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CRICKET / ENG VS PAK, 1ST TEST Pakistan unites behind Amir ahead of Lord’s return ‘From the first day, he said he would work to make himself worthy again. After five long years, his punishment served, he is back’

AFP Karachi

hen Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir takes to the fi eld at Lord’s today, the bowler can expect overwhelming support from his homeland as he faces a potentially prickly reception from the English crowd. WThe 24-year-old appears almost certain to make his return to Test cricket at the home of cricket — where he and two teammates were found guilty of arranging no-balls to order as part of an elabo- rate betting scam devised by a tabloid journalist six years ago. The trio served jail sentences over the aff air in what was per- haps the biggest scandal to hit the sport. England’s captain Alastair Cook has already stated Amir can expect “a reaction” from English spectators while former English cricketers Kevin Pietersen and spinner Graeme Swann have joined the ranks of those calling for a life ban for all fi xers. Back home in Pakistan, however, ex-players and most fans have come around to forgiving the left-arm pacer, citing his youth at the time of his crime and early admission — though some still have reservations about what example his return sets to would-be fi xers. Legendary bowler Wasim Akram, who led the country to their last Test series win in England in 1996, said he believes Amir can weather the hostility. “People want Amir to do well so there will be enormous pres- sure on him but I am confi dent that he will come out a winner,” he told AFP. Mohamed Asif, one of Amir’s co-conspirators who is now playing club cricket in Norway, also pleaded for understanding. “I request to England players and fans to allow Amir to play free- ly. He and two of us others committed a mistake, were punished and now our bans are over so let us play,” he said. Despite initial resistance from certain players, Amir’s current teammates have united behind him while fans almost unanimously back their hero.

ROAD TO REDEMPTION? “What happened with Amir is now past,” said Shariq Mahmood from Karachi, a die-hard fan who travelled to India to watch the World Twenty20 in March this year. “The way he (Amir) is bowling I think he will bamboozle Eng- land batsmen with his swing,” he added, referring to the young- ster’s slew of wickets against Sussex in a warm-up match where his fast pace and late movement won wickets and praise. Zaair Hussain, a project manager at a game studio in La- hore, added: “The return of Amir has been something I’ve been eagerly awaiting — the redemption at the end of this long tragic arc. “A young man stupidly threw away one of the most promis- ing careers of his generation over a pittance. From the fi rst day, he said he would work to make himself worthy again. After fi ve long years, his punishment served, he is back and a live wire on the pitch.” A few, however, expressed ambivalence because of Amir’s per- ceived lack of humility since his return and the troubling signal his comeback sends in a country that has been tainted by the spectre of match-fi xing since the 1990s. Pakistan start the tour fi rm underdogs, though are considered to have their best chance of victory in the four-match Test series where much will rest on the ability of Amir and leg-spinner Yasir Shah. “Watching him bowl in Tests, especially in England was a thing of joy so I can’t not look forward to that,” said Sana Kazmi, an education consultant in Karachi. “But also, personally, as a fan, I just needed him to say ‘Sorry I screwed up’ unconditionally and he never did that. ‘I’m sorry I got misled’ is not quite the same thing for me.” The diff ering approach by the Pakistan Cricket Board to Asif and Amir’s former captain Salman Butt, both of whom remain out of national contention despite having also served their bans — has also irked some. “He’s a phenomenal talent, phenomenal,” said marketing pro- fessional Anthony Permal from Karachi. “So we’re teaching our children that if you’re really good at what you do, we will forget your sins. But, if you’re mediocre, get ready to be thrown under the bus.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 14, 2016 CRICKET

FOCUS Akram’s advice to Amir: ‘It won’t be easy but enjoy it’

By Vic Marks was central to those victories, as an irrepressible in the 90s. “England have shown remarkable that. If not, Misbah, who was 18 at the time, can The Guardian all-rounder in 1992, who matured into a rela- confi dence in the last 18 months so they will be surely enlighten them. tively calm, diplomatic captain four years later. tough to beat. For me the only way is to do ‘tit for This was Ian Botham’s last Test match and Wasim seldom seemed to overcomplicate the tat’ in all departments of the game if you want to one of his worst; it was Ian Salisbury’s fi rst and he Pakistan team has had to endure a game – why bother when blessed with so much beat them.” probably one of his best. There were no runs of barrage of reminders of the events of natural talent? Looking ahead to today’s Test, Certainly Pakistan’s 2016 bowling attack, al- signifi cance for Botham, who was fl ummoxed six years ago. Three of their 2016 squad he has acknowledged: “It won’t be easy for him though not so proven, has similar characteris- by Waqar’s reverse swing — it was no fun batting have fi rst-hand knowledge of a Lord’s [Amir]. But my advice to him will be to enjoy the tics to that of the 90s, with the prospect of Amir, in the middle order against that Pakistan side. TTest match that started so brilliantly for them game. He has got pace and skill, so go out and the old tearaway Wahab Riaz plus another pace- Botham soon aggravated a groin strain, which, but which ended up with the team and the try to do your best. Amir can be the leader of the man alongside the gifted wrist spinner, Yasir along with a badly bruised toe courtesy of the tour in disarray, Azhar Ali, Wahab Riaz and, of pack that also has a quality leg-spinner in Ya- Shah. They are no more likely to hold back than Pakistan pace attack, prevented him bowling course, Mohamed Amir. The rest have only to sir Shah, who can be the trump card in a varied the side which conjured a cliff hanger of a victory more than fi ve overs. Salisbury took fi ve wick- glimpse the previews of a much-anticipated bowling attack”. back in the Lord’s Test of 1992. ets in the match and hung around pluckily as a contest today to be confronted by the narra- Wasim was never an advocate of conserva- That was quite a fractious tour, though not nightwatchman. tive of the grimmest of Test matches. England tive caginess. Pakistan are at their best when by the standards of 2010 or 2006. There were But the key fi gures were inevitably Wasim and also have just three survivors from that game they attack, giving free rein to pace bowlers umpiring controversies, ball-tampering alle- Waqar. They shared 13 wickets and then came now that Jimmy Anderson has been ruled out and wrist spinners. That is what they did in gations and sweater-tossing drama (involving together with Pakistan 95 for eight and needing – Alastair Cook, Steven Finn and Stuart Broad, the 90s when there was Waqar Younis along- the umpire Roy Palmer at Old Traff ord). Javed 139 to win against England’s three-man attack who hit a superb, almost forgotten century. side Wasim and another paceman (it might be Miandad, as captain, was less inclined to be as (Phil DeFreitas had also acquired a groin injury Misbah-ul-Haq’s Pakistan must crave better Aaqib Javed or Ata-ur-Rehman) abetted by Former Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram conciliatory a fi gure as Wasim in 1996. by then). templates for playing at Lord’s, which is often the impish wrist spinner, Mushtaq Ahmed, There was also a pulsating fi nish on the Sun- For once Wasim and Waqar combined bril- regarded as the pinnacle of a Test cricketer’s ca- who is currently part of the Pakistan coach- of wickets was usually successful. day of the Lord’s Test match when 17 wickets liantly with bats in their hand. Still trusting reer, and they exist. Pakistan prevailed at Lord’s ing team, having served an apprenticeship of Wasim now counsels an equally forthright fell. That is the Lord’s Test that Pakistan play- their aggressive instincts they stayed together on both their visits in 1992 and 1996. The man to sorts in England’s ranks. That attack seldom approach against an England side that may be ers of today would like to remember and a good until the end, whereupon there were rather whom Amir is often compared, Wasim Akram, took a backward step and the headlong pursuit more challenging than the ones he encountered number of them are just about old enough to do more smiles in the Pakistan camp than in 2010.

ENG VS PAK, 1ST TEST SPOTLIGHT Root dismisses Pacer Ball to make Wahab ‘trash talk’ Reuters London

ngland batting mainstay Joe Root has dismissed “trash talk” by Pakistan England debut paceman Wahab Riaz whoE claimed he has got the bats- man’s number going into the fi rst Test at Lord’s starting today. Root will return to the crucial number three position in the batting line-up against Pakistan and Wahab has already turned against Pakistan the heat on him, claiming the visitors have plans ready for the 25-year-old. Ball replaces Anderson, who is recovering from a stress fracture to his right shoulder “I heard about that. It’s the same before every series, you generally get a bit of trash talk,” Root told reporters. “It’s getting a bit like boxing now. He is a fantastic bowler. Good pace, gets the ball to re- verse swing, so it will be interest- ing to see how that goes through- “You want me to tell you the out the series.” plans? Every batsman has a Root has excelled at number strong point and a weak point four and fi ve and the right- and obviously you have to work hander is now keen to justify his hard on that and practise hard on promotion to top three. that,” said the 31-year-old left- “I’ve matured quite a lot as a arm paceman. player and my game has devel- “Joe Root is the backbone of oped a lot,” he said. “It will be in- the England team and getting teresting to see how it goes.” him out early will put the pres- Wahab reiterated Pakistan’s sure on England. If he thinks it plans to unsettle Root in Tues- is just trash talk then hats off to day’s news conference. him.”

COMMENT Tendulkar calls for more help from pitches for bowlers

Reuters ple on the (relevant) panel will be London able to look into it.” Tendulkar’s views echoed the sentiments of Australian opener ricket pitches need to be David Warner who said last week more bowler-friendly that fl at pitches rather than bats if the rising imbalance with thicker edges are the reason between bat and ball is batsmen have the upper hand in Cto be addressed, Indian batting test cricket. great Sachin Tendulkar has said. Tendulkar was part of the pan- The Marylebone Cricket Club el that recommended Anil Kum- (MCC) world cricket commit- ble for the India coach’s job and tee on Tuesday recommended he expects the team to benefi t limitations on the thickness and from the vast experience of the depth of bats amid concerns that former leg-spinner. Jake Ball (left) and James Anderson (right) walk off the pitch after England’s nets session at Lord’s in London yesterday. (Below) England captain Alastair Cook. (Reuters) the sport has tilted heavily in “A fabulous player, a hard favour of the batsmen in recent competitor and will not make AFP attack alongside his Nottinghamshire der will stand up to that.” years. any compromises on the fi eld,” London teammate Stuart Broad. The build-up to this match has been A report commissioned by the Tendulkar told ESPNcricinfo. Anderson suff ered a stress fracture to dominated by the expected return to Test MCC, the guardian of the game’s “He will be out there to win his right shoulder blade during the Sri cricket of Pakistan paceman Mohamed laws, in 2014 found the thickness each and every moment. ake Ball is set to make his England Lanka series. Amir on the ground where six years ago of bats had marginally increased “He played for almost 20 debut against Pakistan at Lord’s The 33-year-old bowled in the nets as he took part in an infamous spot-fi xing in the last century and that edges years, so there is plenty to share. today after captain Alastair Cook did all-rounder Ben Stokes who is also scandal by deliberately bowling no-balls. had broadened by 300 percent, I’ll just tell the players to grasp as confi rmed his place in the side a nearing a return to full fi tness after play- Amir, now 24, received a fi ve-year meaning even mistimed shots much information from Anil as dayJ before the start of the fi rst Test. ing for Durham as a batsman only after ban from cricket for his part in the aff air could still fi nd the boundary. possible.” Ball was in the squad for all three Tests recent knee surgery. but Cook once more insisted he had no Tendulkar, who quit interna- Kumble, who came out to bowl without playing during England’s pre- qualms about playing against the left- tional cricket in 2013 as the game’s with a bandaged jaw in a 2002 ceding 2-0 series win (with one draw). RISK arm quick. most prolifi c batsman both in tests Antigua test, can also teach the But Ball has now been included af- But with the second Test starting at Lan- “I’ve said all along I don’t think match and the 50-over format, demand- players how to handle adversity, ter James Anderson, England’s all-time cashire swing specialist Anderson’s Old fi xers should be allowed to play but at the ed more assistance for the bowlers said Tendulkar. leading wicket-taker, was ruled out of the Traff ord home ground a week from Fri- time he was given his punishment, he’s from the playing surface. “There are always big, crunch fi rst of this four-Test series with a shoul- him take 67 wickets across all formats for day, the selectors were wary of taking a served it so he’s entitled to come back. “The wickets need to change; moments in any match and how der injury. Nottinghamshire. chance on him at Lord’s. He’s served his time,” said Cook. they need to be more helpful for to approach those moments is “Jake will make his debut,” Cook told He followed that up with a dramatic “He’s not (bowling) quite at full pace, “It’s the big story about this Test bowlers,” Tendulkar said. important,” Tendulkar said. reporters at Lord’s yesterday. start to the current English campaign, and I think the risk of going into fi ve-day match, but I thought the way both sides “In T20s, the greatest of bowl- “In sport, over a period of time “Unfortunately Jimmy has missed out which has so far seen Ball take 37 fi rst- Test match with that injury, an injury that played in the UAE (in 2015) that the spirit ers are being reverse-swept. what you learn is not every day but it’s a great opportunity for Jake,” the class wickets at an average of just 22. not too many people have had, just had a between us was diff erent to in the past, Three-hundred is no longer you are successful, sometimes opening batsman added. “I’m looking forward to seeing how he bit of a doubt about it,” said Cook. and I hope we can carry that on and talk competitive in ODIs. you have to face failures. The 25-year-old Ball has edged out goes, he’s had a great year with Notts and “I think the selectors decided that there about the cricket.” “So there should be at least “It is all about being a tough fellow uncapped seamer Toby Roland- looks a fi ne bowler,” said Cook. are three other games, and he should be one format where bowlers have a character and be able to stand Jones, who was hoping to make his Test “He’s got wicket-taking balls in him, fi t for Old Traff ord. England: Alastair Cook (captain), Alex better chance of executing their back on your feet again and to debut on his Middlesex home ground, the ability to get good players out on fl at “They were concerned that if he did Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, Gary Bal- skills and making it more inter- compete the next day. Every day from an original 12-man squad. wickets, and he puts the ball in good areas have one of those stints at Lord’s, on a fl at lance, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), esting for spectators. is a fresh day, new beginning. Ball came into England contention af- with good pace.” wicket, he could be bowling 30-odd overs Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, “I don’t think it’s got much to That is something I feel Anil will ter a breakthrough 2015 season which saw Cook added that Ball would open the and we are not quite sure how his shoul- Steven Finn, Jake Ball do with bats, but I’m sure peo- teach them.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 14, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Egypt’s top goalscorer faces assault trial

Cairo: Egypt’s all-time top goalscorer Hos- sam Hassan will go on trial Saturday for allegedly assaulting a government photogra- pher during clashes after a match involving Balotelli has no future his club, a court off icial said. Scuff les broke out on Friday between play- ers of Al-Masry — the Port Said team where Hassan is now head coach — and Ghazl el- Mahalla, following their 2-2 draw in a league match. Hassan, former captain of Egypt’s national team, was filmed apparently attacking a pho- at Liverpool: Klopp tographer who was working for the interior ministry as he was taking pictures of the clashes. The video appears to show Hassan ‘There will be a club around who would be happy to have the new Mario Balotelli’ chasing the photographer across the pitch then punching him in the head, taking his camera and smashing it on the ground next to the pitch. The photographer filed a complaint. Hassan will face trial on charges of “assault- ing and beating an off icial who was carrying out his duties” and for having damaged his camera, a judicial off icial and the police said. His deputy Hassan Mustafa and the adminis- trative director of the club Walid Badr will be tried with him on similar charges. The three men were placed in custody Tues- day by the prosecutor of the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya, east of Cairo, where the match took place. Hassan, 49, played for Egypt’s two top clubs, Al-Ahly and Zamalak, and was known for his hot temper and frequent fights. Before taking charge of Al-Masry last year, Hassan had a glittering career, scoring 69 goals in 196 appearances for Egypt. On Saturday, the Egyptian Football Associa- tion suspended Hassan from taking part in his club’s next three matches and fined him 10,000 Egyptian pounds (around 1,000 euros, $1,100). The club was also fined 20,000 Egyptian pounds (around 2,000 euros, $2,200).

China Cup to kick off in Jan Beijing: China will host an annual national team football tournament starting from next year, entertainment and property conglomer- ate Dalian Wanda Group said yesterday as it seeks to build a sporting empire. The announcement comes as Chinese companies snap up foreign players and clubs as the country increases its influence on the global game. The FIFA-approved “China Cup” will kick off in January 2017 with a four-game tournament featuring China and three teams from Europe and the Americas, Wanda said in a statement, without identifying the non- Chinese participants. The company expects the cup, which Wanda says is a collaboration with the Chinese Football Association and the Asian Football Confederation, to eventually feature eight competitors from “among the world’s top- ranking national A teams”, the statement said. China currently languishes in 81st place in the FIFA world rankings, just behind Zambia and Reuters ball’s governing body that he had failed a dope test. Jordan, and Wanda said that Chinese fans London UEFA dismissed the case against the 26-year- Giggs signs up for Indian futsal league were “eager to see their national team rise to old last week, but Sakho missed Liverpool’s Europa the top”. League fi nal defeat by Sevilla in May and was dropped Welsh football legend Ryan Giggs will with Manchester United between 1990 “As the host country, China will automati- anager Juergen Klopp has told Mario from France’s squad for the European Championship return to the pitch as a player in the in- and 2014, netting 168 goals in 963 ap- cally qualify to enter its national team in the Balotelli that with so much competition as a result of the charge. augural Premier Futsal starting in India pearances. tournament, gaining the opportunity to climb for places up front at Liverpool he should “Mama is injured. He had a little issue with his this week, the organisers announced The Futsal has run foul of India’s na- up FIFA ranks,” Wanda added. look for another club. Achilles when he was playing, one day on, one off , yesterday. tional football body, which runs its own Wanda, headed by China’s richest man, Wang MBalotelli has returned for pre-season training fol- this kind of thing,” Klopp said. Brazilian star Ronaldinho and former Indian Super League and has advised Jianlin, already holds a key stake in Atletico lowing an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan but is “Mama had a little issue with his Achilles when he AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo have domestic players to keep away from Madrid and is a top-tier sponsor of football’s well down the pecking order at Liverpool, who also was playing, one day on, one off , this kind of thing,” also signed up for the event beginning the event. scandal-hit governing body, FIFA. have Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Divock Klopp said. in Chennai on Friday. Futsal organisers insist it is a private Wang built a $100 bn business empire Origi and Danny Ings on the books. “When he had his little ‘break’ he used the time to Giggs, 42, recently left his assistant league and does not require any au- founded on shopping malls, before setting his “I have spoken to him about this,” the manager told have a little bit of treatment and that now means an- manager’s role at Old Traff ord follow- thorisation from the All India Football sights on building a global sports conglomer- reporters. other three or four weeks before he can train again. ing the arrival of former Chelsea boss Federation. ate. A report in the Financial Times last week “He’s not at the stage of his career where he should “There was no surgery, he is just not about to train Jose Mourinho. said the firm was in talks with European be battling with four or fi ve other players for one or at the moment. He has got some rehab of course and “History waiting to be written! Ryan national leagues about the possibility of two positions... so it’s clear we need a solution. it’s not too good a situation for him, for us, every- Giggs, Ronaldinho and Crespo are now creating an international club competition “There will be a club around who would be happy body. part of the Premier Futsal family!” the that could potentially challenge the hugely to have the new Mario Balotelli. I have spoken clearly “It’s not important what I could say because eve- organisers tweeted. popular UEFA Champions League. to the player about that.” ryone thinks the same. He’s here, he’s not available at The tournament, which is the latest Wanda Sports Holdings already claims to be Sampdoria have expressed their interest in the the moment but he is doing rehab. We will see how he franchise-based sporting competition the world’s largest sports company, and has a player, with president Massimo Ferrero saying they reacts to that and then when he can play again.” in India, will see six teams with five goal of reaching an annual turnover of $10bn. would be the perfect club for him to revive his career Sakho’s likely absence from the beginning of the players each lock horns in the indoor Wanda became a top-tier sponsor of FIFA in after scoring just three goals in 23 appearances for season next month leaves Klopp short of central de- competition. March, the first company to join hands with Milan last season. fenders. Each team will be led by a marquee the embattled body after the departure of Another player who is unlikely to be lining up for Slovak veteran Martin Skrtel is in Turkey to sign player with Giggs helming Mumbai scandal-hit president Sepp Blatter. Liverpool for their Premier League opener against for Fenerbahce and Ivory Coast’s Kolo Toure has been and England great Paul Scholes, who Wanda holds a 20% stake in Spain’s Atletico, Arsenal on August 14 is defender Mamadou Sakho, released leaving Croatia’s Dejan Lovren, Cameroon was signed up last month, leading this year’s Champions League runners-up, who underwent treatment for a long-standing Achil- international Joel Matip, who came on a free transfer Bangalore. and also owns the World Triathlon Corp, les problem. The France international has not played from Bundesliga outfi t Schalke 04, whilst Germany’s Giggs enjoyed a remarkable career which runs the Ironman series. since April after being informed by European foot- Emre Can is also capable of slotting in at centreback.”

SPOTLIGHT Rooney looking forward to Mourinho era

Reuters Mourinho hopes United players London will forge close bond Wayne Rooney (R) and Manchester United’s pre-season tour of China this Jose Mourinho. month, when they face Manchester City and Borus- anchester United striker Wayne Rooney sia Dortmund, will give the players an opportunity to admits the arrival of Jose Mourinho has forge a close bond, manager Jose Mourinho has said. given him added motivation for the sea- United’s fi rst game under Mourinho will be against son ahead. last season’s Bundesliga runners-up Dortmund in the MFormer Chelsea boss Mourinho has suggested he International Champions Cup in Shanghai on July 22. preferred to play Rooney in a more attacking role, The 53-year-old Portuguese manager will also rather than see him pull strings from midfi eld as he renew hostilities with old adversary Pep Guardiola, did under predecessor Louis van Gaal. who replaced Manuel Pellegrini as City’s manager, on Rooney will be looking to forge a formidable strike June 25. partnership with new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, af- “I hope to see a group, from an emotional point of ter a dearth of goals under the Dutchman last season. view, coming together and getting to know each other “I’m really excited to be working with Jose this sea- better and understanding each other better,” Mour- son,” the 30-year-old told the club’s offi cial maga- inho said in an interview with adidas’ Front Row. zine. “He’s one of the best managers in the world and “It’s important from a football point of view, but it’s an exciting time for Manchester United. also from a human qualities point of view, that’s very “I’ve always respected him both as a man and a important. I think the pre-season tours are also for manager. the club dimension.” I like to think I’m always motivated as a player but United will take on Premier League champions I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit more motivated when Leicester City in the annual Community Shield game a new manager comes in. He’ll bring all these quali- at Wembley on Aug. 7. The 20-times English league ties with him and I’m sure he’ll have his own ideas, winners begin their league campaign with a trip to but one of the biggest assets will be his experience.” Bournemouth on August 14. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 14, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Traore joins CSKA Moscow

Lanky Monaco forward Lacina Traore will spend next season on loan with Russian champions CSKA Moscow, the Russian club Celtic crash to Gibraltar said yesterday. The 25-year-old striker, nick- named the “Gentle Giant” because of his two-metre frame, scored 10 goals in 27 matches with Monaco last season. “I’m really happy to become part-timers Lincoln a CSKA player,” the Ivory Coast international told the Moscow club’s website. ‘Surreal, it’s what people dream about, beating a big club like Celtic, we’ve done it here’ “It’s one of the best Russian clubs. I have already played in this league and saw that CSKA set the tone here. Hopefully our cooperation will be fruitful.” Traore, who has won 10 caps and scored four goals for Ivory Coast, played in the Russian league with Kuban Krasnodar in 2011-12 and Anzhi Makhachkala in 2012-13. Porto capture Telles Porto have captured Brazil- ian attacking left-back Alex Telles from Galatasaray on a five-year deal, the Portuguese giants said. The 23-year-old, who was on loan at Inter Milan last sea- son, cost Porto about 6.5mn euros ($7.2mn), Portuguese media said. Telles spent two years with Galatasaray, who tweeted: “Thank you and good luck, Alex Telles!” Digne joins Barca France international defend- er Lucas Digne has joined Barcelona on a five-year deal from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain, the Catalan club said yesterday. The 22-year-old left back spent last season on a suc- cessful loan deal at Serie A’s Roma and had been expected to move there permanently. But Barcelona have sealed the stylish Lille- trained player’s services in a deal worth 16.5 mn euros ($18.26M) with a potential 4mn add on. “His pace on the left makes him a threat going forward as does his excellent techni- cal quality on the ball,” Barca said in a press release. Digne, whose buy-out clause is 60 mn euros, was part of Didier Deschamps’ 23-strong France squad for Lincoln Red Imps’ Lee Casciaro scores the only goal against Celtic Euro 2016, but didn’t play during their Champions League match. PICTURE: Herald Scotland a single minute, with the experienced Patrice Evra preferred in the starting XI. AFP my life,” he added. “Historic result for English lower-league club Lincoln City, mark. Celtic, aiming to return to the Celtic, who have lost in the fi nal Digne will arrive in Barcelo- Paris our club tonight. A brave performance Gibraltar’s Red Imps have dominated Champions League group stages for the play-off round for the past two seasons, na today to undergo a medi- by our lads has delivered a dream result. the domestic game in recent times, fi rst time since 2013/2014, had arrived will still fancy rescuing he tie on home cal and sign his contract. Well done to all!” Lincoln tweeted. much like Celtic, winning the last 14 at the Victoria Stadium nestling at the soil. But Casciaro for one is not ruling cottish giants Celtic crashed to This was one of 1967 European league championships. foot of the peninsula’s famous rock un- out another upset in Glasgow. a 1-0 Champions League defeat champions’ Celtic’s worst ever de- Casciaro, who works for the Gibraltar beaten in their four warm-up matches. “We know it’s going to be complete- to Lincoln Red Imps on Tuesday feats in the competition, and it left the Defence Police, author of the decisive But despite sustained late pressure ly diff erent at Celtic Park, with 50- with the goal scored by Lee Cas- Hoops counting on turning the second goal in Lincoln’s 2-1 win over Andorran Lincoln held out for a famous victory in 60,000 people, but hopefully we can ciaro,S a policeman in his day job. qualifying tie around in the return leg at outfi t Santa Coloma in the fi rst qualify- front of a crowd of around 2,000. Rodg- make an upset over there.” Manager Brendan Rodgers’ fi rst Parkhead next week. For Rodgers it was ing round last week. ers tried to inject a sense of realism to “What just happened? We came we competitive match in charge was a hu- the worst possible start to his Celtic ca- Celtic struggled in the heat and then the topsy turvy outcome. fought we won! @LincolnRedImps miliating aff air, with 34-year-old Cas- reer, the former Liverpool boss having got caught out by Casciaro, scorer “There is no embarrassment,” he nothing is impossible! Bring on Celltic ciaro infl icting the hammer blow in the replaced Ronny Deila in May. of Gibraltar’s fi rst international goal said. “It was a tough game in tough Park” added his brother, shipping agent 48th minute. Celtic turned up in Gibraltar for their against Scotland at Hampden in 2015, conditions. We didn’t take our chances, Kyle, on Twitter. “Surreal, it’s what people dream fi rst competitive fi xture of the season as who scored from 12 yards. they took their chance. On his appointment in May Rodgers about, beating a big club like Celtic, overwhelming favourites against their The visitor’s Leigh Griffi ths hit the “We have seen enough to see that we had listed one of his objectives at Celtic we’ve done it here,” the match winner semi-professional opponents who also woodwork twice and French striker can get through in the second leg. Of as “making an impact on European told Sky Sports. included a taxi driver, a fi reman in their Moussa Dembele, making his competi- course you are disappointed to lose. football” - Tuesday’s result certainly “Getting the winning goal is some- line-up. “It’s (football) like a hobby for tive debut on his 20th birthday, had a “The result here complicates it a bit did that, but not in the way he had ever thing that will be with me for the rest of us,” Casciaro said. Named in honour of goal disallowed after the half hour for us. We move on to next week.” envisaged.

FOCUS Press make merry over ‘Shock of Gibraltar’

AFP corer, 34-year-old policeman brought in to avoid the recent London Lee Casciaro. But at least there trend of early-season European was a minor consolation for the embarrassments? Right. Upon 300 or so Celtic fans who had closer inspection, the problems eltic gave Scotland their travelled to a game that was pre- clearly run too deep for one man, proudest moment in dicted to be a walkover for the given one pre-season, to put European football by cosseted millionaires from Glas- right.” winning the 1967 Euro- gow against a team whose line- The Mail suggests Rodgers peanC Cup, but the 2016 side has up had done their day job before might have to resort to extreme now handed the country their playing the game. measures to rectify matters. most embarrassing in losing to “It was the club’s worst result “If Rodgers already suspected Gibraltar part-timers Lincoln in their history but travelling he had taken on a major rebuild- Red Imps on Tuesday. Bhoys (Celtic) fans were fortu- ing job, now he knows. He may “Shock of Gibraltar” will be nate to be only a one hundred even have decided that complete a headline the humiliated play- metres or so away from the air- demolition of the existing struc- ers and their manager Brendan port to escape the embarrass- ture is required.” Rodgers, who will wish to for- ment against the part-timers,” Scottish paper The Daily get his fi rst competitive game wrote the Sun. Record weren’t any kinder in in charge, will see screaming The Daily Mail didn’t spare comparing the population of Gi- from several newspapers after the Scottish team nor former braltar to the capacity at Celtic’s they lost 1-0 in their Champions Liverpool boss Rodgers, who ground in Glasgow. League qualifi er fi rst leg. surprised many in taking the job “To put it in to some context, Regardless of being able to put in May as he was thought to be the entire population of Gibral- matters right next week back in in the running for several in the tar could fi t in to Celtic Park — Glasgow for the second leg, the Premier League were they to be- and there would still be no need papers were as one in saying this come vacant. to open the top tier.” result will not be forgotten. “Rodgers rocked! Celtic beat- The Daily Record observed that Leading the charge was the en by butchers bakers and can- one of Rodgers’ claims that they never reserved tabloid The Sun: dlestick makers,” the Mail said. weren’t taking the task lightly had “Rodgered by a Copper — Rodg- The Mail did at least off er some come horribly true. “Rodgers said ers suff ers humiliating ‘Shock of sympathy to Rodgers about the he was treating the Imps like they Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers Gibraltar’ defeat in fi rst game in task he had ahead of him in sort- were Barcelona — well, his side reacts at the fi nal whistle. charge,” went the headline. “A ing out the problems. made the policemen and customs copper” referred to the goals- “And Brendan Rodgers was offi cials look like Barcelona.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 14, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Norwich sign Spanish teenager from Liverpool

romising Spanish winger Sergi Ca- nos’s search for more fi rst team football saw him drop down a divi- sion yetesrday, signing for second- Allardyce interviewed Ptier Norwich City from Premier League giants Liverpool for a reported £2million (2.3mn euros, $2.6mn). The 19-year-old, who has represented Spain at Under-17 and Under-19 levels, signed a four-year contract and could cost the Canaries a further £2million depending on the number of times he plays for them. for England job Canos, who had been with Liverpool since 2013, progressing through the academy sys- tem, played just once for the Merseysiders ‘We are keen to see a period of stability and we want him to remain as manager of our club’ in the Premier League, the fi nal game of last season. Cano had a successful spell on loan at second-tier Brentford last term scoring seven times. Atletico Madrid ‘sign’ film star Matt Damon

tletico Madrid yesderday unveiled their latest big summer “signing” - the Hollywood star Matt Damon. The actor, in the Spanish capi- Atal to promote his new fi lm “Jason Bourne”, was presented with a shirt of the Champions League fi nalists by club president Enrique Cerezo, a respected fi lm producer, complete with Damon’s name on the back. Damon, 45, said Atletico “remind me of my favourite team, the Boston Red Sox”, the baseball team whose colours are also red and white. “It’s our summer signing, joining next week, fresh from the US,” joked Cerezo, who has similarly “signed” in the past movie stars Harrison Ford, Halle Berry and Samuel L. Jackson.

US actor Matt Damon poses with Atletico de Madrid jersey during a promotional event for the latest release of the Jason Bourne film series in Madrid. (AFP)

Panathinaikos hit with supporter ban for fi rst home match Panathinaikos will play their first home game of the new Super League season behind AFP this. Sam is very much key to our plans. After erally engenders respect and is seen as a great likely to feature on any shortlist. closed doors as punishment for crowd distur- London what was an extremely challenging season, we motivator of players. Meanwhile Hull City boss Steve Bruce has bances in a playoff match last season. are keen to see a period of stability, both on His remarks of 10 years ago which fell on said he is fl attered to be linked with the vacant The Super League disciplinary committee and off the fi eld, and we want him to remain as stoney ground that England was heading into England manager’s job. yesterday handed down the punishment, am Allardyce looks to be in pole posi- manager of our football club. an ‘abyss’ may have been ignored by the FA “It’s highly fl attering and I’m honoured to which was related to incidents during the tion to become the next England man- “The ongoing speculation over Sam’s posi- then, but resonate now after successive failures be linked with it,” Bruce, who led Hull back second match of the playoff s against PAOK ager after his club Sunderland revealed tion is extremely damaging to Sunderland AFC, at major championships. into the Premier League after one season in the Salonica on May 15. yesterday they granted at his request particularly at this crucial time of the season Since Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson guided Championship (second-tier), told the local me- The league said the punishment, which permissionS to speak to the Football Association. and we urge the FA to respect the disruption England to the 2006 World Cup quarter-fi nals, dia. “Whether or not it goes any further than also includes a hefty fine of 61,750 euros The 61-year-old Englishman, who was inter- that this process is causing and bring about a losing to Portugal on penalties, they have either that... It’s the pinnacle isn’t it? To manage your ($68,456.05), was the result of “the behaviour viewed for the England job 10 years ago but lost swift resolution to the matter.” failed to qualify for a championships — Euro country, there’s no bigger job. of the fans, as well as their abusive slogans”. out to Steve McClaren, spoke with the three- Allardyce, who apart from an Irish champi- 2008 which cost McClaren his job — or failed “It’s all speculation. There’s a lot of people Bottles were thrown onto the pitch and man FA panel on Tuesday about succeeding onship with Limerick City in 1992 has never to get past the fi rst knockout stage in the sub- who have written nice things and I’m grateful dozens of flares were lit during the match, Roy Hodgson, who resigned after England won a major domestic trophy, is one of several sequent two Euros and two World Cups under for that.” which marked celebrations by the Ultras’ Gate were beaten by Iceland in the Euro 2016 last-16 names who have been linked with one of the the autocratic Fabio Capello and then Hodgson. Bruce said he had not been contacted by the 13 supporters club at the Apostolos Nikolaidis clash. trickiest jobs in the sport. Allardyce’s remark after he lost out to Mc- English Football Association and was focused stadium. Sunderland, who Allardyce saved from rel- A fellow former no-nonsense central de- Claren sounds even more propitious: “The on building a Hull squad capable of competing Panathinaikos had several run-ins with the egation last term, made clear they wished the fender Steve Bruce, now manager of Hull, Ar- problem isn’t now, the problem is in the future.” in the Premier League in the coming season. authorities last season due to crowd distur- situation to be resolved as quickly as possible so senal’s veteran handler Arsene Wenger, the With Sunderland having just appointed a “With the players that we let go at the end of bances which saw the partial closure of the they can prepare for another tough campaign in United States’ German coach Jurgen Klinsmann new chief executive in Martin Bain – who ar- last season, and the two injuries we’ve subse- club’s stadium in January on top of a previous the Premier League. and young Englishman Eddie Howe, who has rived from Maccabi Tel Aviv on 1 July – and still quently picked up, we might now be looking at supporter ban and points deductions by soc- “The Football Association contacted Sun- impressed at Bournemouth, have all fi gured in to make a signing this summer they could not fi ve or six new faces,” he added. cer authorities.. derland AFC to seek permission to speak with talk about the job. be facing the prospect of seeking their seventh “We’d like to add to the squad quickly if we Panionios were also ordered to play their first our manager as part of what was supposed to be Allardyce, though, is the odds on favourite manager in fi ve years at a worse time. could, but when you have European Champi- home match of the season behind closed a confi dential discussion process with potential with English bookmaker William Hill for, de- While any negotiations over potential com- onships going on there hasn’t been any really doors with a similar punishment due to candidates for the position of England manag- spite not winning anything signifi cant in his pensation for Allardyce are likely to be straight- signifi cant movement (in the transfer market) disturbances during their playoff match with er,” read a statement from Sunderland. managerial career with among others Bolton, forward, identifying a successor could prove just yet. A lot of clubs are being patient and we AEK on May 31. “At Sam Allardyce’s request, we agreed to Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham, he gen- trickier. David Moyes would be among those have to do the same.

FOCUS United’s Shaw to make comeback at Wigan

Jamie Jackson players are on a break follow- with Ander Herrera, Ashley The Guardian ing involvement in the Euro- Young, Juan Mata, Timothy pean Championship or the Copa Fosu-Mensah, Daley Blind, America. Michael Carrick, Memphis De- uke Shaw expects to Phil Jones is among those pay, Jesse Lingard, Guillermo make his comeback from training and has been told by Varela, Andreas Pereira, Adnan a broken leg sustained Mourinho he has a long-term Januzaj and James Wilson. The last September at Wigan future at the club. Jones, as has new signings Henrikh Mkhitary- LAthletic on Saturday in Jose been the pattern during his an and Eric Bailly are also under Mourinho’s opening game as the United career, struggled with in- consideration, having started Manchester United manager. jury last season and last featured training yesterday. Shaw suff ered a double frac- in the 2-1 defeat of Swansea City United fl y to China on Tues- ture of his right leg in United’s at Old Traff ord on 2 January. day to start their summer tour. Champions League defeat at They face Manchester City and PSV Eindhoven on 15 Septem- Phil Jones is among those Borussia Dortmund there before ber. It ruled him out for the rest training and has been told travelling to Gothenburg to play of the season and caused him to by Mourinho he has a Galatasaray on 30 July. miss England’s Euro 2016 cam- long-term future at the club Wayne Rooney’s testimonial paign. against Everton at Old Traf- The 21-year-old has returned Mourinho views him as the ford follows on 3 August before to full training and the left-back potential regular partner for the Community Shield match feels ready to play again. Shaw Chris Smalling in central de- against Leicester City at Wem- is one of a diminished fi rst- fence and Jones is expected to bley four days later. team squad Mourinho has been start the new campaign as a fi rst United begin their Premier training during his opening two choice. League season at Bournemouth weeks in charge, because many Jones may feature at Wigan on 14 August. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 14, 2016 SPORT

BOXING RUGBY Coach Jones Pacquiao plans wants more from England to fi ght again this defence

AFP New Zealand in 2017. London ‘EVOLVING MINDSET’ Jones — who hit a rapid 30 for a ngland coach Eddie Rugby Football Union XI against year: promoter Jones has said the team the Rugby Writers in a cricket are now “back to zero” match in Richmond, southwest after last month’s his- London on Monday — has always toricE 3-0 Test series win over his been keen to learn from other ‘Boxing is my only means of livelihood to support my family and to help those in need’ native Australia. sports. Jones’s men became the fi rst He recently spent time with England side to win a Test series the Orica-BikeExchange cycling in Australia, and did so with a team competing in the Tour de whitewash of the Wallabies. France. But for Jones, Australia’s coach “It is incredible what they do; when they lost to England in the there is almost a race behind the 2003 World Cup fi nal in Sydney, bike race, all the cars with the there is still work to do if they head coaches drive behind the are to overtake world champions bikes, giving them instructions,” New Zealand as the international he said. game’s number one ranked side. “The preparation is really good “We’re back to zero now. Aus- individually, before the ride with tralia has gone,” Jones told re- the information they are given, porters in London following a and the post-ride debriefs. The series that ended with England’s way they set it up is very profes- 44-40 victory in in Sydney. sional.” “We didn’t defend well. They England won the fi rst Test in scored too many easy tries Brisbane 39-28 before clinching against us. There’s work to do. the series with a 23-7 victory in “We want to be an aggressive Melbourne. side, we want to get off the line, “We’ve done some good things we want to hit people, but we in rugby but we still have a long also have to be smart about it. way to go,” added Jones. “We have good periods and “But our mindset is evolving. not so good periods. The number In Australia our hardest game one team in the world is good all was the third Test, having al- the time.” ready won 2-0. Australia have England have enjoyed a rapid nothing to lose and are giving it rise since Jones took over fol- everything. lowing the pain of the hosts’ pool “There were signs of wear and stage exit from last year’s World tear, so to put in that eff ort men- Cup. tally, rather than physically, is He has a perfect played nine, what we are talking about on the won nine record as England Tour. coach — a run that includes last “Those guys go up that fi rst season’s Six Nations Grand Slam slope for 45 minutes — it’s tiring — and under his guidance the enough driving up it — and then team have risen from eighth to they have to keep going for an- second in the world rankings. other four and a half hours. In November and December, “That’s not physical tough- they will try to make it 13 in a row ness, it’s mental toughness In this April 9, 2016, picture, Manny Pacquiao (right) and Timothy Bradley Jr. face off during their WBO international welterweight title bout in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP) when they welcome South Af- and our guys exhibited that in rica, Fiji, Argentina and Australia the third Test which was really AFP votes in the senate in Pacquiao’s native legislative works,” he said. ‘WE ARE DOING THIS PROPERLY’ to Twickenham before facing pleasing.” Los Angeles Philippines. “My next fi ght has not yet been dis- Pacquiao’s advisor Michael Koncz told “The question is building availability cussed. Should there be any, I’ll make ESPN that he working with both Arum because we want to do the fi ght in Las Ve- sure it will not interfere with my senate and Pacquiao on fi ght plans. ilipino boxing star Manny Pac- gas,” Arum said about the new dates. duties.” “Manny’s primary concern and obli- quiao plans to come out of retire- Arum said the most diffi cult part of The boxer said all his training would gation is to fulfi ll his senatorial duties,” ment to fi ght, his promoter said setting up a fi ght is working around the take place in the Philippines so that he Koncz said. Tuesday, though the boxer said boxer’s busy political schedule. can keep participating in senate proceed- “But he misses (boxing). He misses the noF fi ght has yet been set. “He now has given us the go-ahead to ings. Pacquiao typically spends half his training. He misses being in the gym. You Bob Arum told American sports broad- shop for a venue and an opponent and time training in the Philippines and the can see when he trains it’s like a stress re- caster ESPN that the former welterweight see if we can do it on a particular date or other half in the US. liever for him. champion plans to fi ght on either October dates,” Arum said. “Boxing is my only means of livelihood “So I am working with Bob and Manny 29 or November 5 as a main event bout in “We’ve been trying to work out a date to support my family and to help those is working closely with the senate presi- Las Vegas as long as it doesn’t clash with that doesn’t interfere with his senato- who are in need,” he said. dent to make sure the dates are OK. We his senate duties in the Philippines. No rial responsibilities and his ability to “Politics, to me, is a vocation not a are doing this properly.” opponent has been named thus far. train.” means to eke out a living. Adrien Broner (32-2, 24 KOs) was be- “Manny wants to come back,” Arum But in a statement, Pacquiao, who has a “I want to maintain that belief. I want ing considered as a possible opponent, said. “The problem is he can only come record of 58-6-2 with 38 knockouts, de- to keep my dignity intact while in public but Arum said that would not happen be- back if it doesn’t interfere with his senate nied any fi rm plans on a fi ght. service.” cause Broner wanted too much money for duties.” “There is no truth to media reports that The 37-year-old Pacquiao last fought the fi ght. Arum had previously planned an Oc- I’m planning to take a leave from my sen- in April, when he won a unanimous deci- Other potential opponents could be tober 15 fi ght in Mandalay Bay Events ate duties just to fi ght again atop the ring. sion over Timothy Bradley. Pacquiao said undefeated Terence Crawford or Viktor Center, but scrapped it due to upcoming I want to make it clear — my priority is my at the time that the bout would be his last. Postol, who meet in a July 23 fi ght.

BOTTOMLINE Champion Joshua gets Lewis stamp of approval

AFP London

ritain’s heavyweight IBF world champion Anthony Joshua is classy enough to go on and be- come undisputed champion, formerB king of the ring Lennox Lewis told the Press Association on Tuesday. Lewis should know as he is the last pugilist to have simultaneously held the WBC, WBA and IBF belts before he re- tired from the ring in 2004 — the Kl- Japan unveil golden itschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, subsequently dominated but neither rugby ball to celebrate were ever undisputed champion. Joshua, though, like Lewis entered the Springbok win professional ranks with the signifi cant cachet of Olympic champion and unlike some, such as Audley Harrison, seam- A pure gold rugby ball, made lessly transferred his talent onto that in honour of Japan’s shock win stage and has 17 knockouts in as many over South Africa at last year’s bouts. In this June 25, 2016, picture, Anthony Joshua (left) lands a punch on Dominic Breazeale during their IBF World Heavyweight title at rugby World Cup, went on sale “It is very possible for him (to become The O2 Arena, London. (Reuters) in Tokyo yesterday for 38 mil- undisputed champion),” said Lewis of lion yen ($360,000). Joshua, who in his fi rst title defence last part,” said Lewis, who last month had the Joshua, who has a November dead- who come along that Joshua can’t knock The shining 2.8kg (6 pounds) month knocked out Dominic Breazeale. honour of being a pallbearer at the great- line to defend his crown against New out,” said Lewis. ball was displayed at Japan’s “He is in the position to do it, he est undisputed heavyweight champion of Zealand’s Joseph Parker, would have to “And there are still a lot of unanswered oldest department store chain, has not been rushed, and he has had 17 the world Muhammad Ali’s funeral. arrange title bouts with WBC holder questions, such as does he have the stam- Mitsukoshi, alongside other fights with 17 knock-outs,” added the “I am happy to see that he is win- American Deontay Wilder and contro- ina, and can he take it on the chin? items in the annual ‘Large England-born Lewis, who won his Ol- ning, and he is in a position where he can versial fellow Briton Tyson Fury, who has “But we are waiting and we are watch- Gold Exhibition’. ympic title for Canada before reverting change and create history. the WBA title although he faces a rematch ing his progression. It is good to have a The Brave Blossoms produced back to being British for his profession- “He has created history because he is with the man he took it off last November buzz about him because he is the Olympic arguably the biggest shock in al career. a world champion. Audley Harrison was Wladimir Klitschko. champion. World Cup history when they Lewis, who defeated Evander Holyfi eld an Olympic champion but he did not be- Lewis admits Joshua has yet to be “That is a gold ticket into the pros, and beat twice champions South Africa 34-32 in September, their to become undisputed champion in 1999, come a world champion. tested and therein could lie the answer to now everyone wants to be on the wave first win at the tournament in 24 years. said Joshua looked the part. “He (Joshua) overcame that, he has got whether he can go on and achieve what that is fl owing, and that wave is Anthony Organisers also hoped the gold ball could inspire further suc- “Joshua has come along at the right it off of his back, and the next thing he the former champion believes is possible. Joshua. We are going to have to wait and cess when Japan host the next World Cup in 2019. time, he plays the part and looks the wants to get is all of the belts.” “Obviously, there are going to be guys see where that wave ends up.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 14, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT BASKETBALL Five-time champ Duncan retires aft er Brady loses bid 19 glorious seasons for new hearing in ‘Defl ategate’ case Brady, 38, was suspended after the NFL discovered underinflated footballs were used in the Patriots’ 45-7 rout of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2015 AFC championship game

File photo of Tim Duncan (R) of the San Antonio Spurs.

AFP ing his career. But last season’s Los Angeles campaign was disrupted by a knee injury and he played in only 61 games. an Antonio Spurs star San Antonio was eliminated power forward Tim in the playoff s this past season Duncan, one of the best by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Splayers in NBA history, Duncan’s fi nal game was a announced his retirement Mon- 113-99 loss to the Thunder in day, ending a brilliant 19-season game six of the Western Con- career that included fi ve league ference semi-fi nals on May 12. titles. In his career fi nale, he scored 19 The 40-year-old Duncan, who points, with fi ve rebounds and was selected as the fi rst overall a block as he played the entire pick in the 1997 NBA draft, spent fourth quarter without a rest. his entire career with the Spurs At the end of June, Duncan — an anomaly in a league where had exercised a $6.4mn player players often change teams. option for next season, but talk The Spurs reached the playoff s of retirement loomed large. in every one of his 19 seasons. Spanish star Pau Gasol, who “Tim Duncan is one of the during his career has played most dominant players in NBA power forward and center, has history,” National Basketball reportedly agreed to join San Association commissioner Antonio on a two-year deal Adam Silver said, adding that worth $30mn, after spend- Duncan’s “understated self- ing the last two seasons with lessness made him the ultimate the Chicago Bulls — and it now teammate.” looks like he will help fi ll the “For two decades Tim rep- void left by Duncan. resented the Spurs, the city of Ginobili, 38, has said he San Antonio and the league with plans to take his time in decid- passion and class.” ing about playing a 15th season Duncan, together with Tony for the Spurs for $2.9 mn next Parker and Manu Ginobili, season. He was emotional about formed one of the most suc- Duncan’s departure. cessful trios in NBA history. “Even tho I knew it was com- They hold the league record for ing, I’m still moved by the news. regular season wins (575) and What a HUGE honor to have NFL star Tom Brady postseason wins (126). played with him for 14 seasons! Duncan and Spurs coach #ThankYouTD,” Ginobili said on Reuters of cases it reviews. player, was suspended after a lawyer hired troversy.” Gregg Popovich also formed a Twitter. Parker said: “Greatest New York If it stands, Monday’s decision would by the league to investigate the mat- Yesterday’s order rejected Brady’s mo- dynamic duo, accounting for Power Forward Ever! It was an end an 18-month saga that had become a ter said the quarterback was “generally tion to have the panel or the entire appeals the most wins ever by a player- honor to play with you !! #spurs- major distraction for the NFL, which also aware” that two Patriots employees had court reconsider the case. coach duo at 1,001. family.” ew England Patriots star quar- faces criticism over player safety and the conspired to defl ate the footballs, which Lawyers for Brady and the union had Duncan, a three-time NBA Kobe Bryant — who like Dun- terback Tom Brady yesterday link between football and concussions. could make them easier to grip. said letting the 2nd Circuit decision stand Finals MVP and a two-time reg- can won fi ve league titles over a lost a bid for a new hearing The suspension would force Brady to The quarterback has denied any in- would undermine collectively bargained ular season MVP, led San Anto- two-decade career with the same Nbefore a US appeals court on miss the fi rst four games of the upcoming volvement. labour agreements. nio to titles in 1999, 2003, 2006, team, the Los Angeles Lakers, his “Defl ategate” four-game suspension, 2016 NFL season, which begins in Sep- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell The NFL countered that its agreement 2007 and 2014. before retiring — tweeted: “Con- a decision that could mark the end of his tember. upheld the suspension in July 2015. The with the union gave Goodell expansive The Spurs posted a 1,072-438 grats TD #19yrs #GoSpursGo.” legal fi ght. Representatives for the NFL, Brady and players’ union sued on Brady’s behalf, power to discipline players. regular-season record since Bryant, who played 20 seasons In a brief order, the 2nd US Circuit the NFL players union did not respond to claiming Goodell had overstepped his au- Two former US solicitors general under drafting Duncan — the best 19- with the Lakers before also retir- Court of Appeals in New York said it requests for comment. thority. President George W. Bush were on op- year run in league history. ing at the end of this past season, would not reconsider its April 25 decision Brady, 38, was suspended after the NFL A federal judge agreed and threw out posite sides of the case, with Theodore News about Duncan quickly is the only player to have played to reinstate Brady’s suspension by the Na- discovered underinfl ated footballs were Brady’s suspension, allowing him to play Olson representing the union and Paul began trending on Twitter, with longer with one team. tional Football League over defl ated foot- used in the Patriots’ 45-7 rout of the In- the entire 2015 season. Clement representing the NFL. the hashtag #ThankYouTD tak- Golden State Warriors star balls. dianapolis Colts in the January 2015 AFC But in a 2-1 decision on April 25, an Brady drew support for his appeal from ing hold. Stephen Curry admired Duncan Brady’s request had been considered a championship game. appeals court panel restored Brady’s many parties, including the Patriots, me- “Nineteen seasons. Five rings. for the way he carried himself. long shot because the 2nd Circuit rarely The win propelled the Patriots to Super punishment, saying Goodell had broad diator Kenneth Feinberg, and even a group One team. #ThankYouTD,” the “The end of an era. Thanks 4 grants such motions. Bowl XLIX, where they defeated the Seat- discretion under the league’s collective of physics and engineering professors Spurs tweeted on Monday. everything you did for the game! He can still appeal to the US Supreme tle Seahawks, giving Brady his fourth title. bargaining agreement with its players to who said defl ated footballs were a normal He averaged 19 points and A Winner, and you Did it your Court, which accepts only a small fraction Brady, twice the NFL’s most valuable resolve what it called an “intramural con- part of the game. 10.8 rebounds per game dur- way. Congrats, Tim!”

BASEBALL AL ride early homers to win All-Star Game

AFP The National League stranded 10 runners and left the Canadian singer reprimanded for anthem protest San Diego bases loaded in the eighth when Houston right-hander Will Harris threw a full-count, called third strike past pinch-hit- Los Angeles: Canadian singing group The Tenors apolo- embraced as a slogan to counter the “Black Lives Matter” ter Aldemys Diaz of the St. Louis Cardinals. gized and suspended one of its members Tuesday after movement that has led protests against police brutality econd-inning homers by Kansas City teammates Eric The heavy San Diego infl uence of the pregame ceremonies he inserted the “All Lives Matter” slogan into the national in the United States. The Tenors later issued a statement Hosmer and Salvador Perez powered the American carried into the fi rst inning when Bryant, a University of San anthem at baseball’s All-Star Game. off ering “sincere apologies” for the “shameful” protest by League to a 4-2 victory over the National League Diego alum, homered on the fi rst pitch he saw from Ameri- The Tenors, a quartet prominent in Canada who perform Pereira, describing him as a “lone wolf” who did not consult on Tuesday night in the 87th All-Star Game before can League starter Chris Sale in an all-Chicago matchup. both operatic and pop fare, had been chosen to sing the the others. “The other members of the group are shocked 42,386S at Petco Park. The Cubs third baseman drove the ball 410 feet into the Canadian national anthem in San Diego before Major and embarrassed by the actions of Remigio Pereira, who The National League was leading 1-0 thanks to a Kris Bry- left fi eld stands off the White Sox right-hander. League Baseball’s annual inter-league face-off . changed the lyrics of our treasured anthem and used this ant homer in the fi rst inning when Hosmer tied it with a one- But the American League retaliated in the bottom of the One singer, Remigio Pereira, held up a makeshift sign that coveted platform to serve his own political views,” the out homer off National League starter Johnny Cueto. Two second against Cueto, taking a 3-1 lead on two homers by said, “All Lives Matter,” as he tinkered with the wording of group said in a statement. batters later, Perez connected for a two-run shot off Cueto. members of the reigning World Series champion Royals. “O Canada.” “The actions of one member of this group were extremely Hosmer, who fi nished 2-for-3 with two RBIs, was named With one out, Hosmer dropped a 389-foot drive into the “We’re all brothers and sisters / All lives matter to the selfish and he will not be performing with The Tenors until the Most Valuable Player. left fi eld stands to tie the score at 1. Boston outfi elder Mookie great,” he sang to a scattering of boos and a largely nega- further notice.” Cleveland right-hander Corey Kluber was the winning Betts singled and Royals catcher Eddie Perez hit a 373-foot tive social media reaction. He did not give further signs of The Tenors have performed at other major sporting events pitcher and Baltimore left-hander Zach Britton collected the blast into the left fi eld stands peppered the night before by his motivations but “All Lives Matter” has sometimes been including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. save. Cueto suff ered the loss. Home Run Derby champion Giancarlo Stanton. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, July 14, 2016 CYCLING

FOCUS Peloton ready for lift -off to Ventoux moonscape Reuters for today have led organisers to end the the Ventoux inspires awe. On July 13, 1967, Simpson died in a Montpellier, France stage six kilometres from the top. A picture taken “I won at L’Alpe d’Huez and I know hospital after collapsing about 3km “The myth comes from the his- on the Mont it’s a big symbol but it’s not awe- from the top of the Ventoux, having tory books,” Frenchman Jean-Francois yesterday shows inspiring. The Ventoux, however, is taken amphetamines and alcohol on a ts moon-like summit looms large Bernard, who won a time trial there in a sculpture of a much more diffi cult, it’s much more searing hot day. from miles away, a perverse, rocky 1987, told Reuters. cyclist. (AFP) impressive for all the riders, even the In 2013, Froome hammered his rivals oddity in the lush Provence re- “The Ventoux is a myth because it’s favourites,” the FDJ rider said. to win on Ventoux ahead of Colombian Igion, intimidating the riders as superb, it’s bizarre to see it in the mid- The hardest route, from Bedoin, Nairo Quintana, with both riders re- they pedal towards Bedoin, where the dle of Provence. (others start from Sault and quiring oxygen support at the top. ascent starts. It is time for the Ventoux. “When you emerge from the forest, Malaucene) begins with a smooth 6km “Froome does not need oxygen,” Today, the Tour de France’s 12th stage you have the feeling that you’ve arrived portion before gradients rise up above says Bernard, impressed by the Team will take the peloton up one of the most in a gravel quarry,” added Bernard, who 10 per cent during a punishing 9km Sky rider’s performance on Ventoux iconic climbs in cycling, where the completed the ascent with a gradient section in the forest up to Chalet Rey- three years ago. greatest have triumphed and where, in averaging 7.5 % on the Tour, in Paris- nard, where the vegetation disappears Current race leader Froome said: “To 1967, Briton Tom Simpson died. Nice and the Tour du Vaucluse. and the road leads to the top on a 5.5km win up there again would be unreal, out The mythology surrounding the The list of other winners at top of portion where the summit often seems of this world. It’s going to be pretty hard Ventoux, also known as the Giant of the Ventoux include Belgian great Eddy to be fading away in the distance. knowing that there’s a time trial the Provence, is such that some claim oxy- Merckx, Frenchman Raymond Pou- That last portion is the one that will next day.” Bernard hopes attacks will gen is rare at the top, even if it peaks at lidor and, more recently, Briton Chris be scrapped for today’s stage. “For me come early and from everywhere but he only 1,911 metres, and gusts of wind Froome in 2013. it’s the list of Ventoux winners that doubts Quintana, who lags 23 seconds can reach over 100kph. Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, one of makes it impressive and the fact that behind yellow jersey holder Froome, or The violent guts of wind predicted the top climbers in the world, believes Simpson died there,” says Bernard. other top guns will take risks.

TOUR DE FRANCE Froome on the attack again, Sagan wins stage ‘I hope you’re enjoying it, I’m having fun all the time. Today was a great day, I’m very happy. In the last 200 metres I wanted to let Bodnar win but Chris launched the sprint and I had to go. We (Tinkoff ) wanted to win today, we showed we were the strongest today. Also thanks to Froome because he worked with us, and Geraint Thomas too’

AFP ton with 35km left. Montpellier, France But the pace went up again 15km from the end with Sagan’s attack that again split the peloton all over the road, helping the 26-year-old Slovak verall leader Chris Froome produced extend his lead in the green jersey competition. another surprise attack to gain time on his Tour de France rivals as Peter Sagan won yesterday’s blustery 11th stage. Iconic Ventoux stage finish O “It was another spur-of-the-moment thing,” lowered due to high winds said Froome, who performed a similar trick in the seventh stage. “The team did a massive job in Meanwhile, today’s Tour de France stage 12 fi n- keeping me at the front. When Peter went there ish on the iconic Mont Ventoux has been brought with 10km to go, I thought, ‘Why not go after forward by 6km due to high winds, organisers him?’ Geraint Thomas came with me and we all said yesterday. worked together.” “Given the weather conditions predicted by The two star riders — Froome in the yellow Meteo France at the Mont Ventoux summit and jersey and Sagan in green — broke away from the fact winds topping 100km/h have been re- the peloton with a teammate each inside the fi - corded there, Tour organisers have decided to nal 13km of a 162.5km stage from Carcassonne to change the fi nish to the 12th stage in order to Montpellier ridden at breakneck speed. guarantee safety,” said a statement from Tour With Tinkoff ’s Maciej Bodnar and Thomas organisers. French television showed pictures of of Sky helping their teammates, the front four amateur cyclists being blown off their bikes on quickly established a 20-second lead over a the climb up to Ventoux yesterday. peloton that was slow to react. The fi nish has been brought 6km down the The move came with the sprinters’ teams ma- mythical mountain to the Chalet Reynard, re- noeuvring to set up their leaders for a bunch dash to moving a large part of the toughest climb, usu- the line. But Sagan, the points leader, caught them ally 21km long, on this year’s race. out with a determined attack alongside Bodnar. Current race leader and reigning champion Froome, 31, and his Sky lieutenant Thomas Chris Froome was one of the fi rst to learn the were the only riders to react and quickly bridged news. “It’s the right thing to do for safety. Eve- over to the front two. They had just enough of a ryone wants to see a great show but the most gap for Froome to gain six seconds on the line as important thing for the riders is safety,” said the well as another six bonus seconds. 31-year-old Briton. World champion Sagan easily won the sprint Froome insisted the move wouldn’t detract with Froome second and Bodnar third. from the importance of a fi nish on Ventoux, “I hope you’re enjoying it, I’m having fun all though. “To be honest I don’t think it really chang- the time,” Sagan told French television. “To- es too much,” he added. “The climb until Chalet day was a great day, I’m very happy. In the last Reynard is extremely hard. Already another it’s 200 metres I wanted to let Bodnar win but Chris another 200km+ stage, a lot of wind is predicted. launched the sprint and I had to go. We (Tinkoff ) There could be a split (in the peloton) even before wanted to win today, we showed we were the the climb. I don’t know what to expect, if anything strongest today. Also thanks to Froome because it’s going to mean an even more intense race before he worked with us, and Geraint Thomas too.” we hit the climb because it’s going to be shorter.” It means Froome now leads fellow Briton Not everyone is disappointed, though. Stage Adam Yates by 28sec with Dan Martin of Ireland 11 winner Peter Sagan said: “It’s going to be 6km third at 31sec. Froome’s main rival Nairo Quin- shorter? Wow, nice!” tana is fourth at 35sec. The 12th stage was originally meant to be Following his break on a downhill fi nish to the 184km long and mostly fl at until the fi nal 21km seventh stage, where he gained 13sec along with climb. Froome won atop Ventoux in 2013 on his another 10-second bonus, it was another mas- way to winning his fi rst Tour, with Nairo Quin- terstroke from Froome. tana fi nishing second both on the stage and over- And it was all the more critical given the organ- all. Although cut to 15km, the last 10km of that isers’ decision to shorten today’s 12th stage fi nish- will have an average gradient around 9%, making ing on Mont Ventoux by 6km due to dangerously it nonetheless a huge challenge to surmount. high winds at the summit, thus giving Froome’s Quintana, who is fourth overall at 35sec, still rivals less of a chance to gain time on him. believes he can make an impression on Froome’s A two-man breakaway set off onto the wide lead. “It’s a magnifi cent climb and very impor- open plains on a stage where wind promised to be a tant for me,” said the Colombian. complicating factor. From early on that proved the case as several crashes occurred in the bunch, one notably involving French climber Thibaut Pinot. Results (11th stage) Australian Leigh Howard and French road 1. Peter Sagan (SVK/TIN) 3hrs 26min 23sec race champion Arthur Vichot gallantly laboured 2. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) at 0:00. on with what was always sure to be a futile es- 3. Maciej Bodnar (POL/TIN) 0:00. cape. Yet the peloton felt comfortable enough to 4. Alexander Kristoff (NOR/KAT) 0:06. let them stretch their lead out to four and a half 5. Christophe Laporte (FRA/COF) 0:06. minutes. But when Tinkoff , Etixx and Sky put 6. Jasper Stuyven (BEL/TRE) 0:06. the hammer down the leaders’ gap was halved 7. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR/DDT) 0:06. within just a few kilometres. 8. André Greipel (GER/LOT) 0:06. The acceleration at the front, coupled with 9. Sondre Enger (NOR/IAM) 0:06. strong winds, saw the peloton split in two 10. Oliver Naesen (BEL/IAM) 0:06. with the second group quickly drifting out to a 40-second defi cit before clawing their way back. Yet no sooner did they join up, another burst Overall standings at the front caused splits all over the peloton as 1. Chris Froome (GBR/Sky) 52hrs 34min 37sec the leaders’ advantage tumbled quickly down to 2. Adam Yates (GBR/ORI) at 0:28. just 20 seconds with 70km left. 3. Daniel Martin (IRL/ETI) 0:31. The end came for Howard and Vichot with 4. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 0:35. just over 60km left but the pace didn’t let up 5. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) 0:56. until the peloton passed the intermediate sprint, 6. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:56. which was won by Marcel Kittel from Sagan and 7. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 0:56. Mark Cavendish. 8. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) 1:13. The slowing in pace allowed the distanced 9. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) 1:13. riders to latch back on to form one compact pelo- 10. Roman Kreuziger (CZE/TIN) 1:28. Tinkoff team rider Peter Sagan of Slovakia (left) wins the 162.5km 11th stage of the Tour de France, ahead of overall leader Chris Froome. (Reuters) Gulf Times Thursday, July 14, 2016 9 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT GLAMOUR Gisele Bundchen to participate in Rio Judo heavyweight opening ceremony Idalis Ortiz aims for golden repeat The hopes of an entire nation rest on Ortiz, the most prominent competitor in a sport that brought 35 Olympic medals to the Caribbean island from 1964-2012

AFP the world, also participated in Rio de Janeiro the prize ceremony for the 2014 World Cup fi nal that pitted Ar- gentina against Germany, in Ma- x-supermodel Gisele racana Stadium as well. Bundchen will strut Extra said another highlight of her stuff in her native the Olympics ceremony would EBrazil next month, this be a performance by veteran time swapping the catwalk for samba singer Elza Soares, 79. the stadium hosting the opening Soares, the widow of football ceremony of the Olympic Games player Garrincha, is expected to in Rio. sing about Rio’s favelas. Bundchen, who retired from Caetano Veloso and Gilberto modelling last year, will walk Gil, two living legends of the through a “futuristic gateway” South American giant’s music, at Maracana Stadium during the are also expected to participate August 5 ceremony marking the in the ceremony. start of the fi rst Games hosted in They will be joined by funk South America, according to Ex- singer Anitta. tra newspaper. “It’s very exciting to work Extra said the theme of the for such a great event,” O Globo ceremony would be “the future.” newspaper quoted her as saying. Rio 2016 organisers did not And in this capital of the immediately respond to requests Carnival festival, the 12 lead- for comment. ing school percussion bands will Bundchen, now 35, who was have the crowd bouncing to the once the highest paid model in music in the huge arena.

IN BRIEF Israeli athletes pay tribute to Munich victims ahead of Rio

Tel Aviv: Athletes and officials for four years by the country’s representing Israel at the Olym- Anti-Doping Tribunal, the Italian pics in Rio next month held a National Olympic Committee memorial service yesterday for said in a statement on Tuesday. the 11 Israelis killed by Palestin- The 35-year-old rower, who is ian gunmen during the 1972 the brother of Olympic silver Training with men helped Cuban judoka Idalis Ortiz break the Chinese and Japanese domination of the sport. Munich Games. medallist Carlo Mornati, tested Two members of the Israeli positive for anastrozole, a Reuters years old, Ortiz claimed the bronze in next month, Ortiz will likely have to get weren’t any girls to take me on. I’ve al- team — gymnast Neta Rivkin, breast cancer drug which can Havana Beijing — the youngest medallist in the past world number one Song Yu of Chi- ways had to spar with men in training,” who will be Israel’s flag bearer be used as a masking agent, heavyweight category. na and Brazil’s Maria Altheman, Ortiz’s she said. at the opening ceremony, and on April 6 on his way back Four years later, she broke the Chinese long-suff ering foil who will likely be “You can’t imagine how many times wind-surfer Shahar Tzuberi from a training camp in South op Cuban judoka Idalis Ortiz and Japanese chokehold on the sport in thirsty for revenge on home turf. they took me down but losing made me — laid a wreath at a memo- Africa. forged her exceptional endur- London with her victory. The Cuban, who often has highlights stronger mentally,” she added. rial monument during the Niccolo Mornati, who had ance and techniques by train- By stealing the spotlight from the fa- in her hair, told AFP she is still eager to Driulis Gonzalez, a Cuban female judo ceremony in Tel Aviv that was qualified for the Rio Olympics, Ting with men — a regimen that vourites, China’s Tong Wen and Japan’s win titles even after taking home some star who trains the national team, is full also attended by relatives of was provisionally suspended helped her break through in Beijing and Mika Sugimoto, Ortiz became the fi rst 200 medals over the course of her career, of praise for Ortiz. those killed. in May pending an inquiry by claim Olympic gold in London. judoka born outside Asia to dominate in including fi ve from world championships “Since she joined the national team, On Sept. 5, 1972, Israeli Olympic the tribunal but has now been Now, she is setting her sights on a gold- the category at the Olympics, which fi rst — two gold and three bronze. she’s shown maturity, character and self- team members were taken banned until until Feb. 5, 2020. en repeat in Rio next month. held women’s judo competitions in 1992. After Rio, Ortiz — a fan of Mexican sacrifi ce. This, along with her discipline hostage at the athletes’ village He has three silver medals and Born in the little village of Candelaria, In Rio, things will be diff erent, she movies and Brazilian telenovelas that and talent, give her a winning mindset,” by Palestinian gunmen from two bronze medals from world about 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside of said, because the fi eld is more even. “make you cry” — says she wants to live she said. the Black September group. championships in different Havana, the smiling Ortiz learned to fall “Whoever my opponent may be, it will out another dream. Ortiz’s love aff air with judo began at an Within 24 hours, 11 Israelis, five categories. His last medal was — and always to get back up — opposite be diffi cult,” Ortiz predicted in an inter- “I want to take a break to start a family early age. But everything changed when Palestinians and a German bronze in the men’s coxless male sparing partners. view with AFP at the Cerro Pelado train- but I have no intention of giving up judo,” she was 14 — the moment when she ar- policeman were dead after a pairs at the 2011 worlds in Bled, They were the only ones who could ing centre south of Havana. she said of her 12-year relationship with a rived at the elite national training centre standoff and subsequent res- Slovenia. cope with the extraordinary physique of The hopes of an entire nation rest on Cuban former weightlifter. in Havana. cue effort erupted into gunfire. At the London 2012 Olympics, the 26-year-old woman, who stands 5’8” Ortiz, the most prominent competitor in For the time being, Ortiz is training When she showed up for tryouts, Ortiz Rome: Italian rower Niccolo Mornati finished fourth with (1.73 metres) and weighs 250 pounds (115 a sport that brought 35 Olympic medals hard, seven hours a day — and, as she did says that her sister was bowled over by Mornati will miss the Rio Ol- Lorenzo Carboncini in the kilos). to the Caribbean island from 1964-2012. at the start of her career, with men. the size of her adversaries and asked her ympics after being suspended men’s coxless pairs. The method payed off as, at just 18 To reach the top of the podium in Rio “I’ve always been fairly big, and there if she truly wanted to stay.

BOTTOMLINE Will Rio Olympic Games be a security ‘hell’?

AFP But as demonstrated by the discov- favelas, rather than in the coastal ar- gah, a security specialist at the Igarape cloud computing, Muggah said. But local issues could be Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro ery that same day of an unidentifi ed, eas of Barra, Copacabana and Ipanema think tank based in Rio. Offi cials say a huge police presence Achilles’ Heel. dismembered body next to the Olym- where tourists congregate. “If a terrorist group wants to a make will secure the streets. Between police A vote on whether to remove sus- pic beach volleyball site on Copacaba- But with an ambitious eight-year- a major statement at a global event, Rio drafted in from other areas and thou- pended president Dilma Rousseff from ight as a top Brazilian offi cial na, not all is well in Brazil’s “Marvelous old community policing project in would be a good place to start,” he said. sands of soldiers, there will be 85,000 offi ce is scheduled for just after the was confi dently guaranteeing City.” those favelas facing growing troubles, Rio will be welcoming hundreds of security personnel deployed in Rio and Games, promising political tension safety at next month’s Ol- And Rio police — who’ve seen more drug lords are expanding control. thousands of foreigners from more the fi ve cities hosting football compe- and possible demonstrations. Rympics, Rio cops were about than 50 of their colleagues killed just Last month, a gang of about 20 than 200 countries, raising the possi- titions — double the number used in And amid an ugly national recession, to head to their latest nerve-jangling this year and have been protesting armed men shot their way into a cen- bility of infi ltrators. the 2012 London Games. nearly bankrupt Rio de Janeiro state assignment: body parts discovered on against late salary payments — appear tral Rio hospital to rescue a detained The border with Paraguay is also A police co-ordination centre with has required a 2.9bn reai ($870mn) Copacabana beach. far from calm. boss nicknamed Fat Family. Police notoriously porous, while procuring offi cers from 55 countries is to be the federal bailout to avoid what interim Offi cially, Rio de Janeiro is all ready There have been 2,083 murders in have reportedly killed as many as nine the powerful weapons wielded in the biggest such operation of its kind, Ro- governor Francisco Dornelles warns to provide security for the some half Rio state in the fi rst fi ve months of this people in the brutal ensuing manhunt, favelas would be relatively easy. drigues said. And a separate anti-ter- could be “a big failure.” mn people expected to fl ock to the big- year, up 14% on the same period last but the fugitive remains at large. In June, Brazil’s intelligence serv- ror unit will have offi cers from seven The money is being used in part to gest sporting event on the planet from year. The number of muggings has ex- Brazil’s lack of involvement in any ice said it had detected Portuguese- key countries, including the United pay for late police salaries, months of August 5-21. ploded and carjackings are also on the wars and sheer distance from jihadist language messages linked to the Is- States and neighbouring Argentina unpaid overtime and what protesting Addressing journalists with a month rise. strongholds like Syria could be the best lamic State group on an online forum. and Paraguay. offi cers call a lack of even basic sup- to go before the opening ceremony, In an embarrassing incident, a truck defence against any repeat of the kind An even more explicit warning came Background checks have already plies such as car fuel and toilet paper. Andrei Rodrigues, secretary for major crammed with more than $400,000 of mass attacks claimed by or blamed after bloody Islamist attacks in Paris been made on nearly 394,000 visi- Angry cops certainly don’t share the events at the justice ministry, declared worth of television equipment import- on the Islamic State group in Bangla- last November, when a French jihad- tors, with the number due to rise to government’s rosy vision. his “total confi dence.” ed by German broadcasters covering desh, Belgium, Iraq, Turkey and the ist tweeted that Brazil was the “next 600,000. “Welcome to hell,” read a ban- “I am completely calm,” he said. the Olympics was hijacked. It was later United States this year. target.” Defence Minister Raul Jungmann ner they unfurled in the arrival hall at That’s a claim that has since been recovered. But hosting the globe’s most Rio’s other big concern will be said last week that he could guarantee Rio’s international airport earlier this repeated by everyone from the Rio The real mayhem is isolated in the watched event automatically puts a preventing a major cyber attack at a “peace, with the happiness and calm- month. “Whoever comes to Rio de Ja- mayor to the minister of defence. north and in huge slums known as bullseye on Brazil, warns Robert Mug- Games that will be heavily reliant on ness that we expect.” neiro will not be safe.” Gulf Times 10 Thursday, July 14, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT Russian athlete cleared for Rio faces traitor slurs Although the IAAF has cleared Klishina to take part in international competition, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) still has to accept her participation and determine whether she will be included on the Russian Olympic team

AFP spokesman for Russia’s equivalent “I’m also waiting for the (CAS) de- Moscow of the FBI said she was on the same cision along with the whole team,” she level as whistleblower runner Yulia told AFP. Stepanova and the former head of the “I hope that we can all go together ussian long jumper Darya Russian anti-doping lab Grigory Rod- under the Russian fl ag.” Klishina was ecstatic when chenkov, who have become outcasts Klishina was already based at the word came through that ath- for exposing doping in Russian athlet- prestigious IMG Academy in Braden- letics’ ruling body had cleared ics. ton, Florida, when the Russian doping herR to compete at the Rio Olympics Last month the IAAF ruled to up- scandal fi rst emerged in a German tele- despite a blanket ban on the country’s hold a ban on Russia’s entire track vision documentary in December 2014. track and fi eld team. and fi eld team over evidence of state- Trying to pull herself out of a rut af- But the bad news was that US-based sponsored doping but left the door ter a seventh-place fi nish at the 2013 Klishina was the only one of 68 Russian ajar for some athletes to go to Rio next World Championships in Moscow, Olympic hopefuls given the green light month as neutrals. Klishina followed her American coach by the IAAF — and soon her joy turned The criteria were tough and Klishina to Florida and decided to remain. sour as the ruling unleashed a torrent — the only Russian athlete to live and Klishina says that she escaped the of bile. train full time abroad — was the only IAAF ban through good fortune given A Facebook post Klishina, 25, pub- member who could prove she was to- that she could have been barred from lished Sunday thanking the IAAF for tally outside Russia’s badly tainted Rio along with her teammates had ruling she could compete as a neutral system. she decided three years ago to stay at was fl ooded with nearly 1,000 com- That left stars like pole vaulter home. ments, including calls for her to give Yelena Isinbayeva and world champion “It just happens that right now my up her Russian passport, never return hurdler Sergey Shubenkov still facing coach is an American,” she said. home and fail miserably in Rio. the prospect of missing out on Rio. Although the IAAF has cleared “My agent, my family told me right Isinbayeva’s coach Yevgeny Trofi - Klishina to take part in international away, ‘Don’t go online, don’t read any- mov told Russian television that competition, the International Olym- thing, don’t watch, just do what you Klishina’s gratitude toward IAAF was pic Committee (IOC) still has to ac- do — train, prepare for the Olympic “humiliating”. cept her participation and determine Games,’” Klishina told AFP from her The last remaining hope for the rest whether she will be included on the training base in Florida. of the Russian team lies with the Court Russian Olympic team, her agent Alex- “Regular people unfortunately saw of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ei Nikolaev told AFP. something criminal... and started ac- is expected to rule on an appeal against IOC president Thomas Bach said cusing me of being an enemy of the the IAAF’s blanket ban by July 21. that if she does go, Klishina should be Motherland.” Despite getting her clearance to allowed to run under the Russian fl ag. The abuse was not just confi ned to compete Klishina insists that she is Klishina says that she has the sup- anonymous Internet trolls. desperate to see the complete ban port of her teammates and some top A pro-Kremlin journalist equat- overturned and all her teammates al- offi cials have spoken out to give her ed her to a Nazi collaborator and a lowed to compete. their backing.

BADMINTON FOUR COUNTRIES MOST AT RISK FROM Adapting to Rio the key for ZIKA, SAYS US BODY

Wshington: Four countries are toune will make the trip to Brazil, most at risk from a Zika outbreak but as a reserve for the 12-man India shuttler Nehwal as a result of travel related to the squad. Rio Olympics and Paralympic Montpellier winger Marvin Reuters Open win in Sydney and wants to Games, a US health agency said O’Connor, La Rochelle’s Jean-Pascal Bengaluru carry that trait into Rio. yesterday. Barraque and Arthur Retiere, who “I was not playing like that in The US Centers for Disease Control all attended a pre-Rio training the last couple of months. My net and Prevention identified Chad, camp, also all missed out as the dapting quickly to playing (play) was good, and I was very at- Djibouti, Eritrea and Yemen as most federation opted for a team of conditions at the Rio Ol- tacking in the tournament,” she susceptible to mosquito-borne sevens specialists rather than one ympics will pose the big- said. transmission of the virus among 19 boosted by Top 14 big names. gest challenge for players, “I want to play at the Olympics countries that have conditions that The squad boasts 12 players under Asays India’s Saina Nehwal, who the same way I play at the tourna- a sevens contract with the federa- could result in an outbreak. is aiming to better the badminton ment.” These four nations are more tion, captained by Terry Bouhraoua bronze she won in London four Nehwal, the fi rst Indian shuttler susceptible as they do not have and including Fiji-born strikeman years ago. to win an Olympic medal, topped substantial non-Games travel to Virimi Vakatawa and veteran back After fi ghting her way back to the women’s singles rankings in any Zika-aff ected countries, the Julien Candelon, twice capped for fi tness following an Achilles injury April last year but injuries stalled CDC said yesterday. France XV in 2005. sustained at the end of last year, the her progress and she currently sits The 19 countries, identified by France rugby union sevens teams 26-year-old’s confi dence was giv- fi fth ahead of the Games. the CDC, have not reported an Men: Jeremy Aicardi, Steeve Barry, en a boost ahead of her third Olym- The shuttler is targeting greater outbreak so far. Excluding these Terry Bouhraoua (capt), Julien pics when she won the Australian consistency to counter the threat countries, attendance at the games Candelon, Damien Cler, Manoel Open Super Series title last month. posed by world number one Caro- does not pose a ‘substantive risk’ Dall’Igna, Vincent Inigo, Pierre- The Indian shuttler said, how- lina Marin, defending Olympic for mosquito-borne Zika transmis- Gilles Lakafia, Jonathan Laugel, ever, that victory would have lit- champion Li Xuerui and London sion. Stephen Parez, Virimi Vakatawa, tle bearing on her chances at the silver medallist Wang Yihan of However, last month the World Sacha Valleau Aug. 5-21 Olympics and she was China. Health Organization (WHO) con- Reserves: Jean-Baptiste Mazoue, more concerned about hitting the “I am at a stage where I have cluded there is a ‘very low risk’ of Sofiane Guitoune ground running in Brazil. improved a lot, but there is a lot further international spread of Zika Women: Marjorie Mayans, Audrey “It all depends on how you get more to go. There are players like as a result of the Olympics. Amiel, Rose Thomas, Caroline Ladag- adjusted to the conditions there, Carolina who are faster, Li Xuerui Global health off icials are racing to nous, Fanny Horta (capt), Jade Le that’s more important,” she told has a good technical game, Nozo- better understand the Zika virus Pesq, Pauline Biscarat, Lina Guerin, Reuters in an interview in Ben- mi Okuhara is good in rallies,” she which has spread to many coun- Shannon Izar, Elodie Guiglion, Jen- galuru. added. I feel I need time to match tries in the Americas. nifer Troncy, Camille Grassineau “If the Australian Open was one these players. To be at your best Brazil, which has been hardest hit, Reserves: Jessy Tremouliere, Chris- week before Olympics, maybe it you need the seven-eight weeks. will host the Summer Olympics in telle Le Duff would have an eff ect, but the gap Till now it’s pretty good, hopefully Rio de Janeiro next month. Since has given all players time to pre- in the next four weeks it goes well.” the start of the outbreak many Distance runner Jo Pavey will be pare. They will all come stronger. Several athletes, including a competitors, physicians and would- the first British female track athlete “There are a lot of things like number of high-profi le golfers, be visitors have expressed concern to compete in five Olympics after time diff erence that will aff ect us have pulled out of the Games citing that the event could be a catalyst she was named on Wednesday in an only after we go there. How well health concerns over the Zika vi- to spread the virus internationally. 80-strong squad for Rio along with you prepare here is not the main rus, but Nehwal said her mind was According to the Brazilian Tourism many of the home heroes from 2012. thing, but how you take care of the focused only on one thing. Board, about 350,000-500,000 They include London gold medallists other aspects there is important.” “I am going there as an athlete, international visitors and athletes Jessica Ennis-Hill (heptathlon), Mo Nehwal added that she had sur- there is not a single thing other from 207 countries are expected Farah (5,000m and 10,000m) and prised herself by her aggressive- than badminton that I’m thinking to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Greg Rutherford (long jump), who ness during her second Australian about now,” she added. Games, the CDC said. all triumphed on so-called “Super The WHO has said there is strong Saturday”. scientific consensus that Zika is a Pavey, 42. European champion in BOTTOMLINE cause of the birth defect micro- 2014 and a mother of two, will also cephaly, or small heads in babies, be the oldest British woman to run as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome, at a Games. Javelin thrower Tessa a neurological disorder. Sanderson competed at six editions. Golf’s Olympic withdrawals have ‘frustrated’ Zika is spread primarily through Pavey achieved the 10,000 metres the bite of an infected mosquito, qualifying time, and fastest by a however, the virus can also be British woman this year, when she squash, PSA chief Alex Gough spread through sexual transmis- finished fifth at the European cham- sion. There is currently no vaccine pionships in Amsterdam last week Reuters make the fi nal list of fi ve, with golf selected to feature it was almost predictable. Very early on Adam Scott or treatment for Zika. after finishing sixth at the national London at the Games in Tokyo. said Olympic golf was, in his words, going to be an trials when struggling with illness. The world’s top four players — Jason Day, Dus- exhibition event,” Gough told British media on Tues- Montpellier flanker Fulgence Britain also held faith with veteran tin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy — have day. Ouedraogo has missed out on the Christine Ohuruogu, who will be he growing number of leading golfers with- pulled out of the Games citing health concerns from “That basically showed everyone else that it was France sevens team for the Rio heading to her third Games after drawing from the Rio Olympics has disap- the mosquito-born Zika virus. not held in as high esteem by the top players as it Olympics as the French federation winning 400m gold in Beijing in pointed the sport of squash, Professional Australia’s Adam Scott, who will also skip the should be. You’ve got guys saying it won’t count as announced a squad marked by the 2008 and silver four years ago, over Squash Association (PSA) chief executive Games, told Reuters a year ago he considered Olym- their pinnacle, and that’s the most disappointing absence of crossover players from younger rival Anyika Onuora who TAlex Gough has said. pic golf to be an “exhibition” event, with other sports thing to the squash-playing community.” 15s. beat her in Amsterdam but missed Squash was among the sports short-listed for much more deserving of Games exposure. Rio will mark the return of golf to the Olympic fold Only Toulouse winger Sofiane Gui- selection. possible inclusion at the 2020 Olympics but failed to “It has been intensely frustrating. Quite honestly, for the fi rst time since 1904. Gulf Times Thursday, July 14, 2016 11 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT Kaymer ready for ‘most important major’ of the year Germany’s Martin Kaymer considers the Open Championship to be the most Winning a major is important major of the year but he is also heading to Rio, unlike many of his peers

DPA Troon, Scotland

ermany’s Martin Kaymer is happy with not something I lose Ghis game before the start of the Open Championship and the former world number one is hoping to make an impact on what he considers the “most important major”. The 31-year-old Kaymer already has two major titles to his name in the form of the 2010 PGA Championship and 2014 US Open and would dearly love a third from the links sleep over, says Lee of Royal Troon. “For me as a European this is the most im- portant major,” he said. “The tradition is very Former world number Westwood one recalls the pain of his close shaves with Open impressive. At the start of my career I always imagined winning my first major title here.” glory and how he has been in contention at both the Masters and US Open in 2016 Kaymer’s record at the majors has been rather average after triumphing in 2014 when he made a brutal Pinehurst look like a pitch- By Ewan Murray at Royal Troon and-putt en route to an eight-shot victory. The Guardian His best finish since was tied-12th at the 2015 Open and PGA. “I am very happy with my long game,” he ome golfers can climb into the said of his current form. “The focus in the recesses of their mind with build-up has been on putting.” such ease that any tourna- The less-than-stellar run since Pinehurst ment, any hole, any shot can should not rule him out of contention this beS explained in fi ne detail. weekend — between his maiden major and Lee Westwood is not one of them, the second there was a similarly dry spell as is illustrated when the 43-year-old which included four missed cuts and a peak is asked to recall the Open Champi- of tied-12th. Like all courses on the Open rota, onships he played at Royal Troon in Troon is on the coast and the severity of the 1997 and 2004. test over the next four days depends a lot on “I came back here last week and the weather conditions. remembered all of the back nine but Should the win pick up and the rain fall — none of the front nine, apart from always likely in Scotland, even in summer — the Postage Stamp,” Westwood says the challenge on the back nine will be tough. on the eve of the 145th Open, which “The first nine holes play a little easier, begins today. “I didn’t remember the they are shorter and the wind comes from 9th at all but then funnily enough I the right at your back,” Kaymer explained. could remember 10, 11, 12, 13… I have “There’s always a breeze at links courses and played a good bit, as well.” it’s good to play. It’s fiercer if the rain comes.” Sitting in a house just a mid-iron Whatever happens at Troon, Kaymer will from Troon’s famous links, he is head to Baltusrol for the PGA Championship, nudged back to 1997 again, when a the final major of the year at the end of the share of 10th place provided his fi nest month, and unlike several leading players major fi nish at the time and kick-start- then pack his bags for Rio de Janeiro. ed his prominence at the highest level. Golf has returned to the August 5-21 “I honestly can’t remember much Olympic programme after a gap of 112 years of it,” Westwood says. “I’m sure there but fear of the Zika virus and apathy to a non- was an impact but I don’t remember traditional event has decimated the men’s it at all now. I just remember it being field — Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Rory tough, thinking: ‘God, it is hard here’ McIlroy are among those sitting out. but there was tough weather as well. I “It’s sad for the people who have worked can’t remember anything from 2004.” so hard for golf to become an Olympic sport,” Westwood’s close shaves with glory Kaymer said. “(But) I understand the argu- – 2009 at Turnberry and 2013 at Muir- ments. We’re a luxury sport, we have action fi eld included – play a part in the nar- every week.” rative of perhaps the fi nest player in a generation without a major to his name. When pressed as to which on these shores hurt more, Westwood’s re- sponse is a detailed one. “Turnberry, certainly,” Westwood recalls. “It feels ment would be if his career were to round today. Come Sunday afternoon Danny played great on the Sunday thoughts at all. more than any of them like the one fi nish after this tournament. he may be the partner everyone in the and hit good shots coming down “I never took success for granted. that got away. If I hadn’t three-putt- “Brilliant,” the Englishman says. fi eld would choose. the stretch. His chip on the 17th was I always cherished every moment, I ed that last hole, I was in the play-off . “I was the best in the world, wasn’t In the Masters and US Open of this probably his most impressive shot enjoyed what I was doing. When I go “Muirfi eld was diff erent, Phil I? I would love to win one, don’t get year, Westwood played alongside the of the day then he played the last so to Augusta it always makes me think (Mickelson) played so well and I me wrong. I would love to win two or eventual winner; Danny Willett and solidly. What are you supposed to do? I don’t want it to be my last Masters. didn’t play well, which let the tour- three – but it is not something I lose Dustin Johnson. He deserved to win.” “In the early days, I always thought nament get away from me a little bit. any sleep over. I honestly don’t think At Augusta he fi nished tied for Westwood’s slide to 67th in the my best major chance would be the I was sore at Turnberry because it much about it. runner-up with Jordan Spieth; at world early in 2015 – he was No. 1 for US Open because I drove the ball so was me who made the mistake and I “Obviously, I would be delighted to Oakmont having been in contention a total of 22 weeks in 2010 and 2011 – well and hit it straight. I don’t drive hadn’t hit that many bad shots com- win at the Open Championship be- going into the fi nal round he shot a owed at least something to the break- it as straight as I used to but it has ing down the stretch. cause I have come close a few times 10-over-par 80. up of his marriage. With legal issues turned out that I have had more high “I hit a really good shot into the 15th but it doesn’t cross my mind what it Time to plunder the memory bank ongoing, he is unable to discuss the fi nishes at the Masters anyway. I that got unlucky with a bounce. I hit a would feel like. There is more to life again. “I hit a bad shot at the 16th at situation, other than to say: “It was have been working hard; on my short good putt on the 16th that deserved to than golf; it is only a game. Augusta,” Westwood says. “I had a diffi cult to concentrate on golf when I game, my putting. I’m in a good place go in, 17th the same for eagle. On the “I love being in contention. I love great chance to put some pressure was going through that and I still am; now as well and that certainly helps. 18th I three-putted after a shot out of that buzz, that atmosphere. There on Danny there and hit a poor eight- it is not done by any stretch of the im- “Trying to prove myself and get into a bunker that was probably the best is nothing like that atmosphere of iron, which came up 40ft short. agination but time has moved on.” the Ryder Cup has also been a moti- shot I have ever hit. To do what I did people shouting for you down the “At Oakmont on Sunday, I hit a What is abundantly clear is that vational factor. You don’t want to be from there was disappointing. stretch. Nothing beats playing well as couple of poor shots early on; well, Westwood is happy. This stage of life playing poorly going into a Ryder Cup, “I don’t mind talking about it,” he a home player at the Open, with eve- poor for a US Open where you can’t has come easily, he doesn’t yearn for you don’t want a friend or a sympathy admits. “I have fi nished high up in ma- rybody getting behind you.” be more than a couple of yards out. I youth. “I am not much diff erent on pick. I suppose if you are looking at jor championships, it is something I am Make no mistake, Westwood still made bogeys at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and the golf course,” he says. “I am a bit the team and Darren (Clarke) is need- proud of. Being a contender in majors believes time is on his side. “There is the golf course wasn’t going to get any more relaxed, bad results wouldn’t ing an experienced player, there are regularly is something to be proud of.” no golf course I can’t play,” he says. easier after that. I got aggressive when really bother me so much. probably none of them playing bet- Perhaps Westwood is a tremen- “Obviously, some weeks it suits I shouldn’t have been aggressive.” “Ambitions haven’t changed; I still ter than me and I am on the verge of dous liar. Maybe if he wins a major at bombers more but I’m not short. I Wouldn’t Westwood only be hu- want to win majors and be in conten- the automatic places now anyway. If I his 74th attempt this weekend, there contended at the Masters, I contended man if he felt a touch of jealousy to- tion. I think the way I play now, the don’t qualify, I’m trying to make Dar- will be an outpouring that falling at the US Open. I know I can still con- wards Willett, 15 years his junior but late 1990s, 2000s me would probably ren’s job a little bit easier.” short so many times before had se- tend with them and beat them. On my with a Green Jacket already locked win more tournaments. I would fi nish Then what would be left? “There cretly gnawed away at him. game, I know I am as good as them.” away? “Not at all,” Westwood insists. them off . Sometimes you think about is only really winning major cham- In public, though, he is adamant Westwood will tee off alongside “You only win majors when you do it a bit too much whereas when you pionships, isn’t there?” Few winners regarding what his personal assess- Mickelson and Ernie Els in the fi rst the right things at the right times. are younger, you are out there with no would be more widely acclaimed.

BOTTOMLINE This is the one you want to get your hands on, says Willett

Reuters Nine months later, Willett was peted and won against the best guys. Troon, Scotland patiently creeping up on Jordan “It’s a tough one now to make Spieth in the fi nal round of the sure that you get back to the place Masters. And then Spieth rapidly where you were before you actually anny Willett comes came back to meet him, throwing won and try not to have too much to Royal Troon as both away a fi ve-shot lead. expectation on yourself every day. a major championship Willett applied the lesson he had “Otherwise, it’s a pretty lonely winner and as a con- learned from Johnson. game when things aren’t going tenderD for last year’s British Open “You’re not going to do anything your way, and you struggle a little championship, and that is not a diff erent,” he said. “The reason bit, because all you have to do is be coincidence. you’re in that position is because reminiscing about how well you Willet was within a shot of the you’re a very good player and you played a few months ago.” lead in the second round of the can do what you can do, and hope- He also comes into Troon as the Open at St Andrews. He fell back fully on a Sunday afternoon it’s most recent Englishman to win a a bit in the third round, but he was good enough.” major and to contend at a British still doing well enough to be paired It was good enough to bring him Open. That may well be an ad- with Zach Johnson, the eventual his fi rst major. It’s something of a vantage when he tees off two days winner, in the fi nal round, and cliche that winning the fi rst ma- from now. watching Johnson was instructive. jor is the hardest, that they come “Being British, this is the one “The one thing that’s impressive easier once you know how. Willett you want to get your hands on... about Zach is Zach never changes is not sure that’s true, at least not and to be able to come here as a ma- the game plan for anyone, any golf for him this year. jor champion and get the crowds course. Regardless who he’s play- “If anything, (it’s) probably a bit with us, obviously would be fan- ing against, he just does his own tougher, because you know you’ve tastic Thursday morning. Yeah, it thing,” Willett said yesterday. done it and played well and com- will be really, really special.” Thursday, July 14, 2016 GULF TIMES GOLF

FOCUS ‘Postage Stamp’, 123 yards of treachery at Troon

A 123-yard par-three should one’s thoughts. provide little diffi culty for “It’s always in the back of your mind the world’s top golfers but the during the fi rst seven holes,” Scotland’s McIlroy’s ‘Postage Stamp’ famous Postage Stamp at Royal Colin Montgomerie said, in his column Troon proves otherwise for the Sun newspaper. “The previ- ous holes are pretty much downwind. tip: Try to hit it in the middle DPA When you are playing number seven, ory McIlroy had never played Royal yesterday. “Headed into the front right you look across to the right and notice London RTroon before he came to town last bunker and it took me like five or six where the pin is. You’re already playing Thursday to get ready for the 145th Brit- goes to get out of it.” that shot in your mind. ish Open and after his practice round At least he got an idea of how to play t 123 yards long, the ‘Postage “If the fl ag is at the back, you cannot on Tuesday, you could not blame him if the hole when things get serious with Stamp’ ought to be a piece of go near it. If it’s at the front, you bail he never played it again. today’s opening round. “Try to hit it in cake. And indeed, it can be, out left, but not too far. At around 120 Specifically, he might not want to the middle,” he said. “Even hitting it into when the wind stays away. yards, it would be a simple wedge shot play the ‘Postage Stamp’, the 123-yard, the middle of the green is a good shot, AThe eighth hole at Royal Troon, in normal circumstances. par-three eighth hole. and then take two putts. If you make four which will stage the 145th Open Cham- “But in one of the practice rounds, “I think I took an eight or a nine,” he threes there this week, you’re probably pionship this week, is the shortest on with the wind whipping in my face, told a news conference at the Troon going to gain a bit of ground on the field.” the Open rotation. it was a full six-iron. That guesswork But it can also be a terror, a bane in over club selection is what makes it the life of everyone who tries to tame such a dangerous hole. You have a hole place to sit,” he said. “I believe it’s one with an average score of 3.09, just practice on Tuesday. but this and the 12th at Augusta Na- it, especially when cross-winds rip the that is nearly 150 years old and can still of those great little par 3s. above its par, and yielded only 83 bird- In the description on the Open web- tional Golf Club are the two which get ball from its intended path. generate so much drama. Fantastic.” “On the scorecard it doesn’t look ies or better across the four rounds. site, it says of the ‘Postage Stamp’: your heart racing.” Like the 12th at Augusta National Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, one of much, but when the wind is blowing If you are unlucky enough to fi nd one “There is no safe way to play the hole. The highest ever score at the hole where the Masters is played and, even the favourites to win his fi rst Open, and you’ve got to be precise with a 7, 8, of the bunkers, then your chances of It is a tiny target, and with any cross- came in 1950 when German amateur more so, the treacherous 17th at Saw- said the eighth will be where the dra- (or) 9-iron, it’s quite tricky.” making par are extremely small, as wind, the middle of the green is the Herman Tissies shot a 15 but Ernie Els grass where the Players Championship ma happens. “Anyone who wants to In 2004, the last time Troon staged Rory McIlroy can attest to, having tak- target. Pebble Beach’s 7th is the short- managed a hole-in-one in 2004. Any- is held, the ‘Postage Stamp’ is in every- see potential train wrecks... that’s the the Open, the eighth was a tough test, en six shots to get out of one of them in est par three in Major golf at 109 yards, thing is possible.

BRITISH OPEN Men golfers have let down sport by Games snub, says LET chief

adies European Tour’s chief executive Ivan Khodabakhsh has Lhit out at the world’s leading men golfers for taking a “myopic approach” and withdrawing from the Rio Olympics, adding that they have let down the rest of the sport. The world’s top four play- McIlroy & company ers — Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy — have pulled out of the Games citing health concerns from the mosquito-born Zika virus which can cause birth defects in infants. “The top male golfers have let down the rest of the sport very badly,” Khodabakhsh told British media. “The opportunity to do something for the broader good of the game is in their hands and they seem to be taking a very myopic approach. Brazil is a country of 200 mn people in which fewer than 20,000 are registered golfers. The ready for Troon test impact of the Olympics on those type of numbers across the world is part of the reason that golf is a success as an Olympic sport this ‘I’m excited to be back and to a course that I’ve never played before. I don’t really have summer.” World number four McIlroy had earlier hit back at critics who questioned his Olympic decision, saying that he was playing any experience here at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of good looks at it last week’ golf to win and not grow the sport. While the men’s event has been hit by a host of pull-outs, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko will lead an almost full-strength lineup as golf makes its return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904. “British golf is represented by great champions Charley Hull and Catriona Matthew but across the world, 60 women golfers from 34 countries will tee off in Rio,” Khodabakhsh added. “This will send a powerful message to sports fans and governments of all types that women’s golf is a genuine world-class sport.” Thai teen ready for Open bow

hailand’s teenage sensation here, I’ll be happy. If I don’t TPhachara Khongwatmai make the cut, I’m also happy,” just wants to “have fun” as he said Phachara, whose first competes at this week’s British name means ‘diamond’. Open at Royal Troon. Phachara, He was just 14 when he who only turned 17 in May, became the youngest golfer to is the youngest player in the win a professional tournament field at the championship after in his native Thailand in July qualifying in sensational fashion 2013. But he knows the fresh back in December. “I’m proud and potentially windy condi- and feel lucky that I have a tions at Troon will be a new chance to play in an event like experience. “It’s a tough golf this. It’s like an accident that course. But I think my bunker I’m here,” said Phachara as he play, chipping and putting are took in the surroundings on my strong parts. I don’t want Scotland’s west coast. to get too worried about the Phachara owes his spot at obstacles here. I will try to Troon to his impressive sixth- relax and hopefully play well. place finish at the Thailand I’m looking to have fun when Golf Championship on the I’m on the golf course. If I put Asian Tour, when he came in pressure on myself, I won’t ahead of the likes of Martin play well.” Phachara will tee Kaymer and Bubba Watson. “I off in his first round today in didn’t expect to get a chance the same group as England’s to play in a Major so soon in Dave Coupland and Australia’s my career. If I make the cut Nathan Holman. Willett, Rose in GB squad for Rio

asters champion Danny Willett and former US Open winner MJustin Rose will represent Great Britain in next month’s Rio Games, the British Olympic Association announced yesterday. World number nine Willett and 11th-ranked Rose will compete in the August 11-14 men’s 72-hole strokeplay event, which has been hit by several high-profile pullouts citing concerns of the Zika virus. The world’s top four male golfers — Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy — have all withdrawn over health concerns from the mosquito-born virus. Twenty-year-old Charley Hull, the youngest member of the squad, will compete alongside former Women’s British Open winner Catriona Matthew in the women’s competition from August 17-20. “I will be so proud to be able to call myself an Olympian,” Hull told British media. Rio will mark the return of golf into the Olympic fold for the first time since 1904. Molinari opts out of Olympics Players and off icials on the Royal Troon course during practice rounds yesterday, ahead of the 145th edition of the Open Championship which eginsb today. (AFP) ormer Ryder Cup player Francesco Molinari has joined a grow- AFP played another 18 holes this morning.” eight times, with the last six winners all diffi cult, yeah,” acknowledged England’s Fing list of golfing withdrawals from next month’s Olympics in Troon, United Kingdom Troon is where Tiger Woods fi rst played American, most recently Todd Hamilton Justin Rose of the two holes. Rio de Janeiro. The world’s top four — Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, in the Open as a professional in 1997. The in 2004. In 1997 the winner was Justin With this being the fi rst Open at Troon Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy — have pulled out due to health ailing 14-time major winner is not in this Leonard, a Texan just like Spieth. “I don’t since 2004, the younger stars of modern worries, three of the quartet citing concerns about the Zika virus in reacherous and unfamiliar chal- year’s fi eld and instead the focus is on the think it impacts you, but I think it’s very golf are unfamiliar with the course but the Americas. “I have decided to withdraw from the Italian Olympic lenges lie in wait as the British current ‘Big Four’ of McIlroy, Jordan Spi- cool to walk through the clubhouse halls one man who knows it all too well is Co- team due to family reasons,” Molinari said on Instagram without Open returns to Royal Troon this eth, Jason Day and recent US Open winner to see that,” said Spieth of Troon’s history. lin Montgomerie. This is the veteran Scot’s elaborating. “I am very disappointed to miss out on golf’s return to Tweek and Rory McIlroy returns to Dustin Johnson. Dustin Johnson may be the favourite home-town Open, and his 86-year-old fa- the Olympics, however I am confident that Matteo (Manassero) will the hunt for the Claret Jug. They have all withdrawn from the Rio and Day the world number one, but all of ther will become club president next week. do a fantastic job in my place.” Manassero joins Nino Bertasio in the McIlroy, who leads a host of the sport’s Games amid much-publicised fears about the sport’s leading players must beware Montgomerie came through qualifying Italian team at the strokeplay competition in Rio. Molinari played in biggest names to have withdrawn in the Zika virus, with Spieth pulling out at the potential pitfalls in store. and will hit the championship’s fi rst tee Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup teams in 2010 and 2012. controversial circumstances from next the last minute on Monday. Troon is home to one of golf’s most shot at 6:35am local time today as he goes month’s Rio Olympics, is bidding to win The 22-year-old Texan will be relieved iconic and deeply unpredictable holes, the out with Luke Donald and Australia’s Marc his fi fth major and second Open after his to be able to focus on the Open now after 123-yard par-three eighth known as the Leishman. The latter was involved in a Caddie struck by stray Singh shot victory at Hoylake in 2014. being hit with a barrage of questions about ‘Postage Stamp’. Here is where German three-way play-off in St Andrews last year Twelve months ago McIlroy was miss- the Olympics. He is targeting the Claret amateur Herman Tissies took 15 in 1950 that was won by the American Zach British Open caddie was taken to hospital after being hit on ing from the fi eld in St Andrews after suf- Jug and a third major title having won the but also where a 71-year-old Gene Sarazen Johnson. It was played out in gloomy A the head by a stray shot from former world number one Vijay fering an ankle injury while playing foot- Masters and US Open last year. had a hole-in-one in 1973. conditions on the Monday after wind and Singh during a practice round on Tuesday. William Ciplinski, bagman ball but he will tee off today morning in the “This is a very, very special tourna- “I think I took an eight or a nine, so that rain delayed the fi nish. for American veteran Marco Dawson, was lying flat out on a golf same group as Bubba Watson and Japan’s ment; everybody knows that. I crave to didn’t go too well,” McIlroy said of his ef- The hope is for calmer weather this year, buggy when he was initially taken to the medical centre at Royal Hideki Matsuyama. have that trophy in my possession at forts in practice. “If you make four threes although tomorrow (Friday) is expected to Troon. Open off icials said the injuries the caddie sustained were not “I’m excited to be back and to a golf some point, and to reach a third leg of the there this week, you’re probably going to be particularly wet and the wind coming in serious and that he was talking and fully conscious before being course that I’ve never played before,” the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic gain a bit of ground on the fi eld.” from the Firth of Clyde is bound to make transferred to hospital for overnight observation. Ciplinski was stand- Northern Irishman, number four in the achievement and a life-long goal of mine,” Then there is the 11th, a 482-yard par- life diffi cult. “If you get it breezy, like in ing on the eighth green when he was struck by an errant tee shot world, told reporters. said Spieth, who is not in the best of form four with the Glasgow to Ayr railway line any Open venue, this place really shows from Fijian Singh on the seventh hole. A spokesman for University “I don’t really have any experience here but has history on his, or at least his coun- immediately over a four-foot high stone its teeth. I think it’s a fantastic Open venue Hospital Ayr later said the Troon local should be fit for today’s open- at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of try’s, side. wall to the right side. Jack Nicklaus took and a fantastic test of golf,” acknowledged ing round providing he has a day’s rest. good looks at it last week, and then I just The Open has been played at Troon 10 here in 1962. “They’re both incredibly current Masters champion Danny Willett.