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Saturday, June 8, 2019 CRICKET Shawwal 5, 1440 AH England won’t GULF TIMES panic at World Cup: captain Morgan SPORT Page 2

TENNIS Nadal hands Federer worst Grand Slam loss for 11 years It will be Nadal’s 12th appearance in the championship match, which he has never lost before

AFP wards the end of the second Paris set, when second seed Nadal managed to hold under severe pressure to level at 4-4, before efending champion putting the pedal down to break Rafael Nadal powered despite having trailed 40-0. past Roger Federer in The defending champion con- the French Open semi- fi dently served out the set to love fiD nals yesterday, to move within to move one step closer to the fi - one victory of a record-extend- nal. ing 12th Roland Garros title after Federer’s chances were slip- handing his “biggest rival” his ping away quickly, and he re- worst Grand Slam defeat in 11 ceived a warning after angrily years. hitting the ball into the upper The 33-year-old produced a reaches of Philippe Chatrier as masterful performance to get Nadal romped to victory. past Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the last four on Court Philippe THIEM, DJOKOVIC HELD UP Chatrier and set up a fi nal clash BY RAIN with either world number one Thiem would have been the hap- Novak Djokovic or Austrian pier of the two to resume play- fourth seed Dominic Thiem to- ing yesterday, leading by a break morrow. Switzerland’s Roger Federer acknowledges the audience after losing in the third set after sharing the The second semi-fi nal was the French Open semi-final yesterday. (AFP) opening two with Djokovic. suspended until today due to The pair will instead restart rain, with Thiem leading 6-2, their match at 1000 GMT (12:00 3-6, 3-1 as he looks to reach a local time) today, before the second straight Roland Garros women’s fi nal between Czech fi nal. teenager Marketa Vondrousova The decision to end play drew and Australian eighth seed Ash- extra ire towards the tournament leigh Barty. organisers, after they had been The skies brightened almost labelled a “disgrace” for moving immediately after play was end- the women’s semi-fi nals away ed for the day at 1645 GMT (18:45 from the showpiece Chatrier local), and at least another two court. hours of play could have been ac- It will be Nadal’s 12th appear- Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after winning a point against Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their men’s commodated. ance in the championship match, singles French Open semi-final at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (AFP) “I believe that we have hit rock which he has never lost before. bottom but the good thing is that “In front (of me was) prob- Nadal also leads his overall Nadal made only 19 unforced in order to be better prepared for the only way now is up,” said ably my biggest rival in my career head-to-head against Federer errors, crushing 33 winners as Wimbledon. former women’s world number with all the story that we shared 24-15, and 14-2 on clay after end- Federer struck 25, although that “I think I surprised myself one Amelie Mauresmo. together,” said Nadal. “So that al- ing a run of fi ve straights losses to amount could easily have been maybe how deep I got in this People take cover from the rain during the men’s semi-final between Top seed Djokovic had been ways makes the match a little bit the 37-year-old. doubled against any opponent tournament and how well I actu- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Austria’s Dominic Thiem yesterday. (AFP) increasingly frustrated with the more special and unique.” He could also move to within other than the 11-time cham- ally was able to play throughout,” conditions on court with high The third seed now has an two of Federer on the all-time pion. he said. But Nadal grabbed a 4-2 ad- but gasped in appreciation of a winds kicking up the clay. stunning 92-2 win-loss record on Grand Slam title winners’ list The defeat leaves Federer still vantage in a marathon sixth game rasping Nadal backhand winner He even summoned the tour the Paris clay, having beaten Fed- with an 18th major tomorrow. waiting for a fi rst victory over TOPSY-TURVY START as Federer, looking to become the which clinched the opening set. supervisor at one stage to com- erer for the sixth time in as many A tally of just nine games Nadal on clay since 10 years ago A topsy-turvy start saw the oldest Grand Slam fi nalist since The Swiss turned on the style plain about the severity of the French Open meetings despite meant it was Federer’s heaviest in Madrid. Spaniard race through the fi rst Ken Rosewall at the 1974 US to take the fi rst two games of the conditions. diffi cult, windy conditions. defeat in a Grand Slam match It was 2009 champion Feder- three games before Federer broke Open, dumped a forehand into second set, only to be broken Tournament organisers said “This court can be windy, can since managing only four against er’s fi rst French Open campaign back as the wind played havoc the net. straight back as Nadal curled a that fans holding tickets for the be diffi cult,” added Nadal. “To- Nadal in their famously one-sid- since 2015, after skipping the with the players’ serves from one The crowd were roaring on trademark forehand up the line. semi-fi nal will be fully refunded day was a little bit too much.” ed 2008 Roland Garros fi nal. clay-court season for two years end. Federer as he saved a set point, The key moments came to- as they will not be valid for today.

FOOTBALL Several clubs declare opposition to proposed Champions League reform

Reuters The ECA says it wants to help clubs “We believe it is important to imple- Porto, Portugal outside the biggest fi ve leagues by ment a fairer distribution model among giving them more regular European participating and non-participating matches. clubs to guarantee the proper com- everal European clubs from “Any reform should ensure that clubs petitive balance both in Europe and at Switzerland, Germany, Italy, of all sizes can continue to develop and league level,” he said. France and Portugal have pub- grow to their full potential in a manner Wanja Greuel, chief executive of licly declared their opposition which also protects domestic competi- Swiss champions Young Boys, said that toS a proposed creation of a nearly closed tions,” it said in a statement. “for the very fi rst time several clubs Champions League, saying that other Schalke 04 chief executive Peter from all over Europe have stated their clubs are also concerned. Peters said in a statement that “nearly fi rm opposition to the current proposal The proposal has been put forward by all European clubs are not convinced” presented by UEFA and ECA”. the European Club Association (ECA) about the proposal and that discussions Greuel said most clubs would “fi ght which has 232 members and is working needed to start “with a blank page.” to implement a diff erent European with UEFA to redesign European com- Lazio president Claudio Lotito took a football model which could benefi t all petition from 2024 onwards. similar line, saying “most” Italian clubs clubs in Europe and not solely the elite However, following an ECA meeting were against the plan. European clubs.” in Malta on Thursday and yesterday, “We have to stop the current plans FC Basel’s chief executive Roland several member clubs said that it need- and we have to sit with all stakehold- Heri said fans groups in Europe had ed a fresh approach. ers and start the whole project from also raised concerns. “The passion of According to European league offi - scratch,” he said in a statement. our fans is mainly driven by the domes- cials who have seen the plans, the con- St Etienne president Bernard tic games we play at domestic level in troversial proposal involves a three-tier Caiazzo said the meeting in Malta was Switzerland,” he said. European league with promotion and a “step forward in efforts to block the Frederic Longuepee, president of relegation between each tier. reform”. Girondins de Bordeaux, said a sig- The top tier would be the new version AS Monaco’s deputy CEO Nico- nifi cant number of clubs were worried of the Champions League but 24 of the las Holveck said that the meeting had about impact of the reform on domestic 32 teams would keep their places for the failed to discuss the revenue distribu- leagues and fans’ expectations. following season, breaking the tradition tion of club competitions, which many “Any coherent reform can’t protect that qualifi cation is achieved through observers feel is heavily weighted in fa- the interest of a few at the expense of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold kisses the UEFA Champions League trophy during an open-top bus parade around performance in domestic competition. vour of the big clubs. the majority,” he said. Liverpool, England, on Sunday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 8, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS UPDATE Pakistan, Sri Lanka share points aft er England won’t Bristol washout

AFP points, with one win and a loss Bristol, United Kingdom apiece. Pakistan lost to the West In- dies by seven wickets at Trent panic at World Cup: he World Cup match be- Bridge before beating England tween Pakistan and Sri by 14 runs at the same venue on Lanka was abandoned Monday. without a ball being Sri Lanka crashed to a Tbowled yesterday after persistent 10-wicket defeat against New rain in Bristol. Zealand before pulling off a 34- The game was scheduled to run win against Afghanistan in a begin at 10:30 (0930 GMT) but rain-aff ected game. captain Morgan was eventually called off in the The call-off upset fans who afternoon, with both teams be- had travelled to watch the game. ing awarded a point. “We came from Lahore to ‘All we talked about is sticking to what we do well, looking at our strengths’ It is the fi rst match at the watch this match and it proved World Cup in England and Wales a damp squib,” said Farhan Ma- Agencies to be abandoned without a re- lik. “We lost a crucial point be- Cardiff , Wales Bangladesh promise England sult. cause we were sure of beating Sri trial by spin Both teams now have three Lanka.” oin Morgan says England will not panic as they at- AFP formula, relying on the spin of tempt to get their World Cardiff , Wales Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Cup campaign back on Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain. trackE against Bangladesh fol- “Our spinners all over the lowing their chastening defeat angladesh skipper world have played a big against Pakistan. Mashrafe Mortaza role, it is one of our biggest The hosts started their bid to Bhas promised England strengths,” Mortaza told win their fi rst-ever World Cup another trial by spin when reporters yesterday. with a comprehensive 104-run they meet in the World Cup in “We know that Shakib is one of victory against South Africa be- Cardiff today. the biggest strengths for us. fore they stumbled in their sec- Jason Roy and Jonny “Miraz has been doing well for ond game, losing by 14 runs. Bairstow’s dominance at the a long time. I mean, the last Captain Morgan said England top of the order has been a two years, he’s doing so well would not change their aggres- hallmark of England’s rise to for us with the new ball. sive approach in today’s match become the top-ranked team “South Africa started with in Cardiff . in one-day internationals. these tactics. So most of the England’s tactics have been But the fast starts have been teams will be taking them as based on fearless attacking from checked with South Africa, well.” Fans take cover under an umbrella as rain washes out the 2019 Cricket their powerful batsmen and they in the opening match of the Bangladesh beat England at World Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Bristol, England, are also aggressive as a bowling tournament, handing the new both the 2011 and 2015 World yesterday. (AFP) unit, boasting the pace of Jofra ball to leg-spinner Imran Tahir, Cups. Archer and Mark Wood. who dismissed Bairstow for But the 2019 tournament “All we talked about is stick- a duck. hosts are a diff erent proposi- COMMENT ing to what we do well, looking In England’s second match, tion now, boasting a fearsome at our strengths,” he said in his Pakistan opened their bowl- batting line-up and a strong pre-match press conference in ing with Shadab Khan and bowling unit. the Welsh capital yesterday. the move paid off , with the And while England lost to Ponting warns “Previous to the tournament leg-spinner dismissing Roy Pakistan in their last match, starting we talked about losing cheaply. Mortaza knows his side face a games — how would we react? The green pitches in Cardiff tough task. Aussie batsmen of What would we counter that allowed New Zealand’s arsenal “This is one of the best teams with? of quicks to skittle Sri Lanka England have ever produced, “Everything comes back to last weekend, while Nuwan especially in the World Cup,” bouncers at Oval focusing on ourselves, how we Pradeep then did the same to he said. win games of cricket and get the Afghanistan. “I think still they are in the best out of ourselves.” As a result, England appear right way winning matches, against India England rotated their attack likely to recall Liam Plunkett, and they are in good touch. at Trent Bridge, bringing in perhaps at the expense of leg- “We have been beating them Reuters not worry you too much with Mark Wood for Liam Plunkett. spinner Adil Rashid. the last two World Cups. That London his pace or his bouncers. Hardik Conditions are expected to be But Bangladesh will be stick- doesn’t mean that we will make (Pandya) can maybe rush you a more seamer-friendly in Wales, ing to their tried-and-tested it happen again the way it did.” little bit, so maybe they have a meaning Plunkett could return ustralia’s assistant decision to make on the overall in place of a spinner. coach Ricky Ponting make up of their side. “We’ll see another day where expects India to select “Do they maybe go with only the wicket is under covers,” an extra fast bowler to- the one spinner and use (all- Morgan said. “The pitches here morrowA to exploit the holders’ rounder) Kedar Jadhav as a sec- England’s captain Eoin Morgan walks back to the pavilion after have been a bit greener and more losing his wicket during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match vulnerability to short-pitched ond spinner and play another seamer-friendly so that’s a po- against Pakistan in Nottingham, England, on Monday. (AFP) deliveries seen in their scrappy fast bowler? tential (option), yeah.” win over the West Indies in the “We’ll worry about that in the Bangladesh, who have beaten “Their senior players espe- Morgan said England would World Cup. next couple of days and make England at the past two World cially have played a lot of games, be ready for anything Bangla- The Caribbean pace battery sure all the boys are prepared.” Cups, are in a similar position to more so than our senior players. desh can throw at them, includ- terrorised Australia’s top order A three-time World Cup win- England, having followed a win They are a threat but hopefully ing the possibility of an open- at Trent Bridge, reducing them ner himself, Ponting said he over South Africa with a loss to we can play well and overcome ing spin attack as seen during to 38-4 in the eighth over, with would discuss the matter with New Zealand. it.” their previous two games which Oshane Thomas hitting Usman Khawaja and Glenn Maxwell, “It is going to be a diffi cult Morgan said Bangladesh have yielded quick wickets. Khawaja on the helmet in an il- who responded to one short de- game, they’re a good side. I a strong batting line up at the “Mystery spin is a new chal- lustration of the top order’s ob- livery with an unusual attempt think people underestimate top of the order while their spin- lenge. Bangladesh will open vious discomfort. to pull the ball, only to lose his them but we certainly don’t,” ners can cause all sorts of prob- with spin, defi nitely,” said Mor- Steve Smith added 72 and wicket. Morgan said. lems for opposing teams. gan. Nathan Coulter-Nile hit 92 to “Usman got hit again... so help Australia build a respectable he’s had a few hits in the last few score, though the side still col- weeks. I haven’t spoken to him SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE lapsed for 288 with one over left (to see) if he’s rattled, but that’s of their full quota. part and parcel of top order bat- India preferred Bhuvneshwar ting against brand new balls... Kumar’s swing to Mohamed “You’ve got to fi nd a way to No clear favourite Losing to Bangladesh not a Shami’s pace against South Af- cope and a way to get through rica, but they might sacrifi ce one hostile spells knowing that it’s of their two frontline spinners to not going to last forever,” Pon- at the World Cup, ‘shock’, says England’s Plunkett accommodate a paceman at the ting said. Oval, Ponting suggested. “It’s a bit of an uncharacteris- Reuters beaten England in World Cup said the sides from the sub-con- “(Jasprit) Bumrah we know is tic shot from (Maxwell) as well. says Border London matches in 2011 and 2015. tinent had a tendency to get un- a very good new ball bowler and He’s not a natural hooker and “We saw Bangladesh beat der their skins. I’m sure he’ll mix it up and bowl puller of the ball anyway,” said Reuters South Africa and it wasn’t a “Pakistan are pretty good some short stuff and some full Ponting. London angladesh are no longer shock defeat,” Plunkett told a like that, they can get niggly,” stuff ,” Ponting told cricket.com. “It’s just a little bit of a blip on minnows and losing to news conference. Plunkett, 34, added. “Similarly au referring to the currently top- the radar that we’ll have a chat them in the World Cup “I remember when they beat Bangladesh and India are good ranked ODI bowler. about and make sure we’re pre- o clear favourite cannot be considered a England way back when and it at doing that. They are good at “Bhuvneshwar will probably pared for the next game.” has emerged to win ‘shock’B anymore, England fast was a shock defeat. appealing quite a lot, it’s just the the World Cup this bowler Liam Plunkett has said “But there are no real shock way they play their cricket. year because the ahead of today’s match in Cardiff defeats in this competition. “But we’ve played in big com- Nfi rst few games have shown far when they beat hosts between the two sides. They’re a strong squad.” petitions... around the world at that all 10 teams are capable and tournament favourites Bangladesh sprang an early England won their fi rst game the Indian Premier League and of beating each other at the England on Monday, a day surprise in the tournament by comprehensively against South (Australia’s) Big Bash in front of tournament, former Aus- after Bangladesh sprung a defeating South Africa on Sun- Africa but lost by 14 runs to Pa- big crowds, so it shouldn’t be too tralia skipper Allan Border surprise by defeating South day and the Asian side have also kistan in the second and Plunkett much for the players.” has said. Africa. Only New Zealand, Aus- Defending champions tralia and India have not Australia beat Afghanistan been beaten yet, with the comfortably in their fi rst Windies’ Brathwaite questions umpiring as Holding hits out latter two set to meet at the match but were pushed con- AFP The mood of the Caribbean of 289 in Nottingham. Oval tomorrow. siderably harder in Thurs- Nottingham, United Kingdom side was not helped when “I don’t know if I’ll be fined for “There’s no obvious run- day’s 15-run victory over standing umpire Chris Gaf- saying it but I just think that the away-looking team at the West Indies. faney missed a Mitchell Starc umpiring was a bit frustrating,” moment,” Border wrote in Border, who captained arlos Brathwaite said no-ball the delivery before the Brathwaite told reporters. a column for the Interna- Australia to World Cup glory the West Indies were on left-arm quick dismissed Gayle “To lose Chris in a chase of 280, tional Cricket Council. “All in 1987, said the team had Cthe wrong end of too for 21. who can probably get 180 of the sides are basically show- room for improvement and much poor umpiring following Had the New Zealand official them himself obviously, broke ing they can beat each other. would have a clearer idea of a 15-run World Cup defeat by called a no-ball, the next the start that we wanted to That’s the main thing that’s their chances after facing champions Australia as Michael delivery would have been a have.” come out of these early 2011 champions India. Holding slammed an “atrocious” free hit from which the veteran Meanwhile Holding, commen- games. “India next up will be a big display by the match off icials. opener could not have been tating on television, was scath- “I think that is how most stumbling block,” he added. West Indies opener Chris Gayle dismissed. ing about the “weak” off iciating of us expected it to be at this “That’s a tough hurdle for and captain Jason Holder were Brathwaite accepted Gaff aney on show at Nottinghamshire’s point, that there would be a Australia but once they’ve both twice given out on the field and Sri Lanka’s Ruchira Palliya- headquarters. India’s Jasprit lot of teams you expect to do played a couple of decent at Trent Bridge on Thursday but, guruge were doing their best, “The umpiring in this game has Bumrah is well and then there would be teams, they will have a bet- on both sets of occasions, saw but he made no attempt to hide been atrocious,” said Holding, currently the a few surprise packages.” ter idea of where they are at their decision to review vindi- his annoyance after the West one of cricket’s all-time leading top-ranked ODI Pakistan pulled off argu- with regards to the rest of cated by the third umpire. Indies fell short chasing a target fast bowlers. bowler. (AFP) ably the biggest upset so the tournament.” Gulf Times Saturday, June 8, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Kiwis ready to counter Afghan spin, says Taylor While the Black Caps have won both their matches in the tournament so far, Afghanistan are yet to open their account

AFP Taunton, United Kingdom Williamson to struggle against Rashid despite IPL familiarity: Naib

oss Taylor insists New Reuters batsmen and we’re playing Zealand are ready for a Taunton, England against him in the nets.” trial by spin against Af- Rashid bowls a mean googly ghanistan today as they but it is his ability to bowl lookR to keep their winning mo- ew Zealand captain quickly through the air that mentum going in the World Cup. Kane Williamson will hurries the batsmen. The Kiwis edged out Bangla- Nstruggle to read Indian “He is very diff erent, quick desh by two wickets on Wednes- Premier League (IPL) team- and fast. He doesn’t give you day, with Taylor hitting 82 in his mate Rashid Khan in today’s time to pick him. So it’s very team’s tense chase at the Oval to World Cup match, Afghanistan diff icult,” Naib added. record their second straight win skipper Gulbadin Naib pre- Afghanistan batsmen will have in as any matches. dicted yesterday. their own challenges against a New Zealand, who were fi nalists Though not a great turner of formidable New Zealand pace in the 2015 edition, have relied on the ball, Rashid’s guile and attack including Matt Henry, their paceman to get favourable re- accuracy make him a limited- who currently leads the wicket- sults, but Taylor believes tackling overs asset especially sought takers’ list, and Trent Boult, the spin will be key against the Asian after by Twenty20 franchises current number two ODI bowler. minnows at Taunton. across the cricketing world. Naib said they would try to “I think against Afghanistan, Williamson has spent two play the “Afghan way” to they have a lot of spin there, so seasons sharing the Sunrisers bounce back from losses in something to factor in,” said Tay- Hyderabad dressing room with their first two matches when lor, who has recorded three 40 plus the wily 20-year-old and Naib they face the 2015 finalists. scores in his last four ODI innings. has no doubt Afghanistan’s “We will play our natural game, “But two from two, that was bowling talisman will prevail just go for who we are and what we wanted to do and we over the Kiwi batting mainstay why we’re here,” he said. were able to do it.” at Taunton. “It’s important we don’t look While Taylor and skipper Kane “Rashid is not like the other for the names (in the New Zea- Williamson got the runs dur- bowlers,” Naib told reporters, land team), just play the ball. ing their 105-run partnership conceding the Afghan players “They have plenty of experi- in London, it was their pace at- themselves are clueless even ence in the New Zealand side tack led by Matt Henry that ran after numerous net sessions — Trent Boult and other guys. through the Bangladesh batting. with the leg-spinner. But we look forward to playing Henry claimed four wickets to “I think it’s not only for Kane, our natural game and playing take his tally to seven in two games. also it is diff icult for our play- the Afghan way. Hopefully we He is well supported by Trent ers too. It’s diff icult for our do the best we can.” Boult and Lockie Ferguson, who can clock speeds up to 96 mph. Taylor beloves that Ferguson, with his express pace, is the key New Zealand’s Matt Henry celebrates taking the wicket of Bangladesh’s Mohamed Saifuddin during the ICC Cricket World Cup match at The Oval man for the Black Caps. in London on Wednesday. (Reuters) “Lockie, he just gives you that X-factor. Obviously our fast- without a fi ght. Sri Lanka loss. est bowler. He is going to be a Leg-spinner Rashid Khan Afghanistan medium-pace Afghan keeper Shahzad out of WC key factor for us if we’re going leads the charge with Mohamed bowler Mirwais Ashraf, who was to feature in this tournament,” Nabi, who returned fi gures of part of the team’s campaign in Reuters Thursday. Shahzad, 32, played said Taylor. “I think he’s creating 4-30 with his off spin in their the previous World Cup, said the London in Afghanistan’s defeats by pressure for the guy at the other previous loss against Sri Lanka. senior batsmen need to step up or Australia and Sri Lanka and end (to take wickets).” But it’s their batting that has give way to youngsters. has represented his country in Ferguson’s pace partner Henry let them down as they were dis- “We’ve seen the same things fghanistan wicketkeep- 84 one-day internationals. said that Afghanistan are a “dan- missed for 152 in their revised play out in both of the matches er Mohamed Shahzad Khil has played one test match gerous side” and New Zealand will chase of 187 in a rain-hit game so far. There have been too many Ahas been ruled out of and two one-day internation- treat them with “utmost respect”. Cardiff on Tuesday. mistakes and some players aren’t the World Cup due to a knee als, against Ireland in March. Afghanistan, who are playing “We need some improvement batting very responsibly,” he said. injury and replaced in the Afghanistan’s next World Cup just their second 50-over World in the batting, we need more “I think it’s time to give a chance squad by 18-year-old Ikram match is against New Zealand Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan fields during the ICC Cricket World Cup, have lost their two games partnerships,” Afghanistan skip- to some of the other seamers and Ali Khil, organisers said on in Taunton today. Cup match against Australia in Bristol, England, last week. (AFP) in the tournament so far but not per Gulbadin Naib said after the batsmen in the squad now.”

BOTTOMLINE COMMENT NZ should fi nd Afghanistan ICC tell India star Dhoni less daunting, says Vettori

Reuters he retired from internationals af- fore they were bowled out for 152 London ter the 2015 Cricket World Cup inside 33 overs chasing a victory fi nal, said the Bangladesh match target of 202 against Sri Lanka in to ditch World Cup gloves was a classic but his former team Cardiff . ew Zealand should face mates should not be under as While seeking a third succes- AFP The gesture by Dhoni gained a less “daunting” task much pressure on Saturday. sive victory was the ultimate goal London widespread attention on televi- against Afghanistan in “The result looked pretty com- for today, Vettori added that he sion and on social media in In- their third match of the fortable at one stage but Bangla- thought facing Afghanistan for dia, with #DhoniKeepTheGlove NCricket World Cup in Taunton desh, to their credit, fought back only the second time in a one- ricket’s governing body trending on Twitter. today, according to former cap- really well and it made for an in- day international would also be insisted yesterday that BCCI responded by send- tain Daniel Vettori. triguing contest, one of the games motivating for the Black Caps. India’s MS Dhoni will ing a formal request to the ICC, After their fi rst two games, of the... Cricket World Cup so far,” “Its a big challenge but the not be allowed to wear stressing the logo was “not the Kane Williamson’s side are at the Vettori wrote in a column on the Black Caps will prepare well anC apparent military insignia on paramilitary regimental dagger top of the standings over Austral- offi cial tournament website. especially for the likes of (leg- his World Cup wicketkeeping that is embossed on his gloves. ia on net run rate after achieving “It was nice to have an old- spinner) Rashid Khan who many gloves. So Dhoni is not in breach of ICC two contrasting victories. school game of one-day cricket. of the team won’t have faced be- The Board of Control for regulations”. They cruised to a 10-wicket “Next up is Afghanistan and fore,” said the 40-year-old, who Cricket in India (BCCI) had de- India’s sports minister Kiren win over Sri Lanka in their open- that game is not quite as daunt- took 4-18 in the six-wicket win fended Dhoni after he sported a Rijiju said the government did ing game, then lurched to a two- ing. It’s still a big one but New against Afghanistan at the 2015 dagger logo on his green gloves not interfere in “matters of wicket victory against Bangla- Zealand have had a good start to tournament. in India’s win over South Africa sports bodies”. desh on Wednesday at The Oval the tournament.” “But that is what a World Cup on Wednesday. “But when the issue is related in London. Gulbadin Naib’s side enter the is all about, trying new challeng- Dhoni is an honorary lieuten- to the country’s sentiments, Vettori, who was considered match today having received a es and playing against top teams, ant colonel in India’s Parachute then the interest of the nation one of the fi nest exponents of seven-wicket thrashing at the so it’s a game that both teams can Regiment and the BCCI wrote to has to be kept in mind. I urge the left-arm spin in the world before hands of Australia in Bristol be- really look forward to.” the International Cricket Coun- BCCI to take appropriate steps cil asking for clearance for their on the issue,” he tweeted. star to keep wearing the gloves. The Indian team though did But the ICC responded by not comment on the matter. Australia’s Zampa censured over obscenity saying in a statement: “The logo It is believed Dhoni is likely displayed by MS Dhoni in the to continue to wear the same AFP previous match is not permitted gloves but cover the insignia London to be worn on his wicket-keep- with tape. ing gloves. In March, the team wore cam- “The regulations for ICC oufl age-style caps provided by dam Zampa has been events do not permit any indi- Dhoni during a one-day game reprimanded by the vidual message or logo to be dis- against Australia as a tribute to AInternational Cricket played on any items of clothing the Indian armed forces after 40 Council after using an “audible or equipment. troops were killed in a suicide obscenity” in Australia’s bat- “In addition to this, the logo bomb attack in Kashmir. tling 15-run World Cup win over also breaches the regulations in The ICC has previously ruled the West Indies. relation to what is permitted on against players making political The incident happened at the wicketkeeper gloves.” statements, banning England all- end of the 29th over of the 24-month period, they are con- Coulter-Nile hammered 92 from According to the ICC rules rounder Moeen Ali in 2014 from West Indies innings at Trent verted into suspension points 60 balls from number eight in from the World Cup cloth- wearing wristbands saying “Save Bridge on Thursday. and a player is banned. the order after Steve Smith (73) ing and equipment regulations Gaza” and “Free Palestine”. Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to Zampa, 27, took one for 58 and Alex Carey (45) had helped manual, only two manufacturer the level-one off ence and one on a day on which Nathan Australia recover from 38 for four identifi cations can be sported at India’s MS Dhoni sports a dagger demerit point has been added Coulter-Nile and Mitchell Starc to reach 288 all out in 49 overs. the back of each glove. logo on his green wicket-keeping to his disciplinary record. starred as Australia maintained The West Indies could only Also, the logos on the glove gloves during the match against When a player reaches four or their 100 percent record in the manage 273-9 in their 50 overs, should not have a political or ra- South Africa in Southampton on more demerit points within a tournament. with Starc taking five wickets. cial connotation of any sort. Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 8, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Federer won’t rule out 2020 Roland Vondrousova, Garros return

AFP Paris

oger Federer suff ered Barty shrug off his worst Grand Slam mauling since 2008 at the hands of Rafael NadalR but hasn’t ruled out re- turning to Roland Garros in 2020 — when he will be almost 39 years old. Federer slumped to a 6-3, 6-4, row to reach fi nal 6-2 loss to the 11-time French Open champion in the semi-fi - Vondrousova, 19, is the first teenager to reach a major final in 10 years nals yesterday. Nadal now leads his overall head-to-head against Federer behind Federer in the all-time 24-15, and 14-2 on clay with the list. Swiss star’s last win on the sur- Yesterday, 33-year-old Nadal face against the Spaniard coming also mastered the wind which back in 2009. battered Paris with gusts of up “Next year, just like with any to 37 kph blowing the clay off other tournament, we’ll see what the court and into the eyes of the happens,” said Federer, who re- players and spectators. turned to Roland Garros this year It all played into Nadal’s hands for the fi rst time since 2015. as he took his record in the tour- “But I defi nitely enjoyed the nament to 92 wins against just clay court season and the French two losses. Open, so that would help the “He makes you feel uncom- chances, I guess, to return. fortable the way he defends the “It’s not like it’s been a shock- court and plays on clay. There is er. So from that standpoint, it’s nobody who even plays remotely okay.” close to him,” said Federer. In damp, swirling conditions “I don’t even know who I need on Court Philippe Chatrier, Nad- to go search for to go practice al made only 19 unforced errors, with somebody who plays like crushing 33 winners as Federer him. struck 25. “I was thinking that during the Nadal will be appearing in a match. It’s just amazing how he 12th French Open fi nal and chas- plays from deep and then is able ing a 12th title for an 18th major to bounce back and forth from which would put him just two the baseline.”

Anisimova eager to carry French Open confi dence onto grass

Paris: Teenager Amanda Ani- simova hopes the confidence she gained during her amazing run at the French Open will help her to succeed during the grasscourt season. A day after bamboozling defend- ing champion Simona Halep, Australia’s Ashleigh Barty in action during her semi-final match against Amanda Anisimova of the US at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. the 17-year-old missed out on a place in the final after falling to a AFP fael Nadal and Roger Federer she’ll be in the top 30 next week. 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 defeat to Austral- Paris and Novak Djokovic against Over on a damp and windy ian Ashleigh Barty in a see-saw Dominic Thiem. Court Simonne Mathieu, world contest yesterday. The WTA said the decision, number 38 Vondrousova bat- The first player born in the shleigh Barty and taken after Wednesday’s play tled past 26th seed Konta who 2000s to reach a Grand Slam Marketa Vondrousova was washed out and prompted was bidding to become Britain’s semi-final, Anisimova looked lost just going to try and be happy set-up a Roland Gar- by fears of more rain yesterday, fi rst female French Open fi nalist during a woeful start against about the couple weeks, and Aros fi nal showdown was “unfair and inappropriate”. since Sue Barker won the 1976 eighth seed Barty. hopefully today I’ll be a little bit yesterday, shrugging off a sex- Former world number one title. “I started off pretty rough. I was happier than I am right now,” ism row which had seen their Amelie Mauresmo of France Konta looked the stronger kind of frozen and I couldn’t re- she said. semi-fi nals shifted away from said it was a “disgrace”. player for large periods of the ally get into my game,” she told “I’m really excited about the the tournament’s showpiece Barty, 23, raced into a 4-0 match but a staggering 41 un- reporters. grass season. I gained a lot of court. lead with successive breaks forced errors proved costly. “And then when I was down 5-0, confidence in the past couple of Barty, 23, reached her fi rst fi - as Anisimova, plagued with The match was played in I just tried to keep the ball in weeks.” nal at the majors, coming back nerves, managed just one point. an atmosphere more associ- the court, and then I went up in Anisimova, however, has no from a set and 0-3 down to de- The 17-year-old saved two ated with fi rst-round ties rather that set.” experience on grass at tour-level feat 17-year-old Amanda Ani- set points in the sixth game to than semi-fi nals — in front of a The fightback was not enough so she will be stepping into the simova 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 in a fi nally get on the board and re- smattering of spectators on the to carry her over the finishing unknown. rollercoaster semi-fi nal. trieved a break for 2-5. 5,000-capacity arena. line as Barty used her wealth “I played junior Wimbledon one Czech teenager Marketa She broke twice again for 6-5 “The way it looks prob- of experience to tame an op- time and I lost, like, 13-11 in the Vondrousova also made sure of but faltered when she served for ably speaks for itself more than ponent who will break into the third set or something,” she said. her place in a maiden fi nal at the set before securing the tie- anything,” said Konta after the top 30 of the WTA rankings on “Everyone tells me my game the Slams by edging out Brit- break. match in reference to the court. Monday. suits grass well, but that time I ain’s Johanna Konta 7-5, 7-6 Anisimova then led 3-0 in Konta made a quick start as But Anisimova is taking a lot of didn’t leave thinking that. (7/2). the second set, with Barty fail- Vondrousova struggled with the positives from her French Open “Hopefully, with a little bit more Vondrousova, 19, is the fi rst ing to win a point. wind and her nerves on serve — run. practice and getting used to it, teenager to reach a major fi nal However, in a perfect capsule the Briton forging 5-3 ahead. “It’s a positive week for me. I’m then maybe I can do well.” in 10 years since Caroline Woz- of the unpredictable semi-fi nal, But the 28-year-old stuttered niacki at the 2009 US Open and played out in front of a half-full with a one-set lead in sight, the fi rst at Roland Garros in 12 Court Suzanne Lenglen, Barty missing three set points and years. claimed the next six games to then being broken when serving FORMULA 1 Today’s fi nal will be the level the tie. for the opener. youngest fi nal at a Slam since The Australian, who once fa- Vondrousova took full advan- the 2008 Roland Garros cham- mously took a break from tennis tage, reeling off four straight pionship match when 20-year- to pursue a cricket career, even games to make Konta pay. Hamilton fastest in old Ana Ivanovic defeated Di- Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic celebrates winning recovered from a break at 1-2 Konta gathered herself, nara Safi na, 22. her semi-final match against Britain’s Johanna Konta in Paris down in the decider. though, and took total control Vondrousova is the fi rst yesterday. She eventually held her nerve of the second set with an early Canada practice teenager in a Paris fi nal since as Anisimova, bidding to be- break, moving 5-3 in front again. Ivanovic in 2007. “It was the hardest thing that way after accusations of sexism come the youngest fi nalist in But she tightened up once Reuters Eighth seed Barty is the fi rst I ever had to do. were made against French Open Paris since Martina Hingis in more when the pressure was Montreal Australian in a French Open fi - “I am really proud of the way organisers who had decided to 1997, fell apart despite gamely on, dropping serve when one nal since Samantha Stosur fi n- I fought especially in the con- shift the matches away from saving fi ve match points. game from forcing a decider in a ished runner-up in 2010. ditions which were cold and the showpiece Court Philippe “I mean, I was kind of, like, downpour of errors. ormula One world cham- “That was amazing, both windy. Chatrier. frozen and I couldn’t really get With light rain falling on Ro- pion Lewis Hamilton good and bad,” said Barty who “Now I can’t wait for the fi - The main arena had already into my game,” said Anismova of land Garros, Vondrousova sealed clocked the best time in will rise to the top three in the nal, it’s incredible.” been scheduled to stage the her wretched start although she victory by racing through the a dusty fi rst practice ses- rankings next week. Both semi-fi nals got under- men’s semi-fi nals between Ra- has the consolation of knowing tie-break and into the fi nal. sionF for the Canada Grand Prix yesterday as Mercedes broke in an upgraded engine. BOTTOMLINE It was business as usual for Mercedes as Britain’s Hamilton lapped the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Ville- Court switch made it feel unlike a semi-fi nal: Konta neuve with a fastest time of one minute 12.767 seconds, 0.147 but are hoping to provide a big- Reuters the delayed women’s semis Asked if it felt like her two “If the organisers do not feel ahead of Finnish teammate Valt- ger threat to Mercedes on a Paris were switched with Konta and previous Grand Slam semi-fi - that (women’s semi-fi nals) are teri Bottas. power circuit that plays to their Vondrousova put on the new nals, played on Melbourne’s Rod something that can be promoted Mercedes have dominated on strengths. 5,000-capacity Court Simonne Laver Arena and Wimbledon’s and celebrated, then I think it’s every circuit this season, with Leclerc’s teammate Sebastian ohanna Konta said Mathieu. Centre Court, the British player the organisers you need to have Hamilton and Bottas winning Vettel, who won from pole here her 7-5 7-6(2) defeat by In a bid to allow both women’s said: “In terms of the surround- a conversation with, not me, be- all six races, crossing one-two in last year, could only manage the Czech Marketa Von- fi nalists to have the same recov- ing and the occasion, probably cause I did my job and I did my fi ve of them. fi fth best time behind Red Bull’s drousova had not felt like ery time for today’s title decider, not. job well.” Five times world champion Max Verstappen. aJ French Open semi-fi nal after it Ashleigh Barty and Amanda An- “Obviously I’m aware in what It was a frustrating day for Hamilton sits 17 points clear of Several cars spun in the open- was played 24 hours late and on isimova played at the same time match I’m playing and what Konta as she was bidding to be- Bottas at the top of the stand- ing session on what Verstappen a half-empty small showcourt. on Court Suzanne Lenglen. round. But, yeah, in terms of come the fi rst British woman to ings and served notice that he complained was an “insanely Wednesday’s deluge in Paris WTA Tour chief Steve Simon where we were, probably not. reach a Grand Slam fi nal since will again be a threat as he bids dirty” track. left organisers with a big sched- said the scheduling was “unfair “To be honest, I think the way 1977. to equal Michael Schumacher’s Antonio Giovinazzi was in- uling headache and led them and inappropriate” and while it looks probably speaks for itself She had Vondrousova 3-5 15- seven Canadian Grand Prix vic- volved in the most serious slip to squeezing in all four singles Konta did not use it as an excuse, more than anything.” 40 down in the fi rst set but on tories between 1994 and 2004. up when he spun his Alfa Romeo semi-fi nals yesterday when occupying Court Philippe she was clearly miff ed at playing Konta said she had not been her fi rst set point, she charged Charles Leclerc was third into the wall midway through more rain was forecast. Chatrier, as is usual on the sec- such a big Grand Slam match consulted about the switch to in and blazed an easy volley long quickest for Ferrari, who have the session, briefl y bringing out With the men’s semi-fi nals ond Friday of the tournament, away from the main showcourt. Simonne-Mathieu court. with the court at her mercy. yet to get in gear this season the virtual safety car. Gulf Times Saturday, June 8, 2019 5 FOOTBALL

NHL NBA Warriors part-owner Controversial goal banned for shoving Raptors’ Lowry

Reuters behaviour I demonstrated last Toronto night does not refl ect the person I am or have been throughout my life. I made a mistake and I’m olden State Warriors truly sorry. I need to be better helps Blues win and look forward to making it minority owner Mark Stevens, who shoved right.” the Kyle Lowry of the The Warriors earlier in the The Blues carry a 3-2 lead over GToronto Raptors during a Finals day issued their own apology to game on Wednesday, has been Lowry. “Mr. Stevens’ behaviour Bruins in the best-of-seven series into fi ned $500,000 and banned from last night did not refl ect the high games for a year, the Warriors standards that we hope to ex- Game 6 in St. Louis tomorrow and the NBA said on Thursday. emplify as an organisation,” the game fi ve Warriors said in a statement. Lowry tumbled into the front row of the crowd in Oakland “We’re extremely disappoint- while diving for a loose ball dur- ed in his actions and, along with ing the fourth quarter and Ste- Mr. Stevens, off er our sincere vens, who was sitting courtside, apology to Kyle Lowry and the used one hand to push the player Toronto Raptors organisation as he was getting back on his feet. for this unfortunate misconduct. Guard Lowry later said that Ste- There is no place for such inter- vens also “said a couple vulgar action between fans — or anyone words” to him. — and players at an NBA game.” Stevens, 60, was escorted out Stevens, who joined the War- of the game and Lowry called riors’ ownership team in 2013, for him to be banned from all fu- is a billionaire venture capitalist ture NBA games. “Investor Mark who was a partner with Sequoia Stevens has been banned from Capital until 2012 and is now a attending NBA games and War- managing partner of S-Cubed riors team activities for one year Capital. Warriors coach Steve and has been fi ned $500,000 for Kerr echoed the team’s state- pushing and directing obscene ment. “I will also personally language toward the Toronto apologise to Kyle and to the Rap- Raptors’ Kyle Lowry,” the NBA tors. That’s unacceptable,” he and the team said in a statement. told reporters. Stevens late Thursday issued Los Angeles Lakers forward a formal apology saying he was LeBron James took to Instagram embarrassed by his “lapse in to call for the league to take swift judgement” and said he accepted action against Stevens prior to the punishment. “What I did was the announcement of the fi ne wrong and there is no excuse for and the ban. “There’s absolute- it,” he said. “Mr. Lowry deserves ly no place in our BEAUTIFUL better, and I have reached out game for that AT ALL,” James today in an attempt to directly said. “He himself being a fan but apologise to him and other mem- more importantly PART-OWN- bers of the Raptors and Warriors ER of the Warriors knew exactly organisations. I’m grateful to what he was doing which was so those who accepted my calls. The uncalled for,” he said.

St. Louis Blues’ David Perron (left) celebrates after scoring against the Boston Bruins in Game Five of the NHL Stanley Cup finals in Boston on Thursday. (AFP)

Reuters “Yeah, it is frustrating,”said Bruins for- Regardless of their frustration, the Zach Sanford. Boston ward Patrice Bergeron. Bruins made it a game late when Jake De- Forward David Krejci kept it a 1-0 game “Especially with what’s at stake. Bot- Brusk scored with 6:28 remaining in the with a desperation save late in the second tom line, you have to be ready for Game 6. third period to make it 2-1. But Binning- period. The Bruins nearly tied it when o the Boston Bruins, the reaction That’s all we can focus on.” ton, who was tested from the start, held they got a puck on the goal line with 13 of St. Louis Blues forward Tyler Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy wasn’t as fi rm the rest of the way. “We just battled minutes left in the third, but replay con- Bozak after tripping Noel Acci- quick to move on. Like some of his players, it out, trusted each other, stayed with it fi rmed Binnington never let it get over ari in the third period of Game 5 he pointed the fi nger further back to Blues and got better as the game went on,” said the threshold. Perron’s controversial goal Tof the Stanley Cup Final said it all. Bozak coach Craig Berube calling out the offi ci- Binnington, who tied the NHL rookie came less than three minutes later to give immediately threw his hands up to pro- ating following his team’s 7-2 loss in Game record for most wins by a goaltender in a the Blues a 2-0 lead. test a penalty that was never called. 3 as the real turning point of the series. single postseason with his 15th. “Yeah, I know there’s something I Moments later, David Perron scored “There was a complaint or whatever put Tuukka Rask had 19 saves in the loss guess the fans weren’t too happy with,” what would be the game-winning goal forth by the opposition that seems to have for Boston. No doubt energized by the said Perron in reference to the crowd’s with 9:24 to play as the Blues came changed everything,” Cassidy said. “The presence of captain Zdeno Chara — who reaction of throwing rally towels and away with a 2-1 victory on Thursday non-call on Acciari... it was egregious.” played despite sustaining a reported bro- trash onto the ice in protest of the call. night to move one win away from their Berube disagreed with the idea that his ken jaw on a puck to the face during the “Obviously, when people expect things fi rst Stanley Cup title. The Blues carry a comments changed the narrative. “I’m second period of Game 4 — the Bruins to go a certain way and it doesn’t, you 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series into not here to judge the offi cials and calls that came out fi ring in the fi rst period, out- know, stuff happens,” added Bozak, who Game 6 in St. Louis tomorrow. could have been or couldn’t have been,” he shooting the Blues 17-8. described his getting tangled up with Ac- Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made said. “They go both ways. I mean, there’s However, St. Louis broke through just ciari as a “puck battle.” 38 saves in a brilliant performance, but calls the other way that could have been 55 seconds into the second period. Posi- With Chara on the mend, the Bru- after the game, most the focus was paid called and they weren’t, so I don’t know tioned in front of the net, Ryan O’Reilly ins dressed seven defensemen, Steven Kyle Lowry (left) of the Toronto Raptors yells at Golden State toward the missed call and its eff ect on what to say about that. I really don’t want backhanded the puck over the glove of Kampfer subbing for forward David Warriors minority investor Mark Stevens for pushing him during the the outcome of such a pivotal contest. to say anything about it.” Rask off a through-the-legs feed from Backes. Game Three of the NBA on Wednesday. (AFP)

MLB Kepler hits three home runs as Twins top Indians Reuters striking out three and walking four. second of fi ve pitchers used by the Cleveland, USA John Gant (5-0) threw 1 1/3 innings Rays, got the victory. He held the Tigers of scoreless relief, and Jordan Hicks scoreless in 4 1/3 innings as Tampa Bay pitched the ninth for his 12th save. won the series, 2-1.

ax Kepler recorded his sec- YANKEES 6, BLUE JAYS 2 BREWERS 5, MARLINS 1 ond career three-homer Aaron Hicks hit a three-run home run, Christian Yelich hit his major-league- performance at Progressive JA Happ allowed one run in seven in- leading 23rd home run, and Mike Field as the visiting Min- nings, and visiting New York avoided a Moustakas went deep twice, guiding Mnesota Twins averted a series sweep three-game sweep by defeating Toron- Milwaukee past visiting Miami. All with a 5-4 victory over the Cleveland to. The Blue Jays had captured the fi rst three homers were hit against Marlins Indians on Thursday. Kepler, who was two games of the three-game set to win left-hander Caleb Smith (3-4). The mired in an 0-for-21 slump, led off the their fi rst series since April 26-28. Brewers, who lead the National League game with homer, added a two-run Gio Urshela added a solo homer for with 108 homers, snapped their two- shot in the third inning, walked in the the Yankees, who ended a three-game game losing streak. fi fth and started the seventh with a losing streak. DJ LeMahieu had three towering blast to centre fi eld. hits, a walk and two RBIs. RANGERS 4, ORIOLES 3 The 26-year-old also belted three Hunter Pence homered, and Ronald homers in Cleveland on Aug. 1, 2016. In Minnesota Twins’ Max Kepler PIRATES 6, BRAVES 1 Guzman and Danny Santana each drove the ninth inning, Kepler hit an infi eld watches after hitting a two-run Colin Moran hit a two-run homer, Gre- in a run as Texas defeated visiting Bal- single to fi nish 4-for-4. Mitch Garver home run against Cleveland gory Polanco added a solo shot, and timore. The Rangers took two of three ripped an RBI double, and Jose Berrios Indians. (USA TODAY Sports) Josh Bell doubled three times for Pitts- from the Orioles, who have not won a (8-2) tossed six-plus strong innings burgh, which topped visiting Atlanta series since late April. Ariel Jurado (3- for the Twins, who prevented both to take two of three in the series. It was 2) gave the Rangers six strong innings. their fi rst three-game losing streak and sacrifi ce fl y as Houston defeated host tired the fi nal eight Nationals he faced at Kansas City, capping a series in which the fi rst series win by the Pirates since He allowed three runs on eight hits and sweep of the season. Seattle. Robinson Chirinos, Alex Breg- after Dozier’s two-out double in the they outscored the Royals 23-8. Colten they took three of four May 16-19 at struck out six with one walk. man and Jack Mayfi eld homered for the third to improve to 5-3 on the season. Brewer (1-2) was the winning pitcher on San Diego. They had lost four straight ROCKIES 3, CUBS 1 Astros, who took three of four games a bullpen-heavy day for Boston, which series. Freddie Freeman hit a homer and METS 7, GIANTS 3 Peter Lambert struck out nine in seven in the series. Houston’s Chris Deven- ATHLETICS 7, ANGELS 4 won its fourth straight, after he allowed walked, and Brian McCann and Austin Todd Frazier hit a tiebreaking two-run innings and hit a single in his major ski (1-0) pitched the fi nal two innings, Stephen Piscotty homered and drove in two hits in two scoreless innings of re- Riley had two hits apiece for the Braves, homer in the eighth inning for host league debut, and Colorado won at Chi- striking out four. Matt Festa (0-1), the two runs while right-hander Mike Fiers lief. Matt Barnes pitched the ninth for who had won six of their previous seven New York, which held on to beat San cago. Ian Desmond doubled twice for eighth Mariners pitcher, took the loss. worked six eff ective innings as visiting his fourth save in seven chances. Kan- series. Francisco. The Mets won the rubber Colorado, which salvaged the fi nale of a Oakland beat Los Angeles. The routine sas City’s Danny Duff y (3-3) pitched game of a three-game series for just the three-game series. Scott Oberg pitched PADRES 5, NATIONALS 4 win allowed the A’s to take two of three just 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on RAYS 6, TIGERS 1 second time in eight tries this year. the ninth for his third save. Lambert Five Padres pitchers retired the last 20 from their California rivals in a series four hits, all in the third inning. Travis d’Arnaud hit his fi rst two homers The Giants failed in their attempt to (1-0) had his contract selected from hitters they faced as host San Diego ral- highlighted by a 10-9 Angels win on of the season, a pair of two-run shots, win back-to-back series for the fi rst Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday and lied from a four-run fi rst-inning defi cit Wednesday in which Oakland blew a CARDINALS 3, REDS 1 to power Tampa Bay past host De- time in 2019. Pete Alonso led off the became the third-youngest pitcher to to defeat Washington. Franmil Reyes 7-1 lead. Paul DeJong hit a tiebreaking two-run troit. The Los Angeles Dodgers traded eighth by singling against Mark Melan- debut for the Rockies. The 22-year-old capped a three-run fi fth inning against Oakland jumped on Angels starter homer in the seventh inning, and St. d’Arnaud to the Rays last month shortly con (2-1). Alonso was forced at second had an impressive fi rst start, allowing Patrick Corbin (5-4) with a line drive Tyler Skaggs (4-6) for three runs each Louis held on to beat visiting Cincinna- after signing him as a free agent. on a grounder by Michael Conforto, one run on four hits and one walk. for a tie-breaking sacrifi ce fl y. in the fourth and fi fth innings to take a ti in the fi nale of a rain-shortened two- D’Arnaud, who did not play the pre- who stole second on Melancon’s fi rst Left-handed starter Joey Lucchesi, 6-1 lead. The A’s never looked back. game series. St. Louis starter Dakota vious three games, had driven in only pitch to Frazier. Three pitches later, ASTROS 8, MARINERS 7 who gave up four runs in the fi rst on a Hudson went 6 1/3 innings, matching two runs this season. Willy Adames Frazier reached for a low and outside Myles Straw led off the 14th inning with two-run single by Howie Kendrick and RED SOX 7, ROYALS 5 the longest outing of his major league also homered, while Yandy Diaz sup- pitch by Melancon and homered just a triple and scored on Yuli Gurriel’s a two-run homer by Brian Dozier, re- Boston completed a three-game sweep career. He allowed one run and fi ve hits, plied three hits. Jalen Beeks (5-0), the beyond the left fi eld wall. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, June 8, 2019 SPORT

GOLF BOXING Pacquiao vows to thrash Thurman Koepka eyes The Philippine legend’s career AFP Manila seemed headed for its fi nal mo- ments last year, but he has since knocked out Lucas Matthysse hilippine boxing legend and beat Adrien Broner in bouts. Manny Pacquiao has Pacquiao plans to split his vowed to silence Keith training camp between the Phil- Thurman at their World ippines and Los Angeles, wrap- historic US treble PBoxing Association title bout ping up his preparations under next month, calling him a “loud- the watchful eye of longtime mouth” as their war of words es- trainer Freddie Roach, who is calates. back in his corner. The run-up to the fi ght has He told reporters he will fl y to been full of fl ying insults, with Los Angeles on June 15. Thurman saying he will beat the Thurman, who is 29-0 with 22 40-year-old Pacquiao into re- knockouts, has promised to be at Pebble Beach tirement when they clash in Las Pacquiao’s fi nal opponent in the Vegas on July 20. ring. ‘I KNOW THAT THE ODDS ARE AGAINST ME TO WIN IT’ Thurman, 30, said last month “His legacy ends on July 20. he would “crucify” the world’s He’s had a wonderful career, and only eight-division world been an inspiration. We all love champion, who the undefeated him and respect him. And I’m American said has “never fought respectfully going to kick the shit anyone this young, strong and out of him.” hungry”. But Pacquiao pointed out, “He’s a loudmouth outside the after working the heavy bag on ring. Let’s see if he can back it up Thursday, that Thurman would inside the ring,” Pacquiao said not be the fi rst younger chal- yesterday as he trained in Manila. lenger he has beaten. “Some boxers are arrogant “My last fi ght was (Adrien) while other boxers are humble. Broner and he was only 29 years Thurman? We know he’s ar- old. That’s not a problem,” he rogant,” added Pacquiao, the said Thursday. WBA’s secondary “world” cham- Pacquiao, who is a member pion. of the Philippines’ upper house “I’m so motivated for this Senate, said he plans to fl y back training camp because of his to Manila immediately after the trash talk, like that. I would rath- Thurman fi ght to attend the an- er have my fi sts do the talking,” nual address of his ally, President Pacquiao said. Rodrigo Duterte.

Brooks Koepka of the United States greets fans during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club on Thursday in Hamilton, Canada.

AFP Bethpage Black. record at Pebble Beach, where Los Angeles “There’s no pressure,” Koep- he has won the PGA Tour’s Na- ka said as he prepared for his US tional Pro-Am twice. Hot putter boosts Bradley Open tuneup at the Canadian Johnson held the 54-hole lead rooks Koepka knows Open. “I know that the odds are in the 2010 US Open at Peb- Ottawa: Keegan Bradley fired Taylor, whose seven birdies history is beckoning at against me to win it. ble that ultimately saw Graeme seven birdies in a seven-under- included four in a row at the the US Open at Pebble “Every time (in a major), McDowell crowned, and said par 63 on Thursday to take the first through the fourth after he BBeach — and that’s just you’ve got 144 guys or 150 guys, his runner-up fi nish at the PGA first-round lead at the US PGA made the turn, was one of four the kind of challenge to get the whatever it is. Championship only boosted his Tour Canadian Open, last tune- Canadians within three shots of Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao training at a gym in Manila, big-hitting American’s juices “There are a lot of people belief that he can add another up for the US Open at Pebble the lead — all trying to become ahead of his World Boxing Association title bout next month against fl owing. who can win that golf tourna- major title to his 2016 US Open Beach. the first golfer and trying to Keith Thurman in Las Vegas. Koepka will arrive at the sce- ment. You’ve just got to go out victory. Bradley made the most of become the first Canadian to nic course overlooking Carmel and take care of business,” he Phil Mickelson also brings a favourable morning scoring win the national championship Bay with a chance to become said. strong track record at Pebble conditions and finished the day since Pat Fletcher in 1954. SPOTLIGHT just the second player to win Tiger Woods, who reignited Beach to his latest bid to capture with a one-shot lead over five Im also teed off on 10, opening three straight US Open titles — his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’s an elusive Open title and com- players at Hamilton Golf and with back-to-back birdies and and the fi rst to do it since Willie record of 18 major titles when plete a career Grand Slam. Country Club near Toronto. capping his round with his sixth Anderson in 1903, ’04 and ’05. he took his tally to 15 at the The 48-year-old American “It was just solid top to bot- birdie of the day at the ninth. Japan swim queen “The name has come up quite Masters in April then missed notched his fi fth National Pro- tom,” said Bradley, the 2011 Northern Ireland’s Graeme Mc- a bit in the last year,” Koepka the PGA Championship cut, Am victory in February, but he PGA Championship winner. Dowell, who will return to the said of Anderson — who won enjoyed a building top-10 fi nish acknowledges that chasing the “I hit almost every fairway, site of his 2010 US Open win at Ikee gets leukaemia four of fi ve US Opens from at the Memorial as he prepared longed-for Open title will be a almost every green and then Pebble Beach next week but 1901-05. “I know what I’m to return to the scene of one of diff erent challenge. holed some putts. still hasn’t qualified for the Brit- chasing and trying to accom- his most dominant victories. “The diffi culty is not the “With me, it’s all about the ish Open at Royal Portrush, was hospital respite plish.” Woods won the 2000 US age,” said Mickelson, who will putter,” added the American. in a big group on five-under 65. Anyone who thinks the na- Open at Pebble Beach by a turn 49 on the Sunday the Open “When that thing gets going I Bradley took a while to warm AFP myself after I’m discharged.” ture of the quest could throw record 15 strokes. concludes. “The diffi culty is can do stuff like I did today.” up, opening with six straight Tokyo Ikee revealed in February that Koepka off his stride hasn’t “It’s impressive, to build that that when you’re in your 20s There are plenty of players pars before exploding with six she had been diagnosed with been paying attention as he big of a lead and stay there, keep you feel like you have multi- within striking distance, start- birdies in seven holes form the leukaemia after experiencing piled up four major titles in the pushing,” said Koepka, who saw ple chances. And when you’re ing with the group on 65 of seventh through the 13th. He apanese Olympic swim- problems during a training camp space of eight starts — starting his six-shot lead dwindle to one turning 49, you’re like, ‘I’ve Canadian Nick Taylor, Ireland’s added one more at 17. ming hope Rikako Ikee, in Australia. with a 2017 US Open triumph at at Bethpage before he hoisted got two more chances — this Shane Lowry, South Korean Im “I was hitting a lot of good who was diagnosed with Japan’s swim queen would Erin Hills. the Wanamaker Trophy. year and maybe Winged Foot (in Sung-jae, South African Erik shots and I actually had a cou- leukaemia earlier this year, have been a strong favourite to He became the fi rst player “It’s not as easy to extend 2020) and that’s about it. wasJ last month temporarily dis- win 2020 Olympic gold in the Van Rooyen and American ple of pretty brutal lip outs,” he since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 that to 10 or eight as people “With that being the only one Roberto Castro. said. “I just kept telling myself charged from hospital to enjoy 100 metres butterfl y and a threat to win two straight US Opens might think,” Koepka said. in the four that I haven’t won, Lowry, coming off a tie for keep going, don’t try to force some fresh air and time with her in the 200m freestyle in her with his victory at Shinneock Among the other contend- and what it would off er me and eighth at the PGA Champion- these putts in and sure enough family, the athlete said this week home city. Hills last year, and followed that ers in the third major of the how I look at my career, I put ship at Bethpage Black, had right after that they started on her offi cial website. Ikee’s coach Jiro Miki said last with PGA Championship wins year, American Dustin Johnson more pressure on it,” Mickelson seven birdies and one bogey. going in.” The 18-year-old poster girl for weekend that she had begun light at Bellerive and, last month, at boasts an outstanding track said. next year’s Tokyo Olympics re- exercise on a stationary bike in vealed that she had been allowed her hospital room. to return home for a few days but “While I was out of hospital I has now been readmitted for fur- enjoyed meals with my family, ther treatment. relaxing and getting lots of fresh Woods confi dent heading into US Open “There are days I don’t feel air,” said Ikee, pictured on her very well, when I just focus on website wearing a beanie hat to AFP said Woods, who opted not to play Masters fi eld in greens in regulation. getting through the day,” posted cover her hair loss. Los Angeles between his Masters victory and “He always was the greatest iron Ikee, who shot to fame at last “There are times I feel I don’t the PGA Championship at Bethpage player in the world,” said 43-year-old year’s Asian Games where she want to go back into hospital,” Black where he missed the cut. US tour veteran Ryan Armour, who won a record six gold medals. she added. “But I cheer myself iger Woods, his 15th major There’s no doubt that Woods will played alongside Woods in the third “While I’m in hospital I stay up by thinking that it’s just a few secured at the Masters, is on be better prepared for the 119th US round last week. “But now he’s hit- motivated by setting goals for months of my life.” the rise again heading into Open, which tees off on June 13 on ting, like, controlled drivers and con- the US Open at Pebble Beach, the iconic California coastal course trolled three-woods. Tscene of one of the US superstar’s where he won by a record 15 strokes “It’s not lash at it and try and hit most dominant triumphs. in 2000. it as far as you can. I think he kind of “My game is right where I feel like “I drove it great,” Woods said of checked that ego a little bit.” it needs to be,” Woods said after fi r- his week at Memorial, and that will And added Armour: “All you’ve got ing a fi nal-round 67 at the Memorial be a key factor on the tight fairways to do is get him in the fairway and as on Sunday. at Pebble Beach. If he can tidy up a good as his game is, he’s going to play “Each day I got a little more crisp,” few things — he twice caught the lip well.” said Woods, who was out of the run- of fairway bunkers and twice came Woods found 42 of 56 fairways at ning for a sixth Memorial title head- away with bogeys at Muirfi eld’s 14th the Memorial, including 12 of 14 in ing into Sunday, but lit up the front despite having wedges in his hand the fi nal round, a big improvement on nine with fi ve birdies at Muirfi eld Vil- — Woods was optimistic he could his three of 14 fairways hit in the sec- lage before coming home in even par contend. “Those are loose things ond round at Bethpage. to sneak into the top 10 — albeit 10 you can’t aff ord to have happen in an Woods, who tied for fourth in the shots behind winner Patrick Cantlay. Open,” he said. “If I can clean those 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach won “I was hoping I could get some- up, I should be all right.” by Northern Ireland’s Graeme Mc- thing positive going into the Open Iron play remains a strength for Dowell, last competed on the course and I was able to accomplish that,” the 43-year-old Woods, who led the at the PGA Tour’s National Pro-Am. File photo of Japan’s Rikako Ikee celebrating winning the 50m freestyle gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. Gulf Times Saturday, June 8, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

WOMEN'S WORLD CUP Mancini calls for Italy to be fearless in Euro 2020 qualifi ers Spain ready to climb Athens: Italy coach Roberto Mancini encouraged his players to be fearless when pulling on the national team shirt ahead of a crucial Euro 2020 qualifying double- header against Greece and Bosnia. The Azzurri won their World Cup Everest their opening two qualifiers against Finland and Liech- tenstein in March to go top of Group J on six points. Germany, the reigning Olympic champions, are one of the favourites to lift the trophy in France Yet Mancini’s side are likely to face much sterner AFP tests with a trip to Athens Madrid today before the visit of Bosnia next Tuesday, with both sides breathing down pain will have to climb the Italy’s neck after taking four equivalent of Mount Everest if points from their opening they are to escape the hardest two games. group of the Women’s World “We can show that our Cup,S according to their coach Jorge growth is continuing, we Vilda. A tough draw has placed Spain want to go out on the pitch in Group B with Germany, China and to win,” Mancini said. “The South Africa, with the latter their fi rst mentality of the players has opponents in Le Havre today. been good from the first day, Germany, the reigning Olympic cham- we can’t go out to draw or pions, are one of the favourites to lift the with fear of losing. We are trophy in France, which kicked off yes- the Italian national team, terday, despite their coach Martina Voss- even if we’re coming off a Tecklenburg only taking over in Novem- very diff icult period. ber. Meanwhile, South Africa and China “These will be our two both came within a whisker of winning most diff icult matches, the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations and but we want to keep going Asian Games respectively last year. on our path, playing well South Africa lost on penalties to Ni- and winning. Greece have geria in the fi nal while China were denied changed the quality of their only by a last-minute goal from Japan. game on a technical level in “I think we’ve been handed the hardest the last few months. They’ve group of the tournament, and by far,” Vil- changed several things, da said. “If I compared it to a mountain, it when one cycle ends you would be like climbing three summits, all need a bit of time to renew it. of them over 8,000 metres. Germany can It’s a bit like us.” be the Everest of our group but South Af- Mancini is leading Italy rica and China are also playing at an ex- through their first qualifying tremely high level and it will be diffi cult campaign since their failed to beat them. bid to reach the 2018 World “South Africa have so much speed go- Cup. Under Gian Piero Ven- ing forward but they’re also solid and tura, the Italians fell to a 1-0 disciplined. Germany is one of the fa- aggregate defeat to Sweden vourites for the title and we have never at the playoff stage, marking managed to beat them. And then there is their first failure to reach the China, who have a fantastic team as well.” competition in 60 years. Spain enjoyed a perfect qualifi ca- Mancini, who succeeded tion campaign, winning all eight of their Ventura in May 2018, matches while conceding only two goals, believes that his players but their diffi cult draw might not end in can use the memory of that the groups, with the United States a po- World Cup disappointment tential foe in the last 16. They have also to help them in their bid to never reached the knock-out stage of a book a place at next year’s World Cup but success at youth levels has cross-continental European created a sense of optimism this summer, Fireworks go off during the opening ceremony ahead of the Women’s World Cup opening match between France and South Korea in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) Championship finals. helped by some impressive results in “It hadn’t happened for friendlies. end in itself, it is an important part of a raised expectations after our strong qual- them play Atletico Madrid at the Wanda “We are doing well at the top but this the last 60 years, it was a In November, they held Germany to a process of improvement for us but we ifying campaign and good performances Metropolitano. pyramid needs to have a stronger base if regret for everyone,” Mancini goalless draw in Erfurt before narrowly have to see what happens. in friendly games against great sides. We Spain’s squad is dominated by players we want the fi rst and second divisions, as said. “We must ensure that losing to the United States and beating “In these competitions, you have to can’t wait for the fi rst match.” from Barca and Atletico, who fi nished six well as the regional leagues, to improve. it never happens again, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil and keep a cool head and keep your feet on Women’s football in Spain enjoyed points ahead of the Catalans to win La We have to support the clubs and help Italy must take part in the Cameroon. Asked about Spain’s aims the ground because it’s only our second unprecedented attention last season, as Liga last season, with third-placed Le- them to establish better structures and European Championships for the tournament, Vilda said: “To get World Cup after 2015. We are going into it Barcelona reached their fi rst Champions vante 21 points adrift of the top two. “We pitches. Then to be among the best in the and the World Cup. For us it’s through, to improve and to be a better with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement League fi nal, two months after a Euro- now have to develop the game more at world, you just have to stay calm and wait an extra motivation.” team. We do not see the World Cup as an but we have to be cautious too. We have pean record crowd of 60,739 watched youth level,” said Vilda. for the talent to come through.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT London-born Yennaris makes Chelsea lodge appeal against transfer ban at CAS

AFP ment of minors. Chelsea denied any wrong- ers over the age of 16 when the summer trans- landmark China debut Lausanne doing and CAS said Friday the club had fi led fer window opens. an appeal. “The Court of Arbitration for Sport Chelsea had been eager to have the ban lifted, AFP (CAS) has registered an appeal fi led by Chelsea or suspended pending an appeal, so they could Guangzhou helsea lodged an appeal yesterday at Football Club Ltd (CFC) against the Federation be in a position to sign a replacement for Bel- the Court of Arbitration for Sport Internationale de Football Association (FIFA),” gium’s Eden Hazard, who is reportedly on the (CAS) in Switzerland against a trans- CAS said in a statement, adding the club was verge of a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Proud” Nico Yennaris became the fi rst fer ban imposed by FIFA, the court appealing against the transfer ban. The chances of the appeal being heard be- foreign-born footballer to represent China said.C In February, FIFA banned Chelsea from Chelsea initially appealed to FIFA who par- fore the close of the current transfer window when the former Arsenal reserve started in signing players for their men’s teams for the tially lifted the ban in April, but only for players are slim given the normal CAS timetable. “It a 2-0 home win over the Philippines yes- next two transfer windows after FIFA’s dis- under 16 who are not “international transfers is not possible to say at this time when the Ar- terday.“ The 26-year-old midfi elder was born in ciplinary committee found the club guilty of and fi rst registrations of foreign minor players”. bitral Award will be issued,” CAS said in their London and is an England youth international, but breaching regulations relating to the recruit- That left Chelsea still unable to sign male play- statement. his mother is Chinese and the country is looking to naturalise footballers to rapidly improve its for- tunes on the pitch. ROUND-UP Yennaris, who never broke through at Premier League Arsenal, moved to Chinese Super League leaders Beijing Guoan at the start of the year and swapped nationalities from British to Chinese. Arsenal confi rm forward Welbeck’s exit Known in China as Li Ke, there has been intense interest in his assimilation and he is having Man- rsenal forward Danny Welbeck their friendly against Australia yesterday, darin lessons — he still gives interviews in English has left the club at the end of his breaking the deadlock in a stodgy match but appeared to have learnt the words to the na- contract along with veteran goal- that had seemed destined for a draw. Six of tional anthem. keeper Petr Cech and experienced Hwang’s seven international goals have come Yennaris said that he was “very proud” to win defenderA Stephan Lichtsteiner. Welbeck’s in the past 15 matches, all under Portuguese his fi rst cap for China. “I learnt that (the national exit was expected after the England interna- boss Paulo Bento. anthem) when I fi rst came so it’s step by step. I’ll tional’s injury-ravaged spell at the Emirates The Socceroos almost took an early lead in continue my studies and hopefully in a few months Stadium, while Czech ‘keeper Cech and Busan in the 18th minute when Mitchell Duke I’ll be able to do an interview in Chinese maybe.” Swiss international Lichtsteiner had previ- tried to power home a Brandon O’Neill corner, The friendly against the Philippines in the ously hinted they would be leaving once their but saw his header come off the right post. southern Chinese city of Guangzhou was also no- contracts expired. The game then settled into stalemate, with table for the return as coach of Marcello Lippi. The Arsenal also announced youngsters Cohen Tottenham star Son Heung-min — on interna- 71-year-old Italian World Cup winner left the post Bramall, Charlie Gilmour, and Julio Plegu- tional duty less than a week after his Cham- at the end of January after a 3-0 defeat to Iran in the ezuelo will leave the Gunners. Welbeck, 28, pions League fi nal loss to Liverpool — unable quarter-fi nals of the Asian Cup. joined Arsenal from Manchester United during to inspire a lacklustre attack past a physical But following a failed stint by compatriot Fabio 2014 and went on to win the FA Cup under Australian defence. Cannavaro, Lippi is back at the helm and targeting Arsene Wenger. Often utilised as an attacking qualifi cation for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Yen- option off the bench, Welbeck suff ered a string KANTE OUT OF FRANCE’S EURO naris, who spent fi ve years at Brentford in England’s of injury setbacks, the latest being a broken QUALIFIERS WITH KNEE INJURY second tier before moving to Beijing, was among ankle against Sporting Lisbon in a Europa Chelsea midfi elder N’Golo Kante will miss eight changes from the Lippi side beaten by Iran. League tie on November 8. France’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifi ers The Philippines, ranked 124th in the world in FIFA’s Despite the striker’s long-term future against Turkey and Andorra due to a knee rankings, were obliging guests. China, ranked 74th China’s Nico Yennaris controls the ball during being in doubt, the club had not made any had agreed a deal ‘in principle’ to buy Swansea injury, the French Football Federation (FFF) but with big ambitions under football-fan Presi- the friendly match against the Philippines in offi cial comment, while Arsenal manager Unai winger Daniel James, who is set to Ole Gunnar has said. Kante was injured in training before dent Xi Jinping, deservedly went ahead in the 14th Guangzhou, in China’s southern Guangdong Emery gave little away when asked. However, Solskjaer’s fi rst signing at the club. United Chelsea faced Arsenal in last week’s Europa minute when midfi elder Wu Xi prodded past Den- province, yesterday. (AFP) following the Gunners’ fi nal home match of will reportedly pay Swansea £18mn ($23mn), League fi nal but played the full 90 minutes as mark-born goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard. the Premier League season against Brighton, including add-ons, for the 21-year-old Wales his side beat their London rivals 4-1. Midfi elder Zhang Xizhe made it 2-0 on 54 min- World Cup. They begin in the autumn. Welbeck was honoured with a memento from international. The Championship club said the The 28-year-old was also in France’s squad utes after more poor Philippine defending and Yen- Lippi is reportedly eager to have the China- Arsenal chairman Chips Keswick. Cech, 37, is transfer was expected to be formally com- for their 2-0 victory over Bolivia in a friendly naris, who enjoyed a solid debut at the base of the based Brazilian forwards Elkeson and Ricardo Gou- widely rumoured to be returning to his former pleted on Tuesday. international in Nantes on Sunday but did hosts’ midfi eld, was substituted a minute later. lart naturalised in time for them. However, while club Chelsea in a coaching role. not play. France, who currently top Group H The Philippines were reduced to 10 men soon af- Chinese fans are supportive of Yennaris and gave SUPER SUB HWANG GIVES after both their qualifi ers so far, play Turkey in ter when Daisuke Sato earned a second yellow card. him a warm reception on his debut, many have ex- MAN UNITED AGREE DEAL ‘IN SOUTH KOREA WIN OVER AUSTRALIA Konya today before facing Andorra three days China host Tajikistan in another friendly on pressed deep scepticism about naturalising players PRINCIPLE’ TO SIGN DANIEL JAMES Substitute Hwang Ui-jo pounced on a defl ec- later. Albania, Iceland and Moldova are the Tuesday as they build up to qualifi ers for the 2022 who have no Chinese ancestry. Manchester United announced yesterday they tion to give South Korea a 1-0 home win in other teams in the group.

Saturday, June 8, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

NATIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT We played a good England must learn game against Brazil: Qatar from painful Dutch captain al-Haydos

By Sports Reporter a passionate Brazil crowd meant Doha a lot for the players. It has in- creased out confi dence. We only defeat: Southgate learn from our mistakes from the atar captain Has- match against Brazil,” al-Haydos san al-Haydos said he said. was pleased with the Felix Sanchez’s men will The Netherlands outclass England to reach Nations League final team’s performance in next play a closed-doors match theQ 0-2 loss to Brazil in the in- against a Brazilian club side to- ternational friendly on Wednes- morrow. In the Copa America, day. Al Annabi put in a spirited Qatar in Group B, which includes show against the mighty South Argentina, Colombia and Para- Americans, who had the likes guay. They face Paraguay on June of Neymar, Dani Alves, Philippe 16 followed by a match against Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus play- Colombia on June 19 and Argen- ing for them. tina on June 23. After trailing by two goals in Meanwhile, Sanchez showered the fi rst half four, Qatar created praise on his team. “This game few chances and they also missed was very important for us as be- a penalty in the dying stages. cause it was part of our prepara- “We played a good game against tions for the Copa America. Also Brazil. After going behind, we in the long run it is important be- made a good comeback. Brazil cause we are getting ready to play scored two goals due to some mi- in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in nor lapses,” al-Haydos said. 2022,” the Spanish coach said. The 28-year-old midfi elder Sanchez said that the players was confi dent Qatar can put a coped well with the pressure of good show in the Copa America, playing the Samba Kings. “We which will begin from June 14 in managed to keep up with the Brazil. He said the loss against Brazilian team for most of the Brazil will not have any eff ect on fi rst half. And in the second half the players, but would only help they really played very well. them in the big tournament. Sanchez, who guided Qatar to “That loss to Brazil will not their fi rst-ever Asian Cup title have any impact on our prepara- earlier this year, said the experi- tion for the Copa America. The ence of playing Brazil will help level of this team will only go up the players no end. “The Qatari after this match. We are confi - players have gained a lot of ex- dent of doing well in the Copa. perience from this encounter, The Brazil was undoubtedly a which will give them a boost in diffi cult one for us as they have the upcoming matches in the many world class players. Play- Copa America, where we will ing against them in front of such play in a very diffi cult group.”

The Netherlands’ Matthijs de Ligt (left) scores against England in the Nations League semi-final at Estadio D Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes, Portugal, on Thursday. (Reuters)

AFP build on the success of reaching a fi rst tion and fatigue. I’ve got to not overreact header from a corner as the Netherlands’ Guimaraes, Portugal World Cup semi-fi nal for 28 years, but to those things and support them in a dif- pressure fi nally told. “We dropped too their display showed much work is still fi cult moment for everybody.” deep and it took them to equalise for us to to be done if they are to end their trophy The Netherlands failed to even qual- step it up again,” lamented Kane. ngland manager Gareth South- drought on next summer at Euro 2020 ify for the last two major tournaments. Just when there seemed only one win- gate promised his side would with the semi-fi nals and fi nal to be played However, the young talent that has seen ner, England produced their best move of learn from an error-strewn per- on home soil at Wembley. “I think it’s a a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes the game as Stones, Ben Chilwell, Barkley formance as the Netherlands pro- really important game for us to refl ect was in evidence with Barcelona-bound and Raheem Sterling moved the ball from gressedE to the fi nal of the Nations League on,” said Southgate. “The next few days Frenkie de Jong outstanding in midfi eld. one end to the other before Jesse Lingard by coming from behind to beat the Three will be painful having got to this stage, “I heard he was player of the match to- slotted home. Lions 3-1 on Thursday night. but we will be stronger for the experi- night, well deserved,” said Netherlands The celebrations were cut short, Defeat means England’s long wait for a ence.” boss Ronald Koeman. “Most of the peo- though, when the Manchester United trophy since 1966 goes on and the Dutch Southgate defended his decision to ple are always looking what he is doing midfi elder was ruled off side by the fin- thoroughly deserved their place in to- leave out all seven of the Champions with the ball, how calm he is, but if you est of margins after a VAR review. Mem- morrow’s fi nal against Portugal. Marcus League fi nalists in his squad from Tot- see defensive wise how many balls he is phis Depay and Donny van de Beek blazed Rashford’s penalty gave England a fi rst- tenham and Liverpool as captain Harry winning in midfi eld. It looks so easy, but over fi ne Dutch chances to win the game half lead against the run of play, but Mat- Kane and Jordan Henderson were left it isn’t.” before extra-time, but the Netherlands thijs de Ligt made amends for his error in on the bench. And the England boss also De Ligt also looks set to leave Ajax fi nally took complete control in the extra leading to the spot-kick to level 17 min- insisted his side must persist with pass- with a host of top European clubs after 30 minutes. utes from time. ing the ball out from the back despite the his signature, but he had a moment to England infl icted much of the damage England contributed to their own criticism that is bound to come Stones forget just after the half-hour mark. The themselves as Stones dallied on the ball downfall in extra-time with a comedy and Barkley’s way. 19-year-old failed to control a simple and after Jordan Pickford made a great of errors for both goals. John Stones and “If we didn’t play that way we would pass and then chopped down Rashford, save to deny Depay, Promes’s follow-up Ross Barkley were at fault as Kyle Walk- never progress to be a top team,” said who picked himself up to slot home the defl ected in off Walker. Barkley’s under- er’s own goal and Quincy Promes’s simple Southgate. “That’s the way I believe they resulting penalty. hit backpass then teed up a third for the Qatar captain Hassan al-Haydos (right) and his Brazilian counterpart fi nish sent Holland into the fi nal. can play and should play. The errors were However, De Ligt showed great charac- Dutch as Depay squared for Promes to Dani Alves vie for the ball during the International Friendly match in Southgate’s men were attempting to uncharacteristic, it was just poor execu- ter to make amends by powering home a slot into an empty net. Brasilia on Wednesday.

NEW INNINGS FOCUS Ozil marries, with Erdogan as best man Willian to replace Neymar in AFP Istanbul Brazil’s Copa America squad ormer German international foot- AFP baller Mesut Ozil got married in Rio de Janeiro Istanbul yesterday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as hisF best man. The 30-year-old Ozil, who helsea’s Willian will replace Neymar in Brazil’s Copa has Turkish family roots, sparked contro- America squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation versy last year when he was photographed (CBF) said yesterday, after the world’s most expensive with Erdogan, raising questions about the player was sidelined by injury. footballer’s loyalty to Germany on the eve of CWillian, 30, was a surprise choice as the country’s media their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign. had tipped Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior and Tot- The Turkish leader arrived in the early tenham’s Lucas Moura as the front-runners to take the Paris evening for yesterday’s ceremony at a luxury Saint-Germain forward’s place. hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus to see “In accordance with competition rules, CBF sent Conmebol the former Arsenal midfi elder marry his fi - the medical reports of Neymar’s injury. ancee, former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse. A Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan (second right) and his wife Emine (right) pose with After receiving permission, the player (Willian) was sum- smiling Erdogan and his wife Emine were Arsenal’s German player Mesut Ozil and his wife Amina Gulse during their wedding moned,” the CBF said in a statement. seen standing next to the young couple as ceremony in Istanbul yesterday. (AFP) Willian, who has played for Chelsea since 2013, represented their marriage was formalised. Brazil at the last two World Cups and was a substitute in the After 92 appearances for Germany, in- already been sharply criticised by the Ger- announced his resignation from the national Blues’ 4-1 win over Arsenal in the Europa League fi nal on May cluding a key role in the 2014 World Cup vic- man public over his fi rst meeting with Er- squad, saying: “I am German when we win, 29. He has made 65 appearances for the Selecao with his last tory, Ozil suddenly quit the national squad dogan. an immigrant when we lose”. Erdogan often international match coming in November’s friendly victory last July, accusing German football offi cials Ozil has dated Gulse since 2017 and the attends marriages in Turkey of celebrities, over Cameroon. Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America of racism. Ozil announced in March that he couple announced their engagement in June whom he particularly seeks out during elec- after spraining his ankle during the 2-0 win over Qatar in had asked Erdogan to be his best man. Ger- 2018. The footballer, a third-generation tion campaigns. a friendly on Wednesday, capping a nightmare year for the man Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of German, whipped up a political storm when His presence at Ozil’s marriage comes world’s most expensive player. staff was part of a chorus of criticism of the he was pictured alongside Erdogan last May. ahead of a mayoral election in Istanbul on A distraught-looking Neymar covered his face with his invitation. Criticism intensifi ed after the red-faced de- June 23, required after the original voting hands as he sat on the bench after hobbling from the fi eld in Helge Braun, a CDU told the Bild news- fending champions crashed out of the fi rst in March was annulled following a narrow the 20th minute. PSG said on Thursday the star striker would paper then that it “makes one sad” that Ozil round of the World Cup in Russia. victory for the main opposition Republican be reassessed by the club’s medics within “72 hours to defi ne would make a such a move despite having In the wake of the World Cup fi asco, Ozil People’s Party. the rehabilitation process and recovery time for the player”.