FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 BASEBALL | Page 5 Pochettino, Trout gets Klopp tested 1000th career hit by great but Angels lose expectations to Orioles 2-6

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 TENNIS Dhul-Qa’da 17, 1438 AH Nadal eyes No.1 in GULF TIMES Montreal with Murray sidelined SPORT Page 7 FOCUS QOC president honours Qatar Paralympic team

QNA Doha

atar Olympic Committee (QOC) president His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani hon- oured the players of Qatar para- athleticsQ national team who participated in the 2017 World Para-Athletics Champion- ships held in London in July where Qatar claimed two medals. Qatar’s Abdulrahman Abdulqader won the gold medal in men’s Shot Put (F34) event, with an eff ort of 11.38 metres in a new achievement for the Qatari sport while Sarah Masoud clinched silver medal in women’s Shot Put (F33) event with an eff ort of 5.39 metres. The honorees list also included Hamad Jaber al-Behaih, Saud al-Sulaiti, Khalifa al-Dosari and Abdullah al-Manai, who par- ticipated in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Austria. During the ceremony, HE Sheikh Joaan extended his thanks and appreciation to the members of the Qatar paralympic team ex- pressing his pride at the achievements at the last world Para-Athletics championships held in London and earlier events, including the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. He stressed that these achievements are a continuation of a series of successes made by Qatari sport. “We in the State of Qatar pay a profound HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani felicitates Abdulrahman Abdulqader, who won gold medal in HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani felicitates Sarah Masoud, who clinched silver medal in women’s attention to Paralympic sports and in light of men’s Shot Put (F34) event at the 2017 World Para-Athletics Championships in London in July. Shot Put (F33) event. the directives of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, we are committed to providing all the required support to Paral- ympic sports. We believe in the importance of this category as it demonstrates the spirit of determination and challenge. We are looking forward for more achievements by this cat- egory in line with the QOC’s strategy and the ambitions of the Qatar sports community,” said HE Sheikh Joaan. The ceremony was attended by Qatar Paralympic Committee (QPC) vice president Jassim al-Buainain, QPC secretary general Dr Hassan al-Ansari, QPC assistant secre- tary general Abdulqader al-Mutawaa and QPC executive director Ameer al-Mullah, in addition to the directors of various QOC De- QOC president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and Qatar Paralympic Committee (QPC) off icials, including vice president Jassim al-Buainain, secretary general Dr Hassan al-Ansari, assistant secretary partments. general Abdulqader al-Mutawaa and executive director Ameer al-Mullah, also attended the ceremony.

SPOTLIGHT Qatar celebrates Doha 2019 with world of athletics

By Sports Reporter Qatar’s Samba qualifi es for 400m hurdles fi nal possible and that they can achieve their London dreams. We hope to break down barriers and change perceptions of Arab women Qatar runner Abderrahman Samba in sport – and to support the growth and atar brought the world of qualified for the 400m hurdles final development of women’s athletics – and athletics together to cel- at the World Athletics Championships women’s sport in general – across the ebrate Doha’s hosting of the in London, which will conclude on Middle East.” 2019 IAAF World Champi- Sunday, after winning the third semi- Guests at the reception were able onshipsQ as the city prepares to receive to sample Qatar’s warm hospitality, final heat in 48.75 seconds. the fl ag from London next week. Doha The Qatari national team runner took unique culture, and history and herit- will be the next host of the world’s advantage of his strong start and age of athletics through Arabic callig- third largest sporting event following position in the sixth lane to settle the raphy workshops, a photo exhibition, a the conclusion of the London World race quietly in the last few metres, falcon demonstration, henna painting Championships on Sunday, bringing making it to the final in search of his and more. the event to the Middle East for the fi rst first world medal in this major sport- The reception took place ahead of time in history. ing event. the evening session of day four of com- Over 500 people attended a reception Samba will be up against some of the petition of the London 2017 World hosted by the Doha 2019 Organising world’s best athletes in today’s final, Championships. Team Qatar’s ath- Committee at London’s breath-taking and the Qatari champion’s chances letes have had a successful start to the Sky Garden with the city’s stunning are considered good despite the World Championships with Abdallaleh skyline as a backdrop. Attendees in- presence of American runners, and Haroun scheduled to run last night’s cluded International Association of IAAF president Sebastian Coe (left) addresses the reception hosted by Doha 2019 Olympic and World Cup medallists. 400m semi-fi nals and Abderrahman Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Organising Committee as IAAF vice president Dahlan al-Hamad (right) looks on. Samba qualifying for tonight’s 400m Sebastian Coe, members of the IAAF, hurdles fi nal. member federations from around the on our historic sporting journey. We in the Middle East for the fi rst time in that we maximise the full potential of Olympic Committee (QOC), said, “It Later in the week, Olympic silver and world, sponsors and organising com- are committed to combining our pas- history provides the opportunity to in- our region’s fi rst ever World Champi- is our ambition that showcasing Arab bronze medallist high jumper, Mutaz mittees. sion for athletics, our experience and troduce athletics to new audiences and onships.” women in athletics through the World Barshim, double world junior cham- Speaking on behalf of the Doha 2019 knowledge of hosting major athletics new markets, inspire new athletes and Speaking further about the impact Championships will help to inspire more pion, Ashraf Elseify and rising star in Organising Committee, Doha 2019 vice events, and our warm hospitality and capture the attention of new fans. The that the World Championships can have young girls from across the region – not javelin, Ahmed Bader, will be in ac- president and director general of Doha rich culture – to organise a unique, whole of the Doha 2019 team is fully on the region, particularly with regards just to become future champions but tion. The fl ag handover from London to 2019, and IAAF vice president Dah- memorable and highly successful committed to embracing this unique to women’s sport, Sheikha Asma al- to participate at any level – as athletes, Doha will take place with a ceremony in lan al-Hamad said, “Hosting athlet- World Championships. opportunity – and we will be working Thani, Communications and Market- coaches, offi cials or administrators. We the London 2017 stadium following the ics fl agship event is a natural next step “Hosting the World Championships hard over the next two years to ensure ing director of Doha 2019 and the Qatar want young girls to see that anything is fi nal session of athletics on Sunday. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 9, 2017 ATHLETICS

2017 IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS SPOTLIGHT McLeod tops hurdles; Coe and IAAF behaviour Rojas wins fi rst gold ‘inhumane’: Kipyegon is 1,500m world for Venezuela champ a year after Rio win Gatlin’s agent

AFP guy, it’s really not fair. It’s inhumane. London It’s unsportsmanlike.” ‘THE LEGEND IS OK WITH IT’ thletics chief Sebastian Coe Nehemiah, who won the 1984 Super and the IAAF’s treatment Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers, of controversial 100 metres said Coe and the IAAF should be world champion Justin Gat- more gracious and accept their rules linA is ‘inhumane’ and ‘unsportsman- allowed athletes like Gatlin to get a like’, the athlete’s agent told the BBC chance at redeeming themselves. in a blistering attack. “Lord Coe’s a part of the IAAF British athletics legend Coe — a who set the rules, who set out the two-time 1,500m Olympic champion punishments, and when you serve — had told the BBC on Sunday two- the punishment you are supposed to time drugs cheat Gatlin’s victory in be reinstated, which these athletes the sport’s most high profi le event in who have off ended and abused some London, which was watched by over of these rules have, and if you don’t eight million viewers in Britain, was want them in you should change the not the ‘perfect script’. rules,” said Nehemiah. Gatlin, 35, had been loudly booed “You don’t allow them in and throughout the 100m rounds and the then still condemn them,” said the verbal abuse was ratcheted up a few 58-year-old. notches when he won the fi nal, de- Coe has always been a hardliner nying Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt on doping, believing second time of- a 12th world title in his last individ- fenders like Gatlin should have life ual fi nal. The 60,000 plus spectators bans — however that view has fallen jeered Gatlin whilst chanting bronze foul of the legal system when athletes medal winner Bolt’s name as if he have gone to court to challenge such were the champion. punishments. Coe — who had said prior to being Gatlin — who reacted to the elected president of the International crowd’s booing of his victory by plac- Association of Athletics Federations ing a fi nger to his mouth — served a (IAAF) he felt ‘queasy’ about dopers four-year ban from 2006-10, re- returning and winning titles — re- duced from eight years and also marked he wasn’t very excited about served a prior ban whilst a student, the prospect of placing the gold med- although that was also reduced as al around Gatlin’s neck. it was ascertained that he had taken “I’m not eulogistic that someone medication for his Attention Defi cit who has served two bans has walked Disorder (ADD). off with one of our glittering prizes,” Nehemiah, who missed out on said the 60-year-old. his chance of an Olympics due to However, Gatlin’s agent Renaldo the US boycott of the 1980 Games Nehemiah, a former 110m hurdles in Moscow over the invasion of Af- world record holder, was scathing ghanistan, said if Bolt could accept Jamaica’s Omar Mcleod (right) celebrates winning the men’s 110m hurdles final at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London on Monday. (AFP) about Coe’s remarks. graciously that Gatlin was justifi ed “I take off ence to, with all respect, in being there, then it should be good DPA Lord Coe,” he told the BBC. enough for anybody. London “I don’t condone doping but Justin “If it’s good for Bolt it should be Gatlin is not the poster child for it. good enough for everyone else,” said “He’s done his time, he plays by Nehemiah, who observed that when mar McLeod added the the rules, the IAAF reinstated him. Gatlin competed and won bronze at 110-metre hurdles world ti- They said if you come back we should the 2012 Olympics in London he was tle to his Olympic gold from accept that. not booed. last year on Monday as he “So to put a narrative out that it’s “If the king, the legend is OK with gaveO Jamaica a fi rst gold at the London just Justin Gatlin and he’s the bad it we should all be OK with it.” championships after the 100m sprint- ers had come up empty-handed. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon also got a world title 12 months after her Rio Games triumph, in a thrilling women’s 1,500m fi nal. Yulimar Rojas gave Venezuela a fi rst- ever athletics world title as she denied Colombian Caterina Ibarguen a record third straight gold by two centimetres; while top favourite Anita Wlodarczyk claimed a third hammer throw gold. McLeod led from start to fi nish for Venezuela’s Yulimar Rojas poses with a convincing victory in 13.04 seconds, her gold medal on the podium for the Kenya’s Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon celebrates with the Kenyan flag after winning after Jamaica’s 100m runners had man- women’s triple jump event in London the women’s 1,500m final in London on Monday. (AFP) aged only a bronze from retirement- yesterday. (AFP) bound superstar Usain Bolt while bronze by seven-hundredth from Brit- Rojas gold came the day after pole Elaine Thompson failed to medal on the come out and shine my own light.” ain’s Laura Muir with a late lunge in her vaulter Robeilys Peinado the fi rst-ever women’s side. Shubenkov said: “The Jamaican is just fi rst major 1,500m fi nal. worlds medal, a bronze, for Venezuela The 2015 champion Sergey Shubenk- too fast. I’m just happy to be competing “I knew it would be fast, it is such a which is embroiled in a political crisis ov took silver in 13.14, the fi rst medal at a world champs and get a world medal. quality fi eld. The best was going to win as President Nicolas Maduro moves to for the 19 Russians competing at the Last year was a disaster and not just be- here. It was always going to be quick consolidate power in response to often- Justin Gatlin (left) poses on the podium with his gold medal during the podium worlds as neutral athletes as their fed- cause of the Russian ban (on competing and competitive,” Kipyegon said. violent protests against his rule. ceremony for the men’s 100m event at the IAAF World Championships in eration remains suspended in connec- at the Olympics) so I’m happy to be back The thrilling triple jump saw the lead The world record holder Wlodarc- London on Sunday. (AFP) tion with a doping aff air. Bronze went winning a world medal.” change change several times between zyk left it late to underline her hammer to Hungary’s Balasz Baji in 13.28. In the 1,500m, Kipyegon had the Ibuarguen and Rojas before the Vene- dominance with a 41st straight compe- “There was a lot of pressure com- most stamina in a sprint down the zuelan unleashed the winning hop, skip tition win, taking the lead in the fourth ing in but I channelled it positively,” home stretch to hold on for victory in 4 and jump eff ort of 14.91m in her penul- round and following up with her best Kenya’s Kiprop eyes El Guerrouj’s record McLeod said. minutes 2 minutes 59 seconds. timate attempt. throw of 77.90m in the fi fth attempt. “It’s totally diff erent to last year The 2011 champion Jennifer Simp- The 2016 Olympic champion Ibuar- China’s Wang Zheng took silver with four world titles where we had Usain and Elaine win- son got silver for the US in 4:02.76 and guen took silver with 14.89 and London 75.94m and bronze went to Poland Asbel Kiprop, Kenya’s three-time world champion over 1,500 metres, said ning, which I used to propel me. I didn’t South African 800m world and Olym- 2012 gold medallist Olga Rypakova of again, from Malwina Kopron’s fi rst- yesterday he has come to London to equal the four world titles of the Mo- have that this time so I really wanted to pic champion Caster Semenya stole Kazakhstan bronze with 14.77. round toss of 74.76m. roccan middle-distance great Hicham El Guerrouj. The 28-year-old Kiprop, a former Olympic champion, hopes to get his fourth championship at the World Athletics Championships, before he moves on to 5,000m. “I want SETBACK to become the first and only Kenyan to equal El Geurrouj’s four-title mark, then I move to 5,000m,” Kiprop told Reuters at the Kenyan team hotel in central London. His 1,500m campaign starts tomorrow. British multiple world champion Mo Farah will again be the favourite in the men’s 5,000m Botswana’s Makwala withdrawn from 400m fi nal when the qualification rounds start today at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium. The last Kenyan to win the 5,000m was Benjamin Limo in 2005 in Helsinki. “We have a serious challenge in the 5,000m,” Kiprop said. “I Reuters “Any further questions should be re- the full information about this.” hope and pray that I will be able to fulfil my ambition in the 1,500m before London ferred to the BOT team.” He did not specify in what way he felt setting my eyes on this event (5,000m).” Earlier on Tuesday, Makwala had he had been sabotaged and the IAAF told the BBC that he had felt fi t to race did not respond specifi cally to Mak- Australia’s Tallent out of 50km walk with otswana’s Isaac Makwala in the 200 metres on Monday and felt wala’s comments when contacted by was withdrawn from the 400 “ready” for the 400 metres fi nal. Reuters. hamstring injury metres fi nal at the World Ath- “I was not that sick,” he said. “I The sport’s governing body said it letics Championships after just vomited. Like any other athlete, I had been working with Public Health Australian Jared Tallent has been forced out of the men’s 50-kilometre fallingB victim to an outbreak of sickness vomit... I could have run because I did England to contain the outbreak and walk at the World Athletics Championships in London by a hamstring that has struck down scores of com- my warm-up well and I did everything had issued guidelines to teams and injury, Athletics Australia said yesterday. Tallent was one of Australia’s petitors. well. I was ready to run.” their doctors. main medal prospects, winning silver at the Championships in 2015 and The 30-year-old, who was consid- He added that he was heartbroken on Several Botswana, German, Canadi- 2011 and bronze in 2013. He also took the gold in the event at the London ered as one of the main challengers to Monday when he was pulled from the an, Irish and Puerto Rican athletes have Olympics in 2012 and silver in Rio last year. He was due to arrive in favourite Wayde van Niekerk of South 200 and been left in the dark about the been taken ill over the last few days, London tomorrow, where he said he would cheer on his wife, Claire, who Africa and is a national hero in his reasons for his withdrawal. with some eff ectively put into quar- is returning to international competition in the women’s 20km race after country, had also been ordered to with- “They say they are waiting for the antine and others forced to miss their taking time off for the birth of their son. “On the one hand, my wife and I draw from Monday’s opening round of medical results but I don’t know be- events. excitingly welcomed our son, Harvey, to the world and we could not be the 200 metres. cause they didn’t test me. I don’t know Competition organisers said on happier,” Tallent said. “On the other I have been challenged... with recur- “Isaac Makwala was withdrawn from what, which medical results they are Monday that the illnesses were a result ring injuries and now a hamstring complaint that will prevent me from the men’s 400 metre (fi nal) due to a waiting for. of gastroenteritis, but public health of- being able to start. The decision to withdraw is never easy... I am not done medical condition on the instruction of “This is bad. I felt heartbroken yester- fi cials said yesterday that laboratory yet when it comes to contesting for gold medals. The Commonwealth the IAAF Medical Delegate,” the global day. I was ready for this, I worked hard for tests have confi rmed two cases of no- Games on the Gold Coast, the 2018 IAAF World Race Walking Team Cham- athletics body (IAAF) said in a state- this. So I feel like sabotaging or some- rovirus among approximately 30 illness pionships and, of course, Tokyo 2020 remain on my agenda.” ment. thing... I don’t know because I don’t have victims. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 9, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT RARING TO GO Kolasinac ready to Man Utd trust in rumble: Walcott Mourinho’s second season recipe File picture of Arsenal defender, Sead Kolasinac. AFP campaign ended with FA Cup London fi nal victory against Chelsea, ‘Can we win it? We can, but maybe we won’t. Everything is good and strong, but Arsene Wenger’s side are under pressure to challenge for the Pre- some of them (other clubs) are really strong in the market, so it is going to be diff icult’ heo Walcott has backed mier League title. Sead Kolasinac to bring But, consigned to the Europa some much-needed steel League after failing to qualify for to Arsenal’s defence after the Champions League for the Tthe intimidating Bosnian made fi rst time in 20 years, Walcott his presence felt in the Gunners’ admits it won’t be easy to change Community Shield victory over the perception that Arsenal have Chelsea. lost ground on their title rivals. Kolasinac joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Schalke in the BUZZING close-season and already looks “It’s going to be a tough season, an ideal fi t for the physical de- we all know that, with the Europa mands of the Premier League. as well,” he said. The 24-year-old came off the “We will let people talk on the bench in the fi rst half of Sun- outside. We know what we have day’s friendly against Chelsea at to do this season. Wembley and won over his new “We know how important it is. teammates with a command- We are up for the challenge, we ing display, capped by Arsenal’s do like a good challenge. 82nd-minute equaliser. “It is going to be diff erent this Kolasinac is usually a left- year. It’s how we react. We can’t back, but he showed his versa- really dwell on the past anymore. tility, replacing the injured Per “We have to focus on our Mertesacker at centre-back and strengths. We had a good end to helping the often leaky Gunners last season and we are getting defence subdue Chelsea. used to a new system. Not content with dominating “We are slowly learning it. It is at the back, Kolasinac popped working for now and we will stick up at the other end to score with with it.” a powerful header, forcing the Key to Arsenal’s success will penalty shoot-out that Arsenal be the form of club record sign- won 4-1. ing Alexandre Lacazette. Walcott revealed the hulk- The France forward, signed for ing Kolasinac has made a big £46.5 million ($60.6 million) from impression with his no-holds- Lyon, hit the post against Chel- barred approach in training and sea, but that was the highlight of a the Gunners winger is expecting largely anonymous display. opposing forwards to get an even Walcott defended his new tougher time from the Bosnian teammate, saying: “When you this season. give him time and space on the “Sead looks an absolute tank. ball he can show his quality. He is one tough unit to get past. “He’s a goalscorer and he is His physical attributes are going going to score goals for this club. File picture of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho during a training session. to be key for us this season,” Wal- “The amount of players we cott said. have in key positions, they are AFP “Normally the second season should Everton over the past four seasons, sta- from Juventus. “He is an absolute animal. I going to supply chances for him.” London be better than the fi rst because you know tistics that moved United to sanction a Anthony Martial, meanwhile, faces see him in the gym everyday. You Arsenal open their Premier the club, you know the players. The play- £75 million ($97.9 million, 82.9 million a make-or-break campaign, having can just tell he looks after himself League campaign at home to ers, they know you. euros) acquisition. slipped from view last season after failing well. He eats the right foods. He Leicester City on Friday and fter qualifi ed success in his “The club know you can aff ect in a to earn Mourinho’s trust. is a professional. Walcott can’t wait to get going. maiden campaign as Manches- positive way the structure, you can aff ect MAKE-OR-BREAK FOR MARTIAL The 21-year-old Frenchman faces stiff “The power he’s got and his “Being a night game might be ter United manager, Jose Mour- in a positive way the people that work But the Belgium international failed to competition for one of the two or three pace, it’s beautiful to watch. He’s better for us. The fans will be up inho will hope to dust off his around you. convince Mourinho during their time places in support of Lukaku, with Mar- a great addition to the squad. for it,” he said. triedA and tested second-season formula “But this is modern football. It’s get- together at Chelsea and will be playing cus Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan “Trust me, he is not easy to get “The home support is always in 2017-18. ting much harder for everyone, so we in the Champions League proper for the Mata and Jesse Lingard among Mourin- around. He’s quite wide as well. crucial. That will be so key this Mourinho led United to victory in don’t know.” fi rst time. ho’s other options. He fi ts perfectly for the Premier season if the fans are right behind the League Cup and Europa League last United’s signings have been thorough- A battering-ram striker in the fi nest Matic, who won the league with Mour- League. This league is the best us from the kick-off . season, the latter yielding a place in the ly in keeping with Mourinho’s pragmatic Mourinho traditions, Lukaku’s task is to inho at Chelsea in 2015, is expected to slot and he’s going to be one of the “It’s exciting. The Premier Champions League, but their football approach to the game, the Portuguese sharpen an attack that mustered only 54 into midfi eld alongside Pogba and Ander best in the league.” League is back. You are ask any- was drab and they fi nished a distant sixth having galvanised his squad with extra league goals last season. Herrera, with former Benfi ca man Lin- After last season’s troubled one, we are buzzing now.” in the league. height and muscle. “I’m here to score goals and be the fo- delof due to partner Eric Bailly at centre- Having won the league in his second Centre-back Victor Lindelof, mid- cal point of the team,” Lukaku said. back. season in his last fi ve jobs — Porto, Chel- fi elder Nemanja Matic and striker Rome- “At Manchester United, we play to win United face a relatively benign start to sea (twice), Inter Milan and Real Madrid lu Lukaku are all over six feet (183cm) tall, and that’s the mentality when I get on the the season, Rooney’s return to Old Traf- Galatasaray plotting to Super Mario in hot — he will be expected to mount a strong giving United the second-tallest squad pitch. ford with big-spending Everton the most bring back Arda Turan water again aft er title challenge at the very least. in the division behind Tony Pulis’s West “I’ve been waiting for this opportu- taxing assignment of their opening seven from Barcelona speeding incident “Can we win it? We can, but maybe we Bromwich Albion. nity. Now I’m here and it’s time to work fi xtures. won’t,” Mourinho told ESPN in a recent Lukaku faces the greatest scrutiny, hard and, hopefully, deliver.” But October and November bring Galatasaray are trying to bring Mario Balotelli has again been interview. having been brought in to replace Zlatan With Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney meetings with Liverpool, Tottenham out-of-favour Barcelona for- caught speeding in his Ferrari, “Everything is good and strong, but Ibrahimovic after the charismatic Swede no longer around, there is pressure on Hotspur and Chelsea in the space of three ward Arda Turan back to the police told AFP yesterday as some of them (other clubs) are really was released in the wake of the serious Paul Pogba to establish himself as the weeks, by which time United’s Cham- Turkish club, president Dursun media reports claimed the strong in the market, so it is going to be knee injury he suff ered last season. team’s leader after blowing hot and cold pions League campaign will be in full Ozbek said yesterday. striker had been caught doing diffi cult. Lukaku, 24, has scored 87 goals for in his fi rst season following his return swing. Arda, who made his profes- 170-200kmh (105-125mph) in sional debut for Galatasaray a race with a friend’s Lam- in 2004 and stayed at the club borghini. GRAND GESTURE until joining Atletico Madrid in The former Manchester City 2011, was an unused substitute and Liverpool striker, now at in Barcelona’s 5-0 friendly win French club Nice, was stopped over Chapecoense on Monday, by a highway patrol on the A4 even though coach Ernesto highway near the northern Valverde made 11 changes. Italian town of Vicenza on Sat- His exclusion has been urday, a local off icer told AFP. Barca honour Chapecoense reported in the Spanish media Media reports claimed Ba- AFP Funds raised from the match sists before half-time. as a sign the Turk does not lotelli had been doing up to Barcelona will “help Chapecoense rebuild The former Everton winger feature in Valverde’s plans for 200kmh but had escaped with institutionally and recover the opened the scoring with a tap-in the season and that he is on a fine and five penalty points competitive level it had before after neat work from Ivan Rak- his way out of Barca. because he had only been arcelona eased into the tragedy”, Barca said in a itic and his cut-back was then “Arda is a Galatasaray fan, he registered at 170kmh. life without Ney- statement. curled into the top corner by really loves the club and he The police confirmed the star mar by honouring Ruschel was given the unenvi- Sergio Busquets to make it 2-0 is going to play for us again,” had been caught and fined, Chapecoense, the Bra- able task of facing up to Messi on inside 11 minutes. Ozbek told a news conference along with the Lamborghini zilianB side still reeling from a his return and despite the senti- “It has been an incredible yesterday. “His only chance of driver, but described accounts devastating plane crash that mentality of the occasion, Barca experience. They deserve to be playing in Turkey is here, and of the incident as “exagger- killed 19 players and 24 club of- didn’t let up once the game got here and have enjoyed this mar- we hope he ends up seeing out ated”. fi cials last year, in a 5-0 friendly underway. vellous day,” said Deulofeu. his career at Galatasaray. We They would not divulge how win on Monday. On a sporting level the Cata- “They are heroes. When I are working on his transfer.” fast Balotelli had been going On an emotional night for the lan giants have had a turbulent think about what happened to Arda has scored 15 goals in 55 but said he had been allowed visitors, Chapecoense were cap- week with star Brazilian forward them I start to cry.” appearances for Barca but has to continue his journey after tained by Alan Ruschel, one of Neymar joining Paris Saint- Messi got his goal when he failed to hold down a first team paying his fine and having five only three players to survive the Germain for a world record slotted home Deulofeu’s low place at Barca since switching penalty points registered on crash, on his return to action. 222 million euro ($264 million) cross before Ruschel was given a from Atletico Madrid in 2015 for his licence. Ruschel was joined by the two transfer fee. standing ovation as he was sub- 34 million euros. Balotelli racked up no fewer other survivors Nieto and Jakson Barca are expected to splash stituted after 35 minutes. His progress in his first cam- than 18 fines for mostly speed- Follmann from the squad who some of that cash in the com- Barca understandably took paign was stunted because he ing off ences in the space of were on their way to face Atleti- Chapecoense’s defender Alan Ruschel waves to Barcelona players ing weeks with a host of players their foot off the gas after half- was banned from playing the two years in Italy in 2012 and co Nacional in the fi nal of the as he holds the second place trophy. rumoured to be possible Neymar time, but Luis Suarez fi nally first half of the 2014/15 season 2013, often on the same A4 Copa Sudamericana when the replacements, including Liv- managed to get his name on the by the club’s existing transfer road. aircraft crashed into the Colom- of 65,000 at the Camp Nou. to be in Spain, facing Barcelona, erpool’s Phillipe Coutinho and scoresheet from Messi’s pass 10 ban. In 2015, when he was playing bian mountains on November 28 “I am fi lled with happiness to playing in a stadium where I Ousmane Dembele of Borussia minutes after the break before Galatasaray are Turkey’s most for Liverpool, he was banned last year, killing 71 people. be returning to play,” Ruschel never thought I would be.” Dortmund. Denis Suarez rounded off the successful club with 20 league from driving for 28 days Nieto and Follmann, who had told Spanish newspaper Marca. Ruschel also got a souvenir However, Gerard Deulofeu scoring. titles, but they finished fourth after being clocked driving his right leg amputated after the “I am one of the happiest peo- to savour as he swapped shirts made his case to at least keep Chapecoense did have one in the top flight last season, at 109mph (175kmh) on the crash, both broke down in tears as ple in the world because I am liv- with fi ve-time World Player of his place for Sunday’s Spanish moment to savour when goal- 13 points behind champions M62 motorway in northern they were invited to take an hon- ing something almost unthink- the Year Lionel Messi after full- Super Cup fi rst leg against Real keeper Artur Moraes saved Paco Besiktas. England. orary kick-off in front of a crowd able. I consider myself fortunate time. Madrid with a goal and two as- Alcacer’s penalty late on. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 9, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Al Duhail end camp The second match was against in Austria, head for Al Kharaitiyat, which they Munich won 2-1. They were also active in the The first football team of Al transfer market, signing eight Duhail yesterday evening held players so far this season. their last training in Werfen- The team will feature in Qatar weng, Austria, before heading Stars League for the first time Pochettino, Klopp to Munich to continue prepa- after their relegation two rations for the next season seasons ago. 2017/2018. The team’s technical staff , led QFA holds training by Algerian Jamal Belmadi, camp for referees had just completed ball train- in Tunisia ing for the most part. Al Duhail are preparing for Qatar Football Association has tested by great the last friendly match of the decided to set up a training external camp, and will play camp for referees in Tunisia the German team Traunstein in preparation for the new today. Al Duhail will return to season of Qatar 2017/2018. Doha on Thursday after an 43 referees will take part in external training camp which the camp, which runs until began on July 21. August 28. The referees will have practi- expectations Qatar SC defeat cal exercises and physical Al Shamal in friendly fitness, as well as analytical lectures, they also will be ‘Our idea was, the same as before, to try to provide the team with more strength and Qatar SC recorded a 5-1 vic- briefed on the latest amend- tory over Al Shamal, in the ments to the game laws. try to sign a few players before the end of the transfer window’ friendly match they held The Tunisian camp is su- Monday in preparation for the pervised by Naji Al Juwaini, new season. Executive Director of the It was the final friendly match Arbitration Department of for Qatar SC before they left the Qatar Football Associa- for Slovenia to hold a training tion, with the participation of camp that will conclude on international, European and August 29. Asian lecturers. They will play five friendly The referees will be well matches there as they up their prepared technically and preparations for Qatar Stars physically for the manage- League. ment of the new season and Strong preparation for this other competitions organized season in particular is impor- by the Qatar Football Associa- tant as the league will see 12 tion, through fitness training teams competing instead of 14 and practical applications, this time. as well as analytical lectures Qatar’s first friendly match and explanation of the latest was against Mesaimeer and amendments to the game ended in a 2-2 draw. laws.

German clubs need help to battle organised ultras German football clubs will need find answers,” Cologne sports the help of the league and the director Joerg Schmadtke said country’s football association to on Monday. handle trouble by “ultra” fans, “But we, the clubs, won’t be able club executives said, days after to do so, on our own. The DFB a friendly match in England had (the German Football Associa- to be called off . tion) as the umbrella organisa- Premier League Burnley’s pre- tion and the DFL (the German season match with Bundesliga Football League) need to get on club Hanover 96 on Saturday board.” was abandoned “on police ad- Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim vice”, Burnley said in a statement. Watzke said this week he Media reports said German believed “there is the tendency fans threw seats and surged for ultras to come stronger towards Burnley fans during the together.” His team has had first half, shortly after Burnley its share of fan trouble. It was took the lead. “Ultra groups given a 100,000-euro fine last are being formed across the season after its supporters at- country and we will need to tacked visiting RB Leipzig fans.

File picture of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp. The two managers have yet to win any trophies with their current teams. POWER STRUGGLE

AFP Jan Vertonghen and Son Heung-Min all signing. £43.9 million ($57 million) on Roma London infl uential in their own right, Pochettino While Tottenham’s title rivals have winger Mohamed Salah and added Hull has assembled a group capable of beating shattered records with their lavish defender Andrew Robertson to the mix. Aussies embarrassed any side in the country on their day. spending, Pochettino heads into the new But Robertson is unlikely to be a game nder pressure to turn tantalising But the 45-year-old Argentine and campaign with a weaker squad than last changer, while Salah’s last taste of the potential into tangible prizes, his players have come up short two years year after selling England right-back Premier League with Chelsea was utterly as FIFA steps in to Tottenham manager Mauricio in a row as the pressure of the title race Kyle Walker to Manchester City. forgettable. Pochettino and Liverpool boss proved too much for them. Klopp has also failed to land South- UJurgen Klopp face the acid test of their Last season, they had Chelsea in their LIMITED SUCCESS ampton defender Virgil Van Dijk and resolve dispute talents this season. sights in the closing weeks before an FA Publicly, Pochettino backs chairman Leipzig midfi elder Naby Keita, while Despite being feted as teams on the Cup semi-fi nal loss to the Blues triggered Daniel Levy’s cautious approach in an having to fend off Barcelona’s attempts to Reuters Apart from more Congress rise, Tottenham and Liverpool have yet a stumble that saw them fi nish seven historically expensive market. sign Reds playmaker Philippe Coutinho. Melbourne votes, the clubs have also de- to win a single trophy under their current points behind the champions. Yet the former Southampton coach “Until the 31st of August we run manded more money from the managers. Making up a defi cit of that order won’t might not be so sanguine if the window through the world with open eyes,” Klopp FFA. They have rejected the Pochettino has been in charge at Tot- be easy this season as Tottenham have the closes without fresh faces fi nally arriving said of his transfer problems. ustralian soccer faces an governing body’s off er of A$3.55 tenham since 2014, while Klopp is in his thorny issue of playing their home games in north London. “It’s not that we decide on our own, it’s embarrassing interven- million in annual distributions third season with Liverpool, making the at Wembley while White Hart Lane is be- “We are working, trying to add some also about other clubs.” tion this week as a joint following the record six-year, forthcoming campaign a watershed mo- ing redeveloped. players to the squad,” he said. After fi nishing fourth last season, Liv- FIFA-Asian Football A$346 million television deal ment for both bosses. Wembley wasn’t a welcoming arena for “Our idea was, the same as before, erpool need to rebuff the perception they ConfederationA delegation arrives announced in December. After fi nishing third in the Premier Tottenham when they played their Euro- to try to provide the team with more took advantage of down years from Arse- for talks aimed at ending a bitter The clubs have demanded up League in 2015 and second last season, Tot- pean fi xtures there last season, prompting strength and try to sign a few players be- nal and Manchester United. power struggle that has plunged to A$6 million, a fi gure the FFA tenham suddenly fi nd themselves in dan- claims that the high tempo pressing game fore the end of the transfer window.” Having enjoyed unprecedented suc- the domestic game into crisis. has said would damage the grass ger of being stuck in reverse at a time when Pochettino prefers was ill suited to the At Anfi eld, Klopp has spent the sum- cess with Borussia Dortmund, Klopp The governing Football Feder- roots of the game and cut deep- they should be putting their foot on the gas. English national stadium’s large pitch. mer trying to close the gap on Tottenham has proved he can beat the odds before, ation Australia (FFA) has been at ly into funding to the national Building his team around England Adding to Pochettino’s discomfort, and the rest of the Premier League’s big but winning Liverpool’s fi rst title since loggerheads with the country’s teams. stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli and, with he has so far gone through the summer guns with only limited success. 1990 would be the 50-year-old’s fi nest 10 professional A-League clubs, With the dispute rumbling on Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld, transfer window without making a single The German splashed out a club record achievement. and come under pressure from throughout the year, the FIFA- FIFA, to expand membership of AFC delegation is set to arrive to its 10-member Congress into a hold talks with local stakeholders BOTTOMLINE more democratic model. over the next two days in Sydney The Congress, which elects in a bid to end the impasse. the FFA board, has representa- Without resolution by a Nov. tives of the country’s nine states 30 deadline, FIFA will disband Stoke’s Ireland back in the game thanks to Aspetar and territories but just one del- the FFA board and install a ‘nor- egate for all 10 clubs in the top- malisation committee’ that By Sports Reporter renowned specialist expertise in work underway but it’s a beauti- fl ight A-League and none repre- would eff ectively take over gov- Doha sports medicine, sports science, ful place already. I’d love to re- senting the players. ernance of the sport. orthopaedic surgery and reha- turn for training and also with The FFA have proposed a That it has reached the point bilitation. my family. It’s very friendly and 13-member Congress, off ering where FIFA has intervened is toke City Midfi elder, As part of the hospital’s ef- I have really enjoyed my time two additional votes to the clubs seen as another black eye for the Stephen Ireland, has forts to help athletes achieve here, so, hopefully, I will return and one for the players, but this FFA, which was embarrassed by completed his treat- maximum performance and to watch some of the games.” has been rejected by both the the Garcia report into the World ment plan at Aspetar, the reach their full potential, Asp- Aspetar boasts one of the clubs and FIFA. Cup bidding process for the 2022 world’sS leading specialised or- etar’s team took Ireland through most advanced rehabilita- The clubs, who say they gen- tournament won by Qatar. thopaedic and sports medicine a comprehensive treatment tion departments in the region, erate 80 per cent of revenues The report found “strong evi- hospital in Qatar, and will be process to assess his injury and which forms an integral aspect for football in Australia, want at dence” that the FFA had made soon declared fi t to play. prepared a treatment plan to get of its multidisciplinary ap- least fi ve seats but the FFA, led by payments to infl uence one of The 30-year-old footballer him back on the fi eld as quickly proach to athlete management. chairman Steven Lowy and CEO FIFA’s voting members. broke his leg in two places af- as possible. The hospital’s method focuses David Gallop, have dug their In addition, the ongoing power ter an innocent collision on the Ireland also spoke highly of on assessment and treatment of heels in. struggle has revived memories of training pitch with defender Di- Aspetar’s facilities and experts, injured athletes by implement- Lowy has been vocal about his the strife-torn National Soccer onatan Teixeira last year. Ireland saying: “The facilities here are ing personalised injury treat- distrust of the clubs’ intentions League, which collapsed under a was subsequently ruled out from fantastic and completely ex- ment programmes. and, like his billionaire father weight of debt in 2004. participating in competitive ceeded what I was expecting. Utilising an evidence-based Frank Lowy, who was chairman The idea that FIFA, an or- matches for more than 340 days. Stoke City’s midfielder Stephen Ireland at Aspetar. For me, these facilities are the approach, Aspetar’s experi- before him, has rejected calls to ganisation still buff eted by cor- Speaking to Aspetar media best in the world – you won’t enced practitioners aim to re- allow an independent commis- ruption scandals on a number team, Ireland said: “I had been “I had heard about Aspetar come here.” fi nd them anywhere else. I am turn patients to their pre-injury sion run the A-League. of fronts, could take over the struggling to get back to full through other players who have “Luckily, thanks to Aspetar, really happy that I made the de- lifestyle as quickly and safely as “Club owners have made no running of the game is scarcely fi tness and thought I had tried been here already, such as Jack I am in a position to return next cision to come here. I can’t speak possible. It has a proven track secret of their demands for more believable to many in Australian everything, but then I got to As- Butland, my teammate, and season. I still have few things to highly enough of the staff and I record of treating international power, and more money. They football. petar. We weren’t sure I was go- Shay Given. They spoke so high- achieve and a bit more training am very grateful for everything athletes from the PGA, WTA, seek an independent league, run “It makes me sick to think ing to make it back to full fi tness. ly of the place that I knew Asp- to do, but I am very close now. they have done for me.” ATP, World leaders in track and by them for their benefi t,” he (FIFA) are here doing this,” Jack Luckily, my hopes have been etar could off er me an answer Hopefully, it’s just a matter of On a separate note, Ireland fi eld, weightlifting and profes- said in a 2,000-word communi- Reilly, a former FFA board mem- answered and I am going back to and, if it didn’t, then perhaps weeks,” he said. shared his thoughts on Qatar’s sional footballers from all major que addressed to the ‘Australian ber, told local broadcaster SBS. my club fi t and healthy. I can’t there really was no way back for During his stay at Aspetar, preparations for the World Cup leagues, including the Premier football community’ over the “They are a totally disgraced wait to start playing again.” me. It was a great decision to Ireland benefi ted from Aspetar’s in 2022, saying: “There is a lot of League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1. weekend. organisation.” Gulf Times Wednesday, August 9, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Jets's receiver Trout gets 1000th Enunwa out for the season career hit but Angels “He’s a big part of it,” Bowles By Kimberley A. Martin Newsday said of Enunwa, “so our young guys are just going to have to grow up fast.” But he was quick to he New York Jets haven’t invoke the “next man up” man- played a pre-season game tra. “It’s not defl ating,” Bowles yet, but they already have said of the Enunwa news. “Inju- lose to Orioles 2-6 lost their top wide re- ries are a part of the (game). You Tceiver for the season. Coach Todd take body blows in this league. Bowles announced after prac- Guys have to step up and we have Trout reaches 1,000 hits with a double in the fourth inning off Baltimore's Bundy tice that Quincy Enunwa has a to coach them.” bulging disc in his neck and will Bowles also insisted that his Reuters be out six to nine months. Sur- confi dence in his young receiv- Los Angeles gery is expected, pending a sec- ers hasn’t waned. “It hasn’t ond opinion. changed,’’ he said. “Obviously, Bowles said he was told they have to get some experience ike Trout had two hits on his Enunwa’s injury isn’t career- and get some reps. But they’re 26th birthday to give him threatening. “Going forward, talented. Just have to learn and 1,001 for his career, but his we’ll see,’’ Bowles said. get caught up to speed.” Los Angeles Angels lost 6-2 “They said he should come The Jets will look into add- Mto the Baltimore Orioles on Monday at out of it OK.” The expected ros- ing another pass catcher, but it’s the Major League Baseball. Trout reached ter move came two days after unclear if he will be a veteran or 1,000 hits with a double in the fourth in- Enunwa, 25, reinjured his neck another camp body. “We don’t ning off Baltimore starter Dylan Bundy. at the team’s Green and White know yet,” Bowles said. “We have He joined Hall of Famers Mickey Man- scrimmage Saturday at MetLife a lot of young guys that we’re tle, Jimmie Foxx and Mel Ott as the fourth Stadium. Enunwa suff ered the trying to develop. So, if there’s player to get at least 1,000 hits, 500 runs non-contact neck injury while something out there that catches and 500 walks before his age 26-season. the off ense was participating in our eye, we’ll sign him. If not, Baseball defi nes a player’s age based on 7-on-7 practice drills before the we’ll stick with the guys we have. how old he is on July 1. The Big A crowd scrimmage. All options are open.” sang "Happy Birthday" to Trout in center According to Bowles, Enunwa fi eld earlier in the inning. The fans gave felt a “tingling feeling” in his DOLPHINS’ LANDRY UNDER him a standing ovation after his 1,000th neck during the spring and un- INVESTIGATION hit. Trout also homered for the fourth derwent tests and received treat- Dolphins star wide receiver Jarvis time on his birthday in the sixth inning, ment on his neck. “He was doing Landry is under investigation for but Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking better, he was doing fi ne. When possible battery, according to grand slam in the seventh inning. he fell the other night, it just multiple reports. The investiga- fl ared up again ... I don’t think he tion stems from an incident in- NATIONALS 3, MARLINS 2 had (a bulging disc) in the spring. volving Landry and his girlfriend Max Scherzer pitched seven sharp in- It was treatable in the spring. He earlier this year in Fort Lauderd- nings for Washington in his fi rst start was healthy.” ale, Florida. Gase confi rmed the since he was sidelined by neck spasms. The 2014 sixth-round pick team is aware of the report, but Bryce Harper homered for Washing- caught 58 passes for 857 yards and he declined to comment further. ton, and pinch hitter Adam Lind singled four touchdowns in 2016 and en- in the tiebreaking run in the eighth in- tered the off season as the team’s 49ERS PLACE SMITH ON ning. The Nationals expanded their lead No. 1 receiver after Brandon Mar- INJURED RESERVE LIST in the NL East over second-place Mi- shall and Eric Decker left. Now, The San Francisco 49ers offi - ami to 14 games. Brandon Kintzler (4-2) with their preseason opener cially placed linebacker Malcolm worked the eighth and Sean Doolittle got coming up Saturday against the Smith on the injured reserve list three outs to earn his sixth save. San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (right) tags Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant in the seventh inning during the Titans, the Jets’ coaching staff with a torn pectoral muscle, end- Giancarlo Stanton hit his major Major League Baseball at the AT&T Park in San Francisco on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) must fi gure out how to generate ing his 2017 season. The 6-foot, league-leading 37th homer for the Mar- more off ense from an inexperi- 225-pound Smith suff ered the lins, matching his previous career high. game at 4. Rosario was still at third with Jordan Zimmermann (7-9) in the second. enced receiving corps. injury during practice. Jarlin Garcia (0-2) got the loss. CARDINALS 11, ROYALS 3 two out when the Brewers employed a John Jaso provided some late insurance Scherzer struck out nine and gave up Matt Carpenter hit a three-run homer in dramatic shift on left-handed hitting with a pinch-hit two-run homer in the two runs. The right-hander was coming St. Louis' six-run fourth inning, and the Jason Castro. With no fi elder near third seventh. off an abbreviated start against the Mar- Cardinals earned their third consecutive base to hold him on, Rosario danced half- Zimmermann struck out three and lins six days earlier, when he was pulled victory. Paul DeJong and Kolten Wong way down the baseline, causing Oliver walked two in seven innings. The Tigers after one inning with neck spasms. also connected for the Cardinals, who re- Drake (3-4) to step off the rubber. have dropped three straight following a turned to .500 at 56-56. When Drake stepped back on the rub- four-game winning streak. CUBS 5, GIANTS 3 Carlos Martinez (8-9) pitched eight in- ber, Rosario made another break for Javier Baez hit an inside-the-park hom- nings of two-run ball for just his second home. This time Drake fl inched and plate REDS 11, PADRES 3 er to back Jake Arrieta's 11th win in the win in his last nine starts. umpire Bill Welke called a balk, sending Joey Votto homered for the third straight champion Cubs' fi rst visit to AT&T Park Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy (4-8) Rosario home. Buddy Boshers (1-0) re- game and pulled into a tie with Ted since eliminating San Francisco in Game was charged with seven runs, six earned, tired one batter in the seventh to earn the Kluszewski on the Reds' career list. 4 of the NL Division Series last October. and six hits in six innings. He is winless in victory. Matt Belisle worked the ninth for The Reds homered four times in all, Baez's 16th homer took a tricky bounce 14 consecutive starts at Kauff man Stadi- his second save. with Patrick Kivlehan hitting his fi rst ca- off the low wall in right-centre and de- um since beating Minnesota on Aug. 20, reer grand slam. Adam Duvall and Zack fl ected past oncoming right fi elder Carlos 2016. Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and PIRATES 3, TIGERS 0 Cozart also connected. Moncrief nearly 100 feet back in the di- Brandon Moss homered for Kansas City, Trevor Williams pitched seven crisp in- Votto's 251st career homer off Jhoulys rection of the corner in right. which has dropped six of eight. nings, leading Pittsburgh to the win. Wil- Chacin (11-8) moved him into a tie for The NL Central leaders moved 1 1/2 liams (5-4) struck out fi ve and walked fi fth place with Big Klu, the fi rst baseman games ahead of second-place Milwaukee, TWINS 5, BREWERS 4 two, giving up only a leadoff single to who cut the sleeves off his uniform to free which lost 5-4 at Minnesota. San Fran- Eddie Rosario doubled home the tying James McCann in the third. Williams his big upper arms. Votto's 136th homer cisco rookie Ryder Jones hit his fi rst ca- run in the seventh inning and scored the threw a career-high 107 pitches and never at Great American bumped him ahead of reer home run with a two-run shot in the winning run for Minnesota on a balk. allowed a runner to third base. Jay Bruce for the ballpark record. sixth off Arrieta (11-8). After Eduardo Escobar drew a leadoff Juan Nicasio got three outs for his sec- Jose Pirela drove in all of San Diego's Wade Davis got three outs for his 24th walk, Rosario hit a smash to right fi eld ond save, completing Pittsburgh's one- runs with his fi rst career multihomer save in 24 tries. San Francisco left-hander that fooled Domingo Santana, who took hitter. The Pirates have won three straight game. The fi rst was a two-run shot off Matt Moore (3-12) was charged with fi ve two steps in before watching the ball sail and four of fi ve. Francisco Cervelli put the Tim Adleman, who went only 4 2/3 in- runs and eight hits in six innings. over his head. Escobar scored to tie the Pirates in front with an RBI double off nings.

NBA Knicks’ Ron Baker: Small town guy with Big Apple dream

By Barbara Barker John Starks has made a more improb- tary school, Baker never had more than Newsday able journey to Madison Square Garden six students in his class. than the one Baker has made. Baker, Like other kids in Utica, Baker helped who paid his own tuition as a redshirt out on the farm and he talks about ag- t is hard to imagine a place less like freshman at Wichita State, is believed ricultural equipment and crop rotation Madison Square Garden than the to be the fi rst college walk-on to play in the same off handed, familiar man- cement slab where Ron Baker spent for the Knicks since Starks started 10 ner that kids on Long Island talk about countless hours honing his game in games in 1990-91. Now, after 52 games, summer camp and trips to the beach. Ihigh school. including 13 starts, his rookie season, When he wasn’t working or in school, This is a visitor’s fi rst thought as the the Knicks are giving him a signifi cant Baker played every sport he could. The Knicks guard gives a tour of the court role in their rebuild. Last month, he nearest basketball court was at a park his father poured in the front yard of agreed to a two-year contract report- several miles outside of town. the house where he grew up. Baker and edly worth $8.9 million. The Bakers are an athletic family. his siblings’ names are etched into the “I look at Ron as a guy who can play Baker’s mother, Ranae, played volley- concrete, there is an old tractor parked both guard positions,” Knicks coach Jeff ball, basketball and softball on scholar- across the street and a cornfi eld just a Hornacek said last week. ship at St. Mary of the Plains College. few blocks away. “He’s not the traditional point guard Ron’s father Neil played baseball at Fort Agriculture, family and sports are where he can blow by you and use his Hays State University. Ron played eve- infused into every corner of this re- speed to get around you. He does it with rything growing up and always wanted mote farm town in western Kansas. strength. The game of basketball isn’t to win. “He’s very competitive,” Ranae Scott City has two traffi c lights, eight always about speed. If you know angles said. “When he didn’t win when he was churches, 3,890 residents and some and create openings, you can make a lot little, he would pout. It didn’t matter if 150,000 beef cattle. The tallest struc- of plays. it was a board game or whatever.” ture in town is the grain elevator and the “Ron’s a tough kid and plays hard and And in Western Kansas, they seem to most important is the football stadium, does whatever you ask. Those are guys be able to turn just about anything into which looks like something straight out who have a chance to grow as players. a competition. Take the Scott County of Friday Night Lights. We feel Ron is just at the tip of it with Free Fair held in July. In addition to car- “Every small-town cliche you hear, what he can do out there on the court.” nival rides, chocolate waffl e booths and it’s legit for me,” said Baker, who was a Knicks fans certainly hope so. Given livestock contests, there’s a zucchini- three-sport star _ quarterback, basket- that it was unclear if Baker, a restrict- growing event, a table-setting compe- ball forward and baseball pitcher _ at ed free agent, had drawn interest from tition, something called cow-pie bingo Scott Community High School. other teams, there were a few raised and a hay bale decorating contest. First The visitor has come to Western eyebrows when the contract was re- prize this year in the hay contest went Kansas to see if she can fi gure out how ported. Those who know Baker say Last month, Ron Baker (right) agreed to a two-year contract with New York Knicks reportedly worth $8.9 million. to a bale that was decorated to look like Baker was able to leave it, to fi gure out having to prove himself is not a prob- Ron Baker holding a basketball. what in Baker’s makeup gave him the lem. In fact, he thrives on it, given that Baker in both football and basketball at matter where he was coming from.” where his father’s family owns a 6,000- Baker permanently cemented his confi dence he could play signifi cant he is a player who has been under-esti- Scott Community High School. “When In fact, playing sports in Scott City acre wheat farm. With a population of status as a local celebrity since scoring minutes for a storied NBA franchise in mated every step of his career. he was young, he was never afraid to once seemed like the big time for Baker. 152 people, Utica is a city only in name. the winning basket in the champion- the biggest city in the country. “He’s never been afraid of that big step in with older kids. The fear of Before moving there in middle school, Not only does it not have a traffi c light; ship game of the 3A state tournament No American-born player since stage,” said Brian Gentry, who coached failure never seemed to bother him no he lived 50 miles to the east in Utica, it doesn’t have paved roads. In elemen- his senior year. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 9, 2017 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Spieth chases Players plot plans at history as PGA new Quail practice opens Hollow 24-year-old American could become the youngest player to win all four majors if he wins the event on Sunday

AFP In all, 97 of the world’s top 100 are Charlotte playing this week, with number 36 Brandt Snedeker dropping out injured on Monday, joining ordan Spieth says he isn’t carrying Germany’s Martin Kaymer (64) and any extra pressure this week try- American Scott Piercy (77) ing to become the youngest golfer Jto complete a career Grand Slam by laus and Walter Hagen with fi ve and winning the 99th PGA Championship. Woods with four. But the 24-year-old American, who “It would be nice to make that a hat won his third major title two weeks ago at trick,” McIlroy said. the British Open, wouldn’t mind making And McIlroy has a strong history at history while fi nishing off a dream goal Quail Hollow. He won his fi rst US PGA this week at Quail Hollow, where practice title in 2010 on the 7,600-yard, par-71 began Monday. layout at age 20 with a fi nal-round course “I don’t need to be the youngest. I record 62. In 2015, he lowered the mark, a don’t feel any added pressure because of third-round 61 sparking him to a second that,” Spieth said. tour title in Charlotte. Zach Johnson says the greens will pose problems for players at the “I really don’t feel any added pres- “I play well at Quail Hollow. I love the PGA Championship. sure whatsoever. If it happens great. If it golf course,” McIlroy said. “They have doesn’t then my next, probably last, life- made a few changes but I’ll have some re- long goal as a professional golfer would ally good vibes.” Reuters plause from the fans ringing the be to win the career grand slam.” World Possibly soft conditions with thun- Charlotte putting surface. number two Spieth, the 2015 Masters and derstorms in the forecast into the week- Despite hitting such a sweet US Open champion, could become only end shouldn’t dampen McIlroy’s major shot, he dropped another ball the sixth man to sweep the four major chances, given that he won a rain-soaked layers have come to and took dead aim again, this titles in a career after Jack Nicklaus, Ti- US Open in 2011 by eight strokes at Con- know Quail Hollow time fl ipping the ball up to ger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and gressional. during its years of host- within one foot on its way to the Gene Sarazen. Spieth will play alongside fellow ing the PGA Tour’s cup earning a louder cheer. Spieth would be 24 years and 17 days reigning major champions Sergio Garcia PWells Fargo Championship, but But Hahn said the greens old on Sunday, about six months younger of Spain, who captured his fi rst major ti- given its recent makeover play- could be unfair when hitting than Woods — the youngest to win all tle at the Masters, and American Brooks ers were not exactly sure how from farther out in the fairway, four majors so far — was when he won the Koepka, the US Open winner, in the fi rst it will play at this week’s PGA noting that he and practice 2000 British Open to complete his career two rounds. Championship. partner Vijay Singh both hit slam. The feature trio starts tomorrow from “Who knows?” William Mc- approaches that landed six feet And Spieth could become the fi rst the 10th tee at 8:25am (1225 GMT) and Girt told Reuters when asked for from a cup with drastically dif- player to complete a career slam with a Friday from the fi rst tee at 1:35pm. a probable winning score after ferent results. victory at the PGA Championship. Nick- World number one Dustin Johnson walking off the ninth green. “It “Mine stopped and Vijay’s ran laus, Woods and Hogan completed their will be in the group just behind them could be six-under or it could be off about 30 feet,” said Hahn. “I career slams at the British Open, Sarazen both days along with Australia’s sev- 18-under. No one knows.” think that some good shots will at the Masters and Player at the US Open. enth-ranked Jason Day and Sweden’s Three refashioned holes on not be rewarded.” For now, Spieth is among a select group eighth-rated Henrik Stenson. the front side add teeth to that Johnson agreed, but added: “I of 13 players who have captured three of In all, 97 of the world’s top 100 are nine, rough has grown in to pun- have one word to say and that’s the four majors in their careers. He joins playing this week, with number 36 ish errant drives and a change of — ‘golf’. It’s a four-letter word.” Tom Watson and the late Arnold Palmer Brandt Snedeker dropping out injured grass on the greens has raised McGirt said the rough could in only lacking the PGA Championship. on Monday, joining Germany’s Martin the speeds to hazardous levels. be a deciding factor, especially That list includes US left-hander Phil Kaymer (64) and American Scott Piercy Under the relaxed policy if it rains all week as has been Mickelson, a fi ve-time major winner (77). American Chris Kirk replaced of the PGA of America, play- forecast. missing only the US Open after a record Snedeker in the fi eld. ers were able to practice while “This rough is the great six runner-up showings in that event, McIlroy will play alongside Spain’s Jon wearing shorts, adding a casual equaliser because you’re going and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, a Rahm and American Rickie Fowler in the air about Monday’s prepara- to get some balls that you can four-time major winner lacking only the fi rst two rounds. tions. But the 156-player fi eld barely advance and some balls Masters to complete his career sweep. Defending champion Jimmy Walker, were seriously taking stock that will fl y forever,” he said. Mickelson, like four-time major win- who was diagnosed with Lyme disease in ahead of the year’s last major “We’ve never played this ner Ernie Els of South Africa, will make April, will join Mickelson and Jason Duf- starting on Thursday. golf course with actual rough... his 100th major appearance this week at ner in an all-US trio. “The biggest change we’ve there hasn’t been a ton of it.” Quail Hollow. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, coming off seen is the change in the greens,” McGirt said it can get fi endish McIlroy is expected to be a contender a victory at the World Golf Champion- double major winner Zach John- when wet. for a third Wanamaker Trophy after wins ships Bridgestone Invitational, will join son told Reuters. “It’s gonna get squishy. It’s Jordan Spieth plays a shot during a practice round prior to the 2017 PGA in 2012 and 2014. That would put him Els and England’s Ian Poulter the fi rst “Going from the bent to the already getting nasty on a cou- Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. fourth on the all-time list behind Nick- two days. bermuda is a substantial change ple of holes out there, really and requires you to be really, re- nasty. I had one on fi ve. I hit a ally careful on your approach seven-iron as hard as I could BOTTOMLINE shots with the run-up and the and it went about 80 yards.” release.” Despite that, McGirt expects James Hahn put on a short- some sizzling scores. game clinic at the ninth, pitch- “The golf course is pretty re- ing from short of the green to ceptive right now, so I’d expect PGA Championship to be two feet past the cup to ap- fairly low scores.” CYCLING shift ed to May from August Kwiatkowski signs

Reuters Prior to last week’s World Golf tional’s par-5 13th hole, the fi nal Charlotte Championship-Bridgestone hole of the famed “Amen Corner” new deal with Sky Invitational, Sean McManus, stretch of the course that annu- Chairman of CBS Sports, said ally hosts the year’s fi rst major Agencies family, otherwise it can be dif- much anticipated shift in a conference call that such a tournament. London fi cult. of the major golf cal- shift in the golf calendar would There had been talk for years “I truly believe I can win lots endar that would move be welcomed by the US TV net- that Augusta National might look more races in the future here.” the PGA Champion- works. McManus said it would to lengthen the hole. ichal Kwiatkowski Froome welcomed Aship from its August slot to May complete the major golf season, “It’s fair to say, as is always the signed a new three- Kwiatkowski’s deal, saying: is a done deal according to media including the FedExCup playoff s, case, we are always looking at year contract with “Kwiato has had a brilliant year. reports but PGA offi cials were before the start of the NFL. certain holes, certain other im- Team Sky after his “He’s obviously had some staying mum on the subject on “We love the PGA Champi- provements to the golf course, Mkey role in Chris Froome’s Tour great wins himself, but to me Monday. onship in August, but we would and we talked about some of de France win last month. his performance in the Tour de “We have no comment on certainly love the PGA Champi- those, and I think they are all Kwiatkowski was labelled as France epitomised everything that,” a PGA of America spokes- onship in May,” McManus said. pretty obvious,” Augusta Na- Sky’s game changer in France by about him and what he brings to man told Reuters at Quail Hollow, The move could also ease tional chairman Billy Payne said team principal Dave Brailsford Team Sky. “As a rider he is just site of the PGA Championship scheduling confl icts around the in April. after the Pole excelled himself in so versatile and selfl ess.” starting tomorrow. Olympics, now that golf has Augusta Country Club presi- the mountains to help Froome to Meanwhile, triple winner Al- “We won’t have anything to joined the Games programme. dent Jay Forrester said in the let- a fourth Tour crown. berto Contador will wear bib say on that before our news con- QAugusta National Golf Club ter that as part of the sale to Au- It was part of an impressive number one in his farewell Vuel- ference on Tuesday.” Bubba Watson tees off on the second hole during a practice round at has agreed to purchase a parcel gusta National, “a portion of the year for the 27-year-old, who ta a Espana later this month as The Associated Press reported Quail Hollow Club yesterday. Picture: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports of land from the adjacent Au- eighth hole and a new ninth hole has won one-day races in the the Spaniard prepares to bring on Monday that two offi cials in- gusta Country Club, according will be constructed at no cost to Strade-Bianche, Milan-San his career to and end. volved in the discussions, speak- the US Open in June and the Brit- think from our perspective I to a Golf Channel website report Augusta Country Club.” Remo and Clasica San Sebas- Contador, who announced on ing on condition of anonymity, ish Open in July. don’t really mind whether we’re Monday. Exactly how much property tian. Monday this year’s Vuelta would said the PGA of America and PGA Last month, on the eve of the the third major or the fourth A letter from Augusta Coun- was sold to Augusta National and “I’ve had great support from be his last professional race, will Tour will discuss details of the British Open at Royal Birkdale, major. We try to do our very best try Club offi cials to members at what price was not disclosed in the team for the past two sea- be bidding for a fourth title after 2019 move as early as today at R&A CEO Martin Slumbers told with The Open Championship said that the deal was struck af- the letter, but Forrester was not sons — both last year, when I his triumphs in 2008, 2012 and Quail Hollow. reporters it made no diff erence to to make it as good as we possibly ter months of “collaborative and unhappy with the terms in his had a really diffi cult season, and 2014. Under a proposed revised him if the British Open remained can do. cooperative dialogue” with the writing. this year, which has been great,” The number one bib is usu- schedule, The Players Cham- the third major of the year or be- “I can absolutely understand home course of the Masters. “Be assured this transaction he said. ally reserved for the defend- pionship would move back to came the fourth and last. some of the logic, and if it ends The memo, dated last Friday, will improve our golf course and “I’ve only been here for one ing champion, but organisers March, with the US Masters “I don’t think the fi nal deci- up as resulting in more people said the property is on the north- will put Augusta Country Club in and a half years, but it feels like have broken with tradition and leading off the series of majors in sion has been taken yet on that,” watching our game, then that’s a west boundary of Augusta Coun- an even greater fi nancial position far longer. That’s what I need — handed it to the Trek-Segafredo April followed by the PGA in May, Slumbers said at the time. “I great outcome.” try Club, next to Augusta Na- for many years to come,” he said. to feel supported, like part of a rider. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 9, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS BOXING Sparring partner Nadal eyes No.1 Malignaggi in Montreal with slams McGregor AFP Los Angeles

ormer boxing champ Paulie Malignaggi says he has no regrets about quitting Conor Murray sidelined McGregor’s training camp, sayingF the mixed martial arts fi ghter surrounds himself with “a bunch of yes ‘I’m trying to have the right preparation now and that’s it’ men”. McGregor is preparing to face boxing AFP star Floyd Mayweather in a Las Vegas Montreal boxing ring on August 26 in what could be one of the richest fi ghts in history. The 36-year-old Malignaggi, who afael Nadal says he’ll focus on retired from boxing fi ve months ago, the foes in front of him at the walked out of training camp last week ATP Montreal Masters this after he said McGregor used him like a ‘SOME KIND OF CRACKHOUSE’ week, and not on his chance pawn, disrespected him in the dress- “I showed up with the best intentions toR return to number one in the world. ing room and housed him and the other to camp and at a certain point you start A semi-fi nal run in Montreal would sparring partners in dumpy accommo- to realize you are being used as a pawn see the Spaniard supplant Britain’s dations. where somebody’s trying to get ahead Andy Murray atop the rankings. “He’s a scumbag,” Malignaggi said of at your expense and not through your “I don’t even think about that now,” McGregor in an interview Monday with help. Nadal said of number one. “I’m trying the American website The MMA Hour. “I said ‘I can’t deal with this.’ His team to have the right preparation now and He also gave a detailed breakdown of is a bunch of cheerleaders. They are not that’s it. how their sparring sessions went, no improving him. I don’t need to be around “I’m going to keep trying to play the doubt providing Mayweather with a these people. It is not like they brought way I did in the fi rst part of the season, blueprint on how to beat McGregor. me in for anything tactical.” so if I’m able to make that happen, I Malignaggi, a former multiple world He said the training camp accom- hope to have a chance to do well.” champion, said despite training little modations were better suited to drug The top seed is expected to open his during retirement he had no trouble dealers. “They put me in some kind of campaign for a fourth Canadian title getting the better of McGregor. a crackhouse,” he said. today with a second-round meeting Malignaggi said McGregor is more Malignaggi indicated that May- against either Croatian Borna Coric or concerned about putting on a spectacle weather should have little trouble with Russian lucky loser Mikhail Youzhny. in training camp than getting ready for McGregor over 12 rounds of boxing as Nadal could also be on track for a a serious boxing debut against one of long as he goes to the body on a regular third round showdown against 2009 the greatest fi ghters of all-time. basis. tournament runner-up Juan Mar- Malignaggi was also upset about train- “From about six rounds on, he be- tin del Potro who beat hard-serving ing camp pictures made public that show came very hittable,” the former champ American John Isner in straight sets the Irishman in a positive light. said. “So much more hittable that I was 7-5, 7-5 in a night match on Monday. “The guy is all about his ego. He’s ac- putting more weight on my shots and Murray is among the notable absen- tually not trying to get better. He’s got a sitting down more on my shots, and of tees from this key US Open tuneup. A semi-final run would see Rafael Nadal supplant Andy Murray (not pictured) atop the rankings. (USA TODAY Sports) bunch of yes men in his corner who tell course, the body shots started to aff ect Novak Djokovic is taking off the rest him he’s doing good even if he’s doing him more and more. of the season to rehab an elbow injury Newport and Atlanta in July before bad. It is just about him and cheerlead- “In MMA the body shots aren’t the and US Open champion Stan Wawrin- withdrawing from last week’s tourna- ing,” Malignaggi told MMA Hour. same as in boxing in that there is con- ka has ended his 2017 campaign with a ment in Washington with a knee in- He said he asked McGregor to stop sistency to body shots in boxing. There knee problem. jury. He also pulled out of the Madrid releasing misleading sparring photos is a debilitating breakdown from the Murray is trying to recover from a tournament with knee trouble. that showed the MMA fi ghter getting body shots in boxing. Little by little nagging hip injury in time for the fi nal Del Potro next faces either Rogerio the better of the exchanges. McGregor you feel the air come out of you with Grand Slam of the season that starts Dutra Silva or 18-year-old Canadian refused. fatigue.” later this month in Flushing Meadows. wild card Denis Shapovalov. If he wins, “At this stage I’m waiting for Ash- He said McGregor’s biggest asset Nadal claimed his 10th French Open del Potro would likely face Nadal. ton Kutcher to walk into the dress- against Mayweather will be his excel- title this year but bowed out in the In early matches on Monday, Aus- ing rooms and tell me I got Punk’d. I lent conditioning. fourth round at Wimbledon — his fi fth tralia’s Nick Kyrgios romped past thought it was a joke. I thought there “Conditioning wise he could push exit before the quarter-fi nals in his Serbian Viktor Troicki 6-1, 6-2 and was no way this guy is that much of an the issue a little bit more than I could,” last fi ve appearances at the All Eng- France’s Gael Monfi ls shook off a slow a******,” he said. he said. land Club. start to beat American Steve Johnson Roger Federer, who seized his 19th 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-1. Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, is also France’s Benoit Paire also advanced, RUGBY slated to open today. downing American Donald Young 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, but rising French star Lucas ISNER’S STREAK SNAPPED Pouille fell 7-6 (5), 7-6 (10/8) to Amer- Former US Open champion del Potro of ican Jared Donaldson. All Blacks delayed Argentina snapped an eight-match win Monfi ls was broken twice in a slug- streak for Isner, who earned from back- gish fi rst set, but gradually found his to-back title in July at the Hall of Fame range, fi ring 11 aces and saving the involving police for fi ve Open in Newport and the Atlanta Open. only other two break points he faced in Del Potro had to overcome 24 aces the one-hour, 38-minute victory. by 14th seeded Isner as he seeks to re- “At 4-3 in the second set I started days aft er fi nding ‘bug’ turn to the fi nal for the fi rst time since putting the ball in the court. I was able losing to Murray in 2009. to move better,” said Monfi ls who had Del Potro hammered nine aces, had his knees taped during the second set. Reuters but received the same answer. three double faults and won 85 percent “I was able to make it more diffi cult for Sydney That changed on the morning of the of his fi rst serves in the one hour, 49 him. From then on, I was able to get match. minute match. some more opportunities and I was “I woke to a missed call from Mr Del Potro closed out the victory on Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina celebrates his win over John Isner of the able to make him have some doubts.” ll Blacks management de- Shand,” Walters said. his second match point by hitting a United States (not pictured) on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) French veteran Richard Gasquet cided not to call the police for “I called him back... Mr Shand ad- forehand winner down the line. He survived an early scare from Canada’s fi ve days after a security con- vised the news of the bugging would hit broke Isner at 5-5 in the second set “I got lucky to win tonight,” del Po- shape. I look forward to improving my Brayden Schnur but held on for a 7-6 sultant claimed he had found the press in 15 minutes and they were then jumped out to a 40-0 lead in the tro said. “Nobody wants to play John game and winning more matches.” (5), 5-7, 6-1 win in their opening round aA listening device in a team meeting happy to get the police involved.” fi nal game. in the fi rst round. But now I am in good Isner won back-to-back titles in match. room in Sydney ahead of last year’s test The timing of the release of the news, against Australia, a court heard yester- with the inevitable speculation that the day. host nation had been guilty of spying REPORT It was only on the morning of the on the visitors, has been a matter of match that team manager Darren much friction between New Zealand Shand, aware that the news was about Rugby and the Australian Rugby Union to be published in New Zealand, in- (ARU). Venus wins but Mladenovic, Ostapenko upset structed Intercontinental staff to in- Australia coach Michael Cheika told volve the police, the hotel’s then gen- local media only this week he felt so eral manager Paul Walters said. strongly about it that he had raised it Reuters seven winners. Adrian Gard, a security consult- with his New Zealand counterpart Ste- Toronto “I’m feeling pretty tired right now,” ant used by the New Zealand team for ve Hansen. said Kvitova, who was trailing 4-1 in the a decade, is facing a charge of public “I want to play the game as hard as it second set before winning the tiebreak. mischief over the discovery of the de- can be, slugging it out, the physicality enus Williams prevailed in a “I’m trying to come back as soon as vice in a chair last August. of the game, even sledging sometimes three-setter but French Open possible but it is just a matter of time,” Walters, who gave evidence by video if it has to be, or the mindgames,” he champion Jelena Ostapenko added the 14th seed. link from London, said he was called to told the Payto and Panda Podcast. and 13th seed Kristina Mlad- a room in the hotel by Shand and Gard “But I reckon that bringing in po- Venovic crashed out of Rogers Cup with MLADENOVIC OUSTED late on Monday afternoon. lice and all that business, and making a fi rst round defeats on Monday. Strycova reached the second round for “They told me that had found a lis- clear inference, is crossing the line. Williams outlasted a lengthy rain the fourth straight year, while Mlade- tening device and showed me said de- “I said that before and I’ve said it to delay and pesky Romanian opponent novic remains winless in four attempts vice,” said Walters. the New Zealand coach personally, I Irina-Camelia Begu to win her open- on the Canadian hardcourts after the “I said, ‘Would you like me to contact feel it’s crossing the line.” ing match 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. fi rst match on an overcast centre court police?’. Mr Shand requested I do not Australia, who lost last year’s match Less than a month after her run to in Toronto lasted just 75 minutes. contact police.” 42-8, again host the All Blacks in Syd- the Wimbledon fi nal, where she lost to “I started very well and felt good on Walters said he asked Shand on three ney on Saturday week. Spain’s Garbine Muguruza, 37-year- court,” said the 26th-ranked Strycova, further occasions in the days that fol- Gard’s hearing will resume on Au- old Williams again had to turn back whose only career title came in 2011 lowed if he wanted to involve the police gust 16. time against a young challenger. in Quebec City. “I was playing a lot of After taking the opening set in dom- balls and being patient and I think that inant fashion, the American found was the key in this match. herself in a fi ght as Begu rallied back to “In the second set she started to Former England lock Botha retires win a set before rain suspended action Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic celebrates winning a point against Kristina play a little bit better, she is a tough for more than an hour. Mladenovic of France at the Rogers Cup in Toronto on Monday. (AFP) opponent. It is a great win for me.” Newcastle forward Mouritz Botha castle after joining from Super Rugby The decisive set was a rollercoast- Playing her fi rst event since a fi rst- has been forced to retire on medical outfit Sharks in August 2015. er with Williams moving ahead 3-1 Strycova’s stunning triumph was two sets in tiebreaks. round loss at Wimbledon, Strycova advice after sustaining a serious Botha had previously played 142 only to lose consecutive games before followed by another surprise victory Fan favourite Petra Kvitova, deter- got off to blazing start by breaking the concussion last season. games during six seasons with bouncing back to seize three straight when 12th seed Ostapenko lost 1-6, mined to improve following a knife misfi ring Mladenovic three times on Capped 10 times by England, South Saracens, who he helped win the Pre- games and the match. 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) to American Lepchenko injury to her hand infl icted by an in- her way to a 5-0 lead. Africa-born Botha opted to hang up miership title in 2011. “I only have one Earlier, Mladenovic was swept aside in two hours and 36 minutes. truder at home, beat Spaniard Carla Japan’s Naomi Osaka advanced 6-1 his boots rather than risk further overriding feeling — that I was truly 6-2, 6-3 by Czech Barbora Strycova After breezing through the fi rst set, Suarez Navarro 6-1, 7-6 (5). 4-1 when Britain’s Heather Watson concussion issues in the future. blessed to have had enjoyed my time while Ostapenko fell to American Var- the 20-year-old Ostapenko’s nerves The Czech’s six aces and 32 win- retired injured while Russian Daria The 35-year-old spent two seasons as a rugby player as much as I have vara Lepchenko as upsets marked the began to show and unforced errors ners were too much for the 28-year- Kasatkina battled past Italy’s Roberta with English Premiership side New- done,” Botha said in a statement. start of the tournament. helped Lepchenko, 31, take the fi nal old Navarro, who had no aces and just Vinci 7-6 (3), 7-6 (1).

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT England’s Ali hails Saqlain role for success Manchester, United Gibson coach talk encourages Kingdom: MOEEN ALI has paid tribute to the “amaz- ing” Saqlain Mushtaq for his role in helping the England all-rounder enjoy a record- breaking Test series against Proteas captain du Plessis South Africa. Ali, a 30-year-old off -spinner and left-handed batsman, became the first ‘I have asked the England team for their thoughts on Ottis, and they’ve given me positive feedback’ man in cricket history to score more than 250 runs and take AFP 25 wickets in a four-match Manchester, United Kingdom Test series during the course of England’s 3-1 victory over the Proteas. outh Africa captain Faf du Ples- Ali has often been re- sis has liked what he’s heard garded, even by himself, as about potential new Proteas a “second spinner” when the head coach Ottis Gibson. likes of Hampshire left-armer SThe current England bowling coach, Liam Dawson have been in Gibson has been tipped to succeed the England side. But under Russell Domingo, whose contract with the guidance of England Cricket South Africa expired after the spin-bowling coach Saqlain, end of a tour that fi nished with a 3-1 se- a former Pakistan off -spinner ries defeat following England’s 177-run and star of a Surrey side that win in the fourth Test at Old Traff ord won English County Cham- on Monday. “I have asked the England pionship titles at the turn of team for their thoughts on Ottis, and the century, Ali’s bowling has they’ve given me positive feedback,” improved markedly. du Plessis told reporters after a reverse “Saqqy has been amazing that completed a tough tour for South for me in terms of helping Africa, who also suff ered one-day and with my fields, helping me Twenty20 series losses to England, as understand my bowling a lot well as a disappointing fi rst-round exit more than I had done previ- in the Champions Trophy. ously — and I think that has “I believe (England’s) players are been the biggest diff erence,” good judges, and will be honest with said Ali after bowling England their refl ections on a guy (and whether) to a 177-run win in the fourth he’ll work as a head coach. They’ve said Test at Old Traff ord with some really good, positive things about more than a day to spare on him. Personally, if he is going to be the Monday. guy, we have to get to learn about each “Little things like that other fi rst.” can make a big diff erence,” Meanwhile England head coach explained Ali, who ended the Trevor Bayliss indicated he was get- match with two wickets in two ting ready for life without 48-year-old balls for an innings return of five for 69 after finishing Eng- land’s victory in the third Test at The Oval with a hat-trick. England bowling coach Ottis Gibson (right), seen here with captain Joe Root, is set to leave his position to become head coach of South Africa. “Before, I just bowled, (and) didn’t really think too much,” former West Indies head coach Gibson Russell?’, and the guys said yes. Then it ries. But du Plessis said the upheaval might have been in the squad had ended added Ali, who started the as a member of his backroom staff . “I was the panel’s decision to try and see if and general uncertainty over Domingo’s their South Africa careers to play for series with a 10-wicket haul only found out from you guys (the press) there was someone they could see who future could not account for a poor run English counties instead, while AB de in England’s first Test win at — that’s the fi rst we’d heard of it,” said would possibly take the team forward.” of results. “I can’t use that as an excuse. Villiers, one of the world’s leading bats- Lord’s. “I let the captain set the Bayliss of British media reports link- He added: “I just gave my input, The coaching staff have been brilliant men, opted out of the Test series. field. I would say I set the field ing Gibson with the South Africa post. where I said I think Russell is doing a and they haven’t been sidetracked by But du Plessis said South Africa had a lot more throughout this “There’s nothing been fi nalised yet.” good job at the moment but if there is what was going on. If it ended for Rus- to get ready for a future where former series.” The Australian added: “I’m at a loss someone who can challenge the team sell like this then it’s a disappointing captain de Villiers no longer played Test The South Africa series saw at the moment whether it’s a go-ahead more, by all means go and look who’s way to send him off with the players not cricket. “We all know how good AB is, Ali, who showed his batting — we haven’t heard for sure. By all ac- out there. That decision will only be performing. He’s been a crucial part of and we missed him, but we’ve spent too class with an unbeaten 75 not counts, it sounds like it.” made, as far as I know, when it gets to what we’ve been doing for the last while much time talking about ‘when is AB out in England’s second in- Meanwhile du Plessis said he had the board.” and we didn’t play well.” going to come back?’,” he explained. nings at Old Traff ord, cement held talks with CSA chiefs about the fu- This was a diffi cult tour for Domingo, South Africa arrived in England back “The hope of him coming back is his position of fourth in the ture identity of the South Africa coach. who had to fl y home after his mother in May without key fast bowler Dale something I think we need to move past. International Cricket Council “There were conversations,” he said. was involved in a car accident and re- Steyn, while seamer Vernon Philander If AB comes back it’s a huge bonus... but rankings for Test all-rounders. South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis. “The fi rst was ‘were we happy with turn again when she died of her inju- was rarely fully fi t. Several players who I don’t expect it,” du Plessis added. “I feel a lot more confident in my ability,” he said. “I feel like it was building. I had been FOCUS batting well over the last year, and the bowling was coming.” Joe Root, whose first series as England captain ended with a decisive victory, has been de- Sreesanth believes in WC miracle aft er life ban lift ed lighted by Worcestershire star Ali’s progress. “He is definitely AFP jasthan Royals players Ajit Chandila and Ankeet improving all the time,” said New Delhi A Indian high court lifted Chavan. Root. “I hope it’s not just a one- Sreesanth’s ban saying the “It is a new life for me. Even the biggest of crim- off series, and he can go on Indian board had not proved inals don’t go through what I or my family went now and do it again and again.” ndian pace bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth his role in the 2013 Indian through. “A small incident was portrayed in the said yesterday he was dreaming of playing in Premier League scandal. wrong way in front of the world. Maybe that’s how the 2019 World Cup after a court lifted a life the world works, I don’t know.” ban imposed over a match-fi xing scandal. The He highlighted the case of Pakistani bowler I34-year-old knows he faces a tough battle after Amir, who was found guilty of match-fi xing in four years in the wilderness, but he said he was court and banned for fi ve years in 2011. Amir made inspired by the successful comeback of Pakistan’s an early return in 2015 and helped Pakistan beat In- Mohammad Amir from a fi xing ban. dia in the Champions Trophy fi nal in June. The Kerala state high court lifted Sreesanth’s ban “I just hope that happens in my career too,” said on Monday, saying the Board of Control for Cricket Sreesanth. While Sreesanth had denied any role in in India (BCCI) had not proved his role in the 2013 the IPL match-fi xing, the Kerala court said he had Indian Premier League scandal. Sreesanth said his been a victim of his own silence in not defending fi rst target would be to play games for Glenrothes himself at the time. in the Scottish league, and then Kerala state, as he “Complacency in the matter on the part of Sree- bids to fi ght back into the Indian team. santh is really condemnable,” said the judge in “My dream is to play 2019 World Cup for India,” me. I just hope that I can do justice to my talent on All three were cleared of spot-fi xing charges by a his ruling. To uphold the dignity of the game, he Sreesanth told The Times of India in an interview. my comeback.” New Delhi court in 2015, but Sreesanth’s life ban by should have publicly disapproved (of) the conduct “But I know it is next to impossible and it would be The BCCI has not made any comment on the the BCCI remained in place until Monday’s ruling. of Jiju Janardanan, especially when his name was a miracle if I play in that World Cup. But I have al- ruling. It could appeal to a national court, or ac- Sreesanth, who was 13 short of 100 Test wickets dragged into the controversy.” ways believed that miracles can happen. cept the verdict and let Sreesanth return. The 2013 when he was banned, said he was optimistic of be- Janardanan was a friend of Sreesanth who was “There might be stiff competition for fast bowl- IPL season was mired in controversy after police ing given offi cial approval to play. accused of acting as a link between the players and ers’ spots now. But there was competition even launched legal proceedings against several offi - “Today I’m feeling much better than how I felt illegal bookies. “Anyhow, having suff ered a ban when I made my way into the Indian team. I have cials and three Rajasthan Royals players, including when I got my maiden call-up to the Indian team,” now almost for four years, nothing further is re- always felt that competition gets the best out of Sreesanth, for illegal betting and spot-fi xing. said Sreesanth, who was banned with fellow Ra- quired in this matter,” the court concluded.

TEST SERIES SECURITY FEARS Herath injured in fresh blow for Sri Lanka Pakistan says Under-19 Asia AFP Herath’s place is likely to be taken by left- Colombo arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara. India Cup in India must be moved will also be handicapped by the one-match ban slapped on Jadeja by the International AFP In 2013 offi cials were forced to move Women’s ey bowler Rangana Herath has Cricket Council for dangerous play. The left- Karachi World Cup matches from Mumbai to Cuttack over joined Sri Lanka’s growing injury arm spinner was reprimanded for a danger- security fears and protests over Pakistan’s par- list ahead of the start of the third ous throw in the second Test in Colombo. He ticipation. The same year, Pakistan athletes were and fi nal Test against India starting was also docked half his match fee and given akistani cricket authorities yesterday expelled from a hockey league following protests. Ktomorrow, in a blow to their hopes of a con- six demerit points by the ICC over the sec- called for an upcoming tournament in In- Pakistan blamed a delay in visas for their non- solation win. The 39-year-old spinner, Sri ond incident in a year. dia to be moved to a neutral venue, citing participation in the Junior World Cup in India in Lanka’s number one and the world number After the fi nal delivery of the 58th over, security fears in the South Asian country. 2016, while earlier this year their squash play- three in Tests behind India’s Ravindra Jadeja fi elding off his own bowling, Jadeja threw the PIndia is due to host the Under-19 Asia Cup in No- ers had to opt out of an event in India due to visa and Ravichandran Ashwin, is out with a back ball back at batsman Dimuth Karunaratne, vember but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said glitches. injury, chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said. who had not left his crease. The ball narrowly it would press for a relocation at an Asian Cricket The PCB has also initiated legal action against “Herath will not be able to play in the third missed him in a manner which the umpires Council (ACC) meeting this week. India for not honouring a deal under which the two Test,” Jayasuriya said. “He is suff ering a stiff deemed “dangerous”, the ICC said. “We will discuss this matter in the ACC meet- countries were set to play six senior series between back.” Sri Lanka have already suff ered crush- Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s cricketers have been ing in Colombo on Saturday and we think that the 2014-2023, pending clearance from New Delhi. ing defeats in the fi rst two Tests and losing urged to ignore trolling on social media after a event can be held at any other secure venue outside The fi rst of those series failed to materialise in Herath compounds their problems. dismal run of results triggered a wave of criti- India and Pakistan,” Najam Sethi, chairman of the 2015 and the second, due in November-December All-rounder Asela Gunaratne and bowler cism with even a government minister poking PCB’s executive committee, said. this year, has also been axed. Nuwan Pradeep picked up injuries in the fi rst fun online. Team mentor Aravinda de Silva Political tensions have prevented the neigh- The PCB last week said it has allocated 1bn ru- and second Tests respectively. Skipper Di- said players should not be disheartened ahead bours from playing a bilateral series since 2007, pees (10mn dollars) for the legal battle. “The case nesh Chandimal missed the fi rst Test after of the third Test against India. Young players apart from Pakistan’s tour to India in 2012-2013 will soon be fi led with the ICC (International being hospitalised for pneumonia, and fast should “not to be discouraged by extraneous when they played a short limited-overs series. Cricket Council) dispute committee,” said Shaha- bowler Suranga Lakmal was ruled out before elements that seek to demoralise them via so- Since then, sporting events have been marred by ryar Khan, who completed his three-year tenure as the series. cial media and gossip sites”, he said. perennial tensions between the arch-rivals. PCB chairman, last week.