CRICKET | Page 9 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 11 Late double ‘Qatar is my strike keeps second home, To Advertise here New Zealand I want to be Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 on course there in 2022’

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Dhul-Qa’da 7, 1437 AH SPOTLIGHT clinch TIMES inaugural women’s sevens gold Page 5

FOCUS Medals tally

Country G S B T 1. United States 5 7 8 20 Have faith, it’s getting cleaner, says Bolt 2. 5 3 5 13 3. Australia 4 0 4 8 4. Italy 3 4 2 9 Reuters back in action after two doping bans. and it would be better for my sport if it 5. 3 0 8 11 Asked if fans could believe they were is clean.” watching a clean race when the two, if The Jamaican superstar, who turns 6. Hungary 3 0 0 3 all goes to plan, face off in the 100 me- 30 later this month, confi rmed that this sain Bolt waltzed in to sprin- tres fi nal next Sunday, Bolt was a touch would be his fi nal Olympics but said the 7. Russia 2 5 3 10 kle a bucket of stardust over more diplomatic. lure of the big championships remained 8. 2 2 1 5 Rio on Monday, and while “In life nothing is guaranteed,” he strong and in the fi nal weeks of build-up, 9. 2 2 0 4 there were Samba smiles and said. “But I never worry about drugs. he really felt focused on the tasks ahead. Udancing girls, the biggest name at the That’s for WADA, the IAAF and the He has certainly had some work to do 10. 2 1 1 4 Olympics could not escape the ever- IOC. I go out and compete and wow the as, having missed the 200 metres in the 11. Great Britain 1 1 2 4 present spectre of doping. crowd and entertain people.” Jamaican qualifi ers because of a ham- 12. 1 1 0 2 Bolt is seeking to secure a “triple- He did say, however, that he support- string strain, he found himself lagging triple” in the 100 metres, 200 metres ed the governing body’s decision to ban behind where he wanted to be in his 12. 1 1 0 2 and 4x100m relay and was his usual Russian track and fi eld athletes because preparations. 12. Sweden 1 1 0 2 show-stopping self as top billing in an of the country’s extensive state-spon- He did manage to fi t in a 200 metres 15. Chinese Taipei 1 0 2 3 eye-catching Jamaican team news con- sored doping. at the Diamond League three ference at Barra’s massive Cicada des weeks ago but though he won in 19.89 16. Belgium 1 0 1 2 Arts theatre. MAKING A STATEMENT seconds, it was hardly a smooth per- 17. Argentina 1 0 0 1 But he also had to face up to ques- “I think they want to make a statement formance. tions about how and why fans could and that’s why they really need to show “I really want to run under 19 sec- 17. Colombia 1 0 0 1 have any faith in athletics after the bat- 4x100m golds at the last two Olympics. and I look forward to that.” people that if you cheat this is what’s onds, that’s my focus. It will be a little 17. Croatia 1 0 0 1 tering it has taken on the doping front “We are weeding out the bad ones Last year, Bolt edged out American going to happen,” Bolt told Reuters. bit hard because I missed out on a few 17. Kosovo 1 0 0 1 in the last 18 months. and I personally think we are on the Justin Gatlin to win the world champi- “So, for me, if making a statement is weeks of training, but you never know,” “I think we are going in the right right track. We have had to go through onship 100 metres fi nal in a race widely going to help the sport, then I will sup- said the man who set the world record 17. 1 0 0 1 direction. People should have faith,” a rough time before the good times. But billed as “good v evil”, with the Jamai- port it because this is what I do. This is of 19.19 in 2009. “Going through the 17. Vietnam 1 0 0 1 said Bolt, who won 100m, 200m and in a few years, the sport should be clean can ‘saving’ the sport from an athlete my sport and I really enjoy competing, rounds of the 100 always helps my 200.”

HANDBALL STAR OF THE DAY Qatar fall short Sukanya Srisurat of Thailand Sukanya Srisurat lifted an Olympic record 110kg in the snatch and 130kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 240kg, comfortably beating compatriot Pimsiri Sirikaew to in World C’ship first place in the women’s 58kg weightlift- ing contest. She broke the previous snatch record set by China’s Li Xueying at London After close first half, 2012 by 2kg. “I practised so hard. This is my first Olym- France win 35-20 pic Games and I’m really delighted,” the rematch 21-year-old said. She was one of seven young Thai weight- lifters found to have violated anti-doping rules during youth and junior weightlifting championships five years ago. “I felt so sad when I was banned but I never gave up to get back and now every- thing has been repaid,” she said following her triumph in Rio.

Qatar’s Nasreddine Megdich (right) challenges France’s Nikola Karabatic during the men’s preliminary round Group A handball match at the Future Arena in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (AFP)

rance opened round two of the rabatic (3:3), after which Qatar’s Hassan his fi rst time-out of the match. The 2016 men’s Mabrouk was sent off for two minutes. Asian champions could not decrease handball competition with a During his time on the bench, France the score line and as the last 10 min- 35:20 victory against their 2015 moved ahead to hold a 6:4 advantage af- utes of the half began Nikola Karabatic WorldF Championship fi nal opponents ter 10 minutes, before Qatar came back added his second goal to take the score Qatar yesterday. to level the score at 6:6 by the 13th. to 12:9. Excitement was palpable, especially France maintained a steady one to With Qatar’s Zarko Markovic out on after a close January 2015 fi nal in Qa- two-goal advantage as Michael Guigou a suspension, France kept their three- tar. scored a penalty against Danijel Saric goal lead thanks to Luc Abalo as the The fi rst half yesterday delivered on to earn France a two-goal lead at 9:7 buzzer for the half-time break sound- those expectations, but in the second just after the 15-minute mark, before ed, and when the match resumed period France stormed home to the fi - Marko Bagaric responded and the dif- France really began to open up the ad- nal whistle keeping Qatar to only seven ference returned to one (8:9). vantage. With 15 minutes left on the goals in those 30 minutes. That was the closest Qatar would clock the reigning Olympic champions The opening of the game was level come to a victory, however, and when had created a 25:16 lead, and the two as Thierry Omeyer made a save in the France reached an 11:8 advantage in points were clearly safe in the hands of eighth converted to a goal by Nikola Ka- the 19th, coach Valero Rivera called Les Experts. (IHF)

Qatar in BOXING: Men’s 64kg: Thulasi Tharumalingam BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Men’s Pool F: Qatar vs action today (QAT) vs Chinzorig Baatarsukh (MON) Austria Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 10, 2016

WEIGHTLIFTING Thailand’s women leave men in shade with 58kg one-two

Reuters contest on Monday. Sukanya Srisurat won from so these girls are like my own children. I would families and they all work hard.” Rio de Janeiro Pimsiri Sirikaew, with Kuo Hsing-Chun of Tai- never do anything to harm them. They have all TAWA is backed by the national electricity wan taking the bronze. been tested many times before coming to Rio.” authority for 16mn baht (less than $500,000) a Both medallists attributed Thailand’s suc- Srisurat’s doping off ence was caused by her year for the four-year Olympic cycle. hailand’s women weightlifters have cess to Boossaba Yodbangtoey, the president club, Boossaba said, not the national associa- “We don’t have government support,” said made it two golds and one silver from of the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association tion. Srisurat was one of seven Thai teenagers Boossaba. “The power authority is our main three attempts. (TAWA) whose husband, Intarat, is vice-pres- who tested positive at youth events in 2011. sponsor and we have other supporters from the They have been helped by the ex- ident of Thailand’s Olympic committee and of There have been no positives since then. private sector.” Tclusion of doping cheats from other countries, the International Weightlifting Federation. Thailand has won fi ve gold medals in weight- The state does provide Olympic medallists but the driving force behind their success is a Srisurat had tested positive at a youth event lifting, all by women. They have fi ve men in with big rewards, and Srisurat will be given woman who treats the weightlifters as her own just after her 16th birthday and served a two- Rio but none is expected to challenge for gold. about 12mn baht (about $340,000), said Boos- children and has negotiated lucrative sponsor- year ban. When asked why she had doped she When Boossaba was asked why there was such saba. “She will be rich!” ship deals to fund a national performance centre said she had not made the decision herself, was a disparity between men and women she said: Thailand’s bronze medallist in the men’s and keep training full-time. too young to know what she was taking and had “Because the men are like teenagers, on the edge 56kg, Sinphet Kruaithong, was unable to cel- After Sopita Tanasan’s victory in the 48kg on returned to the sport as a clean athlete “because and hard to control. They want to go out and we ebrate when he heard that his 84-year-old Saturday, the opening contest of the Rio Games, Thailand’s Sukanya Srisurat celebrates her win I never give up”. have to get security to watch them at our train- grandmother had died of a suspected heart at- Thailand followed up with a one-two in the 58kg in the 58kg weightlifting event on Monday. Boossaba said: “I have no children of my own ing camp... The women are mostly from poor tack while watching him on television.

SWIMMING ROUND-UP China lift er Deng wins women’s 63kg with world record

Chinese weightlifter Deng She beat the record set by Wei won Olympic gold in the Taiwanese lifter Lin Tzu-chi, who women’s 63kg category with a was a surprise late withdrawal world record combined total of from the competition despite ap- Hosszu wins 100m 262 kg in Rio yesterday. pearing on the early entry list. backstroke to

claim second gold Korakaki takes gold, her second medal at Rio ‘This time I was fresh and in great shape. I just focussed on the execution’ Greek shooter Anna Korakaki took the gold medal in the Agencies women’s 25 metre pistol event Rio de Janeiro yesterday, two days after she won a bronze and became the first woman to win a medal in atinka Hosszu of Hungary won shooting for Greece. the women’s Olympic 100 me- The 20-year-old Korakaki tres backstroke on Monday to prevailed over Monika Karsch, claim her second gold of the Rio a 33-year-old from Germany, KGames, edging out Kathleen Baker of the who mounted a late but ulti- United States. mately unsuccessful rally after Canada’s Kylie Masse and China’s Fu Korakaki established a strong Korakaki, dressed in Greece’s Yuanhui tied for bronze, with the top four lead. The two are first-time blue and white colours, jumped separated by just 0.31 seconds. Olympians. up and down and embraced Australian world champion Emily See- Heidi Diethelm Gerber of Swit- her coach after winning her bohm, swimming in an outside lane, set zerland won the bronze medal, second medal. the early pace but Hosszu powered her beating world No. 1 and world On Sunday, she won the bronze way through the fi eld in the last half of champion Zhang Jingjing of in the 10 metre air pistol and is the race to touch the wall in 58.45 sec- China. The Swiss shooter is 47 now the only Greek athlete to onds. and took up the sport at 33. have won medals in Rio so far. Baker, who qualifi ed fastest for the fi - nal, clocked 58.75, to fi nish 0.01 seconds ahead of Masse and Fu. It was a second gold in Rio for Hosszu, BASKETBALL the self-styled ‘Iron Lady’ of swimming, after her world record-breaking victory in the 400 individual medley on Satur- day. Another slow start “It’s really cool, I can’t believe I’ve won the 100 back,” the 27-year-old told re- porters. “I know I’ve done the 100 back nags US NBA stars in the 400IM a million times and the goal was to make it like second nature when I came to Rio, which is how it felt. in Venezuela rout “This time I was fresh and in great shape. I just focussed on the execution Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu (right) is congratulated by relatives after she won the women’s 100m backstroke gold on Monday. (AFP) AFP and was not worrying about where I Rio de Janeiro came.” from the sport. Hosszu, who is also swimming in the China’s Sun Yang cel- “I think you’re going to see a lot of peo- 200 backstroke, butterfl y and medley, ebrates his win in the ple speaking up more,” the all-time high- nother slow Rio Olym- had come away empty-handed from men’s 200m freestyle est Olympic medal winner said. pics start for the Amer- three previous Olympics, despite win- final on Monday. (AFP) ican NBA stars ended ning fi ve world championships titles. SUN RESPONDS TO DRUG TAUNTS with the same result, a Seebohm, silver medallist in London WITH 200M FREESTYLE GOLD lopsidedA victory for the US mil- in 2012, had achieved the second-fastest China’s Sun Yang responded to Austral- lionaires Monday as they seek a time in the heats but qualifi ed for the fi nal ian taunts about his doping history in third consecutive title. in seventh. emphatic fashion on Monday by winning Paul George scored 20 points She faded in the closing stages on the men’s 200 metres freestyle title to and Jimmy Butler added 17 in a Monday to fi nish seventh. complete a golden Olympic treble. 113-69 rout of Venezuela, but the Missy Franklin of the United States, Sun, who won the 400 and 1500 free- South American side played the the 2012 Olympic champion at 100, was style at the London Games, touched the US squad level at 18-18 after the reduced to a spectator, having failed to wall in one minute, 44.65 seconds to beat fi rst quarter. qualify in the event for Rio at the US tri- ’s Chad Le Clos by 0.55 sec- “We have to get off to a bet- als. onds and become the fi rst Chinese to win ter and faster start,” Butler said. Franklin was in tears earlier after fail- 200m gold. “We know we can’t dig ourselves ing to make the fi nal of the 200 freestyle, Conor Dwyer of the United States won a hole. The way we play defence, but has another chance in the 200 back- bronze. if we guard like that for 40 min- stroke, in which she also won gold in Lon- Booing broke out in the swimming are- “I think it just proved that you can Sun also won silver in Saturday’s 400 utes, we’ll be in a great position don. na on Monday as Efi mova — twice con- compete clean and still come out on top,” free and despite his delight at winning on to win.” victed of doping but securing an Olympic King said of her win. She had also criti- Monday he still felt a twinge of regret that George’s highlight slam dunk KING BEATS EFIMOVA TO 100M place on a last-ditch appeal — lined up cized Efi mova before the race. he was not celebrating his fourth Olym- with 2:50 remaining in the fourth BREASTSTROKE WIN to challenge the women’s 100m breast- Clearly devastated, Efi mova burst into pics title. quarter brought the loudest Doping tensions in Olympic swimming stroke fi nal. tears after the race. “I felt very sorry that I did not execute cheers of the night. erupted after American Lilly King beat King narrowly beat her then slammed Phelps launched a broadside at drug my responsibilities,” he said of the pre- Venezuela never came within tainted Russian rival Yulia Efi mova and her rival, stoking the controversy over abusers and encouraged others to speak vious race. “In normal circumstances 21 points in the second half, but US superstar Michael Phelps demanded revelations of Russian stated-sponsored out. Phelps said those punished for it should have been two gold medals (in they led by a point three diff erent life bans for swimmers with a drug record. doping. doping should face permanent exile Rio).” times in the fi rst quarter. Paul George (top) of the USA “We kind of knew they were shoots over Venezuela’s Windi going to slow the game up, Graterol during the men’s prelim- change the pace, but we didn’t inary round Group A basketball expect it to be like that,” said match on Monday. (Reuters) Zen Colombian retires aft er lift ing gold Carmelo Anthony, seeking an unprecedented third Olympic contributed nine assists. Oscar Figueroa, a 33-year-old Colom- failed 143kg lifts in the snatch. minute or so, then removed his shoes men’s hoops gold medal. “We just didn’t knock down bian who practises meditation and was Figueroa’s meditation clearly helped and placed them on the stage as a sign The fairy tale faded quickly as shots,” Jordan said. “Once we recently sentenced to 16 months in because while his supporters were that he would now retire. the US outscored Venezuela 30-8 were able to settle down and prison, broke down in tears and retired in a frenzy and his rivals fell away, he Figueroa seemed to have second in the second quarter for a 48-26 play defence, we started hitting after winning Olympic gold in the men’s remained a picture of calmness. thoughts as he picked up his shoes, and half-time edge. Anthony scored some shots. Our defence is going 62kg weightlifting on Monday. He lifted 142kg in the snatch and 176kg he kept crying as he fell into the arms of 10 of his 14 points in the period, to carry us through this tourna- Figueroa, a silver medallist at the Lon- in the clean and jerk for a 318kg total his coaches at the side of the stage. surpassing Venezuela’s total on ment.” don 2012 Games who escaped jail when and edged Irawan by six kilos when the “It’s 22 years since I started and now his own. the sentence was commuted, came out Indonesian failed with a 179kg attempt is the time to retire, which is why I re- “In the second quarter we US WOMEN’S HOOPS on top in a head-to-head battle with in the clean and jerk. moved my shoes,” he told reporters. picked it up defensively and OLYMPIC WIN STREAK HITS 43 ’s Eko Yuli Irawan. Farkhad Kharki took bronze for Kaza- “But I am full of emotion — it’s as though turned the corner,” Anthony said. Diana Taurasi netted 13 points He was roared on by hundreds of noisy khstan with a 305kg total, with Japan’s I was lifting for the whole country, and Former NBA Most Valuable to lead fi ve double-digit points- Colombian supporters who cheered his There was an especially loud cheer Yoichi Itokazu fourth on 302kg. those tears were for all of Colombia. So Player Kevin Durant added 16 scorers Monday as the United every attempt, as well as the failures of when the favourite, China’s Chen Lijun, With gold assured, Figueroa fell to his maybe I will think about participating in points and fi ve assists while De- States stretched its Olympic his main rivals. withdrew with leg cramps after two knees in tears. He stayed there for a in 2020.” Andre Jordan had 14 points and women’s basketball win streak to nine rebounds and Kyle Lowry 43 games by ripping Spain 103-63. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 10, 2016 3

FOCUS Harting DIGEST taking no Cuban class act bayeva and 100-metre hurdler chances leaves one boxing Sergey Shubenkov had tried to seek a provisional ruling from with ‘sacred’ pro standing the court in order to compete Dominant China Just one professional boxer in Rio where the athletics com- throwing was left standing at the Rio petition starts on Friday. But Olympics after journeyman the court said that the IOC had hand lightweight Carmine Tomma- defined the conditions under sone from Italy was sent pack- which athletes could compete AFP ing by a street-smart Cuban in the wake of allegations of continue Berlin yesterday. Tommasone, 32, systematic doping in Russia, was one of three professionals that the athletics body IAAF controversially admitted to had banned all but the entire eigning Olympic the Games for the first time in Russian team, and that the Chinese squad on course discus champion Rob- Olympic boxing history and two athletes had not appealed for first-ever gold sweep Rert Harting has gone celebrated with a comprehen- until 15 days after the Court of gold rush left-handed for any daily sive victory at the weekend. Arbitration for Sport confirmed tasks to protect his “sacred” But he had no answer to the the IAAF ruling. throwing hand as he bids to elusive Jorge Lazaro Alvarez retain his title in Rio. in front of a paltry crowd, ANOC critical of The 31-year-old German allowing the slippery Cuban to blanket Paralympics giant touched down in Rio reach the latter stages of the ban on Russia de Janeiro yesterday and is competition in Rio with a fully taking no chances with his deserved unanimous decision. The Association of National health before the athletics Only Thailand’s Amnat Ruen- Olympic Committees (ANOC) section of the Olympics roeng — who spent time in a on Monday criticised a blanket starts on Friday. Thai jail for robbery — remains ban on Russian athletes at the He arrived in Brazil wearing of the professional trio who up-coming Paralympics in Rio, shorts and long socks to made it to Rio, after Hassan saying it was unfair for clean lower the risk of deep-vein Ndam Njikam of Cameroon athletes. The International thrombosis, and has been lost in a debatable decision to Paralympic Committee (IPC) training in Portugal, he says, a Brazilian boxer on Saturday. on Sunday imposed the ban to reduce the eff ects of the in the wake of allegations of time diff erence. Dutch cyclist still widespread and state-spon- But the most drastic precau- in hospital after sored doping in Russia, and tion of all has seen Harting horror crash the tampering of samples at switch hands for mundane the 2014 Sochi Games. “We are tasks. Annemiek van Vleuten will re- deeply concerned by the IPC’s “I open doors, for example, main in hospital but is recov- decision which will unfairly only with my left hand,” he ering well after a high-speed punish clean Russian athletes told German daily Bild crash in the Olympic women’s and prevent them from fulfill- on his arrival in Rio, admit- road race left her with three ing the goal they have worked ting he uses a pumice fractured vertebrae and towards over the last four stone to keep his medal- concussion, the Netherlands years,” ANOC president Sheikh winning right hand in top team doctor said yesterday. Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah said condition. It had originally been hoped in a statement. “While recog- “It’s not being superstitious, she would be discharged on nising the diff erence in the I’m just cautious. Monday after Sunday’s crash structures of Paralympic sport China’s and China’s Chen Aisen compete in the men’s Synchronised 10m Platform contest during the diving event at the Maria “My right hand, my throw- but no time has been set on in Russia, the IPC has decided Lenk Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. (AFP) ing hand, is sacred to me, I her release from hospital. “She to suspend Russia from the don’t touch anything with it is recovering well. Another Rio 2016 Paralympic Games; AFP It was the second straight day that the “When it (the score) came up, I pounced anymore.” MRI scan shows that there is favouring collective responsi- Rio de Janeiro Chinese anthem rung out over the Maria on Dan and I don’t think he was quite ready He also explained why he no further injury. The most bility over individual justice.” Lenk Aquatics Center, and may not be the for it, so before we knew it we had done a chose to skip the opening important thing now is that last. seventh dive,” said Daley. ceremony in Rio to train she need absolute rest,” Cees Another boxer hen Aisen and Lin Yue won the China is the dominant force in diving, Daley and Boudia will return to the pool in Portugal, rather than in Rein van den Hoogenband arrested over sexual men’s 10m synchronised Olym- winning six of the eight gold-medal con- later in the competition to face off against Germany. said. The cyclist slammed into assault suspicion pic diving competition Monday tests in London 2012, and seven of them in China’s Chen and in the 10m indi- “The time diff erence with the road and a stone kerb to keep the powerhouse Chinese in 2008. vidual. Brazil is less and the climate after losing control of her Namibia’s flag bearer from Ol- squadC on course for a potential fi rst-ever On Sunday, China’s Wu Minxia and Shi Boudia upset Qiu in a thrilling fi nal in is similar,” he explained. bike when leading on the final ympic opening ceremony has gold-medal sweep in Rio. Tingmao opened the competition with a London, one of only two golds won in 2012 Harting’s caution is under- descent toward Copacabana been arrested on suspicion Chen and Lin never looked threatened decisive triumph in the women’s 3m syn- by non-Chinese divers. Daley took the standable given the fate beach with around 15km of of sexual assault, organis- throughout the six-round contest and chronised springboard. bronze. of the middle finger on his the race remaining. ing committee spokesman went in for the kill on their fi fth dive, a That made Wu the most decorated div- The men’s and women’s teams are com- right hand. Mario Andrada confirmed on front 4 1/2 somersault tuck that won 9.5s er in history with fi ve golds, surpassing a peting in a total of eight gold-medal events: “I wanted to shorten the European lifting Monday. Jonas Junius is the and 10s from the dazzled judges. batch of others that included American the 10m platform, the 3m springboard, and walk to the training ground champ fails drug second boxer to be detained The Chinese fi nished a comfortable 39.87 legend and former Chinese the synchronised versions of each. in October 2011 and caught test, faces Rio exit by Brazilian police for such an points ahead of silver medallists David diving diva Guo Jingjing. Before the Rio Games began, China my finger while climbing a off ence, following Moroccan Boudia and Steele Johnson of the USA, with Over the course of Monday’s contest it had won 19 of the 24 gold medals avail- fence,” he said. Polish weightlifting Euro- boxer Hassan Saada, who was British star and his diving partner became increasingly clear that the only able across the men’s and women’s diving “The result was five op- pean champion and Olympic taken into custody on Friday. Daniel Goodfellow coming third. drama would be who got the men’s silver events at the three most recent Olympics. erations and six weeks in medal contender Tomasz According to the website of Lin, 25, became the fi rst diver to win two and gold. The women are particularly strong, hog- hospital. Zielinski could miss the Rio Brazilian paper O Globo, Ju- gold medals in the men’s 10m synchro and ging all the gold in the past two Games. “I always stretch the middle Games as his nation’s Olympic nius is suspected to have as- he dedicated the victory to his parents, SEVENTH HEAVEN Chen Ruolin of China, the two-time finger to release the tension. Committee said Monday he saulted a maid in the Olympic who sold their home to fi nance their son’s The Americans pumped their fi sts on con- reigning champion in both the women’s It needs to be nice and soft tested positive for the steroid village. The girl is said to have training when he was younger. fi rming silver on their sixth and last dive, 10m individual and synchronised events, for competition, so the nandrolone. The committee run away and called the po- “The only thing in my mind is that I have and Daley and Goodfellow likewise cel- could tie Wu’s fi ve gold medals if she wins discus can push in more said the 94-kilo category lifter lice. The International Olympic to do all I can do for my family to thank ebrated rapturously on the night’s fi nal in the 10m synch, which was scheduled for (before throwing).” submitted the positive sample Committee did not want to them for supporting me,” he said. plunge, tumbling into the pool in joy. later yesterday. at an out-of-competition test comment on the case owing on July 31. The B-sample was to the on-going investigation. opened on Sunday in Rio but the test result from the lab in IOC boss shrugs Size no barrier to Ono’s big the Olympic host city is pend- off Russia’s ing. The statement said that Paralympics ban Zielinski will be kicked out of Shohei Ono insisted small fighters could Ono’s style as classical upright Japanese do big judo. the Polish Olympic team if the Olympics chief Thomas Bach produce big judo after ending Japan’s judo, the fighter himself believes it is all “Overseas fighters tend to be bigger but second test confirms the origi- said Monday his organisation painful men’s gold medal drought by of his own making. even if you’re smaller, you can do big judo nal finding. Zielinski, 26, has a should not be compared to winning the under-73kg category at the “If people from outside Japan see my and be successful pursuing your style.” gold from the 2016 European the Paralympics governing Rio Olympics on Monday. judo and think it’s good, of course I’m Ono was majestic all day, pinning Costa championships and a body which banned Russia The controversial two-time world very happy about that,” he said. Rica’s Miguel Murillo and throwing silver from the same event over revelations of state- champion was imperious throughout “For me, it’s the Ono style of judo. What I Emirati Victor Scvortov for the full ippon in 2014. His brother, Adrian sponsored doping. Bach said the day and dominated world number wanted to do was demonstrate that the score with an inner thigh throw. Zielinski, won 85kg lifting gold the International Olympic two Rustam Orujov of in the Ono style is the strongest judo style – In the quarter-final he faced power- at the London 2012 Olympics Committee (IOC), which final, scoring the maximum ippon with the number one judo style. ful Georgian pick-up specialist Lasha and 2010 world champion- decided against barring Rus- an inner leg reap. “That certainly was the goal entering Shavdatuashvili, but struck quickly with ships. sia from the Rio Games, had Although fighting at light-middleweight, weight classes,” he said. the Olympics. I was able to demonstrate a hip wheel to score a decisive half point a diff erent relationship with Ono, 24, said his triumph would inspire “I was able to demonstrate even in this that and I’m very happy. waza-ari. Isinbayeva loses its members. The Paralym- smaller judoka to achieve greater feats. weight you can have a strong and beau- “I’m hoping children practising judo in In the semi-final against the surprise of appeal for Rio start pics body made headlines “When people look at Japanese judo a tiful performance.” Japan will be inspired and motivated by the day, Dirk Van Tichelt, he used the but will go to Brazil on Sunday when it banned lot of the attention goes to the heavy- Whilst many people would describe that and even if they are small they can stomach throw to win by ippon. Russia from Rio. Its leader Yelena Isinbayeva’s bid to com- Philip Craven voiced disgust pete at the Rio Olympics was at the state-orchestrated dop- rejected by the Swiss Federal ing uncovered by the World GYMNASTICS Tribunal on Monday but the Anti-Doping Agency. Bach said Russian pole vault heroine will the IPC was diff erent from the come to Brazil next week in IOC because it administers lobby for support to become the sports at the Paralympics, Russians top Uchimura completes medal a member of the International while the IOC operates sepa- Olympic Commmitee (IOC) rately to its individual sports podium haul with Japan triumph athletes’ commission. Isin- federations.

Reuters It was the fi rst all-Rus- AFP Rio de Janeiro sian Olympic fencing fi nal Rio de Janeiro ASSESSMENT in 20 years. The highly touted Ameri- ussian fencer Yana cans were out before the ohei Uchimura complet- Egorian beat top- quarter-fi nals. Both took ed his collection of gym- Rio sailors: it’s safe ranked teammate over an hour to compose nastics titles on Monday in themselves before facing re- by leading Japan to men’s aR close-fought sabre fi - porters having left the piste OlympicsK team gold with Russia to go in the water nal at the Rio Olympics overwhelmed with emotion. returning to the podium for the on Monday, with London fi rst time since 2000 to take silver. AFP this,” said the United States’ 2012 bronze medallist Olga PROUD Two-time champions China Rio de Janeiro Pedro Pascal, who windsurfed in Kharlan of again Muhammad, an African- were restricted to bronze in a one of the opening events, along on the third step of the po- American Muslim who be- thrilling fi nal. A devastated Chi- with Laser class dinghies. dium. came the fi rst US Olympian nese team held their heads in their lympic sailors gave “I think it’s the best place to It was a disappointing to compete in a hijab, ad- hands in the Rio Olympic Arena. Rio’s notoriously pol- sail in the world in a technical day for US fencing, howev- mitted frustration with her Victory put Japan back on top luted waters a thumbs sense,” said Denmark’s Anette er, with Athens and Beijing early exit but pride in mak- of the podium for the fi rst time Japan’s Kohei Uchimura competes in the vault of the men’s team final of up after the fi rst day of Viborg, who is competing in the champion ing history. since 2004 with a seventh gold in racesO in stiff winds Monday. Nacra 17 catamaran with Allan the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena on Monday. (AFP) and Ibtihaj Muhammad “Anyone who has paid an event the country dominated Despite worries over the mas- Norregaard. both losing their second attention to the news at all through fi ve Olympic Games in The fi ve-man Japanese team, set Japan on their way with a soar- sive presence of bacteria from US Finn class sailor Caleb bouts. would realise the impor- the 1960s and 1970s. which also included Koji Yama- ing 16.133. Competing last Uchimu- raw sewage and the danger of Paine, who was also out training Egorian scored her fourth tance of having a Muslim Six-time world all-around and muro, Ryohei Kato, Yusuke Tan- ra, 27, scored 15.600 to seal the title collisions between boats and Monday, called the water “very win in a year over Velikaya woman on Team USA... in Olympic champion Uchimura aka and Kenzo Shirai, had been after taking silver in 2008 and 2012. fl oating debris, most sailors nice.” to pick up the gold medal light of what’s going on in also claimed the only title miss- leading Russia by just 0.208 going Japan scored 274.094 after the praised the setting and challeng- If fl oating garbage is a risk for in a fi nal so tense and quiet our country, the political ing from his vast collection with into their fi nal fl oor rotation with six rotations with Russia, who had ing course. slowing down boats, then so is that a baby could be heard fuss that we hear about,” a sixth Games medal and second China third at 0.739. lead early, fi nishing on 271.453 and “This is like perfect condi- seaweed, he said. “Every place crying in the stands. she said. in gold. But world fl oor champion Shirai China 271.122. tions. You can’t get better than has a little twist to it.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 10, 2016 OLYMPICS

OPINION It’s Fina, not Efi mova, who deserve opprobrium The Russian swimmer cut a dejected figure during her medal presentation but targeting one swimmer doesn’t address Fina’s shortcomings

By Andy Bull in Rio de Janeiro persecuted. that the report lacked credibility and and “that the legitimacy of the Fina theguardian.com She has been living in the USA for that he was worried there was “a drive World Championships this summer is four years, she said, and was only in behind the scenes to get a global coali- at great risk.” Russia for “maybe one month a year”. tion of support” to “call for the total ban This wasn’t inside information. It was n the long history of the Games She insisted she had nothing to do with, on Russia”. A little later, he added that readily available in a German TV docu- there couldn’t have been many and knew nothing about, the Russian he felt Wada had “exceeded its powers”. mentary that could be seen on YouTube. sadder silver medallists than Yulia state-sponsored doping program which It wasn’t so long ago—a year and 10 Marculescu’s response was to promise IEfi mova. was exposed in the McLaren report, and months to the week, if you like to be “that we have excellent working relations It wasn’t the race, or that she fi nished that she was being unfairly persecuted precise—that Maglione fl ew to Russia with Rusada and we coordinate with second. She said herself that it was “the for political reasons. to personally present Vladimir Putin them our doping control programme in best I can do right now”. It was the fact “In the Olympic Games, usually all with something called the ‘Fina Order’, Russia.” Marculescu and Maglione both that winning it meant she fi nally had to wars stop, but now they can’t fi nd a way which they award “to a head of state or agreed that the Championships talk to the press. And everything else to beat Russia and now they try to make individuals of high dignity who have were the best there had ever been. she has been through too; the boos she use of athletes. I would really like to achieved remarkable merit in the world No wonder that Jon Rudd, who has heard every night in the pool, and encourage my fellow athletes to under- of aquatics”. coaches former Olympic champion Ruta the blunt opinions expressed by her fel- stand my problems,” Efi mova said, “and It was a ‘thank you’ for his personal Meilutyte, said last month that Fina have low competitors. not let politics into it. It is very upsetting contribution to their sport. Putin’s “lost their way”, that their “credibility Not least the one who beat her, the that some athletes don’t believe that. most notable contribution was that he and respect could not be any lower”. No USA’s Lilly King, who said over and again They watch television, they read news- had Russia host the lavish World Cham- wonder that the great Australia coach that Efi mova shouldn’t have been allowed papers, they have no idea of the facts.” pionships in Kazan last year. The very Bill Sweetenham thinks the doping to swim here, and refused to congratulate As confusing as the situation is, it’s same World Championships, of course, problem is “as bad as it has ever been”. her after the race was over, because Efi - still clearer than the sport’s governing which McLaren revealed had been sys- Because Efi mova isn’t the only one. mova had twice failed drugs tests. And body Fina’s thinking. The Russian press tematically undermined by Russia’s Like Rudd said, she’s just “the tip of the here’s the thing: King was right to take reported that Fina actually wrote to sports ministry, security forces, and an- iceberg”, “a representative of the sys- that stand. Too few in her sport do, least CAS to support Efi mova in the very case ti-doping agency. Which is what Efi mo- tem that doesn’t work”. of all the men and women who run it. she was bringing against them. Fina de- va says she is now being punished for. Efi mova may be a cheat, but they run Efi mova said she was happy, but clined to comment on that. Long before those Championships the system that has let her compete. didn’t seem it. Speaking in faltering They were, however, very keen to had even started, Fina’s executive di- It is Fina’s fault that there have been English, she said that she couldn’t ex- talk about Wada’s McLaren report. So rector Cornel Marculescu was warned as many jeers as cheers in the Aquatic plain how she felt but that she would keen, in fact, that two days before it had by the World Swimming Coaches Asso- Stadium so far this week, so if you really ask everyone to “just try to understand even been released their President, Julio ciation that “(Rusada) are clearly com- want to know who to boo, it isn’t her, me, if you can”. She felt she was being Maglione, put out a statement saying Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova cries after finishing second in 100m breaststroke plicit in the doping of Russian athletes” but them. SPOTLIGHT ‘Reformed’ Conte now off ers to help ‘I thought Cold War clean up the sport was long in the past’ Efimova hits out at competitors who badmouthed her after her 100m breaststroke silver medal

Reuters embracing a past he knows he Rio de Janeiro can never escape. A former bass guitarist who switched careers, Conte has ictor Conte is back used a gregarious personality in business—and this and self-taught knowledge Vtime he says it’s legal. of nutrition to gain access to The man who was jailed some of the top names in sport. a decade ago for helping “I clearly understand I athletes be faster, higher, cannot run from my past. I stronger by supplying them am who I am, I do what I do,” with illegal steroids is now said Conte, stretching back providing nutritional supple- on a couch. “I’m not going to ments to a new generation try and hide certain pictures of elite athletes, mostly from and act like I never did those boxing and mixed martial arts. things. A lot of this stuff was Conte says his supplement all on the walls in BALCO. Peo- firm, SNAC, is on track for $5mn ple would come in, I would al- in sales this year. Based in San ways say welcome to the Hall Carlos, California, it is just a few of Fame or Shame, depending miles from his now-defunct on your viewpoint.” BALCO lab, infamous for cook- As the Rio Games unfold, ing up the biggest sport drugs the dark clouds of yet another scandal in the United States. doping controversy hang over But unlike BALCO, he ex- the Olympic movement, with plains, all the products on the dozens of Russian athletes warehouse shelves of SNAC, banned from competing after or Scientific Nutrition for the discovery that Russia had Advanced Conditioning, meet been running a state-backed global anti-doping standards. doping programme. Conte, who served four Having spent years helping months in a federal prison in athletes escape the anti-doping 2006 for supplying perform- dragnet, Conte insists he has ance-enhancing steroids to seen the light. No longer part of dozens of athletes, says all the problem, he now wants to that remains of BALCO is be part of the solution, off ering memorabilia: a rouges gallery his insight and expertise to of drug cheats that hangs on help snare drug cheats. his off ice walls. He has been following There are framed and doping developments closely signed pictures of former from what he calls the “red clients such as Major League light district of sports”, saying baseball’s home-run king fighters talk to him about the Barry Bonds and disgraced latest performance-enhancing sprint queen Marion Jones. drugs and that he is eager They hang alongside the auto- to pass on these tips to anti- graphed jersey of National doping agencies. Football League admitted One hot drug right now, ac- doper Bill Romanowski and cording to Conte, is a peptide other grid iron greats. hormone known as IGF-1 LR3, “In my own mind it is a small which aids in the produc- By Shaun Walker in Moscow Why start it again, by using sport?” of the Games. “They were glad I spoke out and I had the form of restitution,” Conte tion of growth hormone and The Guardian Her comments refl ect the widely held “I don’t even know how I made it to the guts to say that and I appreciate their sup- told Reuters. “I caused a lot enables an athlete to boost view in Russia that the bans are part of an fi nal,” she continued. “The last few weeks port. Standing up for what I believe is right, of damage, I harmed a lot muscle mass. anti-Russian conspiracy, despite evidence have been very hard, and I can’t remember I felt like I had to perform even better to- of people, I’m trying to help “I’ve learned of this from ussian swimmer Yulia Efi mova, of the state colluding in a massive doping the last time I had more than four hours of night than I have in the past.” others not go through what some track athletes. I’ve also who was booed on the podium af- programme. sleep. I wasn’t in my best form. I’m really Many athletes and other offi cials have happens when you go down learned it from some UFC ter taking the silver medal in the “I’m really happy, because what has hap- upset I couldn’t win today.” expressed anger that Russians were al- that slippery slope. I accepted fighters who claim they take Rwomen’s 100m breaststroke, hit pened to me is unbelievable. I made a mis- Many of her competitors had little time lowed to compete at Rio, given the severity full consequences and went it the day of competition, get out at competitors who badmouthed her take once, and I served the punishment. for the idea of Efi mova as the victim, how- of the allegations involving a complicated, to prison.” tested and they are not able for doping, and claimed the West was using What happened the second time wasn’t ever. King had reacted angrily to Efi mova state-run doping programme and cover- With his familiar pencil to find it. sport to fi ght a new Cold War. my fault. I don’t know if I should explain in raising her fi nger in a “No.1” gesture after up. However, Russian president Vladimir moustache and welcoming “I’m hearing from the dark US swimmer Lilly King, who won gold, front of everyone,” Efi mova added. winning her semi-fi nal, and Swedish swim- Putin and other top offi cials have repeat- grin, Conte explains the story side that this is what people had been involved in a spat with Efi mova Efi mova tested positive for a banned ster- mer Jennie Johansson, who just missed out edly claimed the allegations against Russia behind each framed photo. are doing,” he says. “The test- prior to the race, and a number of other oid in 2013, and then again this winter for on the fi nal, voiced her frustration with Efi - are politicised. Jones returned her Olympic ing may have improved some- competitors had registered their frustration meldonium. She claimed she had stopped mova on Instagram. “The deliberate campaign targeting our gold medals and went to what, but Olympic athletes that Efi mova, who was banned twice for taking meldonium before it was outlawed “Unfortunately I fi nished ninth… My athletes was characterised by so-called dou- prison. Bonds escaped jail but are still able to circumvent the doping, had been allowed to take part. but the drug was still in her system, and she heart and my mind will still be swimming ble standards,” Putin said on the eve of the because of his steroid-fuelled testing system and use PEDs.” “I understand the people who didn’t con- was allowed to compete after the Internationl in that fi nal even if the actual lane is taken Games. He claimed medals won at these Ol- feats voters have kept him out Conte says he wants to pass gratulate me because the media was full of Swimming Federation lifted the ban after ad- by someone that doesn’t deserve it,” she ympics would be worth less because “strong of the Baseball Hall of Fame on information about what he fake stories about me,” said Efi mova, Rus- vice from the World Anti-Doping Agency wrote. Many in the crowd booed Efi mova’s competitors” from Russia had been kept out. and has an asterisk attached is hearing from fighters and sia’s Tass agency reported from Rio. “But who are further researching the drug. entrance prior to the race, and again when As fi rst revealed by the Observer, the to his home-run record. Ro- other athletes to the World on the other hand I don’t really understand Her appearance at Rio was nevertheless she took the podium. entire Russian team has been banned from manowski retired. Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) the foreign competitors. All athletes should in doubt until the last minute, after a ruling Afterwards, King was unrepentant on her the Paralympics, with International Paral- Dozens of others had repu- and other anti-doping bodies be above politics, but they just watch TV that no Russian competitor who had served earlier comments about Efi mova. ympics Committee president Philip Craven tations and careers destroyed, but believes they are and believe everything they read. I always a previous ban for doping could compete, “I basically said what everybody’s think- saying: “Their medals over morals mental- but Conte has emerged dismissive of him. thought the Cold War was long in the past. which was overturned on appeal on the eve ing,” she told journalists after the fi nal. ity disgusts me.” Gulf Times Wednesday, August 10, 2016 5

RUGBY FOCUS Japan Australia clinch inaugural shock All Blacks as Williams women’s sevens gold out of Rio

New Zealand settle for silver after losing to their trans-Tasman neighbours, Canada take bronze AFP Rio de Janeiro Reuters Rio de Janeiro apan stunned New Zea- land 14-12 in their opening ustralia became the fi rst Ol- match of the Olympic rug- ympic champions in women’s Jby sevens yesterday as All when they ran Blacks star out convincing 24-17 winners was ruled of the Rio Games. overA trans-Tasman neighbours New The opening pool match upset Zealand in the gold medal fi nal at the was an echo of Japan’s famous Deodoro Stadium in Rio on Monday. victory over South Africa in the The world series champions went be- 15-a-side World Cup in Bright- hind early in the match but unanswered on, the biggest shock the sport tries from , Evania has ever seen. “It’s unbelievable, Pelite, and you never see a minnow team gave them a lead New Zealand were un- come here and beat a team sup- able to overhaul. The Australians hud- posed to be a gold medal con- dled in tearful hugs under the posts at tender. I’m still shocked, to be the realisation their dream, not only honest,” said Japan’s New Zea- of having the chance to compete in the land-born playmaker Lomano Games but of winning gold, had been Lemeki. realised. “It brings tears to my eyes,” ex- At a sun-kissed Deodoro Sta- plained Green. “We’ve just made Aus- dium, with massive support tralian history, rugby history. It means for the underdogs, Truya Goto everything.” squeezed past ’s New Zealand, who had two tries from tackle to dot down in the corner the outstanding Kayla McAlister and to open Japan’s account. Their one at the death from Portia Wood- lead was short-lived, however, man, performed a tearful haka in front as exchanged passes of the crowd at the end of the match, with before putting their dreams of gold shattered. “Pretty in skipper Scott Curry. gutted. We came out here to win a gold Akira Ioane crossed for New medal and we are bringing back a silver,” Zealand’s second but Kameli said New Zealand captain Sara Goss. Soejima scrambled over to draw “But silver’s still good in New Zealand’s the scores level, Katsuyuki eyes and we hope we have done them Sakai’s conversion pulling the proud.” Japanese two points clear for a It was the spell around halftime that famous win. Woodman, the top try scorer in the “As we played on, the boys tournament with 10, spent in the sin- started to get more confi dent,” bin for a deliberate knock-on that prob- said Lemeki. “New Zealand ably ended New Zealand’s hopes. With- started to struggle a bit there out question the best two of the 12 teams so we thought if we keep mov- in the tournament, both New Zealand ing the ball around the big guys and Australia had come through scares Australian team celebrate after winning women’s rugby sevens gold at the Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. (AFP / Philippe Lopez) would tire somewhere and they at the hands of the United States on did. We’ve just shown that any Sunday to stamp their authority on the holes in the New Zealand defence and extend Australia’s lead and although already well into their celebrations coach said he thought the team can win in sevens.” semi-fi nals. when Woodman was sent off for two McAlister grabbed her second try, two when Tyla Nathan-Wong took the con- inaugural women’s tournament had Seeing Williams, a two-time After a tight and physical start to the minutes, fi rst Pelite then speedster converted scores for New Zealand in lit- version. Canada earlier took the bronze shown the sport deserved its place at World Cup winner with the All fi nal, McAlister forced her way over in Green benefi ted from the extra space to tle more than a minute was always going with a 33-10 victory over Britain. the Games. “We certainly up held the Blacks, being helped off was a the corner for her sixth try of the tour- give the women in green and gold a 17-5 to be a big ask. Rugby was last included at the Ol- values of the Olympic movement, and “boost”, Soejima said. Williams nament to give New Zealand an early lead just after halftime. Woodman did fi nally weave her way ympics in in 1924 when the United rugby,” he said.”I think we have created was later ruled out of the rest of lead before Tonegato hit back with her Charlotte Caslick then nipped over over to score under the posts but the States beat hosts France in the fi nal of a a very sustainable future for rugby sev- the Olympics with an achilles seventh. Australia had started to fi nd for another converted try to further hooter had sounded and Australia were men’s 15-aside tournament. Australia ens at the Olympic Games.” tendon injury, the New Zealand Olympic team announced. INDIA ROUND-UP Murray, Nadal in last-16, Archer Atanu, Indian men’s Djokovic out of doubles too Rio de Janeiro: Defending champion Andy Mur- ray raced into the Olympic Games third round yesterday, blitzing close friend Juan Monaco of Argentina 6-3, 6-1. World number two Murray is hockey team win at Rio looking to make the most of the shock open- ing round exit of top seed Novak Djokovic and IANS become the first man to win two singles golds. Rio de Janeiro The 29-year-old Wimbledon champion, who has not lost to Monaco in six years, will face France’s Benoit Paire, the 16th seed, or Fabio ndian archer Atanu Das raised hopes of Fognini of Italy for a quarter-final spot. a medal, entering the men’s individual Meanwhile, Djokovic suff ered a second Olym- 1/8 eliminators while the men’s hockey pic defeat in the space of 24 hours when he and Iteam also edged closer to quarter-fi nal Nenad Zimonjic were knocked out of the men’s qualifi cation with its second win in three pool doubles. The Serb pair lost 6-4, 6-4 to Brazilian matches at the Rio Olympics here yesterday. fourth seeds Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares. Das won a very close fought contest 139- The 2008 champion Rafael Nadal, the third 135 over ’s Adrian Andres Puentes Perez seeded Spaniard, beat Italy’s Andreas Seppi 6-3, at the Rio Olympics while a gritty India simi- 6-3. He was later to team up with Marc Lopez larly won by a narrow 2-1 margin against Ar- to face Oliver Marach and Alexander Peya for a gentina in Pool B. Chinglensana (8th minute) place in the men’s doubles semi-finals. and Kothajit Khadangbam (35th) were the Despite having not played a tournament scorers for India. Gonzalo Peillat (49th) re- for two months because of a wrist injury, the duced the margin for Argentina at the Olym- 30-year-old Nadal is piling on the workload in pic Hockey Stadium. Rio. He’s also signed up for mixed doubles with It is India’s second win in three Pool B Garbine Muguruza and they start their cam- matches, after beating Ireland 3-2 and getting paign today. beaten by Germany 1-2. Both teams started Meanwhile, French Open champion and third off on a cautious note but it was India’s S V seed Muguruza’s singles campaign came to an Sunil and Ramandeep, who fi rst made a clini- end as she lost 6-1, 6-1 to Monica Puig of Puerto cal penetrations inside the Argentine defence Rico. Puig, the world number 34, goes on to face to take fi rst penalty corner of the match in the Germany’s Laura Siegemund for a place in the opening minutes. semi-finals. Success came few minutes later when Spain’s world number 12 David Ferrer was also the India got their second penalty corner as knocked out. Russia’s Evgeny Donskoy edged Chinglensana fi red them into the lead with 34-year-old Ferrer in three tense sets. Donskoy, a powerful strike. India went into half time ranked 84 in the world, upset former French Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova lets out a roar leading 1-0. Open finalist Ferrer 3-6 7-6(1) 7-5. after winning her third round singles tennis Argentine players came out stronger af- American seventh seed Madison Keys hailed match against Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova at ter half time but it was India who scored in Serena Williams for inspiring her to reach the the Olympic Tennis Centre in Rio de Janeiro the initial minutes as Kothajit Khadangbam quarter-finals. Keys, 21, was the first woman into yesterday. (AFP / Martin Bernetti) scored a fi eld goal in the 35th minute of the the last-eight thanks to a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over third quarter to make it 2-0. gritty Spaniard, Carla Suarez Navarro. But she just two games. On Monday, Serena ended a Argentina proved superior the last quarter Chinglensana Singh (centre) of India celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal gave credit to 22-time Slam winner Williams, three-match losing streak against France’s Alize and reduced the margin with 10 minutes still against Argentina during the hockey men’s Pool B match yesterday. (Reuters / Sergio Moraes) the top seed in Rio and defending Olympic Cornet. But it was a rollercoaster 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 to play but India hung on to seal the victory. champion. victory for the 34-year-old world number one In archery, the best of fi ve sets encounter Earlier yesterday, Das beat Nepal’s Jitbaha- A/B. The remaining three rowers of each set “Hey, I’m happy to be on the same team as who 24 hours earlier had suff ered her first ever between Das and Perez lived up to its billing. dur Muktan 88-76 in the pre-quarterfi nals. (12 in total) qualifi ed for the semi-fi nal C/D. Serena Williams, it’s thanks to her that I was able Olympic Games women’s doubles loss with But Das showed more composure and focus to Das began on a booming note, winning the Bhokanal fi nished the 2000 metre mark with to get my ranking up and qualify,” said Keys. sister Venus. Cornet defeated the American star edge out his opponent 28-26, 29-26, 26-27, fi rst three of the best of fi ve sets 29-26, 29- a time of 6.59.89. Keys, who made the Australian Open semi- three times in 2014, including at Wimbledon, 27-28, 29-28 at the Sambodromo. 24, 30-26. His C/D semi-fi nal, for determination of finals in January, will face either Italy’s Sara and proved to be a thorn in her opponent’s side The fi ght between the two inspired oppo- But not all was rosy for India as rower Dat- the 13th-18th position in the standings, is to- Errani or promising Daria Kasatkina of Russia for again in Rio. nents was very tight. Das grabbed a two set tu Baban Bhokanal failed to enter the medal day. a place in the last four. Second seed Angelique Kerber faces Aus- lead hitting three perfect 10 shots out of his round, fi nishing fourth in his men’s singles Shooter Heena Sidhu failed to qualify for Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova tralia’s 2011 US Open winner Samantha Stosur fi rst six attempts when Adrian managed two. sculls quarter-fi nals to be placed 15th in the the medal round fi nishing 21st among 40 needed three sets to beat Russia’s Ekaterina while third seeded Muguruza takes on Monica But the Cuban managed a turnaround hit- overall standings. competitors in the 25 metre women’s Pistol Makarova 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Puig of Puerto Rico ting two consecutive 10s in the fourth set two He started in Lane 5 in the fourth quarter- qualifi cation round. Williams continues her assault on a fifth ca- French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a poten- make it two each. But in the all-important fi - fi nal and ended the race fourth among six She totalled 576 after the precision (286) reer Olympic gold when she faces Elina Svitolina tial quarter-final opponent, lost 6-4, 6-3 to Gilles nal set, Das kept his focus intact and hit two rowers at the Lagoa Stadium. Four sets quar- and rapid (290) stages. Heena fi nished a lowly of Ukraine. The 34-year-old American has won Muller of Luxemburg. Japan’s fourth seed Kei successive 10s to confi rm the contest in his ter-fi nals were conducted, each with six row- 30th after the precision stage and fared just all four meetings against Svitolina including Nishikori wrapped up Sunday with a 7-6 (7/4), favour. Das will next face South Korea’s Se- ers. The fi rst three rowers of each set of quar- a bit better in the rapid stage but it wasn’t at this year’s French Open where she gave up 6-4 win over Australia’s John Millman. ungyun Lee in the 1/8 Eliminators on Friday. ters (12 in total) qualifi ed for the semi-fi nal enough for qualifi cation. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Australia’s celebrates with her daughter Sophie after winning gold in the rugby sevens at the Deodoro Stadium. (Reuters / Phil Noble)

Andy Murray of United Kingdom reacts as a boy runs on to the court to ask him for an autograph, after he won his match against Juan Monaco of Argentina at the Olympic Tennis Centre. (Reuters / Kevin Lamarque) Brazilian players get into a huddle after their victory over Argentina in the women’s qualifying volleyball match at the Maracanazinho stadium, during the 2016 Rio Olympics. (AFP / Johannes Eisele)

India’s Atanu Das shoots an arrow during his win over Cuba’s Adrian Andres Puentes Perez at the Filippo Lanza of Italy (left) spikes the ball as USA’s (from left) Matt Anderson, David Lee and Aaron Russell Sambodromo archery venue. (AFP / Jewel Samad) attempt to block it during the Men’s Preliminary Pool A match. (Reuters / Marcelo del Pozo)

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach reacts as he tries virtual reality skiing, complete with artificial snow falling, as he attends an event promoting South Korea’s forthcoming 2018 New Zealand’s women’s team during a practice session at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, on Copacabana promenade in Rio Rio Olympic Velodrome yesterday. (Reuters / Matthew Childs) de Janeiro yesterday. (AFP / Leon Neal) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 10, 2016 7

Nick Dempsey of Great Britain wins Windsurfer sailing preliminary France’s Camille Grassineau (left) and Elodie Guiglion (centre) are in tears after their defeat to US in the women’s rugby sevens match. (AFP / Philippe Lopez) race at Marina de Gloria. (Reuters / Brian Snyder)

Sports enthusiast Jarbas Meneghini (centre) poses with children from his neighbourhood holding the ‘Olympic Torch’ inside his home in Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro yesterday. Menenghini, a 47-year-old mechanic, who when he was young wanted to be a footballer, has turned his home into a sort of museum of the Olympic Games where every Sunday since last month, the children from the neighbourhood gather to play the ‘Olympic Games’. (AFP / Tasso Marcelo)

USA’s Michael Phelps competes in the 200m butterfly semi-final at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. (AFP / Gabriel Bouys)

Japanese team celebrates after winning team gold at the Artistic Gymnastics. (AFP / Thomas Coex)

Germany’s Marcel Hacker receives medical assistance after the men’s Double Sculls semi-final rowing Argentina’s pivot Rocio Campigli is tackled hard by the Netherlands players during the women’s Group B handball preliminary match at the competition at the Lagoa stadium yesterday. (AFP / Damien Meyer) Future Arena in Rio. (AFP / Eric Feferberg) Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, August 10, 2016 SPORT

WELL DONE Celebrations in Japan aft er Ichiro’s 3,000-hit feat

AFP for all of Japan as well as the Unit- quent stints with several MLB clubs. Tokyo ed States,” Chief Cabinet Secretary That sum total has resulted in some Yoshihide Suga told reporters. US voices, saying it is not in the same “I want to heartily express my con- class as that of the legendary Pete apan celebrated on Monday af- gratulations on his achievement of the Rose, who garnered his Major League ter the country’s baseball star brilliant record in the Japanese and US record 4,256 hits over a 24-year career, Ichiro Suzuki became the 30th baseball world,” the top government mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. member of Major League Base- spokesman said. “I was so moved at the moment,” ball’sJ elite 3,000-hit club, with grow- The Saga Shimbun, a local newspaper Suzuki’s father Nobuyuki, 73, told re- ing hopes he will be enshrined in the in southwestern Japan, also issued an porters. “I hope he will continue to Hall of Fame. online extra edition, saying: “He is cer- play until the age of 50.” Television footage showed busi- tain to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame.” Ichiro made his professional de- nessmen and shoppers fl ocking at an Ichiro tied late Pittsburgh Pirates’ but for Japan’s Orix BlueWave in 1992 Osaka railway station in western Japan great Roberto Clemente for 29th place before moving to the North American to grab “extra” editions published by on baseball’s all-time hit list. He also major leagues. He became the fi rst Jap- the mass-circulation Yomiuri Shim- had an infi eld single in Saturday’s game anese position player in Major League bun with a headline saying: “Ichiro to get within one of the milestone. history in 2001, debuting with the marks 3,000 hits in USA.” “This is a real milestone that Amer- Seattle Mariners and earning Ameri- Public broadcaster NHK sent a news ica also can’t help but acknowledge,” can League Rookie of the Year and fl ash immediately after the 42-year- said Sadaharu Oh, Japan’s retired Most Valuable Player honours. old Miami Marlins centre fi elder blast- home-run king, referring to some Profoundly revered among Japanese ed a triple in the seventh inning against opinions in the US after Ichiro in June public, Ichiro is a frequent subject of the Colorado Rockies as the Marlins smacked his 4,257th career hit — di- television documentaries, detailing won 10-7 on Sunday in Denver. vided between his early years in Japa- his stoic preparations for games during “It was a long-awaited moment nese professional baseball and subse- and off season.

BASEBALL Stoudemire chooses Hapoel over non-playoff NBA teams

Reuters Stoudemire, who averaged Jerusalem 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds a game in his NBA career with the Suns, New York Knicks, Rodriguez to play eteran basketball stand- Dallas Mavericks and Heat and out Amar’e Stoudemire was hampered by injuries in Vyesterday said he turned recent years, called Jerusalem down off ers to continue playing his favourite city in the world in the NBA and decided to fol- because of its ancient history. low his “Hebraic roots” and play “Now, to be able to continue in Israel for Hapoel Jerusalem. to play the game of basketball in A former first-round draft Jerusalem is an opportunity that fi nal game with pick of the Phoenix Suns and can only happen once in some- six-time All Star, Stoudemire, 33, one’s lifetime,” said Stoudemire, last week called time on his NBA who a few years ago discovered career and signed a two-year he had maternal Jewish roots. contact with Jerusalem, saying Last season, Hapoel Jerusa- he wanted to lead rather than lem failed to retain the league ti- come off the bench. tle it had won for the first time a “I felt like I didn’t want to just season earlier and was knocked Yankees on Friday wait around and be the last guy on out early in European club the roster, I don’t want to end my competition. Stoudemire, who career that way,” Stoudemire said. had owned a stake in the team, ‘This is a tough day. I love this game and I love this team. Today, I say goodbye “I want to end my career on said his goal was to win both. a good, healthy note so that’s “I don’t play for fun,” he said. “I to both. This is also a proud day. I was 18 when I broke into the big leagues. I when I decided to retire (from play because I want to win.” the National Basketball As- In the past week, Jerusa- never thought I could play for 22 years. I want to thank the Steinbrenner family sociation),” he said after a news lem’s season ticket sales have conference with Israeli media in jumped. His entry is sure to in- for giving me this opportunity and making me part of this team and giving me Jerusalem. ject more energy to the league, The 6-foot-11 (2.11-metre) which in the past has been the opportunity to stay involved and mentor the next generation of Yankees’ Stoudemire said three NBA dominated by Maccabi Tel Aviv. teams, whom he did not name, Stoudemire admitted it will be discussed contracts but he “didn’t an adjustment playing in Israel want to play for a team that didn’t and Europe just as it was com- have a chance for a title”. ing out of high school to play Playoff contenders overlooked in Phoenix. “But I want to make him after a season with Miami sure that I am going to play here where he started most of the while I still have good health,” Heat’s final 40 games, he added. he said.

MOTORSPORT Indonesia’s Haryanto races to fi nd funding

AFP Grand Prix at the end of August. Haryanto signed a one-year deal with Manor in February af- ter his backers managed to secure ndonesia’s fi rst Formula One enough fi nancial support after driver Rio Haryanto may be a long struggle. However his F1 forced to make an early exit career has not got off to a stellar from this year’s F1 season if start and he is currently joint bot- leagues. I never thought I could play for season after his acceptance of a 162-game The Yankees said Rodriguez in his new heI fails to quickly raise millions of tom in the drivers’ standings with AFP New York 22 years. I want to thank the Steinbrenner suspension from the league. role would be assigned to work with dollars, an offi cial said yesterday. zero points. Manor are currently family for giving me this opportunity and Rodriguez is four home runs shy of 700 various players at all levels of the farm His team Manor Racing re- in 10th place in the constructor making me part of this team and giving for his career. He has two homers since system, including some of the club’s top cently sent a letter to the Indo- standings with one point. he New York Yankees have an- me the opportunity to stay involved and June 3, leaving his career total at 696. He prospects. nesian government — which has nounced that their 14-time All- mentor the next generation of Yankees.” trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron He will off er instruction to players in helped support Haryanto — ask- US racer Clauson dies Star Alex Rodriguez will play The Yankees made him a designated (755) and Babe Ruth (714) on the career list. conjunction with the Yankees Baseball ing for a payment of seven mil- after dirt-track smash This fi nal game with the Major hitter in a resurgent 2015 season but he Many of his Yankee teammates Operations and Player Development De- lion euros ($7.7 million) to allow League Baseball team on Friday. has slumped mightily this season and has attended Monday’s news conference, partments. him to continue racing, said the American race car driver Bryan The 41-year-old Rodriguez will then be started just one game since July 22. sitting in a row of seats in the back of the Rodriguez said he would leave the team country’s sports ministry. Clauson, who competed in three released and has been off ered a job in the He is in a four-for-36 batting slump and room. Manager Joe Girardi said he is going after Friday’s game and doesn’t expect to The money, which is the Indianapolis 500 races, died front offi ce as a special advisor and in- has struck out in fi ve of his last six at-bats. to sit down and talk to Rodriguez and ask start working as an instructor until next outstanding payment from a from injuries suff ered in a sprint structor, Yankees general manager Brian In March, Rodriguez said he planned him how he wants to end his playing days spring training. deal agreed with Manor, must car crash on a dirt track in Kan- Cashman said. to retire at the end of the 2017 season. He with the team. “It’s been very painful and embarrass- be handed over otherwise the sas. He was 27. He was involved Rodriguez, whose career was tainted by now says he still feels he can play baseball. “I am going to talk to him and see where ing to sit on the bench. It’s been awkward,” 23-year-old faces being re- in a two-car smash at Saturday his use of performance-enhancing drugs, “Sure, I think I can play baseball,” Ro- he is at,” Girardi said. “He has the right to Rodriguez said. placed with another driver, ac- night’s Belleville Midget Nation- said his decision to accept a front offi ce role driguez said. change his mind if he gets home and says cording to the ministry. als on a half-mile oval. Clauson’s was a diffi cult one. But he did not rule out “You always think you have one more ‘You know what, I want to keep going.’ MLB RESULTS His major sponsor, state- vehicle then overturned in the playing for another team down the road. hit. No athlete ever ends his career the Players die two lives. Once when you take TORONTO 7 Tampa Bay 5 owned energy company Per- middle of the track before he was A-Rod’s release will cap a legendary way you want to. We all want to keep play- the uniform off and once when you die San Francisco 8 MIAMI 7 tamina, and the government struck by a third car driven by but contentious career with the Yankees ing forever.” naturally.” Atlanta 4 MILWAUKEE 3 had managed to secure enough Ryan Greth. He was taken by air which saw him repeatedly embroiled in The Yankees felt otherwise and decided Rodriguez has a $20 mn salary this year MINNESOTA 3 Houston 1 for him to race in the fi rst half of ambulance to a nearby hospital controversy since arriving in New York in to part ways with him as part of a roster and is owed $20mn more in 2017, the fi nal ST. LOUIS 5 Cincinnati 4 the season but offi cials are now where he died late on Sunday. 2004 from the Texas Rangers. overhaul. “That was the Yankees’ decision season of a $275mn, 10-year deal that was Texas 4 COLORADO 3 struggling to raise more money. “Last night, the 7th of Au- “This is a tough day,” Rodriguez said. “I and I accept it,” he said. the league’s largest when he signed it. OAKLAND 3 Baltimore 2 There was no immediate com- gust, we said goodbye to our love this game and I love this team. Today, Rodriguez’s career has been marred “He gets everything he deserves. The SEATTLE 3 Detroit 0 ment from British racing team son, my fi ance, our friend, Bry- I say goodbye to both. This is also a proud by his admitted use of performance-en- contract he negotiated is in full force,” LA DODGERS 9 Philadelphia 4 Manor. The next race in the For- an Clauson,” Clauson’s family day. I was 18 when I broke into the big hancing drugs. He missed the entire 2014 Cashman said. (Home team in CAPS) mula One season is the Belgian said in a statement. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 10, 2016 9 CRICKET

ZIMBABWE vs NEW ZEALAND/ 2ND TEST WEST INDIES vs INDIA/ 3RD TEST Debutant Joseph makes India wobble Late double strike AFP down the leg-side by wicket- Gros-Islet, St Lucia keeper Shane Dowrich and then Joseph made the vital break- through in just his third over in ebutant fast bowl- Test cricket, steepling bounce er Alzarri Joseph proving too diffi cult for Kohli to claimed Indian cap- negotiate as he fended a catch tain Virat Kohli as a to Darren Bravo at fi rst slip. keeps NZ on course prizedD fi rst Test wicket with Rahul and Rahane opted to the West Indies restricting the play positively in seeking to tourists to 87 for three at lunch steady the Indian innings and Hosts Zimbabwe stumble to 58 for three in pursuit of an improbable 387 for victory on the opening day of the third their tactics proved successful Test in St Lucia yesterday. as the runs fl owed at better than Fresh from a century in his four runs per over, prompt- AFP comeback Test match a week ing West Indies captain Jason Bulawayo earlier in Jamaica, opening Holder to ring the changes. batsman Lokesh Rahul coun- Needing to win the series ter-attacked with an even 50 3-0 to displace Australia at the ew Zealand seamers struck three on a helpful pitch after the fast top of the international rank- vital blows on the fourth evening bowlers made early inroads in ings, India have also omitted to keep the tourists on track for reducing India to 19 for two by leg-spinner Amit Mishra and victory in the second Test against the sixth over. fast bowler Umesh Yadav in ZimbabweN at Queens Sports Club yesterday. But he fell to Roston Chase’s preference for left-arm or- After Neil Wagner had removed Chamu off -spin just before the interval thodox slow bowler Ravin- Chibhabha 40 minutes before the close to break a 58-run partnership dra Jadeja and seamer Bhuv- of play, Trent Boult and Tim Southee with Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane neshwar Kumar. grabbed two wickets in the fi nal three balls Ross Taylor’s 67 not out in New resumes in the afternoon with Apart from introducing of the day to send Zimbabwe to stumps on Zealand second innings takes his Rohit Sharma as his partner, Joseph to Test cricket, the 58 for three in pursuit of an improbable 387 series tally to 364 runs without the established middle-order West Indies drafted in Leon for victory. being dismissed. (AFP) batsman playing his fi rst match Johnson at the top of the or- After bowling Zimbabwe out for 362 in of the series at the expense of der for his fi rst match in 19 their fi rst innings to a earn a 220-run lead, Cheteshwar Pujara in one of months in place of the out-of- New Zealand opted against enforcing the three changes to the Indian team form Rajendra Chandrika. follow-on and instead spent the afternoon that was held to a draw in King- building a formidable target. ston following an innings vic- Scoreboard (at lunch) With Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor tory in the fi rst Test in Antigua. India (1st innings) putting on an unbroken stand of 140 in the Challenged by the extra pace L Rahul c Brathwaite b Chase ...... 50 space of 30 overs, Williamson was able to and bounce off ered by the first S Dhawan c Dowrich b Gabriel .... 1 declare on 166 for two and allow his bowl- day pitch, Rahul and Shikhar V Kohli c Bravo b Joseph ...... 3 ers 26 overs at the Zimbabwean batsmen Dhawan struggled to cope with A Rahane (batting) ...... 17 during the evening session. the early hostility of Gabriel R Sharma (batting) ...... 9 Although openers Chibhabha and Tino and Joseph, the 19-year-old Extras (b4, lb1, w1, nb1) ...... 7 Mawoyo made a promising start in reach- who emerged as the star of the Total (3 wickets, 23 overs) ...... 87 ing 45 without loss, three dismissals be- regional side’s triumph at the Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-19, 3-77 fore the close left Zimbabwe facing a long Under-19 World Cup in Bang- Bowling: S Gabriel 7-0-33-1 (1nb), fi nal day to avoid defeat. ladesh last February. A Joseph 5-1-15-1, M Cummins “We are pretty confi dent that we can Dhawan gloved a lifting de- 4-0-22-0 (1w), J Holder 4-2-6-0, R bat for the day,” Zimbabwe’s batting coach livery from Gabriel to be caught Chase 3-1-6-1 Lance Klusener said. “They’ve been in the fi eld for a long time. From a team growth point of view, I am looking forward to it.” The hosts will draw strength from the performance of Craig Ervine in the fi rst innings, when his 146 allowed them to put up their sternest resistance of the series. Having gone to his maiden Test hun- were the other three. Zimbabwe (1st innings; overnight 305-6) T Latham c Moor b Tiripano ...... 13 dred and reached 115 on day three, Ervine Meanwhile, Taylor continued his re- T Mawoyo b Southee ...... 26 M Guptill c Nyumbu b Chinouya ...... 11 extended his knock on the fourth morning markable series with the bat, making 67 C Chibhabha c Williamson b Santner ....60 K Williamson (not out) ...... 68 before fi nally holing out at the end of Zim- not out to take his series tally to 364 runs Sikandar Raza c Williamson b Wagner . 3 R Taylor (not out) ...... 67 babwe’s innings. without being dismissed. C Ervine c Wagner b Sodhi ...... 146 Extras (4lb, 3w) ...... 7 “Craig was really organised. He had a New Zealand declared shortly after tea to P Masvaure b Santner ...... 2 Total (2 wickets decl., 36 overs) ...... 166 good plan and he knew what he wanted to begin their push for victory, and will go into S Williams lbw Sodhi ...... 16 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-26 do,” said Klusener. “That’s where we need the fi nal day confi dent of clinching a 2-0 P Moor c Guptill b Sodhi ...... 71 Bowling: Chinouya 9-2-45-1, Tiripano 6-1- to get to with the other batsmen. It’s one series victory. G Cremer lbw Boult ...... 8 14-1, Chibhabha 3-0-22-0, Cremer 11-0-59-0, thing having a plan, but it’s important to “We know it is a very slow and unre- D Tiripano lbw Wagner ...... 3 Nyumbu 7-0-22-0 be comfortable with the plan. It was nice sponsive pitch, so it will be nice to come J Nyumbu c Santner b Sodhi ...... 8 Zimbabwe (2nd innings) to see the reward that he got from a lot of back here and only have to grab seven more M Chinouya (not out) ...... 0 T Mawoyo lbw Boult ...... 35 hard work.” wickets,” said Boult. “There are a couple of Extras (12b, 6lb, 1nb) ...... 19 C Chibhabha c Guptill b Wagner ...... 21 Having decided to bat again, William- deliveries going over the top and a few stay- Total (all out, 143.4 overs)...... 362 Sikandar Raza lbw Southee ...... 0 son went on to notch up another mile- ing quite low. Hopefully it deteriorates a lit- Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-83, 3-107, 4-115, D Tiripano (batting) ...... 0 stone as his unbeaten 68 made him just the tle more on day fi ve.” 5-147, 6-295, 7-319, 8-327, 9-352, 10-362 Extras (1b, 1lb) ...... 2 fourth player to score fi fty or more in his Bowling: Southee 28-14-73-1, Boult 27-13- Total (3 wickets, 25.2 overs) ...... 58 fi rst three Test innings as captain. 45-1, Santner 35-8-105-2, Wagner 31-8-61-2, Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-58, 3-58 Alzarri Joseph (left) receives his Test cap from West Indies West Indian Rohan Kanhai, South Afri- Scoreboard Sodhi 21.4-9-60-4, Guptill 1-1-0-0 Bowling: Southee 6.2-3-18-1, Boult 6-2-11-1, manager Joel Garner before the start of the third Test between can Kepler Wessels and India’s Virat Kohli New Zealand (1st innings) 582/4 decl. New Zealand (2nd innings) Wagner 8-3-21-1, Santner 5-2-6-0 the host side and India in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, yesterday. (AFP)

Windies axe Sammy, name 4TH TEST Brathwaite new T20 captain West Indies have axed two-time purely on players’ performanc- World Twenty20 winning captain es,” the West Indies Cricket Board Eng consider Rashid for Pak fi nale Darren Sammy and put fellow said in a statement. all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite in Chairman of selectors Court- AFP running on the pitch—the second time charge for two matches against In- ney Browne thanked Sammy, 32, London this has happened to Anderson in 2016. dia this month in Florida. Sammy, for his contribution and expected Before that, he had lost his temper with who led West Indies to their sec- Brathwaite, who blasted four both Joel Wilson and Bruce Oxenford, the ond World Twenty20 title earlier successive sixes off a Ben ngland are giving serious thought two on-fi eld umpires, when he was initially this year despite struggling for Stokes over in the April 3 World to playing two spinners in the warned about straying into the ‘danger area’ form, could not find a place in the Twenty20 final in Kolkata, would fourth Test against Pakistan at The and Anderson later apologised for what he 13-member squad for the matches prove an inspiring captain. Oval by handing a home debut to admitted was “unacceptable behaviour”. leg-breakE bowler Adil Rashid. Anderson escaped any punishment at Central Broward Regional Park, “Brathwaite is one of the most Fort Lauderdale, on Aug 27 and 28. talented players in the T20 for- The hosts went 2-1 up with one to play from match referee Richie Richardson, the “With regards to Sammy’s omis- mat of the game and his humble in the series after coming from behind to former West Indies captain, and Bayliss sion from the squad, the chair- and committed approach to the win the third Test by 141 runs at Edgbaston was happy with the way Anderson dealt man (of selectors) noted that game can inspire young and on Sunday. with the fall-out. “I think he did sort it out the named squad was selected upcoming players,” he added. Rashid has been in and around the Eng- himself,” Bayliss said. “In the heat of the land squad all season, but is still waiting to moment... he is a competitor, and I think Clarke given honorary life membership of MCC play on home soil after making all his three you need guys in your team like that. career Test appearances against Pakistan “If he slightly touched the line or went Former Australia captain Michael Clarke was given an honorary life in the United Arab Emirates last year. over the line, we fi xed it up pretty quickly — membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) yesterday. Clarke But, with England set to tour Bangla- and everything was sweet with the umpires. retired from international cricket last year after establishing himself desh and India—where pitches often pro- He’s been around enough now to know as one of Australia’s finest batsmen with 8,643 runs in 115 Tests. The vide plenty of turn for slow bowlers—later when he has maybe transgressed a little too 35-year-old follows in the footsteps of former Australia teammates this year, Rashid could be called up at The far, and to pull his head in pretty quick.” Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting, who are also life Oval in south London as a second spinner members of the MCC. Clarke scored 416 runs in five Test matches at the alongside Moeen Ali. MCC’s historic Lord’s home. “This is a fantastic honour and I am delight- During last year’s Ashes, Australia off - Pakistan recall Gul for ed to become an MCC honorary life member,” Clarke said. “MCC is the spinner Nathan Lyon took four wickets in Ireland, England ODIs most prestigious cricket club in the world and to be invited to become a his side’s consolation win at The Oval. member is a great privilege. Lord’s has always been a very special place Asked if England were tempted to pick Pakistan yesterday recalled paceman Umar to play cricket, and I’ve got some great memories of playing there so Rashid for the fourth Test, which starts Gul after a 15-month lay-off in the squad I’m really looking forward to coming back as a member of MCC.” tomorrow, Bayliss replied: “Very. We saw for the two one-day internationals in Ire- last year at The Oval, the wicket had a bit land and fi ve in England starting later this Yorkshire sign Darren Lehmann’s son Jake in it for everyone. Lyon bowled very well month. The 32-year-old last played a one- there, got some spin and bounce.” day match in Dhaka against Bangladesh in English county champions York- look to retain the title. Rashid took seven for 61 in champions April 2015 before being discarded over his shire have signed Jake Lehmann, The 24-year-old is due to fly Yorkshire’s County Championship win lack of form and fi tness. He has 173 one-day the son of Australia coach Darren from Adelaide today in time to over Warwickshire last week, after being wickets from 126 matches in a storied ca- Lehmann, until the end of the make his debut against local released from England’s squad. reer, marred by recent injury problems. season. Yorkshire brought in Leh- rivals Lancashire at Old Traff ord Bayliss added: “I’ve thought Rashid’s Azhar Ali will lead the side which has un- mann to replace Travis Head after on Saturday after playing for been a chance for the last two or three capped 22-year-old allrounder Hasan Ali, the batsman was ruled out of the Australia A against South Africa. Tests that we’ve played. At some stage, he but there was no place for opener Ahmed remainder of the English domes- Yorkshire head coach Gillespie will get an opportunity.” Shehzad and middle-order batsman Umar tic season following his late call- played with Lehmann senior Ali made his name as a top-order bats- bowling in that spell was his discipline of reverse-sweeps and sweeps. I thought he Akmal. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman up to the Australia one-day squad for both Australia and South man before being handed the position of length,” said Bayliss. put the pressure on very well there,” the Shaharyar Khan last week said both play- in Sri Lanka. Lehmann, whose Australia and he expects Jake England frontline off -spinner following “We’ve all seen him before probably Australian added. ers were axed from the initial squad of 31 father Darren scored 14,100 runs to prove a valuable addition to the retirement of Graeme Swann. falling a little bit short, but I thought that The match also saw James Anderson, because of discipline issues. Umar has not across all formats during a suc- the squad. “Getting a player of It is not always a role that has suited Ali, spell he got it pretty much spot on, bowled England’s all-time leading wicket-tak- played for Pakistan since the 2015 World cessful spell with Yorkshire, will quality is always diff icult at this but at Edgbaston—where he was named a little bit wider of the off stump into er, return to the top of the International Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. be available to play in the remain- stage of the season, but we’re man-of-the-match after scoring two fi f- the rough, coming into the stumps and Cricket Council’s Test bowler rankings. Pakistan also face England in the only ing six County Championship delighted to secure the services ties—he played his part with the ball as putting the pressure on the batter. But the Lancashire paceman fell foul Twenty20 international at Old Traff ord on fixtures as Jason Gillespie’s side of Jake,” Gillespie said. Pakistan were dismissed for 201 on Sunday. “It’s a bit harder (then) to run down of the umpires in Pakistan’s fi rst innings September 7, the squad for which will be “Quite simply, the diff erence with his the wicket and hit over the top and play when he was taken out of the attack for named at a later date. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, August 10, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Blatter to attend Aug 25 FIFA ban appeal, says spokesman Former FIFA president Sepp suspension to four years. Blatter will appear in person Both men were thrown out of at the Court of Arbitration for football over a 2 million Swiss Sport for his August 25 appeal franc ($2 million) payment against his ban from football, that Blatter authorised to Fearless De Boer his spokesman said yesterday. Platini in 2011. “Mr. Blatter will go in person FIFA’s ethics judges deemed with his lawyer Lorenz Erni,” the payment “disloyal” to Blatter spokesman Thomas world football’s governing Renggli told AFP. body. FIFA’s ethics committee initially Blatter and Platini are the top suspended Blatter along with names in a long list of football his one-time heir apparent power players who have been braced for tough Michel Platini in December for brought down in a scandal that eight years over ethics viola- erupted in May of last year. tions. Those bans were cut to Blatter has claimed innocence, six years in February. Following insisting he cannot be held Platini’s appeal, the Lausanne- responsible for the corruption based CAS reduced Platini’s committed by others. Inter challenge name German manager Rohr as technical adviser German manager Gernot Rohr the federation’s website. ‘Nothing is impossible, no-one is unbeatable. Sometimes things change, we will has signed a two-year deal “He was very positive, showed to become technical adviser great interest in the job, is definitely play our hardest to make their lives as diff icult as possible’ to the Nigeria national team, ready and willing to live in the African country’s football Nigeria,” he continued, “and federation said yesterday. swayed the committee with The 63-year-old has extensive his calmness, good knowledge experience of African football of the African terrain, focus after stints with Gabon, Niger and maturity.” and Burkina Faso, and will Nigeria have twice failed to work alongside Salisu Yusuf, qualify for the Nations Cup who was named as the NFF’s since winning the continental head coach in July. title in 2013 and have not had a “The committee was im- permanent coach since former pressed with Mr. Rohr’s profile international Sunday Oliseh left and current activities for the the post in February. German Football Federation The NFF had been close to (DFB),” the vice chairman of appointing French manager the NFF’s Technical Commit- Paul Le Guen in July but failed tee Ahmed Yusuf Fresh told to reach an agreement.

PREDICTION Get set for the most open EPL title race in recent history

This file photo shows then Ajax Amsterdam football club’s coach Frank de Boer looking on during a training session in Shenyang, China.

AFP beatable. Sometimes things change, we Nerazzurri fans would see results, he said Rumours he had been sought after by Milan will defi nitely play our hardest to make certainly after the winter break but hope- AC Milan as well were not true, he told their lives as diffi cult as possible,” he said. fully from the get-go. journalists yesterday. He also vowed he would be hold- Coming in with little time to spare Pressed on whether inroads made by utchman Frank de Boer vowed ing on to Mauro Icardi, Inter’s 23-year before the season kicks off was “not China in Italian and English football he was up to the challenge of old captain, who is being persistently an ideal situation” and would “not be could hurt the game — with Inter itself reviving ’s fortunes courted by Napoli according to Italian easy” he admitted. being bought out by the Chinese invest- yesterday as he offi cially took media reports. Quizzed on whether he had his eyes on ment group Suning in June — the Dutch- overD at the helm of the Serie A club. De Boer, 46, who left Ajax at the end of Brazil forward Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbo- man shook his head. “I’m used to pressure. I realise the fans last season, touched down in the north- sa, the Santos star currently being wooed “It’s a great opportunity for Inter, have great expectations... I’m convinced ern Italian city of Milan late Monday to by numerous teams, De Boer said he was Italian football and European football in File picture of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp waving to fans. they’ll be happy with the way we play,” take over from Mancini, who left amid “interesting, but we’ll have to see wheth- general,” he said, noting cash injections De Boer said as the club unveiled the suc- reports the club’s new Chinese owners er we manage to get him.” from Chinese investors meant the best DPA be important for a big club like cessor to ousted coach Roberto Mancini. wanted fresh blood at the helm. The Dutchman, who won four straight players could be paid to stay. London Man United.” He also brushed off the challenges of He was due to take charge of fi rst team Eredivisie titles between 2011 and 2014 as In a statement, his new club said De Mourinho will renew his bitter donning the trainer’s hat in a new coun- training soon. Ajax coach, paid his respects to Mancini, Boer “brings with him a wealth of inter- rivalry with Pep Guardiola, held try, quipping drily “it’s still 11 players He will have under two weeks to sign who left Monday after failing to usher the national experience having played at the ith huge spending over from their time in Spain against 11”. more players before the Serie A season club back into the Champions League highest level for both club and country”. on new players and with Real Madrid and Guardiola The Dutchman, who has signed a starts against Chievo on August 21. and reportedly falling out with the own- At club level for Amsterdam’s AFC the arrival of several respectively. three-year contract with the San Siro ers over transfers. Ajax he lifted fi ve Eredivisie titles, the high-profi le man- Guardiola replaced Manuel Pel- outfi t, was defi ant on two issues. ‘GREAT OPPORTUNITY’ De Boer, the most capped outfi eld player UEFA Champions League trophy, the Wagers, the new Premier League legrini at the end of last season The fi rst, that fi ve-time reigning Serie He said the Inter squad had more expe- in the history of the Netherlands national UEFA Cup, the UEFA Supercup, and the season looks set to be the most and has immediately spent big, A champions and bitter rivals Juventus rience than Ajax so he expected them to team, had been linked with Premier League Intercontinental Cup. open in recent history. splashing out 37 million pounds were by no means invincible. learn more quickly. clubs Southampton and Everton before He also played for Barcelona, Manchester City, led by Pep for Leroy Sane from Schalke. “Nothing is impossible, no-one is un- Asked how long it would be before the those positions were fi lled. Galatasaray and Rangers. Guardiola, are the narrow fa- Guardiola’s main task will be vourites to win the title, but to win the title but maintain- Manchester United, Chelsea, ing their recent supremacy over BOTTOMLINE Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham United will also be on the agenda. and champions Leicester all have New Chelsea manager Conte legitimate claims. will try to restore the London Leicester’s stunning victory last club to its former glories after a May blew a hole in the theory that 2015-16 season which they began only the big sides can win and new as champions but endured a tor- Chelsea coach Antonio Conte be- rid time of things, losing Mour- Infl ux of ‘super coaches’ gives lieves “six or seven teams can win inho in the process. the title”. Champions Leicester, Arsenal and Liverpool, next in 5000-1 before the start of last sea- the betting, will also be looking son but only 33-1 this time round, to contend for the title. will have to cope without mid- Twenty years after his arrival, EPL season added dimension fi elder N’Golo Kante, who joined Arsene Wenger is still in charge DPA will insist on his players working a top-four spot but Guardiola, Chelsea in the summer. at Arsenal while Juergen Klopp London hard and that he has the charis- for one, expects United to thrive Kante was the engine room in begins his fi rst full season as Liv- ma to change football not only at under Mourinho. the Leicester midfi eld last season erpool manager. City but also in England. “I’m pretty sure they will and he is likely to be sorely missed, Liverpool have the benefi t of or all the millions spent “Within a few years, no one be stronger than in previous with manager Claudio Ranieri al- being able to focus solely on the on new players this sea- played long balls anymore, years,” he said. “Of course with ready playing down expectations. league, having missed out on a son, what happens on even Real Madrid changed their this manager and with the good The same cannot be said for European spot last season. the sidelines this season style,” he said. players they already had and I’m things at Old Traff ord, where the And Klopp, who has also in- mayF just as important and en- “Pep’s fi rst year started this sure they will buy new players; arrival of from Ju- vested strongly in the transfer tertaining as what happens on football revolution. We made his- they will be a strong team.” ventus for a world-record fee has market this summer, is look- the pitch. tory. Not just for the victories, but With Guardiola and Mourinho sent hopes sky-high. ing forward to pitting his wits An influx of “super coaches” also for the way we played. grabbing the headlines, Conte’s Mourinho, who replaced Louis against the other managers. over the summer means that “He changed world football. arrival at Chelsea went some- van Gaal last month, has al- “I think all these managers are the Premier League will be a He did not just change Barca, he what under the radar. ready spent 56 million pounds here because the competition test of wills and wits, more changed world football. I think A combative midfi elder in his on and Eric makes it really interesting,” Klopp than ever before. he is one of the few people who time with Juventus, he led the Bailly, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic, told the Daily Echo newspaper. Former Barcelona and Bay- can change English football.” team to three straight Serie A ti- a free transfer, is reportedly paid “If you are looking for the big- ern Munich manager Pep Guar- tles before becoming Italy man- 260,000 pounds per week. gest challenge then you need to go diola is in charge at Manchester Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola. RIVALRY ager and is expected to restore But the Portuguese has hit to England. That’s the diff erence City; Italian Antonio Conte has Mourinho will have other ideas success to Chelsea. back at criticism from a number 100%. It’s not like they wanted an taken over the job at deposed spectively, and the Spaniard was head-to-head battles, after they at United with the rivalry be- “I want to play with high in- of other managers that he is easier job. They wanted this.” champions Chelsea and Jose even asked if he would shake the picked up just two points against tween the two clubs just an tensity, to win the ball back very spending “crazy money”. Tottenham, who pushed Mourinho is back, this time at Portuguese’s hand when their the other members of the top added dimension for the former soon after we lose it, to attack “I don’t think it is a reason to Leicester hard until a few weeks Manchester United. two sides meet. four last season. Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter with the right balance,” Conte be sad,” he said of the huge fees. from the end of the season, will Add in Arsene Wenger at Arse- The answer was yes, of course, “If they [Man City] picked Milan manager. told Chelsea’s website. “It is a reason to be proud with hope to go all the way while nal, Juergen Klopp at Liverpool, and Guardiola says he is con- up Guardiola, it is certainly be- Having left Chelsea before “Pre-season was very tough the dimension of the club that Leicester will wonder if lightning Mauricio Pochettino at Tot- cerned only with getting City cause they are conscious of that Christmas last season, he is back and hard. We are working very can do that and can attract play- can strike twice. tenham and Claudio Ranieri at back on top, while he is also sure problem,” Arsene Wenger said, and determined to win the title hard to be ready.” ers of this dimension. “If at the beginning of last champions Leicester and things to inject his own famous playing just before Arsenal beat City in a again, spending bigger than an- Conte says he has a good rela- “If you ask me if I think it is a lot season the bookmakers quoted could get pretty lively this season. style on the club. friendly on Sunday. yone in an eff ort to restore Unit- tionship with Mourinho. of money, I think football is crazy, 5000-1 for our chances of title, Guardiola and Mourinho have Guardiola will also need to Former Spain international ed back to the top of the pile. How long that lasts in the the market has become crazy. this time it should start from history from their time in Spain, fi nd a way to help City get the Xavi told a Sky Sports documen- United are not in the Champi- pressure cooker of the Premier “I just know (Pogba) is a big 6000-1,” manager Claudio Rani- at Barcelona and Real Madrid re- better of their rivals in their tary, called Pep that Guardiola ons League having missed out on League is another matter. player that is going, for sure, to eri said. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 10, 2016 11 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT NEW SIGNING City splash out on ‘Qatar is my second Everton’s Stones home, I want to be there in 2022’ File picture of then Everton defender John Stones. AFP welcoming him into the squad.” London Stones, who has won 10 Eng- Evaristo de Macedo, former Brazil international, who coached Qatar to second place land caps, had hoped to join Chelsea last year and had a trans- at the 1981 FIFA Under-20 World Youth Championship and to their first-ever Olympic anchester City fer request rejected when the splashed out a re- London club’s bids were snubbed participation in Los Angeles, said this during his visit to Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro ported £47.5 million by Everton. ($61 million, 55 mil- But Everton have fi nally relent- Mlion euros) to sign England de- ed and allowed their prize asset to By Our Correspondent Rio de Janeiro fender John Stones from Everton leave Goodison Park. yesterday. Stones’ arrival is a huge boost Stones agreed a six-year con- for Guardiola ahead of City’s hen Evaristo de Macedo tract with City and is reported Premier League opener at home walked into Bayt Qatar in to have become the second most to Sunderland on Saturday. Rio de Janeiro, it was al- expensive defender in history Guardiola had limited options most like coming home for behind Paris Saint Germain and at centre-back with Vincent Wthis legend of Qatari football. The former Brazil star David Luiz. Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala Brazil international, who coached Qa- “I’m absolutely delighted to and Nicolas Otamendi all strug- tar to second place at the 1981 FIFA Un- sign for City and now the deal’s gling with injuries, and only the der-20 World Youth Championship and done I’m looking forward to the latter has been included in the to their fi rst-ever Olympic participa- next stage in my career,” Stones Champions League squad for the tion three years later in Los Angeles, was told City’s website. Steaua clash. greeted with open arms and fond smiles “I’ve obviously seen what’s go- Stones should solve those is- by everyone at the ‘House of Qatar’ at the ing on here at the Etihad, it’s an sues if he can continue his im- 2016 Summer Olympics. ambitious club with a great man- pressive development after Evaristo smiled and with typical exu- ager so I can’t wait to get stuck in emerging as one of England’s berance talked about the players he and help achieve the goals.” brightest young talents at Ever- coached to such success during his stint News of Stones’ imminent ton following a £3 million move in the Qatar national team set up, which move to Eastlands had leaked out from Barnsley in 2013. lasted more than a decade. “My home earlier in the day when UEFA’s with my family and many memories is website included the 22-year-old Stones - a quick guide Rio de Janeiro, but the second home is centre-back City’s squad for next Qatar,” he said. week’s Champions League play- Learns to play the Barcelona Towards the end of his spell in Doha, off against Steaua Bucharest. way...at Barnsley Evaristo also helped Qatar reach the City responded by quickly an- Joined his local club Barns- quarter-fi nals of the 1992 Barcelona Ol- nouncing the deal, which puts ley aged eight and quickly ympic Games Stones behind only Luiz as the showed he liked to attack as When he entered the Supreme Com- most expensive defender the well as defend and was com- mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) booth Evaristo de Macedo during his visit to Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro. game has ever seen. fortable on the ball. Stones at Bayt Qatar, Evaristo gazed at the scale Luiz moved to Paris Saint equated their ethic to the model of Al Rayyan Stadium for some if it had not rained.” Germain from Chelsea for £50 unlikely and heady heights of time, and then said: “This is the club that Evaristo instilled similar conviction in million in 2014 and has won two Barcelona. “From the age of 16 Mansour Muftah played for. He was one his players in Australia. successive French titles, a feat in the youth team at Barnsley of my best players.” “In that tournament we asked our that Stones is keen to emulate we used to play out from the In an exclusive interview with www. players to believe that they could beat the with City once he is established back and they always wanted sc.qa, the former Real Madrid and Barcelo- traditional football nations like England in the team. to put that stamp on us, like na striker said he had known from the time and Brazil. They accepted this challenge, “I know it will be tough get- Barcelona, I guess, with a lot he arrived in the country in 1980 that Qatar and played a marvellous tournament. ting a place in this team but I’m of passing football,” he told would go on to achieve great things. Then, in 1984 we played another fantas- determined to become the best The Guardian. “Some people would not have believed tic qualifi cation to reach the Olympics in player I can be and help us to it. But I have a very close relationship Los Angeles. It was diffi cult, but we had a success,” Stones said. Talent-spotter Moyes gives with the people who make the decisions group of players with a good philosophy “I had a wonderful time with thumbs up in Qatar, and I knew Qatar would go very and great skills. That’s how we got Qatar Everton and wish them and their His burgeoning talent caught far. I knew they would become one of the to among the top teams in the world.” fans all the best but now I’ll give the eye of David Moyes at great countries in the world – I already “In 1992 it was a tough task to reach my all for City.” Everton and the Scot bought knew that when I stepped foot in Qatar the quarter-fi nals, because the other Stones’ signing takes City him to the Premier League back in 1980,” he said. teams were good. Qatar prepared very manager Pep Guardiola’s spend- club for £3 million in January “I spent over 10 years there and made well for the tournament and the players ing to well over £100 million 2013, beating off opposition fantastic friendships. These are memo- trained and played very well in Barcelona. since he arrived from Bayern from Wigan, who were then ries that I have of Qatar which I will never It was a big surprise, but I trusted them Evaristo de Macedo with Cafu, former Brazilian player Munich in the close-season. managed by future Everton forget. We created a new mentality of completely and believed in the team. ” handler Roberto Martinez. football in the country. It was the big leg- Evaristo left Qatar after the 1992 Ol- ably, interested in the men’s football the years, including a story that he sup- QUALITY acy of progress which we left behind for ympics, but says he has remained in competition at the Rio Olympics, saying posedly played a few minutes of a match Guardiola, who has also signed Terry/Ferdinand: the Qatari football, and you can still see the touch with his friends in the country ever Brazil need to win the title to complete with 12 players on the fi eld. He talks about Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy perfect mix fruits of that today.” since: “I like that Qatari people have a their collection. this with a twinkle in his eye: “It was in a Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Alexan- Stones holds up former Walking through the SC area at Bayt great sense of respect and admiration for “We need to win Olympic gold with Gulf Cup match one year, the referee was der Zinchenko, believes Stones England centrebacks John Qatar together with his family, Evaristo people. The years I lived in Qatar I was the men’s football team, it is a title we against us so I brought in another player perfectly fi ts his philosophy of Terry and Rio Ferdinand as the fondly remembered the time when Qatar always very well received, I made great have never won before. We have a good and didn’t take one off , and we played having defenders who are as standard . “I’m trying to get fi rst surprised the footballing world at the friends for life and always remember Qa- team with many overseas-based players, with 12 men for 11 minutes,” he laughed. good in possession as they are in that mixture. I think from last 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship: tar with a lot of fondness. I am in close and they can do it. Neymar is the leader And before this living legend of Qatar’s the tackle. season to this season there’s “It was fantastic what we did in Australia. touch with my Qatari friends, I visit them of this team, and even though he has big football history headed back from Bayt “We want to help John show been a big diff erence and defi- Qatar only failed to win the fi nal because of sometimes and when they come to Brazil competition to become the best player in Qatar, he signed off with a wish: “There his quality with us and improve nitely that mixture between the decision to play the game after a heavy they get in touch with me. We have a good the world, he can do it. He is preparing are still a few more years for Qatar 2022, on what he has already achieved,” smooth passing and tough downpour. It helped West Germany. But time and talk about the fond memories well to become the best.” but if God gives me strength I will be Guardiola said. defending is going to be a we achieved something great that year. We we have together.” A man of Evaristo’s stature has become there,” he said with a smile as radiant as “I like the way he plays the good recipe for my game.” would have won the fi nal against Germany Evaristo is particularly, and predict- part of the folklore of Qatari football over the city he lives in. game and I’m looking forward to

BOTTOMLINE Game a family aff air for playful ‘Pogboom’

AFP Partick Thistle and Saint-Etienne re- If onlookers thought she would then tiate, but it was too late. We discussed Milan spectively, Pogba was “always the most bend to the will of United’s tough-talk- together with his brothers and we all talented of my three sons, even when he ing manager Alex Ferguson, they would decided: he won’t sign again.” was very young,” his mother told AFP at be mistaken. United’s loss was Juve’s gain, Pogba aul Pogba may be playful off her apartment in Bussy-Saint-Georg- benefi ting from the Italian club’s no- the fi eld but when it comes to es, a gift from Pogba. BOMBSHELL nonsense disciplined approach under the ruthless world of profes- At 14, Pogba spent one season in the After two years of starring for Unit- Antonio Conte then Massimiliano Allegri sional football, the world’s youth ranks of Le Havre, going on to ed’s youth and reserve teams, Pog- to hone the skills that have made him one Pmost expensive footballer is as shrewd make his France under-16 debut in 2008. ba’s highly-anticipated move up to of the world’s most exciting players. as they come. And business is usually a Those performances sparked interest United’s senior side looked set for the While in Turin, Pogba’s creative family aff air. from Arsenal and Juventus, but United 2011-12 season. game fl ourished while he improved his “His mother is the only person Paul won the race to Pogba’s signature. Even Ferguson admitted: “If we hold all-round defensive skills. listens to all the time,” a close fam- United signed Pogba to a deal in 2009, Pogba back, what’s going to happen? His penchant for the occasional ily friend told AFP during an interview although they later had to be cleared, He’s going to leave.” long-range rocket means he is now with Pogba’s mother, Yeo Moriba, prior amid Le Havre’s protests, of any wrong- But when the fi ery Scot opted to call known as ‘Pogboom’, a nickname he to Euro 2016. doing by a FIFA-appointed judge. veteran midfi elder Paul Scholes out of has incorporated into his many, zany Only 23 years old, Pogba’s return to It was an early sign of Pogba’s drive, retirement instead of off ering Pogba his hairstyles. Manchester United after four success- but it came only after the approval of chance during a frustrating fi rst season A playful sort off the field, Pogba ful seasons with Juventus has made him his mother — a practising Muslim who at Old Traff ord, the die was cast. likes to celebrate his goals by perform- the most expensive player in history at says she “thanks God every day for the A family council was held and Pogba ing the ‘Dab’, a popular dance that be- 89 million pounds ($116 million, 105 gift he has given” to her sons. dropped a bombshell by quitting Unit- gan in American sports arenas as a trib- million euros). When the president of top French club ed for free to join Juventus in July 2012. ute to the hip-hop music scene. The reported fee does not include Lyon, Jean-Michel Aulas, lashed out at “Ferguson punished him by not let- During four success-laden years agent’s fees. the fact an emerging French star was ting him play,” said his mother. “He with Juventus, Pogba did the jig on The transfer had stalled for weeks moving abroad, ‘Maman’ stood fi rm. even cried in Ferguson’s offi ce for the nearly 30 occasions on his way to win- over how the two clubs would share “I really didn’t appreciate the way he way he was treated.” ning four consecutive Serie A titles and the sizeable payout to Pogba’s repre- Yeo Pogba (C), mother of French footballer Paul Pogba, arrives at Manchester spoke down to us, so I raised the tone a A last-ditch attempt by Ferguson, two Italian Cups, although he missed sentative Mino Raiola, the Dutch ‘super United’s Carrington training complex, in Manchester. little. That must have been strange for during a visit to the Pogba family home, out on Champions League glory with agent’ who also represents United new them,” said Yeo, who had to be equally fell on deaf ears. “He came here by him- defeat to Barcelona in the 2015 fi nal. boys Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Pogba, who has become the most sight of where he is going. strong-willed amid faint accusations self,” said Yeo, laughing at the memory United, powerless when Pogba Mkhitaryan and a host of other top exciting midfi eld prospect of his gen- Although his 25-year-old twin in the French media of “profi teering” of Ferguson’s visit. walked away in 2012, will be hoping to names in the game. eration, has never lacked ambition, nor brothers Mathias and Florentin play at from her son’s move. “The Red Devils’ boss came to nego- see more of the same this time around.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT NUMBER SPEAK Most expensive transfers in history Pogba says it was AFP GONZALO HIGUAIN (ARG) London Napoli to Juventus £75.3mn 2016 Juventus paid the biggest fee rench star Paul Pogba’s for a domestic transfer in history move from Juventus to when they matched Higuain’s Manchester United for buy-out clause of 90 million eu- 89 million pounds (105 ros to bring the Argentinian to destiny to rejoin Fmillion euros, $116 million), a Turin from Napoli last month. sum confi rmed by Juventus, The 28-year-old former Real makes him the world’s most ex- Madrid striker top-scored in Se- pensive player. rie A last season with a record- Here are the most expensive equalling 36 goals as Napoli fi n- transfers in football history: ished second to Juve. Coach Massimiliano Allegri PAUL POGBA (FRA) led Juventus to a record fi fth Manchester Utd Juventus to Manchester United consecutive league title in 2016, 89 million pounds but he will be hoping that Hi- Manchester United had been guain can help his side improve ‘It was like I just went for a holiday. I’ve come back home. I think it’s destiny. At first my linked to off ers for Pogba even in Europe, after following up when Louis Van Gaal was still their 2015 Champions League mum told me I would come back here and I told her, - you never know, we will see’ coach. But the machine really fi nal defeat to Barcelona with a started turning when Jose Mour- last-16 exit at the hands of Bay- DPA inho took over on his mission to ern Munich. London get United back into the Cham- pions League frontrunners. LUIS SUAREZ (URU) The fee, 89 million pounds, Liverpool to Barcelona rance midfi elder Paul Pogba said confi rmed by Juventus, could rise £75mn 2014 he felt it was his destiny to re- by fi ve million euros “on achiev- Barcelona didn’t hesitate to turn to Manchester United after ing given conditions,” the Turin sign the striker despite his shame he completed his move from Ju- club said without further details at the World Cup fi nals when — ventusF yesterday for a world-record 105 The fact that Pogba had played for the third time — he bit an op- million euros (116 million dollars). The for United as a teenager and was ponent, this time Italy defender amount will be paid over two fi nancial released for a pittance makes the Giorgio Chiellini. years, and may increase by 5 million euros transfer even more incredible. As a result Suarez was unable should “given conditions” be achieved For a while Real Madrid had to play competitively or train during the contract, a statement on the been contenders for Pogba’s sig- with them for four months, but club’s website said. nature. once his ban was over he repaid The previous biggest transfer was Ga- them in full. reth Bale’s move to Real Madrid from GARETH BALE (WAL) No disgraceful incidents have Tottenham in 2013 for allegedly 100 mil- Tottenham Hotspur to followed and he ended his fi rst lion euros. Real Madrid season with them by scoring in United confi rmed yesterday that Pog- £85.1mn 2013 the Champions League fi nal win ba is to receive a fi ve-year contract at the Welsh forward whose perform- over Juventus. club until 2021, with the option for an- ances for an attractive Spurs side His trident attacking part- other season and Pogba said it felt like he persuaded Real to bid for him. nership with Messi and Ney- had come home. The English side could not mar yielded a La Liga record for “It was like I just went for a holiday,” he refuse such advances and let three forwards of 122 goals that told MUTV, the club’s internal television their star man go. campaign. Scored a hat-trick to station. “I’ve come back home. He has built on his career at seal the league title for Barca last “I think it’s destiny. At fi rst my mum the Santiago Bernabeu with two term and went on to complete told me I would come back here and I told Champions League titles, scor- the domestic double in a season her, ‘you never know, we will see’. ing in the fi nal of the fi rst of the in which he grabbed a staggering “For myself it was a big challenge for two against Atletico Madrid. 58 goals. me to come back to where I started. I His experience in La Liga didn’t fi nish what I started here so I think helped him lead Wales in their NEYMAR (BRA) I came to fi nish it.” memorable run to the Euro 2016 Santos to Barcelona The 23-year-old is considered one of semi-fi nals. £71.5mn 2013 the hottest properties in European foot- Bale also scored a stunning Off the pitch alleged shenani- ball. The 36-times capped France mid- winner in the Copa del Rey fi nal gans over how much went to the fi elder joined the United youth teams as a against Real’s arch rivals Barce- player, his family and to the sell- teenager in 2009 and left for Juve in 2012. lona in 2014. ing club itself have dogged Bar- “I only think about the pitch. I want This file photo shows Juventus’ midfielder from France Paul Pogba celebrating a goal during a UEFA Champions League group celona over the transfer of Ney- to do great, I want to be one of the best, stage football match between Manchester City and Juventus at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. CRISTIANO RONALDO (POR) mar, who on the pitch has shone I want to win titles, I want to achieve Manchester United to for them in their brilliant three- things,” he said. tastic memories of a great club with play- “Paul is one of the best players in the “For myself it was a big challenge Real Madrid pronged attack. “That’s why I came here - to do this, to ers that I count as friends,” he said. world and will be a key part of the United for me to come back to where I £83.7mn 2009 The Brazilian shrugged off an become one of the best. I want to win titles “But I feel the time is right to go back team I want to build here for the future,” started. I didn’t fi nish what I started Real Madrid came calling for injury that ended his 2014 World because I know this club has to win titles. to Old Traff ord. I always enjoyed playing Mourinho said. here so I think I came to fi nish it” the Portuguese master with what Cup campaign early to play a piv- “This club is great to win titles with, in front of the fans and can’t wait to make “He is quick, strong, scores goals and was then a world-record bid. otal role in Barcelona’s Champi- to win big things. I’m focused on this and my contribution to the team. This is the reads the game better than many play- and beyond.” Ronaldo was keen to join, and ons League success. I’m just ready to go... and just kill it.” right club for me to achieve everything I ers much older than he is. At 23, he has Mourinho says he plans to take United since arriving in the Spanish Like Suarez, he scored in that In a statement on United’s website, hope to in the game.” the chance to make that position his own back to the top of the Premier League. capital he has become their all- fi nal against Juventus, and col- Pogba said he was looking forward to Pogba is United’s fourth signing of the here over many years,” he added. United won the FA Cup under Louis time top goalscorer and consist- lected La Liga and Copa del Rey working under new United manager Jose summer under new manager Jose Mour- “He is young and will continue to van Gaal, and under Mourinho on the ently set records in the Cham- winners medals. Mourinho. “I have thoroughly enjoyed inho, joining Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric improve; he has the chance to be at the weekend beat Premier League champions pions League, which he has won There was no let-up last term my time at Juventus and have some fan- Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. heart of this club for the next decade Leicester in the Community Shield. three times in his career, twice either as he scored in the Copa with Real. del Rey fi nal against Sevilla. He has achieved all this de- Legal problems still hover over BOTTOMLINE spite the hottest of competition the transfer despite a high court from Barcelona’s Argentinian judge ruling that he didn’t be- superstar Lionel Messi, who still lieve it could be pursued in the leads in the overall La Liga scor- courts — as the prosecutor takes Outspoken agent cashes in ing charts. issue with that decision. IN SUPPORT from record Pogba signing Lineker hails Pogba

Reuters ed his fi rst solo deal, the move of ‘watershed’ deal London Czech midfi elder Pavel Nedved to Lazio. AFP “The signing of Pogba by Raiola did not respond to re- London @ManUtd is a watershed occer agent Mino Raiola, quests for comment for this ar- moment for who brokered the deal ticle but posted “THE MAN IS @premierleague. First that saw Paul Pogba UNITED” on his Twitter feed ormer England star Gary time a huge foreign star in return to Manchester earlier in the day as the Pogba Lineker claims Manches- his prime has come UnitedS for a world-record fee deal was confi rmed. ter United’s world record to England” yesterday, may be loved by the Raiola hit the big time after he signing of France mid- players he represents, but he is dined with Swedish striker Zlatan fiF elder Paul Pogba is a “watershed ing times.” not exactly held in high esteem Ibrahimovic in Amsterdam, nego- moment” for the Premier League. Former United captain Rio by the clubs who employ them. tiating his transfer from Juventus Pogba rejoined United from Ferdinand was at the club during “I distrusted him from the mo- to Inter Milan in 2006 for 25 mil- Juventus yesterday in a sensa- Pogba’s fi rst stint at Old Traf- ment I met him,” former United lion euros and then to Barcelona in tional £89 million (105 million ford and believes he won’t let the manager Alex Ferguson said of 2009 for 70 million euros. euros, $116 million) deal that has pressure of living up to such a Raiola after he struck a deal to Other top players he repre- the captivated the football world. huge fee aff ect his performances. move Pogba to Juventus in 2012. sents include Belgian striker The 23-year-old, given the “Paul is a huge talent and “There are one or two football , French mid- number six shirt by United, has someone with the personality to agents I simply do not like - and fi elder and Italian signed a fi ve-year contract with handle that price tag,” Ferdinand Mino Raiola is one of them.” striker , all up for Jose Mourinho’s team, four years told BBC Sport. Raiola fi red back: “I put Pogba’s possible transfers. after leaving to join Juventus for “He can do everything. He is interests fi rst... Maybe Ferguson Raiola has a reputation for just £800,000. still working out the best way to only likes those who obey him.” being confrontational, call- With Real Madrid duo Cris- use all of his weapons but, once Raiola’s Amsterdam-based ing former FIFA President Sepp tiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale he does, he will be an absolute fi rm Maguire took its name from Blatter a “demented dictator” and Barcelona forward Luis monster of a player. Paul told me “Jerry Maguire”, the 1996 fi lm and making a failed bid last year Suarez all lured away from the before he left that he wanted to starring Tom Cruise as a sports to replace him at the head of Premier League in recent years, be the best player in the world,” agent who gets fi red for suggest- Soccer agent Mino Raiola speaks to the media as he arrives at FC Barcelona’s off ice in Barcelona. world soccer’s governing body. Lineker, who played for Leices- United midfi elder Morgan ing his company has taken on too Napoli president Aurelio De ter, Everton, Tottenham and Bar- Schneiderlin posted a picture many athletes to properly serve as he has now negotiated deals pounds in agent fees between Oc- sporting director of the club. Laurentiis called Raiola a “pain celona, says Pogba’s decision to and a message to his France their clients. worth more than 300 million tober and February - the highest in the backside”. However, Raiola join United sends a message that team-mate on Instagram. The Pogba deal is the third euros - including Pogba’s record amount of all the Premier League FROM TRANSLATING shrugs off the criticism. English clubs can still attract the Below an image of the pair, Raiola has struck with United fee of 89 million pounds ($115.42 clubs even though it did not sign TO TRANSFERS “My public image does not in- very best players. along with Anthony Martial, under new manager Jose Mour- million). According to the soccer any players during the January Raiola’s entry into the lucrative terest me because in the world “The signing of Pogba by @Ma- Schneiderlin wrote: “Welcome inho, following the recent sign- news website goal.com, Raiola is transfer window. market for top soccer players there is always someone who nUtd is a watershed moment for @ back @paulpogba!” ing of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic taking a 20 percent commission Born in Italy, Raiola grew up came in 1993 when he - fl uent in loves you and who hates you for premierleague. First time a huge Jesse Lingard, who scored the and midfi elder Henrikh Mkhi- for his services, double the usual in the Netherlands, working in seven or eight languages - was what you say or do,” he told Italy’s foreign star in his prime has come winner in United’s FA Cup fi - taryan as the Portuguese coach agent’s fee. his family’s Italian restaurant in asked to work as a translator in Corriere dello Sport last month. to England,” he wrote on Twitter. nal success in May, won the FA seeks to revamp the underper- It said his large commission had Haarlem, where the president of the transfer of Dutch midfi elder “I am at the service of my “Given the wealth of the @ Youth Cup in the same team as forming squad. held up the talks with United. the local soccer team ate every from Ajax players to whom I give every- premierleague more of the greats Pogba back in 2011 and used In- The Italian media has dubbed Manchester United had already week, giving him his fi rst break Amsterdam to Inter Milan. thing, 150 percent of myself... I will come here and not just to stagram to simply say: “Wait on Raiola “Mister 300 Million” paid out more than 10 million by appointing the young man Three years later he negotiat- want the best for my players.” Barca and Real Madrid. Interest- it...welcome home @paulpogba.”