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Tuesday, July 9, 2019 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 6, 1440 AH Brazil clinch Copa GULF TIMES America despite Jesus dismissal SPORT Page 3

TENNIS / WIMBLEDON Monday not so manic as Djoko, Rafa, Federer through Between them, the ‘Big Three’ faced just one break point yesterday Barty, Gauff , exit; Serena advances AFP London AFP London oger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael orld number one Nadal eased into the Ashleigh Barty’s Wimbledon quarter- hopes of becoming Rfi nals yesterday as the sport’s the fi rst Australian Grand Slam heavyweights con- Wwomen’s champion in nearly tinued to deliver blow after blow four decades were dashed yes- to their wilting lightweight rivals. terday, opening the way for Federer became the oldest man Serena Williams to potentially to reach a Grand Slam quarter- equal the all-time Grand Slam fi nal in 28 years when he booked haul. his place in the last-eight for the At the opposite end of the age 17th time. scale to 37-year-old Williams, The eight-time champion 15-year-old Cori Gauff could breezed past Italy’s Matteo Berret- not summon up yet another tini 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in just 74 minutes magical performance as the to make sure of a spot in his 55th crowd-pleasing American went quarter-fi nal at the Slams. down 6-3, 6-3, to battle-hard- It was also his 99th win at the ened Romanian Simona Halep. All England Club. Having looked assured last Romania’s Simona Halep (right) shakes hands with Cori Gauff of the At 37, he is the oldest man to week, while Williams was not US after winning their fourth round match yesterday. (Reuters) reach the last eight at the majors altogether convincing, it was since 39-year-old Jimmy Con- 23-year-old Australian Barty “The grass defi nitely brings er. That’s my personality. Of nors at the 1991 US Open. who cracked and went down in out the best in me. Hopefully it course I still I want it or else I Federer, who hit 24 winners three sets to unseeded Ameri- will rub off and happen in other wouldn’t be here.” and just fi ve unforced errors, will can Alison Riske 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. places too.” Williams has teamed up with face Japan’s Kei Nishikori for a There was one consolation for The prospect of playing Wil- another former world number place in the semi-fi nals. Barty as Karolina Pliskova could liams did not have her knees one Andy Murray in the mixed Defending champion and have taken her number one spot knocking together in fear ei- doubles to accrue more matches world number one Djokovic but the Czech third seed went out ther: “Bring it on!” and she said that the more she reached his 11th Wimbledon as well in a marathon duel beaten Halep unlike Gauff ’s previous played she more she was fi nding quarter-fi nal and 45th at the ma- by compatriot Karolina Muchova opponents did not let a parti- her rhythm. jors with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over 4-6, 7-5, 13-11. san crowd nor some audacious “It defi nitely is good, I know France’s Ugo Humbert. Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini (not pictured) during their Wimbledon Williams, bidding for a 24th strokeplay by the American that I can play and now that I’m Third seed Nadal, the 2008 and fourth round match at The All England Club in London yesterday. (AFP) Grand Slam title to tie with unnerve her and always had feeling better physically, I almost 2010 champion, swept to an easy Australian Margaret Court, will the upper hand. Gauff did save feel a relief more than anything. 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 win over outclassed successive year. “Wimbledon has been a spe- quarter-fi nal. play Riske next after trouncing three match points but in the Finally I can play tennis.” Joao Sousa of Portugal to book his The 29-year-old trails Federer cial tournament that has moti- The Belgian beat Spain’s Fern- Carla Suzarez Navarro 6-2, 6-2. end former world number one Zhang Shuai became the fi rst place in a seventh quarter-fi nal at 3-7 in career meetings although vated me throughout my life.” ando Verdasco 7-6 (9), 2-6, 6-3, “It is a tough one to swallow Halep had little trouble in clos- Chinese woman since Li Na in the All England Club. he won their most recent clash at Nadal next plays Sam Quer- 6-4. but I lost to a better player,” said ing out the match. 2013 to reach the Wimbledon Between them, the ‘Big Three’ the ATP Finals in London at the rey, against whom he holds a 4-1 Also joining Nadal in the last- Barty, who had been hoping The American, though, leaves quarter-fi nals. faced just one break point yester- end of last season. record. eight was his compatriot Roberto to become the fi rst Australian having given the women’s game World number 50 Zhang de- day and dropped a combined 19 Four-time champion and top Bautista Agut who reached his champion since Evonne Gool- a much-needed shot in the arm feated Ukraine teenager Dayana games. seed Djokovic will face Belgium’s ‘BODY HOLDING WELL’ fi rst Wimbledon quarter-fi nal agong Cawley won her second and announced herself as a fu- Yastremska 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 — a “I’m really getting into a good David Goffi n for a place in the The 33-year-old Spaniard is and second at the majors this title in 1980. ture Grand Slam contender. result far from her mind when groove now, today I was able to semi-fi nals. chasing his 19th title at the ma- year when he defeated France’s For Riske it was perhaps she was talked out of retiring at read his serve, get the returns back Djokovic, 32, has a 5-1 career jors, which would put him just Benoit Paire 6-3, 7-5, 6-2. an unexpected early wedding ‘FEEL A RELIEF’ her lowest point in 2015. in play and hit well from the base- record over 21st seed Goffi n who one behind the all-time record of The 31-year-old world number present — she gets married af- Williams, whose clay court The 30-year-old, who faces line,” said Federer, who could face will be playing in his fi rst Wim- 20 held by Federer. 22 will face either 2016 runner- ter Wimbledon to Stephen Am- season was aff ected by a knee Halep for a place in the semi- Nadal in a blockbuster semi-fi nal. bledon quarter-fi nal. “A lot of positive things out up Milos Raonic of Canada or Ar- ritraj, the son of former Indian injury, said the hunger for the fi nals, thanked her close friend “I’m still getting used to the Humbert, the world number 66, there. To be back in the quarter- gentina’s Guido Pella for a place Davis Cup player Anand — but game and for victory is as strong and doubles partner Australia’s conditions also but on the per- had never played a match on grass fi nals is great news for me,” said in the semi-fi nals. Bautista Agut extremely well-earned. as ever. Sam Stosur for convincing her formance it was a really good before this season and was defeat- Nadal who took just three min- also made the quarter-fi nals at It will be the 29-year-old’s “I always get excited,” said to stick with it. match for me.” ed in just one hour and 42 minutes. utes more than Djokovic to com- the Australian Open in January. fi rst appearance in a Grand Slam Williams after her victory “She’s (Stosur) such a nice Japanese eighth seed Nishikori “My plan always is to reach the plete his day’s work. With Federer, Djokovic, Nad- quarter-fi nal. which put her into a 14th Wim- girl, and she told me when I said defeated Mikhail Kukushkin of fi nal stages at Grand Slams,” said Goffi n matched his best-ever al, Querrey and Bautista Agut “I had to play aggressive. I bledon quarter-fi nal. I wanted to retire, and she really Kazakhstan 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Djokovic who converted fi ve of performance at the majors by all winning, there will be fi ve had to take it to Ash,” said Riske. “I’m a really pumped play- wanted that I keep going to play.” reach the last eight for the second nine break points yesterday. reaching his fi rst Wimbledon 30-somethings in the last-eight.

RALLYING Al-Attiyah extends Silk Way Rally lead with second stage win Agencies The Overdrive Racing driver driver suff ered technical issues and China’s Han Wei following Ulan-Ude, Russia carded a time of 2hrs 15min 51sec on the special and was not able closely in the overall car rankings. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah in for the varied special to beat sec- to continue. The Saudi had been Today teams tackle a 243km action during the Silk Way Rally 2019. ond-placed Chinese driver Lui running fastest overall at WP1 selective section in a route of atar’s Nasser Saleh Kun by 7min 40sec. (52km) before initially stopping 691.35km between Ulan-Ude in al-Attiyah and French Al-Attiyah said: “I pushed hard on the track for over 15 minutes Eastern Siberia and the Mongo- navigator Matthieu on the fi rst stage to gain the ad- and then ceding further time as lian capital of Ulaanbaatar. Baumel extended their vantage, despite the muddy con- the stage progressed. overallQ advantage to 13min 53sec ditions and we found a good pace Dutchman Erik van Loon has POSITIONS AFTER SS2 (TOP 5) after a second successive stage today and now have a comfortable teamed up with Frenchman Se- 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ win on the timed section of the lead to manage over the coming bastien Delaunay for the fi rst Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota 2019 Silk Way Rally between days. There is a long way to go over time in Russia, but transmission Hilux Overdrive 2hrs 45min 15sec Baikalsk and Ulan-Ude in East- many diffi cult and varied stages.” problems thwarted their progress 2. Lui Kun (CHN)/Pan Hingyu ern Siberia yesterday. But it was a disappointing sec- yesterday and they face a fi ght (CHN) Hanwei SMG Buggy 2hrs The second stage of the re- ond stage for the Qatari’s two back through the fi eld over the 59min 08sec vised rally ran for 207.67km in a Overdrive Racing teammates in coming days after losing over two 3. Jerome Pelichet (FRA)/Pascal day’s route of 409.34km between their Toyota Hiluxes. and a half hours to the stage win- Larroque (FRA) Optimus 2hrs Baikalsk and the night halt in Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi ner after 101km of the stage. 59min 14sec Ulan-Ude. It ran on gravel tracks and German navigator Dirk von Frenchman Jerome Pelichet 4. Matthieu Serradori (FRA)/Fa- through a mountain pass, taiga Zitzewitz began the day in third had been running second over- bian Lurquin (BEL) Century CR6 forests and across various bridges position after a slow puncture all after the opening day and 3hrs 00min 14sec and spectacular Siberian terrain to cost them a potential second he slipped to third with fellow 5. Han Wei (CHN)/Liao Min (CHN) fi nish on the steppes plateau. place on Sunday. But the Riyadh countryman Matthieu Serradori Geely SMG Buggy 3hrs 01min 45sec Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING/ TOUR DE FRANCE TENNIS/WIMBLEDON ‘I wish I could get married more oft en’: French celebrate Riske stuns Barty to as Alaphilippe make quarters bags stage and lead It is the first time a French rider has had the lead since Tony Gallopin in 2014 former soldier had maintained enough power to establish a 20 second lead over Belgian prodigy Wout Van Aert, on his fi rst Tour, in the overall standings. “It’s actually only starting to sink in now that I have the jer- sey,” said Alaphilippe, who was close to tears. The Tour crossed into France earlier in the stage after opening with two stages in Belgium. US player Alison Riske celebrates beating Australia’s Ashleigh Barty “What a beautiful way to start during their fourth round match at Wimbledon yesterday. the tour here in France,” he said. “Having this on my back is AFP ing up four successive aces in the something I’ll never forget, its London opening game on Court 2 before the recompense of everything breaking for a 3-1 lead. I have done since I fi rst got on a Riske, who had spent four bike.” hock Wimbledon quar- more hours on court than the Overnight leader and sur- ter-fi nalist Alison Riske Australian in getting this far, re- prise winner of the opening said she wished she trieved the break in the eighth stage Mike Teunissen, was Scould get married more game but it was a brief reprieve dropped by the main pack at often after crediting her forth- as Barty took the opener. the moment of Alaphilippe’s coming wedding with inspiring Riske had won the grass court attack and drifted home fi ve her fourth round victory over title at ‘s-Hertogenbosch in minutes off the pace. world number one Ashleigh Bar- the run-up to Wimbledon and Slovak Peter Sagan took the ty yesterday. her credentials on the surface sprint points green jersey in French Open champion Barty, eventually shone through as the his bid to win it a record sev- bidding to become the fi rst Aus- match progressed. enth time. In the mountain tralian champion at Wimbledon She broke in the fourth and classifi cation Lotto-Soudal’s since 1980, lost 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 to eighth games of the second set Tim Wellens, part of a group the world number 55. and carved out the key break of who broke at Binche, made a Riske, who will marry Stephen the decider in the eighth game. solo bid 50km from home that Amritraj, the son of former In- It was all over when Barty saw him garner enough hilltop dian Davis Cup player Anand, speared a forehand wide of the points to take the polka dot jer- in Pittsburgh after Wimble- court. French rider Julian Alaphilippe celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the third stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France in sey. don, goes on to face seven-time On the prospect of facing Wil- Reims yesterday. Rookie Van Aert, who has champion Serena Williams for a liams for a place in the last four, converted from cyclo-cross, place in the semi-fi nals. she said: “Bring it on!” AFP He slipped away from the pack in,” said a red-faced Alaphilippe “That climb where Alap- held on to the best under-25’s It will be the 29-year-old’s “It’s super exciting. I played Epernay, France after vying for bonus seconds on after his third ever stage win and hilippe went was steep and it white jersey as the buzz around fi rst appearance in a Grand Slam doubles with Serena, but never the penultimate climb, assuming his fi rst yellow jersey. was hard, but I just knew I didn’t him increases. quarter-fi nal. played against her. It will be an a daredevil, aerodynamic crouch “I should have waited until the have the legs to go for the bonus Five-time Tour de France win- “I wish I could get married interesting match,” added Riske. ulian Alaphilippe produced at the crest and breaking clear. end, I know, but I just went full sprint,” Thomas said. ner Eddy Merckx was on hand more often. Maybe we’ll have “Today was a great prepara- a magnifi cent show of pow- By the time he crossed the gas when I saw the gap.” “Then it was just a case of get- as fans gave him and the Tour a to renew our vows because it’s tion for me going into the Ser- er in stage three yesterday Marne, still an agonising 10km Amazingly, it is the fi rst time ting to the fi nish and being safe,” noisy send off at the small start worked out well having that on ena match. Again, I’m ready for Jto give France its fi rst win through the champagne vine- a French rider has had the over- said Thomas, whose Ineos team town of Binche as the 2019 race the horizon,” said Riske on how a war. She’s the greatest athlete and take the overall lead in the yards from Epernay, he was al- all lead since Tony Gallopin wore did much of the chasing. took it’s Belgian bow. her impending nuptials have I think that’s ever been on the 2019 Tour de France. most a minute ahead. yellow in 2014. The crowd in the French The world-renowned vine- helped her game. women’s side.” The win means a French rider Alaphilippe was strong A small break in the chasing Champagne region had been the yards here produce 362mn bot- “I’m looking forward to it so Riske had reached her second has the overall leader’s yellow jer- enough to cling on and win by 26 pack saw defending champion peloton and went wild as Alap- tles of champagne a year. Half much. Everything is pretty much career Grand Slam fourth round sey for the fi rst time in fi ve years. seconds, despite a desperate ef- Geraint Thomas lose fi ve seconds hilippe came up alone and rose of them are drunk in France and already in stone. I’m not really the hard way, coming back from The Deceuninck-Quick Step fort from the pack to reel him in. to his Team Ineos co-leader Co- in his saddle to swagger over the now the French have a great ex- stressed about it. a 1-4 fi nal set defi cit to defeat rider took a huge gamble with his “I was really up for it today, so lombian 22-year-old Egan Bernal last steep climb. cuse to crack open a bottle or two “I haven’t been stressed about Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the fi rst long range eff ort. when I saw the chance I went all and to French hope Thibaut Pinot. At the line, the 27-year-old in celebration. it really from the beginning round. probably because my fi ance has She then needed a 9-7 third set been doing all the work.” to see off Serbia’s Ivana Jorovic be- BOTTOMLINE Defeat brought an end to fore hitting back from 0-3 down in 23-year-old Barty’s 15-match the decider to beat Swiss 13th seed winning run. Belinda Bencic in the third round. However, she had been domi- “I had to play aggressive. I had Murray confi dent of return to top nant at the start yesterday, serv- to take it to Ash,” said Riske. TRADITION Reuters London No end in sight for ormer world number one Andy Murray has been buoyed by his Wimbledon queue Freturn to tennis after career-saving hip surgery and London: Tennis-lovers camp the soft grass in neighbouring is confident he can retake his out overnight for Wimbledon Wimbledon Park in southwest place among the men’s elite. tickets — and the All England London rather than on the hard The 32-year-old, who has Club’s boss wants to keep it that pavement alongside the All Eng- been playing doubles since his way, having slept on the pave- land Club boundary walls. return from hip resurfacing ment himself to get in. “I queued here myself over- surgery in January, had said Chief executive Richard night. It’s almost a rite of pas- ahead of the Australian Open Lewis, 64, said he slept outside sage. I wouldn’t do away with it that his career was likely over the grounds as a teenager in or- in a hurry,” said Lewis. as he struggled with severe der to see the 1968 men’s fi nal. “I was 13. I queued up on the pain. Queueing is a great British pavement and saw Rod Laver “I know how bad I felt in tradition — and the most tra- play Tony Roche in the fi nal. Australia and how bad I felt ditional of Britain’s summer “My brother and I came along the last year that I played sin- sporting occasions is not seek- and it was a great experience. It gles here, and I feel better now ing to end it.Every day, approxi- was wonderful — and it’s won- than I did then,” Murray said mately 500 tickets are available derful now to meet Rod Laver in comments published in The on each of Centre Court, Court and say to him, ‘I saw you win Times yesterday. One and Court Two for those in that match’!” “So if physically I can get the queue. But thousands more In Centre Court’s Royal Box on back to a good level, my ten- who want a simple ground pass Saturday, Australian great Laver, nis is still fine. I’m sure that face a lengthy wait — and there 80, was presented with a spe- tennis-wise, I will be able to are no plans to eliminate the cial replica of the men’s trophy keep up with guys.” More male queue by selling such tickets on- to mark the 50th anniversary of players aged 30 and over have line. his fourth and fi nal Wimbledon advanced to the fourth round “People seem to love it and I title. at Wimbledon than under 30, think it’s a good example where The tennis-lovers camping in and the Scot said he did not feel technology could change things the park come from all over the there was anything to stop him if you wanted to, but you’d think world. from reforming the ‘Big Four’ very carefully before you did Lewis went to meet fans with Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal away with it, because it does camping out on middle Sunday, and Novak Djokovic. seem to be so popular,” said when Wimbledon has a rest day. “A lot of the same guys are Lewis. For Monday’s play, a Centre still there,” Murray added. Britain’s Andy Murray (L) and US player Serena Williams (R) touch hands after a point against Germany’s Andreas Mies and Chile’s Alexa “We haven’t looked at tech- Court ticket cost £130 ($163, “I don’t feel that the game Guarachi during their mixed doubles first round match on July 6. nology for the queue. I wouldn’t 145 euros), while Court One was has moved on and I won’t be consider it, not for the foresee- £110, Court Two £85 and a regu- able to get back. Why not? with Feliciano Lopez at Queen’s He said at Queen’s that he just enjoying being back on to play on whatever court, 14 or able future.”Most people say it’s lar grounds pass £25. “If someone can give me a Club in his return to competi- had not targeted a return to the court and looking forward to 18 doesn’t bother me.” a wonderful experience.” “I walked around there on reason why I shouldn’t be able tive tennis late last month and singles court at the US Open in his second-round match with “Sometimes doubles does Wimbledon remains one of Sunday and the atmosphere was to compete again, then I would entered the doubles and mixed New York from Aug 26-Sept Williams against Fabrice Mar- get pushed back and it’s not the very few major British sport- amazing. People were really en- listen to it, but so far I haven’t doubles, where he is partnering 8 as he was “going to go at my tin and Raquel Atawo today. always the first event on the ing events where visitors can still joying themselves. It’s just one really been given one.” American great Serena Wil- own pace”. “I don’t care which court we schedule, so you have to expect buy premium tickets on the day. of the great traditions,” said Murray won the doubles title liams, at Wimbledon. Murray added that he was play on,” he added. “I’m happy that to happen.” Since 2008, fans queue on Lewis. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 9, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

TRIUMPHANT Brazil clinch Copa America despite Jesus dismissal Underdogs Peru made a confident start and didn’t appear overawed by either their opponents or the occasion

AFP Rio de Janeiro

en-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus’s dis- missal with a 3-1 victory over TPeru on Sunday night. Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton’s opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium. A last minute penalty from substi- tute Richarlison sealed a win for Brazil which handed the South American gi- ants their ninth Copa triumph and fi rst since 2007. Jesus’s evening went sour 20 minutes from time as he was sent off for a second booking. The Manchester City striker was in tears as he left the fi eld, making ob- scene hand gestures, angrily kicking a water bottle and almost knocking over the VAR booth. Brazil’s players rallied after the dismissal however to claim a battling victory. “It’s really special because we built something together,” enthused captain Dani Alves. Earlier, after a minute’s silence was held for bossa nova legend Joao Gilberto — who died on Saturday — underdogs Peru made a confi dent start and didn’t appear overawed by either their op- ponents or the occasion. But it quickly became apparent that they were up against more accomplished players. “It was a game in which they took advantage of our mistakes and turned them all into goals,” said Peru’s Edison Flores. Peru coach Ricardo Gareca had said on Saturday they needed to pre- vent Brazil from dominating posses- sion, but that was easier said than done. Brazil captain Dani Alves lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Copa America at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday night. (Reuters) Brazil started to stroke the ball around commandingly, and as they did for Philippe Coutinho to stab wide. Peru a penalty that was confi rmed after Center-back Carlos Zambano also Brazil were in complete control at just wide. But amidst a fl urry of sub- that, they looked dangerous. Left-winger Everton was clever with a VAR review. slipped, allowing Arthur to feed Jesus this stage as Peru could hardly string stitutions, fouls and injury stoppages, Their opening goal came from a his movement in dragging the athletic Guerrero sent goalkeeper Alisson in the middle of the area and the Man- two passes together. But the dynamic the steam went out of Peru’s eff orts and piece of individual brilliance by Jesus, right-back Luis Advincula out of posi- the wrong way from 12 yards and Peru chester City striker made no mistake, changed 20 minutes from time as Je- they were unable to exert any sustained whose drag back fooled two defenders, tion and Brazil’s left-back Alex Sandro were back in it just before half-time. fi nding the bottom corner. sus was given his marching orders for pressure on the hosts. creating space for him to cross for the found acres of space to put in a deep But they paid for their lack of guile and Brazil had a few speculative shots at a second yellow card after a late chal- Any hopes they had were extin- unmarked Everton to drill home at the cross that Firmino headed over. experience with almost the last kick of the start of the second half but Silva, lenge on Cueva. guished when Zambrano was adjudged back post on the quarter hour. Just as it looked as if Brazil would the half as Arthur was allowed to drive Dani Alves and Coutinho all failed to The onus was now on Peru to attack to have barged over Everton in the pen- Brazil were in control and playing stroll to victory, Peru went on the at- at the defence from midfi eld following hit the target. After some wing trickery and Miguel Trauco brought a near post alty area and substitute Richarlison like champions elect as Roberto Firmi- tack and a Christian Cueva cross hit a slip from Renato Tapia that left him from Everton, Alex Sandro crossed but save out of Alisson while Edison Flores drilled home the spot-kick into the no found space on the left and crossed the arm of a sliding Thiago Silva, giving space to attack. Firmino headed wide. fi zzed a volley from outside the area bottom corner.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT PSG ‘regret’ Neymar no-show ‘Peru on right path despite Copa defeat’ AFP we’re not a revelation,” he said at pre-season training Rio de Janeiro sternly. “Today we came here to win the cup and we were con- AFP vinced that we could.” Paris nderdogs Peru may Forward Edison Flores said have missed out on a the diff erence was that Bra- third Copa America zil took their chances. Ever- eymar failed to show up title after losing 3-1 to ton opened the scoring on the for pre-season training BrazilU in Sunday’s fi nal but they quarter hour for Brazil from a with Paris Saint-Ger- are on the right track, coach Gabriel Jesus cross and after main yesterday with Ricardo Gareca said. Although Paolo Guerrero equalised from Nthe club announcing they would the surprise fi nalists ultimately the penalty spot, Arthur teed take “appropriate action”. came up short, they at least pro- up Jesus to restored the lead just In a terse statement, the French vided a much sterner test for before the pause. champions noted: “On Monday the hosts than in a group stage Despite Jesus being dismissed 8 July Neymar da Silva Santos encounter earlier in the compe- 20 minutes from time, Richarli- Junior was due to return to pre- tition when Gareca’s side were son completed the victory with season activities with the Paris trounced 5-0. Peru coach Ricardo Gareca (left) and players Raul Ruidiaz and Aldo a last minute penalty. “If you Saint-Germain senior squad. “We’re in good shape, despite Corzo after they lost to Brazil in the Copa America final. (Reuters) talk about merit, we deserve Paris Saint-Germain notes that the pain of defeat we’re on the a lot, but those who score the Neymar Jr was not in attendance right path,” said the veteran Ar- Still, he felt they would always players, we’ll have more quality: goals lift the cup,” said Flores, at the agreed time and place. This gentine. “The most important struggle to compete at this level in quantity you have quality.” who was still bitter about the was without the club’s prior au- thing is to realise that we’ve due to having a smaller pool of But he bristled at the sug- criticism the side received after thorisation. The club regrets this improved over time and that players to choose from. gestion that Peru — who quali- their earlier defeat to Brazil. situation and will therefore take should... strengthen us.” “Brazil have 1,000 players, fi ed for the World Cup last year “This was a year when a lot appropriate action.” Gareca said Brazil were “wor- we only have 50. Uruguay have when 2015 and 2016 Copa win- of things happened and there In Rio, Brazilian media quoted thy winners” but added that 300” to choose from, said the ners Chile missed out — were were people in Peru who spoke Neymar’s father as saying that Peru had “improved since the 61-year-old. “We need more a surprise package in the tour- ill of the team. But this is a great PSG “were aware” the striker PSG and Brazil forward Neymar and his son watch the Copa America last game” against the hosts. players. When we have more nament. “We’re experienced, group and they deserve credit.” would be absent. “Th reason (for final between Brazil and Peru at Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. (AFP) his no-show) was known and planned for a year as part of his which would free the Brazilian ish club, like PSG, threatened to TRANSFER activities for the Neymar Insti- star to return to his former club. punish their star striker. tute (charity foundation),” said Spanish sports newspaper Neymar’s time at PSG has been Neymar Senior. Diario Sport claims a fi ve-year punctured by injury and contro- He added: “We couldn’t post- contract has been agreed. The versy. He was questioned by Bra- Felix plays down pressure at Atletico pone them and he will return (to newspaper said last week the zilian police last month over alle- PSG) on July 15. It’s as simple as terms include Neymar reducing gations he raped a woman he met AFP guese club and for Atletico Madrid and makes that, no drama. PSG are aware his salary from around 36mn eu- through social media in a Paris Madrid the teenager one of the fi ve most expensive and take part in the Institute’s ros at PSG to the 24mn euros he hotel — charges he has denied. players in history. activities.” received at Barca in 2017. And the Brazilian star will miss “Regarding the amounts, as I have said, it is a Neymar left Barcelona to The 27-year-old had spent three Champions League match- ortuguese striker Joao Felix said yes- question of the market and I don’t understand join Paris Saint-Germain for a four years at Camp Nou, winning es next season as punishment terday he felt no pressure to replace anything about that,” he said. world record fee of 222mn eu- the Champions League in 2015 for insulting a referee following Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griez- Felix also downplayed comparisons with his ros ($252mn) in August 2017, but and two La Liga titles. He had Paris Saint-Germain’s Cham- mann as he was offi cially unveiled at teammate on the Portuguese national team, could make a surprise move back formed a brilliant attacking trio pions League collapse against Pthe Spanish club following his big money move Cristiano Ronaldo who spent a decade at Real to Camp Nou this summer. Last alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Manchester United. from Benfi ca. “I will simply play and do my job Madrid before joining Juventus in 2018. week Barcelona’s vice-president Suarez. Any return for Neymar Paris Saint-Germain president as best I can, to help the club I am with,” Felix “He is currently the best in the world, and Jordi Cardoner said: “What is would likely require Barca to raise Nasser Al-Khelaifi has warned told reporters. possibly of all time. When he was with the na- correct, at the current time, what funds through sales. Neymar and his other highly- The 19-year-old, who joined Atletico last tional team he told me about Madrid and he I have read, what I have heard, Frenkie de Jong has already paid stars that they must shape- week in a deal worth 126mn euros ($142mn), is said he liked it a lot, but I’m here to make my which seems exact, is that Ney- signed for 75mn euros from Ajax. up or ship out, claiming “celeb- a potential replacement for the France striker own story,” he said. “Cristiano is Cristiano and mar wants to come back to Bar- Antoine Griezmann is expected rity behaviour” at the French who scored 133 goals in fi ve seasons at the club. I want to be myself.” Felix will go into next sea- celona.” to join from Atletico Madrid for champions will not be tolerated. Griezmann has already said he will leave Atleti- son waring the number 7 jersey which up un- And media reports have in- 120mn euros, although that deal On Sunday, injured Neymar was co — he is expected to join Barcelona when his til now has been worn by Griezmann. Atletico dicated that intermediaries be- has hit snags. On Sunday, Griez- watching from the stands as Bra- release clause, which dropped to 120mn euros president Enrique Cerezo said Felix had “pure Atletico Madrid’s new signing tween PSG and Barca had ham- mann failed to show up for pre- zil beat Peru in the Copa America last week, is activated. talent” and predicted that he will “make his- Joao Felix poses with the team’s mered out the terms of a deal season at Atletico and the Span- fi nal in Rio de Janeiro. Felix’s transfer fee is a record for a Portu- tory at Atletico Madrid”. jersey at his unveiling. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT Zaha sends Ivory Rapinoe calls for Coast through to quarter-fi nals

AFP the way through to the Arsenal action on equal pay Suez, Egypt target who snuck the ball past Diarra. Adama Traore created a late chance as Mali sought to ilfried Zaha grabbed send the game to extra time but the only goal to set- his stinging drive was kept out by tle a disappointing Gbohouo. Africa Cup of Na- Wtions last-16 clash as Ivory Coast MAHREZ HELPS ALGERIA aft er US triumph beat Mali 1-0 in Suez yesterday. BRUSH GUINEA ASIDE TO Crystal Palace winger Zaha en- REACH LAST EIGHT sured the Ivorians remained un- On Sunday night, Manchester ‘Everyone is kind of asking what’s next and what we want to come of all of this’ beaten against Mali at the tour- City winger Riyad Mahrez scored nament as he squeezed home on for Algeria as they coasted into 76 minutes to book a quarter- the quarter-fi nals with a 3-0 fi nal showdown with Algeria. victory over Guinea in Cairo. However, the 2015 champions Youcef Belaili put the Desert will need to perform much bet- Foxes ahead on 24 minutes and ter if they aspire to a second ti- former African Footballer of the tle in four years as Ivory Coast’s Year Mahrez added a second after talented attack of Zaha, Nicolas 57 minutes in the last-16 match Pepe and Jonathan Kodjia largely at the 30 June Stadium. failed to fi re. Substitute Adam Ounas was The in-demand Pepe returned on the fi eld only fi ve minutes for the Elephants after sitting out when he completed the rout with the 4-1 win over Namibia along eight remaining, connecting with with Kodjia, while Mali recalled a low cross to give goalkeeper Ib- a host of regulars having rested rahim Kone no chance. “I think key players after qualifying from we had a very solid match against their group with a game to spare. a good team from Guinea. We did Mali advanced as joint top not concede a goal and scored scorers in the group stage with three,” said Mahrez. six goals alongside Algeria and With hosts Egypt and Herve had the Ivorians in trouble early Renard-coached Morocco suf- here, although Lassana Couli- fering stunning last-16 losses, baly lost his footing after Moussa many are tipping Algeria to go all Marega attempted to square. the way and add to their lone ti- Sylvain Gbohouo had a lucky tle, won in 1990. escape when he fl apped at a They are only nation among corner with Abdoulay Diaby the 10 survivors boasting a 100% stabbing over before the Ivory record having beaten Kenya, Coast goalkeeper tipped behind highly-rated Senegal and Tanza- his curling free-kick. Mali were nia in group matches to reach the seeking a fi rst victory over their knockout phase. Algeria will face fellow west Africans at the Cup the Ivory Coast in a quarter-fi nal of Nations after three losses and in Suez Thursday then, if suc- a draw, but Southampton recruit cessful, Nigeria or South Africa Moussa Djenepo stumbled as he for a place in the July 19 fi nal. bore in on goal at start of the sec- Coach Djamel Belmadi changed ond half. nine of the team that outclassed Kodjia was denied at the other Tanzania in the fi nal group game, end as Djigui Diarra turned the restoring a host of fi rst choices Aston Villa forward’s shot wide such as Mahrez. with his legs and an ineff ec- Guinea, meanwhile, were tive Pepe was withdrawn on 68 missing Liverpool midfi elder minutes. Zaha made the break- Naby Keita after he was forced to through with a quarter of an leave Egypt after a recurrence of United States star Megan Rapinoe (centre) celebrates with her teammates after winning the Women’s World Cup in Lyon, France on Sunday night. (Reuters) hour remaining when Gbohouo’s a groin injury sustained against hopeful ball upfi eld skipped all Barcelona in May. AFP ally have anything to say,” said Rapinoe. work,” she said, mentioning Infantino as to win back-to-back World Cups in the Lyon, France Her coach Jill Ellis simply said: “I well as US Soccer President Carlos Cor- men’s or women’s game since Italy’s Vit- haven’t been invited so I can’t say”. When deiro. “This game has done so much for torio Pozzo in the 1930s. “Man that’s very it was put to her that an invitation would all of us, we’ve put so much into it. I think impressive. She’ll thank us later,” smiled SA star Megan Rapinoe said it surely be forthcoming, she replied: “I it’s a testament to the quality on the fi eld, Rapinoe. Ellis took charge in time to lead was “time to sit down and get wouldn’t bet on that!” I don’t think everything else is matching the team to victory at the 2015 World Cup to work” after hearing Ameri- Rapinoe has been the biggest star on that.” in Canada but the make up of her side has can fans greet the team’s vic- the fi eld over the last month in France, Ellis herself off ered glowing praise for evolved considerably since then. Rose La- Utory over the Netherlands in the women’s and she scored the opener from the pen- Rapinoe, who missed the semi-fi nal win velle, who scored her team’s second goal World Cup fi nal on Sunday night with alty spot as the holders beat the Dutch over England due to injury but returned on Sunday, reportedly watched the last chants calling for equal pay. 2-0 in Lyon to retain their title. in style here, having earlier scored two fi nal in a pizza shop. Rapinoe has been a key player in the It was the 34-year-old’s sixth goal of goals in both the wins over Spain in the Alex Morgan played four years ago squad’s battle for pay equality which led the competition, allowing her to walk last 16 and France in the quarter-fi nals. and on Sunday won the penalty that led them to fi le a lawsuit against the US Soc- away with the Golden Boot for the top “Megan was built for this, built for to Rapinoe’s opener. “It’s going to take a cer Federation earlier this year accusing scorer as well as the Golden Ball for the these moments, built to be a spokesper- while to come down from this high but I the organisation of gender discrimina- player of the tournament. son for others,” said Ellis. don’t know if it’s us getting older or the tion. She also made headlines for stat- Rapinoe said she had exchanged “She’s incredibly eloquent, I think she game just evolving and becoming more ing she would boycott any team visit to “pleasantries” with FIFA president Gi- speaks from her heart, and we need peo- challenging but it has been so emotion- Donald Trump if the USA won the tour- anni Infantino as she collected her medal. ple like that in the game, to be honest, ally exhausting this time around,” said nament. Trump put that spat behind “Everyone is kind of asking what’s next to call things for what they are. The past Morgan, who also fi nished the tourna- him to tweet congratulations to the team and what we want to come of all of this, four and a half, fi ve years, I’ve seen what ment with six goals. on Sunday, while Rapinoe avoided get- and it’s to stop having the conversation she is capable of. The bigger the spot- “She is the best teammate someone ting drawn into another discussion about about equal pay and are we worth it,” light, the more she shines.” could ask for. She had an incredible tour- whether she would go to the White House. Rapinoe said. Ellis herself made history with the vic- nament and is so deserving of the Golden Ivory Coast’s forward Wilfried Zaha scores during the Africa Cup of “We have such a strong and proud and de- “What are we going to do about it? It’s tory, as the USA retained their title to win Boot and the Golden Ball,” the 30-year- Nations last 16 match against Mali at the Suez Stadium in the fi ant group of women, I don’t think we re- time to sit down with everyone and get to a fourth World Cup. She is the fi rst coach old said of Rapinoe. north-eastern Egyptian city yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways congratulates FIFA Mexico win record eighth Gold Cup AFP Women’s World Cup winners US Chicago atar Airways, an Offi cial Partner and Airline of FIFA, onathan dos Santos scored the congratulated the USA for only goal as Mexico defeated winning the FIFA Women’s the United States 1-0 to win WorldQ Cup France, following a month of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for football excitement throughout France. aJ record eighth time at Soldier Field The fi nal took place in Lyon, France on on Sunday night. Los Angeles Galaxy Sunday, with medals and individual midfi elder dos Santos rifl ed home player awards presented by Qatar Air- in the 73rd minute to settle a hard- ways cabin crew. fought encounter between the two Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- arch-rivals of North American foot- tive, HE Akbar al-Baker, said: “Wom- ball in front of 62,493 fans. en’s football is bigger than ever before, “I am happy because the boys made and the FIFA Women’s World Cup a great eff ort and today we played France is the place where the hopes and against one of the best teams in the dreams of many fans and supporters Gold Cup,” said Mexico coach Tata come true. I would like to congratulate Martino. “They have made a good ef- Team USA on their win against Team Qatar airways cabin crew members are seen on the stage with the awards after fort and a good match. Netherlands. We now look forward the Women’s World Cup final between US and the Netherlands in Lyon, France. It makes me happy because it was with tremendous anticipation to 2022, also my fi rst international title.” Mexico players celebrate with the trophy after beating the US in the final to when a FIFA World Cup will be hosted time story. It is a flight of imagination, with FIFA, which saw it become an Of- Mexico have now won the Gold win the CONCACAF Gold Cup title in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday night. (AFP) in our home country, Qatar. As the na- in which she describes an amazing new fi cial Partner and the Offi cial Airline of Cup eight times since 1991 when the tional carrier of the State of Qatar, we land where women’s football reigns, FIFA until 2022. The agreement also championship for teams from North ally bright. I think what we lacked was Jimenez, who produced a delightful could not be more proud as we prepare where players rule and fans from many sees Qatar Airways become the Offi cial America, Central America and the some of the calmness, some of the back heel into the path of dos Santos to welcome fans to our home and host nations gather to cheer. Airline Partner of the Club World Cup, Caribbean (CONCACAF) was re- composure.” who curled his shot into the top cor- city, Doha.” By the film’s end, we realise that the U-20 World Cup, U-17 World Cup, booted. It was a disappointing defeat Dos Santos’s winner was the out- ner past USA goalkeeper Zack Steff en. In May the airline issued a new mar- mother and daughter are in fact on- U-20 Women’s World Cup, U-17 Wom- for the American men, who had been standing move of a pulsating duel But the defeat left Berhalter refl ect- keting campaign fi lm supporting the board a Qatar Airways aircraft fl ying en’s World Cup, Beach Soccer World hoping to complete a trophy double that saw the United States pay the ing on what might have been after his competition, capturing the excitement to the very destination she has been Cup, Futsal World Cup, eWorld Cup, after the US women had powered to price for failing to take advantage of team had started the fi rst half strong- of fans all over the world who will be describing: a magical land, where the and Women’s World Cup. victory over the Netherlands in the several promising early chances. The ly, carving out a string of promising watching the tournament as well as the story of women’s football comes alive. The airline’s partnerships build on World Cup in France earlier on Sun- decisive goal came after a surging run chances as Mexico took their time to thousands travelling to France to cheer On top of Qatar winning the bid for its existing sponsorship strategy for the day. “Over the course of 90 minutes, down the right fl ank by Mexico’s Ro- get into the game. “When you talk their national team. the FIFA World Cup 2022 in May 2017, most popular sport in the world; as evi- Mexico was the better team,” US dolfo Pizarro. about a step the team needs to take, The innovative fi lm features a mother the award-winning airline announced dent with its commitment to clubs in its coach Gregg Berhalter said. “Having The Monterrey playmaker fed Wol- we’re close,” Berhalter said. “But we telling her daughter a wonderful bed- its ground-breaking sponsorship deal own backyard and around the world. said that, we started the game re- verhampton Wanderers forward Raul weren’t there tonight.” Gulf Times Tuesday, July 9, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB Astros top Angels; Lucroy sent to hospital following collision Astros’ Marisnick was ruled out after his collision with Angels’ Lucroy, which sent catcher to a hospital for a scan

Reuters on to defeat host Seattle. Marcus Sem- Houston ien and Ramon Laureano also homered for the A’s, who took two of three games in the series and have won nine of their uli Gurriel ran his hitting streak past 12 entering the All-Star break. to 11 games with a game-ty- Oakland right-hander Daniel ing grand slam, and George Mengden (4-1) won his third straight Springer delivered a walk-off decision, allowing three runs on six hits hitY in the 10th inning as the host Hou- in 5 1/3 innings. He didn’t walk a batter ston Astros claimed a wild 11-10 victory and struck out two. Right-hander Liam on Sunday over the Los Angeles Angels Hendriks pitched the ninth for his fi fth in the rubber match of a three-game save. series at Minute Maid Park. The Astros, who rallied from a 7-2 GIANTS 1, CARDINALS 0 defi cit in the fi fth to tie the game at Evan Longoria capped his best week 8-8 on Gurriel’s slam in the sixth, were of the season with a home run in the forced to rally again in the eighth after seventh inning that broke a scoreless Angels centre fi elder Mike Trout deliv- tie and lifted San Francisco to a victory ered his second home run of the game, over St. Louis. Jeff Samardzija (6-7) a two-run shot, in the top of that frame won a pitchers’ duel with Jack Flaherty to make it 10-8. (4-6) with seven innings of four-hit In the bottom of the eighth, Astros ball, combining with Sam Dyson and rookie Yordan Alvarez tied the game Will Smith on the Giants’ fi rst shutout with a two-run single, and Houston since April and the third of the season. loaded the bases with no outs but failed Flaherty, who had struggled to a 7.82 to score again. The inning ended on a ERA in his previous fi ve starts, retired double play in when pinch runner Jake the fi rst 12 batters he faced and took a Marisnick was ruled out after his col- no-hitter one out into the seventh be- lision with Angels catcher Jonathan fore Longoria connected on his 12th Lucroy. An umpire review reversed the homer, a shot to left fi eld. Longoria has previous safe call, determining that fi ve home runs and 10 RBIs since last Marisnick initiated the contact, which Monday. knocked Lucroy from the game and sent the catcher to a local hospital for NATIONALS 5, ROYALS 2 a CT scan and evaluation for a possible Anthony Rendon broke a tie with an concussion and nose fracture. RBI double, and pinch hitter Howie Josh Reddick opened the 10th with a Kendrick added a two-run double as double off Angels right-hander Taylor Washington scored three runs in the Cole (0-1). Springer then drove Reddick bottom of the eighth inning to escape home with a single to right-centre fi eld with a win over visiting Kansas City. on the fi rst pitch. Before the pitch, there The win allowed the Nationals to take was an umpire review that determined two of three in the series and complete Reddick returned to second safely on a a 5-1 homestand. The Royals lost for the pickoff attempt. sixth time in their last seven games. Af- ter Kansas City had rallied into a 2-2 tie PHILLIES 8, METS 3 in the top of the eighth, Adam Eaton got Aaron Nola carried a no-hitter into the the bottom of the eighth rolling for the sixth inning to improve to 8-2, and Jay Nationals with a one-out single against Bruce continued tormenting his former Houston Astros’ Jake Marisnick (left) collides with Los Angeles Angels’ Jonathan Lucroy during the MLB match in Houston, Texas, on Sunday. (AFP) Jake Diekman (0-6). team with a pair of home runs and four RBIs as Philadelphia rolled to a win Tampa Bay in the American League and take the rubber game of the three- nings to earn his fi rst home victory of completed a three-game sweep in De- DIAMONDBACKS 5, ROCKIES 3 in New York. The Phillies took two of East. Morton (10-2) reached double game set. Keuchel (2-2) pitched 7 1/3 the season as the White Sox defeated troit. David Price (7-2) laboured through Rookie left-hander Alex Young threw three against the Mets to improve to digits in wins before the All-Star break innings — his longest start of the sea- the Cubs in the fi nal meeting of the sea- fi ve innings but picked up the victory. six hitless innings in his second major 10-15 since June 10 — a span in which for the second time in his career and son — and allowed two runs on fi ve hits, son between the Chicago clubs. Price threw 99 pitches while giving league start as Arizona completed a they are 6-1 against New York and 4-14 lowered his league-leading ERA to 2.32 walking one and striking out four. He Jimenez’s 16th homer was his second up one run on four hits and two walks three-game sweep of Colorado with a against everyone else. ERA. He held the Yankees to one run on threw a season-high 108 pitches. The this season against his original organi- with six strikeouts. Heath Hembree got win in Phoenix. Young (2-0) was taken The Mets are a National League- fi ve hits while throwing 100 pitches. Marlins twice loaded the bases in the zation, a two-run shot to straightaway the last three outs for his second save. out after six innings and 71 pitches. worst 8-17 since June 10. The Phillies ninth inning against closer Luke Jack- centre in the fourth inning that provid- Gregory Soto (0-3) pitched the fi rst two The 25-year-old struck out three scored all the runs they’d need for Nola PADRES 5, DODGERS 3 son, but Miguel Rojas fl ied out to end ed all the off ense the White Sox would innings, allowing two runs on three and walked one. The Rockies broke up in the fi rst, when Rhys Hoskins (RBI Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two home runs, the game. It was Jackson’s 14th save. need. Abreu added a solo homer in the hits, before Nick Ramirez pitched the the D-backs’ no-hit bid when Trevor double), JT Realmuto (two-run double) and Joey Lucchesi pitched into the sev- fi fth, his 21st of the season, as the White next three for Detroit, which is 6-25 Story reached on an infi eld single on and Bruce (RBI single) laced together enth inning as San Diego handed Los RANGERS 4, TWINS 1 Sox closed the fi rst half of the campaign since the beginning of June. the fi rst pitch of the seventh from re- consecutive run-scoring hits against Angeles its fi rst three-game home los- Rougned Odor hit a three-run home with their sixth win in nine games. liever Yoshihisa Hirano. Arizona had Mets starter Zack Wheeler (6-6). ing streak this season. Manuel Margot run with one out in the top of the 11th INDIANS 11, REDS 1 lost eight in a row to Colorado before also homered for the Padres, who lost inning to give Texas a victory over Min- PIRATES 6, BREWERS 5 Greg Allen belted a two-run homer to sweeping the three-game series to get RAYS 2, YANKEES 1 the opener of the four-game series nesota in Minneapolis. Odor hit a fi rst- Bryan Reynolds hit a three-run homer highlight his fi rst career four-hit per- above.500 at the All-Star break (46- Charlie Morton struck out 10 in 5 2/3 on Thursday before winning a series pitch fastball from Adalberto Mejia and an RBI double to help Pittsburgh formance as Cleveland hit four home 45). Colorado has lost six in a row to eff ective innings and made two fi rst- against the Dodgers for the fi rst time (0-2) 409 feet into the bullpen in left- edge visiting Milwaukee. Kevin New- runs and rolled to victory. Jake Bauers, drop below.500 (44-45) for the fi rst inning runs stand up as Tampa Bay in seven tries. Max Muncy and Justin centre, driving in Joey Gallo and Asdru- man had an RBI single, and Adam Fra- Tyler Naquin and Jason Kipnis each time since May 28. salvaged a four-game split against New Turner went deep for the Dodgers, who bal Cabrera, who had both walked. zier had three hits to give him 18 in July homered and drove in two runs for the York. Tommy Pham had an RBI double still head into the All-Star break with a It was the 13th home run of the sea- for the Pirates, who won fi ve of seven. Indians, who collected 18 hits en route BLUE JAYS 6, ORIOLES 1 off James Paxton (5-4) and scored on a major league-best 60 victories — just son for Odor. Shawn Kelley (4-2), the Jesus Aguilar hit two-run homer and to their season-high sixth straight win. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a two-run homer groundout by Avisail Garcia as the Rays the 15th time a team has won 60 games fi fth Texas pitcher, picked up the win as a solo shot, and Keston Hiura added Trevor Bauer (8-6) allowed one run on in the fi rst inning, right-hander Trent won for the fourth time in 13 meetings before the break. the Rangers avoided a series sweep by two-run homer for the Brewers, who four hits with three walks and struck Thornton pitched six shutotut innings with the Yankees this season. the Twins and won for just the second have lost fi ve of six. out nine over seven innings to improve and Toronto avoided a sweep at the Brett Gardner homered for the third BRAVES 4, MARLINS 3 time in eight games. to 4-0 in his last fi ve starts. hands of visiting Baltimore. Thornton straight day as the Yankees fi nished the Left-hander Dallas Keuchel had his RED SOX 6, TIGERS 3 (3-6) limited the Orioles to three hits fi rst half by going 16-4 in their last 20 best start of the season, and Josh Don- WHITE SOX 3, CUBS 1 Christian Vazquez hit a two-run homer, A’S 7, MARINERS 4 and no walks while striking out fi ve as games. New York heads into the All- aldson swatted his 200th career homer Eloy Jimenez and Jose Abreu homered, Xander Bogaerts also drove in two runs Matt Olson hit a three-run homer in a the Blue Jays completed their home- Star break with a 6 1/2-game lead on to help Atlanta hold off visiting Miami and Ivan Nova pitched 5 2/3 shutout in- and Boston won its fourth straight and fi ve-run fi rst inning, and Oakland went stand with a 5-5 record.

ROUND-UP NBA Milwaukee Bucks could add Durant joins Nets, to wear No 7 jersey Reuters a second Antetokounmpo New York

AFP stated that Wright will sign a three-year, $29 mn Athens contract with Dallas, and Memphis will receive he Brooklyn Nets of- two second-round picks in the deal. fi cially added forward Wright, 27, spent his fi rst three-and-a-half Kevin Durant on Sunday, hanasis Antetokounmpo is negotiating seasons with the Toronto Raptors before being announcing his arrival with the Milwaukee Bucks and could join traded to the Grizzlies in the move that sent Marc Tas part of a sign-and-trade deal his younger brother Giannis, the NBA Gasol to Toronto. In Memphis, Wright played in with the Golden State Warriors a regular-season MVP, on the team, a Eu- 26 games (11 starts) and averaged 12.2 points, 5.4 week after the 10-time All-Star Tropean basketball website reported Sunday. rebounds and 5.3 assists in 30.8 minutes per game. announced his intentions to join Eurohoops said that Thanasis was fi nalising a He has a 7.4 scoring average over 198 career Brooklyn. two-year deal which would give the Bucks two NBA games (18 starts). Wright is the third guard Changing teams won’t be new pairs of brothers: Thanasis and Giannis Antetok- signed by the Mavericks during the free agency for Durant, after he left the Okla- ounmpo and Brook and Robin Lopez. The site period. Before Sunday, Dallas agreed to terms homa City Thunder for the War- said Thanasis’ contract would be in the neigh- with Seth Curry and re-signed JJ Barea. riors three summers ago, but he bourhood of $3mn. Thanasis, 26, played the last will be wearing a new number two seasons with Athens club Panathinaikos but THUNDER SHIP GRANT TO NUGGETS, for the fi rst time since entering refused to sign a new contract. It will be the sec- WESTBROOK TALKS ONGOING the NBA: No 7. Durant tweeted a ond time that Thanasis tries his luck in the NBA. Russell Westbrook’s 11-year run in Oklahoma photo on Sunday evening on so- Kevin Durant is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season because of a ruptured Achilles. In 2014 he was drafted by the New York Knicks City could be coming to a close as the Thunder cial media of a Nets No 7 jersey and spent two seasons with the club playing in the shift into rebuilding mode. The latest move from hanging in a locker. of Texas to play basketball, 35 al- new chapter in my basketball life, but the expectation is they will G-League, the NBA’s minor league. Thunder general manager Sam Presti came Mon- He added a statement from lowed me to achieve my dream of the number I’ll be wearing on my retire it in the future. Durant, He signed with Panathinaikos in 2016 and the day, when forward Jerami Grant was traded to his business, Thirty Five Ven- playing in the NBA in Seattle. back is the number 7 next time who turns 31 in September, is ex- forward played in 62 EuroLeague games averag- the Denver Nuggets for a 2020 fi rst-round pick. tures, explaining the decision to “35 allowed me to play basket- you see me on the fl oor. One time pected to miss the entire 2019-20 ing 3.9 points and two rebounds. A third brother ESPN reported. Moving Grant saves the Thunder change numbers, reading: “35 ball in Oklahoma City and form Brooklyn.” season because of the ruptured Kostas, 21, is a power forward for the Dallas Mav- $39 million. Grant, 25, averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 took my family and me from Seat bonds and friendships that will Durant has worn No 35 since Achilles he suff ered in Game 5 of ericks. All three brothers were named earlier this rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 80 games (77 starts) Pleasant, MD and showed us the last a lifetime. Lastly, 35 allowed he was 16, fi rst donning it to rep- the NBA Finals against the To- month on the Greece squad for the 2019 World for the Thunder last season. world. 35 allowed me to meet me to go to the Bay Area and win resent the age of one of his youth ronto Raptors. Cup in China. On the heels of sending 2019 MVP fi nalist Paul people that I never would’ve had two championships and form coaches who was shot and killed The former MVP averaged 26 George to the Los Angeles Clippers for fi ve future the chance to meet, experience brotherhoods that no time or in Maryland, according to a New points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.9 as- WRIGHT TO DALLAS IN fi rst-round picks and Danilo Gallinari and guard things I would never have had distance will ever break. 35 was York Times feature published in sists in 78 games for the Warriors SIGN-AND-TRADE WITH MEMPHIS Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Presti opened talks the chance to experience, and chosen in honour of someone 2017. The Warriors last week an- last season. The Dallas Mavericks are acquiring guard Delon with Westbrook and his representatives regarding achieve things that I never would very near and dear to me. I will nounced they will retire Durant’s He has career averages of 27 Wright in a sign-and-trade with the Memphis the 30-year-old All Star’s future with the fran- have been able to achieve. 35 al- always honour him and honour No 35. The Thunder have given points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.1 as- Grizzlies, ESPN reported Sunday. The report chise. lowed me to go to the University the number 35. But as I start this out the No 35 since Durant left, sists in 849 games. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Falah the Falcon fl ies into Qatar ahead of IAAF Worlds The superhero mascot also looks to educate children on the values of being an athlete in Team Qatar

Falah the Falcon at Aspire Zone summer camp.

She added: “We are very proud encouraged us to exercise every day. that Falah has started his tour from He also gave us gifts and invited us to By Sports Reporter Khalifa International Stadium form 27 coff ee shops, spreading the message of across Doha, and I encourage everyone our Aspire Dome which saw excite- go and watch the IAAF World Athlet- Doha September to 6 October. Falah’s job athletics and Qatari values across all of to share their photos on social media to ment and energy from the partici- ics Championships 2019 which will be sees him unite communities ahead of Qatar’s citizens. help generate more excitement ahead pating children. Students have en- very exciting.” Fans can keep track of the competition which comes to the Sheikha Asma al-Thani, Director of what will be a truly memorable joyed different activities with Falah Falah’s appearances throughout Doha xcitement for Qatar’s biggest Middle East for the fi rst time. He will of Marketing and Communications sporting event for everyone in Qatar.” who showed some of his signature by checking out the latest images us- ever sporting event is soaring, welcome athletes from 213 diff erent for the Local Organising Committee, On Falah’s visit to the camp, Al Anoud moves, posing in front of the cam- ing. as Falah the Falcon has fl own countries, as they compete for gold commented: “Falah is the perfect face al-Misnad, Acting Head of Events Sec- eras and waving to children. Rashid News of Falah’s upcoming appear- Ein to meet fans ahead of the medals in an action-packed schedule of the IAAF World Athletics Champi- tion at Aspire Zone, commented: “It was al-Muhannadi, six years old, loved ances will be also be available via IAAF World Athletics Championships which will see 128 events take place onships Doha 2019, honouring the tra- a great opportunity and a nice gesture his experience at Aspire. “No words the offi cial social media channels. in Doha this September. over 10 days. ditional falcon while bringing a mod- from the Local Organising Committee of can describe how happy I was that I Falah will be at the Khalifa Interna- Making his fi rst appearance as the The superhero mascot also looks to ern, superhero look to the competition the IAAF Doha 2019 to have Falah here joined Falah the Falcon to learn ath- tional Stadium for the ten-day com- offi cial mascot, Falah met with hun- educate children on the values of be- which will see the best athletes in the today. His visit was important to con- letics. Falah taught us about the IAAF petition, meeting fans in the World dreds of children at Aspire Zone’s ing an athlete in Team Qatar including world bring their superhero powers to tribute to educating the children more World Athletics Championships Athletics Village at Khalifa Interna- Summer Camp, posing for photo- being competitive, courageous, fun, Doha. about the event and encourage them to Doha 2019 and we are happy that it tional Stadium, as well as inside the graphs and cheering on children as helpful and loyal. Flying through the “Sport is about bringing people to- attend the competitions, support our will be hosted in our capital, Doha.” venue. Fans can purchase tickets for they took part in the sports sessions. country over the next three months, gether and we feel Falah encompasses athletes and enjoy the atmosphere of the Another student, fi ve-year-old Mo- the competition from just QR60, with The camp has seen youngsters take up Falah will meet sports enthusiasts and this ethos, adding fun to the competi- Championships which will be held for hamed al-Nuaimi, said: “I was very the easy online process found via ht- athletics in the build-up to the World families across a number of venues tion while being popular with fans of the very fi rst time in Doha and the Mid- happy that I met Falah and that he tps://iaafworldathleticschamps.com/ Championships set to take place at the including sporting camps, malls and all ages. He will be visiting locations dle East.” joined us in our Athletics activities. He doha2019/

GOLF LPGA Eagle at the last gives Wolff , China’s Feng 20, his fi rst PGA Tour victory shoots 63 on

Reuters Blaine, Minnesota way to title atthew Wolff eagled the fi nal hole to AFP “I was walking up the green claim the 3M Open Los Agnegels and I thought I had it but then I on Sunday and be- looked up at the scoreboard and Mcome the youngest winner on realized I have got to make this the PGA Tour since Jordan Spi- eng Shanshan scorched putt,” said Feng, who used a sev- eth in 2013. her way through the fi - en iron to hit her approach on 18 The 20-year-old Californian nal round of the LPGA to just three feet. rolled in a 26-foot putt from the Tour’s Thornberry Creek Ariya, of Thailand, had a fringe for a one-stroke victory ClassicF on Sunday with a nine- three-shot lead at one stage on over Bryson DeChambeau and under-par 63 to win a shootout the back nine until Feng made Collin Morikawa in Blaine, Min- by one stroke over Ariya Jutanu- her move on the soft Thornberry nesota. garn. Creek course. “I just proved to myself that I China’s Feng outduelled Ariya “Overall, my whole week was can be out here,” Wolff , the 2019 on the back nine, matching her really good,” Ariya said. “It’s like US collegiate champion, told closing birdie putt with one of amazing, because I didn’t expect CBS television. her own from three feet to claim to play that good at all, so I’m re- Five-time tour winner De- her fi rst victory in 20 months ally happy about how I played.” Chambeau had eagled the same and the 10th of her career. Feng’s 29-under was two hole minutes earlier with a six- Feng rolled in four birdies shots shy of the LPGA record foot putt to temporarily take the in her fi nal six holes to reach that Kim Sei-young set last lead by one stroke. But Wolff was a 29-under 259 total which is year at the course just outside of not done as he sank the winning close to what she was shooting Green Bay, Wisconsin. shot for a six-under 65 to win in for at the start of the week. “This is lot my last win for only his third tour start as a pro- “I was aiming for 30 under, sure. I want to win as many as I fessional at 21-under 263. that was my goal,” Feng said. can,” Feng said. “I was shaking, to be honest,” “The last putt was a lot of pres- South Korea’s Amy Yang shot Wolff said of his emotions be- sure but I just told myself to a 65 and fi nished in a tie for third fore the shot. “A lot of my putts make another good putt.” at 25 under with American Tif- weren’t going in today, and I was Former world number one fany Joh, who shot 67. just kind of telling myself one’s Matthew Wolff takes the trophy from 3M vice president Jeff Lavers after winning the 3M Championship golf tournament at TPC Twin Cities Feng’s previous best fi nish this Kim Hyo-joo fi red a eight un- bound to drop in. on Sunday. PICTURE: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports year was a tie for fourth at the der 64 to fi nish alone in fi fth, fi ve “It happened at the right Diamond Resorts Tournament shots back of Feng. time. Just gave it a chance and After all three took pars at the of Champions. World number one Park it went over the right spot that Rahm storms back to win Irish Open 17th, the fi reworks began at the Ariya, who was playing in the Sung-hyun was tied for the lead I pointed out. And as soon as it 18th with DeChambeau pushing group in front of Feng, capped with Feng and Ariya heading into dropped, the tears started com- his second shot to within six feet her eight-under 64 round with the fi nal round, but she failed ing. It’s a really special feeling.” London: Spain’s Jon Rahm came from five shots Cabrera Bello surged into a three-shot lead with of the hole and the eagle that a two foot birdie putt on 18 to to make a back nine charge and Fellow Californian Morikawa off the lead to win the Irish Open for the second three birdies in the first five holes, but started the temporarily put him in front. tie Feng at 28 under and set up a shot 69 for the second straight then missed a 22-foot putt that time in three years with a superb final round of 62 back nine with four bogeys in six holes as Rahm He ended up with fi ve birdies, dramatic fi nish. round. would have forced a playoff at on Sunday. piled on the pressure. two bogeys and the eagle. TPC Twin Cities. Rahm was in supreme form at Lahinch as he After covering the front nine in 31, Rahm birdied “Sometimes you’re just Morikawa, who is 24, and the produced an eagle and eight birdies to finish the 10th and holed from 25 feet for an eagle on not going to get your way, you 25-year-old DeChambeau both 16 under par, two shots clear of England’s Andy the 12th before recovering from a bogey on the know?” DeChambeau said. shot 66. Sullivan and Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger, who had next with birdies on the 14th, 15th and 17th. “Unfortunately the par-fi ves With the victory, Wolff is ex- the consolation of qualifying for the forthcoming “I keep saying I love this tournament, I love the weren’t nice to me this week, empt on the PGA Tour through British Open. country, I love the people. I feel like I’m at home except on 18 today. That’s just the 2021 season and will play in Overnight leader Robert Rock also secured a every time I come here,” Rahm said. something that I’ve got to work The Players, the Masters and the place in the British Open as he tied for fourth with “I knew I had to do something amazing today to on.” Wolff , who has often played PGA Championship next year. fellow Englishman Eddie Pepperell and Spain’s have a chance and that eagle on 12 got me going. with fellow Californian Mori- “I’ve changed forever, I Rafa Cabrera Bello. “My target was 15 under and I never thought I’d kawa, fi nished with the winning guess,” he said. Spieth was 19 Paul Waring took the final berth at Royal Portrush get to 16 under without a birdie on the last but I’m eagle, fi ve birdies and a lone bo- years, 11 months and 17 days with a birdie on the last in a closing 66. definitely thrilled with the back nine. gey at the ninth hole. old when he won the 2013 John Morikawa started the day Deere Classic. with bogeys at his second and Canadian Adam Hadwin shot stroke back. Wolff , who shared the over- at the 15th hole and Morikawa third holes before collecting his 67 to claim fourth at 18 un- As many as six players were night lead with Morikawa and joined him a hole later. fi rst birdie at the seventh and Shanshan Feng of China imitates a “selfie” as she poses with the der with Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz tied for the top on a warm after- DeChambeau, was the fi rst to DeChambeau pulled within then made six birdies in eight trophy after winning the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic at (64) and Wyndham Clark (68) a noon ideal for scoring. reach 19-under with a birdie one with his birdie at the 16th. holes on the back nine. Thornberry Creek in Oneida, Wisconsin. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 9, 2019 7 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Perry’s record sees Aussies tighten grip How good is that? on Women’s Ashes Langer pumped for England showdown Five-time winners Australia face the hosts in the semi-final on Thursday

Reuters London Root remains calm amid ‘spicy’ Australia talk Reuters went my way, which is nice, but Bengaluru across the series there has been ustralia coach Jus- AFP some great performances and for tin Langer has always Birmingham, United Kingdom us to start the way that we have, worn his heart on his llyse Perry was keen to and be six points clear, is the ab- sleeve so it is perhaps share the acclaim after solute dream start so all of us are noA surprise that his reaction to her career-best seven for really chuff ed and myself espe- oe Root is determined the facing pre-tournament favour- “spicy” nature of England’s 22 helped Australia to a cially.” ites England in the World Cup thumpingE 194-run victory over Perry also credited Australia Jlatest clash with Australia semi-fi nals was not fear but won’t prove a distraction when England in the third and fi nal bowling coach Ben Sawyer for pure, unbridled enthusiasm. the arch rivals meet for a place Women’s Ashes One-Day Inter- her success with the new-ball. “Phwoah! It doesn’t get much in the World Cup final. national on Sunday. “Ben Sawyer has been abso- better does it?” he told report- Tournament hosts England and Perry eclipsed the previous lutely brilliant since he came in to ers in Birmingham, where the reigning champions Australia best fi gures by an Australian work with the group — I worked reigning champions will face will lock horns in Thursday’s woman in ODIs of 7-24 as the with him back home in Australia England on Thursday. “We’re second semi-final at Edgbaston holders swept the ODI series and too — he is the head coach at the really excited. World Cup semi- in a fixture that takes place just moved into a 6-0 lead, mean- Sydney Sixers and I think that he fi nal in England against England weeks before the start of the ing England are likely to have to has really helped develop a lot of is going to be huge. Ashes series between the old win the Test and sweep all three our players,” she added. “Both teams will be battle- foes. Twenty20s to retain the trophy. The Women’s Ashes are a mul- hardened. Both have had really Australia off -spinner Nathan “You can call me what you like, ti-format, points-based series good lead ups. Both really good Lyon has already done his best but I’m not sure that’s the case,” featuring three ODIs, one Test teams. to unsettle England by insisting Perry said when asked if she was and three Twenty20s. “I’m sure everyone will be “it’s their World Cup to lose”. the best all-rounder ever to play Teams earn four points for nervous going into it but ex- But Root, a member of the Eng- the game. winning the Test and two for cited because as I said, England land side that lost to Australia “I honestly think today just winning a limited-overs game. against Australia in England. in the group stage, told report- How good is that?” ers at Edgbaston on Monday: The fi ve-times World Cup “Nathan has a lot to say, a lot of HOPEFUL winners face the tournament the time, so you just take it with hosts to decide who will meet a pinch of salt. the winner of the fi rst semi-fi nal “It might be a way of tak- In this July 2, 2019, picture, England’s Joe Root prepares to take a catch during a training session at between India and New Zealand ing pressure off himself and the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom. (AFP) Sri Lanka coach in Manchester today. his team. I try not to get too Langer’s team were pipped involved to be honest. altercation with Australia’s semi-final. very positive,” said Root. to the top-ranking in their fi- “I think there have been times David Warner in a Birmingham England, however, have won 10 “They have got a lot of success vows to stay on nal pool match — a surprise within games when it has got a bar during the 2013 Champions of the last 12 one-day interna- in the bank. We will be drawing 10-run loss to South Africa on bit spicy and there have been a Trophy. tionals between the sides. on that confidence that over Saturday — and have lost bats- few exchanges on the field. England have yet to win the “There has been a lot made a long period of time now we despite WCup exit men Shaun Marsh and Usman “But generally we will go about World Cup and made the last of of the fear factor of playing have been successful against Khawaja to injury over the last things in our own way and just their three losing appearances against Australia, but I think Australia and we should take AFP week. get ourselves ready as best in the final back in 1992, while this group of players over the that into Thursday. Colombo All-rounder Marcus Stoinis we can,” added Root, who five-time champions Australia last four years, their experi- “It’s a great chance and a great is also under an injury cloud was involved in an infamous have never lost a World Cup ences against Australia are week, it does feel special.” and Langer has had to bring handika Hathurus- Matthew Wade and Peter ingha insisted yester- Handscomb into the squad and then 5-0 against Pakistan day he would remain Sri with Mitch Marsh placed on in the UAE. His temperament is Lanka’s cricket coach standby. excellent for it. Cdespite pressure to step down Langer, however, said that “Mitch Marsh has also played after their World Cup exit, but while Wade had not played for a lot of one day international offi cial sources said a shake-up Australia since October 2017 cricket. We’re really lucky.” was planned. and Marsh had not played an All three players were with Sri Lanka started the tourna- ODI since early 2018, he had no the Australia ‘A’ squad that ment as outsiders and fi nished issues with all three stepping were touring England at the sixth of the nine teams, regis- into the seething cauldron of a same time as the World Cup “Both teams will be tering one of their three wins the best of my ability.” semi-fi nal if selected. and Langer said the foresight battle-hardened. Both against the world’s top-ranked A top cricket offi cial said the “It is pressure for anyone, but of that decision was now bear- have had really good one-day international side, board expected to carry out a ma- there is pressure for all 22 guys ing fruit. lead ups. Both really hosts England. jor overhaul of the coaching de- on the park,” he said. “Imagine if all the boys were good teams.” Local media reported yester- partment within three months. “Matthew Wade has played a still in Australia and hadn’t — Australia coach day that Sri Lanka sports minis- “We are looking at a three- lot of international cricket if he played any cricket?” Langer Justin Langer ter Harin Fernando was unhappy month period to complete the comes in. There’s a real upside to said. “Then we’d be really nerv- with Hathurusingha’s perform- changes,” said the offi cial, who him and he is in no doubt career- ous about it. ance and that he would be asked asked not to be named. best form. “The boys are all up and run- to step down. He said contracts of fi elding “Pete Handscomb a few ning. So it was great vision from But Hathurusingha told report- coach Steve Rixon, batting coach months ago helped us beat India Cricket Australia. That’s a luxu- ers on landing back in Colombo Jon Lewis and fast bowling coach 3-2 in India in their conditions ry for us and a real bonus.” that though he had expected bet- Rumesh Ratnayake will be allowed ter from the team, he would still to lapse and will not be renewed. see out his contract as coach. “I Sri Lanka lost four and won BOTTOMLINE have another 16 months,” Hathu- three matches at the World Cup, rusingha said. “I hope to remain with two abandoned due to rain. until my contract runs out.” “If the head coach refuses to Asked if accepted responsibil- step down, we can’t force him ity for Sri Lanka failing to qualify out, but we can appoint another for the semi-fi nals, Hathurus- above him,” Fernando was quot- Coach Gibson wants to complete ingha said the entire team man- ed as saying in the mass-circula- agement should share the blame. tion Lankadeepa daily. “All of us must accept re- Hathurusingha was appointed sponsibility for what happened. in December 2017 after a suc- I think we expected better per- cessful three-year spell in charge unfi nished business with Proteas formance... We have to think. We of Bangladesh, during which he must learn from this and move presided over Test wins against Reuters the tournament‚ we did not re- forward. I think I have done to England and Australia. Johannesburg, South Africa cover from the early injury set- backs but in the last week of the tournament we were playing the ttis Gibson wants to kind of cricket that we wanted to Bangladesh fi rst team to tour stay on as South Af- play. rica coach despite a “Ultimately we haven’t done Sri Lanka since attacks disappointing World like we expected.” CupO and with his contract com- South Africa beat Australia by AFP three Twenty20 matches. ing to an end. 10 runs in their last game at Old Colombo Since the suicide bombings “The Twenty20 World Cup Traff ord on Saturday. on three hotels and three is around the corner and I feel Gibson has also been linked churches by Islamist extrem- like I have unfi nished business with the England job after angladesh will later ists, Sri Lanka has been under with the Proteas‚ but we will see Trevor Bayliss said he would this month become the a state of emergency which how conversations unfold over leave following the Ashes in Bfirst team to tour Sri gives sweeping powers to the next couple of weeks,” said September but told reporters Lanka since the deadly Easter police and troops to arrest and Gibson yesterday as the team re- yesterday: “I have never had attacks in which 258 people detain suspects. turned from England. any conversations around that. I died, the cricket board said The first Test between New They were eliminated from guess at a time like this you will yesterday. Zealand and their hosts will the competition after a terrible be linked with every job.” Bangladesh will play three begin on August 14 in Galle start having won three of their The T20 World Cup will be One-Day Internationals on while the final Test match will nine matches. The contract of held in Australia starting in Oc- July 26, 28 and 31 at the Pre- be played in Colombo’s P. Sara the 50-year-old former West isolation then you will think hierarchy. Africa coach in August 2017, tober next year. madasa International Stadium stadium from August 22, ac- Indies Test all-rounder ends in perhaps I haven’t done enough “In January I had a conversa- blamed injury for South Africa’s Next up for South Africa is in Colombo, Sri Lanka Cricket cording to SLC. September but Gibson said he to keep my job‚“ he told a news tion with Cricket South Africa mediocre showing. a tour to India in September (SLC) said in a statement. The first two T20 games will had already had talks earlier this conference. around staying on‚ so we will see “First game we lost Hashim with three Twenty20 interna- Sri Lanka had previously be in Colombo on August year about a renewal. “But if you look at what we whether that conversation still Amla as a batsman‚ the second tionals, three Tests and three expected New Zealand to be 31 and September 2 at the “That I have done enough to have achieved over the last holds true.” game we lost Lungi Ngidi as a one-day internationals fol- the first foreign sporting visit, Premadasa Stadium while the secure my job will come out in 18 months‚ then it is a diff er- bowler and that kept on putting lowed by visits from England when they arrive next month final match will be on Septem- the next couple of weeks‚ but ent picture. I guess it will come INJURY PROBLEMS pressure on squad. and Australia in the southern to play play two Tests and ber 6 in Kandy. if you look at the World Cup in down to interpretation from the Gibson, who became South “In the fi rst and middle part of hemisphere summer.

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Kohli, Williamson renew rivalry at the biggest stage The two first encountered each other when they were both leading their sides in 2008 U-19 World Cup semi-final Kohli happy for Sharma to take the spotlight

AFP vary a lot in one-day cricket depend- under such high expectations. Manchester, United Kingdom ing on the time you step in to bat.” “Look, the Indian team always carry a Sharma comes in to the New Zealand lot of pressure whenever we play. We contest on the back of three succes- are used to that to be quite honest,” irat Kohli admits Rohit sive tons and two 180-plus opening said Kohli, who was part of India’s Sharma’s blistering form has stands with partner K L Rahul. World Cup-winning team in 2011. Vmade him alter his own role Kohli, who bats at number three, was “We are better equipped to react in in the top-order as India gear up for unbeaten on 34 when India won their these situations because we know today’s World Cup semi-final against final group game against Sri Lanka what these kind of games and our fan New Zealand. on Saturday and insists he is happy base and the expectations bring. Sharma has smashed a record five doing his more low-key job. “The disappointment is equal on centuries in a single World Cup to “I’ve been very happy with holding either side. Our aim and our focus is lead the tournament batting charts one end and letting guys express on winning.” with 647 runs from eight innings. themselves, striking at 150, 160 or M S Dhoni is highly unlikely to feature Kohli has hit five fifties but a hundred 200 if the team needs. I know that in the next edition of the 50-over has so far eluded the world’s top ODI I can accelerate in the end,” Kohli World Cup as the wicketkeeper-bats- and Test batsman, who is happy to said. man turned 38 on Sunday. let Sharma play the more aggressive “I hope he (Sharma) gets two more Kohli sidestepped questions on a pos- role once again when they face New (centuries) so that we can win two sible send-off for the former captain Zealand at Old Traff ord. more games because it’s an outstand- as he praised the veteran’s contribu- “It’s been a diff erent kind of role that I ing achievement. tion to Indian cricket. have had to play in this World Cup. As “He deserves all the credit and, ac- “I am certainly not going to write any- the captain of the team I have been cording to me, he’s at the moment the thing down,” Kohli said in response to open to play any role that the team top ODI player in the world.” the potential for Dhoni to say farewell. wants me to,” Kohli told reporters “I am sure everyone, if you ask them yesterday. ‘USED TO PRESSURE’ about him, they have special things to “It’s great that Rohit is playing so India’s matches in England have say. Especially those who started their consistently which means that com- witnessed packed houses with fans careers under him. ing in the later half of the innings you of the cricket-crazy nation thronging “When a person has done so much have to play a diff erent role, which to the venues carrying the Indian for the team, you have to appreci- is controlling and letting guys like tri-colour and wearing blue replica ate and acknowledge what he has Hardik (Pandya), Kedar (Jadhav) and shirts. done for Indian cricket and how he MS (Dhoni) and Rishabh (Pant) come Kohli acknowledged the pressure has handled Indian cricket and taken out and express themselves. each game brings, but he was ada- respect for Indian cricket so high all “I have understood that roles can mant the team is used to performing over the world.”

India’s captain Virat Kohli and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (right). (AFP)

AFP tional teams and are still playing, which The importance of Williamson’s Manchester, United Kingdom is a great thing to see. contribution to New Zealand’s run to “It’s a really nice memory and we’ll the last four, which includes match- both feel good about knowing this is winning hundreds against both South ndia captain Virat Kohli may have happening. Neither me nor him could Africa and the West Indies, is under- captured the wicket of “special” have ever anticipated one day that this lined by the fact that his 481 runs rep- New Zealand skipper Kane Wil- will happen but it’s a really nice thing.” resent nearly 29 % of the Black Caps’ liamson when they were teenagers, Reminded that he had dismissed total at this World Cup. Ibut he has no plans for a repeat per- Williamson, Kohli said: “I got Kane’s “We always knew he had the special formance in today’s World Cup semi- wicket? Did I? I don’t know if that can ability to go all the way and now he’s fi nal at Old Traff ord. happen again.” controlling the tempo for New Zealand The two star batsmen fi rst encoun- Williamson’s memories of his dis- every game that he plays and he’s con- tered each other in youth cricket, with missal were equally vague: “Oh dear. tributing so well,” said Kohli. Kohli — an occasional medium-pac- Tell me how? He (Kohli) used to be “He’s a lovely guy and we get along er — taking Williamson’s wicket via an all-rounder back in the day but he very well. He’s always been the main guy stumping when they were both lead- hasn’t bowled as much recently.” for them along with Ross (Taylor), who ing their countries in a 2008 Under-19 Kohli fi rst became aware of William- have performed really consistently. World Cup semi-fi nal in Kuala Lumpur. son’s talent a year before the match in “From our team point of view, get- Malaysia. ting both of them early will be crucial He was always the standout because we know how strong together player and you could see ‘STANDOUT PLAYER’ they can be in a partnership.” even when we played New “I remember 2007 when we went to Zealand in New Zealand on New Zealand, playing an Under-19 Test ‘ match and he played a shot off one of their Under-19 tour and then, yes, Williamson says semi-fi nal a ‘fresh start’ for New Zealand the World Cup again, he was quite our fast bowlers, who was quick, off the special for them. back foot. AFP ment so far. up in the last four where, to a certain If New Zealand can somehow make “I remember standing in the slips and Manchester, United Kingdom But Williamson, speaking to reporters extent, it all starts again where the day early inroads into India’s formidable — Virat Kohli, just telling the guys standing at slip ‘I’ve at Old Traff ord yesterday, said: “We comes and anything can happen. top order they will be well in the game. India captain never seen anyone play a shot like that’. definitely deserve to be here, that was “All sides have beaten one another on India opener Rohit Sharma, however, “He was always the standout player ew Zealand captain Kane reflected in the standings. Whether a number of occasions throughout the has already made history at this India went on to win that match and and you could see even when we played Williamson believes today’s we’re underdogs or not, it doesn’t last few years, so it is a really exciting tournament by becoming the first beat South Africa in the fi nal. New Zealand in New Zealand on their NWorld Cup semi-final against really matter. opportunity for all teams. I think for eve- batsman to score five hundreds at a “When we meet tomorrow, I’ll actu- Under-19 tour and then, yes, the World India gives his faltering side an ideal “No side has gone through the com- rybody it sort of starts fresh tomorrow. single World Cup. ally remind Kane,” Kohli, now aged 30, Cup again, he was quite special for them.” chance to make a “fresh start” to the petition unbeaten. Although we’ve “It’s just a great occasion to be a part Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli is told reporters during his pre-match Williamson agreed that it was a spe- tournament. qualified fourth we’ve got as equal an of. I know the guys are really excited on a run of five successive fifties. press conference yesterday when asked cial feeling to be pitting his wits against The Black Caps, beaten finalists four opportunity as anybody else. by the opportunity to go out and play But Sharma’s wicket is arguably now about that Under-19 clash. Kohli on a far grander stage and their years ago, head into the India clash on “Going into the tournament with with that freedom that gives us the an even greater prize and Williamson “I’m sure he remembers. It’s quite a early meetings. the back of three straight group stage every team having nine round robin best chance.” said: “Rohit has been clearly the stand- nice thing to realise that 11 years after “I guess that’s kind of cool that a few defeats by Pakistan, Australia and matches we knew that on any day that While New Zealand have appeared out batter in this tournament so far captaining our respective nations, we’ll years later we’re here again, perhaps on England. anybody could beat anybody.” worryingly over-reliant on Williamson and been batting beautifully. do so again in a senior World Cup from a slightly diff erent stage,” he said. They only edged out Pakistan for a Williamson, whose side will face either for runs during this World Cup, an “It is another day where both sides will the Under-19s. Refl ecting on his impressions of place in the last four on net run-rate England or Australia in Sunday’s final attack featuring left-arm quick Trent be trying to adjust to the conditions “We’ve spoken about it before, a lot Kohli, Williamson added: “He was a and are underdogs against an India at Lord’s if they defeat India, added: Boult and fit-again fast bowler Lockie as quickly as possible and both teams of players from that whole World Cup, formidable player. It’s obviously been a side who topped the group standings, “It’s one of those occasions where Ferguson looks a far more balanced will be looking for early wickets re- from our batch, from their batch, from pleasure to watch Virat play and evolve having lost just once in the tourna- every team has worked so hard to end proposition. gardless of what their name may be.” other teams as well, made it to their na- into the superstar that he is.”

SPOTLIGHT Is toss weighing too heavy on semi-fi nalists? AFP India and New Zealand will put Former Pakistan star Imran’s far away from you to pull it back,” and gone on to win the game, but Eoin Morgan’s England, with England had lost to Australia Manchester, United Kingdom that theory to the test when they suggestion, which appeared on Kohli told reporters yesterday. Kiwi coach Gary Stead does not their powerful batting line-up, at Lord’s in the group stage after meet in the fi rst semi-fi nal at Old Twitter on the morning of his “I assume that’s going to be read too much into the stats. have scored over 300 in six of failing to chase down the holders’ Traff ord today, followed by hosts country’s defeat, is more rel- the case. Having been in so many their nine outings — fi ve of which total of 285-7. ricket’s World Cup England facing holders Australia evant now with teams fi nding it chases, I understand that the pres- ‘BATTING SECOND DOESN’T have come batting fi rst. But coach Trevor Bayliss is con- semi-fi nals might be in Birmingham on Thursday. increasingly diffi cult to chase tall sure can be very high if you don’t SCARE US’ The hosts’ last outing at Edg- fi dent the hosts will not be afraid to loaded with star power, All eyes will be on the coin scores at the business end. go with the pace of the game. “I think again that’s part of be- baston, where they play Australia chase a total in Birmingham. but the battle for places fl ip after a group stage notable India skipper Virat Kohli, “We are not worried about the ing at the World Cup and being a on Thursday, remained a bat- “Over the past four years we inC the fi nal could turn on a crucial for teams failing to successfully whose team chased down 265 in toss. It’s an uncontrollable. You high-scoring ground, runs on the ting paradise against India, with have won 14 of the last 17 times toss of a coin before the action chase targets in excess of 260 on their last group game against Sri have to be prepared both ways.” board can count for that as well,” Jonny Bairstow hitting a match- we have batted second,” he told has even started. all but two occasions. Lanka at Headingley on Saturday, Only once was a score of 300- said Stead. winning 111. the BBC. There were just a handful of Most infamously, Pakistan said handling pressure is key to plus successfully chased down in “We were in a cliff -hanger here Australia skipper Aaron Finch “So batting second doesn’t successful run chases in the captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was batting second. the group stage, with Bangladesh ourselves (against the West In- had spoken about reining in op- scare our guys and the wickets World Cup group stage, a trend slammed for ignoring Prime “It comes back to the same surpassing West Indies’ 321-8 at dies, who lost by fi ve runs) and position batsmen after they are a little better now than they that suggested winning the toss Minister Imran Khan’s advice to point — handling pressure. You Taunton on June 17. that could have gone either way. nearly chased down 326 against were earlier in the tournament. and batting fi rst will be poten- bat fi rst after winning the toss make two bad decisions when you Four teams, including New Zea- It doesn’t concern me, I think it’s South Africa in their last group We are full of confi dence and tially decisive in the semi-fi nals. against arch rivals India. are chasing and the game goes too land, have won toss at Old Traff ord a good cricket surface out there.” game only to lose by 10 runs. happy to be in the semi-fi nals.”