SPORT 16 FRIDAY 26 MAY 2017

Al Sadd midfielder Jugurtha Hamroun Hamroun inks Al Rajhi grabs stage win as permanent deal with Al Sadd Jakub trims Al Attiyah's lead The Peninsula mir Cup champions Al Sadd yester- day announced that the club has E decided to activate the buy option Aktau City, Kazakhstan 2017 RALLY KAZAKHSTAN: on on-loan midfielder Jugurtha Hamroun The Peninsula from Romanian side Steaua Bucharest. Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah POSITIONS ON SS5 The Club confirmed the news via their audi Arabia’s Yazeed and his navigator Matthieu website, adding that the Algerian mid- Baumel of Toyota Hilux Overdrive 1. Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU)/Timo Al Rajhi recorded his Gottschalk (DEU) Mini John Cooper fielder had signed a two year deal with the third win in five days team in action during the fifth club. stage of Rally Kazakhstan Works Rally: 3hrs 45min 30sec on the penultimate 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Col- Hamroun made a huge impact for Al yesterday. TOP: Saudi Arabia’s stage of Rally Kaza- soul (BEL) Mini All4 Racing: 3hrs Sadd in his maiden season with the side, Skhstan between Kenderly and Yazeed Al Rajhi in action during scoring the winning goals in both Qatar 49min 03sec Aktau in the Mangistau region yesterday's fifth stage. Cup and Emir Cup finals. 3. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/ yesterday. Earlier this week, Al Sadd also signed Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux The second fastest time Qatari international midfielder Boualem Overdrive: 3hrs 52min 47sec enabled Poland’s Jakub Przy- Khoukhi and their leading goalscorer Bag- 4. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek gonski to trim Nasser Saleh Al dad Bounjah to a new long term deals. Sykora (SLO) Hummer H3 Evo VII: Attiyah’s overall lead to 6min 3hrs 57min 58sec 07sec heading into the final loop through the deserts north number four. We push to catch to close the gap on Przygonski Yerden Shagirov had been 5. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Mar- of Aktau City today. Al Attiyah Kuba and Nasser and then we and challenge for second posi- awarded 6hrs 45min of time ton (POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive: Rooney left out suffered a minor gearbox issue follow until the finish. It’s good tion. The second Toyota driver penalties for supposedly miss- 4hrs 00min 41sec and lost some time in the sand to take another stage win.” ceded 11min 38sec to his fellow ing a series of waypoints on dunes. Al Attiyah and French co- Pole and looks set to reach the day three, but race officials OVERALL STANDINGS of England squad Al Rajhi and German nav- driver Matthieu Baumel began finish in third overall. He now removed these when it came igator Timo Gottschalk began the day with a lead of 9min trails by 16min 18sec. Last year’s to light that a tracking error 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- in latest blow the 370.9km competitive sec- 51sec in their Overdrive Rac- rally winner, Yuriy Sazonov, had occurred. thieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux tion fourth on the road and ing Toyota Hilux. Despite remains a distant fourth over- It meant the Kazakh was Overdrive: 17hrs 35min 22sec London were quickly into a competi- dropping time to Przygonski, all in his Hummer H3 after reinstated in fifth overall to the 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Col- AFP tive pace. The Mini John Al-Attiyah has a relatively another solid stage perform- detriment of Lithuanian driver soul (BEL) Mini All4 Racing: 17hrs Cooper Works Rally driver comfortable cushion to take ance behind the official team Antanas Juknevicius, who 41min 29sec ayne Rooney's international career shadowed Przygonski and his into the final stage, as he bids drivers. slipped back to sixth. 3. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Mar- looks over after England's all-time Belgian co-driver Tom Colsoul to lead the FIA World Cup for After losing two positions The final selective stage ton (POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive: Wtop-scorer was yesterday left out to the finish of a stage that Cross-Country Rallies for the when vital suspension bolts starts 35.45km north of Aktau 17hrs 57min 47sec of the squad for next month's World Cup retraced the tracks that had first time this season. gave way on the fourth stage and includes parts of the open- 4. Yuriy Sazonov (KAZ)/Vitalyi Yev- qualifier against Scotland and a friendly in been used on leg two, but run “We still have a good lead on Wednesday, Miroslav ing timed test that were used France. tyekhov (KAZ) Hummer H3 Evo VIII: in the opposite direction on to take into the last day, but it Zapletal was back into a good last Sunday. The 31-year-old striker has lost his place 19hrs 08min 32sec this occasion. The special was not an easy stage and we pace on the penultimate stage The stage runs for at Manchester United and was similarly 5. Yerden Shagirov (KAZ)/Dmitro looped around Zhanaozen to had a small problem with the and the Czech was able to set 147.94km and includes repeat omitted from Gareth Southgate's England Tsyro (UKR) Toyota Hilux: 19hrs finish just short of the remote gearbox in the second dunes,” the fourth quickest time. But runs over the scenic tracks squad announced in March, although he was 34min 31sec settlement of Zhetybay. said Al Attiyah. race officials awarded the along the shores of the Caspian carrying a knee injury at the time. Fit-again 6. Antanas Juknevicius (LTU)/Darius Commenting on yester- “It was nothing serious and Hummer H3 driver 100 hours Sea. A short liaison of 41.75km Rooney, who made a brief appearance in Vaiciulis (LTU) Toyota Hilux: 19hrs day's stage win, Al Rajhi said: we will be all set for the last of time penalties overnight and then guides the finishing crews Manchester United's Europa League final “It was a good stage. There was day.” Miroslavn is out of contention back to the podium in Aktau 59min 55sec win over Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday, a lot of dust and we start Aron Domzala was not able for a top eight finish. City. had hoped to end his international career by captaining England at next year's World Cup in Russia. But this now looks an increasingly for- lorn hope for Rooney, England's record goalscorer with 53 goals and their most Regional federations unite to launch capped outfielder with 119 appearances for his country. His United career could also be over having fallen down the pecking order under manager Jose Mourinho. Thursday's squad announcement saw Gulf Challenge off-road rally series Southgate opt for the likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford and Jermain Defoe instead of Rooney in attack. Dubai growth in cross-country type 2017 GULF CHALLENGE: The Peninsula events in recent years and the PROVISIONAL CALENDAR national federations of each of those countries have joined OMAN: September 7/8 Beckham on US otorsport federations forces with like-minded clubs UAE: October 5/6 of six GCC countries in Bahrain and Oman to create KUWAIT: October 26/27 will unite to host a the new series. Soccer Hall of M SAUDI ARABIA: November 9/10 brand new off-road rally The Gulf Challenge was the QATAR: December 7/8 series, the 2017 Gulf Challenge, brainchild of Ben Sulayem, who Bahrain will enter in Year 2 or 3. it was announced yesterday. has the full backing and sup- Fame ballot Mohammed Ben Sulayem, port of Prince Sultan bin Bandar President of the Automobile Al Faisal, President of the Saudi this is the largest motor sport- Chicago Saudi Arabian rally driver Abdullah Bakhashab (left) and and Touring Club of the United Arabian Motor Federation, ing development in the Gulf AP Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile Arab Emirates, disclosed the and Touring Club of the UAE disclose details of 2017 Gulf QMMF President Abdulrahman since the creation of the FIA details of the new rally series Challenge during a press conference in Dubai yesterday. Al Mannai, Oman Automobile Middle East Rally Champion- avid Beckham, the English midfielder which will be initially consist Association President Jamal ship in 1984. who brought increased visibility to of five rounds that promises a first step of investment in our fact that competitors will Altai, Bahrain Motor Federation Cars running in the FIA T1, DAmerican soccer and won a pair of golden future for rallying in the promising GCC talent in the gather in the region to partic- President Sheikh Abdullah bin T2 and T3 categories will be eli- titles while playing for Gulf region. field of motor sport,” said ipate in several events in close Essa Al Khalifa and Sheikh Ali gible and two local categories the LA Galaxy from 2007-12, is among 12 A brief outline of the Gulf Mohammed Ben Sulayem, proximity to reduce costs. This Al Fawaz Al Sabah, Chairman will be developed for T1L (mod- first-time candidates on the 33-player bal- Challenge were released in President of ATCUAE and will attract participants from of the Board of Basel Al Sabah ified cars) and T2L (standard lot for the US National Soccer Hall of Fame. Dubai last October, but further Emirates Motor Sports Feder- all around the world. All those Motor Sports Club. cars that are not FIA homolo- Defender Steve Cherundolo, midfielder details and the first ever cal- ation (EMSF). concerned in motor sport, The Gulf Challenge has gated but comply with T2 and forward , endar of events have now been “The new championship including media, sponsors and been devised to be open for regulations). There will also be key parts of the US national team, also are finalised. Saudi Arabia’s Abdul- will enable us to develop those manufacturers, will be present various car, motorcycle and a couple of Buggy categories (B1 new candidates on the ballot announced lah Bakhashab will promote talents and sustain motor sport in the region, so it will be a quad classes. Separate cham- and B2). Wednesday. the new series in conjunction in the Gulf region." great opportunity to develop pionships will be run for each Motorcycles will compete Other first-timers include defenders with the federations of the var- “The Gulf Challenge will be many aspects of motor sport,” discipline. for the overall championship , Danny Califf and Tina Frim- ious GCC countries involved in an important regional addition. Sulayem said. With the exception of the and there will be classes for pong Ellertson; goalkeepers and the project. It will allow us to invest in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, introduction of Formula One 450, Over 450, Masters, Mar- Kevin Hartman, and midfielders Amado “The Gulf Challenge is our many factors, including the Kuwait and Qatar have seen and MotoGP races to the region, athon and Quads. Guevara, Eddie Gaven and Leslie Osborne. FRIDAY 26 MAY 2017 SPORT 17

Injured Suarez Pogba fires grieving Man United to major doubt for Uruguay

Barcelona emotional Europa League triumph AFP ruguay striker Luis Sua- Stockholm rez is a major doubt for AFP Uthe end-of-season friendlies against the Repub- aul Pogba dedicated vic- lic of Ireland and Italy after tory to the victims of this suffering a hamstring injury week's Manchester terror yesterday. attack after propelling Suarez was already sus- Manchester United pended for Barcelona's Copa Ptowards a 2-0 victory over Ajax in del Rey final against Alaves on Wednesday's Europa League final. Saturday, but the Catalan club A night that began with a said he is set to be sidelined by moment of silence, then applause, injury for up to 15 days. in memory of the 22 people who "During training on Thurs- died at Manchester Arena on Mon- day Luis Suarez suffered an day ended with United completing elongation in the semimem- their trophy collection through goals branosus of the right from Pogba and Henrikh hamstring," Barcelona said in Mkhitaryan. a statement. Reminders of the attack were "The estimated time out everywhere at Stockholm's Friends will be about 15 days." Arena, from United's black arm- That would rule Suarez bands to the chants of "Manchester!" out of Uruguay's visit to Dub- from their fans, while Pogba, too, lin on June 4 and their clash was grieving, following the recent with the Azzurri in Nice on death of his father. June 7. United manager Jose Mourinho told reporters: "If we could, we would obviously change the people's Lionel Messi lives for this cup, immediately. "We wouldn't think twice. Does Manchester United's players and officials celebrate with the this cup make the city of Manches- UEFA Europa League trophy after defeating Ajax Amsterdam in ter a little bit happier? Maybe. But the final at the Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden on Wednesday. we just came to do our job." Victory enabled Mourinho, who said prior to the game that he and Pogba put a volley fractionally his players were struggling not to wide in the first minute and in the think about the tragedy, to bring his 18th minute he found the target, We played for the people maiden Old Trafford season to a suc- albeit with a helping hand. cessful conclusion. From Marouane Fellaini's lay- He had already guided United to off, the French midfielder let fly with glory in the League Cup and despite a left-foot shot that flicked off Dav- who died, says Pogba a sixth-place finish in the Premier inson Sanchez's left foot and looped League, success in the Europa past Ajax's helplessly wrong-footed Stockholm M anchester League means his side will return to goalkeeper Andre Onana. AFP United's the Champions League next It was the biggest return yet on French season. United's world-record £89.3 million aul Pogba dedicated midfielder Barcelona United became only the fifth club ($115.8 million, 103.2 million euros) Manchester United's Paul Pogba -- after Juventus, Ajax, Bayern investment in Pogba, who celebrated PEuropa League title tri- celebrates Munich and Chelsea -- to have won by pointing to the sky. umph on Wednesday to the 'fully support' with the the Champions League, the Europa Moments later, Antonio Valen- 22 people killed in Monday's trophy after League and the now defunct Euro- cia stung Onana's palms after a raid terror attack in Manchester, Messi after pean Cup Winners' Cup. down the United right. saying: "We played for the winning the Mourinho, a UEFA Cup winner The English side then took their people who died." UEFA Europa fraud sentence with Porto in 2003 and two-time foot off the pedal, enabling Ajax to An emotional evening in League European champion, has now won start finding space in dangerous Stockholm began with a final on Madrid all four of the major European finals areas, but within three minutes of moment of silence and Wednesday. Reuters he has contested. kick-off in the second half they had applause, in memory of those Ajax were appearing in their first tightened their grip on the game. killed at a concert at Man- C Barcelona have continental showpiece match since Juan Mata's corner from the right chester Arena, before goals expressed their support the 1996 Champions League decider was headed down by Chris Small- from Pogba and Henrikh Ffor Argentine striker and fielded a team with an average ing and with his back to goal, Mkhitaryan clinched a 2-0 we played for Manchester "I want to dedicate the Lionel Messi and his father age of 22 years and 282 days -- the Mkhitaryan held off Joel Veltman to victory over Ajax. and we played for the people trophy to the victims," the after the Spanish Supreme youngest to have ever started a flick the bouncing ball past Onana "These things are terrible who died." Spanish midfielder told a Court upheld their prison sen- major European final. and claim his sixth goal in the all over the world, in London United's players wore press conference. tences over tax fraud charges, Peter Bosz's effervescent team competition. and in Paris," said Pogba, black armbands, while chants Victory enabled United to although neither are expected caused United some uncomfortable Onana was called upon to field who was also playing at the of "Manchester" rang out complete a sweep of Euro- to go to jail. moments, but without ever threat- a header from Fellaini and United Stade de France on the night from their fans as reminders pean trophies. Five-time World Player of ening to pull off an upset. goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved of the November 2015 Paris of the attack were every- They join Juventus, Ajax, the Year winner Messi, who Denied a glorious homecoming from substitute Donny van de Beek. terror attacks. where at the Friends Arena Bayern Munich and Chelsea has been at Barcelona since by a serious knee injury, United's But there was little to worry "We went out focused to in Sweden. as the only clubs to have won the age of 13, was handed a Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic United's fans, who continued to defi- win and we won for Man- United fan favourite the Champions League, the 21-month prison sentence and was present instead as a spectator antly chant the name of their chester and the country," he Ander Herrera, voted man of Europa League and the now fined €2m for three counts of to see his current side take on the grief-stricken city as the final whis- told BT Sport. the match, echoed Pogba's defunct European Cup Win- tax fraud between 2007 and team where he made his name. tle neared. "We played for England, words. ners' Cup. 2009. "The club reiterates, once again, its full support for Leo Messi, his father Jorge Messi, United, City pledge £1m to Manchester attack fund and his family," a statement on the club's official website read. (www.fcbarcelona.com) Manchester and set up in partnership with the British Manchester City chairman Khaldoon of the unbreakable strength of the spirit of "FC Barcelona president AFP Red Cross, was established after Monday's al Mubarak said: "We have all been hum- Manchester." Josep Maria Bartomeu con- suicide bombing at Manchester Arena. bled by the strength and solidarity shown United held a minute's silence and wore tacted the player's family to anchester United and Manchester "The Red and Blue halves of Manches- by the people of Manchester in the days black armbands during Wednesday's communicate this support. City yesterday pledged £1m ($1.3m) ter have combined to support the city they since the attack. Europa League final, going on beat Ajax 2-0, Argentine international Mto an emergency fund set up after have each called home for more than a 120 "The hope of both our clubs is that our and executive chairman Ed Woodward said Messi has scored 506 goals in the terror attack in the city that left 22 peo- years and which has been profoundly donation will go some small way to alle- of the Manchester rivals: "Our clubs are right 582 senior appearances for ple dead. affected by the tragic events witnessed on viate the daunting challenges faced by at the heart of our local communities in Barcelona, winning eight The "We Love Manchester Emergency Monday," United and City said in a rare those directly affected and that our acting Manchester and it is right that we present league titles and four Cham- Fund", backed by Manchester's Lord Mayor joint statement. together will serve as a symbol to the world a unified response to this tragedy. pions League trophies. PIBAQ Ambassador’s Cup begins

The Peninsula The tournament, organised by recreation. The much awaited Qatar Basketball Federation in Premiere Division is back featur- ne of the popular basket- cooperation with the Philippine ing the very best Filipino ball events in Doha's sports Embassy in Doha and Samahang basketball players in Qatar, Ocalendar, Pinoy Basketball Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), among them were former profes- of Qatar (PIBAQ) Ambassador’s promises to be an exciting and sional and varsity players back in Cup 2017 got off to an exciting inclusive as ever with the success the Philippines. start following a colourful open- of the Rising Division which will This years Ambassador’s Cup ing ceremony held at the Al now be on its second season. is sponsored by Alicafe, Diana Gharafa Indoor Hall recently. The Inter-company Division Jewellery, Happy Journey Trav- The Philippines Ambassador to Qatar, Alan Timbayan ceremonially opening the The Philippines Ambassador was also launched to provide the els, McDonald’s, Philippine Ambassador’s Cup 2017 tournament in the presence of players and officials at the Al to Qatar, Alan Timbayan graced basketball-loving employees of Airlines, Season Restaurant and Gharafa Indoor Hall. the occasion as the chief guest. an organisation a means of Travelex. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 26 MAY 2017 Nadal eyes 10th French India seek new coach New Delhi mates Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Reuters Ganguly and VVS Laxman. "The process has been ini- he Indian cricket board tiated since the term of the (BCCI) invited applica- current coach Mr Anil Kumble title in generation game Ttions for the head coach's concludes with the (June 1-18) role yesterday but will also con- Champions Trophy," BCCI act- sider a contract extension for ing secretary Amitabh Paris However, Federer, at 35, the This year's Roland Garros champion in 2015, is also strug- incumbent Anil Kumble. Chaudhary said in a AFP oldest man in the top five, is will be the last for Nadal's coach, gling with just two wins on clay Former India captain Kum- statement. skipping the French Open to his uncle Toni. all spring. ble was put in charge last June "Present head coach Mr Anil ith the world's save himself for an assault on In contrast, Djokovic will Should the likes of Nadal, despite having never coached Kumble will be a direct entry top five filled an eighth Wimbledon. work with US legend Andre Djokovic and Murray falter, then a team and India but the side for the process," he added. for the first Djokovic, the defending Agassi for the first time, having the much-hyped #NextGen, fea- has recorded just one defeat in A court-appointed Commit- time by play- champion in Paris, and world dropped his long serving back- turing the likes of Zverev and 17 tests since he took over. tee of Administrators currently ers over 30, number one Andy Murray are up team in a desperate attempt Thiem could profit. BCCI have invited applica- supervises the running of the WRafael Nadal is poised to tighten struggling for form and confi- to get his career back on track. On Sunday, Zverev, 20, tions but it would be a surprise if board's operation and one of the old guard's Grand Slam grip dence, leaving Nadal as the man Djokovic completed the became the first player born in the former leg-spinner does not them will oversee the recruit- by capturing an unprecedented to beat when the tournament career Grand Slam at last year's the 1990s to win a Masters title. get an extension from the board's ment to ensure "a fair and 10th French Open. starts on Sunday. French Open when he also held Thiem, the 23-year-old Cricket Advisory Committee completely transparent proc- The Spaniard, written off as Even losing in the Rome all four majors. world number seven, stunned comprising his former team ess", the board said. a contender in Paris after a quarter-finals to young pre- On clayy this year,y he has at Nadal in Rome after losingg to the quarter-final loss to Novak tender Dominic Thiem has not least been onon an upward curve SpaniardSpaniard in the Madrid and Bar-Bar- Djokovic in 2015 and an injury- diminished the Spaniard's -- quarter-finalsfinals in Monte Carlo, celonacelona finals. enforced pull-out before the confidence. semi-finalss in Madrid and a Bangladesh confident third round last year, arrives at "To win four tournaments runners-upp spot in RomRomee Roland Garros as the new before Roland Garros, nobody where he wwasas comprcompre-e-e favourite to add the 2017 title to has ever done this," said Nadal, hensively demolisheddemolished of Champions Trophy victories in 2005, 2006, 2007, who will turn 31 on June 3. by Alexanderder ZZverev.verevv. 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 "But I have matched my best Djokovic'svic'ss rela-rela-a and 2014. performances before arriving tionship with the chances after beating NZ The 30-year-old has in Paris." 47-year-oldld Agassi, already reached the magical 10 Nadal has also thrived on an eight-timeime mamajorjor Dublin Bangladesh soared from 199 titles number this year at the hard courts in 2017, reaching his winner, is llimited,imited, for AFP for five to 271 for five, reach- claycourt events in Monte Carlo first Slam final in three years the moment,nt, to jjustust the ing their target with 10 balls and Barcelona. when he lost in five sets to Fed- French Open.en. angladesh still have two to spare. For good measure, he also erer in Australia despite being Murray,y, defeated by more warm-up matches The stars in the sixth won Madrid for a fifth time, a break to the good in the decid- Djokovic inn the 2016 final, Bbefore their Champions wicket partnership were ending a seven-match losing ing set. has endureded a wrwretchedetched Trophy opener but captain Mushfiqur Rahim who finished streak, stretching back over two He was also a beaten final- season byy hihiss ststandardsandards Mashrafe Mortaza admits their 45 not out from 45 balls and years, against Djokovic in the ist against Federer in Miami with an elbowbow injury five-wicket victory over New Mahmudullah with 46 not out process. while his title triumph in Madrid not helpingg his cause. Zealand sends them to England from just 36 balls with six fours Nadal boasts a sensational gave him a record-equalling He lostst thirdthird with confidence high. and a six which included his career record at Roland Garros 30th Masters title to add to his round inn MMonteonte "The warm-up games will 3,000 one-day international run -- 72 wins and just two defeats, 14 majors. Carlo, madeade ththee be important, wickets will be in his 141st match. to Djokovic in 2015 and an Nadal's record on clay semis in BBarcelona,arcelona, different from here but we will "Mahmudullah is very expe- injury-affected shock loss to against the world's top two is was a third-roundhird-round learn something from the games rienced," said his captain. "You Robin Soderling in 2009. also heavily-weighted in his loser in Madridadrid before against Pakistan and India, so can't buy experience and in our That defeat to the Swede favour -- 8-2 against Murray an openingngg defeat in they are two big games," said batting side we also have Tamim opened the door for Roger Fed- (2-0 at Roland Garros) and 10-5 Rome to Fabioabio FoFognini.gnini. Mortaza, and Shakib, who is not in the erer to win his only French when facing Djokovic (5-1 in World number three "We missed out in the first best mood but I'm sure he will Open title. Paris). Stan Wawrinka,rinka, the shockshock Rafael Nadal game against Ireland and the come back and Mushy and Mah- first game against New Zealand mudullah are also in the runs so was tough but we did really well hopefully we can go on from in last two games and confi- here." dence is high at the moment." Latham refused to admit New Zealand, after half that Bangladesh have the upper centuries from skipper Tom hand when the teams meet Roland Garros now toughest Latham (84), Neil Broom (63) again in Cardiff on June 9. and Ross Taylor (60 not out), "Credit to Bangladesh slumped from 208 for three today, they batted very well and to finish on 270 for eight while paced their innings perfectly," Slam of all, says former champ in their winning reply he said.

Paris come to play in the afternoon champion Nadal is clearly an Reuters and it is drizzly and the con- exception to that. ditions are totally different." "The really top guys play Morgan's ton sets up ith its quicksilver For a certain generation, within themselves 99 percent conditions, quaint the dolorous tones of Wimble- of the time. The guys a little England win over Proteas Wold-tech environ- don's then-Chief Executive lower down the rankings, they ment and a leviathan casting Chris Gorringe announcing, might have to go all out for his shadow across centre via intercom, that "Providing everything if they (are to) Headingley SCOREBOARD court, the French Open is now there is no further rain... play stand a chance of winning...," Reuters ENGLAND the hardest Grand Slam title will recommence on Centre Wilander said. J Roy c de Kock b Parnell ...... 1 to win, says former champion Court at..." was a soundtrack "In many ways, they are ngland captain Eoin Mor- A Hales c de Kock b Phehlukwayo ...... 61 and tennis great Mats Wilan- to year after year of used to going all out, and so gan's century led his team J Root c Amla b Phehlukwayo ...... 37 der (pictured). championships. may be a bit better prepared Eto an impressive series E Morgan c Duminy b Morris ...... 107 "OK, OK... first off, you Many players would cite for those wet, slow conditions opening 72-run victory against B Stokes c Miller b Rabada ...... 25 have Rafa Nadal. That, on its Wimbledon as the toughest to where you do need to go all top-ranked South Africa in their J Buttler c Miller b Morris...... 7 own, is why it is the hardest crowns: one on Melbourne win for that reason alone. But out. opening one-day international M Ali (not out) ...... 77 C Woakes (not out) ...... 6 grand slam to win these days," Park's hard courts and two rain delays on the main show- "It is tough. You can't just at Headingley on Wednesday. Extras (B-4, LB-3, W-7, NB-4) ...... 18 the affable Swede laughs. when the tournament was court came to an end with the stand back and take a big cut England made 339 for six in Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 339 Wilander knows a thing or played on the grass of completion of a retractable at the ball. The bounces... a their 50 overs and then bowled Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-101, 3-122, 4-190, 5-198, 6-315. two about the slams. He and Kooyong. roof in 2008, and Court One different bounce can be diffi- out the tourists for 267 with five Bowling: Rabada 9-0-63-1 (3nb, 3w); Parnell Nadal are the only two men in Now a youthful 52, Wilan- is also to be covered by 2019, cult, it can be variable... the overs to spare. 7-0-47-1 (1w); Morris 10-1-61-2 (2w); Tahir 9-0- tennis history to have won at der chuckles when he thinks guaranteeing tennis whatever next minute you can hit the Moeen Ali struck a crucial 68-0; Phehlukwayo 9-0-59-2 (1nb); Duminy last two Grand Slam singles of the difficulties facing play- the weather. frame of your racket, and your unbeaten 77, including five sixes, 6-0-34-0 (1w). SOUTH AFRICA crowns on each of the three ers in Paris, where the second Melbourne Park features confidence takes a dip." in a match-winning 117 run part- H Amla lbw Wood ...... 73 main tennis surfaces: grass, Grand Slam of the year starts retractable roofs over three of Such concerns are in the nership with Morgan. Q de Kock c Buttler b Woakes ...... 5 clay and hard courts. on Sunday. its courts for the Australian past now for the dashing Ali also played a key role F du Plessis c Buttler b Plunkett ...... 67 Wilander took Roland "The conditions change so Open, while the US Open Swede. His answer is instant with the ball, picking up the A B de Villiers c Plunkett b Ali...... 45 Garros by storm in 1982 when, much at the French Open, you debuted its roof over Arthur when asked if he could be wicket of South African skipper J P Duminy c Woakes b Rashid ...... 15 as a 17-year-old, he beat clay- know, you have to be pre- Ashe stadium court in 2016, tempted back into the world AB de Villiers just as the stroke- D Miller c Stokes b Woakes ...... 11 court giant Guillermo Vilas for pared for something you really leaving Paris the only grand of top flight competitive ten- maker was beginning to look C Morris c Buttler b Ali ...... 5 W Parnell c Wood b Woakes ...... 19 the title. don't know what it is," he told slam tournament entirely nis as a coach, like dangerous on 45. A Phehlukwayo b Rashid ...... 4 Two more French slams from his home in Idaho. open to the elements. contemporaries Ivan Lendl Morgan's 107 from 93 balls K Rabada c Buttler b Woakes ...... 19 followed, plus a US Open title "You can practice in the The conditions hardly suit and Boris Becker. put the spine in England's total. Imran Tahir (not out) ...... 0 on New York's hard courts and morning and it's fine, and the the world's very best, Wilan- "No," he snaps. "I'm pretty Ali's contribution was essen- Extras (LB-1, W-3) ...... 4 a trio of Australian Open weather is great then you der says, although nine-times much done with all that. tial after the two strong-hitting Total (all out in 45 overs) ...... 267 middle order batsmen - Ben Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-145, 3-149, 4-182, Stokes and Jos Buttler - had been 5-208, 6-216, 7-225, 8-230, 9-267, 10-267. Bowling: Woakes 8-0-38-4; Wood 6-0-49-1;

dismissed for 25 and seven Plunkett 9-0-42-1 (1w); Rashid 10-0-69-2 (2w); respectively. Alex Hales (61) and Stokes 2-0-14-0; Ali 9-0-50-2; Root 1-0-4-0. local favourite Joe Root (37) had laid the foundations with a 98-run second wicket partner- run partnership with Amla, ship after opener Jason Roy was quickly followed after edging caught behind for one by Quin- Liam Plunkett with keeper Jos ton de Kock, attempting to drive Buttler safely pocketing. Wayne Parnell. But, with England bowling South Africa made an excel- a consistent and tight line and lent start in response, with length, South Africa's middle Hashim Amla scoring 73 before order was unable to respond, De he was trapped lbw by Mark Villiers running out of partners Supporting staff water the court at Roland Garros, Paris, France during a French Open Wood, departing at 145 for two. before going on the attack and final in this file photo. Faf du Plessis, who had bat- being caught by Plunkett at deep ted beautifully for his 67 in a 112 mid-wicket off Ali. FRIDAY 26 MAY 2017 SPORT 19

Cottalorda to Felix, Farah head star-studded coach India's women boxers

New Delhi Prefontaine Classic in Eugene AFP ndia's women boxers Los Angeles Mo Farah Allyson Felix United States. The powerful have got their first AFP lineup is given a sprinkling of Iforeign coach in the stardust by the presence of US form of Frenchman ritish distance running sprint queen Felix, the most dec- Stephane Cottalorda, king Mo Farah and US orated female track and field who has been appointed golden girl Allyson athlete in Olympic history. to whip the team into Felix headline a star- The six-time Olympic gold shape ahead of the 2018 studded field as the medallist was unable to defend Asian Games. BDiamond League's Prefontaine her 2012 200m crown in Rio last Cottalorda, 41, who Classic gets under way in Eugene year after failing to qualify for coached France's youth today with the World Champi- the event at the US trials as she and junior national onships looming on the battled back from injury. women's boxers, will be horizon. But the 31-year-old has joining the Indian pugil- Farah, who completed an opted to focus on the 200m this ists in the first week of unprecedented 'double-double' year and will get the chance to June. of Olympic 5,000m and measure her progress against Cottalorda is one of 10,000m gold at last year's Rio Thompson, Bowie and Schippers, three foreign coaches Games, will take to the track at who own three of the four fast- roped in by the Boxing the University of Oregon's Hay- est times over the distance this Federation of India (BFI) ward Field with a fresh gust of year. in its bid to give its fight- doping intrigue swirling around "I am a clean athlete who has view, Eugene's powerful field Other highlights tomorrow ers the winning edge. Diamond League's coach Alberto Salazar. never broken the rules in regards will offer a preview of some of include the men's 100m, where Italy's Raffaele Ber- Salazar, the mastermind of to substances, methods or dos- the rivalries that are likely to be Olympic silver medallist Justin gamasco will oversee the Eugene Leg Nike's Oregon Project where ages and it is upsetting that some on show in three months' time. Gatlin and Canada's bronze med- youth women's side Farah faces a repeat Farah trains, has been implicated parts of the media, despite the Tonight's opening events will allist Andre DeGrasse resume while recently- of his Rio 5,000m in a damning report by the clear facts, continue to try to see Ethiopia's Olympic silver their rivalry. appointed men's coach final, with both silver United States Anti-Doping associate me with allegations of medallist Genzebe Dibaba take The women's 800m mean- Santiago Nieva has been medallist Paul Agency (USADA) which has cast drug misuse," Farah said in another crack at the world while, sees Olympic champion signed up until Decem- Chelimo and bronze a critical eye over methods used February. record in the 5,000m, aiming to Caster Semenya heading a strong ber 2020. medallist Hagos by the coach. The full USADA report how- beat the existing mark of 14min line-up which also includes Rio "We have selected all Gebrhiwet, 23, in the The 269-page report accuses ever was leaked to US outlets 11.15sec held by her sister medallists Francine Niyonsaba the three coaches after a field. Salazar of dangerously using and published on the Internet Tirunesh since 2008. of Burundi and Margaret comprehensive search drugs to boost the performance this week, guaranteeing a fresh The highlight of tomorrow's Wambui of Kenya. and they have been rec- The women's 800m, of his athletes, concluding the round of scrutiny as the third events sees what is being billed The field events sees another ommended by the meanwhile sees coach had "almost certainly" stop on the Diamond League as the strongest women's 200m Rio rematch in the men's pole International Boxing Olympic champion broken anti-doping rules by season begins on Friday. field ever assembled, with Olym- vault, where Brazil's Olympic Association (AIBA)," BFI Caster Semenya experimenting with infusions of Farah faces a repeat of his pic champion Elaine Thompson champion Thiago Braz faces secretary general Jay heading a strong the amino acid L-carnitine. Rio 5,000m final, with both sil- of Jamaica heading the line-up. France's Renaud Lavillenie and Kowli told AFP. line-up which also Farah angrily hit out at the ver medallist Paul Chelimo and Thompson, who also won the Sam Kendricks of the United "All three of them includes Rio medallists suggestion of involvement in bronze medallist Hagos Gebrhi- 100m in Rio, is joined by her fel- States. Canada's 2015 world have plenty of experi- Francine Niyonsaba of doping when the revelations first wet, 23, in the field. low Olympic 200m medallists, champion Shawn Barber, who ence and are AIBA 'three Burundi. emerged in February, insisting With August's World Cham- Dafne Schippers of the Nether- flopped in Rio with a 10th place star' coaches." he had nothing to hide. pionships in London coming into lands and Tori Bowie of the finish, is also in the field. Trio makes early running Woods not retiring despite another surgery at Wentworth challenge Los Angeles Tiger Woods He said the fusion surgery Wentworth same mark after three birdies Reuters provided instant nerve relief. AFP in his opening five holes. "I haven’t felt this good in Aphibarnrat, 27, came iger Woods may be in the years," said Woods, a 79-times hailand's Kiradech Aphib- into the European Tour's midst of yet another winner on the PGA Tour. arnrat, England's Graeme flagship event on the back of T lengthy recovery from his "My surgeon and physiother- TStorm and Scotland's a missed cut in the China fourth back surgery but the apist say the operation was Scott Jamieson were the pace- Open but was quickly out of former world number one said successful. It's just a matter of setters at the European PGA the blocks with four birdies on Wednesday he now felt bet- not screwing up and letting it Championship at Wentworth on the front nine. ter than he had in years and had fuse. yesterday. Storm, 39, who beat Rory no plans to retire from compet- "I'm walking and doing my The Thai, a three-time McIlroy in a play-off to win the itive golf. exercises, and taking my kids to winner on the European Tour, South African Open in January, The surgery Woods had in and from school. All I can do is was out in 31, four-under par, almost lost his European Tour April has a typical recovery time take it day-by-day. There’s no and birdies at 12th and 13th card last season but found the of six months and, while he still hurry." moved him to six-under with revamped Wentworth lay-out has very limited mobility, the Woods also said he did eve- four holes of his first round left to his liking, as did several of 41-year-old American was firm rything he could to play in last before he dropped a shot at the the early starters in perfect in his resolve that he will again month's U.S. Masters, where he par-three 14th. conditions. compete with the world's best has not competed since 2015, but Jamieson and Storm were England's Justin Rose, the golfers. that the pain was too great. level with him on five-under 2013 US Open Champion and "I want to say unequivocally, "The pain was post-impact after Jamieson birdied the 16th world number nine, got off to a I want to play professional golf when I swung the club. I figured, and two more Englishmen, sticky start with a bogey at the again," Woods, commenting for 'Can I handle it?' This time the Daniel Brooks and David first and another at the third the first time since his surgery, on short-term goals." January and withdrew from a answer was, 'Probably not.' That Horsey, were two shots further before he clawed a shot back at said on his website (tigerwoods. Woods, second on the all- European Tour event in Dubai shows the effect nerve pain can back on three-under after play- the par-five fourth and another com). time list with 14 major titles, has after a first-round 77. have," said Woods, a four-time ing 15 and six holes at the ninth. "Presently, I'm not looking played sparingly since return- Woods only decided on sur- Masters champion. respectively. Two-time winner here ahead. I can't twist for another ing to golf in December after a gery because he could no longer "Obviously, it was a huge China's Li Haotong was Luke Donald was struggling at two and a half to three months. 16-month layoff following back live with the pain, adding that disappointment not to play. I level with that pair after a birdie two-over par for the front nine Right now, my sole focus is surgery. even lying down hurt and that hate to miss any major, espe- at the 12th and South Africa's after a double bogey on the rehab and doing what the doc- He missed the cut at the he tried every possible non-sur- cially the Masters, but the reality Dean Burmester was on the ninth. tors tell me. I am concentrating Farmers Insurance Open in gical route but nothing worked. is I just couldn't play." Spieth targets rare back-to-back titles at Colonial

Los Angeles victory since a back-nine disas- Scotty Cameron putter returns "It has all been set-up AFP ter on Sunday cost him the 2016 to the back this week. related," Spieth said. "I just Masters title. "I was having a tough time needed to look at something dif- orld number seven Jor- Since then, Spieth has added lining the ball up where I wanted ferent. I didn't know if it would dan Spieth tries to the Pebble Beach trophy to his col- it and getting comfortable with be a week or a month. Ended up Wmatch fellow Texan lection in February for his ninth my setup and that's why I made being a week and it feels good Ben Hogan as a back-to-back career PGA title, a haul that a switch to a putter that lined now." winner of the PGA Dean & includes the 2015 Masters and US itself up," Spieth said on Spieth will play the first two DeLuca Invitational when play Open. Wednesday. rounds alongside fellow Ameri- begins at Colonial Country Club. But Spieth has missed the cut "Just lost a little bit of the feel cans Pat Perez and two-time Hogan, a five-time winner of in three of his past five starts, that I had with the putter I had Colonial winner Zach Johnson. the Fort Worth event, won back- including the Players Champi- been using for however many The field also features sixth- to-back titles twice, the only onship and Byron Nelson years. But now I feel a lot more ranked Masters champion Sergio Jordan Spieth is seeking player to defend a crown since tournament in the past two comfortable with my alignment. I Garcia, who won his 2001 Colo- double titles at the Colonial the tournament began in 1946. weeks. feel like I've got my set up back to nial debut and tees off alongside Spieth captured the title last Part of the trouble has been where I want it. Now I have that compatriot Jon Rahm and South year, making six birdies on the with putting, so last week he feel." Spieth said he simply Korea's Kim Si-Woo, coming off back nine on Sunday to win by switched to a mallet putter. After needed a different look at all his victory two weeks ago at The three shots. It was Spieth's first a one-week experiment, his aspects of his putting. Players Championship.