to make up for her pen- matches, and here they required only 10 stealing in front of Demi Stokes and head- now try to lift themselves for the third- Wahbi Khazri during the Africa Cup of Nations Group E match at the alty misses against Argentina and Norway minutes to take the lead, Tobin Heath ing home Lindsey Horan’s delivery. She place play-off on Saturday. Suez Stadium in the north-eastern Egyptian city on Tuesday. (AFP)

Atletico sign TRANSFER ROUND-UP Felix from Benfi ca for Man City activate Rodrigo release clause, confi rm Atletico anchester City are set to transfer receipts this summer amount planning to retire. “There has been a lot 126mn euros sign Atletico Madrid’s to 113mn euros. of confusion about my future recently,” Rodrigo Hernandez for the three-times England Premier Madrid: Atletico Madrid a club-record 70mn euros SEVILLA SIGN DEFENDER League winner posted on Twitter. Mafter activating the midfi elder’s release KOUNDE FROM BORDEAUX “I want to make it clear here that I have completed the signing of teenage striker Joao Felix clause yesterday. Atletico confi rmed Sevilla announced the club-record love football and I’m still in contention from Benfica, the La Liga that City have paid the $79mn fee signing of French defender Jules to play for a few more years. Yes, I’m side said yesterday in a video which automatically terminates Rod- Kounde from Bordeaux. Kounde has starting to prepare myself for coaching released on their website. rigo’s contract with the Spanish club. agreed a fi ve-year contract with Sevilla, badges but full-time coaching is not Atletico did not immedi- Rodrigo’s departure had been ex- who will pay 25mn euros ($28.2mn), what I’m thinking now. I am now ready ately disclose financial details pected and one hour after announcing according to reports in Spain. and focused to take new challenges in of the deal, but Benfica had City’s move yesterday, Atletico con- The 20-year-old, who can also play playing football.” said last week that they had fi rmed the signing of Hector Herrera at full-back, played 55 Ligue 1 matches Qingdao currently lead the 16-team received an off er of for 126mn from Porto. A club statement described for Bordeaux after making his fi rst- China League One by four points from euros ($142mn) from the Herrera as a “strong, talented and skil- team debut in January last year and has Guizhou Zhicheng with the campaign Spanish club. ful midfi elder,” adding that the Mexican represented France at under-20 level. at the halfway stage. The top two teams Portugal international will fi nalise a three-year contract today. His arrival also continues a busy sum- will be promoted to the Chinese Super Felix, 19, made his first-team Atletico had already bolstered their mer for Sevilla, who have now signed League at the end of the season. debut for Benfica last season, midfi eld options with the addition fi ve players since the return of Monchi helping the Lisbon side win of the 24-year-old Marcos Llorente, as sporting director and ahead of Julen LEICESTER ON VERGE OF the Portuguese league title by bought for 45mn euros from Real Lopetegui’s fi rst season as coach. SIGNING PEREZ FROM NEWCASTLE scoring 15 goals and providing Madrid. Rodrigo’s departure will secure The club, who fi nished sixth in Liga Leicester are on the verge of signing seven assists in 21 starts. a considerable profi t too for Atletico, last season, had already bought Luuk Ayoze Perez from Newcastle for around Manchester City had been who spent around 20mn euros last de Jong as well as Munas Dabbur, Diego £30mn, Guardian reported. It is under- interested in exploring a deal summer to re-sign the 23-year-old Carlos and Joan Jordan. stood the 25-year-old striker has been for the winger depending from Villarreal. granted permission to speak to Leices- on the future of Leroy Sane, But another key player leaving means 34-year-old Fernandinho next season. mn euros from Flamengo in a transfer TOURE SIGNS FOR CHINESE ter, who are confi dent of completing a while the likes of Juventus, more upheaval for Diego Simeone and negotiated by Juninho Pernambucano, SECOND TIER CLUB QINGDAOTA deal that will make the Spaniard their Barcelona, Manchester United his team. Club captain Diego Godin has LYON SIGN MENDES, the Brazilian former Lyon player who Former Barcelona and Manchester City second signing of the summer after and Real Madrid had all also already joined Inter Milan while Lucas KONE FROM LILLE has returned to the club as sporting midfi elder Yaya Toure has joined Chi- they triggered a buyout clause in his been linked. Hernandez has been sold to Bayern French club Lyon completed the sign- director, and new coach Sylvinho. nese second tier club Qingdao Huang- contract. But it’s Atletico that have Munich. Antoine Griezmann and ing of Brazilian midfi elder Thiago Malian international Kone and hai, the League One leaders announced Perez scored 12 Premier League goals secured his signature, after Juanfran have also bid farewell, with Mendes from Lille, reinvesting some of Mendes made 55 Ligue 1 appear- on social media. last season, with his excellent partner- convincing the 19-year-old Griezmann expected to join Barcelona the 70mn euros ($79mn) they received ances between them last season as The former Ivory Coast internation- ship with Salomon Rondon helping and his agent Pedro Cordeiro after his own release clause dropped to from Tottenham for French interna- Lille fi nished second, three points clear al, who has not played since December Newcastle to pull away from the relega- to travel to Madrid by way of 120mn euros on Monday. tional midfi elder Tanguy Ndombele. of third-placed Lyon. On Tuesday, following a three-month stint with tion zone. Newcastle will make a large an introduction to the club City’s previous club record signing Mendes, 27, was signed for a fee Ndombele fi nalised his move to Cham- Olympiakos in Greece, is expected profi t on a player signed from Tenerife and their facilities. was the £60mn they paid Leicester for reported to be 25mn euros, before pions League fi nalists Tottenham, who to make his debut on Saturday when for £1.5mn in 2014, but his departure Coach Diego Simeone also Riyad Mahrez in 2018. Lyon announced they had also agreed smashed their transfer record to sign Qingdao host Zhejiang Greentown. also leaves a sizeable hole to fi ll. Perez played a key role in convinc- Rodrigo has been tipped to succeed a nine-million-euro deal for Lille left- the highly-coveted 22-year-old. The 36-year-old was reported to has been Newcastle’s top scorer in all ing Felix to join Atleti having Sergio Busquets as Spain’s leading back Youssouf Kone. Mendes is Lyon’s Lyon have also sold defender Ferland have been on trial with the Chinese competitions in each of the past two contacted the player directly. defensive midfi elder and will give Pep second Brazilian recruit of the summer Mendy to Real Madrid in a deal worth club soon after shooting down claims seasons, getting 13 goals in the last Guardiola a strong alternative to the after Jean Lucas was signed for eight up to 53mn euros and in total their made by his agent in May that he was campaign. Gulf Times Thursday, July 4, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Jesus, Firmino send Brazil into Copa America fi nal Hosts Brazil will play the winners of second semi-final between champions Chile and Peru in Sunday’s final

AFP on the half hour when Sergio Aguero Belo Horizonte, Brazil headed Messi’s free-kick onto the bar, the ball bouncing down just in front of the line before Brazil scrambled it clear. abriel Jesus and Roberto Messi then burst into life, driving at Firmino scored the goals as heart of the Brazil defence and playing in Brazil beat arch-rivals Argen- Aguero, who took advantage of a Thiago tina 2-0 on Tuesday night to Silva slip to make space for himself but Gqualify for the Copa America fi nal. Je- Marquinhos was quickly across to block sus and Firmino netted a goal apiece in the Manchester City striker’s shot. each half to give Brazil a victory which Moments later, Messi beat two men ensured Lionel Messi’s frustrating wait on the right, won back the ball with a for a major international tournament sliding tackle after overrunning it, but title with Argentina continued. then wastefully shot high and wide. At Hosts Brazil will play the winners of the other end, Arthur shot powerfully, last night’s second semi-fi nal between but straight at goalkeeper Franco Ar- champions Chile and Peru in Sunday’s mani. Argentina pushed Brazil back at fi nal. It was the fi rst time these age-old the start of the second half and Aguero rivals had met in a major competition picked out Lautaro Martinez in the box since Brazil beat Argentina 3-0 in the but he didn’t catch his left-foot volley 2007 Copa fi nal. cleanly and Alisson gathered comforta- English-based Jesus and Firmino bly. Another promising attacking move were the stars, each creating the oth- ended with Rodrigo de Paul blazing er’s goal, although captain Dani Alves over from 20 yards. had a major say in the opener. “It was But Jesus produced a beautiful piece another step towards our objective. of skill, including a pirouetting drag- We’re achieving all the goals that we’re back, before teeing up Philippe Coutin- setting ourselves,” said Alves. “A lot of ho who should have done better than people doubt us but we have a lot of shooting over. Moments later, though, faith in ourselves, in our plan, in our a blocked shot from Martinez looped hard work. “We’re reaping the fruits of over to Messi who lashed a shot from the seeds we’re sowing every day.” an angle against the post, with Alis- But it was a miserable night for son beaten. Alisson was alert to clutch Messi, whose hopes of landing a major a Messi free-kick on 66 minutes that international honour with Argentina looked destined for the top corner. ended in disappointment once again. By then, Scaloni had already gone for He will get another opportunity next broke, bringing off midfi elder Marcos year, though, with the fourth Copa Acuna and sending on speedy winger America in the last fi ve years, due to be Angel Di Maria, with Messi dropping played in Argentina and Colombia. “We into a deeper role. should have been the team going to the Just as Argentina looked capable of fi nal because we deserved it, no doubt Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus (second left) scores past Argentina’s goalkeeper Franco Armani during the Copa America semi-final match at the Mineirao Stadium in fi nding a way back, Brazil stung them about that. But sometimes football is Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Tuesday night. (AFP) on the counter-attack with Manches- unfair,” complained Argentina coach ter City’s Jesus getting away from two Lionel Scaloni. lunge at Jesus. The uneven pitch looked after sending a long crossfi eld ball Alisson’s goal. Brazil took the lead on 19 pass, the Liverpool forward crossing for defenders and teeing up the unmarked In what was always expected to be a like it had been trampled by a herd of straight out of play. The fi rst chance minutes after a piece of individual bril- the unmarked Jesus to tap home. Liverpool striker Firmino for a tap in on feisty aff air there were some wild early wildebeest before kick-off and both came when Argentina’s Leandro Pare- liance from Alves. He beat three players Two-footed lunges were fl ying in as 71 minutes. Scaloni threw on another tackles fl ying in, and Argentina’s Nico- sides struggled to play fl owing football. des let fl y from 30 yards but the ball on a mazy run before sending Firmino the match threatened to descend from forward in Paulo Dybala but there was las Tagliafi co was fi rst to be booked for a Brazil’s Casemiro was even jeered whistled just over the top of goalkeeper clear down the right with a no-look niggly to dirty. Argentina almost levelled no way back for Argentina.

COPA AMERICA TRAGEDY Messi vows to play on aft er Swiss women’s international Ismaili latest Argentina heartache confi rmed dead in swimming accident Reuters a rented boat and never resurfaced. The body Bern, Switzerland was found on Tuesday after searches by the Italian authorities, it said. “The SFV expresses its sincere condo- witzerland women’s international lences to the family, relatives and friends of Florijana Ismaili has been con- Florijana Ismaili and wishes everyone all the fi rmed dead following a swimming strength in this diffi cult time.” accident on Lake Como in Italy, the FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in SwissS football federation said on Tuesday. a statement that it was an “extremely sad The 24-year-old, who played 33 times for moment for all the football community, par- Switzerland and was captain of Young Boys ticularly at a time when we gather at the FIFA Bern’s women’s team, had gone missing on Women’s World Cup.” Saturday. Switzerland and Liverpool forward “The Swiss Football Federation (SFV) has Xherdan Shaqiri was among those to send the painful task of informing about the death condolences. of its national player Florijana Ismaili. We “I am deeply shocked by the death of Flor- are all upset, deeply aff ected and very, very ijana Ismaili,” he said on Twitter. “My family sad,” said an SFV statement. The SFV said and I would like to express our condolences that Ismaili had jumped into the water from to the Ismaili family and the near ones.”

Palestinian FA postpones cup GOLD CUP fi nal aft er Israel denies travel Mexico end Haiti Ramallah: The final of the Pal- made appropriate processing estine Cup has been postponed pursuant to the clear guidelines after Israel denied Gaza-based impossible, COGAT went be- run to reach fi nal football players permits to yond that which was required travel, the Palestinian Football of it, and, by means of all of AFP striker Jimenez fl opped to Association said yesterday. the relevant parties, carefully Phoenix, US the fl oor and the referee The second leg of the final reviewed the application,” it pointed to the spot despite Argentina captain Lionel Messi is dejected as Brazilian players celebrate after Gabriel Jesus scored between Balata FC and Khada- said in a statement. protests from Haiti’s players. during the Copa America semi-final in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Tuesday night. (AFP) mat Rafah, the winners of cups The first leg, played on Sun- exico booked Jimenez then dusted him- in the West Bank and Gaza day in Gaza, ended 1-1. The West their place in self down and calmly sent AFP Messi will get another chance did.” Messi’s best chance came respectively, was due to take Bank and Gaza are separated the fi nal of the Johnny Placide the wrong Belo Horizonte, Brazil to break his tournament duck on 57 minutes when he volleyed place yesterday, PFA vice presi- by Israel, and Palestinians look- CONCACAF way with his spot-kick as next year when the Copa America against the post. MGold Cup on Tuesday night Mexico breathed a collective dent Susan Shalabi told AFP. ing to travel between the two takes place in Argentina and Co- Scaloni said the veteran was Gaza-based team Khadamat must apply for Israeli permits. after a controversial penalty sigh of relief. Mexico goal- ionel Messi vowed to ex- lombia, with the 2022 World Cup Argentina’s “standard-bearer.” Rafah requested travel permits The tournament faces in extra-time handed them a keeper Guillermo Ochoa was tend his international ca- looming further on the horizon. “Brazil were continuously try- to the West Bank for 35 people, problems every year over the 1-0 win over Caribbean min- barely tested all game, but reer after yet another bid Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni ing to stop passes from reaching but Israel granted just four, granting of permits to players nows Haiti. was given a late scare when to win a major title with meanwhile insisted his new-look him and we kept looking for ways three of them to club off icials, to leave the Hamas-run Gaza Haiti, who had stunned a curling eff ort from Haiti LArgentina ended in failure at the squad had a bright future despite to get him the ball,” Scaloni said. Canada with a come-from- substitute Mikael Cantave Shalabi said. “The Israelis are Strip, which Israel has kept un- Copa America on Tuesday night. the defeat. “Without a doubt, to- “It was thrilling to see him play. very adamant in their refusal,” der crippling blockade for more behind 3-2 victory in the crashed off the cross bar in The 32-year-old Barcelona day we showed that this group of It didn’t work out today but he’ll she added, saying they had than a decade. quarter-fi nals, threatened to the 119th minute. star, who infamously quit inter- players feel the jersey like no-one have his rematch and the whole cited security concerns that The cup did not take place pull off another shock after The defeat was cruel on national football after Argen- else,” he said. squad will have their rematch.” were not specified. for 15 years largely due to a battling defensive display Haiti, who failed to qualify tina’s defeat in the 2016 Copa “We showed an image for the Scaloni was unhappy with some A Khadamat Rafah off icial problems with Israeli permits, frustrated the seven-time for the tournament in 2017 America Centenario fi nal, said he future of this squad and these of Ecuadoran referee Roddy Zam- condemned the decision. “In but resumed in 2015 after world Gold Cup winners. But af- and had never gone further had no plans to hang up his boots players and the great path they brano’s decisions, not least the the end this is a sports team... football body FIFA intervened. ter holding Mexico to 0-0 than the quarter-fi nals in six after a 2-0 semi-fi nal loss to Bra- are on. To play in this stadium, in fact that Argentina picked up six we want to send a message of But the Palestinians have through 90 minutes, Haiti previous appearances since zil. “If I can still help in any way, I these conditions and to be supe- bookings to Brazil’s two. “I didn’t peace to the world,” Hodaifa since accused FIFA of failing were undone with a harsh the tournament was reboot- will continue to do so. I feel really rior to our opponents. It doesn’t like the referee, I don’t usually Lafi told AFP. to follow its own rules after it penalty early in extra time ed in 1991. good in this group,” said the fi ve- matter because they’re going make those comments,” he said. “I COGAT, the Israeli defence decided to pursue no further at the State Farm Stadium in Mexico meanwhile will time Ballon d’Or winner. to the fi nal but if we’re aware of don’t think he was qualifi ed for a ministry body responsible for action against Israel over Israeli Phoenix, Arizona. advance to the fi nal at Chi- “This is a good, talented gen- what we did today then there’s match of this level. If a midfi eld- Palestinian civil aff airs, said settler teams based in the occu- The fl ashpoint came in cago’s Soldier Field on Sun- eration who showed that they only positives.” er player is on a yellow card this they received a request on pied West Bank. “The way FIFA the second minute of extra- day where they will face love the national team,” he add- He said the defeat was “unfair” changes things. There were a lot June 16 for 35 people to travel. are dealing with the Israelis is time when Haiti defender either the United States or ed. “They have a future and great claiming that “no other team of small details where the match “Although the application encouraging them to act with Jems Geff rard was adjudged Jamaica, who were playing foundations, they just need to be has created as many goalscor- started to lose its balance because was untimely and therefore impunity,” Shalabi contended. to have shoved striker Raul in the second semi-fi nal late given time.” ing chances against Brazil as we of those decisions.” Jimenez in the area. Wolves last night.

Thursday, July 4, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

BOXING NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH PREPARATION Qatari pro boxer Sheikh Fahad does not want to be caught unawares as he looks to extend his 10-bout unbeaten run

By Mikhil Bhat looking over my next opponent, Doha Sheikh Fahad’s but I am prepared to learn every 10 victories day,” he said. “I will be getting some box- few things have changed May 7, 2016 Bela Sandor ers from the US to spar with; I since Sheikh Fahad already had fi ghters from Puerto bin Khalid al-Thani Sep. 30, 2016 Adrian Parlogea Rico, Mexico (recently). When stretched his unbeaten Dec. 10, 2016 Ionut Bogheanu I worked with Salas in Vegas, I professionalA boxing victory run built a huge network of contacts Feb. 18, 2017 Gheorghe to 10 in March this year. within the boxing community Ghiompirica The Qatar-based boxer has and so I know who to bring, un- parted ways with Cuban coach Mar. 18, 2017 Marius Racaru derstand the diff erent styles, ex- Ismael Salas, for instance. Apr. 22, 2017 Adrian Parlogea perienced guys, who spar with But what hasn’t changed is the guys like (Floyd) Mayweather. 31-year-old’s hunger for exten- Sep. 1, 2017 Gheorghe Then I would know how to get sive groundwork, more bouts and Ghiompirica better and better, and that is a wins, further learning and devel- Sep. 22, 2018 Adrian Parlogea gauge.” opment, as he makes his ascent Even as Salas, who has trained up the boxing food chain, and Oct. 20, 2018 Dumitru Nicu 20-plus world champions in his trainer Franck Bohec. Manea career, came and went, one con- The super welterweight boxer Mar. 15, 2019 Marius Racaru stant in Sheikh Fahad’s corner has confi rmed the dates for his has been Bohec. next two bouts – July 27 and Sep- “Bohec knows me inside out. tember 28 in Spanish cities of you are on top, you plan to stay on He knew me even before I became Leon and Madrid respectively. top and it is tough to stay on top,” an amateur, when I was in the While the opponents are yet he said. UK as a student, 17-18 years old. to be confi rmed, Sheikh Fahad is When he takes to the ring with So he is not just a coach, he is a looking forward to the two bouts Bohec in his corner later this mentor, friend, it is a very diff er- as learning experiences. month in Leon, where he has won ent relationship. He has evolved “Both the bouts are being set twice in his unblemished career as well, and we have done that up keeping in mind my rank- so far, it would also be for a cause together,” he said. ing, learning more and getting – one to support Spanish boxer “Salas really helped me and more rounds under my belt,” he Saul Tejada. Bohec understand the pro sys- told Gulf Times. “It is critical to tem. He was very useful not just keep the activity level high at this Bohec knew me even for me but also for Bohec and we stage. I want to see every style, before I became an learnt a lot from his time with us. mover, puncher, southpaw, or- amateur, when I was in We follow the same guidelines as thodox, so that when I go up the ‘ the UK as a student, 17-18 Salas. ranks, I know I have seen all kinds years old. So he is not just a “I am working every day in of boxers out there.” coach, he is a mentor, the gym with Bohec, working on Sheikh Fahad found himself friend, it is a very diff erent my feet, my hand placement, my at the hallowed Madison Square relationship. He has evolved speed, my leg control, all these Garden in New York City on June as well, and we have done things, and I look forward to 1 this year, and saw the Mexican- that together show a higher level in the fi ght. American Andy Ruiz Jr pull off a — Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid I have been getting better with technical knockout victory in the al-Thani, each passing fi ght, showing more seventh round. on his association with trainer maturity, more understanding, While most called it a shock Franck Bohec more calmness. win, Sheikh Fahad felt “it wasn’t “Bohec knows me more, what completely surprising”. ticks and what does not, and he “I could see it was his (Josh- Tejada, a double Spanish proceeds going to the Leonese have donated as well; the box- ish boxing and its heroes. I hope in in this direction.” has a great insight into sports ua’s) fi rst time to deal with that champion, suff ered a haemor- boxer and his family for his treat- ing community there has come future, we have a federation for pro Sheikh Fahad hopes to go up science. He and Salas got along style of a boxer, short, stocky, rhage during his bantamweight ment as he recuperates. together to show their apprecia- boxing that will help all the Middle against bigger names from estab- really well and complemented comes forward with fast hands. title defence bout in October “It will be a good way to ap- tion for a Spanish champion, who East boxers like myself. Someone lished boxing centres next year each other. So I don’t think any- I don’t want that to happen (to 2016, after which he was in coma preciate a local champion and has given so much to the sport,” in Tunisia, Morocco, Kuwait, who onwards. thing much will change, because me). Yes it is learning on the job, for months fi ghting for his life. Spanish boxing for giving me the Sheikh Fahad said. want a license, they won’t have to “It would create an impact I will be training in the same sys- but it is critical to learn at an ear- Many solidarity cards have been opportunity to keep going with “It is an opportunity for me to go to Europe to get a license. Hope- and further my career path in tematic manner and move for- ly stage, rather than later. When organised in the past with the my boxing career. WBC and WBA show my appreciation for Span- fully Qatar can take a step forward the professional space. I am not ward fi ght by fi ght.”

FOCUS QOC secretary-general meets ANOC Qatar’s football stakeholders boost secretary-general mega-event knowledge during Copa

HE Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Jassim bin Rashid al-Buainain (right) presents a memento to Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) secretary-general Gunilla Lindberg yesterday. In the meeting, they reviewed aspects of sports co-operation, and the ongoing preparations for the organisation of the ANOC 2019 World Beach Games and meetings of ANOC n tandem with the Qatar delegation included staff from security and police command competition knowledge, while General Assembly, scheduled to be held in Doha in October. The QOC secretary-general praised the national team’s debut at the SC’s Security Commit- centres. increasing their operational big role of Lindberg and ANOC. For her part, Lindberg commended the sporting renaissance in the the 2019 Copa America in tee, Ministry of Interior, Qatar Nasser al-Khater, FIFA World expertise and event readiness. State of Qatar and the eff orts of Qatar Olympic Committee and its pioneering role in serving the Brazil, a group of employ- Armed Forces and Lekhwiya. In Cup Qatar LLC chief executive This exercise will help us gather Olympic movement. Iees from the country’s football addition, a representative from offi cer, said the secondment knowledge to support our own stakeholders spent time with Qatar is working with Interpol programme was an opportunity tournament in just over three the tournament organisers in during the tournament. to gather important knowledge years’ time.” order to learn about event op- Employees embedded within ahead of Qatar’s mega-event in Jassim al-Kaabi, national se- erations and host country re- the LOC spent four weeks in 2022. curity director, said: “The Copa quirements. Brazil in order to develop their “Ever since winning the right America provided an excellent Ten employees were invited to operational expertise. The del- to host the World Cup we have opportunity to observe all secu- shadow the tournament’s Local egation contributed to a range made it a priority to learn from rity aspects of a major interna- Organising Committee (LOC), of areas, including venue man- as many major international tional tournament. The delega- while 33 staff spent time with agement, competition manage- football tournaments as possi- tion has gathered a signifi cant Brazil’s security forces in order ment, media operations and ble,” said al-Khater. amount of knowledge that will to gather knowledge to support guest management. As well as “We participated extensively in support our own planning and preparations for the 2022 FIFA being involved in all aspects of the two most recent World Cups, preparations for 2022.” World Cup Qatar. tournament delivery, partici- in Brazil and Russia, and have also Established in 1916, the Copa The secondment programme pants attended relevant train- sent staff to observe and partici- America is the oldest interna- was organised by the Supreme ing, debrief sessions and match pate at a range of other events, tional continental tournament Committee for Delivery & Leg- co-ordination meetings. including tournaments organ- in the world. Twelve teams – in- acy (SC), the body responsible The security delegation, ised by FIFA, UEFA and the Asian cluding Qatar and Japan – par- for delivering the infrastruc- meanwhile, observed all aspects Football Confederation.” ticipated in this year’s event, ture required for Qatar 2022. of both matchday and non- Al-Khater added: “Each par- which kicked off on 14 June. Qa- Employees embedded within matchday operations, including ticipant in Brazil closely ob- tar took part in the tournament the LOC included representa- crowd, fan zone and traffi c man- served the work of the LOC. for the fi rst time after receiving tives from the SC, Qatar Foot- agement. They also observed In addition to contributing to a special invitation from CON- ball Association, Qatar Stars the city command and control event operations and host coun- MEBOL – the governing body of HE Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Jassim bin Rashid al-Buainain met with the League, the Josoor Institute and centres, team security, from try requirements, they built South American football. secretaries of the various sports federations and committees yesterday. beIN Sports, while the security stadiums to training sites, city and developed their football (SC.qa)