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Home , 2017 French Open, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan

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Thursday 15 June 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Johnson Kohli offers Xi meets FIFA looks to no mercy in boss as China retain title Bangladesh battle eyes World Cup Qatar coach Fossati resigns after win over South Korea

Doha over and Qatar now have seven QNA / Agencies points from eight games. His record has been mixed. atar national team coach They have won two, drawn Jorge Fossati presented once and lost three times in the Qhis resignation despite his qualifying campaign under Fos- team's 3-2 win over South sati but despite that still Korea in a match held on Tues- implausibly have an outside day at Jassim Bin Hamad chance of qualifying for Stadium in Al Sadd in the 8th Russia. Asian qualifying round for the They need to win their last 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held two games and hope in Russia. Uzbekistan lose theirs to reach President of the Qatar Foot- the play-offs for next summer's Pakistan's (third left) celebrates after taking the of England's Jonny Bairstow (unseen) for 43 runs during ball Association (QFA) Sheikh competition. Qatar, who will their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Cardiff, yesterday. Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed host the 2022 tournament. Al Thani said that he was sur- Meanwhile, South Korea prised by Fossati's decision who coach Uli Steilike was facing the submitted his resignation after axe after a turbulent World Cup his team beat South Korea qualifying defeat to Qatar Clinical Pakistan thrash yesterday. plunged the team into a "big cri- The QFA President said that sis" yesterday. Fossati took the technical man- The Taeguk Warriors agement of the team according weren't the only team to drop to a specific task and played the points in Tuesday's qualifiers, role entrusted to him accord- with Japan also conceding a late England to reach final ing to his abilities and equaliser in their 1-1 draw with capabilities which are known Iraq. to everyone, pointing to his But after the 3-2 defeat in Cardiff SCOREBOARD and Yorkshire team-mate Jonny strong relationship with the Doha – South Korea's first to AFP Bairstow, recalled in place of Association during the previ- Qatar in 32 years – the Korean ENGLAND 2 (2w); Imad 5-0-16-0; Shadab 9-0-40-1; Hasan 10-0- J Bairstow c Mohd Hafeez b Hasan Ali ...... 43 35-3 (1nb, 1w); Hafeez 8-0-33-0. dropped opener Jason Roy, man- ous years during which he Football Association turned on akistan booked their A Hales c B Azam b ...... 13 PAKISTAN aged 43. worked with the national team Steilike, whose team has also lost place in the Champi- J Root c S Ahmed b ...... 46 b Ball ...... 76 Rumman Raees, in for and clubs. to Iran and China in Group A. ons Trophy final with E Morgan c S Ahmed b Hasan Ali ...... 33 st Buttler b Rashid ...... 57 injured fellow left-arm quick He added that the executive "This is a big crisis. We've a crushing eight- B Stokes c Mohd Hafeez b Hasan Ali ...... 34 (not out) ...... 38 , took two for office of the Association will lost a game which we should wicket win over J Buttler c S Ahmed b ...... 4 (not out) ...... 31 44 on his ODI debut. decide on the resignation after have won. The possibility of us PEngland in Cardiff yesterday. M Ali c F Zaman b Junaid Khan ...... 11 Extras (LB-1, W-11, NB-1) ...... 13 England, who were 128 for talking to Fossati, indicating surviving in the qualifying A Rashid (run out) ...... 7 Total (for 2 wkts in 37.1 overs) ...... 215 Set just 212 to win, Pakistan L Plunkett c A Ali b Rumman Raees ...... 9 Did not bat: , Sarfraz Ahmed, Imad two, lost their last eight that the Spanish coach Felix rounds is now in limbo," said finished on 215 for two. M Wood (run out)...... 3 Wasim, Shadab Khan, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, Jun- for just 83 runs. Sanchez would take over if Fos- KFA spokesman Cho Jun-Heon. Pakistan will now face title- J Ball (not out) ...... 2 aid Khan Bairstow replaced Roy after sati does not back down from "KFA may discuss the coach's holders India in Sunday's final Extras (LB-1, W-3, NB-2) ...... 6 Fall of wickets: 1-118, 2-173. the Surrey opener had managed his decision. position when it holds a meet- at the Oval if their arch-rivals Total (all out in 49.5 overs) ...... 211 Bowling: Wood 8-1-37-0 (2w); Ball 8-0-37-1 (2w); just 51 runs in eight ODI innings Having lost their two first ing of its technical committee,"

beat Bangladesh in today's sec- Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-80, 3-128, 4-141, 5-148, Stokes 3.1-0-38-0 (1nb, 2w); Plunkett 6-0-33-0; Rashid this season. games in Group A, Fossati took he added.

6-162, 7-181, 8-201, 9-206, 10-211. 10-0-54-1 (1w); Ali 2-0-15-0. ond semi-final at Edgbaston. Dropped twice, Bairstow's Bowling: Junaid 8.5-0-42-2 (1nb); Rumman 9-0-44- Result: Pakistan won by eight wickets. Azhar Ali (76) and Fakhar luck ran out when a misjudged Zaman (57) all but ended previ- pull off Hasan sailed gently to ously unbeaten tournament presentation ceremony. "We On a Cardiff ground where Hafeez at deep square leg. Qatar's head hosts England's slim hopes of adapted to conditions, we knew they chased more than 300 to Root fell when well set after victory with an opening stand of if we restrict them we could eas- beat England in an ODI last year, an edged cut off leg-spinner coach Jorge 118. ily chase it down," he added. Pakistan completed Wednes- Shadab Khan was well held by Fossati reacts But the real damage was Pakistan's openers com- day's pursuit with a mammoth wicket-keeper Sarfraz. on the sidelines done when England collapsed pounded England's misery to the 77 balls to spare when Moham- Morgan, who made 87 in a during the to 211 all out after Pakistan cap- delight of their supporters at a mad Hafeez pulled Stokes for 40-run win against Australia last World Cup tain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss sun-drenched Cardiff. four. England did avoid a time out, fell for 19 when he 2018 Asia on a used pitch that played more Left-hander Fakhar hit a six 10-wicket defeat when Jos But- charged down the pitch to Hasan qualifying like a sub-continental surface -- something England didn't tler Fakhar off and edged behind. match against than a British one. manage in their entire innings leg-spinner Adil Rashid and Stokes, fresh from his South Korea at Paceman Hasan Ali led a dis- -- when a top-edge off fast Azhar too fell before the finish, career-best 102 not out against the Jassim Bin ciplined attack with a bowler Mark Wood flew safe. pulling Jake Ball into his stumps. Australia, took 64 balls to score Hamad Stadium man-of-the-match return of The dashing Fakhar com- Pakistan, however, had the a 34 that, remarkably for the in Doha on three for 35 from his maximum pleted a 49-ball fifty to follow game all but won at 173 for two. usually big-hitting all-rounder, Tuesday. 10 overs. his 50 against Sri Lanka. Azhar, England didn't manage a sin- did not include a single bound- "Credit goes to the bowlers who pulled all-rounder Ben gle individual fifty in their ary. He eventually holed out to and the batters who finished it Stokes for six, followed him to innings. cover when deceived by Hasan's very well," said Sarfraz at the the landmark in 68 balls. Joe Root top-scored with 46 slower ball. Veteran Haas cuts Federer comeback short in Stuttgart

Stuttgart terms of combined ages, since 1982. had served him so well earlier this year, Germany's Tommy Reuters He squandered a matchpoint in the was again on display. Haas (left) comforts second set as 39-year-old Haas, in his Haas, a former world number two after oger Federer slumped to a 2-6, farewell season, proved more consist- but currently at 302, was broken again the match. 7-6 (8), 6-4 loss to German vet- ent, eventually setting up a quarter-final as the Swiss served out the set on his Reran Tommy Haas at the Stuttgart clash against countryman Mischa first opportunity after 22 minutes and Open yesterday in a disappointing Zverev. looked to be cruising to a comfortable comeback after the 18-times grand-slam "I am speechless, of course," Haas victory. champion missed the entire claycourt said in front of an ecstatic home crowd. But Federer lost his focus, allowing season. "Playing Roger is always special, Haas to find a way back into what until Federer, who opted to miss it in especially on grass. There are a lot of that point had been a one-sided order to prepare for an assault on an emotions when you are playing a close encounter. eighth Wimbledon crown, made a sen- friend." The world number five saved four sational start to the year by winning the "When you come into the second set, set points and wasted a match point as Australian Open and subsequent titles save a match point and then come back, the German forced a third set, where he at Indian Wells and Miami. that always makes you very happy about broke his opponent early on. Yet despite a superb first set on a win. I am shocked myself." He held on to his advantage and grass, the 35-year-old lost his grip on Federer grabbed an early break as sealed a memorable win with his sec- the game in the oldest tour match, in his attacking topspin backhand, which ond match point. SPORT 15 JUNE 2017 THURSDAY 21

Yusaku ready to step out of Johnson looks to retain title younger sister Big-hitting prowess from the BMW PGA Champion- ship at Wentworth. Ai's shadow Defending champion McIlroy arrived in Wiscon- aims to exploit his sin last week to begin surveying Tokyo big-hitting prowess on a course he believes he can Reuters longest course in thrive on. "I don't think it's a major championship secret that I feel like my driver apan's Yusaku Miyazato's is one of the biggest weapons in recent form suggests the as he bids to become my bag," McIlroy said on Tues- J36-year-old is finally ready first back-to-back day. "If I can get that in my hands to step out of the shadow of champion in 28 years. more regularly, and I think if the his illustrious younger sister field has to hit driver more, as Ai in a year the former wom- well, that plays into my hands, en's number one confirmed Erin, US too." While other players have would be her last as a AFP complained at the tangled acres professional. of fescue grass, McIlroy was dis- In a golfing family from ustin Johnson will mayed to learn some of the Okinawa, Yusaku and elder aim to exploit his rough had been cut back follow- brother Kiyoshi had to be big-hitting prowess ing the complaints. content with reflected glory on the longest "These are the widest fair- as "Ai-chan" scripted a glit- course in major ways we've ever played in a US tering professional career that Dchampionship history when he Open," McIlroy said. "You've got included nine LPGA Tour tees off at the US Open today, 156 of the best players in the titles and 15 on the domestic bidding to become the first back- world here. If we can't hit it circuit. to-back champion in 28 years. within that avenue, you might as Ai cited a lack of motiva- The world number one won Dustin Johnson of the United States plays his shot during a practice round prior to well pack your bags and go tion as her reason for putting his first major in last year's US the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills in Hartford, Wisconsin, yesterday. home." away her clubs but Yusaku, Open at Oakmont, after several The last six majors -- includ- who won two titles in Japan near-misses, and is the book- ing Johnson's maiden US Open this season, appears ready to makers' favourite at the that the tournament will live up don't know why. I play better tournament to attend his daugh- victory -- have been won by keep the family flag flying as picturesque Erin Hills course in to its billing as the toughest test when I'm playing for pars." ter's high school graduation, this players who had never won a he targets a strong perform- rural Wisconsin. in golf. If he defends his title, John- year's US Open could mark the major before. One of the likeli- ance at this week's US Open Hosting a major for the first Johnson, however, who son will be the first man to win end of an era. est candidates to continue that in Wisconsin. time, the intimidating 7,741 yard, missed the Masters in April after back-to-back US Opens since If Mickelson fails to show as streak at Erin Hills is 22-year- "I really, really wanted to par-72 layout is not for the faint- a freak accident where he Curtis Strange in 1988 and 1989. expected -- he retains a tee-time old Spaniard Jon Rahm, the compete (at the US Open)," he hearted, promising a physical slipped on steps and hurt his Strange, now working as a despite vowing not to attend -- former amateur world number was quoted as saying by the and mental challenge for the back on the eve of the tourna- television analyst, backed John- it will be the first time since 1994 one. Rahm, who turned pro in Kyodo news agency. "I've very best. ment, was adamant the length son to complete the double. that neither player has featured mid-2016 and claimed his been consistent in my drives, Many holes feature blind or of Erin Hills would suit his game. "We're at a bomber's paradise, in the first round of the US Open. maiden PGA Tour win at the so with that in mind I can plan semi-blind tee-shots, while the "It's just a very, very difficult and the best player in the world World number two Rory Farmers Insurance Open at Tor- my four-day game." course's mid-section runs on an tournament to win," the 32-year- is the bomber," Strange said. McIlroy, who won the event in rey Pines in January, said he is Yusaku finished 23rd in outward-inward path that will old said, noting the US Open "Wherever DJ plays, he's the 2011, has declared himself ready ready for the challenge of Erin his US Open debut last year ensure players face variable challenge and the reputation of longest out there. I have a feel- despite a frustrating season Hills. and said he would remem- winds. this year's venue. ing he'll be amped this week." dogged by niggling injuries. "It's like a links golf course ber the lessons he learned Factor in fairways bordered "I like really tough golf With Tiger Woods absent, The Northern Irish star has on steroids, everything is a little at the Oakmont Country by deep fescue grass that some courses. I tend to focus more and still struggling to resurrect his played only one event since the bigger," Rahm said. "But I think Club in Pennsylvania last have already described as play better. I like knowing par is career after back surgery, and Masters after rib and back prob- it's US Open, they expect our year when he tees off at Erin unplayable, and it appears likely a good score for some reason. I Phil Mickelson likely to skip the lems forced him to withdraw best." Hills today. Al Muhanadi and Mir top at DGC

The Peninsula

bdulaziz Al Muha- nadi and Fahad Mir emerged on top in the senior and jun- ior categories at the RamadanA Golf Championship held at the Doha Golf Club (DGC). The 9-hole champion- ship brought together 35 golfers from all ages and categories. Al Muhanadi with a gross score of 37 finished ahead of The podium winners at the Qatar Golf Association Abdulrahman Al Shahrani. tournament at Doha Golf Club. In the junior section, Mir topped followed by Arnav Jain and Saoud Al Muhanadi. Junior Division (Team Scram- Mohammad Azfar, Rashid In the Senior Players sec- ble) was also held. Wally,abdulrahman Al tion, Mohamad Faisal Al The following players fin- Dehaimi, Kamil Benrokiya, Suwaidi took the first place fol- ished on the podium. Hassan Al Abdulla, Yasmian Al Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (left) and Sergio Garcia of Spain walk across the course during lowed by Adnan Rashid. A Mohamed Abdulla , Sharshani, Nada Mir a practice round prior to the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills in Hartford, Wisconsin, yesterday. 'Culture of fear' existed in British team: Report

London The report -- seven pages culture within its elite been "handled well". Varnish and AFP shorter than the leaked version -- programmes. her team-mate Katy Marchant had said Sutton, who subsequently "Many of the early warning both lashed out at the British set- long-awaited independent resigned prior to the 2016 Olym- signs highlighted by that report up after they failed to qualify for report published yesterday pics in Rio, was allowed to operate were not adequately dealt with by last year's Olympics, where the Ainto British Cycling says the within a "power pocket" without the board at that time," said Phelps. British team went on to enjoy huge sport's domestic governing body having to really answer to anybody. UK Sport, who operate a tough success on the track. lacked "good governance" and Phelps explained at a press confer- funding to medals potential policy, British Cycling has already there was a "culture of fear" within ence after the publication of the are taken to task over their failure begun to implement reforms and the track cycling team. report why it varied somewhat to monitor properly the poisonous made changes to board personnel However, the report -- com- from the draft version. atmosphere at British Cycling's which left Phelps optimistic that the piled by a five-member panel "The panel carefully reviewed headquarters in Manchester. atmosphere would be altered for headed by British Rowing chair the draft in the light of new infor- Sutton resigned after the alle- the good. "There is much talent that Annamarie Phelps -- is not as mation provided to it," said Phelps. gations by Varnish, who said he told could be better harnessed to make damning about British Cycling as "It's important to reiterate that her to "get on with having a baby" British Cycling even more success- the draft that was leaked to the the panel's findings and recom- after she was cut from the team last ful," said Phelps. Daily Mail in March, although the mendations were unanimous and year. "I'm confident the new leader- "culture of fear" conclusion wholly independent. However, Phelps and her fel- ship will grasp the issues head on." remains. "At times the culture and cli- low panel members, while decrying British Cycling chair Jonathan Team Sky The panel -- who began work mate came secondary to this. The the strong language used by coach- Browning said all the recommen- rider Chris in April 2016 after allegations of situation is not simple," added the ing staff, did not think it was based dations had been accepted Froome of sexism and bullying were made 51-year-old, who is a former row- on gender. unconditionally by him and the Britain arrives about the then British Cycling tech- ing world champion in the women's "The language used could at board. at the finish nical director Shane Sutton by lightweight coxless four. times be perceived as discrimina- "We accept in full the recom- line during the female track rider Jess Varnish and Phelps said the situation could tory, certainly derogatory and have mendations and apologise for Tour de France then by several other cyclists -- have been contained if British no place in modern work place or where we've fallen short for the in this 2016 took evidence from more than 100 Cycling had reacted to a report in high level sport," she said, though standards we should have file picture. former riders and staff. 2012 pinpointing worries over the they did find Varnish's case had not achieved," he said. 22 SPORT THURSDAY 15 JUNE 2017 Rising Bangladesh Kohli offers no mercy team breaks into in Bangladesh battle Asia's top rivalries Dhaka place in the Champions Trophy Birmingham AFP for the world's top eight teams AFP Indian Virat for the first time in 11 years. Kohli during nets in hen Bangladesh bat- Former Sri Lankan captain ndia captain Virat Kohli has Birmingham yesterday, tle India in the Kumar Sangakkara said ahead promised there will be no ahead of the second WChampions Trophy of the tournament that Bangla- let-up from the title-hold- Champions Trophy semi-final today it will be the desh are "a very hungry and ers when they face consecration of a new Asian talented bunch of players." semi-final against Bangladesh in the semi- rivalry. "What you see in Bangla- Bangladesh. Ifinals of the Champions Trophy Few of the millions of Bang- desh right now is a growing at Edgbaston today. ladeshis following at home confidence and enhanced After a surprise group defeat expected Mashrafe Mortaza's game-awareness. It is learning by Sri Lanka in a tournament side to reach the last four -- that how to win matches and that featuring the world's top eight they are playing India has made makes it very dangerous one-day international sides, the achievement even more opponents." India responded to their 'win or special and surprising to the Mortaza's side only started go home' clash against South players. believing in their chances after Africa with a commanding eight- Mortaza sent his family impressive displays in New wicket victory over the home last week and other Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and top-ranked Proteas at the Oval Bangladesh players were doing Ireland in the past few months. last weekend. their shopping in expectation "We did not win a match in India's bowlers put the of flying back, according to New Zealand but we played brakes on South Africa's innings Bangladesh media. well there. We created chances while a trio of run-outs said But sparkling batting by in all our matches," said chief much about the Proteas' frailty Shakib Al Hasan and Mah- selector Minhajul Abedin. and the improved fielding stand- mudullah helped Bangladesh Bangladesh defeated New ards of Kohli's men. to an epic win over New Zea- Zealand during a three-nation Needing a mere 192 for vic- number one in the ICC ODI bat- of the Asian nations have dire position in a must-win game land that saw them reach a first tournament in Ireland before tory, Kohli was there at the finish ting rankings. adapted to English conditions. with a brilliant new Bangladesh ICC tournament semi-final. the trophy campaign. It was with 76 not out as India won Now India return to Edgbas- "Maybe because of how record partnership of 224 that Now Mortaza says the team their first away victory against with a whopping 12 overs to ton where they launched their much limited-overs cricket we turned the match upside down have to brush aside pressure so the Kiwis in 17 attempts. spare. title-defence with a 124-run play, I think the players are get- and eventually saw New Zea- they can play with a "free mind" Against the Kiwis in Cardiff It was an innings that helped thrashing of arch-rivals ting more experienced in land eliminated. against India to prove their last week, Bangladesh raced to take the India skipper back to Pakistan. difficult situations," he said. Bangladesh's place in the last worth. 268-5 from a tottering 33-4 to "We played in Birmingham "Maybe some of the teams four was then confirmed when While India-Pakistan is one eliminate Kane Williamson's before. We like that pitch. It suits have really surprised the oppo- England beat Australia at of the world's biggest sporting team. our game," said Kohli after the sition with the way they have Edgbaston. rivalries, Bangladesh are fast Luck also played a role with win over South Africa. batted and bowled in certain India have 26 of their 32 emerging as a worthy Bangladesh heading to almost "There's no looking back. situations." ODIs against Bangladesh, suf- competitor. certain defeat against Australia There's no looking There's always room for There was certainly plenty fering just five defeats with one Bangladesh raged over until rain washed out the back. There's improvement. We can't rest on of good work with the ball car- no result. umpire decisions when they match. our laurels." ried out by Bangladesh's bowlers But Bangladesh captain lost to India in the 2015 World England then beat Australia always room for Pakistan defeated England as they held New Zealand to a Mashrafe Mortaza believes wins Cup quarter-final. They lost and let Bangladesh into the improvement. We in yesterday's first semi-final modest 265 for eight in Cardiff such as the one over New Zea- their World group semi-final with the hosts. and today's winner will face last time out. land will bolster the side's match to India last year by just "You could argue about the can't rest on our their South Asian rivals in the The Tigers were, however, already growing self-belief. one run. luck if we would have played laurels: Kohli final. still looking at an embarrassing "In the last three years we In between, the Bangladesh badly. But we won a match Kohli acknowledged the defeat when they slumped to 33 keep improving a lot," he said. 'Tigers' beat India at home in a while Australia and New Zea- amount of one-day cricket for four in reply. "This sort of performance really three-match one-day series. land failed to do so. Even to played in the region was a fac- But Shakib Al Hasan (114) help us to move forward, espe- They have also beaten Pakistan utilise the luck you need some tor, but he has also been and Mahmudullah (102 not out) cially with the 2019 World Cup and South Africa in one-day base. The cricket we are play- impressed with the way so many responded to the pressure of a (in England) coming up." series to send them up the ing, we deserve to be in the world rankings and earn theme semis," ," said Minhajul. Sangakkara scores 100th ton in Surrey win

London 121 out of a total of 313-7. AFP Yorkshire came up short in their run chase as they closed egendary Sri Lankan on 289-9 to lose by 24 runs. batsman Kumar San- Sangakkara's 39th one-day Lgakkara (pictured) hundred adds to his 61 in first- scored the 100th century of class matches, 38 of which his professional career in Sur- came in Test matches for Sri rey's One-Day Cup Lanka. quarter-final win over York- In Tuesday's other last- shire at Headingley on eight tie, 834 runs were Tuesday. plundered in an extraordinary The 39-year-old, who will match as Nottinghamshire Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza attends a training retire from first-class cricket edged out Somerset by 24 at the end of the season, made runs in Taunton. session at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham yesterday.

Goffin pulls out Injured Pliskova out of Wimbledon Nadal withdraws from Queen's tourney of Aegon Classic London days off and then be ready, but London Brussels Reuters at 31, and after a long claycourt Reuters AFP season with all of the emotions rench Open champion Rafa of Roland Garros, and after orld number three elgian Nadal has withdrawn from speaking to my team and doc- Karolina Pliskova withdrew from Wim- Fnext week's Aegon Cham- tor, I have decided my body W has withdrawn Bbledon yesterday pionships at The Queen’s Club needs to rest if I am going to be from next week's Aegon Clas- because of the nasty ankle after advice from his doctors to ready to play Wimbledon." sic grasscourt event in injury he suffered at the rest, organisers announced on The Aegon Championships Birmingham to rest an injured recent . Tuesday. will feature world number one elbow ahead of Wimbledon, The 26-year-old was “I am very sorry to say that and defending champion Andy she said yesterday. forced to retire from his third- I am not going to be able play Murray, US Open champion Stan "The elbow has been round match at Roland Queen’s next week. I am sad to Wawrinka, 2014 winner Grigor bothering me for a few weeks Garros when his right foot make this decision because I Dimitrov, and last year’s runner- already. It needs some good became jammed beneath the love Queen’s, I won the tourna- up . Wimbledon rest," the 2017 French Open rolled-up covers at the back ment in 2008 and every time I begins on July 3. semi-finalist and last year's of the Suzanne Lenglen Court. reached the Wimbledon final it Nadal also became the first US Open finalist, told the CTK "David's rehabilitation is was after playing Queen’s," said player to book his place at the news agency. going well and the injury is Nadal. season-ending ATP World Tour "The top (thing), of course, gradually improving, but in The Spanish world number Finals in London in November. is Wimbledon which I need order not to risk it and to be two is back to his best after being Nadal has claimed four titles to prepare for the most." 100 percent for his return, hampered by injuries in recent on the tour this year, winning 46 The Aegon Classic is one David decided with his doc- years and claimed a 10th Roland matches and losing just six in a of two WTA Premier level tors and team to return to Garros crown on Sunday after stellar 2017. Nadal has never grasscourt tournaments lead- competition after Wimble- winning titles in Monte Carlo, won the event, but finished run- ing up to Wimbledon, with Spain's reacts after winning the French Open don," Goffin's team said in a Barcelona and Madrid over the ner-up in 2010 and 2013, losing the Eastbourne champion- statement. Wimbledon will final - his 10th title - against Switzerland's past two months. out to Roger Federer and Novak ships taking place the week run from July 3 to July 16. in Paris on Sunday. “I was hoping to take some Djokovic, respectively. after. THURSDAY 15 JUNE 2017 SPORT 23 France edge England in friendly Paris that was saved by Heaton but AFP Monaco full-back Sidibe scored on the rebound. usmane Dembele France's forward Many members of the crowd capped a thrilling Ousmane were still returning to their seats performance with Dembele (left) is after the interval when referee the deciding goal as congratulated by Davide Massa pointed to the spot 10-man France beat team-mate Kylian when Varane clipped Alli in the OEngland 3-2 in a friendly in Paris Mbappe following area. Varane was incredulous Xi meets FIFA on Tuesday in which the video his goal during when he was sent off following assistant referee played a cen- the international the video assistant's intervention, boss as China tral role. friendly match and Kane then beat his Spurs Captain Harry Kane had ear- against England at colleague Hugo Lloris from 12 eyes World Cup lier scored twice for the visitors The Stade de France yards, but France would have the at the Stade de France, includ- Stadium in Saint- last laugh. Beijing ing from a penalty early in the Denis near Paris on Mbappe hit the bar and soon second half. after, with 12 minutes left, he set AFP Tuesday. That came after the Italian up Borussia Dortmund starlet referee gave a spot-kick for a Dembele to net the winner from hinese President Xi Jin- foul on Dele Alli and the video a low finish past substitute goal- ping met with FIFA assistant -- being trialled here keeper Jack Butland. Cchief Gianni Infantino -- ruled that Raphael Varane (pictured) yesterday as the deserved a straight red card. RESULTS OF FRIENDLIES football world watches for The decision was a contro- signs that the Asian giant will versial one, coming after FIFA Results from international friendlies on Tuesday: make a bid to host a World tweaked the rules last year to At Paris Cup. reduce cases of players being France 3 (Umtiti 22, Sidibé 43, Dembele 78) Eng- Xi greeted Infantino in the sent off for denying clear goal- land 2 (Kane 9, 48-pen) capital's palatial Great Hall of scoring opportunities, unless the French President Emmanuel campaign, when they were were forced into an early change At Getafe, Spain the People but the two men offence is deliberate. Macron and British Prime Min- humiliated by Iceland in the last -- the first of many substitutions Colombia 4 (Rodriguez 16, Mina 31, 51, Izquierdo did not mention China's 85) Cameroon 0 Varane's team-mates and the ister Theresa May and preceded 16. -- as Lucas Digne replaced the World Cup ambitions as they At Oslo French fans did not agree with by an emotional tribute to the Manager Gareth Southgate injured Benjamin Mendy at exchanged pleasantries Norway 1 (Elyounoussi 44) Sweden 1 (Armentero the call, which came after Sam- victims of recent terror attacks made six changes to his starting left-back. before their closed-door 81) uel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe had in England. line-up following the 2-2 World The Euro 2016 runners-up meeting. At Cluj-Napoca, Romania scored to cancel out Kane's early The French fans in the crowd Cup qualifying draw in Scotland deserved their equaliser when it Romania 3 (Stancu 31, Stanciu 60, Baluta 83) Chile The talks follow wide- opener. of almost 80,000 joined in with at the weekend, while Kane came midway through the first 2 (Vargas 8, Valencia 18) spread speculation that China However, France coach the English anthem 'God Save the again wore the captain's half as Barcelona defender At Moruleng, South Africa will bid to host the event Didier Deschamps was delighted Queen' and a minute's silence armband. Umtiti followed in to score after South Africa 1 (Manyama 23) Zambia 2 (Mwila 72, either in 2030 or 2034. to see his side get back to win- was observed to honour the vic- The Tottenham Hotspur Tom Heaton had saved from a Mundia 79) "President Infantino, ning ways after a World Cup tims of attacks in Manchester striker, the top scorer in the Pre- Giroud header. At Singapore since becoming president of qualifying defeat in Sweden at and London over the last month. mier League last season, netted Burnley goalkeeper Heaton Singapore 0 Argentina 6 (Fazio 25, Correa 30, FIFA you have provided great the weekend. The encounter was the first a stoppage-time equaliser at was preferred in goal to the Gomez 61, Paredes 74, Alario 90, di Maria 90+2) support to the development "It is always good to finish meeting of the teams since Hampden Park and he gave the under-fire Joe Hart and he At Melbourne and reform of football as a with a victory, especially after a November 2015, when England visitors the lead in the ninth underlined his credentials with Australia 0 Brazil 4 (Souza 1, 90+3, Silva 62, Tai- sport in China," said China's defeat. We were down to 10 men, won 2-0 in a friendly at Wem- minute here, tapping in after a fine stop to deny Monaco's teen son 75) football-mad president. so hats off to the players, because bley played just days after a Raheem Sterling's back-heel had sensation Kylian Mbappe, but he Monday "I wish to express my that is a great England team," he wave of terror attacks in Paris. set up Ryan Bertrand to deliver was beaten again two minutes Belarus 1 (Polyakov 47) New Zealand 0 appreciation for what you

told TF1. Here, England were back in a low cross from the left. before the interval. Latvia 1 (Ikaunieks 22) Estonia 2 (Zenjov 51, Purje have done." "We are aware It was a fine end-of-season France for the first time since Olivier Giroud had an effort Dembele did brilliantly to 77) of the fact that FIFA is paying match, played out in front of their disastrous Euro 2016 ruled out for offside and France create the opportunity for a shot more attention to the devel- opment of football in China these days, and I do believe China-FIFA cooperation has a good future," he said. Infantino thanked Xi, Chelsea to host Burnley adding: "We can really start a new era of football, not only in China, President Xi, but in the whole world because we are really passionate about in EPL season opener football." Three major Chinese companies have signed spon- London of the Premier League since predecessor of the Europa sorship deals with FIFA in the AFP going down to Coventry in 1998. League), losing to Galatasaray. space of a year, fuelling spec- Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool Three weeks before that ulation that China is remier League champions have two testing fixtures on the sees a mouthwatering couple of preparing a World Cup bid. Chelsea will be the first third and fourth weekend of derbies with Liverpool hosting Infantino met on Tuesday Popponents for runners-up matches -- hosting Arsenal and Everton and the Manchester with Wang Jianlin, chairman Tottenham at their temporary then an away trip to Manches- derby -- Pep Guardiola's City of one of the sponsors, Chi- home of Wembley on the sec- ter City. travelling to take on Jose Mour- nese conglomerate Wanda. ond weekend of the 2017/18 Arsenal, whose manager inho's United at Old Trafford. Chinese Football Associ- campaign it was revealed yes- Arsene Wenger will be firmly in For the trio of newly-pro- ation vice president Zhang erday when the fixtures were the sights of the disgruntled moted clubs, their opening Jian, a member of the FIFA published. Gunners fans who didn't wanted fixtures see second tier cham- Council which devises its glo- Spurs -- who were beaten him to sign a new contract, face pions Newcastle host Spurs, bal strategy, said last year he by Chelsea in their FA Cup semi- a tricky trip to Chelsea the whilst Premier League debu- would back a Chinese World final at Wembley and lost two weekend after. tants Brighton entertain Cup in 2030. of their four European matches Arsenal will host Antonio Manchester City and Hudders- Xi wants his country to last season when they played Conte's champions on January field are away at Crystal host the global football 'home' matches there instead of 1 in the usual packed festive Palace. extravaganza and also hopes White Hart Lane -- are using period programme which will With both Brighton and China's national team can one Wembley while their new state see the teams play four matches Huddersfield favoured to be day win the sport's most pres- of the art ground is developed apiece between December 23 mired in a relegation battle they tigious trophy. in north London. and New Year's Day. both face daunting run-ins at the But China, who languish Chelsea begin the defence For those Arsenal fans who end of the season. at 82nd in FIFA's world rank- of their title with a home fix- are superstitious the omens are Huddersfield, out of the ings just below Benin and the ture at Stamford Bridge on the good for the Europa League top flight since 1972, face Faroe Islands, look certain to weekend of August 12/13 campaign as the Gunners open Chelsea, Everton, Manches- miss out on qualification for against Burnley, who had a ter- their league programme at ter City and Arsenal in their Russia 2018. rible time away from home last home to 2016 champions last four matches, while Tot- China tied 2-2 with Syria season. Leicester -- the last time they tenham, Manchester United on Tuesday, leaving them Keylor Navas of Costa Rica (1) and Hashim Arcia of Trinidad and The challenge for Burnley is did that in the 1999/2000 sea- and Liverpool are the oppo- bottom of their Asian quali- even greater as the champions son they went on to reach the nents in three of Brighton's Tobago in action during the World Cup 2018 qualifiers at the fying Group A with just two have not lost on the opening day UEFA Cup final (the final four games. National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Tuesday. games left. Aussies in Confed Cup 'to win it' despite Brazil drubbing

Sydney preferred to look on the bright the home defence's frailties were probably sounds ridiculous, but squad ahead of the Brazil game season," said Postecoglou. A AFP side. exposed by three second-half I took this job with the intent of with a groin injury. The Aston replacement captain has yet to "For us as I said, this game goals. being as ambitious as I possibly Villa midfielder pulled up sore be announced, although veter- ustralia departed for the was preparation for what we're It was a sobering farewell for can for Australian football. after Australia's 3-2 World Cup ans Tim Cahill or Mark Milligan Russia and FIFA's Confed- going to face," he said. Australia, who face Germany in "When you're ambitious you qualifying win over Saudi Ara- would be obvious choices. Aerations Cup yesterday "We needed to do some their opening Confederations have spectacular failures and bia last week and has been Cahill, who is desperate to insisting they can still win it, things in terms of getting some Cup game on June 19, then Cam- spectacular successes. replaced by Austria-based mid- play in his fourth World Cup next despite a crushing 4-0 demoli- game time into players and we eroon and Chile. "I'm not going to coach in fielder James Jeggo. year, said the Socceroos need to tion by Brazil in a lopsided got that. We'll be ready for the Postecoglou said despite the between, just notch up a stint for "He has had a tough period embrace the Confederations Cup warm-up. first game." high quality opposition, his team my country as a coach flatlining. since Christmas with his groin and build on what the side has The Socceroos were thrashed The Socceroos held the five- could be successful. Let's go there and see what we and we all agree it is in the best achieved. "It's about the experi- by the South Americans in a times World Cup winners to 1-0 "We want to win it, mate," he can do." They head into the tour- long-term interest of Mile and ence of what we've done in the friendly in Melbourne on Tues- at half-time after conceding just told reporters. nament without skipper Mile the Socceroos that he has a break last two-and-half-years and to day, but coach Ange Postecoglou 12 seconds from the kick-off, but "I know after last night that Jedinak, who withdrew from the to ensure he is ready for the new build on it," he said.