BBASKETBALLASKETBALL | Page 5 CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 4 Simmons ’s opts out in Ewan wins World Cup blow 11th stage of for Australia

Thursday, July 18, 2019 Dhul-Qa’da 15, 1440 AH McIlroy banking GULF TIMES on home crowd at British Open SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL Qatar pooled with India in Asian Cup qualifying

Agencies the North Koreans have quali- ists Saudi Arabia face Uzbekistan, fi ed twice, famously reaching the Palestine, Yemen and Singapore quarter-fi nals in 1966 before be- in Group D and the United Arab ing eliminated in the group phase Emirates are the only non-South he draw for Round Two of of the 2010 tournament in South East Asian nation in Group G the joint Asian Qualifi ers Africa. alongside Thailand, Vietnam, Ma- for the 2022 FIFA World Forty teams were drawn in eight laysia and Indonesia. Cup and the AFC Asian groups of fi ve at the Asian Football The second round of qualifying CupT China 2023 was held in the Confederation’s headquarters, will begin on September 5 and will Malaysian capital yesterday. with the top side in each section conclude on June 9 next year, with Qatar, who will host the 2022 guaranteed to advance to the next the 12 qualifi ers advancing to the FIFA World Cup, were drawn in phase along with the four best third phase. Group E alongside Bangladesh, runners-up. Oman, India and Afghanistan as Those 12 teams will then face off The Groups they bid to defend the AFC Asian in two groups of six in the battle Group A: China, Syria, Philippines, Cup they won in spectacular fash- for the four slots, and one playoff Maldives, Guam ion in the UAE last February. place, allocated to Asia at the fi nals Group B: Australia, Jordan, Tai- Although Qatar have qualifi ed in 2022. Iran, who have qualifi ed wan, Kuwait, Nepal for the 2022 World Cup by virtue for each of the last two World Cups Group C: Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Hong of being the hosts, they will still and at fi ve in total, face neighbours Kong, Cambodia play the qualifi ers in order to get Iraq in Group C alongside Bahrain, Group D: Saudi Arabia, Uz- vital practice for the quadrennial Hong Kong and Cambodia. Japan, bekistan, Palestine, Yemen, showpiece. who reached the last 16 in 2018, Singapore AFC’s offi cial website said that File photo will take on Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Group E: Bangladesh, Oman, the draw, conducted by FIFA Di- of Qatar’s Myanmar and Mongolia in Group India, Afghanistan, Qatar rector of Competitions Christian Asian Cup F. Group F: Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Unger and Australian legend Tim winning team. Australia meet Jordan, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Myanmar, Mongolia Cahill, saw Asia’s top ranked team Kuwait and Nepal in Group B and Group G: United Arab Emirates, of Iran pooled in Group C along- Korea and North Korea have been in Germany — have been drawn “We are going to play two games games that we are going to play, China will challenge for a place at Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, side Iraq, Bahrain, Hong Kong and placed in the same group and will in Group H alongside Lebanon, against North Korea in the same respecting all the teams in the way their fi rst World Cup since 2002 in Indonesia Cambodia. clash with each other. Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka. way that we are going to play two that we have until now.” Group A against Syria, the Philip- Group H: South Korea, Lebanon, The interesting aspect about The two Koreas — who met in “This is a sports question,” said games against the rest of the teams South Korea have played in pines, the Maldives and Guam. North Korea, Turkmenistan, Sri yesterday’s draw was that South qualifying for the 2006 World Cup South Korea coach Paulo Bento. in the group and try to win all the every World Cup since 1986 while Five-time World Cup fi nal- Lanka

CRICKET World Cup hero Jason Roy gets fi rst Test call Roy’s aggressive approach set the tone for England’s World Cup victory Inzamam to step down as Pakistan’s chief selector AFP fi ne form this campaign taking London 44 wickets at an average of 13.88. He is currently captaining the England Lions against Australia ngland have give Jason XI in a tour match at Canterbury. Roy his fi rst Test call-up Warwickshire seamer Olly to face after the Stone, who made his England’s ESurrey opener played a one-day international debut last key role in his country’s historic winter in Sri Lanka, earns his World Cup triumph, but pace second call up to the Test squad. bowler Mark Wood will be side- Stone, 25, has fully recovered lined for between four and six from a back injury, which had weeks. kept him out for most of this sea- Roy was a crucial part of Eng- son. Lancashire wicketkeeper- land’s fi rst World Cup-winning batsman Jos Buttler and Durham campaign, with his return after all-rounder Ben Stokes — man of missing three matches with a the match in the World Cup fi - torn hamstring coinciding with nal — were both rested after their the winning streak that carried exploits in the 50-over tourna- them to the title. ment. -born Roy scored Archer, who has yet to make 443 runs in the World Cup, but his England debut in Test cricket, Lahore: Inzamam-ul-Haq Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, England’s selectors were keen to will have a period of rest before yesterday announced his deci- I believe it is the right time for get him red-ball practice ahead being considered for selection for sion to step down as Pakistan’s the Pakistan Cricket Board to of the Ashes series against old the Ashes. chief selector when his con- appoint a new chief selector rivals Australia, which starts on He will have a short break in tract expires on July 31. who can bring new ideas and August 1 at Edgbaston. Barbados before returning to the Former Pakistan captain In- fresh thinking.” However, Durham’s Wood, UK later this month. zamam, who was appointed to During Inzamam’s tenure, who has a side strain, and Sussex After playing a pivotal role in the role in April 2016, oversaw players such as Fakhar Za- paceman Jofra Archer, suff ering the World Cup triumph, Archer a period which included Paki- man, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, from the same injury, were not has been awarded an incre- stan’s victory in the Champions Mohamed Abbas, Shadab Khan, selected for the Ireland clash. ment contract by the ECB for Trophy two years ago. Shaheen Afridi and Usman Wood is expected to be out of the next 12 months. Meanwhile, Inzamam’s final assignment Shinwari made their inter- action for four to six weeks fol- a squad of 16 players will attend was to select the Pakistan national debuts, while Babar lowing the injury he sustained in a pre-Ashes training camp this squad for the World Cup, where Azam established himself as Sunday’s fi nal, leaving him cer- weekend at St George’s Park, the the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led team Pakistan’s batting mainstay tain to miss the start of the fi ve- Football Association’s national finished fifth in the group stage across all three formats of the Test Ashes. File photo of England’s Jason Roy celebrating with the World Cup trophy at Lord’s Cricket Ground in football centre in Burton. and failed to qualify for the game. Roy’s aggressive approach set London on July 14. That group includes World semi-finals. “It has been a pleasure to the tone for England’s World Cup Cup winners Roy, Root, Buttler, “After more than three years see these players grow and run, which culminated in Sun- well as in limited overs. telling Sky Sports: “We have to- After Eoin Morgan captained Stokes, Wood, Chris Woakes, as chair of the Pakistan men’s make names for themselves in day’s thrilling fi nal victory over It will be the 28-year-old’s tal confi dence he will be able to England’s World Cup team, it is Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali. selection committee, I have international cricket,” Inzamam New Zealand. fi rst fi rst-class match since last adapt to red ball cricket.” Joe Root who resumed his role as decided not to seek a renewal added. With England meeting Ireland November when he batted at On James Anderson’s chances Test skipper against Ireland. England squad: Joe Root of my contract,” the 49-year-old “I will follow their progress at Lord’s in a Test match next number three for the England of being involved against Ireland Root’s squad includes Som- (capt), Moeen Ali, Jimmy An- Inzamam said in a statement. with interest because I firmly week — scheduled for four days Lions against Pakistan A in Abu as he returns from a calf tear, erset bowling all-rounder Lewis derson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart “With the ICC World Test Cham- believe these players have all instead of the standard fi ve — Dhabi, making 59 off 73 balls. Smith added: “It’s not clear. He’s Gregory, who earned his fi rst Broad, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, pionship, due to get underway the ingredients to take the Pa- Roy will be handed the chance England chairman of selectors making good progress and, if he’s call-up after impressing for Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Jack in September, the ICC T20 kistan cricket team to greater to underline his ability to thrive Ed Smith confi rmed Roy would fi t to play without risk against Somerset and the England Lions. Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, World Cup in 2020 and the ICC heights.” in the longer form of the sport as make his debut against Ireland, Ireland, that’s a possibility.” The 27-year-old has been in Chris Woakes Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 18, 2019 GOLF

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP If home crowds can’t help you, nothing can: McIlroy 30-year-old fired a course-record 61 at the age of just 16 in 2005, and is gunning for his second Claret Jug on Sunday

AFP Finau and someone else, (it was) Portrush, United Kingdom sort of strange to see them here. Hosting Open ‘speaks volumes’ for Northern Ireland: McIlroy “But it’s really cool.”

ory McIlroy said yester- AFP We all know that this country “We’re so far past that. And the championship to Northern serious. It was like, ‘We can do ‘IT’S THE SAME GOLF COURSE’ day that he is not feeling Portrush, United Kingdom sometimes needs that,” said that’s a wonderful thing.” Ireland. this, we can pull it off ’.” Since McIlroy’s record the course extra pressure this week Northern Irishman McIlroy, who McIlroy, a four-time major cham- The 39-year-old said he, McIlroy McDowell, who will be playing in has been renovated, with the sev- as the British Open re- was only eight years old when pion, will draw huge crowds and used to joke the tournament for the first time enth and eighth new holes. turnsR to Northern Ireland for the But the 30-year-old said he ory McIlroy said yester- the Good Friday Agreement was when the tournament gets with former R&A chief Peter since 2016, believes it can have fi rst time since 1951, and is hop- day that Northern Ireland signed in 1998. underway on Thursday. Dawson about taking the British a long-lasting eff ect. did not have to spend too much ing home fans can help him end a Rhosting the British Open “It’s amazing to think 40 years “I think no matter what happens Open to Portrush, before the trio “If we can have a great week this time preparing on the course, fi ve-year major drought. for the first time since 1951 this on it’s such a great place, no this week, if I win or whoever won six major titles between week, have a successful tourna- such is his familiarity with it. The world number three is the week “speaks volumes” for how one cares who they are, where else wins, having the Open back them to make that idea no ment, which seems inevitable at “I had dinner booked with bookmakers’ favourite to lift the much it has changed since The they’re from, what background in this country is a massive thing longer a laughing matter. this point, I think get the Open a parents on Saturday night at Claret Jug for the second time Troubles. they’re from, but you can have for golf,” the 30-year-old added. “The reasons were: Infrastruc- Championship back here in the 8:00, thinking I’m going to have on Sunday, despite not having The 148th edition of golf’s old- a great life and it doesn’t matter “And I think as well it will be a ture, and this and that and the near future, I think the spinoff s to spend some time around the claimed a major title since the est major will be the biggest what side of the street you come massive thing for the country.” other,” said McDowell. for golf in Ireland in general is greens and just prepare. 2014 PGA Championship. sporting event held in Northern from. “It was the Irish Open in 2012 huge. “And I got on the road back He said in the past he struggled Ireland, with 237,750 people “To be able to have this tourna- ‘WE CAN DO THIS’ when we broke the European “Being from this part of the home and rang them and said, being the focus of attention at expected to attend across the ment here again, I think it Former US Open champion and Tour attendance record. I think world, obviously I’m biased and ‘Can we move dinner up?’ Because Irish Opens, although he did win week. speaks volumes of where the Portrush native Graeme McDow- The R&A couldn’t ignore the fact I’m very proud for what it’s go- I fi nished early. There’s no diff er- that tournament in 2016. “Sport has an unbelievable country and where the people ell has been one of the driving that this could be a commercial ing to do for this town and this ence. It’s the same golf course.” “I think it’s probably easier ability to bring people together. that live here are now. forces behind the return of success. The jokes became very surrounding area.” McIlroy has been in strong this week because it’s such a form this year, winning twice, big tournament,” said McIlroy, including the Players’ Cham- who opens his title tilt at Royal “I’m here to enjoy myself. wonderful experience and one age of just 16 in 2005, and is one “I remember chipping around upbringing. It’s sort of surreal pionship, and posting 11 top-10 Portrush at 0909 GMT today Hopefully it doesn’t take another that I really want to enjoy. of three Northern Irish major the chipping green, being seven that it’s here. fi nishes. alongside US Open winner Gary 68 years for the tournament to “I’m going to love being out champions in the fi eld along with or eight years of age, my dad out “Even driving in yesterday, He also fi nished in a tie for sec- Woodland and England’s Paul come back here. But at the same there and having the crowds and Graeme McDowell and Darren playing on the Dunluce,” added when you’re coming in on the ond at the Open at Carnoustie Casey. time, I mightn’t get an opportu- having the support. If that can’t Clarke. McIlroy, who played a practice road and you look to the right last year. “You’ve got the best players in nity to play an Open Champion- help you, then nothing can.” He said his fi rst memories of round on Tuesday. and you’ve got the second tee... “I think it’s probably the most the world here, and I don’t feel ship here again. McIlroy fi red a course-record Portrush came as a child when “Portrush... At least the golf I don’t know who was teeing off , consistent period of golf I’ve ever like I’m the centre of attention. “I’m really just treating it as a 61 on the Dunluce Links at the watching his father play. club, has been a big part of my maybe (American player) Tony played,” the 2014 champion said.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (left) takes part in a practice round ahead of the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland, yesterday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Cowen: from Open loss-maker to coach of major champs

By Ewan Murray personal record; his contingent Jackets don’t give a monkey’s way, which is to hit it before you The Guardian numbered 17 in 2011. “There is whether you are here or not, you learn to move the implement a reason they are in majors, they don’t mean anything to them.’ that is hitting it. are good players,” Cowen says of Everybody else was stroking his “Most of the best players in hen Seve Ballesteros plate-spinning. “But you have to ego. Not me.” the world are the best manipula- celebrated victory at manage their time because the Having gained a formidable tors. Rory [McIlroy] is a genius, Royal Lytham & St nervous energy they use up in reputation as a tutor at Lindrick he is the juggler that can juggle Annes in 1979 few majors is massive.” Golf Club, Cowen took a call in 20 balls without knowing how Wwould have paid attention to the At last month’s US Open, Gary 1995 from the renowned agent to do it. That’s why he can win identity of the individual sharing Woodland delivered a 10th major Chubby Chandler. Lee West- by 10-12, Tiger the same. You 33rd in . win – from a possible 37 – for wood needed some help. “He almost can’t beat them when Little did anyone know that an the 68-year-old Yorkshireman. had played a third of the season they are on.” outstanding coaching career was When he eventually returns and won £7,000,” says Cowen. When not on the road – he in the embers of creation as a home, there will be a signed fl ag “Chubby rang me up and asked is for 30 weeks a year – Cowen result of that placing. Forty years and heartfelt note of grati- what I thought. I said: ‘If he does can be found pulling pints or on, focusing on Pete Cowen is tude from the US Open’s latest what I ask him to, he could win helping amateurs at his driving entirely justifi ed. champion. Yet ’s half a million quid by the end of range in Rotherham. Cowen “I lost money on the week,” triumph at Royal Troon in 2016 the year.’ He had enough talent.” has three such facilities in Cowen recalls. “I fi nished 55th tops them all in Cowen’s mind. Westwood’s return in that spell? Dubai. His appetite for the in the order of merit – one in “Because of what we came £650,000. He won 25 times in game at close to 70 is remark- front of Bernhard Langer – and through in the early 2000s. It fi ve years. able. “I’ve got nothing else,” lost money on the year. Aged 28, was horrendous, he couldn’t hit “I took a massive gamble. I had Cowen insists. “I used to have I packed up. Some people now the range with a fi ve-iron. It took three kids, a mortgage, a good a hobby, watching football, but say: ‘Oh he is only 28. F*** me, I about two years, I don’t think paying job and gave it up because I can’t stand that now the way was fi nished at 28.’ I only started I earned £40 from him in that I thought I could make tour it’s played; horrendous. I used golf at 16 and by 19 was playing time. My wife calls him my third coaching work with Westwood to go to Sheffield Wednesday. with Gary Player. People ask: son.” and [Darren] Clarke. It was all on Eighteen months ago, after ‘How quickly you can get good; The best in golf want associa- commission and I paid my own about 10 minutes I decided to how much do you want it?’” tion with Cowen partly because Pete Cowen (backround) cites Henrik Stenson’s Open Championship win in 2016 as his proudest moment expenses. count the number of sideways Recognition of Cowen has of his straight talking. At his fi rst as a coach. (Twitter/ThePGA) “Golf is a very simple game and backwards passes. When I been something of a slow burner. encounter with , made very complicated. One of got to 170 I packed up, walked At Royal Portrush he has coach- fi ve years ago, the golfer watched peated the feat. “And I’m an old need to listen, don’t I?” Augusta as he was moaning: ‘You the problems is that most people out and never went back.” ing responsibility for 11 of the Cowen hole out from a practice guy,” said Cowen to Koepka. The Cowen explains: “I’m always know what to do? Get your clubs, have come to it from a moving Golfers under Cowen’s watch Open fi eld. Somewhat bashfully bunker at Wentworth. “Fluke” American, now a multiple major hard. I can’t be easy on a player. get your stuff , get on a plane ball game. People come to golf have a considerably better he concedes that isn’t even a scoff ed Koepka before Cowen re- winner, was captivated. “Right, I I told one of the top players at and get out of here. The Green having learned totally the wrong chance of forward momentum. Gulf Times Thursday, July 18, 2019 3 GOLF

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Sister acts spice Aft er barely up inaugural LPGA team making it, tournament

AFP captain Suzann Pettersen will Los Angeles play together, Pettersen return- ing from maternity leave for her fi rst LPGA appearance since the McDowell he LPGA’s fi rst offi cial Tour Championship in 2017. team event tees off with They’ll be playing alongside a pair of sister acts and a the Swedish duo of Caroline veteran Solheim Cup duo Hedwall and Anna Nordqvist. Tspicing up the fi eld for the Dow Some of the world’s top players, Great Lakes Bay Invitational. including world number one Park The 72 two-woman teams Sung-hyun, are skipping the event dreams a bit will compete for a $2mn purse at as they prepare for next week’s Midland Country Club in Mid- Evian Championship in France, land, Michigan, where Wednes- which will be quickly followed by Portrush native only qualified for the Open after day’s fi rst round and Friday’s the Women’s British Open. third round will feature an alter- South Korea’s Ko Jin-young finishing in top ten at last month’s Canadian Open nate-shot format and the second and Australian Minjee Lee — at and fourth rounds will be best- number two and three in the Reuters missing out would have been enjoy the act of trying to pull ball. world — are the highest-ranked Portrush, United Kingdom too much. myself out of the hole I dug for The teams won’t go head-to- team. “I couldn’t stand to be here, myself. head in match-play style, instead it would be too bittersweet. It “And it’s weird, the fog they will play out each hole for a I’ve always wanted to or months, Graeme would be too tough to watch the started to lift a little bit. I fi n- stroke-play score. play some sort of team McDowell was facing guys go out there and compete ished the year pretty strongly “I think just the anticipation event with my sister and the unthinkable — that on this place where I kind of last year, and came out pretty of this event has been all year,” what a great opportunity this week’s British learned the game,” he said. strongly this year.” said Canadian Brooke Hender- ‘ to be able to do that Open,F being held in his home But the process of making McDowell has inevitably son, who will team with compa- town, would take place with- sure he was able to at least been given a warm homecom- triot Alena Sharp. — Jessica Korda, out him. tee off on Thursday may have ing welcome in Portrush and “I think stepping on the fi rst on teaming up with sister Nelly Having slumped down the sparked something inside a he is impressed by the way the tee tomorrow there’s going to be world rankings, falling outside player whose career seemed to Open set-up has taken shape a lot of adrenaline.” Former world number one the top 250 in the world this be in freefall. in the town. Thai sisters Ariya and Moriya Lydia Ko of New Zealand and year, the 2010 US Open win- “It’s never easy to sit on the But, even as the rain and Jutanugarn will play together and Chun In-gee of South Korea — ner was facing a real battle to sidelines of the biggest events wind descended on the prac- are grouped in the fi rst and sec- who own four major titles be- earn a spot. in the world; Ryder Cups, tice grounds on Wednesday, ond round with US sisters Nelly tween them — will team up. The 39-year-old Northern major championships, events McDowell couldn’t help but and Jessica Korda. Ko, winner of 15 LPGA titles, Irishman had missed out on that I became very used to day-dream a little about a ma- “I’ve always wanted to play was looking forward to having qualifi cation for the last two playing in. When you’re sit- jor in the town where he cut some sort of team event with my the support of a teammate. British Opens and there were ting at home watching on TV, his teeth at the adjacent Rath- sister and what a great opportu- “Golf is a very individual only limited ways for him to it’s frustrating. It makes you more Club. nity to be able to do that,” Jessica game, it’s just you and your cad- get a place. realise that if the game was “It will be a special moment Korda said, adding that it’s great die out there,” she said. The word among the golfi ng gone tomorrow, you’d miss it on the fi rst tee tomorrow. Be preparation for the Solheim Cup “It’s nice that you have a part- community of Portrush was really badly,” he said. very proud. It’s defi nitely, def- match play showdown with Eu- ner that you can rely on, and even that if McDowell didn’t make it, McDowell could sense initely a special, special week rope for which both Kordas are if it doesn’t go your way, you’re he would keep a commitment to that unless he took action, ahead,” he said. already qualifi ed. out there supporting each oth- a charity function and a couple his memories of past glories “If I can somehow get out of Team Europe’s Solheim Cap- er. I think that’s the great thing of other events before leaving might be all he had left. the blocks tomorrow, get my- tain Catriona Matthew and vice- about team play.” town before the action began. “I think coming to that re- self settled down, and get into In the end McDowell, gained alisation helped me because the mix this weekend, it would his qualifi cation spot with a it made me start to embrace be pretty cool to be coming top-10 fi nish at the Canadian the challenge a little bit more, back down on Sunday. That’s Open last month but as he enjoy the time I have left out the vision. That’s the goal and prepared for today’s opening here. I started to kind of get I can’t wait to hear what it round, he admitted the pain of less frustrated and start to sounds like,” he said.

MORALE BOOST Rahm would ‘love’ to be second Spanish champ at Open, 40 years aft er Ballesteros triumph In this May 8, 2016, picture, Ariya Jutanugarn (left) of Thailand is sprayed with water by her sister, Moriya, in celebration of the former AFP winning the Yokohama Tire Classic in Prattville, United States. (AFP) Portrush, United Kingdom UPDATE on Rahm said yesterday he would “love” to be- come the second Span- iard to win the British Rain sweeps in on OpenJ this week, 40 years on from Seve Ballesteros’ fi rst ma- jor victory at Royal Lytham and fi nal Open practice St Annes. The late Ballesteros won the Claret Jug three times, but Spain day at Portrush is yet to have a second champion, with Jose Maria Olazabal twice Reuters make for a “tough grind” for the fi nishing third, while Sergio Gar- Portrush, United Kingdom players. cia is a two-time runner-up. “You have to battle it. It’s very In-form Rahm is hoping he diffi cult. When it starts raining, can be the man to end the wait, he fi nal day of practice you start getting water on the as he enters the tournament at before the British Open club face and balls start being a Royal Portrush full of confi - Championship at Roy- little bit unpredictable,” he said. dence after his Irish Open tri- al Portrush was hit by “A lot of it honestly, is the umph at Lahinch two weeks ago. Tsteady rain yesterday, and fore- short game. It’s hard to hit all the “Obviously it’s an event that’s casts are for showers on the fi rst fairways. It’s hard to hit all the really important as a European two days of competition. greens. You have to grind out the and as a Spaniard,” said the Strong sea breezes combined pars and make the best of the few 24-year-old Rahm. with the showers, ensuring the birdie putts you have,” he said. “And it would be really in- players got a taste of what they Rahm said sporadic showers, credible to do something that may come up against when play such as are forecast, require a great players after him (Balles- gets underway today. diff erent response. teros) haven’t been able to do at The conditions did not keep a “If you can just somehow keep the Open. huge crowd from turning out to the momentum going and battle “Olazabal came close quite a watch the world’s top golfers get out those tough times you might few times. Sergio has come close in their fi nal preparations before be able to keep a round going. quite a few times. It would be an the 148th British Open begins. If you completely derail, which honour to be the next Spanish Local favourite Darren Clarke can happen really easily, you lose player to win an Open. I would Spain’s Jon Rahm signs autographs during a practice round in Portrush, Northern Ireland, ahead of the 148th Open Championship. (Reuters) is due to hit the fi rst tee shot at your swing, you lose your touch, very much love to.” 0635 local time. it’s hard to get it back,” he said. Ballesteros was known for his ally. I don’t think I have the tal- Open at Portstewart, which is two years ago, the Irish crowd is my hometown in Spain, for the The Met Offi ce weather fore- Tomorrow sees a contin- swashbuckling style and incred- ent to do what he did, to play the just four miles (6.4 km) down the treating me very, very specially,” most part of the year we get cast for the opening round ex- ued chance of rain, although ible recovery shots, but world way he did. Causeway Coast from Portrush. said Rahm, who is from Barrika similar weather. We’re right on pects “passing showers through- the forecast is for “mainly dry” number eight Rahm unsurpris- “Although honestly, like I He is yet to win a major, but in the Basque Country. the coast, fi shing villages. It’s out the day” with short bursts weather, particularly at the start ingly says he would settle for said, I don’t care how it looks, if posted his best result at one of “I’ve had great support. And just a very similar feel to what I of heavy rain. Winds of 20 to 22 of the day. winning ugly. it looks pretty or not, as long as I the big four events when fi nish- it’s the closest I’ll ever feel to had growing up.” miles per hour are forecast in late The conditions are forecast “The inspiration (from Ball- win the event.” ing tied-third at last month’s US playing at home, without being Rahm starts his fi rst round to- morning. to brighten at the weekend with esteros) — there’s a lot to look up Open. at home, really. That’s what I day at 1421 GMT, playing along- Spaniard Jon Rahm, who fi n- temperatures rising, although it to,” he said. “None of the game ‘GREAT SUPPORT’ “Ever since the fi rst time I think makes it so special. side Americans Patrick Cantlay ished tied third at the US Open is expected to remain change- play I would like to emulate, re- Rahm also won the 2017 Irish played here, well, in Portstewart “When I’m walking around and Matt Kuchar. last month, said the rain would able. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 18, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING/TOUR DE FRANCE SPOTLIGHT American Dressel ready Ewan wins stage 11 as to take on the world in Alaphilippe retains Gwangju Reuters ‘I can’t believe it. I’ve been so close New York in the four last sprint I’ve done. But wo years after making a splash as US my team never lost faith in me swimming’s “next big thing”, Caeleb Dres- sel heads into the world championships in yellow jersey and I never lost faith in my team’ South Korea looking to show his rivals he is Tthe man to beat at the 2020 Olympics. Reuters There is no way the 22-year-old will fl y under Toulouse, France the radar this time around given the tattooed Flor- ida native tied Michael Phelps’ record by winning seven gold medals at the 2017 worlds in Budapest. ustralian Caleb While admitting to being fl attered by compari- Ewan completed sons to Phelps – the most decorated athlete in Ol- his set of ympic history with 28 medals, a staggering 23 of stage victories when them gold – Dressel says it is not something that theA pocket-sized sprinter crosses his mind. pipped Dylan Groenewegen But the comparisons to the American swimming to the line to win the 11th great could surely heat up in Gwangju if Dressel stage of the Tour de France, wins gold in his four individual events – the 50m a 167-km fl at ride from Albi and 100 freestyle and butterfl y. yesterday. Dressel, who won gold in the 4x100m freestyle The Lotto Soudal rider and 4x100 medley at the 2016 Rio Olympics before surged past Groenewegen in a his breakout 2017, off ered a glimpse into how he mass sprint to prevail by a few trains at an elite level for several diff erent events. centimetres, with Italian Elia “I like to aim for three objectives per day,” Dres- Viviani taking third place. sel told the Team USA website. Riding the Tour for the fi rst “I have this habit where I will just go and go and time, Ewan timed his eff ort go and try to get as much done as I can, and I’ll just perfectly to add to his solitary start making stuff up to do, so I try not to limit my- Vuelta a Espana stage win and self. It lets me go to bed feeling like I’ve gotten a lot his three Giro d’Italia victo- accomplished.” ries. Dressel, who was hurt in a motorcycle accident “I can’t believe it. I’ve been last year, has already shown his blistering speed so close in the four last sprint in 2019, including in the marquee 100m freestyle I’ve done. But my team never where he has been under 48 seconds three times, lost faith in me and I never going as fast as 47.86. lost faith in my team,” Ewan, The 100m butterfl y is widely considered Dres- 25, told reporters. sel’s event to lose after having clocked a world- “I knew if everything was leading time this season of 50.36 at the Mission coming together, I could Viejo Swim Meet of Champions in June. be the fastest on the day. “He’s the new star of USA Swimming,” Mark With 10km to go, (our lead- Schubert, coach of the Mission Viejo Nadadores out man) Jasper (De Buyst) swimming club, told the Orange County Register crashed. I was at the back of in June. the bunch, but Roger (Kluge) “Last summer, he was hurt. The summer before came back for me and took me that, he killed it at the world championships, so back to Dylan Groenewegen’s you’d have to say that he’s the favourite to be the wheel in the last kilometre. guy next year.” “Luckily I had the legs to fi nish it off . This is a child- hood dream come true. There’s no other race that I’ve wanted to win as a kid. The Tour de France is something so distant from Australia, something we watch on TV... it’s fantastic.” Stage winner Australia’s Caleb Ewan celebrates his victory on the podium of the 11th stage of the Tour de France in Toulouse yesterday. (AFP) The final sprint was somehow chaotic with a in a pile-up some 30 kilome- Breakaway rider Aime De breakaway. “He did not give 5. Jens Debusschere (BEL/KAT 3. (COL/INE) 1:16 spectator’s phone hitting tres from the fi nish. Gendt was reined in by the everything like we did and at 6. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA/BAH) 4. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/ Niccolo Bonifazio’s helmet He made it back to the pack with 4.5km left after at- the end he goes solo, I’m so 7. Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE) JUM) 1:27 with 100 metres to go, ru- peloton, however, before the tacking from the start with angry,” said Rossetto. 8. Cees Bol (NED/SUN) 5. Emanuel Buchmann (GER/ ining the Italian’s chances. fi nal sprint with a bruised el- Frenchmen Stephane Rosset- 9. Alexander Kristoff (NOR/ BOR) 1:45 France’s Julian Alaphilippe bow. Dutchman Niki Terpstra to, Anthony Perez and Lilian RESULTS UAE) 6. Enric Mas (ESP/DEC) 1:46 retained the overall leader’s could not get back on his bike Calmejane. De Gendt saved STAGE 11 10. Warren Barguil (FRA/ARK) 7. (GBR/MIT) 1:47 yellow jersey after staying and abandoned the race while himself for a late attack, 1. Caleb Ewan (AUS/LOT) 8. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) safe in the bunch. former overall leader Giulio which earned him the day’s 3:51:26 OVERALL STANDINGS 2:04 There were no major Ciccone, who also crashed, combativity award, much to 2. Dylan Groenewegen (NED/ 1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/ 9. Daniel Martin (IRL/UAE) changes in the overall stand- was unable to rejoin the pack the annoyance of Rossetto, JUM) s.t. Deceuninck) 47:18:41 2:09 Caeleb Remel Dressel of the US competes in the 100m ings but twice runner-up and dropped out of the top 10 who said the Belgian had 3. Elia Viviani (ITA/DEC) 2. (GBR/INE) 10. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) butterfly final at the 17th FINA World Aquatics Nairo Quintana was involved in the general classifi cation. not pulled his weight in the 4. (SVK/BOR) at 1:12sec 2:33 Championships in Budapest on July 29, 2017. (Reuters)

WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS Record-breaker Peaty leads British charge in Korea AFP down his own world records. London “Even if you are the best in the world, you can still be beaten. I think that’s the most valuable lesson,” said irtually untouchable when on Peaty of that shock defeat on Austral- song, breaststroke king Adam ia’s Gold Coast. Peaty spearheads a potent British team when the World POSTER BOY VSwimming Championships begin on He responded by lowering his own Sunday in Gwangju, South Korea. 100m world best record to 57.10 sec- The world record holder over 50 and onds at the European championships. 100 metres, Peaty will be the red-hot His 50m record of 25.95 seconds favourite to retain his world titles but could also go, Peaty believes. Britain’s supporting cast also contains “I defi nitely think it is humanly pos- plenty of quality. sible,” he told the BBC. “I want to put Duncan Scott is a sure-fi re medal on a show.” contender after backing up his gold in According to reports from his train- the 100m free at last year’s Common- ing camp at Loughborough University, wealth Games by bagging the 200m world records are routinely being bro- freestyle title at the 2018 European ken when no one is watching. championships. As the fi rst British male swimmer to European champion Ben Proud win Olympic gold since 1988, Peaty is should be in the mix in the 50m free, the poster boy for the sport in his home while James Wilby looks to hang on to country. But he is also aware that his Peaty’s shirt tails in the 100m breast- star power means there is a target on stroke after silver medals at the Com- his back for others to catch. monwealth and Europeans. “Once you’re at the top you’ve got But Peaty remains the Britain’s big- to keep that spot,” Peaty told magazine gest draw after leading them to second Men’s Health. place in the medals table at the last “I’ve been at the top now for fi ve world championships in Budapest two years. It’s a long time to stay on top years ago. without getting beaten.” The Brits won four gold medals, a In the women’s events, Britain will silver and two bronze to fi nish behind look to the likes of Siobhan-Marie the United States, albeit by a huge O’Connor to step up in the individual margin. medleys and Commonwealth champi- Peaty has romped to 50m and 100m on Alys Thomas in the 200m butterfl y. breaststroke gold at each of the last Peaty, though, will be the man the two world championships and in be- others looks to provide the spark for tween captured a maiden Olympic gold the British team in Gwangju. in the 100m in Rio. “I don’t just want to win – I want But fuelled by his fi rst defeat in the to dominate,” he said after his latest 50m in nearly four years at the Com- world record. “That’s not an arrogant monwealth Games, the 24-year-old side, it’s just the competitive side in In this file photo taken on August 4, 2018 Britain’s Adam Peaty competes in the men’s 100m breaststroke final at the Tollcross Swimming Centre during the 2018 European wants to set new heights by taking me.” Championships in Glasgow. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, July 18, 2019 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL NHL Veteran Del Zotto returns to Ducks Simmons opts out of on one-year deal

Reuters New York

eteran defenseman Michael Del Zotto, World Cup in blow after a brief break to play for the Stanley Cup-winning St. Louis Blues, returned to the Anaheim Ducks by signing a one-year ‘Ultimately, we decided it was best Vcontract Tuesday. Financial terms were not released. that I use the time to acquaint Del Zotto, 29, spent a portion of the 2018-19 season with Anaheim, collecting three assists in myself with my new teammates’ 12 games before being sent to the Blues for a 2019 for Australia sixth-round pick in a trade-deadline deal on Feb. Reuters Australia have been drawn 25. He played in seven regular-season games for St. in Group H in China along with Louis, collecting three assists in seven games, but Canada, Senegal and Lithuania. did not participate in the playoff s. The Boomers play their open- Del Zotto, a former fi rst-round draft pick by the ustralia’s hopes of er against Canada on Sept. 1 in New York Rangers in 2008, started last season with claiming a maiden bas- Dongguan. the Vancouver Canucks, collecting one goal and ketball World Cup have three assists in 23 games before he was acquired been dealt a blow, with KNICKS FINALIZE DEALS by Anaheim on January 17 for defenseman Luke BenA Simmons opting out of the Schenn and a seventh-round pick in 2020. WITH BULLOCK, MORRIS tournament to focus on his NBA The New York Knicks fi nalised In his 10-year NHL career, Del Zotto has 54 goals preparations. contracts with free agent for- and 167 assists (221 points) over 608 games with Simmons, who confi rmed wards Reggie Bullock and Mar- other stops including the Rangers, Nashville Pred- a lucrative contract extension cus Morris on Tuesday. ators and Philadelphia Flyers. with the Philadelphia 76ers on The team announced that the Also joining the Ducks are unrestricted free Tuesday, said he had made the deals were completed but did not agent defenseman Chris Wideman and restricted “diffi cult” decision to skip the reveal contract terms. According free agent forwards Chase De Leo and Justin Kloos, August 31-September 15 tourna- to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who were signed to one-year, two-way contracts. ment in China after consulting Bullock landed to a two-year, In 25 games last season with the Ottawa Sena- his representation. “I’m really $8.2 million deal with a team tors, Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, Wide- excited about the talent we have option for the second season. man, 29, collected two goals and fi ve assists. on the Boomers squad, especial- The two sides initially agreed De Leo, 23, has failed to score in three NHL games ly moving closer to 2020 where to a two-year, $21 million pact, with the Ducks and Winnipeg Jets. Kloos, 25, has I will be honoured and humbled but unspecifi ed medical issues not collected a point in two NHL games with the to represent my country on the forced them to rework the num- Ducks and Minnesota Wild. world’s biggest sporting stage bers, per Wojnarowski. Morris’ at the Olympics in Tokyo,” the deal is for one year and $15 mil- BLACKHAWKS TRADE ANISIMOV 22-year-old said in a statement. lion, according to multiple re- TO SENATORS FOR SMITH “Ultimately, we decided it was ports. The Chicago Blackhawks traded forward Artem best that I use the time in Sep- “With Reggie and Marcus, we Anisimov to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday for tember to return to Philadelphia are adding two more versatile, forward Zack Smith. to acquaint myself with my new hard-nosed and accomplished Smith, 31, tallied nine goals and 19 assists in 70 teammates and prepare for the players to an already improved games last season, posting the third-highest point upcoming NBA season.” roster,” Knicks general manager total of his 11-year NHL career. He is signed for two Melbourne native Simmons’s Scott Perry said in a press re- more seasons at an annual average value of $3.25 statement came hours after lease. million. Smith has spent his entire career with Ot- Philadelphia confi rmed he had “We value both players’ pe- tawa since the Senators took him in the third round signed through to the 2024/25 rimeter shooting ability and in the 2008 draft, tallying 94 goals and 99 assists season, a deal media reported at their strong presence on the in 612 games. $170 million, the highest ever for court and in the locker room. Anisimov, 31, had 15 goals and 22 assists in 78 an Australian athlete. We’re excited to have them in games for the Blackhawks last season, his fourth Selected with the number one New York and are confi dent they in Chicago. He is also under contract for two more overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, will excel playing for this team seasons, at an annual average of $4.55 million. the guard-forward improved in under Coach (David) Fizdale.” points (16.9), rebounds (8.8) and Bullock, 28, averaged 11.3 assists (7.7) to earn All-Star se- points in 63 games (60 starts) Vikings’ Thomas suspended lection in his second season. Hall last season, split between the for three games of Famer Oscar Robertson is the Detroit Pistons (44 games) and only other player in NBA history the Los Angeles Lakers (19). The NFL suspended Minnesota Vikings running to total as many points, rebounds He has a career average of back Roc Thomas for three games on Tuesday and assists as Simmons through 6.8 points over 272 games (119 for violating its policy on substance abuse. his fi rst two seasons. starts) in six NBA seasons. Thomas pled guilty to a fifth-degree marijuana Even without Simmons, Aus- Morris spent the past two sea- charge – a felony – in May, stemming from a tralia’s ‘Boomers’ team are likely sons with the Boston Celtics and January arrest after police found more than 143 to be a force in China, with cur- averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 re- grams of marijuana at his apartment. rent and former NBA players bounds in 75 games (53 starts) in He received three years of probation as part of including Andrew Bogut, Joe the 2018-19 season. the plea deal. Ingles, Patty Mills, Aron Baynes He originally agreed to join the Thomas will miss games vs. Atlanta, at Green Bay and Matthew Dellavedova set to San Antonio Spurs this off season and vs. Oakland before being eligible to rejoin be included in their squad. but changed his mind, choosing the team ahead of Week 4’s game at Chicago. Simmons said he would play the Knicks instead. Morris, 29, The 23-year-old played in five games as an Australia’s home World Cup has career averages of 11.5 points undrafted rookie in 2018, rushing for 30 yards warmups against the United and 4.6 rebounds in 545 games on eight carries and catching two passes for 21 States and Canada in and (292 starts) over eight NBA yards. Of his 88 snaps, 59 came on special teams. Melbourne next month. seasons. Philadelphia 76ers’ point guard Ben Simmons.

MLB Harper rescues Phils in 9th in wild win over Dodgers Agencies Wade Davis to ignite a four-run 10th inning Philadelphia RESULTS Tuesday night as the San Francisco Giants re- bounded from Will Smith’s blown save in the Cubs 4-3 Reds ninth for an 8-4 victory in Denver. Davis (1-4) ryce Harper capped a dramatic rally by Giants 8-4 Rockies walked Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval with doubling home two runs in the bottom Brewers 13-1 Braves one out in the 10th. Dickerson then smacked his of the ninth inning off Kenley Jansen to go-ahead liner to right fi eld, capping a night on lift the host Philadelphia Phillies past Yankees 8-3 Rays which he had three singles and a double, scored theB Los Angeles Dodgers 9-8 on Tuesday. A’s 9-2 Mariners twice and drove in two runs. Harper also hit a three-run home run and fi n- D’backs 9-2 Rangers Crawford followed with a hit that plated San- ished with fi ve RBIs, his season high in his fi rst doval, giving the shortstop 10 RBIs in the fi rst Mets 3-2 Twins campaign with the Phillies. Scott Kingery and three games of the series. Brad Miller also homered for the Phillies, who Blue Jays 10-4 Red Sox Mike Yastrzemski, who earlier had driven in a barely avoided losing to the Dodgers for the fi fth Indians 8-0 Tigers run apiece with a double and his seventh home run of the season, added an RBI single off Bryan straight time this season. Phillies starter Vince Pirates 3-1 Cardinals Velasquez lasted only 4 2/3 innings and gave up Shaw to make it 7-4. An error by third base- fi ve hits and fi ve runs (four earned), although Nationals 8-1 Orioles man Nolan Arenado allowed the inning’s fourth he struck out seven and walked only one. Four Royals 11-0 White Sox run to score. Trailing by three runs and down of the hits he allowed were home runs. Ranger Marlins 12-7 Padres to their fi nal three outs, the Rockies erupted Suarez (1-0) earned the win in relief. against Smith (3-0) in the bottom of the ninth. Following a 22-minute rain delay before the Angels 7-2 Astros Trevor Story led off with his 21st home run of start of the ninth inning, Phillies closer Hec- Phillies 9-8 Dodgers the season. The All-Star closer got Arenado to tor Neris was unable to secure his 18th save. fl y out, but Daniel Murphy followed with a sin- With one out, pinch hitter Matt Beaty delivered 25th home run of the season. gle and Ian Desmond tied the game at 4-4 with a go-ahead, three-run home run for an 8-6 The Phillies went back ahead 3-1 when Mill- a two-run homer, his 12th of the season. lead. Neris was then ejected after hitting the er hit a two-run homer to right in the second. Smith, who completed the inning but was next batter, David Freese, with Phillies manager Harper extended the advantage to 6-1 with a docked with his second blown save of the year, Gabe Kapler also getting tossed. three-run blast to center in the same inning. was credited with the win. Mark Melancon Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger, A.J. Pollock In the third, Jay Bruce left the game with pitched a scoreless bottom of the 10th in a non- and Joc Pederson also went deep for the Dodg- what was announced in the press box as an ob- save situation. Neither starting pitcher got a ers, who had their three-game winning streak lique injury. After the count went to 0-2, Bruce decision despite an outstanding outing. snapped. Dodgers starter Walker Buehler al- was pulled and replaced by Roman Quinn, who Giants left-hander Drew Pomeranz took a lowed four hits and six runs in six innings, struck out on the next pitch – though the offi - two-hit shutout and 2-0 lead into the sixth in- though only two of the runs were earned. Bueh- cial strikeout was charged to Bruce. ning. He was pulled two batters later, eventually ler, who struck out seven and walked three, The Dodgers got within 6-3 when Bellinger charged with one run on three hits in fi ve-plus hadn’t started since July 3, but he did pitch one hit his Major League-leading 34th homer, a innings. He walked one and struck out four. inning in the All-Star Game. two-run shot to right in the fourth. Two batters Meanwhile, Rockies rookie Peter Lambert Jansen (3-3) took the loss after allowing four later, Pollock smacked a solo homer to cut the went six innings, allowing two runs and six hits. straight hits following the fi rst out. He got an gap to 6-4. Los Angeles’ home run barrage con- The right-hander struck out three and did not assist on a leadoff groundout by Phillies rookie tinued as Pederson hit a solo homer in the fi fth walk a batter. Adam Haseley that initially struck Jansen hard to close the visitors within 6-5. Dickerson totalled four hits and Yastrzemski near his foot. Kingery hit a solo homer in the three, while Posey, Kevin Pillar and Joe Panik fi rst inning, his second long ball in two nights, GIANTS BLOW LEAD IN 9TH, TOP collected two apiece for the Giants, who swept a and the Phillies took a quick 1-0 lead. ROCKIES IN 10TH series-opening double-header on Monday. Muncy tied the game at 1 in the second with Alex Dickerson and Brandon Crawford The loss was the Rockies’ 10th in their last 12 Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper celebrates his walk-off RBI double during the ninth a towering 440-foot homer to right. It was his stroked RBI singles off Colorado Rockies closer games. inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 18, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY TRAINING Coach who called critics ‘cockroaches’ leaves

AFP “The decision is a mutual one and both the Sharks and Du Preez have parted ways amicably,” a statement said. uper Rugby coach Rob- Du Preez has been accused of ert du Preez, who calls “nepotism” by the media after his media critics “cock- regularly preferring off -form son roaches”, has quit the Robert junior at fl y-half ahead Sunderperforming -based of consistently impressive Cur- Sharks a year before his contract win Bosch. Robert, 25, was one of expired, the South African side three sons of the former Spring- said yesterday. bok scrum-half who played for The Sharks, stacked with the Sharks this year, the others Springboks players, won only being loose forwards Daniel and seven of 16 regular season Jean-Luc. matches this year before suff er- The three brothers will play ing a 25-point quarter-fi nal hid- for the Sale Sharks in the English ing from the ACT in Premiership in the coming sea- Australia. son.

BOXING Pacquiao camp denies Khan claims over Saudi bout

England rugby player Maro Itoje during training at Clifton College Sports Ground in Bristol yesterday. The team are gearing up for the World Cup in Japan.

HISTORIC Boks choose eight black players in team for fi rst time

Reuters not even been discussed,” Pac- The team shows 13 changes from the one beaten by Wales in Cardiff last November Manila quiao’s publicist Fred Sternberg told the BBC. “He has been in training camp AFP pan this year should be black. Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira, Cardiff last November in their tition also involving Argen- anny Pacquiao for the past eight weeks, four in Johannesburg In the apartheid era, rugby and Trevor previous outing with only cen- tina and New Zealand, has been has not signed a the Philippines and four in the was racially segregated with Nyakane brings the number of tre and fl anker Pie- shortened to one round because contract to take United States, and he hasn’t blacks barred from representing black starters to eight. ter-Steph du Toit retained. the Rugby World Cup kicks off Mon Amir Khan in met with Amir Khan during that outh Africa will fi eld the Springboks. There are also three blacks — “I want to congratulate on September 20. Saudi Arabia later this year de- time.” eight black players in Progress towards a team more winger Dillyn Leyds, prop Lizo Rynhardt, Herschel and Lizo spite claims that a deal has been Sternberg said he did not a starting XV for the refl ective of a 92% black popu- Gqoboka and lock on their fi rst inclusions in a South Africa (15-1) agreed for the bout, the Filipi- know what prompted Khan to Sfi rst time when they lation in the republic has been — on the bench. Springbok matchday squad,” ; Sibusiso Nkosi, no’s publicist has said. make the claims. face Australia on Saturday in slow since the collapse of apart- , the ‘fi nd’ of said coach and former Spring- Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhui- Khan, who beat Australia’s “That’s a question you need to the opening round of the 2019 heid almost three decades ago. the season among bok loose forward Rassie Eras- zen, ; Elton Billy Dib in Jeddah on July 13 to ask Amir Khan,” he said. Rugby Championship in Johan- The 1995 World Cup-winning the four South African sides, mus. Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies; win the WBC international wel- Khan had been slated to fi ght nesburg. team had only one black, winger and Toulouse fl anker Rynhardt “We have planned to mix , Pieter-Steph du terweight title, said on Tuesday eight-division world champion The Springboks have twice Chester Williams, and the 2007 Elstadt will win fi rst caps when things up in the fi rst two Tests of Toit, Rynhardt Elstadt; Lood de that he had agreed a deal to fi ght Pacquiao two years ago in the before chosen seven black start- champions just two, wingers JP they face the Wallabies. the season, in order to give game Jager, (capt); Pacquiao in Riyadh on Nov 8. United Arab Emirates but no ers, against France in Durban Pietersen and Bryan Habana. Gqoboka is the third un- time to as many of the players in , Bongi Mbon- The Briton told British media agreement could be reached. two years ago and against Wales Full-back Warrick Gelant, capped player in an experimen- our wider squad. ambi, the clash with Pacquiao would Pacquiao, one of the sport’s in Washington last season. wingers Sibusiso Nkosi and tal matchday 23 that will be led “This is the right combina- Replacements: , happen even if the 40-year-old most decorated fi ghters, has a An agreement reached several Makazole Mapimpi, fl y-half by lock Eben Etzebeth as regular tion to face a very good and Lizo Gqoboka, , were to lose to American Keith record of 61 victories, seven de- years ago between the govern- and scrum-half skipper and fl anker is competitive Australian side so Marvin Orie, Marcell Coetzee, Thurman in Las Vegas on Sat- feats and two draws in a career ment and rugby offi cials says Herschel Jantjies are the fi ve injured. we are in for a great contest.” , Francois Steyn, urday. spanning 24 years. that 50% of the 31-man squad blacks in the backline. The team shows 13 changes The Rugby Championship, Dillyn Leyds “Manny has not signed any Khan has 34 wins and fi ve de- for the Rugby World Cup in Ja- An all-black front row of from the one beaten by Wales in usually a two-round compe- Coach: (RSA) contract. As far as I know it has feats.

BOTTOMLINE Two Russian boxers competed despite bans Reuters about them, that it would investigate. the duration of the suspension can be tion records. low this.” tives. The Moscow Federation, Moscow “We do not know the reasons why doubled. A message to Dashaev’s Facebook He said there had been nothing whose stamp was on the competition these suspended athletes took part in WADA said it would follow up with page went unread and there were no wrong with the paperwork fi led for results, said it had not been notifi ed competitions that were held under the RUSADA and “the relevant interna- available numbers for any representa- Dashaev to enter the tournament, giv- that she was banned at the time of the wo Russian boxers serv- Russian Boxing Federation’s jurisdic- tional federations” to ensure they are tives. ing organisers no basis to reject his en- tournament. ing doping suspensions have tion and with its support,” RUSADA aware of the Reuters fi ndings and that The local boxing federation in Anapa try. Reuters could not independently Tokarchuk was suspended for test- competed while banned, Reu- Deputy Director General Margarita Pa- “the allegations are being dealt with did not respond to a request for com- verify Karadutov’s account. ing positive for furosemide, which is on Tters has found, highlighting khnotskaya said in a statement to Reu- appropriately.” ment. Karadutov said a list of boxers banned WADA’s list of prohibited diuretics and inconsistencies in Russia’s eff orts to ters. The Russian Boxing Federation said RUSADA, which said the Russian for doping should be published on the masking agents, according to data from reform its anti-doping practices. “The fact such athletes participated it was checking the cases identifi ed by Boxing Federation had been notifi ed of federation’s website “in big letters” and RUSADA. Competition records show that Rus- in competitions is alarming.” Reuters and would give its assessment, the bans of both Dashaev and Tokar- fl ash to draw offi cials’ attention. Pakhnotskaya of RUSADA said that sian amateur boxers Islam Dashaev Reuters was unable to reach the two without providing a time frame. chuk in a timely manner, publishes a “Then we’ll be able to follow,” he the number of sporting events held and Alena Tokarchuk fought in offi cial boxers for comment. The Russian Sports Ministry and list of athletes serving doping suspen- said. across Russia was too vast for “the tournaments last year despite bans an- Valery Karadutov, an offi cial from the the International Boxing Association sions on its website. Alena Tokarchuk fi nished third in number and capabilities of RUSADA nounced by Russian anti-doping agen- Russian Boxing Federation who over- (AIBA) did not reply to requests for But Russian Boxing Federation of- the 54kg category of the Moscow box- employees” whose duties include mon- cy RUSADA, which is forbidden under saw one of the competitions and signed comment. fi cial Karadutov, who was the techni- ing championship for women born in or itoring suspended athletes’ compliance international anti-doping rules. its results, said he had not been aware Boxer Islam Dashaev received a four- cal delegate at the tournament where before 1999, held in January and Febru- with their bans. These lapses in the enforcement of of the boxer’s ban. year suspension in 2017 for doping vio- Dashaev fought, told Reuters he had not ary 2018, competition records show. The agency was reinstated by WADA their bans suggest that Russia, which Athletes serving doping bans are lations that included refusing a doping been aware that the boxer was serving a But the tournament began a week last year after having been suspended says it has moved past its doping scan- forbidden from participating in any test, RUSADA data shows. doping ban. after Tokarchuk’s two-year ban - from since November 2015 over evidence of dals, has yet to create an anti-doping capacity in competitions or activities But in August 2018, he boxed in the “This information was not commu- Nov 28, 2017 to Nov 27, 2019 - was an- mass doping in Russian athletics. culture in which all dopers are side- related to elite sport, according to the 81 kg category at a national competition nicated to me and to the chief judge,” nounced by RUSADA on Jan 23, 2018. Reuters reported last month that two lined. rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency held in the city of Anapa on Russia’s said Karadutov, whose signature ap- A message to Tokarchuk’s Facebook Russian athletics coaches and one doc- RUSADA said it had been unaware of (WADA). Black Sea coast, winning one bout and pears on every page of the competition page went unread and there were no tor banned for doping were still work- the cases and said, after Reuters asked If an athlete violates a doping ban, losing another, according to competi- results. “There is no way for us to fol- available numbers for any representa- ing with athletes. Gulf Times Thursday, July 18, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY SPOTLIGHT Newcastle thrashed Sterling hits brace as by Wolves as fans bemoan Bruce appointment City beat West Ham AFP infuriated fan base. Bruce, who Nanjing, China has won four promotions from the second tier of English foot- Guardiola fielded a mixture of first-team regulars and reserves ball, has suff ered relegation from he scale of the task facing the Premier League twice. AFP new head coach Steve His highest fi nish was 10th Nanjing, China Bruce was brutally laid with Birmingham in 2003-04 bare as Newcastle United and Sunderland in 2010-11. Twere thrashed 4-0 by Premier Bruce has his work cut out at ecord Manchester City sign- League rivals Wolverhampton Newcastle, who have lost their ing Rodri made his debut and Wanderers in China yesterday. leading forwards from last sea- Raheem Sterling scored twice Former Manchester United son — Salomon Rondon and as the Premier League champi- defender Bruce, whose appoint- Ayoze Perez — and are the only onsR came from behind to beat West Ham ment was confi rmed just hours Premier League club yet to make United 4-1 yesterday in China. before kick-off , will jet over to a summer signing. West Ham took the lead with a Mark take charge of Newcastle’s next The transfer window closes in Noble penalty before City levelled friendly, in Shanghai on Satur- less than a month, adding to the through David Silva, then Lukas Nmecha day. It was only a low-key ex- pressure on Bruce and Ashley as scored from the spot to give Pep Guar- hibition match, but the heavy they try to win over disillusioned diola’s side the half-time lead. England defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo’s fans. There have been calls for a international Sterling, who enjoyed his Wolves in Nanjing was more evi- boycott of St James’ Park until best season last year for club and country, dence that Newcastle are likely to Ashley sells the crisis club. scored a brace in the second half as West be battling relegation this season. If Bruce was watching on tele- Ham’s defence went AWOL in Nanjing. Newcastle have risked stoking vision, he would have been exas- Guardiola fi elded a mixture of fi rst- the anger of their frustrated fans perated by what he saw from his team regulars and reserves with Silva by hiring former Sunderland boss side in China, who were under leading the side and Kevin De Bruyne, Bruce, who has sealed a three- the interim stewardship of acad- who missed most of last season injured, year contract to succeed the emy coach Ben Dawson. Diogo a second-half substitute. He was joined hugely popular Rafael Benitez. Jota struck twice in the fi rst half after the break by German winger Leroy There were even isolated for Chinese-owned Wolves as Sane, who has been linked with a big- chants against hated club owner demoralised Newcastle wilted money move to Bayern Munich. Mike Ashley during the Wolves alarmingly in the Nanjing heat. Spanish international midfi elder Ro- loss. Federico Fernandez, the dri joined City earlier this month on a Newcastle defender, called on fi ve-year deal from Atletico Madrid. The fans angry with Bruce’s arrival to 23-year-old offi cially became a City play- get behind the new man. er a day after the La Liga club revealed the “We are looking forward to 70-million-euro ($78.5mn) release clause working with him, he is a man of in his contract had been triggered. great experience, we are thinking After the match Guardiola said that he positive,” said the Argentine. “I will let his players decide who will captain understand the fans’ situation,” the side following the departure of long- he said, addressing supporters’ time skipper Vincent Kompany. negative reaction to the 58-year- The captain’s armband is up for grabs old Bruce, a lifelong Newcastle at City after Kompany left at the end of fan. “For us, we want to work, we last season after 11 years in Manchester to want to do better as a team... to take up a player-coach role at Anderlecht, show the fans and everyone that the club at which the 33-year-old started we can compete.” his career. Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (left) vies for the ball with West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell during the Premier League Asia In a statement, Bruce, who “We will choose the team captain. We Trophy football tournament in Nanjing in China’s Jiangsu province yesterday. (AFP) resigned from Championship will wait until everyone is back and they side Sheffi eld Wednesday to join will choose their captain,” said Guardiola. GUARDIOLA WARNS SANE mixed messages about the future of the knows, they all know, it’s diffi cult (to get Newcastle, called it “a very spe- City’s arrival in China for the Premier AMID BAYERN LINK 23-year-old. Asked whether he expected games) because of the quality we have. cial moment for me and my fam- League Asia Trophy was twice put back Meanwhile, Guardiola warned Sane he Sane to stay, Guardiola replied, “Yes”, and But at the same time I spoke to the club 10 ily. This is my boyhood club and because of an “administrative issue” — only wanted to keep players at City who initially refused to say more. But later times, I want people here to be happy, if it was my dad’s club.” likely to have infuriated a perfectionist are happy to be at the club. The German Guardiola described Sane as having “a they don’t want to be here, they go.” Bruce might be a local boy, like Guardiola. But if it bothered the Eng- winger has been strongly linked with special quality that is hard to fi nd”. Guardiola was brief in his response but his two-year spell as coach lish champions it did not show, Sterling a move to German champions Bayern City have off ered Sane a new contract, when asked about reported interest in of Newcastle’s fi erce rivals Sun- sealing a handsome City win with com- Munich and found himself frozen out at but casting fresh doubt on the Germany Leicester City’s England defender Harry derland and a mediocre record posed fi nishes on the hour and then again times last season. international’s future, Guardiola added: Maguire. “Leicester player,” he replied, as a Premier League manager are soon after. Former Bayern boss Guardiola gave “We want people here to be happy. He refusing to say more. major black marks for an already

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Pogba shines as United crush Leeds Atletico Madrid sign Trippier aul Pogba shined as an under-pres- Reuters League fi nal for the fi rst time in and Renan Lodi while reports sure Manchester United stepped Madrid their history last season, where in the Spanish media say Spain up their pre-season campaign they were beaten 2-0 by Liver- centre back Mario Hermoso is with a 4-0 thrashing of old rivals pool in Atletico’s Wanda Metro- also set to sign for Diego Sime- PLeeds yesterday. United had faced criticism ngland right back Kieran politano stadium. one’s side. after an unconvincing 2-0 victory over a Trippier has signed for “With this signing, we add Atletico, who fi nished second depleted Perth Glory on the weekend. Atletico Madrid from to our team a fantastic and ex- in La Liga last season, bid fare- In a much-needed tonic, the Red Devils Tottenham Hotspur, the perienced player who comes to well to captain Diego Godin and clinically dismantled Leeds, who have high twoE clubs said yesterday. Atletico us from the Champions League stalwart full backs Juanfran and hopes of returning to the English Premier did not say how much they will runners-up,” Atletico said in a Filipe Luis after their contracts League for the fi rst time since 2004. pay for Trippier, 28, although statement. “The Englishman is expired, while France defender Pogba, who has been linked with a move British media reported the deal a versatile full back who can also Lucas Hernandez has moved to to Juventus and Real Madrid, starred in was worth 20mn pounds ($25mn) play in midfi eld and has a fantas- Bayern Munich. United’s dominant fi rst-half and was plus variables. tic right foot. Because of all this, Trippier will be the fi rst Eng- part of a pretty chain of passing to set up Trippier played a leading role we welcome Trippier to the Atleti lish player to play for Atletico 17-year-old Mason Greenwood’s fi rst senior in England’s run to the last four Family and wish him the best of in La Liga and the third British goal in the seventh minute. Greenwood’s of the 2018 World Cup, scoring luck at his new home.” player in Spain’s top fl ight next energetic performance has the teenager in from a free kick in their 2-1 semi- Trippier is the third defender season alongside Scottish for- the frame for the Premier League opener fi nal defeat by Croatia. He also to join Atletico in the close sea- ward Jack Harper of Getafe and against Chelsea on August 11, manager Ole helped Spurs to the Champions son after Brazilian pairing Felipe Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale. Gunnar Solskjaer said. United broke through with a moment of magic in the 27th minute from Marcus Rashford, a livewire in the fi rst half. After a wondrous dribble past the lead-foot Qatar SC unveil new coach Carlos Alos defence, the 21-year-old expertly tapped it past Casilla. Solskjaer changed his entire lineup at half-time in a repeat of Saturday’s match against Perth. United continued to dictate, with Phil Jones scoring a thump- ing header from a corner kick in the 51st minute. Anthony Martial rounded out Manchester United’s Paul Pogba (left) vies for the ball with Leeds United’s Adam Forshaw a spectacular performance in the 68th during their pre-season friendly match at Optus Stadium in Perth. (AFP) minute by converting a penalty after Tahith Chong was taken down in the box. group phase. At the 2002 World Cup in to another club, Roma will have to pay United will have further pre-season South Korea and Japan, the Belgians fi nished Atalanta 10% of any potential future profi t games against Inter Milan in Singapore on second to hosts Japan in their group and made on the player. July 20 and Tottenham in Shanghai on July then lost, 2-0 to Brazil, the eventual cham- 25, while Leeds will head to to face pions, in the round of 16. His playing career WEST HAM BREAK CLUB TRANSFER Western Sydney Wanderers. was less distinguished. He appeared for RFC RECORD TO SIGN HALLER Liege, Racing White Brussels, KFC Winters- West Ham smashed their transfer record FORMER BELGIUM MANAGER lag and Genk between 1959 and 1973. signing French striker Sebastien Haller WASEIGE DIES AT 79 from Eintracht Frankfurt. Haller agreed a Former Belgium national team manager AS ROMA SIGN DEFENDER fi ve-year contract with the Premier League Robert Waseige died yesterday at the age of MANCINI FROM ATALANTA club for a reported £4mn (50mn), in a deal 79. The fi rst Walloon coach in the history AS Roma have signed Italy defender that surpasses the £42mn the Hammers of the Red Devils had been hospitalised Gianluca Mancini from Atalanta in a deal paid to sign Felipe Anderson from Lazio last for a week with heart failure and kidney that could be worth up to 23mn euros year. problems. Born on August 26, 1939 near ($25.82mn), the Rome-based Serie A The 25-year-old scored 20 goals in 41 Liege, Waseige, nicknamed the “Magician”, club said. Roma will sign Mancini on an appearances for Bundesliga club Eintra- managed a string of Belgian clubs as well as initial one-year loan deal for a fee of 2mn cht last season. A former France Under-21 Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and the Belgian euros but subsequently have to make the international who came through the ranks and Algerian national teams. 23-year-old’s move permanent for an ad- at Auxerre, Haller will replace Marko Ar- He won only two trophies, the now ditional 13mn euros. The deal also includes nautovic at the London Stadium after West discontinued League Cup in 1986 with RFC a number of performance-related clauses Ham sold the Austrian forward to Chinese Liege and the Belgian Cup in 1990 with worth a maximum of 8mn euros. club Shanghai SIPG recently. the same club. But he was named Belgian Mancini, capped twice by Italy, made Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez have also manager of the year three times. 30 league appearances last season, scoring left West Ham in recent months, making Qatar Sports Club unveiled their new coach Carlos Alos (left) at a press conference yesterday at the Waseige took over as national coach in fi ve goals. The Fiorentina youth product the signing of Haller vital. Haller played 75 club’s headquarters. The QNB Stars League side presented the Spaniard in the presence of Abdulla 1999 ahead of Euro-2000, where Belgium made his move to the Bergamo-based club times for Frankfurt during his two seasons Hamed al-Mulla, the club’s executive director. PICTURE: Jayaram were joint hosts but were eliminated in the permanent last year. If Mancini moves at the club, amassing 32 goals.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS BROADCAST Africa Cup of Nations Mane, Mahrez emerge fi nal live on beIN he fi nal of the Africa Cup of Nations gets un- from Salah shadow derway as Algeria take on Senegal live and ex- Tclusive on beIN Sports. More than 600mn viewers have fol- lowed the tournament on beIN Sports and with the fi nal yet to be played, even more viewers are set to tune in to watch one of to steal the show the most exciting Afcon tourna- ments to date. beIN’s coverage for the fi nal Senegal will attempt to win their maiden African title and Algeria the first since 1990 will span throughout the day with 12 special documentaries Reuters dedicated to the fi nal – produced Cairo exclusively by beIN. beIN Sports HD Max 1, Max 2 and the news channel will also show a total of he Africa Cup of Nations in 75 hours of programs dedicated Egypt was perfectly set up for to the fi nal. The fi nal will be Mohamed Salah to lead his team available in 3 languages – Arabic, to the title on home territory English and French as well as on Tand crown his career but Algeria’s Riyad site commentary and reporters. Mahrez and Senegal’s Sadio Mane have beIN will also show live reac- stolen the show. tions from diff erent parts of the The two players have been instru- world, including Algeria, Qatar, mental in leading their sides to tomor- France, UK and Morocco. row’s fi nal at the Cairo International stadium where Senegal will attempt to win their maiden title and Algeria the fi rst since 1990. It will be the second time they have met in the current tour- Mane out to nament with Algeria outmuscling Sen- egal to win 1-0 in the group stage. press Ballon Salah has been voted Africa’s Player of the Year for the past two years but d’Or case his interest in the tournament ended in round of 16 as the hosts imploded and Cairo: After a Champions were knocked out by South Africa. The League title with Liverpool, 27-year-old almost seemed to be trying Sadio Mane is out to conquer too hard, taking on opposing defences a second continent in as many single-handedly as his team mates ran months as Senegal attempt to out of ideas. capture a first Africa Cup of Senegal, beaten in the 2002 fi nal, and Nations title against Algeria Algeria, on the other hand, have been in tomorrow’s final. A calf careful to lift the responsibility off the injury ruined Mane’s 2015 Cup shoulders of their star players. “I do not of Nations, while his missed like highlighting players. We need to put penalty knocked the team out a little less focus on Mahrez if we want in a quarter-final shootout two to make this a big tournament for us,” years ago, and he has already said Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi at twice failed from the spot in the start of the fi nals. Egypt. Mirroring the fortunes Mahrez has responded with three of the Teranga Lions, often fa- goals, two of them gems. He produced vourites but never champions, a delightful touch in controlling a pass the 27-year-old has sometimes before lashing home a left-foot shot in disappointed, although he the 3-0 quarter-fi nal win over Guinea likely holds the key to Senegal and scored the winner in the semi-fi nal erasing 60 years of hurt in against Nigeria with a stunning free Senegal’s forward Sadio Mane (left) and Algeria’s striker Riyad Mahrez will go head to head in the Africa Cup of Nations final. (AFP) African football. Coming off kick deep into stoppage time. his most prolific Premier Mane has netted three goals although in all four games as Algeria reached the his side went out in the fi rst round. Two Liverpool — they agreed that winning that he would happily swap his Cham- League season, finishing in a he has also missed two penalties, quarter-fi nals in 2015 where they lost to years ago in Gabon, he scored two goals the Afcon for their countries would be pions League medal for an Afcon one. three-way tie for the golden prompting him to abdicate responsibil- eventual champions Ivory Coast. Two but could not prevent a quarter-fi nal something special. “To be in the fi nal of “To win for my country, which has boot with 22 goals, and a Eu- ity for spot- kicks, but there has been years later, Algeria were knocked out in elimination by Cameroon, missing the the Africa Cup of Nations is something never won an Afcon, would be magnifi - ropean crown in June, Mane no denying his importance for Senegal. the group stage without winning a game decisive penalty in the shootout. unbelievable,” Mahrez said. “I think we cent,” he said. is the face of a new, success- Neither player had an especially happy although Mahrez scored twice in the 2-2 Although both won major club ti- have been very good in this tournament. “I am even ready to trade a Champi- ful generation and deserves relationship with the tournament be- draw with Zimbabwe. tles this season — Mahrez the English We scored 12 goals and conceded two, ons League against an Afcon. The re- recognition in the battle for fore this year. Mane, also taking part for the third Premier League with Manchester City that is the source of our confi dence.” turn to Dakar would be extraordinary. It the revered Ballon d’Or. Mahrez scored one goal and played time, played two matches in 2015 when and Mane the Champions League with Mane, meanwhile, said beforehand would be my craziest dream.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Emery confi dent Arsenal will soon Infantino says African football have ‘three or four’ new players will ‘improve’ with FIFA help Reuters The Guardian Cairo Los Angeles IFA President Gianni nai Emery insists Arsenal are Infantino said yesterday working to bring in “three or four” that the unprecedented players before the start of the new move to step in and joint- season. So far this summer the lyF administer African football Uclub have signed only the 18-year-old for- with the regional body CAF will ward Gabriel Martinelli despite being linked “signifi cantly improve” the sport with a host of names. on the continent. Arsenal have a smaller budget than the Infantino also brushed aside majority of their closest Premier League suggestions that there was wide- rivals but have still continued to show re- spread opposition to the move ported interest in some key targets. which followed corruption al- The Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, legations against CAF president Kieran Tierney of Celtic and the young Ahmad Ahmad. FIFA is sending Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba have its Senegalese secretary gen- all attracted attention from the Emirates eral Fatma Samoura on a ninth- Stadium hierarchy this summer. And, with month secondment from August only Burnley, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and to overhaul CAF which has been Norwich spending less on new recruits so plagued by chaos. to FIFA’s ethics committee by been told before the game that far, the lack of investment is one of the is- Infantino attended a CAF CAF general secretary Amr Fah- the system was not operational. sues highlighted by an alliance of Arsenal executive committee meeting my, who was then fi red. Further Their Tunisian opponents Es- supporters’ groups in recent days. yesterday where members were allegations of fraud have recently perance were initially declared However, speaking before Arsenal’s shown an 11-point plan. Sugges- been made against Ahmad, who champions but CAF then back- opening International Champions Cup tions in the plan included possi- was detained and questioned by tracked and ordered a replay. match against Bayern Munich in Los Ange- ble changes to the format of CAF French authorities in June as part Both clubs have since appealed to les, Emery claimed there will be more trans- competitions, a review of refe- of a corruption investigation. the Court of Arbitration for Sport fer activity in the coming days as he looks to reeing and a task force to improve Ahmad has denied wrongdo- (CAS), asking to be declared build a squad to take the club back into the stadium security. Other points ing in several media interviews champions. Champions League. included a review of CAF’s judi- but has not responded to repeat- The ongoing Africa Cup of Na- “We are working, the club is working Arsenal manager Unai Emery waves to fans in Commerce City, Colorado. (AFP) cial bodies, full transparency of ed requests by Reuters for com- tions was only awarded to Egypt with the possibility to sign some new play- money fl ows and implementation ment on the specifi c allegations in January after the original hosts ers to help us,” he said. “We are doing a lot of “Really, I can say to our supporters that Celtic full-back Tierney rejected over the of good governance principles. against him. FIFA has confi rmed Cameroon were stripped of the meetings with the club, with [the technical we are going to have a very good team with weekend with the Scottish champions hold- “What counts is that we de- there is an ethics investigation right to stage the tournament. director] Edu, with Raul [Sanllehi, head of the players that are there now and also with ing fi rm over a fee. A move for Zaha now cide to cooperate, that the high- into Ahmad, although he has not CAF vice-president Amaju Pin- football] and also with owners Josh and Stan three or four players who can help us in a looks dead in the water after an initial ap- est FIFA administrator is coming been suspended. nick said it was wrong to say that Kroenke on Monday in Denver. We have few days. Other players can come here to proach was rebuff ed while a deal for Saliba, to work with CAF...to improve The second leg of the Afri- FIFA were taking over. a clear idea to sign players to help us with help us. which had appeared all-but complete, has African football signifi cantly,” can Champions League fi nal “We want to change the nar- quality and in the positions we need. “We are being very, very demanding and now been complicated following fresh in- Infantino told reporters. “This was abandoned in May in a row rative from takeover to partner- “We are talking with the patience and are fi rst speaking about the possibility to terest from Tottenham. is about democracy. We take on over the absence of the technol- ship and collaboration,” he said. with calm because we really want to sign sign very big, very expensive players and the The Real Madrid midfi elder Dani Cebal- board all comments of everyone ogy when it had been scheduled “People just feel that they are players who can help us with a big perform- fi rst player in our list is our fi rst target. And los is another name now linked with north and together we try to do our to be used. When the referee taking over but it’s not the case. ance and also because we think in the team after, if we cannot achieve that, then the London, and although Emery would not be best. The only thing I ask is to disallowed an eff ort by Wydad Basically, it’s to strengthen our we have very good players and young players second. But we are thinking every time that drawn on whether a loan deal for the Spain judge on us on the results and not Casablanca, they stormed off in judicial, our governance and our and we also need to take the best player in they are going to improve our squad.” international was close, he did admit the on speculation.” protest that VAR had not been fi scal discipline.....its pure col- some positions. Arsenal saw an improved off er for the 22-year-old is a “very good player”. Ahmad was reported in March consulted, even though they had laboration.”