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Saturday, May 18, 2019 GOLF Ramadan 13, 1440 AH Spieth two strokes GULF TIMES behind Koepka at PGA Championship SPORT Page 7

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Al Janoub Stadium FIFA chief Infantino opening a moment lauds new of pride for Qatar WCup arena Al Janoub Stadium also becomes the first Qatar 2022 venue to be built from scratch – three-and-a-half years ahead of the FIFA World Cup

By Sports Reporter ported the younger players Doha and even predicted that Qatar would win the AFC Asian Cup when few believed that was IFA president Gianni possible,” the world said the Infantino has de- Swiss. scribed the Al Janoub “We couldn’t be happier FStadium, which with having him in the next opened on Thursday night, as FIFA World Cup host country, “extraordinary”. inspiring people and contrib- The world football boss uting towards Qatar’s goal to along with secretary general succeed both on and off the Fatima Samoura attended the pitch,” added Infantino. Amir Cup fi nal at the Zaha With three-and-a-half Hadid designed facility in Al years still to go before the Fireworks go off during the opening ceremony of the Al Janoub World Cup stadium in Al Wakrah on Thursday night. Al Duhail beat Al Sadd 4-1 to win the Amir Cup final, the first Wakrah and was delighted FIFA World Cup kicks off , match to be played at Qatar’s newest football venue. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil with Qatar’s progress as the Qatar can be proud of having country builds towards the already delivered two of the SC and QNA – featuring local music, poetry, fi ce, said: “Seeing 40,000 fans at FIFA World Cup in 2022. eight stadiums proposed to Doha performance and stunning visual Al Janoub Stadium for the Amir “The stadium is extraordi- host the tournament. eff ects, all paying homage to Al Cup fi nal was a huge honour for nary,” said Infantino.“I was While the Khalifa Interna- Wakrah’s seafaring past – the everyone involved in the project. here seven months ago during tional Stadium was built in E Sheikh Hamad bin stadium hosted its fi rst game. I would like to thank everyone the fi nal stages of construc- the 1970s and re-opened after Khalifa bin Ahmed al- SC secretary-general Hassan who contributed to this feat, in- tion. I am delighted to see renovation in 2017, Al Janoub Thani, President of the al-Thawadi said: “The launch cluding the SC team, our various how beautiful and functional Stadium in Al Wakrah City Qatar Football Associa- of Al Janoub Stadium represents contractors and consultants. it is, but I am not surprised,” is the fi rst brand-new Qatar Htion (QFA), expressed his pride another momentous milestone “A huge thank you also to all of he added. 2022 venue to be completed in Qatar’s announcement of the on the road to 2022. During the the Qatari companies who have Infantino praised Qatar’s from scratch. readiness of Al Janoub Stadium bid we told the world to expect been involved in the construction commitment to have all facil- “This venue will wow foot- in the city of Al Wakrah, which amazing and with this magnifi - of the stadium – we are proud ities ready much ahead of the ball fans fl ocking to Qatar in hosted the fi nal of the Amir Cup cent stadium launch – along with that more than 50 per cent of the big event. 2022, and the fact that such an on Thursday night. the six others to follow – I am project budget was invested in “Qatar is working very hard astonishing project has been In remarks after the match, HE proud to report we are delivering the local economy.” to excel when it comes to eve- designed by an Arab woman Sheikh Hamad said he was very on that promise. Al-Jamal continued: “The ry aspect of the tournament. makes it absolutely unique. happy with the great achieve- “To have completed this sta- successful delivery of Al Janoub Today, we have seen even Besides off ering a beautiful ment and extended his thanks to dium with more than three years Stadium wouldn’t have been pos- more proof of their capabil- and modern stage for foot- all partners for their cooperation to go is another source of pride sible without outstanding col- ity and commitment, and we ballers to shine, Al Janoub in realising this important foot- for us and our many stakehold- laboration between the project will keep working side by side will also inspire girls across ball achievement. QFA president HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad al-Thani (L) ers across the State of Qatar. I team and our stakeholders across towards all other milestones the region to dream big, work “I am delighted that in the and SC secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi. look forward to continuing our the country. We are very proud to that will come our way until hard and achieve great things,” presence of His Highness the work together to ensure the FIFA have delivered a state-of-the-art 2022.” said FIFA secretary general Amir – and along with our col- Following the successful in- host the Amir Cup fi nal 2019 in World Cup Qatar 2022 is one of venue that is sure to become a The match also took on Samoura referring to the work leagues and stakeholders – Al auguration of the redeveloped April – and under the patronage the most memorable editions in fans’ favourite in 2022.” added signifi cance as Xavi of late British-Iraqi architect Janoub Stadium has successfully Khalifa International Stadium of His Highness the Amir Sheikh the tournament’s long and illus- Nasser al-Khater, CEO, FIFA Hernandez, who has played Zaha Hadid. launched with the 2019 edition in May 2017, Al Janoub Stadium Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the trious history.” World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: for Al Sadd since 2015, recent- The Al Janoub Stadium of the country’s most prestigious also becomes the fi rst Qatar 2022 opening game at the venue was The stadium was designed by “We have tonight – alongside ly announced that he would is set to host matches up football event – the Amir Cup fi - venue to be built from scratch – a resounding success. On the architectural icon Zaha Hadid, our stakeholders – delivered a retire at the end of the season. to and including the Qatar nal,” HE Sheikh Hamad said. three-and-a-half years ahead of night, Al Duhail beat Al Sadd 4-1 who was inspired by the sails of second world-class and fully op- “Xavi is among the greatest 2022 quarter-fi nals. In leg- “I wish to extend my congrat- the FIFA World Cup. to win the Amir Cup for the third traditional dhow boats to pro- erational stadium, fi t to host the midfi elders I have seen. His acy mode, it will be reduced ulations to both Al Duhail and Al Qatar Football Association time in four seasons. It was a dis- duce a concept which honours Al world’s greatest football compe- achievements with Barcelona to a 20,000-seater stadium Sadd, whose performances were (QFA) and the Supreme Commit- appointing night for legendary Wakrah’s past, while looking for- tition in 2022. and Spain place him in a very and become the home of lo- fi tting of this magnifi cent oc- tee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), midfi elder Xavi Hernandez, who ward to its bright future. “Work on this stadium began select group of absolutely leg- cal football team Al Wakrah casion, and thank all those who the organisation responsible for will retire from playing at the end Yasir al-Jamal, vice chairman in 2014, and to reach where we endary players. Over the past Sports Club. An innovative have worked together to ensure delivering the infrastructure re- of the season after spending four of the Technical Delivery Offi ce are today in such a short period of few years here in Doha, his cooling system and retractable this event was a resounding suc- quired for Qatar 2022, jointly seasons with the Wolves. After at the SC and chairman of the time is a remarkable achievement leadership has become even roof will enable the stadium to cess,” he added. announced the venue would spectacular pre-match activities Host Country Operations Of- for all involved.” more evident as he has sup- be used all year round. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 18, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Proud of my team: Duhail coach aft er Amir Cup win ‘The players did a fantastic job and put in an exceptional performance to win the title’

Al Duhail’s Almoez Ali lifts teammate and hero of the Amir Cup final Al Duhail players and off icials celebrate after their Amir Cup triumph at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday night. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Edmilson in the air, after the Brazilian scored two goals.

By Sports Reporter hope we can play even better when the purpose-built stadium for the 2022 Doha next season starts. I applaud our team World Cup was inaugurated. The management for taking care of all the ground, designed by late British-Iraqi needs of the players,” said Afi f. architect Zaha Hadid and located in a l Duhail coach Portuguese Rui Midfi elder Luiz Martin paid credit to coastal town south of Doha, erupted Faria was delighted after lead- Faria for showing his faith in the team into cheers as fi nalists Al Sadd and Al ing his team to Amir Cup title and set his eyes on winning the AFC Duhail ran onto the pitch. at the Al Janoub Stadium on Champions League, where the team The venue’s distinctive retractable ThursdayA night. The Red Knights came has reached the knockout stage. “It’s roof – meant to resemble the sails of back from a goal and a man down to amazing. Our coach is new but he be- a traditional dhow fi shing boat – is beat QNB Stars League champions Al lieved in us. We now want to win the made of 1,400 pieces and was shipped Sadd 4-1 in a thrilling encounter. AFC Champions League,” said Martin. to Qatar from Italy. It was plunged into After striker Almoez Ali was sent Assem Madibo said unity was their darkness for the pre-match show and off in the 26th minute, Duhail staged main strength. “We showed what we performers assembled around a gi- a remarkable comeback, scoring three could do on the pitch. We fought all the ant illuminated infl atable pearl on the goals in the second half to stun Sadd. way and we played as one unit. There centre of the manicured pitch. A video The star of the show was Edmilson were opportunities to score. The play- describing the Gulf nation’s history as a as the Duhail winger scored two su- ers did not lack in any way. We are very pearling station played on the ground’s perb goals and set up another. Youssef happy with this performance. We de- two big screens. The pearl then slow- El Arabi, who came on as a substitute served to win,” said Madibo. ly transformed into a representa- for an off colour Shoya Nakajima, also Adnan al-Ali, CEO of Al Duhail, was tion of the Amir Cup trophy before a had a crucial hand in the victory, while delighted with the team’s achieve- 150-strong marching band serenaded Akram Afi f was terrifi c for full ninety ment. “This is a great achievement for the stadium. minutes. “The sending off striker Al- us. The real eff orts have been put in by Former Dutch international Ruud moez Ali made it diffi cult for us, but the Karim Boudiaf (right) and Shoya the players. May God Bless them for Gullit, who attended the ground’s players did a fantastic job and put in an Al Duhail coach Rui Faria (left) and Almoez Ali pose with the Amir Cup trophy. Nakajima are ecstatic after the victory. their eff orts. The players showed great maiden game, called it “a beautiful exceptional performance to win the ti- responsibility. Even the backroom staff stadium”. “You go on the pitch and you tle,” said Faria. hind Al Sadd in the league and had also port to the team and the players for out our best performance of the event worked hard. The result we see today want to play,” said the former captain It was their fi rst trophy under Faria, lost to Al Rayyan on penalties in the ending the season on a high. in the fi nal,” said Afi f. “The match was gives us an unbelievable feeling of hap- of the Netherlands side that won the who took over from Nabil Maaloul in season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup last Ali Afi f, who cancelled out his broth- great. They also played well but we piness,” he said. European Championship in 1988. “The January. They also banished their dis- August. Faria also extended his thanks er Akram Afi f’s early opener for Sadd, stuck to our guns and dominated the Before the much-anticipated kicked design is fantastic, and of course there’s appointment of fi nishing second be- to the board of the club for their sup- was unstoppable on the night. “We put match. We were united on the pitch. We off , the Al Janoub Stadium, the fi rst the air conditioning.”

SERIE A Allegri and Juventus in surprise split at end of season AFP Conte along with France boss and ex- pa Italia fi nal defeat, and still push- “Since De Rossi was our captain, a Rome defender and coach , ing for a fi rst-ever Champions League person in our history, perhaps his de- Champions League fi nalist Mauricio qualifi cation. ’s parture had to be handled diff erently so Pochettino of Tottenham and Lazio’s men slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Lazio he could think it through better,” said oach Massimiliano Allegri will have been linked with in Rome this week which ended their Ranieri, who replaced sacked Euesbio leave Juventus at the end of the taking over from Allegri in the Italian 12-match unbeaten run. Di Francesco last March. season after a reported fall- press in recent weeks. The club from Bergamo had elimi- “That opportunity wasn’t given to out with the club’s directors, Allegri’s departure from the Allianz nated holders Juventus in the quarter- him, but that’s football. The club want theC newly-crowned champions Stadium will alert a host of big Euro- fi nals, and were bidding for their fi rst to change, they want other players: and said in a surprise statement yesterday. pean outfi ts and his name shot up the Massimiliano Allegri won the major honour since their Coppa tri- like how players choose diff erent clubs, “Massimiliano Allegri will not be on bookmakers’ list of favourites to be the league title in each of his five umph in 1963. Ronaldo has two games the clubs change too.” the Juventus bench for the 2019/2020 next permanent coach at seasons with Juventus since left to try to fi nish top scorer in his fi rst De Rossi had made 615 appearances season,” Juve announced in a shock de- and Chelsea. Despite signing Cristiano taking charge in 2014. (AFP) season in Serie A as he is fi ve behind and scored 63 goals for Roma in all velopment. Ronaldo from Real Madrid last summer Sampdoria’s Fabio Quagliarella. competitions, but had never lifted the Allegri, 51, had rejected reports say- the Bianconeri failed to make it past the The race for Europe is tight with two Serie A title, despite two Coppa Ita- ing he was about to be dismissed last quarter-fi nals of the European foot- remaining Champions League berths lia trophies. AC Milan host relegated Saturday adding he had already been ball’s top competition for the second up for grabs with two games left to play. Frosinone, while Torino travel to Em- making plans for next year over the past successive season. Juventus and Napoli are already through poli, who are fi ghting the drop. Lazio, six months. He held meetings with the They were humiliated by modest- with Inter Milan well-positioned for in eighth, host Bologna on Monday at club’s hierarchy this the week during spending Ajax in the last eight in April the third spot, which a win against Na- the Stadio Olimpico after rescuing their which a clear disagreement between despite a star-studded side including poli this weekend would ensure. season with a victory. the two parties emerged. Ronaldo, Argentina’s and Atalanta are fourth, one point be- Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello France World Cup winner Blaise Matu- hind Inter, and three ahead of AC Milan FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) Sport claimed they fell out over a vari- idi. Allegri guided Juve to two European ian club on a free transfer from Arsenal Juventus have one game left after Ata- and Roma, with Torino’s hopes slim as Today: Udinese v SPAL (1300), Genoa ety of subjects including Allegri’s de- fi nals losing to Barcelona in 2015 before for next season. lanta, against Sampdoria in Genoa on they are fi ve points adrift. Roma head to v Cagliari (1600), Sassuolo v AS Roma sire for an increased salary and a diff er- being hammered by Real Madrid two Local press reported Allegri had been May 26. The fi nal home game will be an Sassuolo in turmoil after the news that (1830) ing vision of the side’s future. Juventus years later. keen to sell the likes of Dybala, Bra- occasion to celebrate another Serie A captain Daniele De Rossi will leave af- have already wrapped up their record The pressure to bring the much- zil winger and Portugal title and will be one they will be deter- ter 18 years after the club decided not to Tomorrow: Chievo v Sampdoria (1030), eighth consecutive title, and Allegri’s desired trophy back to Turin for the right-back Joao Cancelo in the upcom- mined to win. Allegri’s team have been renew his contract. Empoli v Torino, Juventus v Atalanta, fi fth in as many years and he lifted the fi rst time since 1996 was also alleged ing summer transfer window. held in their last two outings since seal- Coach – also leaving Parma v Fiorentina (1300), AC Milan v Coppa Italia on four occasions since re- to be part of the fall-out according Allegri will oversee his fi nal game ing the on April 20. at the end of the season – admitted that Frosinone (1600), Napoli v Inter Milan (1830) placing in 2014. to Gazzetta. Wales midfi elder Aaron as Juventus coach at the club’s Allianz And they are up against an Atalanta he would have handled the situation The club’s former midfi elder Antonio Ramsey has already signed for the Ital- Stadium tomorrow against Atalanta. side who are hurting after their Cop- with the 35-year-old diff erently. On Monday: Lazio v Bologna (1830) Gulf Times Saturday, May 18, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS It’s like being called I have confi dence in up again for the fi rst time: Cazorla AFP play at the highest level.” Madrid Luis Enrique was unable to at- tend the squad announcement at Man City over FFP Las Rozas and will miss the up- anti Cazorla discovered coming games due to the same his remarkable come- personal problems that prevent- back had taken him into ed him taking charge of Spain’s the Spain squad for the last fi xture against Malta. fiS rst time since 2015 when his Molina said there was no time- team-mates chanted his name table for Luis Enrique’s return aff air: Guardiola yesterday. “I found out from my but insisted speculation he might team-mates,” the midfi elder stand down was false. “That has said. “After training I heard them not been proposed,” Molina said. A win against Watford in FA Cup final today would secure a historic domestic treble chanting my name and I didn’t “The commitment of the federa- know why. That was when they tion to Luis Enrique is total. That AFP started congratulating me.” commitment is mutual and will Manchester, United Kingdom Spain’s latest squad an- continue. On our part there is no nouncement also included con- doubt about that.” fi rmation that Luis Enrique will Luis Enrique’s assistant Rob- ep Guardiola insisted yesterday not take charge of their upcom- ert Moreno oversaw the an- that he has complete confi dence ing games against the Faroe Is- nouncement of the squad, which in his bosses at Manchester City lands and Sweden for personal included recalls for Real Madrid’s ahead of UEFA’s ruling on their reasons, but he will continue as Isco, who was left out in March, Pparticipation in the Champions League, coach. Cazorla required numer- and Real Sociedad striker Mikel as his side prepare for this weekend’s FA ous operations on knee, foot and Oyarzabal, who was last selected Cup fi nal against Watford. ankle injuries that began in 2013, in May 2016. City have been referred to UEFA’s ad- while an aggressive infection in Dani Carvajal, Diego Llorente judicatory chamber for alleged breaches his heel needed a skin graft, ex- and Iago Aspas also returned. of fi nancial fair-play rules (FFP), where tracted from his left forearm. Juan Bernat, Sergi Gomez, Dani if found guilty they could face expul- Told he was lucky to walk again Ceballos, Sergio Canales, Iker sion from the Champions League. It has and could have lost his leg, Ca- Muniain and Jaime Mata all slightly overshadowed City clinching zorla chose not to retire, instead dropped out. their second successive Premier League moving to Villarreal from Arse- title last Sunday, while victory at Wem- nal last year. SPAIN SQUAD bley today would secure a historic do- The 34-year-old’s call-up mestic treble, but Guardiola is critical of comes after he was one of Vil- Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Man- how his club have been condemned by larreal’s stand-out players this chester United), Kepa many already. season, helping them avoid rel- Arrizabalaga (Chelsea) and Pau “I trust the club and the people,” he egation with four goals and 10 Lopez (Betis) said. “I know we won the Premier League assists in 34 appearances. He has Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real and in the last two or three days, peo- only missed three La Liga match- Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Ma- ple only talked about this (the alleged es. “If someone had told me this drid), Mario Hermoso (Espanyol), breaches). If we did something wrong would happen at the end of the Diego Llorente (Real Sociedad), and UEFA decides that we did something season, I would never have im- Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), wrong, we will be punished or whatever agined it,” Cazorla said. “It’s al- Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Sergi they decide. I know people are waiting for most like being called up for the Roberto (Barcelona), Jose Gaya us to be guilty. But we are innocent right fi rst time because it’s something (Valencia), Jesus Navas (Sevilla) now. Sometimes it’s diffi cult to under- so unexpected. I’m going to enjoy stand for everybody because it doesn’t it a lot.” : Sergio Busquets always happen all over the world, but we Spain play European Cham- (Barcelona), Rodrigo Hernandez are innocent until proven otherwise.” pionship qualifi ers against the (Atletico Madrid), Dani Parejo Guardiola said he would leave the argu- Faroe Islands on June 7 and Swe- (Valencia), Isco (Real Madrid), ments to the club’s lawyers. “We will ac- den on June 10. The midfi elder’s Fabian Ruiz (Napoli), Santi Cazorla cept it but I have spoken to the Chairman last international appearance (Villarreal) and the CEOs. I know exactly what they came when he scored in a 2-0 Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real did and I trust the lot of them,” said the Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola poses with the trophy as he celebrates winning the Premier League last Sunday. (Reuters) friendly win over England in No- Sociedad), Rodrigo Moreno 48-year-old Spaniard. “UEFA are now vember 2015. “I think I can con- (Valencia), Marco Asensio (Real working with the lawyers of Manchester nected to Liverpool due to lyrics talking someone was off ended for another is- conquer the Champions League with his tribute,” added Cazorla. “During City. Manchester City is open to expose about them as “victims” and “getting sue, I am sorry,” he said. “I apologise but current club. That glaring omission from the years of injury I always want- Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta), Al- all the papers, all the documents and all battered in the streets”. it was never our intention. We celebrated his CV is why he categorically denies he ed to play again and I wanted to varo Morata (Atletico Madrid) that they have done. I am not a lawyer. I Some people said the lyrics refer to the for ourselves. We were happy to win the will move to Juventus on the day it was don’t know what is going to happen be- Hillsborough tragedy and the stabbing of Premier League. It was so diffi cult against announced Massimiliano Allegri will hind the scenes in all the meetings they Liverpool fan Sean Cox before last year’s an incredible contender.” leave the Turin giants at the end of the have. Today we are innocent. We will see Champions League semi-fi nal against Guardiola has the chance to lead City to season. “How many times do I have to in the future.” Roma. However, Guardiola has apologised an unprecedented treble if he can land the say, I’m not going to Juventus,” he said. “I As Guardiola prepares for the clash and insisted there was no intention to FA Cup to follow on from the league title am not going to move to Italy. I am staying against Watford, he also had to defend mock their Premier League rivals who kept and the League Cup. The former Barce- here two more seasons, if they want me. his players and backroom staff . Footage the title race alive until the fi nal day of the lona and Bayern Munich manager regards I have a contract. I am satisfi ed working emerged from City’s private plane back season to fi nish one point adrift of City. it as a possible “mini quadruple” having here with this club and with these people. from Brighton last Sunday of a chant be- “We were happy for ourselves, not won the season-opening Community I am not going anywhere, that is what I ing sung, which has off ended those con- because we are for the other ones, so if Shield back in August. But he still has to feel today.”

‘He made mistake’: Brazil coach will talk to Neymar over fan clash

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach admit- their squad. PSG’s Silva, 34, has been suf- Tite instead opted for Fernandinho, one Defenders: (Paris Saint- ted that superstar striker Neymar had fering from a knee issue since mid-April of Manchester City’s driving forces in Germain/FRA), Fagner (Corinthians), “made a mistake” when he clashed with but Brazil’s physio Fabio Mahseredjian their Premier League triumph but who (Juventus/ITA), Filipe Luis a fan in France but that didn’t deter him said the former captain could be in a had been widely criticised for his per- (Atletico Madrid/ESP), (Paris from including the world’s most expen- “good condition” by May 28. formance in the 2-1 quarter-final loss to Saint-Germain/FRA), (Paris sive player in his Copa America squad. There was no space for Tottenham’s Belgium at the 2018 World Cup. “It was a Saint-Germain/FRA), Miranda (Inter Milan/ Neymar, the world’s most expensive Champions League star Lucas Moura very diff icult choice. Fernandinho knows ITA), Eder Militao (Porto/POR) player, was banned for three matches for despite his hat-trick in last week’s semi- his responsibilities. It’s the most diff icult Midfielders: (Real Madrid/ lashing out at a spectator following PSG’s final second leg against Ajax or for Real squad I have ever had to put together.” ESP), Fernandinho (Manchester City/ESP), shock defeat by Rennes in the French Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior. Ever- Eight-time winners Bazil face Bolivia, Arthur (Barcelona/ESP), Allan (Napoli/ITA) Cup final earlier this month. His ban will ton winger is included in the Venezuela and Peru in the group stage, not, however, aff ect his appearance in 23-man group after an impressive season which starts on June 14, after two friend- Forwards: Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan/ the Copa America which Brazil will host in the English top flight. lies against Qatar and Honduras. ITA), (Barcelona/ESP), from next month. One of the most notable absentees Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), “He made a mistake but I want to was that of Liverpool’s Fabinho de- BRAZIL SQUAD: Everton (Gremio), David Neres (Ajax/ NED), Richarlison (Everton/ENG), Roberto talk to him face to face,” said Tite as he spite his key role in his team’s push to Goalkeepers: (Liverpool/ENG), named his squad yesterday. Brazil also the Champions League final and the Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG), Cassio Santi Cazorla required numerous operations on knee, foot and ankle included injured defender Thiago Silva in runners-up spot in the Premier League. (Manchester City, ENG) injuries that began in 2013, while an aggressive infection in his heel (Corinthians) needed a skin graft, extracted from his left forearm. (Reuters)

PREVIEW Favre, Kovac face old friends as Bundesliga fi nale grips Germany AFP all eventualities against Gladbach, Dortmund by nine points in De- Frankfurt past could yet defi ne his Berlin whom he coached between 2011 and cember. “In winter, we just hoped Bayern future. Rumours that Ko- 2015. “They play well on the coun- we would have any chance at all on vac is on the verge of the sack have ter-attack, but they can also press the fi nal day, and now we are in the increased in the build-up to the ayern Munich coach Niko high up the pitch, and they need to comfortable situation of having it in Frankfurt game, but the Croatian Kovac and his Borussia win too,” he said. our own hands,” he said. was philosophical on Thursday. “I Dortmund counterpart Lu- There is more than the title at The Croatian said he was expect- like the job but I am also independ- cien Favre both face a trip stake today, with both Gladbach ing an emotional afternoon on Sat- ent. I have always been a fi ghter and downB memory lane today as the and Frankfurt still in the running urday, when his old club Frankfurt have never given up,” he said. Bundesliga braces itself for the most for Champions League qualifi ca- come to Munich. Bayern have not With today’s title decider and nail-biting season fi nale in years. tion. Dortmund sporting director won the title in front of their own next weekend’s German Cup fi nal Both Kovac and Favre will face their Michael Zorc joked on Thursday fans since 2000, and are preparing against RB Leipzig, Kovac has two former clubs on a much-anticipated that he would not send Frankfurt to bid farewell to club icons Arjen chances to win silverware in the fi nal day, as the title race goes down a crate of beer if they beat Bayern. Robben and Franck Ribery. “There next week, and is determined to take to the last weekend of the season for “They have something to play for, hasn’t been a situation like this in both of them. “We must win tro- the fi rst time since 2010. so they don’t need any extra moti- Munich for a while, and we want to phies,” he said. Bayern currently sit two points vation,” he said. bring the fans with us on Saturday,” he said. ahead of Dortmund, and can claim Zorc admitted that Bayern were in TODAY’S FIXTURES a seventh straight league crown if “pole position”, but confi rmed that Kovac, who steered Frankfurt (ALL GAMES 1330 GMT) they avoid defeat at home by Kovac’s the club were making plans for a po- away from relegation in 2016 before old club Eintracht Frankfurt today. tential title celebration in the Dort- leading them to glory in the Ger- Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frank- Dortmund, meanwhile, travel to Fa- mund town centre. “We are hugely man Cup last season, said that the furt, Schalke v Stuttgart, Borussia vre’s old hunting ground at Borussia looking forward to the game, and pressure to win the title was noth- Moenchengladbach v Borussia Moenchengladbach, knowing that the excitement will rise when we are ing compared to a relegation fi ght. Dortmund, Hertha Berlin v Bayer they can only be crowned champi- on the way to the stadium, those are “When you are fi ghting for your ex- Leverkusen, Werder Bremen v RB ons if they win and Bayern lose. nice moments,” he said. istence, that is something diff erent,” Leipzig, Freiburg v Nuremberg, “We need to focus on our game,” Bayern coach Kovac said on he said. Mainz v Hoff enheim, Wolfsburg v said Favre on Thursday, adding that Thursday that he was proud to be on Yet the under-fi re coach knows Augsburg, Fortuna Duesseldorf v Bayern Munich’s coach Niko Kovac (left) and Borussia Dortmund’s coach Lucien Favre. (AFP) Dortmund needed to be prepared for the verge of the title, having trailed that Saturday’s meeting with his Hanover Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 18, 2019 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT England are favourites as World Cup comes home The hosts, boasting a plethora of big-hitting white-ball specialists, are the top-ranked team in the 50-over game

AFP London Winners to get record $4mn prize money he World Cup returns to its London: The winners of the upcom- ing $800,000 (£625,000) and the birthplace when the 12th edition ing World Cup in England will receive runners-up banking $2mn (£1.56mn). of the one-day international a record $4mn (£3.1mn) for lifting the Tournament hosts and favourites showpiece starts in England trophy, the International Cricket Coun- England, bidding to win the trophy for laterT this month, with many predicting cil announced yesterday. the first time, will open the World Cup a batting bonanza. In all a total of $10mn is on off er during when they face South Africa at The The inaugural 1975 tournament saw the showpiece men’s one-day interna- Oval in south London on May 30. West Indies beat Australia in a memo- tional tournament, which starts later It will be the first fixture of a World rable Lord’s fi nal and it is 20 years since this month and lasts 46 days. Cup where all 10 teams will play each England last staged the event, when As well as the champions’ pay-out, other in the group phase ahead of the Australia overwhelmed Pakistan in a each team that wins a group stage knockout stages that will culminate lopsided fi nal. match will receive $40,000 (£31,000), with a final at Lord’s in northwest Reigning champions Australia, who with the losing semi-finalists collect- London on July 14. won their fi fth title on home soil in 2015, come into tournament boosted by the returns of star batsmen Steve Smith and But England one-day captain Eoin “England have the strongest side David Warner after both served bans for Morgan said his side had learned their they have ever had, and the inclusion ball-tampering following the “sandpa- lesson. “We are very realistic about of the exciting Jofra Archer is only go- pergate” scandal. the pitches we might play on,” he said. ing to strengthen that,” former England England, boasting a plethora of big- “They might deteriorate as the World skipper Mike Gatting told the Cricketer hitting white-ball specialists, are the Cup goes on and we are planning for magazine. top-ranked team in the 50-over game, that.” “England will not have a better op- while Virat Kohli’s India are also packed England have never won a men’s portunity to win it,” added Gatting, the with superstars who have honed their World Cup, with the last of their three losing skipper when Australia won the skills in the Indian Premier League. losing appearances in the fi nal com- 1987 fi nal. New Zealand and South Africa will ing in 1992. A limp fi rst-round depar- India upset the odds to beat West also harbour hopes of World Cup glory ture at the 2015 World Cup in Australia Indies in the 1983 World Cup fi nal at in the 10-team tournament, in which and New Zealand was the catalyst for a Lord’s under the captaincy of Kapil Dev each side will play all the others before transformation in England’s white-ball and now boast another inspirational the semi-fi nals. game based on aggressive batting, as ex- skipper in star batsman Kohli. Former winners Pakistan can never emplifi ed by the likes of Jonny Bairstow They can also call upon high-quality be ruled out and West Indies, featuring and Jos Buttler. fast bowlers in Mohamed Shami and self-style “Universe Boss” England’s Jofra Archer (third from left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Asif Ali during their England are now even threatening to Jasprit Bumrah as well as spinners Kul- for the fi nal time in ODIs, will fancy fourth ODI in Nottingham yesterday. smash the 500-run barrier for the fi rst deep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. their chances of a fi rst World Cup tri- time in an ODI innings, having set a new South Africa will be desperate to shed umph since 1979. which runs from May 30 until July 14. the batsmen will have the upper hand cied to win the 2017 50-over Champi- record total of 481 for six against Aus- their tag of World Cup chokers while In an age in which astonishing run- “If it’s a damp summer then the team and it’ll be the attacks with plenty of va- ons Trophy, which they hosted, only to tralia in Nottingham last year. consistent New Zealand, losing fi nal- scoring feats have become common- with the best seam attack will start with riety — the accent on genuine pace and lose to eventual winners Pakistan in the And their attack now has an extra ists in 2015 and repeatedly in the last place in limited-overs cricket, it may be a huge advantage, as batting will be a spin — that are likely to make the fi nal.” semi-fi nals. threat in recently qualifi ed Barbados- four, boast a clutch of match-winners the hard-pressed bowlers who deter- challenge,” former Australia captain Ian Top-ranked England will undoubt- That match saw England fail to adjust born fast bowler Jofra Archer, who is — batsmen Kane Williamson and Ross mine the destiny of this year’s title, de- Chappell wrote on espncricinfo.com. edly start the tournament as favourites. to a slow Cardiff pitch that was not ide- likely to be named in England’s squad Taylor as well as seamers Tim Southee pending on the conditions for the event, “If, on the other hand, it’s a dry summer, They were, however, strongly fan- ally suited to attacking strokeplay. of 15. and Trent Boult.

FOCUS Roy, Stokes shine as England triumph

AFP Nottingham

ngland beat Pakistan by three wickets in the fourth one-day international at Trent Bridge yesterday. Victory gave World Cup hosts and fa- Evourites England an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the fi ve- match series. England were cruising to a victory target of 341 at 201 for one when Jason Roy’s dismissal for 114 sparked a collapse that saw three wickets lost for seven runs in 10 balls. But Ben Stokes’s 71 not out saw England home with three balls to spare after Babar Azam made 115 in Pakistan’s 340 for seven. Earlier, Pakistan failed to capitalise on Babar Azam’s century as they were held to a total of 340 for seven. With tournament favourites England nam- ing their fi nal 15-man World Cup squad on Tues- day, Surrey paceman Tom Curran did his selection prospects no harm with four wickets for 75 runs in a maximum 10 overs. England, seeking a win that would seal the fi ve- match series at 3-0 up with one to play, were look- ing at a stiff chase when Pakistan were 178 for one Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim (C) holds the winners’ trophy as Bangladesh cricketers celebrate their victory after the Tri-Nation Series off 30 overs. final against West Indies at the Malahide cricket club in Dublin yesterday. But the innings fell away following a century stand between Babar, who made 115, and Mohamed Hafeez (59). England’s Ben Stokes in action against Pakistan TRI-SERIES It seemed the tourists were short of a truly com- yesterday. petitive total because England have twice broken the record for the highest ODI total in three years Rashid superbly through the covers for four before at Trent Bridge. Last year’s 481 for six against world Hafeez hoicked a six off the leg-spinner. champions Australia followed their 444 for three Hafeez was reprieved again on 45 when wicket- against Pakistan in 2016. keeper Jos Buttler — who had sent Pakistan into Pakistan’s cause was not helped, when Imam- bat in his role as captain after regular skipper Eoin Soumya and Mosaddek ul-Haq, fresh from his career-best 151 during Morgan’s one-game ban following the team’s slow England’s six-wicket win in Tuesday’s third ODI over-rate in Bristol — missed a chance to stump in Bristol, had to retire hurt on three after missing him off spinner Moeen Ali. an intended pull of an 89 mph ball from fast bowler Hafeez went to fi fty at better than a run-a-ball Mark Wood that hit him on the elbow. before, on 59, he pulled Wood to mid-on. lead Bangladesh to title But concerns over whether the 23-year-old left- Babar’s 10th boundary, a leg-glance off Ben AFP Bangladesh, who open their World Cup in four balls, reaching his second ODI half- handed opener, the nephew of Pakistan great and Stokes, took him to his ninth hundred in 63 ODIs, Dublin campaign against South Africa at The Oval century from only 23 deliveries. selection chief Inzamam-ul-Haq, would be fi t for and fi rst against England, in 104 balls. on June 2, ended the series with four wins Mahmudullah completed the job with a the World Cup were eased when he returned to He then sliced Surrey paceman Curran and Arch- angladesh gave themselves a boost from as many completed matches, beating fi ne drive over the cover fi elders. resume his innings at the fall of the seventh wicket er, running in from the cover boundary, held a well- ahead of the World Cup with vic- Ireland once and the West Indies three times. The West Indies will be strengthened by and he fi nished on six not out. judged catch to leave Pakistan 249 for three. tory in the Tri-Series fi nal against Soumya got his side off to a fl ier with a 41- the arrivals of Chris Gayle and Following Imam’s initial exit, Babar and Fakhar Wood showed his variety by deceiving Shoaib Bthe West Indies in Dublin yesterday, ball 66 at the top of the order, while wicket- ahead of the World Cup after Indian Premier Zamam set about an England attack featuring two Malik (41) into hitting his wicket with a slower ball as Soumya Sarkar and Mosaddek Hossain keeper Mushfi qur Rahim struck 36 before League duty, while Bangladesh will hope that genuine fast bowlers in the recalled duo of Wood and fi nish with two for 71. starred in an excellent chase. both were dismissed by Raymon Reifer, giv- Shakib Al Hasan recovers from a back strain and Jofra Archer. Openers and Sunil Ambris both ing the left-arm seamer his fi rst one-day in- that kept him out yesterday. Babar uppercut Archer for an audacious six. BRIEF SCORES made fi fties as the Windies reached 154-1 ternational scalps. Left-hander Fakhar hoisted Wood high over the Pakistan 340-7, 50 overs (Babar Azam 115, Mo- from 24 overs before rain intervened. But all-rounder Mosaddek helped Bangla- Brief scores: boundary at deep square leg. hamed Hafeez 59, Fakhar Zaman 57; T Curran 4-75) That left Bangladesh with a tricky total desh race to the fi nish line with a sparkling, West Indies 152-1 in 24 overs (Shai Hope 74, Babar’s fi fty came off 49 balls, Fakhar’s off 44. England 341-7, 49.3 overs (J Roy 114, B Stokes 71 of 210 to win from 24 overs on DLS method unbeaten 52. Sunil Ambris 69 not out) v Bangladesh 213- But Fakhar fell for 57 when, trying to drive Cur- no) when play resumed, but they made short With 27 needed to win from the last three 5 in 22.5 overs (Soumya Sarkar 66, Mosad- ran through the covers, he sliced the ball to Wood Result: England won by three wickets work of the target to win by fi ve wickets with overs, the 23-year-old clubbed Windies dek Hossain 52 not out) at third man. Series: England lead five-match series 3-0 (1st ODI seven balls to spare. spinner for three sixes and a four Bangladesh win by five wickets (DLS Babar continued to attack, timing a drive off Adil was a no-result due to rain) Gulf Times Saturday, May 18, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Warriors’ Durant out for another week

Portland: Golden State Curry to the rescue as Warriors star Kevin Durant is not yet ready to resume on-court work and will be re- evaluated in a week, the team announced Thursday, shortly before Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. Warriors down Blazers That timeline would put Du- rant, who is recovering from a right calf strain, out through at least Game 5, which is set — Curry sparks a 14-3 run for the Warriors as the NBA champions overturned a 108-100 deficit if necessary — for Wednesday in Oakland, California. Game AFP 6 is tentatively scheduled for San Francisco Friday, May 24 in Portland. The Warriors rallied to win Game 2, 114-111, to take a 2-0 tephen Curry scored 37 points series lead. The team’s update as the Golden State Warriors said Durant has shown “good fought back to defeat the Port- progress,” but head coach land Trail Blazers 114-111 and Steve Kerr told reporters after takeS a 2-0 lead in their NBA Western the game that the injury is Conference fi nals series on Thursday. more significant than they Curry sparked a 14-3 run for the Warri- first suspected. ors as the NBA champions overturned a “He has made progress, but 108-100 defi cit with just over four min- it’s a little more serious than utes remaining in a pulsating battle at we thought at the very begin- the Oracle Arena. ning,” said Kerr said earlier Earlier, the Trail Blazers had surged in the day that Durant would into a 17-point early in the second half miss Games 3 and 4, both in only for the Warriors to hit back with a Portland. “We’ll see where sustained points onslaught. The War- it all goes, but he’s in there riors erupted for 39 points in the third all day long getting treat- quarter to haul themselves back into ment. He’s done a great job the contest but Portland, led by Damian of committing himself to that Lillard, refused to roll over. process. ...Hopefully he’ll be A Meyers Leonard three-pointer put back at some point, and we’ll Portland eight points clear late in the just wait and see.” fourth but Curry then seized control. Durant was injured in Game Three nerveless free throws from Cur- 5 of the Western Conference ry edged Golden State into a 110-108 semifinal series against the lead, before a three-pointer for Port- Houston Rockets. He missed land from Curry’s younger brother Seth Golden State’s clinching win made it 111-110 for the visitors. in Game 6, then sat out the Kevon Looney’s alley-oop dunk shot Warriors’ Game 1 victory in put Golden State back in front at 112- the Western Conference finals 111 with 52 seconds remaining before vs Portland on Tuesday. a Draymond Green layup with 12 sec- Even though Durant won onds left eff ectively sealed the win. the NBA Finals MVP each of “We knew they were going to come out the past two seasons, Golden swinging,” Curry said. “They gave us a State has 29 wins in its past great punishing. That third quarter was 30 games when Durant was unbelievable. It was a true testament of absent and Stephen Curry everyone on the team.” played. Durant is averaging It was another huge performance 34.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and from Curry, who has stepped into the 4.9 assists in the postseason void created by Kevin Durant’s in- after averaging 26, 6.4 and jury absence to deliver back-to-back Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry celebrates after the win over Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oakland, California. (AFP) 5.9, respectively, during the 30-point games in the opening two regular season. The Warriors games of the series. Curry fi nished with nate to escape with the win. day. “They’ve had two days to stew on added 22 points. Portland coach Terry can compete with them. It was a much also announced that centre 37 points from 11 of 22 shooting, add- “We stole that game,” a relieved Kerr the fi rst game and make their adjust- Stotts took satisfaction from an im- better game than we played in game DeMarcus Cousins, out with ing eight rebounds, eight assists and said. “I thought they outplayed us for ments. So we knew it was coming,” Kerr proved performance after a heavy loss one. Now we’ve got to go and get two at a torn left quad muscle, has six turnovers. Klay Thompson added much of the night, the majority of the said. “We didn’t fi nd our edge until the in game one on Tuesday, but admitted home. We played better at both ends of been cleared to resume 24 points while Green fi nished with 16 night. But we’ve been here before. I think third quarter. But the NBA game is a his team had squandered a chance to the fl oor tonight and we’ve got to take on-court workouts but is points. Looney (14 points) and Jordan our experience helped us. We’ve done long, long game. And with our team we level the series. that into game three.” not ready for live action. He Bell (11) also cracked double digits. War- this a few times before. But we stole it always feel like we have a chance. And “It’s a lost opportunity, no question,” Meanwhile the Warriors confi rmed also will be re-evaluated in a riors coach Steve Kerr admitted that his tonight for sure. They outplayed us.” we kept playing tonight and we got it Stotts said. “We played a good game, we earlier that injured star Durant was week, the club said. Cousins team, who are chasing a third straight Kerr said the Warriors had been ex- done.” led for a good part of the game. We had ruled out of game three and four in has missed 11 games since NBA championship this season and a pecting a backlash from Portland fol- Lillard led the scoring for Portland a chance to win and we didn’t. You hate Portland as he struggles to recover from sustaining the injury. fourth in fi ve seasons, had been fortu- lowing their win in game one on Tues- with 23 points while CJ McCollum to lose a game but we showed that we a calf strain.

NHL NFL Bruins sweep Hurricanes to reach Stanley Cup fi nal Cardinals’ Peterson gets six-game ban Reuters New York

ight-time Pro Bowl cor- nerback Patrick Peterson of Arizona Cardinals has been suspended for theE fi rst six games of 2019 for vi- olating the NFL’s performance- enhancing drug policy. Details of the violation have not been released, but ESPN reported that Peterson has dropped his appeal. NFL Network reported the Boston Bruins players take a length of the suspension – com- lap of honour after winning pared to the typical four-game intent he is ultimately respon- the Eastern Conference Finals punishment for a PED violation sible for everything he puts in during the 2019 NHL Stanley – is because the violation in- his body. Our coaching staff and Cup Playoff s in Raleigh, North volved a masking agent. “Defi - our players are now aware that Carolina. (AFP) nitely sorry for what broke out we will have to play the fi rst six today,” Peterson said before an games without Patrick and they event at his foundation in the understand they have to rise to Phoenix area on Thursday night. the challenge that it presents.” “But I think you guys under- Peterson would be eligible to stand my character and also un- return for the Oct. 20 road game Reuters in four games, the Bruins advanced to they have a great line,” Carolina coach several sequences of extended time in the derstand my commitment on against the New York Giants. In Raleigh, North Carolina. the Stanley Cup Final for the fi rst time Rod Brind’Amour said, referencing the Boston zone in the second before Berger- and off the fi eld and also to my 128 games, Peterson has regis- since 2013, when they lost to the Chicago Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak trio. on converted on the power play with 1:26 teammates and also to the Arizo- tered 387 tackles, 23 intercep- Blackhawks in six games. Boston’s last “They’ve got four good lines that they remaining in the period. na Cardinals organisation. That’s tions, 76 passes defensed and he Boston Bruins are on such a NHL title came in 2011. The Bruins await can roll out there. They’re not afraid to Carolina had just four second-period why this is very, very hard for me, 12 fumble recoveries. Peterson mission that they didn’t even take the winner of the Western Conference fi - put anybody against anybody.” shots and one through the fi rst 10 min- because, obviously, I have never asked for a trade last October, a detour on the way to the Stanley nals, in which the San Jose Sharks hold a Carolina goalie Curtis McElhinney utes of the third period. been in this situation before and but rescinded the request and Cup Final. By winning their sev- 2-1 lead over the St. Louis Blues. made 19 saves in his second start of the Bergeron notched his eighth goal of the never wanted to have my name later confi rmed his commitment Tenth game in a row, they might be peaking The Hurricanes hadn’t been to the series. He was pulled with about 5 1/2 postseason at 10:32 of the third period, attached to anything like this.... to the Cardinals. in mid-May. Goalie Tuukka Rask sent the playoff s since 2009, and that run also minutes left, and the extra skater didn’t and Marchand added his seventh. Bos- I’m looking forward to getting “I just want to apologize to Bruins to the fi nal round with a 24-save ended with a sweep in the conference fi - help. The Hurricanes had been splendid ton played without defenseman Zdeno back in Week 7... trying to keep everybody for asking for that outing Thursday night in a 4-0 victory nals (by the Pittsburgh Penguins). They in winning all fi ve of their home playoff Chara, who was a penalty-killing stand- that smile on my face and getting trade in the middle of the sea- against the host Carolina Hurricanes for were hoping to force Game 5 back in Bos- games until Rask arrived this week, fi rst out in Game 3. back to being the best DB in the son,” Peterson said while com- a sweep of the Eastern Conference fi nals. ton tonight. The Bruins had other ideas. starring Tuesday night in Boston’s 2-1 The team listed him as day-to-day due league.” peting in a golf tournament in Patrice Bergeron scored twice after “That’s what we came here for,” Cassidy victory. to an undisclosed injury, as his streak of Peterson, 28, has never missed Phoenix in January. However, David Pastrnak opened the scoring. The said of not allowing the Hurricanes to ex- “Their goalie gets paid to play this 98 consecutive playoff games for the Bru- a start since the Cardinals draft- reports earlier this off season said fi rst two goals came on power plays. Pas- tend the series. game, too,” Carolina defenseman Jac- ins came to an end. ed him in the fi rst round (fi fth Peterson’s relationship with the trnak assisted on both Bergeron goals, The Bruins trailed in each of the fi rst cob Slavin said. Hurricanes fans gave a John Moore took his spot. Still, Chara overall) in 2011, making the Pro team has become strained, and and then Brad Marchand notched an two postseason series. But there were rousing send-off , showing an apprecia- had a role. He came onto the ice in uni- Bowl all eight seasons and earn- Rapoport reported Thursday empty-net goal with 2:17 left. few cracks against Carolina, much of that tion for the team’s unexpected postsea- form at the end of the game to join the ing fi rst-team All-Pro honours that the suspension has further The best part might be that the Bruins stemming from a team capable of han- son charge. The Bruins had the fi rst ideal celebration. The Bruins put center Noel three times. The Pro Bowl streak complicated things. have done this without much prodding. dling various situations. “It’s important scoring chance, with Marchand’s shot on Acciari in the lineup on the fourth line for will now end, with Peterson in- Peterson, who did not par- “It’s not like we have to beat it into them. for any good team, and we’ve had that a rebound denied by McElhinney in the his 12th game of the postseason to fi ll in eligible due to the violation. ticipate in Arizona’s voluntary They know what’s at stake,” coach Bruce leadership for a while,” defenseman Torey fi rst period. for right winger Chris Wagner, who was “Patrick recognizes how dis- workouts last month, signed a Cassidy said. “It’s always an easier mes- Krug said. Pastrnak’s seventh goal of the posts- out because of an arm injury sustained appointing this is for everyone fi ve-year, $70mn deal with the sage coming from within. They appreci- The Bruins looked solid through- eason came when Marchand returned a late in Game 3. “It’s all business from here in the organization as well as Cardinals in 2014 and was due ate it more from the guys who are in the out the lineup in the conference fi nals. pass to him at 4:46 of the second period. on out,” Acciari said. “We’re all focused our fans,” the Cardinals said in to make a base salary of $11mn trenches with them.” “That’s why they’re a good team. It’s It was the sixth power-play goal of the and I think that’s why we’ve been suc- a statement. “As we all do, he in 2019. The suspension will cost By taking the best-of-seven series not really about one line, even though series for Boston. The Hurricanes had cessful lately.” understands that regardless of Peterson $3.88mn. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 18, 2019 SPORT

MLB BOXING Wilder’s death Yelich scores two threat to Breazeale overshadows title defence homers as Brewers AFP face and I told him, ‘Never come New York to my city threatening my fam- ily ever. Don’t ever do that,” said Wilder, who has promised to in- eontay Wilder puts fl ict fatal damage on Breazeale his WBC heavyweight more than once this week. “If it crown on the line happens, I’m not going to apolo- thrash Phillies against Dominic Brea- gise,” he told reporters. “He’s zealeD today, unfazed by a storm been asking for this all along.” of criticism following his vows to Yet Wilder’s grim trash-talk- Mike Moustakas also had three hits and homered in the ninth cause a death in the ring. Even by ing has appalled many in a sport boxing’s lurid standards, where which has seen an estimated Reuters threats of violence are a stock- 500 deaths since the Marquis of New York in-trade, Wilder’s gruesome Queensberry Rules were fi rst in- pre-fi ght comments have been troduced in 1884. Former British condemned by many in the sport world middleweight champion hristian Yelich homered twice, as beyond the pale. Nigel Benn lambasted Wilder’s and Yasmani Grandal added a “His life is on the line for this comments as a “disgrace to box- homer and four RBIs as the vis- fi ght and I do mean his life,” ing,” while former heavyweight iting Milwaukee Brewers won Wilder said this week as he pre- world champion Frank Bruno theirC third in a row with an 11-3 victory pares for today’s bout at Brook- said the remarks gave “boxing a on Thursday over the Philadelphia Phil- lyn’s Barclays Center. “I am still bad name.” lies. Ryan Braun continued his torrid of- trying to get me a body on my “This is a sport, we’re not fensive pace in Philadelphia, collecting record. Dominic Breazeale asked gladiators, these are not Ro- three hits and reaching safely fi ve times. for this. This is the only sport man times. We shake hands Mike Moustakas also had three hits and where you can kill a man and get afterwards & go home to our homered in the ninth. Yelich was 3-for-5 paid for it at the same time. It’s families,” Bruno wrote on Twit- with three runs and two RBIs. legal. So why not use my right to ter. Breazeale’s veteran trainer, Brewers starter Zach Davies (5-0) was do so...if he dies, he dies.” Virgil Hunter, also joined the sharp over six innings, giving up four hits As ever, there is more than chorus of dismay. “I’m disap- and three runs, one earned. Davies struck a suspicion of pantomime in pointed in Deontay. He needs to out fi ve, walked one and also added two Wilder’s remarks, born out of a really ask himself if that’s what hits at the plate. The Brewers were walked hucksterish instinct to drum up I’m all about,” Hunter said. “Is seven times and hit by a pitch three times. interest in a fi ght that, tellingly, this the legacy I want to leave? Is Yelich, who posted his fi fth career multi- has not been deemed worthy of this the example I want to show home run game Thursday, leads the ma- pay-per-view status in the Unit- and come to grips with it? I think jors with 18 home runs this season. ed States. in the long run an apology is in There is, however, undeniable line.” NATIONALS 7, METS 6 bad blood between Wilder (40- Breazeale was similarly unim- Gerardo Parra went 3-for-3, including 0-1, 39 knockouts) and Breazeale pressed. “It’s defi nitely not ap- a homer, drove in three runs and scored (20-1, 18 knockouts), which can propriate, I mean come on, who three as host Washington beat New York be traced back to a confrontation says crazy stuff like that?” Brea- and won a series for the fi rst time in a between the two fi ghters in early zeale said. “You never want to month. Kurt Suzuki added three hits and 2017. After featuring on the the say that about an opponent. You two RBIs for the Nationals. same card in Birmingham, Ala- have got to have sportsmanship, Nats closer Sean Doolittle allowed RBI bama, Wilder claims that Brea- you have got to be professional in singles to Wilson Ramos and Juan Lagar- zeale made threatening remarks the sport. You never want some- es in the ninth as New York got within a to his brother at a hotel in the city one to be harmed from a fi ght. In run. He struck out Keon Broxton with the later that night. this one, I understand we have bases loaded to end the game, sealing his A furious Wilder tracked down personal reasons and a personal seventh save. Breazeale, leading to a brawl in- vendetta but if he gets hurt so volving the fi ghters’ entourages. be it. But do I ever wish death on A’S 17, TIGERS 3 “I just put my hand in Breazeale’s someone? No of course not.” Jurickson Profar’s grand slam highlighted a six-run third inning, Josh Phegley had four hits and drove in four runs and visit- ing Oakland clobbered slumping Detroit. Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich (left) celebrates with teammate Mike Moustakas after hitting a home run in the Phegley ripped two singles, a double and first inning home against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. (USA TODAY Sports) a homer as the A’s snapped a three-game losing streak. Marcus Semien hit a three- Cleveland, which also notched a sea- a foot. But the night belonged to Tehe- defeated host Seattle in the opener of a run homer and Matt Olson and Mark son-best 14 hits, cruised to a 9-0 romp ran, who pitched fi ve shutout innings, four-game series. Byron Buxton and CJ Canha also went deep for Oakland, which over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. squeezed home a run and singled home Cron hit home runs in a seven-run fourth banged out 16 hits. Robbie Grossman Trey Mancini launched a three-run hom- another. It was the third straight out- inning against Mariners right-hander added two hits, two runs and two RBIs. er, and Rio Ruiz belted a two-run shot for standing start for Teheran (3-4).He al- Erik Swanson (1-5). Buxton hit a three- Oakland starter Chris Bassitt (2-1) tossed the Orioles, who have lost seven of their lowed two hits, four walks and struck out run shot, and Cron’s homer deep into the eight scoreless innings, allowing four hits last eight games overall and 12 of their last four in squaring his career record against second deck in left fi eld scored two as the while striking out seven. 15 versus the Indians. the Cardinals at 3-3. Teheran has given American League Central-leading Twins up only one run over 17 innings in his last took a 9-1 lead. RANGERS 16, ROYALS 1 REDS 4, CUBS 2 three starts. Jason Castro and Max Kepler hit solo Visiting Texas scored eight runs over the Ace Luis Castillo worked 5 1/3 innings shots in the third inning off Swanson, fi fth and sixth innings to fuel a lopsided to notch his team-leading fi fth win in WHITE SOX 4, BLUE JAYS 2 who gave up eight runs on nine hits in victory over Kansas City. Willie Calhoun Cincinnati’s victory over visiting Chi- Ryan Cordell had two hits and two RBIs three-plus innings. Pineda (3-3), a burly and Joey Gallo each had a career-high cago, in a game that was interrupted by a and drove in the winning run on a suicide right-hander who began his career with four hits, including a home run. Rougned rain delay of nearly two hours. Castillo (5- squeeze, while the pitching staff threw a the Mariners in 2011 before being traded Odor homered twice and the Rangers set 1) won his fi fth straight decision, allowed combined two-hitter to lift host Chicago to the New York Yankees, allowed three season highs in runs and hits (21). just two hits — both in the fi rst inning — past Toronto. Alex Colome pitched a per- runs — all on solo homers — on fi ve hits. Lance Lynn (5-3) pitched seven in- fanned six and recorded one out in the fect ninth inning to earn his ninth save in He struck out six without a walk. nings, allowing one run on six hits. It was sixth before departing after the lengthy as many chances for the White Sox, who his fi fth quality start, half the Rangers’ delay. Raisel Iglesias struck out two in a won for the fourth time in fi ve games. PADRES 4, PIRATES 3 total for the season. perfect ninth inning for his ninth save, as Cordell’s sacrifi ce bunt in the eighth Struggling second baseman Ian Kinsler the Reds won two of three in the series. inning broke a tie, before Leury Garcia hit a three-run homer off reliever Richard INDIANS 14, ORIOLES 7 provided an insurance run with a sacri- Rodriguez in the sixth inning to lead San Jason Kipnis belted two homers, drove in BRAVES 10, CARDINALS 2 fi ce fl y RBI. Kelvin Herrera (1-2) was the Diego to victory over visiting Pittsburgh a career-high six runs and scored three Veteran right-hander Julio Teheran stole winner, pitching around two walks in the in the opener of a four-game series. times as host Cleveland beat Baltimore. a little thunder from rookie teammate eighth to keep the game tied, and setting Eric Hosmer singled with one out in the Carlos Santana had three RBIs, and Austin Riley, using his arm and his bat to the stage for Chicago’s late-game heroics. bottom of the sixth and advanced to sec- Francisco Lindor, Carlos Gonzalez, Jose push Atlanta to victory over visiting St. ond when Wil Myers drew a two-out walk Ramirez and Leonys Martin each had a Louis. Riley went 3-for-4 with a double, TWINS 11, MARINERS 6 from Rodriguez. Kinsler, whose batting run-scoring hit for the Indians, who es- two runs scored and an RBI in his second Michael Pineda pitched seven strong in- average had tumbled to.166 after his fi rst tablished a season high in runs for the big-league game. nings against his former team and was two at-bats in the game, then drove a 1-2 WBC Heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder poses for a second straight game. His double missed leaving the yard by backed by four home runs as Minnesota slider off the second-deck balcony. portrait at Gleason’s Gym in New York City. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Double Olympic International labour organisation criticises biathlon champion Dahlmeier retires at 25 Tokyo 2020 Olympics working conditions Reuters said in the report. In 2017, the parents pany to ensure the safety and health tee... is now reviewing the contents AFP Tokyo of a 23-year-old builder at the Nation- of workers and receiving reports regu- of the report and will cooperate with Berlin al Stadium petitioned the government larly,” a JSC spokesman said via email related stakeholders to look into the to recognise his suicide as “karoshi” — yesterday. “However, as of today, we alleged issue,” Tokyo 2020 spokesman onstruction workers are liv- or death by overwork, with media say- have not been able to identify cases Masa Takaya said. ermany’s double Olympic biathlon ing in a ‘culture of fear’ and ing he worked 200 hours of overtime written in the BWI report or other Construction work on Tokyo’s new champion Laura Dahlmeier an- work for long hours in peril- a month before his death. A labour violations of law.” National Stadium, the centrepiece of nounced her retirement yesterday ous conditions building To- standards offi ce eventually recognised The Tokyo Metropolitan Govern- the 2020 Summer Olympics, began in at the age of just 25 after strug- Ckyo 2020 Olympic venues, according his death as work-related. ment acknowledged on Friday that it December 2016 after a delay of nearly Ggling with health issues. “After an unbeliev- to a report from a leading interna- The BWI report, released to the had received the report, but did not a year. The original design was reject- ably tough season full of ups and downs, I tional labour organisation. The Build- public on Wednesday, says Japan’s immediately respond to requests for ed because of its high cost, but it is set no longer feel the 100% passion required for ing and Wood Workers’ International acute labour shortage has put im- comment. Eight new venues are being to be completed in November. professional sport. That’s why I have decided (BWI) report, which is based on the mense pressure on construction built for the Games alongside older Organisers have presented the 2020 to end my active biathlon career,” Dahlmeier organisation’s interviews with work- workers. Builders at the Olympic and renovated venues in Tokyo. Olympics as an opportunity to soften wrote in an Instagram post. ers, says they are dealing with danger- Paralympic athlete village reported The JSC manages the construc- Japan’s work culture. The country has She has won seven world championship ous conditions, long working hours working 28 days in a row; those work- tion of the National Stadium, and the few limits on overtime and pay. Em- gold medals, and last year in Pyeongchang and an inadequate complaint system. ing on the National Stadium reported Tokyo Metropolitan Government is ployees at more than a fi fth of compa- she became the fi rst female biathlete to win BWI also noted two construction working 26 days consecutively, the responsible for the remaining new nies exceeded a government threshold both the sprint and the pursuit at the same workers had died in connection with report said. venues. Tokyo 2020 organisers are of 80 hours of monthly overtime, a Olympics. Dahlmeier took a two-month the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. “The Tokyo The report was submitted to Tokyo responsible for the temporary gym- white paper showed in 2016. break to recover from illness in October, be- 2020 Summer Olympics was Japan’s 2020, which is organising the Games; nastics venue, which is not mentioned Last year, the infrastructure minis- fore returning to win the 12.5km mass start at opportunity to address some of the the Tokyo Metropolitan Government; in the report. The organising com- try predicted the Japanese construc- the World Cup event in Antholz last January. long-running gaps within the con- and the Japan Sports Council, which mittee noted that it is not the “com- tion industry would face a shortage of Fellow German biathlete Magdalena Neuner struction industry in Japan; however, manages the National Stadium, on missioning party” for any of the other 470,000 to 930,000 workers by 2025. also retired as a double Olympic champion these problems have just got worse,” Tuesday. “The JSC has been calling projects. The Summer Games begin on July 24, aged 25 in 2012. BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson for eff orts on the construction com- “The Tokyo Organising Commit- 2020. Gulf Times Saturday, May 18, 2019 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Daly rules out British Open unless Spieth charges allowed to ride cart

Reuters told reporters at Bethpage Black. Bethpage, New York “Trust me, if I could walk I would rather walk. I feel like I always have played better when ohn Daly will not play I walk. aft er career Slam, next month’s British Open “I’m not one who wants to in Northern Ireland if he is ride all the time. It’s just some- not allowed to ride a cart, thing, if I don’t I’m not going to theJ 1995 champion said yester- be able to play, not going to be day. able to fi nish.” Speaking after the fi rst round Daly walked two years ago at at the PGA Championship, Daly Royal Birkdale, where he missed said he had applied to the R&A the cut, and did not play last Koepka still leads organising body for permission year. to ride at Royal Portrush for the He ruled out walking at Por- ‘IF I PUT IN SOME GOOD WORK TOMORROW I’LL BE IN CONTENTION ON SUNDAY’ July l8-21 tournament and was trush. awaiting a reply. “I wouldn’t be able to,” said Daly, who has an arthritic the 53-year-old American. right knee and walks with a “Hard pan (surfaces typical of slight limp, is riding a cart at the links courses) is better to walk PGA Championship under the on. I would probably get nine Americans with Disabilities Act holes and that would be about it. (ADA). “Out here (I could walk) may- “Ireland is big on the ADA like be four before I couldn’t even most countries should be,” Daly swing.”

John Daly of the United States rides a cart on the fifth hole during the second round of the 2019 PGA Championship at the Bethpage Black course yesterday.

MOTORCYCLING Vinales fastest in Le Mans practice

Jordan Spieth of the United States and caddie Michael Greller wait to tee off on the fourth hole during the second round of the 2019 PGA Championship yesterday.

AFP thought, (my game) was in good The layout at Bethpage Black needs to fi nd as many fairways clawing back the gap to Koepka. Bethpage, United States enough shape to contend.” teased some hopefuls and tor- as DJ or Brooks.” Four-time major winner Spieth could become only the tured others but allowed no World number one Johnson, McIlroy, another back-nine sixth golfer to win each of the one to match Koepka’s seven- whose only major title came at starter, suff ered a nightmare ordan Spieth, trying to four majors at least once, join- under par 63 course record from the 2016 US Open, reeled off opening with two double bogeys complete a career Grand ing Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Thursday. fi ve birdies in seven holes in one around a bogey, but four birdies Slam despite a sea- Gary Player, Gene Sarazen and “You don’t expect Brooks to stretch. in his last six holes for a 71 put son of struggles, fi red a Ben Hogan. But he doesn’t ex- fall at all,” Spieth said. “I felt like “I’m pleased with the score him on the provisional cut line Jfour-under par 66 to take the pect that to create extra pres- I had to be within six or seven and pleased with how I played,” at 143. early clubhouse lead in yester- sure. going into the weekend.” said Johnson. “I did a re- New Zealand’s Danny Lee, Monster Energy Yamaha’ Spanish rider Maverick Vinales competes day’s second round of the PGA “I haven’t been in contention Back-nine starter Spieth, ally good job. Hit the ball well. whose opening 64 left him sec- during the first MotoGP free practice session of the French Championship on fi ve-under since the (British) Open last the 2015 Masters and US Open Drove it good. Made some nice ond to Koepka, battled to a 74. Motorcycle Grand Prix in Le Mans yesterday. par. year. If I put in some good work champion, sank a 15-foot birdie putts. Gave myself some good The South Korean-born Kiwi Defending champion Brooks tomorrow I’ll be in contention putt at 11 but made bogeys at 15 looks at birdies. was in the fi rst group off the AFP fans at the French GP and that Koepka, who had yet to tee off , on Sunday,” Spieth said. and 16 after fi nding rough and “I’m going to need to play back nine and double bogeys at Le Mans, France will give me extra motivation,” still topped the leaderboard on “At that point, it will be about deep weeds off the tee. the next two days the way I’ve 15 and 16 left him six over for he said. seven under. winning the golf tournament. Spieth, ranked 39th, an- played the fi rst two days.” the day, but four birdies took “It also generates more stress Spieth, without a top-20 re- I imagine that will take pretty swered with a birdie putt at 17, Johnson could be overtaken him into a share of sixth on two- paniard Maverick Vinales and pressure as it’s my home sult this year or a victory since much most of my thoughts. But sank another from 20 feet at the atop the rankings by four rivals under with South Korea’s Kang compiled the best time Grand Prix, but in the end it’s the 2017 British Open, had a we’ll see.” fi rst, added another at four and this week — Koepka, Woods, Sung. in practice for the French good to have a race where the two-round total of 135, one shot Spieth’s charge came before made back-to-back birdies at Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy. “Bethpage kicked my *** on MotoGP in Le Mans yes- fans are all behind me.” ahead of US compatriots Dustin Koepka teed off . He is in a group seven and eight to seize second. Woods, who won his 15th the back nine,” Lee said. “Every terdayS ahead of compatriot Marc The other French rider in the Johnson and Daniel Berger. with Woods and British Open “The front nine is a little major title last month at the single hole on the back nine was Marquez and young French star race, Johann Zarco, took his “Confi dence has been there,” champion Francesco Molinari, more gettable,” Spieth said. Masters to snap an 11-year ma- super hard. I didn’t have any Fabio Quartararo. only pole position on a Yamaha Spieth said. “I fi gured if I stayed who were battling to make the “I need to hit more fairways. jor win drought, was one stroke other option than suck it up and In the morning’s opening ses- last year. The memory might lift out of my own way, stick to one cut after opening 72s. Scrambled really well. Ball just under the cut line with hopes of keep playing.” sion, Quartararo, on a Yamaha, Zarco’s mood, which has been recorded the fastest time and glum as he has struggled at his was the only rider to lap under 1 new team KTM to set up his bike CYCLING minute and 32 seconds. in a way he likes. In the afternoon, as the Meanwhile, the fi ve-time weather grew overcast the laps world champion, title-holder grew quicker and Vinales, on a and winner last year, Marquez is factory Yamaha, and champion- again leading the standings after ship leader Marquez on a Honda two wins and a second in the fi rst beat the young Frenchman’s ear- three races. But he is only one Spaniard Bilbao wins stage lier time. point ahead of fellow Spaniard The crash by the other Honda Alex Rins. rider Jorge Lorenzo added to evi- The gap is so small because dence that the bikes are a little Marquez crashed while leading unstable this year. the Grand Prix of the Americas. seven, Conti retains pink jersey Alex Rinsl, one point be- His Honda can be lively. AFP part of the breakaway. during the breakaway by Astana hind Marquez in the standings, Rain is forecast for today and L’Aquila, Italy Rojas, a 33-year-old with Mo- teammate Andrey Zeits, slipped was only 16th on his Suzuki tomorrow and the Le Mans track vistar, had fi nished third in the away before the end. while Valentino Rossi, who is demands a lot of braking and ac- breakaway the previous day that “The fi nal kilometre was a long fourth was 14th after snapping celeration. ello Bilbao shook off the put Conti in pink. Rojas was also one,” Bilbao said. “I didn’t want the chain on his Yamaha in the “Le Mans can be a tricky GP, other survivors of a long part of the escape yesterday. to go too hard. I saw I had a fi ve- opening session. especially with the weather so breakaway in the fi nal Even though Conti’s team- seconds lead, which is a good Meanwhile, Quartararo is keen we must be prepared for any Pkilometre into l’Aquila to mates Jan Polanc and Diego Ulis- lead. I saved something for the to make an impression in France. conditions,” Marquez said. win yesterday’s seventh stage as si worked hard at the front of the fi nal hundred metres, and I had “We can only draw positive Rins is in impressive form on Valerio Conti held on to top spot peloton, when the gap reached time to celebrate.” conclusions from the Spanish his Suzuki. The young Spaniard of the overall leaderboard at the two minutes with 30 kilometres Bilbao completed the hilly GP. We took pole position,” he won in Texas after Marquez fell Giro d’Italia. to go, Rojas was in the overall lead 180km stage at an average speed told the Yamaha SRT website. and was second in Jerez. The victory lifted the Spanish on the road. But the relentless of more than 45 kilometres. The “We were fi ghting for the po- “The latest results have been Astana rider a second ahead of pursuit trimmed the gap in the fi - hungry pursuit by the peloton dium and on Monday we were very positive, but we’ll stay race favourite Primoz Roglic just nal kilometres. Rojas moved up to meant that for all the fi nishers the fastest at the test whilst we grounded and not get carried outside the top 10 of the general second, 1min 32sec behind Conti. the pace was high all day, a sharp were trying out many things for away,” he said. standings. “It was a really im- “It was a hard stage, and I was contrast to the 233km stage on the coming races.” “We know that Le Mans can portant day for me to day,” Bilbao very tired from yesterday,” Conti Thursday when the pack took a He is looking forward to rac- be a tricky circuit for us as it is said. said. “I said to myself, ‘Come day off . ing in front of French fans for the mainly ‘stop and go’, but, at the “It’s a long time to claim my Team Astana rider Spain’s Peio Bilbao rises his arm in victory as he on, you’re strong,’ and the team “It was racing, racing, rac- fi rst time since stepping up to same time, the growth we’ve fi rst victory in a three-week crosses the finish line to win the seventh stage of the 102nd Giro helped me through.” ing for two hours,” said Victor MotoGP this season. done with the bike compared to race,” he added. d’Italia cycle race yesterday. Even though the gap shrunk, Campenaerts, a Belgian with “It’s good to go to Le Mans af- last year, and my increased ex- Italian Conti of Bahrain-Meri- the overall leaders stayed away. Lotto-Soudal, who recently set ter a great weekend like we had perience could be two important da kept the pink jersey although it was briefl y threatened by Span- ish veteran Jose Rojas who was Bilbao, who had been helped the world hour record. at Jerez. There will be a lot of factors for a good race in France.”

Saturday, May 18, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS/DIAMOND LEAGUE Pavey says Nike froze her sponsorship when pregnant

Reuters Samba vs Rai battle London ritish distance runner Jo Pavey has become the latest female athlete Bto complain that Nike halted her sponsorship payments when she was pregnant, Sky to light up Shanghai News reported yesterday. The fi ve-time Olympian said the athletic apparel company SAMBA HAS ALREADY MADE A SENSATIONAL START, WINNING THE ASIAN TITLE IN 47.51 froze her payments when she re- vealed that she was expecting her fi rst child Jacob, who was born in IAAF 2009. Shanghai “When I announced I was pregnant my contract was im- Abderrahman mediately paused,” Pavey, who he tenth anniversary season Samba of Qatar. won 10,000 metres bronze at the of the IAAF Diamond League 2007 world championships, told continues with the Diamond Sky. League Shanghai meeting “One of the main problems hereT today whose programme includes is the target to get the contract a slew of tantalising head-to-heads back and the timescale,” she said. that just may define much of the 2019 “It was the joy of running that season in the run up to the IAAF World kept me going because you think, Athletics Championships Doha 2019. ‘What will be will be’ and I was The most anticipated race on the focused on being a mum. But you slate is one the world’s been waiting don’t want to feel punished for on for nearly a year: the first 400m being pregnant.” hurdles head-to-head between Ab- Pavey’s comments come after derrahman Samba of Qatar and Rai American middle distance run- Benjamin of the US, two of the four ner Alysia Montano made similar fastest men of all time in the event. claims in a video on the New York Samba lowered the Asian record Times website earlier this week. to 46.98 last year to become the sec- “I was sponsored by Nike and ond fastest man in history; Benjamin when I told them I wanted to clocked 47.02 to tie all-time legend have a baby during my career, Edwin Moses in the No 3 spot. they said, ‘Simple, we’ll just Samba’s already gotten off to a sen- pause your contract and stop sational start, winning the Asian ti- paying you,’” said Montano, who tle in 47.51 just over three weeks ago. famously competed while eight Benjamin has shown good form as months’ pregnant in 2014. well, clocking 44.31 in his 400m sea- “How about when you tell my son opener on 20 April. daughter she can achieve any- Another is the 100m match-up be- thing, you back it up?” tween two of last year’s three fastest Nike frequently promotes men, Diamond League 100m champi- gender and racial equality in its on Christian Coleman and Noah Lyles, advertising campaigns. the series’ 200m winner. In a statement to Reuters, Nike But behind them, the field is load- said it had changed its policy last ed. Local hopes rest on the shoulders year on sponsorship so that no of Su Bingtian, the co-Asian record female athletes would be “penal- holder at 9.91, and Xie Zhenye, who ized fi nancially for pregnancy.” improved to 9.97 last year. In all, five 100m silver medallist – would dearly Coleman and Michael Norman, record 6.34sec over 60 metres indoors The American, who missed the “Nike is proud to sponsor of the top six ranked 100m athletes are like to reign in the 100m and 200m. 21, have risen to the top of the highly and won the world indoor title. Shanghai meeting last year because of thousands of female athletes,” in the field, and seven of the top 10 in- “I was supposed to run both last competitive world of US sprinting on But a hamstring injury struck the injury, is trying to keep all thoughts of a Nike spokesman said in an e- cluding African champion Akani Sim- year but ended up getting injured and the back of impressive 2018s. sprinter, who took world outdoor the 2020 Olympics out of his mind. mailed statement. bine of South Africa and Briton Reece decided just to focus on the 100m,” he Their US teammate Noah Lyles, 100m silver in London in 2017 behind But he admitted: “It’s hard to not “As is common practice in Prescod, the winner here last year. said in Shanghai. himself just 21, is another of the new Justin Gatlin, but ahead of Bolt. look forward to Tokyo and focus on our industry, our agreements With Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt “Coming into this year it was always generation. A fit-again Coleman roared back this season because growing up, mak- do include performance-based retiring in 2017, men’s sprinting has a the plan to try to attack both of them Lyles and Coleman will go head-to- to run a blistering 9.79sec at the Dia- ing the Olympic team and being an payment reductions. Histori- void and the 23-year-old Coleman has and try to make the (US) team in both head in Shanghai over what promises mond League 100m final in Brussels Olympian was something you dream cally, a few female athletes had been touted as a possible successor. and go for the gold medal in both of to be a mouthwatering 100m. at the end of August, making him the about and that’s the pinnacle of the performance based reductions Like Bolt, Coleman,– the world them, so we will see.” Coleman last year set a world- joint-seventh fastest man of all time. sport. applied.”

Sanchez Vicario TENNIS says Osaka facing pressure of instant fame Nadal sweeps into Italian Open semis Reuters, Bengaluru

Naomi Osaka’s fluctuating form before the French Open is a sign that the newest star in women’s as Federer, Osaka pull out injured tennis is struggling with the pressure of being number one, AFP “It’s good news I have been able Spanish tennis great Arantxa Rome to be back again in (the) semi-finals. Sanchez Vicario said. Another three straight victories,” said Osaka, 21, took the tennis world second seed Nadal. by storm when she beat Serena efending champion Rafael “So for me personally, every victory Williams in the US Open final last Nadal swept into the last gives me confidence for the next one.” September and claimed a second four of the Italian Open yes- “After a lot of years here, I know successive Grand Slam title at this terday as Roger Federer and what happened last week, and I’m DNaomi Osaka both pulled out injured going to try to do it better tomorrow,” year’s Australian Open to become the first Asian player to top the just a week before the start of the added the 17-time Grand Slam win- singles rankings. French Open. ner. She is also the first woman to win a Eight-time champion Nadal came Reigning US and Australian Open second slam immediately after her through 6-4, 6-0 against fellow champion Osaka had earlier said she first since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 Spaniard Fernando Verdasco to set up could not compete because of a prob- but her meteoric rise has been a rematch with Greek rising star Ste- lem with her right hand. followed by a distinct dip ahead of fanos Tsitsipas for a place in the final. “I woke up this morning and I Roland Garros. Tsitsipas advanced after Federer — couldn’t really move my thumb,” the She pulled out of the Italian Open returning to clay after a two-year ab- 21-year-old said. on Friday with a hand injury, sence — retired with a right leg injury “I tried to practice and grip my casting doubt on her ability to start before their game. racket and I just felt this pain every in Paris. “I am not 100 % physically and time I tried to move my hand in dif- “It happens to everyone,” three- after consultation with my team, it ferent directions.” times French Open champion was determined that I not play,” said The Japanese star was due to meet Sanchez Vicario told reporters 37-year-old Federer. Madrid Open champion and sixth in India shortly before Osaka’s For 32-year-old Nadal it is his seed Kiki Bertens. The Dutch player latest withdrawal. “When you fourth straight semi-final on clay now goes through to meet Britain’s reach number one, the pressure this season, but he has not managed Johanna Konta, who battled past is double and everyone wants to to go further before his bid for a 12th Czech Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, beat you. French Open title at Roland Garros, 3-6, 6-1. “It’s hard to put it all together but starting on May 26. “I haven’t seen the doctor yet. I’ve once you’re ready for it... it’s a Tsitsipas stunned Nadal in last seen the physio,” she said. diff erent story.” week’s Madrid Open semi-finals be- Osaka said she could stay in Rome Sanchez Vicario, who is in fore falling to Novak Djokovic, but before going on to the French Open, Bengaluru to promote the TCS lost to the Spaniard in the Australian but did not rule out competing at Ro- World 10K run, knows a thing or Open semis earlier this year. land Garros. two about the pitfalls of fame and the 47-year-old empathises with Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his quarter final match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco. the balancing act that Osaka is having to carry out. “I’m going to stay here for one more “Rome has always been one of my sixth seed Kei Nishikori to reach the She was 17 when she stunned Steff i day and see how it is,” she said. favourite cities to visit and I hope to semi-finals. Schwartzman, 26, won Graf in the 1989 Roland Garros final “I haven’t really talked to everyone be back next year.” 6-4, 6-2 in 87 minutes for his first to win the first of her four major so don’t really know the plan is yet. The 20-time Grand Slam cham- win in four meetings with former US singles titles, but unlike Osaka, had I’ve never had this problem before, pion had been on court for nearly four Open finalist Nishikori, reaching his to wait five years for her second. it’s brand new.” hours on Thursday, saving two match first semi-final at a Masters event. “I had nothing to lose against Steff i Osaka won twice on Thursday after points to win through in three sets The world number 24, a French but after that, they expected me to the previous day’s play was rained off, against Borna Coric after earlier eas- Open quarter-finalist last year, next win everything and be number one retaining the world number one spot ing to a straight sets win over Portu- faces either the top-ranked Djokovic straightaway. To handle that when ahead of the French Open. gal’s Joao Sousa. or compatriot Juan Martin del Potro. you’re young isn’t easy,” she said. Federer, a quarter-finalist in Ma- The former world number one had In a battle between former women’s Osaka withdrew from the Qatar drid, was playing in the Italian capital been a late addition to the Rome tour- world number ones, Karolina Pliskova Open with a back problem in to prepare for his return to the French nament as he sought clay-court prac- won through against Victoria Azaren- February and was beaten by Open for the first time since 2015. tice ahead of his bid to add to his lone ka 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-2. Kristina Mladenovic in her first “I am disappointed that I will not French Open title from 2009. The Czech fourth seed next plays match back in Dubai a few weeks Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova signs autographs after winning her be able to compete today,” said Fed- On court, Argentina’s Diego either Maria Sakkari of Greece or later. quarter-final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus. erer. Schwartzman dispatched Japanese France’s Kristina Mladenovic.