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Saturday, August 20, 2016 Dhul-Qa’da 17, 1437 AH OLYMPICS Bitter Isinbayeva ends her pole vaulting career Page 3

BADMINTON Medals tally

Country G S B T 1. United States 35 33 32 100 Marin fends off brave Sindhu to win gold 2. Great Britain 23 21 13 57 3. China 21 17 23 61 Reuters shriek with every winning point, the Games. 4. Russia 13 15 19 47 Spaniard was jeered by spectators at It was also India’s second medal in the in a nerve-shredding badminton, coming four years after 5. Germany 13 8 13 34 deciding game as she pushed the compatriot Saina Nehwal grabbed a 6. Japan 12 6 20 38 arolina Marin overhauled a bounds of good sportsmanship with bronze in the same event in London. 7. France 8 12 14 34 brave Pusarla Sindhu in the constant stalling tactics. Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara won the women’s singles fi nal yes- But the ruthless 23-year-old got Rio bronze in a walkover after her 8. Italy 8 10 6 24 terday to win Spain’s fi rst the job done, charging away to set Chinese opponent, the 2012 singles 9. Netherlands 8 4 4 16 badmintonC title and crush India’s up six match points and sealing it on champion Li Xuerui, pulled out of 10. Australia 7 11 10 28 hopes of a maiden gold medal at the the second with an imperious smash their playoff with a serious knee in- Rio Olympics. down the line that her opponent did jury. 11. South Korea 7 3 8 18 The top seed, known as the ‘Ra- well to get a racquet to. Sindhu, coached by the same 12. Hungary 7 3 4 14 fael Nadal’ of badminton in Spain for Flag-waving Spanish fans jumped man who took Nehwal to her Lon- 13. Spain 6 2 3 11 her tenacity and fi erce left-handed up and down as twice world cham- don medal, was under huge pressure game, closed out a 19-21 21-12 21-15 pion Marin pumped her fi sts and bel- from the nation of a billion people to 14. 5 5 5 15 victory over the 21-year-old Sindhu lowed in triumph, having survived a end India’s agonising wait for a Rio 15. Croatia 5 2 1 8 who was majestic in her Olympic de- huge scare. champion. 16. Jamaica 5 0 2 7 but. The fl amenco-trained dancer from Despite bringing their biggest ever “I’m very excited, I don’t know Andalucia beamed dry-eyed as she delegation, about 50 percent strong- 17. New Zealand 4 8 3 15 how I’m feeling now but it is amazing accepted the medal on the podium er than London where they won six 18. Kenya 4 4 0 8 that my dream has come true. I just but wept freely as Spain’s fl ag rose in medals, India had only celebrated had to believe in myself,” Marin told the arena to the sound of the national a solitary bronze won by freestyle 19. Canada 4 3 14 21 reporters. anthem. wrestler Sakshi Malik on Wednesday. 20. Kazakhstan 3 5 7 15 “It is more than a medal because of Roared to the fi nish by Indian fans, “I thought it would be a gold but 21. Cuba 3 2 4 9 everything behind the medal. I have Sindhu will bow out with huge ac- never mind, I got a silver,” the Hy- the best team behind me, they helped claim as her nation’s fi rst woman derabadi shuttler said. 22. Argentina 3 1 0 4 me a lot and were amazing.” ever to win silver and having clinched “I never thought I would make it to Spain’s Carolina Marin (right) is congratulated by India’s PV Sindhu for her win in the wom- 64. Qatar 0 1 0 1 Letting out a blood-curdling the country’s second medal at these here.” en’s badminton final in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (Reuters)

FOCUS STAR OF THE DAY Bolt powers Carolina Marin of Spain Today’s Star of the Day is Spain’s Carolina Marin, who became the first non-Asian winner of the women’s singles badminton Olympic title. The 23-year-old beat India’s PV Sindhu in three games in the final. “I’m a little Span- iard that broke the Asian world. My dream has come true,” the world number one told to 200m gold reporters after grabbing a rare medal for a European country in the sport. Marin, who celebrated almost every victorious point ‘I’m getting older and my body is ageing. Personally I by shrieking at the top of her voice, lost the first game 21-19 but grabbed the second 21-12 think this is my last 200 but my coach may beg to diff er’ before clinching gold with a 21-15 win in the decider. Marin claimed it was part of her strat- egy to keep the shuttles new and quick. “She (Sindhu) didn’t want to change the shuttle because she wanted me to lose focus. It was a little bit slow and sometimes you have to control everything on court,” Marin said.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt takes selfies with fans after winning the men’s 200m final in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. (AFP)

AFP colours of Jamaica. “number one”. Rio de Janeiro The sell-out Olympic Stadium There had been no easing up, but crowd, which has been criticised for its Bolt looked to be left disappointed with jeering of some athletes, were raucous his time, ripping the numbers off his sain Bolt won a third succes- in their welcome of the Jamaican star. shorts and throwing them to the fl oor. sive Olympic 200m gold on Bolt, in his favoured lane six, had Bolt admitted that he hadn’t felt Thursday to keep alive his Lashawn Merritt, the American 400m great down the back stretch, timing hopes of an unprecedented specialist and sole US medal hope after what was the slowest 200m of all his U“triple triple” in Rio. Justin Gatlin failed to make the eight- individual victories. The victory in his favoured event man fi nal, just inside him in Thursday’s “I wasn’t happy with the time,” was Bolt’s 13th individual world or Ol- fi nal. he acknowledged. “My body just ympic sprint title from a possible 14 Immediately out of the blocks, the wouldn’t respond in the straight. I’m since he took athletics by storm at the Jamaican was quickly up on Lemaitre, getting older and my body is ageing. 2008 Olympics. racing in seven. As the crowd roared, Personally I think this is my last 200 The 29-year Jamaican timed 19.78 Bolt responded by moving into his famed but my coach may beg to differ.” seconds for gold. Canadian Andre de “drive phase”, head coming slowly up as Any disappointment was quickly Grasse took silver with 20.02sec and part of the process that unleashes the full forgotten on the track as Guns N’Roses France’s Christophe Lemaitre winning power from his long legs. was switched for Bob Marley’s One bronze (20.12). Eyes glued on the stadium’s big Love. Bolt, draped in Brazilian and Ja- As Guns N’Roses’ Welcome to the screen at the end of the 100m track, maican fl ags, did a lap of honour to Jungle blasted out, huge cheers greeted Bolt blasted through the line with a chants of “Usain Bolt, Usain Bolt!” af- Bolt, wearing black lycra shorts and glance leftwards at the giant stop- ter another amazing victory and eighth a singlet in the green, gold and black watch, beating his chest and saying Olympic gold. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 20, 2016

FOCUS ACHIEVEMENT Mohamed scores Eaton retains fi rst for US with hurdles gold

AFP women in what is one of the most Rio de Janeiro demanding events in track and decathlon crown fi eld. Since the event was intro- duced for women at the 1984 Los American only the third athlete to win back-to-back Olympic golds alilah Mohamed Angeles Games, US runners have powered to a brilliant taken silver on no fewer than fi ve AFP victory in the women’s occasions. Rio de Janeiro 400m hurdles Thurs- Despite Mohamed’s form this dayD to become the fi rst winner of season, a question mark re- the event from the United States mained over her inexperience. merican Ashton Eaton equalled in Olympic history. Heading into Rio she had only the Olympic record when re- The 26-year-old, the fastest ever represented the United taining his decathlon crown on woman in the world this year States at major championships Thursday, but he was pushed all over the distance, blasted out of once before, when she won silver theA way by France’s Kevin Mayer. the blocks and held on to a com- at the 2013 worlds in . Eaton amassed 8,893 points in the gru- manding lead for a deserved gold But even with the Czech Re- elling 10-discipline event to tie the Czech in 53.13sec. public’s two-time world cham- Republic’s Roman Sebrle record set at the Sara Slott Petersen of Den- pion Zuzana Hejnova up against 2004 Athens Games. mark took silver in 53.55sec while her in the fi nal, Mohamed never The American joined an elite pantheon Mohamed’s teammate Ashley looked troubled. of decathlon greats who have won back- Spencer claimed bronze in 53.72. She ate up the yards with a to-back Olympic golds, Bob Mathias “The reality of winning is even blistering fi rst 300 which took (1948, 1952) and Daley Thompson (1980, better than the dream; Olympic her several yards clear coming 1984) the other two to have achieved the champion, in front of my name,” down the stretch. feat. Mohamed said afterwards. But fears she had gone out “I was ready to run myself into the hos- “Being the fi rst American to too quickly soon evaporated in pital tonight,” said Eaton. win this title adds a bit of extra a barnstorming fi nish, and al- “I’m just glad it wasn’t an easy walk sparkle.” though Petersen gained slight- through. Mohamed’s triumph ends a ly over the closing stages the “The young Frenchman, Kevin Mayer, frustrating story of near-misses American never looked like being was there to push me to the test and I and heartache for American overhauled. think I passed the test. I’m glad he was there.” Eaton added: “Decathlon is an exclu- sive company. I’m just happy to be part of the decathlon family regardless of the records. “Bob Mathias and Daley Thompson, those guys are awesome and to be in com- pany of two-time medallists is great. “I was not aware of Daley when I was growing up,” he added, refusing to dis- Ashton Eaton (centre) of the USA reacts after winning the men’s Decathlon 1500m final Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. (Reuters) close whether he was thinking of going for third gold at the Tokyo Games in 2020. able unbeaten streak in combined events fi rst decathlon medal since 1948, needed better his own world record or at least a Eaton hinted that the run-in to the Rio competition that stretches back to his to beat Eaton by seven seconds. 9,000+ score, but just faded away. Games had been tougher than that of the triumph in London in 2012. But Eaton moved past Mayer with 200 His racked up bests of 10.46sec in the London Olympics. Mayer won silver with a French record metres of the 1500m to go to make sure of 100m, 7.84m in the long jump, 14.74m “The second time around, it so far feels of 8,834pts, Canada’s Damian Warner the win. in the shot put, 2.01m in the high jump, about the same,” he said of his second Ol- taking bronze (8,666). “Ashton is a real example for decath- 46.07sec in the 400m, 13.58sec in the ympic gold. But it all came down to the fi nal event, lon. To be so close to him, well I hope that 110m hurdles, 45.49m in the discus, “I would say that the lead up was quite the 1500m, with Mayer in for a chance of in the world championships next year it’ll 5.20m in the pole vault, 59.77m in the a bit more diffi cult these last four years.” victory himself, albeit a slim one. be a close battle!” said Mayer. javelin before clocking 4:23.33 in the Eaton’s victory extended his remark- The Frenchman, winning his country’s Eaton had at one stage been on target to 1500m. OPPORTUNITY American Crouser wins shot gold with record throw US grasp second American Ryan Crouser hurled the said Kovacs, who secured the Americans longest throw of his life to win the men’s first one-two finish in the event since shot put final on Thursday, breaking the 1996. chance in 4x100 Olympic record and snatching gold. “But it’s settling in now that I’m still The 23-year-old set three personal bringing home the silver medal for the bests in the final and his longest throw United States and the gold is coming Reuters cessfully appealed against the of 22.52 metres shattered an Olympic home with Ryan.” Rio de Janeiro successful American appeal, will record set by East Germany’s Ulf Tim- Tomas Walsh grabbed bronze to win have grounds for feeling hard mermann in 1988. New Zealand’s first male shot put medal done by after only being placed Crouser’s victory, which followed at the Olympics. he United States grasped eighth behind the Canadians by Michelle Carter’s last-gasp win in the “It’s pretty cool isn’t it,” Walsh said. “It their second chance to six thousandths of a second. women’s shot put, took the United was awesome to be out there and to reach the Olympic wom- The United States will join States back to the top of the men’s have a Brazilian in the field and the en’s 4x100 metres fi nal arch-rivals Jamaica, Britain, withT both hands on Thursday, Germany, Ukraine, Nigeria, podium in an Olympic event the country crowd going nuts; it was an awesome has dominated with 18 of the 28 gold atmosphere.” racing alone around the Rio track Trinidad and Tobago and Canada medallists. Poland’s 2008 and 2012 Olympic cham- in 41.77 seconds to knock China in the fi nal, scheduled for later Crouser stunned his rivals to win the U.S. pion Tomasz Majewski finished sixth out of the last eight. yesterday. Olympic trials and during the Games after an error-strewn performance in The reigning champions ap- The most likely benefi ciaries final he looked untouchable. He was the which he recorded only two legal throws pealed against the result of their of the absence of the Americans only man to throw over 22 metres, which in six attempts. morning heat, in which Allyson would have been the Jamaicans, he did three times. New Zealand’s Jacko Gill, 21, defied doc- Felix bungled the second baton in particular Elaine Thompson. “It’s an amazing experience (to win in tor’s orders to put in a gutsy perform- exchange, arguing that the four- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had front of my family). I can’t even describe His compatriot and reigning world second with a best throw of 21.78m. ance with a stress fracture in his foot, times Olympic gold medallist anchored them to victory in the it,” Crouser said. champion Joe Kovacs had to settle for “You’re never happy getting second,” but had to settle for ninth. had been bumped by a Brazilian fi rst heat in 41.79, opening the athlete before the handover. door for Thompson to sweep the The appeal was upheld and the sprint medals at the Rio Olympics. Americans were given a target of Thompson won the 200 me- SPOTLIGHT beating 42.70 seconds to qualify tres on Wednesday to add to the Kenya’s Kiprop, for the fi nal in place of China, 100 title she took from Fraser- who were the slowest of the orig- Pryce earlier in the week and al- Kwemoi sweep inal fi nalists. lowing her a shot at matching into 1,500 fi nal The time was easily within the Usain Bolt’s feat at the last two Toth pips Tallent for 50km capability of the world record Olympics. holders and Tianna Bartoletta, “We are putting things togeth- Three-times world champion Felix, English Gardner and Mo- er well but we’ll have to change Asbel Kiprop put in a blistering rolake Akinosun ensured there a few things for the fi nal,” said race walk gold in Rio heat last lap on Thursday to reach the would be no mistake with the Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell- Olympic 1,500 metres final as second fastest time of the year. Brown. fellow Kenyan Ronald Kwemoi “Very relieved,” Felix told re- “There will be some chang- AFP “I was trying to do everything to hold advanced with the quickest time porters. “I just wasn’t sure how es that you will see tomorrow, Rio de Janeiro on, but when Matej came through with in winning the second semi-final. a situation like that played out. I Elaine will defi nitely be on.” a lap to go I had nothing to go. My legs Kiprop, the 2008 Olympic have never been in that situation The Jamaicans needed Fraser- were shot.” champion, ran the last lap of the before, but I am happy that we Pryce’s blistering fi nish to hold lovakia’s Matej Toth made a de- opening semi-final in 52.93 sec- got a shot at it. off Britain who were third-fast- cisive break 2km from the line to ALL OR NOTHING onds, sweeping past the field on “I didn’t want to bump anyone est in 41.93, ahead of Germany, add Olympic gold to his world ti- France’s world record holder Yohann Di- the back straight and taking the out of a slot but then again we who won the second heat in 42.18 tle as he won the 50km race walk niz went through 30km in 2:11.29. lead off the final bend to cross the were impeded.” after the Americans dropped out yesterday.S Tallent’s training partner Dunfee, who The Chinese, who had unsuc- of contention. line first in three minutes, 39.73 In punishingly hot and humid condi- was leading the chasing pack, had made up seconds. tions, the Slovak overtook defending 12 seconds on Diniz in the preceding 5km, Defending champion Taoufik Olympic champion Jared Tallent of Aus- and suddenly the Frenchman pulled up, Makhloufi of Algeria, who picked tralia at the end of a race for Slovakia’s allowing the Canadian to take the lead. up a silver in the 800 metres in fi rst-ever Olympic athletics medal. Diniz was soon back up and walking, Rio, was second in 3:39.88 with Toth timed 3hr 40min 58sec, Tallent but struggling, on the loop down the New Zealand’s Nick Willis third taking silver at 18sec. Japan’s Hirooki beach area southwest of central (3:39.96). Arai was initially credited as the third- “They deserve it!” Rio de Janeiro. The second heat was quicker and placed fi nisher but was later disquali- Tallent, who belatedly received gold The fi eld was fi lled with walkers falling Kwemoi only secured victory fi ed following his collision with Cana- from London after initial Russian winner by the wayside, 11 pulling out before the with his final kick down the home dian Evan Dunfee in the fi nal kilometres, Sergey Kirdyapkin failed a doping test, 40km mark, including last year’s 20km straight, outpacing Ayanleh Dunfee awarded bronze instead. echoed Toth’s sentiments. world champion Miguel Angel Lopez, Souleiman and American Mat- “It was very emotional,” the 33-year- “It was a good group, I didn’t have to and a further 11 disqualifi ed. thew Centrowitz to reach the line old Toth said of a race that saw 19 walk- worry about any cheats in the race that With 10km to go, Tallent had moved in 3:39.42. ers pull up and 12 disqualifi ed. were going to spoil the party for all the into the lead, going through 40km in Djibouti’s Souleiman clocked “There was a great atmosphere, a lot clean athletes,” he said. 2:56:54, chased by Arai. 3:39.61 while American Centrow- of people, so I just pushed and it was “I’ll be proud to stand up on the po- Coming into the business end of the itz crossed in 3:39.61. from all my body, my heart, my brain, my dium with those guys. It’s very diff erent race, Tallent had built up a 30-second Centrowitz’s compatriot Robby head.” from London, there are no suspicions lead over Toth with 6km to walk. Andrews qualified in fifth place in Asked whether it was a pleasure to this time around.” But the Slovak dug deep and ate into the second semi-final but stepped win without any Russians in the fi eld as Tallent added: “I took off at 40km and the Australian’s lead, reeling him in by off the track in the run to the line American women’s 4x100 relay team of Allyson Felix (right), English they sit out the Rio Games due to a ban thought I had it, but ran out of legs with the 48km mark and holding on for a dra- and could face disqualification. Gardner (second from left), Morolake Akinosun (left) and Tianna over state-sponsored doping, Toth said: about 4km to go. matic victory. Bartoletta celebrate after they qualified for the final. (Reuters) Gulf Times Saturday, August 20, 2016 3 OLYMPICS

GOODBYE AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES Isinbayeva calls it quits with Coe broadside

AFP over a state-sponsored doping scandal “I am proof that clean sport exists pole vault of the year when she cleared Rio de Janeiro which rocked track and fi eld. in Russia. It’s nonsense to ban every- 4.90m in Cheboksary. Only Sandi Mor- Had Isinbayeva not been excluded one because a few have doped,” added ris of the United States has gone higher with the Russian team from taking part Isinbayeva, who blasted the damning with 4.93m in Houston in July. Olympic wo-time Olympic pole vault in Rio, she would have been lining up for McLaren report into Russian doping as gold medal favourite Jenn Suhr of the champion Yelena Isinbayeva yesterday’s pole vault fi nal in the Olym- being “based on assumptions”. United States has a best of 4.82m. announced her retirement yes- pic Stadium. “Why am I here and not Isinbayeva was one of four new “I recorded 4.90m and this was after Tterday with a bitter broadside at preparing for the fi nal? Because the IAAF members elected onto the IOC athletes a break I took from the sport to have my international athletics chief Sebastian Coe set criteria that were impossible to meet,” commission on Thursday and will serve daughter,” said the Russian. “Whoever over the Olympic ban imposed on Russian she said. “How can one person ban some- an eight-year term. wins will do so without Isinbayeva, it athletes for state-sponsored doping. one from training and living in their own She is also on the equivalent body won’t be a fully-fl edged. The champion “Yelena Isinbayeva is fi nishing her country? These are impossible odds; we at the IAAF and claims that Coe, the will feel it’s not entirely gold because career today,” the 34-year-old told re- could not fulfi l these criteria. These are president, has no contact with her. “I she didn’t beat Isinbayeva.” porters a day after being elected onto criteria that should apply to everyone.” forgive the president and the executive She said she was unlikely to watch the International Olympic Committee’s Isinbayeva said she has undergone board for the injustice,” she said. “But the women’s fi nal, preferring instead to athletes commission. fi ve dope tests in six months, all con- only one member of the IAAF congrat- support Russia in the men’s volleyball “I thought I would be very sad but ducted by foreign testers. “My victories ulated me, I was off ended by this.” semi-fi nals. the election has inspired me. I am not are all clean, all my tests have been neg- She added: “The president (Coe) Isinbeyava was applauded and pre- saying goodbye to sport, just to my ative. I am a victim of circumstances. doesn’t talk to me and avoids all meet- sented with a bouquet of fl owers at the sport. But I am happy I have fulfi lled At fi rst I thought I would never forgive ings with me. If I had the chance to talk end of her news conference. myself and achieved my dreams,” added them for banning me. to him, I’d ask why did he ban me.” She was asked if Russian President the world record holder. “Now I have changed my mind. If the The Russian star also repeated her Vladimir Putin had congratulated her on Isinbayeva was unable to defend president of the IAAF believes that they assertion that whoever wins the wom- her election to the commission. “Let’s her title in Rio after the Russian squad did an honest thing and that we were en’s pole vault will not be a “fully- just keep that secret,” she said before was banned by the International Asso- treated fairly, then let God be the judge. fl edged” champion. leaving the stage with a regal wave and a ciation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) It will be on their conscience.” Isinbayeva recorded the second-best kiss towards the assembled media.

GYMNASTICS VOLLEYBALL Serbian women oust favourites US One small step for Reuters tion to win the match but Serbia Rio de Janeiro made some great plays down the stretch,” US coach told reporters. he Serbian women’s “This loss is deeply disap- volleyball team elimi- pointing. It cuts deep.” nated the world’s top- The US were favourites to Tranked team, the United take their fi rst gold medal in Dipa could be a States, in a shock upset yesterday women’s volleyball. They won after the undefeated Americans the World Championship in lost their top player to a leg injury. 2014 and took silver in the last Serbia, competing for Olym- two Olympics, losing both fi nals pic medals for the fi rst time, will to Brazil, who were eliminated face China who are playing for by China on Tuesday. their third gold after overcom- It was a sad outcome for the ing the Netherlands in four sets. US, who have risen to become giant leap for India The Serbians were riding the world’s best and were within high after sending Russia home reach of the gold. two days earlier and defeated “We are going after the ‘But on the flip side I am thinking, if I had won a medal at my first Olympics, I the US 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 16- bronze, that’s our goal now,” 25, 15-13 in a fi ve-set clash that said US captain Christa Dietzen, would have lost the drive to improve even more. My goal is that I can take a could have gone either way. with tears in eyes as she recalled The US team won the fi rst set the distraction caused to her medal back for India at the next Olympics. I will try my hardest to achieve that’ but Serbia, driven on by their team by Akinradewo’s injury. formidable spiker Brankica Kiraly said Akinradewo was Mihajlovic, took control after in pain and could not continue. America’s top-scoring mid- He did not detail the injury, but dle blocker Foluke Akinradewo reporters saw her pressing an ice went off with a left knee injury pack to her left knee. sustained in the opening set. Serbia now face China, who The Americans adjusted, they beat in the preliminary battled back to win the fourth round, in the fi nal after the Chi- and were leading the tie-break nese defeated a wily Dutch team before going down. in a fi ercely fought match that “We put ourselves in a posi- ended 27-25, 23-25, 29-27, 25-23.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL ‘Mammoth’ leads hosts Brazil to gold AFP were because I’ve won an Olym- Rio de Janeiro pic medal,” he said. “We’re a se- lect group, not many Brazilians have an Olympic medal.” lison ‘The Mammoth’ Wet conditions and a mid- Cerutti and Bruno night start failed to dampen Schmidt sparked wild spirits at Copacabana’s packed- scenes at a rain-soaked out temporary stadium, where ACopacabana stadium as they pow- fans donned plastic ponchos and ered to men’s gold samba dancers jiggled in the rain. at the Rio Olympics yesterday. ‘The Mammoth’ lived up to his The hulking, 6ft 8in (2.03m) nickname with an immense dis- Cerutti, a losing fi nalist in 2012, play at the net in the fi rst set. And and his new partner Schmidt after Nicolai brought up set point thumped Italy’s with a wayward spike, it was a and Daniele Lupo 21-19, 21-17, trademark Cerutti block that prompting joyous celebrations. sealed it 21-19. Italy led 11-7 in Brazil’s public has shown the second set but Cerutti turned signs of ambivalence toward the the tables as he reeled off seven of Olympics but the country can Brazil’s points in a row to put the now celebrate a fi fth gold medal, world champions level at 14-14. Reuters equipment and no guidance. All they had still are about gymnastics. I had to explain days after the fi nal and two large strawber- sealed at its most famous beach. Earlier, Alexander Brouwer Rio de Janeiro was a determination to succeed and a to them that the rules state I have to per- ry smoothies. It was the fi rst time in three “It’s incredible. This is place is and Robert Meeuwsen grabbed brainwave to build makeshift apparatus form two completely diff erent vaults, one months I’ve had any desert. But I had a lit- like the Maracana of beach vol- the Netherlands’ fi rst ever Ol- from a pile of crash mats and discarded going forward and one going backwards.” tle too much and now I have a bad throat,” leyball,” Cerutti said, comparing ympic beach volleyball medal ith no more tears left to shed, parts of a second-hand scooter. The Produnova — consisting of a front she said as she broke down in laughter. the Copacabana venue to Rio’s after a tight third-place play- a distraught Dipa Karmakar Such hardships will be totally alien to handspring and two front somersaults — Although she has been hailed by the iconic football stadium. “I have off against Russia. Brouwer and now wants to get back into the three gymnasts who fi nished ahead is so diffi cult that even its inventor, Elena majority of Indians as the athlete who no words to describe what I feel.” Meeuwsen shrugged off serving training so she can start of Karmakar in Rio—Simone Biles, Maria Produnova, landed it standing up just once “won the hearts of a bn people”, one social After the win, Cerutti leapt problems to edge the fi rst set 23- Wworking towards leaving a lasting legacy in Paseka and Giulia Steingruber—but it is in her career. All her subsequent attempts media post that sticks out in Karmakar’s head-fi rst into the stands to 21 against Russia’s Viacheslav gymnastics. thanks to the Indian trailblazer that fu- resembled Karmakar’s eff ort, with Produ- mind is not as complimentary. celebrate with friends and fam- Krasilnikov and Konstantin Se- While the memory of losing an Olym- ture generations will have an easier start to nova’s bottom touching the mat before she “Someone posted a Facebook message ily, and wept tears of joy — just menov. A heavy spike from the pic medal by just 0.15 of a point in the vault their careers. bounced back onto her feet. saying ‘Dipa should be ashamed of herself as he did when he won the silver 6ft 9in Meeuwsen sealed the fi nal continues to haunt her, the 23-year- “Up until three months ago I was using In Rio, Uzbekistan’s Oksana Chusovitina for wearing such a (revealing) costume in medal in 2012. “I wept in Lon- second set 22-20 and ensured the old knows what she achieved in Rio could out-of-date equipment. Even now we still also tried out the skill known as the ‘Vault of competition,” Karmakar said. “But then don and I wept here. Both times Dutch went home with bronze. be the start of something big for Indian do not have the Olympic standard balance Death’ but ended up doing a forward roll on someone else replied: ‘So did you expect gymnastics. beam and uneven bars in India,” explained the crash mat to fi nish seventh. Dipa to compete with a burqa on?’” “I want to inspire the next generation Karmakar, who was one of only two com- “The one thing I do know is that every- It is this kind of extreme reaction that is so that in 10 to 15 years, India can send a petitors in Rio to attempt the high-risk one now knows the Produnova vault. I have also weighing on her mind as she embarks full gymnastics team to an Olympics and Produnova vault. “But I am now hopeful probably made it more famous than Elena on her journey home. not just one athlete,” Karmakar said in an those will be imported into India.” Produnova ever did!” Karmakar said with “I am not in any rush to get back to India interview in the athletes’ village before Just how oblivious Indians are about gym- a laugh. “I have yet to reach my target with because I am going back empty handed. I heading home to India yesterday. nastics was clear when a throng of reporters the Produnova as I am determined to stand am kind of dreading it,” she said. “There “(Five-time Olympic champion) Nellie bombarded Karmakar with questions such up straight on my feet from this vault.” has been a lot of sadness and pain over the Kim told me that in 10 years’ time, Indian as: “Couldn’t you have done the landing So does she have any aspirations to in- last four days. If I had won a medal, then I gymnastics will be at the same level as the better?” “Is this your highest mark?” “Does vent a vault herself? “Every gymnast wants would have been in a rush to go back (and Chinese team.” anyone else attempt this vault?” to invent a skill that will bear their name so show it to everyone). If that happens, it will be because of “Someone even told me ‘Why didn’t that they leave behind a lasting legacy. I “But on the fl ip side I am thinking, if I the barriers Karmakar and her coach Bish- you do the Produnova twice? If you did it too have that dream,” said Karmakar. won a medal at my fi rst Olympics, I would weshwar Nandi have broken down over the twice, you would have got the medal!’” While working towards that goal cannot have lost the drive to improve even more. past decade. When the duo embarked on Karmakar, who got a career-best of 15.266 begin until she is back in India, she wanted My goal is that I can take a medal back for their dream to make Karmakar a world- for the vault, said rolling her eyes. “That’s to make sure she left Rio without a bitter India at the next Olympics. I will try my class gymnast, they had no funding, no when I realised how ignorant some people taste in her mouth. “I had ice cream two hardest to achieve that.” Brazil beach volleyball pair (left) and Bruno Oscar Schmidt Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 20, 2016 OLYMPICS

BADMINTON Lee fends off nemesis Lin in classic battle Reuters veteran’s path to an elusive title. my side, right? I’ve never been world ink-work after Rio, it was not meant to Rio de Janeiro Chen Long, long in the shadow number one and been the Olympic be. “It felt like an Olympic fi nal and not of the brilliant Lin, humbled Danish champion. I think one more step. This a semi,” he said. “The two of us, who fourth seed Viktor Axelsen 21-14, 21- is my good chance,” Lee said. have been around for so long, really alaysia’s Lee Chong Wei 15 to reach the fi nal after grabbing the It wasn’t quite the slam dunk fi nish played to a high level today, no matter shrugged off eight years of bronze four years ago. Lin Dan wanted for his career, but af- what the result.” Olympic heartbreak yes- The 27-year-old beat Lee in the fi - ter his remarkable eight-year Olympic The man known as Super Dan could terday to defeat his nem- nals of the 2014 and 2015 world cham- reign was ended by the Malaysian top yet win a third Olympic medal of his Mesis Lin Dan 15-21, 21-11, 22-20 and pionships, denying the Malaysian yet seed, the Chinese great was simply career as he will be back today to face reach the fi nal of the men’s badminton another major title. Closing out the “relieved”. Dane Axelsen in the bronze medal after another classic encounter. match when the Dane volleyed wide, A fan of American basketball player showdown. Having succumbed to Lin in the gold Chen pointed at roaring Chinese fans Michael Jordan, Lin was hoping to be- Later, Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan medal deciders at London and Beijing, in the terraces. He will present a huge come the fi rst badminton player to win held fi rm in a furious men’s doubles fi - top seed Lee gained sweet revenge by challenge to Lee’s hopes of winning his three successive Olympic golds to cap a nal to win the title for China and tram- dumping out the Chinese great who nation a long-awaited gold medal. career in which he has won everything ple on Malaysia’s dreams of a fi rst ever saved three match-points before fi - Lee will draw huge confi dence from the sport has to off er. Olympic gold medal. nally breaking in a deciding game of fending off Lin, however, having shed- “I feel really relieved after that be- The Chinese pair, who each won unrelenting tension. ded a psychological weight that has cause today’s match is over,” third seed gold medals in diff erent events at Lon- “I think this is my fi rst time to beat hung over him throughout his career. Lin told reporters. “It was really close. don, came back from a game down and Lin Dan at a big competition. And I lost In the last nerve-jangling moments, it It’s a bit (of a) pity to end it this way.” saved two match points in a nail-biting twice in the 2008 and 2012 fi nals to him. seemed Lee was destined to be crushed For much of their careers, Lin had fi nish to beat Goh V Shem and Tan Wee I’m very proud to have beaten Lin Dan,” again as the wily left-hander roared been Lee’s bogeyman, having a com- Kiong 16-21, 21-11, 23-21. Lee, lathered in sweat after the exhaust- back from the brink to level the deci- prehensive winning record against the Fu, who won the title with Cai Yun ing clash, told reporters. Today me and sive set at 20-20. 33-year-old Malaysian. Lin was the fi rst four years ago, celebrated his second Lin Dan played a very good game.” “My mind, I was thinking I would Chinese player to complete the ‘bad- Olympic gold along with Zhang, who All who saw the match would think lose the same as the 2012 (fi nal), minton grand slam’—holding the Ol- won the mixed doubles champion- it was a great game. It felt like a gold (where) I lead and I then lost,” said Lee. ympic Games, world championship and ship in London. China, who swept all medal match for Lee, who celebrated “Suddenly it was 20-20. At 20-20, my fi rm, closing out the fourth match relief before jumping up and punching three other global titles at the same time. fi ve titles at London, celebrated their wildly as Malaysian fans erupted into mind was ‘just try my best, if you lose point with a brilliant cross-court vol- the air as Malaysian fans screamed in The fi ve stars tattooed on Lin’s low- fi rst gold in the tournament after being thunderous cheers, but another formi- it’s OK. Just enjoy the match’.” ley that dropped sharply and left Lin delight. er left arm signify that achievement, frustrated in the women’s doubles and dable Chinese stands in the way of the In a frenzied fi nal rally, Lee stood fl at-footed. He slumped to the court in “I think there was more pressure in but if he had hoped to add some more singles, and the mixed doubles.

SPOTLIGHT Jordanian man, Iranian woman make history for Kenyan MP is racing their countries in Rio to change lives When Wesley Korir and other Kenyan runners stand on the startline of the Rio marathon tomorrow, there will be more than medals at stake

AFP Rio de Janeiro

t was a historic day in the Olympic taekwondo competition yesterday as IAhmad Abughaush won Jordan’s first ever Games medal and Kimia Alizadeh claimed a first women’s medal for Iran. Abughaush beat Alexey Denisenko of Russia 10-6 to win the men’s under-68kg division while Alizadeh landed bronze in the women’s under-57kg category by beat- ing Nikita Glasnovic of Sweden 5-1. Abughaush took a congratulatory phone call from the Jordanian royal family after his win and dedicated victory to the kingdom. “It’s an indescribable feeling to win the first medal in the history of Jordan in all the sports,” he said. “It’s also a great feeling to listen to the national anthem of Jordan being played in Rio in front of the whole world.” The women’s under-57kg weight division saw Briton Jade Jones retain her Olympic crown, easily despatching Eva Calvo of Spain 16-7 in the final. “I am so happy for Iranian girls because it is the first medal and I hope at the next Olympics we will get a gold,” said Alizadeh. “I am very excited and I want to thank my parents and my coach. They really stand behind me and I am so happy.” Great things have been expected of Alizadeh, who won the Youth Olympics two years ago and last year took bronze at the World Championships, beating Jones in the quarter-finals. But the Briton came up trumps in Rio. “It feels unbelievable. I didn’t realise how much pressure I would feel but to pull this off is amazing,” Jones, 23, said. “I am still young so to be double Olympic champion already is crazy. I’ve been crying in be- tween sessions because I was so stressed but I did it when it mattered. I’m buzzing.” Yet, her achievement paled in compari- By Jason Burke in Rio de Janeiro near the city of Eldoret and his home village. heady brew. Politicians, particularly the rare in- drugs is widespread among Kenyan sportspeo- son with that of Alizadeh, who has had to The Guardian Plunged into the harsh world of Kenyan poli- dependents, need to fi nd funds for development ple. This, he says, pains him. overcome innumerable obstacles in her tics, Korir has had to split his Olympic prepa- projects in their constituencies themselves. “We are not going to the Olympics to win home country. Deeply conservative Iran ration between the slopes and trails of the Rift Korir also fi nances his own foundation which medals. That will be a bonus. We are there to has had few women competitors at the hen Wesley Korir and the rest of Valley, a forest outside the capital Nairobi, and a pays school fees for 300 children, supports clear the name of Kenyan athletes. Spectators Olympics, particularly since the Islamic the Kenyan men’s marathon team gym in the National Assembly. 2,000 farmers and provides hundreds of jobs. need to be able to watch a Kenyan run and be revolution in 1979. line up in the Sambadrome in Rio Offi cials had to install a new running ma- Such largesse is expected from successful run- sure he is clean,” Korir said. Archer Lida Fariman was the first to be tomorrow, the prayers of millions chine as the top speed of the one in place was too ners in Kenya, but especially the only one who Observers have suggested many reasons for allowed to compete at the 1992 Games Wacross their homeland will go with them. slow for the new representative. “I got involved has an elected offi ce. the problems with doping in Kenya: corruption, in Barcelona. But clothing obligations Few will be as fervent as those delivered by in politics to change things. I’m now trying to “I have a choice: keep running or be corrupt, the incentive of six-fi gure earnings in a poor imposed by hardline religious leaders the many congregations in Iten, a small town make sure politics doesn’t change me,” Korir so I keep running. Athletes in the west have an- country and poor regulation. continue to place barriers to women perched on a spectacular escarpment above the told the Guardian in an interview in June. other job, or a fall-back. I don’t. People ask why But Korir says the problem is larger. “Fight- competing freely, and on a level pegging, Great Rift Valley. Korir, who is married to Canadian athlete Ta- do Kenyans run so fast, and the answer is they ing doping does not mean just passing a law. It in many sports. “They are heroes to us all. We are all with rah McKay, began running after high school. By are running away from poverty,” he says. is more than testing. We need to go back and see Women are also banned from watching them in our minds when they run,” said Moses 2004 his talent had won him a scholarship to the No longer poor himself, Korir’s Twitter feed where we went wrong,” he says. sports in Iran where men are present. Koech, a hotel worker. US, where he worked as a maintenance man to describes his eventual ambition: to be president One problem was the focus of race directors Earlier in these Games, an Iranian Korir has a home in Iten and, like almost all support himself. of Kenya. The Olympics could be a launchpad. “I and sponsors on ever-faster times, Kiror said. woman was asked to leave the volleyball Kenyan runners, is from a dirt poor background. In 2008, on a visit home to Kenya, Korir was go to my constituency now and see the enthusi- This tempts those with less talent into shortcuts arena in Rio after she held up a banner The 33-year-old grew up on a tiny farm, run- caught up in ethnic violence after disputed elec- asm and goodwill. I’m campaigning for re-elec- to fame and fortune. protesting against her country’s laws. ning miles to and from school every day—as did tions. He has described seeing killings — tion next year and the Olympics will give me a He suggests spectators too need to think dif- Darya Safai held a sign saying: “Let Iranian Eliud Kipchoge, who won the London Mara- including the murder of a well-known local launchpad fi nancially and generate excitement. ferently. “It is not the times the athletes have women enter their stadiums.” thon in April for the second consecutive year, athlete—and houses burned to the ground by The country will be watching,” Korir said. run that are important. They (spectators) have Safai, who was born in Iran but lives in and Stanley Biwott, who will both be competing mobs before he escaped to neighbouring Uganda. There are other more immediate goals tomor- to understand what a win means to him, to his Belgium, was allowed to stay after refusing alongside him. Within months, Korir entered his fi rst mara- row. Korir has passed the last few months train- family, to his country,” Kiror said. to leave the Iran-Egypt men’s match. But even among Kenyan long distance runners, thon, in Chicago. In 2009, he won in Los Angeles. ing on the high plateau — about 7,000ft up — “To those watching, a runner should not be South Korea’s Lee Dae-hoon and Joel Korir’s biography stands out. Not only is he the Three years later, he invested his winnings from around Eldoret with teammate Kipchoge, who a machine but a person whose success could Gonzalez of Spain, a gold medallist in winner of several top races around the world and the Boston Marathon in an election campaign in is the favourite to win tomorrow’s race in Rio. change... the lives of hundreds or thousands of London, won the men’s under-68kg bronze now a dollar millionaire, but he is also a serving his homeland, standing as an independent. Korir has been a vocal critic of doping in dis- people... There are lots of theories about why medals, while Hedaya Malak of Egypt member of parliament, having been elected in 2012 But in Kenya patronage, power, politics, cash tance running. International athletics offi cials Kenyan runners are so good. The answer is sim- landed the other women’s bronze. from a constituency in the far west of the country, and ethnicity combine to form a sometimes have said that the use of performance enhancing ple: they are running to change lives.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 20, 2016 5 OLYMPICS

CONTROVERSY Polish athlete puts Olympic medal up for sale to help boy with cancer Polish discus-thrower Piotr “There is no chance of saving Malachowski has put up for Olek’s eyes in Poland. The only sale the silver medal he won at chance is therapy in New York,” the Rio Olympics to help raise Malachowski said. A Polish funds for a boy with a rare can- foundation called Siepomaga Lochte apologises, cer, the athlete said yesterday. has already gathered about a “In Rio I fought for gold,” Mala- third of the roughly 480,000 chowski said on his Facebook zlotys ($126,000) it said was profile. “Today I call on all peo- needed to finance the boy’s ple—let us fight together for treatment at ophthalmic oncol- something that is even more ogist David Abramson’s clinic valuable. For the health of this in New York. The highest bid in fantastic boy.” Reigning world the auction for Malachowski’s teammate fi ned for champion Malachowski said all silver medal on Poland’s Alle- the money raised from the auc- gro website had reached about tion would be spent on treating $6,000. The auction ends on three-year old Polish boy Olek Aug 26. “I invite everybody to Szymanski, who has suff ered join the bidding. If you help me, for nearly two years from my silver medal may be more retinoblastoma, an eye cancer valuable for Olek than gold,” lying to Brazil cops aff ecting young children. Malachowski said. Russia win synchronised swim gold ‘I want to apologise for my behaviour. Regardless of the behaviour of anyone else that Their eight pairs of legs batting out of the water in the form of praying hands, Russia’s synchronised swimming team swept to night, I should have been much more responsible in how I handled myself and for that I’m their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal yesterday. The victory, while expected, was particularly sweet given the high score of sorry to my teammates, fans, fellow competitors, sponsors and hosts of this great event’ 99.1333 points for their free routine and because the choreography was intensely personal for team head coach Tatyana Pokrovskaya. “Our head coach had a personal drama in the family and it coin- cided with the time when she had to train us. And this is what went US swimmers Jack into this routine as a main message,” said Natalia Ishchenko of Conger and Gunnar their routine called ‘The Prayer’. While coy about the family prob- Bentz arrive in Miami lem that inspired the routine, Ishchenko was not reserved when it from Brazil. (Reuters) came to aff irming Russia’s dominance of the discipline. “I happen to believe that this particular programme was the best ever in the history of synchronized swimming,” said Ishchenko, wearing a costume with angel wings on the back. The judges appeared to agree, giving Russia a total team score of 196.1439 for the technical and free routines. China won silver with total marks of 192.9841, and Japan were third with 189.2056 points. No role for Pele at closing ceremony Pele will not appear at the underwent hip surgery at the Olympics closing ceremony end of last year and has said tomorrow, organisers said, his rehabilitation has been meaning Brazil’s most famous diff icult. Games organisers sportsman has played no said they had not been in formal part in the Games. contact with him since earlier The soccer great, whose full this month when he turned name is Edson Arantes do down the invite to light the Nascimento, turned down an cauldron. Pele caused some off er to appear as the final confusion before the start of torch-bearer at the Games’ the Olympics, revealing that opening party on Aug 5, cit- he had been asked to light the ing a health problem. “Pele cauldron, but adding that he is not going to take part in needed to consult some com- the closing ceremony,” Abel mercial sponsors on whether Gomes, executive producer of he contractually would be the ceremonies, said. Pele, 75, able to do that. European Olympic chief jailed in Rio A Brazilian judge has ordered European Olympic chief Patrick Hickey to be kept in prison while a black market Rio Games tickets ring is investigated. Hickey, 71, was arrested at his luxury hotel on Wednesday and is being kept in the Bangu high security prison complex. Bangu is one of Brazil’s most notori- ous prisons. But the most dangerous prisoners are usually held apart. Hickey spent one night in a Rio de Janeiro hospital after his detention which stunned the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the Rio Games hit its peak. Hickey’s lawyers asked for the IOC excutive member to be freed while the inves- tigation goes on but judges refused the request. Hickey has “temporarily” stood down from his posts as an IOC executive member and head of the European Olympic Committees and Reuters After security video emerged of the in- in the United States. headphones on and wore an orange Team the Olympic Council of Ireland. He faces charges of involve- Miami/Rio de Janeiro cident, the US Olympic Committee admit- Bentz and Conger arrived in Miami yes- USA hooded sweatshirt. ment in a ticket scam, ambush marketing and conspiracy over ted an act of vandalism had taken place and terday aboard an American Airlines fl ight Many Brazilians have reacted angrily the sale of Rio Olympics tickets at inflated prices. Prosecutors apologised for the incident, which had em- from Brazil, having sat in curtained-off to the news that the swimmers fabricated say the scheme aimed to make $3 mn in profits. S Olympic gold medallist swim- barrassed the host city, angered the police seats for much of the journey. Police had their story, but others have said it shows mer Ryan Lochte issued an apol- and government, and dominated news cov- pulled them off a fl ight on Wednesday the underlying problems in their crime- Malak wins third bronze for Egypt ogy yesterday and his team- erage of South America’s fi rst Olympics. night for further questioning. ridden nation. mate Jimmy Feigen agreed to pay “I want to apologise for my behaviour of Bentz and Conger said they were not “If this was a Brazilian or it wasn’t the Egypt’s Hedaya Malak won a third medal for Egypt at the U35,000 reais ($11,000) to a charity after last weekend,” Lochte said on his Instagram robbed in revised testimony given to po- Olympics, no one would have worried the bronze medal in women’s Rio Games. The 23-year-old Brazilian police said they lied about being account. “Regardless of the behaviour of lice hours before their departure, senior about it,” said Janete Carvalho, 54, an Eng- taekwondo 57kg category had a remarkable run at Rio as robbed at gunpoint at the weekend. anyone else that night, I should have been Rio police offi cer Alexandre Braga said. In- lish teacher, said on the streets of down- yesterday after beating she demolished Patino Marin Lochte, who fl ew to the United States much more responsible in how I handled stead, they said Lochte had vandalised a lo- town Rio. “It wouldn’t have cost them Raheleh Asemani of Belgium of Colombia 13-0 in the round the day after Sunday’s incident, said he myself and for that I am sorry to my team- cal gas station early on Sunday and had an anything to have told the truth about what by the golden kick. After three of 16 before stunning reigning should have been more careful and candid mates, my fans, my fellow competitors, my altercation with a security guard. happened... I don’t think it will harm Bra- scoreless two-minute rounds, world champion Mayo Hama in his account, but said it had been trau- sponsors and the hosts of this great event.” The three other swimmers in the car zil’s image, only theirs.” Malak won by a golden kick of Japan by another golden matic to have a stranger point a gun at him Police said Feigen, the last of the four tried to leave as quickly as possible because The incident followed a series of mug- in the fourth tie, 1-0, to secure kick, 3-0, in the quarter-finals. in a foreign country and demand money. swimmers still in Brazil, had agreed at a they feared Lochte would cause more dam- gings and armed robberies of high-profi le The 32-year-old, one of America’s most hearing with a judge to pay 35,000 reais age, police said, quoting from the revised athletes and visitors in Rio, including two Artykov to appeal against dope verdict decorated swimmers and the most outspo- ($11,000) to a sporting charity after giving testimony. Bentz and Conger were jeered government ministers. ken about the incident, had originally said false testimony. by angry Brazilians before leaving for Rio On Thursday, the USOC apologised “to Kyrgyz weightlifter Izzat “Of course I will appeal the he and three teammates, including Gunnar The charity, the Reaction Institute, said airport on Thursday, but received support our hosts in Rio and the people of Brazil” Artykov has said he will appeal decision,” he said. “It’s not fair. Bentz and Jack Conger, were stopped in a Feigen’s lawyer had already contacted them from some other passengers on their fl ight. and said the swimmers’ behaviour was un- the verdict that stripped him of I have never doped. I claimed taxi on the way back from a party by gunmen about making the payment. The institute “I’ve got boys that age,” said Lee Mc- acceptable. It said it would further review his Olympic medal over doping my victory honestly. I am in posing as police who stole $400 from them. brings sports to low-income communities Nutt, a 61-year-old Silicon Valley sales- the incident and assess any potential con- use, accusing a French com- shock at this decision.” Artykov, However, police called this a lie, and and helped train Brazilian gold medallist man returning from the Games. “I just said, sequences for the athletes. USA Swimming petitor of putting a strychnine 22, won the country’s only Rio’s mayor said yesterday he had “pity and judoka Rafaela Silva. ‘Don’t let this get you down. I don’t think said it could also take possible action. steroid in his drink. “I suspect medal at Rio in the August 9 contempt” for the swimmers. A police source said Feigen’s passport real sports fans are going to worry about Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes has accepted that the French weightlifter contest. He was informed three They said one of the swimmers had would be released once he made the pay- this. You’re young and this will pass.’ I told the apology given by the US Olympic Com- mixed doping into my drinks or days later that he had tested vandalised a gas station after the group ment and presented a receipt to authori- them to take tonight off . Tomorrow, start mittee and said the swimmers’ behaviour food,” said Artykov, who won positive for the strychnine ster- stopped the taxi there to use a bathroom. ties. Police still want to speak to Lochte, training for Tokyo.” did not represent the good spirit of Team the bronze medal in the 69kg oid in urine samples. His medal The swimmers started an argument with who was also summonsed to appear before In Miami, the two swimmers caught a USA. But he added: “My only feelings to- contest and had since returned was reallocated to Colombia’s staff at the station, who demanded pay- the judge yesterday, and say they hope to connecting fl ight, walking through the air- wards them (the swimmers) are pity and to ex-Soviet Kyrgyzstan. Luis Javier Mosquera. ment for the damage, police added. agree with US authorities to interview him port in matching backpacks. Conger kept contempt.” Meet Ryan Lochte, world’s latest ‘ugly American’ AFP not being more careful and candid” in his Lochte represents, in his T-shirt and jeans cartoon shows Lochte being dragged to Washington account of what happened. and expensive suede footwear, which he the bottom of a pool by a ball and chain, But he seems to have all but self- showed off on social media that night at with the word ‘lies’ written on the ball. destructed as a public figure. Surf the the party along with the price tag. ‘We’re Lochte and his three friends are also t is Ryan Lochte’s turn to be scorned Internet and the comments are univer- 6k deep here,’ he captioned it.” reviled as having insulted the intelligence as the world’s Ugliest American—a man sally scathing. Perhaps not since a Minnesota dentist of Brazilian police, exploiting Rio’s reputa- Iwrapped in shame for his concocted There’s Lochte the national embar- and trophy hunter named Walter Palmer tion for rampant street crime and violence story of being robbed at gunpoint at the rassment, Lochte the real-life Pinocchio, shot and killed a prized black-maned lion and then acting stupefied by all the fuss Rio Olympics. Lochte the rich, handsome, dim-witted named Cecil in Zimbabwe last year has a they made. America and the world have watched and attention-crazed jock who treated the single American wallowed in such global “That’s one problem with obliviously ar- in disbelief as the flashy, 12-time Olympic world’s largest sporting event as a night ignominy. rogant Americans. They just don’t get it,” medal winner’s shocking account and that out with the guys, and then left his drink- Palmer went underground for months the Miami Herald said. of three other US swimmers in Rio—initially ing buddies holding the bag as he quickly and shut down his dental practice. He was “In crafting their story as victims, Lochte a howling embarrassment for the Brazilian left Brazil. Eventually, they ratted him out. loathed on social media. Eventually, he and friends gave off the same air of enti- hosts of the Games—gradually fell apart. “Ryan Lochte is everything the world apologized too. tled superiority as Donald Trump: The USA Rather, it turns out they were detained hates about Americans,” reads a headline Everyday people are mercilessly lay- is No. 1 and your third-world banana repub- at a gas station by a security guard after in the New York Post. ing into Lochte as he goes into damage lic is uncivilized compared to us,” it said. vandalizing a rest room and urinating on a The paper’s definition of the ugly control mode. Jenkins, of The Washington Post, said wall in a state of inebriation while coming American abroad? “A sense of entitlement, It could be only a matter of time before Lochte is toast and he deserves it. “Lo- home from a party at dawn last weekend. however subtle; a feeling of superiority, companies with which he has endorse- chte’s done as a public figure, of course. Yesterday, the 32-year-old Lochte — who however unintended.” ment deals start dumping him. Which is probably the most eff ective form once tried to trademark his bro-speak Washington Post columnist Sally One tweet says the reason the diving of justice for someone who apparently catchphrase ‘Jeah!’, meaning cool — Jenkins put it this way: “There is a special pool at Rio turned green—it did—is that so craves attention. Oblivion is what he apologized. He said he was sorry for “for category of obnoxious American ‘bro’ that Lochte urinated there as well. A newspaper deserves,” she wrote. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 20, 2016 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Brett Lee changes Boult leads strong pitch in fi lm debut New Zealand bowling eff ort This handout photograph released by Krian Pictures shows former ‘He set the day up for us. With the ball you always have to start well Australian cricketer Brett Lee (R) and Indian actress Tannishtha and it looked like he had great rhythm. He’s a world-class swing bowler’ Chatterjee in a scene from the forthcoming film UNIndian. AFP He took acting classes to pre- Mumbai pare for playing Will, an English teacher who falls in love with AFP SCORECARD Durban beautiful single mother Meera, e is used to playing in played by Tannishtha Chatterjee South Africa first innings front of packed crowds in the cross-cultural romcom. rent Boult led an impressive S. Cook c Watling b Boult ...... 20 in sporting stadiums But they face an obstacle in the New Zealand bowling eff ort as D. Elgar c Guptill b Bracewell ...... 19 H— now Australian form of Meera’s friends and fami- South Africa struggled on the H. Amla c Watling b Boult ...... 53 cricketing great Brett Lee is hop- ly who want the divorcée to marry Tfi rst day of the fi rst Test against J. Duminy c Boult b Wagner ...... 14 ing to win new fans as his debut a successful Indian man. South Africa at Kingsmead yesterday. F. du Plessis c Williamson b Wagner ...... 23 movie hits cinemas in India. “I’m always about being as South Africa made 236 for eight before T. Bavuma lbw b Santner ...... 46 In an email interview with AFP professional as possible,” Sydney- bad light brought an end to an overcast Q. de Kock c Bracewell b Santner ...... 33 ahead of the release of feature fi lm based Lee said of his acting train- day played under fl oodlights almost from V. Philander c Southee b Wagne ...... r 8 UNIndian in India on Friday, Lee ing. the start. K. Rabada not out ...... 14 said he hoped his fl edgling role The fi lm did not escape the “We’re happy with where we are,” said D. Steyn not out ...... 2 may prove a stepping stone into scissors of India’s notoriously left-arm pace bowler Neil Wagner, who Extras (lb4) ...... 4 the country’s cinematic heart- prudish censors, however, who fi nished with three for 47. Total (8 wkts, 77.4 overs) ...... 236 land. cut some of the steamier scenes He was also happy that stand-in South Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Cook), 2-41 (Elgar), “Maybe a Bollywood movie from the Indian release. African captain Faf du Plessis decided to 3-102 (Duminy), 4-106 (Amla), 5-160 (Du next! Fingers crossed people en- In its review, the Times of In- bat in what were always likely to be chal- Plessis), 6-208 (De Kock), 7-208 (Bavuma), joy this fi lm,” he said. dia newspaper lauded Lee’s act- lenging conditions. 8-228 (Philander) With his tousled blond hair and ing debut as well as the fi lm’s love “We didn’t really know what to expect Bowling: Southee 18-1-63-0, Boult 17-3-42- twinkly eyes, the Australian fast story for steering clear of clichés. but we were happy to bowl fi rst with a bit 2, Bracewell 15.4-6-53-1, Wagner 15-4-47-3, bowler enjoys huge popularity in Lee, the former cricketer- of humidity and overcast conditions,” he Santner 11-2-22-2, Guptill 1-0-5-0 cricket-mad India after a decade turned-actor, is surprisingly a added. To bat: D. Piedt playing matches on the subcon- natural on camera. He slips into Boult was superb in an opening spell of Match situation: South Africa are 236 tinent. his casual role eff ortlessly. The one for eight in eight overs. for eight in the first innings “Both have diff erent challeng- speedster’s fans won’t be disap- “He was outstanding,” said Wag- Toss: South Africa es,” Lee said of his switch from pointed for sure,” the mass cir- ner. “He set the day up for us. With the sport to the silver screen. culation English-language daily ball you always have to start well and it With the tagline “getting spicy said. However, the Hindustan looked like he had great rhythm. He’s a manage to capitalise. Credit to New Zea- everywhere”, the cross-cultural Times warned the plot was “pop- world-class swing bowler.” land, they bowled really well, especially comedy is directed by Indian- padum-thin”. Just when it seemed South African in the fi rst session. Australian director Anupam The former cricketer has also openers Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar “Stephen and Dean did an exceptional Sharma and set in Sydney, featur- turned his hand to music, with his had weathered the early storm from Boult job to see that off but unfortunately we ing a large Indian cast. band White Shoe Theory in the and Tim Southee, Boult struck with the weren’t able to take advantage.” “I’ve grown up playing cricket process of recording an album, last ball of his seventh over when he had After much speculation about how the so this acting stuff is brand new. according to Lee’s website. Cook caught behind for 20 after an open- pitch would play in an unusual time of That keeps it fresh and exciting,” A duet performed with Indian ing stand of 33. the year for Test cricket in South Africa, Lee said. Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle, Doug Bracewell had Elgar caught at Amla said: “It played pretty much as a “UNIndian was a wonderful You’re the One For Me, made a second slip and JP Duminy fell into a New Zealand’s Trent Boult bowls during the first cricket Test match against South standard Kingsmead wicket. opportunity with a really positive splash in the Indian music charts trap when he top-edged a short ball from Africa in Durban yesterday. “Over the years Kingsmead has been message.” in 2007. Wagner to fi ne leg. one of the more diffi cult grounds to score Boult came back after lunch and made The ball which dismissed Cook moved ished the day with two for 42. big runs on so one ball may do something another crucial breakthrough when he away slightly from the right-hander, “It’s not a great position to be in,” and have your number on it. But one or INDIA VS WEST INDIES had top-scorer Hashim Amla caught be- while Amla was caught off an inside edge Amla admitted. two of us got out in ways that could have hind for 53. from a ball which swung in. Boult fi n- “Quite a few of us got in but didn’t been avoided.” Rain delays play MOTORCYCLING TENNIS in fourth Test Marquez Murray sails on as Nadal, Wawrinka fall tops Reuters get the break back immediately was key Cincinnati and it got the momentum back.” Third-seeded Nadal, showing fatigue Czech following a busy Olympic schedule that lympic champion Andy Murray included a gold medal in doubles, was a restored some order at the West- step off the pace and paid the price against practices ern & Southern Open by cutting 19-year-old Borna Coric of Croatia, who down South African giant Kevin reached the last eight with a 6-1 6-3 win. AndersonO to reach the quarter-fi nals on an Elsewhere, Grigor Dimitrov eliminated AFP Brno, Czech Republic upset-fi lled Thursday in Cincinnati. sluggish second seed Wawrinka, the Bul- Rafa Nadal and Stan Wawrinka, two garian making the most of a single break of of the other headliners at the US Open serve in each set to win 6-4 6-4 and book hampionship leader warm-up event, fell to a pair of young guns his berth in the quarters. Umpire Rod Tucker (R) Nigel Llong (C) and Gregory Brathwaite (L) Marc Marquez fought a on a hot and steamy day on the Ohio hard- Australian Bernard Tomic, 23, notched inspect the pitch and outfield at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain sore shoulder on Friday courts. yet another upset with a 7-6(1) 7-6(5) win yesterday. to set the leading time in Wimbledon champion Murray, who over fi fth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan, freeC practices ahead of Sunday’s clutched at his right shoulder after going who had won the bronze medal match in on Thursday and overnight, the AFP Czech MotoGP in Brno. an early break down to trail 3-2 in the fi rst Rio over Nadal. Port of Spain umpires scheduled another yes- A week after dislocating his set, soon snapped into focus to run off four Tomic’s next assignment will be against terday afternoon but decided shoulder ahead of the Austrian games in a row on his way to a 6-3 6-2 vic- Borna Coric of Croatia reacts after Murray, who owns a 4-0 advantage over against resuming play. GP, the Spanish Honda rider tory. defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain. the Australian in head-to-head encoun- sodden outfi eld has Rain and a saturated fi eld had clocked 1min 55.840sec on the Showing off his dazzling variety of shots ters. Coric advanced to his fi rst ATP World prevented play before limited play to just 22 overs on 5,403-metre circuit in the Czech and remarkable court coverage, Murray away was vital. Tour Masters 1000 quarter-fi nal, domi- tea on the second day the opening day on Thursday. Republic’s second city. extended his winning streak to 20 with his “It was big, obviously,” Murray said. nating 14-times grand slam winner Nadal of the fourth and fi nal West Indies are 62-2 in their Marquez miraculously saved 600th career victory on the ATP Tour. “When you’re playing against big servers by reeling off 10 straight games to claim ATest between the West Indies fi rst innings after winning the himself from another crash in The Scot said breaking back straight they tend to be front runners, so for me to the opening set and lead 4-0 in the second. and India at the Queen’s Park toss and choosing to bat, with Friday’s second practice as he Oval in Trinidad yesterday. Kraigg Brathwaite 32 not out and managed to raise the bike sliding After two inspections of the Marlon Samuels unbeaten on through a turn and balance the RUGBY outfi eld following torrential rain four. subsequent wobble. “Today was not an easy day, especially in the morning, we started and the feeling was not Wallabies aiming for a fresh start Bangladesh sack coach Kalpage for no-show so good but then we did some changes on the electronics but AFP, Dhaka: Bangladesh crick- on a Dhaka cafe last month that also on the setup and it was AFP push the All Blacks to the wire. had defi nitely helped his team heading into et authorities said yesterday left 22 people, mostly foreign- working slightly better,” said the Sydney “There’s a bit of a new focus within the their fi rst meeting this season with New they have sacked the national ers, dead. 23-year-old. team, a bit of a fresh start for us,” Larkham Zealand. “You don’t often get those type of team’s assistant coach Ruwan The country has been reeling “We are the fi rst, we have the told reporters. Last year the campaign was training blocks in the season with so many Kalpage after he failed to report from months of gruesome fastest time but... we must im- he Wallabies are hoping a new pretty intense and very enjoyable and we games on so I’d like to think it was benefi - for duty. killings of religious minorities prove a lot.” focus will help them upset New certainly surprised a number of people. cial, otherwise we wouldn’t have done it,” The Bangladesh Cricket Board and secular activists, with many “Looks like both Yamaha rid- Zealand in the opening Rugby “I think everyone had written us off last Moore told reporters. (BCB) had asked Sri Lankan of the attacks claimed by the ers are strong, that’s what we ex- TChampionship Test, assistant year after our England series — maybe “It’s (winning the Bledisloe Cup) some- Kalpage to join the national Islamic State (IS) group. pected already.” coach Stephen Larkham said yesterday. that’s the case again this year.” thing we haven’t been able to achieve for a team’s conditioning camp by Two other Sri Lankans — head “We will see if tomorrow we Australia, the defending titleholders, The Wallabies were second best to Six very long time.” August 16 ahead of a home coach Chandika Hathurusinghe can improve the rhythm, because are outsiders in Saturday’s Test in Syd- Nations champions England in a three- Cheika said the Wallabies were building series against England. and fitness trainer Mario Vil- especially the Ducati with (And- ney having won just one of their last 13 Test home series and, including last year’s a bond which he believed would help them “We set a deadline for him to lavarayan — as well as Zimba- rea) Iannone is fast too.” encounters with the world champions. World Cup fi nal defeat to the All Blacks, in the tough moments of a match against join, but he did not respond,” bwean fielding coach Richard Iannone, who claimed his Australia have not held the trans-Tasman have lost their last four internationals. the All Blacks.“So far we’ve been able to BCB chief executive off icer Ni- Halsall have already joined the maiden top-class victory in Bledisloe Cup since 2002 against the dom- “We feel internally that there’s good en- put together, in the time we’ve had togeth- zamuddin Chowdhury told AFP. camp, after the BCB provided Austria last week, came second inant All Blacks. Signifi cantly, no mem- ergy and we’re sort of on a new path here er — 18 months or so in our coaching time “Therefore we decided to termi- them with armed security 0.104sec behind Marquez on Fri- ber of the Wallabies’ 23-man match-day together,” Larkham said. — a really strong connection around hard nate his contract,” Chowdhury guards. day. squad has ever had their hands on the Bl- “It’s a fairly similar team to what we had work,” Cheika said. said. Kalpage joined Bangladesh as Reigning world champion and edisloe Cup, the symbol of trans-Tasman in that World Cup and there’s good energy “We’re building our belief. We under- Kalpage had reportedly assistant coach on a two-year last year’s Brno winner Jorge rugby supremacy. and communication and connection with- stand we’ve got a long way to go around expressed concerns over his contract in August 2014 and was Lorenzo of Spain, on a Yamaha, Head coach Michael Cheika and his in the team at the moment.” The Wallabies having that mental toughness that’s re- safety in Bangladesh following earlier this year given an exten- was 0.137 seconds slower than backroom staff are confi dent a playing have been in a training camp for almost a quired to go in day in and day out and do an attack by Islamist extremists sion until the 2019 World Cup. Marquez in third. group has been assembled to challenge and month and skipper Stephen Moore said it the job.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 20, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Hart can leave Manchester City — Barcelona hit by Guardiola

AFP Hart, 29, has been linked Manchester with Everton and Sevilla and although Guardiola is happy for him to stay and injuries before anchester City fi ght for his place, he manager Pep Guar- accepts that he will not be diola will not stand able to keep the England Min Joe Hart’s way if international against his the out-of-favour goalkeeper will decides to leave the club, he said yesterday. the ball, he has to help us to cre- Guardiola has left Hart on the ate a good build-up. That’s why Liga opener bench for City’s fi rst two games I’m here.” of the season, with Willy Cabal- Guardiola was also asked about lero starting instead, and is re- Yaya Toure, who did not even Luis Enrique’s side paid a high price for winning the Spanish Super Cup against portedly close to signing Claudio make the bench for City’s fi rst Bravo from his former club Bar- two games — a 2-1 league win over Sevilla, with captain Andres Iniesta and defenders Jeremy Mathieu and Mascherano celona. Sunderland and a 5-0 victory away Hart, 29, has been linked with to Steaua Bucharest in the Cham- sustaining injuries over the two legs that will keep them out of today’s game Everton and Sevilla and although pions League play-off round. Guardiola is happy for him to “I know he’s trying. He loves stay and fi ght for his place, he football a lot,” Guardiola said. accepts that he will not be able to “I have a lot of respect for keep the England international Yaya, a good relation. I know against his will. when he is going to increase a lit- Asked if Hart can leave the tle bit his intensity without the club if he wants to, Guardiola ball, he will be part of the group, told reporters at the City Football if he wants to stay.” Academy training complex in Guardiola revealed that cap- Manchester: “Yes, of course. tain Vincent Kompany was now “I want happiness for the taking part in non-contact train- players. I don’t want the players ing as he continues his recovery to stay here if they don’t want to from a thigh problem. stay. “I think he’s in the last part (of “All the players here have a the recovery process),” Guardiola contract. They decide their fu- said. ture because they have a con- “I’m waiting for our doctor to tract. If they want to stay, stay, say he’s ready. Because I know and we will fi ght together. when he’s fi t, how good he is.” “If they want to leave because Guardiola also revealed that they prefer to play every game — Leroy Sane, a 37mn pounds not speaking about Joe, speaking ($48.2mn, 42.6mn euros) sign- about all the players in the squad ing from Schalke, had returned — I want to live and work with to training after a hamstring the players who want to stay.” problem. Hart has been City’s fi rst- The 20-year-old Germany choice goalkeeper for the past winger is expected to return to six seasons, contributing to two action after the forthcoming in- Premier League title wins, two ternational break. League Cup successes and their City needed an 87th-minute 2011 FA Cup triumph. Paddy McNair own goal to see off But he had a poor Euro 2016 Sunderland last weekend and in for England and was at fault for Stoke’s Bet365 Stadium they face goals in their group-stage win one of English football’s most in- over Wales and last 16 defeat by timidating venues. Iceland. The weather forecast for the Guardiola was speaking ahead trip to the Potteries predicts of his side’s trip to Stoke City in wind and rain, but Guardiola said the Premier League today. he would relish the challenge. Elaborating on his reasons for “All the managers try to con- sidelining Hart, he said that it trol as much as possible about was due to concerns about the their team, but the weather you quality of his passing. can’t control,” he said. “The goalkeeper, the fi rst “We’re going to play with the thing you are looking for is (to) conditions. If you want to win save, keep the ball. For me it’s the titles or fi ght for titles, you have Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi dribbles the ball between teammates during a training session at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan most important thing,” he said. to adapt. It’s one ball, 11 v 11. You Despi, near Barcelona, yesterday. “But after, he has to play with have to adjust.”

AFP recovering from a minor knee injury. though better news comes in the form of fi elder Nicolas Gaitan from Benfi ca and Barcelona Meanwhile, France international Sam- Gareth Bale’s return to action on Monday French striker Kevin Gameiro from Se- uel Umtiti is in line for his La Liga debut in a friendly against French side Reims. villa, but the biggest boost for them over Celtic face UEFA sanctions for Palestine fl ags after impressing against Sevilla and will He is likely to start against La Real, but the summer was Simeone’s decision to avier Mascherano has joined the be paired with Gerard Pique. French hitman Karim Benzema is set to stay in the job. AFP, Paris: UEFA have opened a political, ideological, religious, queue to the Camp Nou treatment This could be goalkeeper Claudio Bra- miss out due to a niggling hip problem. He had hinted at a departure after the disciplinary proceedings against off ensive or provocative nature”. room with champions Barcelona vo’s last game for Barcelona as reports Summer signing Alvaro Morata should Champions League fi nal setback, saying Celtic after a section of their Dozens of Palestine flags were Jhit by a spate of injuries before they suggest he is close to joining Manchester lead the line, while youngster Marco he needed “time to think”. support displayed Palestine displayed during Celtic’s 5-2 begin the new season in La Liga against City, and the Camp Nou is sure to give Asensio may also earn a start after im- “I was referring to time to think about flags during Wednesday’s first-leg win, many of them in Betis today. him a rousing send-off for his services pressing in the UEFA Super Cup win over how I can deal with taking my responsi- Champions League play-off first the new safe standing section at Luis Enrique’s side paid a high price for over the past two seasons. Sevilla. bilities with Atletico Madrid forward. If leg against Hapoel Beer-Sheva Parkhead. winning the Spanish Super Cup against Gus Poyet’s Betis have added several “He knows what he will have here, and I’d left, I wouldn’t have been able to go of Israel. Celtic were fined about £16,000 Sevilla, with captain Andres Iniesta and players in the summer, including Roma all the players know it, I’m not going to with peace of mind. I never said I would European football’s govern- ($20,900, 18,500 euros) two defenders Jeremy Mathieu and Mascher- striker Antonio Sanabria, who was on trick anyone. I am going to try and pick leave, just that I needed time to think,” he ing body said Celtic had been years ago after a Palestine flag ano sustaining injuries over the two legs loan at Sporting Gijon last season. the best team possible for each game. I told Canal Plus. charged for displays of an “illicit was displayed at a Champions that will keep them out of today’s game. Real Madrid have to wait until tomor- have the great squad that we need to have banner” and added: “This case League qualifier against KR “I’m very happy and satisfi ed with row to kick off their campaign, making a great season,” said Zidane of Asensio. Fixtures (all kick-off s GMT) will be dealt with by the UEFA Reykjavik of Iceland. what I saw on the pitch and the perform- the trip to Anoeta to face Real Sociedad, Los Blancos are looking to win a league Today Control, Ethics and Disciplinary The Scottish champions have ances of the players who are joining the which has been a problematic venue for title for the fi rst time since 2012, while Barcelona vs Betis (1615), Granada vs Vil- Body on 22 September.” been punished eight times in team. I’m very happy about everything La Liga’s top teams in recent years. their capital rivals Atletico Madrid will larreal (1815) Sevilla vs Espanyol (2015) The UEFA rule in question for- five seasons by the European except Mascherano’s injury,” said Luis Coach Zinedine Zidane will be without hope to again feature prominently. Tomorrow bids the use of “gestures, words, governing body for supporter Enrique after Wednesday’s second leg of his star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is Diego Simeone’s men host promoted Sporting Gijon vs Athletic Bilbao (1615), objects or any other means to misconduct. the Super Cup, as Barca won 3-0 to se- still recovering from a knee injury suf- Alaves at the Vicente Calderon as they Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid (1815), transmit any message that is The second leg of the play-off cure a 5-0 aggregate success. fered in Portugal’s Euro 2016 fi nal win attempt to bounce back after a crushing Atletico Madrid vs Alaves (2015) not fit for a sports event, par- tie will be played in Israel next Barcelona are also without star forward over France. defeat by Real Madrid on penalties in the Monday ticularly messages that are of Tuesday, August 23. Neymar, who is at the Olympics, while Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is still out Champions League fi nal last season. Celta Vigo vs Leganes (1800), Valencia vs goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still injured, with Kiko Casilla fi lling in, al- Atletico have signed Argentine mid- Las Palmas (2000)

BOTTOMLINE Rogic fl ourishing under Rodgers at Celtic Celtic skipper Brown retires from international football AFP his way to helping them to a 2-0 win. Rogic appears to be loving life under Leaving was never something that Glasgow Rogic would go on to make 39 ap- Rodgers and the former Liverpool boss crossed my mind.” AFP, Glasgow: Scott Brown chose 21 times after Strachan named him pearances and fi nd the back of the net looks like he could yet get the best out Celtic now take on St Johnstone to- club over country on yesterday, an- skipper in 2013. 10 times in his breakthrough season of his player. day before fl ying out to Israel for the his time last year, Tom Rog- nouncing his retirement from interna- “It’s no secret that I’ve suff ered some in Glasgow, while also making an im- “Since he has come in the whole en- return leg of their Champions League ic’s career at Celtic was at a tional football so he could prolong his injuries in my career and once you pact on the international scene as he vironment has been positive so it has play-off tie against Hapoel Beer-She- crossroads. career with Scottish champions Celtic. get over 30 you have to protect your increased his tally to 18 caps for Aus- been pleasing,” the Australian interna- va. A match against Aberdeen will fol- T The Australian interna- The 31-year-old midfielder — who body more, in any case. tralia. tional said. low that before Rogic will join up with tional had endured a frustrating time won his 50th and final cap against “I’m not the type of player who can However, the departure of Celtic’s “And working with him, I, along the rest of his Socceroos teammates at following his arrival Denmark in March — said it had been coast half-heartedly through a game Norwegian manager Ronny Deila in with the other players in the team, feel for 2018 World Cup qualifi ers against from A-League side Central Coast a tough decision but after much — I give 100 per cent every time. May meant Rogic stalled on signing a as though he can get the best out of us Iraq and the UAE. Mariners in January 2013. thought he had decided to call it a “Given the importance of this cam- new contract as doubt was cast on his and it is exciting. “We have exciting games coming up The Socceroo star suff ered several day and had informed national coach paign for Scotland, and the challeng- long-term future at the club under in- “Everyone wants to be a part of it. I and we have made three quality sign- injury problems and found his game . es ahead at Celtic, I simply felt that I coming manager . think the future is bright. ings so far and everybody has contrib- time limited before being shipped back “Gordon has been one of the most could not keep up both commitments The Australian was linked with a “I am settled here. My girlfriend and uted,” Rogic added. to Australia for a loan spell with Mel- influential people in my career and I without either my performances number of English clubs but the spec- I have been here for a few years now “The manager has shaken the place bourne Victory. did not want to let him or my country or recovery time suff ering,” added ulation ended earlier this month when and we are happy off the pitch. It’s a up a bit and the players have reacted to By the time Rogic reported back in down, but over the summer I had Brown, who has been with Celtic since Rogic put pen to paper on a new three- great club, a fantastic club and there is that and so have the fans.” Glasgow in the summer of 2015 the a lot of thinking to do,” said Brown, joining from Hibernian nine years year deal. a real buzz about the place at the mo- 23-year-old had not started for Celtic who has captained the national side ago. The midfi elder celebrated by grab- ment. Today’s fixtures since September 2013 and his future bing a brace in the League Cup win “You get to play club football here St Johnstone vs Celtic (1115) at the Scottish champions looked in over Motherwell before following it up week in, week out and it is pretty spe- Aberdeen vs Partick Thistle doubt. handed a place in the Celtic side that And the Australian grabbed his with the opener in the 5-2 Champions cial. I don’t take that for granted. Hearts vs Inverness But after impressing in pre-season faced Partick Thistle in early August opportunity with both hands as he League qualifi er against Hapoel Beer- “I have been here for a while and Rangers vs Motherwell training, the midfi elder was fi nally last year. grabbed his fi rst goal for the Hoops on Sheva on Wednesday. I hope to be here for some time yet. Ross County vs Kilmarnock

Saturday, August 20, 2016 GULF TIMES

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Van Niekerk QOC celebrates thought 400m record Barshim’s silver impossible without doping at Bayt Qatar AFP no sense that he was about to Rio de Janeiro beat Johnson’s 1999 record of 43.18sec, despite a bold predic- ‘I felt like the whole nation was behind me, supporting me every step of the way’ tion from Bolt that he was about ayde van Niekerk to make history. Agencies said he’s given clean Rio de Janeiro, Brazil athletes a boost with SUPER GRAN his blistering 400m “I really just went out there to try Wworld record — and admitted and repeat what I did last year,” he Qatar Olympic Commit- that even he didn’t believe such a said van Niekerk, who became tee (QOC) celebrated one of the time was possible without drugs. world champion over 400m last proudest moments in its history The South African produced a year in Beijing. yesterday as high jumper Mu- run for the ages at the Rio Olym- “Obviously I would have loved Ttaz Barshim was welcomed to Bayt Qatar pics, when he tore round the out- to improve myself but world- as the nation’s fi rst ever Olympic silver side lane to smash Michael John- record improve myself? I defi - medallist. son’s hallowed, 17-year-old mark. nitely didn’t think I could do it QOC president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Athletics’ battered reputa- and it’s really been a blessing.” Hamad al-Thani and QOC secretary gen- tion means every record attracts He added: “(Bolt) came to me eral Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari questions about drugs, but van after the race and told me, ‘I told joined the ceremony, which was held Niekerk said his performances you you could do it!’ It’s really a in the souq area of the QOC’s hospital- showed could what be accom- special moment. ity house, and saw Brazilian and Qatari plished clean. “A few months prior to the Ol- crowds come together to wave Qatari “I think it could be a good ympics we spoke about it and he fl ags and share in the celebration in the testimony to other athletes who told me I can (break the record). true Olympic spirit. want to play the game clean,” he Obviously it did help me believe Barshim entered the souq behind the told AFP. in myself... yeah, I’m grateful for bicycle used in the Rio 2016 Opening “I thought you had to use the belief that he had in me.” Ceremony and received huge cheers from something to run a sub-44, and Van Niekerk’s unusal train- the crowd. He was then welcomed to the look where I am today. And I’ve ing set-up sees him coached by stage and shown a surprise fi lm with the done it clean and I’ve done it Tannie Ans, a 74-year-old great- highlights of his victory, before silver simply by pure hard work and grandmother who mainly looks confetti was fi red into the air. dedication. after university-level athletes. Speaking from the Bayt Qatar stage, “If I can be a testimony, I think Ans’s training sessions are Barshim said: “When I was young I used anyone else can do it, if I could be unpredictable and can include to watch my father and other great ath- an example for that,” he said in an football kick-abouts. “Not even letes and dream of standing on the podium interview at the Visa Everywhere I can explain what she’s doing,” at the Olympic Games. Today, at the age of Lounge at Copacabana beach. he said. 25, I celebrate winning my second Olympic Track and fi eld had a tor- “She loves being involved in a medal and for me that is such a blessing. rid build-up to the Rio Games, lot of diff erent areas but I think at It was a great competition and having HE with Russia’s team suspended the age she’s at now I’d love to see Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani in the en masse after revelations of a her take it easy and just focus on crowd supporting me every step of the way state-backed doping conspiracy. herself,” he said. was extra motivation. Not only that, but the Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim cuts a cake with QOC president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and secretary general Dr Thani Abdul- Van Niekerk’s record has been “But I think that’s what keeps fi rst call I received after the competition rahman al-Kuwari at Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. on the cards after this year he be- her going and that’s what makes was from HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin came the fi rst athlete to go sub- her smile every day and I believe Hamad al-Thani himself. 10sec in the 100m, sub-20 sec in with her always being busy that’s “None of this would have been possible the 200m and sub-44sec in the how she comes up with the new without the help of my parents, every- 400m. ideas every day.” one in my country and God. I felt like the He said he was inspired by a Next up is a potential 300m whole nation was behind me, supporting motivational talk from Usain showdown with Bolt, a tanta- me every step of the way. This medal is for Bolt whilst training this year in lising and left-fi eld possibility each and every one of you! I’m incredibly Jamaica, when the sprint king raised by the Jamaican. happy. Thank you!” urged him to grasp his opportu- “I wouldn’t go out there and The 25-year-old from Doha cleared nities. say ‘Usain Bolt, I want to chal- 2.36m, second only to Canada’s Derek “That’s why I go out there as lenge you’ but obviously being Drouin who jumped a season best 2.38m hard as I can because I don’t want able to race against a great like in an intense high jump fi nal at the Ol- to let go of opportunities now I’m Usain Bolt would give me a lot of ympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where in the shape that I am in,” he said. motivation,” van Niekerk said. Ukraine’s Bohdan Bondarenko took the “I’m really taking that advice “I always try to put out my A- bronze medal clearing a height of 2.33m. that he gave me and using every game, especially if it was against Dr al-Kuwari said: “All of us at the Qa- single chance I get on the track to someone as good as him. But I’d tar Olympic Committee are extremely better myself.” be honoured even to take a vic- proud of Mutaz and his achievement However, the 24-year-old had tory walk with around the track.” – a historic fi rst for Qatar. We are very pleased to celebrate his achievement in Bayt Qatar, with the citizens of Rio, as it represents our main goal of uniting peo- ple in celebration of sport. We hope that him ahead of his three remaining com- with Sheikh Joaan and Dr al-Kuwari, as Rio 2016. Bayt Qatar has seen an incred- his silver medal here in Rio is a stepping petitions before he returns to Qatar later well as other members of the Qatari del- ibly warm welcome by Rio’s residents, stone for him to even greater things, as this year.” egation. with tickets selling out until the end of well as an inspiration to Qatari youth to Immediately following the ceremony, After the Games, the historical Casa the Games after only four days of open- always aspire for more. Bayt Qatar is a the star high jumper was presented with Daros building, which houses Bayt Qatar, ing. All ticket proceeds will be donated to home away from home for Mutaz and all a fl ag signed by the entire Qatari delega- will be turned into a bilingual school and Brazilian NGO Futuro Olimpico, which our athletes, and we hope that tonight has tion and later attended a reception at Bayt QOC will contribute to the building of the aims to support Rio’s promising young given him a piece of Qatar to keep with Qatar’s illustrious Athletes Lounge along school’s library as part of its legacy after athletes.

Britain’s Skelton wins Jumping gold; Sheikh Ali sixth

Croatia’s Kolak wins women’s javelin gold Croatian Sara Kolak won the Olympic women’s javelin final on Thursday, dashing Czech Barbora Spotakova’s dreams of becoming the first woman to win three consecutive gold medals in the same individual athletics event. The 21-year-old Croat set a personal best and a national record with her fourth at- tempt of 66.18 metres. Kolak, who also broke the national record in the quali- fying rounds, secured vic- tory ahead of South Africa’s Sunette Viljoen with a gold- winning throw of 1.26m. Kolak won bronze at the Eu- ropean championships but few expected her to challenge for honours before the Games in Nick Skelton of Britain poses with his gold med- an event where the focus was on Spotakova’s attempt to make al on the podium for Jumping Individual at the history. Olympic Equestrian Centre in Rio de Janeiro But the 35-year-old winner of London and Beijing Games had to yesterday. (Reuters) Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani finished sixth in a pulsating jump-off yesterday. settle for bronze with a best throw of 64.80m.