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Sunday, June 10, 2018 TENNIS Ramadan 25, 1439 AH Nadal chases GULF TIMES 11th French Open crown SPORT Page 2 TENNIS/FRENCH OPEN Thrilling fi ghtback gives Halep fi rst Grand Slam title ‘In the last game I felt like I could not breathe anymore’ ATHLETICS Qatar’s Saife bags his second gold medal at Asian Juniors

By Sports Reporter to his personal tally yesterday. Gifu, Japan His throw of 61.50m in the discus was well short of Iran’s Hossein Rasouli’s 62.29m. Japan’s Kosei Yamashita was atar’s rising middle distance a distant third with a heave of 56.51m. runner Saife Saifeldin claimed Huanhuan Yang of China won the gold his second gold medal of the medal in the women discus throw with Asian Junior Athletics Cham- a throw of 51.53m while her teammate pionshipsQ in Japan when he surged to Yuanyuan Yin secured silver medal with victory in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 51.17m and India’s Arpandeep Kaur Bajwa Nagaragawa Stadium in Gifu yesterday. took bronze medal in 46.57m. Saifeldin clocked 8mins 51.97secs to Ayaka Kora of Japan and Jiawei Zhong comfortably beat silver medallist Takumi of China were locked in the most thrill- Yoshida of Japan (8:52.79) and Trung ing women’s long jump fi nal when both Cuong Nguyen of Vietnam (8:59.32) cleared 6.44m in their 5th attempt to tie. His victory yesterday took Qatar’s gold Kora, riding on home support leapt 1cm medal tally to three after he and Ibrahim more than Jiawei in the fi nal jump to break Moaaz Mohamed had won the 1,500m the tie and win the gold medal. and shot put respectively on Friday. Zuocheng Wu of China won the wom- Saifeldin’s 1,500m gold on Friday came en’s pole vault gold medal with a height in a time of 3mins 49.30secs, with Ja- of 4.00m. Anastasya Ermakova of Kaza- pan’s Reito Hanzawa claiming the silver in khstan fi nished second clearing 3.60m. Romania’s Simona Halep kisses the trophy as she celebrates after winning the French Open final against Sloane Stephens of the US yesterday. 3:49.66s and Iraq’s Hussein Lafta taking Chia-Ju Wu of Chinese Taipei took bronze the bronze in 3:49.75. in 3.60m. AFP baseline rallies and made an early Ibrahim Moaaz Mohamed, who had Hosts Japan won the gold medal in the Paris Simona Halep — at a glance breakthrough as two big forehands won the shot put gold with a throw of men’s 4x100m relay with a performance left the top seed scrambling. 18.57m on Friday, added the discus silver of 39.63s. — Yesterday’s final was her fourth — When she was a teenager, The early exchanges were brutal in imona Halep fought back at the majors, having lost her pre- Halep underwent breast reduction the Paris heat, but it was the world from a set and a break down vious three. She looked in danger surgery for personal comfort and number one who found herself being to fi nally achieve her “dream” of flopping again when she slipped to ease her movement around forced onto the defensive as Stephens of winning a Grand Slam title, a set and break down to Sloane the court. “I would have gone for moved 4-1 ahead. Sbeating Sloane Stephens 3-6, 6-4, The 25-year-old, who was ranked Stephens. surgery even if I hadn’t been a 6-1 in a gruelling French Open fi nal — Last year, the 26-year-old Ro- sportswoman,” she said. 957 in the world less than a year ago yesterday. manian squandered a set and 3-0 — Halep is also a committed after her injury woes, was using her The world number one had lost lead to lose the Paris title match businesswoman. As well as buying bigger forehand to good eff ect as Ha- all three of her previous major fi - to Jelena Ostapenko. In the 2014 up property, she opened her own lep struggled to make any inroads into nals, including two at Roland Gar- final, she also lost in three sets to restaurant, called ‘SH’ in her home her opponent’s serve. ros, and said she struggled to contain Maria Sharapova. At this year’s town of Constanta. She did manage to make Stephens her emotions after staging a thrilling Australian Open, she was defeated — Praised for her modesty on and serve for the set, though, and was comeback. in the final by Caroline Wozniacki, off court, Sports Illustrated has stepping into the court with more “In the last game I felt like I could again in three sets. described her as an ‘anti-diva’. authority, bringing up her fi rst break not breathe anymore”, said Halep. point. It was the perfect way for the Ro- But Halep wasted the chance with manian to banish the demons of her her 10th unforced error and Stephens painful fi nal defeat by Jelena Ostap- the 1978 French Open. the American 10th seed wilted in hot made her pay, drilling an unreturn- enko 12 months ago, when she blew a “But it’s emotional to be making conditions and Halep pounced. able backhand into the corner to wrap lead of a set and 3-0. this speech as a winner. I’ve been “It’s been amazing here for me,” up the set after just 41 minutes. “Last year it was tough to talk be- dreaming of this since I was 14.” said Stephens. “It’s not the trophy I A fi rst-ever Grand Slam fi nal de- cause I lost this match,” added Halep, US Open champion Stephens had wanted, but it’s still beautiful.” feat in straight sets for Halep looked only the second Romanian to win a looked set to lift a second Grand Slam Halep played a scintillating decid- likely as soon as Stephens claimed Slam after Virginia Ruzici who won trophy when leading 6-3, 2-0, but ing set in which she made only fi ve the fi rst game of the second set on her unforced errors, breaking her ma- fourth break point. jor duck in style after two hours and The Romanian knows better than three minutes. anyone how Grand Slam fi nals can The 26-year-old celebrated her turn though after her 2017 heart- victory in a way usually seen at Wim- break against Ostapenko, and she bledon, climbing into her box to greet broke back to love to the delight of the friends and family. crowd. “I tried to not do the same thing as Suddenly Halep had won 12 of 13 last year. It’s a dream and it’s so spe- points and snatched the momentum, cial to do it here in Paris,” she said. and she made it four games on the “When I was down a break in the spin as Stephens dumped consecu- second set I just tried to relax and en- tive forehands into the net. joy the match.” Stephens briefl y looked out on her The fans at Roland Garros preced- feet, but raised her game by shorten- ed the match with a standing ovation ing the points to break straight back for seven-time Grand Slam cham- before levelling the set at 4-4, helped Sloane Stephens pion Maria Bueno after the Brazilian’s by the fi rst ace of the match. reacts during the final death on Friday aged 78. But Halep dug deep, squaring the against Simona Halep. Halep had vocal support from the fi nal by winning the next two games, Qatar’s Saife Saifeldin negotiates a water jump during the 3,000m steeplechase at the start on Court Philippe Chatrier, but as Stephens fi red a backhand wide on Asian Junior Athletics Championships yesterday. He won the event in a time of 8mins Stephens was the better player in the the fi rst set point. 51.97secs. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, June 10, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS CRICKET Head and Stanlake star as Australia Nadal eyes 11th beat Middlesex

AFP that starts across London at The London Oval on Wednesday. It was also a reminder they were without two outstanding batsmen in former ravis Head’s century and captain Steve Smith and hs deputy French Open title two wickets from Billy David Warner, who both received Stanlake helped Aus- year-long bans for their roles in tralia beat Middlesex by a ball-tampering scandal during ‘I have lost a lot of opportunities through injuries, and I know the years are T101 runs at Lord’s yesterday in the third Test against South Af- their last warm-up fi xture before rica in Cape Town in March. going quick. So there is not 10 more chances to keep playing here’ a one-day international series In addition to Smith and Warn- against England. er, Australia arrived in England Australia, despite a century without their injured frontline from Travis Head, found runs fast-bowling trio of Mitchell hard to come by in a total of 283 Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh for six. Hazlewood, as well as sidelined Head made 106 and Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh vice-captain Aaron Finch 54. But their white-ball prob- Australia, for the second match lems predate the ball-tampering in a row, following their 277 for scandal, with Australia losing nine in a 57-run tour-opening win their last three bilateral ODI se- over Sussex at Hove on Thursday, ries — against New Zealand, In- This combination of pictures created on Australia failed to reach the now dia and England. Head opened June 8 shows Austria’s Dominic Thiem (L) 50-over par total of 300. alongside D’Arcy Short as Finch and Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during But a target of 284 proved well dropped down the order after his their respective singles semi-final matches. beyond Middlesex, who were dis- 78 against Sussex. Thiem and Nadal will clash in the final today. missed for 182 with nine overs to Short fell for 18 when a mis- spare despite opener Max Hold- timed pull off Thomas Barber was en’s 71 that following a miserly brillianly caught one-handed by one for 29 in 10 with his part-time a leaping Nathan Sowter — born off -spin. Fast bowler Billy Stan- and brought up in western Sydney lake looked lively in taking two for — at midwicket. 45, while Kane Richardson helped Shaun Marsh, playing his fi rst himself to some cheap dismiss- match of the tour after Marcus als as Middlesex lost their last six Stoinis was left out following his wickets for just 43 runs. hundred against Sussex, made 49 Australia’s batting though was off 64 balls before he was well- a concern ahead of a fi ve-match held at midwicket by Middlesex one-day international series captain Steven Finn, the England against number-one ranked Eng- fast bowler, to give Holden a fi rst land, the 2019 World Cup hosts, List A wicket.

Captain Morgan wary of AFP NADAL’S PERFECT 10 IN PARIS better player in the fi rst set while, in the Paris quarter-fi nals, Diego Schwartzman won ‘competitive’ Scotland Rafael Nadal goes for an 11th French Open title a set. He also regained the world number one the fi rst set of his clash with Nadal. on Sunday when he faces Dominic Thiem in ranking for the first time since July 2009. It was the fi rst time in three years that London: England’s limited- the teams, so qualifying was afael Nadal admits that his de- the final. 2011: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 — Nadal had dropped a set in Paris. overs captain Eoin Morgan has diff icult. sire to clinch an 11th French AFP Sport looks at the Spaniard’s perfect 10 in Nadal claimed his sixth French Open to equal “You can win a set, but not a match promised to take nothing for “It gives Scotland a lot more Open title today is fi red by his Paris: the record of Borg, also taking his Slam total against Rafa,” said Del Potro keen not to granted when his side begin exposure and the days of not Rgrowing realisation that the end 2005: bt Mariano Puerta (ARG) 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 into double figures at 10. Federer had ended over-egg any hint of weakness in Nadal’s their white-ball season away to knowing who you are going to of his career may not be too far away. — At just 19, Nadal became the youngest winner Novak Djokovic’s 43-match undefeated run in game. Scotland today. play against are gone. They are The 32-year-old Spaniard, with 16 ma- of a Grand Slam title since Michael Chang won the semi-finals. At least Thiem has in the past found the Morgan’s men continue their an extremely competitive side jors to his name, will play his 24th Grand at Roland Garros in 1989 at 17. He was the first 2012: bt Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 key to unravelling the Nadal clay court build-up to next year’s World and we are looking forward to Slam fi nal at Roland Garros against Do- man since Mats Wilander in 1982 to win the — Nadal goes past Borg’s record of six titles and enigma. Cup, which will be on home soil, it,” he added. minic Thiem who is in his fi rst. French Open on his debut. Puerta was to later ends Djokovic’s bid to be the first man since He is the only man to beat the world with a one-day international After the Scotland match, Victory today will give Nadal an 11th fail a drugs test and handed an eight-year ban, Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four majors. Rain number one on clay in the last two years against the Scots in Edinburgh England are at home to world title in Paris and equal Margaret Court’s eventually reduced to two years. meant that the final was completed on Monday — in Madrid this spring and in Rome last today. champions Australia in a five- all-time record for wins at the same Slam 2006: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 which was tough on Djokovic who was a break year. Scotland won’t be at the match one-day series. event — in her case, the Australian Open — Nadal became the first man to beat Federer up in the fourth set when the match was halted In Madrid, Thiem thrived in the quick- showpiece tournament after But as Australia completed their from 1960 and 1973 in a Slam final, ending the Swiss star’s hopes of for the night. er, higher altitude conditions to win their agonisingly missing out in this preparations for that contest Nadal still trails great rival Roger Fe- holding all four majors at the same time. It was 2013: bt David Ferrer (ESP) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 — Nadal quarter-fi nal in straight sets. year’s World Cup qualifiers. with a one-day match against derer by four major titles although the Nadal’s 60th win in a row on clay. comfortably beats his compatriot for an eighth But that was only after Nadal had al- But the non-Test nation have Middlesex — Morgan’s county Swiss star is more than four years older. 2007: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, French Open but the hard yards were achieved lowed him just two games in a last-eight shown they had the potential to — at Lord’s on Saturday, the “For me, the motivation to play here al- 6-4 — The 21-year-old Nadal became the first in the semi-finals when he defeated Djokovic mauling in Monte Carlo. embarrass the sport’s elite and England skipper was adamant ways is high, high as possible,” said Nadal man since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win three 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7 in a 4-hour 37-minute epic. In Madrid, Thiem said the key was to be Morgan was in respectful mood he would treat Scotland just like after breezing past Juan Martin del Potro successive titles at Roland Garros. He again also 2014: bt Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 positive against Nadal. ahead of England’s first match any other international team. 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 in Friday’s semi-fi nals in shattered Federer’s hopes of becoming only the — Title number nine in his ninth final for Nadal “If I want to beat him, I have to play against Scotland in three years. “Gone are the days when there what was his 85th win in Paris against just third man in history to hold all four majors. and his 14th Grand Slam success on an after- that way like I did in Rome and in Madrid. “It should be a really good are any potential banana skins two defeats. 2008: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 — noon where temperatures nudged 30 degrees. But I’m also aware that here it’s tougher,” game,” Morgan, whose England or anything like that,” the “But for me, I believe that there are Nadal condemned his great rival to his worst It was his 45th career clay-court title. said Thiem, the fi rst Austrian in a major side are top of the ODI rankings, former Ireland batsman said. limited chances in your career. ever loss in a Grand Slam event. The Spaniard 2017: bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 — fi nal since Thomas Muster won in Paris told reporters in Edinburgh “Cricket is moving forward at “I have lost a lot of opportunities also won the title without losing a set, becom- Nadal coasts to a record 10th French Open title, in 1995. yesterday. a fast rate and every team is through injuries, and I know the years ing the third man to do so in the Open era after demolishing Wawrinka in a brutally one-sided “He likes the conditions more here “We haven’t played Scotland for moving forward with you, so I’d are going quick. So there is not 10 more Ilie Nastase and Borg. final which also earns the Spaniard a 15th Grand than in Madrid, for sure. Best of fi ve is quite a while. expect it to be very competi- chances to keep playing here.” 2010: bt Robin Soderling (SWE) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 Slam crown. Nadal, 31, becomes the first man in also a diff erent story.” “We watched them play in the tive.” The statistics illustrate Nadal’s con- — Nadal avenged his defeat to the Swede at Ro- history to win the same major 10 times. It is his “But I have a plan.” qualifying tournament for the England will face Scotland cerns — he has missed at least eight Slam land Garros 12 months earlier. Again, Nadal fin- most one-sided final win since allowing Federer Nadal and Thiem have met nine times 50-over World Cup next year, without injured all-rounders tournaments in his career through a lega- ished the tournament without having dropped just four games in the 2008 final. — all of them on clay. which was an extremely com- Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes cy of wrist and knee problems. Thiem also defeated his rival in Buenos petitive tournament and I don’t or wicket-keeper/batsman Jos Such is his motivation to win his 17th Aires in 2016, joining Novak Djokovic and think there was a lot between Buttler who is being rested. Grand Slam, that the task facing Austrian seven break points before his challenge fect’ — “He looks fresh. He is healthy. Gaston Gaudio as the only men to have 24-year-old Thiem was described as “al- petered out into weary hopelessness. And the strength that he has and the beaten Nadal three times each on clay. most impossible” by Del Potro. Nadal raced away with 14 of the last 17 mentality, everything is perfect, works However, Nadal has won both their The Argentine believes that Nadal is games. perfect for him playing on clay.” clashes at Roland Garros — in 2014 and FIRST TEST playing better than he has for years. “He’s too strong. He’s improving his There have, however, appeared to be in last year’s semi-fi nals by a comfortable “It is almost impossible to beat Rafa,” backhand a lot. That’s why he’s the No 1 one or two chinks in his armour at Roland 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 margin. said Del Potro who had his chances in the and beating all the guys. Garros this year. “I’m facing Rafa so I’m not the one who semi-fi nal but failed to convert any of his ‘He is fresh, healthy. Everything is per- On Friday, Del Potro was by far the has the pressure,” said Thiem. West Indies stretch

BOTTOMLINE lead over Sri Lanka

AFP as 78 runs were added from the Port of Spain overnight position of 131 for four, suggested that the West Indies were always thinking of ieran Powell missed batting into the afternoon to ef- Legendary Brazilian tennis out on a century but fectively eradicate any chance the West Indies further the Sri Lankans might have en- solidifi ed an already tertained of successfully chasing Kdominant position at lunch on a daunting target. the fourth day of the fi rst Test Most attention was focused player Maria Bueno dies against Sri Lanka in Trinidad on Powell at the start of play. yesterday. The left hander had im- AFP Twitter on Friday night, with tributes I’d only take two rackets to a tournament West Indies lost three wick- pressed with his elegant stroke- Sao Paulo pouring in.Brazilian President Michel Te- and the prize for winning Wimbledon was ets, including Powell for 88, in play in reaching 64 overnight, mer, writing on his offi cial account, said a £15 voucher,” she said in a 2015 interview the morning session as they and looked on course to reach Bueno “will always be remembered as the with YouTube channel Esporte Ponto Fi- reached 209 for seven in their three fi gures in partnership with aria Bueno, the Brazilian number one of tennis in the hearts of all nal. “But through sport I got things that second innings at the Queen’s the fi rst innings century-maker, “queen” of tennis, who won Brazilians.”On and off the court, Bueno money can’t buy. I even met the pope and Park Oval. Shane Dowrich. However fast- three Wimbledon and four “always showed a lot of fi ght,” Brazilian Princess Diana.” The hosts, who declined to medium bowler Lahiru Kumara, MUS championship singles ti- tennis player Bia Haddad said. For years after retirement she was a enforce the follow-on despite a who has enjoyed an excellent tles, died Friday in Sao Paulo at age 78, the “She was a pioneer in our country, commentator on Brazil’s SporTV. 229-run fi rst-innings lead, now match, trapped Dowrich lbw on hospital where she was being treated said. where few people knew the sport and at a World number one in 1959, 1960, 1964 have an overall advantage of 438 the back foot with a delivery that She had been suff ering from mouth time when everything was much more dif- and 1966, Bueno was Brazil’s best ever runs with three wickets in hand. jagged back sharply to the little cancer since last year and was hospitalised fi cult,” said tennis player Thomaz Bellucci. player, winning 19 Grand Slam titles. The tail-enders have an op- right-hander to earn his seventh in May. Known for her stylishness and her excit- These included Wimbledon singles ti- portunity to accelerate the wicket of the match. Nicknamed the “Sao Paulo Swallow” ing way of playing, she was the fi rst South tles in 1959, 1960 and 1964, and the US scoring to set up a declaration Holder replaced his fellow- for her ability to dominate the net, Bueno American woman to win the Wimbledon National Championship — precursor to by captain Jason Holder which Barbadian, putting on 42 for the was a teen prodigy despite having no for- singles title. today’s US Open — in 1959, 1963, 1964 would allow his frontline bowl- sixth wicket before an error of mal coaching, according to the Interna- One tennis writer, John Barrett, called and 1966.She also got to the fi nals of the ers enough time to push for vic- judgement by Powell brought tional Hall of Fame, which she entered in Brazilian great Maria Esther Bueno in her “the elegant queen of Brazilian tennis.” French championship in 1964 and the tory going into the fi nal day to- an end to his innings on 88. He 1978. action during an exhibition match on Her one major title of the open era, when Australian in 1965. day. failed to get to the pitch of the She swept the Brazilian scene, then the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro in big tournaments opened to professionals, Bueno was a consultant for several years Holder showed his positive ball as he attempted a leg-side Caribbean circuit, and grabbed interna- 2005. was the 1968 US Open doubles alongside for Sportv and commented on matches intent when he was out just be- fl ick off spinner Dilruwan Per- tional attention by winning the Italian Australian legend Margaret Court. with Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten, the other fore the break, trapped leg-be- era. Substitute fi elder Jeff rey Championships in 1958, beating the best Althea Gibson. And although she once told Another doubles partner was Billie Jean Brazilian tennis legend. fore for 39 attempting a reverse Vandersay took a good catch English and Australian players. reporters “I’m afraid of everyone I play,” King, with whom she won the Wimbledon Always smiling in her television appear- sweep against veteran left-arm diving forward at midwicket. That same year she went on to win the her glory days were only just beginning. title in 1965. ances, Bueno continued playing until last spinner Rangana Herath. Powell’s innings occupied 127 Wimbledon doubles alongside American Bueno’s death dominated Brazilian “In my era, tennis was totally amateur. year, when she was stricken by disease. Before that, the general tenor deliveries and was embellished of the fi rst two hours of play, with two sixes and seven fours. Gulf Times Sunday, June 10, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

Lyon cancel dealings with Perez covers for Liverpool great Dalglish Ghana boss resigns, No wrong in partying after Liverpool over Fekir Argentina’s injured Lanzini awarded knighthood apologises to president match: Mexico coach

Lyon ended negotiations with Liverpool River Plate midfielder Enzo Perez will replace Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish was awarded The head of Ghana’s football federation, who was Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said a group yesterday over the possible transfer of forward the injured Manuel Lanzini in Argentina’s 23- a knighthood in Queen Elizabeth’s birthday accused of taking kickbacks, said on Friday he had of his players did nothing wrong in having a Nabil Fekir to the Premier League club. “Nabil man World Cup squad, the country’s football honours list that was announced on Friday. resigned. Kwesi Nyantakyi, a member of FIFA’s late-night party following last Saturday’s friendly Fekir is staying at Lyon... pending other association said yesterday. The 32-year-old Dalglish, 67, won three European Cups and six decision-making Council, also apologised to Ghana against Scotland, saying they deserved “some propositions,” said Lyon in a statement, just Perez was called up by Argentina coach Jorge league titles as a Liverpool player and then president Nana Akufo-Addo. “After a meeting of time for themselves”. The party, reported to hours after the president of the French football Sampaoli after Lanzini ruptured the anterior managed the club in two spells. He secured three the Executive Committee this afternoon I decided involve at least eight players, was made public federation (FFF) claimed Fekir had undergone a cruciate ligament in his right knee during league titles as manager, including a league and to resign as President of the Ghana Football when pictures were published in the magazine Liverpool medical. “The three-way negotiations training on Friday. West Ham midfielder Lanzini, cup double in 1986 and was the first person to Association,” he said in a statement. Nyantakyi TVNotas. “It was in their free time,” Osorio told with Liverpool and Nabil Fekir for the transfer of 25, had been linked with a summer transfer to ever achieve that feat as a player/manager. He was filmed by an investigative journalist and seen reporters in Copenhagen where Mexico face the Lyon captain have not succeeded and Lyon Liverpool, but he now faces a lengthy spell on was also recognised for his work in supporting taking $65,000 from a supposed businessman Denmark in a friendly yesterday. “We had been have decided to end these negotiations tonight the sidelines. His injury is a blow for Sampaoli the victims of the Hillsborough stadium disaster. who said he wanted to sponsor the Ghanaian together in concentration for 19 games before (Saturday) at 8pm,” added the Ligue 1 club in who had counted on Lanzini for a place in his “Obviously it was for others with more education football league. The president’s deputy chief of that and, hopefully, we will be together for their statement. The latest development in the starting line-up. Former Valencia and Benfica and knowledge than myself to decide whether or staff had told reporters last month that Nyantakyi another 25 to 30 days and it was important that on-off transfer saga came after FFF chief Noel midfielder Perez was part of the Argentina squad not I deserved a knighthood, and it goes without had been captured on video using the name of the they had some time for themselves.” Midfielder Le Graet had earlier said: “Nabil Fekir is in the at the 2014 World Cup, starting in the final as his saying that I am hugely grateful to them,” president to induce “potential investors” to part Andres Guardado agreed. “I don’t think we’ve process of being transferred.” side lost to Germany 1-0 after extra time. Dalglish said on Liverpool’s website. with money. committed any act of discipline.”

REPORT FOCUS Belgium’s Boyata ready to step in for Morocco end World Kompany

Reuters been working very hard,” Boyata London told Sky Sports. The injury is the latest in a long line of fi tness problems for Cup warm-ups on a edryck Boyata said he Kompany, who managed just 17 is ready to step in for Premier League appearances for Vincent Kompany if City last season. However, he Belhanda and Ziyech Belgium’s battle-hard- told Belgian broadcaster RTBF he enedD defender fails to recover believes he will be fi t in time. score in Morocco’s 3-1 from his groin injury in time for “I am confi dent it will be okay,” their opening World Cup Group he said. “I feel good and have of- positive note victory over Estonia G game against Panama in Sochi ten fought back. on June 18. “The goal to play at the World Kompany, 32, was injured in a Cup is in my head and I try to Agencies pre-tournament friendly against achieve that. London Portugal and did not train along But Belgium midfi elder Kevin with the rest of the team yester- De Bruyne suggested Kompany day. may only be available for later ounes Belhanda and Hakim Zi- “If I have the chance to play, of games. yech scored in the fi rst half to course I will be very happy,” said “He may not be there for the ensure Morocco continued to Celtic defender Boyata, who came fi rst games in Russia but the team show good form and fi nished on as a substitute for Kompany can play the group stage without theirY World Cup preparations with a con- last Saturday and would be again him,” he told reporters. fi dence-building 3-1 away win over Esto- expected to fi ll in if the Manches- their opener, Belgium face nia in a friendly international yesterday. ter City defender fails to regain fi t- Tunisia on June 23 followed by a Belhanda scored after 11 minutes and ness for the tournament. potential group decider against Dutch-born Ziyech added a penalty seven “I know he (Kompany) has England fi ve days later. minutes before the break. Substitute Youssef En-Nesyri added a third with 15 minutes to go but Estonia SPOTLIGHT pulled one back through Ats Purje. Morocco beat Slovakia on Monday and drew with Ukraine last week in their oth- er two warm-up games. They meet Iran in Salah hopeful of their Group B opener in St Petersburg on Friday before also taking on Portugal and Spain. making World Cup MITROVIC LEADS SERBIA Elsewhere, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s hat- opener for Egypt trick led Serbia to a 5-1 thrashing of Bo- livia in their fi nal World Cup warm-up Reuters yesterday. Madrid Mitrovic struck twice, with Adam Ljajic and Branislav Ivanovic also scoring, as Serbia led 4-0 at half-time. iverpool forward Mo- After Bolivia pulled one back, Mitrovic hamed Salah is confi - added his third goal in the 68th minute to dent he will be fi t enough wrap up the scoring. Morocco’s Younes Belhanda celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Estonia during their international friendly match to take part in Egypt’s Serbia play their World Cup opener on LWorld Cup opener against Uru- in Tallinn, Estonia, yesterday. (Reuters) June 17 against Costa Rica, followed by guay in Yekaterinburg next Fri- games against Switzerland and Brazil. day, Spanish newspaper Marca Australia too completed preparations Lacklustre Germany beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in World Cup warmup reported yesterday. “We’ve got a great team and a for Russia by winning away. The 25-year-old went off with great coach. We want to get into Australia beat Hungary 2-1 in Budapest Reuters by Marco Reus. a shoulder problem in the fi rst the next round and do things well in a match featuring plenty of late action. Leverkusen, Germany Yet they failed to maintain the tempo half of Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat there,” he added. Daniel Arzani’s fi rst international goal and their defence suff ered a few lapses to Real Madrid in last month’s “We’re strong as a group, with 16 minutes remaining looked to have of concentration. Champions League fi nal but the we all have the same objective, won it for Australia but Hungary equal- orld champions Germany Omar Hawsawi scored an own goal speedy forward expects to play which is to win and that’s the ised through Trent Sainsbury’s own goal failed to hit top gear as they just before the break after Germany some part in Egypt’s fi rst Group most important thing. We don’t in the 88th minute. Wedged to a 2-1 victory over twice hit the woodwork and they could A fi xture in Russia. just have one strong point, but The visitors were then gifted the win- Saudi Arabia in a lacklustre World Cup have added a few more were it not for “Now I’m feeling better,” the main thing is we play togeth- ner as Tamas Kadar directed a cross dress rehearsal on Friday, less than a a string of fine saves from Saudi goal- Salah told the Spanish daily. “I’m er as a group. through the legs of goalkeeper Denes week before the tournament starts. keeper Abdullah al-Mayouf. hopeful of being able to play in “The pressure was to qualify Dibusz for another own goal in stoppage It was their first win in six matches The Saudis pulled a goal back when our fi rst game, but this will de- for the World Cup. Of course, time. but the Germans, who leave for Rus- Taisir al-Jassim scored on the rebound pend on how I feel when the day you can then say ‘right, we’ve got The Socceroos’ fi rst World Cup game sia in four days, rarely put their foot after Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved comes around.” there, that’s that’, but for me it’s is June 16 against France, who face the US on the gas, seemingly fearful of any a penalty in the 85th minute and he Salah, who laughed off Real not like that. We want to make later in their fi nal tune-up. last-minute injuries, while the Saudis missed a golden opportunity to level in Madrid defender Sergio Ramos’s history and achieve something Three other games matching teams confirmed their good form heading into stoppage time. claim that he would have been diff erent. headed to Russia are also on tap as Swe- the World Cup. Germany are in Group F along with able to continue in Kiev had he “It’s not a simple case of going, den face Peru, Denmark play Mexico and With keeper Manuel Neuer starting for to their tournament team. Mesut Ozil Sweden, South Korea and Mexico. taken a pain-killing injection, playing three games and thank Spain take on Tunisia. the second consecutive game after a was left out of the squad, recovering Saudi Arabia take on hosts Russia in the scored the penalty that sealed you very much. That’s not going In a pair of friendlies involving teams nine-month injury break and Jerome from a minor knock on the knee, but tournament’s opening match on June Egypt’s place at a fi rst World through my head.” that won’t be in Russia, Azerbaijan beat Boateng also back from a muscle injury, they quickly went ahead with Timo 14 and also play Egypt and Uruguay in Cup in 28 years and insists they Saudi Arabia and hosts Rus- Latvia 3-1 and Finland defeated Belarus Germany fielded as close as they could Werner finding the net from an assist Group A. are not in Russia to make up the sia are the other teams in Egypt’s 2-0. numbers. group.

BOTTOMLINE Neymar to start as Brazil unleash feared quartet on Austria

Reuters Tite did not promise that to- ing an eye on his level of confi - Vienna day’s team would be the one that dence,” said Tite. Tite angrily denies any starts the tournament in Russia. “I’ve told him not to pull out “I don’t know if I can say that of tackles, and not to stop com- contact with Madrid razil will unleash their this will be the team at the start peting, because the best way to full attacking might of the World Cup,” he told report- recover his rhythm is with tough Brazil coach Tite angrily denied yesterday that against Austria today ers. “The match (against Austria) and high-quality training.” he had been in contact with Real Madrid over as the feared quartet and the performance will decide Brazil have lost only one game the possibility of replacing Zinedine Zidane, who ofB Neymar, Willian, Philippe that.” out of 20 since Tite was appoint- resigned at the end of May, dismissing the sug- Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus start Neymar, the world’s most ex- ed in June 2016 and have regained gestion as a lie. together for the fi rst time. pensive player, will start a game their confi dence which was shat- Tite was asked about reports that he was set to The foursome were all included for the fi rst time since he frac- tered by the 7-1 semi-fi nal defeat take charge of the Champions League winners as coach Tite confi rmed his team tured a metatarsal and sprained to Germany at the last World Cup. during a news conference ahead of today’s for Sunday’s match at the Ernst his ankle playing for Paris St Ger- Tite said Sunday’s match friendly against Austria, although it was not clear Happel stadium, Brazil’s last be- main in a French league match against Austria, who failed to where they had originated. fore they open their World Cup against Olympique de Marseille qualify for the World Cup but are “This is a disrespectful attitude and a lie,” he said. campaign against Switzerland on on Feb. 25. unbeaten in eight games, would “I haven’t been in contact with anyone. Gilmar June 17. The 26-year-old made his be a “real challenge.” Veloz (Tite’s agent) hasn’t been in contact with Many feel the four would form comeback last Sunday when he “Emotionally, it’s probably the anyone.” the ideal attacking line-up at the scored in the 2-0 friendly win most diffi cult one to play,” he said. “I’m doing what I like and I’m in the best possible World Cup but, for one reason or over Croatia after coming on in “It’s one week before the start of place; I’m in a place that any other professional another, they have only played the second half. the World Cup, there’s the matter would like to be. I value this enormously, and around 60 minutes together, split “We are following his progress of performing well, a risk of in- (From left) Brazil’s forward Neymar, goalkeeper Danilo and forward Gabriel Jesus that’s why I’m upset.” between three matches. in training, in matches and keep- jury, a loss on confi dence.” attend a training session in Vienna, Austria, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, June 10, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SCANDAL Promoted Parma Sterling relishes under spotlight for alleged fi x attempt

AFP nadoni had led Parma to sixth Rome place in Serie A and a spot in the Europa League but late payment of income tax on salaries saw World Cup stage as ewly-promoted Parma them stripped of their place by are under investigation the Italian Olympic Committee. for an alleged attempt The Gazzetta and Corriere Del- to fi x the match that lo Sport write that the investiga- Nsealed their incredible rise from tion into the match is still in the fi nancial collapse to Serie A in preliminary phase. just three years. “Those who have the task of The Italian Football Federa- ensuring the honesty of a league England’s No 10 tion (FIGC) is probing text mes- have the right and duty to carry sages sent by two Parma players out any investigations necessary. to players from Spezia ahead of For this reason every director, ‘He is a fighter, he is dynamic, he’s so good, but he has to improve that’ their clash on the fi nal day of the player and employee of the club Serie B season, the club admitted will be accessible to the relevant AFP yesterday. authorities,” the club added. London Sports daily Gazzetta Dello Ceravolo was one of Parma’s Sport earlier claimed that the promotion heroes at Spezia, set- messages appeared to ask their ting the away side on the way resh from the best season of his opponents to not try too hard. with an 11th-minute opener. career, Raheem Sterling has been “The players Emanuele Calaio Parma’s Serie A status was handed the responsibility and and Fabio Ceravolo were spoken sealed when Amato Ciciretti role he craved by England man- to yesterday afternoon by fed- scored a second just after the agerF Gareth Southgate to deliver on his eration prosecutors. They were hour and Foggia, who like Spezia abundant potential at the World Cup. simply asked about two text had nothing to play for, scored a Sterling scored 23 goals in all competi- messages sent to ex-teammates last-minute equaliser at promo- tions as Manchester City romped to the playing for Spezia,” Parma said in tion-chasing Frosinone. Premier League title in record-breaking statement. Foggia’s leveller allowed Par- fashion and lifted the League Cup. “Parma has seen the messages ma to move level on points with Yet in keeping with his career so far, in the last few hours... they don’t Frosinone and pip them to sec- there was still a feeling that more is to contain any sort of irregularity or ond place — their third promo- come if his fi nishing can match the qual- malice.” tion in as many years — thanks ity of his skill and movement. A 2-0 win at Spezia on May 18 to a better head-to-head record. “The moment he is going to be able to saw two-time UEFA Cup win- Spezia fans reacted furiously increase (the number) of goals he will be- ners Parma promoted to the top to their team’s display after the come one of the best players in the world division just three years after a match, directing particular anger because he has everything,” said City boss fi nancial meltdown led to relega- toward former Italian internation- Pep Guardiola. “He is a fi ghter, he is dy- tion from Serie A and rebirth in al and ex-Parma player Alberto namic, he’s so good, but he has to improve the semi-professional Serie D, Gilardino, who smashed a penalty that.” Italian football’s fourth tier. for Spezia high and wide with the To prove the point, Sterling hasn’t Just a year earlier Roberto Do- hosts still only a goal down. scored in his last 20 games for England, stretching back to 2015. Sterling has also had to cope with con- SPOTLIGHT sistent negative publicity from some sec- tions of the English press, often for issues far removed from football. Treated as a scapegoat during a series Abramovich knocks of poor England performances before a as a 15-year-old. wing, Southgate has handed him the son to beat Bournemouth, Huddersfi eld humiliating exit to Iceland in the last 16 number 10 shirt to create from a central and Southampton. of Euro 2016, Sterling dubbed himself NUMBER 10 TATTOO role just off England’s talisman Harry “I think you’ve seen a guy who has back approach to ‘The Hated One’ on Instagram during the He shot to fame as part of a free-fl owing Kane. stood up and made himself available in tournament. Liverpool side that just missed out on a “I know I shouldn’t mention it but I’ve the big games,” said Sterling’s City and He most recently hit the headlines last fi rst league title for over two decades in got a tattoo of it on my arm!” he said this England team-mate Fabian Delph. buy Chelsea: reports week for a tattoo of an M16 assault rifl e on 2013/14 to force his way into England’s week of the No.10 after some unwanted “In terms of being dedicated, he’s one his leg. World Cup team four years ago, and was attention for tattoos. “It’s something I’ve of the most dedicated footballers I’ve Reuters Sterling’s route to the top hasn’t been one of few bright sparks in a group stage always wanted to do: wear the number 10 come across. His work ethic is fantastic, London easy. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, he said the exit. for England. his desire to improve is there and he’s still gun tattoo is a tribute to his dad who was A £49 mn move to Manchester City “I feel, because I’m really fast, that’s on 23. murdered there when he was just two. followed in 2015, but it wasn’t until Guar- one of the reasons I’ve been put out there “It’s scary to think what his potential ritain’s richest man Sterling moved to North London at the diola’s arrival as coach a year later that (on the wing), and now I’m closer to the could be and I’m constantly on his case has had a bid to buy age of fi ve with his mother, and his abun- Sterling started to deliver on his poten- goal and the area I want to be.” to do better as an older player should be. Chelsea football club dant talent on the football fi eld soon be- tial. Sterling scored some of the most im- “I think this World Cup is a massive turned down by Roman came recognised as he was snapped up by Unlike at City, where Guardiola still portant goals of City’s title triumph, stage for him to go and showcase what he BAbramovich, according to Brit- Queen’s Park Rangers and then Liverpool largely utilises Sterling’s pace on the notching late winners early on in the sea- can do.” ish media reports. The Daily Mail reported that Jim Ratcliff e, the chairman and chief executive of multinational Egyptians rush to get beIN contracts ahead of World Cup petrochemicals group Ineos, expressed an interest in the Pre- AFP Apart from the decoder, the World Cup energy subsidy cuts and floating the mier League club which the Rus- Cairo matches will only be available through a pound, which saw it lose half its value. sian has owned for 15 years. special subscription of 2,052 pounds. Chelsea’s future has become ich remains committed to Chel- While existing subscribers will get a dis- SPECIAL DEAL FOR YOUTH CLUBS uncertain since Abramovich ran sea, who are valued at around ike it or not, Egypt is having to count, the additional cost has angered Egyptian authorities have tried but into UK visa problems, which one bn pounds, and had knocked resort to beIN sports TV network them. failed to secure broadcast rights for The caused him to miss Chelsea’s FA back Ratcliff e’s approach, which Lsubscriptions to watch the national “This is almost equal to the salary of so Pharaohs’ matches on state television. Cup fi nal victory over Manches- it said was one of several. team, The Pharaohs, play in the World many people in Egypt,” said Mahmoud An Egyptian court has ordered beIN to ter United last month. Ratcliff e, 65, is reported to be Cup for the first time in 28 years. Ibrahim, a 30-year-old trader. pay two fines of 18 mn euros each for The delay in renewing his UK a Chelsea season ticket holder In a country of 97mn people where the BeIN, contacted by AFP, did not respond “violating the law” on competition. tier one investment visa, which and last month topped the Sun- average wage does not exceed 200 to questions on the subscription costs or But the youth and sports ministry said it has been reported to be linked day Times rich list which valued euros ($235), only better-off football the number of subscribers it has in Egypt. would make screens available to broad- with worsening UK-Russian re- his personal fortune at 21.05bn enthusiasts can aff ord private subscrip- At a beIN store in Cairo, owner Mahmud cast the games in more than 5,000 lations, led to him applying for pounds, compared with Abram- tions to the sports broadcaster at home. One of his regulars, 19-year-old Magdi Mostafa acknowledged the complaints aff iliated youth centres and clubs. Israeli citizenship, which was ovich’s 9.3bn pounds. In Egypt, subscribers have to buy a beIN Arafa, has grown his hair long to look but said the price was little changed Also, the ministry’s Mohamed el-Kourdy granted last month. Last year Ineos purchased decoder for 1,630 pounds (78 euros) like Liverpool’s Egyptian star player from that for the 2014 World Cup. told AFP it has reached an agreement Israeli passport holders can Swiss club FC Lausanne-Sport, and pay an annual subscription of 2,280 Mohamed Salah. “The diff erence is the value of the pound with the company representing beIN in enter Britain without a visa for which is based near to its offi ces pounds. Arafa said he will just have to go to the versus the dollar, which has led to Egypt to off er them discounts. short stays, although they re- in Rolle in the Canton of Vaud. Coff ee shop owners are hoping to cafe to watch the World Cup, which higher prices,” he said, referring to the Qatar’s beIN Media Group has also been quire visas to work there. Ratcliff e, who grew up in recoup their investment by pulling in starts on June 14. currency’s decline. under the spotlight in other Arab coun- Speculation over his commit- Manchester, has not previously the crowds. “What can I do? I want to watch the The government, facing economic turmoil tries which like Egypt broke ties with ment to Chelsea intensifi ed when linked with buying into English In cafes where shisha smoke will mix matches, I want to watch my country’s after Egypt’s 2011 uprising, has adopted Doha last June. the club announced it would not football. with the chatter and enthusiasm of fans, national team,” he said, seated with austerity measures in the face of both The broadcaster said Tuesday it has go ahead with a one bn pound A spokesman for Ineos said a large screen linked to beIN channels friends at the cafe. runaway inflation and security threats. not yet reached agreement with Saudi ($1.34 bn) redevelopment of they did not respond to market will prove a huge draw. Egypt plays its opening game against In November 2016, the IMF granted Arabia, likewise a qualifier for the finals Stamford Bridge, a project in- rumour or speculation and Chel- For 40-year-old Ahmed Ibrahim, the Uruguay on June 15, followed by Egypt a $12-billion loan over three years. in Russia, although the UAE has struck tended to place it on a fi rmer fi - sea, who refused to comment owner of a cafe in downtown Cairo, a matches against host country Russia on The loan was linked to measures includ- a deal to restore beIN broadcasts in the nancial footing. publicly on the story to the Mail, beIN subscription is “a must”. June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25. ing the adoption of value-added tax, country. Despite the uncertainty, the did not respond to phone calls Daily Mail report said Abramov- from Reuters.

A LOOK BACK How a 31-0 ‘farce’ helped change Australian football AFP crowd of 2,500 in Coff s Harbour, had been answered as American Samoa a farce,” Britain’s Daily Telegraph thun- Comprised largely of impoverished, joining the Asian confederation the Sydney the air of a ritual slaughter well before held the Australians goalless in the fi rst dered, while the LA Times said “fair play small island nations, the OFC is the Socceroos have not failed to qualify for kick-off . eight minutes — before Con Boutsianis (took) a real beating Down Under”. only confederation not guaranteed an a World Cup in 12 years, compared to Australia had beaten Tonga 22-0 to scored directly from a corner. Even Thompson was sheepish, de- automatic berth at the World Cup. a 32-year drought from 1974-2006 in hen the Socceroos defeat- set a goal-scoring record days before, It opened the fl oodgates for an un- spite describing his world record as a Instead, the Pacifi c region’s best side Oceania. ed American Samoa 31-0 and American Samoa were rated the precedented drubbing as Australia raced dream come true. must prove its worth through a play- Football historian Roy Hay said the in a World Cup qualifi er in worst team in the world at 203 in the to a 16-0 lead at half-time then kept “That sort of thing doesn’t come off with a team from another, stronger record-breaking American Samoa 2001, the freak result not FIFA rankings. hammering in goals after the break. along every day,” he said. confederation. game may have been the last straw for Wonly rewrote the record books but also Worse still, the Pacifi c minnows The rout was so comprehensive that “But you have to look at the teams we It repeatedly led to a situation where Australia’s membership of the OFC. helped change the course of Australian could not fi eld most of their senior the scoreboard operators lost count and are playing and start asking questions. the Socceroos breezed through Oceania “Australia trying to get into Asia goes football. players due to eligibility issues, and showed the score as 32-0 at the fi nal We don’t need to play these games.” qualifi ers, only to fail during the inter- back to at least the 1950s, if not the in- The lop-sided scoreline, still foot- were forced to put out a team with an whistle. In Australia, attention focused on the continental play-off s when they encoun- ter-war period,” he told AFP. ball’s biggest win at senior interna- average age of just 18. Once that was cleared up, the scale of drawbacks of keeping the Socceroos in tered quality opponents for the fi rst time. “All through the ASF (Australian tional level, was greeted with frustra- “Frightened is not the word,” coach the result became apparent. Oceania, the smallest and weakest of The pattern was repeated in 2001, Soccer Federation) period (1961 to mid- tion rather than jubilation in Australian Tunoa Lui said, before his novice side Striker Archie Thompson had 13 FIFA’s six continental confederations. when Australia lost a two-legged tie 2000s) they were well aware that apart footballing circles. faced Australia’s hardened professionals. goals to his name — still an individual against Uruguay for a spot at the 2002 from New Zealand there were no games It renewed Australia’s determina- “We are going to ask for help from record at senior level — while David ‘FINAL NAIL IN COFFIN’ tournament in South Korea and Japan. against Oceania teams that were of any tion to shift from the Oceania Football above. We are asking the Lord to help Zdrilic scored eight and Boutsianis fi n- “It is too late to end the carnage this Australia qualifi ed for the 2006 tour- value to Australia. Confederation to the stronger Asian keep the score down.” ished with a hat-trick. time around, but there should be no nament, this time beating Uruguay in “They didn’t get any crowds, didn’t grouping, off ering the chance of direct Reaction to the men-against-boys repetition in four years,” football cor- the play-off , but by then the move to get any interest, you couldn’t sell it to qualifi cation to the World Cup. MEN AGAINST BOYS hiding was swift. respondent Michael Cockerill wrote in Asia had been sealed. the media. It (the 31-0 match) may have The match itself, played before a Luihe’s prayers briefl y appeared to have “International football was reduced to the Sydney Morning Herald. It has proved a smart move: since been a fi nal nail in the coffi n.” Gulf Times Sunday, June 10, 2018 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Warriors rout Cavaliers to complete NBA Finals sweep ‘It feels great to go out there and win a championship with these guys the way we did it. To finish it off with a sweep feels so good’

AFP Cleveland

n overpowering Golden State Warriors squad captured its third NBA crown in four seasons lateA Friday, routing Cleveland 108-85 to complete a sweep in the best-of-seven NBA Finals. Stephen Curry scored 37 points and Kevin Durant was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year after 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists - his fi rst fi nals triple double. “To win in a sweep, it feels pretty good,” Durant said. “Just knowing the work you put in paid off means something. It feels great to go out there and win a championship with these guys the way we did it. To fi nish it off with a sweep feels so good.” The Warriors infl icted the fi rst 4-0 NBA Finals blanking since the Cavaliers were swept by San Antonio in 2007. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to come here with a mission and get the job done,” Curry said. It was the fourth year in a row the War- riors and Cavaliers met in the fi nals, Golden State winning in 2015 and the past two years. “This is so hard to do and to do it three years out of four years is incredible,” Warriors guard Klay Thompson said. Golden State claimed the sixth crown in club history, matching the Chicago Bulls for third on the all-time list. The Warriors won The Golden State Warriors celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) in 1947 and 1956 when based in Philadelphia plus 1975, 13 years ‘Brings out the best’ after their move to the San Fran- A James slam dunk capped a Finals loss puts LeBron future with Cavaliers in doubt cisco Bay area, and the latest run. 14-4 Cavs run to open the sec- “This was the hardest one ond quarter, putting Cleveland Cleveland Cavaliers fans endured another against a team who have won three of the championship since the 1964 Cleveland we’ve had by far,” Warriors coach ahead 39-38, but Golden State NBA Finals letdown on Friday but worse could last four NBA titles. Barring some significant Browns claimed the NFL crown. “I came back Steve Kerr said. “It was defi nite- answered with a 11-4 run and yet follow with LeBron James, the man who changes to the roster, it would be hard to see because I felt like I had some unfinished busi- ly the toughest from the stand- stretched the half-time lead to has carried the team for years, set to walk James staying put, especially since he said ness,” James added. “To be able to be a part point that it’s the fourth year in a 61-52. out of the exit door once more for pastures he had plenty of gas in the tank. “I still have of a championship team two years ago with row that we’ve attempted to get The Cavaliers would come no new. James, who has almost single-handedly so much to give to the game,” James added. the team that we had and in the fashion that back to the fi nals. It was hard and closer in the second half. led the team to four straight NBA Finals since “When you have a goal and you’re able to we had is something I will always remember.” it gets more and more diffi cult as “They made some mini-runs, returning to Cleveland in 2014, is considered accomplish that goal, it actually - for me But after nine trips to the NBA Finals, includ- you go through.” but over the course of 48 min- by many to be the best player on the planet personally, it made me even more hungry to ing in each of the last eight seasons, the Cavaliers star LeBron James utes our will took over,” Curry and widely expected to sign elsewhere as a continue to try to win championships.” 33-year-old Akron, Ohio, native only has three revealed after the game he had Kevin Durant of the Golden State said. “We knew they were going free agent after July 1. “I have no idea at this When James first left the Cavs in 2010 to join championships. He does not have much of been playing with a broken right Warriors celebrates with the to come out with a tough fi rst point,” James told reporters after his Cavs Miami, where he won two titles, it sparked a supporting cast in Cleveland and some hand for the past three games. MVP trophy after defeating the punch and we answered it and were swept in four games by the Golden State riots in Cleveland as locals burned replicas of reports suggest he could go to the Houston “Self-infl icted, post-game Cleveland Cavaliers during game ran right back at them, set the Warriors on Friday. “Sitting down and consid- his No 23 jersey and hurled rocks at a 10-sto- Rockets, a team that boasted the best record after game one. Very emotional. four of the 2018 NBA Finals in tone for the whole game.” ering everything, but my family is a huge part ry banner of him that towered over the city. during the regular season and features his For a lot of diff erent reasons,” Cleveland. (Getty Images/AFP) Golden State outscored of whatever I’ll decide to do in my career, and But James returned in 2014 and his likeness close friend Chris Paul. James may also find James said. Cleveland 25-13 in the third it will continue to be that.” has since been replaced, the black-and-white the Philadelphia 76ers an attractive landing “I let the emotions get the best James saw a referee call reversed quarter, James managing only Whatever team lands James will become an image of the three-times NBA champion with spot given their talented young duo of Ben of me. Pretty much played the against him and J.R. Smith fore- four points, and the Warriors instant contender and there will be many his muscular arms outstretched now serving Simmons and Joel Embiid, for which he could last three games with a broken go a fi nal shot with the score lev- rolled through the fi nal minutes. with several pieces of a championship puzzle as both a tourist attraction and symbol of serve as the veteran presence needed to hand.” el, thinking the Cavs were ahead. James was removed with 4:03 in place trying to prevent the four-times NBA civic pride. catapult them into contenders. The New York James struck for 51 points in James, playing his eighth con- remaining and congratulated the MVP from re-signing with his hometown Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles the opener, the fi fth-best game secutive fi nals, scored 23 points, Warriors before taking a seat on Cavs. Despite claiming the Eastern Confer- ‘UNFINISHED BUSINESS’ Clippers are among the other possible desti- total in fi nals history but it was a grabbed seven rebounds and the bench. “When you play one ence crown for a fourth straight year, James James fulfilled a promise when he led the nations for James but Ohio, where his family post-game punch out of frustra- passed off eight assists on Friday of the best it brings the best out was given a blunt reminder of how far short Cavaliers to a maiden NBA title in 2016 as are based and where he has lived nearly all tion, into a blackboard according but fell to 3-6 in the fi nals for his of you as well,” Durant said of the Cavs are as they failed to win a game the city celebrated a first professional sports his life, could convince him to stay. to ESPN, that caused the injury. career. playing against James.

MLB Late Yankees’ homers sink deGrom, Mets Reuters he appeared to slow down on his Giants pile up runs to beat in for Suarez and getting the last New York fi nal two steps and did not slide. Nats; Strasburg exits early two outs in the fi fth. San Fran- Jonathan Holder entered in Andrew McCutchen and Gorkys cisco has won seven of eight, in- the bottom of the inning. Shortly Hernandez homered as the San cluding two in a row. rett Gardner hit a tie- thereafter, the Yankees said Tan- Francisco Giants defeated the McCutchen started things breaking two-run aka, who allowed one walk while Washington Nationals 9-5 on Fri- with a solo homer two outs into homer in the top of the striking out eight, experienced day night at Nationals Park. Wash- the fi rst inning. The Giants add- eighth inning on Friday stiff ness in both hamstrings ington starter Stephen Strasburg ed two more in the second thanks nightB for the New York Yankees, while scoring the run and would (6-6) left after just two innings. to an RBI single from Alen Han- who overcame an injury to start- be re-evaluated Saturday. He allowed three runs on fi ve hits, son plus a Hunter Pence run- ing pitcher Masahiro Tanaka in a Judge’s sacrifi ce fl y began a including the McCutchen homer, scoring double. 4-1 win over the host New York stretch of seven straight outs and this was his shortest outing of They stretched the lead to 5-0 Mets at Citi Field. recorded by Mets starter Jacob the season. The right-hander threw when Hernandez belted a two- The Yankees have won three deGrom (4-1), but the Yankees only 35 pitches. Nationals manager run homer off Wander Suero straight and eight of nine. The broke the tie when Torres singled Dave Martinez said after the game in the fourth. Juan Soto’s two- Mets have lost the fi rst seven with two outs in the eighth and that the right-hander had infl am- run homer cut the lead to 5-2 in games of a nine-game home- Gardner followed with a homer mation and tightness in his throw- the bottom of the fourth before stand, during which they have to right, his fi fth of the season. ing shoulder and is to have an MRI Brandon Crawford gave the Gi- scored just eight runs, including Giancarlo Stanton added his on Saturday. ants another run in the fi fth with three in the last fi ve games. 15th home run in the ninth. Washington wound up allow- an RBI double. The Mets took their fi rst lead Gardner’s homer made a win- ing 15 hits overall as San Fran- in a week when Brandon Nimmo ner out of Chad Green (4-0), cisco repeatedly came up with RESULTS homered on Tanaka’s second who allowed two hits in the off ensive chances. The Giants Giants ...... 9 Nationals ...... 5 pitch of the game. But Tanaka seventh. Dellin Betances threw went 6-for-14 with runners in Yankees ...... 4 Mets ...... 1 retired 14 of the next 15 batters he a perfect eighth, and Aroldis scoring position and stranded White Sox...... 1 Red Sox ...... 0 faced before helping the Yankees Chapman earned his 16th save six. Overall, they scored in fi ve of Indians ...... 4 Tigers ...... 1 tie the game in the sixth, though despite hitting a batter and al- the nine innings as Strasburg’s Mariners ...... 4 Rays ...... 3 it came at a cost. Tanaka, an.042 lowing a hit in the ninth. early exit forced the Nationals to Cubs ...... 3 Pirates ...... 1 career hitter, reached on a one- DeGrom took the loss after al- use seven pitchers. Brewers ...... 12 Phillies ...... 4 out error by Mets fi rst baseman lowing three runs (two earned) For the Giants, Andrew Suarez Blue Jays...... 5 Orioles ...... 1 Adrian Gonzalez, went to second on four hits and two walks while nearly got the victory but could Marlins ...... 4 Padres ...... 0 on Gleyber Torres’ single and to striking out eight over eight in- not make it through the neces- Dodgers ...... 7 Braves ...... 3 third on a walk to Gardner. nings. His National League- sary fi ve innings. He allowed Cardinals ...... 7 Reds ...... 6 Aaron Judge followed with a leading ERA rose from 1.49 to four runs on six hits in 4 1/3 in- (10 innings) fl y to medium right fi eld. Tana- 1.57. DeGrom has allowed six nings after being staked to an Astros ...... 7 Rangers ...... 3 ka tagged up and easily beat Jay runs (fi ve earned) over 55 1/3 in- early 3-0 lead. The Giants used Diamondbacks 9 Rockies ...... 4 Bruce’s off -target throw home nings in his last nine starts, dur- six pitchers, and Reyes Moronta Athletics ...... 7 Royals ...... 2 New York Yankees centrefielder Brett Gardner (left) celebrates with right fielder Aaron Judge after hitting a for his fi rst big league run, but ing which the Mets are just 2-7. (2-0) got the win after coming Angels ...... 4 Twins ...... 2 two run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Citi Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Gulf Times 6 Sunday, June 10, 2018 RUGBY

TOP OF THE LINE FOCUS Pocock shines as Australia beat Boks hold on for Ireland in Brisbane

Reuters brushed himself off and lev- Sydney elled the scores from the kick- ing tee a minute later. Prolifi c Irish winger Jacob avid Pocock re- Stockdale had to showcase come-from-behind turned to test rugby his defensive skills in the 20th with a bang yester- minute when he made a try- day to help Australia saving tackle on Marika Ko- Dto a hardfought 18-9 win over roibete as his opposite number Ireland in Brisbane and give was charging for the line. the Wallabies a 1-0 lead in the Carbery edged the tourists three-match series. in front with his second pen- The openside fl anker, who alty in the 26th minute and win over England sat out 2017 on a sabbatical, the Irish kicking from hand scored Australia’s second try continued to keep the hosts Five tries each in action-packed match, England were 24-3 ahead after only 17 minutes in the 72nd minute and was a penned in their own half. constant menace at the break- The fi rst try came in the down as the Irish fell to a fi rst 34th minute when the hosts defeat in 13 tests. fi nally got the ball out wide in Flyhalf Bernard Foley the Ireland half with winger scored the rest of Australia’s Dane Haylett-Petty and cen- points at Lang Park with a try, tre Samu Kerevi linking well a conversion and two penal- on the left before Will Genia’s ties, the second of which gave quick pass sent Foley over in Australia a two-point lead the corner. with 12 minutes remaining. Foley was unable to convert “We got that win tonight so the hosts went into half- with attitude and some silky time 8-6 ahead but the Irish play and silky fi nishes,” said came out from the break fi ring Australia skipper Michael and number eight CJ Stander Hooper, who led from the soon stormed through the front as the hosts outmuscled midfi eld and crossed the line the Irish at times. only to be held up. Ireland “It was tough for us to get went through 19 phases from out of our area, but we did that the ensuing fi ve metre scrum well so I’m pleased.” before a Pocock turnover en- Irish fl yhalf Joey Carbery, sured the visitors would come getting a rare start ahead of away with no points. Johnny Sexton, kicked three Pocock was penalised in penalties for the Six Nations the 54th minute, though, and champions in a tight match Carbery’s last act before mak- that will only whet the appe- ing way for Sexton was to put tite for the remaining tests in Ireland 9-8 ahead. Melbourne and Sydney. Fullback Israel Folau “Every test match we play thought he had given Austral- against each other is of in- ia the lead with a try just after credible intensity and physi- the hour mark but play was cality and I thought it was the called back for a foul brought same again tonight,” said Ire- to the attention of the referee land skipper Peter O’Mahony. by the TV offi cial. “I thought credit to Aus- Australia would not be de- tralia, they came out on top in nied, though, and Foley slot- a lot of physical battles.” ted his second penalty after The match opened at a fre- a scrum infringement before netic pace and it was Australia Pocock put the icing on the who got the fi rst points on the cake by fl ashing across the board when Foley landed the line from close range. “He was South Africa’s Aphiwe Dyantyi scores their fifth try against England during their first Test at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, yesterday. (Reuters) fi rst of his penalties in the sec- outstanding,” Hooper said of ond minute. his back row partner. “He can Reuters the half-hour mark with a kick Hooper put in a huge hit on do some great things over the Johannesburg and chase as Daly missed the Carbery in the 13th minute ball. His presence on the fi eld ball and the new Springbok wing but the fl yhalf got back up, is fantastic.” touched down, with a large dol- outh Africa began a new lop of good fortune. era for their Rugby with Four minutes afterwards, De Japan get fl ash to bash Italy for shock win a dramatic 42-39 vic- Klerk kept front-foot ball going tory over England in the for the Boks and Nkosi went over Japan conjured a hat-trick of magical scores to floor Six Nations fiS rst Test at Ellis Park yesterday, on the other wing after a sharp side Italy 34-17 yesterday in the first game of their two-match coming back after conceding inside pass from fellow debutant rugby series. The Brave Blossoms, who finished with four three tries in a horrifi c opening Dyantyi. tries to Italy’s two, produced moments of breathtaking skill as 17-minute spell to go 1-0 ahead A rolling maul on the stroke of Amanaki Mafi, Kenki Fukuoka and Lomano Lemeki scored for in the three-match series. halftime provided the hosts with the home side in Oita, western Japan. The Springboks, with their their fi rst chance to take the lead, Japan fly-half Yu Tamura made six out of seven kicks in a confi- fi rst-ever black captain in Siya as De Klerk cleverly switched di- dent performance for the 2019 World Cup hosts. Kolisi and a new coach in Rassie rection to space outside to see Le Prop Tizano Pasquali opened the scoring for Italy with an op- Erasmus, powered their way Roux to power over at speed. portunistic try after 15 minutes. back with fi ve tries of their own A 29-27 lead at half-time was But a slick exchange of passes between Kenki Fukuoka and after falling 24-3 behind in the extended when Dyantyi went Japan captain Michael Leitch allowed Amanaki Mafi to restore early exchanges of a high-scor- over, albeit almost fumbling the parity. Fukuoka added another try for the Brave Blossoms after ing and action-packed encoun- England’s Chris Robshaw (left) looks dejected during the match against South Africa yesterday. (Reuters) ball, in the 64th minute. 28 minutes when the jet-heeled winger escaped the clutches of ter but had to hold on grimly at England fi nished the stronger two beefy Italians to score. the end for their narrow victory. England got off to a dream start then Daly and Farrell added momentum as South Africa of the sides as Itoje stretched Fly-half Tamura slotted a penalty before Italy flanker Braam Debutant winger S’busiso as they eased through a leaky two more tries as England leapt found their straps with De Klerk over the ruck to reduce South Steyn bulldozed over for a try converted by Tommaso Allan to Nkosi and Aphiwe Dyantyi home defence and saw Mike into a 21-point lead to stun the dictating the pace of play in a Africa’s lead to 39-32 and then reduce Japan’s half-time lead to 17-14. scored three tries between them Brown, Elliott Daly and George 55,000-strong crowd. triumphant return to his former May ran though the home de- Allan and Tamura traded penalties early in the second half to but it was the return to the side of Farrell all score in a blistering George Ford’s shuttle ball put home ground. fence to leave the Boks three tie the game before Japan blew it wide open with one for the English-based scrumhalf Faf de start. Late tries from Maro Itoje Daly in untouched in the 13th Nkosi’s strong run at the points ahead with one minute highlights reel. Klerk and fullback Willie le Roux and Jonny May allowed them to minute and then a skip pass England defence took the ball left. But South Africa held on for Tamura kicked wide for Shota Horie to touch the ball back in that propelled the home side to come close to snatching a win at to Farrell allowed the England towards the line and De Klerk a narrow win as they go into the for Lemeki to storm over. victory while condemning Eng- the end. captain to ease his way through picked up the loose ball to next test in Bloemfontein next Kotaro Matsushima added a fourth try for Japan after 65 min- land to a fourth successive test Brown powered through two a porous backline four minutes stretch his arm over the line for Saturday and the fi nal game of utes to dash Italian hopes of a comeback. defeat after they lost their Six tackles for the opening score later. a fi rst reply in the 20th minute. the series at Newlands in Cape The teams meet again in Kobe next weekend. Nations crown earlier this year. after just four minutes and But England suddenly lost Nkosi then scored himself on Town on June 23.

SPOTLIGHT Eight-try spree as All Blacks thrash France 52-11 AFP hero with a match-winning try when created space for Ryan Crotty to take the Auckland they beat the All Blacks in Dunedin, but ball to the line, where Beauden Barrett this time he will be remembered for being fi nished the move. sent fl ying as Laumape ran through him. A booming 51-metre penalty by Parra arl Tu’inukuafe made his im- It epitomised a brutal turnaround by lifted France to 11-8 and while the All mense presence felt with a the All Blacks after France had claimed Blacks pounded the French line in the game-changing introduction to the better of the fi rst half to hold a three- closing minutes of the fi rst half, they Test rugby as the All Blacks came point lead at the turn. were unable to draw level again until the Kfrom behind to record a runaway 52-11 win introduction of Tu’inukuafe early in the over France in Auckland yesterday. Floodgates opened second half. The All Blacks scored eight tries, seven Props Dany Priso and Uini Atonio were In the fi rst scrum of the second half of them after the man mountain, who in the thick of the early action as France when Tu’inukuafe was on the fi eld, the was not on their radar a few weeks ago, used their muscle to best the All Blacks in French pack was driven back and in the came on fi ve minutes into the second half the scrums and mauls, while their backs following rucks and mauls the impact and used his immense bulk to give the were willing to run at every opportunity. was the same. world champions a much-needed scrum The All Blacks moved the ball from His fi rst scrum eff ort produced a dominance. side to side as well as employing long- penalty for Beauden Barrett to level the From being 8-11 down at the break, the range grubber kicks and short chips over scores, and when Paul Gabrillagues was All Blacks piled on 44 unanswered points the backline, all to no avail. sin-binned, the fl oodgates opened. in a blistering second half to stretch their Left wing Remy Grosso was gifted the The All Blacks ruthlessly scored 32 Eden Park unbeaten run to 41 games. opening try when Ben Smith swooped points in 20 minutes with the tries to Codie Taylor, Ben Smith, Damian Mc- on the ball at the back of an unprotected Taylor, Ben Smith, Ioane, McKenzie and Kenzie, Ardie Savea and Ngani Laumape French ruck. His clearing pass, which Laumape. Beauden Barrett, having an all scored tries in the second period, would have put Ioane in the clear, was in- off -night with the boot, contributed two while Rieko Ioane ran in two. stead intercepted by Grosso who had an conversions and a penalty. French fullback Maxime Medard will easy run to the line. France pressured the All Blacks line in have nightmares about his last-ditch After an exchange of penalties by the closing 10 minutes but Ioane snaf- attempt to block Laumape when the All Beauden Barrett and Morgan Parra, the fl ed an intercept pass to for his second Blacks replacement charged at the line. three Barrett brothers featured in an try before Ardie Savea barged over on the Nine years ago, Medard was the French equalising try. Scott and Jordie Barrett stroke of fulltime. New Zealand’s Codie Taylor is tackled by France’s Anthony Belleau during their Test at Auckland yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, June 10, 2018 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 CYCLING Thomas cements Dauphine pole as Ferrari’s Vettel takes Bilbao wins stage

AFP La Rosière, France

eam Sky’s Welsh rider Geraint Thomas cemented his con- pole for Canadian trol of the Criterium du Dauphine after fi nishing second on yesterday’s 6th and penultimate stage won by Span- iard Pello Bilbao. Bilbao made his move late on during the Tgruelling stage that is almost the same as stage 11 in the Tour de France next month, with four major climbs and a summit fi nish at la Rosiere. Thomas came in second, managing to put further valu- able seconds between himself and his rivals for the yellow leader. Briton Adam Yates, riding for Mitchelton, is second overall, GP, Hamilton fourth 1min 29sec behind Thomas. France’s Romain Bardet, of AG2R, jumped to third from seventh overnight and is at 2min 01sec. ‘Yesterday we were a bit in trouble, I was not really happy with the car and I could “It wasn’t ideal but AG2R rode really well today, they really took the race on and put us under pressure,” Thomas said. not get the rhythm. Today was switched on and what a day, the car was incredible’ “Fortunately we’ve got such a strong team that if one guy’s not so good, another guy steps up. Tao and Castro (teammates Tao DPA Geoghegan Hart and Jonathan Castroviejo) were really good today Montreal and fortunately we were always just in control. We never panicked - but fair play to AG2R for taking the race on.” Thomas added to ITV: “I always felt in control, I always felt ebastian Vettel will start pretty good, but I didn’t want to get too carried away (on the fi nal his Ferrari from pole po- climb). It’s easy to underestimate how far there is to go and I didn’t sition in today’s Formula want to go too early, die off , and lose time. One Canadian Grand Prix “Obviously there’s a big day tomorrow as well, so I tried to do whileS standings leader Lewis the minimum and then at the end, I just thought ‘I’ll go for it and Hamilton qualifi ed only fourth. see what happens’. I managed to get a few more bonus seconds Vettel produced a track record which is good.” 1 minute 10.764 second lap Today’s seventh and fi nal 136km stage ends in the ski resort of round the 4.361-kilometre Cir- Le Bettex after fi ve climbs. cuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Mon- treal yesterday to take his 54th RESULTS career pole, 0.093 seconds ahead 1. Pello Bilbao (ESP/Astana) 3hr 34min 11sec, 2. Geraint Thomas of Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas. (GBR/SKY) at 21sec, 3. Dan Martin (IRL/EAU) 23, 4. Romain Bardet Max Verstappen qualifi ed (FRA/ALM) 23, 5. Adam Yates (GBR/MIT) 26, 6. Emanuel Buch- third for Red Bull ahead of Ham- mann (GER/BOR) 1:02, 7. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) 1:20, 8. Pierre ilton, who was 23 hundredths off Latour (FRA/ALM) 1:40, 9. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBR/SKY) 1:45, 10. the pace after an unimpressive Valerio Conti (ITA/EAU) 1:45 Q3. Kimi Raikkonen in the other Overall standings Ferrari was fi fth with Daniel Ric- 1. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Sky) 20hr 51min 19sec, 2. Adam Yates ciardo behind him in the other (GBR/MIT) at 1:29, 3. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 2:01, 4. Dan Martin Red Bull. (IRL/EAU) 2:39, 5. Damiano Caruso (ITA/BMC) 2:39, 6. Emanuel Hamilton, Vettel and Ric- Buchmann (GER/BOR) 3:10, 7. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) 3:29, 8. ciardo are all on two season wins Marc Soler (ESP/MOV) 3:40, 9. Pierre Latour (FRA/ALM) 3:49, 10. after six races, with the Briton Pierre Rolland (FRA/EFD) 4:00 leading the way with 110 points to Vettel’s 96 and Ricciardo’s 72. Hamilton is seeking a record- equalling seventh win at the Ca- nadian GP, matching the tally of Michael Schumacher. Ferrari struggled in the prac- tice sessions but Vettel delivered when it mattered. “Yesterday we were a bit in Top three qualifiers Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen pose after the qualifying round trouble, I was not really happy of the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP) with the car and I could not get the rhythm,” he said in his track man. “The car has been working wall at the chicane, Pierre Gasly ganised by F1 sponsors Heineken their slot. Germany is a home interview. really well, we are just missing (Toro Rosso), home favourite to promote drink-driving race for world champions Mer- “Today was switched on and top speed but to be third is great Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirot- awareness. cedes as well as Ferrari’s four- what a day, the car was incred- and I think we can do a good job.” kin (both Williams) also failed to “Germany is so legendary, so times title-holder Sebastian ible. Thanks to the team, thanks Nico Huelkenberg (Renault), survive the fi rst section. important for Formula One it re- Vettel, who grew up nearby. the crowd. A very good day.” Esteban Ocon (Force India), Car- ally has to be there so I hope they n the glory days of seven- Both Ferrari and Mercedes will los Sainz (Renault) and Sergio F1 not a true championship fi nd a solution,” added the Ger- times world champion Michael start the race on ultrasoft tyres, Perez (Force India) completed without Germany: Rosberg man, who won his 2016 title in Schumacher with Benetton and having set their best Q2 times the top 10. Formula One needs to keep a season that included a race at Ferrari, Germany hosted two with that rubber, while Red Bull Fernando Alonso is enter- the German Grand Prix on the Hockenheim. races a year with huge crowds will be on the quicker hypersoft. ing his 300th F1 race but exited calendar for the credibility of the The circuit, near Mannheim in drawn to Hockenheim and the That means Verstappen and a disappointing 14th in Q2, one sport, former world champion the Upper Rhine valley, has host- Nuerburgring. Those crowds Ricciardo will be in position to place ahead of McLaren team- Nico Rosberg said on Saturday. ed the race in alternate seasons have dropped signifi cantly since attack early but their rivals will mate Stoff el Vandoorne. Kevin Hockenheim is back this year over the past decade, sharing it Schumacher departed the scene be able to drive a longer fi rst Magnussen (Haas), Brendon but the future is uncertain be- with the Nuerburgring until that at the end of 2012. stint. Hartley (Toro Rosso) and Charles yond that and local promoters track pulled out after 2013 for fi - With Miami likely to debut Verstappen has been criticised Leclerc (Sauber) departed ahead have said they cannot continue nancial reasons. next year, as a second race in Spain’s Peio Bilbao celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win for the number of crashes he has of the pair. without a new deal that is free of Hockenheim receives no state the United States, and Vietnam the sixth stage of the 70th edition of the Criterium du Dauphine had this season but responded by Romain Grosjean did not make fi nancial risk to them. funding, unlike races in some seemingly also in the pipeline, race between Frontenex and La Rosiere yesterday. (AFP) topping every practice session out of the pitlane in qualifying as “Without a German race I countries with little motorsport F1’s commercial rights holders and being safe in qualifying. his Haas gave up in a plume of struggle to see it as a real world heritage -- such as Azerbaijan, Liberty have plenty of options on “I am very happy with this smoke. Marcus Ericsson, after championship,” Rosberg told Bahrain and Abu Dhabi -- which a calendar currently at a record- weekend so far,” said the Dutch- smacking his Sauber into the Reuters television at an event or- pay tens of millions of dollars for equalling 21 rounds. Kung takes lead as BMC win opening time-trial Switzerland’s Stefan Kung will wear the first race leader’s jersey at the Tour de Suisse after his BMC outfit won Saturday’s opening Ogier takes narrow lead over Neuville into Sardinia decider team time-trial. Swiss time-trial champion Kung was first over the line as his Five-time world champion Sebastien gled to find the tempo in the second of He leads compatriot and team-mate Toyota Yaris) 54.2, 6. Hayden Paddon-Seb team finished the 18km race against the clock around Frauenfeld. Ogier held a narrow lead of less than the three specials,” added M-Sport Ford Esapekka Lappi by just 5.3sec. Marshall (NZL-GBR/Hyundai i20) 2:01.8, The result was a bonus for BMC’s team leader Richie Porte who four seconds over championship leader driver Ogier. 5. Mads Ostberg-Torstein Eriksen (NOR/ stole a march on his rivals for overall victory in the week-long Thierry Neuville at the Rally of Italy in He is aiming for a fourth rally victory in Standings after yesterday’s stages Citroën C3) 2:03.9, 7. Craig Breen-Scott stage race. Sardinia yesterday. seven this year. 1. Sebastien Ogier-Julien Ingrassia (FRA/ Martin (IRL-GBR/Citroën C3) 3:13.6 BMC finished in 20min 18sec to beat Sunweb by 20sec with With 49-kilometres of racing left on Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala in a Toyota Ford Fiesta) 3hr 02min 16.9sec, 2. Thierry Special stage winners: Ogier (SS1, SS6, Quick-Step third at 27sec. Sunday, Frenchman Ogier said “it’s tight” was third at 48.9sec, however he could be Neuville-Nicolas Gilsoul (BEL/Hyundai SS11, SS14), Mikkelsen (SS2, SS3), Tänak Overall contenders, such as Movistar pair Nairo Quintana and as he looks to defend a 3.9sec lead over hit with a penalty after needing to make i20) at 3.9sec, 3. Jari-Matti Latvala- (SS4, SS10), Neuville (SS5, SS8, SS12, SS15, Mikel Landa lost more than 30sec. Belgian Neuville. some running repairs on the day’s final Miikka Anttila (FIN/Toyota Yaris) 48.9, SS16), Suninen (SS7), Latvala (SS9), Lappi Sunday’s second stage of the traditional Tour de France warm-up “It was a good afternoon, I just strug- special. 4. Esapekka Lappi-Janne Ferm (FIN/ (SS13). is a 155km run around Frauenfeld.

CRICKET Alliance B emerge Division II champions By Sports Reporter Doha

lliance B defeated Serandib B by 26 runs in the fi nal to emerge Division II cham- pions of the 24th Gulf Incon Metabo Ra- madan Cricket Tournament. APut in to bat, Alliance made 127 runs in their allotted 12 overs.They were reeling at 37 for six at the end of the fi fth over, but Amol scored 30 off 10 balls to lead the recovery. Rashid, Rafi q and Azeez contributed 14 runs each. Bandula of Serandib B took three wickets for 17 runs and Nuwan claimed two for nine. In reply, Serandib B could only make 101 runs for the loss of six wickets. Priyantha top-scored for Serandib B with 17 runs while Tharanga and Milan made 16 runs each. Rashid of Alliance B took two wickets for 19 runs. Amol of Alliance B was declared Man-of the-Finals. Taabish of QS Tec was declared best bats- man, while Akalanka of Serandib B adjudged best bowler. Best all-rounder award went to Tharindu of Serandib B and Chamara of Serandib B won the best wicket-keeper award. Captains of Alliance B and Serandib B pose with their trophies and chief guest Senior Sales and Marketing Manager of Gulf Incon and Sajjad Ahmed Khan and QVC off icials. Sunday, June 10, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS Having found his rhythm, Samba looks to join the greats As star Qatari 400m hurdler takes on world champion Warholm again in Stockholm today, he feels he can go faster yet

By Cathal Dennehy comes calling. he approaches the line it’s clear that did he transfer his talents to the 400m fore his recent hard-fought victories How much faster? We may get IAAF “I’m not a good dancer,” said Samba. that’s again under threat, but on this hurdles, proving himself an aston- over Warholm in Rome (47.48) and an idea this Sunday, when the IAAF The following evening, things are night in Oslo it survives. Samba hits ishing prospect by clocking 48.31 Oslo (47.60). Diamond League moves east to Stock- far more serious, Samba settling into the fi nish in 47.60, a meeting record in at a meeting in South Africa before Samba is now on the brink of holm, with Samba and Warholm set to amba – a Brazilian musical gen- the blocks as a hush descends over the bag. claiming victory at the IAAF Diamond achieving his fi fth consecutive sub- lock horns once again in the Olympic re or dance style with African a packed Bislett Stadium, the crowd “That was samba over the hurdles,” League meeting in Doha in 48.44. 48-second performance in back-to- Stadium. roots, renowned for its rhyth- anxiously awaiting the performance he says afterwards with a laugh. “The However, injuries would hamper him back races. The last 400m hurdler to And Samba sees plenty of room for mical nature and energy. of local hero Karsten Warholm, who hurdles is like a dance, and I hope I later in the summer. Samba reached achieve such a feat was Derrick Adkins improvement. On Thursday, he ran SSamba – a lightning-fast 400m is positioned two lanes outside the dance always.” the fi nal at the IAAF World Champion- back in 1995. with 13 strides between barriers until hurdler who grew up in Saudi Arabia, Qatari. ships London 2017 but was only able the seventh hurdle (of 10) but the wind lives in Qatar, has a Mauritanian father, FOOTBALL FAMILY to fi nish seventh in 49.74 as Warholm RISING TOGETHER swirling around Bislett forced him to a South African coach, and is, at 22, “That was samba over the For one so accomplished, even at the took gold in 48.35. The rivalry with Warholm is one that switch down to 14 strides earlier than one of the most exciting talents in the hurdles. The hurdles is like a tender age of 22, little is known about But that disappointment helped fuel stokes his fi re like nothing else, and usual, so he thinks with calmer condi- sport today. dance, and I hope I dance Samba’s background. He was born and his fi re for 2018, Samba improving rap- in Oslo Samba explained how the tions on Sunday a quicker time is on Samba – the moves being busted always,” Samba said aft er grew up in Saudi Arabia but chose to idly under the continued guidance of Norwegian’s presence helps him reach the cards. out by the above athlete (fi rst name: winning in Oslo with a meet represent Qatar and moving to Doha Hennie Kotze, the South African who a new level. “I hope for another great one, Abderrahman) at City Hall in Oslo, record of 47.60 seconds in 2015. previously coached Kenya’s Nicholas “He did great and made the race maybe running faster and a new track shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, “All my family were athletes,” he Bett to the world 400m hurdles title more exciting by going that fast, forc- record,” he says, “but maybe we’ll have the eve of the IAAF Diamond League It’s the clash everyone was waiting says. “But all of them footballers.” in 2015. ing me to go with him,” said Samba. a surprise.” meeting, to oblige the request of a local for, and when the gun fi res Warholm In 2011, Samba broke that trend by Kotze once described viewing his “It’s helping us both; everyone goes to Given his rapid progression, talk has TV journalist who wanted to know if duly screams out of the blocks with starting out in athletics, first trying protégés in the 400m hurdles as the line to fi ght together and it makes it inevitably arisen about the possibil- his name refl ected his nature. a terrifi ed ferocity that would please the high jump (where he had a best like “watching a beautiful musical more exciting for me.” ity of challenging the world record of As Samba duly launches into a Edvard Munch. But as they turn for of 1.90m in his first season), long concert” and if that’s true, then his “The people in the world now see the 46.78 by Kevin Young, but Samba is few swivelling moves, his friend home, the Norwegian’s power begins jump, 200m and 400m. At the age of star performer’s season to date has 400m hurdles as the exciting race on not getting ahead of himself. “I can’t and Qatari compatriot Mutaz Essa to fade, his stride starts to shorten, 18 he had a best of 47.45 for 400m, a played out like a sweet symphony. the track, people tune in to see what’s give a comment now about the world Barshim watches and laughs along at while Samba, unrelenting, continues to time he lowered to 46.04 at the age Samba broke the Qatari record on his going to happen. Me and Karsten make record, I don’t know,” he says. “But the ridiculous sight, surprised and churn out a metronomic rhythm. of 20 after several months’ training first outing with a 47.90 clocking in that race exciting, running sub-48, and you can be sure I can run faster, maybe impressed at his ability, even if he’s A week before, Samba set the Asian in Qatar. Potchefstroom, South Africa, then that’s good for the sport. In the future close to 47 seconds. got some work to do before Carnival 400m hurdles record at 47.48, and as But only last year, at the age of 21, lowered it again to 47.57 in Doha, be- we’ll make it faster.” “Always, I think I have more.”

Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba (centre) leaves the competition behind on his way to victory in the 2018 Doha Diamond League meet last month. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

SPOTLIGHT AZF to set up Fan Zone for 2018 World Cup at Khalifa stadium By Sports Reporter Doha

ootball fans are in for a spec- tacular and unique public ex- perience from inside the iconic Khalifa International Stadium, asF Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) pre- pares to host the country’s biggest Fan Zone area for those keen to watch the world’s biggest sporting event, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, starting this June. The Fan Zone will seat more than 1000 people, providing a unique at- mosphere for football fans in Qatar. It will also be equipped with the latest cooling technologies, a giant screen, food and beverage stalls, children’s play zone and convenient car parking. Put together, these will provide fans with a sneak peek on what it will be like to experience a FIFA World Cup at one of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar stadiums. Commenting on the occasion, Nass- Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, director of PR er Abdullah al-Hajri, director of PR and and Communications at Aspire Zone Communications at AZF, said, “AZF is Foundation. Khalifa International Stadium, one of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, hosted HH The Amir Cup final between Al Rayyan and Al Duhail last month. proud to utilise its world-class stadium and one of the iconic 2022 FIFA World rience the games in the stadium that’s buy tickets, through its various offi cial nament via giant LED screens. Fans pared a range of options whether it’s more than 1,500 spectators a day, as Cup Qatar venues, Khalifa Internation- set to host the very same tournament, social media channels. will also benefi t from the stadium’s private partitions for those seeking pri- part of its mission to engage with foot- al Stadium. Fans will get to experience the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, in four One of the most unique features of advanced infrastructure, including the vacy, Majlis, or dining services. ball fans and provide the best enter- the stadium’s facilities and cutting- years’ time.” the Fan Zone at Khalifa International cooling technology. Aspire Zone Foundation has also pre- tainment experience for them to watch edge technology, and get fi rst-hand AZF will unveil more details about Stadium is its capacity to fi t thousands In addition, fans can choose their viously set up Fan Zones for the 2014 one of most popular tournaments on experience in what it feels like to expe- the Fan Zone area, including where to of fans keen to watch the entire tour- preferred seating area as AZF has pre- FIFA World Cup Brazil, which housed the planet.