SPORT

WednesdayWednesday 3311 May 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 India crush Bangladeshsh Evergrande Wenger to in Champions Trophy sail into last eight extend Arsenal warm-up match at AFC League reign: Reports Zverev crashes as Murray moves on 2017 FRENCH OPEN Paris Grand Slam competitor, mak- In the women's event, MEN'S SINGLES: YESTERDAY'S RESULTS AFP ing the last 16 in Paris on five Romanian third seed and occasions. 2014 runner-up Simona FIRST ROUND: lexander Zverev, the Murray, the 2016 runner- Halep cruised to a 6-2, 6-3 Andy Murray (GBR x1) bt Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 man seen as a potential up to Djokovic, shrugged off win over Slovakia's Jana Martin Klizan (SVK) bt Laurent Lokoli (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 4-6, AFrench Open cham- a second set wobble to defeat Cepelova. 0-6, 6-4 pion, crashed out in the first Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov Halep, who had described Nicolas Almagro (ESP) bt Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, round yesterday as world 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. her chances of playing in 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) number one Andy Murray and Top seed Murray will play Paris as "50-50" due to an Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG x29) bt Guido Pella (ARG) 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 former winner Stan Wawrinka Martin Klizan of Slovakia who ankle ligament injury, will Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) bt Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 6-0, 6-2, 6-4 moved through. was accused a faking an injury face Germany's Tatjana Maria Karen Khachanov (RUS) bt Nicolás Jarry (CHI) 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 Zverev, just 20 and fresh in his five-set win over French for a place in the last 32. Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x9) 6-4, 3-6, from his sensational Rome wildcard Laurent Lokoli. Taiwan's Hsieh Su-Wei, 6-4, 6-2 Masters demolition of Novak Lokoli was so angry at Kli- the world number 109, Hyeon Chung (KOR) bt Sam Querrey (USA x27) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 Djokovic, slumped to a 6-4, zan's actions on court that he stunned seventh seed Johanna Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Ernesto Escobedo (USA) 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Spain's refused to shake hands. Konta 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Jérémy Chardy (FRA) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) Fernando Verdasco, 13 years Third seed and 2015 Konta is the second top 10 Kei Nishikori (JPN x8) bt Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 his senior. champion Wawrinka was an woman to lose in the first "I played absolute shit, easy winner, defeating Slova- three days after world Stan Wawrinka (SUI x3) bt Jozef Kovalík (SVK) 6-2, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 that's why I lost," said Zverev kian qualifier Jozef Kovalik number one Angelique Ker- Aleksandr Dolgopolov (UKR) bt Carlos Berlocq (ARG) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 bluntly. 6-2, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. ber was dumped out in the Gael Monfils (FRA x15) bt Dustin Brown (GER) 6-4, 7-5, 6-0 "But life goes on, it's not a Wawrinka saved two set first round. Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Gastao Elias (POR) 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 tragedy. In Rome I played fan- points in the second set tie- "I tried very hard and Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4)

tastic, I won the tournament. breaker before going on to gave myself a big chance. Nick Kyrgios (AUS x18) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-3, 7-6 Here I played bad, I lost first down the 152nd-ranked Every time I tried to run as fast (7/4), 6-3 round. That's the way it goes." qualifier. as I can and get the ball back," In a match controversially Juan Martin del Potro said Hsieh, who won for the WOMEN'S SINGLES: YESTERDAY'S RESULTS suspended on Monday at one marked his return to the just the second time in seven FIRST ROUND: set each, Zverev was defeated French Open after an absence trips to Roland Garros. Elina Svitolina (UKR x5) bt Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 6-4, 6-3 in a fog of mistakes and of five years by defeating Konta has yet to win one Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) bt Mona Barthel (GER) 6-0, 6-4 despondency. Argentine compatriot Guido match in the main draw in Eugénie Bouchard (CAN) bt Risa Ozaki (JPN) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 The beanpole German Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-4. three attempts. Petra Martic (CRO) bt Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 6-2, 7-5 committed 50 unforced errors "I love to be playing this There were no such prob- Madison Keys (USA x12) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6-3, 6-2 and drew jeers from the tournament again after five lems for fifth-seeded Rome Philippe Chatrier court crowd years," said 2009 US Open champion Elina Svitolina as Sorana Cirstea (ROM) bt Peng Shuai (CHN) 6-3, 6-1 when he took out his frustra- champion Del Potro, who the 2015 quarter-finalist Carla Suárez (ESP x21) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-4, 6-2 tion by hammering his racquet reached the quarter-finals in defeated Yaroslava Shvedova Darya Kasatkina (RUS) bt Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 7-5, 6-4 into the clay. his last appearance in Paris of Kazakhstan 6-4, 6-3. Markéta Vondrousová (CZE) bt Amandine Hesse (FRA) 6-1, 6-0 Left-handed Verdasco, before blowing a two-set lead Canada's Eugenie Bou- Tatjana Malek (GER) bt Duan Ying-Ying (CHN) 6-4, 6-1 playing his 14th Roland Gar- against Roger Federer. chard, a semi-finalist in Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) bt Johanna Konta (GBR x7) 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 ros and 56th consecutive Japanese eighth seed Kei 2014, shook off a right ankle Taylor Townsend (USA) bt Miyu Kato (JPN) 6-4, 6-0 Andy Murray of Great Britain returns to Andrey major, had lost to Zverev in Nishikori was also a first injury to recover from 0-5 Caroline Garcia (FRA x28) bt Nao Hibino (JPN) 6-2, 6-2 Kuznetsov of Russia in their first round match the first round on clay in round winner, beating down in the first set to beat Barbora Strýcová (CZE x20) bt Alison Riske (USA) 6-3, 6-0 of the French Open at the Roland Garros Madrid earlier this year. unranked Thanasi Kokkinakis Rise Ozaki of Japan 2-6, 6-3, Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Tímea Babos (HUN) 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2

Stadium in Paris, France yesterday. Murray But he is an experienced of Australia 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. 6-2. Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) bt Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6-3, 7-5 won 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. Root gets Strauss' backing ahead of busy season

Rizwan Rehmat Strauss, who took over as Director The Peninsula England Test skipper Cricket at the start of May 2015, said Joe Root England's bench-strength was irector of England cricket promising. Andrew Strauss is ready to "Yeah, (happy to see the standard of give new Test skipper Joe cricket in England). I try and watch as Cricket is pushing hard in all Root the time and space he much as I can - either physically or formats in this contest. I genuinely needs to grow as a leader through feedback cricket so I know believe that every game we play Das the Lions prepare for a long home what's happening. I try to get around must have some sort of meaning. summer against South Africa followed every county during every summer," The Test championship, the World One-Day league ... these are great by the Ashes series later this year. Strauss said. opportunities. I wouldn't rule out Root, 26, replaced Essex man Alaist- "I think there are some exciting the idea of four-day Test cricket. If air Cook as captain after England lost young cricketers coming through. We we can get the playing conditions the away series in India last winter. It have benefited this year by having right, the right circumstances, it was Cook who had replaced Strauss as blocks of cricket where you prepare and would be a good thing in some captain at the end of the English sum- train for white ball cricket at a time and parts of the world. One thing we mer in 2012. then you move into red ball game. can't do is love Test cricket to death. Earlier this year, Strauss, the 100- "I think there is a lot of exciting We have to think about how that Test veteran, named Root as the new cricket out there. I have seen a number (Test) format remains relevant. We man to lead England in the home series of them like (Sam) Curran (of Surrey) are in an era where white ball or against South Africa which begins in July. and (Liam) Livingstone (of Lancashire). T20 cricket is taking over. "I had a lot of conversations with Joe Then there is Mason Crane (of Hamp- already. We sat down with him and the shire). They need to spend some time The congested calendar is a concern selectors a couple of weeks ago. We are "I know him well. He is an attack- Strauss said he won't be drawn into out there and put in some compelling but you can work over the three conscious that we don't want to dump ing player. Root needs to attack. This how Root, a veteran of 53 Tests with a performances," he added. formats. But you need to be clear too much on his plate too early," Strauss side will have a different feel to what batting average of 52.80, ought to cap- The former England captain said on limiting volume over each said yesterday during a TV interview we had when Alastair Cook was cap- tain England team in the home series centrally contracted players would be Sky Sports format. What we do know is that with . tain. That's no disrespect to Cook but against the South Africans next month. well looked after despite increasing teams increasingly want to play as "We got to give him space and time that's just the way it happens when a "The style and brand (of captaincy), demand from English counties to play much as cricket as they can. So to really get his head around what the new captain takes over," Strauss said. that's the coach and the captain's job more games. that's why ICC is grabbing this with demands of Test captaincy are, at a time to decide. They have to seek what's the "The players will have a huge input both hands and coming together when he is mentally focusing on his best way. Players must play entertain- along with coach Trevor Bayliss and with a future tour progamme which white ball game," Strauss, who guided ing cricket so that we could go home the backroom staff. We would tell the is compelling for both players and England to two Ashes series wins, said. and feel we have played fantastic counties how many games the con- viewers or spectators. If we can get "We have an incredible amount of cricket," the former Middlesex opener tracted players need to play," Strauss close to that, then that would be cricket coming up - not only this sum- said. said. great. mer but we play well into the winter as "We do need to win. That's why we "The important thing is we let the Sky well. This is just an exciting time in Eng- England's are all here for," Strauss told counties know as early as possible and lish cricket," Strauss said. experts Nasser Hussain and Ian Ward this is all driven to have the best for the Director of When asked about Root's tactics, during the lunch break at the third and players. That's the simple logic behind Cricket Strauss hoped the new skipper would final one-dayer between England and it. At times they need to rest, at times offer something different as a leader. Andrew Strauss South Africa at Lord's on Monday. they need to play," he said. SPORT WEDNESDAY 31 MAY 2017 25

England trio Champions Trophy: to pioneer England, S Africa bid Players to watch bat sensors SHAKIB AL HASAN - BANGLADESH during CT to end title droughts Shakib Al Hasan, the world's leading allrounder in ODIs, is revered in Bangladesh. The left-handed batsman is fast approaching 5,000 runs in London VENUES ODIs, second highest in Bangladesh history, and his left-arm AFP England and Wales host the eighth edition spin has claimed more than 200 wickets. of the ICC Champions Trophy – favourites His wide range of strokes has given him flexibility on demand- ngland trio Jason England are hoping to win their first title, ing foreign pitches, and his aggressive strokes have netted him under the captaincy of Eoin Morgan, a second-best six centuries, mostly from No. 5. Roy, Alex Hales and having lost the 2013 final to India Edgbaston, EBen Stokes will be Birmingham among the players from GROUP STAGE: Top two teams JOS BUTTLER - ENGLAND around the world pio- in each group advance to semi-finals neering new bat sensors England has batsmen with better averages, better techniques, during the upcoming Sophia and better reliability, but as a crowd-pleaser, it's hard to look Champions Trophy, it Gardens, beyond Jos Buttler. June Start: 9.30GMT unless stated Cardiff was announced Along with Eoin Morgan, the right-hander has helped revolu- yesterday. 1 England - Bangladesh Oval tionize England's ODI game with his extravagance and variety Technology giant 2 Australia - N. Zealand Edgbaston of shots. Intel has developed a 5 Australia - Bangladesh *Oval Buttler, who doubles as a wicketkeeper, has England's three sensor, placed on top of 6 England - N. Zealand Cardiff fastest ODI centuries, the best coming off 46 balls against Paki- stan in Dubai in 2015 which is joint-seventh in the all-time list. the bat handle, that pro- 9 N. Zealand - Bangladesh Cardiff vides previously unseen 10 England - Australia Edgbaston precise details about a Oval, QUINTON DE KOCK - SOUTH AFRICA London player's bat speed and angle of back lift. Quinton de Kock played baseball before he turned to cricket, The aim is to both but the switch was a good one for South Africa. provide more information London 3 Sri Lanka - S. Africa Oval By the age of 24, De Kock already has 12 ODI centuries, 12 half- to television audiences AP 4 India - Pakistan Edgbaston centuries, over 3,000 ODI runs and collects them at a fierce and, longer term, develop 7 Pakistan - S. Africa *Edgbaston strike rate of 95.42. He also has the third-highest score by a South African in ODIs, a 178 off 113 balls against Australia in a coaching aid. outh Africa and England are 8 India - Sri Lanka Oval Former England cap- the perennial underachiev- September. 11 India - S. Africa Oval tain turned cricket ers in one-day international Despite a fairly small stature and boyish looks, he can make broadcaster Nasser Hus- cricket, mixing high hopes 12 Sri Lanka - Pakistan Cardiff boundary-hitting look effortless, as the baby-faced left-hander sain told a news with high-profile failures in SEMI-FINALS did when he crushed Australia's bowling attack for that 178. De Kock would be in South Africa's team for his batting alone conference at The Oval: Sthe big tournaments. 14 Winner A - Runner-up B Cardiff "How many times have They'll have to cope with the but he also is a sharp wicketkeeper, freeing up space for another 15 Winner B - Runner-up A Edgbaston we spoken about people favourites' tag at the eight-team Cham- batsman or bowler. having 'fast hands' or pions Trophy starting tomorrow. 18 ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL Oval Eoin Morgan England 'great bat speed'? The South Africans are the top- Source: ICC *Day/night match, start: 12.30GMT Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS MOISES HENRIQUES - AUSTRALIA Hussain, speaking ranked ODI team, with the top-ranked ahead of the Champions batsman (AB de Villiers) and the top- India and Australia — ranked Nos. India might be the team to beat. Moises Henriques owed his unexpected selection for Australia Trophy opener between ranked bowler (Imran Tahir). That 2 and 3, respectively, and teams that The defending champion has not as much for coming into form as his rivals' own was declining. England and Bangladesh should install the Proteas as the out- regularly deliver on the big stage — played an ODI since January and is Henriques was picked ahead of batsmen such as Usman Kha- at The Oval tomorrow, right favorites but it's been a long and are the other likely semifinalists. burdened with expectation, as ever, waja, Peter Handscomb, George Bailey, and allrounder James said he would have ben- painful trophy drought since winning With its rapid-fire schedule and but has match-sharp players due to Faulkner. efitted had this their only piece of ICC silverware at the strength of its field, the Champi- the majority of its squad being The Portuguese-born Henriques has been a fringe player for technology been availa- the inaugural Champions Trophy in ons Trophy is arguably the preferred involved in the T20 Indian Premier the national squad, playing only eight ODIs from his debut in ble in his career. 1998: Four semifinal defeats in the 50-over event for players and fans League. 2009 to his last match in August. The allrounder has tallied 46 "When I first played Champions Trophy to go alongside compared to the Cricket World Cup, So high-scoring are modern-day runs at an average of 6.5 and his medium pace has claimed six for England, I had never four semifinal losses in the Cricket which can drag on for six weeks and ODIs that the mindset and range of wickets at an average of 40. really seen myself on tel- World Cups. where many results can be shots are not too dissimilar over the And yet he was chosen on form, domestically, and in the Indian evision. I remember The English, playing at home and predicted. two shorter formats, so the IPL could Premier League, where he averaged 46 with the bat in 11 innings, playing in Jamaica, get- with a new-found enthusiasm for the Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri prove to be ideal preparation for and took one wicket. ting out and walking one-day format under coach Trevor Lanka should be competitive, while India. through the hotel lobby Bayliss, are many people's tips. Yet the rank outsider, Bangladesh, is capa- And then there's Virat Kohli, SHOAIB MALIK - PAKISTAN and Geoffrey Boycott they have never won an ICC trophy, ble of causing a shock — as shown in cricket's superstar player not just in shouting at me 'Hussain, having been a runner-up three times the 2015 World Cup when it beat Eng- India but beyond. The captain aver- Shoaib Malik will be playing in his sixth Champions Trophy, and you'll never get any runs at the World Cup and lost finals on land to reach the knockout stage. ages nearly 82 in his last 16 ODI embraces his senior role in the side. with that open bat face'. home soil in the Champions Trophy That Bangladesh qualified for the innings and top-scored with 43 in the He feels he can help other batsmen like Babar Azam and Umar Other innovations at in 2004 and 2013. event ahead of the West Indies, the 2013 final, which was reduced to 20 Akmal realise their potential. the Champions Trophy Still, it would be a surprise if the 2004 winner and current T20 world overs because of rain. The world has been watch Malik for a long time. He made his include the use of high- two teams didn't qualify for the sem- champion, underlines the team's quality. "We won last time because our Pakistan debut in 1999, has appeared in the middle order in technology drones to ifinals in what should be a competitive "This tournament is going to be fast bowlers did very well, our spin- 247 ODIs, and scored 6,711 runs at a healthy strike rate of 81.65. provide more in-depth tournament played under heightened hard for us, playing a group that is ners were strong and our opening In the Champions Trophy, he has scored 326 runs and taken 10 pitch analysis and a vir- security after last week's bomb attack very hard in the conditions," Bangla- batsman did well. They were the main wickets in 15 appearances. tual reality system that in Manchester, and being held across desh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said three factors," Kohli said. allows fans to experience three locations from June 1-18: The of opponents England, Australia and "This year, the team is a lot fitter, LASITH MALINGA - SRI LANKA what it's like to face the Oval in London; Edgbaston in Bir- New Zealand. "On your day, you can the cricketers are a lot more mature, world's best bowlers. mingham; and Sophia Gardens in do anything; we have quality players because that was a very young group Lasith Malinga's fitness will be tested more than his proven Cardiff, Wales. who can change the game." four years ago." bowling skills with the white ball at the Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka has gambled with the fast bowler, who is returning to ODIs for the first time November 2015. Malinga needs nine wickets to reach 300 ODI wickets, and bowl- ing coach Alan Donald feels if he can bowl even seven or eight India crush Bangladesh overs then he'll make a huge impact. "There aren't any easy matches," Malinga said. "The opponents can rule us out at their risk but we are a good side, which is capable of beating any side on its day. I am confident that we in warm-up; Guptill will make an impact in the tournament." powers New Zealand MITCHELL McCLENAGHAN - NEW ZEALAND When Mitchell McClenaghan was picked by New Zealand in London seam and swing in helpful conditions. April, he tweeted a Terminator-like picture and comment: "Nice Agencies England folded to 20 for six in just to be back." five overs at the start of their seven- McClenaghan was selected without having played international angladesh suffered a dispir- wicket defeat against South Africa at cricket in 15 months. After helping the Black Caps reach the iting warm-up for their Lord's on Monday. World Twenty20 semifinals in March 2016, the left-arm quick BChampions Trophy opener Both sides will hope for much suffered a stress fracture in his hip. That and an ankle injury against England as they crashed to improved performances with the forced him to miss the entire New Zealand summer. a 240-run defeat against India bat when they kick off the tourna- He proved himself again in the Indian Premier League. He can yesterday. ment at the Oval tomorrow. be expensive, but when he was injured in the playoffs, and With the start of the Champi- Elsewhere, Sri Lanka suffered missed the Mumbai Indians' triumph, he was the team's lead- ons Trophy just two days away, this defeat in their second warm-up ing wicket-taker with 19. During the IPL, he became the third was a poorly-timed flop from Bang- game prior when they couldn’t fastest to 50 career wickets. ladesh, whose bowlers were defend a massive 356 runs on the swatted away by holders India as board against New Zealand. YUVRAJ SINGH - INDIA they piled up 324 for seven. In reply, the Black Caps reached There were half-centuries from the target with four overs to spare with Yuvraj Singh made his debut in the second Champions Trophy reserve wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik Martin Guptill top scoring with a in 2000. He played it again in 2002 when India won, 2004, (94), Hardik Pandya (80 not out) and century. and 2006 then missed the rest for one reason or another. opener Shikhar Dhawan (60). In total, 715 runs were scored Yuvraj was dropped from the ODI team in 2013 on form, but Bangladesh then collapsed to between 96 overs in what was a day his hunger for the game and a successful domestic season 22 for six in just 7.3 overs at the Oval to forget for bowlers from both teams. brought him back into the team this year. before being bowled out for 84 Both teams had lost their first In the second match of his comeback in January, he scored 150 under cloudy skies in south warm-up matches. New Zealand against England at Cuttack with 21 fours and three sixes. It was London. lost to India in a rain-curtailed his first ODI century in almost six years. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh match by 45 runs. Sri Lanka, on the Now he's helping to prop India's middle order alongside cap- India's Shikhar Dhawan plays a pull during the ICC Champions Trophy Yadav shared the first six wickets as other hand, lost to Australia by tain Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and offering a little Bangladesh demonstrated they can three wickets in their opening warm-up match against Bangladesh, played a The Oval in London left-arm spin on the side. be just as vulnerable as England to warm-up match. yesterday. 26 SPORT WEDNESDAY 31 MAY 2017

Golf: Woods Evergrande sail into passed breath test: last 8 at AFC League Police

Kashima, Japan AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS launched a brilliant shot into the Miami AFP top corner. AFP Round of 16 Evergrande nearly hit back x-Tottenham Hotspur Second leg when Liu Jian's full-stretch vol- iger Woods (pictured midfielder Paulinho Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2 (Pedro Junior 28, ley rebounded off the post, but below) was found grabbed a crucial goal Kanazaki 90+1) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) the most enterprising attacking Tasleep at the wheel of as two-time winners 1 (Paulinho 55) play remained at the other end. his car when he was arrested Guangzhou Ever- 2-2 on aggregate, Evergrande go through Pedro Junior skilfully lifted for driving under the influ- Egrande squeaked past Kashima on away goals a ball to his fellow Brazilian ence but passed a roadside Antlers on away goals yester- Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 4 (Kobayashi 31, Leandro, whose volley went breath test, police records day to reach the AFC Champions Hasegawa 32, Eduardo Neto 40, Rhayner 79) straight at the goalkeeper, showed yesterday.

League quarter-finals. Muangthong United (THA) 1 (Teerasil 89) before Shoma Doi bundled a The golf superstar, who

Paulinho, the scorer in last close-range half-volley over the issued a statement on Mon- Kawaski win 7-2 on aggregate week's 1-0 win in Guangzhou, bar. day saying alcohol was not scored a tap-in on 55 minutes The hosts looked comforta- Guangzhou involved in the incident, and it was enough to put the In yesterday's other last-16 ble but Evergrande seized back Evergrande's needed to be woken by a Chinese team through despite tie in Japan, Kawasaki Frontale the initiative on 55 minutes when midfielder police officer, his arrest report their 2-1 defeat on the night. beat Thailand's Muangthong Wang Shangyuan's long throw- Paulinho showed. The result was cruel for United 4-1 to complete a 7-2 in was flicked on by Gao Lin. celebrates his The former world number Kashima, who went ahead aggregate win and reach the Alan's wriggling turn-and- goal during the one has blamed the DUI through Pedro Junior's superb quarter-finals at a canter. shot came off the near post and AFC Champions arrest near his home in Jupi- strike in the first half and scored Kashima's game was much bounced across the face of the ter, Florida on an adverse League match again via Mu Kanazaki in injury closer and they had the best goal, leaving Paulinho with a reaction to prescription against Kashima time for an aggregate score of early chances when Pedro Jun- simple finish to make it 2-1 on medication. 2-2. ior was denied by Feng aggregate. Antlers in His police report, But it was a major step for- Xiaoting's last-ditch block, and Kanazaki, who came on for Kashima, Ibaraki obtained and published by ward for Luiz Felipe Scolari's Yuma Suzuki fired just wide. Leandro on the hour-mark, prefecture several media outlets, said Chinese league-leaders, who Pedro Junior showed skill crashed a shot in off the bar in yesterday. Woods was "co-operative" lifted the Asian title in 2013 and and tenacity to open the scor- stoppage time but Kashima had and "confused." 2015 but exited last year's com- ing on 28 minutes, when he run out of time to make a "Woods had extremely petition at the group stage. brushed off two challenges and comeback. slow and slurred speech," the report said. He initially told officers he had been driving back to Florida from Los Angeles but Bournemouth later stated "he did not know Zidane inspires me as a player, says where he was." sign Begovic He was unable to com- plete various roadside from Chelsea sobriety tests which included Mbappe amid transfer speculation standing on one leg and the London "walk and turn" test. Reuters However, contrary to Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, future: "I am focused on the reports on Monday which said France France starlet national team above all. There ournemouth have Woods refused a breathalyzer AFP Kylian Mbappe is an awful lot of time ahead to signed Bosnia goal- test, the golfer agreed and think about all that. B keeper Asmir "blew zeroes" indicating there rance starlet Kylian "There are three important Begovic on a long-term was no alcohol in his Mbappe has admitted he matches coming up, I will take deal from Premier League system. Fused to dream about Zin- stock after." champions Chelsea. Woods also told police he edine Zidane amid speculation Mbappe, scorer of 15 goals Begovic was Chelsea's had been using four prescrip- he could soon find himself play- on Monaco's run to the title in second-choice keeper tion medications including ing under the French legend at France, said he would consider behind the powerful painkiller Vico- Real Madrid. the opinion of his national team and, although neither club din, which is commonly "The player made me dream, coach Didier Deschamps before disclosed the fee for the prescribed following and still does when I see certain deciding whether to agree to any 29-year-old, British media surgery. videos," said Mbappe when transfer. reported that Bourne- Woods has undergone asked about Zidane, who won He won his first two caps for mouth had paid Chelsea four separate surgeries on his 108 caps for Les Bleus, starring France in March and could have 10m pounds ($12.85m) for back since 2014, with the as they won the 1998 World Cup French squad's base at Claire- side that won the title an important part to play for Les his services. most recent procedure tak- and Euro 2000. fontaine, near Paris. and reached the Champions Bleus at next year's World Cup Begovic signed for ing place in late April. Now 44, Zidane has just led They are preparing for Fri- League semi-finals this season. in Russia. Chelsea from Stoke City in The 41-year-old was Madrid to the title in La Liga and day's friendly at home to He has been strongly linked But he dismissed suggestions 2015 and went on to make arrested by police near his could win a second straight Paraguay in Rennes, which will with a switch to the Spanish cap- a move away from Monaco 33 appearances for the club. home in Jupiter, Florida, Champions League crown in this be followed by a World Cup 2018 ital and Manchester City, with could see him play less first- "AFC Bournemouth is around 3:00 am (0700 GMT) weekend's final against Juven- qualifier in Sweden on June 9 sports daily L'Equipe reporting team football and thereby an exciting, ambitious club before his release later Mon- tus in Cardiff. and a friendly against England on Tuesday that both have sub- jeopardise his World Cup which has everything in day after being charged with "The coach is something else at the Stade de France on June mitted offers in the region of prospects. place for a very bright DUI. entirely. He is a great coach who 13. 120m euros ($133.5m, £104m) for "Why would I play less? I will future," Begovic said in a A police mugshot of has straight away got results and The 18-year-old is one of the the player born in the Paris have the time to think about all statement on Bourne- Woods looking bleary-eyed is developing," Mbappe added hottest properties in football suburbs. that, but no, I am not afraid of mouth's website. and unshaven rapidly went at a press conference at the after emerging in the Monaco But Mbappe said of his leaving," he said. viral, underscoring the fall from grace of the superstar athlete once renowned as a clean-living, corporate pitchman. Mahrez asks Kompany returns "I would like to apologise with all my heart to my fam- ily, friends and the fans. I to leave to Belgium squad expect more from myself too," Woods said in a state- ment issued on Monday. Leicester BELGIUM SQUAD Brussels The arrest is the latest AFP gloomy episode to hit the London Goalkeepers: (Wolfsburg/ 14-time major winner, who AFP GER), Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea/ENG), Simon anchester City once towered over his sport Mignolet (Liverpool/ENG), Matz Sels (Newcas- defender Vincent before being engulfed by tur- iyad Mahrez (pictured), one tle/ENG) MKompany was yester- moil in his private life and a of the inspirations behind Defenders: (Tottenham/ day included in Belgium's series of debilitating RLeicester City's fairytale ENG), (Celtic/SCO), Laurent squad for a World Cup quali- injuries. Premier League title triumph, has Ciman (Impact Montreal/CAN), Vincent Kom- fier against Estonia and His return from a year- told the club he wants to leave, he pany (Manchester City/ENG), Thomas Vermae- friendly against the Czech long injury layoff was cut said in a statement released AFP the Algeria winger would rez said in his statement. len (AS Roma/ITA), (Totten- Republic after a 500-day short in February when he yesterday. only leave Leicester for a "big "However, I am fiercely ham Hotspur/ENG) absence from the national pulled out of the Dubai Desert "Out of the huge admiration club" and had not yet received ambitious and feel that now is Midfielders: (Atletico Ma- team. Classic after the first round and respect I hold for Leicester any offers. the time to move on to a new drid/ESP), (West Bromwich/ENG), Coach Roberto Martinez because of back pain. City Football Club I wanted to be Mahrez, voted the Profes- experience. named the oft-injured Kom- (Manchester City/ENG), Lean- totally honest and transparent sional Footballers' Association "I've always enjoyed a good pany among a 27-strong squad der Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Marouane Fel- with them and have therefore (PFA) Player of the Year last relationship with the chairman for the June 5 friendly in Brus- informed the club that I feel now season, said the timing of his and everyone at the club and I laini (Manchester United/ENG), Thomas Foket sels and World Cup qualifier is the time for me to move on," departure had been agreed with hope I have been able to repay (Gent), (Borussia Moencheng- four days later in Tallinn. Mahrez said in a statement sent chairman Vichai Srivaddhan- the faith shown to me by my ladbach/GER), Radja Nainggolan (AS Roma/ Despite his return to the to various media outlets. aprabha last year. performances and commitment ITA), (Anderlecht), Belgium squad, Chelsea striker Mahrez, 26, was one of the "I had a good discussion on the pitch during my time (Tianjin Quanjian/CHN) will retain the stars of Leicester's 2015-16 title with the chairman last summer here." Forwards: (Chelsea/ENG), skipper's armband, Martinez win and shone as they reached and we agreed at that time that Leicester signed Mahrez (Crystal Palace/ENG), Eden said. the Champions League quarter- I would stay for another year from French second-tier side Hazard (Chelsea/ENG, capt), Belgium sit atop Group H on finals this season, but with the in order to help the club as best Le Havre in January 2014 and (Everton/ENG), (Naples/ITA), 13 points from their five games,

club having finished 12th in the as I could following the transi- he played an important role in Kevin Mirallas (Everton/ENG), Divock Origi two ahead of Greece, with Bos- table, he now wants to move on. tion of winning the title and in their 2014-15 Championship (Liverpool/ENG) nia-Herzegovina in third on A source close to Mahrez told the Champions League," Mah- promotion campaign. 10pts. WEDNESDAY 31 MAY 2017 SPORT 27 QFA honours referees at a special ceremony

The Peninsula Committee, and Fahd Al Thani, worked for the referees depart- Director of Development ment, was also honored. he Qatar Football Associ- Department, among a host of Hassan Abdullah Mulla, ation (QFA) on Sunday other officials. Mohammed Abdel-Alim, Thonoured staff members Speaking on the occasion, Benayef Al Qadri, Mashary Al of the Referees Committee at a Hani Ballan thanked the Presi- Shammari, Khalid Ayed and special ceremony following the dent of QFA for the great support Abdul Aziz Al Yafi'i were also conclusion of the 2016-17 soc- in all areas throughout the sea- honoured. cer season. son. The ceremony began with The management of the Ref- The event, held at Radisson the honouring of Fahd Thani for erees Committee also honoured Blu, was attended by Mansoor the cooperation between the the principals of schools who Al Ansari, Secretary General of Referees Committee and the cooperated with QFA during the QFA, Hani Taleb Ballan, mem- Development Department. regular football season. ber of the Executive Committee In a good gesture, all the A long list of officials of the Qatar Football Association honouring referees for their valuable contribution to the game at a of QFA, Naji Juwaini, Executive attendees were honoured. The Referees Committee were also Director of the Referees late Shandrot Mousa, who honoured. special ceremony held on Sunday. Wenger to extend Arsenal deal: Reports

London per week with their present AFP deals due to expire at the end of next season. Bale 'not 100 percent' rsene Wenger has With no Champions League told Arsenal owner football to offer to potential new Stan Kroenke he will recruits, Wenger still faces a for Saturday's final accept the Premier tough task to win the Premier League club's offer League for the first time since ofA a new two-year contract, 2004. Madrid according to reports yesterday. Fifth-placed Arsenal finished AFP Wenger met Gunners major- 18 points behind Chelsea, with ity shareholder Kroenke and embarrassing defeats at Crystal areth Bale believes he isn't fit to last 90 minutes for Real chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Palace and West Bromwich Madrid in his homecoming to Cardiff for the Champi- Monday to discuss his future Albion ruining their chances of Gons League final against Juventus on Saturday and before his contract expires next staying in the top four. admitted taking painkillers to play earlier this season. month. Those losses, combined with Bale hasn't featured since suffering the latest in a series The 67-year-old has been a Champions League last 16 of calf injuries that have plagued his time in Madrid, against heavily criticised this season, thrashing by Bayern Munich, Barcelona on April 23. with Arsenal fans calling for his prompted the most sustained fan However, he claimed he has paid the price from rushing resignation after their team protests against Wenger in his back from ankle ligament damage suffered in November and failed to qualify for the Cham- two-decade reign. that his right ankle still hasn't fully recovered. pions League for the first time in Fans staged protest "I am not 100 percent, I haven't played for six or seven Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger smiles as he holds the FA 20 years. marches, flew planes over weeks," Bale said yesterday. Suggestions that Arsenal Cup trophy after their win over Chelsea in the final match at Arsenal matches trailing ban- "I obviously had my operation which still really hasn't may insist on hiring a director Wembley Stadium in London in this May 27 file picture. ners calling for Wenger to go recovered. of football to work with Wenger and even stayed away in droves "I have been playing with a lot of pain, even when I came had sparked claims the French- expected to come today. "The to bring in a sporting director to when the Gunners faces Sun- back I was taking tablets to get through games and training. man was considering ending his club are planning to make an coordinate issues ranging from derland in their penultimate "The last six or seven weeks have enabled me to rest my 21-year reign. announcement on Wednesday scouting and medicine to youth home match. ankle a bit and really try to get it a bit better, and obviously But after leading Arsenal to afternoon," a spokesman said development and analytics. Wenger, who has won the FA recover from the injury which it caused." an impressive 2-1 FA Cup final after refusing to confirm the But Wenger has been told he Cup three times in the last four Bale returned ahead of schedule from his ankle opera- victory over Premier League reports of Wenger's decision. will retain control of the key years, showed how much the tion in February and scored on his comeback against Espanyol. champions Chelsea with Wenger, who has won three areas of team selection and abuse had affected him last week However, he quickly suffered niggling muscle problems before Kroenke watching from the Premier League titles and a transfers. With his reign set to when he spoke to the BBC before breaking down against Barca last month. stands on Saturday, Wenger had record seven FA Cups with the reach 23 years if he sees out the the Wembley showdown with The Welshman is back in training with the hope of being hinted he was willing to stay. Gunners, will attend an Arsenal new deal, Wenger has a chance Chelsea. involved in European football's showpiece as Madrid look to And the Daily Mail and Daily board meeting on Tuesday when to salvage what was in danger "I believe there's a difference become the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions Mirror reported Wenger has the contract should be of becoming a tarnished between being criticised and League era. However, he is realistic that he is unlikely to oust informed American tycoon rubber-stamped. reputation. being treated in a way that the on-form Isco from Zinedine Zidane's starting line-up. Kroenke, who remains a firm Wenger will outline his plans First on his to-do list will be human beings don't deserve," he "To last 90 minutes, I haven't played a lot of football this supporter of his manager, that for close-season signings and making improved contract offers said. year since my operation, so that would be difficult." he wants to remain in charge of while there may still be some to Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. "The lack of respect from Even without Bale, Madrid won La Liga for the first time the north London club. tinkering with his backroom The unsettled Arsenal stars some has been a disgrace and I in five years last weekend with Isco's form in the final weeks A formal announcement of staff it will not be without his are holding out for weekly wages will never accept that. I will of the season instrumental to their success. Wenger's new contract is approval. Gazidis would still like of around £300,000 ($385,000) never forget it. Katara Beach Volleyballl Championship Dortmund part company with manager Tuchel

Berlin wounding Spanish international with a year left on his Dortmund AFP Marc Bartra, 26, and a motor- contract after finishing third this cycle police officer. season in Germany's top tier. orussia Dortmund's head Tuchel had complained that "I am very grateful for two coach Thomas Tuchel has neither he nor his shell-shocked beautiful, eventful and exciting Bleft the club, the Bundes- players were consulted on the years. Too bad that it won't go liga side confirmed yesterday, decision to go ahead with the on," he wrote on his official denying that the departure was match against Monaco less than Twitter account. sparked by a public spat with the 24 hours after the attack. "Thanks to the fans, the club's chief executive. But Watzke denied that was team, the staff and everyone "We thank Thomas Tuchel the case and said the claim had who has supported us. and his training staff for their annoyed him. In a statement, the "I wish BVB all the best. TT." successful work at BVB," said the club sought to play down the According to German daily club, adding that the "cause of row, saying that "the well-being Bild, yesterday's meeting to Action from the third edition of Katara Beach Volleyball Championship at Katara the separation is by no means a of the Borussia Dortmund club... decide Tuchel's future lasted just beach on Monday. In the opening rounds of the championship, Lusail defeated Barwa disagreement between two is always more important than 21 minutes when he was told his 2-0. In the second match between Doha and West Bay, the Doha team won 2-0. The people". individuals or possible differ- fate by Watzke and sports direc- championship takes place at Katara’s beach-court during the holy month of Ramadan. Relations between Tuchel ences between them". tor Michael Zorc at the team The first-place winner will receive an award cup, and a cash prize worth QR 30,000. and chief executive Hans- It added that it would not go hotel. Joachim Watzke have become into details about the reason for For weeks, Lucien Favre, The team taking second place will obtain a cash prize worth QR20,000. The third- publicly strained since a bomb the separation. currently in charge of French place winner will get a cash prize of QR10,000. The participating teams in this year’s attack on the Dortmund team Tuchel's departure came just league side Nice, has been tournament are: Lusail, Barwa, West Bay, Doha and Umm Guelina. The second group bus on April 11. three days after Dortmund won tipped to take over due to his consists of Katara, Aspire, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa and Najma. Four teams are scheduled Three explosive devices hid- the German Cup in Saturday's Bundesliga experience with to play today. The matches will be between Doha and Umm Guelina at 9:15pm and the den in a hedge went off next to final against Eintracht Hertha Berlin and Borussia second match will see West Bay taking on Lusail at 10:15pm. In addition, teams that the team bus as it left the squad's Frankfurt. Moenchengladbach. are scheduled to play on Thursday are Najma vs Katara at 9:15pm and Al Gharafa will hotel heading for a Champions It was Tuchel's first title in Tuchel's relationship with square off with Aspire at 10:15pm. League quarter-final match at his two years in charge. the club has been in decline home against Monaco, He has been shown the door since the start of the year.