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Monday, June 5, 2017 FOOTBALL Ramadan 10, 1438 AH Zidane back among GULF TIMES the immortals aft er Real triumph SPORT Page 7 CRICKET/ CHAMPIONS TROPHY India begin title defence with crushing win over Pakistan I felt like a club batter in front of Yuvraj. He took all the pressure off me, when I was not hitting it well: Kohli

AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom SCOREBOARD

INDIA INNINGS Babar Azam c Jadeja b Yadav 8 ndia Virat Kohli and Yuvraj R. Sharma run out (Azam/Sarfraz) 91 M Hafeez c Kumar b Jadeja 33 Singh made Pakistan pay for fl uff - S. Dhawan c Ali b Shadab Khan 68 Shoaib Malik run out (Jadeja) 15 ing catches with quickfi re fi fties as V. Kohli 81 Sarfraz Ahmed c Dhoni b Pandya 15 the holders launched their Cham- Yuvraj Singh lbw b Hasan Ali 53 Imad Wasim c Jadhav b Pandya 0 Ipions Trophy title-defence with a H. Pandya not out 20 Shadab Khan not out 14 rain-aff ected 124 run thrashing of their Extras (lb2, w2, nb2) 6 Mohammad Amir c Jadhav b Yadav 9 arch-rivals at Edgbaston yesterday. Total (3 wkts, 48 overs) 319 Hasan Ali c Dhawan b Yadav 0 After India made 319 for three in Did not bat: MS Dhoni, K Jadhav, R Wahab Riaz absent hurt - 48 overs, the third rain stoppage of Jadeja, B Kumar, U Yadav, J Bumrah Extras (lb2, w6) 8 the match left Pakistan with a revised Fall of : 1-136 (Dhawan), 2-192 Total (all out, 33.4 overs) 164 target of 289 in 41 overs when play re- (Sharma), 3-285 (Yuvraj) Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Shehzad), 2-61 sumed in bright sunshine. But Paki- : Amir 8.1-1-32-0; Wasim 9.1- (Babar), 3-91 (Azhar), 4-114 (Shoaib), stan, rarely up with the stiff run-rate, 0-66-0 (1w); Ali 10-0-70-1 (1nb); Riaz 5-131 (Hafeez), 6-135 (Wasim), 7-151 (Sar- fi nished on 164 for nine, with injured 8.4-0-87-0 (1nb, 1w); Shadab 10-0-52-1; fraz), 8-164 (Amir), 9-164 (Hasan) last man Wahab Riaz unable to bat as Shoaib 2-0-10-0 Bowling: Kumar 5-1-23-1 (2w); Yadav 7.4- India won with 44 balls to spare. Kohli, 1-30-3 (1w); Bumrah 5-0-23-0; Pandya who on Saturday had dismissed reports PAKISTAN (REVISED TARGET: 8-0-43-2 (3w); Jadeja 8-0-43-2; of a rift with India coach Anil Kumble, 289 IN 41 OVERS) Results India won by was equally contemptuous of Paki- Azhar Ali c Pandya b Jadedja 50 124 runs (DLS method) stan’s attack during a blistering innings Ahmed Shehzad lbw b Kumar 12 Man-of-the-match: Yuvraj Singh (IND) of 81 not out off just 68 balls that in- cluded six fours and three sixes. Left-hander Yuvraj, named man-of- ing Wahab for a four and a six off suc- cial mention of Hardik Pandya’s brutal the-match for his game-changing in- cessive deliveries. hitting at the end of the innings. nings, smashed a rapid 53 while helping But eyeing what would have been “With the bat and the ball we were Kohli add 93 for the third in just his 11th ODI hundred, Rohit was run right up there, 9 out of 10. In the fi eld 59 balls. That was not the end of the out when he just failed to beat Babar we were 6 out of 10. If we tune that run spree, with Hardik Pandya hitting Azam’s throw to wicket-keeper Sar- upto 8 or 9, we will be a very strong sixes off the fi rst three balls of left-arm fraz after Kohli’s call for a tight single. side in the tournament. I think this was spinner Imad Wasim’s last over of the It was the end of a 119-ball innings fea- a very complete performance start- innings. India smashed 72 off their fi nal turing two sixes and seven fours. ing the tournament,” Kohli said after four overs as Pakistan’s attack wilted. Yuvraj should have been out for eight the match. “Last time we won here, Rohit Sharma (91) and Shikhar Dhawan but Hasan Ali, sliding round at long- Shikhar (Dhawan) and Rohit were the (68) laid the platform with an opening on, dropped the two-handed catch off key. The intent from Shikhar was out- stand of 136. Mohammad Amir was the Shadab. Hasan eventually had Yuvraj standing. Rohit took his time. He need- pick of Pakistan’s attack with none for lbw on review but by then the dam- ed runs under his belt. 32 in 8.1 overs. age had been done. Kohli had made 43 “From the next game he will be ex- But fellow left-arm fast bowler Wa- when he was missed by substitute Fa- pressive and we all know what kind of hab was hugely expensive, his wicket- khar Zaman, who could not hold a top- a batsman he is. I felt like a club batter less 8.4 overs costing 87 runs. Wahab’s edged hook off Wahab. A blizzard of in front of Yuvi. He took all the pres- day was summed up when he was un- boundaries followed, with Kohli fl at- sure off me, when I was not hitting it able to complete his ninth over after batting Hasan down the ground for six well. Yuvraj is in the team because he is falling awkwardly in his stride. to complete his fi fty. a game changer. Hardik fi nishing it off Before the match, players, offi cials Pakistan, who only just qualifi ed for was really outstanding. The batting I and a crowd of 24,156 — a record for a the Champions Trophy when eighth would say was 10 out of 10,” added the one-day international at Edgbaston — in the International Cricket Council’s Indian skipper. observed a minute’s silence for the vic- ODI rankings, saw Azhar Ali make ex- Man of the Match Yuvraj Singh tims of Saturday’s London terror attack actly 50 in 65 balls with six fours. But praised Dhawan and Rohit for the start that killed seven people. no member of India’s attack leaked they gave their team and hoped that Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won runs in the way Wahab had done. Team India would take this confi dence the toss in what was the opening Group Azhar was caught at deep square leg in to their next match. “I thought we all B match for both the Asian giants in a by Hardik Pandya, trying to hit left- batted really well,” said Yuvraj. “The tournament featuring the world’s top arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja for six. openers gave us a good start, Virat fi n- eight ODI teams. Sharma was fortunate New batsman Shoaib Malik did loft ished well, and it gave me the opportu- when, on 21, he edged Amir just beyond Jadeja for a straight six. But Jadeja had nity to go and attack. You just have to a diving Azhar Ali at slip for four. his revenge by running Shoaib out with go and back yourself, and tell the oppo- Pakistan were donated a wicket, a direct hit from backward point to sition that you’re here to attack. I was however, when Dhawan hoisted a full leave Pakistan all but out of the game lucky I was dropped, but I capitalised toss from teenage leg-spinner Shadab at 114 for four in the 24th over. Umesh and I was hitting it well. I fi nished well. Khan straight to Azhar at deep mid- Yadav (three for 30) ended the match India-Pakistan is always a big game, wicket. Sharma went 43 balls without when Hasan fell for a duck. and I think it has set us up really well. Yuvraj Singh plays a pull shot en route to his whirlwind innings of 53 off 32 balls during the ICC Champions Trophy Group B a boundary in the face of tight Pakistan Kohli was all praise for the his team’s Hopefully we’ll take this confi dence match against Pakistan at the Edgbaston in Birmingham yesterday. (Reuters) bowling before cover-driving and pull- batting performance and made a spe- into the next game against Sri Lanka.”

Yesterday’s attendance of 24,156 broke the record for a one-day international at Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan (left) celebrates after taking the wicket of Indian India’s captain Virat Kohli (centre) is ecstatic after Bhuvneshwar Kumar (left) Edgbaston as India and Pakistan fans thronged to cheer for their teams. (AFP) opener Shikhar Dhawan. (Reuters) dismissed Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 5, 2017 CRICKET

CHAMPIONS TROPHY Diligence key in light of Smith urges Australia attack: Oz captain

London: Australia’s cricketers have been told to be extra attentive by captain Steve to step on the gas Smith in the wake of the at- tack in London that left seven dead and dozens injured late Skipper says his team have to win their remaining matches if they have to advance to the semis on Saturday night. Australia are due to play AFP Bangladesh — a country London where they postponed a Test series tour in 2015 over secu- rity fears — in the Champions teve Smith admits Australia have Trophy no margin for error as they look tournament today at The to kick start their Champions Oval, whose ground is not Trophy campaign against Bang- far from where the attack by ladeshS today. Australia’s bid to open the three assailants took place Champions Trophy group stage with a late Saturday. win were thwarted by heavy rain against Three men rammed a van New Zealand on Friday. through crowds of pedestri- Smith’s side needed a revised target ans on London Bridge, before of 235 to win in 33 overs after Kane Wil- attacking revellers with liamson hit a century in New Zealand’s knives — the perpetrators 291 all out. Australia were 53 for three were subsequently shot dead off nine when the players left the fi eld at the scene by armed police. for the fi nal time due to the bad weath- Cricket’s global governing er in Birmingham. The teams took a body the International Cricket point apiece, a result that most benefi ts Council confirmed enhanced Group A rivals England. security measures would England launched the tournament, continue to be reviewed “in which features the world’s top eight line with the threat levels”. one-day teams, with an eight-wicket “You never want to see win over Bangladesh at The Oval on that happening around the Thursday. Smith acknowledged his world — particularly when team now have to win their remaining we’re so close to the events group matches if they are to advance to that happened last night,” the semi-fi nals. “It’s obviously not ideal Smith said yesterday. “We’ve for both sides to have a washout. So for been briefed by our security us now it’s just about making sure that team this morning, and they we’re playing each game like a fi nal and are comfortable with where winning the next two,” Smith said. “It’s security is at. For us, it’s a pretty quick tournament. So you can’t about just being diligent with really aff ord a washout or a loss. You’ve everything that we do and got to turn it around quickly now and continuing the tournament control what you can control.” as usual.” While Australia will be expected to Smith, whose side need take maximum points against Bang- a win against Bangladesh ladesh at The Oval, history suggests after their opener with New Smith’s side shouldn’t underestimate Zealand was a no result due their unheralded opponents. Australia to inclement weather, said were the victims of one of the all-time the team had been told not to great upsets when Bangladesh beat leave their hotel on Saturday. them by fi ve wickets in a one-day inter- That measure was put in national in Cardiff in 2005. Australian players warm-up prior to a nets session ahead of their Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh, at The Oval in London, yesterday. (Reuters) place for the other teams in For Australia to avoid another epic the competition as well. embarrassment, Smith needs far more py bowling, but he refused to reveal the next match against Bangladesh at them facing a daunting task if they are Mortaza also conceded Bangladesh “Guys were a little bit accurate and penetrating spells from his whether he would make changes to the The Oval, we’ll look at the conditions to advance. England chased down that must be more ruthless when they have concerned at the time, and bowlers. Josh Hazlewood took six wick- line-up to face Bangladesh. “I thought there and see what sort of wicket we target with ease and Bangladesh captain a chance to kill off opponents. didn’t really know what to ets against New Zealand, but fellow it was probably one of the worst bowl- get. Obviously we’ve got to win the next Mashrafe Mortaza called on his bowlers “The batters can respond themselves do,” said Smith. “So Frank, our quicks Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins ing displays that we’ve put on for a very game and probably quite well as well. So to tighten up against Australia. a little bit better,” he said. “With eight security guy, just made sure were much less impressive, managing long time,” he said. we’ll look at that when we get there.” “I think in the middle patches of the batters, we are in a great position to we remained in the hotel and just one wicket between them. “We’re going to be trying to win the Bangladesh’s failure to defend their match, we couldn’t get any wickets, score 330, 340. But we lost too many stayed nice and safe." Smith was frustrated with the slop- game. So whatever team we see fi t for solid score of 305 against England leaves that’s also a (key) point,” he said. wickets in the late order.”

FOCUS ROUND-UP West Indies clinch T20 series Finn to replace injured Woakes Steven Finn (right) will replaced injured fellow AFP paceman Chris Woakes in England’s Champions Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis Trophy squad, the International Cricket Council confi rmed yesterday. Woakes was ruled out of the rest of the 50-over tournament, which features nother abject batting display by the world’s top eight one-day international teams, Afghanistan paved the way for with a side strain suff ered while bowling just two the West Indies to complete a se- overs at the start of England’s opening Group A win ries-clinching 29-run win on the over Bangladesh at the Oval on Thursday. DuckworthA Lewis System (DLS) in the rain- The experienced Finn, 28, will join the England aff ected second fi xture of the three-match squad ahead of their second match of the tourna- T20 International series at Warner Park in ment, against New Zealand in Cardiff tomorrow. St Kitts on Saturday. Finn, a veteran of 69 ODIs, last played for England Set a revised target of 123 after the hosts as recently as Monday when, on his Lord’s home were limited to 112 for three in a match re- ground, he featured in the fi nal match of a one-day duced to 15 overs per side, the Afghans were series against South Africa while Woakes was being routed for just 93 off 13.3 overs with fast rested with a thigh problem that healed in time bowler Kesrick Williams leading the demo- for the Champions Trophy. Middlesex fast bowler lition with fi gures of three for 11 to take the Finn was left out of England’s original squad for Man of the Match award. the tournament but could go straight into the XI to A day after being restricted to 110 all out play New Zealand, if as happened at the Oval, they off 20 overs on the way to a six-wicket de- pick just the one specialist spinner. feat, this eff ort did little to enhance the visi- tors’ claims to be elevated to the ranks of the AUSTRALIA SHOULD TARGET BANGLADESH Test-playing nations. They now face the BOWLING, SAYS MAXWELL prospect of being whitewashed in the T20 Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has pinpoint- series going into the fi nal match at the same ed Bangladesh’s bowling attack as the weak link venue today and look set to suff er the same ahead of their Champions Trophy match today. fate in the three One-Day Internationals After Friday’s wash-out against New Zealand at which follow in St Lucia. Edgbaston, Steve Smith’s men must beat Bangla- Karim Janat topscored with 20 as the Mohamed Nabi (right) of Afghanistan is run out by West Indies wicketkeeper Chadwick desh to ensure their fate at the tournament remains wickets tumbled around him. As in the fi rst Walton during the 2nd T20 match at Warner Park in Basseterre St. Kitts. (AFP) in their own hands. Bangladesh went one bowler has applied for the post of India head coach, which match, much of Afghanistan’s misery was short in the tournament opener against England will become vacant after the ongoing Champions self-infl icted through a series of poor shots Walton was caught at long-on off spinner J. Taylor, S. Badree, K. Williams and were comprehensively beaten by eight wickets Trophy campaign. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) compounded by a lack of understanding in Mohamed Nabi while Lewis pulled a short Bowling: D. Zadran 3-0-33-0 (2w), K. Janat 3-0- despite posting a strong 305-6. “I think they bat- advertised the post last month, while maintaining the middle which saw two run outs contrib- ball from medium-pacer Janat to be taken at 19-1 (1w), A. Hamza 2-0-11-0, M. Nabi 2-0-21-1, R. ted quite well against England,” Maxwell said of that incumbent Anil Kumble would be considered uting to the ignominious slide to defeat. deep midwicket. Marlon Samuels and Lendl Khan 3-0-14-0, G. Naib 2-0-10-1 Australia’s next opponents. for a contract extension after the team recorded At one stage they had crashed to 55 for Simmons were just getting into stride when “The biggest thing for them was because the just one defeat in 17 tests since he took over in June eight before Janat and the last two in the the heavy showers swept across the ground AFGHANISTAN INNINGS wicket was so good they struggled to make inroads last year. batting line-up delayed the inevitable, the and on the restart, Samuels departed to the G. Naib b Badree 12 into England’s batting line-up. That is something McDermott, who played 71 Tests for Australia match concluding when West Indies captain bowling of Gulbadin Naib in the desperate Noor Ali Zadran c Taylor b Williams 6 we can maybe target. They haven’t got a big 145 between 1984 and 1996 and was his country’s full- Carlos Brathwaite took the catch that ended rush for runs. West Indies retained an un- A. Stanikzai c Simmons b Brathwaite 9 (kmph) plus bowler or a trick spinner that some of time bowling coach from the 2013-14 Ashes series Janat’s resistance and give Williams his best changed 11 from the fi rst match while Af- S. Shenwari c wkpr Walton b Williams 0 the other teams maybe do, and we can target that to last year’s World T20, said he had submitted an fi gures in T20 Internationals. ghanistan made two changes to no avail. M. Nabi run out 8 and go after them.” application. “I have had aspirations for a while to Brathwaite chipped in with two wickets Noor Ali Zadran replaced Usman Ghani K. Janat c Brathwaite b Williams 20 Maxwell took four catches against New Zealand, be a head coach,” he told www.sportstarlive.com. and was especially pleased to complete a at the top of the batting order while Dawlat Shafiqullah run out 1 but did not get to bat, before the match was washed “I was away from cricket coaching for a year, and second consecutive win in challenging cir- Zadran came into the fi nal eleven at the ex- Najibullah b Brathwaite 11 out. The 28-year-old has not bowled in his last now, I want to come back to it. I have also enjoyed cumstances after the West Indies innings pense of fellow seamer Shapoor Zadran. R. Khan b Narine 2 nine one-dayers, slipping behind Travis Head in my time in India, and it would be nice to serve was interrupted after 11 overs by heavy, D. Zadran b Taylor 9 the part-time pecking order, but was optimistic Indian cricket.” sustained showers which held up play for SCOREBOARD A. Hamza not out 6 about taking the ball at some stage of the tourna- According to media reports, his former team- almost two hours. West Indies were 79 for WEST INDIES INNINGS Extras (b-4, lb-4, w-1) 9 ment. “I thought ‘Heady’ did well, but I have been mate Tom Moody, former Pakistan coach Richard two off 11 overs when the rains came with C. Walton c Noor Ali Zadran b Nabi 29 Total (all out, 13.3 overs) 93 working hard on my bowling and hopefully I will Pybus, ex-India opener Virender Sehwag and an intensity that raised fears of an abandon- E. Lewis c Naib b Janat 25 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Naib), 2-19 (Noor Ali get an opportunity at some stage,” Maxwell said. coach of the 2007 World T20 winning Indian team ment. However they eventually relented and M. Samuels c b Naib 22 Zadran), 3-19 (Shenwari), 4-34 (Nabi), 5-40 “I just keep running around and keep trying to fi nd Lalchand Rajput have also applied for the job. the hosts managed to get another 33 runs off L. Simmons not out 17 (Stanikzai), 6-41 (Shafiqullah), 7-52 (Najibullah), where the ball is going to go, keep trying to follow The BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee, which the remaining four overs on the resumption. C. Brathwaite not out 8 8-55 (Khan), 9-85 (Zadran), 10-93 (Janat) it.” Australia conclude their Group A campaign will make the decision, comprises his former team After Brathwaite chose to bat fi rst on win- Extras (b-2, lb-2, w-7) 11 Bowling: S. Badree 3-0-11-1, J. Taylor 2-0-13-1 against Ashes rivals England on Saturday. mates Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS ning the toss, openers Chadwick Walton and Total (3 wkts, 15 overs) 112 (1w), K. Williams 2.3-0-11-3, S. Narine 3-0-24-1, C. Laxman. Reports of Kumble’s diff erences with Vi- Evin Lewis sought to give their team a fl ying Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Walton), 2-74 (Lewis), 3-97 Brathwaite 3-0-26-2 AUSTRALIAN MCDERMOTT APPLIES FOR rat Kohli would give the other candidates grounds start with a succession of boundaries. Both (Samuels) Result: West Indies won by 29 runs on DLS INDIA COACH JOB: REPORT for optimism, even if the infl uential India captain got into the twenties before falling though. Did not bat: J. Mohammed, R. Powell, S. Narine, method Former Australia fast bowler Craig McDermott has denied any “rift” with the coach. Gulf Times Monday, June 5, 2017 3 TENNIS

FRENCH OPEN ‘I’m not a machine’ - and said she would take any Nadal blasts umpire question. “We’re here for the good and Rafael Nadal blasted French for the bad,” she explained. “I Open umpire Carlos Ramos love this tournament, no mat- yesterday for treating him like ter what happens.” a “machine” and suggested he Asked again about the French was being unfairly targeted in crowd’s behaviour, she said: ‘Kiki’ Mladenovic an eff ort to speed up play. “If you had been in my shoes Nadal reached a record- on the court, I think you would equalling 11th Roland Garros have understood. I don’t know quarter-final with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 what people were expecting. win over Spanish compatriot I’d rather not say anything Roberto Bautista Agut. more.” But his joy at matching Roger Muguruza, however, said she Federer’s mark for last-eight was relieved her tournament downs defending appearances in Paris was was over, having had to cope overshadowed by an astonish- with the immense pressure of ing broadside at Ramos. defending the title in Paris. The umpire had warned the “It’s going to sound weird 31-year-old in the first set for but I’m actually happy that slow play and again in the this stage of the year is done third before deciding to dock because I wanted to go as far Nadal a first serve. as possible,” she said. champ Muguruza “If you want to play well, you “But even if I didn’t, I think have to let players breathe I’m going to feel much better a little. We’re not machines now to continue the year Nadal continued his ruthless form at Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish 17th seed that cannot think. That’s my and everybody is going to viewpoint,” said Nadal, who stop bothering me asking me Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to match Federer’s mark of last-eight appearances in Paris repeatedly falls foul of the rule about this tournament, so which stipulates a maximum it’s going to be a little bit like, 25 seconds between points. ‘Whew, let’s keep going’.” “What else can I say? I’m telling you this with some sad- Gasquet says thigh ness, because I don’t want to injury led to his have any problems. Roland Garros exit “But this umpire is, I think, trying, in a certain way, to look Frenchman Richard Gasquet for my faults, my errors.” said a painful nerve injury The 14-time major winner in his thigh caused him to believes that some umpires retire from his French Open are stricter than others who third-round match against may aff ord a player more lee- compatriot Gael Monfils way especially in the red-hot midway through the third set atmosphere of a Grand Slam. yesterday. “Theoretically the umpires Monfils advanced to the are here to analyze the match fourth round with a 7-6(5) and they are not here to use 5-7 4-3 win, and will now face the stopwatch, otherwise third seed Stan Wawrinka of we should have a stopwatch Switzerland. on the court,” added Nadal, “Nothing’s ever written in warming to his theme. stone,” a disappointed Gas- “That’s the whole point. Some quet told reporters at Roland dictate things or give their Garros. “I had had back prob- calls in a certain way. Other lems for the past two, three umpires have diff erent styles.” weeks with a kind of neuralgia Despite a career-long habit of in the leg. No sensation in the over-stepping the time allow- thigh. Very painful, but my ance — a situation not helped back is better. by his idiosyncratic plucking “I did my best for this neural- at his shorts and smoothing of gia to disappear. I think the his eyebrows — Nadal insisted nerve is probably still a bit he will not change. irritated. I tried as much as I “I told him that he will have to could but towards the middle give me many warnings, be- of the second set I understood cause if I have not yet grabbed it was going to be very hard. my towel, that he’s going to “So disappointed, of course. give me a warning,” he added. My back doesn’t hurt so much, Vanquished opponent but I simply couldn’t go on any Bautista Agut backed Nadal in longer.” his spat with Ramos. Gasquet said he would have “Rafa and I need to play a a scan to assess the problem France’s Kristina Mladenovic celebrates winning her fourth round match against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza yesterday. lot of points. We need to run and denied that his decision around a lot. Having the pres- to pull out of the match had AFP Pablo Carreno Busta, through to his fi rst Key Results (X denotes seeding) sure of the umpires is some- anything to do with his friend- Paris Slam quarter-fi nal, for spot in the last thing we don’t really need,” ship with Monfils. four after the latter stunned Canada’s MEN WOMEN said the 29-year-old. “Gael or anyone else, it would Milos Raonic. Pablo Carreño-Busta (ESP x20) bt Milos Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) bt Samantha “I don’t think I really agree have been the same thing. It’s ine-time champion Rafael Carreno Busta, seeded 20th, needed Raonic (CAN x5) 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), Stosur (AUS x23) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 with that rule.” a tennis match. It’s just that I Nadal surged into the French seven match points to clinch a thrill- 6-4, 8-6 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x11) bt Svetlana The fall-out with Ramos meant couldn’t play. Of course he’s a Open quarter-fi nals for a ing 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) bt Roberto Kuznetsova (RUS x8) 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 that Nadal’s smooth progress friend but I couldn’t play. I had record-equalling 11th time win over the fi fth-seeded Raonic in four Bautista Agut (ESP x17) 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x13) bt Gar- to the last eight became a reached the end of my tether. Nyesterday, while reigning women’s title- hours and 17 minutes. Dominic Thiem (AUT x6) bt Horacio biñe Muguruza (ESP x4) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 sideshow. It was too painful to go on,” he holder Garbine Muguruza crashed out in Japan’s Kei Nishikori fought off a ercefi Zeballos (ARG) 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 Timea Bacsinszky (SUI x30) bt Venus He has dropped just 20 games added. the last 16. fi ve-set challenge from rising South Ko- Kei Nishikori (JPN x8) bt Hyeon Chung Williams (USA x10) 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 in four rounds so far, just one “I’m going to get an MRI. My Nadal continued his ruthless form at rean talent Hyeon Chung to clinch a place (KOR) 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 6-4 Karolína Plísková (CZE x2) bt Carina Wit- more than he lost at the same back’s better. I think it’s not as Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish in the last 16. Gael Monfils (FRA x15) bt Richard Gas- thoeft (GER) 7-5, 6-1 stage in 2012, as he attempts serious as what it was before 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, quet (FRA x24) 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-3 -- retired to become the first player to but this area there is aff ected 6-2 to match Roger Federer’s mark of ‘SECOND CHANCE’ win the same Slam 10 times. and I really can’t push my last-eight appearances in Paris. Karen Khachanov will play Andy Murray Nadal will face fellow Spaniard thigh anymore.” The 14-time major winner is yet to in the fourth round after the giant Rus- Danish 11th seed Caroline Wozniacki Second seed Karolina Pliskova ad- Pablo Carreno Busta who drop a set, conceding just six games in sian beat American 21st seed John Isner knocked off 2009 champion Svetlana vanced to round four with a 7-5, 6-1 vic- stunned fifth-seeded Milos Ballroom teen queen the last two rounds as he strives to be- 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3). Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 to reach the tory over Germany’s Carina Witthoeft. Raonic 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), Ostapenko in French come the fi rst man to win 10 titles at a Kristina Mladenovic ensured France last eight for just the second time. Pliskova, who had won just twice in 6-4, 8-6. Open quarters single Grand Slam. will have women in the quarter-fi nals for Wozniacki, who made her only other fi ve previous French Open appearances Carreno Busta, the 20th seed, “I’m happy because Roberto is a very the fi rst time since 1994 after dumping quarter-fi nal appearance at Roland Gar- before this year, will face Paraguay’s Ve- will be playing in his first Slam good player. It’s very important for me to out fourth seed Muguruza 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. ros in 2010, will meet Latvian teenager ronica Cepede Royg for a quarter-fi nal quarter-final at the age of 25. be in the quarter-fi nals one more time,” The French 13th seed is through to just Jelena Ostapenko next. spot. But he did it the hard way, said Nadal, who turned 31 on Saturday. her second Slam quarter-fi nal — after “Svetlana’s a great player, especially World number 290 and qualifi er Petra needing seven match points “Probably I didn’t play as well as I did the 2015 US Open — and will face Swit- on clay so I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Martic reached the last 16 with a 6-1, 6-1 to seal victory over the Cana- the other day, but I still played well.” zerland’s Timea Bacsinszky for a spot in said Wozniacki, a two-time US Open win over Latvian 17th seed Anastasija dian after 4hr 17min on Court The fourth seed will meet compatriot the last four. runner-up. Sevastova. One. Departing champion BOTTOMLINE Muguruza breaks down in tears Latvian teenager Jelena Ostapenko reached her first Garbine Muguruza’s defence Grand Slam quarter-final on of her French Open title Sunday with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 win ended in tears yesterday over 2010 runner-up Saman- when the Spaniard had to tha Stosur. Wozniacki moves a step closer be escorted from the Roland Ostapenko, 19, who uses ball- Garros interview room after room dancing as part of her breaking down following her training regime, hit 46 winners fourth-round loss to Kristina past the 23rd-seeded Austral- Mladenovic. ian, a semi-finalist last year. to erasing unwanted footnote The 23-year-old Muguruza Ostapenko will take on 11th Reuters ing her weight of shot to over- putting in some dropshots and had been complaining about seed Caroline Wozniacki for a Paris power the Dane. mixing up the pace. the vocal and fiercely partisan place in the semi-finals. Kuznetsova was always likely “I knew it wasn’t going to be crowd on Court Suzanne Len- She has beaten Wozniacki, to hit the big winners but they easy. I knew that she was go- glen during her match against who also made the last eight aroline Wozniacki were too few, and errors more ing to try to fi ght her way back. France’s Mladenovic when she in 2010, on all three occasions moved a step closer to plentiful, as Wozniacki grabbed She did in the second set, but I was overcome by emotion. they have met. erasing an unwanted two early breaks in the decider. managed to close it off in three, “I think the crowd today was Two of those came on clay footnote from the list The 11th seed, her luminous which I’m happy about.” a little bit obviously tough for this year, in Charleston and ofC her tennis achievements with green racquet a rapier to Kuznet- Wozniacki next faces Jelena me. I understand. I just think Prague. victory over Svetlana Kuznet- sova’s broadsword, eased into a Ostapenko for a spot in the that they were a little bit, “If I play my game, I’m an ag- sova in the French Open fourth 3-0 lead but after a few meaty semi-fi nals. sometimes should be a little gressive player and if I have round yesterday. swings Kuznetsova broke back. “Defi nitely two tough oppo- bit more respectful,” the 2016 my day, anything can happen,” Wozniacki is that rare beast: It was only a temporary re- nents, two very diff erent oppo- champion told the gathered said Ostapenko. a twice year-end world number prieve for the Russian, though, nents. Sam loves the clay. She’s journalists. Stosur, meanwhile, said her one-ranked tennis player who and Wozniacki reasserted her had great results here in the past. “I’m not here to create en- challenge was undermined has never won a grand slam. control, pummelling a two-fi sted “Either one is going to be emies. I mean, I love playing by a right hand injury which There have been others but Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki celebrates after winning yesterday. backhand down the line to win the tough. Ostapenko goes for her here.” meant she was unable to none who reigned so long at match, before fi ring a ball into the shots and plays fl at. When she’s A couple of questions later, as practise before the tie. world number one — 67 weeks Wozniacki into the quarter- cused and keep my head down.” upper tier of the stands. on fi re, she’s tough.” tears rolled down Muguruza’s “My hand’s been sore for — without success on the grand fi nals at Roland Garros, match- Wozniacki streaked into the “Yeah, it was defi nitely a good Tough or not, the dazzlingly cheeks and she bowed her about three or four days since slam stage. ing her best performance here lead on a sun-baked Philippe win,” she said. “Svetlana obvi- white smile is back on Woz- head, the moderator inter- the day I played doubles here. Yesterday the Dane beat in 2010. Chatrier court, running away ously plays really well on this niacki’s face, and without the rupted the news conference Don’t know what’s wrong with Kuznetsova, a player with two “Obviously it’s just kind of with the fi rst set as 2009 cham- surface. I knew it was going to be pregnant Serena Williams and after asking the Spaniard if it,” said the 33-year-old. grand slam titles in the bag but clicking this week,” Wozniacki pion Kuznetsova struggled with a tough match going in. the missing Maria Sharapova in she needed a break. “But from 5-1 in the first set, it who has never scaled the wom- smiled as she spoke to reporters. her range. “I started off really, really well. the draw, she might just be ready Muguruza, who lost 6-1 3-6 was just really, really painful en’s rankings to the very top. “Hopefully I can keep going this Eighth seed Kuznetsova soon My game plan was working and to erase that asterisk next to her 6-3, came back after a minute and just wasn’t going away.” The 6-1 4-6 6-2 victory eased way. Now I just try and stay fo- struck back to level matters, us- kind of kept her on her toes with name. Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 5, 2017 SPORT

GOLF CYCLING De Gendt takes opening stage Summerhays takes AFP Saint-Étienne, France

elgium’s Thomas De Gendt burst away to win the opening stage of the Crite- three-shot Memorial riumB du Dauphine, a 170.5km ride around the French city of Saint-Etienne yesterday. Chris Froome leads the cast Belgium’s Thomas De Gendt of riders competing in the race celebrates his green jersey of that is an important warm-up best sprinter on the podium event for the Tour de France. yesterday. (AFP) He is preparing to defend his lead as Dufner falters title on the Grand Boucle next Today’s second stage in the month. Lotto rider De Gendt eight-stage race will be a 171km however stole the show as he ride from Saint-Chamond to ‘I’ve had two months of playing really good golf and not getting any results’ fi nished 44 seconds clear of Arlanc. France’s Axel Domont after dropping him on the fi nal climb Van Avermaet wins Tour Reuters of a hilly circuit, with the pelo- of Luxembourg Dublin, Ohio ton almost a minute adrift. Olympic road race champion Froome came home in the Greg Van Avermaet continued peloton, 59 seconds behind the his powerful run of early sea- aniel Summerhays winner. De Gendt and Domont son form clinching the Tour of was surprised to fi nd had themselves broken away Luxembourg yesterday. himself with a three- from a group of seven riders The gritty Belgian, who won shot lead after roaring with 23 kilometres left. the partially cobbled Paris pastD a faltering Jason Dufner in “For the fi rst 120 kilometres I Roubaix monument race in the third round at the Memorial wasn’t thinking about winning April, came fi rst on three stag- tournament in Dublin, Ohio on the stage, only about the points es and twice on two to win by Saturday. in the best climber standings,” 29sec from Xandro Meurisse Summerhays started the day said De Gendt. and 36sec on third placed An- fi ve strokes behind Dufner, but “I haven’t raced since the thony Perez. took only fi ve holes to tie his fel- Tour de Romandie and I’ve “I’m still not quite at the top low American for the lead, after been in training for the last of my form,” said the 32-year- Dufner ran up four early bogeys month. It is a bit of a surprise old who will be helping BMC on another fi ne day at Muirfi eld victory for me.” co-leaders Richie Porte and Village. De Gendt, 30, has notably Tejay van Garderen in next Summerhays subsequently won one stage on the Tour de month’s Tour de France. pulled away, carding 68 for France in 2016 and another on “I want to win a stage on 13-under 203 to move within the Giro d’Italia in 2012, when the Tour this year,” said Van sight of a fi rst PGA Tour vic- he fi nished third overall. Avermaet, who won stages in tory, while Matt Kuchar shot 67 He said he hopes to still both 2015 and 2016 and will be to move into second place on be in the overall leader’s yel- relishing a Tour packed with 10-under. low jersey after Wednesday’s opportunities for a powerful Dufner endured a nightmare time-trial but he admitted he puncher of his stature. with the putter and compound- is unlikely to last much longer ed his misery by driving into in contention. Froome, mean- Stage a water hazard at the last for a while, will be aiming to get 1. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/ closing bogey and a fi ve-over 77, himself into contention in the BMC) 174.6km in 4hr 46min only one shot shy of the day’s coming days. “It was a good 8sec, 2. Alex Kirsch (LUX), 3. worst score. stage and good for us to get that Xandro Meurisse (BEL) both He fell back into a tie for third one out of the way without any same time, 4. Luis Mate (ESP) at nine-under with compatriots major issues,” said the 32-year- at 3sec, 5. Alessandro Bisolti Bubba Watson (68) and Justin old Team Sky rider. (ITA) at 4sec Thomas (69). “Thomas De Gendt did well Summerhays has not won in Daniel Summerhays hits from a bunker on the first hole during the third round of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) today and he’ll defi nitely hold General classification 184 previous starts on the PGA onto the jersey for a few days. 1. Van Avermaet 18hr 27min Tour, but takes hope from the He’s obviously going well, but 50sec, 2. Meurisse at 29sec, 3. fact the three previous Memorial Mickelson to skip US Open for daughter’s graduation once we hit the big climbs I ex- Anthony Perez (FRA) at 36, 4. tournaments have been won by Phil Mickelson plans to miss at Erin Hills in Wisconsin will win the most … but this is one of ing out a glimmer of hope he will pect he’ll give up the jersey at Benjamin Thomas (BEL) at 40, fi rst-time champions. this month’s US Open to attend be on Thursday, June 15, while those moments you look back be able to play. one point.” 5. Huub Duijn (NED) at 40 “I’d love to keep that trend his daughter Amanda’s high Amanda’s graduation ceremony on life and just don’t want to “You never know. Maybe going,” he said. “My goal was to school graduation ceremony, the is in southern California that miss it.” something freaky will happen get in contention, be in this situ- five-times major champion told same morning. Mickelson said he had notified … something happens with the ation, and I’m here so I’m really reporters on Saturday. The news “My daughter is … the school the US Golf Association (USGA) commencement time-wise. Chang grabs playoff win in Korea Open excited for tomorrow to see how means Mickelson’s quest to com- president. She’ll be giving the of his decision well in advance so “(Or) if there was even a two- I perform. plete a career grand slam seems commencement speech for that the organising body as well or-three hour (weather delay at South Korean golfer Chang Yi-Keun clinched victory at “I defi nitely didn’t think I likely to have to wait another the school and I’m going to be as his replacement would not be the golf) I could very possibly OneAsia’s Kolon Korea Open final round on Sunday, defeat- would be three shots ahead with year. Six times runner-up at the there,” Mickelson told report- caught off guard. “We applaud make it.” ing overnight leader Kim Gi-Whan in a thrilling three-hole a 68. Maybe a 63. It couldn’t have only major championship he has ers after the third round of the and appreciate the fact that he is A US Open victory would make aggregate playoff . gone for worse for Duf (Dufner) never won, the 46-year-old has Memorial tournament in Dublin, being pro-active so that the USGA Mickelson only the sixth golfer Chang, world ranked 533rd, earned his breakthrough win with out there.” not off icially withdrawn, but it Ohio. “Unfortunately, it comes can make any appropriate adjust- to win the grand slam of US Mas- a cumulative score of 12 on the 16th, 17th and 18th holes at Summerhays has led after 54 seems only a first-round weather around 10 in the morning Pacific ments,” USGA executive director ters, US Open, British Open and Woo Jeong Hills Country Club. holes three times on the PGA washout or a late date change of (12 PM CT) so there’s just really Mike Davis said in a statement. US PGA Championship, joining “I made a mistake at the 14th hole that led to a double bogey,” Tour. “I think there’s only a cou- the graduation ceremony could no way to make it, no matter “There’s no sense in withdrawing Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary the 23-year-old said. “However, I thought that there were many ple of guys who have not gone allow him to participate. what the tee time is. “It’s obvi- today but I want the alternate to Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger holes left and I tried to think as positively as possible.” through the learning curve, said The first round of the US Open ously the tournament I want to know,” Mickelson said, still hold- Woods. Chang, who pocketed a cheque for US$270,000, added: “It’s the 33-year-old, who fi nished great to get the win.” a quiet third at last year’s PGA Kim, who entered the final round in the lead, matched Chang’s Championship. really fun.” then you’re fi ghting it. 207 — Bubba Watson 71-68-68, 211 — James Hahn 74-72-65, Jim par on the 16th but bogeyed the next and double bogeyed the “My game’s really solid right Dufner, meanwhile, did not “I’m in good position, not Justin Thomas 67-71-69, Jason Herman 70-74-67, Steve Stricker 18th for a total of 15. now. I’ve had two months of make a putt longer than fi ve feet, as good as I’d like to be but Dufner 65-65-77 74-68-69, Pat Perez 70-72-69, An Chang, two shots adrift of compatriot Kim at the start of the playing really good golf and not but took at least some consola- you don’t get to shoot 77 very 208 — Rickie Fowler 70-66-72, Byeong-Hun 68-72-71 match, birdied the final three holes in regulation play to card getting any results. tion from still being within sight often and still have a chance to Jamie Lovemark 69-69-70 212 — Ross Fisher (ENG) 73-69- a 70 while Kim matched Chang’s birdies on 17 and 18 for a bat- “I drove it really well. I had of the lead. win.” 209 — Kevin Streelman 73-69-67, 70, Bud Cauley 75-67-70, Charl tling one over 72. so many good looks at birdie, so “Today was pretty pathetic on Kevin Kisner 70-69-70, Jordan Schwartzel (RSA) 70-71-71, Phil They were tied on seven under 277, one stroke ahead of last many putts were just so close. all accounts so I’ll have to play Leading third-round scores Spieth 66-72-71 Mickelson 70-70-72, Kyle Stanley year’s runner-up Choi Jin-Ho with 65. Given the circumstances, the better tomorrow,” he said. 203 — Daniel Summerhays 210 — Jason Kokrak 73-67-70, 74-67-71, Marc Leishman (AUS) Chang and Kim earned spots in The Open at Royal Birkdale Memorial tournament, per- “Just got off to a bad start, 66-69-68 Shane Lowry (IRL) 72-68-70, 70-70-72, Lucas Glover 67-73-72, next month with Sunday’s result. forming under the gun, it was couldn’t get anything going and 206 — Matt Kuchar 69-70-67 David Lingmerth (SWE) 65-74-71 Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 71-68-73

FOCUS FIVB LEAGUE: MEXICO BEAT QATAR 3-0 Paratore claims maiden title AFP Leading fourth round scores Malmo, Sweden 281 - Renato Paratore (ITA) 68 72 71 70 282 - Chris Wood 74 68 68 72, Matthew Fitzpatrick 73 70 71 68 taly’s Renato Paratore opened his Euro- 283 - Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 72 70 70 71, pean Tour account with victory yester- George Coetzee (RSA) 73 71 73 66 day in the Nordea Masters at Malmo’s 284 - Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 74 69 74 67 Barseback golf Club. 285 - Jamie Donaldson 69 69 75 72 IThe 20-year-old Roman saved par after an 286 - Marcel Siem (GER) 74 73 71 68, Andrew errant drive on the 18th to card a fourth round Sullivan 73 71 73 69, Wang Jeunghun (KOR) 70, fi nishing with an 11 under par total of 281. 72 71 70 73, Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) 73 72 Paratore becomes the youngest player to win 72 69, Eddie Pepperell 70 74 71 71, Austin an EPGA title since his fellow Italian, Matteo Renato Paratore poses with the trophy after Connelly (CAN) 72 70 73 71, Benjamin Hebert Manassero, claimed the Castello Masters in winning Nordea Masters yesterday. (Reuters) (FRA) 70 71 70 75 2010 aged 17. Overnight leader Chris Wood, 287 - Alexander Levy (FRA) 74 72 68 73, Alex playing in the group behind, was on target to back after a bit of a diffi cult start. I played more or Noren (SWE) 75 70 71 71, Christofer Blom- trigger a play-off but the Englishman had to less solid and the last three holes I managed three strand (SWE) 74 72 72 69, Max Orrin 68 73 settle for a share of second after pulling his very good pars. 72 74, Lee Westwood 73 72 72 70, Bradley tee shot on the last into the trees. Forced to “It’s big for my confi dence because I was Dredge 69 74 74 70 take a penalty and closing with a bogey Wood looking for this win the last year and now I’ve 288 - Niklas Lemke (SWE) 75 71 70 72, Ryan fi nished one shot behind with compatriot achieved that.” Fox (NZL) 75 72 71 70, Gregory Bourdy (FRA) and title-holder Matt Fitzpatrick. Wood, who started the fi nal round one shot 73 74 68 73, Jordan Smith 75 70 72 71, Scott Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and South clear of Paratore and France’s Benjamin He- Jamieson 73 71 74 70 Africa’s George Coetzee, who surged up the bert, said of his closing 72: “It probably sum- 289 - Jose-Filipe Lima (POR) 71 73 70 75, Li leaderboard with a closing 66, shared fourth marised how I felt with my game this week, a Haotong (CHN) 70 75 72 72, Julien Guerrier place on nine under. Paratore was understanda- little bit scrappy with some really good stuff (FRA) 73 73 71 72, Henrik bly ecstatic at his career breakthrough. “I couldn’t in there as well.” Stenson (SWE) 73 72 75 69 be happier now. This win means a lot to me. I was “Your fl aws come out when you’re under 290 - S.S.P Chawrasia (IND) 71 73 71 75, Krist- one behind the leader so I knew if I played well I pressure. It’s obviously disappointing but off er Broberg (SWE) 73 72 71 74, Alejandro Mexico defeated Qatar 3-0 (25-17, 27-25, 25-21) in their group match at the FIVB World League in could win and in these tough conditions I kept a I’m sure after a couple of days I’ll think it’s Canizares (ESP) 76 71 68 75, Richard Green Barcelona. Daniel Vargas scored a match-high 15 points for the winners. Qatar’s Papemaguette good attitude until the end. “The key points were some points on the board, should nudge me (AUS) 72 71 75 72, David Lipsky (USA) 75 72 Diagne scored 11 points. (FIVB) on eight and nine where I made birdie to come back in for the US Open.” 72 71, Nathan Kimsey 74 73 74 69. Gulf Times Monday, June 5, 2017 5 SPORT

NHL Curry takes verbal swipe at Rihanna aft er Finals antics Golden State’s Stephen Curry joked about singer Rihanna on Saturday after the famous Cleveland Cavaliers fan’s courtside antics during the Predators bounce back to NBA Finals opener. The Barbados born actress- singer bowed to Cleveland star LeBron James, dismissed hecklers among the home- town Warriors supporters and got a quick staredown from Kevin Durant after her assist- trim Penguins lead to 2-1 ant heckled him before a third- quarter free throw in Golden State’s 113-91 victory Thursday. Goalie Rinne makes 27 saves in a bounce-back performance, Game Four is in Nashville today Asked if Rihanna’s music was banned from the pre-game locker room musical off erings By Jason Mackey played by the Warriors, Curry Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said, “I don’t think it was on there to begin with.” Curry said the Warriors block obody could have rea- out most noise and famous sonably expected the faces in the audience as Nashville Predators to distractions to their on-court fade quietly into the focus, but take a moment Nnight. to notice people they know They don’t do anything below beyond celebrity fame. maximum decibel level. “At times, yeah, there’s a lot Why on Earth wouldn’t they of noteworthy people that crank it up when the Stanley Cup show up, especially this time made its Music City debut? of year to The Finals games,” The Predators’ 5-1 win over Curry said. “I saw (actor) the Penguins in Game 3 Satur- Kevin Hart on the sidelines. day included many ingredients, He’s over there cracking but any sort of postgame analy- jokes the whole game. Stuff sis should start with this simple like that, you can have fun caveat: Hey, the Predators don’t with at times. stink. “You don’t want to obvi- They had won seven of eight ously let it distract you. As games at Bridgestone Arena players we do a pretty good these playoff s. They swept the job of being able to tune Blackhawks and beat the Blues out noise and distractions and Ducks in six games to get and stuff on the fly when here, locking down those teams’ we need to be able to do respective stars en route to vic- what we do on the floor, but tory. Nashville’s players are paid still enjoy the atmosphere to score and win, too. of the stage that we’re on.” Back home in front of their Warrior center Zaza Pachulia, hockey-mad fans, a city that has hoping to become the first been whipped into a frenzy by player from the nation of how cool playoff hockey can be Georgia to win an NBA whenever it’s hot outside, the crown, did off er some love Predators turned this thing into for Rihanna’s sound. “I have a series again with a superb per- not heard Rihanna’s music formance on home ice. (in the locker room) but I’m Game 4 is back at Bridgestone sure everybody has her on today. No. 1 on the list of things their play list. I do, for sure,” that did stink for the Penguins he said. He missed Rihanna’s on Saturday included the power courtside moves. “It was too play. It was putrid. The unit loud,” he said. “There were failed to score on three chances way more Warriors fans and generated just one shot on than Cavs fans.” Warriors goal. For those of you sick - or reserve Andre Iguodala also bored - enough to keep score at missed the entire fuss about home, that’s 0 for their past 10 Rihanna. “I was just really in this series, with three shots on Pekka Rinne (No 35) of the Nashville Predators celebrates with Roman Josi after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 in Game Three of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the focused on the floor, so any- goal in 17:26. Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Getty Images/AFP) thing outside of that, I don’t Worse, the key cogs on the pay any mind to it,” he said. Penguins power play - Sidney hind, irritating Kessel. its favour around the midpoint ance for him. When Ryan Ellis playing the “dullest road game control of the Stanley Cup in James said he blocks out Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Three times the Predators of the fi rst. Roman Josi picked was given a minor for boarding of the season” that Kunitz said 1926, no rookie has ever led the all the crowd noise, even Kessel - fi nished with three beat Matt Murray (fi ve goals on up the Predators’ fi rst goal on Jake Guentzel at 16:37 of the sec- would be important. playoff fi eld in goal-scoring, as supportive shouts, to focus shots on goal and eight shot at- 33 shots) glove side, a part of his the power play at 5:51 on a shot ond period, Calle Jarnkrok en- They withstood a couple of Guentzel currently does. on the game, especially on tempts on Saturday. game that teams have targeted from the right point. The puck joyed the best scoring chance of ferocious hits from Nashville The Penguins power play the road as his Cavaliers are Meanwhile, Nashville’s power since he broke into the NHL, changed directions when it hit the two-minute sequence when – Colton Sissons on Malkin, failed to record a shot on for the first two games in the play struck again for a key goal while odd-man rushes were an- off Carter Rowney’s hand. he cut into the slot. Neal on Brian Dumoulin and goal during two fi rst period best-of-seven championship early in the second, which kick- other issue for the Penguins. Frederick Gaudreau put Nash- The Penguins, meanwhile, Ellis slinging Guentzel into the chances. series. “I really don’t hear the started a three-goal run and gave When Craig Smith scored to ville in front, 2-1, at 6:33, when stirred together an ugly mix of boards – and pulled ahead with On one, Murray bailed them noise. I couldn’t really care the Predators’ belief. Mattias make it 4-1 at 4:54 of the third he beat Murray high glove side ineff ective entries, too much another Guentzel goal. out with a two-on-one stop on less,” James said. “It really Ekholm added a second man- period, Chris Kunitz commit- with a wrister from the right passing and clumsy puck man- The rookie potted a rebound Viktor Arvidsson from the left doesn’t matter to me. I’m just advantage marker 13:10 of the ted a turnover at center ice, the slot. After scoring two goals in agement. of Ian Cole’s point shot at 2:46 of circle. Crosby picked up the sec- here to play ball and com- third period. puck kicking off Kessel’s skate, 42 seconds, Pekka Rinne, much Nashville stretched its lead to the opening period for his 13th of ondary assist on Guentzel’s goal, pete for a championship.” With the game out of reach, and Smith transitioned the other maligned in the fi rst two games 3-1 at 19:37 of the second pe- the playoff s, and it brought with the 160th playoff point of his Stories about Rihanna’s things turned physical late, way. After the Penguins scored of the series, made a timely save riod when former Penguin James it more historical talk. career. hoops fan devotion to James too. Mattias Ekholm and Patric fi rst, the Predators took control for Nashville, denying Kunitz Neal stuff ed in a rebound follow- One more marker and Guent- It moved him into a tie for 20th also get ignored as he tries Hornqvist were given 10-minute of this one with three goals in shortly after Gaudreau’s goal. ing a scrum in front. zel will tie Dino Ciccarelli’s play- place all time with such legends to win his fourth title in eight misconducts, and Matt Irwin the second period, the reward for Rinne wound up stopping 27 of The Penguins actually started off goal-scoring record from at Mike Bossy, Gordie Howe, Al career finals appearances. shoved Matt Cullen from be- Nashville fl ipping momentum in 28 in a bounce-back perform- the evening decently well, too, 1980-81. Since the NHL took MacInnis and Bobby Smith.

MLB Pujols fi nally makes history, and he does it in style

By Pedro Moura younger than him, crowded urday. Kole Calhoun and Andrel- centre fi eld. Los Angeles Times around home plate to celebrate. ton Simmons supplied additional As Pujols inched closer to this Assembled fans fi lmed on their home runs, ambushing Santana. number, Angels reliever Huston smartphones. Employees got to Right-hander Matt Shoemaker Street recalled his father waking work replacing one fi ve and two worked into the seventh inning, him up in Austin, Texas, to watch lbert Pujols dug his nines on the centre-fi eld bill- and manager Mike Scioscia de- the Baltimore Orioles change right foot into the dirt, board the Angels erected to laud ployed four relievers to acquire their sign when Cal Ripken then his left, and nes- him. Scott Steff el, the 23-year- the eight remaining outs. played his 2,131st consecutive tled his deteriorating old Costa Mesa resident who Still, the Angels are under game. He remembered watching bodyA into his famous stance. He caught the ball, found his way to .500, and they will play with- Paul Molitor and Eddie Murray crouched, he glared, he wig- stadium offi cials. out superstar Mike Trout for the notch their 3,000th hits. gled his maple wood bat, and he But before it all, before the ball next month, if not more. Mo- “To witness that had a pro- waited. even left the fi eld of play, there ments in the same stratosphere found eff ect on me,” Street said. When a slider approached was his insistent, ardent glare. The of excitement will be scarce. So, “My perspective is very simple: him, he gently cocked back his same stare signifi ed so long ago the buildup became immense, I think Albert’s chase for 600 is hands and ripped them through that he believed and you didn’t, if not to outsiders, certainly in historic. I think it’s something the strike zone, sending the that you doubted him and yet he the clubhouse. Many of the men sports are made for, these mo- commemorative baseball soar- knew all along he could do this. who shook hands with Pujols ments. There’s something beau- ing toward the left-fi eld foul pole On that count, Pujols was near home plate Saturday night tiful about the chase, there’s at Angel Stadium. When Pujols proven right long ago, his Hall of grew up idolizing his prodigious something honorable about it. debuted in the major leagues, the Fame future absolutely certain. power as a St. Louis Cardinal. “He’s one of the best hitters of speed of those hands represent- Still, he collects as fuel those “When you played a video our generation, of all time, and ed a revelation, an alarm sound- who question his ability to per- game, you played with Albert Pu- he’s in real time. He’s still here. ing to all pitchers: Do not make a form at his advanced age and de- jols,” said Garrett Richards, the He’s still doing it.” mistake to that kid. creased health. Angels’ injured ace. “That was Sixteen years later, at age 37, “Knowing him, it’s not about just the guy to play with back in RESULTS he is no longer the indefatigable hitting 600 homers,” said To- the day. And then you watch the Angels ...... 7 Twins ...... 2 force he once was. In six tries, he ronto reliever Joe Smith, his highlights of what he was doing. Marlins ...... 3 Diamondbacks 0 has never started a season well teammate for three seasons. “It’s It’s the best fi rst 12 years in the big Astros ...... 6 Rangers ...... 5 as an Angel. But, in any given about being healthy and showing leagues of all time. And he did it Cubs ...... 5 Cardinals ...... 3 moment, Pujols can produce a people that he is still Albert.” through the steroid era. “As far as Yankees ...... 7 Blue Jays ...... 0 swing as vicious as any in base- Now, nine men in major league accomplishing things in this game, Royals ...... 12 Indians ...... 5 ball. On Saturday night, one history have hit 600 home runs: he’s accomplished it all. Now, this Red Sox ...... 5 Orioles ...... 2 of those vaulted Pujols into his Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe is just kind of the icing on the cake Rockies ...... 10 Padres ...... 1 rarest territory yet. His fourth- Ruth, Alex Rodriguez, Wil- at the end, you know?” Athletics ...... 10 Nationals ...... 4 inning grand slam off of Minne- lie Mays, Ken Griff ey Jr., Jim Once this homestead con- Dodgers ...... 10 Brewers ...... 8 sota Twins right-hander Ervin Thome, Sammy Sosa and Al- cludes Sunday, the Angels will Tigers ...... 10 White Sox ...... 1 Santana, his former teammate, bert Pujols. Pujols is the fourth- move the billboard commemo- Mets ...... 4 Pirates ...... 2 made him the ninth major leagu- youngest and the only one to rating his achievement out of Mariners ...... 9 Rays ...... 2 er to hit 600 home runs. reach it with a grand slam. view from home plate and place Phillies ...... 5 Giants ...... 3 Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols hits a grand slam home run for his 600th career home run His teammates, all much Pujols’ team won, 7-2, on Sat- it behind the fake rockpile in Braves ...... 6 Reds ...... 5 in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 5, 2017 SPORT

MOTOGP RAMADAN SPORTS FESTIVAL Blasters win cricket title for the second Dovizioso gets year running superb home win in Italy for Ducati Blasters and Mosanada with AZF’s Abdullah al-Khater and Ooredoo’s ‘A lot of emotion during the race and before the race my energy wasn’t so good. I Ali al-Motawa really wanted this victory and it’s a dream come true for every Italian rider’ By Sports Reporter kicked off the sixth annual La- Doha dies’ Volleyball tournament, or- Reuters Italian Grand Prix results ganised in collaboration with the Rome Qatar Women’s Sports Commit- Collated results and standings from he cricket tournament, tee, on Saturday evening at the the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello organised as part of As- Ladies Sports Hall. Running un- ndrea Dovizioso overcame pre- yesterday: pire Zone Foundation’s til 7 June, a total of seven teams race sickness to win his home (AZF) Ramadan Sports are taking part in this year’s tour- Italian Grand Prix for Duca- TFestival (RSF), drew to a close nament. MOTOGP ti yesterday while Spaniard 1. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) Saturday evening amidst great Team Aktor and Team Hy- MaverickA Vinales fi nished second on a enthusiasm from the spectators. perspikers quickly emerged as 2. Maverick Viñales (ESP/Yamaha) Yamaha to increase his MotoGP lead to 3. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) After three days of tough match- winner of the fi rst round of the 26 points. 4. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) es, Team Blasters remained un- group-stage competitions, tak- Dovizioso became the fourth diff erent 5. Alvaro Bautista (ESP/Ducati) defeated for the second consecu- ing on Team Volley Pearls and winner in six races and moved up to sec- 6. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) tive year as they overcame their Team Godspeed. Team Lady Ea- ond place overall, ahead of 38-year-old 7. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha) strong opponents Mosanada. gles’ match against opponents compatriot Valentino Rossi who fi nished 8. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) Abdullah Aman al-Khater, Al Rayyan, on the other hand, fourth for Yamaha. 9. Michele Pirro (ITA/Ducati) events manager at AZF, Al-Anoud was quite tough as both refused Italian Danilo Petrucci came third, af- 10. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) al-Misnad, a member of the RSF to concede in the fi rst two sets, ter starting ninth, on a non-works Ducati organising committee and Ali al- until the former overturned the to make it two Italians on the podium at MOTO2 Motawa, a representative from the tables in the third set, resulting the Mugello circuit in the rolling coun- 1. Mattia Pasini (ITA/Kalex) events department at Ooredoo, in a 2-1 win. tryside north of Florence. 2. Thomas Lüthi (SUI/Kalex) attended the awarding ceremony, Commenting on her team’s “A lot of emotion during the race and 3. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) which was held on the warm-up participation, Jawaher Taher before the race my energy wasn’t so 4. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) track in Aspire Zone. from Team Al Rayyan said: good,” said Dovizioso, who had plenty of 5. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) Al-Khater praised the tourna- “We’re glad to be part of this vol- fans in a crowd mainly cheering for Rossi. ment saying: “The popularity of leyball tournament. This is still “I really wanted this victory and it’s a MOTO3 the cricket tournament last year the fi rst game of the group-stag- dream come true for every Italian rider.” 1. Andrea Migno (ITA/KTM) made it an obvious choice for es, and we believe we still have a The victory was his career third and 2. Fabio Di Giannantonio (ITA/Honda) inclusion in this year’s Ramadan strong chance to win this tourna- the fi rst in the top category by an Italian 3. Juanfran Guevara (ESP/KTM) Sports Festival. We have once ment. This tournament gives us rider on an Italian bike on home soil since 4. Darryn Binder (RSA/KTM) again seen a tremendous turn- an opportunity, as professional Gianfranco Bonera won the 500cc class 5. Aron Canet (ESP/Honda) out from members of the Asian volleyball players on the national on an MV Agusta at Imola in 1974. communities, with the number team, to practice and evaluate It was also Ducati’s fi rst at Mugello STANDINGS of participants and spectators our performance against other since Australian Casey Stoner in 2009. growing year on year.” strong teams. The tournaments’ Vinales now has 105 points to Dovizio- MOTOGP This year’s tournament saw timings during the RSF are es- so’s 79, with Rossi — who spent a night in 1. Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 105 points six teams comprising members pecially important because they hospital last week after a crash while rid- 2. Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 79 of the South Asian expat com- encourage people to go out and ing a motocross bike — on 75. 3. Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 75 munity in Qatar battle it out for play sports in Ramadan.” “I didn’t want to risk so much because 4. Marquez (ESP/Honda) 68 glory. Team Blasters and Team I saw Valentino and Marc were quite far 5. Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 68 Mosanada reached the fi nals af- AZF and Qatar Paralympic Com- away, so I decided to stay at least in the sec- ter overcoming their opponents, mittee hold event for people ond position,” said Vinales, whose arm was MOTO 2 Team Aspire and Team Brothers with special needs still painful after a crash on Friday. 1. Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 113 points respectively. Aspire Zone Foundation is “Dovi was so strong today. So diffi cult 2. Lüthi (SUI/Kalex) 100 Despite the loss, Mohamed once again collaborating with to catch and all the time he was really 3. A. Marquez (ESP/Kalex) 78 Zaker, captain of the Aspire the Qatar Paralympic Commit- pushing me a lot.” Cricket Club, was thrilled to have tee to organise table tennis com- Honda’s reigning champion Marc taken part in the competition, petitions for people with special Marquez fi nished sixth and is fourth MOTO3 saying: “I’m grateful to Aspire needs, featuring competitions overall with 68 points but team mate 1. Mir (ESP/Honda) 108 points Zone Foundation for organising in three categories – for people Dani Pedrosa slipped down the order af- 2. Canet (ESP/Honda) 74 a cricket tournament that will for with learning disabilities, as well ter tangling with Britain’s Cal Crutchlow 3. Di Giannantonio (ITA/Honda) 71 sure help turn cricket into a rec- as visual and hearing impair- and crashing out. ognised sport in Aspire Zone, on ments. Dovizioso was suff ering from a stom- par in popularity with football.” Spectators are welcome to at- ach bug before the race and dropped back ti’s Jorge Lorenzo took over briefl y and tend the competitions on Mon- at the start while Rossi led before Duca- then Vinales hit the front. Ladies volleyball kicks off with day in the multipurpose hall With the top four run- three exciting matches in Aspire Dome to support and ning close together, Meanwhile, Aspire Zone cheer for the contestants. Vinales seemed headed for a fourth win of the season until Dovizioso REACTION passed on lap 14 and pulled away. A 69-second silence was held before the race Pundits tear Lions to for 2006 MotoGP cham- pion Nicky Hayden, the American who raced with shreds aft er opener the number 69 and died Ducati’s Italian rider last month after being hit Reuters but that was horrible and they’d Andrea Dovizioso (top and right) by a car while training on Wellington better get their act together. a bicycle in eastern Italy. “That was pathetic.” Rugby writer and sports his- athetic” and “incompe- torian Phil Giff ord was similarly RUGBY tent” are two words War- scathing in his column in the ren Gatland would not Sunday Star Times. have expected to be used “In blunt terms the Lions inP describing his British and Irish looked incompetent,” Giff ord Lions’ tour opener, but New Zea- wrote. land rugby pundits did not hold “How could a team stacked back after Saturday’s laboured with nothing but internation- Lions restore old school values victory over the Barbarians. als for so long look so leaden AFP the best moment I’ve ever had, The Lions, who are expected to footed, so lacking in confi dence Whangarei, New Zealand I loved it.” provide the All Blacks with their they took kicks at goal instead of The Lions, each on a basic tour sternest challenge since the 1971 looking for tries from a lineout, fee of £70,000 (US$90,000), re- series-winning side, limped to a so lacking in co-ordination and he British and Irish may grouped yesterday to attend an 13-7 win in Whangarei against a attacking ideas?” have been widely rub- offi cial Maori welcome before ‘Baabaas’ team drawn from New New Zealand Herald rugby bished for a sub-par launching into preparations for Zealand’s semi-professional journalist Gregor Paul was a lit- performance in their Wednesday’s match against the provincial competition. tle more circumspect, refusing to TNew Zealand tour opener but Auckland Blues. The Lions play 10 matches on consign the tour to the dustheap they won respect for restoring The Barbarians meanwhile re- their tour, including three tests after just one match. old school values in a profes- turned to their homes to prepare against the All Blacks. However, he said the pace of sional era. for their day jobs on Monday in Lions coach Gatland said af- the game in New Zealand could The scrambled eff ort to pull off a land where the median annual ter the game that several mem- prove decisive, with a massive a 13-7 win over a team of nobodies wage is close to a third of the Li- bers of his side were still dealing step up needed for the clash on playing under the New Zealand ons tour fee. with jet lag, having arrived in Wednesday against Super Rug- Provincial Barbarians banner was “It was a hell of an experience the country only on Wednesday, by’s Auckland Blues. widely panned by critics. and something the boys really and lacked cohesion due to a dis- “The real issue was that the But for the mainly amateur enjoyed,” said Barbarians skip- rupted buildup before they left Lions looked decidedly pedes- Barbarians, who fi t rugby around per Sam Anderson-Heather. Britain. trian in all that they did,” Paul regular weekday jobs, the high- He scored the only Barbarians However, former All Blacks wrote. “The Lions struggled light was as much about a return try as his team took a 7-3 lead at prop Richard Loe, a provincial with the pace of the game – not to after-match camaraderie as it half-time, but memories of the and international teammate of so much physically, but mentally. was about nearly causing a ma- A Maori warrior (R) lays a challenge down for team manager John Spencer (6th L-front) of the British outstanding performance were Gatland, wrote in his New Zea- “They didn’t have the natural jor upset. and Irish Lions during a Maori welcome ceremony at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds yesterday. already giving way to reality land Herald column yesterday instincts to pounce on opportu- In the tightly-scripted pro- for the 29-year-old who runs a that the Lions could not hide nities when they came. fessional era, the once tradition- As the sellout crowd of 20,000 “We just walked between the against him. I haven’t played property management company. behind excuses after their poor “When the opposition become al get-together in the chang- left Toll Stadium in Whangarei, two changing rooms,” Barbari- Test rugby and he’s playing for “I’ve got a lot of work to get performance. highly motivated Super Rugby ing sheds after the game had frustrated by what they had seen ans centre Dwayne Sweeney said England,” Sweeney said. through. Monday, Tuesday, “The Lions and their manage- teams, the opportunities for the become a distant memory until from Britain and Ireland’s best, as he emerged from the chang- “They respected what we put Wednesday are pretty full so I’ll ment must do some immediate Lions will have an even shorter Warren Gatland decided his Li- the players relaxed together be- ing rooms wearing the number out there tonight. I didn’t think literally be straight back to work temple massaging after scraping shelf-life and the reaction times ons could benefi t from socialis- neath the main stand, bonded by 12 Lions jersey of Ben Te’o. I’d ever actually get the chance Monday morning,” he said. “Life home against the Baabaas,” Loe have to be phenomenally good to ing with New Zealanders. a mutual respect. “I said it was a privilege to play to play the Lions. It’s probably goes on.” wrote. “There will be apologists, see, react and expose.” Gulf Times Monday, June 5, 2017 7 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Buff on feels the Zizou back among pain aft er third the immortals fi nal defeat Reuters against AC Milan on penalties in Man- Cardiff chester in 2003 and against Barcelona ‘I don’t want to say I’m very good because before I was scandalously bad and in Berlin two years ago. Even in his state of bitter disappoint- now I’m supposed to be the best. I have the chance to be with this great squad’ he greatest goalkeeper of his ment, however, Buff on was able to sum generation, Juventus’s Gian- up exactly what is needed to triumph. AFP luigi Buff on tasted defeat in “To win this cup you have to be Cardiff , United Kingdom his third Champions League stronger than everything against you. Tfi nal as the major missing medal from In the second half their class, their his illustrious career once again slipped strength, their ability to win these eted as one of the fi nest talents out of his grasp on Saturday. challenges was seen and they deserv- of his generation, Zinedine Zi- A 4-1 defeat by Real Madrid was edly won,” he said. dane has made the transition tough to take for the 39-year-old who While it will be no consolation for to management so smoothly may never get another chance to win the Juventus captain when he looks thatF he has already eclipsed some of European club football’s top prize. back on his career, he cannot aff ord to the game’s most hallowed names just “It’s a big disappointment because dwell too much on those fi nals. 17 months into his spell as Real Madrid we thought we did everything we need- At club level, Buff on got off to a win- boss. ed to win,” Buff on told Italian television ning start in his career, claiming the When Zidane’s majestic strike fl ashed as Real celebrated at the Principality UEFA Cup and Italian Cup with Parma into the net to give Madrid victory in the Stadium. “We had a great fi rst half in in 1999. With Juventus he has won the 2002 Champions League fi nal against which we had Real in trouble. It leaves Italian league title eight times. Bayer Leverkusen, the French star must you with an open mouth, the episodes In the colours of the national team, have believed he would never surpass that never went our way,” he said, re- under the guidance of his former Juve that golden moment in Europe’s top- ferring to Casemiro’s defl ected strike coach Marcello Lippi, Buff on won the tier tournament. that put Real 2-1 up. World Cup in 2006, making up for the Yet at Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium Buff on had played in two previous disappointment of missing out on Ita- on Saturday, he joined the managerial Champions League fi nals and both ly’s European Championship success in immortals as Madrid’s 4-1 rout of Ju- times went home as a runner-up, 2000 due to injury. ventus made him the fi rst coach to win successive European Cups since the great Arrigo Sacchi of AC Milan in 1989 and 1990. Not even Alex Ferguson, Jose Mour- inho or Pep Guardiola has achieved that epic feat. “All the coaches you mentioned, they’re great coaches. I don’t want to say I’m very good because before I was scandalously bad and now I’m supposed Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane (left), his wife Veronique and their children Enzo, Luca and Theo hold the trophy after to be the best,” Zidane said modestly. Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus in Cardiff , Wales, on Saturday. (AFP) “I have the chance to be with this great squad. In the long run, every- from their grasp. Throughout an incredible play- A Champions League fi nal victory one’s been very important. For me Ronaldo admitted it was in those ing career that brought him fame and over Atletico Madrid last season might that’s the success.” moments that the match was won. fortune, Zidane remained a reluctant have been seen in some quarters as be- Madrid’s impressive win rightly “Zidane gave us a very positive half- hero, even when he became the idol of ginner’s luck. sparked praise for Cristiano Ronaldo’s time team talk and told us he really be- a nation by starring in France’s 1998 But Zidane had all the right answers predatory brace. But it was Zidane lieved in us,” he said. World Cup triumph. this season. who provided the inspiration for Ma- But it was that calm demeanour Aware that Ronaldo had been below drid’s fi rst La Liga and Champions RELUCTANT HERO that appealed to Madrid chief Floren- his best in two Champions League fi - League double since 1958. With Zidane’s words ringing in their tino Perez when he made the surprise nals after feeling overworked earlier After taking the lead through Ro- ears, Madrid were revitalised in the decision to appoint Zidane as boss in in those campaigns, he rested the for- naldo, Madrid were rocked back on second half, scoring three times to seal January 2016. ward nine times this season and was their heels by Mario Mandzukic’s the famous ‘cup with the big ears’. With only brief spells as Madrid’s as- rewarded with 16 goals in his last 10 stunning overhead kick equaliser be- As he stood on the pitch amid the sistant coach and ‘B’ team boss on his appearances. fore the interval. confetti and fi reworks at full-time, a CV, critics wondered how he would cope Even the diffi cult decision of However, Zidane turned the tide in bashful smile across his face, Zidane with a squad of fragile egos at a club rife whether to recall Wales forward Ga- the space of a few words when he faced could have been forgiven for letting his with political power struggles. reth Bale for the fi nal in his hometown his uncertain players in the dressing mind drift back to his childhood. Those doubters underestimated Zi- was no problem for Zidane, who kept room. Born among Marseille’s toughest dane’s inner resolve and the huge re- faith with Isco and watched his play- Imploring his stars to believe in streets, Zidane said this week: “If you spect he was held in by Madrid’s players. maker pull the strings impressively. themselves as much as he did in them, said I was going to live all of this when I Here was a manager who could Blessed with the Midas touch, Zi- UPDATE Zidane struck the right tone and eased was a child quite frankly I would never match them medal for medal and they dane’s success is no fl uke and there’s their fears that the trophy may slip have believed, but here I am living it.” quickly responded to his leadership. no end in sight.

I’m staying at Atletico, insists Griezmann QSL stars set for Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griez- Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld a in the Champions League next “It is a diff icult moment for the club. It mann intends to stay at the Spanish transfer ban that means the club will season, when they move into a new wouldn’t be very nice to leave now. We international duty club next season amid ongoing not be able to sign any new players 68,000-capacity stadium. have spoken with the board and we speculation about his future, the until January next year as a punish- But, in an interview with Sunday are going to go again for next season,” striker told French television station ment for irregularities in the signing morning programme Telefoot, added Griezmann, who is currently By Sports Reporter bayan has called up two QSL players TF1 yesterday. of foreign players under 18. Griezmann said: “The CAS sanction with the France squad for next Friday’s Doha ahead of his sides June matches; the Griezmann has been heavily linked There are concerns that will prevent has come in. Atletico can’t make any 2018 World Cup qualifier away to Swe- white Wolves are set to take on Thai- with a move away from Atletico, them from having a team that can signings. With my advisor Eric Olhats den. “The questions about my future land in a friendly and a tough away all the more so since the Court of compete at the top of La Liga and we have decided to stay. have been a bit annoying.” part from the Qatar national qualifi er against Iran. Both El Jaish team players, 11 Qatar Stars winger Sardor Rashidov and Al Sailiya League international stars striker Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov have will be joining their national been given the nod. sidesA hoping to aid them in qualifi ca- Umm Salal attacker Mahmoud al- BOTTOMLINE tion for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Mawas has been called up by the Syrian In Asia, it’s the penultimate round national team for their two matches, a of qualifi cation and seven QSL players friendly against Japan, and the qualifi er will be hoping to make the diff erence against China on June 13. SC employees at Champions League for their sides in group A. Over in Africa, two QSL based play- The South Korean duo of Nam Tae- ers have been selected for the upcom- hee of Lekhwiya and Kooky Han of ing AFCON 2019 qualifi cation matches. Al Gharafa has been called up for the Lekhwiya midfi elder Yusef Msakni has fi nal target knowledge transfer for 2022 Taegeuk Warriors. The South Koreans been called up for the Tunisian national will take on Iraq in a friendly before an team, whilst Al Gharafa defender Rashid ive members of the Supreme UEFA adds to our experience and helps away match against Qatar. Sumaila has been chosen for Ghana. Committee for Delivery & understand the high standards of organ- Two Iranian players — Morteza Pour- European qualifi cation for the 2018 Legacy (SC), who recently ising this mega event. Working closely aliganji of Al Sadd and Pejman Montaz- World Cup will see two QSL play- formed part of the Local Or- with decision makers helps us avoid and eri of Al Ahli — have joined the Iranian ers representing their countries. Al ganisingF Committee (LOC) for the learn from any mistakes,” he said. national team ahead of their friendly Gharafa winger Vladimir Weiss has Emir Cup fi nal and launch of Khalifa For Mahmoud, the experience gath- match against Montenegro and quali- been called up by Slovakia for their International Stadium, took part in ered in Wales was a natural continu- fi cation encounter against Uzbekistan. qualifi cation game against Lithuania. the offi cial secondment programme ation of the organising committees They will be looking to maintain their Al Sailiya defender Dragos Grigore will of the 2017 UEFA Champions League he has worked on in Qatar over the fi ve-point lead at the top of the table. join Romania as they take on Poland fi nal in Cardiff . past 18 months. He said: “I worked on Uzbekistan head coach Samvel Ba- and Chile. The biggest game of the European events in Doha such as the AFC Un- club calendar saw Spanish champions der-23 Championships, Barcelona vs Real Madrid beating Italian counter- Al Ahli friendly, the Italian Super Cup parts Juventus 4-1 on Saturday, and fi nal and the Emir Cup fi nal. This was Chico waves goodbye to Lekhwiya the Qatari group gathered vital experi- my fi rst international experience with ence for the successful delivery of the UEFA in the commercial operations Reigning Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions Lekhwiya have confirmed that 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. team, which is a new area for me.” they have decided against renewing the contract of Spanish central defender The SC team in Cardiff was made up Five SC employees took part in the off icial secondment programme of the 2017 He added, “Cardiff is a small city Chico Flores ahead of the new 2017-18 season. The Red Knights confirmed the of Thani al-Zarraa, in the Event Lo- UEFA Champions League final in Cardiff . where you have the stadium at the news in a brief statement over the weekend, noting that the club will be part- gistics department, Jassim al-Jassim heart of the city. The commercial op- ing ways with the 30-year-old defender along with Brazilian attacker Edison (Fan Village), Khalid al-Naama (Media He continued: “I learned how im- pleted by the end of 2018.” eration team was friendly and helpful. Da Silva, who joined the club on a short-term deal to cover for the injury of Operations), Ali Mahmoud (Commer- portant the host city is. This experi- “In the long run, our presence in Being part of the Champions League Yusef El Arabi. Flores enjoyed a trophy-laden three-year-stint with Lekhwiya, cial Operations), and Zachariah Joseph ence will help me in understanding Cardiff will help us to build knowl- fi nal team is a dream come true.” picking up two QSL league titles one Qatar Cup and one Emir Cup. (Event Transportation). and implementing some of what I have edge of managing and operating mega Meanwhile, the small size of the city “I am very proud to act as an ambas- seen. Everywhere in the city was either sporting events.” was also a focus for Joseph, who ob- Al-Hajiri heads to Al Sadd sador for my country and the Supreme an activation or branding and promo- Secondment and observation pro- served transportation procedures for Committee, and extremely proud to tion for the match.” grammes at major events have been a the fi nal in order to feed back his expe- QSL side Al Sadd has further strengthened their side ahead of the next cam- have been offi cially requested by UEFA With Cardiff welcoming fans from regular part of Qatar’s preparations for riences to colleagues in Qatar. paign by off icially announcing the signing of Qatar international keeper Saud to join them in the delivery of this Italy, Spain and across the world, the SC 2022, with Russia 2018 also forming a “I worked with the UEFA event al-Hajiri from rivals Al Rayyan. The Wolves confirmed the news on Thursday event after working with them during team worked in diff erent areas to gather major focus as it is the last FIFA World transport lead for the fi nal in Cardiff ,” evening via their off icial club website. Al-Hajiri has put pen to paper on a one- Euro 2016,” said al-Jassim in Cardiff . valuable operational experience. Cup before the event comes to the Mid- he said. “The city is in many ways very year deal with the side, with an option for a further year. The signing of the “I believe this game, together with “I worked with the logistics team to dle East for the fi rst time four years later. similar to Doha. Understanding the keeper is Al Sadd’s second of the season, following the capture of Boualem the World Cup fi nal, is the most im- help and oversee their operations for Meanwhile, al-Naama added further event operations in a small compact Khoukhi from Al Arabi. Speaking on signing his contract with this seasons portant match in the world. It is an the fi nal here in Cardiff ,” explained al- experience in the fi eld of media opera- city similar to Doha for one of the big- Qatar and Emir Cup winners al-Hajiri said, “The biggest factor that pushed me honour to work with the highest level Zarraa. “It gave me useful experience, tions after recently forming part of the gest football matches was very ben- to join Al Sadd was the plan for next season. Sadd is a team that always looks of professionals in the world when it especially as I am managing Al Wakrah LOC for the Emir Cup fi nal in Qatar. efi cial and relevant to the FIFA World to improve and improve themselves.” comes to tournament delivery.” stadium which is expected to be com- “Being here with our colleagues from Cup in Qatar.” (SC.qa)

Monday, June 5, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL / CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RemarkableRemarkableRemarkable RonaldoRonaldoRonaldo againagainagain deliversdeliversdelivers whenwhenwhen ititit mattersmattersmatters

been good for me individually, too. I Real Madrid downs Juventus to prepared myself well for the fi nal part of the season and I scored some impor- become first team to retain European tant goals.” Ronaldo was handed the Man of the Cup in Champions League era Match award by his former manager Alex Ferguson, a reminder of his early Reuters And whatever French coach Zin- years as a devastatingly quick winger at Cardiff edine Zidane told his Real players at Manchester United, with whom he won halftime succeeded in producing a dis- his fi rst Champions League fi nal, and of play of dominance that, once Brazilian course scored. ristiano Ronaldo just seems to Casemiro had put them 2-1 up on the Now 32, most of the tricks are on get better and better. hour, never looked in danger of ending show only in the warm up as he con- On Saturday he made the in anything other than celebrations. centrates his eff orts on that instinct diff erence yet again with two But it was impossible to ignore Ron- and killer touch that all truly great Cgoals to help Real Madrid secure a third aldo, as his team mate Toni Kroos was strikers possess and that have helped Champions League title in four years as quick to point out. him plunder at least 40 goals in each of they crushed Juventus 4-1 in a riveting “You need a guy to score the goals the last seven seasons. fi nal. and he did it again,” said the Germany His fi rst goal at the Principality Sta- For all the talk of tactics, the threat international. dium to put Real ahead in the 20th posed by the Italian champions and the Strikes in each half from Ronaldo minute against Juve illustrated that romantic notion of Juve goalkeeper Gi- made him the fi rst player to score in perfectly as he had the wit to lay the anluigi Buff on fi nally claiming a Cham- three fi nals in the Champions League ball off to Dani Carvajal on his right pions League winner’s medal, Ronaldo era, adding to his goals in the 2008 and and then the smartness to hold, wait yet again found a way to hog the head- 2014 showpieces for Manchester Unit- for the cut-back pass and then use his lines. ed and Real respectively. technique to bury the ball in the bottom Of course, Real’s win was about Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo is lifted by teammates after winning the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus corner. much more than the contribution of TOP SCORER at The Principality Stadium in Cardiff , Wales, on Saturday. (AFP) For his second, Ronaldo read and their Portugal forward. His second on Saturday, to make it 3-1 anticipated Luka Modric’s burst to the When Juventus enjoyed spells of in the 64th minute, put the game be- 600th career goal for club and country. won two Champions League titles, the Me and my team-mates have done the byline, timed his run perfectly and met pressure in the fi rst half, they largely yond Juve and made him top scorer in The former Benfi ca and United European Championship with Portu- double. The numbers don’t lie. I’m very the Croatian’s low cross with a deft held fi rm. After Mario Mandzukic this season’s Champions League with winger-turned-striker turned 32 in gal, claimed a Spanish league title and happy — an amazing season, we’ve won touch that lifted the ball over the help- scored an incredible fi rst-half equaliser 12 goals — one more than Barcelona’s February but far from fading he is as the World Club Cup and on an individ- trophies. This is one of the best mo- less Buff on. with an audacious overhead kick, Real Lionel Messi, who he is constantly dangerous as ever — perhaps even more ual level been awarded the Ballon d’Or ments of my career — I have the chance Class, quality and the killer touch, all didn’t let the Italians get away from compared to. eff ective than in his younger days. and FIFA’s ‘Best’ award. to say this every year,” he said. when it matters most. Would anyone bet them. It also happened to be Ronaldo’s In the past 12 months Ronaldo has “Again, I’ve had an amazing season. “The squad has been great and it’s against him doing it all again next year?

ATHLETICS HORSE RACING Barshim ready for Shaqab’s Brametot wins QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club

Agencies Oslo Diamond League Chantilly, France

By Sports Reporter Doha hree weeks after his suc- cess in the Abu Dhabi Poule d’Essai des Pou- he world’s fi nest high lains, Al Shaqab Racing’s jumpers will return to BrametotT won the QIPCO Prix du the Oslo Bislett Games Jockey Club (Group 1) at Chant- for a showdown at the illy yesterday. Tfi fth leg of the 2017 IAAF Dia- Under Italian jockey Cristian mond League on June 15 as all Demuro’s ride, Brametot started three Rio 2016 Olympic Games slowly like he is used to. He still medallists are confi rmed to com- had a lot of lengths to make up pete in the Norwegian capital. over the fi rst ones in the home World and Olympic champion straight. He came on from the Derek Drouin heads the list of Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim outside and passed his rivals one competitors. The Canadian, who by one to fi nally win by a short has a personal best of 2.40m, ropean title in 2014, then took head in front of Waldgeist, rid- showed great composure when world silver in 2015 before earn- den by Pierre-Charles Boudot, winning his global titles in Bei- ing his bronze medal in Rio. at the post. Recoletos, helmed jing and Rio. On both occasions Meeting director Steinar Hoen by Olivier Peslier, completed the Drouin was almost fl awless by holds the meeting record with a podium. clearing the majority of heights clearance of 2.35m from 23 years “This is amazing, amazing,” on his fi rst attempt. ago, but he fully expects that his exclaimed Brametot trainer Jean- Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim name will no longer be in the Claude Rouget. has jumped above 2.40m in nine record book after this year’s Oslo “Like in the Poule d’Essai, we competitions over the past four Bislett Games. beat an André Fabre-trained years. The Olympic silver med- While the Olympic medal- colt, who is a reference in our allist won the world indoor title lists from Rio will be the domi- job. I nearly did not run this race, in 2014 and went on to set a life- nant forces in the event, there but Churchill scared me in the time best of 2.43m later that year, are other competitors in the fi eld St James’s Palace Stakes. So we putting him second on the world with the proven ability of upset- tried, but between trying and all-time list. ting the more favoured athletes. succeeding, there is a diff erence! Bogdan Bondarenko is the Previous Bislett winner Zhang And it is even more wonderful other medallist from Rio who Guowei of China, British record- after the virus that aff ected my will return to Oslo. The Ukrain- holder Robbie Grabarz and the barns. We were lucky that nei- ian won the world title in 2013, surprising Madj Ghazal of Syria ther Brametot nor Mekhtaal were the Continental Cup and Eu- will all be there. in this barn.” Christian Demuro (left) rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Brametot to victory in the QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club (Group 1) yesterday. (Scoopdyga)